MACHINE RETROFITS AND INTERACTIVE SODA FOUNTAINS

• US 20110172814A1
• Filed: 01/11/2011
• Published: 07/14/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 01/11/2010
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Vendmore Systems, LLC
• Original Assignee: Vendmore Systems, LLC
• Inventors: Signorelli, Paul D., Breitenbach, Paul T., Zhuk, Igor
• Application Number:
  US13/004,851
• Publication Number:
  US 20110172814A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 700/232
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 7/145 by wireless communication means, e.g. RF, transponders or the like
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 7/348 by interrogating an information transmitter, e.g. a transponder B67D7/145 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/06311 Scheduling, planning or task assignment for a person or group
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/20 Point-of-sale [POS] network systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0277 Online advertisement
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0601 Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0613 Third-party assisted
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0639 Item locations
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 13/065 for drink preparation

Abstract

Systems, apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture for machine retrofits and interactive soda fountains are provided.

Claims

1. A method, comprising:

intercepting, by a retrofit device coupled to a machine, an input signal from an input device of the machine;

transmitting, by the retrofit device and to a remote electronic processing device, an indication of the intercepted input;

receiving, in response to the transmitting of the indication of the intercepted input, by the retrofit device and from the remote electronic processing device, an indication of a desired function to be activated at the machine in response to the input signal; and

causing, via the retrofit device and based on the indication of the desired function of the machine, the machine to execute the desired function.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the machine comprises a vending machine and wherein the desired function comprises a vending of a unit of product from the vending machine.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the machine comprises a visi-cooler and wherein the desired function comprises providing access to a unit of product from the visi-cooler.

4. The method of claim 3, where the providing of the access comprises a disengagement of a door latch mechanism.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the machine comprises a soda fountain and wherein the desired function comprises a dispensing of a beverage from the soda fountain.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the causing comprises:

sending, by the retrofit device and to a component of the machine, a signal emulating input received by input device of the machine.

7. A retrofit device coupled to a machine, comprising:

an electronic processing device; and

a memory device in communication with the electronic processing device, the memory device storing specially-programmed instructions that when executed by the electronic processing device result in;

intercepting an input signal from an input device of the machine;

transmitting, to a remote electronic processing device, an indication of the intercepted input;

receiving, in response to the transmitting of the indication of the intercepted input and from the remote electronic processing device, an indication of a desired function to be activated at the machine in response to the input signal; and

causing, based on the indication of the desired function of the machine, the machine to execute the desired function.

8. A retrofit device coupled to a machine, comprising:

a first connector coupled to an input device of the machine and at least one of a first function device and a processing device of the machine;

a second connector coupled to at least one of a second function device and a processing device of the machine; and

a communication device in communication with the first and second connectors and a remote processing device, wherein the retrofit device, upon receiving an indication, from the input device and via the first connector, of a desired input to the machine;

transmits, via the communication device and to the remote processing device, an indication of the input;

receives, via the communication device and from the remote processing device, and in response to the transmitting of the indication of the input, an indication of a desired function of the machine; and

causes, by transmitting a signal via one or more of the first and second connectors, the machine to initiate the desired function.

9. The retrofit device of claim 8, wherein the causing comprises:

transmitting a signal via the first connector and to the at least one of the first function device and the processing device, the signal comprising an emulation of a signal from the input device.

10. The retrofit device of claim 8, wherein the causing comprises:

transmitting a signal via the second connector and to the at least one of the second function device and the processing device, the signal comprising an indication of a monetary amount approved for initiating the desired function.

11. The retrofit device of claim 8, wherein the input device comprises a keypad coupled to the machine, the first function device comprises a dispensing device, and wherein the second connector is coupled to the processing device of the machine.