Printed User Interface

Abstract

A method and apparatus are provided for providing a reduced cost touch-sensitive user interface that includes a static printed display. The method and system may include providing lighting to guide a user through interaction with the touch-sensitive user interface. The method and system may include a configurable printed display. Further aspects are disclosed that provide for the use of a reduced-cost touch user interface in a beverage dispensing apparatus.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] Touch-sensitive displays are typically constructed from a touch-sensitive surface layered over an LCD display. Although touch displays are widely used in mobile devices and other consumer products, their cost precludes their use in some other products. For example, many beverage dispensing machines do not currently utilize modern touch user interface capabilities due to the requirement that these dispensing machines be low-cost to keep beverage prices to a minimum. These beverage dispensing machines may appear old or outdated to consumers who are accustomed to using modern touch user interfaces. Consumers may not enjoy the experience of dispensing beverages from these machines. Thus, there is a need for an inexpensive implementation of a touch-based user interface. Additionally, current beverage dispensing machines may include several push button switches for user beverage selection. These switches usually require maintenance, and they may wear out over time and fail to respond to user selections. A more reliable, low-maintenance solution would be an improvement over these existing systems. Thus, improved systems and methods to address these and other shortcomings are desired in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0002] In light of the above background, the following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects described herein. This summary is not an extensive overview and is not intended to identify key or critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claims. The following summary is merely intended to present various described aspects in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description provided below.

[0003] Aspects of the present disclosure include an apparatus for providing a low-cost touch-sensitive user interface including a printed display. Some aspects include a method for using lighting to guide a user through an interaction.

[0004] Other aspects of the present disclosure may include a cup with a printed code to enable identification of the cup through the use of a capacitive sensor. Other aspects may include a method for beverage dispenser behavior once the cup is identified.

[0005] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to detecting the level of contents within a bag or sack using printed conductors.

[0006] This summary is not an exhaustive listing of novel features disclosed herein and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims. These and other features are described in more detail below. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] Certain features herein are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the accompanying drawings in which like numerals refer to similar elements between the drawings.

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a beverage dispenser according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0009] [Diagram 2] 1 illustrates an example of a touch display according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0010] [Diagram 3] 1 illustrates an example of a touch user interface assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0011] [Figure 4] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a mask layer according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0012] [Diagram 5] 1 illustrates an exploded view of components of an example touch user interface assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0013] [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of components of an example touch user interface assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0014] [Figure 7] 1 illustrates a system diagram of an example touch user interface that may be included in a beverage dispensing system according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0015] [Figure 8A] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a configurable touch display according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 8B] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a configurable touch display according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 8C] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a configurable touch display according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0016] [Figure 9] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a beverage dispenser according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0017] [Figure 10A] 1 illustrates an example of a distributed beverage supply system according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 10B] 1 illustrates an example of a distributed beverage supply system according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0018] [Figure 11] 1 illustrates an example of a mobile application interface as in some embodiments according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] [Figure 12] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a beverage dispenser according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0020] [Figure 13] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a cup according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0021] [Figure 14] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a printed level sensor according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0022] [Figure 15] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a vending machine according to an aspect of the present disclosure. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THEINVENTION

[0023] In the following description of various exemplary embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification and which show, by way of illustration, various embodiments in which aspects of the present disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates an example beverage dispenser 100 that includes a touch display 110, according to some embodiments.

[0025] 2 illustrates an example embodiment of a touch display 200, such as may be included in the beverage dispenser 100. In some embodiments, the touch display 200 may include a header area 210 in which graphics, text, or other visual information may be placed to prompt the consumer to make various selections. The touch display 200 may include various beverage options 220 that a user may touch to select. In some embodiments, the touch display 200 may include various flavor or ingredient add or remove options, such as an add flavor option 230. Some embodiments may include dispensing instructions, such as a pour option 240, various water dispense options 250, and a cancel option 260. FIG. 2 illustrates one of many possible arrangements given the disclosure herein.

[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates a touch user interface assembly 300 as may be included in some embodiments of the touch display 200. The touch panel 310 may be a projected capacitive touch sensitive panel and may be constructed from various layers, including one or more glass layers, electrode layers, insulating materials, and adhesives. The touch panel 310 may be transparent so that images or other visual information may be viewed through the touch panel 310. The touch panel 310 may support one or more touch sensitive areas, allowing a user to interact with touches within those areas. In some embodiments, a single touch area may be used to accept user input. In those embodiments, the touch panel 310 may provide coordinates or another indication of the touch location. In other embodiments, multiple touch areas may be provided and user input may be determined based on the touched area.

[0027] The control unit 340 may interface with the touch panel 310 to receive touch actions and perform other actions from the touch panel 310. For example, the control unit 340 may control a beverage dispensing system to dispense a beverage selected by a user.

[0028] The printed display 320 may be positioned behind the touch panel 310 and may provide images or other visual information to inform the user where to touch, or may provide advertising or decoration. The printed display 320 may include visual markings that divide the printed display 320 into one or more sections that may be selected by the user via the touch panel 310. The printed display 320 may be constructed from paper, cardboard, translucent film, or other materials. In some embodiments, the printed display 320 may include one or more layers, where each layer may include visual information. Although the printed display 320 is referred to as a "printed display," any image or visual information may be applied to the printed display 320 by a variety of application methods, including printing, painting, photocopying, and the like. In some embodiments, the visual information of the printed display may be printed on the backside of the touch surface, rather than including a separate layer or component within the touch user interface assembly 300.

[0029] In some embodiments, the printed display 320 may be configured to replace a digital display, for example, as a retrofit to reduce cost.

[0030] In some embodiments, a lighting unit 330 may be positioned behind or otherwise proximate to the printed display 320 to provide illumination of various portions of the printed display 320. The lighting unit 330 may include lights such as LEDs of different colors, light pipes, lenses, or other means for focusing or directing light to various portions of the printed display 320. In some embodiments, the lenses or light pipes may be movable so that the illumination may be directed either manually or under programmatic control by the control unit 340.

[0031] The control unit 340 may manage the operation of the touch display 200. The control unit 340 may include one or more processors, memory, and / or discrete logic. In some embodiments, the control unit 340 may include a clock, calendaring software, interfaces to sensors, such as beverage availability or other inventory levels, etc. The control unit 340 may be connected to the touch panel 310 to operate the touch panel and to receive user input from the touch panel 310. For example, in some embodiments, the control unit 340 may receive coordinates representing a location on the touch panel touched by a user.

[0032] In some embodiments, the lighting unit 330 may be controlled by the control unit 340 to sequentially illuminate portions of the printed display in response to user input received by the touch panel 310. In some embodiments, the lighting unit 330 may be controlled to illuminate certain portions, such as portions for user focus or for the next user input. The lighting may be applied to help the user move through steps of the interaction. The control unit 340 may cause the lighting unit 330 to illuminate various layers of the printed display 320 in embodiments in which the printed display 320 includes multiple layers.

[0033] In some embodiments, the printed display 320 may be static and unchanging, as opposed to existing touch display implementations including LCD displays, and therefore other mechanisms have been developed to guide or provide feedback to the user. For example, lighting may vary in response to user selection, vibration(s) (haptic feedback) may be generated, for example, by a motor or piezoelectric device, and audible sounds including clicks or beeps may be generated following user input. In some embodiments, various intensities of lighting may be provided. For example, lighting at half brightness (50%) may indicate available and user-selectable portions of the printed display 320, while lighting at full brightness (100%) may indicate that the user has selected a particular portion. In some embodiments, background areas may be illuminated at a lower percentage of brightness, such as 20% or other percentages. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various other intensities of light may be used to provide feedback or guidance to the user. The percentage of lighting brightness may be between 0% and 100% in various embodiments. In some embodiments, the user may deselect a previously selected portion, which may cause the lighting to return to half brightness to indicate that the portion has been deselected and is again available for selection by the user. In some embodiments, illumination of different colors may be used to guide or provide feedback to the user.

[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates an example embodiment of a mask layer 400 that may comprise one or more layers of the printed display 320. In some embodiments, the mask layer 400 may be a separate layer from the printed display 320. The mask layer 400 may hide various portions of the printed display 320 such that they are invisible to a user unless those portions are illuminated by the lighting unit 330. The mask layer 400 may include shaded areas 410, which when illuminated provide visibility of the printed display portions behind the mask layer. The shaded areas 410 may be positioned such that they cover portions of the visual information on the printed display 320. When illuminated, the shaded areas may become transparent, allowing images or other visual information to be seen through the shaded areas 410. The shaded areas 410 may be constructed from various films. The control unit 340 may control the lighting unit 330 to illuminate various portions of the mask layer 400 to make the corresponding portions of the printed display 320 visible through the touch panel 310.

[0035] 5 illustrates an exploded view of some components of an example touch user interface assembly 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The touch user interface assembly 500 may include a touch panel 510 having a touch-sensitive area 520. The touch panel 510 may be attached to a support frame 530.

[0036] 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of components of an example touch user interface assembly 600 according to aspects of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, a printed display 630 may comprise a layer between the touch panel 620 and the support frame 610 such that the printed display 630 may be visible to a user through the touch panel 620. In some embodiments, the printed display 620 may be replaceable or scrollable to facilitate configuration or upgrade of the touch user interface assembly 600.

[0037] 7 illustrates a system diagram 700 of an example beverage dispensing machine as may be in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. A control unit 710 may accept user input from a touch user interface 740. In response to a user selection of a beverage via the touch user interface 740, the control unit 710 may control a dispensing unit 720 to dispense the selected beverage. The control unit 710 may receive input from a sensor unit 730 related to ingredient levels.

[0038] 8A-C illustrate example embodiments of a configurable touch display 800. In the illustrated embodiment, various objects (graphics, other visual information) may be made visible to a user through the use of lighting unit 330 and mask layer 400. In FIG. 8A, several objects may be visible to a user. The visible objects may be objects behind mask layer 400 illuminated by lighting unit 330. In some embodiments, each visible object may be user selectable by touching a surface (touch panel 310) on the visible object. In FIG. 8B, lighting unit 330 may illuminate additional areas of mask layer 400, thereby making additional objects visible, such as objects 820 and 860. In FIG. 8C, lighting unit 330 may illuminate more areas of mask layer 400, thereby making additional objects visible, such as objects 810, 830, 840, and 850. It should therefore be appreciated that the configuration of touch display 800 may be modified through the use of lighting to make various objects visible for user selection.

[0039] In embodiments that do not use mask layer 400, lighting may be used to guide the user through the steps of item selection, even though non-selectable items may be visible to the user.

[0040] In some embodiments, the lighting unit 330 may be controlled to guide or lead the user through the interaction to select a beverage. For example, certain portions of the printed display 320 may be illuminated according to an order associated with the steps of the interaction. This may help simplify the interaction for the user. For example, artwork or graphics (objects) associated with the available beverage selections, such as object 820, may be illuminated first to help the user make the beverage selection. Next, lighting may be applied to the flavor selections, such as objects 850 and 840. Finally, lighting may be applied to the "pour" object 870 to alert the user that the beverage dispensing process has progressed to the final stage, and the beverage may be dispensed.

[0041] In some embodiments, the touch display 800 may be configured based on the availability of a beverage product or flavoring. For example, if a flavoring is unavailable, the control unit 340 may control the lighting unit 330 to not illuminate objects associated with that flavoring.

[0042] In some embodiments, the printed display 320 may include a multi-layer, translucent film. Illumination from the lighting unit 330 may make certain layers more visible while other layers may be less visible. For example, one layer of the multi-layer film may provide an image related to carbonated drinks, while another layer may provide an image related to juice.

[0043] In some embodiments, the touch display 800 may be configured based on the time of day. For example, during the morning hours, the control unit 340 may control the lighting unit 330 to illuminate objects related to juice, while during the afternoon or evening hours, the control unit 340 may control the lighting unit 330 to illuminate objects related to carbonated drinks. In some embodiments, different layers of the printed display 320 may be illuminated at certain times of the day. In other embodiments, the configuration may allow the beverage dispenser to support more beverage or ingredient options than would normally fit in the space provided by the display. In these embodiments, user-selectable areas may be provided to allow the user to view additional options. For example, the selectable areas may result in a reconfiguration of the touch display 800 through illumination of different layers of the printed display 320.

[0044] In some embodiments, a proximity sensor may be used to detect the presence of a user. The proximity sensor may include an optical sensor. In some embodiments, the behavior of the touch display 800 may change depending on the presence of a user. For example, when no user is detected nearby, the user interface may enter a "attract" mode in which the user interface may use lighting or sound to attract the attention of a disengaged or not yet engaged user. In another example, when a user is detected nearby, the user interface may enter a "ready" mode in which it may respond to an initial user input. Certain portions of the printed display 320 may be provided with lighting to aid the user with the operation of the touch display 800. For example, typically, objects selected first in an interaction may be illuminated to draw the user's attention to those objects.

[0045] When a user selects an object in the user interface, illumination may be provided to various portions of the printed display 320. Continuing with the beverage dispenser example, when a particular beverage is selected, the portions associated with that beverage may be illuminated, while portions associated with other beverages may not be illuminated, thereby providing feedback to the user that the selection has been recognized.

[0046] Also, once a beverage has been selected, various other portions of the printed display 320 may be provided with illumination to indicate a valid next selection for the user. For example, the "inject" portion may be illuminated, or the flavor addition portion may be illuminated to indicate to the user that either of these portions is a valid next selection.

[0047] Additionally, after beverage selection, various flavor-adding portions may be illuminated to indicate to the user that they are selectable. As disclosed above, in some embodiments, various intensities of illumination may be provided. For example, half-bright illumination may indicate a possible user selection, while full-bright illumination may indicate that the user has selected the object. In some embodiments, the user may deselect the object, which may cause the illumination to revert to half-bright illumination to indicate that the object has been deselected and is again available for selection by the user.

[0048] In some embodiments, a limited number of flavor selections may be permitted. For example, in an embodiment where three flavor selections may be permitted, after the selection of the third flavor, the lighting of objects corresponding to any additional flavor additions may be turned off or dimmed, and the touch panel may not respond to user input in areas corresponding to those objects.

[0049] In some embodiments, once the user has progressed through the beverage and any flavor selections, the interface may be ready for the user to select a dispense of the beverage. The portion of the printed display 320 that corresponds to the dispense instructions, e.g., pour 870, may be illuminated. In some embodiments, the pour area on the touch panel 310 may remain available so that the user may select it multiple times to dispense the beverage up to the full of the container, or to allow the user to sample the beverage and then continue dispensing by additionally touching the corresponding area.

[0050] A touch user interface may, in some embodiments, time out so that user input can no longer be accepted from a particular area and the interface may reset to its original state.

[0051] In some embodiments, the interface may include a "cleaning" mode in which the touch panel may become unresponsive to input for a predetermined period of time, such as 15 seconds. The "cleaning" mode does not dispense beverages, but disables user input to facilitate wiping or otherwise touching the user interface for cleaning. At the expiration of the predetermined period of time, the interface may exit the "cleaning" mode and return to normal operation.

[0052] In some embodiments, the touch display 800 may be manually configured and / or reconfigured. For example, reconfiguration of the touch display from that illustrated in FIG. 8A to that of FIG. 8B or 8C may be accomplished by manual replacement of one or more removable printed graphics, such as the printed display 320. In some embodiments, the manual replacement may be communicated to the control unit 340. For example, the printed display may include a code, such as may be applied by conductive printing, and the code may be read by a sensor, such as the sensor unit 730. In other embodiments, the manual replacement of the printed display 320 may be communicated to the control unit 340 by manual input.

[0053] 9 illustrates an embodiment of a beverage dispenser 900 according to aspects of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the beverage dispenser 900 includes two touch displays 200 to simultaneously and independently provide the dispense of two beverages. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that more than two touch displays may be included in some embodiments.

[0054] FIG. 10A illustrates an example of a distributed beverage dispenser system 1000 as in some embodiments. In some embodiments, a remote touch display 1010 may be located remotely from a beverage dispenser 1020, allowing a user to select a beverage without accessing the beverage dispenser. As seen in the illustrated example, the remote touch display 1010 may be mounted on a countertop accessible by a user, while the beverage dispenser 1020 may be located behind a counter for access by a vending worker. In some embodiments, the remote touch display 1010 may communicate with the beverage dispenser 1020 using wireless communication including infrared, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth, among others. In other embodiments, the remote touch display 1010 may communicate with the beverage dispenser 1020 through a wired connection. In some embodiments, the remote touch display 1010 may communicate directly with the beverage dispenser 1020, while in other embodiments, communication may be through an intermediary, such as a billing or order taking system.

[0055] In some embodiments, the beverage dispenser 1020 may include a user interface similar to the remote touch display 1010. In other embodiments, the beverage dispenser 1020 may include a different user interface, for example, the user interface may not have a touch panel. In some embodiments, the user interface of the beverage dispenser 1020 may provide lighting that corresponds to selections made by a user via the remote touch display 1010.

[0056] In some embodiments, the remote touch display 1010 may include printed electronics. Such an embodiment may allow for the manufacture of the remote touch display 1010 in the form of a flexible mat. Illumination may be provided by LED lights, e.g., printed LEDs, included in the remote touch display 1010.

[0057] FIG. 10B illustrates an embodiment of a remote touch display 1030 that includes an infrared transmitter 1040 for communicating with a beverage dispenser, such as the beverage dispenser 1020.

[0058] 11 illustrates an example of a mobile application 1100 according to aspects of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the mobile application may run on a mobile device, such as a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop, etc. The mobile application 1100 may enable a user selection of a beverage for dispensing via a beverage dispenser, such as the beverage dispenser 1020. Communication between the mobile application and the beverage dispenser 1020 may be via any supported wireless means, such as infrared, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth, among others. The mobile application 1100 may provide the user with the ability to make a beverage selection while standing in line, thereby reducing wait times.

[0059] In some embodiments, the mobile application 1100 may be used with other types of beverage or other product dispensers and may allow a user to select a beverage or product without touching the dispenser. This may be preferred by some users as it allows the user to complete the selection process on a personal device, such as the mobile device described above, without having to interface with the dispenser. This may be particularly useful as the user may become familiar with the mobile application 1100 and not need to learn how to use various dispenser interfaces.

[0060] Another aspect of the disclosure may provide an identifier associated with a cup so that various advantageous processes may be realized. FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a cup identification system 1200 including a cup 1210 and a beverage dispenser 1220. Although a cup is referred to in the illustrations herein, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various other containers may also be used, including various shapes and sizes of bottles, etc., in view of these teachings. In some embodiments, the cup 1210 may include an identifier 1230, which may allow it to be recognized by the beverage dispenser 1220. The dispensing system may have a sensor 1240, such as a projective-capacitive sensor, to detect the presence of the cup and / or identify the cup by changes in the electric field generated by the sensor 1240. In some embodiments, the sensor 1240 may be a mutual capacitance sensor and may include support for multi-touch detection. The sensor 1240 may be included in the sensor unit 730 described above. The sensor 1240 may be located in various locations depending on the embodiment. In some embodiments, the sensor 1240 may be positioned horizontally, attached to the drip tray 1260. In other embodiments, the sensor 1240 may be positioned vertically, for example, attached to the support member 1270 directly below the feeder port 1250.

[0061] In some embodiments, the identifier 1230 may include conductive printing and / or semiconductors that can communicate at various frequencies, using various protocols, on the cup 1210 in a pattern that can be read by the sensor 1240. In some embodiments, the conductors may include conductive ink. In various embodiments, the conductors may be printed on the bottom of the cup, between layers of cup material, on the surface of the cup, or on a sticker that can be attached to the cup. The printed conductors may be visible, or visible markings may be added, allowing the user to recognize the presence of the printed conductors. For example, the visible markings may include a message to the user conveying information about a feature associated with the cup, such as "Limit 2 drinks" or "Unlimited drinks". In some embodiments, the markings may be artwork or graphics.

[0062] In some embodiments, when the cup 1210 is placed in close proximity to the sensor 1240, the pattern of conductors may be recognized as a multi-touch input by the sensor 1240. Using the input from the sensor, the pattern may be captured and the cup may be identified, for example, by the control unit 340. In some other embodiments, the shape and position of each printed conductor may be read by the sensor.

[0063] The sensor 1240 may be positioned such that the markings can be read when the cup 1210 is placed in the dispensing position. In other embodiments, the sensor 1240 may be positioned in a variety of other locations such that a user can pass or hold a cup near the sensor 1240 prior to dispensing a beverage.

[0064] While some existing beverage dispensers are capable of recognizing cups that contain RFID, a problem with these existing solutions is that the RFID adds significant cost to the cup. The identifiers disclosed herein, in some embodiments, can provide a low-cost solution.

[0065] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of an embodiment of a cup 1300 according to some aspects of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the cup 1310 may include printed conductor markings on an exterior surface. Item 1320 represents a close-up of the bottom of the cup 1310. In the illustrated embodiment, the printed conductor markings are visible on the item 1320. One or more markings 1330 may be used by the sensor 1240 to determine the orientation of the cup. Although a star shape is shown in this illustration, it should be understood that a variety of markings may be used to the same effect. Other markings 1340 may be read as identification of the cup. In some embodiments, the printed conductors may be invisible to a user. For example, the printed conductors may be obscured by a covering, such as a layer of paper in a paper cup. In some embodiments, the printed conductors may be printed using a material that visually blends with the cup. In other embodiments, the printed conductors may be small, so that they may not be visible to the naked eye.

[0066] In various embodiments, a series of numbering or identification methods can be used to provide a unique identification for each cup. For example, one skilled in the art will appreciate that dot or line patterns found in, for example, common bar codes may be used. Alternatively, numeric printing may be used. A series of letters or other shapes may be used. Any pattern or shape that is recognizable by the sensor 1240 and that contains a sufficient number of unique sequences may be used.

[0067] In some embodiments, the ink on the printed conductors may wash off or otherwise become unrecognizable when exposed to condensation or moisture. This feature may be used to provide a single-use cup where condensation may wash away the ink during the first use of the cup, such that it can no longer be read by the sensor 1240. The dispenser 1220 may not dispense beverages into an unidentifiable cup.

[0068] FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of a printed level sensor 1400 according to aspects of the disclosure. In some embodiments, a bag-in-a-box (BiB) 1410 can be used to deliver beverage ingredients, such as soft drink syrup, to a beverage dispenser, such as the beverage dispenser 100. In some embodiments, multiple BiBs 1410 may be stacked or placed on a rack 1420. The BiB 1410 may include a hose to connect the BiB to the beverage dispenser 100. In some embodiments, the BiB 1410 may include a bag or pouch made of plastic or metalized film within a corrugated fiberboard box. The problem with the bag-in-box is that it is typically constructed of opaque materials, making it difficult to determine how much content remains in the box at any given time. Often, vendors are unaware of the level and may unexpectedly sell out. This can be especially problematic during rush hours or other busy times when vendors may not have time to exchange the bag-in-box for a full bag-in-box. Although operation would be improved if the user were provided with a remaining level reading, a low cost solution is desired. Aspects of the present disclosure may include an electronic level sensor printed on a surface of the bag, such as the interior surface, such that a volumetric measurement may correspond to the level of contents within the bag.

[0069] In some embodiments, the level sensor may include multiple printed conductors spaced a predetermined distance apart and exposed to the liquid contents of the bag. In other embodiments, the level sensor may comprise a single printed conductor. The printed conductor or conductors may be electrically connected to the exterior of the BiB1410, for example, by passing through a hole in the BiB, to allow for external connection to a sensor, such as a capacitive sensor.

[0070] During use, as the content level decreases, the reading of a sensor associated with the printed conductors changes, thereby indicating the content level. The inner printed conductors may change capacitance as the content level changes. The level sensor may be included within the sensing unit 730 described above.

[0071] In some embodiments, the rack 1420 may use wireless or wired communication to transmit readings from the sensors to external monitoring equipment, such as the beverage dispenser 100 .

[0072] FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of a vending machine 1500 according to aspects of the disclosure. In some vending machines, products may be displayed through a window so that a user can see the items available for purchase. A printed display, such as a circle 1510, may be attached or printed on the window at a location that corresponds to the item behind the window. The printed or attached visual display may provide guidance to the user on where to select. A touch panel may be placed on the window, or the window itself may include touch capabilities, allowing the user to touch the circle 1510 to make a beverage selection.

[0073] While the present invention has been described in terms of specific examples, including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that there are many variations and permutations of the above-described systems and techniques that are within the spirit and scope of the invention, as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A beverage delivery system comprising: a dispensing port configured to dispense a beverage; a transparent touch panel having one or more touch sensitive areas; a printed display panel disposed behind the transparent touch panel, the printed display panel comprising visual markings defining one or more portions associated with selectable options for a user of the beverage dispensing system, the visual markings being printed on the printed display panel, the one or more portions corresponding to the one or more touch sensitive areas; a control unit configured to receive an input from the transparent touch panel and cause the dispensing port to dispense the beverage based on the input; one or more lights; the control unit is configured to sequentially illuminate a first light of the one or more lights to illuminate a first visual marking and a second light of the one or more lights to illuminate a second visual marking based on the input. Beverage supply system.

2. The beverage dispensing system of claim 1 , further comprising a proximity sensor in communication with the control unit, the proximity sensor configured to detect the presence of the user in proximity to the transparent touch panel.

3. 3. The beverage dispensing system of claim 2, wherein the control unit is further configured to control the one or more lights to provide a first lighting mode or a second lighting mode in response to a signal from the proximity sensor.

4. 2. The beverage supply system of claim 1, further comprising a mask layer disposed between the printed display panel and the transparent touch panel, the mask layer including at least one shaded area that becomes transparent when illuminated, thereby exposing the printed display panel.

5. The beverage dispensing system of claim 1 , wherein the transparent touch panel and the printed display panel are remote from the dispensing port.

6. The beverage delivery system of claim 5 , further comprising a transmitter, the control unit further configured to control the transmitter to transmit data corresponding to the user's selection.

7. The beverage dispensing system of claim 6 , wherein the transmitter is in wireless communication with the dispensing port.

8. The beverage delivery system of claim 1 , wherein the selectable options include one or more of a beverage option, add flavor, add ingredient, remove flavor, remove ingredient, a delivery command, and a cancel option.

9. The beverage dispensing system of claim 1 , wherein the printed display panel comprises paper, cardboard, or a translucent film.

10. The beverage delivery system of claim 1 , wherein the printed display panel comprises multiple layers.

11. 2. The beverage dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the one or more lights illuminate at a first intensity and, in response to an input, the one or more lights illuminate at a second intensity that is brighter than the first intensity.

12. 2. The beverage delivery system of claim 1, wherein the one or more lights illuminate a first color, and in response to receiving an input, the one or more lights illuminate a second color different from the first color.

13. 1. A method of guiding a user through a beverage selection process, comprising: illuminating a first portion of the printed display panel, including the printed markings, with one or more lights at a first color or a first intensity to display selectable options; The printed display panel is disposed behind a transparent touch panel; The method also includes: receiving a user selection at the first portion from the transparent touch panel; and in response to the user selection, illuminating the first portion with one or more lights at a second color or a second brightness different from the first color or first brightness. method.

14. receiving a user selection on a second portion of the printed display panel; and illuminating the second portion with one or more lights at the second color or intensity in response to the user selection at the second portion. The method of claim 13.

15. the first color or first brightness comprises a first color, and the second color or second brightness comprises a second color different from the first color; The method of claim 13.

16. the first color or first brightness comprises a first brightness, and the second color or second brightness comprises a second brightness greater than the first brightness; The method of claim 13.

17. and illuminating a second portion of the printed display panel with the one or more lights at the first color or first brightness to display selectable options. The method of claim 13.

18. the printed display panel comprises a multi-layer printed display panel; The method of claim 13.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising a step of illuminating the first layer or the second layer of the multi-layer printed display panel based on time of day.

20. illuminating a second portion of the printed display panel with one or more lights after receiving the user selection at the first portion; 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: receiving a second user selection at the second portion of the printed display panel; and dispensing a beverage based on the second user selection.

21. The method of claim 13 , further comprising receiving, in the first portion, a second user selection that deselects the user selection in the first portion.

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