Mobile product dispenser

Abstract

To relate to an autonomous mobile product dispenser capable of discharging a product (for example, fountain beverage) to a user via being called to a certain place by the user.SOLUTION: There is provided a mobile product dispenser for storing products and discharging the products to consumers at various places. The mobile product dispenser may comprise a user interface, a power train system, and a control unit. The mobile product dispenser may move freely or follow a predetermined route in an operation environment, and service may be provided in response to the consumers along the route. The consumers each may also call the mobile product dispenser to a certain place by using a user device such as a smartphone, a smart watch, or the like. It may be made possible by the control unit that the mobile product dispenser autonomously moves in the operation environment, and / or navigates to the places of the consumers.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The described embodiments relate generally to mobile product dispensers, such as mobile beverage dispensers. Specifically, the embodiments relate to autonomous mobile product dispensers that can be summoned to a location by a user and dispense a product (e.g., a fountain beverage) to the user. [Background technology]

[0002] Product dispensers, such as soda fountains, may allow consumers to select from a variety of beverages or other consumables to be dispensed upon demand. Some product dispensers are self-service and do not require an employee to be present to dispense the product, thereby reducing operational costs. Additionally, some product dispensers may allow consumers to select from a variety of different products to be dispensed at one convenient location. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Some embodiments provide a mobile product dispenser that can operate autonomously and navigate a user to dispense product. The mobile product dispenser may also allow a user to conveniently summon the mobile product dispenser to their location or a predefined location, for example, using the user's mobile device. Methods of dispensing from a mobile product dispenser are also described herein.

[0004] For example, embodiments include a mobile product dispenser, which may include a product dispensing system. The product dispensing system may include a first product component chamber and a second product component chamber. The product dispensing system may also include a product dispenser and a control unit. The control unit may be configured to enable the mobile product dispenser to automatically move to a user location. In some embodiments, the first product component may be disposed in the first product component chamber and the second product component may be disposed in the second product component chamber. The first and second product components may be mixed together and dispensed to a user at the user location, and a ratio of the first product component to the second product component in the dispensed beverage may be at least 5:1.

[0005] The embodiments also include an autonomous mobile product dispensing system, which may include a mobile product dispenser. The product dispensing system may include a first product component chamber and a second product component chamber. The product dispensing system may also include a control unit, which may be configured to enable the mobile product dispenser to move autonomously. In some embodiments, the first product component may be disposed in the first product component chamber and the second product component may be disposed in the second product component chamber. The autonomous mobile product dispensing system may also include a plurality of paging devices configured to communicate with the mobile product dispenser. In some embodiments, the mobile product dispenser may be configured to autonomously navigate to a user's location when called by the paging device. In some embodiments, the first and second product components may be mixed together and dispensed to a user at the user's location.

[0006] The embodiments also include a product dispensing system, which may include a mobile product dispenser. The mobile product dispenser may include a first product component chamber and a second product component chamber. In some embodiments, the first product component may be disposed in the first product component chamber and the second product component may be disposed in the second product component chamber. The mobile product dispenser may also include a control unit. The control unit may be configured to enable the mobile product dispenser to automatically move to a user's location. The product dispensing system may also include a point of sale system for processing a transaction. In some embodiments, the mobile product dispenser may be in communication with the point of sale system and the cost of the dispensed product may be automatically charged to the user using the point of sale system. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments and, together with the description, serve to further explain the principles of the embodiments and to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the embodiments.

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a mobile product dispenser according to some embodiments.

[0009] [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a mobile product dispenser in an exemplary operating environment, according to some embodiments.

[0010] [Diagram 3] 1 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a mobile product dispenser and a docking station according to some embodiments.

[0011] [Figure 4] 1 illustrates an exemplary network environment suitable for use and interconnection of the exemplary components described herein, according to some embodiments.

[0012] [Diagram 5] 1 is a schematic diagram of a mobile product dispenser in an exemplary operating environment, according to some embodiments. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram of a mobile product dispenser in an exemplary operating environment, according to some embodiments. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic diagram of a mobile product dispenser in an exemplary operating environment, according to some embodiments. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic diagram of a mobile product dispenser in an exemplary operating environment, according to some embodiments.

[0013] [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary computer system on which embodiments may be implemented. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] The embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the embodiments of the present disclosure as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. References such as "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "particular embodiments," and the like indicate that the described embodiments may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not all embodiments necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, the effect of such feature, structure, or characteristic in relation to other embodiments, whether or not expressly described, is intended to be within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0015] The following examples are illustrative but not limiting of the present embodiments. Other suitable modifications and adaptations of the variety of conditions and parameters normally encountered in the art that will be obvious to those skilled in the art are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0016] A mobile product dispenser as described herein may include a mobile product dispensing system that may be configured to store and / or dispense product to a user at a variety of locations. Some embodiments may provide convenience to the consumer by allowing the consumer to remain stationary while the mobile product dispenser travels to a location that contacts the consumer.

[0017] As discussed in more detail below, the product dispensing system may store two or more product components (e.g., in separate storage chambers) that are combined to form a final product that can then be dispensed to a user. For example, in some embodiments, the product dispensing system stores a base liquid (e.g., water) and a flavoring (e.g., concentrated syrup) that are mixed together and dispensed as a final beverage product (e.g., a soft drink) to a user. In some embodiments, the product dispensing system may be, or include features of, a soda fountain, for example.

[0018] Some mobile product dispensers as described herein may be configured to operate autonomously without direct human intervention. Some mobile product dispensers may be configured to navigate autonomously through their operating environment. Such operating environments may be, for example, offices, restaurants, gyms, buildings, campuses, stadiums, event venues, etc. As described in more detail below, some mobile product dispensers may travel to users at various locations to dispense products to the users. In some embodiments, mobile product dispensers may move freely within their operating environment. In some embodiments, mobile product dispensers may follow predefined paths, routes, etc. within their operating environment. In some embodiments, mobile product dispensers may follow routes that are dynamically updated based on data such as, for example, dispensing activity. In some embodiments, mobile product dispensers may be called to a particular location, for example, using a user mobile device (e.g., smartphone), wearable device (e.g., smartwatch), or other calling device.

[0019] The embodiments will now be described in more detail with reference to the figures. With reference to FIG. 1, for example, a mobile product dispenser 10 may include a product dispensing system 100 , a user interface 200 , a powertrain system 300 , and a control unit 400 .

[0020] As mentioned above, the product dispensing system 100 may store (e.g., in separate storage chambers) two or more product components that are combined to form a final product that can then be dispensed to a user. For example, in some embodiments, the product dispensing system 100 stores a base liquid (e.g., water) and a flavoring (e.g., concentrated syrup) that are mixed together and dispensed to a user as a final beverage product (e.g., a soft drink). The product dispensing system 100 may be or include features of a drink dispenser, a beverage dispenser, a food and beverage dispenser, a soda dispenser, a soda fountain, a water dispenser, and the like.

[0021] 1, the product dispensing system 100 may include a first component chamber 110 for storing a first product component 112, a second component chamber 120 for storing a second product component 122, and a third component chamber 130 for storing a third product component 132. Although the product dispensing system 100 is shown in FIG. 1 as including three product component chambers, the product dispensing system 100 may include more or less than three product component chambers. For example, in some embodiments, the product dispensing system 100 includes one, two, three, four, five, six or more product component chambers.

[0022] In some embodiments, the product ingredients 112, 122, 132 are beverage ingredients. In some embodiments, the first product ingredient 112 is a liquid, such as, for example, water, carbonated water, milk, juice, tonic water, soda water, or other beverage liquid. In some embodiments, the first product ingredient 112 is a base liquid, diluent, etc., that may be mixed with other beverage ingredients to generate a final beverage product that can be dispensed to a user.

[0023] In some embodiments, the second product ingredient 122 is a flavoring, a flavor concentrate, etc. that may be mixed with the first product ingredient 112 to form a final beverage product. The second product ingredient 122 may be, for example, a syrup, a paste, a powder, a sugar, a granule, a juice concentrate, nutrients, vitamins, supplements, and / or other beverage additives. In some embodiments, the third product ingredient 132 is a flavoring, a flavor concentrate, etc. that may be mixed with the first product ingredient 112 to form a final beverage product. The third product ingredient 132 may be, for example, a syrup, a paste, a powder, a sugar, a granule, a juice concentrate, nutrients, vitamins, supplements, and / or other beverage additives.

[0024] As mentioned above, the second product ingredient 112 and the third product ingredient 122 may include flavorings and / or other ingredients. The liquid flavors / ingredients may be produced by condensed liquids in which the essence of the beverage is packed and may also include other healthy ingredients and / or nutrients. The liquid flavors / ingredients may include fruit and / or flavor bases such as plum, blueberry, mango, cherry, grape, kiwi, strawberry, lemon, lime, passion fruit, apple, melon, tangerine, raspberry, orange, pomegranate, pineapple, coconut, grapefruit, acai, watermelon, peach, or any combination thereof. In addition, the liquid flavoring / ingredient may include functional ingredients including herbs and spices or vegetables such as mint, black tea, green tea, red tea, white tea, celery, chamomile, hibiscus, lavender, carrot, cucumber, barbamate, cocca extract, ginger, chlorophyll, aloe, cinnamon, ginseng, or any combination thereof. In addition, the liquid flavoring / ingredient may include functional ingredients including minerals, vitamins, electrolytes, energy, calm, protein, fiber, antioxidants, sweeteners, and other functional ingredients such as calcium, sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, magnesium, caffeine, fiber, protein, taurine, ribose, omega-3, or any combination thereof. In addition, the liquid flavoring / ingredient may include functional ingredients having fruits or flavor bases, herbs and spices or vegetables, or any combination of functional ingredients including minerals and / or vitamins, without departing from the present invention.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first product chamber 110 and the second product chamber 120 may be or be configured to receive a bag-in-box concentrate or a self-pressurized concentrate source, such as a bag-on-valve concentrate source, as described in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 9,873,606, issued January 23, 2018, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the first and second product chambers 110, 120 may be or be configured to receive a non-pressurized bag-on-valve concentrate source.

[0026] In some embodiments, the second product ingredient 122 is different (e.g., a different flavor) from the third product ingredient 132. Thus, the final beverage product formed by mixing the first product ingredient 112 and the third product ingredient 132 may be different from the final beverage product formed by mixing the first product ingredient 112 and the second product ingredient 122. In this manner, the product dispensing system 100 may be configured to generate and dispense several types of beverage products on demand. In some embodiments, some or all of the products dispensed by the product dispensing system 100 may be pre-mixed beverages, fountain beverages, etc.

[0027] In some embodiments, the product ingredient chambers 110, 120, 130 may be configured to store products that can be dispensed to a user without first being mixed with other products or product ingredients, such as pre-made beverages, which may include, for example, water, soda, juice, coffee, tea, and / or other beverages.

[0028] In some embodiments, the second product component 122 and the third product component 132 may be concentrated components, i.e., the second product component 122 and the third product component 132 may be intended to be diluted and / or mixed with a base liquid (e.g., the first product component 112) before being dispensed and / or consumed by a user. As mentioned above, the second product ingredient 122 and the third product ingredient 132 may be, for example, concentrated flavors, syrups, sugars, granules, and / or other beverage additives that may be diluted and / or mixed with the first product ingredient 112 to form the final beverage product. As described in more detail below, in some embodiments, the second product ingredient 122 and the third product ingredient 132 may be highly concentrated such that the ratio of the first product ingredient 112 to the second product ingredient 122 and / or the third product ingredient 132 in the final beverage product may be relatively high.

[0029] As mentioned above, the first product ingredient 112 may be water. Thus, in some locations where the mobile product dispenser 10 may be implemented, the first product ingredient 112 may be easily replenished via an on-site water supply (e.g., a water tank, tap water, municipal water, or city water). However, the second product ingredient 122 and / or the third product ingredient 132 may be produced off-site (e.g., by a flavor manufacturer) and may need to be shipped to the location where the mobile product dispenser 10 is utilized.

[0030] Because a significant portion of production, transportation, storage, and other manufacturing and distribution costs often derive from the volume and weight of the product, using a greater portion of the product ingredients that are available on-site can reduce the overall costs associated with the product dispensed by the product dispensing system 100. Thus, as a constituent part of the beverage, a greater portion of the weight and volume of the dispensed beverage product can be attributed to the first product component 112, and therefore, by utilizing a higher ratio of the first product component 112 to the second product component 122 and / or the third product component 132 in the final beverage product, the overall cost of the dispensed product can be reduced.

[0031] Additionally, since the mobile product dispenser 10 may operate in environments with limited lateral movement space and / or narrow pathways (e.g., restaurants, offices, or gyms), it may be desirable for the mobile product dispenser 10 to be of a relatively compact size. It may also be desirable for the mobile product dispenser 10 to dispense a wide variety of products so that users have a wider selection of products to choose from. However, when utilizing weakly concentrated or non-concentrated flavorings, for example, the amount of space within the mobile product dispenser 10 that may be required to store such flavorings may be relatively large, which may result in an overall increase in the size of the mobile product dispenser 10. Alternatively, smaller ingredient chambers 120, 130 may be utilized to maintain the compactness of the mobile product dispenser 10, however, such a configuration may require more frequent refilling of such flavorings, which may increase downtime of the mobile product dispenser 10.

[0032] As mentioned above, the first product component 112 may be mixed with the second product component 122 and / or the third product component 132 to produce various types of dispensed products. Because the first product component 112 may be common to several types of beverages, utilizing a relatively high ratio of the first product component 112 to the second product component 122 and / or the third product component 132 in the dispensed products may reduce the amount of space required per product type. For example, because each type of product consists of a higher percentage of common ingredients stored in the first component chamber 110, the size of the second component chamber 120 and / or the third component chamber 130 may remain relatively small, and thus more component chambers may be placed within the interior space 12 of the mobile product dispenser 10 without significantly increasing its overall size. In this manner, for example, a more highly concentrated second product component 122 and / or third product component 132 may enable the mobile product dispenser 10 to dispense a greater variety of products while maintaining a relatively small footprint.

[0033] In some embodiments, the ratio of the first product component 112 to the second product component 122 and / or the third product component 132 in the dispensed beverage product is at least 3:1. In some embodiments, the ratio of the first product component 112 to the second product component 122 and / or the third product component 132 in the dispensed beverage product is at least 5:1. In some embodiments, the ratio of the first product component 112 to the second product component 122 and / or the third product component 132 in the dispensed beverage product is approximately 5:1. In some embodiments, the ratio of the first product component 112 to the second product component 122 and / or the third product component 132 in the dispensed beverage product is at least 7:1.

[0034] In some embodiments, the mobile product dispenser 10 may have a footprint of less than approximately 8 square feet. In some embodiments, the mobile product dispenser 10 may have a footprint of less than approximately 6 square feet. In some embodiments, the mobile product dispenser 10 may have a footprint of less than approximately 4 square feet.

[0035] In some embodiments, the product delivery system 100 includes a carbonation system 150. In embodiments, the carbonation system 150 may include a carbonation chamber 152, a carbonator 154, and a pressure regulator 156. Carbonation system 150 may be configured, for example, to inject, dissolve, or otherwise add carbon dioxide to one or more of the product ingredients 112, 122, 132. Carbonation chamber 152 may be, for example, a chamber, cylinder, container, tank, etc. configured to store a gas (e.g., carbon dioxide gas) under pressure. Pressure regulator 156 may be or include, for example, a valve configured to control the flow of output gas stored in carbonation chamber 152. The carbonator 154 may be configured, for example, to inject, dissolve, or otherwise add carbon dioxide to one or more of the product ingredients 112, 122, 132 (e.g., from the carbonation chamber 152).

[0036] In some embodiments, the carbonator 154 may be configured to add carbon dioxide to the first product ingredient 112. As mentioned above, the first product ingredient 112 may be water, or the like, which may be carbonated by the carbonation system 150 to become carbonated water. In some embodiments, the first product ingredient 112, after being carbonated by the carbonation system 150, may then be combined with the second product ingredient 122 and / or the third product ingredient 132 to form, for example, a soft drink, a flavored water, a flavored soda water, a fountain drink, a flavored beverage, or other mixed beverage.

[0037] The product dispensing system 100 may include a product dispenser 170, which may be configured, for example, to dispense a product to a user. The product dispenser 170 may include a nozzle 172 through which a product (e.g., a beverage product) may be dispensed to a user. Although Figure 1 illustrates the product dispenser 170 as having a single nozzle 172, the product dispenser 170 may include one, two, three, four, five, six or more nozzles 172. In some embodiments, one nozzle 172 may be configured to dispense several types of beverage products. In some embodiments, each nozzle 172 may be configured to dispense only a single type of beverage product. In some embodiments, some nozzles 172 may dispense several types of beverage products and other nozzles 172 may dispense only a single type of beverage product.

[0038] The product dispensing system 100 may include one or more pumps 140, which may be configured to move the product ingredients 112, 122, 132 from their respective ingredient chambers 110, 120, 130 to a product dispenser 170 for dispensing to a user. The pumps 140 may be, for example, beverage pumps, syrup pumps, or other devices configured to move the product ingredients 112, 122, 132. The product dispensing system 100 may include piping 190, which may be configured to transport the product ingredients 112, 122, 132 from one location to another, for example, from the ingredient chambers 110, 120, 130 to the product dispenser 170. In some embodiments, the product dispensing system 100 includes a waste tank 180 .

[0039] The waste tank 180 may be configured to store waste, for example, liquid waste. The product dispenser 170 may include a drain 182 interconnected to the waste tank 180. In some embodiments, piping 190 may be configured to transport the waste from the drain 182 to the waste tank 180. In some embodiments, the drain 182 is disposed below the nozzle 172 such that product dispensed from the nozzle 172 but not collected by the user may then flow into the waste tank 180 for storage.

[0040] In some embodiments, one or more of the product ingredient chambers 110, 120, 130, the carbonation chamber 152, and / or the waste tank 180 may include a level sensor configured to measure the amount of material currently disposed in the respective chamber and / or tank. In some embodiments, the control unit 400 (described further below) may receive electronic data from the level sensor and use the received information to determine whether one or more of the product ingredient chambers 110, 120, 130 and / or the carbonation chamber 152 should be refilled and / or whether the waste tank 180 should be emptied.

[0041] The product dispensing system 100 may include a temperature control system 160. In some embodiments, the temperature control system 160 may be configured to adjust and / or control the temperature of one or more of the product components 112, 122, 132, for example, by removing or adding heat to one or more of the product components 112, 122, 132. The temperature control system 160 may be or include, for example, a thermoelectric cooler, a refrigeration system, or other electrically powered cooling system. In some embodiments, the temperature control system 160 may receive power, for example, from a power storage system 320 (described further below). In some embodiments, the temperature control system 160 may be or include, for example, a passive cooling system, such as ice, ice packs, cold packs, or other thermal capacitors capable of absorbing a significant amount of heat. In some embodiments, the temperature control system 160 may be or include, a thermoelectric heater, a heat pump, or other electrically powered heating system. In some embodiments, the temperature control system 160 may be or may include a passive heating system, such as, for example, a heat pack, a chemical heat pack, or other thermal capacitor capable of releasing a significant amount of heat.

[0042] 1, for example, temperature control system 160 may be hydraulically disposed between first ingredient chamber 110 and product dispenser 170 such that the temperature of first product ingredient 112 may be regulated (e.g., heated and / or cooled) by temperature control system 160 as it travels (e.g., by pump 140) from first ingredient chamber 110 to product dispenser 170. In this manner, temperature control system 160 may enable the dispensing of cold and / or hot beverage products from product dispenser 170.

[0043] In some embodiments, the temperature control system 160 may be configured to generate ice that may be dispensed to a user via the product dispenser 170. For example, the temperature control system 160 may receive a first product ingredient 112 (which may be, for example, water) and cool the first product ingredient 112 until it solidifies into a solid form (e.g., ice cubes).

[0044] In some embodiments, user interface 200 comprises a touchscreen display for receiving user input and / or communicating information to a user. In some embodiments, user interface 200 may include electromechanical buttons for receiving input from a user. In some embodiments, user interface 200 may include a visual display for communicating with or displaying information to a user. In some embodiments, user interface 200 may include a combination of a touchscreen, electromechanical buttons, and / or a visual display.

[0045] The user interface 200 may display information about products that may be dispensed from the mobile product dispenser 170. In some embodiments, a user may select the type of product to be dispensed from the product dispenser 170 via the user interface 200. In some embodiments, a user may start and / or stop the dispensing of product from the product dispenser 170 via the user interface 200.

[0046] The user interface 200 may include an item scanner 210, which may include one or more readers or scanners for reading machine-readable items that may be used, for example, to identify a customer or to identify payment information. Machine-readable items may include, but are not limited to, bar codes, magnetic strips, quick response (QR) codes, radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, Bluetooth-enabled devices (e.g., cell phones), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) devices, or ultrasonic communication devices (e.g., devices with LISNR® ultrasonic technology).

[0047] The user interface 200 may include a biometric scanner 220 configured to identify one or more biometric characteristics of a user. The biometric scanner 220 may include, for example, but is not limited to, a fingerprint reader, a finger vein scanner, a retina scanner, an iris scanner, a camera (for taking pictures and / or recording video), or a microphone. The biometric characteristics of a customer may include, for example, a fingerprint, a finger vein pattern, a retina profile, an iris profile, a face profile, and a voice profile.

[0048] In some embodiments, the heavier components of the mobile product dispenser 10 may be located at a relatively low position within the interior space 12 of the mobile product dispenser 10. In this manner, the center of gravity of the mobile product dispenser 10 may be lower, which may increase the stability of the mobile product dispenser 10. For example, the first ingredient chamber 112 (which may be the largest ingredient chamber, for example), the carbonation chamber 152, the temperature control system 160, and / or the powertrain system 300 may be located at a relatively low position within the interior space 12.

[0049] In some embodiments, the mobile product dispenser 10 may have a particular size to make it more visible to a user when navigating through an operating environment. In some embodiments, the mobile product dispenser 10 may be at least three feet tall. In some embodiments, the mobile product dispenser 10 may be at least four feet tall. Additionally, in some embodiments, the mobile product dispenser 10 may be relatively narrow so that it may fit through relatively narrow paths (e.g., between tables in a restaurant). In some embodiments, the mobile product dispenser 10 may be less than four feet wide. In some embodiments, the mobile product dispenser 10 may be less than three feet wide. In some embodiments, the mobile product dispenser 10 may have a height that is greater than its width.

[0050] As discussed above, the mobile product dispenser 10 may be configured to operate autonomously, i.e., for example, the mobile product dispenser 10 may operate without direct human intervention. In some embodiments, the control unit 400 may be configured to enable the mobile product dispenser 10 to operate autonomously. The control unit 400 may be or include, for example, a computer, a microcontroller, etc. The control unit 400 may include, for example, a processor, memory, and a communication infrastructure for transmitting and receiving electronic data (e.g., computer-processable data and / or information represented by analog or digital signals). In some embodiments, the control unit 400 may control all aspects of the mobile product dispenser 10 .

[0051] In some embodiments, the control unit 400 may include an environmental sensor 410 configured to collect information regarding the environment surrounding the mobile product dispenser 10. The environmental sensor 410 may include one or more sensors, such as, for example, an image sensor, a camera, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a radar, and / or a light detection and ranging ("LIDAR") sensor. The environmental sensor 410 may include, for example, a sensor for determining the location, speed, and / or trajectory of the mobile product dispenser 10. In this manner, the environmental sensor 410 may comprise a navigation sensor and may include, for example, a global positioning system ("GPS"), a wheel speed sensor, and / or an accelerometer. Although FIG. 1 illustrates, for example, a single environmental sensor 410 disposed on the mobile product dispenser 10, the mobile product dispenser 10 may include multiple environmental sensors 410 disposed in any portion of the mobile product dispenser 10.

[0052] The control unit 400 may receive electronic data from the environmental sensors 410 and use the received electronic data to automatically move the mobile product dispenser 10 through the surrounding environment and / or destination. For example, the control unit 400 may use the electronic data received from the environmental sensors 410 to determine whether and / or how to navigate the mobile product dispenser 10 through the environment and / or to the destination. To control the movement of the mobile product dispenser 10, the control unit 400 may, for example, send instructions to and / or otherwise control the operation of the powertrain system 300 (described in more detail below). The control unit 400 may, for example, control the speed, acceleration, and / or trajectory of the mobile product dispenser 10 via the powertrain system 300.

[0053] The powertrain system 300 may include a propulsion system 310 and a power storage system 320. The propulsion system 310 may include, for example, an electric motor, an internal combustion engine, or a hybrid design including both electric motor and combustion engine components. The power storage system 320 may include, for example, one or more batteries, rechargeable batteries, or fuel tanks for storing energy for the power supply system 310 and / or other elements of the mobile product dispenser 10. The powertrain system 300 may include one or more wheels 330 that receive power from the propulsion system 310 to move and / or navigate the mobile product dispenser 10. Wheels 330 may be configured for indoor, outdoor, and / or off-road travel.

[0054] The powertrain system 300 may be configured to provide autonomous mobility for the mobile product dispenser 10. As discussed above, the powertrain system 300 may receive instructions from the control unit 400 and / or may be otherwise configured to be controlled by the control unit. For example, the powertrain system 300 may receive electronic data from the control unit 400 and may adjust the speed and / or trajectory of the mobile product dispenser 10 based on the received electronic data. In some embodiments, the speed of the mobile product dispenser 10 may be adjusted, for example, by changing the speed at which the wheels 330 are rotated by the propulsion system 310. In some embodiments, the trajectory of the mobile product dispenser 10 may be adjusted, for example, by rotating the wheels 330 and / or by adjusting the speed and / or rotation direction of the wheels 330.

[0055] 1 and 4, the control unit 400 may include a transceiver 420 configured to transmit and receive information wirelessly. The transceiver 420 may enable the control unit 400 to connect to a network 600, which may include, for example, a wireless local area network ("WLAN"), a campus area network ("CAN"), a metropolitan area network ("MAN"), and / or a wide area network ("WAN"). The transceiver 420 may be configured to operate at various frequencies, such as a very high frequency range or an ultra-high frequency range, and may be compatible with a particular network standard, such as, for example, a cellular, WIFI™, or BLUETOOTH® wireless network. In some embodiments, the control unit 400 may connect to the network 600 via a wired connection, such as, for example, an Ethernet cable.

[0056] 4, the mobile product dispenser 10 can communicate with a user device 700 via a network 600. The user device 700 can be, for example, a computing device that can connect to the network 600 via a wired or wireless connection. In some embodiments, the user device 700 can connect directly to the mobile product dispenser 10, for example, via a peer-to-peer network. As described in more detail below, the user device 700 can be configured, for example, to call the mobile product dispenser 10 to a particular location, to display information about products that can be dispensed from the mobile product dispenser 10, and / or to complete a transaction.

[0057] In some embodiments, the user device 700 may be a calling device 720 . The paging device 720 may be, for example, a computing device that can connect to the network 600 and / or the mobile product dispenser 10 via a wired or wireless connection. In some embodiments, the call device 720 may be a device dedicated to calling the mobile product dispenser 10 to a particular location. As described in more detail below, the call device 720 may be, for example, a call button configured to call the mobile product dispenser 10 to a particular location within the operating environment of the mobile product dispenser 10. In some embodiments, each call device 720 may be associated with a particular piece of equipment 710 (see, for example, FIG. 5), such as, for example, a table, a desk, gym equipment, etc. In some embodiments, the call device 720 may be located on, coupled to, or integrally formed with the particular piece of equipment 710.

[0058] In some embodiments, the user device 700 may be a user mobile device 730, such as, for example, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a wearable computer, a smartwatch, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or other computing device that may connect to the network 600 via a wired or wireless connection. In some embodiments, the user mobile device 730 may be used to invoke and / or interact with the mobile product dispenser 10, but may include features and functionality unrelated to the mobile product dispenser 10 (e.g., a smartphone or smartwatch).

[0059] In some embodiments, the administrator device 800 may be connected to the network 600 and may be used to monitor and / or transmit information between the user devices 700 and the mobile product dispenser 10. The administrator device 800 may be configured to manage user accounts, product inventory, and process transactions. The mobile product dispenser 10 may notify the administrator device 800, for example, when the product ingredients 112, 122, 132 are low and may need to be refilled. The administrator device 800 may be able to remotely connect to the control unit 400, for example, to control the functionality of the mobile product dispenser 10 or to diagnose technical problems.

[0060] The administrator device 800 may be configured to authenticate a customer based on the machine-readable item identified by the item scanner 210 or the biometric characteristic identified by the biometric scanner 220. After authenticating a customer, the administrator device 800 may associate the authenticated customer with a customer account. In some embodiments, the administrator device 800 may locate a particular customer account in a database based on the machine-readable item identified by the item scanner 210. In some embodiments, the administrator device 800 may locate a particular customer account in a database based on the biometric characteristic identified by the biometric scanner 220. The administrator device 800 can locate a particular customer account by comparing the customer's identified biometric characteristics to a database of authorized biometric characteristics.

[0061] In some embodiments, the user device 700 may include an application configured to receive information from and transmit information to the mobile product dispenser 10. In some embodiments, the user device 700 may be configured to display information such as, for example, user account information, a list of products available for purchase and their prices, nutritional information for the products, images of the products available for purchase, and / or a transaction summary. In some embodiments, the user may be required to log into the application on the user device 700 (e.g., by providing a username and / or password) before interacting with the mobile product dispenser 10 or completing a transaction with the mobile product dispenser.

[0062] The control unit 400 and / or the administrator device 800 may include memory for storing information about the mobile product dispenser 10 and / or the user device 700. This information may include, for example, product information, mobile product dispenser information, user information, transaction location, transaction time, and / or other information. In some embodiments, the information may include the user's dietary restrictions, dietary preferences, and / or allergens.

[0063] 1 and 3, a docking station 500 may be configured to receive a mobile product dispenser 10, as described herein. In some embodiments, the docking station 500 may include one or more docking connectors 570. The docking connectors 570 may be configured to connect to docking ports disposed on the mobile product dispenser 10. The docking connectors 570 may include, for example, power cords, fuel lines, and / or other wiring and / or tubing to transport materials, products, and / or information between the docking station 500 and the mobile product dispenser 10.

[0064] When the docking connector 570 is connected to the mobile product dispenser 10, for example, the mobile product dispenser 10 may receive power or fuel from the docking station 500 to replenish the power storage system 320. In some embodiments, the docking station 500 may be connected to a power grid 540 and may convert power to recharge batteries in the mobile product dispenser 10.

[0065] In some embodiments, the docking station 500 may include one or more component chambers configured to store the product components 122, 132. As shown in FIG. 3, for example, the docking station 500 may include a first component chamber 520 and a second component chamber 530. However, the docking station 500 may include more or less than two product component chambers. For example, in some embodiments, the docking station 500 includes one, two, three, four, five, six or more product component chambers.

[0066] In some embodiments, the first component chamber 520 may store a different type of component than the second component chamber 530. For example, the second component 122 may be stored in the first component chamber 520 and the third component 132 may be stored in the second component chamber 530. When the docking connector 570 is connected to the mobile product dispenser 10, the mobile product dispenser 10 may receive product components 122, 132 from the docking station 500, for example, to refill the second component chamber 120 and the third component chamber 130 of the product dispensing system 100.

[0067] In some embodiments, the docking station 500 may be connected to a water supply 510 . The water supply 510 may be, for example, a water tank, tap water, municipal water, city water, etc. As mentioned above, the first product component 112 may be water. Thus, when the docking connector 570 is connected to the mobile product dispenser 10, for example, the mobile product dispenser 10 may receive the first product component 112 from the docking station 500 for refilling the first component chamber 110 of the product dispensing system 100.

[0068] In some embodiments, the docking station 500 may include a carbonation chamber 550 configured to store a gas (e.g., carbon dioxide gas) under pressure. When the docking connector 570 is connected to the mobile product dispenser 10, for example, the mobile product dispenser 10 may receive the stored gas from the docking station 500 to replenish the carbonation chamber 152 of the product dispensing system 100.

[0069] In some embodiments, the docking station 500 may include a drain outlet 580. When the docking connector 570 is connected to the mobile product dispenser 10, for example, waste from the waste tank 180 of the mobile product dispenser 10 may be emptied and disposed of via the drain outlet 580.

[0070] The docking station 500 may include a control unit 560, which may include similar features and functionality as the control unit 400 described above. The docking station 500 may include a transceiver 562 configured to wirelessly transmit and receive information. The transceiver 562 may enable the docking control unit 560 to connect to a network 600 and / or a mobile product dispenser 10. The transceiver 562 may be configured to operate at various frequencies, such as in the very high frequency range or the ultra-high frequency range, and may be compatible with a particular network standard, such as, for example, cellular, WIFI™, or BLUETOOTH® wireless networks. In some embodiments, the docking control unit 560 may connect to the network 600 via a wired connection.

[0071] The control unit 400 and / or the control unit 560 may be configured to automatically control the interaction between the mobile product dispenser 10 and the docking station 500. For example, the control unit 400 and / or the control unit 560 may be configured to allow one or more of the product ingredient chambers 110, 120, 130 and / or the carbonation chamber 152 to be automatically refilled. In some embodiments, the control unit 400 and / or the control unit 560 may be configured to allow the waste tank 180 to be automatically emptied. In some embodiments, the control unit 400 and / or the control unit 560 may be configured to allow the power storage system 320 to be automatically charged.

[0072] With reference to FIG. 2, for example, the mobile product dispenser 10 may be configured to autonomously navigate through its operating environment 20. In some embodiments, the mobile product dispenser 10 may be configured to operate only within a particular area or environment 20. In some embodiments, the environment 20 may be, for example, an office, a restaurant, a gym, a building, a campus, a stadium, an event venue, etc. As shown in FIG. 2, the mobile product dispenser 10 may travel to a user at various locations to dispense a product to the user. As described in more detail below, the mobile product dispenser 10 may move freely through the environment 20, may follow a particular predefined path within the environment 20, and / or may be summoned to a particular location by a user within the environment 20.

[0073] 5 illustrates a mobile product dispenser 10 operating, for example, within a restaurant environment 20. As shown, the mobile product dispenser 10 may be configured to follow a predetermined route 22A within the environment 20. The predetermined route 22A may be, for example, a path that the mobile product dispenser 10 traverses continuously by default. In some embodiments, the predetermined route 22A may form a complete loop.

[0074] The mobile product dispenser 10 may engage with and dispense product to a user as it navigates along the predetermined route 22A. In some embodiments, the predetermined route 22A may be a path selected such that the mobile product dispenser 10 travels near many or all potential users in the operating environment 20. For example, the predetermined route 22A may be a path selected such that the mobile product dispenser 10 travels past or near each table in a restaurant, each desk in an office, each workout area in a gym, etc. In some embodiments, the predetermined route 22A may be a path that is optimized for the mobile product dispenser 10 to visit areas with more potential users (e.g., areas in a restaurant with more tables) or areas with higher utilization of users (e.g., areas in a gym where users drink water more frequently).

[0075] The mobile product dispenser 10 may, for example, survey the environment 20 and calculate the most efficient route to reach each desired location within the environment 20. In some embodiments, the mobile product dispenser 10 may automatically determine the predetermined route 22A based, for example, on environmental geography, past transaction data, dispense counts, dispense locations, and / or other historical data.

[0076] 5-8, the mobile product dispenser 10 may be configured to follow a predefined route 22A by default, while the mobile product dispenser 10 may also be configured to deviate from the predefined route 22A when invoked, for example, by a user device 700. In this manner, the mobile product dispenser may passively serve users as it travels along the predefined route 22A, or may actively serve users who request the mobile product dispenser 10 to travel to their location.

[0077] 5, for example, the mobile product dispenser 10 may follow a predefined route 22A when no user device 700 has called the mobile product dispenser 10. As described above, the mobile product dispenser 10 may be called to a particular location by a user using a user device 700.

[0078] When a user wishes to call the mobile product dispenser, the user device 700 may automatically determine the user's location or may prompt the user to provide location information, which may include the user's current location or another location where the user wishes to contact the mobile product dispenser 10. In some embodiments, the user device 700 may request the user to enter a number (e.g., table number) (or other identifying information) associated with a particular fixture 710. The mobile product dispenser 10 may maintain a list of locations associated with each fixture 710 and may compare the number received from the user to the list of locations to determine the user's location. After receiving the user's location information from the calling user device 700A, the mobile product dispenser 10 may automatically navigate to the location of the calling user device 700A.

[0079] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, for example, after the mobile product dispenser 10 receives a call request from a calling user device 700A (e.g., via the network 600), the mobile product dispenser 10 may then determine a preferred route 22B for navigating to the location of the calling user device 700A. After navigating to the location of the calling user device 700A and serving one or more users at the location, the mobile product dispenser 10 may then determine a new tentative route 22C. The tentative route 22C may be, for example, a path selected to return the mobile product dispenser to an area along the predefined route 22A that may have been skipped as a result of the mobile product dispenser 10 following the preferred route 22B. After completing the tentative route 22C, for example, the mobile product dispenser 10 may then return to the predefined route 22A.

[0080] In some embodiments, if the control unit 400 determines, for example, that the product dispensing system 100 has run out or is running out of product components 112, 122, 132, or that the waste tank 180 is full or nearly full, the mobile product dispenser 10 may automatically navigate to a docking station 500 for refilling, charging, and / or waste disposal.

[0081] In some embodiments, the predefined route 22A may include one or more decision points 24, at which the mobile product dispenser 10 may determine whether to navigate to the docking station 500 to refill, charge, and / or discard waste. For example, at the decision point 24, the mobile product dispenser 10 may evaluate whether it may be possible to complete another loop along the predefined route 22A without needing to refill, charge, and / or discard waste. For example, the mobile product dispenser 10 may compare the amount of product components 112, 122, 132 remaining in the product component chambers 110, 120, 130 with, for example, the amount that would normally be dispensed in one loop of the predefined route 22A. If it is determined that the mobile product dispenser 10 is unlikely to complete another loop of the predefined route 22A, the mobile product dispenser 10 may automatically navigate to the docking station 500 to refill, charge, and / or discard waste. Decision point 24 may be located relatively close to docking station 500. In this manner, the time required to travel to and from docking station 500 may be reduced, and thus downtime associated with refueling, charging, and / or waste disposal may be reduced.

[0082] In some embodiments, the mobile product dispenser 10 may be configured to accept payments directly from users. For example, the user interface 200 may include a payment system (e.g., a bill validator, a coin slot, or a credit card reader) for accepting payments from a user. In some embodiments, such a payment system may be configured to accept payments using digital wallet services and / or mobile payment services, for example, via the item scanner 210.

[0083] In some embodiments, a user may obtain a container, such as, for example, a cup, bottle, thermos, etc., which may include a unique identifier that may be associated with the user, prior to utilizing the mobile product dispenser 10. Prior to dispensing the product, the item scanner 210 may, for example, read the unique identifier on the container, determine the identity of the user based on the unique identifier, and then automatically charge a payment method (e.g., a stored credit card) associated with the identified user.

[0084] In some embodiments, the mobile product dispenser 10 may be configured to identify a user, for example via the biometric scanner 220, and then automatically charge a payment method (e.g., a stored credit card) associated with the identified user.

[0085] In some embodiments, the mobile product dispenser 10 may be integrated into a point of sale system of the environment 20 in which the mobile product dispenser 10 is operating. For example, if the mobile product dispenser 10 is operating in a restaurant environment 20, the mobile product dispenser 10 may automatically add the cost of the dispensed product to the customer's meal bill. Similarly, if the mobile product dispenser 10 is operating in a gym environment 20, for example, the mobile product dispenser 10 may automatically add the cost of the dispensed product to the customer's membership account.

[0086] In some embodiments, the cost charged to the user may be based on the type of product dispensed. For example, one dispensed product (e.g., soda) may have a first cost and another dispensed product (e.g., juice) may have a different cost. Similarly, one dispensed product (e.g., soda) may have a fixed cost that includes free refills and another dispensed product (e.g., juice) may have a cost that depends on the number of refills. In some embodiments, the cost charged to the user may be based on the amount (e.g., volume) of product dispensed. In this way, if a user is utilizing their own product containers (e.g., reusable bottles), the user may fill the containers to their desired level and may be charged accordingly based on the amount of product dispensed. In some embodiments, the product dispenser 170 may include a flow meter, flow sensor, etc. that measures the amount (e.g., volume) of product dispensed.

[0087] As described above, the control unit 400 and / or the administrator device 800 may store product information, transaction history, and / or user information. This stored information may be used, for example, to provide product recommendations to the user. After the mobile product dispenser 10 arrives at the user's location and the user's identity is verified, the user interface 200 and / or the user mobile device 730 may, for example, present products that the user has previously purchased and / or consumed, present products that the user may like based on past interactions, and / or present products that contain the user's known allergens.

[0088] In some embodiments, the user mobile device 730 may include a health monitor, such as, for example, a humidification monitor and / or a glucose monitor. In some embodiments, the mobile product dispenser 10 may receive health-related information from the user mobile device 730 and automatically navigate to the user based on the health-related information.

[0089] For example, if the user mobile device 730 determines that the user is dehydrated, the user mobile device 730 may automatically call the mobile product dispenser 10 to the user's location. When the mobile product dispenser 10 arrives at the user's location, the mobile product dispenser 10 may recommend (e.g., via a message on the user interface 200) that the user consume a particular type of product to maintain a healthy hydration level. Similarly, if the user mobile device 730 determines that the user has a low glucose level, the user mobile device 730 may automatically call the mobile product dispenser 10 to the user's location. When the mobile product dispenser 10 arrives at the user's location, the mobile product dispenser 10 may recommend (e.g., via a message on the user interface 200) that the user consume a particular type of product to maintain a healthy glucose level.

[0090] In some embodiments, the mobile product dispenser 10 may also recommend activities for the user. For example, if the mobile product dispenser 10 determines that a particular user has been sitting in the same place for a long period of time, the mobile product dispenser 10 may recommend (e.g., via a message on the user interface 200) that the user take a walk. The mobile product dispenser 10 may also receive activity level information (e.g., number of steps) from the user mobile device 730 and use the information to recommend activities to the user.

[0091] FIG. 9 illustrates an example computer system 900 in which embodiments or portions thereof may be implemented as computer readable code. For example, the collection of customer data (e.g., biometric data), identification of customers based on the collected data, authentication of customer accounts, and / or tracking of customer accounts may be implemented within computer system 900 using hardware, software, firmware, tangible computer readable media having instructions stored thereon, or combinations thereof, and may be implemented in one or more computer systems or other processing systems. A controller as discussed herein may be a computer system having all or some of the components of computer system 900 for implementing the processes as discussed herein.

[0092] Where programmable logic is used, such logic may be executed on a commercially available processing platform or a special purpose device. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may be practiced with a variety of computer system configurations, including multi-core multiprocessor systems, minicomputers, and mainframe computers, computers linked or clustered with distributed functionality, and pervasive or small computers that may be embedded in virtually any device.

[0093] For example, at least one processor device and memory may be used to implement the embodiments described above. The processor device may be a single processor, multiple processors, or a combination thereof. The processor device may have one or more processor "cores."

[0094] Various embodiments of the present invention may be implemented by this exemplary computer system 900. After reading this description, it will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art how one or more of the present inventions may be implemented using other computer systems and / or computer architectures. Although operations may be described as sequential processes, some of the operations may in fact be performed in parallel, simultaneously, and / or in a distributed environment, and may be performed by program code stored locally or remotely for access by a single or multi-processor machine. Additionally, in some embodiments, the order of operations may be rearranged without departing from the spirit of the disclosed subject matter.

[0095] The processor device 904 may be a dedicated or general purpose processor device. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the processor device 904 may also be a single processor in a multi-core / multi-processor system operating alone or in a cluster of computing devices operating in a cluster or server farm. The processor device 904 is connected to a communications infrastructure 906, such as a bus, message queue, network, or multi-core message passing scheme.

[0096] The computer system 900 also includes a main memory 908, e.g., random access memory (RAM), and may also include a secondary memory 910. The secondary memory 910 may include, for example, a hard disk drive 912 or a removable storage drive 914. The removable storage drive 914 may include a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, a flash memory, or the like. The removable storage drive 914 reads from and / or writes to a removable storage unit 918 in a well-known manner. The removable storage unit 918 may include a floppy disk, a magnetic tape, an optical disk, a universal serial bus (USB) drive, or the like, which is read from and written to by the removable storage drive 914. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the removable storage unit 918 may include a computer usable storage medium having stored thereon computer software and / or data.

[0097] Computer system 900 (optionally) includes a display interface 902 (which may include input and output devices such as a keyboard, mouse, etc.) that causes graphical, textual, and other data to be transferred from a communications infrastructure 906 (or from a frame buffer, not shown) for display on a display unit 930.

[0098] In alternative implementations, the secondary memory 910 may include other similar means for allowing computer programs or other instructions to be loaded into the computer system 900. Such means may include, for example, a removable storage unit 922 and interface 920. Examples of such means may include program cartridges and cartridge interfaces (such as those found in video game devices), removable memory chips (such as EPROMs or PROMs) and associated sockets, and other removable storage units 922 and interfaces 920 that can transfer software and data from the removable storage unit 922 to the computer system 900.

[0099] Computer system 900 may also include a communications interface 924. Communications interface 924 allows software and data to be transferred between computer system 900 and external devices. Communications interface 924 may include a modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet card), a communications port, a PCMCIA slot and card, or the like. The software and data transferred through communications interface 924 may be in the form of signals, which may be electronic, electromagnetic, optical, or other signals capable of being received by communications interface 924. These signals may be provided to communications interface 924 via communications path 926. Communications path 926 carries signals and may be implemented using wire or cable, fiber optics, a phone line, a cellular phone link, an RF link, or other communications channels.

[0100] As used herein, the terms "computer program medium" and "computer usable medium" are used generally to refer to media such as removable storage unit 918, removable storage unit 922, and a hard disk installed in hard disk drive 912. Computer program medium and computer usable medium may also refer to memory, such as main memory 908 and secondary memory 910, which may be memory semiconductors (e.g., DRAM, etc.).

[0101] Computer programs (also called computer control logic) are stored in the main memory 908 and / or the secondary memory 910. Computer programs may also be received via the communications interface 924. Such computer programs, when executed, enable the computer system 900 to implement the embodiments discussed herein. In particular, the computer programs, when executed, enable the processor device 904 to implement the processes of the embodiments discussed herein. Such computer programs thus represent controllers of the computer system 900. If the embodiments are implemented using software, the software may be stored in a computer program product and loaded into the computer system 900 using the removable storage drive 914, the interface 920, and the hard disk drive 912, or the communications interface 924.

[0102] An embodiment of the present invention may also be directed to a computer program product including software stored on any computer usable medium. Such software, when executed on one or more data processing devices, causes the data processing devices to operate as described herein. An embodiment of the present invention may employ a computer usable or readable medium. Examples of computer usable media include, but are not limited to, primary storage devices (e.g., any type of random access memory), secondary storage devices (e.g., hard drives, floppy disks, CD ROMs, ZIP disks, tapes, magnetic and optical storage devices, MEMS, nanotechnology storage devices, etc.).

[0103] It should be understood that the Detailed Description section, and not the Summary and Abstract sections, is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more, but not all, exemplary embodiments of the present invention as contemplated by the inventors, but are in no way intended to limit the scope of the present invention and the appended claims.

[0104] The present disclosure has been described above with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the implementation of certain functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for convenience of description. Alternative boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed.

[0105] The foregoing description of specific embodiments will enable others to easily modify and / or adapt such specific embodiments to various applications by applying knowledge by those skilled in the art, and will fully disclose the general nature of the present embodiments without undue experimentation and without departing from the general concept of the present disclosure. Such adaptations and modifications are therefore intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the language or terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, and as a result, the language or terminology used herein should be interpreted by those skilled in the art in the light of the teaching and guidance.

Claims

1. 1. A mobile product dispenser comprising: a product dispensing system, the product dispensing system comprising: a first product component chamber, the first product component being disposed within the first product component chamber; a second product component chamber, the second product component being disposed within the second product component chamber; A product dispenser; a control unit configured to enable the mobile product dispenser to automatically travel to a user location; A mobile product dispenser, wherein the first and second product components are mixed together and dispensed to the user at the user's location, and a ratio of the first product component to the second product component in the dispensed beverage is at least 5:

1.

2. 10. The mobile product dispenser of claim 1, wherein the first product component is water and the second product component is a flavored syrup.

3. 2. The mobile product dispenser of claim 1, wherein the product dispensing system further comprises a third product component chamber and a third product component disposed within the third product component chamber, the product dispensing system configured to dispense a first type of beverage comprising the first and second product components, and the product dispensing system configured to dispense a second type of beverage comprising the first and third product components.

4. The mobile product dispenser of claim 1 , wherein the product dispenser comprises at least one dispensing nozzle.

5. The mobile product dispenser of claim 1 , wherein the product dispenser comprises only one dispensing nozzle.

6. 10. The mobile product dispenser of claim 1, wherein the product dispensing system further comprises a carbonation system, and wherein the dispensed beverage is carbonated at the location of the user by a carbonation unit.

7. 10. The mobile product dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a waste chamber, said waste chamber disposed below said product dispenser, said waste chamber collecting excess beverage dispensed by said product dispenser.

8. The mobile product dispenser of claim 1 , wherein the product dispensing system is a carbonated beverage fountain.

9. The mobile product dispenser of claim 1 , wherein the product dispensing system further comprises an ingredient level sensor.

10. 1. An autonomously mobile product dispensing system, comprising:

1. A mobile product dispenser comprising: a first product component chamber, the first product component being disposed within the first product component chamber; a second product component chamber, the second product component being disposed within the second product component chamber; and a mobile product dispenser comprising a control unit, the control unit configured to enable the mobile product dispenser to move autonomously; a plurality of call devices configured to communicate with the mobile product dispensers; An autonomous mobile product dispensing system, wherein the mobile product dispenser is configured to autonomously navigate to a user's location when called by a calling device, and the first and second product components are mixed together and dispensed to the user at the user's location.

11. The autonomous mobile product dispenser of claim 10 , wherein each of the call devices is coupled to a fixture located within an operating environment of the mobile product dispenser.

12. 11. The autonomous mobile product dispenser of claim 10, wherein at least one paging device is a wearable device.

13. 13. The autonomous mobile product dispenser of claim 12, wherein the mobile product dispenser and the at least one paging device are configured to communicate with each other over a wireless network.

14. The autonomous mobile product dispenser of claim 12 , wherein the mobile product dispenser receives health-related information from the at least one paging device.

15. 15. The autonomous mobile product dispenser of claim 14, wherein the mobile product dispenser automatically navigates to the user's location based on the health-related information received from the at least one paging device.

16. 1. A product dispensing system comprising:

1. A mobile product dispenser comprising: a first product component chamber, the first product component being disposed within the first product component chamber; a second product component chamber, the second product component being disposed within the second product component chamber; a mobile product dispenser comprising a control unit configured to enable the mobile product dispenser to automatically travel to a user location; a point of sale system for processing transactions; A product dispensing system, wherein the mobile product dispenser is in communication with the point of sale system, and the cost of dispensed product is automatically charged to a user using the point of sale system.

17. 20. The mobile product dispenser of claim 16, wherein the mobile product dispenser verifies the identity of the user before completing a transaction with the user.

18. 20. The mobile product dispenser of claim 16, wherein the identity of the user is identified using a biometric characteristic.

19. 20. The mobile product dispenser of claim 16, wherein the amount charged to the user is proportional to the volume of product dispensed.

20. 20. The mobile product dispenser of claim 16, wherein the amount charged to the user depends on the type of product dispensed.

Images