WO2018050445A1

WO2018050445A1 - Computerized method and system for producing a mixture of substances by a user located production device

Info

Publication number: WO2018050445A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/071897
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jörg Rychen
Original assignee: Flavour Message Ag
Priority date: 2016-09-13
Filing date: 2017-08-31
Publication date: 2018-03-22

Abstract

The invention relates to a computerized method and a system for producing a mixture of substances (4) by a user located production device (3). In a computerized system (2) product data (11) being related to the mixture of substances (4) is received. In the computerized system (2) device data (12) being related to the user located production device (3) is received (S12), the device data (12) enabling the computerized system (2) to communicate with the user located production device (3). Transmitted (S2) is from the computerized system (2) to the user located production device (3) secured production data (21) for producing (S3) the mixture of substances (4) by the user located production device (3), the secured production data (21) being determined in the computerized system (2) based on the product data (11) and the device data (12).

Description

COMPUTERIZED METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING A MIXTURE OF SUBSTANCES BY A USER LOCATED PRODUCTION DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a computerized method and system for producing a mixture of substances by a user located production device.

BACKGROUND

Presently, mixtures of substances, for example ingestible products such as flavor products, food products, beverages, ingestible medicines, etc. are produced often in large numbers in production facilities in accordance to predefined quality requirements and in accordance to predetermined product definitions.

In case of a flavor product, and in an analogous manner in case of other mixtures of substances, flavors can relate to, for example, strawberry, chocolate, mint, basil, etc. It is known that more than 1 000 flavoring substances are active to the human olfactory and gustatory system. Most flavor products are composed of less than 30 flavoring substances out of a catalog of less than 300 flavoring substances. I n order to manufacture a particular flavor product, flavoring substances are arranged in the flavor product in accordance to a predefined flavor formula. The flavor formula defines one or more amounts of one or more flavoring substances. Creating a flavor formula can be a highly demanding task and can require a large number of tests, analytics, etc. After having created a flavor formula, the creator of the flavor formula often does not wish to make the flavor formula publicly available. Present production facilities often provide that a flavor formula can be kept secret by restricting access to the production facility. Moreover, present production facilities provide that large numbers of a particular flavor product can be produced, therefore keeping production costs relatively low. After production of flavor products, demand and acceptance of the flavor products can be monitored by counting the number of sold flavor products. Present production systems for producing flavor products are not flexible. For example, production of a small number of a particular flavor product is expensive. Present production systems do not enable users to experiment with their own creations of flavor formulas, because such experiments would be too expensive. Apart from access restriction to the production system, present production systems do not provide for secrecy of flavor formulas.

SUMMARY

It is an objective of this invention to provide a method and a system for producing a mixture of substances by a user located production device, which method and system do not have at least some disadvantages of the present state of the art. I n particular, it is an objective of this invention to provide a method and a system for producing a mixture of substances by a user located production device that enable to protect data such as product data that includes a definition of the mixture of substances. According to the present invention, these objectives are achieved through the features of the independent claims. In addition, further advantageous embodiments follow from the dependent claims and the description .

According to the present invention, a computerized method for producing a mixture of substances by a user located production device, comprising the steps of: receiving in a computerized system product data being related to the mixture of substances, receiving in the computerized system device data being related to the user located production device, the device data enabling the computerized system to communicate with the user located production device, transmitting from the computerized system to the user located production device secured production data for producing the mixture of substances by the user located production device, the secured production data being determined in the computerized system based on the product data and the device data. Product data and/or device data can be protected according to predefined requirements. For example, product data can be received in the computerized system through a secured communication channel. Because of transmitting secured production data to the user located production device, access to definitions of the mixture of substances, such as a product formula, can be restricted . Accordingly, definitions that are required to produce the mixture of substances can be kept secret.

In an embodiment, the product data includes an encrypted data record, wherein in a further step the computerized system decrypts the encrypted data record, and wherein the secured production data is determined based on the decrypted data record. Required encryption/decryption keys can include a secret key, a pub- lie key/secret key pair, etc. For example, a public key/secret key pair is stored on computerized system, wherein the public key is freely available for encrypting the data record in the product data, and wherein decryption is restricted to the computerized system.

In an embodiment, the product data includes a product identifier related to a product database, wherein in a further step the computerized system evaluates the product identifier related to the product database, and wherein the secured production data is determined based on a result of the evaluation of the product identifier related to the product database. For example, the product database can be stored on the computerized system. The product identifier can be publicly available, wherein in the database are stored definitions required to produce the mixture of substances related to the product identifier. Access to the definitions required to produce the mixture of substances is restricted to the computerized system.

In an embodiment, the product data includes one or more of: a product formula, a unique identifier/serial number identifying a product formula, at least a subset of a uniform resource identifier identifying a product formula, a name identifying a product formula, an originator identifying a product formula, wherein the product formula defines the mixture of substances at least in part.

In an embodiment, access to at least a part of the product data is enabled for the computerized system but otherwise restricted. In an embodiment, the product data is related to a product formula specifying one or more amounts of one or more substances of at least a part of the mixture of substances.

In an embodiment, the device data enables encrypted communication between the computerized system and the user located production device.

In an embodiment, the device data relates to assignment data assigning one or more properties of one or more storage elements to the substances being stored in the respective storage elements.

In an embodiment, at least one of: product data and device data is received in the computerized system under control of a user interface detecting manipulations of a user.

In an embodiment, at least one of: product data and device data is received in the computerized system in the form of asynchronously received data records.

In an embodiment, at least one of: product data, device data and secured produc- tion data is received respectively transmitted via one or more telecommunications networks.

In an embodiment, at least a part of the device data is received in the computerized system from the user located production device after transmission of a device query from the computerized system to the user located production device. In an embodiment, the mixture of substances is one or more of: an ingestible product, a flavor product, a food product, a stimulant, a beverage, a functional food product, a plant medicine, a phytological product.

An embodiment further comprises determining information about a user being associated with the production of the mixture of substances and requesting feedback from that user.

An embodiment further comprises storing a plurality of unique product identifiers in a product database, each unique product identifier being related to product data defining a unique mixture of substances at least in part. An embodiment further comprises receiving a first form of product data defining a mixture of substances and transforming the first form of product data into a second form of product data defining the mixture of substances.

The invention further relates to a computerized system for producing a mixture of substances by a user located production device, the computerized system com- prising at least one processor and at least one memory having stored program instructions being executable by the at least one processor to: receive in the computerized system product data being related to the mixture of substances, receive in the computerized system device data being related to the user located production device, the device data enabling communication with the user located pro- duction device, transmit from the computerized system to the user located production device secured production data for producing the mixture of substances by the user located production device, the secured production data being determined in the computerized system based on the product data and the device data.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which advantages and features of the disclo- sure can be obtained, in the following a more particular description of the principles briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. These drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope. The principles of the disclosure are de- scribed and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig . 1 illustrates schematically an method and a system for producing a mixture of substances by a user located production device;

Fig . 2 illustrates schematically the transmission of secured production data via an encrypted communication channel;

Fig . 3 illustrates schematically secured production data that is based on as signment data; illustrates schematically an embodiment of the production of a mixture of substances; Fig . 5 illustrates schematically an arrangement of a plurality of storage elements;

Fig . 6 illustrates schematically a plurality of storage elements arranged in a combined package;

Fig . 7 illustrates schematically product data in the form of a product data structure;

Fig . 8 illustrates schematically a library server having stored a plurality of product formulas;

Fig . 9 illustrates schematically a first possible scenario for the production of a mixture of substances;

Fig . 1 0 illustrates schematically a second possible scenario for the production of a mixture of substances; and

Fig . 1 1 illustrates schematically a third possible scenario for the production of a mixture of substances.

DESCRIPTION

Fig . 1 illustrates schematically a computerized method and a computerized system 2 for producing a mixture of substances 4 by a user located production device 3. The computerized system 2 can be in the form of for example a server computer system, a distributed computer system, etc. The computerized system 2 can be arranged in premises of a company, such as office rooms of the company, buildings of the company, etc. The computerized system 2 is connected to one or more 5 communication networks C1 , C2, such as the I nternet. As schematically illustrated in Fig . 1 , the computerized system 2 can receive data via a first communication network C 1 and transmit data via a second communication network C2. The first communication network C1 and the second communication network C2 can be formed by different communication networks. The first communication network i o C1 and the second communication network C2 can be formed by the same communication network, such as the Internet.

In the computerized system 2 and via the communication networks C 1 , C2, data can be stored, transmitted, received, etc. in plain form or in encrypted form. Encryption of data, decryption of data, encrypted communication, etc. can be enabled on the basis of a secret key algorithm, on the basis of a public key algorithm, etc. In case of a public key algorithm, the computerized system 2, the user located production device 3, etc. can have stored appropriate keys, wherein transmitted data and received data can be encrypted and decrypted using the respective keys.

As illustrated schematically in Fig . 1 , a user located production device 3 is arranged, which can receive secured production data 2 1 from the computerized system 2 via the second communication network C2. The user located production device 3 can be arranged in premises of a user, such as an apartment of the user, a house of the user, etc. The user located production device 3 is designed to re- ceive secured production data 21 and produce the mixture of substances 4 in accordance to the received secured production data 21 . The user located production device 3 comprises storage elements 3 1 , 32, 33 , 34 which have stored substances. Based on the received secured production data 2 1 , the user located production device 3 can discharge amounts of substances from the storage elements 3 1 , 32, 33 , 34 and use the discharged substances for the production of the mixture of substances 4. I n case the mixture of substances is an ingestible product, the storage elements can have stored ingestible substances.

As schematically illustrated in Fig. 1 , the storage elements 3 1 , 32, 33 , 34 have stored different substances, which is indicated by the symbols '! !', ':', "", The storage element with reference sign 3 1 has stored the substance indicated by symbol '!'. The storage element with reference sign 32 has stored the substance indicated by symbol ' :'. The storage element with reference sign 33 has stored the substance indicated by symbol "". The storage element with reference sign 34 has stored the substance indicated by symbol For example, the symbol "" and the symbol """ indicate different amounts of the same substance.

As schematically illustrated in Fig. 1 , the mixture of substances includes the substance with symbol ':', which was discharged from the storage element with reference sign 32, the substance with symbol which was discharged from the storage element with reference sign 34, and the substance with symbol '! !', which was discharged from storage element with reference sign '3 1 '. The sequence in which the substances are discharged from the storage elements 3 1 , 32, 33, 34 and used for the production of the mixture of substances 4 may be important or may be unimportant for properties of the mixture of substances 4.

In step S 1 1 , product data 1 1 being related to the mixture of substances 4 is received in the computerized system 2.

Product data 1 1 can be received via the first communication network C1 in the computerized system 2. Product data 1 1 can be receive in the computerized system 2 in accordance to manipulations of a user manipulating a user device (not shown in Fig . 1 ), such as a smartphone, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, etc. Product data 1 1 can relate to the mixture of substances 4 that the user of the user device has chosen and wants to have produced.

The product data 1 1 can include a product formula of the mixture of substances 4. The product formula can include a definition of one or more amounts of one or more substances. Access to product data 1 1 , such as access rights, can be restricted to particular users, user groups, etc. Access to product data 1 1 can include steps such as verification of access rights, decryption of data, reading of data, modification of data, writing of data, encryption of data, etc. I n order to restrict access to the product data 1 1 , the product data 1 1 can include encrypted data, such that the product data 1 1 is kept secret while being transmitted via the first communication network C 1 . Decryption of the encrypted data included in the product data 1 1 can be enabled for the computerized system 2. Decryption of the encrypted data included in the product data 1 1 can be exclusively enabled for the computerized system 2. Decryption of the encrypted data included in the product data 1 1 can be restricted or blocked for unauthorized users, systems, etc.

The product data 1 1 can include a product identifier related to the mixture of substances 4, the product identifier enabling access to a product formula of the mixture of substances by lookup in a product database having stored a plurality of product identifiers, each product identifier being linked to a particular product formula. The product identifier related to the mixture of substances 4 can include a product name, a unique serial number, at least a part of a U RI ( Uniform Resource Identifier), etc. Access to the product database can be enabled for the computerized system 2. Access to the product database can be exclusively enabled for the computerized system 2. Access to the product database can be restricted or blocked for unauthorized users, systems, etc. Thus, if a third party has access to the product identifier included in the product data 1 1 , the third party can still have only restricted or even no access to the product formula. The product database can be stored in the computerized system 2. The product database can be stored remote from the computerized system 2 and can be accessed by the computerized system 2 via a communications network, for example through an encrypted communication channel. Access to the product database can be enabled for particular users, user groups, etc., for example in accordance to access rights of user accounts, group accounts, etc. configured in the computerized system 2 or configured remote from the computerized system 2. The product database can include encrypted data. Access to the product database can include steps such as verification of access rights, decryption of data, reading of data, modification of data, writing of data, encryption of data, etc. In step S 1 2, device data 1 2 related to the user located production device 3 is received in the computerized system 2.

Device data 1 2 can be received via the first communication network C 1 in the computerized system 2. Device data 1 2 can be received in the computerized system in accordance to manipulations of a user manipulating a user device (not shown in Fig . 1 ), such as a smartphone, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, etc. Device data 1 2 can relate to the production device 3 the user has chosen for the production of the mixture of substances 4. Device data 1 2 can be received in the computerized system 2 in accordance to a user manipulating a user interface of the production device 3. Device data 1 2 can be received in the computerized system 2 upon installation of the production device 3 in premises of a user. Device data 1 2 can be received in the computerized system 2 upon transmission of a request from the computerized system 2 to the production device 3.

The device data 1 2 enables the computerized system 2 at least to communicate with the user located production device 3. For example, the device data 1 2 can be associated to a communication identifier, such as such as an I P address ( I P: Internet Protocol), an USB device address ( USB: Universal Serial Bus), etc., which enables the computerized system 2 to communicate with the user located production device 3. The device data 1 2 can enable the computerized system 2 to establish a plain or encrypted communication channel with the production device 3. For example, the device data 1 2 can relate to keys enabling the computerized system 2 to perform encrypted communication with the user located production device 3. The device data 1 2 can relate to assignment data which includes assignments of one or more externally identifiable properties of one or more storage elements 3 1 ,

32, 33 , 34 to substances being stored in the respective storage elements 3 1 , 32,

33 , 34. An externally identifiable property can relate to a location of the storage element 3 1 , 32, 33 , 34, such as a column and a row in a two dimensional arrangement of storage elements 3 1 , 32, 33, 34, a sequence number in a one dimensional arrangement of storage elements 3 1 , 32, 33 , 34, an assembly identifier, a column and a row of storage assemblies having two dimensionally arranged storage elements 3 1 , 32, 33, 34, etc. An externally identifiable property can relate to an externally readable code of the storage element 3 1 , 32, 33, 34 such as a color, a barcode, etc. An externally identifiable property can relate to a physical property of the storage element 3 1 , 32, 33, 34 such as an electrical property, a physical dimension, etc. An externally identifiable property of the storage element 3 1 , 32, 33 , 34 enables the assignment of the externally identifiable property to the substance being stored in the respective storage element 3 1 , 32, 33, 34, in particular to the amount of the substance being stored in the respective storage element 3 1 , 32, 33, 34.

In step S2, the computerized system 2 transmits secured production data 2 1 to the user located production device 3. Secured production data 2 1 is determined in the computerized system 2 based on the product data 1 1 , which includes for example a product formula, and the device data 1 2, which includes for example a communication identifier, a key for establishing an encrypted communication channel, assignment data, etc. The user located production device 3 can produce the mixture of substances 4 upon receipt of the secured production data 21 . Pro- duction of the mixture of substances 4 can additionally require an activation of the production device 3 by a user.

The secured production data 2 1 can relate to functions of the user located production device 3 that have to be activated in order to produce the mixture of substances 4. The functions of the user located production device 3 can relate to the discharge of amounts of substances stored in the storage elements 3 1 , 32, 33 , 34 arranged in the user located production device 3. The functions of the user located production device 3 can relate to the arrangement of discharged substances for the production of the mixture of substances 4.

The user located production device 3 is arranged in premises of the user. Because the user cannot decipher the secured production data 21 and because the production of a mixture of substances 4 is based on secured production data 21 transmitted from the computerized system 2 to the user located production device 3, the user cannot determine product data such as a product formula that the production of the mixture of substances 4 is based on. Accordingly, product data such as a product formula can be kept secret although the mixture of substances 4 is produced in premises of the user. Hence, unauthorized production of the mixture of substances 4 can be restricted.

The user located production device 3 can be designed that a user has access to the storage elements 3 1 , 32, 33, 34 in order to refill the substances stored in the storage elements 3 1 , 32, 33 , 34, in order to replace used storage elements 3 1 , 32, 33 , 34 by new storage elements 3 1 , 32, 33, 34, in order to arrange particu- lar storage elements 3 1 , 32, 33 , 34 required for the production of a particular mixture of substances 4, etc.

As schematically illustrated in Fig . 2, the secured production data 2 1 can be transmitted to the user located production device 3 via an encrypted communication channel. The encrypted communication channel can be established on the basis of respective keys of the computerized system 2 and/or the production device 3. The respective keys can be stored in the computerized system 2 and/or the production device 3 when the production device 3 is assembled, when the production device 3 is configured for delivery to the user, when the production device 3 is installed in the premises of the user, etc. The production device 3 can be designed such that during production of a mixture of substances 4 the user of the user located production device 3 cannot determine the substances that are discharged from the storage elements 3 1 , 32, 33 , 34. Accordingly, the user cannot determine based on which product formula the mixture of substances 4 was produced. Accordingly, unauthorized production of the mixture of substances 4 can be restricted.

As schematically illustrated in Fig . 3, the secured production data 21 can be based on assignment data 23. Access to the assignment data 23 can be blocked to the user of the user located production device 3. The assignment data 23 can be stored in the computerized system 2. The assignment data 23 can be stored remote from the computerized system 2 and can be accessed by the computerized system 2 via a communications network, for example through an encrypted communication channel. The assignment data 23 includes assignments of one or more externally identifiable properties of one or more storage elements 3 1 , 32, 33 , 34 to the substances that stored in the respective storage elements 3 1 , 32, 33 , 34. The storage elements 3 1 , 32, 33 , 34 are designed such that the stored substances cannot determined by external inspection . For example, the substances are stored in the storage elements 3 1 , 32, 33 , 34. However, the storage elements 3 1 , 32, 33 , 34 include externally identifiable properties. When the substances are arranged in the storage elements 3 1 , 32, 33 , 34, corresponding assignment data 23 is generated, wherein the assignment data 23 includes assignments of the externally identifiable properties of the storage elements 3 1 , 32, 33, 34 to the substances stored in the respective storage elements 3 1 , 32, 33 , 34. Thus, by lookup of an externally identifiable property of a storage element 3 1 , 32, 33 , 34, the substance stored in the storage element 3 1 , 32, 33, 34 can be determined.

The secured production data 2 1 is determined based on product data 1 1 and assignment data 23.

For example, the assignment data 23 includes assignments of the row and the column of two-dimensionally arranged storage elements 3 1 , 32, 33 , 34 to substances. For example, the storage element 3 1 is arranged at row two and column three and has stored substance indicated by symbol '! !', the storage element 32 is arranged at row four and column five and has stored substance indicated by symbol ':', etc. A product formula included in the product data 1 1 may require that the substance indicated by symbol '! !' is required for the production of the mixture of substances 4. Thus, the secured production data 2 1 is determined such that the production device 3 discharges the substance from the storage element arranged at row two and column three, namely the substance from storage element 3 1 having stored the substance indicated by symbol '! !'. More generally, the secured production data 21 is determined such that several substances are discharged from the storage elements 3 1 , 32, 33, 34. As the user does not know which substance is stored in which storage element 3 1 , 32, 33 , 34, the user cannot determine based on which product formula the mixture of substances 4 was produced. Accordingly, unauthorized production of the mixture of substances 4 can be restricted .

Fig . 4 illustrates schematically an embodiment of the production of a mixture of substances 4. The production of the mixture of substances 4 is based on a storage element production facility 30, a computerized system 2 and a user located production device 3.

In a variant, the storage element production facility 30 is located within the premises of a production company and the user located production device 3 is located within the premises of a user who wishes to produce the mixture of substances 4.

As schematically illustrated in Fig. 4, the computerized system 2 is associated with the storage element production facility 30. I n a variant, the computerized system 2 is located within the premises of the production company. In another variant, the computerized system 2 is located within the premises of a company having premises being distinct of the premises of the production company. A plurality of storage elements 3 1 , 37 are produced in the production company. Each storage elements 3 1 , 37 is stores a predefined amount of a predefined substance.

Typically, the predefined amount of a substance can be in the range of nanograms, micrograms, milligrams, etc. Other quantities are possible.

Substances can be defined in accordance to a chemical definition, a molecular definition, etc. Substances can provide a basis for flavors such as strawberry, chocolate, mint, basil, etc. Substances can provide a basis for a single flavor and/or a mixture of flavors. Substances can provide a basis for ingestible products. Substances can provide a basis for mixtures of substances.

Fig . 4 illustrates schematically a plurality of storage elements 3 1 , 37. Each storage container 3 1 , 37 has stored a predefined amount of a predefined substance. In Fig . 4 different substances are depicted using symbols such as !, :, °, ', ], ^Λ, etc. In Fig . 4 different quantities of a substance are depicted schematically by repeating the symbol used for the substance, such as ! !, : :, °°, ]]], ^ΛΛ, etc.

The storage element production facility 30 can be designed to produce a large number of storage elements 3 1 , 37 storing various amounts of various substances. The storage element production facility 30 can be designed to produce one or more storage elements 3 1 , 37 that each form a separate package. The storage element production facility 30 can be designed to produce one or more combined packages, each combined package having arranged a plurality of storage ele- ments 3 1 , 37. One or more combined packages can have arranged storage elements 3 1 , 37 in accordance to a predefined layout.

One or more storage elements 3 1 , 37 can be designed such that the stored amount of the substance can be discharged in a single step. One or more storage elements 3 1 , 37 can be designed such that the stored amount of the substance can be discharged in multiple steps. One or more storage elements 3 1 , 37 can be designed that the storage elements 3 1 , 37 can be refilled with substances after discharge.

The storage elements 32, 33 can be transported between the storage element production facility 30 and the user located production device 3. Transportation can occur from the storage element production facility 30 to the user located production device 3 such that storage elements 32, 33 with stored substances are available to a user wishing to produce a mixture of substances 4. Transportation can occur from the user located production device 3 to the storage element production facility 30 such that storage elements 32, 33 can be reused after discharge. Transportation can be performed on the basis of a postal service, a parcel service, a logistics network, etc.

As schematically illustrated in Fig. 4, the user located production device 3 is designed to receive one or more storage elements 32, 33 , to discharge substances from the storage elements 32, 33 in accordance to product data 1 1 , 1 1 ' and to produce the mixture of substances 4 using the discharged substances. In case a single storage element 32 is received in the user located production device 3 , a specific amount of the substance can be discharged in accordance to product data 11 , 11 '. In case more than one storage element 32, 33 is received in the user located production device 3, a plurality of specific amounts of specific substances can be discharged in accordance to product data 11, 11'. The product data 11, 11' can be stored in a data structure. The product data 11 , 11 ' can be stored on a telecommunications device, such as a user device, a server device, etc. The product data 11, 11' can be designed for transmission between telecommunication devices via a telecommunications network.

The product data 11, 11' can be stored on a user device, such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a kitchen equipment, etc. The product data 11, 11' can be stored on a server device, such as a network server, a file server, a database server, etc. The product data 11 , 11 ' can be transmitted to the computerized system 2. A user manipulating a user interface of a user device can control transmission of product data 11, 11 ' to the computerized system 2. A user manipulating a user interface of a user device can control creation, manipulation, updating, combining of product data 11, 11'. A user interface can include a display, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchscreen, etc.

The computerized system 2 can be configured to analyse product data 11, 11'. Analysis of product data 11, 11' can have as a result a list of one or more amounts of one or more substances, one or more relative amounts (percentages) of one or more substances, etc. The computerized system 2 can be configured to receive device data 1 2 relating to the user located production device 3. The computerized system 2 can be configured to receive device data 1 2 from a user interface being manipulated by a user. The computerized system 2 can receive device data 1 2' from the user located production device 3 , for example by sending a query to the user located production device 3. On the basis of the analysis of product data 1 1 , 1 1 " and on the basis of the analysis of the device data 1 2, 1 2' of the user located production device 3 , the computerized system 2 can determine secured production data 2 1 for controlling the user located production device 3 such that one or more amounts of one or more substances are discharged from the storage elements 32, 33 , in accordance to product data 1 1 , 1 1 ', in order to produce the mixture of substances 4.

The user located production device 3 can be designed to receive one or more storage elements 32, 33 in the form of combined packages. The user located production device 3 can be designed to receive one or more combined packages, each combined package having arranged a plurality of storage elements 32, 33.

The storage elements 3 1 , 37 can include an externally identifiable property for identifying the amount and/or the substance stored in the storage element 3 1 , 37. The externally identifiable property can include an optically readable property, for example a color code, an alphanumeric code, a barcode, etc.

One or more externally identifiable properties can be stored in the computerized system 2. The externally identifiable properties stored in the computerized system 2 can be linked to one or more amounts of one or more substances stored in the respective storage element 3 1 , 37. Thus, the computerized system 2 can have stored assignment data linking externally identifiable properties to amounts of substances, wherein the computerized system 2 can be configured to receive an externally identifiable property of a storage element 32, 33 and to determine the respective substance and amount stored in the storage element 32, 33.

A plurality of storage elements 32, 33 can be received in the user located production device 3 in accordance to a predefined layout. The predefined layout can be the result of one or more storage elements 32, 33 being received each in the user located production device 3 in a predetermined slot of the user located production device 3. The predefined layout can be the result of receiving a combined package of storage elements 32, 33 in the product manufacturing device.

The predefined layout can relate to a one-dimensional array, to a two- dimensional array, to a circular arrangement, to a spiral shaped arrangement, to a grouping in a bowl, etc. Each predefined layout can be assigned to a layout identification code. Each storage element 32, 33 of a predefined layout can be assigned a position identification index. The position identification index can indicate the location of the respective storage element 32, 33 in the combined package, such as an index in a one-dimensional array, a column and a row in a two- dimensional array, etc. The layout identification code and the position identification index can define an externally identifiable property, which is stored linked to the amount and the substance stored in the respective storage element 32, 33. The layout identification code and the position identification index, e.g. the exter- nally identifiable property of the storage elements 32, 33, can be used to determined the storage elements 32, 33 that need to be discharged for the production of a mixture of substances 4.

The assignment data 23 can be secured. Access to assignment data 23 can be limited to the computerized system 2. Without knowledge of the assignment data 23 , proper discharge of the storage elements 32, 33 is not possible. Without knowledge of the assignment data 23 , it is not possible to determine which storage elements 32, 33 were used for the production of a mixture of substances 4 and it is not possible to determine the substances and amounts that were necessary for the production of the mixture of substances 4.

The storage elements 3 1 , 37, 32, 33 can be secured such that the substances and the stored amounts cannot be identified by external, non-destructive inspection. For example, the storage elements 3 1 , 37, 32, 33 can be encapsulated, wrapped with a seal, etc.

Fig . 5 illustrates schematically an arrangement of a plurality of storage elements 32, 33 , 34, 35, 36. In Fig . 5, five storage elements 32, 33 , 34, 35, 36 are schematically shown. Any other number of storage elements 32, 33 , 34, 35, 36 can be arranged.

As schematically illustrated in Fig. 5, each storage element 32, 33 , 34, 35, 36 has an externally identifiable property p 1 , p2, p3 , p4, p5. One or more externally identifiable properties p 1 , p2, p3 , p4, p5 can be stored in an externally readable data store included in the storage elements 32, 33 , 34, 35, 36. The externally readable data store can be in the form of a color code, a barcode, a computer readable memory, a smart card, an RFI D, etc., or another form.

As described above, the externally identifiable properties p 1 , p2, p3 , p4, p5 enable identification of the substances and the amounts stored in the storage elements 32, 33 , 34, 35, 36.

The storage elements 32, 33 , 34, 35, 36 schematically shown in Fig . 5 can be received in slots of a user located production device 3. For example, the slots can comprise a color code, wherein the storage elements 32, 33 , 34, 35, 36 can be received in the respective slots in accordance to the color code of a respective container identifier p 1 , p2, p3 , p4, p5 such that the storage elements 32, 33, 34,

35, 36 are uniquely identifiable in accordance to the slot. For example, the storage elements 32, 33 , 34, 35, 36 can be received randomly in slots of the user located production device 3 and can be uniquely identifiable by accessing container identifier codes p 1 , p2, p3 , p4, p5 stored in an externally readable data store in the form of a printed barcode, a computer readable code, an RFI D, etc.

The storage elements 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 schematically shown in Fig. 5 can have stored amounts of substances that enable several discharges of substances from a particular storage element 32, 33 , 34, 35, 36.

Fig . 6 illustrates schematically a plurality of storage elements 32, 33 , 34, 35,

36, ... arranged in a combined package 8. The storage elements 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 can be arranged similar to a blister package commonly used for unit-dose packaging.

The combined package 8 schematically shown in Fig . 6 can have arranged a layout identification code 1 1 and can have arranged the storage elements 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 in the form a two-dimensional array, wherein position identification indices p 1 1 , p 1 2, ...p 1 7, p2 1 , p22, ...p27, p41 , p42, ...p47, which are denoted with references p. 1 , p.2, p.3 , p.4, p.5, p.6, p.7 in Fig . 6, can be assigned to each storage element 32, 33 , 34, 35, 36. The layout identification code 11 can be stored in an externally readable data store included in the combined package 8, such as a color code, a barcode, a computer readable memory, a smart card, an RI FD, etc., or another form. In a variant, position identification indices p 1 1 , p 1 2, ...p 1 7, p2 1 , p22, ...p27, p41 , p42, ...p47 can be stored in the externally readable data store included in the combined package 8.

As described above, the layout identifier code 11 together with the position identification indices p 1 1 , p 1 2, ...p 1 7, p2 1 , p22, ...p27, p41 , p42, ...p47, which can be stored in assignment data 23 , enable identification of the substances and the amounts stored in the storage elements 32, 33 , 34, 35, 36.

The storage elements 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 schematically shown in Fig. 6 can have stored amounts of flavoring substances that enable a single discharge of substances from a particular storage element 32, 33 , 34, 35, 36. Fig . 7 illustrates schematically product data 1 1 in the form of a product data structure 9. The product data structure 9 can be designed for transmission via a telecommunication network comprising wired and/or wireless telecommunication links. For example, the product data structure 9 can be designed for trans- 5 mission via a TCP/I P data stream (TCP: Transmission Control Protocol) of an I P Network ( I P: I nternet Protocol), via an SMS message (SMS: Short Message Service), via electronic mail, etc.

As schematically illustrated in Fig . 7, the product data structure 9 can comprise a plain storage part 9 1 . The product data structure 9 can further comprise an en- i o crypted storage part 92 for storing encrypted data. The product data structure 9 can further comprise a signature storage part 93 for storing a digital signature.

The plain data stored in the plain storage part 9 1 can include a unique identifier for uniquely identifying the flavor data structure. The plain data stored in the plain storage part 9 1 can include a name, a color, an index, at least a part of an U RI, etc. for defining a mixture of substances 4. The plain data stored in the plain storage part 9 1 can include a composer, an owner, etc. for identification of a person having composed, owning, etc. a mixture of substances 4. The plain data stored in the plain storage part 9 1 can include a creation date for identification of the date of creation, composition, etc. of a mixture of substances 4. The plain data stored in the plain storage part 91 can include a ring tone, a tweet, a hyperlink, a hash tag, etc. for providing further information about a mixture of substances 4, such as acoustical information, a detailed description, the idea behind a creation, etc. The plain data stored in the plain storage part 9 1 can include a reference to one or more product data structures for identification of a combination of further mixtures of substances the present mixture of substances is based on.

The encrypted data stored in the encrypted storage part 92 can include one or more encrypted product formulas, wherein the computerized system 2 can be configured to control permission to encrypt and/or decrypt encrypted data. For example, a respective encryption key is stored on the computerized system 2.

The digital signature stored in the signature storage part 93 can include signature data based on a private key/public key algorithm, wherein, for example, the private key is stored on the computerized system 2. The digital signature can relate to data stored in the plain data part 9 1 and/or to data stored in the encrypted data part 92.

Fig . 8 illustrates schematically a library server 1 0 having stored a plurality of product formulas 5 1 , 52, 53. For example, the library server 1 0 can be implemented on the computerized system 2. However, in the example illustrated in Fig . 8, the library server 1 0 is implemented remote from the computerized system 2. The library server 1 0 can be connected via a telecommunications network with one or more user devices 71 , 72, 73. Accordingly, product formulas 5 1 , 52, 53 stored on the library server 1 0 are accessible by one or more user devices 7 1 , 72, 73.

The library server 1 0 can include a database computer system having user accounts, guest accounts, etc. The product formulas 5 1 , 52, 53 can be assigned to one or more accounts. The library server 1 0 can include a database interface, such as a web interface, for accessing product formulas 51 , 52, 53 stored on the library server 1 0. Accessing of product formulas 5 1 , 52, 53 can include the creation, modification, adaptation, combination, etc. of product formulas 5 1 , 52, 53.

On or more user devices 71 , 72, 73 can be in the form of a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a kitchen equipment, etc.

A user manipulating a user interface of one or more user devices 1 0, 1 2, 1 3 can control transmission of one or more product formula 51 , 52, 53 to the computerized system 2 and/or to the product manufacturing device 3 having installed one or more storage elements 32, 33. The computerized system 2 can interact with the product manufacturing device 3 , namely for identification of installed storage elements 32, 33 in order to determine substances and amounts stored in the storage elements 32, 33. The computerized system 2 and/or the product manufacturing device 3 can discharge substances from the storage elements 32, 33 in order to manufacture the mixture of substances 4.

Fig . 9 illustrates schematically a first possible scenario for the production of a mixture of substances 4, which involves a user located production device 3 , a user device 7 1 and a computerized system 2. A user U manipulates a user interface of the user device 7 1 and controls the steps for producing the mixture of substances 4. In step S9 1 , a public key is transmitted from the user located production device 3 to the user device 71 . For example, a N FC ( Near Field Communication) channel is established between the user located production device 3 and the user device 71 . Any other communication can be established . I n step S92, the public key of the user located production device 3 and a link to product data of the mixture of substances 4 is transmitted to the computerized system 2. The link to product data of the mixture of substances 4 can include at least a part of a U RI . In step S92, data can be transmitted through a mobile communications network such as GSM, 3G, LTE, etc. In step S93 , secured production data is transmitted from the computerized system 2 to the user device 7 1 . The secured production data includes product data defining the mixture of substances 4, wherein the product data has been encrypted with the public key of the user located production device 3. I n step S94, the secured production data is transmitted from the user device 71 to the user located production device 3. In step S95, the secured production data is decrypted with the private key of the user located production device 3 and the mixture of substances 4 is produced. According to this scenario, only a link to the product data is transmitted to the computerized system 2. Hence, the user U does not have any knowledge regarding a product formula required for the production of the mixture of substances 4. Only encrypted data is transmitted from the computerized system 2 to the user located production device 3. Hence, the user U cannot determine the product formula required for the production of the mixture of substances 4. The link transmitted in step S92 can be stored on the user device 71 assigned to a product name of the mixture of substances 4.

Fig . 1 0 illustrates schematically a second possible scenario for the production of a mixture of substances 4, which involves a user located production device 3 , a user device 7 1 and a computerized system 2. A user U manipulates a user interface of the user device 7 1 and controls the steps for producing the mixture of substances 4. I n step S91 , encrypted product data is sent from the user device 7 1 to the user located production device 3. The encrypted product data can be stored on the user device 7 1 assigned to a product name of the mixture of substances 4. In step S9 1 , an N FC communication channel can be involved. I n step S92, the encrypted product data is transmitted from the user located production device 3 to the computerized system 2. I n step S92, a mobile communications channel can be involved . The computerized system 2 decrypts the encrypted product data and determines secured production data. The secured production data can be data encrypted with a public key of the user located production device 3 , data which is in accordance to assignment data related to storage elements arranged in the user located production device, etc. I n step S93 , secured production data is transmitted from the computerized system 2 to the user located production device 3. In step S94, the user located production device 3 produces the mixture of substances 4. In this scenario, the user U cannot determine the product formula required for the production of the mixture of substances 4.

Fig . 1 1 illustrates schematically a third possible scenario for the production of a mixture of substances 4, which involves a user located production device 3 , a user device 7 1 and a computerized system 2. In step S9 1 , a company C produces combined packages 8 comprising storages elements 32, 33 , as described above in connection with Fig. 6. Each combined package includes a layout identification code 11 and has arranged storage elements 32, 33 in accordance to position identification codes. In step S92, assignment data 23 is transmitted from the company C to the computerized system 2. The assignment data 23 includes assignments of layout identification codes and position identification codes to substances and amounts stored in the respective storage elements 32, 33. In step S93 , a user U installs a combined package 8 in the user located production device 3. The user U manipulates a user interface of the user device 71 and controls the steps for producing the mixture of substances 4. In step S94, the layout identification code of the combined package 8 installed in the user located production device 3 is transmitted from the user located production device 3 to the user device 7 1 of the user U . In step S95, the identification code of the combined package 8 and product data selected by the user U is transmitted from the user device 7 1 to the computerized system 2. The computerized system determines secured production data on the basis of assignment data 23 , the received identification code of the combined package 8 and the product data. For example, product data is decrypted. I n step S96, secured production data is transmitted from the computerized system 2 to the user device 7 1 . In step S97, the secured production data is transmitted from the user device 7 1 to the user located production device 3. The secured production data includes information in accordance to the position identification codes of the storage elements, respectively the substances and amounts stored therein, and in accordance to the product data such that the user located production device 3 is enabled to discharge required storage elements 32, 33 for the production of the mixture of substances 4. Because the assignment data 23 is stored on the computerized system 2 and the product data is stored in encrypted form on the user device, the user U cannot determine the product formula required for the production of the mixture of substances 4.

Claims

1. A computerized method for producing a mixture of substances (4) by a user located production device (3), comprising the steps of: receiving (S11 ) in a computerized system (2) product data (11) being related to the mixture of substances (4), receiving (S12) in the computerized system (2) device data (12) being related to the user located production device (3), the device data (12) enabling the computerized system (2) to communicate with the user located production device (3), transmitting (S2) from the computerized system (2) to the user located production device (3) secured production data (21) for producing (S3) the mixture of substances (4) by the user located production device (3), the secured production data (21 ) being determined in the computerized system (2) based on the product data ( 11 ) and the device data (12).

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the product data (11) includes an encrypted data record, wherein in a further step the computerized system (2) decrypts the encrypted data record, and wherein the secured production data (21 ) is determined based on the decrypted data record.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the product data (11) includes a product identifier related to a product database, wherein in a further step the computerized system (2) evaluates the product identifier related to the product data- base, and wherein the secured production data ( 21 ) is determined based on a result of the evaluation of the product identifier related to the product database.

4. The method according to one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the product data ( 1 1 ) includes one or more of: a product formula, a unique identifier/serial number identifying a product formula, at least a subset of a uniform resource identifier identifying a product formula, a name identifying a product formula, an originator identifying a product formula, wherein the product formula defines the mixture of substances ( 4) at least in part.

5. The method according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein access to at least a part of the product data ( 1 1 ) is enabled for the computerized system ( 2 ) but otherwise restricted.

6. The method according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the product data ( 1 1 ) is related to a product formula specifying one or more amounts of one or more substances of at least a part of the mixture of substances ( 4).

7. The method according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the device data ( 1 2 ) enables encrypted communication between the computerized system ( 2 ) and the user located production device ( 3 ) .

8. The method according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the device data ( 1 2 ) relates to assig nment data assigning one or more properties of one or more storage elements to the substances being stored in the respective storage elements.

9. The method according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least one of: product data (11) and device data (12) is received in the computerized system (2) under control of a user interface detecting manipulations of a user.

10. The method according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one of: product data (11) and device data (12) is received in the computerized system (2) in the form of asynchronously received data records.

11. The method according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein at least one of: product data (11), device data (12) and secured production data (21) is received respectively transmitted via one or more telecommunications networks.

12. The method according to one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein at least a part of the device data (12) is received in the computerized system (2) from the user located production device (3) after transmission of a device query from the computerized system (2) to the user located production device (3).

13. The method according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the mixture of substances (4) is one or more of: an ingestible product, a flavor product, a food product, a stimulant, a beverage, a functional food product, a plant medicine, a phytological product.

14. The method according to one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising determining information about a user being associated with the production of the mixture of substances and requesting feedback from that user.

15. The method according to one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising storing a plurality of unique product identifiers in a product database, each unique product identifier being related to product data defining a unique mixture of substances at least in part.

16. The method according to one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising receiving a first form of product data defining a mixture of substances and transforming the first form of product data into a second form of product data defining the mixture of substances.

17. A computerized system for producing a mixture of substances (4) by a user located production device (3), the computerized system comprising at least one processor and at least one memory having stored program instructions being executable by the at least one processor to: receive (S11 ) in the computerized system (2) product data (11) being related to the mixture of substances (4), receive (S12) in the computerized system (2) device data (12) being related to the user located production device (3), the device data (12) enabling communication with the user located production device (3), transmit (S2) from the computerized system (2) to the user located production device (3) secured production data (21 ) for producing (S3) the mixture of substances (4) by the user located production device (3), the secured production data (21 ) being determined in the computerized system (2) based on the product data (11) and the device data (12).