Systems and methods for facilitating consumer-dispenser interactions
Embodiments of the invention can include systems and methods for dispensing consumable products. In one embodiment, a product dispenser is provided. The product dispenser can include a user interface operable to receive consumer inputs and to present product selection information. In addition, the product dispenser can include a reader configured to obtain identification information associated with a consumer. The product dispenser can include a controller in communication with the reader and user interface, and operable to execute a set of instructions to receive from the reader identification information associated with a consumer. The controller can also be operable to execute a set of instructions operable to retrieve consumer information based at least in part on the identification information, and provide product selection information at the user interface based at least in part on the consumer information.
1. A method for interacting with a product dispenser, the method comprising:
initiating presentation of a selection of products at a display of a remote device, the selection of products corresponding to one or more previously entered product preferences of a recipient consumer;
receiving, via at least one processor, product identification information of a product from a purchasing consumer, wherein the product is one of the selection of products for the recipient consumer;
receiving an instruction from the purchasing consumer to purchase the product for the recipient consumer;
facilitating purchase of the product to provide to the recipient consumer; and
dispensing the product at the product dispenser.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein receiving the product identification information comprises at least one of the following:
receiving information via a user interface associated with a product dispenser, scanning a machine readable code, receiving a token or loyalty card, receiving a unique code, receiving information from a RFID tag, receiving information from a NFC tag, receiving information or a communication from a client-type device, or receiving information or a communication from a wireless communication device.
3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
providing product selection information at a user interface associated with the product dispenser, wherein the purchasing consumer is prompted to input selection of a product.
4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
providing product selection information at a user interface associated with a wireless communication device in communication with the product dispenser, wherein the purchasing consumer is prompted to input an instruction for selection of a product.
5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
receiving one or more product preferences associated with the recipient consumer; and
prompting the recipient consumer to transmit the one or more product preferences to the purchasing consumer.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the instruction is communicated by the purchasing consumer by at least one of the following: a voice input, a gesture input, or a manual input.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein facilitating purchase of the product to provide to the recipient consumer comprises transmitting one or more purchase instructions to a client-type device, a wireless communication device, or at least one product dispenser.
8. A product dispenser, comprising:
an interface operable to receive user inputs and to present product information;
a controller in communication with the interface, and operable to execute a set of instructions to:
initiate presentation of a selection of products at a display of a remote device, the selection of products corresponding to one or more product preferences of a recipient consumer;
receive, via at least one processor, product identification information of a product from a purchasing consumer, wherein the product is one of the selection of products for the recipient consumer;
receive an instruction from the purchasing consumer to purchase the product for the recipient consumer;
facilitate purchase of the product to provide to the recipient consumer; and
dispense the product at the product dispenser.
9. The product dispenser of claim 8 , wherein the set of instructions to receive product identification information from the purchasing consumer further comprise instructions to perform at least one of the following:
receive information via a user interface associated with a product dispenser, scan a machine readable code, receive a token or loyalty card, receive a unique code, receive information from a RFID tag, receive information from a NFC tag, receive information or a communication from a client-type device, or receive information or a communication from a wireless communication device.
10. The product dispenser of claim 8 , wherein the set of instructions further comprise instructions to:
provide product selection information at a user interface associated with the product dispenser, wherein the purchasing consumer is prompted to input selection of a product.
11. The product dispenser of claim 8 , wherein the set of instructions further comprise instructions to:
provide product selection information at a user interface associated with a wireless communication device in communication with the product dispenser, wherein the purchasing consumer is prompted to input an instruction for selection of a product.
12. The product dispenser of claim 2 , wherein the set of instructions further comprise instructions to:
receive one or more product preferences associated with the recipient consumer; and
prompt the recipient consumer to transmit the one or more product preferences to the purchasing consumer.
13. The product dispenser of claim 8 , wherein the instruction is communicated by the purchasing consumer by at least one of the following: a voice input, a gesture input, or a manual input.
14. The product dispenser of claim 8 , wherein the set of instructions to facilitate the product purchase for the recipient consumer further comprise instructions to transmit one or more purchase instructions to a client-type device, a wireless communication device, or at least one product dispenser.
15. A system comprising:
one or more servers;
a plurality of product dispensers in communication with the one or more servers via at least one network, wherein each of the plurality of product dispensers comprises:
a user interface operable to receive user inputs and to present product information; and
one or more processors in communication with the user interface, and operable to execute computer-executable instructions to:
initiate presentation of a selection of products at a display of a remote device, the selection of products corresponding to one or more product preferences of a recipient consumer;
receive product identification information of a product from a purchasing consumer, wherein the product is one of the selection of products for the recipient consumer;
receive an instruction from the purchasing consumer to purchase the product for the recipient consumer;
facilitate purchase of the product to provide to the recipient consumer; and
dispense the product at the product dispenser.
16. The system of claim 15 , wherein the set of instructions to receive product identification information from the purchasing consumer further comprise instructions to perform at least one of the following:
receive information via a user interface associated with a product dispenser, scan a machine readable code, receive a token or loyalty card, receive a unique code, receive information from a RFID tag, receive information from a NFC tag, receive information or a communication from a client-type device, or receive information or a communication from a wireless communication device.
17. The system of claim 15 , wherein the set of instructions further comprise instructions to:
provide product selection information at a user interface associated with the product dispenser, wherein the purchasing consumer is prompted to input selection of a product.
18. The system of claim 15 , wherein the set of instructions further comprise instructions to:
provide product selection information at a user interface associated with a wireless communication device in communication with the product dispenser, wherein the purchasing consumer is prompted to input an instruction for selection of a product.
19. The system of claim 15 , wherein the set of instructions further comprise instructions to:
receive one or more product preferences associated with the recipient consumer; and
prompt the recipient consumer to transmit the one or more product preferences to the purchasing consumer.
20. The system of claim 15 , wherein the set of instructions to facilitate the product purchase for the recipient consumer further comprise instructions to transmit one or more purchase instructions to a client-type device, a wireless communication device, or at least one product dispenser.