Systems and Methods for Facilitating Consumer-Dispenser Interactions

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention can include systems and methods for facilitating consumer-dispenser interactions. In one embodiment, a product dispenser is provided. The product dispenser can include a reader configured to read machine readable item. In addition, the product dispenser can include a controller in communication with the reader, and operable to execute a set of instructions to receive information from the machine readable item associated with a consumer via the reader. Moreover, the controller can be further operable to execute a set of instructions to configure at least one characteristic based at least part on the information from the machine readable item, and dispense a product.

1 - 23 . (canceled) 
     
     
         24 . A product dispenser, comprising:
 a reader configured to read a machine readable item associated with a consumer; and   a controller in communication with the reader, and configured to execute instructions that, in response to execution, cause the controller to:
 receive information from the machine readable item via the reader; 
 configure one or more dispenser parameters of the product dispenser based at least on the received information, the one or more dispenser parameters comprising at least one of a product type, a portion size, or a product price; and 
 dispense a product. 
   
     
     
         25 . The product dispenser of  claim 24 , wherein the controller is further configured to execute instructions that, in response to execution, cause the controller to determine at least one of a product type of a product to be dispensed via the product dispenser, portion size of the product to be dispensed via the product dispenser, or a product price of the product to be dispensed via the product dispenser. 
     
     
         26 . The product dispenser of  claim 24 , wherein the controller is further configured to execute instructions that, in response to execution, cause the controller to receive input for payment for the product to be dispensed. 
     
     
         27 . The product dispenser of  claim 24 , wherein the machine readable item comprises at least one of product packaging, a print ad, a bar code, an icon, or a radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag. 
     
     
         28 . The dispenser of  claim 24 , wherein the controller is further configured to execute instructions that, in response to execution, cause the controller to determine if the consumer is eligible to receive the product prior to dispense of the product. 
     
     
         29 . The product dispenser of  claim 24 , wherein the controller is further configured to execute instructions that, in response to execution, cause the controller to obtain an order of the consumer based at least on the received information prior to configuration of the at least one dispenser parameter. 
     
     
         30 . The product dispenser of  claim 29 , wherein the controller is further configured to execute instructions that, in response to execution, cause the controller to update the order of the consumer indicating status of the dispensed product. 
     
     
         31 . The product dispenser of  claim 30 , wherein the controller is further configured to execute instructions that, in response to execution, cause the controller to determine if the consumer is entitled to a product refill. 
     
     
         32 . The product dispenser of  claim 31 , wherein the controller is further configured to execute instructions that, in response to execution, cause the controller to dispense a product refill in response to an affirmative determination that the consumer is entitled to the product refill. 
     
     
         33 . The product dispenser of  claim 31 , wherein the controller is further configured to execute instructions that, in response to execution, cause the controller to convey to the consumer that the product refill is unavailable to the consumer. 
     
     
         34 . The product dispenser of  claim 24 , wherein the controller is further configured to execute instructions that, in response to execution, cause the controller to determine a size of a vessel associated with the machine readable item. 
     
     
         35 . The product dispenser of  claim 24 , wherein the controller is further configured to execute instructions that, in response to execution, cause the controller to configure the product dispenser for portion control based on the determined size. 
     
     
         36 . The product dispenser of  claim 35 , wherein the controller is further configured to execute instructions that, in response to execution, cause the controller to configure the product dispenser for child size portion control when the determined size is a child size. 
     
     
         37 . The product dispenser of  claim 35 , wherein the controller is further configured to execute instructions that, in response to execution, cause the controller to configure the product dispenser for sample size portion control when the determined size is a sample size. 
     
     
         38 . The product dispenser of  claim 35 , wherein the controller is further configured to execute instructions that, in response to execution, cause the controller to dispense the product with the portion control set to the determined size. 
     
     
         39 . The product dispenser of  claim 24 , wherein the product comprises at least one of a beverage, a beverage can, a beverage bottle, a beverage container, or a beverage refill. 
     
     
         40 . The product dispenser of  claim 24 , where the reader is configured to communicate with at least one server configured to determine if a commercial partner account associated with the consumer exists. 
     
     
         41 . The product dispenser of  claim 40 , wherein the reader is at least one of a RFID reader, a bar code scanner, a wireless communication device, or an optical communication device. 
     
     
         42 . The product dispenser of  claim 40 , wherein the controller is further configured to execute instructions that, in response to execution, cause the controller to prevent dispense of the product based at least on identification of a commercial partner account associated with the consumer. 
     
     
         43 . The product dispenser of  claim 40 , wherein the controller is further configured to execute instructions that, in response to execution, cause the controller to permit dispense of the product based at least on identification of the commercial partner account associated with the consumer. 
     
     
         44 . The product dispenser of  claim 40 , where the at least one server is further configured to adjust a balance of the commercial partner account in response to the dispensed product.