DE102020207405A1 - Drinks machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A beverage machine for providing a predetermined beverage comprises an input device for entering a beverage parameter; a preparation device for preparing the beverage as a function of the beverage parameter; an optical output device; and a control device which is set up to determine a visualization of the drink as a function of the input drink parameter and to output it by means of the output device.

Description

The invention relates to a drinks machine. In particular, the invention relates to user guidance when operating a drinks machine that is set up to provide different variations of a drink.

A drinks machine is set up to dispense a predetermined drink. The drink can be hot or cold and include, for example, water, tea or coffee. Some drinks can be prepared or varied in different ways. For example, a coffee specialty can be prepared with more or less milk, with stronger or less strong coffee or with an additional ingredient such as sugar. A user can select which variation of the drink he wants, for example by indicating the amount of milk used by means of keys on a predetermined scale.

In particular if the drinks machine is set up to provide a large number of different beverages or if a drink can be prepared in a large number of different variations, it is often difficult for a user to operate the device correctly in order to select a desired variation. The selection of the drink, for example by means of a menu structure, can require a very deep menu that can only be poorly represented on a display device. The input of a preparation parameter is often not intuitively related to the sensory experience of a drink provided, so that incorrect operation is likely. For example, numerical input of a degree of foaming for milk can be perceived as being detached from a desired cappuccino. The drink provided can be perceived as unsuitable, even if the parameter has been correctly specified and implemented.

One object on which the present invention is based is to provide an improved technique for operating a drinks machine. The invention solves this problem by means of the subjects of the independent claims. Dependent claims reproduce preferred embodiments.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a beverage machine for providing a predetermined beverage comprises an input device for entering a beverage parameter; a preparation device for preparing the beverage as a function of the beverage parameter; an optical output device; and a control device which is set up to determine a visualization of the drink as a function of the input drink parameter and to output it by means of the output device.

According to the invention, a user can already be given immediate feedback about the drink during the selection, which drink can be prepared on the basis of a user-controlled drink parameter. If the user is satisfied with the result, he can start the preparation process so that the beverage parameter is taken into account when preparing the beverage.

The beverage parameter can comprise at least one of a quantity, a temperature or a processing parameter of the beverage or one of its constituents. The beverage parameter can in particular differentiate variants of the same beverage from one another. If the beverage relates to coffee, for example, the beverage parameter can relate to an amount of the entire coffee or an amount of coffee powder used for preparation. The beverage parameter can also relate, for example, to a brewing or dispensing temperature or a degree of grinding for coffee beans for producing coffee powder as part of the preparation process. Several and also subtle differences in the preparation of the drink can be visualized, so that the user can gain sensitive control over the drink to be prepared.

The beverage can comprise several components, wherein the beverage parameter can comprise a ratio of two components to one another. The ratio can in particular relate to a quantity, volume or temperature ratio. If the beverage is, for example, milk coffee, the beverage parameter can be used to control how much milk and how much coffee is added.

It is preferred that the beverage parameter influences a visual appearance of the prepared beverage, the visualization preferably realistically or intensified showing the influence. For example, a less strong coffee can be displayed more transparently and a stronger coffee more opaque. Usual techniques for the representation of further optically perceptible properties can be used. If the drinks machine is set up, for example, to also provide chilled drinks, then the visualization can include the drink in a vessel, it being possible to display a precipitate of condensation water on the outside of the vessel as a function of a selected degree of cooling. Conversely, in the case of a hot beverage, depending on a selected temperature, more or less strong steam can be displayed over the beverage.

The control device can also be set up to visualize a beverage parameter which has no influence on the visual appearance of the prepared beverage. For example, the visualization of a beverage parameter can be implemented on the visualization by means of light and / or color. For example, a shine or backlighting of the beverage (halo) can be displayed as a function of an aroma selected via the beverage parameter. A temperature of the beverage selected via the beverage parameter can be expressed by a color ("false color") of the displayed liquid. A rainbow scale from blue to red, corresponding to a temperature scale from cold to warm, can be used in the usual way. Alternatively, symbolic colors can be used. If, for example, hot water is requested, the temperature of which is suitable for brewing green tea, the visualized water can be displayed in green. Black tea is usually prepared at a higher temperature so that the corresponding visualization can show black-colored water. Other symbolic colors relate to fruit tea (red) or white tea (transparent or white).

In yet another embodiment, the visualization comprises a movement, the intensity of which is determined as a function of the beverage parameter. For example, the carbon dioxide content in a cold drink to be prepared can be visualized by simulating the effect of rising CO ₂ gas bubbles. The more carbon dioxide there should be in the drink, the more the representation of the gas pearls can be moved. If the drink forms streaks, for example when milk and coffee are mixed, a movement of the streaks can be displayed as a function of a selected temperature. The movement preferably only affects certain components of the visualization, in particular the drink itself and possibly carbon dioxide rising in it, steam rising above it and / or water condensing on the vessel.

Other components of the visualization, such as a vessel for the drink, an underground or a background, preferably remain unmoved.

In a further embodiment, the visualization comprises a vessel for the beverage, the vessel being selected as a function of the beverage parameter. If, for example, a double espresso is required, a larger cup can be displayed than when a single espresso is selected. It is generally preferred that the vessel is shown transparently so that its contents can be better recognized when shown from the side.

The control device is usually not of unlimited performance and can, for example, comprise a limited memory for recording visualizations. It is therefore preferred that the visualization is composed of different elements in a modular manner. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the visualization comprises a superposition of several predetermined images, of which at least one is selected as a function of the drink. The superimposition can take place in the manner of planes, with each image lying in a predetermined plane. An order of different kinds of images can be predetermined.

For example, one layer each for a background, the drink and the vessel can be overlaid in this order in order to produce the visualization. For example, if different drinks can be dispensed in the same vessel, corresponding visualizations can be created simply by exchanging the image that represents the liquid in the drink. By using a sufficient number of levels or a sufficient number of images that can each be represented in one level, a large number of different visualizations can be provided with simple means.

It is particularly preferred that one of the images is selected as a function of the beverage parameter. For example, a predetermined selection of several images can be assigned to the beverage parameter, so that an assigned image is included in the visualization as a function of the selected parameter. Different groups of images can be used in different contexts. If the beverage parameter relates, for example, to a temperature of the beverage, different groups of images can be used for a hot beverage and a cold beverage.

In a further embodiment, one of the images is selected as a function of the vessel in which the drink is displayed. Different vessels can be assigned to different drinks and / or different reference variables.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the visualization can comprise a group of images which are displayed differently in a predetermined time sequence in order to display a movement. For example, a transparency can be assigned to each of the images, the transparencies being able to be varied over time in order to allow one of the images to flow into the visualization more or less. This allows realistic movement to be visualized without providing an extensive sequence of individual images. The use of an image format such as MPEG for moving images can also be avoided. An image can, for example, be saved in PNG format, which can achieve good image quality with little memory requirement.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method for providing a predetermined beverage comprises steps of detecting an input of a beverage parameter; determining and outputting a visualization of the beverage as a function of the beverage parameter entered; and the preparation of the beverage as a function of the beverage parameter.

It is preferred that the visualization of the beverage is output in real time for the input of the beverage parameter. This means that no more than a predetermined time elapses between the change in the beverage parameter and the corresponding change in the visualization, which is usually less than approx. 1 second, more preferably less than approx. 0.5 seconds or even less than approx. 0.1 Seconds. As a result, a user can, in an improved manner, immediately order a drink in a variation that he has in mind at a drinks machine.

The method can in particular be carried out in connection with a drinks machine described herein. In particular, the method can run partially or completely on the control device of the drinks machine. For this purpose, the control device can comprise a programmable microcomputer or microcontroller and the method can be in the form of a computer program product with program code means. The computer program product can also be stored on a computer-readable data carrier. Features or advantages of the method can be transferred to the drinks machine or vice versa.

• 1 einen Getränkeautomaten;
• 2 ein Ablaufdiagramm eines Verfahrens;
• 3 eine Überlagerung von Bildern zu einer Visualisierung;
• 4 beispielhafte Visualisierungen von Getränken; und
• 5 beispielhafte Bedienelemente für einen Getränkeautomaten

darstellt.The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

• 1 a drinks machine;
• 2 a flow chart of a method;
• 3 an overlay of images to form a visualization;
• 4th exemplary visualizations of beverages; and
• 5 exemplary controls for a drinks machine

represents.

1 shows an exemplary drinks machine 100 , which is preferably intended for use in a household. The drinks machine 100 is set up to have at least one drink 105 to prepare, usually different drinks 105 can be prepared. The drinks 105 can include hot beverages and / or cold beverages. In a preferred embodiment, on which the following description is based by way of example, is a hot beverage machine, in particular a coffee machine, which is set up to prepare a hot beverage based on coffee. The hot beverage can in particular be prepared using water, milk and whole or ground coffee beans. Other ingredients such as cocoa, caramel, cardamom or sugar can also be added.

The drinks machine 100 comprises an input device 110 , an output device 115 as well as a control device 120 . In one embodiment, the output devices are 115 and the input device 110 integrated with each other in the form of a touchscreen. An input can be made, for example, via a slide control shown on the touchscreen, as in 1 is shown. Alternatively, a dedicated input device 110 This can include, for example, a physical slider, rotary switch, or one or more buttons or switches. The input device 110 is set up to change a predetermined beverage parameter. The output device 115 is set up to output a graphic representation optically and preferably comprises a color screen, more preferably with background lighting (for example in LCD technology) or with self-illuminating pixels (for example in OLED technology). In particular, the output device 115 set up a visualization for this 125 of a drink to be prepared 105 output optically, with the visualization 125 a realistic or realistic illustration of the drink 105 represents.

The control device 120 is set up to use the input device 110 to capture entered or changed beverage parameters and these in the visualization 125 to reflect. The visualization 125 as far as possible on the optical result of the drink 105 orientate, depending on the beverage parameter by the beverage machine 100 can be prepared. In other words, there can be a change in the appearance of the drink 105 on the basis of the beverage parameter also in the visualization 125 be recognizable. The visualization 125 however, it can also be a parameter of the beverage that is not directly visually perceptible 105 represent optically, as described in more detail below.

The optical output of the visualization 125 on the output device 115 As little delay as possible to a change in the beverage parameter by means of the input device 110 Follow. For example, a user can set one or more beverage parameters of a predetermined beverage 105 vary and an expected result in the form of visualization 125 directly on the output device 115 recognize. If he is satisfied with the result of his parameter selection, he can accept the selected beverage parameter or parameters and the beverage machine 100 can the drink 105 on the basis of the beverage parameter or parameters set by means of a preparation device 135 prepare or serve.

The preparation facility 135 can the drink 105 Prepare from one or more components, whereby the individual components can be treated and put together differently. For example, different coffee specialties can be produced by combining coffee and milk. Different proportions and different ways of treating the milk or coffee can lead to different variations. For example, the milk can be frothed at different temperatures by means of steam or air, the coffee can be boiled more or less, or a type and sequence of filling the drink 105 in a vessel can vary. In one embodiment the control device is 120 set up for this, including the preparation facility 135 to control; in another, the preparation facility 135 be controlled by another, in particular integrated, device.

Optional includes the drinks machine 100 a wireless interface 140 for communication with a mobile device 145 , especially a smartphone, a laptop or a tablet computer. the interface 140 can for example be produced by means of Bluetooth, WLAN or cellular technology. A user can effectively use the mobile device 145 to use the vending machine 100 to control. With this type of use, the input device 110 and / or the output device 115 from the mobile device 145 be included.

2 shows an exemplary flow chart of a method 200 for providing a drink. The procedure 200 can especially be used in conjunction with a drinks machine 100 are executed.

In one step 205 an input can be recorded that corresponds to a value or a change in the beverage parameter. The input can be made by a user by means of an input device 110 be operated.

In one step 210 can be a visualization based on the recorded beverage parameters 125 of a drink 105 to be determined. The beverage parameter should be as realistic as possible through the visualization 125 be reflected. That means one on the drink 105 optically perceptible parameters, for example a size or a color, in a corresponding manner in the visualization 125 is visually recognizable. As the drink 105 is difficult to represent without a vessel, it is preferred that the visualization 125 comprises a vessel. The vessel is preferably displayed transparently so that the drink can be viewed on the visualization 125 for example in color or structure is better recognizable. The vessel can be selected as a function of the beverage and / or the recorded beverage parameter.

A beverage parameter that has no direct visual equivalent on the beverage 105 can also be used graphically in other ways in the visualization 125 implemented. For this purpose, artistic effects are preferably used instead of a textual indication or a symbol. For example, a temperature can be determined by a color of the beverage shown or an intensity of an aroma of the beverage through a gloss or a lighting in the visualization 125 be expressed. Other optical effects such as blurring, a geometric disturbance or a distortion can also be used.

In one step 215 becomes the visualization 125 on the output device 115 issued. This step can be a transmission of the visualization 125 from the drinks machine 100 to the mobile device 145 include. Determining and outputting the visualization in the steps 210 and 215 preferably takes place very quickly, that is, with a delay that is barely perceptible to the user and is preferably in the range of a few 10 to a few 100 milliseconds.

The steps 205 until 215 can be run through as often as required, like a loop. One or more beverage parameters can be recorded and specified. In a preferred embodiment, each drink 105 who have a vending machine 100 can produce one or more beverage parameters permanently assigned. It is further preferred that the number of variable beverage parameters per beverage does not exceed a predetermined value, which can be 3, for example.

In one step 220 input may be captured indicating that the Set beverage parameters for the preparation of a beverage 105 should be taken as a basis. In this case, the drink can 105 in one step 225 be prepared. The preparation device 135 can be controlled accordingly during the preparation of the drink 105 to take into account the beverage parameter or parameters appropriately.

3 Figure 12 shows an exemplary embodiment of an overlay 300 of pictures 305 to get a visualization 125 to surrender.

In the representation of 3 are the schematically shown images 305 in the manner of levels for a viewer 315 superimposed, which is shown to the right of the images 305 is located. The overlay 300 is preferably formed by taking two or more images 305 be placed on top of each other. This can include a picture 305 especially exchanged, influenced in its transparency or brightness, shifted or by the content of another image 305 masked. Multiple images 305 can become a group 310 be put together independently of the other images 305 can be changed.

Every picture 305 can in a memory of the control device 120 be filed. It is preferred that the visualization 125 can be provided without being in a single image 305 to intervene; rather, the aim is merely to superimpose 300 of the pictures 305 to control the visualization 125 to create. The pictures 305 are preferably stored in a format that supports transparency (alpha channel), for example Portable Network Graphics (PNG).

In the following, the example in 3 illustrated sequence of images 305 described in more detail. It should be noted that other sequences are also possible and that the individual images 305 can also be assigned to other purposes. The sequence uses example levels indicated by suffixes in the reference characters.

That to the viewer 315 most facing image 305.1 represents a vessel in which the drink 105 in the visualization 125 is recorded. Next to it is a second picture 305.2 who wears a mask to content other images 305 selectively. In the present case, the mask is set up for this purpose from certain images 305 that is farther from the viewer 315 are removed as the second picture 305.2 to let through only parts that are in the area of the in the first picture 305.1 shown vessel.

A third picture 305.3 can display streaks or veils to show a movement of the liquid in the drink by fading in or out. Several third images are preferred 305.3 provided, in the illustrated embodiment three. The third pictures 305.3 can be shifted against each other or alternately displayed more or less brightly or transparently in order to create the movement effect.

A fourth picture 305.4 is a liquid of the drink in the visualization 125 assigned. In the example shown relates to the drink 105 Coffee so that the displayed liquid is dark. A coffee strength set as a beverage parameter can be made through the transparency of the fourth image 305.4 be reproduced. The stronger the coffee should be, the less transparent the fourth picture can be 305.4 and vice versa.

A fifth picture 305.5 can represent parts of the vessel that lie behind the liquid. For example, a rear inside of a cup can be displayed in which the drink is located 105 if the displayed liquid is transparent enough.

A sixth picture 305.6 may be associated with steam that rises above the vessel if the beverage is a hot beverage. Several sixth images are preferred 305.6 provided that a group 310 form and can be varied in their transparency, coordinated with one another, in order to visualize a movement of the steam shown.

A seventh picture 305.7 represents a shine that can illuminate the visualized drink from behind in the manner of a halo. The gloss can be represented, for example, as a radial brightness gradient that can be displayed against a dark background. The brightness gradient can be slightly irregular or blurred in order to appear livelier or more realistic. The gloss can be used to represent a beverage parameter that is not per se visible, for example the strength of an aroma of the beverage 125 . This can be done using the transparency or brightness of the seventh image 305.7 can be controlled to make the gloss appear stronger or less strong.

The position of one of the images 305 can be changed to reflect the amount of drink you want, for example. In this example the fourth picture could be 305.4 be moved downwards in order to reflect a smaller amount of liquid (e.g. with an espresso ristretto). Are several fourth pictures 305.4 provided that are assigned to different liquids of the drink, for example coffee and milk in a latte macchiato, one or both can be appropriately shifted up or down in order to reproduce different proportions of milk and coffee. In one embodiment, a boundary layer between an upper and a lower liquid is another image 305 assigned. In some cases it can also be a horizontal shifting of an image 305 respectively.

4th shows exemplary visualizations 125 of drinks 105 . 4a shows a visualization 125 of cappuccino, 4b from Cafe au Lait, 4c from Cafe Crema and 4d of espresso. A background is selected, for example, in each case in such a way that the dark drink is in a lower area 105 in front of a light background and in an upper area any steam located above the drink can be displayed in front of a dark background. This results in the visible appearance of a horizon. Other embodiments are also possible, for example in one color or in a vertical gradient between a first and a second color. Gradients between several colors can also be used.

5 shows exemplary operating elements for a drinks machine 100 . 5a shows an input device 110 , which includes a dedicated rotary knob, and 5b an input by means of a touchscreen, the input device 110 with the output device 115 combined as a touch-sensitive screen.

In 5a the beverage parameter can be changed by turning the input device 110 to be changed. On the display device 125 can in addition to visualization 125 another issue 505 that represents an entered value numerically, textually or graphically. It is preferred that the visualization 125 and the output 505 As little delay as possible for an actuation of the input device 110 Follow. In this embodiment, different beverage parameters can be selected one after the other, for example by means of buttons 510 , and then by means of the input device 110 to be changed. The selected beverage parameters can be started by pressing an optional start button 515 taken over and used as a basis for the preparation of the drink.

In 5b are in addition to visualization 125 one or more beverage parameters shown. As an example, each beverage parameter is shown as a bar on an assigned scale. To change a bar, it can be touched with a finger, for example, and moved up or down. The value of the beverage parameter can also be displayed numerically or textually. In another embodiment, only one beverage parameter can be used for visualization at the same time 125 on the output device 115 can be displayed, whereby different beverage parameters can be set one after the other. Control elements for changing between the beverage parameters or for accepting the set parameters are in 5b not shown by way of example.

List of reference symbols

100

Drinks machine

105

drink

110

Input device

115

Output device

120

Control device

125

Visualization

135

Preparation facility

140

wireless interface

145

Mobile device

200

proceedings

205

Capture input

210

Determine visualization

215

Output visualization

220

Capture input

225

Prepare a drink

300

Overlay

305

image

305.1

first picture: vessel

305.2

second picture: mask

305.3

third picture: movement

305.4

fourth picture: liquid

305.5

fifth picture: vessel

305.6

sixth picture: steam

305.7

seventh image: shine

310

group

315

Viewer

505

output

510

Button

515

Start button

Claims (12)

A beverage machine (100) for providing a predetermined beverage (105), the beverage machine (100) comprising: - an input device (110) for entering a beverage parameter; - A preparation device (135) for preparing the beverage (105) as a function of the beverage parameter; - an optical output device (115); and - a control device (120) which is set up to determine a visualization (125) of the beverage (105) as a function of the entered beverage parameter and to output it by means of the output device (115). Drinks machine (100) Claim 1 wherein the beverage parameter comprises at least one of a quantity, a temperature or a processing parameter of the beverage (105) or one of its components. Drinks machine (100) Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the beverage (105) comprises a plurality of components and the beverage parameter comprises a ratio of two components to one another. Drinks machine (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drink parameter influences an optical appearance of the prepared drink (105) and the visualization shows the influence realistically or in an amplified manner. Drinks machine (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (120) is set up to implement the visualization of the beverage parameter by means of light and / or color on the visualization. Drinks machine (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the visualization (125) comprises a movement, the intensity of which is determined as a function of the beverage parameter. Drinks machine (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the visualization (125) comprises a vessel for the beverage (105), the vessel being selected as a function of the beverage parameter. Drinks machine (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the visualization (125) comprises a superimposition of several predetermined images (305), of which at least one is selected as a function of the drink (105). Drinks machine (100) Claim 8 , wherein one of the images (305) is selected as a function of the beverage parameter. Drinks machine (100) Claims 7 and 8th , one of the images (305) being selected as a function of the vessel. Vending machine (100) according to one of the Claims 8 until 10 wherein the visualization (125) comprises a group of images (305), the transparencies of which are varied over time in order to represent a movement. A method (200) for providing a predetermined beverage (105), the method (105) comprising the following steps: - Detecting (205) an input of a beverage parameter; - Determining (210) and outputting (215) a visualization (125) of the beverage (105) as a function of the entered beverage parameter; and - preparing (225) the beverage (105) as a function of the beverage parameter.

Images