WO2012134296A1

WO2012134296A1 - Sales outlet for vending beverages

Info

Publication number: WO2012134296A1
Application number: PCT/NL2012/050215
Authority: WO
Inventors: Cornelis Margaretha Theodorus Maria Bongers
Original assignee: Friesland Brands B.V.
Priority date: 2011-03-31
Filing date: 2012-03-30
Publication date: 2012-10-04
Also published as: NL2006510C2

Abstract

Sales outlet for vending beverages and a method for monitoring a supply chain of a product from a central processing location to a dispensing location such as the sales outlet (1). The sales outlet comprises a sales outlet structure (1), a water supply (21), and a preparation device (31). The preparation device (31) is connected to the water supply (21) and to a power supply device (41), wherein the preparation device (31) comprises a receptacle (32) for receiving a cassette (33) with a beverage ingredient.

Description

Sales outlet for vending beverages

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a sales outlet, e.g. a booth, for vending beverages, such as milk. More in particular, the present invention relates to a sales outlet for vending beverages, comprising a sales outlet structure, a water supply and a preparation device. In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method for monitoring a supply chain of a product. Prior art

In the art it is known to have small sales outlets or points of sale for selling individual servings of milk. Usually, the milk is cooled, along the supply chain and/or at the point of sale.

International patent application WO03094624 described an apparatus and method for milk preparation from milk powder. The apparatus comprises a container for a liquid, and a container for holding a powdered formula milk. Means are provided for mixing the ingredients from the two containers, and the mixed product is cooled before dispensing.

Summary of the invention

The present invention seeks to provide a low cost solution for selling beverages prepared locally, such as milk prepared from powder and water or from a liquid concentrate and water.

According to the present invention, a sales outlet according to the preamble defined above is provided, in which the preparation device is connected to the water supply and to a power supply device, wherein the preparation device comprises a receptacle for receiving a cassette with a beverage ingredient.

Such a sales outlet for vending beverages can be produced very cost efficiently, allowing it to be used by small entrepreneurs e.g. in developing countries. By having an own water supply and preparing the beverage on site from a beverage ingredient, the efficiency of use of the sales outlet is better than existing sales outlet variants.

In a further aspect a method as defined above is provided, for monitoring a supply chain of a product from a central processing location to a dispensing location, comprising providing identification codes for every one of a plurality of product carriers and for every entity handling one of the plurality of product carriers, authentication of each product carrier and of each entity handling one of the plurality of product carriers at a certain moment in time, authorization for a specific handling of one of the product carriers by a specific one of the entities, using a predetermined set of rules, and accounting of every instance of handling of a product carrier, wherein operations at the dispensing location are remotely controllable. This method allows to keep track and control over each and every aspect of the logistic path, from the origin to the ultimate customer, and back, including full control over the product carriers and entities involved. This allows to create customer confidence, but also to meet stringent environmental and regulatory requirements.

Short description of drawings

The present invention will be discussed in more detail below, using a number of exemplary embodiments, with reference to the attached drawings, in which

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a sales outlet according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 shows a block diagram of interconnected elements of the apparatus and systems used in the sales outlet of Fig. 1 ; and

Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of a sales outlet, in the form of a mobile sales outlet.

Detailed description of exemplary embodiments

In many areas in the world, the supply of fresh (dairy) beverages is implemented using small vending sales outlets, such as a booth or mobile vending point. The present invention embodiments provide a solution allowing to prepare and sell beverages, especially suited for dispensing milk beverages in many areas in the world, including developing countries. The sales outlet for vending beverages according to the present invention embodiments can be used in sparse to dense populated areas, i.e. ranging from rural areas to municipal areas, allowing to provide services to the emerging middle class population.

The beverages are prepared using water or other suitable fluid and a beverage ingredient, such as milk powder, or a liquid concentrate, such as condensed milk. The beverage ingredient is delivered to the vending sales outlets in cassettes which are filled and re-used from a central location serving a plurality of sales outlets. When water is used for preparing the beverages, the sales outlets according to the present invention embodiments may also be used for providing drinking water.

A schematic view of a sales outlet 1 for vending beverages according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in the schematic view of Fig. 1 . The sales outlet 1 is a structure, such as a housing, allowing for various modules and apparatus to be connected to or attached to the sales outlet structure.

The sales outlet 1 is in general provided with a water subsystem 2, which provides for supply and storage of water or any other fluid for preparing beverages. The water subsystem 2 in further embodiments may also provide for water purification or other treatment, water buffering, and dispensing water (e.g. using water outlets separate from a beverage outlet).

Furthermore, a valuables subsystem 3 is provided, which can provide a number of functionalities, including but not limited to safe keeping of money (money vault), storage of beverage ingredient stock (i.e. space for storing cassettes as used in the sales outlet 1), storage of supplies such as cups or other supplies. The valuables subsystem 3 also comprises the actual beverage preparation device (or dispenser system). A power subsystem 4 is also provided in the sales outlet 1 , which is used to provide electrical power to various subsystems and elements used in the sales outlet 1 . In the embodiments shown in Fig. 1 , the power subsystem 4 comprises (a) solar panel(s), a buffering system such as a battery pack, and the required cabling.

Also, an information subsystem 5 is provided in the sales outlet 1 , which comprises devices for allowing communication (e.g. using Internet or mobile communication techniques, e.g. GSM) from the sales outlet 1 to a central location, e.g. for monitoring or administrative purposes. The information subsystem 5 also comprises devices allowing for payment transactions, such as a token acceptor or cash register. Also, information used in relation to the vending of beverages may be transferred from one location to another using the information subsystem 5. E.g. a barcode reader may be used to obtain data from a cassette just loaded in the beverage preparation device.

In Fig. 2 block diagram is shown of the subsystems of the sales outlet 1 of Fig. 1 in more detail. A water supply 21 is part of the water subsystem 2, and comprises a water buffer, e.g. in the form of a tank (regularly refilled with e.g. a truck load). Alternatively, water supply is arranged using water bottles, a water pipe connection to utility (tap water) or a water well. The water supply 21 may be connected to a water treatment device 22. The water treatment device 22 may be embodied as a purifier (receiving power from the power supply device 41) in various forms, e.g. using filters, UV exposure, etc.. The water supply 21 may receive water from the utility grid (tap water), or the water supply 21 is connected to a local well, such as a borehole well.

A preparation device 31 is part of the valuables subsystem 3, and is connected to the water supply 21 . The preparation device 31 comprises a receptacle 32 for receiving a cassette

33 with the beverage ingredient.

A power supply device 41 is part of the power subsystem 4 and is connected to the preparation device 31 .

In the sales outlet 1 according to the present invention embodiments, the beverage ingredient, e.g. in the form of milk powder, is supplied using cassettes 33 which are arranged to provide the prepared beverages from a beverage outlet 34. The receptacle 32 comprises a drive unit having two independent mechanical drive connections 36, 37 (one for dosage of the beverage ingredient, one for mixing of the beverage ingredient with water), and a water supply connection 35.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the two independent mechanical drive connections 36, 37 are magnetic force based connections. This allows to use a completely sealed off cassette 33, preventing any danger of contamination or leakage through any openings which would otherwise be needed for driving internal dosage and mixing units using a mechanical link through the housing of the cassette 33.

As shown in the embodiment of Fig. 2, the sales outlet further comprises a control unit 51 n as part of the information subsystem 5. The control unit 51 is connected to the preparation device 31 for control of the beverage preparation process, and to a storage unit 52 for storing data related to the operation of the sales outlet 1 .

Furthermore, the control unit 51 is connected to a reader unit 53 in a further embodiment for receiving input of data related to use of the cassettes 33 in operation of the sales outlet 1 . The reader unit 53 is e.g. a bar code reader allowing data present on a sticker on each cassette 33, the data e.g. relating to contents of the cassette 33 (tracing data such as packaging date, etc.), a preparation recipe, shelf life data, etc. The data may be imprinted on the cassette 33 (or printed on a sticker on the cassette 33), e.g. in the form of (encrypted) barcodes or QR-codes.

The control unit 51 may interface with the preparation device 31 for receiving data related to preparation of beverages in the sales outlet, such as number of beverages prepared, time (stamp) data, etc.

In a further embodiment, the control unit 51 is connected to an interface device 54, allowing to exchange data with another (remotely located) computer based device. The interface device 54 may be implemented using one or more of the following modules: a mobile communication module (e.g. GSM), a USB connector module, an Ethernet connection module, a (wireless) internet connection module, etc.

The control unit 51 may furthermore be connected to a power supply sensor interfacing with the power subsystem 4 to obtain information on e.g. the power use of the sales outlet 1 , and e.g. on the status of the power supply device 41 .

Similarly, the control unit 51 may in an even further embodiment be connected to a water supply sensor interfacing with the water subsystem 2. This allows e.g. to obtain data on water usage and status information of the water subsystem 2 (water buffer, use, etc.).

In further embodiments, the information subsystem 5 comprises a payment register device 55 connected to the control unit 51 . The payment register device 55 may be arranged for receiving (micro-) payments, payment tokens, etc. In particular, the payment register device 55 is arranged to enable triple A transaction protocols (Authentication, Authorization and Accounting).

Optionally, the sales outlet 1 may further comprise an operator console 56 connected to the control unit 51 . The operator console 56 may be a structural part of the preparation device 31 . The operator console 56 allows communication of e.g. operator identification, or other operational data with a centrally located computing device.

The sales outlet embodiments of the present invention form a part of a supply and retail chain for vending dairy beverages. In a further aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for monitoring a supply (and/or retail) chain from a central processing location of a product (e.g. manufacturing of milk powder) all the way up to a dispensing location (e.g. a sales outlet for vending beverages as described in the present invention embodiment. The method comprises providing identification codes for every one of a plurality of product carriers and for every entity handling one of the plurality of product carriers, authentication of each product carrier and of each entity handling one of the plurality of product carriers at a certain moment in time, authorization for a specific handling of one of the product carriers by a specific one of the entities, using a predetermined set of rules and accounting of every instance of handling of a product carrier, wherein operations at the dispensing location are remotely controllable.

The steps of authentication, authorization and accounting are implemented using computer, networking and communication techniques and hardware which as such are known. Functional hardware units discussed above in relation to the sales outlet 1 can also be part of these implementations, such as the elements of the information subsystem 5 (discussed above in relation with Fig. 2).

The feature that operations at the dispensing location are remotely controllable is to be understood in the light of this application as allowing control of the product carriers and entities involved in many ways. This includes tracking, tracing and accounting but also more specific control such as preventing actual use of the product carrier or actual use of the sales outlet by an entity. This can be implemented as a blocking function in the information subsystem 5 or control unit 51 , e.g. to prevent handling of specifically identified cassettes 33 (effectively preventing use of a specific cassette 33 in the preparation device 31). Also, e.g. the use of a preparation device 31 by a specific user can be blocked in this manner.

In a further embodiment, the product carrier comprises one or more from the group of: a bulk package of a product, a cassette filled with a product from a bulk package; a sales outlet for vending beverages. More specifically the product carrier is associated with the handling of food related products, such as the dairy products discussed above.

The entity is one or more from the group of: a sales outlet operator (franchisee), a distributor of cassettes, a maintenance and repair engineer, a back office manager, plant operator. The identification code may comprise one or more from the group of: a barcode, an encrypted barcode, a QR code, an RFID tag, biometrical data (fingerprint, iris scan).

The use of a triple-A protocol in combination with (encrypted) identification codes is not yet used in a retail environment including its value- and supply chain. The different parts of the three protocol elements can be implemented as follows:

Authentication can be implemented as a kind of passport (encrypted barcode, RFID etc) and/or a fingerprint reader and/or a PIN code that proves who someone or something is. A separate code is associated with each and every item in the supply chain (sales outlet 1 , cassette 33, filter or other parts used in the sales outlet 1), but also with each and every possible entity or operator in the entire supply chain.

Authorization is implemented as well along the entire value and supply chain.

Operators have different specific roles and responsibilities. E.g. a franchisee, a distributor, maintenance and repair (M&R) engineers, back-office manager etc. A franchisee may be authorized to replace a cassette 33, but the distributor only is allowed to take in empty cassettes 33, only the M&R engineer is entitled to service the sales outlet's utilities and i.e. to replace a filter. The back-office manager is authorized to block cassette codes, e.g. in case of a recall, by using the remote control functionalities of the sales outlets 1 . Accounting is implemented by assuring that every 'transaction' in the broadest sense is logged along the entire supply chain. This not only applies to selling milk and water to the public, but also the handing over of cassettes 33, replacement of filters, recalls etc. In this manner it will always be known who did what.

The pricing system and method for the present invention embodiments may be specifically adapted to suit local needs. E.g. the pricing of a single serving may be related to the available monetary units (coins, notes, etc.) in a country's monetary system, allowing to have a simple payment operation (one coin for a single serving). In further embodiments, the amount of product per serving may vary, and the additional amount may be paid for by an additional monetary unit (coin) of the local currency. In the pricing system therefore, the possibility of varying the amount of product served is determined by the availability of suitable coins in the local currency, and pricing policy can be adapted accordingly.

As mentioned above, the sales outlet 1 is a structural arrangement, having e.g. a counter and e.g. a storage space for storing a plurality of cassettes 33. This allows to keep a supply of cassettes 33 inside the sales outlet at all times, also when the sales outlet 1 is closed and locked.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the sales outlet is embodied as a counter top dispenser, comprising a preparation device 31 , a sales outlet structure 1 (e.g. a housing in which the preparation device 31 is accommodated), and a water supply 21 (e.g. a connector for a water supply line). As in the other embodiments, the preparation device 31 is connected to the water supply 21 and to a power supply device 41 , wherein the preparation device 31 comprises a receptacle 32 for receiving a cassette 33 with a beverage ingredient. .

With regard to the power subsystem 4, power supply device 41 is connected to an energy input device 42 in a further embodiment. Furthermore, the power supply device 41 is connected to an energy buffer 43, e.g. in the form of batteries. The power subsystem 4 may allow connection of the sales outlet 1 to a utility grid (when available) or may provide a sales outlet 1 with an independent power source, e.g. in the form of a solar cell system, a petrol or gasoline generator, a wind turbine, etc. The energy input device 42 may be a part of the sales outlet 1 , e.g. by mounting solar cells onto the sales outlet.

In a further embodiment the sales outlet 1 further comprising water outlets (tap points) connected to the water supply 21 . This may be independent from the preparation device 31 (allowing free supply of drinking water), or integrated with the preparation device 31 (allowing to charge for the drinking water).

Furthermore, the sales outlet 1 may be provided with a cup dispenser, and associated cup storage facilities.

Additional elements and units can be added to the system described in the various embodiments above. E.g. the preparation device 31 may comprise an overpressure generator, in order to prevent any dirt or other foreign materials to enter sensitive areas of the preparation device 31 (and/or cassette 33). E.g. a filter may be used for input of air, which filtered air is then entered into a casing of the preparation device 31 for creating and over pressure situation. In an even further embodiment, the sales outlet comprises a shading device 63 attached to a structural part of the sales outlet 1 . The shading device 63 may protect the sales outlet 1 itself, the person working in the sales outlet 1 , but also the customers gathering around the sales outlet 1 , against excessive heating.

Such a shading device 63 may be also employed in a further alternative embodiment, wherein the sales outlet 1 is a mobile sales outlet, as shown schematically in Fig. 3. The mobile sales outlet may be a vehicle 61 such as a small truck, a motor, a scooter, or even a tuc-tuc type of vehicle. In a carrying space 62, the major components of the sales outlet 1 are shown schematically (water subsystem 2, valuables subsystem 3, power subsystem 4, information subsystem 5). Of course the precise implementation, position and mutual location of these elements may vary depending on the type of vehicle 61 used, and may be specifically adapted for mobile use (e.g. chilled water tanks on a scooter).

Mobile sales outlets 1 can much more easily reach places of interest for sales, even in rush hour traffic in a hectic and soiled city environment. Mobile sales outlets 1 can reach the places where kids go to school, can capture peak hours on e.g. market places, or can go to parks on weekend days.

A mobile sales outlet 1 allows to even further adapt the logistics associated with the present invention. A large number of mobile sales outlets 1 can be supplied from one single fixed sales outlet location, or directly from a factory filling the cassettes 33. A mobile sales outlet 1 can be supplied with new cassettes 33, but also with a fresh supply of drinking water. The mobile sales outlets 1 allow a multi-tier logistic system, where one factory for filling cassettes 33 can supply numerous fixed sales outlets 1 , which in turn each can service a plurality of mobile sales outlets 1 .

If necessary a fixed location may also be used to recharge batteries which may be present in the mobile sales outlets 1 . As an alternative, the mobile sales outlet 1 is self contained, including e.g. a combustion engine for propelling the mobile sales outlet 1 . In this case, the sales outlet 1 may in a further embodiment comprise a generator driven by an engine of the mobile sales outlet 1 .

The mobile sales outlets according to the present invention can in a further embodiment be provided with a locating device (e.g. a GPS system) connected to the control unit 51 of the information subsystem 5. This allows to monitor the location of the mobile sales outlets 1 , contributing to the triple A aspects of the invention embodiments as described above.

The present invention embodiments have been described above with reference to a number of exemplary embodiments as shown in the drawings. Modifications and alternative implementations of some parts or elements are possible, and are included in the scope of protection as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

I . Sales outlet for vending beverages, comprising

a sales outlet structure (1), a water supply (21), and a preparation device (31),

the preparation device (31) being connected to the water supply (21) and to a power supply device (41), wherein the preparation device (31) comprises a receptacle (32) for receiving a cassette (33) with a beverage ingredient.

2. Sales outlet according to claim 1 , wherein the beverage ingredient is milk powder.

3. Sales outlet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the receptacle (32) comprises a drive unit having at least one independent mechanical drive connection (36; 37) and a water supply connection (35).

4. Sales outlet according to claim 3, wherein the at least one independent mechanical drive connection (36; 37) is a magnetic force based connections.

5. Sales outlet according to any one of claims 1 -4, further comprising a control unit (51) connected to the preparation device (31), and a storage unit (52) for storing data.

6. Sales outlet according to claim 5, wherein the control unit (51) is connected to a reader unit (53) for input of data related to cassette use.

7. Sales outlet according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the control unit (51) interfaces with the preparation device (31) for receiving data related to preparation of beverages.

8. Sales outlet according to any one of claims 5-7, wherein the control unit (51) is connected to an interface device (54).

9. Sales outlet according to any one of claims 5-8, wherein the control unit (51) is connected to a power supply sensor.

10. Sales outlet according to any one of claims 5-9, wherein the control unit (51) is connected to a water supply sensor.

I I . Sales outlet according to any one of claims 5-10, further comprising a payment register device (55) connected to the control unit (51).

12. Sales outlet according to any one of claims 5-1 1 , further comprising an operator console (56) connected to the control unit (51).

13. Sales outlet according to any one of claims 1 -12, further comprising a storage space for storing a plurality of cassettes (33).

14. Sales outlet according to any one of claims 1 -13, wherein the power supply device (41) is connected to an energy input device (42).

15. Sales outlet according to claim 14, wherein the energy input device (42) is part of the sales outlet (1).

16. Sales outlet according to any one of claims 1 -15, wherein the water supply (21) is connected to a water treatment device (22).

17. Sales outlet according to any one of claims 1 -16, wherein the water supply (21) is connected to a local well.

18. Sales outlet according to any one of claims 1 -17, further comprising water outlets connected to the water supply.

19. Sales outlet according to any one of claims 1 -18, further comprising a cup dispenser.

20. Sales outlet according to any one of claims 1 -19, wherein the preparation device (31) comprises an overpressure generator.

21 . Sales outlet according to any one of claims 1 -20, wherein the sales outlet (1) comprises a shading device (63) attached to a structural part of the sales outlet (1).

22. Sales outlet according to any one of claims 1 -21 , wherein the sales outlet (1) is a mobile sales outlet.

23. Sales outlet according to claim 22, wherein the sales outlet (1) comprises a generator driven by an engine of the mobile sales outlet.

24. Sales outlet according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the sales outlet comprises a locating device connected to the control unit (51).

25. Method for monitoring a supply chain of a product from a central processing location to a dispensing location (1), comprising providing identification codes for every one of a plurality of product carriers and for every entity handling one of the plurality of product carriers;

authentication of each product carrier and of each entity handling one of the plurality of product carriers at a certain moment in time;

authorization for a specific handling of one of the product carriers by a specific one of the entities, using a predetermined set of rules; and

accounting of every instance of handling of a product carrier,

wherein operations at the dispensing location are remotely controllable.

26. Method according to claim 25, wherein the product carrier comprises one or more from the group of: a bulk package of a product, a cassette (33) filled with a product from a bulk package; a sales outlet (1) for vending beverages.

27 Method according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the entity is one or more from the group of: a sales outlet operator, a distributor of cassettes (33), a maintenance and repair engineer, a back office manager, a plant operator.

28. Method according to claim 25, 26, or 27, wherein the identification code comprises one or more from the group of: a barcode, an encrypted barcode, a QR code, an RFID tag, biometrical data.

29. Sales outlet according to any one of claims 1 -24, wherein the control unit (51 ) is arranged to execute the method steps of claims 25-28.