Claims:1. A food item vending machine comprising a processor and a local memory operatively coupled with the processor, wherein the vending machine is configured to:
receive a taste file pertaining to at least one food item, wherein the taste file is generated based on one or more taste-defining parameters either at the vending machine or at a computing device that is operatively coupled with the vending machine; and
prepare and deliver the at least one food item based on the taste file.
2. The vending machine of claim 1, wherein the one or more taste-defining parameters pertain to any or a combination of ingredients to be used for preparing the at least one food item, quantity of the ingredients to be used for preparing the at least one food item, and cooking conditions for preparing the at least one food item.
3. The vending machine of claim 1, wherein the taste file is received by the vending machine either from the local memory or from an external computing device.
4. The vending machine of claim 3, wherein the external computing device is selected from any or a combination of a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet PC, a PDA, a laptop, a second vending machine, and a server.
5. The vending machine of claim 1, wherein the taste file is generated by a user by selecting the one or more taste-defining parameters.
6. The vending machine of claim 5, wherein the vending machine automatically retrieves the taste file upon authentication of the user, and wherein the user authentication takes place at any of the vending machine or the computing device operatively coupled with the vending machine.
7. The vending machine of claim 6, wherein the user authentication or taste file creation/execution is performed through any or a combination of a biometric method, a text based method, or a graphic based method.
8. The vending machine of claim 5, wherein the user is enabled to select a second taste file from a plurality of taste files.
9. The vending machine of claim 1, wherein the vending machine has an interface configured to enable a user to create or select the taste file.
10. The vending machine of claim 1, wherein a server is operatively coupled with the vending machine and coupled with a plurality of other vending machines, and wherein the taste file is stored on the server and shared across other vending machines when needed.
11. The vending machine of claim 1, wherein the taste file is editable.
12. The vending machine of claim 1, wherein the vending machine performs self-cleaning after preparation and delivery of the at least one food item.
13. The vending machine of claim 1, wherein the vending machine proposes the second taste file to a user based on user preferences and/or behavior.
14. The vending machine of claim 1, wherein the at least one food item is a beverage.
15. A method for preparing a food item at a vending machine, said method comprising the steps of:
receiving, at the vending machine, a taste file pertaining to the food item, wherein the taste file is generated based on one or more taste-defining parameters either at the vending machine or at a computing device that is operatively coupled with the vending machine; and
preparing and delivering the at least one food item based on the taste file.
, Description:FIELD OF DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure relates to food items vending machines. In particular, it relates to a food items vending machine that delivers food items according to tastes of its users.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Taste is one of the five traditional senses that belong to the gustatory system. It is the sensation produced when a substance in the mouth reacts chemically with taste receptor cells located on taste buds in the oral cavity, mostly on the tongue. Humans have taste receptors on taste buds (gustatory calyculi) and other areas including the upper surface of the tongue and the epiglottis. The tongue is covered with thousands of small bumps called papillae, which are visible to the naked eye. Within each papilla are hundreds of taste buds. The exception to this is the filiform papillae that do not contain taste buds. There are between 2000 and 5000 taste buds that are located on the back and front of the tongue. Others are located on the roof, sides and back of the mouth, and in the throat. Each taste bud contains 50 to 100 taste receptor cells.
[0004] The sensory capacities of taste buds are dictated by the structure of the receptors on taste cells, and on their capacity to excite the process of transmitting the taste message. These receptors capture the molecules that come into contact with the tips of the taste cells, and send a message through the cell to the nerve endings surrounding the base of the cells. The structure of these receptors is genetically programmed. Hence there can be a wide variation from one individual to another in their taste perceptions.
[0005] At the same time, taste is the most critical factor for any food’s success and same holds for beverages as well. Some recipes are considered as very valuable secrets. For example, that of Coca-cola and Kentucky Fried Chicken.
[0006] A vending machine is a machine that dispenses items such as snacks, beverages, alcohol, cigarettes, lottery tickets to customers automatically, after the customer inserts currency or credit into the machine. The first modern vending machines were developed in England in the early 19th century and dispensed postcards. Presently, vending machines exist for automatically vending a variety of items and beverage vending machines are well known.
[0007] However, present beverage vending machines allow a user to select beverages for a pre-determined menu. This is a severe limitation since tastes are an individual trait and one person’s taste may be different from another one. Further, even for the same menu item, the ingredients and method of preparation may vary across vending machines. For example, a cappuccino coffee served up by one machine may be entirely different in taste from that served up by another and this difference in taste may be easily detected by a discerning coffee drinker. So much so that he may stop consumption of coffee being served by a machine manufacturer leading to loss of business as well as reputation for the coffee vendor as well as machine’s manufacturer.
[0008] At the same time, taste is a highly individual trait as elaborated above and the same dish may taste entirely different to two people. For example, a cappuccino served up by same machine may be perfect for one person, while another may find it too sweet.
[0009] Many people have their own special way of preparing beverages and the unique taste of their beverages is very well liked by their friends and family as well. Some people even start businesses such as teahouses or coffeehouses etc. based on the special taste that they can serve of such beverages which are very well liked by their friends and family. However, since such method of preparation and consequent taste is unique to them the business opportunity is limited. Particularly since revealing the recipe’ is not an alternative since it obviously will lead to other similar products in the market place.
[00010] Hence, there is a need in the art for systems that allow individuals to prepare beverages as per their unique tastes. Such beverages should be then be made available to them across any vending machine worldwide without any variation and besides, should also offer them opportunities to monetize their recipe and its unique taste globally without risking revealing the recipe in the market place
[00011] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
[00012] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities or dimensions of items, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
[00013] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[00014] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[00015] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[00016] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a food items vending machine (interchangeably termed as vending machine) where a user can prepare a food item exactly according to his/her taste not only at that vending machine but across all such machines globally.
[00017] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide for a system that enables a user to claim ownership of taste created by him and then monetize that taste globally.
[00018] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide for a vending machine that uses mostly raw materials rather than pre-mixed ingredients.
[00019] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide for a vending machine that is very hygienic and safe.
[00020] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide for a vending machine with various monetizing possibilities beyond just sale of food items.
[00021] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide for a system that enables parties globally with all participants enjoying food items with exactly same taste as they expect.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[00022] The present disclosure relates to food items vending machines. In particular, it relates to a food items vending machine that delivers food items according to tastes of its users.
[00023] In an aspect, the food items vending machine disclosed can include a processor and a local memory operatively coupled with the processor, wherein the vending machine can be configured to receive a taste file pertaining to at least one food item, wherein the taste file can be generated based on one or more taste-defining parameters either at the vending machine or at a computing device that is operatively coupled with the vending machine; and can prepare and deliver the at least one food item based on the taste file.
[00024] In another aspect, the one or more taste-defining parameters can pertain to any or a combination of ingredients to be used for preparing the at least one food item, quantity of the ingredients to be used for preparing the at least one food item, and cooking conditions for preparing the at least one food item.
[00025] In an aspect, the taste file can be received by the vending machine either from the local memory or from an external computing device.
[00026] In another aspect, the external computing device can be selected from any or a combination of a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet PC, a PDA, a laptop, a second vending machine, and a server.
[00027] In an aspect, the taste file can be generated by a user by selecting the one or more taste-defining parameters.
[00028] In another aspect, the vending machine can automatically retrieves the taste file upon authentication of the user, and the user authentication can take place at any of the vending machine or the computing device operatively coupled with the vending machine.
[00029] In an aspect, the user authentication or taste file creation/execution can be performed through any or a combination of a biometric method, a text based method, or a graphic based method.
[00030] In another aspect, the user can be enabled to select a second taste file from a plurality of taste files.
[00031] In an aspect, the vending machine can have an interface configured to enable a user to create or select the taste file.
[00032] In another aspect, a server can be operatively coupled with the vending machine and coupled with a plurality of other vending machines, and the taste file can be stored on the server and shared across other vending machines when needed.
[00033] In an aspect, the taste file can be editable.
[00034] In another aspect, the vending machine can performs self-cleaning after preparation and delivery of the at least one food item.
[00035] In an aspect, the vending machine can propose the second taste file to a user based on user preferences and/or behavior.
[00036] In another aspect, the at least one food item can be a beverage.
[00037] A method for preparing a food item at a vending machine is disclosed, said method including the steps of receiving, at the vending machine, a taste file pertaining to the food item, wherein the taste file can be generated based on one or more taste-defining parameters either at the vending machine or at a computing device that is operatively coupled with the vending machine; and preparing and delivering the at least one food item based on the taste file.
[00038] In an exemplary embodiment, present disclosure relates to beverage vending machines. In particular it relates to a beverage vending machine that delivers beverages according to taste of user.
[00039] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a system configured in a beverage vending machine (BVM) that can enable the BVM to prepare a beverage tasting exactly as specified or composed by a user/ person ordering, using a taste file for the purpose as elaborated hereunder.
[00040] In another aspect, the proposed system can be fitted with multiple authentication mechanisms so as to allow only authorized people to operate the vending machine as well as customize its various options according to the user operating it at the time. Identity of each user can be mapped to their preferred taste and beverages and various menu options shown to them accordingly and proposed system can thereafter prepare a beverage according to their taste. The multiple authentic mechanisms can include, but are not limited to face recognition, finger print, unique mobile Application ID etc.
[00041] In another aspect, the proposed system ensures that taste of prior beverage prepared does not in any way affect / contaminate those being prepared thereafter. Ducts carrying an ingredient to a preparation pot (for example, a heating pot) are configured in such a fashion that no ingredient can mix with another except in the preparation pot.In an exemplary embodiment, when hot coffee was the last beverage made, the proposed system enables the heating pot to be thoroughly cleaned using a cleaning arm after each preparation so that a clean heating pot is available for next preparation requiring it. Further, filter paper used for filtering coffee during last preparation is discarded and replaced with a fresh one. In an aspect, this can be achieved by providing a rolling filter mechanism. Serving ducts for each preparation are separate and thoroughly cleaned likewise after each preparation. Similarly, serving nozzle of the BVM is thoroughly cleaned after each preparation.
[00042] In an aspect, each vending machine can be digitally mapped so that its location as well as associated information such as operating hours etc. is available globally. Further, nearby business places can be offered opportunities to advertise on display of the BVM. Such advertisements can be given through visual interfaces on the vending machine or via its mobile app.
[00043] In another aspect, vending machines of system disclosed can be connected through a central server or a network of servers for communicating information that can be used for multiple purposes, as elaborated hereunder.
[00044] In an aspect, system disclosed can analyze past usage of taste files by a user to determine his favorite tastes and beverages and presents further options to the user accordingly.
[00045] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[00046] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[00047] The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure, and wherein:
[00048] FIG. 1 illustrates an overall architecture view of the proposed system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00049] FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary functional modules of the proposed system that enable a BVM configured with proposed system to prepare a beverage exactly as per taste of a user, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00050] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram showing how a BVM configured with proposed system makes a beverage exactly as per taste of a user, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00051] FIGs. 4A to 4E illustrate how a user can prepare a beverage exactly as per his taste using a BVM configured with proposed system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00052] FIG. 5A to 5D illustrate how a BVM configured with proposed system can prepare a beverage as per an existing taste/configuration file if so required by a user, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00053] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.
[00054] Embodiments of the present invention include various steps, which will be described below. The steps may be performed by hardware components or may be embodied in machine-executable instructions, which may be used to cause a general-purpose or special-purpose processor programmed with the instructions to perform the steps. Alternatively, steps may be performed by a combination of hardware, software, and firmware and/or by human operators.
[00055] Embodiments of the present invention may be provided as a computer program product, which may include a machine-readable storage medium tangibly embodying thereon instructions, which may be used to program a computer (or other electronic devices) toperform a process. The machine-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, fixed (hard) drives, magnetic tape, floppy diskettes, optical disks, compact disc read-only memories (CD-ROMs), and magneto-optical disks, semiconductor memories, such as ROMs, PROMs, random access memories (RAMs), programmable read-only memories (PROMs), erasable PROMs (EPROMs), electrically erasable PROMs (EEPROMs), flash memory, NAND flash, SSD, magnetic or optical cards, or other type of media/machine-readable medium suitable for storing electronic instructions (e.g., computer programming code, such as software or firmware).
[00056] Various methods described herein may be practiced by combining one or more machine-readable storage media containing the code according to the present invention with appropriate standard computer hardware to execute the code contained therein. An apparatus for practicing various embodiments of the present invention may involve one or more computing devices (or one or more processors within a single computer) and storage systems containing or having network access to computer program(s) coded in accordance with various methods described herein, and the method steps of the invention could be accomplished by modules, routines, subroutines, or subparts of a computer program product. Such computing devices and storage systems may be configured in the cloud.
[00057] If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
[00058] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[00059] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. These exemplary embodiments are provided only for illustrative purposes and so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention disclosed may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Various modifications will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art.The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure). Also, the terminology and phraseology used is for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments and should not be considered limiting. Thus, the present invention is to be accorded the widest scope encompassing numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents consistent with the principles and features disclosed. For purpose of clarity, details relating to technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.
[00060] Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the like represent conceptual views or processes illustrating systems and methods embodying this invention. The functions of the various elements shown in the figures may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing associated software. Similarly, any switches shown in the figures are conceptual only. Their function may be carried out through the operation of program logic, through dedicated logic, through the interaction of program control and dedicated logic, or even manually, the particular technique being selectable by the entity implementing this invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art further understand that the exemplary hardware, software, processes, methods, and/or operating systems described herein are for illustrative purposes and, thus, are not intended to be limited to any particular named element.
[00061] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
[00062] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[00063] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[00064] The present disclosure relates to food items vending machines. In particular, it relates to a food items vending machine that delivers food items according to tastes of its users.
[00065] In an aspect, the food items vending machine disclosed can include a processor and a local memory operatively coupled with the processor, wherein the vending machine can be configured to receive a taste file pertaining to at least one food item, wherein the taste file can be generated based on one or more taste-defining parameters either at the vending machine or at a computing device that is operatively coupled with the vending machine; and can prepare and deliver the at least one food item based on the taste file.
[00066] In another aspect, the one or more taste-defining parameters can pertain to any or a combination of ingredients to be used for preparing the at least one food item, quantity of the ingredients to be used for preparing the at least one food item, and cooking conditions for preparing the at least one food item.
[00067] In an aspect, the taste file can be received by the vending machine either from the local memory or from an external computing device.
[00068] In another aspect, the external computing device can be selected from any or a combination of a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet PC, a PDA, a laptop, a second vending machine, and a server.
[00069] In an aspect, the taste file can be generated by a user by selecting the one or more taste-defining parameters.
[00070] In another aspect, the vending machine can automatically retrieves the taste file upon authentication of the user, and the user authentication can take place at any of the vending machine or the computing device operatively coupled with the vending machine.
[00071] In an aspect, the user authentication or taste file creation/execution can be performed through any or a combination of a biometric method, a text based method, or a graphic based method.
[00072] In another aspect, the user can be enabled to select a second taste file from a plurality of taste files.
[00073] In an aspect, the vending machine can have an interface configured to enable a user to create or select the taste file.
[00074] In another aspect, a server can be operatively coupled with the vending machine and coupled with a plurality of other vending machines, and the taste file can be stored on the server and shared across other vending machines when needed.
[00075] In an aspect, the taste file can be editable.
[00076] In another aspect, the vending machine can performs self-cleaning after preparation and delivery of the at least one food item.
[00077] In an aspect, the vending machine can propose the second taste file to a user based on user preferences and/or behavior.
[00078] In another aspect, the at least one food item can be a beverage.
[00079] A method for preparing a food item at a vending machine is disclosed, said method including the steps of receiving, at the vending machine, a taste file pertaining to the food item, wherein the taste file can be generated based on one or more taste-defining parameters either at the vending machine or at a computing device that is operatively coupled with the vending machine; and preparing and delivering the at least one food item based on the taste file.
[00080] In an exemplary embodiment, present disclosure relates to beverage vending machines. In particular it relates to a beverage vending machine that delivers beverages according to taste of user.
[00081] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a system configured in a beverage vending machine (BVM) that can enable the BVM to prepare a beverage tasting exactly as specified or composed by a user/ person ordering, using a taste file for the purpose as elaborated hereunder.
[00082] In another aspect, the proposed system can be fitted with multiple authentication mechanisms so as to allow only authorized people to operate the vending machine as well as customize its various options according to the user operating it at the time. Identity of each user can be mapped to their preferred taste and beverages and various menu options shown to them accordingly and proposed system can thereafter prepare a beverage according to their taste. The multiple authentic mechanisms can include, but are not limited to face recognition, finger print, unique mobile Application ID etc.
[00083] In another aspect, the proposed system ensures that taste of prior beverage prepared does not in any way affect / contaminate those being prepared thereafter. Ducts carrying an ingredient to a preparation pot (for example, a heating pot) are configured in such a fashion that no ingredient can mix with another except in the preparation pot. In an exemplary embodiment, when hot coffee was the last beverage made, the proposed system enables the heating pot to be thoroughly cleaned using a cleaning arm after each preparation so that a clean heating pot is available for next preparation requiring it. Further, filter paper used for filtering coffee during last preparation is discarded and replaced with a fresh one. In an aspect, this can be achieved by providing a rolling filter mechanism. Serving ducts for each preparation are separate and thoroughly cleaned likewise after each preparation. Similarly, serving nozzle of the BVM is thoroughly cleaned after each preparation.
[00084] In an aspect, each vending machine can be digitally mapped so that its location as well as associated information such as operating hours etc. is available globally. Further, nearby business places can be offered opportunities to advertise on display of the BVM. Such advertisements can be given through visual interfaces on the vending machine or via its mobile app.
[00085] In another aspect, vending machines of system disclosed can be connected through a central server or a network of servers for communicating information that can be used for multiple purposes, as elaborated hereunder.
[00086] In an aspect, system disclosed can analyze past usage of taste files by a user to determine his favorite tastes and beverages and presents further options to the user accordingly.
[00087] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like features.
[00088] FIG. 1 illustrates an overall architecture of the proposed system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00089] In an aspect, at least a part of the proposed system can be configured inside a beverage vending machine 102 that can be configured with a display 104 and an input/output controller 106. Controller 106 can accept various inputs from a user as well as sensors of system disclosed and can in turn generate outputs to drive display 104 as well as various components of the BVM 102 as elaborated herein. In exemplary embodiments, controller 106 can accept inputs using a keypad, a touch screen, or any other suitable communication protocol enabled device such as a mobile device using a mobile application as elaborated hereunder and can provide such inputs to various modules of proposed system. In an implementation therefore, a mobile application can be configured by the manufacturer of the proposed BVM 102 such that the BVM 102 can be controlled through a mobile/smart phone/computing device on which the mobile application has been installed/configured. For instance, a user can authenticate himself/herself on the application interface that is configured on the mobile device/phone itself, and access the BVM’s interface to control making of one or more beverages.
[00090] As can be appreciated, proposed system can have a plurality of input/output controllers, displays, sensors etc. Sensors may also be configured to enable the BVM configured with proposed system to deliver a variety of marketing messages. For example, a presence sensor can detect presence of a person near BVM proposed while a temperature sensor can detect ambient temperature. Based upon these two inputs the input/output controller can display (or announce loud) a marketing message inviting the nearby person to take a hot or cold beverage as appropriate. Multiple systems may be configured in one BVM to enable it to serve a plurality of users simultaneously.
[00091] In an aspect, the proposed system can have a mobile application 110 that can be downloaded and installed on a mobile device 108, wherein the application 110 can enable mobile device 108 to be operatively connected to controller 106 using any suitable communication method such as LAN, WAN, Internet, Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth etc. The application 110, upon authenticating the user of the device 108, can also automatically locate the closest BVM 102 and connect the user, through the application 110, to control/operate the BVM 102. Consequently, a user can operate the proposed system both at the vending machine 102 using display 104 and controller 106, as well as remote from BVM 102 by using mobile application 110 and controller 106, the two operations being otherwise similar.
[00092] In an aspect, to operate the system disclosed, a user can authenticate himself on his mobile device 108 using mobile application 110 and authentication methods elaborated further on. Upon such authentication, he can be presented on his mobile device various menus and options made available to him by proposed system.
[00093] In another aspect, user can select a beverage and quantity of that required. In an aspect, proposed system can enable the user to configure his individual taste for the beverage selected by him. In an exemplary embodiment, when beverage selected is hot coffee, proposed system can provide user all taste-defining parameters to configure the beverage hot coffee to his unique taste. Such taste-defining parameters can include, but are not limited to, quantity, temperature of preparation, duration of keeping that temperature, specific ingredients to be used, sugar to be used, with cream or without cream, strength of coffee, type of coffee (espresso, cappuccino or mocha, for example ), quantity of each ingredient, manner and sequence in which the ingredients are to be added, among any other beverage preparation parameter, all of which are well within the scope of the present disclosure.
[00094] In an aspect, after the user has configured his/her individual taste, proposed system can translate his requirements as specified into machine understandable instructions that can be stored in a file termed as taste file (alternatively also referred to as configuration file or taste configuration file or taste definition file, all of which are interchangeably used hereinafter). In an aspect, the taste file can be stored in the memory of the BVM 102,or in the mobile device 108(or application 110), and/or at a remote server/cloud 112 or any combination of these such that the taste file can be accessed/modified/updated by the user at any location. In an aspect, the taste file can have any configuration, format, or layout all of which possible implementations are well within the scope of the present invention.
[00095] In another aspect, the taste file can further be executed by the proposed system and various instructions given to various parts of the BVM 102 using controller 106 and other suitable microprocessor based controllers to finally output a beverage 114 tasting exactly as per requirements of the user.
[00096] In an aspect, proposed system can enable the user to access and share his taste file from any Internet enabled location and execute the taste file at any BVM configured with proposed system. In this fashion, a user can get a beverage exactly as per his taste at any place in the world from a BVM configured with the proposed system.
[00097] In an aspect, taste file generated by proposed system may also be executed at other compatible BVMs, such compatible BVMs being manufactured by various other manufacturers.
[00098] In another aspect, taste file created by a user can be claimed by him as his unique creation and can be monetized in various ways as elaborated herein.
[00099] In a similar fashion, system operator can also configure various taste files for various vending machines. Such taste files can be configured to be same on all vending machines or different vending machines can carry different taste files. All such embodiments are fully within the present disclosure.
[000100] In another aspect, the proposed system can clean thoroughly various parts of vending machine 102 that have been used for making a beverage before making the next beverage using, for example, another taste file of another user. In this way, proposed system can prevent cross-contamination of various beverages as part of a mobile application.
[000101] In an aspect, cloud/server 112 can collect and use all relevant data across all vending machines configured with proposed system, using sensors configured in the BVM where required. Data so gathered can be used for real-time monitoring and diagnostics of the entire system for performance and trouble-shooting Such data can include, but is not limited to, user’ data, taste files created, taste trends, ingredients available at various vending machines and their rate of usage, crash reports, error messages, diagnostic messages, unauthorized access attempts etc. In turn, server 112 can generate various signals and alerts for concerned personnel such as restock an ingredient, ingredient out of stock alert, vending machine defective, unauthorized access attempt etc. Server112 can also collate data and generate useful reports accordingly at an overall level. For example, a weekly report on coffee powder available at various vending machines can be generated to enable the system operators plan better for next week.
[000102] In another aspect, location of each vending machine can be mapped along with various beverages and taste files presently available on it. A user can access on any internet enabled device various vending machines close to him and get information on beverages available on each and taste files available on each.
[000103] In another aspect, various BVMs configured with proposed system can communicate with each other through cloud/server 112 as required to deliver useful information to a user. For example, a BVM that is presently out of ingredients to make a cappuccino can display such a message on its display, along with locations of nearest similar BVMs that presently have such ingredients, thereby assisting a user to move quickly to BVM nearest to him that can serve him the cappuccino he needs.
[000104] In an aspect, proposed system can provide various monetizing options to vending machine operator such as hyper local advertising on display 104.
[000105] In another aspect, proposed system can be configured for e-commerce and can enable a user to pay for his beverage via any e-commerce facilitated method such as credit card etc. Proposed system can also enable BVM 102 to accept cash.
[000106] In an aspect, system disclosed can analyze past usage of taste files by a user to determine his favorite tastes and beverages and presents further options to the user accordingly.
[000107] FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary functional modules of proposed system that enable a BVM configured with proposed system to prepare a beverage exactly as per taste of a user, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[000108] In an aspect, proposed system can include a user module 202 (also referred to as user registration module or user authentication module), a taste composer 204 (also referred to as taste file generation or taste file configuration module), an ingredients controller 206 (also referred to as taste file based ingredient control module), a cook and clean controller 208 (also referred to as taste file based cooking module or taste file based beverage preparation module), a dispenser module 210, a communication module 212, a location module 214, and a monetizing and sharing module 216. In an aspect, these modules can be configured inside a vending machine and operatively connected to it via input/output controller 106 and function as elaborated hereunder. One or more of these modules or parts thereof can also be configured outside the BVM and therefore any configuration required to implement the overall system of the present disclosure is well within the scope of the present invention.
[000109] In another aspect, proposed system can also have a mobile application 110 that can be configured on a mobile device 108. Mobile application 110 can enable relevant modules of proposed system to be operated using mobile device 108. In this fashion, a user can operate a vending machine configured with system disclosed from a mobile device as well as from the vending machine itself. In another aspect, proposed system can be operatively coupled to a website and so be operable from any Internet enabled computing device.
[000110] In this fashion, proposed system can be operated directly at the vending machine in which it is configured or from any computing device such as but not limited to mobile phones, smart watches, laptops, desktops etc. For instance, a user can connect with a vending machine through a NFC or Bluetooth connection, and authenticate himself/herself on the mobile application 110 itself so as to then access the menu of one or more beverages, along with selection of one or more ingredients/cooking conditions to create/generate/access a taste file and use the same at one or more other BVM’s to prepare the beverage.
[000111] In an aspect, the proposed system can be operatively connected with server 112 that can be configured in the cloud. Server 112 can store, receive, and provide relevant data as elaborated above and hereunder to and from all vending machines configured with proposed system.
[000112] In another aspect, proposed system can enable a user to operate a BVM configured with it using any or a combination of touch, fingerprints, body features, text, graphics, voice, gestures and retinal scan. For example, a user may authenticate himself using his voice signature, use touch to select beverage he wants and taste file for it, and then use gestures to indicate quantity of the beverage he wants. System proposed can be configured with appropriate sensors, controllers and actuators as required for such an operation. Such an operation can also be enabled using mobile application of system disclosed or a suitably configured website accessible via an internet enabled computing device.
User Module 202
[000113] In an aspect, user module 202 can enable a user to register with the proposed system and subsequently authenticate himself/herself to operate the system. The process of user authentication can include the steps of logging, validating and access control. Proposed system can allow a user to authenticate himself/herself by multiple modes such as but not limited to facial recognition, finger prints, user ID (text), unique app ID (text) etc. Appropriate sensors such as camera or biometric sensors can be provided to enable such authentication. User module 202 can have a user interface configured on the BVM to enter user ID, password etc. if required, as well as for any required interaction with the BVM. Biometric sensors can also enable user authentication by means such as retinal scan, voice signature etc.
[000114] In another aspect, using user module 202 a user can create his unique user profile that can include, amongst other aspects, taste files created by him and shared with others, taste files shared by others with him, his friends’ network, beverage parties planned, other’s feedback on taste files created by him etc. In an aspect, user module 202 can send user’s profile to server 112 that can store it and provide relevant data from it to the user as well as to others as peer access permissions granted by the user when required.
[000115] In an aspect, user module 202 can track and store in user profile all user activity such as previous beverages and taste files consumed and show the ones that have been consumed most often to a user as his preferred beverages and tastes. Various menu options can be customized for each user accordingly and proposed system can thereafter prepare a beverage according to users taste. In this fashion, system disclosed can analyze past usage of taste files by a user to determine his favorite tastes and beverages and presents further options to the user accordingly.
[000116] In another aspect, user module 202 can enable a user to operate a BVM configured with the proposed system using any or a combination of touch, fingerprints, body features, text, graphics, voice, gestures and retinal scan. For example, a user may authenticate himself using his voice signature, use touch to select beverage he wants and taste file for it, and then use gestures to indicate quantity of the beverage he wants. Or user may operate the BVM using only voice commands. System proposed can be configured with appropriate sensors, controllers and actuators as required for such an operation. The user module can also enable such an operation using mobile application of system disclosed or a suitably configured website accessible via an internet enabled computing device.
Taste Composer 204
[000117] In an aspect, taste composer 204 can enable a user to compose / create a taste via an IDE (integrated development environment) that can enable the user to select various taste-defining parameters specific to a beverage that can comprise its taste. The IDE can enable a user to create a taste file using text/graphics based editors as well as those based upon voice, hand gestures etc. For example, the user may speak out his instructions to select appropriate ingredients, use hand gestures to indicate their quantity and thereby create a taste file as elaborated hereunder.
[000118] In an exemplary embodiment, beverage being hot coffee, such parameters can include, but are not limited to, quantity, temperature of preparation, duration of keeping that temperature, sugar, with cream or without cream, strength of coffee, type of coffee (espresso, cappuccino or mocha, for example) etc. In another exemplary embodiment, in case the beverage being made is lemonade, parameters can include, but are not limited to quantity, temperature of preparation, duration of keeping that temperature, lemonjuice, sugar, ginger etc. It can readily be understood that these parameters will vary according to beverage being prepared and indeed a user may decide to experiment with different tastes. For example, a user may decide to create a salty coffee and see how that tastes. Proposed system can enable all such taste configurations. Taste composer 204 can then compile the taste-defining parameters configured by a user into a taste file that can contain machine understandable instructions for operation of various parts of vending machine to finally create a beverage with taste as exactly required by the user. The vending machine can deliver this beverage into a beverage receiving container kept in a beverage reception zone below a beverage delivery nozzle. In an aspect, it may also be possible that the BVM indicates, for a given taste file, that the ingredient combination/process is not possible to implement or that the taste would not be good or any other pro-active indication on the taste inputs given by the user not being appropriate.
[000119] In another aspect, the proposed system can enable the user to save a taste file on to his/her mobile device / computing device, vending machine (in case he is using the proposed system from a vending machine) and on server 112. Server 112 can make the taste file available to user in his unique user profile and therefore user can access the taste file from any Internet enabled device as well as from mobile application 110.
[000120] In an aspect, taste composer 204 can enable a user to determine nutritional matrix of a taste file (such as fat content, calorie content etc.) created by him, tag this nutritional matrix to the taste file and make it available to any user seeking information on the taste file.
[000121] In an aspect, a user can make available his taste files to others free of cost or at a price and such a way can monetize his taste files, as further elaborated herein.
Ingredients Controller 206
[000122] In an aspect, ingredients controller 206 can receive taste file created by taste composer 204 and provide ingredients necessary to cook and clean controller 208 for preparing a beverage with the taste required by the user.
[000123] In another aspect, ingredients can include all raw or pre processed ingredients required to prepare any beverages such as but not limited to, tea and their variants, coffee and their variants, herbal drinks and their variants, lassi and their variants, butter milk and their variants etc. Such ingredients can be solid ingredients, dense liquids and water. In exemplary embodiments not to be construed as limitations, solid ingredients can include tea powder, coffee powder, milk powder, sugar, solid yogurt etc. and dense liquid ingredients can include tulsi extracts, honey, aloevera extracts, lemon grass extracts, ginger extracts etc.
[000124] In an aspect, all ingredients can be stored inside specially designed containers, interchangeably termed as cartridges. The cartridges can be fitted with means to sense quantity of ingredient within and deliver required quantities of it to cook and clean controller 208. Such means can include for example, appropriate sensors providing signals to microprocessor based controllers, the controllers in turn operating actuators that pump out required quantity of an ingredient from its cartridge. Such controllers can receive instructions from ingredients controller 206 per taste file and deliver appropriate quantities of ingredients to cook and clean controller 208 at appropriate times. In an aspect, ingredients controller 206 can pass appropriate control signals to input/output controller 106 that can in turn drive various other controllers.
[000125] In an aspect, size and shape of cartridges can differ for solid ingredients, dense liquids and water. In exemplary embodiments, cartridges for dispensing solid ingredients can have actuators configured with helical rods that are operated by controllers as elaborated above. Likewise, cartridges for dispensing liquid ingredients and water can be fitted with solenoid valves or pumps that are operated by controllers as elaborated above.
[000126] In an aspect each cartridge can have a seal break sensor at its inlet or outlet or at both places. When the cartridge is inserted into system, this seal can be automatically or manually broken prior to dispensing the ingredient within to cook and clean controller 208. The seal break sensor can pass a signal at the time to ingredients controller 206 that can accordingly pass it to server 112. In this fashion, time of insertion of a new ingredient cartridge can be monitored by the system for determining consumption patterns as elaborated hereunder.
[000127] Sensors attached to cartridges can determine available quantity level of ingredients inside each cartridge and send data pertaining to these to ingredients controller 206 that can in turn pass this data to server 112. Accordingly, proposed system can enable its operator to determine ingredient stock levels in each vending machine and consumption patterns based upon which ingredient stocks can be procured in such a way so as to minimize stock outs at any vending machine.
[000128] In an aspect, ingredients controller 206 can determine the volume of beverage required by user by sensing that of beverage receiving container placed by user below beverage delivery nozzle of the vending machine and automatically adjust the quantity of ingredients required. Microprocessor based cameras placed at the beverage reception zone can enable ingredients controller 206 to determine such volume. Or, in another embodiment, ingredients controller 206 can simply enable the user to input in the vending machine quantity of beverage required and can automatically adjust the quantity of ingredients required accordingly. For example, if taste file is configured for coffee of volume 100 ml but user requires a quantity of 200 ml, ingredients controller 206 can provide to cook and clean controller 208 double the quantity of ingredients as given in the taste file.
Cook and Clean Controller 208
[000129] In an aspect cook and clean controller 208 can receive ingredients as per a taste file from ingredients controller 206 and prepare the beverage per the taste file, operating various cooking implements of BVM as required. Cook and clean controller 208 can operate various cooking implements of the BVM using input/output controller 106.
[000130] In an exemplary embodiment, to prepare hot coffee, cook and clean controller 208 can operate via a microcontroller a robotic arm that can in turn be connected to a heating pot contained in the BVM. Depending upon the required quantity of hot coffee (beverage), ingredients controller 206 can automatically determine the ingredients required per taste file configured by a user and dispense such ingredients from various cartridges (that can be configured in a cartridge stack) into the heating pot, at appropriate times as required by the taste file. Cook and clean controller 208 can carry out processing instructions such as heating the heating pot per instructions provided in the taste file. Controller 208 can execute the procedure as specified by the taste file to generate taste desired by the user. For example, the taste file may specify to add 10 grams coffee to 200 milliliter of water, heat it at 80 degree C for 2 minutes and then brew it at 50 degree C for further 1 minute. Ingredients controller 206 can dispense required ingredients into the heating pot as per quantity and time schedule coded in the taste file, and then cook and clean controller 208 can execute these cooking instructions to prepare coffee as per taste required by the user.
[000131] In another exemplary embodiment, to prepare hot filter coffee, cook and clean controller 208 can first process the beverage in the heating pot, and then pass the processed beverage through a filter paper before transferring it to beverage delivery nozzle.
[000132] In another aspect, cook and clean controller 208 can thoroughly clean all cooking implements after a first beverage preparation is over before staring the second one in order to avoid contamination of the ingredients of the second preparation by residues remaining from the first preparation in the implements. Such contamination is obviously not desirable since it will not deliver the taste expected by second user.
[000133] In an exemplary embodiment, once a preparation of hot coffee has been made, cook and clean controller 208 can thoroughly clean the heating pot, serving ducts, serving nozzle etc. of the BVM before starting the next preparation. Ducts carrying an ingredient to a preparation pot (for example, a heating pot) can be configured in such a fashion that no ingredient can mix with another except in the heating pot.
Dispenser Module 210
[000134] In an aspect, once a beverage has been prepared by cook and clean controller 208, dispenser module 210 can enable delivery of the prepared beverage to user via beverage delivery nozzle.
Communication Module 212
[000135] In an aspect, communication module 212 can enable all communication amongst users, server 112 and vending machines using appropriate communication methods.
[000136] In another aspect, communication methods employed by communication module 212 can be any or a combination of wired and wireless methods such as LAN, WAN, Internet, NFC etc.
[000137] In an aspect, using communication module 212, a vending machine can send various kinds of usage data such as crash reports, ingredient stocks, cartridge insertion and removal time log, alerts for unauthorized access to server 112. Such data can be further used by system operator to generate various reports that can be used as elaborated above.
Location Module 214
[000138] In an aspect, each BVM can be configured with location module 214 using which its location can be mapped on the Internet and thus made available to any internet enabled device such as a PC, a mobile device, a laptop and a tablet. Thus, each BVM can be easily reached using location provided by location module 214 and Internet enabled navigation methods/ maps well known in the art.
[000139] In another aspect, location module 214 can provide to any user for any BVM beverages available with the said BVM including those that can be made from any user’s taste file that the user has enabled for public access either for free or for a fee. It is also possible to associate a unique identifier with each BVM and accordingly associate the location with the respective unique identifier.
Monetizing and Sharing Module 216
[000140] Monetizing and sharing module 216 can provide various monetizing and sharing opportunities to users of proposed system as well as system operator, as elaborated hereunder.
[000141] In an aspect, monetizing and sharing module 216 can generate a bill for a user after he has selected his beverage, taste file and quantity of beverage required, enable the user to pay, and proceed with further execution of the user’s order after receipt of payment from him.
[000142] In another aspect, businesses nearby to a BVM can place advertisements for their services, special deals etc. using monetizing and sharing module 216. Even remote businesses may find it useful to place their ads. Proposed system can enable all such businesses to pay for their advertisements using monetizing and sharing module 216.
[000143] In an aspect, a user wanting to monetize unique taste created by him can also use monetizing and sharing module 216 to put relevant taste file for sale across all BVMs configured with proposed system as well as at website of proposed system. Such monetization can be via various possibilities. For example, user can offer his taste file only for limited number of uses (preparations), he can offer to exchange his taste file with that of another user or can offer it for free.
[000144] In another aspect, monetizing and sharing module 216 can enable user to share / put on sale taste file created by him with strong encryption. In this fashion, a taste created by a user can remain unique to him since corresponding taste file need not reveal its ingredients to anyone. Any other user can simply use system disclosed to execute the taste file at a BVM and get a beverage as per taste file, without knowing its ingredients. In yet another aspect, module 216 can encrypt the taste file making secret some ingredients and revealing others, as desired by taste file’s creator. In this fashion, proposed system can enable a user to fully monetize taste created by him without fearing that it will be easily copied by others.
[000145] In another aspect, monetizing and sharing module 216 can enable all payment transactions to be done through Internet enabled e-commerce methods or by cash at a BVM itself.
[000146] In an aspect, monetizing and sharing module 216 can enable a user who has created a taste file to get all statistics pertaining to its usage such as downloads, paid downloads, free downloads etc. A user can also create groups for organizing distributed beverage parties for a taste file created by him and invite other users to join the group. At a common agreed time, users in the group can be coordinated to be at BVMs closest to them when they can be served beverage as per taste file of the group. In this way, monetizing and sharing module 216 can be used for organizing distributed parties anywhere in the world.
[000147] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram showing how a BVM configured with proposed system makes a beverage exactly as per taste of a user, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[000148] As illustrated, method disclosed can include, at step 302, receiving from a user taste-defining parameters comprising taste of a beverage.
[000149] In another aspect, method disclosed can include, at step 304, preparing a taste file from the parameters and at step 306 method disclosed can include executing the taste file at a beverage vending machine to create a beverage as per taste of the user.
[000150] FIGs. 4A to 4E illustrate how a user can prepare a beverage exactly as per his taste using a BVM configured with proposed system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[000151] In an aspect, a BVM can be configured with proposed system that can include appropriate display and input/output controller for receiving user input and providing appropriate output at the display. A user can log into proposed system when he can be presented a menu at display of the BVM showing various beverages that the BVM can offer, as shown at FIG. 4A that shows various choices as Tea 404, Coffee 406 and Lemonade 408. User can select from choices available and, as illustrated in FIG.4A user has selected lemonade. He can also be offered a choice as to whether he wants to use existing taste files as shown at 410.
[000152] In another aspect, in case user selects that he does not want to use existing taste file(s) as shown in FIG. 4A, proposed system can then display on BVM various taste-defining parameters for beverage selected by him so that he may configure its taste by varying such taste-defining parameters. For example, as shown at FIG. 4B, user can choose from quantity 412, temperature 414, sugar 416, lemon juice 418 and ginger 420 by using appropriate input methods (such as keypad, touch screen etc). In an aspect, in case the user is finding it difficult to enter the values, the most common or optimal can be shown to the user to select from along with information on how that quantity of ingredient would impact the overall taste of the beverage. Next, proposed system can show user various taste-defining parameters and their quantity selected by him and also cost of beverage with such taste-defining parameters/ingredients. As shown at FIG. 4C, user has selected quantity as 250 ml (showing at 422), temperature as 10 degrees centigrade (424), sugar 25 gms(426), lemon juice 10 gms(428), ginger 2 gms(430) and finally cost Rs. 125(432). As shown at 434 proposed system can then enable user to pay the required amount before proceeding further.
[000153] It can readily be understood that instead of specifying ingredient as a taste parameter, proposed system can be configured to instead display grades of tastes and ask user to choose from them. For example, instead of sugar, proposed system can have choices such as not sweet, slightly sweet, average sweet and very sweet; and likewise for other tastes. Or there can be combinations of some ingredients and some tastes. All such possible combinations form part of the present disclosure.
[000154] In an aspect, as illustrated in FIG. 4D, once user has paid via any of methods well known in the art, proposed system can ask user if he wishes to save the taste file for future use (436) or execute it (438) or any combination of these.In case user wishes to save taste file, proposed system can save it in his user profile for future use. In an aspect, proposed system can enable the user to name taste file before such saving so that it is easily accessible in the future. In another aspect, taste file can also be saved at the BVM as well as the server automatically, or if so allowed by the user.
[000155] In another aspect, once user executes the taste file, proposed system can operate the BVM as elaborated above to prepare beverage exactly as per the taste file and present the beverage to the user, as illustrated at FIG. 4E.
[000156] In an aspect, at each appropriate stage, user can be provided option to change his choices by using “cancel” button or to reconfirm his choices and proceed to next stage by using “enter” button as shown.
[000157] FIGs. 5A to 5D illustrate how a BVM configured with proposed system can prepare a beverage as per an existing taste file if so required by a user, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[000158] As elaborated above, a user can log into proposed system when he can be presented a menu at display of the BVM showing various beverages that the BVM can offer, as shown at FIG. 5A that shows various choices as Tea 504, Coffee 506 and Lemonade 508. User can select from choices available and, as illustrated in FIG.5A user has selected lemonade 508. Proposed system can also offer user a choice as to whether he wants to use existing taste files; as shown at 510.
[000159] In another aspect, in case user selects that he wants to use existing taste file(s) as shown in FIG. 5A, proposed system can then display on BVM various taste files that user has access to. As shown in FIG.5B, such files can be with names showing in column 512 as Ginger (520) Tangier (522) and Bitter (524). Proposed system can display for each file various other main parameters such as quantity of beverage (514) and cost (516) and enable selection of any one of them (518). It would be appreciated that any number of taste files can be presented to the user. A search/filter engine can also be presented along with mention of the owner/creator of the taste file. In an aspect, ingredients of the taste file may or may not be presented to the user.
[000160] In an embodiment, user can click on any file name to see details of parameters/ ingredients that make up the taste file. In another embodiment, only such parameters/ingredients can be displayed that creator of taste file has decided to declare publicly.
[000161] In an aspect, as illustrated in FIG. 5C, once a user has selected a taste file, proposed system can enable him to pay as shown at 526.
[000162] In another aspect, as illustrated in FIG. 5D, after the user has paid, proposed system can operate the BVM as elaborated above to prepare beverage exactly as per the taste file and present the beverage to the user.
[000163] In an aspect, at each appropriate stage, user can be provided option to change his choices by using ‘cancel’ button or to reconfirm his choices and proceed to next stage by using ‘enter’ button as shown.
[000164] In a similar fashion, proposed system can enable operation of a BVM using a mobile application configured on a mobile device. User can log into proposed system using a mobile device when proposed system can detect his location and present to him a BVM closest to him. User can operate the mobile application to create a taste file in a fashion similar to above. In another aspect, user can select from one of the existing taste files that can be at the BVM or server. After user has made payment, taste file created can be sent automatically to the BVM using any suitable communication protocol (such as NFC, for example) and the BVM can execute the taste file and prepare a beverage accordingly. If taste file already exists, proposed system can retrieve it from there and execute the same at the BVM.
[000165] While proposed system has been explained above using example of a beverage vending machine, it can readily be understood that it can be used wherever vending machines can be used for selling food items and variations in taste are possible. For example, proposed system can be employed in selling cocktails, ice-cream with different flavors, cakes with different flavors etc. As capabilities of vending machines develop, proposed system can be employed for almost all food items. All such embodiments are completely within the scope of the present disclosure.
[000166] While some embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, those are completely exemplary in nature. The disclosure is not limited to the embodiments as elaborated herein only and it would be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. All such modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents are completely within the scope of the present disclosure. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims.
[000167] Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ….and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.
[000168] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[000169] The present disclosure provides a food items vending machine where a user can prepare a food item exactly according to his/her taste not only at that vending machine but across all such machines globally.
[000170] The present disclosure provides a system that enables a user to claim ownership of taste created by him and then monetize that taste globally.
[000171] The present disclosure provides a vending machine that uses mostly raw materials rather than pre-mixed ingredients.
[000172] The present disclosure provides a vending machine that is very hygienic and safe.
[000173] The present disclosure provides a vending machine with monetizing possibilities such as sales of taste files and advertisements on the vending machine.
[000174] The present disclosure provides a system that enables parties globally with all participants enjoying food items with exactly same taste as they expect.