Systems and Methods for Facilitating Consumer-Dispenser Interactions

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention can include systems and methods for dispensing consumable products. In one embodiment, a system comprising a product dispenser and processor can be provided. The processor can be operable to execute a set of instructions operable to receive a consumer preference to receive a notification associated with a product. The set of instructions can be further operable to determine whether the product is being offered, and based at least in part on the consumer preference, notify the consumer regarding availability of the product from the product dispenser.

1 - 25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . A beverage dispensing system, comprising:
 at least one memory device comprising computer executable instructions; and   at least one data processing resource configured to execute the computer executable instructions to:
 receive a beverage selection at a beverage dispenser; 
 dispense a beverage via a nozzle of the beverage dispenser based on the beverage selection; and 
 output a promotional reward in response to the beverage selection. 
   
     
     
         27 . The beverage dispensing system of  claim 26 , wherein the beverage dispenser is fluidically coupled to one or more ingredient packages, and wherein at least one ingredient from the one or more ingredient packages is dispensed to form the beverage. 
     
     
         28 . The beverage dispensing system of  claim 26 , wherein the at least one data processing resource is further configured to execute the computer executable instructions to determine if the beverage selection is associated with a promotion, wherein the promotional reward is associated with the promotion. 
     
     
         29 . The beverage dispensing system of  claim 28 , wherein the at least one data processing resource is further configured to execute the computer executable instructions to display at the beverage dispenser a list of available promotions. 
     
     
         30 . The beverage dispensing system of  claim 29 , wherein the at least one data processing resource is further configured to execute the computer executable instructions to display the list of available promotions prior to reception of the beverage selection. 
     
     
         31 . The beverage dispensing system of  claim 29 , wherein promotions in the list of available promotions are associated with specific products available at the product dispenser. 
     
     
         32 . The beverage dispensing system of  claim 29 , wherein the list of available promotions is a list of available promotional products. 
     
     
         33 . The beverage dispensing system of  claim 29 , wherein the at least one data processing resource is further configured to execute the computer executable instructions to receive a selection of the promotion from the list of available promotions. 
     
     
         34 . The beverage dispensing system of  claim 33 , wherein the selection of the promotion comprises the beverage selection. 
     
     
         35 . The beverage dispensing system of  claim 33 , wherein the beverage is associated with the promotion. 
     
     
         36 . The beverage dispensing system of  claim 33 , wherein the at least one data processing resource is further configured to execute the computer executable instructions to configure beverage formulation parameters of the beverage based at least in part on the promotion. 
     
     
         37 . The beverage dispensing system of  claim 26 , wherein the promotional reward comprises at least one of a coupon, a loyalty account reward, a monetary reward, or a promotional association reward. 
     
     
         38 . The beverage dispensing system of  claim 37 , wherein the coupon is for a promotional discount towards the purchase of a package of the beverage. 
     
     
         39 . The beverage dispensing system of  claim 37 , wherein the promotional association reward credits a promotional association, wherein the promotional associations comprises at least one of a school, organization, charity, affiliate, person, entity, business, group, and organization. 
     
     
         40 . The beverage dispensing system of  claim 37 , wherein the at least one data processing resource is further configured to execute the computer executable instructions to receive identifying information associated with a loyalty account, wherein the loyalty account reward is a credit of loyalty points applied towards the identified loyalty account. 
     
     
         41 . The beverage dispensing system of  claim 40 , wherein the at least one data processing resource is further configured to execute the computer executable instructions to allocate the credit of loyalty points in response to dispense of the beverage. 
     
     
         42 . The beverage dispensing system of  claim 40 , wherein the at least one data processing resource is further configured to execute the computer executable instructions to deposit the credit of loyalty points to the loyalty account. 
     
     
         43 . The beverage dispensing system of  claim 40 , wherein the at least one data processing resource is further configured to execute the computer executable instructions to determine a loyalty rewards point total in the loyalty account. 
     
     
         44 . The beverage dispensing system of  claim 43 , wherein the at least one data processing resource is further configured to execute the computer executable instructions to:
 receive a second beverage selection at the beverage dispenser;   deduct a predetermined amount of loyalty reward points from the loyalty account for payment for a second beverage based on the second beverage selection; and   dispense the second beverage from the product dispenser.