A system for generating and applying a secure token in a resource distribution network is provided. For example, a headend system generates a global token based on a time duration specified for multiple meters that are in communication with the headend system through at least a mesh network in a normal condition. The global token is associated with the time duration and is applicable to the multiple meters. The headend system causes the global token to be broadcast via a broadcast network. After receiving the global token, the meter verifies the global token and determines the time duration associated with the global token. The meter further connects premises associated with the meter to a resource distribution network for at least the time duration associated with the global token.

A system for automatic filling of medication organizers comprises i) a storage unit for medication containers that is accessible from a first side thereof, ii) a plurality of medication organizer filling units, each having a temporary storage rack that is accessible from a side of the medication filling units that faces the storage unit, and iii) a container handling system that is positioned between the storage unit and the temporary storage racks and that is movable between the storage unit and each of the temporary storage racks for transferring selected medication containers therebetween. The system allows minimizing idle times by moving medication containers between the storage unit and temporary storage racks simultaneously to the filling process.

A beverage dispensing apparatus for preparing a beverage and dispensing the prepared beverage into a container. The beverage dispensing apparatus includes a beverage reading device configured to read information indicating the beverage, the information including a kind and a volume of the beverage, a display operation device configured to display thereon the information indicating the beverage, and a control device configured to perform control to cause the display operation device to display the information indicating the beverage, and to cause the beverage to be prepared and dispensed into the container.

A method includes causing a computer of a communication terminal to perform a process including acquiring, in response to receipt of a beacon signal from a vending machine, identification information and type information and stock information of drinks from the vending machine by short-range wireless communication; acquiring preference information on drinks of a user of the communication terminal; acquiring current biological information of the user; generating, based on the identification information, the type information, the stock information, the preference information, and the biological information, a push notification screen that recommends at least one drink matching a preference of the user indicated by the preference information in relation to a current physical condition of the user indicated by the biological information from among the drinks stored in the vending machine indicated by the identification information; and displaying the push notification screen on a display of the communication terminal.

A vending machine system for exchanging CO.sub.2 gas cylinders, the system including a controller in communication with a user interface, a payment system and an array of bin assemblies, wherein each one of the bin assemblies is shaped to at least partially receive an end of a CO.sub.2 gas cylinder and includes a locking system for releasably securing therein a CO.sub.2 gas cylinder, said system for performing the steps of: (a) receiving user input through the user interface; and (b) if the user input represents a desire to conduct maintenance, then the system performs the steps of: (i) confirming that the user is authorized to conduct maintenance; (ii) unlocking an empty CO.sub.2 gas cylinder from a respective bin assembly for removal by the user; (iii) receiving a full CO.sub.2 gas cylinder in an emptied bin assembly; and (iv) securing the full CO.sub.2 gas cylinder received in the emptied bin assembly.

Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are described for dispensing consumable products. An example method may include generating, at a controller associated with a beverage dispenser, a beverage composition record for a beverage that is formulated via an ingredient matrix and dispensed at the beverage dispenser, where the ingredient matrix comprises multiple ingredient packages each comprising a beverage ingredient. The method may include writing depletion data to the ingredient package or to a data processing device associated with the ingredient package for each ingredient package from which a beverage ingredient was included in the dispensed beverage, wherein the depletion data is based at least in part on the beverage composition record.

A self-service operating system and method, and an operation door. The system comprises: a control server, one or more operation doors, at least one robot, and one or more storage containers, wherein the control server is configured to respond to an item operation instruction, determine a target storage container and a target operation door which corresponds to an item to be operated, and send a carrying instruction to the robot; the robot is configured to respond to the carrying instruction to carry the target storage container to the target operation door, and a plurality of box openings on the target storage container respectively correspond to a plurality of box openings on the target operation door on a one-to-one basis; and the control server is further configured to control a box opening door of a target box opening on the target operation door to open.

A mobile device with a first transceiver, a second transceiver, one or more processors, and memory bridges communications between an offline retail machine with a short-range communication capability and a remote server by obtaining via the first transceiver a single-use request code from an information packet broadcast by the offline retail machine; transmitting via the second transceiver the single-use request code to a remote server; obtaining via the second transceiver from the remote server a grant token including the single-use request code; detecting a trigger condition for initiating provision of a product or service by the offline retail machine; and in response to detecting the trigger condition, initiating performance of the provision of the product or service by transmitting the grant token to the offline retail machine via the first transceiver.

A system and associated method are provided for maintenance of a plurality of washroom facilities by maintenance personnel, wherein each of the washroom facilities has one or more consumable product dispensers that require periodic refill. For each of the washroom facilities, the product dispensers are configured with a sensor that detects a product level or amount condition of the product dispenser, the sensors in communication with a monitoring station assigned to the washroom facility. A set of instructions unique to each of the washroom facilities is generated based upon the detected product level or amount conditions of the dispensers in the respective washroom facility, the set of instructions including instructions as to the amount of product refill to be added to the dispensers. With an identification (ID) system configured within each washroom facility, maintenance personnel that enter the washroom facility are identified and provided with the unique set of instructions in a message via a mobile smart device carried by the maintenance personnel or an audio or visual display device within the washroom facility.

Systems and methods for developing a recipe using a network of beverage synthesis devices are disclosed. A disclosed method includes transmitting, from a network architecture, the recipe to at least two beverage synthesis devices in the network of beverage synthesis devices. The recipe is compatible with the network of beverage synthesis devices for synthesis into a beverage. The method further includes receiving, at the network architecture, information from the at least two beverage synthesis devices. The method further includes modifying, subsequent to receiving of the information and using the network architecture, the recipe to produce a modified recipe. The method further includes transmitting, from the network architecture, the modified recipe to the network of beverage synthesis devices. The modified recipe is compatible with the network of beverage synthesis devices for synthesis into a modified beverage.