Creating a beverage menu

Abstract

The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method for automatically displaying an updated beverage menu on an electronic device for a beverage dispenser machine configured to dispense a plurality of beverages, the method including transmitting machine and beverage data from the beverage dispenser machine to a remote server and updating a database of the remote server with the machine and beverage data.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method for displaying, on an electronic device, a beverage menu of a beverage dispenser machine configured to dispense a plurality of beverages.

[0002] For the purposes of this specification, "beverage" is intended to include any liquid substance suitable for human consumption, such as tea, coffee, hot or cold chocolate, milk, soup, baby food, etc. [Background technology]

[0003] Many beverage dispensing machines are provided in a variety of locations outside the home, such as restaurants, cafeterias, hospitals, train stations, and kiosks.

[0004] These beverage dispense machines are set up on-site by a technician. The operator can set parameters related to price data, temperature settings, brew time, product type, and product location within the machine. For example, if product type or price changes regularly, the operator may need to update the setting data quite frequently.

[0005] However, in general, the task of the machine operator is not limited to updating the machine. In a beverage dispenser machine, if the beverage menu of the machine must be displayed on the consumer's electronic device, for example on a smartphone, the menu must be created manually on a remote server platform and linked to the machine. The electronic device can then receive the updated beverage menu from the remote server.

[0006] Each menu must be manually created and linked to a corresponding machine on the remote server. When the consumer's electronic device is able to connect to the machine, the electronic device connects to the remote server and downloads the manually created menu that is identical to the menu shown on the machine.

[0007] It is easy for an operator in the field to update the menu at the machine, but updating the menu on a remote server takes time and requires the local operator to send the information to someone who manually updates the database on the remote server.

[0008] This approach complicates operations and creates the risk of human error: the server needs to be set up separately for the remote server and the machine, and when a new machine is installed or there is a change in the menu of an installed machine, it has to be updated twice, once on the machine and once on the remote server.

[0009] For example, in the prior art, document WO021981A2 is known, which discloses a system and method for managing product inventory and delivery of such products. More specifically, WO021928A2 relates to a system and method for tracking, managing and accounting for product inventory and / or operability from data extracted directly from remotely located equipment. WO021928A2 discloses an interconnected network to which at least one vending machine is connected among other devices. These devices may include handheld circuits such as portable digital assistants (PDAs), computing devices, smart cards, network storage devices, servers, network appliances, etc. The vending machine can communicate with these devices via the interconnected network. The vending machine transmits data packets to the handheld device or to a server. The server can manipulate the data packets, store the data packets, add information from the data packets to a database, or perform other functions. In another exemplary embodiment, the vending machine can forward information such as data packets to the handheld device. The handheld device can transmit the data packets over the interconnected network to the server. In a further exemplary embodiment, the vending machine can transmit the data packets over the interconnected network in response to a polling signal. The polling signal can be initiated by the handheld device, the cell phone, or the server, among others.

[0010] WO 021928(A2) does not mention a drinks menu, and the data transmitted from the machine is used to track, manage and account for the items sold. The vending machines of WO 021928(A2) require an additional server or the like for service personnel to use the handheld device, or require additional network elements to be able to communicate directly with the server, thereby increasing the manufacturing costs of the machine.

[0011] What is needed is a process that allows a database located on a remote server to be automatically updated with beverage information without requiring specific action from a local operator and without adding significant cost to the manufacture of the machine.

[0012] Another problem in the beverage dispenser industry is that the global pandemic has made most consumers overly cautious about hand hygiene, leading consumers to avoid unnecessary touching in public places. Most beverage dispenser machines are equipped with a screen with multiple selection buttons that allow ordering different beverages. However, at present, consumers prefer to order directly from electronic devices connected to the machine.

[0013] Instead of touching a machine screen to complete a beverage order, a process is needed that allows consumers to order directly from their electronic device, e.g., a smartphone.

[0014] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method that overcomes the above mentioned drawbacks.

[0015] These and other objects which will become apparent on reading the following description are solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims refer to preferred embodiments of the invention. Summary of the Invention

[0016] These objects and other advantages are achieved by a computer-implemented method for displaying a beverage menu of a beverage dispenser machine on an electronic device, the machine being configured to dispense a plurality of different beverages, the method comprising the steps of transmitting machine and beverage data from the machine to a remote server by a computer program executed on the electronic device, compiling the data into a beverage menu at the remote server, and transmitting the beverage menu compiled at the remote server to the computer program over a communications network and displaying the beverage menu on the electronic device, the remote server storing a database of information relating to a plurality of beverage dispensers, the method further comprising updating the database with the machine and beverage data between the steps of transmitting the machine and beverage data from the machine to the remote server and compiling the data into the beverage menu at the remote server.

[0017] Preferably, the beverage menu displayed on the electronic device is a duplicate of the beverage menu simultaneously displayed on the screen of the beverage dispenser machine.

[0018] Preferably, the machine and beverage data includes at least an identifier for the beverage dispenser machine and an identifier for each of the different beverages dispensed by the beverage dispenser machine.

[0019] Preferably, the machine and beverage data further includes the price, name and ingredients of each of the different beverages dispensed by the beverage dispense machine.

[0020] In an embodiment, the machine and beverage data is stored in a beverage dispenser file, the file containing multiple rows, each row corresponding to a different type of data represented by a unique identifier.

[0021] Preferably, the unique identifier is at the beginning of the line.

[0022] In an embodiment, the machine and beverage data is extracted from the file by parsing each of the multiple lines and using the unique identifier to read the line that corresponds to at least the beverage identifier or the beverage dispense machine identifier.

[0023] Preferably, the files are formatted in the EVA data transfer standard.

[0024] Preferably, the beverage dispenser machine further comprises a control unit for extracting machine and beverage data from the file.

[0025] Preferably, the control unit further comprises a memory unit for storing machine and beverage data extracted from the file.

[0026] Preferably, the communication network between the computer program and the remote server comprises a network interface, for example a wireless-based network, a Bluetooth®-based network, a short-range communications interface-based network, a modem-based network, or a GSM®-based network.

[0027] In an embodiment, transmitting the machine and beverage data from the machine to the remote server includes reading a code encoding at least the machine and beverage data presented on the beverage dispensing machine by a computer program running on an electronic device equipped with a camera or scanner, decoding the code by the computer program, and transmitting the code decoded by the computer program to the remote server via a communications network.

[0028] Preferably the code further encodes an internet address, preferably a URL, for connecting to a remote server.

[0029] The code may be a barcode, an OID, a QR code, and / or electromagnetic.

[0030] Preferably, the electronic device is a smartphone. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates the different steps of the method according to the invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates how database updates are performed in accordance with the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] The essential elements of the invention are shown in FIG. 1: a beverage dispenser machine 1, an electronic device 2 and a remote server 3 storing a database 4.

[0033] 1, the machine 1 transmits machine and beverage data to the electronic device 2, which transmits the data to the remote server 3 via a communication network. As a result, the machine 1 transmits machine and beverage data to the remote server 3 indirectly via the electronic device 2.

[0034] The database 4 contains information about a plurality of beverage dispense machines. The remote server 3 compares the database 4 with the data received from the electronic device 2 and updates the database 4 with that data.

[0035] The communication network between the electronic device 2 and the remote server 3 comprises a network interface, which may be, for example, a radio-based network, a Bluetooth®-based network, a short-range communication interface-based network, a modem-based network, or a GSM-based network.

[0036] After updating the database 4, the remote server 3 compiles the data into a drinks menu and transmits the drinks menu to the electronic device 2. The electronic device 2 then displays the drinks menu on its screen.

[0037] The drinks menu received by the electronic device 2 is a replica of the drinks menu displayed simultaneously on the screen of the drinks dispensing machine 1.

[0038] The electronic device 2 is used as an intermediate device to enable data to be transmitted from the beverage dispenser machine 1 to a remote server 3 .

[0039] Thus, the consumer's or machine operator's electronic device 2 acts as a bridge between the beverage dispenser machine 1 and the remote server 3. As a result, the beverage dispenser machine 1 does not require any additional elements to establish a direct connection to the remote server 3.

[0040] For example, the electronic device 2 may comprise (or be included within) at least one selected from the group consisting of a smartphone, a reader capable of extracting data from a machine, a laptop computer, a mobile phone, or a tablet computer.

[0041] Data transmitted by the electronic device 2 from the beverage dispenser machine 1 to the remote server 3 is stored in a file on the beverage dispenser machine 1 .

[0042] The file contains multiple lines. Each line corresponds to a different type of data. Each type of data is represented by a unique identifier. The advantage of using a unique identifier is that it is not necessary to parse all the data contained in the file, but rather the requested data can be extracted using the unique identifier as a key element.

[0043] To facilitate the process, the files are preferably formatted in the EVA Data Transfer Standard. EVA-DTS is an electronic data transfer standard developed by the European Vending Association (EVA).

[0044] Today, the majority of beverage dispensing machines are EVA-DTS enabled, ensuring machine operators can communicate with their machines through a standard interface without having to purchase different upload and download services for machines made by different manufacturers.

[0045] This standard is based on the concept that different types of data need to be input into a machine in order to enable it to provide the required service. Furthermore, the data accumulated and stored in the machine needs to be accessible by the machine operator and transferred to a management system for commercial or technical control purposes.

[0046] A data segment consists of a group of data elements with similar functionality. These elements are not transmitted individually, but instead are aggregated into a single line with a block identifier at the beginning of the line. The block identifier of a data segment is equal to the unique identifier mentioned above.

[0047] In one embodiment, the data containing information regarding the beverages and the machine may include at least an identifier of the beverage dispenser machine 1 and an identifier of each of the different beverages dispensed by the beverage dispenser machine 1 .

[0048] The data may further include the price, name, point of sale, machine events, machine identifier, and ingredients of each of the different beverages dispensed by the beverage dispense machine 1.

[0049] As shown in Figure 1, for example, the block identifier "ID101" at the beginning of a line is followed by a machine identifier. The machine identifier is Machine Alpha. The block identifier "PA103" at the beginning of a line is followed by beverage identifiers. The beverage identifiers are X and Y. Thus, the file in Figure 1 represents Machine Alpha having beverages X and Y that can be dispensed.

[0050] The control unit of the beverage dispenser 1 is configured to extract data from the file. To do so, the control unit parses the block identifiers of each line (data segment) and filters the required lines, for example all lines starting with block identifiers "ID101" and "PA103". Once the data is extracted and stored in the control unit of the beverage dispenser 1, the beverage dispenser 1 is ready to transmit said data to the electronic device 2.

[0051] A computer program, for example a mobile application, is executed on the electronic device 2 to receive data from the control unit and transmit it to a remote server 3. The transmission is done by means of a data transmitter such as a Bluetooth adapter, a modem adapter or a Wi-Fi adapter.

[0052] The transmission of data from the control unit to the computer program is performed using a code: the machine 1 presents a code which encodes at least machine- and beverage-related data.

[0053] The computer program reads the code using a camera or scanner in the electronic device 2 and decodes it. The code decoded by the computer program is then transmitted to the remote server 3 via a communication network.

[0054] The code may be a barcode, OID, QR code, and / or electromagnetic. Typically, the code is printed on a label attached to the dispenser or painted on the dispenser. The code may further encode an internet address, preferably a URL for connecting to a remote server 3 corresponding to the machine 1.

[0055] Typically, the code is printed on a label attached to the dispenser or painted on the dispenser. The code is preferably located on the dispenser in a location that is readily visible to the consumer.

[0056] Alternatively, a part of the data may be transmitted using a network connection. In this embodiment, the data is split into two parts, a first part of the data includes the beverage identifier and a second part of the data includes the remaining information. As a first step, the electronic device reads a code for identifying the beverage dispenser 1. As a second step, a network connection between the beverage dispenser 1 and the electronic device is established and the second part of the data is transmitted to the electronic device 2 via the network unit of the beverage dispenser 1.

[0057] After sending the data to the remote server 3, the remote server 3 compares it with the data stored in its database and updates the database with the data for the machine 1.

[0058] To compare the data received from the electronic device 2 with the data stored in the database, the remote server 3 first identifies all data relating to the machine 1 in the database using the machine identifier. The remote server 3 parses all the machine identifiers stored in the database until it finds a matching machine identifier.

[0059] After identifying the data of machine 1 in the database, the remote server 3 compares the identified data with its own data. If there is a difference between the two, the remote server 3 updates the database with the identified data. Thus, after the update, the database contains the same data as machine 1.

[0060] An example of updating a database by a remote server 3 is shown in figure 2. The database contains information linked to multiple machines, each represented by an identifier.

[0061] When a new machine is installed, the database does not contain the information about the beverages of the beverage dispenser machine 1 shown in the first table of Figure 2. When data is received from the electronic device 2, there is no comparison step and the data is automatically stored in the database of machine Alpha.

[0062] In another scenario, as shown in the second table of FIG. 2, if the database already contains information about beverages of the beverage dispensing machine 1, the remote resource 3 first compares the data received from the electronic device 2 and then updates the database accordingly.

[0063] While FIG. 2 shows simple logic, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the database and data may include other elements such as the prices of the drinks on the beverage menu, the names of each drink, and the ingredients for the preparation of each drink.

[0064] As a next step, the remote server 3 compiles the data into a beverage menu. Compiling in this context means that the remote server 3 collects and puts together a lot of information stored in a database.

[0065] During the compilation of the beverage menu, cleaning is done by examining the data for any errors or irrelevant data. Compilation also includes determining missing values ​​and filling in the most appropriate values ​​in their place.

[0066] Thus, if the data is not updated correctly in the database 4 for any reason, the computer program can adapt itself and complete the missing values ​​with default values ​​stored in the remote server.

[0067] Once the beverage menu is compiled and ready to be transmitted, the remote server 3 transmits it to a computer program running on the electronic device 2, which then displays it on its screen to the consumer, so that the consumer sees an up-to-date beverage menu that is a duplicate of the beverage menu simultaneously displayed on the screen of the beverage dispensing machine 1.

[0068] The advantage of using this method is that when there is a change in the menu of the beverage dispenser machine 1, the electronic device 2 of the first consumer who uses the beverage dispenser machine 1 after the beverage menu is changed plays an intermediary role and transmits data to the remote server 3 to update the database 4 stored in the remote server 3.

[0069] The operator of the beverage dispenser machine 1 does not need to take any additional action after updating the beverage menu on the beverage dispenser machine 1, as the update is performed automatically by the electronic device 2.

[0070] It is sufficient to have at least one consumer per day to update the database 4 at least daily. As a result, the work of the local operator is simplified. If the local operator forgets to update the database 4 on the remote server using his electronic device 2, the next consumer will do it instead.

[0071] The drinks menu can appear on the screen of the electronic device 2. The instructions can be particularly easily implemented if the electronic device 2 is equipped with a screen capable of showing the instructions in the form of pictures or film.

[0072] In such a configuration, it is no longer necessary to manufacture a beverage dispenser machine with an interactive screen for the consumer to input their beverage selection, as the screen of the electronic device 2 provides the same information to the customer and enables the customer to order the beverage(s).

[0073] In the following paragraphs a beverage dispenser machine 1 adapted for this method will be explained in more detail.

[0074] The beverage dispenser machine 1 is configured to dispense a number of different beverages, such as espresso and other coffee beverages, milk beverages, chocolate beverages, tea beverages, and soups.

[0075] This machine 1 may be a domestic machine or an external machine.

[0076] The machine 1 may be provided with an outlet for dispensing the beverage into a user container, such as a cup or mug, that is placed in a container placement area, such as on a container support, e.g. an external placement support on which the machine 1 is placed, or on a machine support, e.g. a movable or removable machine support, to collect the beverage.

[0077] The receptacle may be formed by a machine-configured support, such as a movable or removable machine support, and the receptacle placement area may be associated with a machine receptacle support for supporting such a user receptacle below the outlet.

[0078] The machine 1 comprises a number of containers for storing, dosing and dispensing different beverage ingredients. The machine 1 further comprises at least one beverage preparation unit for preparing a beverage from at least one of the beverage ingredients and a diluent.

[0079] The machine 1 comprises at least one beverage preparation unit operatively connected to a container for preparing a beverage from at least one of the beverage ingredients.

[0080] The main utility of the control unit of the present invention has been explained above: the control unit is arranged to extract data from a file, and the data transmitter means transmits the data to a computer program in the electronic device 2.

[0081] The control unit is also operable to execute a brewing process that includes controlling the container and the beverage preparation unit(s) to prepare the beverage. The control unit can also control a motor associated with the container to meter an amount of a beverage ingredient and dispense the dose into a portion of the beverage preparation unit. The control unit can operate the beverage preparation unit to mix the dose of the beverage ingredient with a diluent.

[0082] Preferably, the control unit comprises a memory unit for storing data read from the file. The memory 8 unit typically comprises a non-volatile memory, such as EPFROM, EEPROM or FLASH, for storing program code and operating parameters, and a volatile memory (RAM) for storing data. The memory 8 unit may comprise a separate and / or integrated memory (e.g. on the processor die).

[0083] In order to transmit data from the beverage dispenser 1 to the computer program in the electronic device 2 using the code, the beverage dispenser 1 further comprises a code processing system for reading the code presented on the beverage dispenser 1, decoding the code and transmitting the data in the decoded form to the remote server 3.

[0084] The beverage dispenser machine 1 may comprise a network unit for establishing a connection with the electronic device 2. The network unit may be used to receive commands from the electronic device 2, such as the selection of a beverage to be dispensed.

[0085] The beverage dispenser machine 1 may further comprise a screen. As explained in the above paragraph, the electronic device 2 allows the consumer to input his beverage selection, so the screen does not need to be interactively configured to receive the input. The consumer's input may then be transmitted from the electronic device 2 to the machine 1 using a communications network.

Claims

1. 1. A computer-implemented method for displaying a beverage menu of a beverage dispenser (1) on an electronic device (2), the machine being configured to dispense a plurality of different beverages, the method comprising: a) transmitting machine and beverage data from the beverage dispenser machine (1) to a remote server (3) by a computer program executed on the electronic device (2); b compiling said machine and beverage data into a beverage menu in said remote server (3); c) transmitting the beverage menu compiled on the remote server (3) to the computer program via a communication network and displaying the beverage menu on the electronic device (2); A method comprising:

10. A method according to claim 9, wherein the remote server (3) stores a database of information about a plurality of beverage dispense machines, and the method comprises, between step a and step b, a step of updating the database with data about the machines and beverages.

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the beverage menu displayed on the electronic device (2) is a copy of the beverage menu simultaneously displayed on the screen of the beverage dispenser (1).

3. The machine and beverage data comprises at least: an identifier of the beverage dispenser (1); an identifier for each of the different beverages dispensed by the beverage dispenser (1); 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, comprising:

4. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the machine and beverage data further comprises the price, name and ingredients of each of the different beverages dispensed by the beverage dispense machine (1).

5. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the machine and beverage data are stored in a file in the beverage dispenser (1), the file comprising multiple lines, each line corresponding to a different type of data represented by a unique identifier.

6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the unique identifier is at the beginning of each of the plurality of lines.

7. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the machine and beverage data is extracted from the file by parsing each of the plurality of lines and using the unique identifier to read lines corresponding to at least a beverage identifier or an identifier of the beverage dispense machine (1).

8. The method of claim 5 , wherein the file is formatted in the EVA data transfer standard.

9. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the beverage dispenser (1) further comprises a control unit for extracting the machine and beverage data from the file.

10. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the control unit further comprises a memory unit for storing the machine and beverage data extracted from the file.

11. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the communication network between the computer program and the remote server comprises a network interface for communication.

12. transmitting said machine and beverage data from said machine (1) to said remote server (3); reading a code presented on the beverage dispenser (1) encoding at least the machine and beverage data by the computer program running on the electronic device (2) equipped with a camera or scanner; decoding the code by the computer program and transmitting the code decoded by the computer program to the remote server (3) via the communication network; 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, comprising:

13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the code further encodes an internet address.

14. The method of claim 12 , wherein the code can be a barcode, an OID, a QR code, and / or electromagnetic.

15. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electronic device (2) is a smartphone.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the network interface is a wireless-based network, a Bluetooth®-based network, a short-range communications interface-based network, a modem-based network, or a GSM-based network.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein the internet address is a URL for connecting to the remote server (3).

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