Beverage communication system
View Patent ↗A beverage system including a communication means ( 300 ) for communicating between a beverage dispensing module ( 32 ) and a base station ( 304 ). Each beverage-dispersing module ( 32 ) includes a controller ( 76 ), which is centralized for use with multiple modules ( 32 ) or dedicated to an individual module ( 32 ). The controller ( 76 ) collects information about the module ( 32 ) or modules. The controller ( 76 ) includes link ( 302 ), which connect the controller ( 76 ) to the base station ( 304 ). The base station ( 304 ) includes a means for displaying display ( 305 ) and can provide visual auditor or other information about numerous conditions.
1. A communication system for use with a beverage making apparatus, the communication system comprising:
at least one controller for collecting information from at least one beverage making apparatus;
at least one receiver for receiving information from at least one controller;
means for linking the controller to the receiver for communicating the collected information about a beverage making apparatus from the controller to the receiver;
means for displaying at the receiver a form of the collected information about the beverage making apparatus; and
communication means for sending a control signal to the beverage making apparatus
wherein the means for linking uses a multiple path verification signal which originates as an initial communication at the controller and is received by the receiver with the receiver communicating at least a portion of the initial communication which is received by the controller whereupon the controller provides a confirmation to the receiver.
2. The communication system of claim 1 , further comprising the link means operates using a physical, generally point-to-point link between the controller and the receiver.
3. The communication system of claim 1 , further comprising the display means being configured as an auditory display.
4. The communication system of claim 1 , further comprising the display means including at least a visual display and auditory display.
5. The communication system of claim 1 , the receiver further comprising operator control means for facilitating control of the communication system at the receiver.
6. The communication system of claim 1 , the receiver further comprising operator control means for facilitating control of the controller from the receiver using the linking means.
7. The communication system of claim 1 , the means for linking operating using a single path signal from the controller to the receiver.
8. The communication system of claim 1 , wherein the receiver is positioned at a cash register location.
9. The communication system of claim 1 , wherein the means for displaying communicates a condition of the beverage such as temperature, freshness or flavor.
10. The communication system of claim 1 , wherein the controller is operable to dispose of beverage from a container.
11. The communication system of claim 10 , wherein the controller is operable to flush and sanitize a portion of the beverage making apparatus.
12. The communication system of claim 1 , further comprising the link means operating using a wireless communication link.
13. The communication system of claim 12 , further comprising the wireless communication link operating using radio frequencies.
14. The communication system of claim 12 , further comprising the wireless communication link operating using an optical link.
15. The communication system of claim 1 , further comprising the display means being configured as a visual display.
16. The communication system of claim 15 , further comprising the visual display being configured to provide a text message.
17. The communication system of claim 15 , further comprising the visual display being configured to provide a symbolic message.
18. The communication system of claim 1 , wherein the controller is operable to initiate a brew cycle.
19. The communication system of claim 18 , wherein the controller is operable to sense a temperature or level.
20. The communication system of claim 18 , wherein the controller operates a valve to introduce a liquid into a housing.
21. A communication system for use with a beverage making apparatus, the communication system comprising:
at least one controller for collecting information from at least one beverage making apparatus;
at least one receiver for receiving information from at least one controller;
means for linking the controller to the receiver for communicating the collected information about a beverage making apparatus from the controller to the receiver;
means for displaying at the receiver a form of the collected information about the beverage making apparatus; and
communication means for sending a control signal to the beverage making apparatus
wherein the controller is operable to prevent beverage dispensing during a brew cycle.
22. The communication system of claim 21 , wherein the receiver is positioned at a cash register location.
23. The communication system of claim 21 , wherein the means for displaying communicates a condition of the beverage such as temperature, freshness or flavor.
24. The communication system of claim 21 , wherein the controller is operable to prevent beverage dispensing during a brew cycle.
25. The communication system of claim 21 , wherein the controller is operable to control the timing of adding flavoring during a brew cycle.
26. The communication system of claim 25 , wherein the controller is operable to ensure the addition of flavoring early in the a brew cycle.
27. The communication system of claim 21 , wherein the controller is operable to dispose of beverage from a container.
28. The communication system of claim 27 , wherein the controller is operable to flush and sanitize a portion of the beverage making apparatus.
29. The communication system of claim 27 , wherein the controller measures the length of beverage brew time.
30. The communication system of claim 21 , wherein the controller is operable to initiate a brew cycle.
31. The communication system of claim 30 , wherein the controller is operable to sense a temperature or level.
32. The communication system of claim 30 , wherein the controller operates a valve to introduce a liquid into a housing.
33. A communication system for use with a beverage making apparatus, the communication system comprising:
at least one controller for collecting information from at least one beverage making apparatus;
at least one receiver for receiving information from at least one controller;
means for linking the controller to the receiver for communicating the collected information about a beverage making apparatus from the controller to the receiver;
means for displaying at the receiver a form of the collected information about the beverage making apparatus; and
communication means for sending a control signal to the beverage making apparatus
wherein the controller is operable to control the timing of adding flavoring during a brew cycle.
34. The communication system of claim 33 , wherein the controller is operable to ensure the addition of flavoring early in the a brew cycle.
35. A communication system for use with a beverage making apparatus, the communication system comprising:
at least one controller for collecting information from at least one beverage making apparatus;
at least one receiver for receiving information from at least one controller;
means for linking the controller to the receiver for communicating the collected information about a beverage making apparatus from the controller to the receiver;
means for displaying at the receiver a form of the collected information about the beverage making apparatus; and
communication means for sending a control signal to the beverage making apparatus
wherein the controller measures the length of beverage brew time and initiates disposal from a container at a predetermined time.