Beverage manufacturing apparatus and display method

Abstract

Provided is a coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus capable of deepening the understanding of a product or conveying the appeal of a product during the manufacturing of a coffee beverage. The coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus is provided with a display apparatus capable of displaying data selected from a data group including at least any one of moving image data and image data during the manufacturing of a coffee beverage, the coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus characterized in that the data group contains first data and second data, the first data being easier to display than the second data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Various coffee extraction devices are known (e.g., Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-30433 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] In beverage manufacturing apparatuses, the waiting period before the coffee beverage is ready can be tedious. The purpose of this invention is to provide a coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus that enhances understanding of the product or conveys its appeal during the beverage manufacturing process.

[0008] Solution for solving the problem

[0009] The extraction device for achieving the above-mentioned objective is a coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus, comprising a display device capable of displaying data selected from a data set including at least one type of data, namely motion image data and image data, during the manufacturing of the coffee beverage. The coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus is characterized in that...

[0010] The data group contains first data and second data.

[0011] The first data is easier to display than the second data.

[0012] This coffee beverage making device can be configured to allow more people to see data that enhances their understanding of the product or conveys its appeal.

[0013] Alternatively, the aforementioned coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus can also be,

[0014] The display device can switch the currently displayed data to other data in the data group based on the user's actions during the coffee beverage making process.

[0015] This coffee beverage making device allows users to switch the displayed content, making it less likely for them to get bored during the beverage making process.

[0016] Alternatively, the aforementioned coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus can also be,

[0017] The display device notifies the user to switch to the first data while displaying the second data.

[0018] This coffee beverage making device can be set to a state where the first data is easily displayed through user operation.

[0019] Alternatively, the aforementioned coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus can also be,

[0020] If, during the production of a coffee beverage, the display device switches from displaying the first data to displaying the second data, and the second data is displayed when the production of the coffee beverage is completed, the display device will display the first data at the start of the next production of the coffee beverage.

[0021] This coffee beverage manufacturing device allows for more opportunities to display primary data.

[0022] Alternatively, the aforementioned coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus can also be,

[0023] It is possible to set one or more data in the data group as the first data.

[0024] This coffee beverage manufacturing device can use a wide variety of data as primary data, thus enabling it to convey more information about the product.

[0025] Alternatively, the aforementioned coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus can also be,

[0026] It can store the display time of each data item in the data group.

[0027] This coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus can provide useful information when researching product sales strategies. Alternatively, the aforementioned coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus could also be...

[0028] Information related to the data being displayed by the display device is sent to an external device.

[0029] This coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus allows for the collection of useful information when researching product sales strategies. Alternatively, the aforementioned coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus could also be...

[0030] The data set contains data that describes the manufacturing process of coffee beverages.

[0031] This coffee beverage manufacturing device allows for a deeper understanding of the coffee beverage manufacturing process.

[0032] Alternatively, the aforementioned coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus can also be,

[0033] The data set contains data on the creators of coffee beverage recipes.

[0034] This coffee beverage making device allows for a deeper understanding of the recipe maker.

[0035] Alternatively, the aforementioned coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus can also be,

[0036] The data set contains data describing the coffee beans used in coffee beverages.

[0037] This coffee beverage making device allows for a deeper understanding of coffee beans.

[0038] Alternatively, the aforementioned coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus can also be,

[0039] The display device can switch the currently displayed data to other data in the data group according to the progress of the coffee beverage manufacturing process.

[0040] This coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus allows the use of appropriate data corresponding to the manufacturing process.

[0041] Alternatively, it could be a coffee beverage making system equipped with an external device capable of communicating with the coffee beverage making apparatus.

[0042] The effects of the invention

[0043] According to the present invention, a coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus is provided that can enhance understanding of the product or convey the product's appeal during the manufacturing process. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Figure 1 This is an exterior view of a beverage manufacturing apparatus.

[0045] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial front view of the beverage manufacturing apparatus.

[0046] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the functions of a beverage manufacturing apparatus.

[0047] Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the separation device.

[0048] Figure 5 This is a 3D view of the drive unit and the extraction container.

[0049] Figure 6 It means Figure 5 A diagram showing the closed and open states of the extraction container.

[0050] Figure 7 It is a front view showing a portion of the structure of the upper and lower units.

[0051] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The longitudinal sectional view.

[0052] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the middle unit.

[0053] Figure 10 yes Figure 1 A block diagram of the control device for a beverage manufacturing apparatus.

[0054] Figure 11 (A) and (B) are flowcharts representing control examples executed by the control device.

[0055] Figure 12 This is a flowchart showing the processing during the production of coffee beverages.

[0056] Figure 13 This is a flowchart showing the processing during the production of coffee beverages.

[0057] Figure 14 This is an image showing the scene displayed before the coffee beverage manufacturing process begins.

[0058] Figure 15 This is an image showing a scene displayed during the preparation of a coffee beverage.

[0059] Figure 16 This is an image showing a scene displayed during the preparation of a coffee beverage.

[0060] Figure 17 This is an image showing a scene displayed during the preparation of a coffee beverage.

[0061] Figure 18 This is a diagram showing the screen displayed during the preparation of a coffee beverage, as well as the screen for accepting image selections.

[0062] Figure 19 This is a diagram of an example of a table representing a pattern of images in the manufacturing process.

[0063] Figure 20 This is an example of a diagram showing when specific data is displayed during the production of a coffee beverage.

[0064] Figure 21 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the storage of data displayed during the production of a coffee beverage, including display time and number of switching events.

[0065] Figure 22 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a guide display used to direct the viewer to a state that displays specific data. Detailed Implementation

[0066] The embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the following embodiments do not limit the invention as defined in the claims, and not all combinations of the features described in the embodiments are necessary for the invention. Any combination of two or more features described in the embodiments may be used. Additionally, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same or identical structures, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0067] <1. Overview of Beverage Manufacturing Equipment>

[0068] Figure 1 This is an external view of the beverage making apparatus 1. The beverage making apparatus 1 of this embodiment is a device that automatically makes coffee beverages using roasted coffee beans and liquid (in this case, water), producing one cup of coffee beverage per cycle. The roasted coffee beans, used as raw material, can be stored in a container 40. A cup-holding section 110 is provided at the lower part of the beverage making apparatus 1, and the produced coffee beverage is injected into the cup from the injection section 10c.

[0069] The beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 includes a housing 100 that forms the outer casing of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 and surrounds the internal mechanisms. The housing 100 is generally divided into a main body 101 and a cover 102, which covers a portion of the front and a portion of the side of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1. An information display device 12 is provided on the cover 102. In this embodiment, the information display device 12 is a touch panel type display that, in addition to displaying various information, can also accept input from the apparatus manager or beverage consumers. The information display device 12 is mounted on the cover 102 by means of a moving mechanism 12a, which allows it to move within a constant range in the vertical direction.

[0070] The cover 102 is also provided with a bean inlet 103 and a door 103a for opening and closing the bean inlet 103. The door 103 can be opened to feed roasted coffee beans that are different from those contained in the container 40 into the bean inlet 103. Thus, a special cup can be provided to the beverage customer.

[0071] In this embodiment, the cover 102 is formed of a light-transmitting material such as acrylic or glass, constituting a transparent cover that is entirely transparent. Therefore, the mechanism inside the cover 102, which is covered by the cover 102, can be visually identified from the outside. In this embodiment, a part of the coffee beverage manufacturing unit can be visually identified through the cover 102. In this embodiment, the main body 101 is entirely non-transparent, making it difficult to visually identify its interior from the outside.

[0072] Figure 2This is a partial front view of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1, showing a portion of the manufacturing section that is visually recognizable to the user from the front view of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1. The cover 102 and the information display device 12 are illustrated with dashed lines.

[0073] The outer casing 100 of the front part of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 has a double-layer structure of a main body 101 and a cover 102 on its outer side (front side). A part of the manufacturing unit is arranged between the main body 101 and the cover 102 in the front-back direction, and the user can visually identify it through the cover 102.

[0074] In this embodiment, the parts of the manufacturing unit that the user can visually identify through the cover 102 include the collection and conveying unit 42, grinding machines 5A and 5B, separation device 6, extraction container 9, etc., which will be described later. A rectangular recess 101a is formed on the front side of the main body 101, and the extraction container 9 and the like are located on the inner side of the recess 101a.

[0075] By being able to visually identify these mechanisms through the cover 102, inspections and action confirmations become easier for managers. Additionally, beverage consumers can sometimes enjoy the process of coffee beverage preparation.

[0076] Furthermore, the cover 102 is supported on the main body 101 at its right end by means of a hinge 102a, allowing it to open and close freely in a horizontal manner. A locking part 102b is provided at the left end of the cover 102 to maintain the main body 101 and the cover 102 in a closed state. The locking part 102b is, for example, a combination of a magnet and iron. The manager can inspect a portion of the aforementioned manufacturing parts inside the cover 102 by opening the cover 102.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cover 102 is designed to open horizontally, but it can also be designed to open vertically (open vertically) or be designed to slide. Alternatively, the cover 102 can be designed to be unable to open or close.

[0078] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the functions of beverage manufacturing apparatus 1. Beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 includes a bean processing unit 2 and an extraction unit 3 as the coffee beverage manufacturing section.

[0079] The bean processing unit 2 uses roasted coffee beans to produce ground coffee. The extraction unit 3 extracts coffee liquid from the ground coffee supplied by the bean processing unit 2. The extraction unit 3 includes a fluid supply unit 7, a drive unit 8 (described later), an extraction container 9, and a switching unit 10. The ground coffee supplied from the bean processing unit 2 is fed into the extraction container 9. The fluid supply unit 7 adds hot water to the extraction container 9. Coffee liquid is extracted from the ground coffee in the extraction container 9. The hot water containing the extracted coffee liquid is then dispensed as a coffee beverage into a cup C via the switching unit 10.

[0080] <2. Fluid Supply Unit and Switching Unit>

[0081] Reference Figure 3 The structure of the fluid supply unit 7 and the switching unit 10 will be explained below. First, the fluid supply unit 7 will be explained. The fluid supply unit 7 supplies hot water to the extraction container 9 and controls the air pressure inside the extraction container 9. In addition, in this specification, when air pressure is exemplified by numbers, unless otherwise specified, it refers to absolute pressure, and gauge pressure refers to the air pressure when atmospheric pressure is set to 0. Atmospheric pressure refers to the air pressure around the extraction container 9 or the air pressure of the beverage manufacturing device, for example, when the beverage manufacturing device is set at an altitude of 0m, forming the reference air pressure (1013.25 hPa) at an altitude of 0m as defined by the International Standard Atmosphere (ISA) established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in 1976.

[0082] The fluid supply unit 7 includes piping L1 to L3. Piping L1 is for air circulation, piping L2 is for water circulation, and piping L3 is for both air and water circulation.

[0083] The fluid supply unit 7 includes a compressor 70 as a pressurization source. The compressor 70 compresses atmospheric air and delivers it. For example, the compressor 70 is driven by a motor (not shown). The compressed air delivered from the compressor 70 is supplied to the air tank (air reservoir) 71 via a check valve 71a. The air pressure in the air tank 71 is monitored by a pressure sensor 71b, which drives the compressor 70 to maintain a specified air pressure (7 bar in this embodiment (6 bar if it is gauge pressure)). A drain pipe 71c is provided in the air tank 71 to drain water generated by the compression of air.

[0084] Hot water (water) for making coffee beverages is stored in water tank 72. Water tank 72 is equipped with a heater 72a for heating the water and a temperature sensor 72b for measuring the water temperature. Based on the temperature sensor 72b's reading, heater 72a maintains the temperature of the stored hot water at a predetermined temperature (120 degrees Celsius in this embodiment). For example, heater 72a is turned on (ON) when the hot water temperature is 118 degrees Celsius and turned off (OFF) when the hot water temperature is 120 degrees Celsius.

[0085] A water level sensor 72c is also installed in the water tank 72. The water level sensor 72c detects the water level of the hot water in the water tank 72. When the water level sensor 72c detects that the water level has dropped below a predetermined level, water is supplied to the water tank 72. In this embodiment, water is supplied via a water purifier (not shown). A solenoid valve 72d is installed midway through the piping L2 from the water purifier. When the water level sensor 72c detects a drop in the water level, the solenoid valve 72d is opened to supply water, and when the predetermined water level is reached, the solenoid valve 72d is closed to cut off the water supply. In this way, the hot water in the water tank 72 is maintained at a constant water level. Alternatively, water can be supplied to the water tank 72 each time hot water used to make a coffee beverage is discharged.

[0086] A pressure sensor 72g is also provided in the water tank 72. The pressure sensor 72g detects the air pressure inside the water tank 72. The air pressure in the air storage tank 71 is supplied to the water tank 72 via a pressure regulating valve 72e and a solenoid valve 72f. The pressure regulating valve 72e reduces the air pressure supplied from the air storage tank 71 to a predetermined air pressure. In this embodiment, the pressure is reduced to 3 atmospheres (2 atmospheres if it is gauge pressure). The solenoid valve 72f switches between supplying and cutting off the air pressure regulated by the pressure regulating valve 72e to the water tank 72. The solenoid valve 72f is controlled to open and close in such a way that the air pressure inside the water tank 72 is maintained at 3 atmospheres, except when water is supplied to the water tank 72. When water is supplied to the water tank 72, in order to smoothly replenish the water tank 72 using the water pressure, the air pressure inside the water tank 72 is reduced to a pressure lower than the water pressure (e.g., less than 2.5 atmospheres) using the solenoid valve 72h. The solenoid valve 72h switches whether to release water from tank 72 to the atmosphere. When the pressure is reduced, it releases water from tank 72 to the atmosphere. In addition, when water is supplied to tank 72, the solenoid valve 72h also releases water from tank 72 to the atmosphere when the air pressure inside tank 72 exceeds 3 atmospheres, thereby maintaining the air pressure inside tank 72 at 3 atmospheres.

[0087] Hot water in tank 72 is supplied to extraction container 9 via check valve 72j, solenoid valve 72i, and piping L3. Hot water is supplied to extraction container 9 by opening solenoid valve 72i and cut off by closing solenoid valve 72i. The amount of hot water supplied to extraction container 9 can be managed by the opening time of solenoid valve 72i. However, the opening and closing of solenoid valve 72i can also be controlled by measuring the supply amount. A temperature sensor 73e is installed on piping L3 to monitor the temperature of the hot water supplied to extraction container 9. Gas pressure from storage tank 71 is also supplied to extraction container 9 via pressure regulating valve 73a and solenoid valve 73b. Pressure regulating valve 73a reduces the gas pressure supplied from storage tank 71 to a predetermined pressure. In this embodiment, the pressure can be reduced to 5 atmospheres (4 atmospheres if gauge pressure is used). Solenoid valve 73b switches between supplying and cutting off the gas pressure regulated by pressure regulating valve 73a to extraction container 9. The air pressure inside the extraction container 9 is detected by pressure sensor 73d. When pressurizing the extraction container 9, the solenoid valve 73b is opened based on the detection result of pressure sensor 73d to pressurize the extraction container 9 to a specified air pressure (in this embodiment, the maximum is 5 atmospheres (4 atmospheres if it is gauge pressure)). The air pressure inside the extraction container 9 can be depressurized by solenoid valve 73c. ​​Solenoid valve 73c switches whether to release the air from the extraction container 9 to the atmosphere, and releases the air from the extraction container 9 to the atmosphere when the pressure is abnormal (for example, when the pressure inside the extraction container 9 exceeds 5 atmospheres). When the production of a coffee beverage is finished, in this embodiment, the extraction container 9 is cleaned with water. Solenoid valve 73f is opened during cleaning to supply water to the extraction container 9.

[0088] Next, the switching unit 10 will be described. The switching unit 10 is a unit that switches the destination of the liquid dispensed from the extraction container 9 to either the injection section 10c or the waste container T. The switching unit 10 includes a switching valve 10a and a motor 10b that drives the switching valve 10a. When coffee beverage is to be dispensed from the extraction container 9, the switching valve 10a switches the flow path to the injection section 10c. The coffee beverage is then injected from the injection section 10c into the cup C. When waste liquid (water) and residue (ground beans) from cleaning are to be discharged, the flow path is switched to the waste container T. In this embodiment, the switching valve 10a is a three-port ball valve. Since residue passes through the switching valve 10a during cleaning, the switching valve 10a is preferably a ball valve, and the motor 10b rotates its shaft, thereby switching the flow path.

[0089] <3. Bean Processing Device>

[0090] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 Let me describe the bean processing device 2. The bean processing device 2 includes a storage device 4 and a crushing device 5.

[0091] <3-1. Storage Device>

[0092] The storage device 4 includes multiple containers 40 for holding roasted coffee beans. In this embodiment, three containers 40 are provided. Each container 40 includes a cylindrical body 40a for holding roasted coffee beans and a handle 40b provided on the body 40a. The containers 40 are configured to be easily loaded and unloaded from the beverage making device 1. Alternatively, each container 40 may hold different types of roasted coffee beans, and the type of roasted coffee beans used for making the coffee beverage can be selected by inputting an operation input to the information display device 12. Different types of roasted coffee beans may refer to roasted coffee beans of different varieties. Alternatively, different types of roasted coffee beans may refer to roasted coffee beans of the same variety but with different roasting levels. Alternatively, different types of roasted coffee beans may refer to roasted coffee beans of both different varieties and different roasting levels. Alternatively, roasted coffee beans obtained by mixing multiple varieties of roasted coffee beans may be held in at least one of the three containers 40. In this case, the roasting level of each variety of roasted coffee beans may also be the same.

[0093] Furthermore, in this embodiment, multiple cans 40 are provided, but it is also possible to configure it to have only one can 40. In addition, when multiple cans 40 are provided, the same type of roasted coffee beans can be contained in all or multiple cans 40.

[0094] Each canister 40 is mounted on a metering and conveying device 41 in a detachable manner. The metering and conveying device 41 is, for example, an electric screw conveyor, which automatically measures the prescribed amount of roasted coffee beans contained in the canister 40 and sends it downstream.

[0095] Each metering conveyor 41 discharges roasted coffee beans to a downstream collection conveyor section 42. The collection conveyor section 42 is constructed of hollow components, forming a conveying path for transporting roasted coffee beans from each conveyor 41 to the grinding device 5 (particularly the grinder 5A). The roasted coffee beans discharged from each metering conveyor 41 move within the collection conveyor section 42 by their own weight and fall into the grinding device 5.

[0096] In the collection and conveying unit 42, a guide section 42a is formed at a position corresponding to the bean inlet 103. The guide section 42a forms a passage that guides the roasted coffee beans fed from the bean inlet 103 to the grinding device 5 (specifically the grinder 5A). As a result, it is possible to produce coffee beverages that use roasted coffee beans fed from the bean inlet 103 as raw materials in addition to those contained in the container 40.

[0097] <3-2. Crushing Device>

[0098] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 Let me explain the crushing device 5. Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the separating device 6. The grinding device 5 includes grinders 5A and 5B and the separating device 6. Grinders 5A and 5B are mechanisms for grinding roasted coffee beans supplied from the storage device 4. After being ground by grinder 5A, the roasted coffee beans supplied from the storage device 4 are further ground into powder by grinder 5B and then fed into the extraction container 9 through the discharge pipe 5C.

[0099] Grinders 5A and 5B grind coffee beans to different particle sizes. Grinder 5A is for coarse grinding, while grinder 5B is for fine grinding. Both grinders 5A and 5B are electric grinders, including a motor as the drive source and rotating blades driven by the motor. The size (particle size) of the roasted coffee beans can be changed by altering the rotation speed of the rotating blades.

[0100] The separation device 6 is a mechanism for separating impurities from ground beans. The separation device 6 includes a passageway 63a disposed between grinders 5A and 5B. The passageway 63a is a hollow body forming a separation chamber through which ground beans falling freely from grinder 5A pass. A passageway 63b extending in a direction intersecting the direction of passage of the ground beans (vertical in this embodiment, horizontal in this embodiment) is connected to the passageway 63a, and a suction unit 60 is connected to the passageway 63b. The suction unit 60 draws air from the passageway 63a, thereby drawing in lightweight objects such as rice husks and fine powder. Thus, impurities can be separated from the ground beans.

[0101] The suction unit 60 is a centrifugal separation mechanism. The suction unit 60 includes an air supply unit 60A and a recovery container 60B. In this embodiment, the air supply unit 60A is a fan motor that discharges air from the recovery container 60B upwards.

[0102] The recycling container 60B includes a detachably engaging upper portion 61 and a lower portion 62. The lower portion 62 is a bottomed cylindrical shape open at the top, forming a space for accumulating impurities. The upper portion 61 forms a cover that fits onto the opening to the lower portion 62. The upper portion 61 includes a cylindrical outer peripheral wall 61a and an exhaust pipe 61b formed coaxially with the outer peripheral wall 61a. An air supply unit 60A is fixed to the upper portion 61 above the exhaust pipe 61b to draw air from inside the exhaust pipe 61b. A passage portion 63b is connected to the upper portion 61. The passage portion 63b opens to the side of the exhaust pipe 61b. Driven by the air supply unit 60A, air is generated in... Figure 4The airflow is indicated by arrows d1 to d3. This airflow draws air containing impurities from passage 63a through passage 63b into the recovery container 60B. Because passage 63b opens laterally into exhaust stack 61b, the air containing impurities swirls around exhaust stack 61b. Impurities D in the air fall due to their weight and accumulate in a portion of the recovery container 60B (accumulating on the bottom surface of the lower part 62). The air is then discharged upwards through the interior of exhaust stack 61b.

[0103] Multiple fins 61d are integrally formed on the circumferential surface of the exhaust pipe 61b. The multiple fins 61d are arranged circumferentially along the exhaust pipe 61b. Each fin 61d is inclined obliquely relative to the axial direction of the exhaust pipe 61b. By arranging such fins 61d, the air containing impurities D is promoted to swirl around the exhaust pipe 61b.

[0104] In this embodiment, the lower part 62 is formed of a light-transmitting material such as acrylic or glass, constituting a transparent container whose entire structure is a translucent portion. Furthermore, the lower part 62 is the portion covered by the cover part 102. Figure 2 Managers and beverage consumers can visually identify the impurities D accumulated in the lower part 62 through the perimeter walls of the cover 102 and the lower part 62. For managers, it is sometimes easy to determine when to clean the lower part 62, and for beverage consumers, being able to visually identify that impurities D are being removed increases their anticipation for the quality of the coffee beverage being manufactured.

[0105] Thus, in this embodiment, the roasted coffee beans supplied from the storage device 4 are first coarsely ground by the grinder 5A. As the coarsely ground beans pass through the passage section 63a, impurities are separated by the separator 6. The coarsely ground beans, after impurities have been separated, are then finely ground by the grinder 5B. The impurities separated by the separator 6 are represented by rice husks and fine powder. These impurities can sometimes deteriorate the taste of coffee beverages; by removing rice husks and the like from the ground beans, the quality of the coffee beverage can be improved.

[0106] The grinding of roasted coffee beans can also be done with a single grinder (one-stage grinding). However, by using two grinders 5A and 5B in a two-stage grinding process, as in this embodiment, it is easier to ensure that the particle size of the ground beans is consistent, and the extraction level of the coffee liquor is kept constant. During the grinding process, heat is sometimes generated due to the friction between the blades and the beans. By setting the grinding process to two stages, the heat generated by friction during grinding can be suppressed, preventing the deterioration of the ground beans (e.g., flavor degradation).

[0107] Furthermore, by employing stages of coarse grinding → impurity separation → fine grinding, the quality difference between impurities such as husks and ground beans (the desired portion) can be significantly increased when separating them. This improves the efficiency of impurity separation and prevents the ground beans (the desired portion) from being separated as impurities. Additionally, the impurity separation process, which utilizes air suction, occurs between the coarse and fine grinding stages, thereby suppressing heat generation from the ground beans through air cooling.

[0108] <4. Drive Unit and Extraction Container>

[0109] <4-1. Summary>

[0110] Reference Figure 5 To illustrate the drive unit 8 and extraction container 9 of the extraction device 3. Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the drive unit 8 and the extraction container 9. Most of the drive unit 8 is surrounded by the main body 101.

[0111] The drive unit 8 is supported by a frame F. The frame F includes upper and lower beams F1 and F2, and a column F3 supporting the beams F1 and F2. The drive unit 8 is roughly divided into three units: an upper unit 8A, a middle unit 8B, and a lower unit 8C. The upper unit 8A is supported by beam F1. The middle unit 8B is supported between beams F1 and F2 by beam F1 and column F3. The lower unit 8C is supported by beam F2.

[0112] The extraction container 9 is a chamber comprising a container body 90 and a cap unit 91. The extraction container 9 is sometimes referred to as a chamber. The central unit 8B includes an arm member 820 that holds the container body 90 in a flexible manner. The arm member 820 includes a holding member 820a and a pair of left and right separated shaft members 820b. The holding member 820a is a C-shaped clip-like elastic member such as resin, which holds the container body 90 by its elastic force. The holding member 820a holds the left and right sides of the container body 90, exposing the front side of the container body 90. This allows for easy visual identification of the interior of the container body 90 from a frontal view.

[0113] The container body 90 is attached to and detached from the retaining member 820a by manual operation. The container body 90 is attached to the retaining member 820a by pressing the container body 90 backward in the rearward direction. Alternatively, the container body 90 can be separated from the retaining member 820a by pulling it out forward in the rearward direction.

[0114] A pair of shaft members 820b are rods extending in the front-rear direction and serve as supports for the retaining member 820a. In this embodiment, two shaft members 820b are used, but one or more may also be used. The retaining member 820a is fixed to the front end of the pair of shaft members 820b. Through the mechanism described later, the pair of shaft members 820b are moved forward and backward in the front-rear direction, thereby enabling the retaining member 820a to move forward and backward, thus performing a movement that allows the container body 90 to move parallel in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, as described later, the central unit 8B can also perform a rotational movement that reverses the vertical rotation of the extraction container 9.

[0115] <4-2. Extraction Container>

[0116] Reference Figure 6 Let's explain the extraction container 9. Figure 6 This diagram shows the closed and open states of the extraction container 9. As described above, the extraction container 9 is reversed vertically via the central unit 8B. Figure 6 The extraction container 9 is shown in its basic position with the cap unit 91 on the upper side. Unless otherwise specified, the description of the vertical positional relationship in the following description refers to the vertical positional relationship in the basic position. The container body 90 is a bottomed container with a bottle shape having a neck 90b, a shoulder 90d, a body 90e, and a bottom 90f. A flange 90c is formed at the end of the neck 90b (the upper end of the container body 90), which defines an opening 90a communicating with the internal space of the container body 90.

[0117] Both the neck 90b and the torso 90e are cylindrical. The shoulder 90d is the part between the neck 90b and the torso 90e, and is conical in shape, with the cross-sectional area of ​​its internal space gradually decreasing from the torso 90e side to the neck 90b side.

[0118] The cover unit 91 is a unit that opens and closes the opening 90a. The opening and closing action (lifting action) of the cover unit 91 is performed by the upper unit 8A.

[0119] The container body 90 includes a main component 900 and a bottom component 901. The main component 900 is an open cylindrical component forming a neck 90b, a shoulder 90d, and a body 90e. The bottom component 901 is a component forming a bottom 90f, inserted into and fixed to the lower part of the main component 900. A sealing component 902 is sandwiched between the main component 900 and the bottom component 901 to improve the airtightness of the container body 90.

[0120] In this embodiment, the main component 900 is formed of a light-transmitting material such as acrylic or glass, constituting a transparent container with a transparent portion as its entirety. Managers and beverage consumers can visually identify the extraction status of the coffee beverage inside the container body 90 through the cover 102 and the main component 900 of the container body 90. For managers, this makes it easier to confirm the extraction process, and for beverage consumers, it allows them to observe the extraction process.

[0121] A protrusion 901c is provided at the center of the bottom component 901. This protrusion 901c has a communication hole that connects the inside of the container body 90 to the outside, and a valve for opening and closing this communication hole. Figure 8 (Valve 903). The connecting hole is used to drain waste liquid and residue during cleaning of the container body 90. A sealing member 908 is provided on the protrusion 901c, which is used to maintain an airtight connection between the upper unit 8A or the lower unit 8C and the bottom member 901.

[0122] The cover unit 91 includes a hat-shaped base member 911. The base member 911 has a protrusion 911d and a brim 911c that overlaps with the flange 90c when closed. The protrusion 911d has the same structure as the protrusion 901c in the container body 90, and a communication hole for communicating between the inside and outside of the container body 90, and a valve for opening and closing the communication hole, are provided in the protrusion 911d. Figure 8 (Valve 913). The connecting hole of the protrusion 911d is mainly used for injecting hot water into the container body 90 and dispensing coffee beverages. A sealing member 918a is provided on the protrusion 911d. The sealing member 918a is a member used to maintain an airtight seal between the upper unit 8A or the lower unit 8C and the base member 911. A sealing member 919 is also provided on the cover unit 91. The sealing member 919 improves the airtightness between the cover unit 91 and the container body 90 when the cover unit 91 is closed. A filter for filtration is maintained in the cover unit 91.

[0123] <4-3. Upper Unit and Lower Unit>

[0124] Reference Figure 7 , Figure 8 Let's explain the upper unit 8A and the lower unit 8C. Figure 7 This is a front view showing a portion of the structure of the upper unit 8A and the lower unit 8C. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The longitudinal sectional view.

[0125] The upper unit 8A includes an operating unit 81A. The operating unit 81A performs opening and closing operations (lifting and lowering) of the cover unit 91 relative to the container body 90, as well as opening and closing operations of the valves of the protrusions 901c and 911d. The operating unit 81A includes a support member 800, a holding member 801, a lifting shaft 802, and a probe 803.

[0126] The support member 800 is fixed in such a way that its relative position with respect to the frame F does not change, and the support member 800 houses the retaining member 801. The support member 800 also has a connecting portion 800a that connects the piping L3 to the inside of the support member 800. Hot water, water, and gas supplied from the piping L3 are introduced into the support member 800 through the connecting portion 800a.

[0127] The retaining member 801 is a component capable of detachably holding the cover unit 91. The retaining member 801 has a cylindrical space into which the protrusion 911d of the cover unit 91 or the protrusion 901c of the bottom member 901 is inserted, and it has a mechanism for detachably holding them. This mechanism is, for example, a retaining ring mechanism, which engages by a certain pressing force and disengages by a certain separating force. Hot water, water, and gas pressure supplied from the piping L3 can be supplied to the extraction container 9 through the connecting part 800a and the connecting hole 801a of the retaining member 801.

[0128] The retaining member 801 is configured as a movable member that slides freely in the vertical direction within the supporting member 800. The lifting shaft 802 is configured with its axis in the vertical direction. The lifting shaft 802 passes through the top of the supporting member 800 in the vertical direction and is configured to move freely up and down relative to the supporting member 800. The top of the retaining member 801 is fixed to the lower end of the lifting shaft 802. By raising and lowering the lifting shaft 802, the retaining member 801 slides in the vertical direction, thereby enabling the assembly and disassembly of the retaining member 801 relative to the protrusions 911d and 901c. In addition, the cover unit 91 can be opened and closed relative to the container body 90. A thread 802a constituting a lead screw mechanism is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lifting shaft 802. A nut 804b is screwed onto this thread 802a. The upper unit 8A includes a motor 804a, and the nut 804b rotates locally (without moving vertically) by the driving force of the motor 804a. The lifting shaft 802 is raised or lowered by rotating the nut 804b.

[0129] The lifting shaft 802 is a tubular shaft with a through hole in its central axis, into which the probe 803 is slidably inserted vertically. The probe 803 airtightly penetrates the top of the retaining member 801 in the vertical direction and is configured to move freely up and down relative to the supporting member 800 and the retaining member 801.

[0130] The probe 803 is an operating element for opening and closing valves 913 and 903 located inside the protrusions 911d and 901c. The probe 803 can change valves 913 and 903 from the closed state to the open state by descending, and change valves from the open state to the closed state by rising (based on the function of a return spring not shown).

[0131] A thread 803a constituting a lead screw mechanism is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the probe 803. A nut 805b is screwed onto this thread 803a. The upper unit 8A includes a motor 805a, and the nut 805b is configured to rotate locally (without moving up and down) by the driving force of the motor 805a. The probe 803 is raised and lowered by the rotation of the nut 805b.

[0132] The lower unit 8C includes an operation unit 81C. The operation unit 81C is a structure formed by reversing the operation unit 81A vertically, and performs opening and closing operations on the valves 913 and 903 provided inside the protrusions 911d and 901c. The operation unit 81C may also be configured to open and close the cover unit 91, but in this embodiment, the operation unit 81C is not used for opening and closing the cover unit 91.

[0133] The operation unit 81C will now be described in substantially the same manner as the operation unit 81A. The operation unit 81C includes a support member 810, a holding member 811, a lifting shaft 812, and a probe 813.

[0134] The support member 810 is fixed in such a way that its relative position with respect to the frame F does not change, and the support member 800 houses the retaining member 811. The support member 810 also has a connecting portion 810a that connects the switching valve 10a of the switching unit 10 to the inside of the support member 810. Coffee beverage, water, and ground bean residue in the container body 90 are introduced into the switching valve 10a through the connecting portion 810a.

[0135] The retaining member 811 has a cylindrical space into which the protrusion 911d of the cover unit 91 or the protrusion 901c of the bottom member 901 is inserted, and has a mechanism for holding them in a way that allows them to be easily attached and detached. This mechanism is, for example, a snap ring mechanism, which engages by a certain pressing force and disengages by a certain separating force. Coffee beverage, water, and ground bean residue inside the container body 90 are introduced into the switching valve 10a through the connecting part 810a and the connecting hole 811a of the retaining member 811.

[0136] The retaining member 811 is configured as a movable member that can slide freely in the vertical direction within the supporting member 810. The lifting shaft 812 is configured such that its axis is vertical. The lifting shaft 812 passes through the bottom of the supporting member 800 in the vertical direction and is configured to move freely vertically relative to the supporting member 810.

[0137] The bottom of the retaining member 811 is fixed at the lower end of the lifting shaft 812. The retaining member 811 slides in the vertical direction by the lifting shaft 812, thereby enabling the assembly and disassembly of the retaining member 811 relative to the protrusions 901c and 911d.

[0138] A thread 812a constituting a lead screw mechanism is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lifting shaft 812. A nut 814b is screwed onto this thread 812a. The lower unit 8C is equipped with a motor 814a, and the nut 814b rotates locally (without moving up or down) by the driving force of the motor 814a. The lifting shaft 812 is raised or lowered by the rotation of the nut 814b.

[0139] The lifting shaft 812 is a tubular shaft with a through hole in its central axis, into which the probe 813 is slidably inserted vertically. The probe 813 penetrates the bottom of the retaining member 811 in a vertical direction and is configured to move vertically relative to the supporting member 810 and the retaining member 811.

[0140] The probe 813 is an operating element for opening and closing valves 913 and 903 located inside the protrusions 911d and 901c. The probe 813 can change valves 913 and 903 from the closed state to the open state by rising, and change valves from the open state to the closed state by falling (based on the function of a return spring not shown).

[0141] A thread 813a constituting a lead screw mechanism is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the probe 813. A nut 815b is screwed onto this thread 813a. The lower unit 8C includes a motor 815a, and the nut 815b is configured to rotate in place (without moving up and down) by the driving force of the motor 815a. The probe 813 is raised and lowered by the rotation of the nut 815b.

[0142] <4-4. Middle Unit>

[0143] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 9 Let's explain the middle unit 8B. Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the central unit 8B. The central unit 8B includes a support unit 81B that supports the extraction container 9. In addition to the arm member 820 mentioned above, the support unit 81B also includes a unit body 81B' that supports the locking mechanism 821.

[0144] The locking mechanism 821 is a mechanism that maintains the cap unit 91 in a closed state relative to the container body 90. The locking mechanism 821 includes a pair of gripping members 821a that clamp the brim 911c of the cap unit 91 and the flange 90c of the container body 90 vertically. The pair of gripping members 821a have a C-shaped cross-section that clamps and engages the brim 911c and the flange 90c, and open and close in the left-right direction by the driving force of a motor 822. When the pair of gripping members 821a are in the closed state, as in… Figure 9As indicated by the solid lines in the circular diagram, each holding member 821a clamps and engages with the brim 911c and flange 90c from above and below, thus airtightly locking the cover unit 91 relative to the container body 90. In this locked state, even if the retaining member 801 is raised via the lifting shaft 802 to open the cover unit 91, the cover unit 91 will not move (the lock is not released). In other words, the locking force exerted by the locking mechanism 821 is set stronger than the force required to open the cover unit 91 using the retaining member 801. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cover unit 91 from being open relative to the container body 90 in case of an emergency.

[0145] Additionally, when the pair of gripping members 821a are in the open state, such as in Figure 9 As shown by the dashed lines in the circle diagram, each holding member 821a is separated from the brim 911c and the flange 90c, and the lock between the cover unit 91 and the container body 90 is released.

[0146] When the retaining member 801 is in the state of holding the cover unit 91 and when the retaining member 801 is rising from the lowered position to the raised position, the cover unit 91 separates from the container body 90 when the pair of holding members 821a are in the open state. Conversely, when the pair of holding members 821a are in the closed state, the retaining member 801 is released relative to the cover unit 91, and only the retaining member 801 rises.

[0147] The middle unit 8B also includes a mechanism that uses a motor 823 as a drive source to move the arm member 820 horizontally in the front-rear direction. This allows the container body 90, supported by the arm member 820, to move between a rear extraction position (state ST1) and a front bean-feeding position (state ST2). The bean-feeding position is where ground beans are fed into the container body 90. Ground beans, after being ground by the grinder 5B, are fed into the container body 90 through the discharge pipe 5C at the opening 90a of the container body 90 after the cap unit 91 has been separated. In other words, the discharge pipe 5C is located above the container body 90 in the bean-feeding position.

[0148] The extraction position is the location where the container body 90 can perform operations based on the operation units 81A and 81C, and it is located coaxially with probes 803 and 813. This is the position where coffee liquid is extracted. The extraction position is located further inward than the bean insertion position. Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 Both cases show the container body 90 in the extraction position. By positioning the container body 90 differently when adding ground coffee beans compared to when extracting coffee liquid and supplying water, it is possible to prevent the hot steam generated during coffee extraction from adhering to the discharge pipe 5C, which serves as the ground coffee bean supply section.

[0149] The middle unit 8B also includes a mechanism that uses a motor 824 as a drive source to rotate the support unit 81B about the axis 825 in the front-rear direction. This allows the posture of the container body 90 (extraction container 9) to change from an upright posture (state ST1) with the neck 90b at the top to an inverted posture (state ST3) with the neck 90b at the bottom. During the rotation of the extraction container 9, the locking mechanism 821 maintains the state of locking the cover unit 91 to the container body 90. The extraction container 9 is rotated vertically in both the upright and inverted postures. In the inverted posture, the protrusion 911d is located at the position of the protrusion 901c in the upright posture. Conversely, in the inverted posture, the protrusion 901c is located at the position of the protrusion 911d in the upright posture. Therefore, in the inverted posture, the operation unit 81A can perform the opening and closing operation of the valve 903, and the operation unit 81C can perform the opening and closing operation of the valve 913.

[0150] <5. Control Device>

[0151] Reference Figure 10 To explain the control device 11 of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1. Figure 10 This is a block diagram of the control device 11.

[0152] The control device 11 controls the beverage making apparatus 1 as a whole. The control device 11 includes a processing unit 11a, a storage unit 11b, and an I / F (interface) unit 11c. The processing unit 11a is, for example, a processor such as a CPU. The storage unit 11b is, for example, RAM or ROM. The I / F unit 11c includes an input / output interface for inputting and outputting signals between external devices and the processing unit 11a. The I / F unit 11c also includes a communication interface that enables data communication with a server 16 and a portable terminal 17 via a communication network 15 such as the Internet. The server 16 can communicate with the portable terminal 17, such as a smartphone, via the communication network 15, for example, receiving information such as beverage making reservations and feedback from beverage customers via the portable terminal 17. This constitutes a system for extracting coffee beverage liquid from a beverage extraction target, comprising the beverage making apparatus 1, the server 16, and the portable terminal 17. The processing unit 11a executes the program stored in the storage unit 11b, controlling the actuator group 14 based on instructions from the information display device 12, detection results from the sensor group 13, or instructions from the server 16. The sensor group 13 consists of various sensors installed in the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 (e.g., a hot water temperature sensor, a mechanism position detection sensor, a pressure sensor, etc.). The actuator group 14 consists of various actuators installed in the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 (e.g., motors, solenoid valves, heaters, etc.).

[0153] The beverage consumer (user) can set up a brief profile for beverage preparation on the portable terminal 17. For example, the user can set the amount of coffee beans, grind size, amount of hot water for brewing, brewing time, amount of hot water for extraction, extraction pressure, and extraction time on the screen of the portable terminal 17, for example, using a slider. By adjusting the parameters for coffee beverage extraction on the portable terminal 17, the user can sometimes easily experience the feeling of coffee extraction like a barista. After setting up, the user can visit a coffee shop and place the QR code representing the settings displayed on the screen of the portable terminal 17 over the camera unit of the information display device 12, thereby sending the settings to the information display device 12. The settings can also be sent to the information display device 12 by other methods besides QR codes, for example, via near-field communication. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the parameters for coffee beverage extraction as described above are referred to as an extraction profile or recipe.

[0154] <6. Example of motion control>

[0155] Reference Figure 11 Examples of control processing of beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 performed by processing unit 11a are explained using (A) and (B). Figure 11 (A) illustrates a control example related to a single coffee beverage manufacturing operation. The state of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 before the manufacturing instruction is referred to as the standby state. The states of each mechanism in the standby state are as follows.

[0156] Extraction device 3 is in Figure 5 The extraction container 9 is in an upright position and in the extraction position. The locking mechanism 821 is in the closed position, and the cover unit 91 closes the opening 90a of the container body 90. The retaining member 801 is in the lowered position and is fitted to the protrusion 911d. The retaining member 811 is in the raised position and is fitted to the protrusion 901c. Valves 903 and 913 are in the closed position. The switching valve 10a connects the communication part 810a of the operating unit 8C to the waste tank T.

[0157] In standby mode, when a coffee beverage manufacturing instruction is received, execute... Figure 11 The process of (A) involves preheating the container body 90 by injecting hot water into it. First, valves 903 and 913 are opened. This connects piping L3, the extraction container 9, and the waste tank T.

[0158] Solenoid valve 72i is opened for a specified time (e.g., 1500 ms) and then closed. This injects hot water from water tank 72 into extraction container 9. Next, solenoid valve 73 is opened for a specified time (e.g., 500 ms) and then closed. This pressurizes the air inside extraction container 9, promoting the discharge of hot water into waste tank T. Through this process, the interior of extraction container 9 and piping L2 are preheated, reducing the rate at which the hot water cools down during subsequent coffee beverage preparation.

[0159] In step S2, grinding is performed. Here, roasted coffee beans are ground and the ground beans are added to the container body 90. First, the locking mechanism 821 is set to the open state, and the holding member 801 is raised to the raised position. The lid unit 91 is held by the holding member 801 and rises together with the holding member 801. As a result, the lid unit 91 separates from the container body 90. The holding member 811 descends to the lowered position. The container body 90 is moved to the bean feeding position. Next, the storage device 4 and the grinding device 5 are activated. As a result, one cup of roasted coffee beans is supplied from the storage device 4 to the grinder 5A. The roasted coffee beans are ground in two stages using grinders 5A and 5B, and impurities are separated using the separating device 6. The ground beans are added to the container body 90.

[0160] Return container body 90 to the extraction position. Lower holding member 801 to the lowered position and assemble lid unit 91 onto container body 90. Close locking mechanism 821 to airtightly lock lid unit 91 to container body 90. Raise holding member 811 to the raised position. Open valve 903 and close valve 913.

[0161] In step S3, extraction is performed. Here, coffee liquid is extracted from the ground beans inside the container body 90. Figure 11 (B) is the flowchart of the extraction process of S3.

[0162] To cook the ground beans in extraction container 9 in S11, less than one cup of hot water is injected into extraction container 9. Here, the solenoid valve 72i is opened for a predetermined time (e.g., 500ms) and then closed. This allows hot water to be injected into extraction container 9 from water tank 72. Afterward, the process in S11 ends after a predetermined standby time (e.g., 5000ms). This process can cook the ground beans. Cooking the ground beans releases the carbon dioxide contained within them, improving the subsequent extraction effect.

[0163] In step S12, the remaining amount of hot water is injected into the extraction container 9 so that it contains one cup of hot water. Here, the solenoid valve 72i is opened for a predetermined time (e.g., 7000ms) and then closed. As a result, hot water is injected from the water tank 72 into the extraction container 9.

[0164] The extraction container 9 is brought to a temperature exceeding 100 degrees Celsius (e.g., approximately 110 degrees Celsius) at 1 atmosphere of pressure via process S12. Next, the extraction container 9 is pressurized via process S13. Here, the solenoid valve 73b is opened for a predetermined time (e.g., 1000 ms) and then closed, pressurizing the extraction container 9 to a pressure at which hot water does not boil (e.g., approximately 4 atmospheres (approximately 3 atmospheres if using gauge pressure)). Afterward, valve 903 is closed.

[0165] Next, this state is maintained for a specified time (e.g., 7000 ms) to perform immersion coffee extraction (S14). This involves high-temperature, high-pressure immersion coffee extraction. The following effects can be anticipated in high-temperature, high-pressure immersion extraction: First, by setting the pressure, hot water can easily penetrate the interior of the ground beans, promoting coffee extraction. Second, by setting the temperature, coffee extraction is further promoted. Third, by setting the temperature, the viscosity of the oils contained in the ground beans decreases, promoting oil extraction. This allows for the production of a richly aromatic coffee beverage.

[0166] The temperature of the hot water (hot water) only needs to exceed 100 degrees Celsius, but higher temperatures are advantageous for coffee extraction. On the other hand, increasing the temperature of the hot water usually leads to increased costs. Therefore, the temperature of the hot water can be, for example, above 105 degrees Celsius, above 110 degrees Celsius, or above 115 degrees Celsius, and for example, below 130 degrees Celsius or below 120 degrees Celsius. The air pressure only needs to be enough to prevent the hot water from boiling.

[0167] In step S15, the pressure inside the extraction container 9 is reduced. Here, the gas pressure inside the extraction container 9 is switched to the gas pressure required to boil hot water. Specifically, valve 913 is set to the open state, and solenoid valve 73c is opened for a specified time (e.g., 1000 ms) and then closed. The gas inside the extraction container 9 is released to the atmosphere. Afterward, valve 913 is set to the closed state again.

[0168] The pressure inside extraction container 9 is rapidly reduced to below the boiling point pressure, causing the hot water inside to boil instantly. The hot water and ground beans inside extraction container 9 disperse explosively. This ensures the hot water boils evenly. Furthermore, it promotes the breakdown of the cell walls of the ground beans, further facilitating the extraction of coffee. Additionally, the boiling process stirs the ground beans and hot water, thus promoting coffee extraction. Therefore, in this embodiment, the coffee extraction efficiency is improved.

[0169] In step S16, the extraction container 9 is reversed from an upright position to an inverted position. Here, the holding member 801 is moved to the rising position, and the holding member 811 is moved to the falling position. Then, the support unit 81B is rotated. Afterward, the holding member 801 is returned to the falling position, and the holding member 811 is returned to the rising position. The neck 90b and the cover unit 91 of the inverted extraction container 9 are located on the lower side.

[0170] In S17, permeation extraction of coffee liquid is performed, and coffee beverage is dispensed into cup C. Here, switching valve 10a is switched to connect injection section 10c with passage section 810a of operation unit 81C. Additionally, valves 903 and 913 are both set to the open state. Furthermore, solenoid valve 73b is opened for a predetermined time (e.g., 10000ms) to bring the extraction container 9 to a predetermined pressure (e.g., 1.7 bar pressure (0.7 bar pressure if gauge pressure is used)). In extraction container 9, the coffee liquid, having been dissolved in hot water, is dispensed into cup C after passing through a filter provided in cap unit 91. The filter prevents ground bean residue from leaking out. The extraction process is then complete. In this embodiment, by simultaneously employing immersion extraction in S14 and permeation extraction in S17, the extraction efficiency of coffee liquid can be improved. With extraction container 9 in an upright position, ground beans are distributed from body section 90e to bottom section 90f. On the other hand, with the extraction container 9 in an inverted position, the ground beans are piled up from the shoulder 90d to the neck 90b. The cross-sectional area of ​​the body 90e is larger than that of the neck 90b, and the pile thickness of the ground beans in the inverted position is thicker than that in the upright position. That is, the ground beans are piled up relatively thinly and wide when the extraction container 9 is in the upright position, and relatively thickly and narrowly when it is in the inverted position. In this embodiment, the immersion extraction in S14 is performed with the extraction container 9 in the upright position, so the hot water can come into contact with the ground beans over a wide area, which can improve the extraction efficiency of the coffee liquid. However, in this case, there is a tendency for the hot water to come into contact with the ground beans only locally. On the other hand, the through extraction in S17 is performed with the extraction container 9 in an inverted position, so the hot water comes into contact with more ground beans while passing through the piled-up ground beans. The hot water comes into contact with the ground beans more thoroughly, which can further improve the extraction efficiency of the coffee liquid.

[0171] Return to Figure 11Following the extraction process in step S3 (A), the discharge process in step S4 is performed. Here, a cleaning process related to the extraction container 9 is conducted. The extraction container 9 is cleaned by restoring it from an inverted position to an upright position and supplying it with water (clean water). Then, the extraction container 9 is pressurized, and the water and ground bean residue are discharged into the waste container T. This completes one coffee beverage manufacturing process. Thereafter, the same process is repeated for each manufacturing instruction. The time required to manufacture one coffee beverage is, for example, approximately 60 to 90 seconds.

[0172] <7. Display Control Example>

[0173] The display control process during the coffee beverage manufacturing process of this embodiment will now be explained. In this embodiment, during the manufacturing of a coffee beverage corresponding to a recipe, a manufacturing image selected by the user is displayed on the information display device 12. For example, based on the user's selection, descriptions of each step of the coffee beverage manufacturing process are displayed as the manufacturing image. For example, based on the user's selection, a profile of the recipe maker, such as a barista, is displayed as the manufacturing image. For example, based on the user's selection, information about the coffee bean farm used in the selected recipe is displayed as the manufacturing image. Furthermore, "user" sometimes refers to the staff or manager who provides the coffee beverage through the beverage manufacturing device 1, and sometimes refers to a regular customer who has ordered the coffee beverage.

[0174] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the display control process during the production of coffee beverages according to this embodiment. Figure 12 The processing is achieved, for example, by the CPU of the processing unit 11a loading the program stored in the ROM of the storage unit 11b into the RAM and executing the program. Such a program constitutes the program of the present invention.

[0175] In S1201, the processing unit 11a accepts the user's selection of a recipe. The selection of a recipe can also be structured as follows. For example, on the screen displayed on the information display device 12, multiple selectable items are displayed, such as "Mix A," "Mix B," etc., corresponding to different types of coffee beans. For each item, parameters such as the amount of coffee beans used as a recipe, grind size, amount of hot water for brewing, brewing time, amount of hot water for extraction, extraction pressure, and extraction time are stored in association. That is, by selecting any item on the screen, the associated stored parameters are selected as the recipe. Furthermore, the processing unit 11a can accept the selection of a recipe both on the screen of the information display device 12 and by obtaining information about the recipe selected on the portable terminal 17.

[0176] In S1202, the processing unit 11a receives a selection from the user regarding the image to be displayed during the preparation of the coffee beverage. After receiving a selection of the recipe in S1201, the processing unit 11a... Figure 18 Screen 1810 (as shown in (B)) is displayed on the information display device 12. Items 1811 to 1814 are displayed on screen 1810 as selection items. Item 1811 is selected when an image illustrating each manufacturing process is to be displayed during coffee beverage production. Item 1812 is selected when information related to coffee beans is to be displayed during coffee beverage production. Item 1813 is selected when information about the barista or other recipe maker is to be displayed during coffee beverage production. Item 1814 is selected when historical information about the recipe, such as key information like arrangement methods discovered during recipe research, is to be displayed during coffee beverage production. Additionally, if information from items 1811 to 1814 is to be sent to another beverage production device 1, item 1815 is selected. When button 1816 is pressed, the settings on screen 1810 are confirmed, and the process proceeds to S1203. Through the processing in S1202, it is sometimes possible to accept the user's image selection before coffee beverage production.

[0177] In S1203, the processing unit 11a determines whether to reflect the selection information of items 1811 to 1814 to the other beverage manufacturing apparatus 1. For example, if item 1815 is selected, the processing unit 11a determines that the selection information of items 1811 to 1814 should be reflected to the other beverage manufacturing apparatus 1, and in S1204, the selection information of items 1811 to 1814 is sent to the other beverage manufacturing apparatus 1. The other beverage manufacturing apparatus 1, upon receiving the selection information, defaults to setting the image to be displayed during the production of coffee beverage based on the received selection information. After S1204, the process proceeds to S1205. On the other hand, if it is determined that the selection information of items 1811 to 1814 should not be reflected to the other beverage manufacturing apparatus 1, the process proceeds to S1205.

[0178] In S1205, the processing unit 11a determines whether the selected item received in S1202 is the formula information for item 1813. If it is determined that the selected item received in S1202 is the formula information for item 1813, the process proceeds to S1207. On the other hand, if it is determined that the selected item received in S1202 is not the formula information for item 1813, the process proceeds to S1206.

[0179] In S1206, the processing unit 11a makes Figure 14Screen 1401 (A) is displayed on the information display device 12. In screen 1401, information related to the recipe is displayed in area 1402. This information includes, for example, the name of the recipe 1403, a photograph 1404 of the barista or other creator of the recipe, characteristics of the recipe 1405, and a brief profile of the barista 1406. Area 1402 may display other information besides this. When the return button 1407 is pressed, the display returns to the previously displayed screen, such as the recipe selection screen. When the start button 1408 is pressed, the preparation of the coffee beverage begins based on this recipe.

[0180] Thus, screen 1401 is displayed before the coffee beverage preparation begins, regardless of the selection made in S1202, thereby providing the user with information about the maker of the recipe. After S1206, proceed to S1207.

[0181] In S1207, the processing unit 11a waits for the timing of receiving the selected image's display start received in S1202. For example, when Figure 11 When the preheating process of S1 in (A) begins, the processing unit 11a determines that it is the time for the display of the selected image received in S1202, and in S1208, the display of the selected image received in S1202 begins. Regarding the processing in S1208, the following steps are then performed... Figure 13 The text is described in the middle.

[0182] In S1209, the processing unit 11a ends the display of the image. For example, when Figure 11 When the discharge process of S4 in (A) ends, the processing unit 11a stops displaying the image. Then, in S1210, the processing unit 11a displays a notification screen indicating that coffee extraction is complete on the information display device 12. The notification screen only needs to express that coffee extraction is complete, for example, it can also display a message such as "Extraction complete. Please take your coffee." Furthermore, the message is not limited to text display, but can also be a still image, a moving image, or a combination thereof. After S1210, the process ends. Figure 12 The processing.

[0183] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating the process in S1208. In S1301, the processing unit 11a determines whether the selected image received in S1202 needs to be switched according to each manufacturing process of the coffee beverage. For example, if the selection of item 1811 is received in S1202, the processing unit 11a determines that it needs to switch according to each manufacturing process of the coffee beverage and proceeds to S1302.

[0184] In S1302, the processing unit 11a displays an image corresponding to the manufacturing process. For example, if the processing in S1302 is being performed for the first time, the processing unit 11a displays an image corresponding to the manufacturing process. Figure 11 The preheating treatment of S1 corresponds to Figure 14 Screen 1411 (B) is displayed on the information display device 12. In area 1412 of screen 1411, the currently executing manufacturing process is displayed in a recognizable manner. Area 1413 displays the remaining time for the current process. Area 1414 displays information corresponding to the currently selected label among labels 1417-1420. Label 1417 and... Figure 18 Corresponding to item 1811 in (B), by selecting label 1417, explanatory images of each manufacturing process are displayed in area 1414. Label 1418 and... Figure 18 Corresponding to item 1812 in (B), selecting label 1418 displays information related to coffee beans in area 1414. Label 1419 and... Figure 18 Corresponding to item 1813 in (B), by selecting label 1419, information related to the formula is displayed in area 1414. Label 1410 and... Figure 18 For item 1814 in (B), by selecting label 1420, historical information about the formula is displayed in area 1414.

[0185] exist Figure 14 (B) shows an example where label 1417 is currently selected, and explanatory images of each manufacturing process are displayed in area 1414. Area 1415 shows the name of the currently performed manufacturing process, “Preparation Heating,” and its description, and area 1416 shows an image of the currently performed manufacturing process, “Preparation Heating.”

[0186] Given that the current manufacturing process being performed is "grinding", it shows Figure 15 Screen 1501 of (A). In area 1502 of screen 1501, the name of the currently performed manufacturing process, “Grinding”, and its description are displayed, and in area 1503, an image of the currently performed manufacturing process, “Grinding”, is displayed.

[0187] Given that the current manufacturing process being performed is "steaming and boiling," it shows... Figure 15 Screen 1511 of (B). In area 1512 of screen 1511, the name of the currently performed manufacturing process, “Steaming”, and its description are displayed, and in area 1513, an image of the currently performed manufacturing process, “Steaming”, is displayed.

[0188] With the current manufacturing process being "formal hot water supply," the display shows... Figure 16Screen 1601 of (A). In area 1602 of screen 1601, the name of the currently executing manufacturing process "Official Hot Water Supply" and its description are displayed, and in area 1603, an image of the currently executing manufacturing process "Official Hot Water Supply" is displayed.

[0189] With the current manufacturing process being "stirring (chamber tumbling)," the following is displayed: Figure 16 Screen 1611 of (B). Area 1612 of screen 1611 displays the name and description of the currently executing manufacturing process, "Stirring," and area 1613 displays an image of the currently executing manufacturing process, "Stirring." If the currently executing manufacturing process is "Discharge Cup (Discharge)," then... Figure 17 Screen 1701 of (A). In area 1702 of screen 1701, the name of the currently executing manufacturing process, “Cup Delivery”, and its description are displayed, and in area 1703, an image of the currently executing manufacturing process, “Cup Delivery”, is displayed.

[0190] The images in areas 1416, 1503, 1513, 1603, 1613, and 1703 can be, for example, images that display the currently operating component in a recognizable manner. Furthermore, the images can be still images or moving images such as animations and video images. Additionally, they can be, for example, images that... Figure 18 On screen 1810 of (B), one can select whether to make the image images of regions 1416, 1503, 1513, 1603, 1613, and 1703 moving images. That is, in this embodiment, the "image selection" performed by selecting labels 1417 to 1420 includes at least the selection of image type, selection of self-still image, selection of self-moving image, and selection of self-still image and moving image.

[0191] In S1303, the processing unit 11a determines whether a change to the displayed image has been received. For example, the processing unit 11a determines whether the labels 1417-1420 for displaying images other than the currently displayed image have been selected. For example, when the image currently being displayed in S1302... Figure 13 If any of the labels 1418-1420 on screen 1411 of (B) is pressed, it is determined that an image change has been received, and the process proceeds to S1306. Conversely, if it is determined that no image change has been received, the process proceeds to S1304. In S1304, the processing unit 11a determines whether it is the right time to change the displayed image based on whether it is a change in the coffee beverage manufacturing process. For example, when the processing unit 11a changes the display image from... Figure 11If the preheating process of S1 in (A) proceeds to the grinding process of S2, and it is determined that it is time to switch the displayed image, then proceeds to S1305. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not time to switch the displayed image, the process from S1302 onwards is repeated.

[0192] In S1305, the processing unit 11a determines whether the image displayed before the switch is the image corresponding to the final manufacturing process. For example, if the image displayed before the switch is the image corresponding to the final manufacturing process... Figure 11 The corresponding discharge treatment of (A) of S4 Figure 17 In the case of screen 1701 (A), the processing unit 11a determines that the image displayed before the switch is the image corresponding to the final manufacturing process, and ends the process. Figure 13 The processing. In Figure 13 After it ended, Figure 12 The image display ends in S1209. On the other hand, if it is determined that the image does not correspond to the final manufacturing process, the process from S1302 onwards is repeated.

[0193] If, in S1303, it is determined that a change to the displayed image has been received, in S1306, the processing unit 11a causes the displayed image to show the image for which the change has been received. For example, when displaying... Figure 15 When the processing unit 11a receives a press of the label 1418 during the period of screen 1501 of (A), the display is activated. Figure 17 Screen 1710 (B). In area 1414 of screen 1710, the name of this recipe 1711, a photograph 1712 of the coffee bean farm corresponding to this recipe, and information 1713 and a description related to the coffee beans and farm are displayed. Area 1414 of screen 1710 is not limited to displaying this information; other information may also be displayed. Furthermore, screen 1710 displays the same content regardless of the stage in the coffee beverage production process. By displaying screen 1710, information about the coffee bean farm corresponding to the recipe can sometimes be provided to the user. Additionally, for example, when displaying… Figure 14 When the processing unit 11a receives a press of the label 1419 during the period of screen 1411 of (B), the display is activated. Figure 18 (A) Screen 1801. Screen 1801 includes the name of the recipe 1802, photographic image 1803, characteristics of the recipe 1804, and brief document 1805. Figure 13The name of this recipe 1403, photographic image 1404, characteristics of this recipe 1405, and descriptions in the document 1406 are the same as those in (A). Furthermore, regardless of the stage in the coffee beverage manufacturing process, screen 1801 displays the same content. By displaying screen 1801, information about the maker of the recipe can sometimes be provided to the user. The aforementioned photographic images 1404, 1712, and 1803 can be still images or moving images such as animations and video images.

[0194] In this embodiment, when processing S1306 begins, the image after the switch is displayed starting from the time point corresponding to the elapsed time displayed before the switch. For example, if the elapsed time of the screen 1501 displayed before the switch is 10 seconds, in S1306, the processing unit 11a causes the screen 1710 to be displayed starting from the time point after 10 seconds. With this structure, the user can sometimes check the remaining time in region 1413 regardless of whether there is an image switch. After S1306, the process proceeds to S1308.

[0195] In S1308, the processing unit 11a determines whether a change to the displayed image has been received. For example, the processing unit 11a determines whether the labels 1417-1420 for displaying images other than the currently displayed image have been selected. When the currently displayed image is in S1308... Figure 17 If, during screen 1710 of (B), a press of any one of labels 1417, 1419, and 1420 is received, it is determined that a change to the displayed image has been received. Here, if a press of label 1417 is received, the process proceeds to S1302; if a press of any one of labels 1419 and 1420 is received, the process proceeds to S1306. When entering S1302 and starting the processing of S1302, the changed image is displayed from the time point corresponding to the elapsed time displayed before the switch, as described above. Similarly, when entering S1306 and starting the processing of S1306, the changed image is displayed from the time point corresponding to the elapsed time displayed before the switch, as described above. On the other hand, if it is determined in S1308 that no change to the displayed image has been received, the process proceeds to S1309.

[0196] In S1309, the processing unit 11a determines whether it is time to end the display of the image. For example, in Figure 11 If the output process of S4 in (A) has ended, the processing unit 11a determines that it is time to end the display of the image and ends the process. Figure 13 The processing. In Figure 13 After it ended, Figure 12In step S1209, the display of the image ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not the right time to end the display of the image, the process starting from S1308 is repeated.

[0197] Referring again to S1301. If in S1301 it is determined that the selected image received in S1202 does not require switching to display each step of the coffee beverage manufacturing process, proceed to S1307. For example, if in S1202 a selection of any of items 1812 to 1814 is received, it is determined that switching to each step of the coffee beverage manufacturing process is not required, and proceed to S1307. In S1307, the processing unit 11a displays an image corresponding to the item selected in S1202, such as screen 1710 or screen 1801. After S1307, proceed to S1308, and perform the above-described processing.

[0198] The above explains that the images of regions 1416, 1503, 1513, 1603, 1613, and 1703 can also be moving images, but they can also be... Figure 18 On screen 1810 of (B), select whether to set it to a motion picture.

[0199] The above describes the display control processing in this embodiment. However, it is also possible to display an error screen when an error related to beverage manufacturing is determined internally, and to set a state where the user cannot select the manufacturing image during the display of the error screen. Here, "error" refers to, for example, a cover opening error when the cover is detected to be open, or various errors (e.g., temperature error, pressure error) when various sensors (e.g., temperature sensor, pressure sensor) show abnormal values.

[0200] The above describes an example of displaying manufacturing images, such as moving images, on the information display device 12. However, it is not limited to displaying one manufacturing image in one display area (display unit). It is also possible to configure multiple manufacturing images to be displayed in multiple display areas respectively. For example, it is also possible to display a manufacturing image "barista image" in one display area of ​​the information display device 12, and in parallel display a manufacturing image "farm image" in another display area of ​​the information display device 12, and in parallel display a manufacturing image "manufacturing process image" in the cover 102, etc.

[0201] The user's selection screen for images during manufacturing is not limited to just such... Figure 14The names of the manufacturing images (labels 1417-1420) can be displayed as in (B), or alternatively, individual manufacturing images or portions of individual manufacturing images can be displayed. For example, after the beverage manufacturing process has begun, the user may be further prompted to select a manufacturing image as follows: during the user's selection period before or after a certain time has elapsed, the user is prompted to select a manufacturing image. Figure 14 Label 1417 of (B) is in a selected state and remains so for several seconds, while the manufacturing image "Extraction Process Description" is displayed in area 1414, and then for the next few seconds... Figure 14 Label 1418 of (B) is selected, and the manufacturing image "Bean Information" is displayed in area 1414, during the next few seconds. Figure 14 Label 1419 of (B) is selected, and the manufacturing image "Recipe Information" is displayed in area 1414, during which time it is enabled for the next few seconds. Figure 14 Label 1420 of (B) is selected, and the manufacturing image "Recipe History" is displayed in area 1414, during which time it is used for the next few seconds. Figure 14 Label 1417 of (B) is selected, and the manufacturing image "Extraction Process Description" is displayed in area 1414. Alternatively, multiple manufacturing images can be pre-registered. Figure 19 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a management table, which, for example, shows a pattern of manufacturing images pre-stored in storage unit 11b. Based on Figure 19 The management table shown controls the display of images during manufacturing. Figure 19 For example, the table is displayed on the maintenance screen of the beverage manufacturing equipment and can be edited by the administrator. Figure 19 When manufacturing image mode 1 of (A) is adopted as the manufacturing image, as described above... Figures 14-18 As described above, moving images such as "barista images," "farm images," and "manufacturing process images" are selectively displayed. Additionally, for example, in... Figure 19 When the manufacturing image mode 2 of (B) is adopted as the manufacturing image, still images such as "product image," "store image," and "machine image" are selectively displayed. Additionally, for example, in... Figure 19When the manufacturing image mode 3 of (C) is adopted as the manufacturing image, still images and moving images such as "product image", "store image", and "historical image" are selectively displayed. As described above, in this embodiment, moving images or still images can be set for each of the six types of manufacturing processes (pre-heating, grinding, steaming, formal hot water supply, stirring, and cup delivery), but it is also possible to set one image (moving image or still image) for multiple manufacturing processes. For example, during "process 1" (pre-heating process) when the user selects "barista image", "moving image B1" is reproduced. When switching to "process 2" (grinding process), the image reproduction also switches from "moving image B1" to "moving image B2". On the other hand, during the period from "process 1" (pre-heating process) to "process 2" (grinding process) when the user selects "historical image", "moving image H2" is reproduced without switching. Furthermore, if a moving image is registered in a certain process, it can either be repeatedly reproduced as long as no other manufacturing image is selected before the process moves to the next process, or the final image of the moving image can be displayed statically.

[0202] Figure 19 In each table, "Process 1" indicates the preheating process, "Process 2" indicates the grinding process (grinding the beans), "Process 3" indicates the steaming process, "Process 4" indicates the formal supply of hot water, "Process 5" indicates the stirring process, and "Process 6" indicates the dispensing process. In addition, "Process 3" through "Process 5" are omitted. Figure 19 The "Status" field in each table is used to register whether a user can select the corresponding row's image in production. If the field is "Yes," it means the user can select the corresponding row's image in production; if the field is "No," it means the user cannot select the corresponding row's image in production. Alternatively, it can be configured such that if the field is not "Yes," it is not considered an option for the user (e.g., ...). Figure 14 The labels (B) 1417-1420) are displayed.

[0203] Figure 19The terms "Moving Images B1" to "Moving Images B6", "Moving Images F1" to "Moving Images F6", "Moving Images M1" to "Moving Images M6", and "Moving Images H2" represent the names of various moving images, while "Still Images P1" to "Still Images P6", "Still Images S1" to "Still Images S5", and "Still Images M1" to "Still Images M6" represent the names of various still images. Different names indicate different content, and the same names indicate the same content. For example, the "Moving Image B1" reproduced during "Process 1" (the preheating process) when the "Barista Image" is selected is different from the "Moving Image F1" reproduced during "Process 1" (the preheating process) when the "Farm Image" is selected; therefore, they represent moving images with different content. Furthermore, the "Still Image P1" reproduced during "Process 6" (the process of serving cups) when "Product Image" is selected has the same name as the "Still Image P1" reproduced during "Process 6" (the process of serving cups) when "Store Image" is selected, indicating that they are still images with the same content.

[0204] Figure 19 (A) Manufacturing Image Mode 1 is an example where "Barista Image", "Farm Image", and "Manufacturing Process Image" are registered as multiple manufacturing images that the user can select. For example, when the user selects "Barista Image", "Motion Image B1" is displayed when the beverage manufacturing process is "Process 1" (preparation heating process), "Motion Image B2" is displayed when "Process 2" (grinding process), and "Motion Image B6" is displayed when "Process 6" (cup delivery process).

[0205] Figure 19 The manufacturing image mode 2 of (B) is an example of a case where "product image", "store image" and "machine image" are registered as multiple manufacturing images that the user can select.

[0206] Figure 19(C) Manufacturing Image Mode 3 is an example where "Product Image," "Store Image," and "Historical Image" are registered as multiple manufacturing images that the user can select. Furthermore, "Machine Image" is in a state that the user cannot select. The "available" or "unavailable" status of this status can be changed through administrator operation, but not through user operation. Here, administrator operation refers to operations such as those performed through a management screen, which is displayed when an administrator enters a password. In this example, when the administrator enters a password, the "status" field of each manufacturing image can be changed. When the "status" field of the "Machine Image" is changed from "unavailable" to "available," the user can select a manufacturing image from the four images: "Product Image," "Store Image," "Historical Image," and "Machine Image." Conversely, when the "Product Image" is changed from "available" to "unavailable" through administrator operation, the user can no longer select the "Product Image" as a manufacturing image.

[0207] illustrate Figure 19 Examples of manufacturing process images include: "Barista Images," which are introductory motion images of a barista creating a recipe that can be used in a beverage making machine; "Farm Images," which are introductory motion images of a farm producing coffee beans used in a recipe that can be used in a beverage making machine; and "Manufacturing Process Images," which are introductory motion images of the six manufacturing processes of a beverage making machine (preparation heating, grinding, brewing, official hot water supply, stirring, and serving). These three types of manufacturing process images are related to the above... Figure 18 (B) corresponds to items 1811-1813. “Product Images” is a set of still images used to introduce recipes that can be used in beverage manufacturing equipment; “Shop Images” is a set of still images used to introduce shops equipped with beverage manufacturing equipment; “Machine Images” is a set of still images used to introduce beverage manufacturing equipment; and “Historical Images” is a set of moving and still images used to introduce the history of the development of beverage manufacturing equipment.

[0208] You can also Figure 19 The first row of the "In Manufacturing" mode sets the "In Manufacturing" image to the default "In Manufacturing" image. For example, it could also be... Figure 19 In the case of "Manufacturing Image Mode 1" (A), if the power is on or the user has not made a selection during error recovery, the "Barista Image" in the first row is reproduced as the manufacturing image. Alternatively, a default manufacturing image can be set via administrator operation. For example, it can also be set so that the rows of the manufacturing image mode can be changed via administrator operation. For example, it can also be... Figure 19 In the case of "Manufacturing Image Mode 1" of (A), if the "Barista Image" in the first row is swapped with the "Farm Image" in the second row through the manager's operation, the "Farm Image" becomes the default manufacturing image.

[0209] Alternatively, the rows of image patterns during manufacturing can be rearranged using various information stored during the use of the beverage manufacturing equipment. For example, it could also be in... Figure 19 In the case of "Manufacturing Image Mode 1" (A), when the user selects "Farm Image," the "Barista Image" in the first row of the Manufacturing Image Mode is swapped with the "Farm Image" in the second row, and the "Farm Image" becomes the default manufacturing image. Alternatively, the rows of the Manufacturing Image Mode can be swapped by accumulating which manufacturing image the user has selected since the beverage making device was powered on, so that the manufacturing image selected most frequently by the user becomes the default manufacturing image. For example, if "Farm Image" is selected most frequently, the "Barista Image" in the first row of the Manufacturing Image Mode is swapped with the "Farm Image" in the second row, and the "Farm Image" becomes the default manufacturing image. Alternatively, in multiple beverage making units within a store (e.g., multiple beverage making units located in store A, or multiple beverage making units located in one of stores A and B) or in a specific location within a store (e.g., multiple beverage making units located on the first floor of store A), the image most recently selected by the user, or the most frequently selected image, can be made the default image. Alternatively, the image most frequently selected by a user can be made the default image for that user when performing a beverage making operation. Conversely, the image least frequently selected by a user can be made the default image.

[0210] The examples above illustrate setting a default image in manufacturing, but these examples can also be replaced with the following: setting a display area in the user selection screen (e.g., Figure 14 (B) displays the manufacturing image in the display areas of labels 1417 to 1420, respectively. For example, the example described above, "It is also possible to make the manufacturing image most frequently selected by a user the default manufacturing image when that user performs a beverage manufacturing operation," can be replaced by the following example: "Make the manufacturing image most frequently selected by a user the display area of ​​the manufacturing image selection screen when that user performs a beverage manufacturing operation (e.g., Figure 14 (B) refers to a specific display area within the display areas of labels 1417 to 1420 (e.g., Figure 14The manufacturing image is displayed in the display area of ​​(B) label 1417. Alternatively, it is possible to add manufacturing images from an external source (e.g., a server) via a signal line (e.g., a LAN line such as the Internet) to the manufacturing image mode. For example, it is also possible to download, through administrator operation, data such as "new recipe image" (process 1: moving image N1, process 2: moving image N2, ..., process 6: still image N6) and each image (moving image N1, moving image N2, ..., still image N6) from the server via the Internet as a new manufacturing image and add it to the manufacturing images that the user can select. In this case, it is possible to set the "status" field of the newly added manufacturing image to "no" as a precaution, and then change the "status" from "no" to "available" through administrator operation before the user can select it, or the "status" field can be set to "available" from the beginning. Here, the example of downloading data from the server via the Internet is given, but it is not limited to this. It is also possible to copy or move manufacturing images and image data stored in other devices such as another beverage manufacturing device.

[0211] Furthermore, an example is shown where a user-selectable manufacturing image and image data are stored in the beverage manufacturing apparatus to utilize the manufacturing image and image data, as shown in the manufacturing image mode. However, it is also possible to store the user-selectable manufacturing image and image data externally (e.g., on a server) and download the manufacturing image and image data to the beverage manufacturing apparatus via a signal line (e.g., the Internet) or wireless communication each time a beverage is extracted, when the power is turned on, or each time an image selected by the user is displayed.

[0212] In the above Figures 12-19 The text describes a structure for displaying various types of data (image data, motion image data) during the production of coffee beverages. It can also be configured to facilitate the display of specific data during the production process, allowing more people to see this specific data. This structure allows the use of specific data to enhance understanding of the product or to convey its appeal. Furthermore, the information used to identify this specific data can either be pre-set in a database or be a structure that can be set by the person operating the beverage production apparatus 1 (e.g., a manager).

[0213] When setting specific data to be easily displayed, for example, it could be a structure that displays it more frequently than other data, or a structure that displays it for a longer period of time. To increase the number of displays, for example, in a structure where data is selected for display based on probability, the selection probability of that data could be set to be higher than that of other data. Alternatively, for example, it could be displaying specific data at specific times during the coffee beverage manufacturing process, such as at the beginning of any step in the coffee beverage manufacturing process. Figure 20 (A) illustrates an example of displaying a "product image" as specific data at the start of coffee beverage production. In this example, during the initial production of the coffee beverage, the "product image" displayed at the start of production is switched to a "production process image" by user interaction. Furthermore, during subsequent coffee beverage production, the "product image" displayed at the start of production remains unchanged until production is completed.

[0214] Furthermore, multiple specific data points can be set separately, corresponding to the type of coffee beverage. In this case, the specific data points can also be displayed in relation to the coffee beverage being produced. Alternatively, specific data points can be displayed regardless of the type of coffee beverage; in this case, either one data point or multiple data points can be set as specific data points.

[0215] In addition, when multiple specific data exist, the specific data to be displayed in the next coffee beverage production can be determined based on the display time of the specific data in the previous coffee beverage production. Figure 20 (B) Figure 20 (C) shows an example where "product image" and "barista image" are set as specific data. Furthermore, if the display time of the specific data is more than half the time required for manufacturing, the specific data is switched; if the display time of the specific data is less than half the time required for manufacturing, the same specific data is displayed again. Figure 20 In (B), the "product image" displayed at the start of the initial coffee beverage production is switched to a "production process image" by user interaction, resulting in its display time becoming less than half the required production time. In this case, during subsequent coffee beverage production, the "product image" displayed at the start of the previous coffee beverage production is shown again. In contrast, in... Figure 20In (C), the "product image" displayed at the start of the initial coffee beverage production is switched to a "production process image" by user interaction, and this image is displayed for more than half the production time. In this case, a "barista image" is displayed as new specific data during subsequent coffee beverage production. Alternatively, if multiple specific data exist, the specific data displayed in the next coffee beverage production can be determined based on the display order of the specific data from the previous coffee beverage production. Figure 20 (D) illustrates an example where "product image" and "barista image" are set as specific data. In this example, during the making of a coffee beverage, the two specific data are displayed with the "making process image" sandwiched in between, with the "barista image" displayed later. In this case, the "product image," which is different from the previously displayed specific data, is displayed during the subsequent making of the coffee beverage.

[0216] The above, in Figure 20 In (B) to (D), it is explained that the structure of the specific data to be displayed in the next coffee beverage production is determined based on the display time and display order of the specific data in the previous coffee beverage production. However, it is not limited to this example. In the case of multiple specific data, it is also possible to determine the specific data to be displayed in the next coffee beverage production based on the display status of the specific data in the previous coffee beverage production.

[0217] Additionally, the total display time of the manufacturing images (image data, motion image data) displayed during the coffee beverage manufacturing process can also be stored. Furthermore, the number of times these manufacturing image data is switched to other data during the manufacturing (display) period can also be stored. Additionally, the number of times these manufacturing image data is switched from other data during the manufacturing (display) period can also be stored. Figure 21 An example of these stored values ​​is shown. These values ​​can be used as useful information when researching sales strategies for products.

[0218] Alternatively, the structure could be configured such that information related to data displayed during the production of the coffee beverage is sent to an external device. This structure allows for the collection of useful information when researching sales strategies for the product.

[0219] Alternatively, when the structure is designed to facilitate the display of specific data in the data displayed during the production of coffee beverages, it can also be the following structure: in the absence of displaying the specific data, a guidance display is performed to guide the state of displaying the specific data. Figure 22 The image 1712 shows a photograph of a coffee bean farm displayed by touching label 1418 (reference). Figure 17 (B) is an example of a guide display when it is set to specific data. This example illustrates the following scenario: [In addition to...] Figure 14 In addition to state (B), a guided display 1901 is performed to show a photographic image 1712 of the coffee bean farm. By performing this guided display 1901, the product is brought to a state that displays specific data, which can enhance understanding of the product or convey its appeal.

[0220] In the example above, it can be said that beverage making apparatus 1 is obtained by combining an apparatus for grinding coffee beans and an apparatus for making coffee beverages using the ground beans. Figures 12-22 The structures related to the display during operation described herein include both the operation of the apparatus for grinding beans and the operation of the apparatus for making coffee beverages using the ground beans. Therefore, using Figures 12-22 The structure described in relation to the display during operation is not limited to the structure applied in this embodiment, but can also be applied to apparatus for grinding coffee beans (e.g., grinding device 5) and apparatus for making coffee beverages using ground beans.

[0221] <Summary of Implementation Methods>

[0222] The beverage manufacturing apparatus according to the above embodiments is characterized by comprising: a manufacturing unit for manufacturing beverages; and a display unit ( Figure 12 During the beverage manufacturing process in the manufacturing unit, if a moving image is selected from multiple images, the display unit displays the moving image as a manufacturing image; and a selection unit (1417-1420) is used to select the manufacturing image displayed by the display unit from the multiple images, including at least one of moving images and still images. According to this structure, a moving image selected from multiple images can be displayed during the manufacturing of a coffee beverage. Furthermore, when the selection unit receives a user's selection of the manufacturing image while the manufacturing image is being displayed by the display unit (S1303, S1308), and the selection unit receives the user's selection of the manufacturing image, the display unit switches the manufacturing image displayed before receiving the selection to the manufacturing image received by the selection and displays the manufacturing image (S1302, S1306). According to this structure, even when a manufacturing image is being displayed, it is possible to switch to and display the selected manufacturing image.

[0223] Furthermore, the display unit displays the switched-off manufacturing image from a time point corresponding to the elapsed display time of the previous manufacturing image. With this structure, the switched-off manufacturing image can be displayed from a time point corresponding to the elapsed display time of the previous manufacturing image.

[0224] Furthermore, it is characterized by including a sending unit (S1204) that transmits the selection of the manufacturing image received by the selection unit to other beverage manufacturing apparatuses. With this structure, the selection settings for the manufacturing image can be reflected in other beverage manufacturing apparatuses.

[0225] Furthermore, the manufacturing images are characterized by illustrating the manufacturing process of the beverage (1411, 1501, 1511, 1601, 1611, 1701). Additionally, the manufacturing images are characterized by illustrating the maker of the beverage's recipe (1801). Furthermore, the beverage is made using coffee beans, and the manufacturing images are characterized by illustrating the coffee beans (1710). According to this structure, various types of information can be provided to the user during the production of the coffee beverage by selecting and displaying the manufacturing images.

[0226] Furthermore, the manufacturing unit manufactures beverages through multiple manufacturing processes, and at least one of the multiple images is composed of various moving images. When moving from one manufacturing process to the next, the system switches from one of the multiple moving images to the next moving image. Figure 19 Based on this structure, it can be configured such that the motion image switches as the manufacturing process progresses.

[0227] Furthermore, in the above embodiments,

[0228] A coffee beverage making apparatus (e.g., beverage making apparatus 1) is described, comprising a display device (e.g., information display device 12) capable of displaying data selected from a data set including at least one type of data, namely motion picture data and image data, during the production of the coffee beverage. The coffee beverage making apparatus is characterized in that...

[0229] The data group includes first data (e.g., specific data) and second data (e.g., data other than the specific data).

[0230] The first data is easier to display than the second data (e.g., Figure 20 Furthermore, the coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus described above is characterized in that,

[0231] The display device can switch the currently displayed data to other data in the data group (e.g., based on user actions during coffee beverage preparation) Figure 20 (B) and (C)).

[0232] Furthermore, the coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus described above is characterized in that,

[0233] The display device provides a notification during the display of the second data to prompt switching to the first data (e.g., ...). Figure 22 The guidance shows 1901).

[0234] Furthermore, the coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus described above is characterized in that,

[0235] If, during the production of a coffee beverage, the display device switches from displaying the first data to displaying the second data, and the second data is displayed when the production of the coffee beverage is completed, the display device will display the first data at the start of the next production of the coffee beverage (e.g., Figure 20 (A)).

[0236] Furthermore, the coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus described above is characterized in that,

[0237] It is possible to set one or more data in the data group as the first data (e.g., Figure 20 (B)~(D)).

[0238] Furthermore, the coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus described above is characterized in that,

[0239] Capable of storing the display time of each data item in the data group (e.g., Figure 21 ).

[0240] Furthermore, the coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus described above is characterized in that,

[0241] A device that sends information related to the data being displayed on the display device to an external device. Furthermore, a coffee beverage making apparatus according to the above description is described, characterized in that...

[0242] The data set contains data describing the manufacturing process of coffee beverages (e.g., Figure 14 (B) Figure 15 (A), (B) Figure 16 (A), (B) Figure 17 (A)).

[0243] Furthermore, the coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus described above is characterized in that,

[0244] The data set contains data from the maker of the coffee beverage recipe (e.g., Figure 18 (A)).

[0245] Furthermore, the coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus described above is characterized in that,

[0246] The data set contains data describing the coffee beans used in coffee beverages (e.g., Figure 17 (B)

[0247] Furthermore, the coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus described above is characterized in that,

[0248] The display device can switch the currently displayed data to other data in the data group (e.g., according to the progress of the coffee beverage manufacturing process) based on the progress of the process. Figure 14 (B) Figure 15 (A), (B) Figure 16 (A), (B) Figure 17 (A)).

[0249] Furthermore, in the above embodiments,

[0250] A coffee beverage making system is described, which includes external devices (e.g., server 16, portable terminal 17) capable of communicating with the coffee beverage making apparatus. Figure 10 ).

[0251] Furthermore, in the above embodiments,

[0252] A method for displaying data in a coffee beverage making apparatus (e.g., beverage making apparatus 1) equipped with a display device (e.g., information display device 12) is described, the method comprising the following steps:

[0253] The selection step, during the production of the coffee beverage, involves selecting data from a data set including at least one type of data: motion picture data and image data; and

[0254] The display step involves displaying the data selected in the selection step onto the display device.

[0255] The data group includes first data (e.g., specific data) and second data (e.g., data other than the specific data).

[0256] The first data is easier to select than the second data (e.g., Figure 20 ).

[0257] Furthermore, a method for displaying the data described above is explained, characterized in that,

[0258] The selection and display steps are performed based on the user's actions during the coffee beverage preparation process (e.g., Figure 20 (B) and (C)).

[0259] Furthermore, a method for displaying the data described above is explained, characterized in that,

[0260] During the display step, a notification is given to prompt a switch to the first data while the second data is being displayed (e.g., Figure 22 The guidance shows 1901).

[0261] Furthermore, a method for displaying the data described above is explained, characterized in that,

[0262] If, during the production of a coffee beverage, the display switches from showing the first data to showing the second data, and the second data is displayed when the production of the coffee beverage is completed, then the first data is selected in the selection step at the start of the next coffee beverage production (e.g., Figure 20 (A)).

[0263] Furthermore, a method for displaying the data described above is explained, characterized in that,

[0264] It is possible to set one or more data in the data group as the first data (e.g., Figure 20 (B)~(D)).

[0265] Furthermore, a method for displaying the data described above is explained, characterized in that,

[0266] It also includes a storage step, in which the display time of each data item in the data group is stored (e.g., Figure 21 ).

[0267] Furthermore, a method for displaying the data described above is explained, characterized in that,

[0268] It also includes a sending step in which information related to the data being displayed by the display device is sent to an external device.

[0269] Furthermore, a method for displaying the data described above is explained, characterized in that,

[0270] The data set contains data describing the manufacturing process of coffee beverages (e.g., Figure 14 (B) Figure 15 (A), (B) Figure 16 (A), (B) Figure 17 (A)).

[0271] Furthermore, a method for displaying the data described above is explained, characterized in that,

[0272] The data set contains data from the maker of the coffee beverage recipe (e.g., Figure 18 (A)).

[0273] Furthermore, a method for displaying the data described above is explained, characterized in that,

[0274] The data set contains data describing the coffee beans used in coffee beverages (e.g., Figure 17 (B)

[0275] Furthermore, a method for displaying the data described above is explained, characterized in that,

[0276] The selection and display steps are performed according to the progress of the coffee beverage manufacturing process (e.g., Figure 14 (B) Figure 15 (A), (B) Figure 16 (A), (B) Figure 17 (A)). The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and alterations can be made within the scope of the spirit of the invention.

[0277] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1: Beverage manufacturing apparatus; 9: Extraction container; 11a: Processing unit; 11b: Storage unit; 12: Information display device; 15: Communication network; 17: Portable terminal; 71: Gas storage tank; 72: Water tank; 72f, 72h, 73c, 73b, 728: Solenoid valves.

Claims

1. A beverage manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that, have: A manufacturing unit used to produce beverages; A receiving unit that accepts from the user a selection of an image to be displayed during the beverage manufacturing process by the manufacturing unit; as well as The display control unit displays the selected image received by the receiving unit on the display device. The images that can be accepted and selected by the receiving unit include a first image composed of multiple images and a second image composed of a single image. When the receiving unit receives a selection of the first image, the display control unit switches between displaying multiple images from the first image on the display device according to the progress of the beverage manufacturing process. When the receiving unit receives a selection for the second image, the display control unit ensures that the second image is displayed on the display device even as the beverage manufacturing process continues. During the manufacture of the beverage by the manufacturing unit, the display control unit is capable of switching between the display of the first image and the display of the second image based on the selection received by the receiving unit. Each of the plurality of images constituting the first image corresponds to a specific manufacturing step in the plurality of manufacturing processes of the beverage. When the receiving unit receives a selection of the first image while the second image is being displayed, the display control unit switches the second image to the first image corresponding to the manufacturing process being performed, and switches the remaining first images to be displayed on the display device according to the switching of each of the multiple manufacturing processes of the beverage.

2. The beverage manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The receiving unit is able to receive the selection from the user before the beverage is manufactured.

3. The beverage manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first image is used to illustrate the manufacturing process of the beverage. The beverage in question is made from coffee beans. The second image is used to illustrate the coffee beans.

4. The beverage manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first image is used to illustrate the manufacturing process of the beverage. The second image is an image of the maker who illustrates the recipe for the beverage.

5. The beverage manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display control unit displays the remaining time for each of the multiple manufacturing processes of the beverage. Even if multiple images in the first image are switched, the remaining time is displayed in the image displayed after the switch.

6. A display method, performed in a beverage manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that, It has the following processes: The manufacturing process of beverages; The acceptance process involves accepting the user's selection of images displayed during the beverage manufacturing process. as well as The display control process causes the selected image received in the acceptance process to be displayed on the display device. The images that can be accepted and selected in the acceptance process include a first image composed of multiple images and a second image composed of a single image. If the selection of the first image is received during the acceptance process, in the display control process, multiple images from the first image are switched and displayed on the display device according to the progress of the beverage manufacturing process. If the selection of the second image is received during the acceptance process, the second image is displayed on the display device even as the beverage manufacturing process progresses during the display control process. In the display control process, during the manufacturing process of the beverage, the display of the first image and the display of the second image can be switched according to the selection made in the acceptance process. Each of the plurality of images constituting the first image corresponds to a specific manufacturing step in the plurality of manufacturing processes of the beverage. If the selection of the first image is received in the acceptance process while the second image is being displayed, in the display control process, the second image is switched to the first image corresponding to the manufacturing process being performed, and the remaining first images are switched on the display device according to the switching of each of the multiple manufacturing processes of the beverage.

Images