Systems and methods for providing dynamic ingredient matrix reconfiguration in a product dispenser
First Claim
1. A product dispenser, comprising:
- an ingredient matrix operable to receive a plurality of ingredient packages within respective locations, wherein a first ingredient package of the plurality of ingredient packages can be received in multiple ones of the respective locations; and
a controller in communication with the ingredient matrix and operable to execute a set of instructions operable to;
receive information associated with the first ingredient package prior to or during insertion of the first ingredient package into the ingredient matrix;
determine at least one location of the respective locations within the ingredient matrix for insertion of the first ingredient package, wherein the at least one location is selected from the respective locations after the information is received; and
output the determined at least one location to an output device to instruct a user regarding where the first ingredient package is to be inserted into the ingredient matrix.
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Abstract
Embodiments of the invention include systems and methods for providing dynamic ingredient matrix reconfiguration in a product dispenser. In one embodiment, a system can include an ingredient matrix operable to receive one or more ingredient packages within respective locations. In addition, the system can include a controller in communication with the ingredient matrix and operable to execute a set of instructions operable to receive information associated with one or more ingredient packages. Furthermore, the controller can be operable to determine at least one location within the ingredient matrix for a selected one or more ingredient packages, and output the at least one location within the ingredient matrix for insertion of selected one or more ingredient packages.
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Citations
35 Claims
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1. A product dispenser, comprising:
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an ingredient matrix operable to receive a plurality of ingredient packages within respective locations, wherein a first ingredient package of the plurality of ingredient packages can be received in multiple ones of the respective locations; and a controller in communication with the ingredient matrix and operable to execute a set of instructions operable to; receive information associated with the first ingredient package prior to or during insertion of the first ingredient package into the ingredient matrix; determine at least one location of the respective locations within the ingredient matrix for insertion of the first ingredient package, wherein the at least one location is selected from the respective locations after the information is received; and output the determined at least one location to an output device to instruct a user regarding where the first ingredient package is to be inserted into the ingredient matrix. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
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16. A method for configuring an ingredient matrix associated with a product dispenser comprising a plurality of dispensing devices, the method comprising:
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receiving information associated with one or more ingredient packages prior to or during insertion into the ingredient matrix, wherein the ingredient matrix is operable with a first ingredient package of the one or more ingredient packages positioned in a plurality of locations within the ingredient matrix; determining at least one location of the plurality of locations within the ingredient matrix for insertion of the first ingredient package, wherein a second ingredient package was previously inserted in the at least one location, the second ingredient package comprising a different ingredient than the first ingredient package; and outputting second information representative of the at least one location via an output device, wherein the second information instructs a user regarding placement of the first ingredient package in the ingredient matrix. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 34, 35)
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28. A product dispenser, comprising:
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an interface operable to output an available product menu; an ingredient matrix operable to receive one or more ingredient packages within respective locations; and a controller in communication with the ingredient matrix and operable to execute a set of instructions operable to; receive information associated with one or more ingredient packages; determine when an inserted ingredient package is not suitable for a location within the ingredient matrix; and remove at least one product selection from the available product menu.
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Specification