WO2006050563A1

WO2006050563A1 - Liquid beverage dispensing machine including management and operation intelligence

Info

Publication number: WO2006050563A1
Application number: PCT/AU2005/001716
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brian Pelerman
Original assignee: Barista Holdings Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2004-11-12
Filing date: 2005-11-12
Publication date: 2006-05-18

Abstract

A machine for dispensing beverages including; a housing, an inlet for receiving a supply of water; at least one boiler which receives water from said water supply and which is/are capable of delivering hot water and /or steam. The machine also has a mixing station which receives hot water and a predetermined dose of a beverage ingredient such as coffee for mixing with said hot water and subsequent delivery of said beverage from said machine. The machine further comprises machine intelligence electronics allowing local and remote monitoring of machine parameters.

Description

LIQUID BEVERAGE DISPENSING MACHINE INCLUDING MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION INTELLIGENCE BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to beverage making machines and more particularly relates to improvements in such machines for dispensing hot beverages such as coffee. More particularly the present invention relates to beverage machines which include on board intelligence systems for local and remote management and operation. More particularly the present invention relates to remote, monitoring and controlling machine performance parameters. Widespread consumption of coffee has spawned production of various machines for dispensing and brewing coffee. These machines can be generally divided into three main categories namely vending machines which may be operated by consumers on demand and which dispense coffee and other hot beverages according to a mix prescribed by the consumer and generally at the touch of a button. Those machines provide a generally low standard of beverage, but they are quick and convenient and therefore have satisfied a particular market. The second category is the drip type that filters hot water through coffee. The third category of machine is the expresso type which expresses hot water through coffee beans and produces a higher quality of coffee such as cappuccino. It is the third category of machines to which this invention is preferably adapted. There is a wide class of coffee consumers which are discerning as to quality and demand a high standard of coffee. The present invention is directed towards improvements in vending and expresso machines and particularly the latter category of machines which have primarily been adapted for making expresso coffee. More particularly, the present invention provides a coffee machine capable of self control, local and remote management to enable operators and suppliers to monitor performance, order product and report faulty parts.

PRIOR ART Known hot beverage dispensing machines employ a source of hot water which is mixed with a beverage such as hot chocolate or coffee. These machines presently have no means of allowing an operator to monitor the progressive performance of the machines using machine intelligence which provides a management system. The known expresso machines are effective with relatively high output when operated by a skilled barista.

A typical prior art coffee brewing machine is disclosed in US patent 4,681,028 which teaches a simple coffee machine having a housing, a fresh water supply reservoir mounted therein, a heating element adapted to heat fresh water supplied to a brewing chamber under pressure. The brewing chamber includes an inlet and an outlet for the coffee and further includes a water pump and driving control.

US patent 4,491,063 discloses an automatic coffee machine which distributes hot water under pressure from a tank,, boiler or the like and delivers it to a chamber where coffee powder is contained. The machine includes filtration of the infusion obtained by the passing of the hot water through the coffee powder. This machine has no means of system management beyond manual monitoring and maintenance.

US patent 6,035,762 discloses an expresso coffee machine which operates with filter capsules and includes a brewing unit with two brewing chamber parts which are connected to a brewing water heater and being provided with a multiple nozzle. US patent 6,003,435 discloses a coffee making machine of the type to deliver hot water during a brewing cycle to ground coffee supported in a removable filter unit and includes a heated reservoir for water heating and storage and a spray head to deliver heated water from the reservoir to the filter unit. Selection switches allow an operator to select an amount of coffee to be brewed. The unit further includes a controller in communication with the selection switches and controls actuation of the first and second valved conduit during a brewing cycle to deliver an appropriate amount of heated water to the spray head for delivery to ground coffee in the filter unit thereby to brew the selected amount of coffee. This is a form of machine intelligence but is limited to normal interaction of components and does not keep memory of parameters to enable determination of constituent levels, maintenance requirements and normal and abnormal operating parameters. Another known expresso coffee machine is disclosed in US patent 5,388,502 which discloses an expresso coffee machine including an electric water heater and a filter basket holder which has a brewing chamber for receiving coffee grounds in a pouring device arranged at its bottom. This is a basic version of a known machine and has no facility for monitoring operation to determine such parameters as ingredient refill.

Another coffee making machine is disclosed in US patent 5,063,836. and describes therein comprises a reservoir connected to a mains water supply and including a level sensor controlling the water refill valve to the reservoir. The machine further includes a thermostatically controlled heating element wherein the thermostat and refill valve are controlled by a single modular replaceable solid state circuit board. The level sensor functions cause refill of the reservoir to the appropriate level sensor functions to cause refill of the reservoir to the appropriate level for subsequent brewing of coffee irrespective of the mains water pressure and the route by which water may previously have been removed from the reservoir. Again these functions are purely mechanical and do not provide a local operator or remote supplier to monitor a wide variety of characteristics of the machine.

Coffee brewing machines employ coffee grounds in making the coffee. Traditional coffee expresso machines have two boilers, one which generates hot water for making the coffee and the other for making steam. Conventional machine designs have remained static for some time. Temperature control is effected by means of thermostats and in the prior art machines heat exchange takes place by contact with ambient air at an outlet which can be an inefficient means of temperature control possibly resulting in delivery of coffee which is too hot. One of the problems of the prior art machines is the maintenance of the required discharge temperatures particularly during mass production of coffee. These are not monitored at present due to the absence of any effective means for doing so.

Milk-based expresso coffee machines must be cleaned and maintained regularly to maintain the output quality. The standard of expresso/cappuccino production depends on operator expertise and equipment maintenance. Inadequate maintenance and operator expertise can lead to the sale of substandard coffee, decreasing sales and accelerated machine wear.

Filter coffee must be discarded approximately every 30 minutes. In busy restaurant environments, this policy is often forgotten which leads to substantial sub¬ standard coffee being served to customers. The known dispensing machines do not provide any sophisticated machine intelligence to enable an operator to keep on board records of machine status, ingredient supply (such as coffee) performance and activity requirements or which allows local or remote monitoring of machine performance or ingredient requirements. Furthermore, the prior art does not teach the use of systems in such beverage dispensing machines which allow downloading or up loading data concerning machine security, machine performance and ingredient data INVENTION

The present invention to be described herein in all its forms provides machine intelligence which provides machine security and enables monitoring and control of machine performance and ingredient requirements and is adaptable to known types of machine. It will be appreciated that although the invention will primarily be described with reference to its application to a beverage dispensing machine ( such as that described in PCT/AU01/00411), it will be appreciated that the machine intelligence described herein may be adapted to a variety of vending and/or expresso type machines.

The present invention provides an improved beverage dispensing machine including machine intelligence which provides inbuilt security for a machine and which enables an operator to monitor and control the performance of the machine remotely or locally and to increase flexibility of machine operation. The invention further provides supplier monitoring so that a remote supplier can monitor machine usage and performance, its maintenance requirements and consumption. According to one embodiment, the present invention provides a coffee dispensing machine which includes machine intelligence to enable an operator to monitor the performance of the machine and to adjust operating parameters accordingly. In its broadest from the present invention comprises: a machine for delivering hot beverages; the machine including; an inlet for receiving a supply of water; at least one boiler which receives water from said water supply and which is/are capable of delivering hot water and /or steam; a mixing station which receives hot water and a predetermined dose of a beverage ingredient such as coffee for mixing with said hot water and subsequent delivery of said beverage from said machine; a cooling chamber which receives part said water supply and which delivers hot water at a predetermined maximum temperature to said mixing station via an outlet the cooling chamber including at least one inlet and at least one outlet wherein said cooling chamber receives cold water from said water supply and wherein said cooling chamber receives hot water from said boiler for delivery to said mixing station, wherein the machine further comprises; electronic control allowing local and remote monitoring of the machine for performance including consumption of ingredients, maintenance period determination.

In another broad form the present invention comprises: a beverage machine for delivering hot beverages; the machine including; an inlet for receiving a supply of water; at least one boiler which receives water from said water supply and which is/are capable of delivering hot water and /or steam; a mixing station which receives hot water and a predetermined dose of a beverage such as coffee for mixing with said hot water and subsequent delivery of said beverage from said machine; a cooling chamber which receives part said water supply and which delivers hot water at a predetermined maximum temperature to said mixing station via an outlet the cooling chamber including at least one inlet and at least one outlet wherein said cooling chamber receives cold water from said water supply and wherein said cooling chamber receives hot water from said boiler for delivery to said mixing station, wherein the machine further comprises; a system for monitoring and/or changing usage of ingredients and maintenance of the machine via a wide area network wherein data relating to said usage and maintenance is transmitted to a data base thereby allowing comparison between usage and performance parameters relative to data stored in said data base. In another broad form the present invention comprises: a system for remote monitoring of a beverage machine for delivering ingredients; the system comprising ;

'first monitoring' means for monitoring performance of machine hardware and, 'second monitoring' means for determining consumption of ingredients in the machine; the 'first monitoring' means comprising at least one sensor for monitoring at least one motor, means for communication between the sensor and a wide area network a data base in communication with said wide area network and for comparing performance values determined by said sensor of said at least one motor with predetermined normal performance values for each said at least one motor contained in said data base; the 'second monitoring' means comprising; a local station and a remote station, a wide area network in communication with each said local and remote stations, a remote processing order system and an account verification system which processes product orders.

Preferably, the control means includes machine intelligence enabling an operator to monitor machine activity and/or operation parameters such as beverage usage. The machine further comprises a remote controller for monitoring machine hardware and ingredient usage, a user interface. The machine intelligence may be located within or remote from the machine and allows commissioning and programming of the machine to enable monitoring and/or control of machine activity. The controller preferably includes central intelligence comprising process control means and information processing means.

The user interface preferably includes a user liquid crystal display interface and a circuit board wherein the LCD relays information to a user regarding machine performance. The machine intelligence collects data and relays the data to a data storage which may be located within the body of the machine or at a location remote from the machine. When the machine intelligence is located remote from the machine, machine activity data may be down loaded to or uploaded from the remote location. This enables comparison of data between load operating parameters and predetermined stored limit parameters. The brewing machine preferably includes means for setting and adjusting the machine and enables an operator to monitor machine activity and/or operation parameters. Preferably, the machine intelligence is located in the body of the machine.

The control means enables an operator to monitor machine activity particularly hardware ingredient usage. The machine intelligence allows commissioning and programming of said machine to enable monitoring and/or control of machine activity.

In another broad form the present invention comprises; machine intelligence for a beverage machine the intelligence including a central controller, a user interface, wherein said controller includes central intelligence comprising a process control computer and information processing means. The user interface includes at least one user liquid crystal display interface and a circuit board. The LCD relays information to a user regarding machine performance.

The LCD also discloses data which could be relayed to a central computer.

Sensors monitor the performance activity of the machine and/or operation parameters.

In another broad form the present invention comprises; a control, monitoring and management system for use in the management and control of a coffee beverage dispensing machine; the control and management system comprising; a main controller and a user interface, wherein the main controller includes a link to said user interface; the main controller further including central intelligence comprising information processing and control sections; enabling the operation and performance of the dispensing machine to be monitored and controlled locally or remotely.

According to a preferred embodiment, the control, monitoring and management system further comprises circuit boards associated with the smart card interface which enable reading of a memory in said smart card.

In a further broad form the present invention comprises; a machine for dispensing beverages; the machine including; a housing an inlet for receiving a supply of water; at least one boiler which receives water from said water supply and which is/are capable of delivering hot water and /or steam; a mixing station which receives hot water and a predetermined dose of a beverage ingredient such as coffee for mixing with said hot water and subsequent delivery of said beverage from said machine; wherein the machine further comprises; machine intelligence electronics allowing local and remote monitoring of machine parameters.

In a further broad form of a method aspect the present invention comprises: A method for monitoring the performance and activity of a beverage dispensing machine of the type comprising ; a housing; an inlet for receiving a supply of water; at least one boiler which receives water from said water supply and which is/are capable of delivering hot water and /or steam; a mixing station which receives hot water and a predetermined dose of a beverage ingredient for mixing with said hot water and subsequent delivery of said beverage from said machine; machine intelligence electronics allowing local and remote monitoring of machine parameters. the method comprising the steps of: a) providing means in communication with said machine to allow monitoring of machine operating and performance parameters including consumption of beverage ingredients, performance of machine hardware and maintenance periods. b) linking said machine to a remote control system. c) providing associated with said remote control system, a sub system which allows remote ordering of ingredients consumed by the machine. d) providing an account verification sub system. c) providing in the remote control system an equipment monitoring system which includes means to allow determination of a performance state of machine wear and software components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described in more detail according to preferred but non limiting embodiment and with reference to the accompanying illustrations wherein;

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a beverage dispensing machine

Figure 2 shows a front elevation of a beverage dispensing machine according to an alternative embodiment.

Figure 3 show exploded views of the machine of figure 1 . Figure 4 shows a schematic layout of a mother board according to one embodiment.

Figure S shows a schematic layout of operating regimes for the beverage dispensing machine incorporating operating loops for an ordering and accounting verification system. Figure 6 shows a schematic layout of an equipment monitoring flow chart for monitoring machine hardware according to a preferred embodiment. . Figure 7 shows a schematic layout of an alternating mode and non alternating mode for two auto frother groups in an intelligent beverage dispensing machine according to one embodiment. Figure 8 shows a schematic layout of an alternating mode and non alternating mode for two manual frother groups in an intelligent beverage dispensing machine according to one embodiment. Figure 9 shows a selection of menu configurations.

Figure 10 shows alternative machine configurations depending upon operator and business selection requirements. Referring to the illustrations, figure 1 shows a perspective view of a beverage dispensing machine 1 according to one embodiment. Figure 2 shows a front elevation of an alternative beverage dispensing machine 2 and figure 3 shows an exploded views of the machine 2 of figure 1. The machines shown in figures 1, 2 and 3 are typical machine cabinets found in the prior art and are included to show the type of machines that the intelligent monitoring system of the invention to be described below can be included. Those cabinets will not be described in detail. Typically a machine size would fall within the range 450 - 500 mm but this is to be construed as non limiting. Referring to figure 2 the elevation view of machine 2 shows LCD displays 4 and 5 on front control panel 6 which provide operator controls. Each display panel has 9 selection buttons. Each selection button can be programmed to perform coffee making functions or maintenance functions. Integrated software controls and monitors the state of each hardware device within the machine. Temperatures, pressures and coffee/water delivery quantities are controlled via the software. This allows the machine to be as flexible as the current software versions dictates. The software allows unlimited menu selections for coffee beverage recipes, customer customised menu selections, customer configurable coffee beverage recipes and customer configurable cup sizes. Furthermore, the software can communicate with point of sale systems and with automatic product ordering systems. The beverage machine incorporates some known hardware but whose performance may be monitored in accordance with the method and system aspect of the invention by the hardware monitoring system. Typical machine components which may be monitored by the intelligent monitoring system of the present invention include: 1 a Steam Boiler (preferably 13 litre 24Ov 400Ow) used to generate steam for a milk frothing function. 2 a heat exchanger to cool water for the coffee making process. The heat for this device is generated by the steam boiler and an electric element.

3 a plurality of plastic containers to store coffee or other ingredients. Delivery of the coffee is performed via 24v DC gear motors. The gear motors are fitted with an optical encoder to allow finite positioning of a drive auger and hence predictable coffee quantity delivery. The containers are arranged in pairs to enable a pair of containers to deliver ingredient into each mixing chamber.

4 Water for the coffee is delivered to a mixing chamber via 2 24v DC solenoid valves and 2 magnetically pulsed flow measuring device. Hence predictable water quantity can be delivered.

5 Ingredients and water are mixed in 1 of 2 chambers that are mounted on the front of the machine. These are removable to allow cleaning. The mixing is achieved by a 24v DC motors and integral impellers. The mixing motors are fitted with optical encoders to allow finite measuring of the speed that the ingredients and water are mixed ( see further below) . Hence, beverage quality can be controlled.

6 Preferably two automatic milk frothing devices are mounted next to each beverage mixing chambers to allow both the mixed ingredient and frothed milk to be delivered to a cup. The auto frother is designed to froth fresh milk. Steam is used to create a vacuum required to draw the milk up a clear plastic tube from a milk storage device and to heat and froth the fresh milk. The temperature, bubble size and quality of froth is controlled by a fixed diameter orifice. The orifice can be closed via a 24vDC solenoid valve for latte type coffee beverages.

7 Hot water for tea at temperatures of 85 - 95 degrees C are delivered via a 24v DC solenoid valve. Water for the tea is heated by passing cold water through a heat exchanger in the main steam boiler. 8 A water pump is fitted within the coffee machine and controls water delivery and pressure.

The aforesaid hardware components are known. The prior art however, does not teach the local and /or remote monitoring of hardware and with that ingredient usage parameters.

There is further provided in a typical machine, an internal control module wherein the machine is controlled via a purpose built electronic circuit board. According to one embodiment and as shown in figure 4, the construction /design of the board is as follows: - Main board with plug on connections for 4 multifunction boards and

CPU board.

- 4 off multifunction configurable control boards

- CPU board with rs232 and USB communication ports Tbasel 0/100 network port

The following description provides details of the intelligent monitoring systems according to preferred embodiments of the invention. The above known hardware components are now able to be monitored by the method and system of the invention so that an operator can have his machine monitored either locally or remotely to enable tracking of machine ingredient usage, machine performance and machine hardware.

Referring to figures 5 and 6 there are shown schematic layouts of operating regimes for the beverage dispensing machine incorporating operating loops. Figure S describes a typical operating regime which includes a machine monitoring system which allows accurate monitoring of machine performance and billing, accounting _^ data relating to use of the machine. The system according to the embodiment of figure 5 will be described from the Start here direction 30 and proceeding in the directions of the arrows starting from arrow 31. The system including history 32 is capable of monitoring at least 24 months history of machine operating parameters such as maintenance criteria, beverage ingredients, turnover by month, calculation of current and projected consumable needs and delivery periods/cycles. This allows a dispensing machine to be monitored remotely or on site for a variety of performance parameters and use of ingredients.

According to one embodiment, an initial phase of operation of the remote monitoring is an order phase. Once a machine history 32 has been developed, a projected ingredient order stage 33 may be calculated and compared to a machine's past usage to determine for instance if it is a standard or new order. A comparison at stage 34 compares current consumer needs with an order calculated and a delivery period allowed for. An order is calculated stage 35 and rounded off up to a minimum packaging quantity -stage 36. The order may be displayed on a display 37, affirmed at 38 and concurrently sent to a remote wide area network ( WAN). If an order is not affirmed, the system displays confirm shutdown stages 39 - 43. If an order is sent to the WAN 44 an order is either stored and /or printed. The recommended order may be printed out or stored for later processing. Alternatively a prompt to display an enter code is made - stage 46 and a time period is allowed for example 10 seconds - stage 47 to enter that code. If the code is not entered, the machine flashes call manager enter code stage

55 and after 10 seconds - 5 minutes time period - stage 56 the operator waits for verification if code is correct - stage 57. If the code is still not correct at that stage then the system reverts back to stage 55 and the call manager flashes enter code . Should the code be incorrect, the display will display enter code 46. If the entered code is correct, confirmation of order selected is required - stage 50. If the order is not correct and cannot be accepted, the order may be manually adjusted - stage 58 in the processing.

If the order and associated code is correct, a flash display appears to accept and send order - stage 51. Following a 10 second delay stage 52 the order is initiated - stage 53 then sent - stage 54. If the order is not initiated or if the code is incorrect, the user code may be re entered. At any time within this process, an opportunity will be given to the proprietors to enter a correct order code.

Once the order is confirmed and initiated - stages 51 and 53, the order is sent - stage 54 and the system is shutdown. Should the order not be initiated, The order is received by a remote computer.

Associated with the ordering system is an accounting system which works in conjunction with the ordering system. The system then undergoes an account verification phase. Thus once stage 54 has been reached and the order is sent by the consumer, that order is received by a remote computer 60 whereupon the account verification phase is initiated.

According to a preferred embodiment of the account verification phase, the order received by the remote computer 60 is verified and so are account details - stage 61. If the account details are not verified - stage 62, the user may be contacted to determine the required details for verification - stage 63. Where an order is recognised as a standing order stage 64 by a comparison with the latest order and a stored order, the transaction will be treated as a standard order - stage 65 . If the account details are verified, the user account may be direct debited stage - 66, In that case a bank account may be debited - stage 67 and money transferred - stage 68. The operator may be contacted for required details. Provided the money is available for payment from the account, an approval code will be transmitted from the remote controlling computer to the user - stage 70.

If there is no direct debit facility a payment request will be made stage 73 by the remote computer 60. If a payment is received within 24 hours - stage 75, the user will receive an approval code -stage 70. If a payment is not made within 24 hours multiple request will be made and according to a preferred embodiment, a maximum of three more requests will be made - stage 76. If no payment is received, the order request will be referred to a manager at a controller station 77. Once an approval code is transmitted, relevant data may be stored in the computer for later verification purposes. The type of data 71 which may be stored includes suburb, city, country, day, week, month, year, school holidays, blends beverages. The controller can use the stored information to provide reports to an operator or organisation summarising hourly, daily, weekly, monthly and year to date activity and projected activities for a period ( such as the following two months) by week and month - stage 72.

Figure 6 shows a schematic layout of a monitoring flow chart according to a preferred embodiment. In addition to the usage, accounting and order monitoring system, there is provided an equipment monitoring system which protects the hardware components of the La Barista machine. This aspect of the system monitors machine performance of hardware

The monitoring system commences at start point 80. A first motor Sl is monitored for maximum and minimum revolutions - stage 82 to determine if parameters are exceeded - stage 83. If the parameters are not exceeded the next motor 84 is checked. If the parameters are exceeded the monitoring system checks to determine if the overload (such as over current) is critical - stage 84. If the status of the motor is not critical, the data will be simply stored - stage 86. If the status of the motor is critical, the system will turn to a wide area network (WAN) 85 for obtaining stored data 87 which is retrieved - stage 88. Once stored data 87 is retrieved, an exception report 90 is transmitted and an error report displayed - stage 91. The report may optionally be printed on a LAN . If the motor status is not critical the monitoring system will invite the user to enter a maintenance code - stage 95. The system will wait 5 minutes for code entry - stage 96. If the code is not entered, a call manager will flash an invitation to enter the cock stage 98. The system will wait 5 minutes - stage 99 and query if the code has been entered - stage 100. If the code is incorrect a further invitation will be flashed on a display to allow a user to insert the code - back to stage 98. Once the correct code has been entered, an error report will be displayed - stage 101. An acknowledgement code may be entered and error report displayed. After 5 minutes - stage 102 the system shows code entered - stage 103. Once the code is entered a printer on a LAN may print a report - stage 97. This triggers stages 126 - 128 resulting in printing of a report. At this point the next motor 93 is checked - stage 98 up until the last motor 92 is checked. Each motor may be checked individually and sequentially or concurrently using the regime described for the first motor. Once the last motor is checked according to the previously described checking regime, the dispensing machine seals may be checked. A first group of seals is checked - stage 104 by determining whether dispenses exceeds a predetermined maximum - stage 105. If dispenses do exceed a predetermined number, a report is compiled requiring X number of seals to be replaced - stage 106. This information goes into the data storage 86 to complete an end of day routine - stage 107. A second group of seals is checked - stage 108 and a determination is made as to whether total dispenses exceeds X number. If they do, then a report is compiled - stage 110 requiring X seals to be replaced. That information also goes into data storage 86 and that data is available to the WAN. This is also an end of day routine - stage 111. If there is more checking , the next step is checking of motherboards and circuits - stage 112, Stage 113 determines if the test is satisfactory and if it is the next hardware tested is the machine boiler - stage 119. If the motherboard is unsatisfactory, an IT rest routine is run - stage 114 and the mother boards are again tested - stage 115. If the test is determined not satisfactory - stage 116, the system will flash system fault close down or words to that effect. In that case, the operator will be obliged to contact maintenance - stage 118. According to the embodiment of figure 6, The next stage 119 is testing of the boiler. Parameters of the boiler are assessed at stage 120 and a display appears indicating system calibrating - state 121. After a period which is preferably more than two minutes, - stage 122 the boiler is then tested - stage 123. Testing will take a time period 124 which is at least two minutes while boiler parameters are assessed - stage 125. If boiler parameters are within prescribed ranges that is the end of the test. The test can be reactivated at the option of the operator. If the boiler parameters are outside specified ranges a system fault close down will occur - stage 117. If the test is satisfactory, the system moves on to test the boiler - stage 119. Figures 7 - 10 describe in brief, some basic machine set up configurations. Irrespective of the configurations selected by an operator for particular machine and business requirements, machine performance will be monitored relative to motor cycles which relates back to ingredient usage and wear of components. The remote monitoring will allow accurate management of the machine usage and maintenance. Figure 7 shows a schematic layout of an alternating mode and non alternating mode for two auto frother groups in an intelligent beverage dispensing machine according to one embodiment. The arrangement described is figure 7 is one machine configuration for an operator to adopt. This arrangement is intended for self service operator use or in a location where the same people occasionally use the machine. There is a left side group 200 and a right side group 204 . Each group is fed by two hoppers that could for example be two coffee, two hot chocolate or one of each. Where ingredients fed to each group are the same alternating mode is used and where multiple dispensing is not required, non alternating mode is used. In non alternating mode the operator makes a selection from a basic menu 207 and makes a selection from left side group 208 or 209. Figure 8 shows a schematic layout of an alternating mode and non alternating mode for two manual frother groups in an intelligent beverage dispensing machine according to one embodiment. This arrangement is intended for high volume operator use where the same people continually use the machine. Each option has a right side group and a left side group. In alternating mode left side group 300 and right side group 304 are preferably fed with the same ingredients. In non alternating mode, left side group 309 and right side group 310 different ingredients may be used. Figure 9 shows a schematic display of menu options available to an operator in auto frother mode and manual mode. This arrangement which provides one auto frother group 401 and one manual group 402 . Manual group 402 provides three manual menu options 403, 404 and 405

Figure 10 shows alternative machine configurations depending upon operator and business selection requirements. Option 500 is a two auto frother configuration which includes a default menu set up 502 and a non default menu set up 503. A second option 504 provides one manual group and an auto frother group. A third option provides a two manual group configuration 505. There are numerous advantages for a machine having integrated intelligence and remote monitoring systems . The machine will communicate with the remote controller to determine machine requirements for usage and performance. Servicing of the machine may be performed after remote exception reporting. Thus an operator will know when a particular machine or part of a machine such as a motor seal will require servicing. Also the system has the capacity to automatically record and download beverage/ ingredient use such as, but bot limited to coffee. The system therefore allows constant monitoring in real time for ingredient orders and maintenance. A supplier of coffee for instance may monitor use of its brand of ingredient by a particular user or machine or group of one machine from a remote location. Thus it is feasible to monitor a beverage machine from overseas or locally for both usage and hardware status. Performance of motor seals for instance may be monitored in real time to determine when the machine requires a service. Hardware status is held on a data log establishing a machine and /or usage history. The usage and performance data is uploaded to a central controller. Performance reports may be sent to a user for instance in the event that the performance criteria parameters are exceeded. According to one embodiment diagnosis of machine faults may be made at a remote controller locality in real time . Performance data is uploaded to a central computer so the central controller may monitor the machine activity. According to one embodiment, ingredient consumption activity may be monitored according to the following method. An optical pulse sensor monitors the revolutions per minute of each machine motor. The pulse can determine motor speed or rpm so that a calculation of the delivery rate enabled by the motor may be made. This allows a determination of the delivery rate of a particular beverage so the central controller knows at any time from that delivery rate when re ordering or maintenance is required. Monitoring and calibration of the motors by measuring pulsing, allows a remote controller to determine if the machine is properly calibrated. Preferably, the sensors are fitted to each motor as decoders. A motor feed back arrangement may be achieved using a slotted opto switch. This provides an opto feed back system allowing pulse monitoring . The pulse monitoring may be achieved according to one embodiment, by use of a disc with tabs which will allow determination of a number of motor pulses. The opto feed back assembly provides a diagnostic tool. The use of pulse measuring allows a high level of accuracy in determining extent of machine usage. . In a case where a beverage supplier permits use of the machine provided, a user or operator uses a particular type of coffee, the central controller may remotely police the usage. The real time monitoring will allow monitoring of machine usage to ensure that there is no substitution of another brand of coffee in competition with the supplier. The supplier may elect to provide the machine free to an operator provided that operator agrees to certain terms and conditions of the transaction. A machine may be provided free to an operator as an incentive to use a suppliers brand. The user submits to the system by the establishment of a link between a machine or plurality of machines and a central controller via a wide area network. The central controller includes a computer which has a data base to which may be compared predetermined machine operating parameters. Thus the system incorporates usage monitoring to determine throughput of product and concurrently or separately hardware monitoring. It will be recognised by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the invention broadly described herein without departing from the overall spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS

1 A machine for dispensing beverages; the machine including; a housing an inlet for receiving a supply of water; at least one boiler which receives water from said water supply and which is/are capable of delivering hot water and /or steam; a mixing station which receives hot water and a predetermined dose of a beverage ingredient such as coffee for mixing with said hot water and subsequent delivery of said beverage from said machine; wherein the machine further comprises; machine intelligence electronics allowing local and remote monitoring of machine parameters. 2 A machine according to claim 1 wherein the machine parameters which are monitored include consumption of beverage ingredients, performance of machine hardware and maintenance periods.

3 A machine according to claim 2 wherein the machine electronics are linked to a remote control system. 4 A machine according to claim 3 wherein the remote control system includes a sub system which allows remote ordering of ingredients consumed by the machine.

5 A machine according to claim 4 wherein the remote control system further comprises an account verification sub system. 6 A machine according to claim 5 wherein the remote control system provides an equipment monitoring system which includes means to allow determination of a performance state of machine wear and software components.

7 A machine according to claim 6 further comprising a first LCD display for display of machine operating parameters.

8 A machine according to claim 7 further comprising a second LCD display for display of additional machine parameters.

9 A machine according to claim 8 wherein the first LCD display , displays an auto frother selection option to enable an operator to access a frother menu. 10 A machine according to claim 9 wherein the second LCD display allows operator selection of a manual menu.

11 A machine according to claim 10 wherein the first LCD menu provides operator selections from options including cappuccino, flat white, latte, foamed milk on/off, mocha, choco milk, hot chocolate, warm milk on/off, short black, black coffee and hot water.

12 A machine according to claim 11 wherein the second LCD menu provides operator selections from options including cappuccino, hot chocolate, short black, black coffee and hot water.

13 A machine according to claim 12 wherein the second LCD menu includes at least two manual selection options the first including an operator selection from cappuccino, black coffee, special coffee, large toggle and hot water.

14 A machine according to claim 13 wherein, a second of said at least two manual selection options includes an operator selection from special cappuccino, special black coffee, special short coffee, hot chocolate, large toggle and hot water. 15 A machine according to claim 14 wherein the machine electronics provides means to allow selection between an alternating mode in which an operator may select between two display modes and a non alternating mode wherein an operator can select a single fixed menu display without an alternative display option. 16 A machine according to claim 15 wherein the ordering sub system receives remote orders from a machine location.

17 A machine according to claim 16 wherein the ordering sub system processes an order according to historical ordering data from a consumer placing an order.

18 A machine according to claim 17 wherein the ordering sub system includes at least 24 months history of machine operating parameters such as maintenance criteria, beverage ingredients, turnover by month, calculation of current and projected consumable needs and delivery periods/cycles.

19 A machine according to claim 18 wherein the ordering sub system includes a projected ingredient order stage calculated and compared to a machine's past usage to determine if the order is a standard or new order.

20 A machine according to claim 19 wherein, the order is displayed on a machine LCD display and concurrently sent to a remote wide area network ( WAN).

21 A machine according to claim 20 wherein an order may be stored for later processing or printing out. 22 A machine according to claim 21 wherein access to the remote ordering is enabled by an access code.

23 A machine according to claim wherein the ordering sub system further comprises a consumer verification enter code.

24 A machine according to claim 23 wherein the sub system includes means to enable verification of the enter code. 25 A machine according to claim 24 wherein the order is received by a remote computer.

26 A machine according to claim 5 or 25 wherein the account verification phase is initiated by the remote computer. 27 A machine according to claim 26 wherein the account sub system includes means to allow order verification.

28 A machine according to claim 27 wherein the account subsystem allows a consumer to be direct debited.

29 A machine according to claim 28 wherein the accounting sub system provides a consumer with an approval code upon verification of the receipt of a payment.

30 A machine according to claim 29 wherein the accounting sub system includes access to a data base including consumer data.

31 A machine according to claim 30 wherein the data on the data base includes suburb, city, country, day, week, month, year, school holidays, blends, beverages. 32 A machine according to claim 31 wherein the accounting sub system includes means to provide reports to an operator or organisation summarising hourly, daily, weekly, monthly and year to date activity and projected activities for a period ( such as the following two months) by week and month.

33 A machine according to claim 6 or 32 wherein the equipment monitoring system provides protection for the hardware components of the dispensing machine by measurement of performance parameters.

34 A machine according to claim 34 further comprising at least one electric motor

35 A machine according to claim 34 further including means to remote monitor performance parameters of the at least one electric motor. 36 A machine according to claim 35 wherein performance parameters of the at least one electric motor are determined with reference to maximum and minimum revolutions.

37 A machine according to claim 36 wherein said measured performance data is compared to prescribed performance limits stored on a data base in said computer.

38 A machine according to claim 37 wherein performance data is transmitted via a wide area network (WAN).

39 A machine according to claim 38 wherein the system shows a code entered which initiates printing of a hardware performance report. 40 A machine according to claim 39 and further including seals .

41 A machine according to claim 40 wherein the seals' working life is tied to a number of total dispenses rendered by the machine.

42 A machine according to claim 41 further comprising mother boards and circuits . 43 A machine according to claim 42 further comprising at least one machine boiler, wherein said at least one boiler parameters are tested to determine if they are within prescribed ranges.

44 A machine according to claim 43 wherein the system allows for a system fault close down in the event parameters fall outside prescribed ranges.

45 A machine according to claim 44 wherein the machine communicates with the remote controller to determine machine requirements for, hardware maintenance, usage and performance.

46 A machine according to claim 45 wherein said remote monitoring is local or overseas. 47 A machine according to claim 46 wherein machine ingredient usage, performance and hardware status are monitored in real time to determine when the machine requires ingredients and /or maintenance.

48 A machine according to claim 47 wherein status of machine hardware is held on a data log establishing a machine and /or usage history.

49 A machine according to claim 48 wherein usage and performance data is uploaded to a central controller.

50 A machine according to claim 49 wherein machine performance reports are sent to a user for instance in the event that the performance criteria parameters are exceeded.

51 A machine according to claim 50 wherein ingredient consumption activity is monitored using at least one pulse sensor which monitors revolutions per minute of each machine motor.

52 A machine according to claim 51 wherein the at least one pulse sensor can determine motor speed ( revolutions per minute) to allow a calculation of a delivery rate enabled by the motor.

53 A machine according to claim 52 wherein monitoring and calibration of the machine motors by said at least one pulse sensor, allows a remote controller to determine if the machine is properly calibrated.

54 A machine according to claim 53 wherein said pulse sensors are fitted to each motor as decoders

55 A machine according to claim 54 wherein an operator of said machine establishes a link between a machine or plurality of machines and a central controller via a wide area network. 56 A machine according to claim 55 wherein the data base is retained on a computer at a central controller.

57 A machine according to claim 56 wherein machine performance parameters are compared to parameters contained in the data base. 58 A machine according to claim 57 further comprising an operator control panel having control buttons each individually programmed to perform coffee making functions.

59 A machine according to claim 58 wherein machine parameters of temperatures, pressures and coffee/water delivery quantities are controlled via machine software.

60 A machine according to claim 59 wherein said software allows unlimited menu selections for coffee beverage recipes, customer customised menu selections, customer configurable coffee beverage recipes and customer configurable cup sizes.

61 A machine according to claim 60 wherein the software can communicate with point of sale systems and with automatic product ordering systems.

62 A machine according to claim 61 wherein delivery of the coffee from the machine is performed via 24v DC gear motors fitted with an optical encoder to allow finite positioning of a drive auger to thereby allow predictable coffee quantity delivery. 63 A machine according to claim62 further comprising two automatic milk frothing devices connected to respective beverage mixing chambers to allow both the mixed ingredient and frothed milk to be delivered to a cup.

64 A machine according to claim 63 wherein the auto frother is designed to froth fresh milk. 65 A machine according to claim 64 wherein a water pump is fitted within the coffee machine and controls water delivery and pressure.

66 A machine according to claim 65 further comprising, an internal control module wherein the machine is controlled via a purpose built electronic circuit board. 67 A machine according to claim 66 wherein the circuit board comprises : a main board with plug on connections for 4 multifunction boards and CPU board; four multifunction configurable control boards; a CPU board with rs232 and USB communication ports; and a TbaselO/100 network port

68 A method for monitoring the performance and activity of a beverage dispensing machine of the type comprising ; a housing; an inlet for receiving a supply of water; at least one boiler which receives water from said water supply and which is/are capable of delivering hot water and /or steam; a mixing station which receives hot water and a predetermined dose of a beverage ingredient for mixing with said hot water and subsequent delivery of said beverage from said machine; machine intelligence electronics allowing local and remote monitoring of machine parameters, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing means in communication with said machine to allow monitoring of machine operating and performance parameters including consumption of beverage ingredients, performance of machine hardware and maintenance periods. b) linking said machine to a remote control system. c) providing associated with said remote control system, a sub system which allows remote ordering of ingredients consumed by the machine. d) providing an account verification sub system. c) providing in the remote control system an equipment monitoring system which includes means to allow determination of a performance state of machine wear and software components.

69 A method according to claim 68 comprising the further step of providing a first LCD display for display of machine operating parameters.

70 A method according to claim comprising the further step of providing a second LCD display for display of additional machine parameters.

71 A method according to claim 70 comprising the further step of allowing an operator to access a menu selection displayed on said LCD displays.

72 A method according to claim 71 comprising the further step of providing on the menu operator selections from options including cappuccino, flat white, latte, foamed milk on/off, mocha, choco milk, hot chocolate, warm milk on/off, short black, black coffee and hot water.

73 A method according to claim 72 comprising the further step of providing operator selections from options including cappuccino, hot chocolate, short black, black coffee and hot water. 74 A method according to claim 73 comprising the further step of providing means to allowing selection between an alternating mode in which an operator may select between two display modes and a non alternating mode wherein an operator can select a single fixed menu display without an alternative display option. 75 A method according to claim 74 comprising the further step of submitting an order to the ordering sub system from a machine location. 16 A method according to claim 75 comprising the further step of processing an order according to historical ordering data from a consumer machine placing an order.

77 A method according to claim 76 comprising the further step of uploading a data base with at least 24 months history of machine operating parameters such as maintenance criteria, beverage ingredients, turnover by month, calculation of current and projected consumable needs and delivery periods/cycles.

78 A method according to claim 77 comprising the further step of displaying an order on said LCD screens and concurrently sending the order for processing via a remote wide area network ( WAN)- 79 A method according to claim 78 comprising the further step of providing an operator with an access code.

80 A method according to claim 79 comprising the further step of providing in the ordering system a consumer verification enter code.

81 A method according to claim 81 comprising the further step of providing means to enable verification of the enter code.

82 A method according to claim 81 comprising the further step of providing a remote computer for processing orders and holding data concerning machine performance.

83 A method according to claim comprising the further step of allowing the account verification phase to be initiated by the remote computer.

84 A method according to claim 83 comprising the further step of providing in the account sub system includes means to allow order verification.

85 A method according to claim comprising the further steps of direct debiting a consumer and providing a consumer with an approval code upon verification of the receipt of a payment.. 86 A method according to claim.85 comprising the further step of allowing the accounting sub system access to a data base including consumer data.

87 A method according to claim 86 comprising the further step of providing on the data base data including consumer suburb, city, country, day, week, month, year, school holidays, blends, beverages.

88 A method according to claim 87 comprising the further step of providing with the accounting sub system means to provide reports to an operator or organisation summarising hourly, daily, weekly, monthly and year to date activity and projected activities for a period ( such as the following two months) by week and month. 89 A method according to claim comprising the further step of providing means at the remote monitoring system to protect hardware components of the dispensing machine by measurement of performance parameters.

90 A method according to claim 89 comprising the further step of remote monitoring of performance parameters of at least one electric motor with reference to maximum and minimum revolutions.

91 A method according to claim 90 comprising the further step of comparing measured performance data to prescribed performance limits stored on a data base in said computer.

92 A method according to claim 91 comprising the further step of transmitting performance data via a wide area network (WAN).

93 A method according to claim 92 comprising the further step of remote monitoring of machine boilers, seals and other boards by linking working life to total number of dispenses over a predetermined period.

94 A method according to claim 94 comprising the further step of providing a system fault close down in the event parameters fall outside prescribed ranges. 95 A method according to claim 94 comprising the further step of allowing machine communication with the remote controller to determine machine requirements for, hardware maintenance, usage and performance.

96 A method according to claim 95 comprising the further step of uploading machine usage data to the data storage computer.

97 A method according to claim 96 comprising the further step of monitoring ingredient consumption activity using at least one pulse sensor which monitors revolutions per minute of each machine motor.

98 A method according to claim 97 comprising the further step of monitoring and calibration of machine motors by said at least one pulse sensor and allowing a remote controller to determine if the machine is properly calibrated.

99 A machine for dispensing beverages; the machine including; a housing; an inlet for receiving a supply of water; at least one boiler which receives water from said water supply and which is/are capable of delivering hot water and /or steam; a mixing station which receives hot water and a predetermined dose of a beverage for mixing with said hot water and subsequent delivery of said beverage from said machine; wherein the machine further comprises; machine intelligence electronics allowing local and remote monitoring of machine parameters wherein, the machine electronics are linked to a remote control system.

100 A machine according to claim 99 wherein the remote control system includes a) a sub system which allows remote ordering of ingredients consumed by the machine. b) an account verification sub system. c) an equipment monitoring system which includes means to allow determination of a performance state of machine wear and software components. 101 A machine according to claim 100 further comprising; a) a first LCD display for display of machine operating parameters. b) a second LCD display for display of additional machine parameters.

102 A machine according to claim 101 wherein the first LCD display , displays an auto frother selection option to enable an operator to access a frother menu and the second LCD display allows operator selection of a manual menu.

103 A machine according to claim 102 wherein the machine electronics provides means to allow selection between an alternating mode in which an operator may select between two display modes and a non alternating mode wherein an operator can select a single fixed menu display without an alternative display option. 104 A machine according to claim 103 wherein the ordering sub system includes a projected ingredient order stage calculated and compared to a machine's past usage to determine if the order is a standard or new order.

105 A machine according to claim 104 wherein, the order is displayed on a machine LCD display and concurrently sent for processing to a remote wide area network (WAN).

106 A machine according to claim 105 wherein the order is received by a remote computer.

107 A beverage machine for delivering hot beverages; the machine including; an inlet for receiving a supply of water; at least one boiler which receives water from said water supply and which is/are capable of delivering hot water and /or steam; a mixing station which receives hot water and a predetermined dose of a beverage such as coffee for mixing with said hot water and subsequent delivery of said beverage from said machine; a cooling chamber which receives part said water supply and which delivers hot water at a predetermined maximum temperature to said mixing station via an outlet the cooling chamber including at least one inlet and at least one outlet wherein said cooling chamber receives cold water from said water supply and wherein said cooling chamber receives hot water from said boiler for delivery to said mixing station, wherein the machine further comprises; a system for monitoring and/or changing usage of ingredients and maintenance of the machine via a wide area network wherein data relating to said usage and maintenance is transmitted to a data base thereby allowing comparison between usage and performance parameters relative to data stored in said data base. 108 A system for remote monitoring of a beverage machine for delivering ingredients; the system comprising ; 'first monitoring' means for monitoring performance of machine hardware and, 'second monitoring' means for determining consumption of ingredients in the machine; the 'first monitoring' means comprising at least one sensor for monitoring at least one motor, means for communication between the sensor and a wide area network a data base in communication with said wide area network and for comparing performance values determined by said sensor of said at least one motor with predetermined normal performance values for each said at least one motor contained in said data base; the 'second monitoring' means comprising; a local station and a remote station, a wide area network in communication with each said local and remote stations, a remote processing order system and an account verification system which processes product orders.

109 A beverage dispensing machine according to claim 108 wherein, the control means includes; machine intelligence enabling an operator to monitor machine activity and/or operation parameters such as beverage usage, a remote controller for monitoring machine hardware and ingredient usage, and a user interface.

110 A beverage dispensing machine according to claim 109 wherein the machine intelligence is located within or remote from the machine and allows commissioning and programming of the machine to enable monitoring and/or control of machine activity.

111 A beverage dispensing machine according to claim 110 wherein the controller includes central intelligence comprising process control means and information processing means.

112 A beverage dispensing machine according to claim 111 wherein the user interface preferably includes a user liquid crystal display interface and a circuit board wherein the LCD relays information to a user regarding machine performance.

113 A beverage dispensing machine according to claim 112 wherein the machine intelligence collects data and relays the data to a data storage which is located within the body of the machine or at a location remote from the machine.

114 A beverage dispensing machine according to claim 113 wherein machine intelligence located remote from the machine, is down loaded to or uploaded from the remote location, thereby enabling a comparison of stored data with performance data. 115 A beverage dispensing machine according to claim 114 wherein machine intelligence for the beverage machine includes a central controller, at least one user liquid crystal display interface, a circuit board, a user interface, wherein said controller includes central intelligence comprising a process control computer and information processing means.

116 A control, monitoring and management system for use in the management and control of a beverage dispensing machine; the control and management system comprising; a main controller and a user interface, wherein the main controller includes a link to said user interface; the main controller further including central intelligence comprising information processing and control sections; enabling the operation and performance of the dispensing machine to be monitored and controlled locally or remotely.