Multifunctional beverage appliance and method

Abstract

A multi-function coffee appliance (500) and a method (200) performed thereby. In one aspect, a multi-function coffee appliance (500) includes a plurality of sensors (180) in communication with a controller (105), an input device (150), and an output device (160), where the controller (105) is configured to: receive user input from the input device (150) indicative of one or more functions to be performed by the multi-function coffee appliance (500); receiving one or more feedback signals (185) from the one or more sensors (180); determining an affected function of the one or more functions based on the one or more feedback signals (185); and outputting, via the output device (160), user feedback indicative of a region of the multi-function beverage appliance (500) associated with the affected function.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2023900475, filed on 23 February 2023. The contents of the cited application are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to a multifunctional beverage appliance and a method thereof. Background Technology

[0004] Known beverage appliances (such as coffee makers) may detect functions that require the user's attention. The user can be notified of the detection. However, many users may be unfamiliar with beverage appliances and therefore unsure how to respond to the detection. Furthermore, users may not understand how the detection might affect other functions the beverage appliance is performing.

[0005] For example, if a notification indicating an empty water tank is displayed to a user, the user may be unfamiliar with the beverage appliance and therefore unaware of how to resolve the detection. In another example, the appliance may detect that the user needs to detach the portafilter from the grinder and connect it to the brew head to brew coffee; however, an inexperienced user may not know how to perform this process.

[0006] References to any existing publications (or information derived therefrom) or any known things in this specification are not, and should not be construed as, an admission or endorsement, or an implication in any form that existing publications (or information derived therefrom) or known things constitute part of the general knowledge in the field covered by this specification. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to at least substantially improve one or more of the above-mentioned disadvantages, or at least provide a useful alternative.

[0008] In one aspect, a multi-functional beverage appliance is provided, comprising one or more sensors, an input device, and an output device in communication with a controller, wherein the controller is configured to: receive user input from the input device instructing a cleaning function of cleaning the brewing head of the multi-functional beverage appliance; receive one or more feedback signals from the one or more sensors, wherein the one or more feedback signals include pressure sensor signals received from a pressure sensor and / or flow meter signals received from a flow meter; determine, based on the one or more feedback signals, that the brewing head of the multi-functional beverage appliance is not adequately sealed and cannot be cleaned; and output user feedback via the output device instructing that the brewing head is not adequately sealed and cannot be cleaned.

[0009] In another aspect, a method is provided performed by a multi-functional beverage appliance, the multi-functional beverage appliance including one or more sensors, input devices, and output devices in communication with a controller, wherein the method includes: the controller receiving user input from the input devices instructing a cleaning function of cleaning the brewing head of the multi-functional beverage appliance; the controller receiving one or more feedback signals from the one or more sensors, wherein the one or more feedback signals include pressure sensor signals received from a pressure sensor and / or flow meter signals received from a flow meter; the controller determining, based on the one or more feedback signals, that the brewing head of the multi-functional beverage appliance is not sufficiently sealed and cannot be cleaned; and outputting user feedback indicating that the brewing head is not sufficiently sealed and cannot be cleaned via the output devices.

[0010] In another aspect, the present invention provides a multifunctional beverage appliance including a plurality of sensors, input devices, and output devices in communication with a controller, wherein the controller is configured to: receive user input from the input devices indicating one or more functions to be performed by the multifunctional beverage appliance; receive one or more feedback signals from one or more sensors; determine the affected function among the one or more functions based on the one or more feedback signals; and output user feedback via the output devices indicating the area of ​​the multifunctional beverage appliance associated with the affected function.

[0011] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method performed by a multifunctional beverage appliance, the multifunctional beverage appliance including a plurality of sensors, input devices, and output devices in communication with a controller, wherein the method includes: receiving user input from the input devices by the controller indicating one or more functions to be performed by the multifunctional beverage appliance; receiving one or more feedback signals from the one or more sensors by the controller; determining, based on the one or more feedback signals, an affected function among the one or more functions by the controller; and outputting user feedback via the output devices indicating an area of ​​the multifunctional beverage appliance associated with the affected function.

[0012] Other aspects and / or implementation schemes will be understood in the detailed description. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Exemplary embodiments should become apparent from the following description, which is given by way of example only, of at least one preferred but non-limiting embodiment described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0014] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example control system for a multifunctional beverage appliance.

[0015] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example method performed by a multifunctional beverage appliance including the control system of Figure 1.

[0016] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a more specific example control system for a multifunctional beverage appliance.

[0017] Figures 4A to 4E are flowcharts illustrating more specific example methods performed by a multi-functional beverage appliance.

[0018] Figure 5 is an isometric view of an example multi-functional beverage appliance.

[0019] Figures 6A to 6C show example user feedback interfaces presented to users of multi-functional beverage appliances. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The following patterns are described by way of example only to provide a more precise understanding of the subject matter of one or more preferred embodiments. In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same parts throughout the drawings to illustrate the characteristics of the exemplary embodiments.

[0021] Referring to Figure 1, a functional block diagram of an example control system 100 representing a multi-functional beverage appliance 500 (see Figure 5) is shown. Specifically, the control system 100 includes a controller 105 in electrical communication with input devices 150, output devices 160, and a plurality of sensors 180. The controller 105 includes a processor 110 and a memory 120 coupled together via a bus 140. In one form, the controller 105 is electrically coupled to a plurality of functional components 170 associated with a plurality of functions that the beverage appliance 500 can perform. In one example, the input devices 150 may be a plurality of buttons. In one example, the output devices 160 may be an electronic display. In a preferred form, the input devices 150 and the output devices 160 may be an integrated device such as a touch screen device.

[0022] Referring to Figure 2, a flowchart illustrating an example method 200 performed by a controller 105 of a multi-functional beverage appliance 500 is shown. Figure 2 will be described with reference to Figure 1. Specifically, at step 210, method 200 includes the controller 105 receiving user input from an input device 150 indicating one or more functions to be performed by the multi-functional beverage appliance 500. At step 220, method 200 includes the controller 105 receiving one or more feedback signals 185 from one or more sensors 180. At step 230, method 200 includes the controller 105 determining the affected function among the one or more functions based on the one or more feedback signals. At step 240, method 200 includes outputting user feedback via an output device indicating the area of ​​the multi-functional beverage appliance associated with the affected function.

[0023] In one form, the controller is configured to selectively disable user selection of affected functions via an input device, while allowing user selection of one or more unaffected functions via an input device. The disabled state of the affected function can be presented via output device 160. For example, as shown in FIG6A, the user feedback interface 600 includes color-coded graphic markers 610, 620, 630 indicating executable functions, but in FIG6B, the graphic markers representing brewing function 620 and foaming function 630 are semi-transparent to indicate that the user cannot select the corresponding functions; in contrast, one or more unaffected functions 610 are presented in full color. The user feedback interface 600 may include text 640 indicating instructions to the user to allow the affected function to continue. However, in other embodiments shown in FIG6C, the controller 105 may be configured to control output device 160 to obscure or hide user selection of the affected function. For example, a list of available functions may be presented in the user feedback interface 600 via output device 160, wherein the affected function is not presented to the user (i.e., hidden). More specifically, user feedback may include a prompt 650, which includes text and a graphical label displaying an area of ​​the multi-functional beverage appliance associated with the affected function. The controller 105 may be configured to control the output device to use the prompt 650 to obscure or restrict user selection of the affected function, while allowing user selection of one or more unaffected functions 610 via an input device.

[0024] In another form, as shown in Figure 6C, a user interface 660 is presented via an output device. This user interface includes text 680 providing guidance instructions and graphic markers for relevant areas of the multi-functional beverage appliance 500 to guide the user in performing actions. In another form, the guidance instructions may instruct the user to perform actions to complete the function. In yet another form, the user may provide further input via an input device to receive further and more detailed guidance instructions, as shown in Figure 6D. This may include a series of graphic indicators presenting actions to be taken by the user and a text description of that action (e.g., refilling the water tank). In other cases, the graphics may indicate: insertion of the filter into the filter holder below the grinder and / or tamping mechanism to complete the grinding and tamping functions; a tamping action to guide the user in completing the tamping function; insertion of the filter into the brewing head to complete the brewing function; milk jug positioning action to complete the milk frothing function; and steam wand positioning action to complete the steam wand cleaning function.

[0025] In one example, an animation or a series of graphical markers is presented to the user to illustrate the various steps the user needs to take in relation to the area of ​​the multi-functional beverage appliance. In one form, the controller is further configured to provide guided instructions in response to user selection of prompts via an input device. The guided instructions may be presented to obscure user selection of the affected function while allowing user selection of one or more unaffected functions via the input device.

[0026] In some configurations, one or more sensor signals can indicate a function operating in a way that might lead to undesirable results. For example, one or more sensors might indicate that a double-walled portafilter is being used to brew a single-serve espresso, when a single-walled portafilter would be more desirable. In such a use case, the function is executed, but the controller detects the affected function (in this case, the brewing function), allows the function to continue (while the function is still executing), and presents user feedback associated with the detection. In this use case, a graphical marker for the portafilter can be highlighted to the user on the output device, and information indicating that a single-walled portafilter is preferred for brewing a single-serve espresso to achieve the more desired result can be presented.

[0027] In one form, the controller is further configured to determine and output via an output device user feedback that also indicates a function dependent on the completion of the affected function. For example, the controller is configured to control the output device to restrict user selection of one or more functions dependent on the completion of the affected function. For example, if one or more signals indicate that the bean hopper is empty, the grinding function is indicated as not being able to complete. However, the brewing function also directly depends on the completion of the grinding function, where the user interface also indicates that the brewing function is affected.

[0028] Referring to Figure 3, a block diagram illustrating another example of a control system 100 for a multi-functional beverage appliance 500 is shown. Components common to those in Figure 1 are shown with the same reference numerals. The multi-functional beverage appliance 500 is configured to perform multiple functions, including a grinding function using one or more grinding components 370, a brewing function using one or more brewing components 350, a frothing function using one or more milk frothing components 360, a maintenance circulation function using one or more maintenance circulation components 380, and a hot water dispensing function using one or more hot water dispensing components 390.

[0029] As shown in Figure 3, the controller 105 is configured to receive multiple sensor signals 315, 325, and 335 from various sensors 310, 320, and 330 of the multi-functional beverage appliance 500. The controller 105 is configured to process the received sensor signals 315, 325, and 335 to determine one or more affected functions. In response to the detection that one of the functions is affected based on the multiple sensor signals 315, 325, and 335, the controller 105 is configured to output user feedback via an output device indicating the area of ​​the multi-functional beverage appliance associated with the affected function.

[0030] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, one or more feedback signals include a pressure sensor signal 315 received from a pressure sensor 310 and / or a flow meter signal 325 received from a flow meter 320. A user can select a cleaning function via an input device of the multi-functional beverage appliance. In response to a pressure indicated by the pressure sensor signal 315 being lower than a threshold pressure stored in memory 120 and / or a flow rate indicated by the flow meter signal 325 being higher than a threshold flow rate stored in memory 120, the controller 105 is configured to determine that the brewing head of the multi-functional beverage appliance 500 has not been adequately sealed and cannot be cleaned. Specifically, the cleaning disc (also known as a blind disc) may be incorrectly inserted into the wavetrap filter, which is coupled to the brewing head to seal it for backwashing. Alternatively, the user can omit the insertion of the cleaning disc into the wavetrap filter (which is subsequently coupled to the brewing head). In response to the detection, the controller 105 can be further configured to provide a guidance instruction via an output device 160 to instruct the user to seal the brewing head using the cleaning disc located within the wavetrap filter. In addition, the controller 105 can selectively disable the cleaning components associated with the cleaning function.

[0031] As explained above, controller 105 may include memory 120; however, it is also possible for controller 105 to be coupled to a memory separate from controller 105. In either case, any memory has stored therein a data structure indicating multiple combinations of feedback signals associated with corresponding multiple affected functions, wherein controller 105 is configured to query the data structure based on one or more feedback signals 185 received from one or more sensors 180 to determine matching combinations of feedback signals and corresponding affected functions. In a preferred form, the data structure is a lookup table. In one form, each combination of feedback signals may define one or more ranges or one or more thresholds for the corresponding combination of one or more feedback signals 185 to determine the corresponding fault.

[0032] For example, in contrast to previous examples related to the inability to clean a brewing head due to insufficient sealing, the matching combination of feedback signals includes one or more thresholds indicating threshold pressure and / or threshold flow rate. Controller 105 determines whether the pressure indicated by pressure sensor signal 315 is less than the pressure threshold and / or whether the flow rate indicated by flow meter signal 325 is greater than the flow rate threshold. In response to an affirmative determination, the corresponding cleaning function is identified as affected. Graphical markings and information can be retrieved from memory by the processor 110 of controller 105 and presented to the user via output device 160 to highlight the brewing head area of ​​beverage appliance 500 that requires correction to seal the brewing head for backwashing.

[0033] Referring to Figures 4A to 4D, a flowchart illustrating a more specific example method 400 performed by a multifunctional beverage appliance is shown.

[0034] Specifically, referring to Figure 4A, processor 110 can receive a bean presence / bean hopper presence signal 402, a grinder temperature signal 404, and / or a grinder blockage signal 406. Processor 110 can use the methods described above to determine 408 that the grinding function of beverage appliance 500 has been affected. More specifically, in order to detect grinder blockage and detect bean presence / bean hopper presence, controller 105 can perform the methods described in Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2021902561, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0035] In response, at step 410, processor 110 controls user output device 160 to display the area of ​​the multi-functional beverage appliance associated with the affected grinding function. The method also includes processor 110 controlling output device 160 to present a gray icon associated with the affected function, controlling LEDs to indicate the affected function, and / or emitting a warning sound to notify the user of the affected function. Furthermore, at step 414, method 400 includes disabling the grinding function. This may include disabling the operation of the grinding component of the beverage appliance 500. At step 416, method 400 includes processor 110 controlling user output device 160 to present guidance information related to the affected function to the user.

[0036] Referring to Figure 4B, which illustrates another part of method 400, processor 110 can receive a water tank presence / level signal 422 and / or a heater temperature signal 424. Processor 110 can use the methods described above to determine 426 that the brewing function of beverage appliance 500 has been affected.

[0037] In response, at step 428, processor 110 controls user output device 160 to display an area associated with the affected brewing function. Method 400 also includes, at step 430, processor 110 controlling output device 160 to present a gray icon associated with the affected function, controlling LEDs to indicate the affected function, and / or emitting a warning sound to notify the user of the affected function. Furthermore, at step 432, method 400 includes disabling the brewing function. This may include disabling the operation of the brewing component 350 of the beverage appliance 500. At step 434, method 400 includes processor 110 controlling user output device 160 to present guidance information related to the affected function to the user.

[0038] Referring to Figure 4C, which illustrates another portion of method 400, processor 110 may receive a water tank presence / level signal 422, a heater temperature signal 424, a milk level signal 442, and a steam wand blockage signal 444. Processor 110 may use the methods described above to determine 446 that the milk frothing function of beverage appliance 500 has been affected. More specifically, to detect the steam wand, controller 105 may perform the method described in U.S. Patent Application No. 20200138234A1, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0039] In response, at step 448, processor 110 controls user output device 160 to display an area associated with the affected milk frothing function. Method 400 also includes, at step 450, processor 110 controlling output device 160 to present a gray icon associated with the affected function, controlling LEDs to indicate the affected function, and / or emitting a warning sound to notify the user of the affected function. Furthermore, at step 452, method 400 includes disabling the milk frothing function. This may include disabling the operation of the milk frothing component 360 of the beverage appliance 500. At step 454, method 400 includes processor 110 controlling user output device 160 to present guidance information related to the affected function to the user.

[0040] Referring to Figure 4D, which shows another part of method 400, processor 110 can receive a water tank presence / level signal 422, a heater temperature signal 424, a drip tray presence / level signal 462, a cleaning tray / wave tower filter presence / correct insertion signal 464, and a descaling solution quality / presence signal 466. Processor 110 can use the methods described above to determine 468 that the maintenance cycle function of beverage appliance 500 has been affected. More specifically, a method for detecting whether the maintenance cycle function should be disabled in the absence of descaling solution and / or poor descaling quality is described in PCT / AU2021 / 051514, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0041] In response, at step 470, processor 110 controls user output device 160 to display the area of ​​the multi-functional beverage appliance associated with the affected maintenance cycle function. Method 400 also includes, at step 472, processor 110 controlling output device 160 to present a gray icon associated with the affected function, controlling LEDs to indicate the affected function, and / or emitting a warning sound to notify the user of the affected function. Furthermore, at step 474, method 400 includes disabling the maintenance cycle function. This may include disabling the operation of maintenance cycle component 380 of the beverage appliance 500. At step 476, method 400 includes processor 110 controlling user output device 160 to present guidance information related to the affected function to the user.

[0042] Referring to Figure 4E, which illustrates another part of method 400, processor 110 can receive a water tank presence / level signal 422, a heater temperature signal 424, and a drip tray presence / level signal 462. At step 480, processor 110 can use the received signals to determine 468 that the hot water dispensing function of beverage appliance 500 has been affected.

[0043] In response, at step 482, processor 110 controls user output device 160 to display the area of ​​the multi-functional beverage appliance associated with the affected hot water dispensing function. Method 400 also includes, at step 484, processor 110 controlling output device 160 to present a gray icon associated with the affected function, controlling LEDs to indicate the affected function, and / or emitting a warning sound to notify the user of the affected function. Furthermore, at step 486, method 400 includes disabling the hot water dispensing function. This may include disabling the operation of the hot water dispensing component 390 of the beverage appliance 500. At step 488, method 400 includes processor 110 controlling user output device 160 to present guidance information related to the affected function to the user.

[0044] Referring to Figure 5, an isometric view of an example multi-functional beverage appliance is shown. Specifically, the multi-functional beverage appliance can be a pump-based machine that relies in part on the pump pressure (typically measured in bar) to produce a suitable espresso. Referring to Figure 5, the multi-functional beverage appliance 500 may include: a water reservoir 510 (typically internal), a brewing head 522, and a coffee bowl 524 (for holding coffee grounds). A steam wand 530 and a steam valve 532 may be included for frothing milk. A drip tray 540 is typically provided for collecting spills and excess water. A series of user control inputs 550 may be provided for setting at least some of the parameters (or factors) associated with beverage production.

[0045] The multi-functional appliance 500 has an integrated coffee grinder 560. This may include a hopper 562 for feeding coffee beans into the grinder and an output section 564 for filling a coffee bowl with coffee powder (when the coffee bowl is provided below the output section).

[0046] With water in the water reservoir and coffee grounds in the portafilter, the water is heated and pumped to the brew head 522. When the heated water reaches the brew head 522, forced diffusion occurs through the coffee grounds in the portafilter, thereby producing distilled espresso. An example machine is disclosed in Australian Standard Patent Application 2018232987, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0047] In this specification and claims, it should be understood that when an element is referred to as "connected to" or "coupled to" another element, it may be directly connected to or coupled to the other element, or there may be intermediate elements. Conversely, when an element is referred to as "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element, there are no intermediate elements. Furthermore, when an element is referred to as "electrically connected to" another element, it indicates that there is a low-resistance path between these elements, while when an element is referred to as simply "coupled to" another element, there may or may not be a low-resistance path between these elements.

[0048] The accompanying drawings illustrate certain illustrated embodiments and have been described in detail above; however, the invention allows for various modifications and alternative constructions. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific forms disclosed, but rather is intended to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0049] In this specification and the following claims, unless the context otherwise requires, the word “comprising” and variations such as “including” and “containing” will be understood to imply inclusion of the stated integer or step or group of integers or steps, but not to exclude any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

Claims

1. A multi-functional beverage apparatus, the multi-functional beverage apparatus comprising one or more sensors, input devices, and output devices in communication with a controller, wherein the controller is configured to: The input device receives user input instructing the user to clean the brewing head of the multi-functional beverage appliance. Receive one or more feedback signals from the one or more sensors, wherein the one or more feedback signals include pressure sensor signals received from pressure sensors and / or flow meter signals received from flow meters; Based on the one or more feedback signals, it is determined that the brewing head of the multifunctional beverage appliance is not sufficiently sealed and cannot be cleaned; as well as The output device outputs user feedback indicating that the brewing head is not properly sealed and cannot be cleaned.

2. The multifunctional beverage appliance of claim 1, wherein the user feedback includes a prompt, the prompt including a graphic marker displaying a pulse filter, the pulse filter including a cleaning disc for sealing the brewing head.

3. The multifunctional beverage appliance of claim 2, wherein the controller is further configured to provide guidance instructions via the output device to guide the user to perform actions related to the brewing head.

4. The multi-functional beverage apparatus of claim 3, wherein the controller is further configured to provide the guiding instructions in response to a user selection of the prompt via the input device.

5. The multi-functional beverage apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the multi-functional beverage apparatus comprises a plurality of sensors, the plurality of sensors including the pressure sensor and the flow meter, wherein the controller is configured to: Receive multiple feedback signals from the plurality of sensors, wherein the plurality of feedback signals include a pressure sensor signal received from a pressure sensor and a flow meter signal received from a flow meter; and Based on the multiple feedback signals, it is determined that the brewing head of the multifunctional beverage appliance is not sufficiently sealed and cannot be cleaned.

6. A method performed by a multi-functional beverage apparatus, the multi-functional beverage apparatus including one or more sensors, input devices, and output devices in communication with a controller, wherein the method includes: The controller receives user input from the input device instructing the cleaning function of the brewing head of the multi-functional beverage appliance; The controller receives one or more feedback signals from the one or more sensors, wherein the one or more feedback signals include pressure sensor signals received from pressure sensors and / or flow meter signals received from flow meters; The controller determines, based on one or more feedback signals, that the brewing head of the multi-functional beverage appliance is not sufficiently sealed and cannot be cleaned; as well as The output device outputs user feedback indicating that the brewing head is not properly sealed and cannot be cleaned.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein the user feedback includes a prompt that includes a graphic marker displaying a pulse tower filter, the pulse tower filter including a cleaning disc for sealing the brewing head.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the method includes providing guidance instructions via the output device to guide the user to perform actions related to the brewing head.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the method includes providing the guidance instruction in response to a user selection of the prompt via the input device.

10. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the multifunctional beverage apparatus comprises a plurality of sensors, the plurality of sensors including the pressure sensor and the flow meter, wherein the method comprises: The controller receives multiple feedback signals from the plurality of sensors, wherein the plurality of feedback signals include the pressure sensor signal received from the pressure sensor and the flow meter signal received from the flow meter; as well as The controller determines, based on the multiple feedback signals, that the brewing head of the multifunctional beverage appliance is not sufficiently sealed and cannot be cleaned.

11. A multi-functional beverage apparatus, the multi-functional beverage apparatus comprising a plurality of sensors, input devices, and output devices in communication with a controller, wherein the controller is configured to: Receive user input from the input device indicating one or more functions to be performed by the multi-functional beverage appliance; Receive one or more feedback signals from the one or more sensors; The affected function among the one or more functions is determined based on the one or more feedback signals; as well as The output device outputs user feedback indicating the area of ​​the multi-functional beverage appliance associated with the affected function.

12. The multifunctional beverage appliance of claim 11, wherein the controller is configured to disable user selection of the affected function via the input device, while allowing user selection of one or more unaffected functions via the input device.

13. The multi-functional beverage appliance of claim 12, wherein the user feedback includes a prompt, the prompt comprising a graphic marker displaying an area of ​​the multi-functional beverage appliance associated with the affected function.

14. The multifunctional beverage apparatus of claim 13, wherein the controller is configured to control the output device to use the prompt to obscure or restrict user selection of the affected function, while allowing user selection of the one or more unaffected functions via the input device.

15. The multifunctional beverage apparatus of claim 14, wherein the controller is further configured to provide guidance instructions via the output device to guide the user to perform an action related to a corresponding area associated with the affected function.

16. The multifunctional beverage apparatus of claim 15, wherein the controller is further configured to provide the guidance instruction in response to a user selection of the prompt via the input device, wherein the guidance instruction obstructs user selection of the affected function while allowing user selection of the one or more unaffected functions via the input device.

17. The multi-functional beverage apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the multi-functional beverage apparatus is configured to perform a plurality of functions, the plurality of functions including at least two of the following: Grinding function; Brewing function; Foaming function; Hot water distribution function; and Maintain the loop function.

18. The multifunctional beverage apparatus of claim 14, wherein the one or more feedback signals include at least one of a pressure sensor signal received from a pressure sensor and a flow meter signal received from a flow meter, wherein in response to at least one of a pressure indicated by the pressure sensor signal being below a threshold pressure and a flow rate indicated by the flow meter signal being above a threshold flow rate, the controller is configured to: It was determined that the brewing head of the multi-functional beverage appliance was not properly sealed and could not be cleaned; and The user feedback, which instructs the brewing head, is output via the output device.

19. The multifunctional beverage apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein the controller is further configured to determine and output the user feedback via the output device, the user feedback also indicating one or more functions dependent on the completion of the affected function.

20. The multifunctional beverage apparatus of claim 19, wherein the controller is configured to control the output device to restrict user selection of one or more functions that depend on the completion of the affected function.

21. A method performed by a multi-functional beverage apparatus, the multi-functional beverage apparatus including a plurality of sensors, input devices, and output devices in communication with a controller, wherein the method includes: The controller receives user input from the input device instructing the multi-functional beverage appliance to perform one or more functions. The controller receives one or more feedback signals from the one or more sensors; The controller determines the affected function from the one or more functions based on the one or more feedback signals; as well as The output device outputs user feedback indicating the area of ​​the multi-functional beverage appliance associated with the affected function.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the method includes disabling user selection of the affected function via the input device by the controller, while allowing user selection of one or more unaffected functions via the input device.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the user feedback includes a prompt, the prompt including a graphic marker displaying an area of ​​the multi-functional beverage appliance associated with the affected function.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the method includes controlling the output device by the controller to use the prompt to obscure or restrict user selection of the affected function, while allowing user selection of the one or more unaffected functions via the input device.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the method further comprises providing guidance instructions via the output device to guide the user to perform an action related to a corresponding area associated with the affected function.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the method further comprises providing the guidance instruction by the controller in response to a user selection of the prompt via the input device, wherein the guidance instruction censors user selection of the affected function while allowing user selection of one or more unaffected functions.

27. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein the multifunctional beverage apparatus is configured to perform a plurality of functions, the plurality of functions including at least two of the following: Grinding function; Brewing function; Foaming function; Hot water distribution function; and Maintain the loop function.

28. The method of any one of claims 21 to 27, wherein the one or more feedback signals comprise at least one of a pressure sensor signal received from a pressure sensor and a flow meter signal received from a flow meter, wherein in response to at least one of a pressure indicated by the pressure sensor signal being below a threshold pressure and a flow rate indicated by the flow meter signal being above a threshold flow rate, the method comprises: The controller determines that the brewing head of the multi-functional beverage appliance is not sufficiently sealed and cannot be cleaned. as well as The user feedback, which instructs the brewing head, is output via the output device.

29. The method of any one of claims 21 to 28, wherein the method further comprises the user feedback determined by the controller and output via the output device, the user feedback further indicating one or more functions dependent on the completion of the affected function.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the method comprises: The controller controls the output device to restrict user selection of one or more functions that depend on the completion of the affected function.

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