Automatic beverage pouring and mixing device and system

Abstract

One exemplary device includes a computer configured to receive a beverage order, a carousel having bottles and configured to rotate one or more of the bottles into a dispense position and provide one or more liquid dispense operations to containers positioned in the beverage dispense area based on one or more bottle selection commands included in the beverage order, and an actuation element fixed to a corresponding motor that actuates one or more release valves of liquid dispenser nozzles linked to different liquid sources to provide one or more additional dispense operations to the beverage dispense area based on one or more liquid source selection commands included in the beverage order.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application relates generally to automatic beverage preparation, and more specifically to automatic beverage pouring and mixing devices and systems. [Background technology]

[0002]

[0002] The beverage industry continues to apply technology to modernize and simplify the beverage selection and creation process. Restaurants and related food and beverage industries have adopted stand-alone machines capable of producing a wide variety of premixed fluid beverages that include water, soda, syrup, coffee, juice, milk, and other types of fluids in a single beverage selection. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003]

[0003] One exemplary embodiment may provide a device that includes one or more of: a computer configured to receive a beverage order; a carousel having a plurality of bottles and configured to rotate one or more of the plurality of bottles into a dispense position and provide one or more liquid dispense actions to containers located in a beverage dispense area based on one or more bottle selection commands included in the beverage order; and a plurality of actuating elements fixed to a corresponding plurality of motors that actuate one or more release valves of liquid dispenser nozzles linked to a plurality of different liquid sources to provide one or more additional dispense actions to the beverage dispense area based on one or more liquid source selection commands included in the beverage order.

[0004]

[0004] Another exemplary embodiment may include a method including one or more of the following steps: receiving a beverage order from a computer; rotating a carousel having a plurality of bottles to present one or more of the plurality of bottles at a dispensing position; providing one or more liquid dispensing operations to containers positioned in a beverage dispensing area based on one or more bottle selection commands included in the beverage order; and actuating one or more release valves of liquid dispenser nozzles linked to a plurality of different liquid sources via one or more of a plurality of actuating elements fixed to a corresponding plurality of motors to provide one or more additional dispensing operations to the beverage dispensing area based on one or more liquid source selection commands included in the beverage order.

[0005]

[0005] Another exemplary embodiment may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium configured to perform one or more of the following: receiving a beverage order from a computer; rotating a carousel having a plurality of bottles to present one or more of the plurality of bottles at a dispensing position; providing one or more liquid dispensing operations to containers positioned in a beverage dispensing area based on one or more bottle selection commands included in the beverage order; and actuating one or more release valves of liquid dispenser nozzles linked to a plurality of different liquid sources via one or more of a plurality of actuating elements fixed to a corresponding plurality of motors to provide one or more additional dispensing operations to the beverage dispensing area based on one or more liquid source selection commands included in the beverage order. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1]

[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates an automatic beverage pouring and preparation configuration according to an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 2]

[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a liquid measurement sensing configuration according to an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 3]

[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a bottle securing arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4]

[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a fixed bottle carousel configuration in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. [Diagram 5]

[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates a multi-input liquid mixing configuration in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. [Figure 6A]

[0011] 1 illustrates an example of a liquid dispenser controller configuration in which the liquid dispenser gun is omitted, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6B]

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a liquid dispenser controller configuration with a liquid dispenser gun, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7]

[0013] 11A-11C illustrate examples of pusher bracket configurations according to exemplary embodiments. [Figure 8]

[0014] FIG. 13 illustrates another exemplary liquid measurement sensing configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 9]

[0015] 1A-1C are exemplary side views of a liquid volume sensing component and various liquid dispensers aligned to provide mixed liquid to a container, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 10]

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates an ice dispensing arrangement integrated with a liquid measuring and dispensing arrangement according to an illustrative embodiment. [Figure 11]

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates an ice sensing ring utilizing a sensor to measure ice distribution to the point of dispense according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 12A]

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a container sensing and securing configuration according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 12B]

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a container sensing and securing configuration according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 13]

[0020] FIG. 13 is a side view of a container sensing and securing arrangement when the lever is in an engaged position according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 14]

[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a network system diagram of devices and network elements used to control and operate a beverage dispense device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 15]

[0022] 1 is an example flow diagram of an example method of operation in accordance with an example embodiment. [Figure 16]

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a computer-readable and instruction storage system that may be used to perform any of the computer-based operations and procedures according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007]

[0024] It will be readily understood that the components as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following detailed description of at least one embodiment of a method, apparatus, device, non-transitory computer-readable medium, and system, as illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the present application as claimed, but is merely representative of selected embodiments.

[0008]

[0025] The features, structures, or characteristics described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. For example, the use of the phrase "exemplary embodiment," "some embodiments," or other similar language throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearance of the phrase "exemplary embodiment," "some embodiments," "other embodiments," or other similar language throughout this specification does not necessarily all refer to the same group of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0009]

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates an automatic drink pouring and making arrangement, according to an exemplary embodiment. With reference to FIG. 1, the device 102 may be a standalone machine that represents the tasks and results generally associated with a bar and / or bartender. For example, the device 102 may be of any shape (rectangular, square, and / or other shaped object) with certain components, such as a window or other compartment 106 in the front and / or side of the device to view various bottles of alcohol (and / or other substances). These bottles are secured to a rotating carousel 108, and the bottles may be placed upside down to allow the alcohol to flow from the bottles to the drink receiving area 104.

[0010]

[0027] The computer interface or display 110 may be communicatively coupled to a computer (see, e.g., FIG. 16) including memory, instructions, communications interfaces, etc. The computer may control servo motors to move servos that actuate buttons on a liquid dispensing gun or other device. The interface / computer may also control the dispensing of ice, the rotation of bottles via the carousel 108, and the release of liquid from bottles into reservoirs for precise measurement prior to dispensing into cups in the drink receiving area 104.

[0011]

[0028] The device 102 may have a customizable machine exterior, which may allow different names and / or logos to be depicted on the body of the device. The outer shell of the device may be customized with additional indicia, artwork, designs to reflect sponsorship, brand logos, iconography or other designated designs. The device may include ports (not shown) that are integrated with a house water line, a portable water source or an in-machine water tank and a distribution manifold to multiple locations. There may also be "poka-yoke" measures to ensure that the correct bottles are loaded into the correct slots on the carousel.

[0012]

[0029] During the start-up process, a tracking sequence is invoked for the carousel to properly position itself. The carousel 108 may have a protruding lip or other protruding element (not shown) at a fixed point on the carousel, which rotates with the rest of the carousel. A motion detector may also be attached that is stationary on the device. When the protruding lip passes the motion detector, feedback is sent to the processor for proper tracking and positioning prior to completing the order. For example, the protruding lip may be a ridge, knob, or other protrusion that triggers a sensor to indicate a home position so that the system knows which bottle is in which position. In another embodiment, a linear actuator provides the tracking process. At start-up, a tracking sequence is invoked for the linear actuator (also referred to as a vertical actuation ring for pressure actuated valves) to properly position itself. The actuator moves downward until it hits a switch (such as a mechanical switch) attached at a fixed point. Feedback is sent from the switch to the processor to stop the actuation. The vertical position is used for proper positioning.

[0013]

[0030] Beverage orders are placed from a user device, such as a smartphone or computer (e.g., smartwatch, tablet, laptop, vehicle computer, wearable computer, etc.), and sent over the Internet to a computer receiver included in the beverage dispensing device 102. For example, a user may launch an application and select a drink, such as gin and tonic, bourbon and cola, as well as a preferred amount of ice, type of liquor, etc. This selection may be paid for by an application vendor service, and the drink order may be sent to the device 102. Drinks may begin to be poured into cups provided in the dispenser area when the user scans a QR code, enters a code, etc., or is physically near the device 102 as measured by wireless communication signals. Menus may be based on a unique URL that may be accessed via the customer's mobile device, and may be ordered from and through a web application associated with the device 102. Once a drink order is submitted and paid for, the on-board computer and / or display 110 are updated with a unique code to enter (or a QR code to scan), which assures the device of their physical presence. Once the code is entered (or scanned), the machine begins pouring the drink. The venue owner may select "contactless orders only" on their device to prohibit users from placing orders via the on-board display, or may allow such order entry. Another approach to customers receiving access to the device may include biometric authentication, such as fingerprint, facial recognition or other biometric approaches. In another embodiment, when a user approaches the machine, a virtual bartender interface that may appear on the display 110 may then interact with the customer and suggest a confirmation of the drink order based on the recognized user and / or previous orders. The purchase is then confirmed and payment is made by the user who approves the drink via confirmation (favorite word, yes or no response).

[0014]

[0031] The automatic configuration provides real-time inventory tracking capabilities that may inform the device of the need to reorder based on expected output. The application may provide payment processing for drinks via the application. The automatic system may also provide tracking of how many drinks a user has ordered and the ability to limit unsafe levels of consumption for individual users. The application may scan multiple ID cards to ensure age restrictions on orders for multiple users. Another option may include including a visual avatar and bartender personality as part of the software interface. The virtual bartender / character may be displayed on the mobile web application and via the on-board computer interface 110 to welcome customers and provide entertainment during drink service. The character may be selected on the application by the customer or randomly assigned.

[0015]

[0032] The device 102 may be transparent in certain locations, allowing for viewing of the operation of the device and the liquor dispensing components from that location. Machine learning and artificial intelligence provide optimization of drink recommendations based on the user's profile information, preferences, location and / or time of day. The device 102 may have one or more sensors connected to a computer associated with the user interface 110. The sensors may identify the user, for example, by facial recognition and / or voice recognition, and may offer to serve the same drink order as previously placed by the user account at a different time. Once recognition is complete, a virtual bartender may appear and offer the same drink. The virtual bartender may appear on the user interface and interact with the user stating information about the order and general information about current events, sports, weather, etc. If the user confirms another drink, the device 102 may dispense another drink. In one embodiment, liquids (e.g., liquor, mixers, etc.) from bottles, beer kegs, soda mixers, water, wine bottles and pouches via gravity-fed dispensing mechanisms may all be integrated with supply lines that interface with the bottles and / or liquid dispensing guns. Additionally, a small syringe or alternative liquid dispenser (not shown) can be used as another option to drop small amounts of liquid for infused flavors, bitters, and other concentrated juices for an additional charge or for finer cocktail mixing.

[0016]

[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates a liquid measurement sensing configuration according to an exemplary embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2, a liquid measurement sensor configuration is shown using a transparent liquid-filled reservoir 120 (also referred to as a shot dispenser (SD)). When a release valve is actuated, the contents of a bottle above the dispenser configuration can be provided into the reservoir by gravity. In this example, a line laser and / or an infrared (IR) beam sensor (e.g., a transmitter and receiver pair) can sense the amount of liquid in the bottle and / or in the dispenser reservoir 120. The beam can be sent via the transmitter 116 and detected via the receiver 114. The beam can be calibrated to a specific level, so that when the liquid reaches that level, the sensor indicates a stop action to prevent further filling. The sensor accordingly provides feedback to the processor to control the vertical actuator to stop allowing the passage of liquid into the reservoir 120. The SD is actuated by pressure, and a rigid element in contact with the SD can actuate the fluid to fall into the dispenser area by gravity. The SD has a pressure sensitive valve, spring loaded to retract the valve back to a closed position when the force is removed (see, e.g., FIG. 9). A first command can raise the pusher element to pressurize the release valve, thus allowing liquid to drop into the reservoir 120. Another command can stop pressurizing the valve, thus stopping liquid flow triggered by the liquid sensing and feedback provided by the liquid sensor 116.

[0017]

[0034] This configuration may automatically place full bottles in slots on the carousel and automatically handle them when they are empty by dropping them out of their position and replacing them with new bottles or by sending an alert to replace the empty bottles. Other approaches to monitoring the exact amount of alcohol or other liquid dispensed may be implemented by scales for weight measurement, capacitors via active electrical components, etc. Automatic ice making and dispensing is also implemented to control the amount in a customer's glass per set amount or preference.

[0018]

[0035] Figure 3 shows a bottle fixation arrangement, according to an exemplary embodiment. Referring to Figure 3, the bottle is shown upside down and held in place by a pair of braces 124 / 125 that form a clamshell that is spring-loaded by a pair of springs 126. The clamshell may be secured at one corner by a pair of hinges 130 attached to a frame 122. The mouth of the bottle may be fixed to a dispenser arrangement having a reservoir 120 to contain a volume of liquid prior to measuring and dispensing.

[0019]

[0036] Figure 4 shows a bottle-stable carousel configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment. With reference to Figure 4, the carousel wheel 132 may include an upper wheel that is pressed against the bottle by a set of pads 136 that are spring-loaded and / or backed by a clamp to hold the bottle in place. The clamp may have a release lever that can be lifted and depressed to apply a stop force to the bottom of the upside-down bottle, thereby clamping the bottle in place, so that the bottle is held securely in place until it is removed.

[0020]

[0037] The carousel moves in a circular motion around an axle rod 134 connected to a motor wheel or sprocket 127 having teeth actuated by a rotary motor located adjacent to the sprocket 127. A belt system may also be used to rotate the wheel carousel 108 or other power transmission mechanism. The wheel has a number of grooves in which the neck of the bottle may be placed in a predetermined location and held in place by brace arms 124 / 125 on either side of the neck of the bottle. The reservoir 120 is filled with liquid from the bottle when actuation occurs to allow liquid to fall from the bottle into the reservoir below the bottle. Actuation occurs based on a signal from a computer in the device 102 (see, e.g., FIG. 16) and based on a measurement system that detects a certain amount of liquid, such as 1 ounce, 1.5 ounces, 2 ounces, etc. The dispenser 121 (see, e.g., FIG. 9) is controlled by push actuation and / or also via an optional automatic motor system. Once the liquid has been measured and determined to be correct, the liquid may be dispensed via a pressurizing action by a pressurizing element that presses against the dispenser 121 (which may be spring loaded). A wheel 132 rotates to place the selected bottle in front of the dispenser and the correct liquid is dispensed and measured.

[0021]

[0038] FIG. 5 shows a multi-input liquid mixing configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5, the reservoir 120 is shown above the release valve pressed against the ring top portion of the pressurizing element 170 when liquid from the bottle is intended to drop into the container 146 below the dispenser. The pressurizing element 170 is moved vertically up the screw column to contact the release valve 121 (see FIG. 9). The container 146 is held in place by two guide arms 144 / 145 having a flexible geometry, which may be connected to a sensor to identify whether a container is present or not. The liquid gun dispenser 140 is locked in place and actuated for its various release buttons (e.g., liquid 1, liquid 2, liquid 3, etc.) by servo knobs or "horns" that rotate by servo motors, linear actuators or other actuation mechanisms controlled by a computer controller. The type of liquid from the gun can be specified from the order and the correct servo horn 142 can rotate to press the gun button to release additional liquid to make the selected drink.

[0022]

[0039] FIG. 6A shows an example of a liquid dispenser controller configuration in which the liquid dispenser gun is omitted, according to an exemplary embodiment. With reference to FIG. 6A, a button 152 on the gun is actuated by a servo horn 142 for a liquid option integrated with the gun. The servo horn 142 is actuated by a servo motor 154 that provides the movement (i.e., rotation) to actuate the button 152. A guide channel 158 is used to mount the configuration to a base 157 and adjust the position of the configuration so that the dispenser area is set up for multiple liquid dispensing options. Other options for actuation of the gun button could be by a linear actuator or other actuation mechanism.

[0023]

[0040] 6B shows an example of a liquid dispenser controller configuration with a liquid dispenser gun, according to an exemplary embodiment. With reference to FIG. 6B, a spring-loaded clamp 162 holds the gun in place, with the gun head 140 and corresponding nozzle 141 positioned to dispense liquid into a container via a servo horn 142 which rotates and presses a gun button to make the selected drink. A bracket 164 also holds the gun in place above the base 157.

[0024]

[0041] FIG. 7 shows an example of a "pusher" bracket configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment. Referring to FIG. 7, a rigid "pusher" having a ring configuration 170 provides the force that allows liquid to exit the valve of the bottle dispenser. The pusher 170 includes one or more linear sleeve bearings 172 that are bolted in place for firm placement on the base. A channel 171 allows a lead screw to move the pusher element 170 upward with such force that it allows the particular bottle dispenser to drop liquid into a container below.

[0025]

[0042] 8 illustrates another exemplary liquid measurement sensing configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment. With reference to FIG. 8, an alternative liquid sensing arrangement may use an electrical signal via a capacitive, inductive, resistive measurement, etc., to determine the amount of liquid present in the reservoir 120. Liquid is dispensed into the reservoir 120 such that the electrical signal can be used as a measurement of the amount of liquid based on a sensor 202 supported by a sensor bracket 200 in contact with or in close proximity to the reservoir 120.

[0026]

[0043] There are two capacitive / resistive / inductive / ultrasonic (or any variation in number and type thereof) sensors to sense the status of the single / double shot dispenser (SD) or reservoir 120, mounted on springs that push the sensors up against each SD when it moves to a dispense position. The liquid sensors can sense the presence of liquid in the area directly in front of them. The sensitivity of the liquid sensors is adjustable to allow calibration of when the SD is determined to be full or empty. The liquid sensor mounts are press-fitted to the top of the linear shaft rail to be rigidly mounted to the base. A carousel tracking optical gate switch (photo interrupter 204) is also mounted on top of the sensor mount and interacts with a brush system (e.g., nylon whiskers or other low resistance material) mounted to the rotating carousel to sense the home location of the carousel. Protruding from the main liquid sensor mount body are springs that allow the two liquid sensors to move significantly when the SD rotates into position. Auxiliary spring 206 helps support the natural spring for reliability. The position of the SD has variability to allow the liquid sensor to move and contact the surface of the SD to allow for lower tolerances required by other parts of the system. Mounting of the liquid sensor 202 can be done by using adjustable nuts on the surface of the sensor. This allows adjustment of the sensor towards or away from the SD to be sensed. The mounting surfaces of these adjustable nuts are staggered to allow the two liquid sensors to be as close as possible to each other. The top liquid sensor checks to see if the SD is full of liquid and the bottom liquid sensor checks to see if a full or empty SD is in place and can also detect when the SD is less than 100% full, which can be used by the processor for inventory tracking and reporting. The liquid sensor is also used to determine the center of the SD for more accurate positioning so that the carousel can align with the cups for more accurate pouring.

[0027]

[0044] FIG. 9 shows an exemplary side view of the liquid volume sensing components and various liquid dispensers aligned to provide mixed liquid to a container according to an exemplary embodiment. With reference to FIG. 9, the components from FIG. 8 are shown integrated with the base of another liquid dispensing system based on a liquid gun 140. The ring of pusher element 170 operates linearly to provide the force to dispense from the SD reservoir 120. The servo horn 142 and motor 154 are ready to trigger the gun button to provide additional components of the mixed beverage. The pusher element 170 is secured by guide rails 177 located on either side of the sleeve 172. The lead screw 173 provides actuation of the pusher element 170 such that it rises and presses against the dispenser 121 while the correct bottle is in place with the container below.

[0028]

[0045] FIG. 10 illustrates an ice dispensing arrangement integrated with a liquid metering and dispensing arrangement, according to an exemplary embodiment. With reference to FIG. 10, the ice dispenser is aligned to drop ice cubes or pellets from an ice maker 250 through a drop spout 252 and past an ice sensing ring 254 (see, e.g., FIG. 11), which has sensing capabilities that are part of the control function of the computer system. For example, if a user's preference indicates two or three ice cubes, the ring 254 can make a measurement and determine when dispensing of ice into the dispenser area should start and stop. A tube 256 allows ice to flow through an elbow 262 and an inclined ice luge 264 into a dispensing slot 266. An ice door 258 may be a motorized door that opens and closes to allow or deny entry of ice into the dispensing slot 266. A gun 140 and corresponding components are also illustrated to represent various beverage loading components. In this illustration of FIG. 10, the bottles and carousel have been omitted for simplicity.

[0029]

[0046] The ice maker 250 and the dispenser are integrated, and the processor communicates with and sends and receives commands from the computer's central processor. When the device is powered on, the ice maker 250 is powered on and is given a command by the central processor to start making ice. When an order is received, the ice maker's auger rotates and delivers ice to the outer pipe. The number of cubes dispensed is measured using an ice ring 254 mounted adjacent to the vertical ice pipe. In the ice ring 254, a line laser and / or break beam sensor (e.g., a transmitter and receiver) or other optical element is used to illuminate or broadcast within the vertical ice pipe, and when a cube falls, it is sensed and counted by the optical system. Each time an ice pellet is dispensed, the sensor communicates with the central processor and the count is incremented until the desired number of cubes is dispensed, at which point the processor commands the ice maker's auger to stop rotating. The cubes fall into the ice door 258, which catches the cubes and reduces their velocity to zero. Once the appropriate number of cubes have fallen into the ice door, the central processor commands the ice door, actuated by a motor / sensor, to open and dump the ice down a tilted ice luge section into a cup / glass at the dispensing point. An arrangement without a tilted ice luge section and for a direct vertical drop from the ice door into a cup / glass can also be implemented. To prevent ice clumping, there is a custom protocol commanded by the central processor to keep the agitator moving the cubes around, and a custom agitator component that separates and prevents ice clumping.

[0030]

[0047] FIG. 11 shows an ice sensing ring utilizing sensors to measure ice distribution to the point of dispense, according to an exemplary embodiment. With reference to FIG. 11, ice ring 254 has a light receiving hole 306, a cover 302, a mounting flange 304, and a laser or other broadcast sensor mounting port 307 that can transmit a beam across the cross-sectional area of ​​the ring that is sensed by a sensor on the other side of the ring. When the beam is broken, a counter can identify the break as a single ice pellet or multiple ice pellets. The ring design can also include other types of sensors.

[0031]

[0048] 12A shows a container sensing and securing arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment. Referring to FIG. 12A, the beverage dispensing area has a grate to catch spilled liquid and a pair of arms 144 / 145 that hold the container in place and sense whether the container is present or not by a spring-loaded level sensing mechanism that alerts a computer when a container is pressed against the arms.

[0032]

[0049] FIG. 12B illustrates a container sensing and securing configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment. Referring to FIG. 12B, arm 144 / 145 is adjacent to a lever arm 352 and magnet 356 that are attached to a compression spring 354. A "Hall Effect" or other proximity type sensor 358 is also mounted at the rear. The arm stabilizes the cup in a resting position while liquid and ice are dispensed, and provides a framework for the magnet 356 and magnetic sensing components. The lever arm 352 is responsible for housing the small magnet 356, and also serves as a mechanism that is moved by the cup and retracts to its original position using a spring 354. The distance from the same pivot point to the end of the lever compared to the distance from the pivot point on the arm to the spring attachment provides a mechanical advantage to the cup during the actuation process, acting as a force multiplier for the cup and reducing the force required to actuate the lever arm and move the magnet.

[0033]

[0050] One exemplary embodiment involves the use of a magnetic field, such as a "Hall Effect" sensor 358 mounted on the outside of the drink box, which detects changes in the magnetic field, which is manipulated by the position of the magnet during the actuation process. The introduction of a cup into the arm pushes the lever arm 352 towards the rear of the drink box, moving the magnet 356 closer to the "Hall Effect" sensor 358, while simultaneously rotating the magnet 356 so that it is perpendicular to the sensor 358. The sensor can detect the increase in the magnetic field and determine the presence or absence of a cup. In the example of FIG. 12B, the lever arm 352 is in its rest position and is commanded to push out the gripper by the spring 354. This position is approximately 30 to 45 degrees from the rear of the cup gripper. At this point, the sensor does not detect the magnetic field of the magnet.

[0034]

[0051] FIG. 13 shows a side view of the container sensing and securing configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment. Referring to FIG. 13, the position of lever 253 is in the engaged position (i.e., the position moved backwards at the moment a cup is present). Lever 253 is moved from the rest position to a position approximately parallel to the rear of arm 144 / 145, reducing the distance between the magnet (or non-contact material to be "sensed") and the sensor, creating an approximately perpendicular angle between the sensor and magnet (or non-contact material to be "sensed"). At this point, sensor 358 senses the magnetic field of magnet 356 and a cup is identified as being present.

[0035]

[0052] FIG. 14 illustrates a network system diagram of devices and network elements used to control and operate a beverage dispensing device 102, according to an exemplary embodiment. With reference to FIG. 14, a user 101 communicates with the machine 102 using a mobile device, smartphone or other computing device 103. A computer interface 110 may provide a display suggesting a drink menu or other options as described in this disclosure. The computer portion of the device 102 also has an embedded processor, instructions, memory, and other computing elements necessary to receive inputs directly from the interface 110 or via the device 103 to calculate beverage order information and to instruct the embedded processor and control element 105 to perform various mechanical and digital operations. Communication may be via cellular, Wi-Fi or other Internet connection (e.g., TCP / IP), and data shared may include customer profiles, orders, order progress, payment information, purchase history, etc. Applications on the user device 103 may be integrated with third-party services, such as food, beverage and other item ordering platforms. There may be identity check processes, ticketing, payment processing, reporting and analytics information, etc. via API 1410 accessed via cloud server 1400. Data from orders may be payment processing, logs from embedded devices, number of drinks ordered within a period of time, notifications, alerts, coupons, order confirmations, completion status, images, videos, etc. Elements 105 and 110 may provide sensor information, payment status, inventory information commands, start and stop commands, activation commands, liquid dispensing commands, etc. to operate elements of device 102.

[0036]

[0053] One exemplary beverage making device may include a computer configured to receive a beverage order via a wireless or touch screen interface, and a carousel having a plurality of bottles and configured to rotate one or more of the plurality of bottles into a dispense position and provide one or more liquids to a container disposed in a beverage dispenser area via a dispense action based on one or more bottle selection commands included in the beverage order and received from the computer. The device may also include a plurality of actuating elements fixed to a corresponding plurality of motors that actuate one or more release valves of a liquid dispenser nozzle linked to a plurality of different liquid sources to provide the beverage dispenser with one or more additional dispense actions based on the one or more liquid source selection commands included in the beverage order.

[0037]

[0054] The actuation element includes one or more of a servo horn, a lever, and an arm. The order is received via a computer interface or via wireless transmission. The one or more dispense operations and the one or more additional dispense operations are selected by the computer based on the type of beverage included in the beverage order. The device may also include an ice dispenser configured to manipulate an amount of ice directed to an ice spout aligned with the beverage dispenser area based on an amount of ice sensed and measured by an ice sensor ring with one or more sensors, the ice sensor ring being disposed adjacent to a periphery of an inner wall of the ice spout. The ice may be moved toward the spout by a rotating motor element. The one or more dispense operations include a release valve attached to one or more bottle mouths of one or more bottles and opened to allow liquid stored in the selected bottle to enter the reservoir, and a liquid measurement sensor that determines an amount of liquid in the reservoir based on the beverage order prior to the release of the liquid into the container. The liquid measurement sensor senses a light beam that has passed through a surface area of ​​the reservoir while entering the liquid into the reservoir. The liquid measurement sensor is a proximity sensor that measures the reservoir as liquid is placed in the reservoir. The proximity sensor may include one or more of a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, and an inductive sensor.

[0038]

[0055] 15 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method of operation according to an exemplary embodiment. Referring to FIG. 15, the method may include one or more of the following steps: receiving a beverage order 1502; rotating a carousel having a plurality of bottles to present one or more of the plurality of bottles at a dispense position 1504; providing one or more liquid dispense operations to containers disposed in a beverage dispenser area based on one or more bottle selection commands included in the beverage order and received from the computer 1506; and actuating one or more release valves of liquid dispenser nozzles linked to a plurality of different liquid sources via one or more of a plurality of actuating elements fixed to a corresponding plurality of motors 1508 to provide one or more additional dispense operations to the beverage dispenser area based on one or more liquid source selection commands included in the beverage order.

[0039]

[0056] The operation of the system, method, or function described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a computer program executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. The computer program may be embodied on a computer-readable medium, such as a storage medium. For example, the computer program may be present in a random access memory ("RAM"), a flash memory, a read-only memory ("ROM"), an erasable programmable read-only memory ("EPROM"), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory ("EEPROM"), a register, a hard disk, a removable disk, a compact disk read-only memory ("CD-ROM"), or any other form of storage medium known in the art.

[0040]

[0057] 16 is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of the embodiments of the present application described herein, nevertheless, the computational node 1600 may be capable of implementing and / or performing any of the functionality described herein above.

[0041]

[0058] There are computer systems / servers 1602 operable with many other general purpose or special purpose computing system environments or configurations in the computing node 1600. Examples of well-known computing systems, environments, and / or configurations that may be suitable for use with the computer system / server 1602 include, but are not limited to, personal computer systems, server computer systems, thin clients, rich clients, handheld or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set-top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputer systems, mainframe computer systems, and distributed cloud computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices.

[0042]

[0059] The computer system / server 1602 may be described in the general context of computer system executable instructions, such as program modules, executed by a computer system. Generally, program modules may include routines, programs, objects, components, logic, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The computer system / server 1602 may be practiced in a distributed cloud computing environment where tasks are performed by remote processing devices linked through a communications network. In a distributed cloud computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote computer system storage media, including memory storage devices.

[0043]

[0060] 16, a computer system / server 1602 in a cloud computing node 1600 is shown in the form of a general-purpose computing device. Components of the computer system / server 1602 may include, but are not limited to, one or more processors or processing units 1604, a system memory 1606, and a bus that couples various system components including the system memory 1606 to the processor 1604.

[0044]

[0061] A bus represents one or more of any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a bus for peripherals, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, and without limitation, such architectures include an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, a MicroChannel Architecture (MCA) bus, an Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, a Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus.

[0045]

[0062] The computer system / server 1602 typically includes a variety of computer system readable media. Such media may be any available media accessible by the computer system / server 1602, including both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. In one embodiment, the system memory 1606 implements the flow diagrams of other figures. The system memory 1606 may include computer system readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) 1610 and / or cache memory 1612. The computer system / server 1602 may further include other removable / non-removable volatile / non-volatile computer system storage media. By way of example only, the storage system 1614 may be provided for reading from and writing to a non-removable, non-volatile magnetic medium (not shown, typically referred to as a "hard drive"). Although not shown, a magnetic disk drive for reading from and writing to a removable, non-volatile magnetic disk (e.g., a "floppy disk"), and an optical disk drive for reading from or writing to a removable, non-volatile optical disk, such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or other optical media, may be provided. In such a case, each may be connected to the bus by one or more data media interfaces. As further depicted and explained below, memory 1606 may include at least one program product having a set (e.g., at least one) of program modules configured to perform the functions of various embodiments of the present application.

[0046]

[0063] Programs / utilities 1616 having a set (at least one) of program modules 1618 may be stored in memory 1606, as well as in an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data, by way of example and not limitation. Each of the operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, program data, or some combination thereof may include an implementation of a network environment. The program modules 1618 generally perform the functions and / or methods of the various embodiments of the present application described herein.

[0047]

[0064] As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the present application may be embodied as a system, method, or computer program product. Thus, aspects of the present application may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects, all of which may be referred to herein in their entirety as a "circuit," "module," or "system." Furthermore, aspects of the present application may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer-readable medium(s), the computer-readable medium(s) having computer-readable program code embodied thereon.

[0048]

[0065] The computer system / server 1602 may also communicate with one or more external devices 1620, such as a keyboard, pointing device, display 1622, etc.; one or more devices that allow a user to interact with the computer system / server 1602; and / or any device (e.g., network card, modem, etc.) that allows the computer system / server 1602 to communicate with one or more other computing devices. Such communication may occur via an I / O interface 1624. Still further, the computer system / server 1602 may communicate with one or more networks, such as a local area network (LAN), a general wide area network (WAN), and / or a public network (e.g., the Internet), via a network adapter 1626. As depicted, the network adapter 1626 communicates with other components of the computer system / server 1602 via a bus. Although not shown, it should be understood that other hardware and / or software components may be used with the computer system / server 1602. Examples include, but are not limited to, microcode, device drivers, redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays, RAID systems, tape drives, and data recording storage systems.

[0049]

[0066] In one embodiment, the device 102 may include secondary slots and additional components (not shown) that communicate with the interface 110 and the computer system 1602 to place and receive edible items. These edible items may be stored in the device 102 or delivered from a different location (e.g., the facility where the device 102 is located). These edible items are recommended based on the beverage selection already made. Additionally, nozzles and / or additional ports or syringes (not shown) may be used to dispense liquids such as lavender, lemongrass, mint, bitters, berries, etc. The computer 1602 may provide data regarding the amount, type, and time associated with the beverage and edible items ordered / consumed. Suggestions and recommendations may be made to potential customers based on the inventory 102 and / or via communications occurring between the computer 1602 and a computer (not shown) at the facility where the device is located. Also, bottles may be placed on the carousel 108 in a specific order to ensure that a particular bottle is visible through the window 106. This placement may be done prior to the selection of the beverage during the process of making the beverage, or may be done after the process of making the beverage. In other embodiments, the elements described and / or depicted herein may be configured to provide one or more of the following: selection / dispensing of a fixed amount of alcohol (e.g., single, double, half, or no alcohol / mocktail), receiving multiple orders and making multiple drinks at or near the same time, providing an option for a user to select intolerances or allergies prior to the drink being made, the ability to pre-order a drink and have it prepared at a specific time and / or location, the ability to refrigerate the beverage and / or glass / container before being served, the ability to select a glass / container type based on the selection of glass specific ice selected, i.e., based on user selection, drink selection, glass / container selection, ice selection such as square, round, crushed, shaved, pellet, etc., the ability to select a level of sweetness, sourness, smoke, etc.

[0050]

[0067] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the "system" may be embodied as a personal computer, a server, a console, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, a tablet computing device, a smartphone, or any other suitable computing device, or combination of devices. Presenting the above-described functions as being performed by the "system" is not intended to limit the scope of the present application in any manner, but rather to provide one example of many embodiments. Indeed, the methods, systems, and apparatus disclosed herein may be implemented in localized and distributed forms consistent with computing technology.

[0051]

[0068] It should be noted that some of the features of the systems described herein are presented as modules to more specifically emphasize their implementation independence. For example, a module may be implemented as a hardware circuit comprising custom very large scale integrated (VLSI) circuits or gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components. A module may also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices, graphics processing units, and the like.

[0052]

[0069] Modules may also be implemented at least in part in software for execution by various types of processors. For example, an identified unit of executable code may comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions, which may be organized as, for example, an object, procedure, or function. Nevertheless, executable files of identified modules need not be physically located together, but may comprise disparate instructions stored at different locations that, when logically combined together, comprise a module and achieve a specified purpose for the module. Furthermore, modules may be stored on a computer-readable medium, which may be, for example, a hard disk drive, a flash device, a random access memory (RAM), a tape, or any other such medium used to store data.

[0053]

[0070] Indeed, a module of executable code may be a single instruction or many instructions, and may even be distributed across several different code segments, among different programs, and across several memory devices. Similarly, computational data may be identified and illustrated herein in modules, and may be embodied in any suitable form and organized within any suitable type of data structure. Computational data may be collected as a single data set or distributed across different locations, including across different storage devices, and may exist at least in part as merely electronic signals on a system or network.

[0054]

[0071] It will be readily understood that the components of the present application, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, and thus, the detailed description of an embodiment is not intended to limit the scope of the present application as claimed, but is merely representative of selected embodiments of the present application.

[0055]

[0072] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the above may be practiced with steps in a different order and / or with hardware elements in different configurations than those disclosed. Thus, while the application has been described based on these preferred embodiments, certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0056]

[0073] While preferred embodiments of the present application have been described, it should be understood that the described embodiments are merely exemplary, and that the scope of the present application should be defined solely by the appended claims when considered with the full range of equivalents and modifications thereto (e.g., protocols, hardware devices, software platforms, etc.).

Claims

1. A device, comprising: a computer configured to receive a beverage order; a carousel comprising a plurality of bottles and configured to rotate one or more of the plurality of bottles into a dispense position and provide one or more liquid dispense operations to receptacles disposed in a beverage dispense area based on one or more bottle selection commands included in the beverage order; a plurality of actuating elements fixed to a corresponding plurality of motors for actuating one or more release valves of a liquid dispenser nozzle linked to a plurality of different liquid sources to provide one or more additional dispense operations to the beverage dispense area based on one or more liquid source selection commands included in the beverage order; A device comprising:

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the actuation element comprises one or more of a servo horn, a lever, and an arm.

3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the order is received via an interface of the computer or via wireless transmission.

4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the one or more dispense operations and the one or more additional dispense operations are selected by the computer based on a type of beverage included in the beverage order.

5. 2. The device of claim 1, further comprising an ice dispenser configured to manipulate an amount of ice directed to an ice spout aligned with the beverage dispenser area based on an amount of ice sensed and measured by an ice sensor ring having one or more sensors, the ice sensor ring being positioned adjacent to a periphery of an inner wall of the ice spout.

6. The one or more dispense operations include: a release valve attached to one or more bottle openings of the one or more bottles, the release valve being opened to allow liquid stored in a selected bottle to enter the reservoir; a liquid measurement sensor that determines an amount of liquid in the reservoir based on the beverage order prior to dispensing the liquid into the container; The device of claim 1 , comprising:

7. 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the liquid measurement sensor is an optical sensor that senses a light beam passing through a surface area of ​​the reservoir while liquid is being dispensed into the reservoir.

8. The device of claim 6 , wherein the liquid measurement sensor is a proximity sensor that measures the reservoir as the liquid is admitted to the reservoir.

9. The device of claim 8 , wherein the proximity sensor comprises one or more of a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, and an inductive sensor.

10. 1. A method comprising: receiving a beverage order from a computer; rotating a carousel carrying a plurality of bottles to present one or more of the plurality of bottles at a dispense position; providing one or more liquid dispensing operations to containers disposed in a beverage dispenser area based on one or more bottle selection commands included in the beverage order; actuating one or more release valves of liquid dispenser nozzles linked to a plurality of different liquid sources via one or more of a plurality of actuating elements fixed to a corresponding plurality of motors to provide one or more additional dispense operations to the beverage dispenser area based on one or more liquid source selection commands included in the beverage order; A method for providing the above.

11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the actuation element comprises one or more of a servo horn, a lever, and an arm.

12. The method of claim 10 , wherein the order is received via an interface of the computer or via wireless transmission.

13. The method of claim 10 , wherein the one or more dispense operations and the one or more additional dispense operations are selected by the computer based on a type of beverage included in the beverage order.

14. 11. The method of claim 10, comprising manipulating an amount of ice directed through an ice dispenser to an ice spout aligned with the beverage dispenser area based on an amount of ice sensed and measured by an ice sensor ring having one or more sensors, the ice sensor ring being positioned adjacent to a periphery of an inner wall of the ice spout.

15. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the one or more dispense operations comprise a release valve attached to one or more bottle mouths of the one or more bottles and opened to allow liquid stored in a selected bottle to enter a reservoir, and a liquid measurement sensor that determines an amount of liquid in the reservoir based on the beverage order prior to releasing the liquid into the container.

16. The method of claim 15 , wherein the liquid measurement sensor is an optical sensor that senses a light beam passing through a surface area of ​​the reservoir while liquid is being dispensed into the reservoir.

17. The method of claim 15 , wherein the liquid measurement sensor is a proximity sensor that measures the reservoir as the liquid enters the reservoir.

18. The method of claim 17 , wherein the proximity sensor comprises one or more of a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, and an inductive sensor.

19. 1. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, comprising: receiving a beverage order from a computer; rotating a carousel carrying a plurality of bottles to present one or more of the plurality of bottles at a dispense position; providing one or more liquid dispensing operations to containers disposed in a beverage dispenser area based on one or more bottle selection commands included in the beverage order; actuating one or more release valves of liquid dispenser nozzles linked to a plurality of different liquid sources via one or more of a plurality of actuating elements fixed to a corresponding plurality of motors to provide one or more additional dispensing operations to the beverage dispenser area based on one or more liquid source selection commands included in the beverage order; A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium configured to store instructions that, when executed, cause a processor to perform the following:

20. The processor, 20. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 19, further configured to: manipulate an amount of ice directed through an ice dispenser to an ice drop hole aligned with the beverage dispenser area based on an amount of ice sensed and measured by an ice sensor ring having one or more sensors, the ice sensor ring being positioned adjacent to a periphery of an inner wall of the ice drop hole.

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