System and method for dispensing consumable material

Abstract

A system for dispensing consumable material, the system comprising: a dispenser for dispensing consumable material into a container; a container sensor configured to transmit a signal and receive a reflected signal from the container, the container sensor being movable relative to the container; a motor operatively connected to the container sensor to move the container sensor relative to the container; and a controller configured to determine a physical parameter of the container based on the reflected signal and an operating parameter of the motor, where the dispenser dispenses the consumable material into the container based on the physical parameter.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for dispensing consumable materials. In particular, the present invention relates to a system installed in a kitchen appliance for dispensing beverages or other consumable food materials and the use thereof. Background Art

[0002] Beverage or other consumable material dispensing devices such as coffee machines, water dispensers, etc. are often used to dispense beverages into cups. Because the size and shape of cups can vary significantly, such dispensing devices cannot determine the appropriate amount of beverage to be dispensed. For example, when a small flute-shaped cup is used, the coffee machine may not be able to detect the size of the cup and dispense too much coffee, causing the coffee to overflow from the cup. Such dispensing devices are also unable to dispense a preferred volume of beverage (e.g., one cup, half cup, etc.) relative to the size of the cup without the user having to input the exact volume of the beverage to be dispensed.

[0003] In addition, the dispensing device cannot detect whether the cup is incorrectly placed under the dispenser or in the center of the cup. Even if it is detected that the cup is incorrectly placed or slightly offset, the dispensing device cannot dispense the beverage without repositioning the cup to the correct position. Summary of the invention

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more disadvantages of existing arrangements, or to at least provide a useful alternative to existing arrangements.

[0005] In a first aspect, although not necessarily the only or broadest form, the present invention resides in a system for dispensing a consumable material, the system comprising:

[0006] a dispenser for dispensing said consumable material into a container;

[0007] a container sensor configured to transmit a signal and receive a reflected signal from the container, the container sensor being movable relative to the container;

[0008] a motor operatively connected to the container sensor to move the container sensor relative to the container;

[0009] a controller configured to determine a physical parameter of the container based on the reflected signal and an operating parameter of the motor;

[0010] Wherein the dispenser dispenses the consumable material into the container based on the physical parameter.

[0011] Preferably, the consumable material is a beverage.Preferably, the system is incorporated in a coffee machine.

[0012] Preferably, the dispenser comprises an outlet for dispensing the consumable material. Preferably, the dispenser comprises a sensor for determining the level of the dispensed consumable material in the container. Preferably, the sensor comprises an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a time-of-flight sensor or a LIDAR sensor. Preferably, the dispenser dispenses an amount of the consumable material into the container based on the level of the dispensed consumable material in the container.

[0013] Preferably, the container sensor moves along a shaft connected to the motor. Preferably, the shaft is a lead screw or a linear actuator. Preferably, the rotary motion of the motor is converted into linear motion by the shaft to move the container sensor along the shaft. Preferably, the container sensor includes a housing connected to the shaft.

[0014] Preferably, the container sensor comprises a transmitter configured to transmit a signal and a receiver configured to receive the reflected signal, wherein the signal is reflected from a wall of the container. Preferably, the container sensor comprises an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a time-of-flight sensor or a LIDAR sensor.

[0015] Preferably, the motor is a stepper motor, a DC motor, an AC motor or a brushless DC motor. Preferably, the motor is connected to a sensor configured to determine an operating parameter of the motor. Preferably, the motor is connected to a Hall sensor. Preferably, the operating parameter of the motor is the number of revolutions or steps of the motor. Preferably, the operating parameter of the motor is used to calculate the displacement of the container sensor along the axis.

[0016] Preferably, the container is placed on a container base. Preferably, the container base is a drip tray. Preferably, the container base comprises a weight sensor for sensing the container.

[0017] Preferably, the container sensor senses the container by transmitting a signal from the transmitter and receiving the reflected signal by the receiver, the signal being reflected from a wall of the container. Preferably, the controller compares the reflected signal received by the receiver with a previous reflected signal to determine a change in signal strength. Preferably, when the change in signal strength is detected, the controller determines that the container sensor has moved beyond an edge of the container. Preferably, when the change in signal strength is detected, the controller determines the displacement of the container sensor along the axis as the height of the container. Preferably, the physical parameter of the container is the height of the container.

[0018] Preferably, the dispenser dispenses the consumable material into the container based on a user preference. Preferably, the user preference comprises an amount of the consumable material to be dispensed. Preferably, the amount of the consumable material dispensed by the dispenser is based on the physical parameter of the container. Preferably, the dispenser dispenses an amount of the consumable material into the container based on the level of the dispensed consumable material in the container.

[0019] Preferably, the system further comprises an anti-condensation module configured to prevent condensation from forming on the container sensor. Preferably, the anti-condensation module comprises an outlet through which air is blown or sucked. Preferably, an anti-condensation coating is applied to the container sensor and / or a lens of the sensor of the dispenser.

[0020] Preferably, the container sensor and the dispenser are located in a sensor carrier that is movable relative to the container.

[0021] Preferably, the controller determines a reflection value of the reflected signal. Preferably, the distance to the surface reflecting the signal is calculated based on the reflection value. Preferably, when a change in the distance is detected, the controller records the distance. Preferably, the physical parameter of the container is calculated based on the recorded distance. Preferably, the physical parameter of the container is the interior height of the container.

[0022] Preferably, when a change in the distance is detected, the controller records the displacement of the container sensor. Preferably, the center of the container is calculated based on the recorded displacement. Preferably, based on the calculated center of the container, the outlet of the dispenser is positioned above the calculated center of the container.

[0023] In a second aspect, the invention resides in a method of dispensing a consumable material into a container, the method comprising:

[0024] moving a container sensor relative to the container by a motor operatively connected to the container sensor, the container sensor being configured to transmit a signal and receive a reflected signal from the container;

[0025] determining, by a controller, a physical parameter of the container based on the reflected signal and an operating parameter of the motor;

[0026] The consumable material is dispensed into the container by a dispenser based on the physical parameter.

[0027] Preferably, the method further comprises:

[0028] moving the container sensor along a shaft connected to the motor; and

[0029] The number of revolutions or steps of the motor is measured, the number of revolutions or the number of steps being the operating parameter of the motor.

[0030] Preferably, the method further comprises calculating a displacement of the container sensor based on the operating parameter of the motor.

[0031] Preferably, the method further comprises:

[0032] comparing the reflected signal to a previous reflected signal;

[0033] determining a change in the strength of the reflected signal to indicate that the container sensor has moved beyond an edge of the container;

[0034] The displacement of the container sensor is calculated to determine the height of the container, the height being the physical parameter of the container.

[0035] Preferably, dispensing the consumable material comprises:

[0036] measuring, by a sensor of the dispenser, a level of the dispensed consumable material in the container;

[0037] An amount of the consumable material is dispensed into the container based on the level of the dispensed consumable material in the container.

[0038] Preferably, determining the physical parameter of the container comprises:

[0039] moving the container sensor along a shaft connected to the motor;

[0040] measuring a reflection value of the reflection signal;

[0041] determining a distance to a surface reflecting the signal based on the reflection value;

[0042] monitoring a change in the distance to sense an edge of the container;

[0043] When the change in the distance is sensed, recording the distance by a controller;

[0044] The physical parameter of the container is calculated by the controller based on the recorded distance.

[0045] Preferably, the method further comprises:

[0046] When the change in the distance is sensed, the controller records the displacement of the container sensor;

[0047] The center of the container is calculated by the controller based on the recorded displacements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] In order to more completely understand the present invention, exemplary embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like components, and in which:

[0049] Figure 1 is a schematic system diagram of a system for dispensing consumable materials according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 2 is a schematic system diagram of a system for dispensing consumable materials according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 3 is a schematic system diagram of a system for dispensing consumable materials according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 4 Shown based on Figure 3 The system shown is a graph plotting the data / values ​​measured and calculated during movement of the sensor carriage. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] Figure 1 A system 10 for dispensing consumable materials is shown, which is configured to allow a kitchen appliance to dispense beverages or other consumable food materials. In this embodiment, the system 10 is incorporated in a coffee machine (not shown), that is, the coffee machine includes a system 10 for dispensing coffee. However, in other embodiments, the system 10 can be incorporated in other kitchen appliances, such as juicers, water sprayers / filters / drinkers, refrigerators, soup dispensers, soft drink dispensers, etc. In addition, in other embodiments, depending on the kitchen appliance to which it is installed, the system 10 can be configured to dispense other consumable food materials, such as beans, rice, condiments, pasta, etc. and / or any other consumable fluids.

[0054] The system 10 includes a dispenser 100 for dispensing consumable material into a container 110, a container sensor 120 configured to transmit and receive reflected signals, and a motor 130 operatively connected to the container sensor 120 to move the container sensor 120 relative to the container 110. The dispenser 100 is located above an area where the container 110 is to be placed and is spaced apart from the container 110. The dispenser 100 includes a nozzle or outlet (not shown) for dispensing coffee into the container 110 in a direction indicated by arrow "A". A sensor 101 in the form of an ultrasonic sensor is positioned adjacent to the outlet of the dispenser 100 and is configured to sense / determine a fluid level in the container 110. The sensor 101 includes a transmitter 101a that transmits a signal and a receiver 101b that receives a reflected signal, which is reflected from the fluid in the container 110 or the wall of the container 110. However, in other embodiments, sensor 101 can be another type of sensor, such as a time-of-flight (TOF) sensor, an infrared sensor, a LIDAR sensor, etc., and / or the sensor can be located near dispenser 100 or elsewhere on the kitchen equipment that allows sensor 101 to sense the fluid level in container 110. Moreover, in other embodiments where system 10 is incorporated into a kitchen equipment that dispenses solid consumable materials, sensor 101 can be configured to sense the height of the dispensed consumable material in container 110.

[0055] The container sensor 120 is connected to and travels along a shaft 131 in the form of a lead screw, which is connected at one end thereof to the motor 130. The rotational motion of the motor 130 is converted into linear motion by the shaft 131 to move the container sensor 120 along the shaft 131, i.e., the container sensor 120 can move up and down along the shaft 131 relative to the dispenser 100, the container 110 and / or the motor 130. However, in other embodiments, the shaft 131 can be a linear actuator or any other transmission system for moving the container 120 along the shaft 131, such as a rack and pinion arrangement.

[0056] The container sensor 120 includes a housing connected to the shaft 131, a transmitter 121 that transmits a signal, and a receiver 122 that receives a reflected signal, the signal being reflected from the wall of the container 110, as shown by arrow "B". In this embodiment, the container sensor 120 is an infrared sensor. However, in other embodiments, the container sensor 120 can be another type of sensor, such as an ultrasonic sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor, a LIDAR sensor, etc.

[0057] The motor 130 is a stepper motor, but any other type of motor that allows the container sensor 120 to move along the axis 131 may be used, such as a DC motor, an AC motor, a brushless DC motor (BLDC), etc. The motor 130 is connected to one or more sensors that allow the operating parameters of the motor 130 to be determined when it is used. In this embodiment, the motor 130 is connected to a Hall sensor (not shown) to count the number of revolutions / steps of the motor 130, which is then used to calculate the displacement of the container sensor 120 along the axis 131, that is, the distance traveled by the container sensor 120 along the axis 131. The pitch of the thread of the shaft 131 and the number of revolutions / steps of the motor allow the displacement of the container sensor 120 to be calculated in real time. However, in other embodiments, the displacement of the container sensor 120 along the axis 131 can be calculated by other means, for example, based on the motor speed or the moving speed of the container sensor 120 and the time taken by the container sensor 120 to detect the edge of the container 110 (as described below) using the formula "speed = distance / time".

[0058] In use, a user places the container 110 on a container base (not shown) of the coffee machine in the form of a drip tray, the container base having a weight sensor (not shown) that senses the container 110 and issues a command to a controller (not shown) of the coffee machine to move the container sensor 120 from its current position along the axis 131 to locate the reference level 140. The reference level 140 is the level at which the bottom wall of the container 110 lies, and is sensed by the container sensor 120 via a micro switch 132 located adjacent to the reference level 140. However, in other embodiments, placing the container 110 on the container base does not automatically trigger the container sensor 120 to locate the reference level 140, and for the container sensor 120 to locate the reference level 140, the user will need to press one or more buttons (or equivalent touch interface keys) and / or issue a voice command. Moreover, in other embodiments, the container sensor 120 can be moved to a "start position" after each brew cycle (i.e., after the coffee has been brewed and dispensed), wherein the "start position" includes the container sensor 120 being aligned with the reference level 140, thereby eliminating the need for the container sensor 120 to locate the reference level 140 after the container 110 is placed on the container base.

[0059] Next, when the container sensor 120 moves upward from the reference horizontal plane 140 along the axis 131, the container sensor 120 senses the container 110 by emitting an infrared signal from the transmitter 121 and the receiver 122 receiving the signal after the signal is reflected from the side wall of the container 110. When the container sensor 120 moves along the axis 131, the displacement of the container sensor 120 along the axis 131 is calculated and recorded by the controller based on the number of revolutions / steps of the motor.

[0060] As the container sensor 120 moves along the axis 131, the controller compares the current signal received by the receiver 122 with the previous signal received by the receiver 122 to evaluate whether there is a change in the signal strength or any other parameter of the signal. When the container sensor 120 moves beyond the upper edge 111 of the container 110, the signal transmitted from the transmitter 121 is only partially reflected from the container 110, and the sudden drop / decrease in the strength of the reflected signal received by the receiver 122 indicates to the controller that the container sensor 120 has moved beyond the upper edge 111 of the container 110. The displacement of the container sensor 120 at this point that the container sensor 120 has moved beyond the upper edge 111 of the container 110 is calculated by the controller and recorded as the height of the container 110. In this way, the controller is able to determine a physical parameter of the container 110 based on the reflected signal and the operating parameters of the motor 130. However, in other embodiments, depending on the configuration and / or movement of the container sensor 120, the controller may be configured to detect another physical parameter of the container 110, such as the width, curvature, shape, etc. of the container 110.

[0061] Once the height of the container 110 has been calculated and recorded, the dispenser 100 dispenses the consumable material (i.e., coffee) into the container 110 based on the user preference. The user preference may be pre-set or input by the user prior to dispensing the coffee, and may include the amount of coffee to be dispensed (e.g., one cup, half cup, etc.), the type of coffee, and / or the amount of consumable material (e.g., coffee, milk, flavored syrup, etc.) or the amount to be dispensed. As the coffee is dispensed into the container 110 by the dispenser 100, a sensor 101 positioned adjacent to the outlet of the dispenser 100 measures the fluid level in the container 110, and the amount of coffee to be dispensed is controlled based on the measured fluid level and the calculated physical parameters of the container 110 to ensure that the coffee is dispensed according to the user preference. For example, if the user preference indicates that a half cup of coffee is desired, the dispenser 100 dispenses the coffee until the measured fluid level in the container 110 is half of the calculated height of the container 110, and then automatically stops dispensing the coffee. In this manner, the dispenser 100 dispenses the consumable material into the container 110 based on the physical parameters of the container 110. In other embodiments where the user does not specify the amount of consumable material to be dispensed, the physical parameters of the container 110 can be used to ensure that the appropriate amount of coffee is dispensed, such as ensuring that the container is not overfilled or filled to the upper edge 111.

[0062] In further embodiments, the container base may be movable relative to the dispenser 100, such that when the container 110 is placed on the container base, the container base (on which the container 110 is located) moves upward until the upper edge 111 of the container 110 engages with the detection sensor or micro switch to identify the upper edge 111. The displacement of the container base can then be used to determine the height of the container 110, and the dispenser 100 can dispense coffee based on the height of the container 110. Furthermore, in further embodiments, instead of a detection sensor or micro switch, a contact strip may be used, the contact strip moving from a first position to a second position when engaging with the upper edge 111 of the container 110, and the contact strip is detected by the sensor when the contact strip is in the second position, thereby indicating when the contact strip engages with the upper edge 111 of the container 110.

[0063] Figure 2 A system 20 for dispensing consumable materials according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. System 20 is configured to allow a kitchen appliance to dispense a beverage or other consumable food material. System 20 is similar to system 10, but the differences therebetween are noted below.

[0064] Similar to system 10, system 20 is incorporated in a coffee machine (not shown), i.e., the coffee machine includes system 20 for dispensing coffee and includes a dispenser 200 for dispensing consumable material into a container 210 (in the direction indicated by arrow "C"), a container sensor 220 configured to transmit and receive reflected signals, and a motor 230 operatively connected to the container sensor 220 to move the container sensor 220 relative to the container 210. However, system 20 also includes an anti-condensation module 250 located on shaft 231 for preventing steam generated from the dispensed hot coffee from condensing on the container sensor 220 or the sensor 201 located adjacent to an outlet (not shown) of the dispenser 200. In particular, the anti-condensation module 250 prevents condensation from forming on the lens of the container sensor 220 or the sensor 201. In further embodiments, the anti-condensation module 250 may be located elsewhere on the kitchen appliance, for example, in the body / housing of the coffee machine or adjacent to the dispenser 200.

[0065] In this embodiment, the anti-condensation module 250 includes an outlet (not shown) through which air is blown to divert / push steam away from the container sensor 220 and sensor 201 in the direction indicated by arrow "D". However, in other embodiments, the outlet of the anti-condensation module 250 can provide a vacuum / suction effect to draw in steam and / or the outlet can include multiple vents. Furthermore, in other embodiments, in addition to or in lieu of the anti-condensation module 250, an anti-condensation material or coating can be applied to the lens of the container sensor 220 and / or sensor 201. The anti-condensation coating can be any food-grade safe coating with anti-fogging properties, such as wait.

[0066] Figure 2 Also shown is the container sensor 220 at a position along the axis 231 where the container sensor 220 has detected the upper edge 211 of the container 210. In particular, Figure 2 In the position shown, the transmitter 221 of the container sensor 220 transmits a signal in the direction shown by the arrow "E", but only a portion of the signal is reflected and received by the receiver 222. The sudden drop / decrease in the intensity of the reflected signal received by the receiver 222 indicates to the controller that the container sensor 220 has moved beyond the upper edge 211 of the container 210.

[0067] Figure 3 A system 30 for dispensing consumable materials according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. The system 30 is configured to allow a kitchen appliance to dispense beverages or other consumable food materials. In this embodiment, the system 30 is incorporated into a coffee machine (not shown), that is, the coffee machine includes the system 30 for dispensing coffee. However, in other embodiments, the system 30 can be incorporated into other kitchen appliances, such as juicers, water sprayers / filters / dispensers, refrigerators, soup dispensers, soft drink dispensers, etc. In addition, in other embodiments, depending on the kitchen appliance to which it is installed, the system 30 can be configured to dispense other consumable food materials, such as beans, rice, condiments, pasta, etc. and / or any other consumable fluids.

[0068] The system 30 includes a sensor bracket 300 including a container sensor 320 and a dispenser (not shown) for dispensing consumable material into a container 310; and a motor 330 operatively connected to the sensor bracket 300 for moving the sensor bracket 300 relative to the container 310. When the container sensor 320 is located in the sensor bracket 300, the container sensor 320 also moves relative to the container 310. The dispenser of the sensor bracket 300 includes a nozzle or outlet (not shown) for dispensing coffee into the container 310, and the container sensor 320 is configured to transmit a signal and receive a reflected signal. The sensor bracket 300 travels along an axis 331 in the form of a lead screw, which is connected to the motor 330 at one end thereof. However, in other embodiments, the axis 331 can be a linear actuator or any other transmission system for moving the sensor bracket 300 along the axis 331, such as a rack and pinion arrangement. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the dispenser may be located in a separate housing from the sensor cradle 300 , and the housing housing the dispenser may be independently movable relative to the sensor cradle 300 .

[0069] The container sensor 320 includes a transmitter that transmits a signal and a receiver that receives a reflected signal, the signal being reflected from the container base 340 as shown by arrow "A", reflected from the wall of the container 310 as shown by arrow "B", or reflected from the fluid in the container 310 as shown by arrow "C". In this embodiment, the container sensor 320 is an infrared sensor. However, in other embodiments, the container sensor 320 can be another type of sensor, such as an ultrasonic sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor, a LIDAR sensor, etc. In addition, in other embodiments, in addition to the container sensor 320, the sensor bracket 300 can also include another sensor, such as an ultrasonic sensor, for detecting the fluid level in the container 310.

[0070] The motor 330 is a stepper motor, but any other type of motor that allows the sensor bracket 300 to move along the axis 331 may be used, such as a DC motor, an AC motor, a brushless DC motor (BLDC), etc. The motor 330 is connected to one or more sensors that allow the operating parameters of the motor 330 to be determined when it is used. In this embodiment, the motor 330 is connected to a Hall sensor (not shown) to count the number of revolutions / steps of the motor 330, which is then used to calculate the displacement of the sensor bracket 300 along the axis 331, i.e., the distance the sensor bracket 300 travels along the axis 331. The pitch of the thread of the axis 331 and the number of revolutions / steps of the motor allow the displacement of the sensor bracket 300 to be calculated in real time. However, in other embodiments, the displacement of the sensor bracket 300 along the axis 331 can be calculated by other means, for example, based on the motor speed or the moving speed of the sensor bracket 300 and the time it takes for the container sensor 300 in the sensor bracket 300 to detect the edge of the container 310 (as described below) using the formula "speed = distance / time".

[0071] The system 30 also includes an anti-condensation module 350 for preventing steam generated from the dispensed hot coffee from condensing on the container sensor 320. In particular, the anti-condensation module 350 prevents condensation from forming on the lens of the container sensor 320. In this embodiment, the anti-condensation module 350 is located adjacent to the end of the shaft 331 that is connected to the coffee machine body. However, in other embodiments, the anti-condensation module 350 can be located elsewhere on the kitchen device, for example, the anti-condensation module 350 can be located in a housing that runs along the shaft 331, or the anti-condensation module 350 can be incorporated into the sensor bracket 300.

[0072] In this embodiment, the anti-condensation module 350 includes an outlet (not shown) through which air is blown to divert / push steam away from the container sensor 320 in the direction indicated by arrow "D". However, in other embodiments, the outlet of the anti-condensation module 350 can provide a vacuum / suction effect to draw in steam and / or the outlet can include multiple vents. Furthermore, in other embodiments, in addition to or in lieu of the anti-condensation module 350, an anti-condensation material or coating can be applied to the lens of the container sensor 320. The anti-condensation coating can be any food-grade safe coating with anti-fogging properties, such as wait.

[0073] In use, a user places the container 310 on a container base 340 of the coffee machine in the form of a drip tray and initiates the process of dispensing coffee by pressing one or more buttons (or equivalent touch interface keys) and / or issuing a voice command. When the dispensing process is initiated, the sensor bracket 300 moves to a "starting position", which is the innermost proximal position of the sensor bracket 300, adjacent to the motor 330. Next, the sensor bracket 300 begins to move along the axis 331 toward the distal end of the axis 331, and records relevant data (as described below) as the sensor bracket 300 moves.

[0074] Figure 4 A graph is shown that is drawn based on data / values ​​measured and calculated as the sensor carriage 300 moves along the axis 331. The "X" axis of the graph represents the distance traveled by the sensor carriage 300, and the "Y" axis of the graph represents the emissivity based on the reflection value of the reflection signal. The height of the surface from which the receiver of the container sensor 320 receives the reflection signal or the distance from it is determined by the emissivity or reflectivity value of the reflection signal. When the presence of the container 310 is initially detected, the movement of the sensor carriage 300 is temporarily suspended, and the controller (not shown) of the system 30 records the distance traveled by the sensor carriage 300 (X0) and the height (Y3) relative to the container base 340.

[0075] After recording the X0 and Y3 values, the sensor carriage 300 continues to move along the axis 331 while monitoring any significant changes in the height / distance measured by the container sensor 320, and records the minimum value of the height / distance based on the changing reflectivity value of the reflected signal. The minimum value of the height / distance will correspond to the edge 311 of the container 310, that is, the edge of the container 310. When the edge 311 is first detected by the container sensor 320, the height (Y1) of the edge 311 and the displacement (X1) of the sensor carriage 300 along the axis 331 are recorded. The sensor carriage 300 continues to move along the axis 331 while monitoring the maximum value of the height / distance corresponding to the bottom wall of the container 310. When the bottom wall of the container 310 is detected, the height (Y2) of the bottom wall of the container is recorded by detecting the maximum value of the height / distance. The sensor bracket 300 continues to move along the axis 331 while monitoring for significant changes in the height / distance measured by the container sensor 320 to again detect the edge 311 of the container 310, and when the edge 311 is detected, the displacement (X2) of the sensor bracket 300 along the axis 331 is recorded. These recorded values ​​allow the controller of the system 30 to determine various physical parameters of the container 310, such as the center of the container 310 relative to its edge 311 or rim, the overall height of the container 310 relative to the container base 340, the height of the bottom wall of the container 310 relative to the container base 340, and the interior height of the container 310.

[0076] The center (X) of the container 310 relative to its edge 311 or rim c ) can be based on the formula X c =(X2−X1) / 2. Then, the sensor bracket 300 may be moved along the axis 331 so that the outlet of the dispenser of the sensor bracket 300 is positioned directly or substantially above the center of the container 310.

[0077] Based on the formula Y h =Y2-Y1 to calculate the total height (Y h ), and can be based on the formula Y b =Y3-Y2 Calculate the height of the bottom wall of the container 310 relative to the container base 340 (Y b ) (assuming the bottom wall is located at a certain height from the container base 340). h and Y b Value, can be based on the formula Y c =Y h -Y b Calculate the internal height (Y c ). In this way, the controller is able to determine the physical parameters of the container 310 based on the reflected signal and the operating parameters of the motor 330.

[0078] Once the interior height of the container 310 has been calculated, the dispenser of the sensor bracket 300 dispenses the consumable material (i.e., coffee) into the container 310 based on the user preference. The user preference may be pre-set or input by the user before dispensing the coffee, and may include the amount of coffee to be dispensed (e.g., one cup, half cup, etc.), the type of coffee, and / or the amount of consumable material (e.g., coffee, milk, flavored syrup, etc.) or the amount to be dispensed. When the coffee is dispensed into the container 310 by the dispenser, the container sensor 320 measures the fluid level in the container 310, and the amount of coffee to be dispensed is controlled based on the measured fluid level and the calculated physical parameter of the container 310 (i.e., the interior height) to ensure that the coffee is dispensed according to the user preference. For example, if the user preference indicates that a half cup of coffee is desired, the dispenser dispenses the coffee until the measured fluid level in the container 310 is half of the calculated interior height of the container 310, and then automatically stops dispensing the coffee. In this way, the dispenser dispenses the consumable material into the container 310 based on the physical parameter of the container 310. However, in other embodiments, the controller can calculate the volume of the container 310 based on the data / values ​​measured and calculated as the sensor bracket 300 moves along the axis 331, and the calculated volume can be used to dispense a preferred amount (1 cup, half cup, etc.) of coffee relative to the volume of the container 310. Moreover, in other embodiments where the user does not specify the amount of consumable material to be dispensed, the physical parameters of the container 310 can be used to ensure that the appropriate amount of coffee is dispensed, such as ensuring that the container is not overfilled or filled to the upper edge 311.

[0079] The graph plotted based on the data / values ​​measured and calculated as the sensor bracket 300 moves along the axis 331 can also be used to determine whether the container 310 is partially filled or improperly placed on the container base 340 (e.g., in an inverted position). For example, when the container 310 is placed on the container base 340 in an inverted position with the bottom wall of the container 310 facing the container sensor 320, the graph will indicate a flat peak. Such readings allow the controller to issue a notification or warning to the user and ensure that no coffee is dispensed until the container 310 is properly placed on the container base 340.

[0080] The various forms of the systems 10 , 20 , 30 described above may have one or more of the following advantages.

[0081] The system 10, 20, 30 allows the user to input or select a preferred amount of consumable material to be dispensed, regardless of the size of the container 110, 210, 310, and the preferred amount of consumable material can be dispensed into the container 110, 210, 310 without further input from the user, for example, pressing a button to stop the flow of consumable material when the preferred amount has been dispensed. In addition, because the system 10, 20, 30 can determine the physical parameters of the container 110, 210, 310, the recipe of the consumable material or beverage can be changed according to the amount of beverage to be dispensed. The movable dispenser in the sensor bracket 300 of the system 30 allows two or more containers 310 (of different sizes) to be filled with the preferred amount of the dispensed consumable material by the same dispenser without requiring any input from the user after the initial preference has been input into the system 30.

[0082] Although specific embodiments of the present invention are shown and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that there are a variety of alternative and / or equivalent specific implementations. It should be understood that one or more exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. On the contrary, the foregoing overview and detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient roadmap for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, and it will be appreciated that various changes may be made in the functions and arrangements of the elements described in the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope set forth in the attached claims and their legal equivalents. In general, the present application is intended to cover any modifications or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein.

[0083] It should also be understood that in this document, the terms "include," "comprises," "contains," "has," and any variations thereof are intended to be understood in an inclusive (i.e., non-exclusive) sense, such that the processes, methods, apparatuses, devices, or systems described herein are not limited to those features or components or elements or steps that are listed, but may include other elements, features, components, or steps that are not expressly listed or that are inherent to such processes, methods, articles, or devices. In addition, unless expressly stated otherwise, the terms "one" and "a" as used herein should be understood as one or more. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and the like are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on the importance of their objects or to establish a particular hierarchy of importance of their objects.

Claims

1. A system for dispensing a consumable material, the system comprising: a dispenser for dispensing said consumable material into a container; a container sensor configured to transmit a signal and receive a reflected signal from the container, the container sensor being movable relative to the container; a motor operatively connected to the container sensor to move the container sensor relative to the container; a controller configured to determine a physical parameter of the container based on the reflected signal and an operating parameter of the motor; Wherein the dispenser dispenses the consumable material into the container based on the physical parameter.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the amount of the consumable material dispensed by the dispenser is based on the physical parameter of the container.

3. A system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the dispenser includes a sensor for determining the level of the dispensed consumable material in the container.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the dispenser dispenses an amount of the consumable material into the container based on the level of the dispensed consumable material in the container.

5. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container sensor moves along a shaft connected to the motor.

6. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating parameter of the motor is the number of revolutions or steps of the motor.

7. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the physical parameter of the container is the height of the container.

8. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the container sensor is an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a time-of-flight sensor, or a LIDAR sensor.

9. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the container sensor and the dispenser are located in a sensor bracket that is movable relative to the container.

10. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the system further comprises an anti-condensation module configured to prevent condensation from forming on the container sensor.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the anti-condensation module comprises an outlet through which air is blown or sucked.

12. The system of any preceding claim, wherein an anti-condensation coating is applied to a lens of the container sensor.

13. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to determine a center of the container based on the reflected signal.

14. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the consumable material is a beverage.

15. A method of dispensing a consumable material into a container, the method comprising: moving a container sensor relative to the container by a motor operatively connected to the container sensor, the container sensor being configured to transmit a signal and receive a reflected signal from the container; determining, by a controller, a physical parameter of the container based on the reflected signal and an operating parameter of the motor; The consumable material is dispensed into the container by a dispenser based on the physical parameter.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the method further comprises: moving the container sensor along a shaft connected to the motor; as well as The number of revolutions or steps of the motor is measured, the number of revolutions or the number of steps being the operating parameter of the motor.

17. The method of claim 15 or 16, wherein the method further comprises calculating the displacement of the container sensor based on the operating parameters of the motor.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the method further comprises: comparing the reflected signal to a previous reflected signal; determining a change in the strength of the reflected signal to indicate that the container sensor has moved beyond an edge of the container; The displacement of the container sensor is calculated to determine the height of the container, the height being the physical parameter of the container.

19. The method of any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein dispensing the consumable material comprises: measuring, by a sensor of the dispenser, a level of the dispensed consumable material in the container; An amount of the consumable material is dispensed into the container based on the level of the dispensed consumable material in the container.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein determining the physical parameter of the container comprises: moving the container sensor along a shaft connected to the motor; determining a reflection value of the reflection signal; calculating a distance to a surface reflecting the signal based on the reflection value; monitoring a change in the distance to sense an edge of the container; When the change in the distance is sensed, recording the distance by a controller; The physical parameter of the container is calculated by the controller based on the recorded distance.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the method further comprises: When the change in the distance is sensed, the controller records the displacement of the container sensor; The center of the container is calculated by the controller based on the recorded displacements.

22. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a controller, cause the controller to perform the method according to any one of claims 15 to 21.

Images