Substance control system and method for dispensing systems

• US 8,892,249 B2
• Filed: 09/16/2011
• Issued: 11/18/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 08/26/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Elwha LLC (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Original Assignee: Elwha LLC (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Inventors: Holman, Paul, Levien, Royce A., Malamud, Mark A., Stephenson, Neal, Young, Christopher Charles
• Primary Examiner(s): WAGGONER, TIMOTHY R
• Application Number:
  US13/200,113
• Publication Number:
  US 20130054018A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,159 Days
• Field of Search: 700/233, 700/235
• US Class Current: 700/233
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 17/00 Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific functions information retrieval, database structures or file system structures therefor G06F16/00
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 11/62 in which the articles are stored in compartments in fixed receptacles
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 13/065 for drink preparation
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/0078 Food articles which need to be processed for dispensing in a hot or cooked condition, e.g. popcorn, nuts
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 9/002 Vending machines being part of a centrally controlled network of vending machines
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 9/026 for alarm, monitoring and auditing in vending machines or means for indication, e.g. when empty

Abstract

A substance control dispensing system which receives containers of ingestible material for use in dispensing ingestible products individually or in combination with other ingestibles available to the system. A container is sealed at a point of origin and maintains information regarding the origin, integrity of the container since packing, or substance contained by the containers among other types of information. The system is configured to acquire the information from the container upon the container being inserted into the system, and the information may be used to prepare a display of available selections which includes a status related to the information from the container or its insertion into the system, increasing confidence toward the integrity in labeling of ingestible products to be dispensed. Other sorts of ingestible products can include but are not limited to food bars, meal replacements, snacks, full meals, plant and/or animal based products, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, smoothies, etc.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system, the engagement of the at least one ingestible material container including at least electronically unlocking at least one lockable portion of the at least one ingestible material container based at least in part on at least one code verifier of the at least one ingestible material container electronically coupling with at least one code transmitter of one or more receiving assemblies of the automated dispensing system, the at least one code verifier operable to verify the at least one receiving assembly is authorized to accept one or more particular ingestible material portions of the at least one ingestible material container;

electronically receiving status information indicative of at least one of integrity prior to engagement with the automated dispensing system of the at least one ingestible material container or a condition of the particular ingestible material portion of the at least one ingestible material container; and

electronically outputting selection information associated with the particular ingestible material portion based at least in part on the engagement information and the status information.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving status information indicative of at least one of integrity prior to engagement with the automated dispensing system of the at least one ingestible material container or a condition of the particular ingestible material portion of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving status information via at least in part an electronic identification card.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving status information indicative of at least one of integrity prior to engagement with the automated dispensing system of the at least one ingestible material container or a condition of the particular ingestible material portion of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving status information via at least in part a memory circuit coupled with the ingestible material container.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving status information indicative of at least one of integrity prior to engagement with the automated dispensing system of the at least one ingestible material container or a condition of the particular ingestible material portion of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving status information via at least in part Internet communication.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving status information indicative of at least one of integrity prior to engagement with the automated dispensing system of the at least one ingestible material container or a condition of the particular ingestible material portion of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving status information via at least in part an optical scan.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving status information indicative of at least one of integrity prior to engagement with the automated dispensing system of the at least one ingestible material container or a condition of the particular ingestible material portion of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving status information via at least in part image recognition.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving status information indicative of at least one of integrity prior to engagement with the automated dispensing system of the at least one ingestible material container or a condition of the particular ingestible material portion of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving status information via at least in part a radio communication.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving status information indicative of at least one of integrity prior to engagement with the automated dispensing system of the at least one ingestible material container or a condition of the particular ingestible material portion of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving status information regarding the particular ingestible material portion as a combination of one or more ingestible ingredients.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving status information indicative of at least one of integrity prior to engagement with the automated dispensing system of the at least one ingestible material container or a condition of the particular ingestible material portion of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving status information regarding the particular ingestible material portion as a compound including one or more extracts of USDA certified organically raised plant matter.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving status information indicative of at least one of integrity prior to engagement with the automated dispensing system of the at least one ingestible material container or a condition of the particular ingestible material portion of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving status information regarding the particular ingestible material portion as a combination of one or more powders.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving status information indicative of at least one of integrity prior to engagement with the automated dispensing system of the at least one ingestible material container or a condition of the particular ingestible material portion of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving status information regarding the particular ingestible material portion as including one or more controlled pharmaceutical agents.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system, the engagement of the at least one ingestible material container including at least electronically unlocking at least one lockable portion of the at least one ingestible material container based at least in part on at least one code verifier of the at least one ingestible material container electronically coupling with at least one code transmitter of one or more receiving assemblies of the automated dispensing system, the at least one code verifier operable to verify the at least one receiving assembly is authorized to accept one or more particular ingestible material portions of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving information as related to the first engagement of the automated dispensing system with the at least one ingestible material container via at least in part an engagement to provide for pouring the particular ingestible material portion from the at least one ingestible material container.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system, the engagement of the at least one ingestible material container including at least electronically unlocking at least one lockable portion of the at least one ingestible material container based at least in part on at least one code verifier of the at least one ingestible material container electronically coupling with at least one code transmitter of one or more receiving assemblies of the automated dispensing system, the at least one code verifier operable to verify the at least one receiving assembly is authorized to accept one or more particular ingestible material portions of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving information as related to the first engagement of the automated dispensing system with the at least one ingestible material container via at least in part an engagement to provide for blowing the particular ingestible material portion from the at least one ingestible material container.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system, the engagement of the at least one ingestible material container including at least electronically unlocking at least one lockable portion of the at least one ingestible material container based at least in part on at least one code verifier of the at least one ingestible material container electronically coupling with at least one code transmitter of one or more receiving assemblies of the automated dispensing system, the at least one code verifier operable to verify the at least one receiving assembly is authorized to accept one or more particular ingestible material portions of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving information as related to the first engagement of the automated dispensing system with the at least one ingestible material container via at least in part an engagement to provide for vacuuming the particular ingestible material portion from the at least one ingestible material container.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system, the engagement of the at least one ingestible material container including at least electronically unlocking at least one lockable portion of the at least one ingestible material container based at least in part on at least one code verifier of the at least one ingestible material container electronically coupling with at least one code transmitter of one or more receiving assemblies of the automated dispensing system, the at least one code verifier operable to verify the at least one receiving assembly is authorized to accept one or more particular ingestible material portions of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system via at least in part an engagement to provide for dissolving the particular ingestible material portion in a solution to be transported from the at least one ingestible material container.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system, the engagement of the at least one ingestible material container including at least electronically unlocking at least one lockable portion of the at least one ingestible material container based at least in part on at least one code verifier of the at least one ingestible material container electronically coupling with at least one code transmitter of one or more receiving assemblies of the automated dispensing system, the at least one code verifier operable to verify the at least one receiving assembly is authorized to accept one or more particular ingestible material portions of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system via at least in part an engagement to provide for mixing other material with the particular ingestible material portion from the at least one ingestible material container.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system, the engagement of the at least one ingestible material container including at least electronically unlocking at least one lockable portion of the at least one ingestible material container based at least in part on at least one code verifier of the at least one ingestible material container electronically coupling with at least one code transmitter of one or more receiving assemblies of the automated dispensing system, the at least one code verifier operable to verify the at least one receiving assembly is authorized to accept one or more particular ingestible material portions of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system via at least in part an engagement to provide for gravity feeding the particular ingestible material portion from the at least one ingestible material container.

18. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system, the engagement of the at least one ingestible material container including at least electronically unlocking at least one lockable portion of the at least one ingestible material container based at least in part on at least one code verifier of the at least one ingestible material container electronically coupling with at least one code transmitter of one or more receiving assemblies of the automated dispensing system, the at least one code verifier operable to verify the at least one receiving assembly is authorized to accept one or more particular ingestible material portions of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system via at least in part an engagement to provide for flow of the particular ingestible material portion through a valve from the at least one ingestible material container.

19. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system, the engagement of the at least one ingestible material container including at least electronically unlocking at least one lockable portion of the at least one ingestible material container based at least in part on at least one code verifier of the at least one ingestible material container electronically coupling with at least one code transmitter of one or more receiving assemblies of the automated dispensing system, the at least one code verifier operable to verify the at least one receiving assembly is authorized to accept one or more particular ingestible material portions of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system via at least in part an engagement to provide for physically severing a seal on the at least one ingestible material container.

20. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system, the engagement of the at least one ingestible material container including at least electronically unlocking at least one lockable portion of the at least one ingestible material container based at least in part on at least one code verifier of the at least one ingestible material container electronically coupling with at least one code transmitter of one or more receiving assemblies of the automated dispensing system, the at least one code verifier operable to verify the at least one receiving assembly is authorized to accept one or more particular ingestible material portions of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system via at least in part an engagement to provide for moving a sliding barrier on the at least one ingestible material container.

21. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system, the engagement of the at least one ingestible material container including at least electronically unlocking at least one lockable portion of the at least one ingestible material container based at least in part on at least one code verifier of the at least one ingestible material container electronically coupling with at least one code transmitter of one or more receiving assemblies of the automated dispensing system, the at least one code verifier operable to verify the at least one receiving assembly is authorized to accept one or more particular ingestible material portions of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system via at least in part an engagement to provide for moving a hinged lid on the at least one ingestible material container.

22. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system, the engagement of the at least one ingestible material container including at least electronically unlocking at least one lockable portion of the at least one ingestible material container based at least in part on at least one code verifier of the at least one ingestible material container electronically coupling with at least one code transmitter of one or more receiving assemblies of the automated dispensing system, the at least one code verifier operable to verify the at least one receiving assembly is authorized to accept one or more particular ingestible material portions of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system via at least in part an engagement to provide for unscrewing a cap on the at least one ingestible material container.

23. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system, the engagement of the at least one ingestible material container including at least electronically unlocking at least one lockable portion of the at least one ingestible material container based at least in part on at least one code verifier of the at least one ingestible material container electronically coupling with at least one code transmitter of one or more receiving assemblies of the automated dispensing system, the at least one code verifier operable to verify the at least one receiving assembly is authorized to accept one or more particular ingestible material portions of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system via at least in part an engagement to provide for insertion of a syringe into the at least one ingestible material container.

24. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system, the engagement of the at least one ingestible material container including at least electronically unlocking at least one lockable portion of the at least one ingestible material container based at least in part on at least one code verifier of the at least one ingestible material container electronically coupling with at least one code transmitter of one or more receiving assemblies of the automated dispensing system, the at least one code verifier operable to verify the at least one receiving assembly is authorized to accept one or more particular ingestible material portions of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system via at least in part an engagement to provide for removing a tear away element on the at least one ingestible material container.

25. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system, the engagement of the at least one ingestible material container including at least electronically unlocking at least one lockable portion of the at least one ingestible material container based at least in part on at least one code verifier of the at least one ingestible material container electronically coupling with at least one code transmitter of one or more receiving assemblies of the automated dispensing system, the at least one code verifier operable to verify the at least one receiving assembly is authorized to accept one or more particular ingestible material portions of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system via at least in part an engagement to provide for deforming a material on the at least one ingestible material container.

26. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system, the engagement of the at least one ingestible material container including at least electronically unlocking at least one lockable portion of the at least one ingestible material container based at least in part on at least one code verifier of the at least one ingestible material container electronically coupling with at least one code transmitter of one or more receiving assemblies of the automated dispensing system, the at least one code verifier operable to verify the at least one receiving assembly is authorized to accept one or more particular ingestible material portions of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving engagement information indicative of integrity of the at least one ingestible material container prior to being engaged with an automated dispensing system and following the at least one ingestible material container being united with the particular ingestible material portion as a vial containing a solution with the particular ingestible material portion dissolved therein.

27. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system, the engagement of the at least one ingestible material container including at least electronically unlocking at least one lockable portion of the at least one ingestible material container based at least in part on at least one code verifier of the at least one ingestible material container electronically coupling with at least one code transmitter of one or more receiving assemblies of the automated dispensing system, the at least one code verifier operable to verify the at least one receiving assembly is authorized to accept one or more particular ingestible material portions of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving engagement information indicative of integrity of the at least one ingestible material container prior to being engaged with an automated dispensing system and following the at least one ingestible material container being united with the particular ingestible material portion as a compressed aerosol container having the particular ingestible material portion contained therein.

28. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system, the engagement of the at least one ingestible material container including at least electronically unlocking at least one lockable portion of the at least one ingestible material container based at least in part on at least one code verifier of the at least one ingestible material container electronically coupling with at least one code transmitter of one or more receiving assemblies of the automated dispensing system, the at least one code verifier operable to verify the at least one receiving assembly is authorized to accept one or more particular ingestible material portions of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving engagement information indicative of integrity of the at least one ingestible material container prior to being engaged with an automated dispensing system and following the at least one ingestible material container being united with the particular ingestible material portion as part of a severable seal coupled to a container containing the particular ingestible material portion.

29. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system, the engagement of the at least one ingestible material container including at least electronically unlocking at least one lockable portion of the at least one ingestible material container based at least in part on at least one code verifier of the at least one ingestible material container electronically coupling with at least one code transmitter of one or more receiving assemblies of the automated dispensing system, the at least one code verifier operable to verify the at least one receiving assembly is authorized to accept one or more particular ingestible material portions of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving engagement information indicative of integrity of the at least one ingestible material container prior to being engaged with an automated dispensing system and following the at least one ingestible material container being united with the particular ingestible material portion as a deformable material coupled with a container holding the particular ingestible material portion.

30. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system, the engagement of the at least one ingestible material container including at least electronically unlocking at least one lockable portion of the at least one ingestible material container based at least in part on at least one code verifier of the at least one ingestible material container electronically coupling with at least one code transmitter of one or more receiving assemblies of the automated dispensing system, the at least one code verifier operable to verify the at least one receiving assembly is authorized to accept one or more particular ingestible material portions of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system to facilitate access by the automated dispensing system to the particular ingestible material portion via at least in part pouring the particular ingestible material portion from an interior volume.

31. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system, the engagement of the at least one ingestible material container including at least electronically unlocking at least one lockable portion of the at least one ingestible material container based at least in part on at least one code verifier of the at least one ingestible material container electronically coupling with at least one code transmitter of one or more receiving assemblies of the automated dispensing system, the at least one code verifier operable to verify the at least one receiving assembly is authorized to accept one or more particular ingestible material portions of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system to facilitate access by the automated dispensing system to the particular ingestible material portion via at least in part augering to convey the particular ingestible material portion into an interior volume.

32. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system, the engagement of the at least one ingestible material container including at least electronically unlocking at least one lockable portion of the at least one ingestible material container based at least in part on at least one code verifier of the at least one ingestible material container electronically coupling with at least one code transmitter of one or more receiving assemblies of the automated dispensing system, the at least one code verifier operable to verify the at least one receiving assembly is authorized to accept one or more particular ingestible material portions of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system to facilitate access by the automated dispensing system to the particular ingestible material portion via at least in part fluid transfer of the particular ingestible material portion.

33. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system, the engagement of the at least one ingestible material container including at least electronically unlocking at least one lockable portion of the at least one ingestible material container based at least in part on at least one code verifier of the at least one ingestible material container electronically coupling with at least one code transmitter of one or more receiving assemblies of the automated dispensing system, the at least one code verifier operable to verify the at least one receiving assembly is authorized to accept one or more particular ingestible material portions of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system to facilitate access by the automated dispensing system to the particular ingestible material portion via at least in part mixing the particular ingestible material portion with other material.

34. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system, the engagement of the at least one ingestible material container including at least electronically unlocking at least one lockable portion of the at least one ingestible material container based at least in part on at least one code verifier of the at least one ingestible material container electronically coupling with at least one code transmitter of one or more receiving assemblies of the automated dispensing system, the at least one code verifier operable to verify the at least one receiving assembly is authorized to accept one or more particular ingestible material portions of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system to facilitate access by the automated dispensing system to the particular ingestible material portion via at least in part opening a valve.

35. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system, the engagement of the at least one ingestible material container including at least electronically unlocking at least one lockable portion of the at least one ingestible material container based at least in part on at least one code verifier of the at least one ingestible material container electronically coupling with at least one code transmitter of one or more receiving assemblies of the automated dispensing system, the at least one code verifier operable to verify the at least one receiving assembly is authorized to accept one or more particular ingestible material portions of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system to facilitate access by the automated dispensing system to the particular ingestible material portion via at least in part physical severing of a seal on a container holding the particular ingestible material portion.

36. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system, the engagement of the at least one ingestible material container including at least electronically unlocking at least one lockable portion of the at least one ingestible material container based at least in part on at least one code verifier of the at least one ingestible material container electronically coupling with at least one code transmitter of one or more receiving assemblies of the automated dispensing system, the at least one code verifier operable to verify the at least one receiving assembly is authorized to accept one or more particular ingestible material portions of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system to facilitate access by the automated dispensing system to the particular ingestible material portion via at least in part moving a sliding barrier on a container holding the particular ingestible material portion.

37. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system, the engagement of the at least one ingestible material container including at least electronically unlocking at least one lockable portion of the at least one ingestible material container based at least in part on at least one code verifier of the at least one ingestible material container electronically coupling with at least one code transmitter of one or more receiving assemblies of the automated dispensing system, the at least one code verifier operable to verify the at least one receiving assembly is authorized to accept one or more particular ingestible material portions of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system to facilitate access by the automated dispensing system to the particular ingestible material portion via at least in part moving a hinged lid on a container holding the particular ingestible material portion.

38. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system, the engagement of the at least one ingestible material container including at least electronically unlocking at least one lockable portion of the at least one ingestible material container based at least in part on at least one code verifier of the at least one ingestible material container electronically coupling with at least one code transmitter of one or more receiving assemblies of the automated dispensing system, the at least one code verifier operable to verify the at least one receiving assembly is authorized to accept one or more particular ingestible material portions of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system to facilitate access by the automated dispensing system to the particular ingestible material portion via at least in part insertion of a syringe into a container holding the particular ingestible material portion.

39. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system, the engagement of the at least one ingestible material container including at least electronically unlocking at least one lockable portion of the at least one ingestible material container based at least in part on at least one code verifier of the at least one ingestible material container electronically coupling with at least one code transmitter of one or more receiving assemblies of the automated dispensing system, the at least one code verifier operable to verify the at least one receiving assembly is authorized to accept one or more particular ingestible material portions of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system to facilitate access by the automated dispensing system to the particular ingestible material portion via at least in part lifting a tab on a container holding the particular ingestible material portion.

40. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system, the engagement of the at least one ingestible material container including at least electronically unlocking at least one lockable portion of the at least one ingestible material container based at least in part on at least one code verifier of the at least one ingestible material container electronically coupling with at least one code transmitter of one or more receiving assemblies of the automated dispensing system, the at least one code verifier operable to verify the at least one receiving assembly is authorized to accept one or more particular ingestible material portions of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system to facilitate access by the automated dispensing system to the particular ingestible material portion via at least in part disengaging a locking mechanism on a container holding the particular ingestible material portion.

41. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving status information indicative of at least one of integrity prior to engagement with the automated dispensing system of the at least one ingestible material container or a condition of the particular ingestible material portion of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving status information as related to a particular ingestible material portion for dispensing of the particular ingestible material portion as part of a smoothie drink.

42. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving status information indicative of at least one of integrity prior to engagement with the automated dispensing system of the at least one ingestible material container or a condition of the particular ingestible material portion of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving status information as related to a particular ingestible material portion for dispensing of the particular ingestible material portion as part of a sandwich.

43. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving status information indicative of at least one of integrity prior to engagement with the automated dispensing system of the at least one ingestible material container or a condition of the particular ingestible material portion of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving status information as related to a particular ingestible material portion for dispensing of the particular ingestible material portion as part of a fruit drink.

44. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system, the engagement of the at least one ingestible material container including at least electronically unlocking at least one lockable portion of the at least one ingestible material container based at least in part on at least one code verifier of the at least one ingestible material container electronically coupling with at least one code transmitter of one or more receiving assemblies of the automated dispensing system, the at least one code verifier operable to verify the at least one receiving assembly is authorized to accept one or more particular ingestible material portions of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving engagement information including information based at least in part upon whether the automated dispensing system has been disengaged subsequent to an engagement with the at least one ingestible material container subsequent to the particular ingestible material portion being united with the ingestible material container and prior to the engagement.

45. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system, the engagement of the at least one ingestible material container including at least electronically unlocking at least one lockable portion of the at least one ingestible material container based at least in part on at least one code verifier of the at least one ingestible material container electronically coupling with at least one code transmitter of one or more receiving assemblies of the automated dispensing system, the at least one code verifier operable to verify the at least one receiving assembly is authorized to accept one or more particular ingestible material portions of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving engagement information including instruction to prevent dispensing of the particular ingestible material if the automated dispensing system has been disengaged subsequent to an engagement with the at least one ingestible material container subsequent to the particular ingestible material portion being united with the ingestible material container and prior to the engagement.

46. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system, the engagement of the at least one ingestible material container including at least electronically unlocking at least one lockable portion of the at least one ingestible material container based at least in part on at least one code verifier of the at least one ingestible material container electronically coupling with at least one code transmitter of one or more receiving assemblies of the automated dispensing system, the at least one code verifier operable to verify the at least one receiving assembly is authorized to accept one or more particular ingestible material portions of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving engagement information related to the at least one ingestible material container arranged to inhibit access to the particular ingestible material portion as a container with hinged lid containing the particular ingestible material portion.

47. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system, the engagement of the at least one ingestible material container including at least electronically unlocking at least one lockable portion of the at least one ingestible material container based at least in part on at least one code verifier of the at least one ingestible material container electronically coupling with at least one code transmitter of one or more receiving assemblies of the automated dispensing system, the at least one code verifier operable to verify the at least one receiving assembly is authorized to accept one or more particular ingestible material portions of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving engagement information related to the at least one ingestible material container arranged to inhibit access to the particular ingestible material portion as a container with a tear away enclosure element containing the particular ingestible material portion.

48. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system, the engagement of the at least one ingestible material container including at least electronically unlocking at least one lockable portion of the at least one ingestible material container based at least in part on at least one code verifier of the at least one ingestible material container electronically coupling with at least one code transmitter of one or more receiving assemblies of the automated dispensing system, the at least one code verifier operable to verify the at least one receiving assembly is authorized to accept one or more particular ingestible material portions of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving engagement information related to the at least one ingestible material container arranged to inhibit access to the particular ingestible material portion as a deformable container containing the particular ingestible material portion.

49. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system, the engagement of the at least one ingestible material container including at least electronically unlocking at least one lockable portion of the at least one ingestible material container based at least in part on at least one code verifier of the at least one ingestible material container electronically coupling with at least one code transmitter of one or more receiving assemblies of the automated dispensing system, the at least one code verifier operable to verify the at least one receiving assembly is authorized to accept one or more particular ingestible material portions of the at least one ingestible material container comprises:

electronically receiving engagement information related to the at least one ingestible material container arranged to inhibit access to the particular ingestible material portion as a container with a locking mechanism containing the particular ingestible material portion.

50. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically outputting selection information associated with the particular ingestible material portion based at least in part on the engagement information and the status information comprises:

electronically outputting selection information via an electronic audio file.

51. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically outputting selection information associated with the particular ingestible material portion based at least in part on the engagement information and the status information comprises:

electronically outputting selection information via a computer network.

52. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically outputting selection information associated with the particular ingestible material portion based at least in part on the engagement information and the status information comprises:

electronically outputting selection information via a cellular network.

53. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically outputting selection information associated with the particular ingestible material portion based at least in part on the engagement information and the status information comprises:

electronically outputting selection information via wireless communication.

54. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically outputting selection information associated with the particular ingestible material portion based at least in part on the engagement information and the status information comprises:

electronically outputting selection information including information based at least in part upon whether the automated dispensing system has been disengaged subsequent to an engagement with the at least one ingestible material container subsequent to the particular ingestible material portion being united with the ingestible material container and prior to the engagement.

55. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically outputting selection information associated with the particular ingestible material portion based at least in part on the engagement information and the status information comprises:

electronically outputting selection information including warnings against selecting one or more products containing the particular ingestible material if the automated dispensing system has been disengaged subsequent to an engagement with the at least one ingestible material container subsequent to the particular ingestible material portion being united with the ingestible material container and prior to the engagement.

56. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically outputting selection information associated with the particular ingestible material portion based at least in part on the engagement information and the status information comprises:

electronically outputting selection information including information based at least in part upon whether the automated dispensing system has remained unengaged with the at least one ingestible material container subsequent to the particular ingestible material portion being united with the ingestible material container and prior to the engagement.

58. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically outputting selection information associated with the particular ingestible material portion based at least in part on the engagement information and the status information comprises:

electronically outputting a date that the particular ingestible material was united with the at least one ingestible material container, the date derived from the electronically received status information.

59. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically outputting selection information associated with the particular ingestible material portion based at least in part on the engagement information and the status information comprises:

electronically outputting a date that the at least one ingestible material container was engaged with the automated dispensing system, the date derived from the electronically received engagement information, the electronically outputting the date enabling a human to determine a freshness of the particular ingestible material portion.

57. A system comprising:

means for electronically receiving engagement information indicative of at least one ingestible material container being engaged with an automated dispensing system, the engagement of the at least one ingestible material container including at least means for electronically unlocking at least one lockable portion of the at least one ingestible material container based at least in part on at least one code verifier of the at least one ingestible material container electronically coupling with at least one code transmitter of one or more receiving assemblies of the automated dispensing system, the at least one code verifier operable to verify the at least one receiving assembly is authorized to accept one or more particular ingestible material portions of the at least one ingestible material container;

means for electronically receiving status information indicative of at least one of integrity prior to engagement with the automated dispensing system of the at least one ingestible material container or a condition of the particular ingestible material portion of the at least one ingestible material container; and

means for electronically outputting selection information associated with the particular ingestible material portion based at least in part on the engagement information and the status information.

60. An automated dispensing system, comprising:

one or more controlled substance receiving assemblies including at least one code transmitter of the one or more controlled substance receiving assemblies, the one or more controlled substance receiving assemblies configured for transmitting one or more codes to one or more code verifiers of one or more ingestible material containers, the one or more ingestible material containers operable to unlock at least one lockable portion of the one or more ingestible material containers based at least in part on a verification that the one or more controlled substance receiving assemblies are authorized to accept one or more particular ingestible material portions of the one or more ingestible material containers upon the one or more ingestible material containers being inserted into the one or more controlled substance receiving assemblies and electronically coupling the at least one code verifier with the at least one code transmitter;

one or more selection devices, the one or more selection devices configured to display selection information based at least in part upon the verification of authorization of at least one of the ingestible material containers; and

one or more dispensing devices configured to dispense an ingestible item including at least a portion of a particular ingestible material portion from at least one of the ingestible material containers responsive to a selection input via the one or more selection devices.

61. The automated dispensing system of claim 60, wherein the automated dispensing system is configured to inhibit access to a content of an ingestible material container upon reading a status of the ingestible material container indicative of unauthorized access to the ingestible material container prior to being inserted into a controlled substance receiving assembly.