Automated coffee system
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A system for automated food and beverage service comprising:
- a central server computer communicatively coupled to the Internet;
a central database associated with the central server;
a number of local server computers communicatively coupled to the central server computer through the Internet, each of which is associated with a machine for making a product according to commands from the local server computer;
at least one client computer communicatively coupled to the central server computer through the Internet;
a first software application running in the at least one client computer which enables a user to communicate with the central server computer through the Internet;
a second software application running in the central server computer which enables the central server computer to communicate with the client computer and with the local server computers through the Internet;
a third software application running in the local server computers which enables the local server computers to communicate with the central server computer through the Internet;
wherein the first software application provides a user interface through which the user may make a customized order by dragging various icons representing various ingredients to an icon representing a container using a mouse coupled to the client computer and submit the customized order to the central server via the Internet;
wherein the second software application processes the data received from the user and sends a product specification message to a local server computer designated by the user, the product specification message comprising a reference number associated with the user'"'"'s customized order, recipe data and timing data; and
wherein the third software application transforms the product specification message received from the central server computer into commands for the machine to make a product according to the recipe data and the timing data for pick-up.
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Abstract
The invention provides a system in which a user may make a personalized recipe for food or beverage such as coffee and place an order online. A central server processes the order and redirects the recipe, timetable and a reference number associated with the order to a local service station designated by the user. The local service station prepares the ordered product pursuant to the recipe and timetable, and delivers the drink to the customer who enters a correct reference number.
109 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system for automated food and beverage service comprising:
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a central server computer communicatively coupled to the Internet; a central database associated with the central server; a number of local server computers communicatively coupled to the central server computer through the Internet, each of which is associated with a machine for making a product according to commands from the local server computer; at least one client computer communicatively coupled to the central server computer through the Internet; a first software application running in the at least one client computer which enables a user to communicate with the central server computer through the Internet; a second software application running in the central server computer which enables the central server computer to communicate with the client computer and with the local server computers through the Internet; a third software application running in the local server computers which enables the local server computers to communicate with the central server computer through the Internet; wherein the first software application provides a user interface through which the user may make a customized order by dragging various icons representing various ingredients to an icon representing a container using a mouse coupled to the client computer and submit the customized order to the central server via the Internet; wherein the second software application processes the data received from the user and sends a product specification message to a local server computer designated by the user, the product specification message comprising a reference number associated with the user'"'"'s customized order, recipe data and timing data; and wherein the third software application transforms the product specification message received from the central server computer into commands for the machine to make a product according to the recipe data and the timing data for pick-up. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for providing automated food and beverage service through the Internet, comprising the steps of:
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(a) providing a central server computer communicatively coupled to the Internet, the central server being associated with a central database; (b) providing a number of local server computers communicatively coupled to the central server computer through the Internet, each of which is associated with a machine for making a product according to commands from the local server computer; (c) at least one client computer communicatively coupled to the central server computer through the Internet; (d) providing a first software application which enables a user to communicate with the central server computer through the Internet, the first software application comprises a user interface through which the user makes a customized order by dragging various icons representing various ingredients to an icon representing a container using a mouse coupled to the client computer and submit the customized order to the central server via the Internet; (e) providing a second software application which enables the central server computer to communicate with the client computer and with the local server computers through the Internet, the second software application processing the data received from the user and sending a product specification message to a local server computer designated by the user, the product specification message comprising a reference number associated with the user'"'"'s customized order, recipe data and timing data; and (f) providing a third software application which enables the local server computers to communicate with the central server computer through the Internet, the third software application transforming the product specification message received from the central server computer into commands for the machine to make a product according to the recipe data and the timing data for pick-up. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification