Improvements to drinking vessels

Abstract

A drinking vessel 2 comprises means to determine and verify the identity of a current user and access one or more accounts 14 of the user based on the determination and verification. The user account(

Description

Field of the invention

[001] The invention relates to a drinking vessel. In particular, the invention relates to a drinking vessel which facilitates social interactions by establishing a user’s identity. Background of the invention

[002] As well as being essential to our survival, drinking has been an important element of socialising in all cultures from time immemorial. From sharing ritual cups in religious ceremonies to sitting down for a nice cup of tea, and from drowning sorrows to wetting the heads’ of babies, drinking together is fundamental to how we interact as humans.

[003] As in every other field of human interest, many technical developments have been implemented over the centuries to improve the convenience or enjoyment of social drinking. Perhaps the most important of these was the teapot, but honourable mentions are owed to refrigerators, pasteurisation, and public transport.

[004] More recent examples of technological enhancements to our drinking activities include the system disclosed in US2017174343, providing a fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles which, upon detecting signs of tiredness on the faces of individuals below, deliver hot coffee to those in need.

[005] Some problems associated with communal drinking have not yet received much inventive attention. One such problem is that of determining whose round it is when glasses or cups are empty.

[006] Other problems have already been mitigated considerably by new technologies, but have not yet been solved completely, such as the problem of queueing to buy drinks.

[007] It is clear, therefore, that further effort is needed to address these and other problems remaining in the art. Summary of the invention

[008] The invention provides a drinking vessel comprising means to determine and verify the identity of a current user, and means to access one or more user accounts associated with the current user, based on said determination and verification.

[009] In some embodiments, the one or more user accounts are stored on a remote information network. In such embodiments, the means to access one or more user accounts comprises means to transmit and receive information and instructions to / from the remote information network.

[010] In some embodiments, the means to determine and verify the identity of a current user comprises a biometric sensor.

[011] Some embodiments of the drinking vessel comprise a contactless payment interface, in which embodiments at least one of the one or more user accounts accessible by the drinking vessel is a payment account. In some such embodiments, the payment interface is located on the base of the drinking vessel.

[012] Some embodiments comprise a visual display unit with a touch screen user interface, and the means to determine and verify the identity of a current user includes said touch screen user interface.

[013] In some embodiments, the drinking vessel is provided with means to communicate with other such drinking vessels in the vicinity, so as to establish an interaction between one or more of the user accounts of their respective current users.

[014] Some embodiments are provided with a kinetic user interface comprising an accelerometer, configured to generate a ‘user input received’ signal when the user shakes the drinking vessel. Brief description of the drawings

[015] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings:

[016] Figure 1 depicts a drinking vessel according to the invention. Detailed description

[017] In summary, preferred embodiments of the invention, as depicted in Figure 1, comprise a system 1 of drinking vessels 2-4, such as mugs, cups, glasses, flasks, water bottles etc. The drinking vessels are capable of sending and receiving information to a remote server 5.

[018] Each drinking vessel is able to determine the identity of a user, for example by means of a biometric scanner, such as a fingerprint scanner 6.

[019] Preferably, each drinking vessel has a detachable or integral visual display screen 7, typically with a touch -screen interface.

[020] Circuitry of various types is housed in the display screen housing 7, or is integral with the structure of the drinking vessel 2. The circuitry includes a kinetic interface 8 comprising an accelerometer for detecting kinetic inputs, and a vibration generator for generating kinetic outputs. The circuitry further comprises a transceiver 9 for communicating with the remote server 5.

[021] At least one visual input or scanner 10, 11 is provided. This can either be provided 10 on the display unit 7, or integrated 11 in the structure of the drinking vessel 2. Visual display scanners 10,11 can be used, for example, to read barcodes, QR codes, or other visual information, to implement facial recognition and other biometric identification systems, and even to take photographs or record video footage in some embodiments. Where a visual input or scanner 11 is provided integrally with the drinking vessel, it is advantageous to position it on the bottom of the drinking vessel 2 so that it can be used without tilting the drinking vessel 2, so as to avoid spillages.

[022] Drinking vessels 2-4 of the invention can be used in a variety of useful ways, which will be explained below. For example, drinking vessels 2 of the invention can be used:

[023] To work out whose turn it is to buy drinks at a social gathering;

[024] To pay for drinks and other purchases;

[025] To track and reward good habits and other achievements;

[026] To access user bank accounts and digital wallets;

[027] To pre-order drinks and other items before arriving at the vendor terminal;

[028] To track a user’s place in a real or virtual queue;

[029] To receive kinetic input, for example by being shaken;

[030] To receive biometric input, such as fingerprint information;

[031] To receive visual input, such as barcode input;

[032] To receive touchscreen input, such as the entry of a secure pin, for example via a visual display screen;

[033] To receive and transmit information wirelessly, either directly between drinking vessels 2-4 of the system 1 or indirectly via a remote network or server;

[034] To play games, perhaps with an additional controller, for example using the visual display screen with touch-screen interface;

[035] As a banking dongle, for secure multi-factor authentication;

[036] For age verification, for example in age-limited settings or for age-limited purchases;

[037] To remember a user’s preferences, such as drinks preferences, across the network of drinking vessels 2-4.

[038] Figure 1 illustratively shows a drinking vessel 2 according to the present disclosure. The drinking vessel 2 comprises means 6 to determine and verify the identity of a current user, and means 9 to access one or more user accounts associated with the current user, based on said determination and verification.

[039] Advantageously, the drinking vessel 2 is an integral component of a larger, interconnected system 1 that comprises at least two such vessels 2, 3, 4, each designated for use by at least two distinct users. This system 1, which can be scaled up to accommodate a multitude of users and vessels, is designed to foster a seamless user experience in various social settings, such as bars, clubs, and coffee shops.

[040] The drinking vessel 2 is equipped with either integral or detachable circuitry, 8-12, a feature that offers flexibility in terms of maintenance and upgradeability. The integral circuitry 11,12 is embedded within the structure of the vessel 2, providing a sleek, unobtrusive design. On the other hand, the detachable circuitry 8-10 can be removed and replaced, allowing for easy repairs or upgrades without the need to replace the entire vessel.

[041] As in the depicted example, the detachable circuitry may all be contained within a single detachable housing, such as a display unit housing 7.

[042] This circuitry 9 is the vessel's gateway to a broader network, enabling it to connect to the internet or a local area network. This network connection 13 is facilitated by a built-in Wi-Fi or Ethernet module, or alternatively, a cellular data module for areas without Wi-Fi coverage. The network connection 13 is secured with modern encryption standards to protect the user's data from unauthorized access.

[043] The network connection 13 empowers the drinking vessel 2 with the ability to access one or more user accounts 14 associated with the current user. These user accounts 14 can be hosted on a cloud-based server 5, providing users with the convenience of accessing their accounts 14 from any drinking vessel 2-4 within the system. The user accounts 14 store a variety of user-specific data, such as drink preferences, dietary restrictions, and payment information.

[044] Access to these user accounts 14 is secured using biometric identification, providing a high level of security and convenience. The biometric identification can be facilitated by a fingerprint scanner 6 located on the handle of the drinking vessel. This scanner 6 uses advanced algorithms to accurately and quickly identify the user's unique fingerprint patterns. Alternatively, a pin code can be used for identification, providing an additional layer of security. The pin code can be entered via a touch-sensitive interface on the vessel, for example in a visual display unit 7, or through a companion app on the user's smartphone 15.

[045] In some embodiments the one or more user accounts 14 are stored on a remote information network and the means to access one or more user accounts 14 comprises means 9 to transmit and receive information and instructions to / from the remote information network.

[046] Advantageously, the drinking vessel's 2 connection 13 to a remote information network allows for a wide range of functionalities. For instance, the system can calculate whose round it is, facilitating social interactions. The drinking vessel 2 can also communicate with vendor systems for pre-ordering drinks or for stock-taking purposes. A user can use the drinking vessel 2 to pre-order drinks while queueing or on the way to the vendor, enhancing convenience. The remote information network also allows users to top each other up by remotely adding to another user's account balance, thus buying each other a drink remotely.

[047] In some embodiments the means to determine and verify the identity of a current user comprises a biometric sensor 6.

[048] Advantageously, the biometric sensor 6 provides a secure and convenient way for users to verify their identity. The biometric reader 6 may be a fingerprint scanner 6 located on the handle of the drinking vessel 2. This feature not only ensures that the user account accessed is correct but also enables age verification in self-serve, queue-busting bars. This biometric identification system 6 is tied in with the user account 14, allowing users to save parameters, including game progress where gaming functionality is provided, which can follow them from one drinking vessel 2-4 in the system 1 to another.

[049] In some embodiments the drinking vessel comprises a contactless payment interface 12, wherein one of the one or more user accounts 14 accessible by the drinking vessel is a payment account.

[050] Advantageously, the contactless payment interface 14, which may be connected to a user's bank account or credit / debit card, allows for seamless transactions. Payment can be pre-loaded as an alternative to paying by bank connection or credit / debit card. Payment can also be made by QR- or other barcode on the display unit 7, or by near field communication technology 12 (contactless payment). The contactless payment chip 12 is preferably located on the bottom of the drinking vessel 2. The drinking vessel 2 may also be configured for use as a banking dongle for securely logging into bank accounts.

[051] Advantageously, the location of the payment interface on the base of the drinking vessel allows for easy and convenient contactless payment. This design choice also ensures that the payment interface is protected and less likely to be damaged during use. The payment interface can be used for transactions such as pre-loading payment, or paying by bank connection or credit / debit card.

[052] It is particularly advantageous to place a payment interface on the base of the drinking vessel. For example, payment can be made by waving the drinking vessel over a payment receiver, without tilting the drinking vessel, which may contain liquid which would otherwise spill. Drinks vending machines can be designed to cooperate with such drinking vessels by integrating the payment receiving system with the area in which the cup is placed while the drink is being poured.

[053] In some embodiments the drinking vessel comprises a visual display unit 7 with a touch screen user interface, wherein the means to determine and verify the identity of a current user includes said touch screen user interface.

[054] Advantageously, the visual display unit 7 with a touch screen user interface enhances the user experience by providing a visual and interactive platform for accessing and managing user accounts 14. The display unit can also facilitate game play, optionally with additional controllers, and a reward system for various activities such as drinking, eating, taking medicine, completing school work, habit tracking, physical activity7, completing research, and exploration. The display unit 7 can also show QR codes for the reward system or for making payments.

[055] In some embodiments the drinking vessel 2 comprises means 9 to communicate with other drinking vessels 2-4 in the vicinity so as to establish an interaction between one or more of the user accounts 14 of their respective current users.

[056] Advantageously, the ability of the drinking vessel 2 to communicate with other drinking vessels 2-4 in the vicinity allows for a range of interactive features. For instance, users can indicate who's included in the next round by shaking the drinking vessels 2-4, which generates a 'user input received' signal, via an accelerometer. This feature also allows users to top each other up by remotely adding to another user's account balance, thus buying each other a drink remotely.

[057] In some embodiments the drinking vessel has a kinetic user interface 8 comprising an accelerometer for receiving shaking inputs, and a vibration generator configured to generate a ‘user input received’ signal when the user shakes the drinking vessel.

[058] Advantageously, the kinetic user interface 8 provides a unique and intuitive way for users to interact with the drinking vessel. The accelerometer can be used to receive shaking input, which can be used to indicate who's included in the next round or to join a queue. The drinking vessel 2 can also provide haptic feedback, such as vibration, to notify the user when it's their turn in the queue. This feature enhances the user experience and facilitates social interactions.

[059] It will be understood that the term biometric sensor as used herein may refer to a device capable of measuring and analysing unique physical or behavioural characteristics, such as fingerprints, voice patterns, or retinal scans, for the purpose of verifying and identifying the user of the drinking vessel.

[060] It will be understood that the term contactless payment interface as used herein may refer to a wireless technology, such as Near Field Communication (NFC) or Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), that enables secure communication and transaction between the drinking vessel and a payment terminal or device without physical contact.

[061] It will be understood that the term payment account as used herein may refer to any type of financial account, such as a credit card account, debit card account, bank account, or digital wallet, that is associated with the user and can be used to facilitate transactions for the purchase of goods or services.

[062] It will be understood that the term ‘means to communicate with other drinking vessels’ as used herein may refer to the integrated technology or system within the drinking vessel that enables it to interact, share data, or connect with similar vessels, possibly through wireless communication methods such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or RFID.

[063] It will be understood that the term accelerometer as used herein may refer to a device that measures proper acceleration, often used in mobile devices, gaming consoles, and similar technologies to detect orientation, vibration, or movement.

[064] It will be appreciated by the person of skill in the art that various modifications may be made to the above-described examples without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A drinking vessel comprising means to determine and verify the identity of a current user, and means to access one or more user accounts associated with the current user, based on said determination and verification.

2. A drinking vessel according to claim 1, wherein the one or more user accounts are stored on a remote information network and the means to access one or more user accounts comprises means to transmit and receive information and instructions to / from the remote information network.

3. A drinking vessel according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the means to determine and verify the identity of a current user comprises a biometric sensor.

4. A drinking vessel according to any preceding claim comprising a contactless payment interface, wherein one of the one or more user accounts accessible by the drinking vessel is a payment account.

5. A drinking vessel according to claim 4, wherein the payment interface is located on the base of the drinking vessel.

6. A drinking vessel according to any preceding claim comprising a visual display unit with a touch screen user interface, wherein the means to determine and verify the identity of a current user includes said touch screen user interface.

7. A drinking vessel according to any preceding claim comprising means to communicate with other drinking vessels in the vicinity so as to establish an interaction between one or more of the user accounts of their respective current users.

8. A drinking vessel according to any preceding claim having a kinetic user interface comprising an accelerometer configured to generate a ‘user input received’ signal when the user shakes the drinking vessel.

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