Beverage preparation method and apparatus

Abstract

This invention discloses a beverage preparation method and apparatus. The method includes: obtaining a target type of material and a target concentration level for preparing the beverage corresponding to the material; determining a target liquid parameter value corresponding to the target concentration level based on the target correspondence between the concentration level corresponding to the target type and liquid parameter values; controlling the beverage preparation apparatus to brew the material; detecting the liquid parameter value in the beverage preparation apparatus during the brewing process, and stopping the brewing of the material if the detected liquid parameter value reaches the target liquid parameter value. This solution ensures that the final brewed liquid concentration matches user needs and guarantees the stability of the liquid concentration when the target concentration level is reached, thereby improving the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of home appliances, and in particular relates to a method and apparatus for preparing beverages. Background Technology

[0002] Beverage preparation devices, such as tea brewers, can be used to brew various materials, such as tea leaves, spices, or other ingredients. In related technologies, beverage preparation devices can determine the brewing time based on the type of ingredient selected by the user. However, due to varying user tastes, the final brewed concentration cannot satisfy the preferences of different users, resulting in a poor user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above-mentioned technical problems in related technologies, the present invention provides a beverage preparation method and apparatus to ensure that the final concentration of the brewed materials meets the user's needs.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a method for preparing a beverage, the method comprising:

[0005] Obtain the target type of the material and the target concentration level for preparing the corresponding beverage;

[0006] Based on the target correspondence between the concentration level corresponding to the target type and the liquid parameter value, the target liquid parameter value corresponding to the target concentration level is determined;

[0007] The beverage preparation device is controlled to boil the materials;

[0008] During the brewing process of the material, the liquid parameter values ​​in the beverage preparation device are detected. If the detected liquid parameter value reaches the target liquid parameter value, the brewing of the material is stopped.

[0009] In some implementations, the liquid parameter values ​​include one or more of the following: liquid conductivity, total dissolved solids, liquid pH, and liquid color.

[0010] In some implementations, before determining the target liquid parameter value corresponding to the target concentration level based on the target correspondence between the concentration level corresponding to the target type and the liquid parameter value, the method further includes:

[0011] Before the material is placed into the beverage preparation device, the target initial parameter values ​​of the liquid parameters in the beverage preparation device are determined;

[0012] From the preset initial parameter correspondence database, N sets of correspondences corresponding to the target initial parameter value are determined. Each of the N sets of correspondences corresponds to the correspondence between concentration level and liquid parameter value under a material type, and N is a positive integer.

[0013] The target correspondence between the concentration level and the liquid parameter value corresponding to the target type is determined from the N sets of correspondences.

[0014] In some implementations, after stopping the boiling of the material upon detecting that the liquid parameter value has reached the target liquid parameter value, the method further includes:

[0015] If a user's adjustment operation on the brewing concentration of the beverage preparation device is detected, the target correspondence is adjusted based on the adjustment operation.

[0016] In some implementations, each concentration level is pre-configured with a corresponding brewing concentration range, and the target correspondence includes the correspondence between the brewing concentration and the liquid parameter value within the brewing concentration range; before adjusting the target correspondence based on the adjustment operation, the method further includes:

[0017] Determine the expected cooking concentration to be achieved when cooking the material at the target concentration level;

[0018] Based on the adjustment operation, the expected brewing concentration is adjusted by a preset concentration adjustment step size to obtain the adjusted brewing concentration;

[0019] Based on the target correspondence, the adjusted liquid parameter value corresponding to the adjusted brewing concentration is determined, wherein the adjusted brewing concentration satisfies the brewing concentration range corresponding to the target concentration level.

[0020] The material is boiled based on the adjusted boiling concentration, and the boiling of the material is stopped after the liquid parameter value reaches the adjusted liquid parameter value.

[0021] If the user's adjustment operation on the brewing concentration is detected, the brewing concentration is adjusted again based on the preset concentration adjustment step size, and the material is brewed again based on the corresponding adjusted liquid parameter value until the user no longer adjusts the brewing concentration, and the adjusted liquid parameter value corresponding to the final adjusted brewing concentration is used as the liquid parameter value to be updated.

[0022] The adjustment of the target correspondence based on the adjustment operation includes:

[0023] Replace the target liquid parameter value in the target correspondence with the liquid parameter value to be updated.

[0024] In some implementations, the adjustment operation is an operation to increase the brewing concentration. The step of brewing the material based on the adjusted brewing concentration, and stopping the brewing of the material after the liquid parameter value reaches the adjusted liquid parameter value, includes:

[0025] Continue boiling the material, and stop boiling the material once the liquid parameter value reaches the adjusted liquid parameter value.

[0026] In some implementations, the adjustment operation is an operation to reduce the brewing concentration. The step of brewing the material based on the adjusted brewing concentration, and stopping the brewing of the material after the liquid parameter value reaches the adjusted liquid parameter value, includes:

[0027] Inject the target volume of liquid into the beverage preparation device and continue to brew the material. Once the liquid parameter values ​​reach the adjusted values, stop brewing the material; or

[0028] If the liquid parameter value reaches the adjusted liquid parameter value when the material is boiled again, the boiling of the material shall be stopped.

[0029] In some implementations, the method further includes:

[0030] If the rate of change of liquid parameter values ​​in the beverage preparation device is less than a threshold after the material has been boiled multiple times, a prompt message is generated to remind the user to replace the material.

[0031] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide a beverage preparation apparatus, the apparatus comprising:

[0032] The acquisition module is used to acquire the target type of the material and the target concentration level for preparing the beverage corresponding to the material;

[0033] The liquid parameter value determination module is used to determine the target liquid parameter value corresponding to the target concentration level based on the target correspondence between the concentration level corresponding to the target type and the liquid parameter value;

[0034] The first control module is used to control the beverage preparation device to boil the materials;

[0035] The second control module is used to detect the liquid parameter value in the beverage preparation device during the brewing process of the material. If the detected liquid parameter value reaches the target liquid parameter value, the brewing of the material is stopped.

[0036] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention provide a beverage preparation apparatus, comprising:

[0037] The cavity is used to hold the liquid for brewing the materials;

[0038] A heating module is used to heat the liquid inside the cavity;

[0039] The device includes a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor executes the program to implement the steps of the above-described tea brewing method.

[0040] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes:

[0041] Solid-liquid separation module;

[0042] The processor is further configured to control the solid-liquid separation device to separate the material from the liquid in the cavity after detecting that the liquid parameter value has reached the target liquid parameter value.

[0043] In some embodiments, the solid-liquid separation module includes: a liftable tea basket, in which the material is placed;

[0044] The processor is used to control the lifting tea basket to descend when the material is being brewed, so that the material comes into contact with the liquid in the cavity;

[0045] The processor is further configured to control the liftable tea basket to rise when the liquid parameter value reaches the target liquid parameter value, so as to separate the material from the liquid in the cavity.

[0046] In some implementations, the solid-liquid separation module includes: a liquid discharge device and a liquid storage tank;

[0047] The processor is configured to control the liquid discharge device to discharge the liquid in the cavity when the liquid parameter value reaches the target liquid parameter value, wherein the discharged liquid enters the liquid storage tank to separate the material from the liquid in the cavity.

[0048] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes:

[0049] A storage basket is fixedly disposed within the cavity and positioned above the liquid within the cavity, wherein when the material is placed in the storage basket, the material does not come into contact with the liquid within the cavity;

[0050] The processor is used to control the heating module to heat the liquid in the cavity when the material is being boiled, so that the steam formed after the liquid is heated can be used to boil the material.

[0051] The processor is further configured to stop the heating module from heating the liquid in the cavity when the liquid parameter value reaches the target liquid parameter value.

[0052] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes:

[0053] A liquid parameter detector is installed inside the cavity to detect the liquid parameter values ​​inside the cavity;

[0054] The liquid parameter detectors include one or more of the following: conductivity sensors, TDS sensors, pH sensors, and image acquisition devices.

[0055] Fourthly, embodiments of the present invention provide a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the above-described beverage preparation method.

[0056] The embodiments of the present invention provide one or more technical solutions that achieve at least the following technical effects or advantages:

[0057] The beverage preparation method using a tea maker provided in this specification involves obtaining the target type of the material and the target concentration level of the beverage to be prepared during the beverage preparation process. Based on the target correspondence between the concentration level corresponding to the target type and the liquid parameter values, a target liquid parameter value corresponding to the target concentration level is determined. During the brewing process, the liquid parameter value in the tea maker is monitored. If the detected liquid parameter value reaches the target liquid parameter value, the brewing process is stopped. Because the concentration level of the beverage is determined, the final brewed liquid concentration can match the user's needs. Furthermore, determining the brewing concentration based on the liquid parameter values ​​is more accurate and stable, ensuring the stability of the beverage concentration when the target concentration level is reached, thus improving the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0058] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0059] Figure 1 A flowchart of a beverage preparation method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a beverage preparation apparatus provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a beverage preparation apparatus provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0062] This specification provides a beverage preparation method and apparatus. The method includes: obtaining a target type of material and a target concentration level for preparing a beverage corresponding to the material; determining a target liquid parameter value corresponding to the target concentration level based on a target correspondence between the concentration level corresponding to the target type and liquid parameter values; controlling the beverage preparation apparatus to brew the material; detecting the liquid parameter value in the beverage preparation apparatus during the brewing process, and stopping the brewing of the material if the detected liquid parameter value reaches the target liquid parameter value.

[0063] Because the concentration level of the beverage is determined, the final brewed liquid concentration can match the user's needs. At the same time, judging the brewing concentration based on the liquid parameter values ​​is more accurate and stable, which can ensure the stability of the beverage concentration when the target concentration level is reached, thus improving the user experience.

[0064] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0065] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the invention described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0066] like Figure 1 The diagram shown is a flowchart of a beverage preparation method provided in an embodiment of this specification. The method includes the following steps:

[0067] Step S101: Obtain the target type of the material and the target concentration level for preparing the beverage corresponding to the material;

[0068] Step S102: Based on the target correspondence between the concentration level corresponding to the target type and the liquid parameter value, determine the target liquid parameter value corresponding to the target concentration level;

[0069] Step S103: Control the beverage preparation device to boil the material;

[0070] Step S104: During the process of brewing the material, the liquid parameter value in the beverage preparation device is detected. If the detected liquid parameter value reaches the target liquid parameter value, the brewing of the material is stopped.

[0071] The methods provided in the embodiments of this specification can be applied to beverage preparation devices, such as tea brewers or health pots. The methods can also be used in servers that are communicatively connected to the beverage preparation device, or in a system comprising the beverage preparation device and a server; no limitation is made here. For ease of explanation, this specification will use an application in a beverage preparation device as an example to describe the beverage preparation methods provided in the embodiments.

[0072] In step S101, the material refers to the object that the user intends to brew using the beverage preparation device, which can be tea leaves, traditional Chinese medicine, or other ingredients. The target type of the material can be obtained in various ways; two examples are given below.

[0073] The first method involves a material type selection button on the beverage preparation device. When brewing, the user can select the desired material type from the options provided by the device. The device determines the target material type by detecting the user's selection. In one embodiment, the device can have a touchscreen displaying a material type selection page. This page might show multiple categories, such as tea, flower tea, traditional Chinese medicine, and ingredients. After selecting a category, the user can view the specific materials within that category. For example, after selecting "tea," the device might display the tea types, such as oolong tea and pu-erh tea, allowing the user to further search for and select the desired material type.

[0074] The second method is to install an image acquisition device on the beverage preparation device. When the user puts the material into the beverage preparation device, the image acquisition device can identify the material in the beverage preparation device to obtain the target type of the material.

[0075] Of course, the target type can also be determined in other ways, which will not be listed here.

[0076] In the embodiments described in this specification, the beverage preparation device can also provide multiple concentration levels, including but not limited to light tea, strong tea, and medium-concentration tea, etc., and the target concentration level for brewing the material is determined by detecting the user's selection operation. Alternatively, the user can manually input the target concentration level, which is not limited here.

[0077] In step S102, the liquid parameter values ​​may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: liquid conductivity, total dissolved solids, liquid pH, and liquid color. In one embodiment, the liquid parameter value may be liquid conductivity; in another embodiment, the liquid parameter value may be both liquid conductivity and total dissolved solids. Of course, the liquid parameter values ​​may also be other parameter values ​​or combinations of parameter values, which will not be listed here.

[0078] It should be noted that the trends in liquid parameter values ​​will differ depending on the type of material being prepared. Therefore, in the embodiments of this specification, corresponding concentration levels and their corresponding liquid parameters can be pre-configured for different types of materials. For example, when the liquid parameter value is liquid conductivity, corresponding concentration levels and their corresponding liquid conductivity can be pre-configured for different types of materials.

[0079] After determining the target type, the target correspondence between the concentration level and the liquid parameter value corresponding to the target type can be determined, and then the target liquid parameter value corresponding to the target concentration level can be determined from the target correspondence.

[0080] In the specific implementation process, before step S102, the following steps may also be performed: before the material is put into the beverage preparation device, determine the target initial parameter value of the liquid parameter in the beverage preparation device; determine N sets of correspondences corresponding to the target initial parameter value from a preset initial parameter correspondence database, wherein each of the N sets of correspondences corresponds to the correspondence between the concentration level and the liquid parameter value under a certain material type, and N is a positive integer; determine the target correspondence between the concentration level and the liquid parameter value corresponding to the target type from the N sets of correspondences.

[0081] Specifically, the liquid used for brewing materials can be mineral water, purified water, tap water, or other liquids. Taking tap water as an example, the water quality of tap water in different regions may vary, meaning the initial liquid parameter values ​​will differ. For instance, if the pH of tap water in region A is lower than that in region B, then when brewing the same material using tap water from both regions, the liquid parameter values ​​used to achieve the target concentration level may differ between those using tap water from region A and those using tap water from region B.

[0082] Therefore, in the embodiments of this specification, a preset initial parameter correspondence library can be established based on the target initial parameter values ​​of different liquids. The target initial parameter values ​​may include one or more of the following parameter values: liquid conductivity, total dissolved solids, liquid pH, and liquid color.

[0083] In the specific implementation process, different types of liquids from different regions can be sampled, and the initial parameter values ​​of each liquid can be detected and recorded. For each liquid, N different types of materials can be boiled using this liquid, where N is a positive integer. During the boiling process of each type of material, the correspondence between the concentration level and the liquid parameter value is recorded in real time. Based on the recorded correspondence, N sets of correspondences can be constructed for each liquid. Then, based on the N sets of correspondences corresponding to each liquid, a preset initial parameter correspondence database is constructed.

[0084] Furthermore, after obtaining the target initial parameter values ​​for the liquid, the liquids corresponding to the target initial parameter values ​​can be first filtered from the preset initial parameter correspondence database to obtain N sets of correspondences for each liquid. Then, based on the target type of the material, the target correspondence corresponding to the current brewing material is determined. Therefore, in step S102, the target liquid parameter value corresponding to the target concentration level can be directly found in the target correspondence database.

[0085] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this specification, each concentration setting can correspond to a brewing concentration range. For example, when the concentration setting is for light tea, the corresponding brewing concentration range ρ can be 30% ≤ ρ < 50%; when the concentration setting is for medium concentration, the corresponding brewing concentration range ρ can be 50% ≤ ρ < 70%; and when the concentration setting is for strong tea, the corresponding brewing concentration range ρ can be 70% ≤ ρ < 90%. Of course, the specific concentration range corresponding to each setting can be set according to actual needs, and is not limited here.

[0086] In practice, when the brewing concentration reaches the lower limit of a certain brewing concentration range, it indicates that the concentration level has been reached. Alternatively, when the brewing concentration reaches the middle value of the brewing concentration range, it indicates that the concentration level has been reached. No specific limit is set here.

[0087] Accordingly, when constructing the correspondence as described above, for each liquid, when boiling N different types of materials, the correspondence between the boiling concentration and the liquid parameter value is recorded to construct N sets of correspondences. Then, based on the N sets of correspondences corresponding to each liquid, a preset initial parameter correspondence library is constructed.

[0088] After obtaining the target initial parameter values ​​for the liquid, the liquids corresponding to the target initial parameter values ​​can be first filtered from the preset initial parameter correspondence database to obtain N sets of correspondences for each liquid. Then, based on the target type of the material, the target correspondence corresponding to the current brewing material is determined. This correspondence can be the correspondence between brewing concentration and liquid parameter values. Therefore, in step S102, it is necessary to first determine the brewing concentration corresponding to the target concentration level. Taking the target concentration level as the aforementioned "light tea" as an example, if the brewing level corresponds to the lower limit of the corresponding brewing concentration range, then the brewing concentration corresponding to the "light tea" level is 30%. Further, by querying the target correspondence, the liquid parameter value corresponding to 30% is obtained as the target liquid parameter value corresponding to the target concentration level.

[0089] Furthermore, the materials are boiled in step S103. In specific implementations, the beverage preparation device may be equipped with a heating module for heating the liquid in the beverage preparation device to achieve the boiling of the materials. In some embodiments, the materials may be placed in the liquid, and the beverage is prepared by heating the liquid. In other embodiments, the materials may be placed above the liquid without contacting the liquid, and steam is generated when the liquid is heated, and the materials are boiled by the hot steam.

[0090] In step S104, during the process of boiling the material, the liquid parameter values ​​of the boiling liquid can be detected in real time. When the liquid parameter value reaches the target liquid parameter value, it indicates that the boiling concentration has reached the target concentration level. At this time, the boiling of the material can be stopped.

[0091] Specifically, depending on the brewing method, the brewing process can be stopped in different ways. For example, when the material is immersed in liquid for brewing, the brewing process can be stopped by separating the material from the liquid; when using hot steam to brew the material, the brewing process can be stopped by stopping the heating.

[0092] It should be noted that the separation of materials from liquids can be achieved in various ways. For example, automatic tea-water separation can be achieved by controlling the raising and lowering of the tea basket, controlling the opening and closing of the air intake channel of the beverage preparation device, or emptying the brewing chamber. Alternatively, reminders, such as audible and visual reminders, can be issued to prompt users to separate the materials from the liquids.

[0093] In this embodiment of the specification, after the liquid parameter value reaches the target liquid parameter value and the material is separated from the liquid, the following steps can also be performed: if a user's adjustment operation on the brewing concentration of the beverage preparation device is detected, the target correspondence is adjusted based on the adjustment operation.

[0094] In practical implementation, the beverage preparation device can be equipped with a concentration adjustment button. When the target concentration level is reached, the material and liquid are separated. Simultaneously, the device detects user actions on the concentration adjustment button. If an increase in concentration is detected, it indicates that the brewing concentration at the target level is too low compared to the user's taste preference; conversely, if a decrease in concentration is detected, it indicates that the brewing concentration at the target level is too high compared to the user's taste preference. To improve the user experience and ensure the brewing concentration closely matches the user's preference, the target correlation can be adjusted based on the adjustment operations. For example, when an increase in concentration is detected, the target liquid parameter value corresponding to the target concentration level is adjusted, resulting in a higher liquid concentration than the original target liquid parameter value. Conversely, when a decrease in concentration is detected, the target liquid parameter value is adjusted, resulting in a lower liquid concentration than the original target liquid parameter value.

[0095] To better illustrate the adjustment process of the target correspondence, in this embodiment, a corresponding brewing concentration range is pre-configured for each concentration level. The target correspondence includes the correspondence between the brewing concentration and the liquid parameter value within the brewing concentration range. Please refer to the explanation above for details, which will not be repeated here. Before adjusting the target correspondence, the following steps can also be performed:

[0096] The process involves determining the desired brewing concentration for the material at the target concentration level; adjusting the desired brewing concentration by a preset concentration adjustment step size based on the adjustment operation to obtain the adjusted brewing concentration; determining the adjusted liquid parameter value corresponding to the adjusted brewing concentration based on the target correspondence, wherein the adjusted brewing concentration satisfies the brewing concentration range corresponding to the target concentration level; brewing the material based on the adjusted brewing concentration, and stopping the brewing of the material after the liquid parameter value reaches the adjusted liquid parameter value; if the user's adjustment operation on the brewing concentration is detected, the brewing concentration is adjusted again based on the preset concentration adjustment step size until the user no longer adjusts the brewing concentration, and the adjusted liquid parameter value corresponding to the final adjusted brewing concentration is used as the liquid parameter value to be updated.

[0097] Specifically, the expected brewing concentration corresponding to the target concentration level can be set according to actual needs. In one embodiment, the median value of the brewing concentration range corresponding to the target concentration level is used as the expected brewing concentration. In another embodiment, any value in the brewing concentration range corresponding to the target concentration level can be used as the expected brewing concentration.

[0098] The preset concentration adjustment step size can be selected according to actual needs. For example, the preset concentration adjustment step size can be 5%, meaning that the brewing concentration is increased or decreased by 5% each time. Of course, the concentration adjustment step size corresponding to the increase and decrease of brewing concentration can be the same or different; this is not limited here. For ease of explanation, we will take the example where the concentration adjustment step size corresponding to the increase and decrease of brewing concentration is the same, and both are preset concentration adjustment step sizes. Then, when the adjustment operation is to increase the brewing concentration, the preset concentration step size can be increased based on the expected brewing concentration to obtain the increased brewing concentration; when the adjustment operation is to decrease the brewing concentration, the preset concentration step size can be decreased based on the expected brewing concentration to obtain the decreased brewing concentration.

[0099] It should be noted that since the user has already selected a target concentration level, the adjusted brewing concentration must be within the range corresponding to that target concentration level. For example, if the target concentration level is light tea, the adjusted brewing concentration must still be within the range corresponding to light tea.

[0100] Furthermore, since the target correspondence is the relationship between the brewing concentration and the liquid parameter value, after obtaining the adjusted brewing concentration, the corresponding liquid parameter value can be obtained by querying the target correspondence, and this value is used as the adjusted liquid parameter value. After obtaining the adjusted liquid parameter value, the material is brewed to bring the liquid parameter value to the adjusted value.

[0101] It should be understood that when the user operates to increase the brewing concentration, the material can continue to be brewed so that the brewing concentration gradually reaches the increased brewing concentration. When the liquid parameter value is detected to reach the adjusted liquid parameter value, it indicates that the current brewing concentration is the increased brewing concentration. At this time, the material can be separated from the liquid in the beverage preparation device.

[0102] When the user selects to reduce the brewing concentration, since the current concentration is already higher than the desired concentration, the next time the material is brewed, the reduced concentration can be used as the desired concentration. Based on this target correlation, the liquid parameter value corresponding to the reduced concentration is determined as the adjusted liquid parameter value. During the next brewing of the same material, if the user selects the same concentration level, the liquid parameter value is monitored during the brewing process, and brewing is stopped when the liquid parameter value reaches the adjusted value.

[0103] In addition, for operations that reduce the brewing concentration, the target volume of liquid can be injected into the beverage preparation device based on user operation, and the material can continue to be brewed. Once the liquid parameter value reaches the adjusted liquid parameter value, the brewing of the material can be stopped.

[0104] Specifically, a beverage preparation device may include a water tank containing liquid for brewing materials. When it is necessary to reduce the brewing concentration, the liquid in the water tank is injected into the beverage preparation device via a water pump or other device. Alternatively, the beverage preparation device may be directly connected to a valve in the water tank; when it is necessary to reduce the brewing concentration, the valve is opened to inject the liquid.

[0105] It should be noted that the target volume of the injected liquid can be set as needed, as long as the liquid parameter value in the beverage preparation device does not exceed the adjusted liquid parameter value after the target volume of liquid is injected.

[0106] Using the above method, after the material is boiled again based on the adjusted boiling concentration to achieve the adjusted boiling thickness, if the user is still not satisfied with the boiling concentration after tasting, they can adjust the concentration again, either increasing or decreasing it. This process can be repeated, determining the adjusted liquid parameter values ​​for the next round of boiling based on the adjusted boiling concentration, and boiling the material again until the user no longer needs to adjust the boiling concentration. Then, the adjusted liquid parameter values ​​corresponding to the final adjusted boiling concentration are used as the liquid parameter values ​​to be updated.

[0107] Furthermore, when updating the target correspondence, the liquid parameter value corresponding to the target concentration level is replaced with the liquid parameter value to be updated. At the same time, the expected brewing concentration bar corresponding to the target concentration level can also be adjusted to the final adjusted brewing concentration.

[0108] It should be noted that if multiple adjustments by the user cause the brewing concentration to exceed the range corresponding to the target concentration setting, a reminder message can be generated to inform the user that the concentration has exceeded the target concentration setting and to suggest that the user select another concentration setting.

[0109] In the embodiments of this specification, if the rate of change of liquid parameter values ​​in the beverage preparation device is less than a threshold after the material has been boiled multiple times, a prompt message is generated to remind the user to replace the material.

[0110] Specifically, after multiple boilings, if the rate of change of liquid parameter values ​​is less than a threshold, it indicates that the change in boiling concentration over time cannot increase or increases only slightly, meaning the material has been fully extracted. In this case, the user can be reminded to replace the material. The specific value of the threshold can be set according to actual needs and is not limited here.

[0111] In the embodiments of this specification, considering that the ratio of material to brewing liquid may vary, the correspondence between brewing concentration and liquid parameter values ​​may also differ. Therefore, when constructing the correspondence, the ratio of material to brewing liquid can also be taken into consideration.

[0112] Taking oolong tea as the material and electrical conductivity as the liquid parameter, the change trend of liquid electrical conductivity varies with the ratio of oolong tea to water as the brewing time changes. Therefore, when establishing the correspondence, different correspondences can be constructed based on different ratios of materials and brewing liquids.

[0113] Accordingly, when brewing target-type materials, the weight of the materials and the weight of the liquid in the beverage preparation device before adding the materials can be obtained to determine the ratio between the materials and the liquid. This ratio can then be used to screen for target correspondences. In practice, the beverage preparation device can be equipped with a weight sensor. Before adding the materials, the weight of the liquid is obtained through the weight sensor. After adding the materials, the total weight of the liquid after adding the materials is obtained through the weight sensor, thus determining the ratio between the materials and the liquid.

[0114] In summary, the method provided in the embodiments of this specification can adjust the target correspondence according to the user's preferences. Therefore, the brewing of materials based on the target correspondence can better satisfy the user's taste and improve the user experience. At the same time, judging the brewing concentration based on the liquid parameter value is more accurate and stable than judging the brewing concentration based on brewing time and other methods, which can ensure the accuracy of the brewing concentration.

[0115] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of the present invention provide a beverage preparation apparatus, see reference. Figure 2 As shown, the device includes:

[0116] The acquisition module 201 is used to acquire the target type of the material and the target concentration level for brewing the material;

[0117] The liquid parameter value determination module 202 is used to determine the target liquid parameter value corresponding to the target concentration level based on the target correspondence between the concentration level corresponding to the target type and the liquid parameter value;

[0118] The first control module 203 is used to control the beverage preparation device to boil the material;

[0119] The second control module 204 is used to detect the liquid parameter value in the tea brewer during the brewing process of the material. If the detected liquid parameter value reaches the target liquid parameter value, the brewing of the material is stopped.

[0120] In some implementations, the liquid parameter values ​​include one or more of the following: liquid conductivity, total dissolved solids, liquid pH, and liquid color.

[0121] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes:

[0122] The initial parameter acquisition module is used to determine the target initial parameter values ​​of the liquid parameters in the beverage preparation device before the material is put into the beverage preparation device;

[0123] The first determining module is used to determine N sets of correspondences with the target initial parameter value from a preset initial parameter correspondence database. Each of the N sets of correspondences corresponds to the correspondence between concentration level and liquid parameter value under a material type, and N is a positive integer.

[0124] The second determining module is used to determine the target correspondence between the concentration level and the liquid parameter value corresponding to the target type from the N sets of correspondences.

[0125] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes:

[0126] An adjustment module is used to adjust the target correspondence based on a user's adjustment operation on the brewing concentration of the beverage preparation device if such operation is detected.

[0127] In some implementations, each concentration level is pre-configured with a corresponding brewing concentration range, and the target correspondence includes the correspondence between the brewing concentration within the brewing concentration range and the liquid parameter values; the apparatus includes:

[0128] The third determining module is used to determine the expected brewing concentration to be achieved when the material is brewed at the target concentration level.

[0129] The concentration adjustment module is used to adjust the expected brewing concentration by a preset concentration adjustment step size based on the adjustment operation to obtain the adjusted brewing concentration;

[0130] The fourth determining module is used to determine the adjusted liquid parameter value corresponding to the adjusted brewing concentration based on the target correspondence, wherein the adjusted brewing concentration satisfies the brewing concentration range corresponding to the target concentration level.

[0131] The brewing module is used to brew the material based on the adjusted brewing concentration, and to stop brewing the material after the liquid parameter value reaches the adjusted liquid parameter value.

[0132] The parameter value acquisition module is used to adjust the brewing concentration again based on the preset concentration adjustment step size if the user's adjustment operation on the brewing concentration is detected, and to brew the material again based on the corresponding adjusted liquid parameter value until the user no longer adjusts the brewing concentration, and to use the adjusted liquid parameter value corresponding to the finally obtained adjusted brewing concentration as the liquid parameter value to be updated.

[0133] The adjustment module is used to replace the target liquid parameter value in the target correspondence with the liquid parameter value to be updated.

[0134] In some implementations, the adjustment operation is an operation to increase the brewing concentration, and the brewing module is used for:

[0135] Continue boiling the material, and stop boiling the material once the liquid parameter value reaches the adjusted liquid parameter value.

[0136] In some implementations, the adjustment operation is an operation to reduce the brewing concentration, and the brewing module is used for:

[0137] Inject the target volume of liquid into the beverage preparation device and continue to brew the material. Once the liquid parameter values ​​reach the adjusted values, stop brewing the material; or

[0138] If the liquid parameter value reaches the adjusted liquid parameter value when the material is boiled again, the boiling of the material shall be stopped.

[0139] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes:

[0140] The prompting module is used to generate a prompt message if the rate of change of liquid parameter values ​​in the beverage preparation device is less than a threshold after the material has been boiled multiple times, so as to prompt the user to replace the material.

[0141] Regarding the above-mentioned apparatus, the specific functions of each module have been described in detail in the embodiments of the beverage preparation method provided in this specification, and will not be elaborated here.

[0142] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of the present invention provide a beverage preparation apparatus, see reference. Figure 3 As shown, it includes:

[0143] Cavity 301 is used to hold the liquid of the material to be cooked;

[0144] Heating module 302 is used to heat the liquid inside cavity 301;

[0145] The memory 303, the processor 304, and the computer program stored in the memory 303 and executable on the processor, wherein the processor 304 executes the program to implement any of the embodiments described in the above-described beverage preparation method embodiments.

[0146] like Figure 3As shown, in the bus architecture of the beverage preparation apparatus (represented by bus 300), bus 300 may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, linking various circuits including one or more processors represented by processor 304 and memory represented by memory 303. Bus 300 may also link various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be described further herein. Bus interface 305 provides an interface between bus 300 and receiver 306 and transmitter 307. Receiver 306 and transmitter 307 may be the same element, i.e., a transceiver, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium. Processor 304 is responsible for managing bus 300 and general processing, while memory 303 can be used to store data used by processor 304 during operation.

[0147] In the embodiments of this specification, the brewing of materials can be achieved in various ways. In some embodiments, the materials can be placed in a liquid, and the liquid can be heated by a heating module to prepare the beverage. In other embodiments, the materials can be placed above the liquid without contacting it, and the heating module generates steam when heating the liquid, which is then used to brew the materials.

[0148] Different methods can be used to stop the brewing process depending on the brewing method. For methods where the material is immersed in liquid, brewing can be stopped by separating the material from the liquid. In specific implementation, the device further includes a solid-liquid separation module; the processor is also used to control the solid-liquid separation device to separate the material from the liquid in the chamber after detecting that the liquid parameter value has reached the target liquid parameter value.

[0149] In the embodiments of this specification, the solid-liquid separation module can exist in various forms. Two of them are described below.

[0150] The first type:

[0151] The solid-liquid separation module includes: a liftable tea basket in which the material is placed; a processor for controlling the liftable tea basket to descend during the brewing of the material so that the material comes into contact with the liquid in the cavity; the processor is also used to control the liftable tea basket to rise when the liquid parameter value reaches the target liquid parameter value so as to separate the material from the liquid in the cavity.

[0152] Specifically, in order to achieve the separation of materials and liquids, the beverage preparation device can be equipped with a liftable tea basket. The tea basket holds the materials to be brewed. When it is necessary to brew the materials, the tea basket is controlled to descend so that the materials in the tea basket come into contact with the liquid to achieve the brewing of the materials. When the target liquid parameter value is reached, the tea basket can be controlled to rise so that the materials in the tea basket are separated from the liquid to stop the brewing.

[0153] The second type:

[0154] The solid-liquid separation module includes a liquid discharge device and a liquid storage tank; the processor is used to control the liquid discharge device to discharge the liquid in the cavity when the liquid parameter value reaches the target liquid parameter value, wherein the discharged liquid enters the liquid storage tank to separate the material from the liquid in the cavity.

[0155] Specifically, the liquid storage tank can be a separate unit or integrated into the beverage preparation device; this is not a limitation. In one embodiment, the liquid storage tank can be connected to the cavity via a pipeline. Once the target liquid parameter value is reached, a pump or similar device can be used to pressurize the liquid in the cavity into the liquid storage tank, thus separating the material from the liquid. In another embodiment, the liquid storage tank and the cavity can be two adjacent parts, with the cavity located above the liquid storage tank. A valve can be installed between them. When brewing needs to be stopped, the valve can be opened, allowing the liquid in the cavity to flow into the liquid storage tank. Of course, to further separate the material from the liquid, a filter screen can be installed below the cavity to prevent material from falling into the liquid storage tank.

[0156] In addition, when cooking materials with hot steam, the device may also include: a storage basket, fixedly disposed in the cavity and located above the liquid in the cavity, wherein when the material is placed in the storage basket, the material does not come into contact with the liquid in the cavity.

[0157] In the specific implementation process, the processor is used to control the heating module to heat the liquid in the cavity when the material is being boiled, so that the steam formed after the liquid is heated can boil the material; the processor is also used to stop the heating module from heating the liquid in the cavity when the liquid parameter value reaches the target liquid parameter value.

[0158] In the embodiments of this specification, the types of liquid parameter values ​​used to determine the concentration level can be selected according to actual needs. These liquid parameter values ​​may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following parameters: liquid conductivity, total dissolved solids, liquid pH, and liquid color. To detect the liquid parameter values, the beverage preparation apparatus in the embodiments of this specification further includes a liquid parameter detector, disposed within the cavity, for detecting the liquid parameter values ​​within the cavity. The type of liquid parameter detector may include one or more of the following: conductivity sensor, TDS sensor, pH sensor, and image acquisition device.

[0159] Specifically, when a conductivity sensor is installed inside the cavity, the conductivity of the liquid inside the cavity can be collected in real time. The conductivity sensor can be a conductivity probe. When a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) sensor is installed inside the cavity, the total dissolved solids in the liquid inside the cavity can be collected in real time. The TDS sensor can be a TDS probe. When a pH sensor is installed inside the cavity, the acidity or alkalinity of the liquid inside the cavity can be detected in real time. When an image acquisition device is installed inside the cavity, the color of the liquid inside the cavity can be acquired. Of course, in addition to the above sensors, other types of sensors can be installed inside the cavity as needed; this is not limited here.

[0160] It should be noted that the above sensors can be combined according to actual needs, and the positions of the various sensors installed inside the cavity can also be selected according to the actual situation, such as being installed at the bottom or side wall of the cavity, as long as the sensors can detect the corresponding liquid parameter values. In one embodiment, considering that the liquid level may change, the liquid parameter detector can be placed at the bottom of the cavity to ensure that the corresponding liquid parameter values ​​can be effectively detected.

[0161] The functions described herein can be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions can be stored as one or more instructions or codes on or transmitted via a computer-readable medium. Other examples and embodiments are within the scope and spirit of this invention and the appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, the functions described above can be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwired, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, the functional units can be integrated into a single processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into a single unit.

[0162] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed technical content can be implemented in other ways. The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for example, the division of units can be a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For instance, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the displayed or discussed mutual coupling, direct coupling, or communication connection may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between units or modules may be electrical or other forms.

[0163] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. Similarly, the components of the control device may or may not be physical units; they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment, depending on actual needs.

[0164] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present invention, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of the present invention. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), portable hard drives, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0165] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for preparing a beverage, characterized in that, include: Obtain the target type of the material and the target concentration level for preparing the corresponding beverage; Based on the target correspondence between the concentration level corresponding to the target type and the liquid parameter value, the target liquid parameter value corresponding to the target concentration level is determined; The beverage preparation device is controlled to boil the materials; During the process of brewing the material, the liquid parameter value in the beverage preparation device is detected. If the detected liquid parameter value reaches the target liquid parameter value, the brewing of the material is stopped. If a user's adjustment operation on the brewing concentration of the beverage preparation device is detected, the target correspondence is adjusted based on the adjustment operation; If each concentration level is pre-configured with a corresponding brewing concentration range, the target correspondence includes the correspondence between the brewing concentration and the liquid parameter value within the brewing concentration range. The method further includes: determining the expected brewing concentration to be achieved when brewing the material at the target concentration level; adjusting the expected brewing concentration by a preset concentration adjustment step size based on the adjustment operation to obtain the adjusted brewing concentration; determining the adjusted liquid parameter value corresponding to the adjusted brewing concentration based on the target correspondence, wherein the adjusted brewing concentration satisfies the brewing concentration range corresponding to the target concentration level; brewing the material based on the adjusted brewing concentration, and stopping the brewing of the material after the liquid parameter value reaches the adjusted liquid parameter value. If the adjustment operation is to increase the brewing concentration, the material is brewed continuously, and the brewing of the material is stopped after the liquid parameter value reaches the adjusted liquid parameter value. If the adjustment operation is to reduce the brewing concentration, the target volume of liquid is injected into the beverage preparation device and the material is brewed. After the liquid parameter value reaches the adjusted liquid parameter value, the brewing of the material is stopped; or, during the next brewing of the material, if the liquid parameter value is detected to have reached the adjusted liquid parameter value, the brewing of the material is stopped.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid parameter values ​​include one or more of the following: liquid conductivity, total dissolved solids, liquid pH, and liquid color.

3. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Before determining the target liquid parameter value corresponding to the target concentration level based on the target correspondence between the concentration level corresponding to the target type and the liquid parameter value, the method further includes: Before the material is placed into the beverage preparation device, the target initial parameter values ​​of the liquid parameters in the beverage preparation device are determined; From the preset initial parameter correspondence database, N sets of correspondences corresponding to the target initial parameter value are determined. Each of the N sets of correspondences corresponds to the correspondence between concentration level and liquid parameter value under a material type, and N is a positive integer. The target correspondence between the concentration level and the liquid parameter value corresponding to the target type is determined from the N sets of correspondences.

4. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Before adjusting the target correspondence based on the adjustment operation, the method further includes: If the user's adjustment operation on the brewing concentration is detected, the brewing concentration is adjusted again based on the preset concentration adjustment step size until the user no longer adjusts the brewing concentration, and the adjusted liquid parameter value corresponding to the finally obtained adjusted brewing concentration is used as the liquid parameter value to be updated. The adjustment of the target correspondence based on the adjustment operation includes: Replace the target liquid parameter value in the target correspondence with the liquid parameter value to be updated.

5. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the rate of change of liquid parameter values ​​in the beverage preparation device is less than a threshold after the material has been boiled multiple times, a prompt message is generated to remind the user to replace the material.

6. A beverage preparation apparatus, characterized in that, include: The acquisition module is used to acquire the target type of the material and the target concentration level for preparing the beverage corresponding to the material; The liquid parameter value determination module is used to determine the target liquid parameter value corresponding to the target concentration level based on the target correspondence between the concentration level corresponding to the target type and the liquid parameter value; The first control module is used to control the beverage preparation device to boil the materials; The second control module is used to detect the liquid parameter value in the beverage preparation device during the process of brewing the material. If the detected liquid parameter value reaches the target liquid parameter value, the brewing of the material is stopped. An adjustment module is used to adjust the target correspondence based on a user's adjustment operation on the brewing concentration of the beverage preparation device if such operation is detected. The third determining module is used to determine the expected brewing concentration to be achieved when brewing the material at the target concentration level, when each concentration level is pre-configured with a corresponding brewing concentration range, and the target correspondence includes the correspondence between the brewing concentration and the liquid parameter value within the brewing concentration range. The concentration adjustment module is used to adjust the expected brewing concentration by a preset concentration adjustment step size based on the adjustment operation to obtain the adjusted brewing concentration; The fourth determining module is used to determine the adjusted liquid parameter value corresponding to the adjusted brewing concentration based on the target correspondence, wherein the adjusted brewing concentration satisfies the brewing concentration range corresponding to the target concentration level. The brewing module is used to brew the material based on the adjusted brewing concentration, and to stop brewing the material after the liquid parameter value reaches the adjusted liquid parameter value. If the adjustment operation is to increase the brewing concentration, the brewing module is also used to continue brewing the material, and stop brewing the material after the liquid parameter value reaches the adjusted liquid parameter value; If the adjustment operation is to reduce the brewing concentration, the brewing module is also used to inject the target volume of liquid into the beverage preparation device and continue to brew the material. After the liquid parameter value reaches the adjusted liquid parameter value, the brewing of the material is stopped; or, during the next brewing of the material, if the liquid parameter value is detected to have reached the adjusted liquid parameter value, the brewing of the material is stopped.

7. A beverage preparation apparatus, characterized in that, include: The cavity is used to hold the liquid for brewing the materials; A heating module is used to heat the liquid inside the cavity; A memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor, when executing the program, implements the method as described in any one of claims 1-5.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, The device further includes: Solid-liquid separation module; The processor is further configured to control the solid-liquid separation module to separate the material from the liquid in the cavity after detecting that the liquid parameter value has reached the target liquid parameter value.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The solid-liquid separation module includes: a liftable tea basket, in which the material is placed; The processor is used to control the lifting tea basket to descend when the material is being brewed, so that the material comes into contact with the liquid in the cavity; The processor is further configured to control the liftable tea basket to rise when the liquid parameter value reaches the target liquid parameter value, so as to separate the material from the liquid in the cavity.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The solid-liquid separation module includes: a liquid discharge device and a liquid storage tank; The processor is configured to control the liquid discharge device to discharge the liquid in the cavity when the liquid parameter value reaches the target liquid parameter value, wherein the discharged liquid enters the liquid storage tank to separate the material from the liquid in the cavity.

11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, The device further includes: A storage basket is fixedly disposed within the cavity and positioned above the liquid within the cavity, wherein when the material is placed in the storage basket, the material does not come into contact with the liquid within the cavity; The processor is used to control the heating module to heat the liquid in the cavity when the material is being boiled, so that the steam formed after the liquid is heated can be used to boil the material. The processor is further configured to stop the heating module from heating the liquid in the cavity when the liquid parameter value reaches the target liquid parameter value.

12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, The device further includes: A liquid parameter detector is installed inside the cavity to detect the liquid parameter values ​​inside the cavity; The liquid parameter detectors include one or more of the following: conductivity sensors, TDS sensors, pH sensors, and image acquisition devices.

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