WO2024008301A1

WO2024008301A1 - Minibar communication

Info

Publication number: WO2024008301A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/068965
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ulf Landberger; Purnendu Kumar; Joe WINE
Original assignee: Dometic Sweden Ab
Priority date: 2022-07-07
Filing date: 2022-07-07
Publication date: 2024-01-11

Abstract

A communication device for a minibar, the communication device comprising a first transceiver configured to communicate with the minibar, a second transceiver configured to communicate with an operation system located remotely from the minibar, and a control unit configured to enable data transmission between the first and second transceivers.

Description

MINIBAR COMMUNICATION

Field

This disclosure relates to devices and methods for remotely operating a minibar of the type typically provided in hotel rooms. In particular, devices and methods are provided for communicating between the minibar and a remote operation system.

Background

In most rooms of modern hotels there are provided refrigerators, known as minibars, where small bottles of alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and other items or articles are stored. The hotel guest is able to remove items, and is charged for such items on their hotel bill. Traditionally, minibars operate as standalone units. This means that the only way a minibar can be controlled, monitored, or diagnosed is for an operator to visit the minibar physically. This causes inefficient operation and delays in maintenance.

For example, in order to effect any changes in operation of the minibar, such as power/energy consumption or temperature control, an operator must make any required inputs to a control interface located on the minibar. Similarly, to diagnose an error, an operator would need to see any error message that is present on a display of the minibar. An operator would also need to visit the minibar to know if any items have been consumed. This need for an operator to visit the minibar physically is time consuming and labour intensive, and causes delays in changing operation modes and diagnosing errors. This further leads to inefficiencies of operation and delays in maintenance of the minibar.

Summary

This disclosure attempts to solve the problems noted above by providing a communication device and method for remotely operating a minibar. The communication device is configured to be attached to the minibar and to relay signals between a control unit of the minibar and a remote operation system. The communication device may communicate wirelessly with the remote operation system, for example via a cloud computing system. This enables the remote operation system to monitor and control numerous functions of the minibar without the need for an operator to visit the minibar physically. This ensures efficient operation of the minibar, as well as reduced delays in maintenance. Furthermore, communications can be secured, so that data is authenticated and control signals are verified.

According to an aspect, there is provided a communication device for a minibar, the communication device comprising a first transceiver configured to communicate with the minibar, a second transceiver configured to communicate with an operation system located remotely from the minibar, and a control unit configured to enable data transmission between the first and second transceivers.

Optionally, the first transceiver is configured to receive first sensor information from the minibar, and send the first sensor information to the control unit of the communication device. Optionally, the first transceiver is configured to receive the sensor information from a control unit of the minibar. Optionally, the second transceiver is configured to receive second sensor information from the control unit of the communication device, and send the second sensor information to the remote operation system.

Optionally, the first sensor information comprises sensor data or a signal based on sensor data. Optionally, the sensor data comprises at least one of a heating element function signal, a Peltier element function signal, a cooling unit control (CUC) sensor function signal, a continuance performance control (CPC) sensor function signal, a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) sensor function signal, door open/closed data, temperature data of the main compartment of the minibar, and a minibar CPU function signal. Optionally, the second sensor information comprises a signal based on the first sensor information.

Optionally, the second transceiver is configured to receive control signals from the remote operation system, and send the control signals to the control unit of the communication device. Optionally, the first transceiver is configured to receive control signals from the control unit of the communication device, and send the control signals to the control unit of the minibar. Optionally, the control signals comprise at least one of a temperature setting signal, a light on/off signal, a quiet mode on/off signal, and a minibar on/off/standby signal.

Optionally, the first transceiver is configured to communicate with the control unit of the minibar via a wired connection. Optionally, the second transceiver is configured to communicate with the remote operation system via a wireless internet connection. Optionally, the wireless internet connection comprises a connection to a cloud computing system.

Optionally, the transceivers and the control unit are comprised in a housing configured to be attached to the minibar. Optionally, the communication device further comprises a Bluetooth transceiver

According to another aspect, there is provided a method of operating a minibar performed by a communication device, the method comprising receiving first sensor information from a control unit of the minibar, sending second sensor information to an operation system located remotely from the minibar, receiving control signals from the remote operation system, and sending the control signals to the control unit of the minibar.

Optionally, receiving the first sensor information comprises receiving the first sensor information at a control unit of the communication device via a first transceiver of the communication device. Optionally, sending the second sensor information comprises sending the second sensor information from a control unit of the communication device via a second transceiver of the communication device. Optionally, receiving the control signals from the remote operation system comprises receiving the control signals at a control unit of the communication device via a second transceiver of the communication device. Optionally, sending the control signals to the control unit of the minibar comprises sending the control signals from a control unit of the communication device via a first transceiver of the communication device. Optionally, receiving the first sensor information from the control unit of the minibar and sending the control signals to the control unit of the minibar is performed via a wired connection. Optionally, sending the second sensor information to the remote operation system and receiving the control signals from the remote operation system is performed via a wireless internet connection. Optionally, the wireless internet connection comprises a connection to a cloud computing system.

Optionally, the first sensor information comprises sensor data or a signal based on sensor data. Optionally, the sensor data comprises at least one of a heating element function signal, a Peltier element function signal, a cooling unit control (CUC) sensor function signal, a continuance performance control (CPC) sensor function signal, a negative temperature coefficient “NTC” sensor function signal, door open/closed data, temperature data of the main compartment of the minibar, and a minibar CPU function signal. Optionally, the second sensor information comprises a signal based on the first sensor information. Optionally, the control signals comprise at least one of a temperature setting signal, a light on/off signal, a quiet mode on/off signal, and a minibar on/off/standby signal.

According to another aspect, there is provided a computer-readable medium having stored thereon instructions that, when executed by one or more processors cause execution of the method steps.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Exemplary embodiments of the disclosure shall now be described with reference to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1A shows an isometric view of a minibar;

FIG. 1 B schematically shows electrical components of the minibar;

FIG. 2 shows a system to enable remote operation of a minibar;

FIG. 3 schematically shows a communication device for use with a minibar;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method of operating a minibar; and

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary computer system in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented.

Throughout the description and the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts.

Specific Description

The disclosed embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which certain embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

FIG. 1A shows a minibar 10 of the type found in most rooms of modern hotels. The minibar comprises a main housing 12 and a door 14 which enclose a main compartment 16. The inside of the door 14 and the main compartment 16 may be provided with one or more shelves on which consumable items 18 may be placed. The minibar 10 is configured to refrigerate the items 18 to ensure that they don’t expire. A user of the minibar, for example a guest in a hotel, is able to remove items 18 for consumption. In some embodiments, the minibar 10 may be contained in a cabinet.

FIG. 1 B schematically shows the minibar 10 and a number of electrical components that enable its function. The minibar 10 comprises a control unit 20, for example embodied as a printed circuit board (PCB), for controlling operation of the minibar 10, For example, and as will be described below, the control unit 20 may receive and process sensor data from sensors of the minibar, and also receive and implement control signals for operation of the minibar.

The control unit 20 is communicatively coupled to an input-output (IO) unit 22 that is able to send and receive signals to and from external devices and relay them to and from the control unit 20. The IO unit 22 may enable a wired or wireless connection between the minibar 10 and external devices.

The control unit 20 is also communicatively coupled to a number of sensors 24 of the minibar 10. The sensors 24 are coupled to various components of the minibar 10 in order to monitor their operation or provide contextual information about the operation of the minibar. For example, the sensors 24 may comprise a heating element function sensor 24a, a Peltier element function sensor 24b, a cooling unit control (CUC) sensor 24c, a continuance performance control (CPC) sensor 24d, one or more negative temperature coefficient (NTC) sensors 24e, a door open/closed sensor 24f, a temperature sensor 24g of the main compartment 16 of the minibar 10, and a minibar CPU function sensor 24h. The heating element function sensor 24a may be coupled to or integrated with a heating element 26 of the minibar 10 configured to provide heating, for example to the main compartment 16 of the minibar 10. The heating element function sensor 24a provides data regarding whether or not the heating element 26 is operating correctly. The Peltier element function sensor 24b may be coupled to or integrated with a Peltier element 28 of the minibar 10 configured to provide cooling, for example to the main compartment 16 of the minibar 10. The Peltier element function sensor 24b provides data regarding whether or not the Peltier element 28 is operating correctly. The CUC sensor 24c and the CPC sensor 24d are configured to monitor and manage the refrigeration function of the minibar 10. The NTC sensors 24e are temperature sensors that may be arranged in the main compartment 16 of the minibar 10, or may be a defrosting sensor on absorptive minibar models. The door open/closed sensor 24f senses whether the door 14 of the minibar 10 is in an open or closed state. In some embodiments, a door open/closed sensor may be disposed to sense whether the door of a cabinet in which the minibar 10 is contained is in an open or closed state. The temperature sensor 24g is disposed in the main compartment 16 of the minibar 10 and determines the temperature in the main compartment 16. The minibar CPU function sensor 24h may be coupled to or integrated with the control unit 20 of the minibar 10 and provide data regarding whether or not the control unit 20 is operating correctly. As will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art, the sensors 24 may be implemented as hardware or software as appropriate. For example, the function sensors may be embodied as signals from their respective elements to the control unit 20. Furthermore, some of the sensors 24 may not be present in every minibar 10, and other sensors not mentioned here but suitable for use in a minibar 10 may be present.

Traditionally, minibars operate as standalone units. This means that the only way a minibar can be controlled, monitored, or diagnosed is for an operator to visit the minibar physically. This causes inefficient operation and delays in maintenance. To address these issues, it would be desirable to be able to monitor and control a minibar 10 remotely.

FIG. 2 shows a system 50 to enable remote operation of a minibar such as the minibar 10. The system 50 comprises the minibar 10, a communication device 100 for use with the minibar 10, one or more user devices 150, a communications network 200 such as the internet, and a remote operation system 300. The communication device 100 is configured to enable communications between the minibar 10 and the communications network 200. The communications network 200 is communicatively coupled to the remote operation system 300. In this way, signals can be transmitted between the minibar 10 and the remote operation system 300.

The communication device 100 may be communicatively coupled to the control unit 20 of the minibar 10, for example via the IO unit 22. In particular, the communication device 100 may be coupled to the minibar 10 via a wired connection or a wireless connection. The communication device 100 is configured to receive signals transmitted across the communications network 200 and transmit them to the minibar 10, and to receive signals from the minibar 10 and transmit them across the communications network 200. The communication device 100 may be located locally to the minibar 10. In some embodiments, the communication device 100 is attached to the minibar, for example by screws, adhesive, or other suitable attachment means. The user device 150 is communicatively coupled to the communications network 200 so that it can communicate with the remote operation system 300. The user device 150 may also be communicatively coupled to the communication device 100, via a wired connection or a wireless connection. In one embodiment, the user device 150 may be communicatively coupled to the communication device 100 via a Bluetooth connection when the user device 150 is in range of the communication device 100. The user device may be, for example, a smartphone, tablet, laptop computer, desktop computer or other type of computing device.

The communications network 200 is an electronic communication network that facilitates communication between the communication device 100 and the remote operation system 300. An electronic communication network includes a set of computing devices and links between the computing devices. The computing devices in the network use the links to enable communication among the computing devices in the network. The communications network 200 can include routers, switches, mobile access points, bridges, hubs, intrusion detection devices, storage devices, standalone server devices, blade server devices, sensors, desktop computers, firewall devices, laptop computers, handheld computers, mobile telephones, vehicular computing devices, and other types of computing devices.

In various embodiments, the communications network 200 includes various types of links. For example, the communications network 200 can include wired and/or wireless links, including Bluetooth, ultra-wideband (UWB), 802.11 , ZigBee, cellular, and other types of wireless links. Furthermore, in various embodiments, the communications network 200 is implemented at various scales. For example, the communications network 200 can be implemented as one or more local area networks (LANs), metropolitan area networks, subnets, wide area networks (such as the Internet), or can be implemented at another scale. Further, in some embodiments, the communications network 200 includes multiple networks, which may be of the same type or of multiple different types.

The communications network 200 may comprise a connection to a cloud computing system. As such, the communication device 100 and the remote operation system 300 may communicate with the cloud computing system to exchange data. Communication the communication device 100 and the cloud computing system, and between the remote operation system 300 and the cloud computing system may use transport layer security (TLS), for example using an X509 certificate in the encryption process. An API key, user credentials, and a token may be used to ensure user identity and authorization (including a timeout to log the user out of the system after a predetermined period of inactivity).

The remote operation system 300 is configured to manage the operation of the minibars located in a hotel. The remote operation system 300 may be configured to provide control signals for the minibars, for example to power on or off the minibar 10, reduce the temperature of the minibar 10, and the like. The remote operation system 300 may also be configured to provide error messages relating to conditions of the minibar 10 to a user. The remote operation system 300 may also be configured to provide software reset signals to the minibars, for example after an error has been fixed by a maintenance person. The remote operation system 300 may be operable at a user terminal, for example a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet, or smartphone, such that a user can access information stored in the remote operation system 300 and/or make inputs to the system. The remote operation system 300 may be coupled to or integrated with a property management system of the hotel, which stores information about hotels in a particular chain. For example, the property management system may store information including which rooms are in a hotel, when guests are scheduled to check in or out of the rooms, and other such information. The remote operation system 300 may store information including which minibars are in which rooms. The remote operation system 300 may also provide information regarding consumption of items in the minibar 10 to the property management system.

The system 50, and in particular the communication device 100, allows sensor information such as raw sensor data or signals based on sensor data to be transmitted from the minibar 10 to the remote operation system 300. The sensor information is sent from the minibar 10 via the communication device 100 and the communication network 200, as shown by the arrows A. In this way, the operation of the minibar 10 can be monitored remotely. Similarly, control signals can be transmitted from the remote operation system 300 to the minibar 10 as shown by the arrows B, such that the operation of the minibar 10 can be controlled remotely. This means there is no need for an operator to visit the minibar 10 physically to control, monitor, or diagnose the minibar. This reduces inefficiencies in operation and delays in maintenance of the minibar 10.

FIG. 3 schematically shows a communication device 100 for use with a minibar 10. The communication device 100 comprises a control unit 110 and first and second

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RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA/EP transceivers 120, 130. In some embodiments, the communication device 100 may also comprise a Bluetooth transceiver 140 for communication with Bluetooth enabled devices within range of the communication device 100. The components of the communication device 100 may be comprised in a housing that is configured to be attached to the minibar 10.

The control unit 110 is configured to control operation of the communication device 100. For example, the control unit 110 is configured to enable and/or control transmission of signals between the transceivers so that signals can be received at one transceiver and sent from the other. For example, the control unit 110 may control transmission of signals through communication protocols known in the art. The control unit 110 may be embodied as a printed circuit board (PCB).

The first transceiver 120 is configured to communicate with the minibar 10. In one embodiment, the first transceiver 120 is configured to communicate with minibar 10 via a wired connection. For example, the first transceiver 120 may be connected via a wired connection to the IO unit 22 of the minibar 10. In this way, the first transceiver 120 can send and receive signals to and from the control unit 20 of the minibar 10. In other embodiments, the first transceiver 120 may communicate with the minibar 10 via a wireless connection such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

The first transceiver 120 is configured to receive sensor information from the minibar 10. The sensor information may comprise raw sensor data from one or more of the sensors 24 of the minibar 10. The sensor information may alternatively or additionally comprise a signal based on raw sensor data, for example, an error signal determined by the control unit 20 of the minibar based on data from one or more of the sensors 24. The first transceiver 120 is also configured to send the sensor information to the control unit 110 of the communication device 100, for further processing and/or transmission.

The raw sensor data may comprise a heating element function signal from the heating element function sensor 24a, a Peltier element function signal from the Peltier element function sensor 24b, a CUC sensor function signal from the CUC sensor 24c, a CPC sensor function signal from the CPC sensor 24d, an NTC sensor function signal from the NTC sensor 24e, door open/closed data from the door open/closed sensor 24f, temperature data of the main compartment of the minibar from the a temperature sensor 24g, and a minibar CPU function signal from the minibar CPU function sensor 24h. Signals based on raw data from one or more of the sensors 24 may be generated by the control unit 20 of the minibar 10. For example, the control unit 20 may generate error signals in a sensor value is out of a safe or expected operating range. Error signals may include heating element errors, Peltier element errors, CUC sensors error, CPC sensor errors, and NTC sensor errors. For example, an unsafe value from the Peltier element function sensor 24b may be converted to a Boolean “TRUE” by the control unit 20 to indicate that the Peltier element 28 is not operating correctly. Another example error signal may be related to the temperature in the main compartment 16 being too high. Furthermore, these signals may include time-based alarms, for example relating to how long the door has been open or how long since the door 14 was last opened.

The first transceiver 120 is also configured to receive control signals from the control unit 110 of the communication device. The control signals may comprise a temperature setting signal to set the temperature of the minibar 10, a light on/off signal to control one or more lights of the minibar 10, a quiet mode on/off signal to control a quiet mode of the minibar 10, and an on/off/standby signal to control a power mode of the minibar 10. The control signals may originate from the remote operation system 300, as will be discussed below. The first transceiver 120 is also configured to send the control signals to the control unit 20 of the minibar 10, for example via the IO unit 22 of the minibar 10.

The second transceiver 130 is configured to communicate with the remote operation system 300. In one embodiment, the second transceiver 130 is configured to communicate with the remote operation system 300 via a wireless connection, such as a wireless internet connection. For example, the second transceiver may be configured to communicate with the communications network 200. In this way, the second transceiver 130 can send and receive signals to and from the remote operation system 300. In other embodiments, the second transceiver 130 may be configured to communicate with the remote operation system 300 via a wired connection such as an Ethernet connection.

The second transceiver 130 is configured to receive sensor information from the control unit 110 of the communication device 100 and send it to the remote operation system 300, for example via the communications network 200. The sensor information may be the sensor information received from the minibar 10 via the first transceiver 120, or a processed version thereof. For example, the second transceiver 130 may receive error signals generated by the control unit 20 of the minibar 10 based on raw data from one or more of the sensors 24. In some embodiments, the control unit 110 of the communication device 100 may receive raw data from one or more of the sensors 24 and process it before it is sent to the second transceiver 130. For example, the control unit 110 may execute instructions relating to alarm thresholds, which may be sent to the communication device 100 from the remote operation system 300. The control unit 110 may generate one or more alarm signals based on the raw sensor data and the alarm thresholds. Alarm signals may comprise an alarm indicating that the door 14 of the minibar 10 has been left open too long, an alarm indicating that the temperature of the main compartment 16 is too high, or that the minibar 10 is not responding (powered off, Wi Fi down, etc.).

The second transceiver 130 is also configured to receive control signals from the remote operation system 300. As discussed above, the control signals may comprise a temperature setting signal to set the temperature of the minibar 10, a light on/off signal to control one or more lights of the minibar 10, a quiet mode on/off signal to control a quiet mode of the minibar 10, and an on/off/standby signal to control a power mode of the minibar 10. The second transceiver 130 is also configured to send the control signals to the control unit 110 of the communication device 100.

In this way, the communication device 100 acts as an agent for communications between the minibar 10 and the remote operation system 300, such that the operation of the minibar 10 can be monitored and controlled remotely.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method 400 of operating a minibar 10. The method is performed by a communication device, such as the communication device 100 discussed in relation to FIG.s 2 and 3. The communication device 100 may be located locally to the minibar 10. In some embodiments, the communication device 100 is attached to the minibar.

At step 402, first sensor information is received from the control unit 20 of the minibar 10. The first sensor information may comprise raw sensor data from one or more of the sensors 24 of the minibar 10. The sensor information may alternatively or additionally comprise a signal based on raw sensor data, for example, an error signal determined by the control unit 20 of the minibar based on data from one or more of the sensors 24.

In some embodiments, the first sensor information is received at a control unit 110 of the communication device 100 via a first transceiver 120 of the communication device. The first sensor information may be received at the first transceiver 120 via a wired connection to the minibar 10, for example to an I/O unit 22 of the minibar 10.

At step 404, second sensor information is sent to an operation system located remotely from the minibar 10, such as the remote operating system 300. The second sensor information may be the first sensor information or a processed version of the first sensor data. For example, the second sensor information may be raw sensor data from one or more of the sensors 24 of the minibar 10, an error signal determined by the control unit 20 of the minibar based on the raw sensor data, or an alarm signal based on the raw sensor data determined by the control unit 110 of the communication device 100.

In some embodiments, the second sensor information is sent from the control unit 110 of the communication device 100 via a second transceiver 130 of the communication device. In some embodiments, the second sensor information is sent to the remote operation system 300 via a wireless internet connection, such as the communications network 200.

At step 406, control signals are received from the remote operation system 300. The control signals comprise at least one of a temperature setting signal, a light on/off signal, a quiet mode on/off signal, and a minibar on/off/standby signal.

In some embodiments, the control signals are received at the control unit 110 of the communication device 100 via a second transceiver 130 of the communication device 100. In some embodiments, the control signals are received from the remote operation system 300 via a wireless internet connection, such as the communications network 200.

At step 408, the control signals are sent to the control unit 20 of the minibar 10. The control signals are sent from a control unit 110 of the communication device via a first transceiver 120 of the communication device 100. In some embodiments, the control signals are to the control unit of the minibar from the first transceiver 120 via a wired connection to the minibar 10, for example to an I/O unit 22 of the minibar 10.

The method 400 allows sensor information such as raw sensor data or signals based on sensor data to be transmitted from the minibar 10 to the remote operation system 300, and control signals to be transmitted from the remote operation system 300 to the minibar 10. In this way, the operation of the minibar 10 can be monitored and controlled remotely. This means there is no need for an operator to visit the minibar 10 physically to control, monitor, or diagnose the minibar. This reduces inefficiencies in operation and delays in maintenance of the minibar 10.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary computer system 500 in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. This example illustrates a computer system 500 such as may be used, in whole, in part, or with various modifications, to provide the functions of the disclosed system. For example, various functions may be controlled by the computer system 500, including, merely by way of example, sending, receiving, generating, determining, identifying, etc.

The computer system 500 is shown comprising hardware elements that may be electrically coupled via a bus 590. The hardware elements may include one or more central processing units 510, one or more input devices 520 (e.g., a mouse, a keyboard, etc.), and one or more output devices 530 (e.g., a display device, a printer, etc.). The computer system 500 may also include one or more storage devices 540. By way of example, the storage devices 540 may be disk drives, optical storage devices, solid- state storage device such as a random-access memory (“RAM”) and/or a read-only memory (“ROM”), which can be programmable, flash-updateable and/or the like.

The computer system 500 may additionally include a computer-readable storage media reader 550, a communications system 560 (e.g., a modem, a network card (wireless or wired), an infra-red communication device, Bluetooth™ device, cellular communication device, etc.), and a working memory 580, which may include RAM and ROM devices as described above. In some embodiments, the computer system 500 may also include a processing acceleration unit 570, which can include a digital signal processor, a special-purpose processor and/or the like.

The computer-readable storage media reader 550 can further be connected to a computer-readable storage medium, together (and, optionally, in combination with the storage devices 540) comprehensively representing remote, local, fixed, and/or removable storage devices plus storage media for temporarily and/or more permanently containing computer-readable information. The communications system 560 may permit data to be exchanged with a network, system, computer and/or other component described above. The computer system 500 may also comprise software elements, shown as being currently located within the working memory 580, including an operating system 588 and/or other code 584. It should be appreciated that alternative embodiments of a computer system 500 may have numerous variations from that described above. For example, customised hardware might also be used and/or particular elements might be implemented in hardware, software (including portable software, such as applets), or both. Furthermore, connection to other computing devices such as network input/output and data acquisition devices may also occur.

Software of the computer system 500 may include code 584 for implementing any or all of the function of the various elements of the architecture as described herein. For example, software, stored on and/or executed by a computer system such as the system 500, can provide the functions of the disclosed system. Methods implementable by software on some of these components have been discussed above in more detail.

Modifications and other variants of the described embodiments will come to mind to one skilled in the art having benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited to the specific example embodiments described in this disclosure and that modifications and other variants are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. Still further, although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Therefore, a person skilled in the art would recognize numerous variations to the described embodiments that would still fall within the scope of the appended claims. As used herein, the terms “comprise/comprises” or “include/includes” do not exclude the presence of other elements or steps. Furthermore, although individual features may be included in different claims, these may possibly advantageously be combined, and the inclusion of different claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and/or advantageous. In addition, singular references do not exclude a plurality.

Claims

1. A communication device for a minibar, the communication device comprising: a first transceiver configured to communicate with the minibar; a second transceiver configured to communicate with an operation system located remotely from the minibar; and a control unit configured to enable data transmission between the first and second transceivers.

2. The communication device of claim 1 , wherein the first transceiver is configured to: receive first sensor information from the minibar; and send the first sensor information to the control unit of the communication device.

3. The communication device of claim 2, wherein the first transceiver is configured to receive the sensor information from a control unit of the minibar.

4. The communication device of any preceding claim, wherein the second transceiver is configured to: receive second sensor information from the control unit of the communication device; and send the second sensor information to the remote operation system.

5. The communication device of any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first sensor information comprises sensor data or a signal based on sensor data.

6. The communication device of claim 5, wherein the sensor data comprises at least one of a heating element function signal, a Peltier element function signal, a cooling unit control “CUC” sensor function signal, a continuance performance control “CPC” sensor function signal, a negative temperature coefficient “NTC” sensor function signal, door open/closed data, temperature data of the main compartment of the minibar, and a minibar CPU function signal.

7. The communication device of any of claims 2 to 6, wherein the second sensor information comprises a signal based on the first sensor information.

8. The communication device of any preceding claim, wherein the second transceiver is configured to: receive control signals from the remote operation system; and send the control signals to the control unit of the communication device.

9. The communication device of any preceding claim, wherein the first transceiver is configured to: receive control signals from the control unit of the communication device; and send the control signals to the control unit of the minibar.

10. The communication device of claim 8 or 9, wherein the control signals comprise at least one of a temperature setting signal, a light on/off signal, a quiet mode on/off signal, and a minibar on/off/standby signal.

11 . The communication device of any preceding claim, wherein the first transceiver is configured to communicate with the control unit of the minibar via a wired connection.

12. The communication device of any preceding claim, wherein the second transceiver is configured to communicate with the remote operation system via a wireless internet connection.

13. The communication device of claim 12, wherein the wireless internet connection comprises a connection to a cloud computing system.

14. The communication device of any preceding claim, wherein the transceivers and the control unit are comprised in a housing configured to be attached to the minibar.

15. The communication device of any preceding claim, further comprising a Bluetooth transceiver

16. A method of operating a minibar performed by a communication device, the method comprising: receiving first sensor information from a control unit of the minibar; sending second sensor information to an operation system located remotely from the minibar; receiving control signals from the remote operation system; and sending the control signals to the control unit of the minibar. The method of claim 16, wherein receiving the first sensor information comprises receiving the first sensor information at a control unit of the communication device via a first transceiver of the communication device. The method of claim 16 or 17, wherein sending the second sensor information comprises sending the second sensor information from a control unit of the communication device via a second transceiver of the communication device. The method of any of claims 16 to 18, wherein receiving the control signals from the remote operation system comprises receiving the control signals at a control unit of the communication device via a second transceiver of the communication device. The method of any of claims 16 to 19, wherein sending the control signals to the control unit of the minibar comprises sending the control signals from a control unit of the communication device via a first transceiver of the communication device. The method of any of claims 16 to 20, wherein receiving the first sensor information from the control unit of the minibar and sending the control signals to the control unit of the minibar is performed via a wired connection. The method of any of claims 16 to 21 , wherein sending the second sensor information to the remote operation system and receiving the control signals from the remote operation system is performed via a wireless internet connection. The method of claim 22, wherein the wireless internet connection comprises a connection to a cloud computing system. The method of any of claims 16 to 23, wherein the first sensor information comprises sensor data or a signal based on sensor data. The method of any of claims 16 to 24, wherein the sensor data comprises at least one of a heating element function signal, a Peltier element function signal, a cooling unit control “CUC” sensor function signal, a continuance performance control “CPC” sensor function signal, a negative temperature coefficient “NTC” sensor function signal, door open/closed data, temperature data of the main compartment of the minibar, and a minibar CPU function signal.

26. The method of any of claims 16 to 25, wherein the second sensor information comprises a signal based on the first sensor information.

27. The method of any of claims 16 to 26, wherein the control signals comprise at least one of a temperature setting signal, a light on/off signal, a quiet mode on/off signal, and a minibar on/off/standby signal.

28. A computer-readable medium having stored thereon instructions that, when executed by one or more processors cause execution of the method steps according to any of claims 16 to 27.