US20090040050A1 - RF device in drinkware to record data/initiate sequence of behavior - Google Patents
RF device in drinkware to record data/initiate sequence of behavior Download PDFInfo
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- US20090040050A1 US20090040050A1 US12/189,222 US18922208A US2009040050A1 US 20090040050 A1 US20090040050 A1 US 20090040050A1 US 18922208 A US18922208 A US 18922208A US 2009040050 A1 US2009040050 A1 US 2009040050A1
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
- G06Q20/08—Payment architectures
- G06Q20/10—Payment architectures specially adapted for electronic funds transfer [EFT] systems; specially adapted for home banking systems
- G06Q20/105—Payment architectures specially adapted for electronic funds transfer [EFT] systems; specially adapted for home banking systems involving programming of a portable memory device, e.g. IC cards, "electronic purses"
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
- G06Q20/08—Payment architectures
- G06Q20/20—Point-of-sale [POS] network systems
- G06Q20/204—Point-of-sale [POS] network systems comprising interface for record bearing medium or carrier for electronic funds transfer or payment credit
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Abstract
A beverage dispensing system includes a beverage dispenser having at least one dispensing head and at least one actuator being adapted to dispense a beverage when a user selects a type of beverage when an actuator is engaged if dispensing is authorized. Also provided is a handheld drinking container having an RF device for sending and receiving signals and storing information and a transmitter coupled to the beverage dispenser for receiving a first signal from the RF device and for sending a second signal to the RF device. A controller is coupled to the beverage dispenser for determining whether the first signal includes authorization to fill the container and to open the at least one dispensing head and for subtracting a quantity of beverage dispensed from a quantity of beverage purchased to determine a quantity of beverage remaining.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/971,487, which is based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/513,662, filed Oct. 23, 2003 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/518,904, filed Nov. 10, 2003. Each of the foregoing applications is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- Conventional drinkware may not in itself entertain or enhance the experience of a person at one of the aforementioned locations. In particular, conventional drinkware with advertisements is unlikely entertain or enhance the experience of a person at the amusement park. Further, it is important that amusement parks use drinkware that increases drink sales. Conventional drinkware may not further encourage people to purchase drinks. As a result, people at amusement parks may buy drinks primarily because of thirst, not because of drinkware. Thus, the amusement park is losing drink sales because the drinkware itself may not provide a motivation to purchase the drinkware.
- Drinkware found in homes typically does not entertain and is not interactive. For example, in many instances a person plays a video game and a drink is nearby. Unfortunately, the drinkware merely holds a liquid and does not further the video game experience. Thus, conventional drinkware cannot perform functions, thus resulting in reduced drinkware sales and enjoyment.
- Restaurants may have a policy that the customer can purchase a cup, which they can fill one time at a self serve fountain machine. If the customer wants to refill their cup, they may have to pay for the refill. Despite the restaurant's policy, customers may refill their cups without making proper payment. The restaurant may also have a policy that customers cannot use a single cup for multiple visits to the restaurant. For example, the restaurant may sell the cup to the customer so that the customer can refill the cup during a single continuous visit, but cannot refill the cup during a subsequent visit. Despite the restaurant's policy, after the customer purchases the cup leaves the restaurant, the customer may return to the restaurant for a second visit and reuse the same cup that they purchased during the first visit without making any payment. The restaurant loses money because the customer did not make the required payment for their drink. Thus, the restaurant loses costly liquid. Additionally, the restaurant may have a lost sale because the customer might have purchased a drink during the subsequent visit if they could not reuse cups.
- There is provided in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention a consumer product, desirably drinkware, and more desirably a drinking container that comprises a sensory device coupled to the drinking container. The sensory device is a broad term and includes, for example, a light, vibrator (e.g., a rotating unbalanced mass), speaker articulating part, visual display, and the like.
- In one embodiment, drinking container comprises a receiver/transmitter that is capable of sending and receiving various signals. In one another embodiment, the drinking container comprises a receiver and a switch. The switch can be in communication with the sensory device to activate or deactivate the sensory device. In another embodiment, the drinking container comprises a receiver sensory device capable of receiving a signal.
- A RF device is particularly desirable because it can be used to send and receive signals. In one embodiment, the receiver and/or transmitter, such as a RF device, is desirably coupled to the drinking container and is capable of receiving a signal, such as an RF signal. Further, the RF device is in communication with the sensory device. In one embodiment, the drinking container has a power supply connected to both the RF device and the sensory device.
- In another embodiment, a drinking system comprises a handheld drinking container, a transmitter, a communication device, and a sensory device. The sensory device is coupled to the handheld drinking container. The communication device is also coupled to the handheld drinking container and is in communication with both the transmitter and the sensory device.
- In one embodiment, the transmitter can send a signal (e.g., RF signal) and the communication device can receive the signal. Further, the communication device comprises a RF chip powered by a power supply that can send a RF signal. In another embodiment, the communication device comprises a radio frequency identification chip. Further, a timer can be in communication with the communication device and/or the sensory device.
- In one embodiment, a method of dispensing a liquid comprises providing a handheld drinking container having a RF device. A transmitter is provided that communicates with the RF device. A fountain machine being capable of dispensing a liquid is controlled in response to the communication between the transmitter and the RF device. Further, the handheld drinking container can be a disposable cup. The fountain machine can be controlled based on the amount of liquid dispensed into the handheld drinking container.
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FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a drinkware device and a transmitter; -
FIG. 1A is an illustration of a communication device; -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the drinkware device; -
FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a communication device; -
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a transmitter and a communication device; -
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a transmitter and a communication device in accordance with another embodiment; -
FIG. 6 is an illustration of a drinkware device in accordance with another embodiment -
FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a transmitter and a communication device in accordance with another embodiment; -
FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a program of in accordance with another embodiment. -
FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of adrinkware device 2 comprising ahandheld container 10 capable of holding liquid having a communication device or radio frequency (RF)device 20, which is in communication with asensory device 40. Drinkware as used herein is intended as a broad term and includes. for example, cups, mugs, straws, bottles, etc.RF device 20 communicates withsensory device 40 in response to signals (e.g., a RF signal) received from atransmitter 80, for example, in the form of aRF transmitter 80. -
Container 10 can hold liquid and is configured so that a person can conveniently hold and drink the liquid. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 1 ,container 10 is a tapered cylindrical cup having an opening 4 at one end and a closedbottom 6 at the other end.Container 10 has awall 12 extending between opening 4 andbottom 6 and hasinner surface 14 and an outer surface 8.Container 10 is sized to be conveniently held by a person and can be made of glass, plastic, ceramic, coated cardboard/paper, wood pulp, etc. Additionally,container 10 can be disposable or reusable. For example,container 10 made from a ceramic is washable and reusable. -
RF device 20 is coupled tocontainer 10 and communicates withsensory device 40. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 1 ,RF device 20 is attached to outer surface 8 ofcontainer 10 by, for example, an adhesive or fasteners. For example, an adhesive, such as epoxy, can couple a back face 30 (as shown inFIG. 1A ) ofRF device 20 to surface 8 ofcontainer 10. Back face 30 can have a curved surface with a curvature similar to the curvature of surface 8 to ensure a secure bond betweenRF device 20 andcontainer 10. Additionally,RF device 20 can be flexible so thatback face 30 can conveniently attached to surface 8. Those skilled in the art recognize that there are various techniques for couplingRF device 20 tocontainer 10. For example, although not illustrated,RF device 20 can be attached toinner surface 14 ofcontainer 10. A protective layer or housing can prevent contact between the electrical components/circuits ofRF device 20 and the liquid held withincontainer 10.FR device 20 can be part of a label that can be conveniently attached tocontainer 10. For example, the label could be either an advertisement or data (e.g., a bar code) related to the container or liquid. For easy manufacturing, the label can have an adhesive side that can be conveniently affixed to a conventional container (e.g., cup, glass, mug). The label could be attached tocontainer 10 in a plurality of positions, for example, oninner surface 14, outer surface 8,bottom 6 ofcontainer 10, etc. Additionally, inexpensive disposable labels can be coupled tocontainers 10, which are disposable. In one embodiment,RF device 20 can be imbedded inwall 12 ofcontainer 10. For example,RF device 20 can be imbedded ininner surface 14 or outer surface 8.Container 10 can also be a disposable cup, for example, as sold a restaurant, as discussed below. - In one embodiment,
RF device 20 is a radio frequency identification chip (RFID).Transmitter 80 provides an output that powersRF device 20. In other words,RF device 20 does not require apower supply 26 becauseRF device 20 can have acircuit 80 powered bytransmitter 80.Circuit 80 can modulate waves, which are then are sent back to a receiver. -
Sensory device 40 gene rates or provides an output that can be perceived by a person. For example,sensory device 40 can be a light, vibrator (e.g., a rotating unbalanced mass), speaker, articulating part, visual display, or the like.Sensory device 40 can be adapted to provide an output that is related to the proximate environment. For example,drinkware device 2 hassensory device 40 in form of a light and can be sold at a baseball stadium. When a batter hits a home run,sensory device 40 located in the stands can be illuminated. Thus, plurality ofdrinkware devices 2 can be illuminated resulting in a spectacular display of light. Alternatively,sensory device 40 could be a shape or symbol that could be light up. For example, an amusement/entertainment park can have a show where people in the audience havedrinkware device 2.Sensory device 40 can be a symbol (e.g., Mickey Mouse) related to the show and could light up at various strategic times in during the show. Similarly, the audience may enjoy the visual display ofsensory devices 40, which may promote sales ofdrinkware 2. Thus, varioussensory devices 40 can be used throughout a single venue to further enhance people's enjoyment, while increasing drink sales. Those skilled in the art recognize thatsensory device 40 could be disposed on outer surface 8 orinner surface 14 ofcontainer 10, withinwall 12, onbottom 6, or the like. For example,sensory device 40 in the form of a light could be attached to outer surface 8, whilesensory device 40 in the form of a vibrator could be embedded in wall 12 (as shown inFIG. 2 ). Thus, there can be a plurality ofsensory devices 40 in various locations ofdrinkware 2. -
Transmitter 80 can send a signal toRF device 20 and has a range of 0-300 yards. Thus,transmitter 80 can send a signal toRF device 20 up to an access point 300 yards away. In one embodiment, there can be a plurality oftransmitters 80 that form a network for communicating withRF device 20. For example, an amusement park can have the plurality oftransmitters 80 that are strategically placed throughout the park such thatRF device 20 can receive a signal anywhere in the park. Alternatively, the amusement park could provide signal fromtransmitter 80 to particular regions of the park. In operation,transmitter 80 can send information or instructions toRF device 20. In one embodiment,transmitter 80 can instructRF device 20 to activate or deactivatesensory device 40. For example,RF device 20 can activatesensory device 40 for a period of time or sequence. Those skilled in art recognize thatdevice 20 can include a circuit, controller, receiver and/or transmitter, or the like that can perform a series of steps in response to the transmission or signal.Device 20 can illuminate a series of illuminated images in order to give the appearance of movement, such as a fish or whale jumping. -
Device 2 may be adapted to include a tinner that is in communication withsensory device 40 and/ordevice 20. For example,device 20 could activatesensory device 40 and the timer can be employed to deactivatesensory device 40 at a desired time. Of course, the timer can be employed so thatdevice 20 sends a signal to a receiver at a desired time. -
FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment ofdrinkware device 2 comprisingcontainer 10 withwall 12, which surroundsRF device 20.Wall 12 can reduce damage to embeddedRF device 20 because liquid cannot contactRF device 20. Additionally,wall 12 can reduce damage toRF device 20 from incidental contact, such as by bumpingdrinkware device 2 against a surface.Drinkware device 2 can be formed bymolding container 10 aroundRF device 20. The molding process can be a one step or a multi-step process. For example, a first portion ofcontainer 10 can be molded and thenRF device 20 can be attached to the first portion. An overlay or second portion can then be formed over both the first portion andRF device 20. Of course,RF device 20 can have various shapes and sizes.RF device 20 is adapted to have a thickness t1 less than then the thickness of t2 ofwall 12. Those skilled in the art recognize that various techniques can be employed for embedding the RF receiver incontainer 10. -
FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration ofRF device 20 comprising anantenna 24 in communication with aRF chip 22 powered bypower supply 26.Power supply 26 may be any known power supply in the art, for example, for example, a battery.Antenna 24 is capable of receiving a signal sent by transmitter 80 (shown inFIG. 1 ), or transmitting a signal totransmitter 80.Antenna 24 communicates the signal sent fromtransmitter 80 toRF chip 22.RF chip 22 can energize or actuatesensory device 40, which may also be powered bypower supply 26.RF chip 22 is approximately 2 mm wide and 2 mm long and can receive the signal sent bytransmitter 80 up to 300 yards away. In one embodiment,RF device 20 has anamplifier 28 to ensure that the signal fromRF chip 22 can drivesensory device 40. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 3 ,RF device 20 comprisesstorage device 18 for storing data that can be transmitted fromRF device 20 to areceiver 90.Receiver 90 can receive and interpret the data, as discussed below. Those skilled in the art recognize that other embodiments ofRF device 20 may compriseRF chip 22.RF chip 22 can be in communication with various separate components, such aspower supply 26,antenna 24,storage device 18, andamplifier 28. -
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a transmitter and a communication device. In one embodiment,RF device 20 can receive a first signal fromtransmitter 80 and can transmit a second signal toreceiver 90.FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of aprocessor 30 in communication withRF device 20 andsensory device 40. In one embodiment,processor 30 receives a signal fromRF chip 22 and processes the signal and then sends the processed signal tosensory device 40.Processor 30 can be part ofRF device 20 or a separate component. - In operation,
transmitter 80 sends a signal or signals toRF device 20, which activatessensory device 40.Sensory device 40 is powered bypower supply 26 or an alternative power supply and is activated for a period of time or a sequence. The period of time can be related to the surrounding environment, such as events during a show. Alternatively,RF device 20 can receive a first signal fromtransmitter 80 to activatesensory device 40.Sensory device 40 remains activated untilRF device 20 deactivatessensory device 40 in response to second signal fromtransmitter 80. Alternatively,RF device 20 can activatesensory device 40 for a sequence. For example,sensory device 40 can be light or series of lights that is illuminated for repeating periods of time. - In one embodiment,
RF device 20 functions as a receiver and transmitter for information data. For example,RF device 20 can be a receiver that programmed (i.e., stored on the storage device 18) with a user's information, such as their name, age, sex, and drink type.RF device 20 can be programmed by a signal sent fromtransmitter 80 or directly by the user. When the user goes to a vendor (e.g., a concession stand, bar, restaurant) the user's information is transmitted fromRF device 20 to transmitter/receiver 80, which is in communication with the vendor. The transmitted information can be provided to workers at the vendor so that the workers can greet the user by name resulting in a very personal and enjoyable experience.Drinkware device 2 also permits the vendor to track and monitor the sales of drinks. The vendors can use the information when taking inventory, advertising, performing behavioral analysis, and the like. If the vendor has many distribution locations such as an amusement park with many concession stands), a network can link all the distribution locations. Thus, workers at different distribution locations can greet the user by name and engage is a pleasant conversation. For example, a worker at an amusement park can ask the user whether they enjoyed their last show, event, ride, or the like. This can increase the user's enjoyment level while at the amusement park. - In one embodiment,
RF device 20 stores information corresponding to an amount of money. For example, the user could purchasedrinkware device 2 charged with $30, which is stored bystorage device 18 ofRF device 20. When the user buys a refill, the vendor can simply deduct the amount of money stored onstorage device 18 by the cost of the drink/refill. The user can simple carrydrinkware device 2 to the cashier and does not have to carry around money, a debt card, or a charge card. Alternatively, vendors can sell drinks with a limited number of refills. For example, a self-serve restaurant can sell a drink cup that includes two refills. When the user refillsdrinkware 2,RF device 20 andtransmitter 80, which is in communication with the fountain machine, communicate so that the refill is recorded. After two refills, the fountain machine will not refill user'sdrinkware 2. Of course,communication device 20 can be a passive device that is recognized by the receive. The receiver can be on the fountain machine and monitors the number of refills obtained by the user.Communication device 20 does not requirepower supply 26. - As illustrated in
FIG. 7 ,drinkware device 2 hasRF device 20, which is coupled tocontainer 10 and in communication with theregister system 306 and/or theliquid dispenser system 403. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 7 ,register system 306 andliquid dispenser system 403 are in communication with acontroller 310. -
Register system 306 comprises atransmitter 80′ (as discussed above) that preferably communicates with aregister 304. The register could include an integrated transmitter. Alternatively, the system could use a separate transmitter which does not communicate with the register and, for example, includes a separate input device, such as a touch pad. In one embodiment, register 304 is a cash register that is used to determine the cost of the customer's order.Transmitter 80′ can be in communication with the register so that data is exchanged betweenRF device 20 andtransmitter 80′ when the customer buys a drink and receivesdrinkware device 2, preferably to use with a self serve fountain machine. -
Liquid dispenser system 403 comprises a liquid dispenser in the form of afountain machine 402 in communication withtransmitter 80.Fountain machine 402 comprises alever 408 that can be moved to cause anozzle 400 to dispense a liquid, such as soda. Although not illustrated, thefountain machine 402 can have a button that can be depressed to cause liquid to be dispensed fromnozzle 400 or can comprise a sensor which detects the presence of the cup and actuates the dispenser.Fountain machine 402 can have plurality ofnozzles -
Controller 310 can be in communication withregister system 306 and theliquid dispensing system 403.Register system 306 andliquid dispensing system 403 havetransmitters 80′, 80, respectively, and are in communication withcontroller 310. For example,controller 310 can receive signals fromtransmitter 80′ and then can communicate withliquid dispensing system 403 to causefountain machine 402 to dispense or not dispense liquid whenlever 408 is moved. In one embodiment, when the customer buys a drink, register 304 sends a signal based on data fromtransmitter 80′.Controller 310 can communicate withtransmitter 80 to control the liquid dispensed byfountain machine 402. Alternatively,controller 310 can let the restaurant know, for example, through a signal to the register system and/or a display, that someone is seeking an unauthorized refill. Preferably,transmitter 80 is proximate tofountain machine 402 to ensure proper communication betweentransmitter 80 anddevice 20. Although not illustrated,controller 310 can be at various locations on the vendor premises. For example,controller 310 can be within ahousing 404 offountain machine 403 or underneath a counter, preferably not accessible to the public. Of course the vendor can be a drink seller, such as a fast food restaurant, food court, a concession stand (e.g., at an amusement park), cafeteria, or the like. - As discussed above,
drinkware device 2 can preferably be a disposable cup that is sold by a vendor, such as a restaurant.Drinkware device 2 can made ofinexpensive containers 10, such as paper cups, andinexpensive RF devices 20 for a low cost drinking container that can be sold in restaurants, preferably fast food restaurants. - Customers may buy a drink at a vendor in the form of a restaurant where the restaurant provides the customer with a cup that the customer takes to a self serve fountain machine. Upon reaching the fountain machine, the customer can fill up the cup with a liquid (e.g., soda) themselves.
Controller 310 can be programmed to determine whetherdrinkware device 2 should be filled byfountain machine 402. The restaurant may limit the number of refills or prohibit customers from using a single cup for multiple visits to the restaurant. Despite the restaurant's policies, customers may refill up their cup more than the allowed number of times without making proper payment. Restaurants may have a policy that the customer can purchase a cup that they can fill one time. If the customer wants to refill their cup, they may have to pay for the refill. Other times, restaurants may also have a policy that customers cannot use the same cup for multiple visits to the restaurant. For example, the restaurant may sell the cup to the customer so that the customer can refill the cup during a single continuous visit to the restaurant. Despite the restaurant's policies, after the customer leaves the restaurant, the individual may return to the restaurant for a second visit and reuses the cup that they purchased during the first visit without making any payment. Coded authorization for dispensing may prevent or decrease unauthorized refills. - A
program 900 can be used bycontroller 310 and can be based on time, amount of liquid dispensed, number of fill ups, or the like. The customer can buy a drink, i.e.device 2, in a restaurant.Device 2 andregister system 306 communicate and provide data tocontroller 310. In one embodiment,transmitter 80′ sends and receives a signal fromRF device 20 and provides data to register 304, which sends a signal tocontroller 310 indicating thatdevice 2 has been purchased.Register system 306 communicates withcontroller 310 which can haveprogram 900 to limit the amount of liquid thatfountain machine 402 dispenses to anydrinkware device 2. -
FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating steps ofprogram 900 that can be used bycontroller 310. Instep 1000,RF device 20 communicates withtransmitter 80. Preferably,RF device 20 andtransmitter 80 communicate the whendrinkware device 2 is under or nearnozzle 400. Thus,fountain machine 402 can have plurality ofnozzles nozzles drinkware device 2 is under or near. - In
step 1002,liquid dispensing system 403 sends a signal tocontroller 310 thatdevice 2 is undernozzle 400. Instep 1004controller 310 determines whetherliquid dispensing system 310 should dispense liquid out ofnozzle 400 to filldevice 2. In one embodiment, for example,fountain machine 402 only fillsdrinkware device 2 one time. Afterdrinkware device 2 is filled,fountain machine 402 will not dispense liquid out ofnozzle 400 whenlever 408 is moved. In another embodiment,fountain machine 402 can fill drinkware device 2 a certain number of times. Afterdrinkware device 2 is filled the set number of times,fountain machine 402 will not dispense liquid out ofnozzle 400 whenlever 408 is moved. In yet another embodiment,fountain machine 402 can filldrinkware device 2 during a period of time. For example,register system 304 can communicate to indicate tocontroller 310 that drinkwaredevice 2 has been sold.Controller 310 permits drinkwaredevice 2 to be filled for the period of time, for example, in the range of about 0.5 hour to 1 hour. Thus, the customer can filldrinkware device 2 while they eat. Alternatively, the time period could be one half day or all day. However, the customer cannot filldrinkware device 2 during another visit after the programmed period of time. - If
program 900 determines thatfountain machine 403 should dispense liquid,controller 310 proceeds to step 1006 and sends a signal tofountain machine 402 so thatfountain machine 402 dispenses liquid intodrinkware 2, undernozzle 400, whenlever 408 is moved. However, if the program determines thatfountain machine 402 should not dispense liquid,controller 310 proceeds to step 1008 and sends a signal tofountain machine 402 so thatfountain machine 402 does riot dispense liquid intodrinkware 2 undernozzle 400 whenlever 408 is moved. Iffountain machine 402 has plurality ofnozzles fountain machine 402 can filldrinkware device 2 undernozzle 400 while not filling anotherdrinkware device 2 underother nozzle 400. That is,program 900 can operate independently for each nozzle offountain machine 402. Again, if an individual tries to havefountain machine 402 dispense liquid in violation of tile vendor's policies, theliquid dispensing system 403 can have a buzzer, alarm, or the like, to alert the workers that an individual is improperly trying to obtain a drink. - In one embodiment,
drinkware device 2 can haveRF device 20 responsive to a video game. For example, the user can play a web-based game on a computer.RF device 20 can receive a signal from the computer and then activatessensory device 40 at various times, for example, when a player or enemy dies, during the game. The activation ofsensory device 40 can further increase the user's satisfaction during the gaming experience. - Those skilled in the art recognize that
RF device 20 can be used in various other applications. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 6 ,RF device 20 can be coupled to astraw 200. Of course,RF device 20 could also be coupled to a lid for a cup. - While particular forms of the invention have been described, it will be apparent that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the appended claims.
Claims (3)
1. A drinking container for use with a beverage dispensing system capable of interpreting and updating information based on customer selections, said drinking container comprising:
a body including an upper rim, a side wall and a bottom forming an interior space for containing a beverage; and
an RF device coupled to said body, said RF device adapted to send a first signal to a transmitter operatively connected to a beverage dispenser and receive and store information sent via a second signal from said transmitter, said first signal including customer preference or payment information and said second signal including updated customer preference or payment information.
2. A beverage dispensing system comprising:
a beverage dispenser having at least one dispensing head and at least one actuator, each of said at least one actuator corresponding to a type of beverage, and adapted to dispense a beverage when a user selects a type of beverage when an actuator is engaged if dispensing is authorized;
a handheld drinking container having a RF device for sending and receiving signals and storing information;
a transmitter coupled to said beverage dispenser for receiving a first signal from said RF device and for sending a second signal to said RF device, said first signal containing information about quantity of beverage purchased, and said second signal containing quantity of beverage remaining following dispensing of a beverage;
a controller coupled to said beverage dispenser for determining whether said first signal includes authorization to fill said container and to open said at least one dispensing head and for subtracting a quantity of beverage dispensed from a quantity of beverage purchased to determine a quantity of beverage remaining.
3. A beverage dispensing system comprising:
a beverage dispenser having at least one dispensing head and at least one actuator, each actuator of said at least one actuators corresponding to a type of beverage, and adapted to dispense a beverage when a user selects a type of beverage when an actuator is engaged if dispensing is authorized;
a handheld drinking container having a RF device, said RF device capable of sending and receiving signals and storing information;
a transmitter coupled to said beverage dispenser for receiving a first signal from said RF device and for sending a second signal to said RF device, said first signal containing information about user preferences or payment information, and said second signal containing updated user preferences or payment information following dispensing of a beverage;
a controller coupled to said beverage dispenser for determining whether said first signal includes authorization to fill said container and to open the at least one dispensing head and for updating said user preferences or payment information based on the type of beverage selected by the user.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US12/189,222 US20090040050A1 (en) | 2003-10-23 | 2008-08-11 | RF device in drinkware to record data/initiate sequence of behavior |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US51366203P | 2003-10-23 | 2003-10-23 | |
US51890403P | 2003-11-10 | 2003-11-10 | |
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US12/189,222 US20090040050A1 (en) | 2003-10-23 | 2008-08-11 | RF device in drinkware to record data/initiate sequence of behavior |
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US8739840B2 (en) | 2010-04-26 | 2014-06-03 | The Coca-Cola Company | Method for managing orders and dispensing beverages |
US8565916B2 (en) | 2010-04-26 | 2013-10-22 | The Coca-Cola Company | Method of printing indicia on vessels to control a beverage dispenser |
US9102508B2 (en) | 2011-02-01 | 2015-08-11 | Edward L. O'Keefe | Wine dispensing system |
US11208315B2 (en) | 2018-04-02 | 2021-12-28 | Pepsico, Inc. | Unattended beverage dispensing systems and methods |
US11961373B2 (en) | 2020-07-01 | 2024-04-16 | Pepsico, Inc. | Method and system of touch-free vending |
Also Published As
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US20050099304A1 (en) | 2005-05-12 |
US7439859B2 (en) | 2008-10-21 |
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