DRINKS MACHINE WITH NETWORK DRINK ORDERING
First Claim
1. An adapter for a drink machine with network drink ordering, comprising:
- means for connecting to the drink machine to read a status of the machine and for activating the drink machine to prepare a drink as ordered;
means for storing a plurality of requests for drinks and for activating the drink machine for preparing drinks responsive to the requests; and
means for connecting to at least one computer through a computer network, for sending to the computer information relating to requesting a drink, and for receiving a request for one or more drinks, wherein the received request is added to any pending requests for drinks and the computer information relating to requesting a drink is independent of a particular request, which is sent before a request is made to check the status of the drink machine.
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Accused Products
Abstract
One or more drinks machines are used for preparing or providing drinks using a computers'"'"' network, and an adapter connected in between. The users can order drinks through a graphic interface and monitor the status of the drinks and of the machines. The orders can be managed using a queue and each user can be notified through the computer when the drink is ready or can he prepared. The adapter can he connected to an existing machine or provided with one. Another possibility is that the adapter would include wireless communication support. It may he possible that the adapter would also monitor the drink machine as well as sending commands for preparing ordered drinks.
34 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An adapter for a drink machine with network drink ordering, comprising:
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means for connecting to the drink machine to read a status of the machine and for activating the drink machine to prepare a drink as ordered; means for storing a plurality of requests for drinks and for activating the drink machine for preparing drinks responsive to the requests; and means for connecting to at least one computer through a computer network, for sending to the computer information relating to requesting a drink, and for receiving a request for one or more drinks, wherein the received request is added to any pending requests for drinks and the computer information relating to requesting a drink is independent of a particular request, which is sent before a request is made to check the status of the drink machine. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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12. In an adapter for a drink machine with network drink ordering, a method of providing or preparing drinks, comprising:
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connecting to the drink machine to read a status of the machine and to activate the drink machine to prepare a drink as ordered; storing a plurality of requests for drinks to activate the drink machine to prepare drinks responsive to the requests; and connecting to at least one computer through a computer network to send to the computer information relating to requesting a drink and to receive a request for one or more drinks, wherein the received request is added to any pending requests for drinks and the computer information relating to requesting a drink is independent of a particular request, which is sent before a request is made to check the status of the drink machine. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15)
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Specification