System and method for preparing edible products with a perception access arrangement

Abstract

System and method for preparing an edible product, such as an aromatic beverage, e.g. espresso coffee, based on an edible substance, e.g. a portion of coffee in a capsule (7), comprising an apparatus (1) comprising a container placement arrangement (2) adapted to place a container (10, 10') for collecting the edible product, a housing (3) of the apparatus and an access arrangement (4) providing selective access to at least one of the container placement arrangement (2) and a portion of an access channel (8), wherein the apparatus (1) is adapted to enable providing selective access to at least one of the container placement arrangement (2) and a portion of an access channel (8) by means of capturing at least one of a non-contact input gesture performed in a proximal vicinity and a touch gesture performed on an input surface, preferably associated with the access arrangement (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to systems and methods for preparing edible products, particularly including apparatus for preparing aromatic beverages by extracting the corresponding edible substances, the apparatus including a beverage dispensing device into a drinking container, particularly dispensing in the direction opposite to the direction of gravity. Background Technology

[0002] Existing technologies have proposed several solutions for beverage discharge in beverage preparation machines. Particularly in the case of aromatic beverages such as espresso, beverage discharge is a relevant process that has a potential impact on the quality of the beverage obtained from the drinking container. Indeed, particularly in the case of espresso, the main characteristics of the discharge stream determine several aspects, such as the production of creamer and its retention within the cup, as well as the temperature changes caused by air exposure during discharge to the cup.

[0003] Document DE2009048233A1 discloses a system of the present invention type in which a portion of edible material is provided to a collection space by raising a lid-like arrangement including a beverage dispensing device. This solution presents structural complexity and ergonomic constraints. Furthermore, the lid-like arrangement does not provide selective access to the beverage dispensing device.

[0004] Document WO2014 / 086915A1 discloses a similar system in which there appears to be an opening for introducing a portion of the edible substance and a beverage outlet provided at a similar height. However, this document does not disclose a compact and ergonomic arrangement of the components.

[0005] Document WO2017 / 200409A1, also registered by the authors of this application, discloses a system for preparing aromatic beverages with an enhanced beverage emission arrangement, and also has an advantageous arrangement of the device.

[0006] Furthermore, systems are generally known in which actuation of access arrangements, such as those for inserting capsules containing edible substances, requires a completely free hand for this purpose. Therefore, if the user's hands are essentially occupied, it is difficult for the user to operate a device of the type of invention. For example, in a situation where she is holding a drinking container in one hand and a mobile communication device in the other.

[0007] Therefore, a solution is needed that provides better ergonomic actuation of access arrangements in this type of equipment, particularly selective access to the passageways used for introducing edible substances, and, if so, support for the placement of drinking containers. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The object of this invention is to provide a system for preparing edible products (e.g., espresso-type), the system being based on multiple parts of an edible substance (e.g., coffee in capsules or containers). The system specifically includes a device and a container that can be placed on a container placement arrangement of the device such that the container is operatively associated with the dispensing of the edible product. The device is adapted to provide actuation of at least the access arrangement through an interface that does not require the application of force or pressure to the device's actuating mechanism, particularly an interface with different actuation buttons, mechanical arrangements, etc.

[0009] In particular, the above objective is achieved by a system comprising a device having an access arrangement that provides selective access to at least a container placement arrangement, specifically enabling selective coverage of at least one of the following: based on the capture of an input gesture, the container placement arrangement and the associated product discharge, and portions of an access channel, said input gesture being performed as a non-contact interactive gesture around the proximal side and / or as a tactile interactive gesture with the outer surface of the device, particularly said access arrangement and / or other input surfaces associated therewith.

[0010] According to another aspect of the invention, the device has an input device adapted to capture and distinguish at least one of preferred different types of input gestures, including at least one of the following: a gesture of a free hand without touch, a gesture of a hand holding a container without touch, a gesture of placing a container on a corresponding container placement arrangement, a gesture of manipulating a container on the container placement arrangement, a touch gesture on an input surface, and a gesture of placing a container on the input surface of the device.

[0011] According to another aspect of the invention, the device has an input device adapted to capture and distinguish different types of objects, particularly portions and containers of different types of edible substances, in the proximal surroundings and / or placed in the corresponding operating device of the device, preferably including the relative positions of markings of these objects with respect to a reference.

[0012] The input device may be adapted to capture at least one of the following: optical interaction, electromagnetic interaction, including interaction via infrared light, magnetic interaction, and mechanical force interaction preferably less than or equal to the weight of the object being interacted with, occurring in at least one of the following: in a three-dimensional input space around the proximal side of the device, and on an input surface within the housing of the device.

[0013] Within the scope of this invention, the term "input space" is understood to be a spatial enclosure extending from the outside to the device and at most 0.5 m, preferably at most 0.3 m, from the outer casing of the device, and is included at least in the orthogonal projection of at least a portion of the area defined or restricted by the input device, or at least in a portion of the surrounding space as seen from the input device.

[0014] Within the scope of this invention, the term "input surface" is understood to mean an outer surface having a plurality of adjacent points in two directions, at least a portion of which provides capture of finger touch input without the need to apply pressure, such as capacitive devices and similar devices, and without buttons and similar devices.

[0015] The device may have a control unit adapted to control the beverage preparation cycle based on and according to input data captured by the input unit in the corresponding proximal surroundings and associated with objects not part of the device. The input data includes data related to the position of the drinking container and data related to the position of the portion of edible material associated with a component of the device.

[0016] The device may have a container placement arrangement adapted to provide support for placing at least one type of drinking container for collecting the edible product, particularly in an operable manner such that the arrangement can be held on the container placement arrangement and that the edible product can be discharged in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity.

[0017] The device can provide an outlet for edible products associated with the container arrangement outlet, and is adapted to inject the edible product, such as a beverage, in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity.

[0018] The device may have a portion for container placement and an access channel, at least substantially on the same outer shell surface of the device, extending along a single plane, preferably on the outer shell surface of the top of the device. Preferably, when the top of the device has only the container placement arrangement and the access channel for a portion of the edible material, this provides an access arrangement that allows both to be selectively covered relative to the exterior of the device.

[0019] This invention also relates to the operation process of a system of the type of this invention, and in particular to the process of using a system that does not require more than two input gestures or user actuation.

[0020] This objective is achieved according to the invention by the method according to claim 15. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The present invention will now be explained in more detail based on preferred embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0022] These accompanying figures illustrate the following in a simplified, schematic manner:

[0023] Figure 1 Side view (on the left-hand side) and front view of an apparatus (1) for preparing beverages in a system of the type of the present invention, according to the prior art;

[0024] Figure 2 According to the diagram of the prior art drinking container (1), the drinking container (1) is operably placed on a container placement arrangement (2), which is operably associated with the device (3) in a fluid connection manner.

[0025] Figure 3 : Front view and top view (on the right side) of a first embodiment of the system according to the present invention, and having an access arrangement (4) in the closed position (I);

[0026] Figure 4 :according to Figure 3 The diagram illustrates another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 Corresponding to Figure 3 The diagram shows that, in another embodiment of the invention, the access arrangement (4) is in the open position (II);

[0028] Figure 6 Corresponding to Figure 3 The diagram shows the access arrangement (4) in a state of moving toward the closed position (I);

[0029] Figure 7 : A diagram illustrating a first preferred embodiment of the method according to the present invention;

[0030] Figure 8 : A diagram illustrating a second preferred embodiment of the method according to the present invention;

[0031] Figure 9 : A side view of a second embodiment of the system according to the present invention, showing two different moments of actuation of the access arrangement (4) of the device (1);

[0032] Figure 10 :according to Figure 9 The side view shows two other actuation moments of the access arrangement (4) of the device (1);

[0033] Figure 11 : A diagram illustrating a third preferred embodiment of the method according to the present invention;

[0034] Figure 12 :according to Figure 11A further illustration of the preferred implementation of the process;

[0035] Figure 13 : Front view and top view (on the right side) of another embodiment of the system according to the present invention, and the access arrangement (41, 42) is in the closed state;

[0036] Figure 14 : Figure 13 Top view of two consecutive actuation moments in the embodiment shown;

[0037] Figure 15 : Figure 13 The front view and top view (on the right-hand side) at an intermediate moment of the illustrated embodiment;

[0038] Figure 16 : Figure 13 This is a top view of two successive actuation moments according to the implementation method;

[0039] Figure 17 : A diagram illustrating another embodiment of the method according to the present invention;

[0040] Figure 18 :according to Figure 17 Further illustrations of the implementation method;

[0041] Figure 19 : A diagram illustrating another embodiment of the method according to the present invention;

[0042] Figure 20 : A diagram illustrating another embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 21 Side view and front view (on the right-hand side) of another preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, wherein the access arrangement (4) is in the closed position (I);

[0044] Figure 22 Side view and front view (on the right side) of another preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, wherein the access arrangement (4) is in the open position (II). Detailed Implementation

[0045] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This refers to a system of the first type according to the present invention.

[0046] Figure 1 The figures show a side view (on the left-hand side) and a front view of an apparatus (1) for preparing beverages in a system of the type according to the invention, the system comprising drinking containers (10, 10') operably placed on a container placement arrangement (2) of the apparatus (1), while Figure 2A functional diagram showing the emission of edible products (BD) in a system of the type of invention.

[0047] As shown in the figure, the device (1) has a product preparation device (5), which is located inside the device housing (3) of the device (1) and includes two parts, at least one of which is movable between a closed position and an open position, such that the product preparation device (5) can collect a portion (7) of an edible substance as a beverage precursor, which is contained, for example, inside a capsule and introduced through a portion of an inlet channel (8).

[0048] Furthermore, the device (1) may include a fluid container (not shown), a fluid pressurization device, and a fluid heating device (not shown), thereby enabling the supply of a fluid (FS) at a temperature between 60°C and 100°C and a pressure between 1 bar and 20 bar for interaction with the edible substance. The device (1) also includes a control device (6) adapted to control each beverage preparation cycle. Those skilled in the art are familiar with these devices, and therefore they are not presented or described in greater detail herein.

[0049] The beverage outlet (BD) is directed from the outlet of the product preparation device (5) to a container placement arrangement (2) including a product discharge port (21), such that the beverage outlet into the drinking container (10, 10') unfolds through its base (11).

[0050] In this type of system, the drinking container (10, 10') has a flow regulating device (13) arranged on the base (11) of the drinking container (10, 10') and adapted to allow flow into the drinking container (10, 10') only when the flow pressure is greater than the previously defined flow pressure.

[0051] Figures 3 to 6 This illustrates an embodiment of the system according to the present invention, wherein... Figure 7 This describes the implementation method of the relevant process.

[0052] As shown in the figure, in this case, the device (1) has a device housing (3) and an access arrangement (4), which at least substantially define the geometry and volume of the device (1).

[0053] The access arrangement (4) advantageously provides selective access to the container placement arrangement (2) and the product discharge port (21), thereby preventing the possibility of dust and other residues accumulating due to the given location of the equipment (1) being exposed to ambient air.

[0054] The access arrangement (4) can be in the closed position, for example, by means of a mechanical actuation device. Figure 3 ) and opening position (II) ( Figure 5 Actuated during rotational movement between the two, in the open position, providing access to portions of the container placement arrangement (2), the product discharge port (21), and the inlet channel (8), the portion of the inlet channel (8) being adapted to introduce a portion (7) of edible substance, not shown here.

[0055] Alternatively, the access arrangement (4) can be actuated by sliding movement in a plane at least approximately parallel to one of the container placement arrangements (2), see Figure 6 , Figure 6 The access arrangement (4) is shown near the open position (II).

[0056] Preferably, the access arrangement (4) occupies at least an intermediate position between the closed position (I) and the open position (II), for example, corresponding to a half-open position, in which access to the product discharge port (21) is provided, but access to the portion of the access channel (8) is not provided.

[0057] The access arrangement (4; 41, 42) can be adapted to provide selective access to at least the product discharge port (21) and the container placement arrangement (2), wherein, when the access arrangement (4) is in the closed position (I), the access arrangement (4) can completely restrict the space defined by the container placement arrangement (2) and the product discharge port (21) relative to the outside of the equipment (1).

[0058] The access arrangement (4; 41, 42) can be adapted to provide and restrict selective access to a portion of the access channel (8) relative to the outside, the portion of the access channel (8) being adapted to introduce a portion (7) of edible material and arranged on a plane and level similar to or different from the plane of the arrangement of the container placement arrangement (2).

[0059] The access arrangement (4; 41, 42) can be adapted, in particular, to be operatively associated with the housing (3) of the device, so that it can be moved between:

[0060] - Closed position (I), in the closed position (I), at least one of the following is defined relative to the outside of the device (1): the container placement arrangement (2) including the product discharge port (21) at least when the container (10, 10') is not placed on the container placement arrangement (2), and multiple portions of the inlet channel (8), and

[0061] - At least one open position (II) in which access to at least one of the following is provided: a container placement arrangement (2) for placing a container (10, 10') on the container placement arrangement, particularly operably placed relative to multiple portions of the product discharge port (21) and the inlet channel (8) for supplying a portion (7) of edible substance to the product preparation device (5).

[0062] The access arrangement (4; 41, 42) can be adapted to provide selective access to the container placement arrangement (2) (including the product discharge port (21)) and to multiple portions of the access channel (8), wherein the actuation mechanisms of the first access component and the second access component (41, 42) are preferably at least one of the following: similar and common.

[0063] The access arrangement (4) may have a first access component and a second access component (41, 42), wherein the first access component (41) restricts and provides access to at least the container placement arrangement (2) including the product discharge port (21), and the second access component (42) provides selective access to the access channel (8).

[0064] The first access component and the second access component (41, 42) can be adapted such that an opening of at least one of them is provided only when indicated by the operation opening of the other, for example, an opening of the portion of the second access component (42) to the access channel (8) is provided only when the container (10, 10') is operably placed on the container placement arrangement (2).

[0065] The access arrangement (4; 41, 42) may be configured to be actuated manually and / or non-manually in at least one movement between a closed position (I) and an open position (II), wherein the access arrangement (4; 41, 42) may preferably be held in the closed position (I) in a removable manner.

[0066] The access arrangement (4; 41, 42) can be adapted to be actuated in a non-manual manner between its closed position (I) and open position (II), and vice versa, wherein the actuation corresponds to at least one of the following: rotational and translational movement of at least one component of the access arrangement (4; 41, 42), wherein the movement of the at least one component is performed in at least one of the following: different planes and at least a plane substantially parallel to said plane, the portion of the container placement arrangement (2) and the access channel (8) extending along said plane, and wherein the movement further corresponds to at least one of the following: movement of a single access component (4); movement of a first access component (41) and at least a second access component (42), preferably in a coordinated manner with each other; hinged movement of a plurality of access components, for example, in a diaphragm arrangement.

[0067] The container placement arrangement (2) can be adapted to be actuated in a non-manual manner between a closed position (I) and an open position (II), thereby enabling the container (10) to be placed on the placement surface of the container placement arrangement (2) and vice versa, thereby holding the container (10) on the placement surface.

[0068] Access arrangements (4; 41, 42) are provided with a cover, hood or similar object, door, window or similar object in a general shape, such as a planar type, and as a single component or multiple components.

[0069] Access layout (4) is adapted to at least one of the following:

[0070] - The upper part does not extend completely; when in the closed position (I), it preferably extends completely and is laterally surrounded by the housing (3) of the device.

[0071] - When in the closed position (I), it extends fully above the housing (3) of the device;

[0072] - Extends over at least most of the device (1), preferably the entire top region of the device (1).

[0073] The access arrangement (4; 41, 42) may not have any chambers, protrusions or openings.

[0074] Access arrangement (4) can be set in at least one of the following: the top area and the front area of ​​the housing (3) of the device.

[0075] The access arrangement (4; 41, 42) can be adapted such that, when at least one part of the access arrangement (4; 41, 42) is in the closed position (I), at least one of the portions of the externally defined container placement arrangement (2) and the access channel (8) is provided, and when at least one part of the access arrangement (4; 41, 42) is in the open position (II), at least one of the placement of the drinking container (10, 10') on the container placement arrangement (2) and the introduction of a portion (7) of edible substance through the access channel (8) is provided.

[0076] The device (1) can be configured such that a beverage, such as an aromatic beverage, can be prepared based on a portion (7) of an edible substance, for example, in a capsule.

[0077] The device (1) may have: a product preparation device (5) disposed downstream of the flow connection of the flow pressurization device; and a portion of a corresponding inlet channel (8) adapted to introduce an edible substance portion (7) to supply the edible substance portion (7) to the product preparation device (5).

[0078] According to one aspect of the invention, the device (1) further comprises an input device (9) operably associated with the access arrangement (4) and adapted to capture non-contact input generated in the proximal surroundings of the access arrangement (4), particularly in the three-dimensional input space (E) associated with the input device (9). The non-contact input may be a gesture of a free hand, or a gesture of a hand holding a container (10), particularly a gesture toward the access arrangement (4) towards the container (10), and optionally further, an presence during a previously defined time period in the vicinity of the access arrangement (4).

[0079] The input device (9) may be configured as a plurality of elements oriented outward and extending to maximize the surrounding geometric space, particularly in the front and top regions of the device (1), and arranged in a visible manner, wherein preferably they are configured such that they are invisible to or imperceptible to the user.

[0080] Alternatively, the input can be provided by means of hand touch gestures without applying pressure to the access arrangement (4), including single-point touch, downward pressure touch, push and / or drag touch in a given direction.

[0081] In this case, the input device (9) can be adapted for tactile capture (see Figure 4 This allows all said hand touch gestures to preferably be short-duration and low-intensity gestures. Alternatively, the input device (9) can be actuated to measure force (see...). Figure 5 and Figure 6 This allows the applied force to be captured.

[0082] Therefore, user interaction with device (1) may include providing actuation input to access arrangement (4) by at least one of the following: gestures in the proximal periphery, and touches on access arrangement (4) that trigger actuation of it from closed position (I).

[0083] Figure 8 This indicates the method according to the present invention, while Figure 9 and Figure 10 This represents the second implementation of the relevant system.

[0084] In this case, the access arrangement (4) includes two access components (41, 42), which can be actuated separately to provide differentiated access to the container placement arrangement (2) and the product discharge port (21) in the case of the first access component (41), and differentiated access to a portion of the access channel (8) in the case of the second access component (42).

[0085] Preferably, when actuation of only one of the access components (41, 42) requires input gesture, actuation of the second access component requires verification of a previously defined condition associated with the first access component (41).

[0086] A user can approach the container (10) of the first access component (41) to generate an input, which is captured by the input device (9) and triggers the actuation of the first access component to an open position to provide access to the container placement arrangement (2).

[0087] Preferably, when the container (10) is provided with, for example, a magnetic device, it is adapted to generate non-contact interaction around the proximal side of the input device (9).

[0088] The user then places the container (10) on the container placement arrangement (2), wherein the presence of the container (10) on the container placement arrangement (2) automatically triggers the actuation of the second access member (42) to release a portion of the inlet channel (8). The presence of the portion (7) of edible substance captured in the inlet channel (8) and / or its presence in the product preparation device (5) automatically triggers the reverse closing movement of the second access member (42). Furthermore, the control device (6) may be adapted such that the preparation and discharge process of the edible product stream can automatically begin once the closing movement of the second access member (42) ends.

[0089] This provides a favorable interaction with the device (1), which requires minimal input gestures and operations from the user.

[0090] In particular, users do not need to press any buttons or actuate any levers.

[0091] Figure 11 and Figure 12 , Figures 13 to 16 as well as Figure 17 and Figure 18 Other alternative embodiments of the system and method according to the present invention are indicated.

[0092] A first input device (91) may be configured to be associated with a first access member (41), and a second input device (92) may be associated with a second access member (42). The input devices (91, 92) may be adapted to, for example, optical, magnetic, or infrared detection devices to remotely capture at least one of the following: gestures and objects, such as a portion of edible material (7) and / or containers (10, 10') when in a specific area including at least a vertical projection extending along the top region, preferably also including the proximal periphery of a projection of the front region of the device (1).

[0093] Furthermore, a third input device (93) and a fourth input device (94) are provided, the third input device being adapted to capture a portion (7) of the edible substance interacting with at least one of the following: multiple sections of the entry channel (8) and the product preparation device (5), and the fourth input device being adapted for the placement of the capture container (10).

[0094] Users can perform input gestures by manually touching a first access component (41) that extends over multiple portions of the access channel (8).

[0095] This manual touch can be limited to a single point ( Figure 11 ), or it can describe the actuation direction ( Figure 17 This enhances operational reliability due to the possibility of accidental touches on the input surface.

[0096] The touch is captured by the input device (9) and triggers the movement of the first access component (41) to the open position (II). The user can now introduce a portion (7) of the edible substance. The closing movement of the first access component (41) is automatically triggered by capturing the entry and / or presence of the portion (7) of the edible substance. Optionally, it is also automatically triggered by capturing data from the code associated with said portion (7) of the edible substance.

[0097] The end of the closing movement of the first access component (41) can automatically trigger the opening movement of the second access component (42) so that the container (10) can be placed in the container placement arrangement (2).

[0098] The detection of the container (10) can trigger movement of the engagement portion of the container placement arrangement (2), specifically from the first position to the holding position of the container (10). The control device (6) can then trigger the start of the preparation process and discharge the edible product into the container (10). After this is completed, the engagement portion of the container placement arrangement (2) can be automatically triggered to move from the holding position of the container (10) to the release position.

[0099] After a previously defined period of time in which no input gesture associated with at least one of the access components (41, 42) is detected, the closing movement of the second access component (42) may be automatically triggered.

[0100] The counting of that time period can be interrupted when a gesture is input, such as when a part of the edible substance is approached from the first access component (41) or when the container (10) is placed on the container placement arrangement (2).

[0101] Figure 19 and Figure 20 This represents another embodiment of the method according to the invention, in which the user does not have to touch any actuation device of the device (1), wherein the usual use of gestures provides input for preparing and discharging edible products.

[0102] A gesture from the second access component (42) approaching the container (10) can be captured by a corresponding input device (92), thereby generating an input for actuating the automatic opening of the second access component (42). A gesture of placing the container in the container placement arrangement (2), preferably including a specific posture, such as rotation of the container (10), can also generate an input for initiating a cycle of preparing an edible product flow.

[0103] In a preferred embodiment, the container (10) can rotate between a first placement position and a second placement position, wherein at least one of the rotation direction and rotation extension can generate a corresponding input.

[0104] like Figure 20 As shown, the device (1) may include an input device (9) adapted to detect the placement of the container (10) when the container (10) is placed in a first placement position in the container placement arrangement (2), preferably also detecting the type of the container (10, 10') and thereby automatically initiating movement so that the container (10) evolves to the holding position.

[0105] The input device (9) associated with the container placement arrangement (2) can further capture at least one of the following: data associated with the container (10, 10'), for example in the form of code, and discharge edible products based on the input thus captured.

[0106] These steps can be repeated in reverse order, so that the entire process can proceed automatically after the initial placement of the container (10) until the removal of the container (10) from the container placement arrangement (2) is detected.

[0107] Figure 21 and Figure 22 This refers to a system of the second type according to the present invention.

[0108] In this configuration, the device (1) has access arrangements (4; 41, 42) movable between a closed position (I) and an open position (II), as well as container placement arrangements (2) and access channels (8) disposed on various portions of the front of the device (1). Optionally, the access arrangements (4; 41, 42) may have only the first access component and the second access component (41, 42).

[0109] Furthermore, in this case, the product discharge port (21) is positioned above the container (10, 10') in a location where it can be operably placed, thereby enabling the collection of edible products.

[0110] Preferably, in such Figure 21 When shown in the closed position (II), the access arrangement (4) together with the housing (3) of the device is at least approximately constructed into a regular geometry, such as a cube, thereby providing a housing without protrusions or chambers.

Claims

1. A system for preparing an edible product comprising a beverage based on the circulation of a fluid through a portion of an edible substance, the system comprising an apparatus having: - A container placement arrangement adapted to provide operable placement of at least one type of drinking container, enabling the collection of edible product from a product discharge port provided in a manner capable of discharging the edible product in a direction opposite to gravity. -The casing of the device. - A control device adapted to at least control the fluid circulation on the device. - Part of the inlet channel is adapted to supply a portion of the edible substance to the product preparation device. - An input device adapted to capture input, the input device being external to the device and configured to be operatively connected to the control device. in, The device has an access arrangement adapted to be movable and thereby provide access to at least one of: an inlet channel and a product discharge port. The device is adapted to perform at least the following operations: -Actuate at least a portion of the access arrangement and the container placement arrangement, - By activating multiple sections through the inlet channel, a portion of the edible substance is supplied to the product preparation apparatus. - Initiate fluid circulation, which includes flowing through the portion of the edible material and discharging it into the container. In this operation, at least one operation can be performed based on the capture of an input gesture that includes at least one of the following: - Gestures made in the vicinity of the device without touching it, and - Touch gestures on a portion of the outer surface of the device Its features are, The input device is operatively associated with the access arrangement and adapted to capture contactless input gestures generated around the proximal side of the access arrangement, or contactless input gestures that can be provided by hand touch gestures without applying pressure to the access arrangement. User interaction with the device includes providing actuation input to the access arrangement via at least one of the following: gestures around the proximal side of the access arrangement and touches on the access arrangement, such that actuation of the access arrangement from a closed position is triggered. The container placement arrangement and the access arrangement include actuation devices, which are adapted such that input captured by the input device triggers only the actuation of the opening movement from the closed position, and the actuation of the closing movement from the open position can be triggered by at least one of the following: -Pre-defined operating events for the device, including detecting the presence of at least one of the following: a portion of edible substance and a container being in an operational state within the device, or other indications of a corresponding operational state. - Automatic counting of a previously defined time period following a previously defined operation event of the device, wherein the automatic counting includes automatic counting of time periods in the absence of other inputs captured by the input device.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device is adapted to enable at least one of the access arrangement, the container placement arrangement, and the control device to be actuated by at least one of the following: - Up to two different types of freehand input gestures are supported without touching the device. - Up to three types of input gestures can be approached by at least contact between the interactive object and the corresponding input surface of the device, without applying pressure exceeding the weight of the conductive interactive object, which is tactile. - Up to four types of input gestures, with contact and detection of at least one of the following: the presence of the interactive object and the relative position of the interactive object with respect to the corresponding input surface of the device.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The input device is adapted to capture at least one of at least two types of input gestures, including: - Extending remotely within the input space associated with the access arrangement. - In a tactile manner, so as to generate a change in electric field at at least one point on an input surface where there are multiple adjacent possible touch points.

4. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The input device is adapted to capture at least one of at least two types of input gestures, including: -Extended in orthogonal projection in at least one of the top and front regions of the device, using image capture or infrared interaction, magnetic interaction. - In a capacitive tactile manner, a change in electric field is generated at at least one point on an input surface having multiple adjacent possible touch points, wherein the input surface is a surface associated with the access arrangement.

5. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The input device is adapted to be able to distinguish at least one of the following: - At least two different types of contactless input gestures, said contactless input gestures being performed by a hand around the proximal side of their respective input spaces, including at least one type of gesture from a list, said at least one type of gesture including gestures in a single plane and along a single direction, along at least a first direction and a second direction, in at least a first plane and a second plane, said planes having a first configuration and a second configuration of spatial paths; - At least two different types of touch input gestures, said touch input gestures being performed by at least one finger of the hand, including at least one type of touch from a list, said at least one type of touch including point touch, swipe touch, and drag touch on the outer surface of the access arrangement.

6. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The input device is adapted to distinguish at least two locations on the device that include at least one of the following: input gestures and objects. - For a portion of the device's casing, at least one of at least two different locations for the touch gesture; - Touching a portion of the housing of a device with an access arrangement in at least one of two different orientations and / or configurations described by the gesture; - At least one of two different locations of the container placed on the container placement arrangement, and - A portion of the edible substance relative to at least one of two different locations of the portion supply device.

7. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The input device is adapted to distinguish at least two locations on the device that include at least two of the following: input gestures and at least one of the following: - For the access layout, at least one of at least two different locations for the touch gesture; - Touching a portion of the housing of a device with an access arrangement in at least one of two different orientations and / or configurations described by the gesture; - at least one of two different locations of the container placed on the container placement arrangement, and - A portion of the edible substance is located at at least one of two different positions relative to the portion entering the passage.

8. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The input device is adapted to generate input that triggers non-manual movement of the container placement arrangement upon capturing at least one of the following gestures: -At least around the proximal side of the access arrangement near the container, and - Place the container on the container placement arrangement.

9. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The input device is adapted to generate input that triggers non-manual movement of the container placement arrangement upon capturing at least one of the following gestures: -At least around the proximal side of the access arrangement near the container, and - Place the container in the previously defined position of at least a portion of the container.

10. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least a portion of the input device is associated with multiple external input locations on the housing of the device and is oriented visually along at least a portion of the proximal periphery, and is adapted to enable isolated or collective capture of remote interactions, the remote interactions being at least one of the following: presence in at least a portion of the proximal periphery, duration of presence, trajectory, relative distance, or At least a portion of the input device is associated with at least one external input surface of the housing of the device, the external input surface including a plurality of different adjacent locations for input captured by pressureless touch, wherein the input device is disposed below the external surface as a mutual capacitance sensor or the like, not in the form of a button or the like, and is configured to be invisible or imperceptible on the exterior of the device.

11. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The remote interaction is at least one of the following: presence, duration of presence, trajectory, and relative distance in a respective input space associated with at least one of the top and front regions of the device.

12. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The remote interaction is at least one of the following: presence in the respective input space associated with the access arrangement, duration of presence, trajectory, and relative distance.

13. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The input device is adapted to distinguish between at least one of the following: the approach and placement of a portion of edible material and a container relative to a portion of the device, including approach and placement to an access arrangement relative to at least one of the following, and is further adapted to generate inputs: respective first initial positions and second positions, and The input device is adapted to automatically detect at least one of the following: - Proximity of the container relative to the access arrangement and / or the container placement arrangement; - The placement of the container on the container placement arrangement.

14. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The input device is operatively associated with at least one of the following: - The container placement arrangement is adapted to enable movement from the initial position. - The access arrangement is adapted to enable movement from the closed position; - A portion of the housing of the device that is near a portion of the same side of the device as at least one of the following: container placement arrangement and access arrangement; - The control device is adapted to include controlling the operation of the device based on the capture of code associated with said portion of the edible substance.

15. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The input device is adapted to capture input gestures associated with at least one of the following: optical interaction, electromagnetic interaction, magnetic interaction, capacitive interaction by means of touch with a force not greater than the weight of the object being interacted with, and the proximal periphery and housing associated with the device.

16. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The input device is adapted to capture input gestures associated with at least one of the following: image capture, electromagnetic interaction via infrared light, magnetic interaction, capacitive interaction by means of touch with a force not greater than the weight of the interactive object, and the proximal periphery and housing associated with the access arrangement, wherein the interactive object includes a finger.

17. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The input device is adapted to capture input gestures associated with at least one of the following: image capture, electromagnetic interaction via infrared light, magnetic interaction, capacitive interaction by means of touch with a force not greater than the weight of the interactive object, and the input surface of the input space and housing associated with the access arrangement, wherein the interactive object includes a finger.

18. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least a portion of the container placement arrangement is adapted to enable non-manual movement via electromechanical means, including at least one of the following: -At least from the corresponding closed position to the open position, and vice versa. - From the initial placement position of the container to its holding position, and vice versa. At least one of the movements is triggered by and based on input captured by the input device.

19. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least a portion of the access arrangement is adapted to enable non-manual movement via electromechanical means, including at least one of the following: -From the closed position to the open position -From open position to closed position At least one of the movements is triggered by and based on input captured by the input device.

20. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The device is adapted such that at least a portion of the access arrangement can be further automatically actuated based on at least one of the following: - Detect the presence of an object on the device; - Count the previously defined time periods in the absence of capturing the non-contact, tactile, or detection input.

21. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The device is adapted such that the container placement arrangement can be further automatically actuated based on at least one of the following: - Detect the presence of the container in the container placement arrangement; - Count the previously defined time periods in the absence of capturing the non-contact, tactile, or detection input.

22. A method for preparing an edible product, the method comprising a preparation cycle of the edible product, the edible product comprising a beverage, the method comprising the following steps: - Manually or automatically supplying a portion of the edible material to the product preparation device, and - Place the containers manually or automatically on the container placement arrangement so that edible products can be collected from the product discharge port; The preparation cycle of edible products is characterized by including the following steps: - Perform at least one input gesture in at least one of the following: a portion of the proximal periphery of the device and a portion of the housing of the device; - Capture input gestures using an input device; - Provide operational input to the control device based on the captured input gesture, thereby triggering the corresponding operation of the device in the preparation cycle of edible products; - After the input device captures the input gesture, and based on the input gesture captured by the input device, a preparation cycle for the edible product is executed. This ensures that the preparation cycle of edible products does not require force applied by the user in any part of the device and does not include touching an explicit or visible user interface. Wherein, the input gesture captured by the input device only triggers the actuation of the opening movement from the closed position, and the actuation of the closing movement from the open position can be triggered by at least one of the following: -Pre-defined operating events for the device, including detecting the presence of at least one of the following: a portion of edible substance and a container being in an operational state within the device, or other indications of a corresponding operational state. - Automatic counting of a previously defined time period following a previously defined operation event of the device, wherein the automatic counting includes automatic counting of time periods in the absence of other inputs captured by the input device.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, At least a portion of the operations in the edible product preparation cycle can be automatically triggered after and according to at least one of the following: - Capture at least one of the following: characteristics of the object associated with at least one of the following, spatial characteristics of the manipulation, and events: the portion of the edible substance and the container, -Count the previously defined time period, whether or not any characteristics, dimensions, or events are captured, until the counting of that time period ends. This eliminates the need for users to force more than two input gestures associated with the device during the preparation cycle of edible products.

24. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, All steps in the preparation cycle of edible products can be automatically triggered after and according to at least one of the following: - Capture at least one of the following: characteristics of the object associated with at least one of the following, spatial characteristics of the manipulation, and events: the portion of the edible substance and the container, -Count the previously defined time period, whether or not any characteristics, dimensions, or events are captured, until the counting of that time period ends. This eliminates the need for users to force more than one input gesture associated with the device during the preparation cycle of edible products.

25. The method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that, The input gesture includes at least one of the following: - Approach gestures without touch by a free hand around at least a portion of the housing of the device; - Touch gestures, said touch gestures being associated with at least one of the device’s housing and access arrangement; - Gestures that approach the container from the vicinity of the device; - A gesture for placing a container on the container placement arrangement; Furthermore, the input gestures do not include touch gestures on the user interface of the device's button type or similar.

26. The method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that, The input gesture includes at least one of the following: - Approach gestures without touch via free hand in the access layout's three-dimensional input space; - Touch gestures with a finger on an input surface, wherein the touch gestures are associated with at least one of the device housing and access arrangement; - Gestures that approach the container from at least a portion of the proximal side of the access arrangement; - A gesture for placing a container on the container placement arrangement; Furthermore, the input gestures do not include touch gestures on the user interface of the device's button type or similar.

27. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that, The gestures in the proximal periphery include at least one of the following: - A gesture in at least one of a single direction and a single plane; - A series of gestures along at least one of the following: at least a first direction and a second direction, and at least a first plane and a second plane. and Touch gestures on at least a portion of the access arrangement include at least one of the following: - At least one of the following: pinpoint touch at any location in multiple locations and a series of pinpoint touches, and - Successive touches on multiple adjacent points, thereby describing at least one of the orientation and configuration, and Apply a touch in at least one of the following: in a direction similar to the desired direction of movement, or in a direction different from the desired direction of movement.

28. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that, The input gesture triggers at least one of the following steps: - Change the operating state of the device from "standby" to "ready"; -Automatically verify the readiness of the availability of the fluids used to prepare edible products and the operational status of the operating devices of the equipment; - Open and move at least a portion of the access arrangement, thereby providing access to at least one of the container placement arrangement and the portion of the access channel; - Open the movable product preparation device; Of these, at least two of the aforementioned steps are performed sequentially in an automatic manner.

29. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that, The method further includes at least one of the following steps: - Place the container on the container placement arrangement; - Detect the presence of the container in the container placement arrangement; - Capture the characteristics associated with the container, the characteristics including at least one of the following: characteristic size and code-like marker; - Maintain movement to keep the container in the container placement arrangement; - Manipulate the container to move from a first placement position to a second placement position on the container placement arrangement by rotation; - Confirm that the container is properly held in the container placement arrangement; - Detection of supplying a portion of edible material to the product preparation apparatus in at least one of the following cases: through a portion of the inlet channel, directly upstream and downstream of the product preparation apparatus; - Detect the presence of a portion of the edible substance in at least one of the following: near a portion of the inlet channel and inside the product preparation apparatus; - Capture data associated with a portion of the edible substance and provide the data to the control device; Wherein, at least one of the aforementioned steps is automatically followed by at least one of the following: - Automatically select preparation parameters for edible products based on captured data; - Close the movement of at least a portion of the access arrangement; - Initiate fluid circulation to prepare an edible product and discharge the edible product into the container.

30. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that, The opening movement of the access arrangement associated with a portion of the access channel is performed after at least one of the following steps: - Detect the presence of the container in the container placement arrangement; - Confirm that the container is held in the container placement arrangement.

31. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that, Input-triggered actions on each component of the access arrangement include an opening movement driven by an electromechanical device, the opening movement being associated with the corresponding access component and autonomously associated with another access component.

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