WO2005073930A2

WO2005073930A2 - Drink dispensing device and method for the operation thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2005073930A2
Application number: PCT/CH2005/000037
Authority: WO
Inventors: Adriana Bodmer; Ruedi Steinhauser; Maya Seelhofer; Anton Kappeler; Werner Balkau
Original assignee: Swiss Water System (Sws) Ag
Priority date: 2004-02-02
Filing date: 2005-01-25
Publication date: 2005-08-11
Also published as: EP1711921A2; EP1560170A1; WO2005073930A3

Abstract

Disclosed is a drink dispensing device. Data is exchanged with a data bank by means of a telecommunication unit (5) which transfers data from a physically remote location via a telecommunication network, in order to automatically order consumables, for example. The invention also relates to an operational method.

Description

Beverage dispenser and method of operation

Technical field

The invention relates to a beverage delivery device for providing beverages to a user and a method for operating such a beverage delivery device.

Background of the Invention

For some time now, water dispensers, especially so-called water coolers, which enable integrated cooling of the water, have been enjoying great popularity. Such a water dispenser generally comprises at least one unit for holding a (often standardized and reusable) water bottle and means for removing the water by the user, for example a manually operated valve. A water cooler also has a cooling unit that cools the water against the ambient temperature before it is drawn off. In addition, a water cooler can comprise further units, for example for heating water for the preparation of hot drinks, for filtering, for disinfection (for example by means of irradiation with ultraviolet light), or for adding water such as carbon dioxide or oxygen or with flavorings to the water. A water cooler thus provides a relatively complete xes system that requires a regular supply of consumables, especially water bottles, and for hygienic reasons a regular quality control. WO 03/062131 and EP-A 1 241 127 disclose examples of water coolers.

Devices for identifying bottle caps for the automatic dosing of alcoholic beverages have been proposed for the bar operation. For example, US Pat. No. 3,920,149 and US Pat. No. 5,295,611 disclose devices for contactless identification of a valve closure for a liquor bottle. Such devices are not readily suitable for water coolers and for an associated delivery service.

Presentation of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to create conditions in order to simplify the processes of delivery and quality control for a beverage dispenser. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a beverage delivery device which enables a reliable delivery service and the fulfillment of high hygienic requirements.

This object is achieved by a beverage dispenser with the features of claim 1.

The provision of a telecommunication unit in conjunction with a computing unit enables automatic transmission of data via the beverage delivery device to a spatially remote database, and thus automated delivery and quality control. Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for operating the beverage dispensing device according to the invention with the features of claim 9.

Further refinements of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

Brief description of the drawings

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings, in which

1 shows a schematic diagram of a device according to the invention;

2 shows a flowchart of a method for operating a device according to the invention; and

3 shows a schematic diagram of the communication with a database.

Ways of Carrying Out the Invention

1 shows a water cooler with various functionalities in a highly schematic manner as an example of a beverage dispensing device according to the invention. Transmission paths for liquids or gases are shown by thick lines, the direction of flow being indicated by arrows. In contrast, electrical connections for signal transmission are shown by thin lines, arrows indicating the direction of signal transmission (unidirectional or bidirectional).

The water cooler includes a holding tion for a liquid container in the form of a water bottle 1. A transponder 2 is integrated in the neck of the water bottle 1 as identification means. An identification unit 3 (like all other units indicated only schematically) is present in the holder. The water cooler also contains a computing unit 4 which is electrically connected to the identification unit 3. A telecommunications unit 5, an input / output unit 6 and a payment recording unit 7 are also connected to the computing unit 4. The water from the bottle 1 passes through the following units in succession: a water pump 10, a flow meter 11, a filter 12, a cooling unit 13 with an integrated temperature sensor 14, an enrichment unit 15 for enriching the water with gases, an irradiation unit 16 for irradiation of the enriched water with ultraviolet (UV) light, a aromatizing unit 18 for adding aroma substances, and a removal valve 19. From here, the finished beverage reaches a cup 20 provided by the user. Any overflowing liquid is taken up in a drip tray 21. In order to ensure pressure equalization in the bottle 1, an air filter 22 is connected to the bottle 1 via a pressure equalization line.

The gases with which the water is mixed in the enrichment unit 15 are kept in gas containers 30, 30 '. Manometers 31, 31 'and pressure reducers 32, 32' are present on the gas containers 30, 30 '. From here the respective gas reaches gas metering valves 33, 33 'and further into the enrichment unit 15.

The aroma substances with which the water is added in the aromatizing unit 18 are stored in aroma containers 40, 40 ', 40'' kept ready. From here, the aroma substances reach the aroma unit 18 via aroma pumps 41, 41 ', 41''with integrated aroma dosing valves.

The following units are connected to the computing unit 4 by bidirectional signal lines: the identification unit 3, the telecommunication unit 5, the input / output unit 6, the payment acquisition unit 7 and the cooling unit 13. The following units are connected to the computing unit 4 by unidirectional signal lines that they are suitable for receiving signals from this: the water pump 10, the gas metering valves 33, 33 ', and the aroma pumps 41, 41', 41 ''. Finally, the following units are connected to the computing unit 4 by unidirectional signal lines in such a way that they are suitable for transmitting to these signals: the flow meter 11, the temperature sensor 14, the radiation unit 16, the removal valve 19, the drip tray 21 and the pressure gauge 31 , 31 '.

The individual units of the water cooler are described in more detail below.

The bottle 1 is preferably a container made of plastic. Such containers are standardized on the market in various holding volumes, e.g. for 18.9 liters (5 gallons). The bottle can be recycled, i.e. can be filled repeatedly, and is filled with spring or mineral water. The bottle has a main portion and a neck tapered from the main portion through which the water is withdrawn.

So that bottle 1 can be identified by the water cooler, there is a transponder 2 in the bottle neck as identification means integrated. This is preferably a passive transponder for radio frequency identification (RFID). There are many commercially available forms of such transponders based on different principles. For example, a magnetically coupled, passive transponder contains an antenna in the form of a coil, which is connected to an integrated circuit. If the antenna is introduced into a suitable alternating electromagnetic field (exciting field), it absorbs electrical energy from the field, which is provided to supply the integrated circuit. Depending on a code stored in it, this serially changes a characteristic size of the antenna circuit, for example its inductance, or transmits signals to the antenna at a frequency other than that of the exciting field. These changes or signals can be detected by a suitable circuit (the reading unit) without contact, which enables the bottle to be identified. Such transponders, as well as the reading units interacting with them for the detection of the code, are widespread and commercially available and are also referred to as RFID tags.

The transponder 2 is preferably a device similar to the type Glass TAG 3.1x13.3 from the manufacturer Sokymat SA, Granges (Switzerland). Such a transponder has a diameter of approximately 3.1 millimeters and a length of approximately 13.3 millimeters.

The transponder 2 is preferably located in a recess in the bottle neck, which was milled from the outside of the bottle neck, for example, and preferably extends parallel to the bottle neck. The transponder 2 is fixed in the recess by means of a suitable adhesive or embedding agent, for example epoxy resin. The placement in a recess in the Bottleneck is advantageous, among other things, because the transponder 2 is protected there from damage.

The identification unit 3 is tuned to interact with the transponder 2. It preferably comprises a flat, ring-shaped antenna coil with one or more turns, which is arranged in the water cooler in such a way that it surrounds the bottle neck when the bottle 1 is inserted in the water cooler, and the transponder 2 is located essentially inside this antenna coil. Furthermore, the identification unit 3 comprises a circuit (a reading unit) which makes it possible to detect the code stored in the transponder. For this purpose, the circuit generates an alternating electromagnetic field, detects the response of the transponder and makes a code determined in this way digitally available at its output in a suitable form. Such circuits are well known and are commercially available. For example, it can be a circuit similar to the Mini Reader Module R / O (GID-110) from the manufacturer Global ID.

Optionally, the identification unit 3 also enables the information stored in the transponder to be changed (i.e. there is a read-write unit instead of a mere reading unit). In this way e.g. optionally a status flag "full" / "empty" can be changed in the transponder whenever an empty bottle is removed from the water cooler or whenever a bottle is refilled in a filling device.

The use of a ring-shaped antenna surrounding the bottle neck has a number of advantages. One advantage is that reading the code from the transponder in one Any orientation of the bottle about its longitudinal axis can be done. The bottle does not have to be held in a fixed orientation in the water cooler. Another advantage is that a high level of sensitivity can be achieved with little effort, since the area enclosed by the antenna or the circumference enclosed by the antenna can be kept relatively small, in particular in comparison to the circumference of the bottle at its thickest Job. Furthermore, the influence of interference can be kept small and good electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) can be guaranteed. The identification unit 3 can also be arranged in a place where it does not disturb the overall aesthetic impression.

Generally speaking, the bottle with the transponder is a liquid container for use in a beverage dispenser that contains an identification means, preferably in the form of an electromagnetic transponder. The liquid container preferably has the shape of a bottle with a neck, and the identification means is preferably arranged in a recess in the region of the neck. Together with the beverage dispenser, there is an arrangement comprising a beverage dispenser and at least one liquid container, which is characterized in that the identification means of the liquid container or the liquid containers are suitable for interacting with the identification unit of the beverage dispenser.

Instead of the described embodiment of the transponder 2 and the identification unit 3, however, other embodiments are also possible as long as they meet the requirement that they store and read a code on the Allow bottle. The reading is preferably carried out in a contact-free manner, particularly preferably by means other than optical, in order to avoid malfunctions due to possible contamination. The reading process is preferably possible in any orientation of the bottle and can be repeated at any time, as is the case with the above-mentioned system of transponder and identification unit.

A possible variant is e.g. a flat, flexible transponder, such as is used commercially for the security of goods, for example compact disks or similar flat goods. This can be attached to the neck of the bottle, on the bottom or in other places, in particular glued on. However, such a transponder is not secured to the same extent against damage.

An optical code is also possible, e.g. Barcode attached to a suitable location on the bottle. However, this can only be read out in a corresponding orientation of the bottle, is susceptible to contamination, and requires a relatively expensive optical reading device in the identification unit 3, which is why a transponder is preferred.

The computing unit 4 is a conventional computer, preferably based on standard components, e.g. from the field of personal computers or mobile handheld computers, which are available at low cost. It comprises at least one processor unit and one memory unit. The operating program and data are preferably stored in a non-volatile memory.

The telecommunication unit 5 is general a device that is suitable for transmitting data to a telecommunication network, especially a telephone and / or data network, from which this data can then be received via a further telecommunication unit of a similar or different design at a spatially distant location for forwarding to a database , It is preferably a device for data transmission via a wireless communication network, in particular a device which is suitable for transmitting data in one of the usual formats SMS (Short Message Service) or GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) via a GSM network (GSM = Global Standard for Mobile Communications). The telecommunications unit 5 is particularly preferably also suitable for receiving corresponding data. Such devices are commercially available, for example in the form of PCMCIA plug-in cards, which are connected to the computing unit 4 via a standardized PCMCIA slot and exchange data bi-directionally with this. Corresponding devices with a serial data connection to the computing unit are also commercially available. Instead of the GSM network and the above-mentioned protocols SMS and GPRS, another wireless telecommunications network, for example a UMTS network, and / or other protocols, in particular corresponding protocols in the context of UMTS, can also be used. Cable-based data transmission, for example via the usual telephone network, is also conceivable, but not preferred, since this requires a telephone connection in the immediate vicinity of the water cooler location and this generally involves higher fixed costs.

The input / output unit 6 is preferably a so-called LCD touchscreen, ie a liquid crystal screen, which is suitable for detecting a touch depending on the location. Such units are commercially available. Other devices for Input and output are conceivable. In the minimum case, the input / output unit includes, for example, switches or buttons for selecting temperature, gas enrichment and / or aromatization, and a simple status display, for example in the form of one or more light-emitting diodes.

The payment entry unit 7 is an optional unit, which can be omitted in a simplified embodiment. It is a commercially available unit for payment using coins, cards or the like.

The pump 10 can be omitted if the water cooler is constructed in such a way that the bottle 1 is used with its neck down in an upper region of the water cooler and the water pressure is sufficient for operation due to gravity. In other cases, e.g. if the bottle 1 is used upright or the pressure due to gravity is not sufficient for other reasons, a pump 10 is required. This is preferably a low-maintenance rotary or vibration pump, as is commercially available for the purpose of conveying beverages.

The flow meter 11 is preferably of the type of an impeller with a magnetic counter. It enables the water quantity obtained to be recorded and this data to be passed on to the computing unit 4.

The filter 12 is preferably an activated carbon filter. A means for detecting the presence or absence of the filter 12, which is connected to the computing unit 4, is preferably present. The filter 12 is optional and can be omitted in a simplified version. The cooler 13 is preferably a CFC-free cooling unit, preferably a unit with a cold water reservoir of, for example, 2 to 3 liters. Such units are well known and are commercially available. The cooler is controlled by the computing unit 4. A temperature sensor 14, which is suitable for transmitting the water temperature to the computing unit 4, is integrated in the cooler. Depending on the user's choice, the cooler generates water at a temperature of approx. 5 ° C to 13 ° C or at room temperature.

The metering unit 15 enables gases to be mixed into the water, which may now be pre-cooled. As a rule, these gases are carbon dioxide (C0 ₂ ) and oxygen (0 ₂ ), which are added, for example, in a concentration of typically 40 to 60 milligrams per liter. In the simplest case, the dosing unit consists of two gas lines that open into the water line. Of course, enrichment with only one gas or with other gases can also be provided.

The gases are kept in gas containers 30, 30 ', preferably commercially available steel bottles with a capacity of 2 to 10 liters. Manometers (pressure transmitters) are attached to the bottles, which are suitable for transmitting the gas bottle pressure to the computing unit 4. Since the level and pressure are directly proportional to each other, the pressure sensors make it possible to determine the level of the gas containers. Conventional pressure reducers (pressure reducing valves) 32, 32 'are also present. The metering of gases is controlled by electrically operated gas valves 33, 33 ', e.g. Solenoid valves, accomplished.

In order to ensure that the water is largely sterile (sterility-free), an irradiation unit 16 is optionally provided. act, which can be omitted in a simpler version. This unit preferably comprises a commercially available UV lamp, which the water is directed past. The UV light may destroy pathogens contained in the water. A monitoring device is preferably provided which indicates to the computing unit 4 whether the UV lamp is ready for operation.

In addition or as an alternative, further facilities for ensuring high hygiene standards can be present. For example, the cold water reservoir of the cooler 13 can be designed in such a way that it can easily be exchanged for a cleaned and preferably sterilized cold water reservoir. Means are preferably also provided which enable the computing unit 2 to recognize when the cold water reservoir is replaced. In the simplest case, this can be a switch actuated when the reservoir is inserted. However, there can also be another identification unit similar to unit 3, in which case the cold water reservoir in particular can be equipped with a transponder. Instead, the cold water reservoir can also be provided with a device for microwave sterilization.

Flavorings can be added to the water in the flavoring unit 18. In the simplest case, this is a line for the aroma substances, which opens into the water line. The addition is achieved by pumps 41, 41 ', 41''with an integrated valve function, for example commercially available peristaltic pumps, which are controlled by the computing unit 4. The aromatizing unit 18, aroma container 40, 40 ', 40''and pumps 41, 41', 41 '' are optional and can be omitted in a simple embodiment. Also, more or less than three different flavorings can be provided.

The drip tray 21 contains e.g. a contact that closes above a certain liquid level in the drip tray and thus transmits information to the computing unit 4 about the fill level of the drip tray 21. In a simpler version there is only one float for the visual display of the fill level.

The operation of the water cooler is described below with reference to FIG. 2, in which a flow diagram for a method for operating a water cooler according to the invention is shown. The method comprises the following steps: commissioning 201, status test 202, decision step 203, data exchange 204, initialization 205, deactivation 206, option selection 207 and drink dispensing 208.

First, the water cooler is put into operation in the commissioning step 201. In this case, the computing unit 4 is started in particular. The step 201 of commissioning can also include further processes as long as the water cooler is put into a defined operating state at the end.

The next step is a status test 202, in which various checks take place, which are repeated regularly in operation. For example, the presence of a bottle 1 in the holder is checked. If there is a transponder 2 on the neck of the bottle 1, the identification unit 3 reads a code stored in the transponder 2 and thus identifies the bottle. The code is transmitted to the computing unit 4 and stored in a memory area of the computing unit 4. If the code cannot be determined, e.g. because of a faulty or nonexistent NEN transponders, a corresponding status message is transmitted to the computing unit 4 and stored in the memory area. Furthermore, for example, a function test of the radiation unit 16 is carried out, if necessary the fill level of the drip tray 21 is checked, and the gas pressures in the gas containers 30, 30 'are determined with the help of the pressure gauges 31, 31'. The results of these checks are stored in the memory area of the computing unit 4 and compared with existing data. Depending on the equipment, further steps are checked, for example the last replacement of the cold water reservoir of the cooler 13 may be checked. On the basis of the results of these checks, a number of status information items are generated and stored in the computing unit 4. Here, too, depending on the design and operating state, more, fewer or different checks can be part of the status test 202.

Depending on the result of the status test 202, a decision is made in a decision step 203 whether data should be transferred to a spatially distant, central database. If this is the case (Y), previously generated status information is transmitted to the database in a data exchange step 204 via the telecommunication device 5 and, if necessary, further data is received in response. Status information can include, for example, the indication of errors that have occurred or cause the database computer to automatically order consumables, in particular water bottles, gas containers or aroma containers. In this way, an automatic supply of the water cooler with consumables is achieved on the one hand, and on the other hand needs-based maintenance and thus hygienic operation is made possible. Depending on the result of the status test, the water cooler is then put into a defined operating state in initialization step 205. In this example, three operating states can be distinguished. In a first operating state (branching N), beverage removal is not possible, and in a deactivation step 206 the water cooler is blocked for further use. This state is initiated when the status test 202 has revealed critical malfunctions or another critical state. This can be the case, for example, if the radiation unit is not functional, components are missing or a maintenance interval has been exceeded. By performing the status test 202 again, the water cooler can be used again after the error has been rectified.

In a second operating state (branching P) no critical malfunctions were found, but no transponder code could be determined and the bottle was therefore not identified. This leads to a restricted operation, in which water supply is possible, but other functions such as the aromatization is not enabled, i.e. no signals for activation are transmitted to the pumps 41, 41 ', 41' '. This operating state is also assumed if the transponder code could be determined, but there are inconsistencies, e.g. because more water has been drawn from one and the same bottle than is possible without refilling due to its capacity.

The third operating state (branching Y) is assumed when the bottle identification was successful, no inconsistencies occurred and the status test did not show any malfunctions. In this state the water cooler is fully operational. The operating state and possibly further information are displayed to the user on the input / output unit 6, so that the user can, for example, solve any problems that may exist.

In the third operating state, the water cooler enables the user to select various options via the input / output unit 6, e.g. with regard to the enrichment of the water with gases and / or flavorings.

In the step of dispensing beverages 208, the water cooler waits for the extraction valve 19 to be actuated. Such actuation is transmitted to the computing unit 4 which pumps 10, flow cooler 13 and possibly valves 33, 33 'and / or pumps 41, 41 ', 41' 'controls.

After removal, the arithmetic unit 4, in the status test 202 which has been carried out again, determines updated consumption data on the basis of the amount of water determined by the flow meter 11, the current values of the gas pressure determined by the pressure gauges 31, 31 'and the aroma substance emitted and, if appropriate, carries out function tests again. The rest of the process is now repeated.

The operation can include further processes that run continuously, periodically or at irregular time intervals. In particular, a step can take place in which the telecommunication unit 5 is placed in a state in which it is ready to receive data. This data can include instructions to the water cooler to assume a certain operating state. But you can also include data sen that are to be displayed on the input-output unit 6, for example operational information or messages. In particular if the transmission protocol of the telecommunication unit is suitable for the transmission of large amounts of data (as with the GPRS protocol), program data can also be transmitted which make it possible to change the operating program of the water cooler.

With reference to FIG. 3, an example is now explained of the manner in which a central database 302 with a water cooler 301 and other locations, in particular a logistics company 303, a water supplier 304, a cooler producer 305, a gas supplier 306, a service area 307, and a call center 308 communicated.

Based on the results of the checks carried out during commissioning and in the status test, the water cooler 301 sends an SMS or GPRS message via a wireless GSM network to the computer in the database 302. The message is processed here and, depending on its content, various processes triggered. Some of these processes are explained below using typical scenarios as examples.

If, for example, a new water bottle 1 with transponder 2 was used and identified by the identification unit 3, the water cooler 301 sends the code of this bottle to the database 302. A computer in the database 302 updates the data stored in the database, determines whether a new delivery of water bottles is required and, if necessary, automatically sends an order to the water supplier 304 to provide a predetermined or calculated number of water bottles. At the same time, the database automatically sends an order to the supplier. Logistics company 303 to collect the water bottles provided from the water supplier and deliver them to the customer with whom the water cooler 301 is located. Further steps can follow; For example, the computer in the database can send accounting data to an accounting area, send a confirmation message to the water cooler, etc.

In another scenario, status test 202 results in a serious malfunction and the water cooler is deactivated in step 206. Before that, however, the water cooler sends a message in step 204 with information about the error that has occurred to the database 302. The database computer compares this information with stored data and initiates various actions based on this comparison. For example, if the comparison reveals the need for a service technician, the database computer automatically sends a service order to the service area 307. If the comparison reveals the need for spare parts, this information is transmitted to the cooler manufacturer 305, etc.

In another scenario, it is determined in the course of the status test 202 that the gas pressure in a gas bottle 30, 30 'falls below a predetermined value. This information is transmitted to the database 302 in the data exchange step 204. The database computer then automatically sends an order for the provision of a new gas container to the gas supplier 306 and a delivery order to the logistics company 303.

Similar processes take place for the reordering of flavorings. It is also conceivable for a user of the water cooler to order a service from the call center 308 by telephone. This in turn generates information for database 302, on the basis of which actions similar to those already described are triggered. In particular, a confirmation of such manually triggered actions can be transmitted to the water cooler 301, which on the one hand can display a corresponding message and on the other hand can use this information in the status test 202.

In another scenario, water supplier 304 finds that a certain series of water bottles contain low-quality water. This information is transmitted to the database 302 with the identification codes of the water bottles concerned. Whenever a user inserts a new water bottle into a water cooler and the water cooler then sends a message with the code of a newly inserted water bottle to the database, this code is checked by the database. If it is the code of a water bottle with inferior water, a message is immediately sent to the relevant water cooler, which triggers a deactivation of the water cooler. This enables effective quality assurance with regard to the water used.

On the basis of the communication processes mentioned by way of example and the exemplary operation method of the water cooler, it is clear that various variations are possible without leaving the scope of the invention.

Claims

claims

1. Beverage delivery device, which comprises a computing unit (4) and a telecommunication unit (5) for the transmission of data by means of a telecommunication network.

2. Beverage delivery device according to claim 1, characterized in that the telecommunications network is a wireless telecommunications network.

3. Beverage delivery device according to claim 2, characterized in that the telecommunication network is a GSM network and the telecommunication unit (5) is suitable for sending and receiving data in SMS or GPRS format.

4. Beverage dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the beverage dispenser is suitable for receiving a liquid container (1) with an identification means (2) and further comprises an identification unit (3) for identifying the liquid container (1).

5. The beverage delivery device according to claim 4, characterized in that the identification unit (3) comprises an antenna for generating an electromagnetic field.

6. The beverage delivery device according to claim 5, characterized in that the beverage delivery device is suitable for receiving a liquid container (1) in the form of a bottle with a neck and the antenna ne ring-shaped coil with at least one turn, which is arranged so that it surrounds the neck of a bottle (1) accommodated in the device.

7. Beverage dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it further comprises a cooling unit (13) for cooling the drinks provided.

8. Beverage dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it further comprises means for admixing gases (15, 30, 31, 32, 33, 30 ', 31', 32 ', 33') and / or means for Addition of flavorings (18, 40, 41, 40 ', 41', 40 '', 41 ") includes.

9. A method of operating a beverage delivery device according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: performing a status test (202) by the computing unit (4); - Depending on the result of the status test (202), optionally transmitting data (204) from the computing unit via the telecommunication unit (5) to a spatially distant receiver; and placing the beverage dispenser in an operating state (208) in which the beverage dispenser is ready to remove a beverage.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that it contains as a further step: - Depending on the result of the status test (202), possibly placing the beverage delivery device in an operating state (207) in which the beverage delivery device for selecting options by a User is ready.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the data which are transmitted in the step of transmitting data comprise data which are suitable for being used by the spatially remote recipient for an automatic ordering of consumables.