Beverage supply system and beverage supply method

Abstract

The invention relates to a beverage supply system and a beverage supply method. A beverage supply system includes: a beverage supply device that supplies a beverage to a container provided with a communicable recording medium; and a server that transmits, to the beverage supply device, information on the beverage supplied to the container. The beverage supply device includes: a transmission / reception unit that transmits and receives information to / from the recording medium of the container; and a communication unit that transmits the information from the recording medium of the container and the information on the beverage supply device received by the transmission / reception unit to a server and receives the beverage information from the server, the server including: a storage unit that stores the beverage information of the beverage supplied to the container; and a control unit that detects beverage information of a beverage supplied to a container corresponding to information from a recording medium of the container received from the beverage supply device, and transmits the beverage information to the beverage supply device.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the patent application filed on March 29, 2021, with application number 202110332634.7, entitled "Beverage Supply System, Beverage Supply Device and Beverage Supply Method". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a beverage supply system, a beverage supply device, and a beverage supply method. Background Technology

[0003] A beverage dispensing device is known in the prior art, comprising a transmitting and receiving unit that reads information recorded in an electronic tag, which serves as a recording medium. In this beverage dispensing device, the transmitting and receiving unit reads information recorded in an electronic tag affixed to a container, and dispenses beverage into the container based on this information.

[0004] In such beverage dispensing devices, it is known that a transmitting and receiving unit is provided below the container placement part when dispensing beverages. This transmitting and receiving unit is a device for reading information recorded in an electronic tag provided at the bottom of the container (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-67185 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] However, in existing beverage dispensing devices, in order to read the information recorded in the electronic tag located at the bottom of the container, the transmitting and receiving unit needs to be positioned directly below the beverage dispensing unit. In this case, if the beverage remaining in the beverage dispensing unit or piping drips when no container is placed, there is a situation where the liquid from the flowing beverage may remain and cover the transmitting and receiving unit.

[0010] Even if a container is placed on top of the transceiver unit, the information recorded in the transceiver unit may be read even if the transceiver unit is covered by liquid. This is because the liquid between the electronic tag and the transceiver unit causes the radio or electromagnetic waves used for communication to be attenuated.

[0011] The purpose of this invention is to provide a beverage dispensing system, a beverage dispensing device, and a beverage dispensing method that can suppress situations where reading of the recording medium by the transmitting and receiving unit is hindered when reading information recorded in a recording medium disposed in a container.

[0012] Methods for solving problems

[0013] The present invention is a beverage dispensing device that dispenses beverages to a container having a recording medium containing prescribed information. The beverage dispensing device is characterized by comprising: a holding part for holding the container when dispensing the beverage; a tray disposed below the holding part for receiving beverages flowing out of the container; and a transmitting and receiving part disposed below the tray for reading information recorded in the recording medium. A covering part is provided at the bottom of the tray to cover the transmitting and receiving part, the covering part protruding upward along the depth direction of the tray and having an inclined surface.

[0014] As a result, beverage dripping onto the upper surface of the cover flows down the inclined surface to the bottom of the tray. Therefore, it is possible to prevent beverage from lingering between the recording medium and the transmitting / receiving unit, thus preventing the reading of the recording medium by the transmitting / receiving unit from being hindered.

[0015] The effects of the invention

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress situations where reading of the recording medium by the transmitting and receiving unit is hindered.

[0017] Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the reading of a recording medium by a transmitting and receiving unit from a container located at a position different from the position where the beverage can be supplied, and a predetermined beverage can be supplied to the container simply by setting up the container. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a front view showing the structure of the beverage dispensing device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is an exploded 3D view of a beverage dispensing device.

[0020] Figure 3 The diagram shows the structure of the drip tray, where (A) is a top view, (B) is a BB section view of (A), and (C) is a CC section view of (A).

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Section IV-IV.

[0022] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing the general structure of a beverage supply system.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing a modified example of a drip tray.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a front view showing the structure of the beverage supply device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view of the beverage supply device according to this embodiment.

[0026] Figure 9 This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the reading device of the beverage dispensing device.

[0027] Figure 10 yes Figure 1 Section IV-IV.

[0028] Figure 11 This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the tray assembly of the beverage dispensing device according to this embodiment.

[0029] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the general structure of the first beverage supply system of this embodiment.

[0030] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the schematic structure of the second beverage supply system in this embodiment.

[0031] Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing a modified example of the shielding component of the beverage supply device according to this embodiment.

[0032] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating the process of registering flat-bottomed glasses in the beverage supply system.

[0033] Figure 16 This is a screenshot showing the registration process for the flat-bottomed glass.

[0034] Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating the menu selection process of the first beverage supply system in this embodiment.

[0035] Figure 18 This is a diagram showing the screen displayed when selecting this menu item.

[0036] Figure 19 This is an image representing another screen displayed during the menu selection process.

[0037] Figure 20 This is a diagram illustrating a portion of the beverage supply process of the first beverage supply system in this embodiment.

[0038] Figure 21 This is a diagram showing another part of the beverage supply process.

[0039] Figure 22 This is a diagram showing another part of the beverage supply process.

[0040] Figure 23 This is a diagram showing part of the display screen illustrating the beverage delivery process.

[0041] Figure 24 This is another part of the display screen showing the beverage supply process.

[0042] Figure 25 This is another part of the display screen showing the beverage supply process.

[0043] Figure 26 This is a diagram showing the beverage supply sequence of the first beverage supply system in this embodiment.

[0044] Figure 27 This is another display screen showing the first beverage supply system of this embodiment.

[0045] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0046] 1. 300 Beverage Dispensing Unit

[0047] 2. Main body of the device (main body)

[0048] 20, 120, 220 drip trays (pallets)

[0049] 21, 25 sidewalls

[0050] 23 Opening

[0051] 24 Bottom

[0052] Coverage sections 26, 126, and 226

[0053] Top of 27, 127, 227

[0054] Inclined surfaces 28, 128, 129, 228

[0055] 30. Mounting plate (holding section)

[0056] 40 Reading device (transmitter / receiver unit)

[0057] 70 Beverage containers (containers)

[0058] 72 Information Tags (Recording Media)

[0059] V1 storage space

[0060] V2 Storage space (space). Detailed Implementation

[0061] The first invention is a beverage dispensing device that dispenses a beverage to a container having a recording medium containing prescribed information. The beverage dispensing device includes: a main body having a beverage dispensing mechanism; a holding part that holds the container while dispensing the beverage; a tray disposed below the holding part for receiving beverage that flows out of the container; and a transmitting and receiving part disposed below the tray for reading information recorded in the recording medium. The tray has a cover that protrudes upward from the bottom and covers the transmitting and receiving part, and the upper surface of the cover has an inclined surface.

[0062] As a result, liquids such as beverages that drip onto the upper surface of the cover flow down the inclined surface to the bottom of the tray. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the retention of liquids such as beverages between the recording medium and the transmitting / receiving unit, which would hinder the reading of the recording medium by the transmitting / receiving unit.

[0063] The second invention is that the tray is provided in a manner that allows it to be detachably attached to the main body.

[0064] This allows the tray to be removed from the main body, discarding any liquids such as beverages stored in it, and the tray to be cleaned. Thus, tray maintenance becomes easy.

[0065] The third invention is that the aforementioned covering portion is connected to an opening provided on the side wall of the aforementioned tray, which connects the space below the aforementioned covering portion to the outside.

[0066] Thus, the tray can be detached by moving it so that the receiving part leaves the opening. Therefore, by moving the tray along the reading device, the tray can be detached from the device body.

[0067] The fourth invention is that the transmitting and receiving unit reads information recorded in the recording medium, which is disposed at the bottom of the container.

[0068] Therefore, the container can be held in the beverage dispensing device without being restricted to a specific circumferential position. Thus, the user of the beverage dispensing device can easily hold the beverage container within the device.

[0069] The fifth invention is that the covering portion has a top located below the bottom of the container held by the holding portion, and the inclined surface slopes from the top towards the bottom of the tray.

[0070] Therefore, the part directly below the recording medium becomes the highest point in the depth direction of the tray. Thus, even if a specified amount of liquid such as beverage is stored in the tray, the part directly below the recording medium is positioned above the stored liquid, which can suppress the attenuation of radio waves or electromagnetic waves used in short-range communication due to the presence of liquid such as beverage between the recording medium and the transmitting / receiving unit.

[0071] The sixth invention is a beverage dispensing system, comprising: a beverage dispensing device for dispensing beverage to a container provided with a communication-enabled recording medium; and a server for sending information about the beverage dispensed to the container to the beverage dispensing device. The beverage dispensing device includes: a transmitting and receiving unit for transmitting and receiving information with the recording medium of the container; and a communication unit for transmitting information received by the transmitting and receiving unit from the recording medium of the container and information related to the beverage dispensing device to the server, and receiving the beverage information from the server. The server includes: a storage unit for storing the beverage information dispensed to the container; and a control unit for detecting the beverage information dispensed to the container and transmitting the beverage information to the beverage dispensing device, wherein the container is a container corresponding to the information received from the recording medium of the container by the beverage dispensing device.

[0072] According to this beverage supply system, it is possible to receive products from a pre-registered menu from a beverage supply device that holds the container.

[0073] Therefore, it is possible to easily receive the goods without having to place an order at a store with beverage dispensing facilities.

[0074] In other words, by installing the container at a specific location on the beverage dispensing device and using information read from the container's recording medium, it is possible to dispense a pre-associated beverage to the container.

[0075] The seventh invention is a beverage supply system comprising a beverage supply device with a device ID that supplies beverages to containers, and a server connected to the beverage supply device via a network. The beverage supply device has a unit that reads the container ID from a storage medium on which the container is capable of communication and sends the container ID and the device ID to the server. The server has a unit that detects order information corresponding to the container ID and sends the detected order information to the beverage supply device corresponding to the device ID. The beverage supply device has a unit that provides the container with goods corresponding to the received order information.

[0076] According to this beverage supply system, it is possible to receive products from a pre-registered menu from a beverage supply device that holds the container.

[0077] The eighth invention is a beverage dispensing device used in the first or second invention for dispensing beverages to a container equipped with a communicable recording medium. It includes: a mounting section for mounting the container; a transmission / reception section disposed below the mounting section for transmitting and receiving the recording medium and information; and a shielding section for shielding communication between the recording medium and the transmission / reception section, which is positioned offset from the mounting section. Thus, when the container is positioned offset from the beverage dispensing position, the shielding member can block radio waves or electromagnetic waves radiated from the reading device, providing shielding for radio waves or electromagnetic waves on the container side.

[0078] Therefore, when the container is positioned off-center from the mounting section, the shielding component can block radio waves or electromagnetic waves radiated from the transmitting and receiving sections, thus shielding the container from radio waves or electromagnetic waves.

[0079] Therefore, when the beverage dispensing device is positioned at a location deviating from the prescribed position, it can prevent the information on the recording medium from being read.

[0080] The ninth invention is a beverage dispensing method, which is a beverage dispensing method for dispensing beverages to a container provided with a communication-enabled recording medium, comprising: a step of a beverage dispensing device reading a container ID from a communication-enabled storage medium provided in the container; a step of the beverage dispensing device sending the container ID and a device ID to a server; a step of the server detecting order information corresponding to the container ID; a step of the server sending the detected order information to the beverage dispensing device corresponding to the device ID; and a step of the beverage dispensing device providing the container with goods corresponding to the received order information.

[0081] According to this method, the container is installed in the beverage dispensing device, which can then supply the container with products from a pre-registered menu.

[0082] (Implementation Method 1)

[0083] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0084] Figure 1 This is a front view showing the structure of the beverage supply device 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0085] The beverage dispensing device 1 in this embodiment is a so-called automatic beverage dispensing machine installed in shops such as convenience stores, restaurants, or beverage bars. Specifically, it is a device that dispenses coffee beverages or the like into a prescribed container such as a cup.

[0086] Beverage supply device 1 Figure 1As shown, it includes the device body 2 and the tray assembly 10.

[0087] The main body 2 of the device is a box-shaped housing that internally houses various mechanisms for supplying beverages. In this embodiment, the main body 2 internally houses: various extraction mechanisms for extracting coffee beverages, such as a drive motor or grinder, filter, cylinder, and hot water tank; various supply mechanisms for supplying the extracted coffee beverages, such as a pump or supply piping; and a control device 11 for controlling these extraction and supply mechanisms and communicating with an external server, etc. Figure 5 )wait.

[0088] These extraction and supply mechanisms are largely the same as those known as coffee beverage extraction and supply mechanisms in beverage vending machines.

[0089] A beverage supply nozzle 3 is provided approximately at the center of the front surface of the main body 2. The beverage supply nozzle 3 is a nozzle that discharges beverage extracted from inside the main body 2, and a supply pipe for a supply mechanism housed inside the main body 2 is connected to the nozzle 3. An outlet 4 is formed at the lower end of the beverage supply nozzle 3. In the beverage supply device 1, the extracted beverage is discharged downwards through the outlet 4 of the beverage supply nozzle 3 along the vertical direction of the main body 2.

[0090] On the front surface of the main body 2, above the beverage supply nozzle 3, there is a discharge button 5. When the discharge button 5 is pressed, the beverage extracted by the extraction mechanism is discharged downward through the discharge port 4 of the beverage supply nozzle 3.

[0091] On the front surface of the main body 2, above the dispensing button 5, there is a display panel 6. This display panel 6 functions as a display unit, which can display information about the status of the beverage dispensing device 1, the menu that the beverage dispensing device 1 can provide, information read from the specified container, etc.

[0092] Furthermore, the display panel 6 can be a touch panel. In this case, the display panel 6 can be configured to perform a touch operation to dispensing the extracted beverage from the beverage supply nozzle 3. Additionally, in this case, the dispensing button 5 does not necessarily need to be a physical button.

[0093] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the beverage supply device 1.

[0094] like Figure 2As shown, a reading device storage section 7 is provided on the front surface of the device body 2, below the beverage dispensing nozzle 3. The reading device storage section 7 is formed as a box with an open upper surface, and is arranged such that it extends forward from the front surface of the device body 2 along the longitudinal direction of the device body 2. The reading device storage section 7 is positioned approximately at the center in the width direction of the front surface of the device body 2.

[0095] In this embodiment, the reading device storage part 7 is provided at the lower end of the front surface of the device body 2, and its bottom surface is continuously formed with the bottom surface of the device body 2. That is, the bottom surface of the reading device storage part 7 is in contact with the mounting surface of the device body 2. Furthermore, the reading device storage part 7 is located directly below the beverage dispensing nozzle 3.

[0096] The reading device 40 is housed in the reading device storage section 7.

[0097] The reading device 40 is a contactless reading device capable of reading information recorded on a recording medium, such as an NFC tag, RFID tag, or IC tag, which contains specified information. The reading device 40 performs short-range wireless communication with the recording medium according to a specified standard to read information from the recording medium. The reading device 40 transmits the read information to a control device 11 housed inside the device body 2. That is, the reading device 40 in this embodiment corresponds to an example of a transmitting and receiving unit.

[0098] The reading device 40 of this embodiment has an antenna or coil formed in a planar shape, from which radio waves or electromagnetic waves for communication (for reading information) are radiated in the vertical direction of the device body 2.

[0099] Furthermore, the reading device 40 may also have the function of writing information to the recording medium. Additionally, a resin-made drip-proof cover may be provided on the upper part of the reading device 40.

[0100] The tray assembly 10 is mounted on the front surface of the device body 2 and is positioned below the beverage dispensing nozzle 3. The tray assembly 10 has a drip tray 20 formed in a generally groove shape and a flat mounting plate 30 covering the upper surface of the drip tray 20, and is formed as a whole as a box.

[0101] In this embodiment, both the drip tray 20 and the mounting plate 30 are made of resin.

[0102] The mounting plate 30 is formed such that its length in the longitudinal direction is approximately the same as the width in the front surface of the device body 2, and it is a flat plate that covers the entire upper surface of the drip tray 20. A drainage hole 32 is provided in approximately the center of the mounting plate 30, and a mesh drainage section 34 is provided around the drainage hole 32.

[0103] With the tray assembly 10 mounted on the front surface of the device body 2, the drain hole 32 and the drain section 34 are positioned directly below the outlet 4 of the beverage supply nozzle 3.

[0104] In this embodiment, a predetermined container into which beverage is dispensed from the beverage dispensing device 1 is placed on the upper surface of the drain section 34. That is, the mounting plate 30 functions as a holding part for holding the predetermined container into which beverage is dispensed from the beverage dispensing device 1.

[0105] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the structure of the drip tray 20. Figure 3 (A) is a top view. Figure 3 (B) is the BB cross-section view of (A). Figure 3 (C) is the CC section view of (A).

[0106] The drip tray 20 is a component used to receive and store beverages that flow out of or splash from a beverage dispenser 1 into a designated container when the beverage is dispensed from the beverage dispenser 1. As described above, the drip tray 20 has an internal storage space V1, which is formed as a groove with an open upper surface.

[0107] Like the mounting plate 30, the drip tray 20 is formed such that its length in the longitudinal direction is approximately the same as the width in the front surface of the device body 2. The drip tray 20 is mounted on the device body 2 such that one of its sidewalls 21, formed along the longitudinal direction of the drip tray 20, contacts the lower end of the front surface of the device body 2.

[0108] like Figure 3 (A) Figure 3 As shown in (B), in the drip tray 20, a cover portion 26 is provided at approximately the center in the length direction, and the bottom 24 protrudes to a predetermined height toward the storage space V1.

[0109] The cover portion 26 is generally rectangular in shape when viewed from above. One end of the cover portion 26 in the length direction is connected to the side wall 21, and the other end is disposed near the side wall 25 disposed opposite to the side wall 21.

[0110] A pair of inclined surfaces 28 are provided on the upper surface of the cover portion 26, which slope from a top 27 located approximately at the center of the drip tray 20 along its length and extending towards the bottom 24 on both sides along the length of the drip tray 20. These inclined surfaces 28 slope downwards from the top 27 along the vertical direction of the drip tray 20 (the depth direction of the storage space V1). These inclined surfaces 28 are formed entirely along the length of the cover portion 26.

[0111] That is, the upper surface of the cover 26 is formed into a so-called gable roof shape with a pair of inclined surfaces 28 connected at the top 27.

[0112] Preferably, a hydrophobic coating or hydrophobic processing is applied to the upper surface of the cover 26, which is composed of these tops 27 and a pair of inclined surfaces 28.

[0113] In addition, the cover 26 is formed in such a way that the top 27 does not contact the mounting plate 30 within the storage space V1.

[0114] like Figure 3 (B) Figure 3 As shown in (C), a cover 26 is formed by protruding upward from the bottom 24, and a storage space V2 is formed below the cover 26. The storage space V2 is covered above by the cover 26, while the bottom is open.

[0115] An opening 23, with a cross-sectional shape approximately the same as that of the storage space V2, is provided on the side wall 21. As described above, one end of the cover 26 in the longitudinal direction is connected to the side wall 21, thereby communicating one side of the storage space V2 in the longitudinal direction with the opening 23. Therefore, the storage space V2 communicates with the outside of the device body 2 via the opening 23.

[0116] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Section IV-IV.

[0117] As described above, the tray assembly 10 is detachably mounted on the device body 2 such that one sidewall 21 formed along the length direction of the drip tray 20 contacts the lower end of the front surface of the device body 2. The bottom surface of the drip tray 20 mounted on the device body 2 is arranged to contact the mounting surface on which the device body 2 is placed.

[0118] At this time, such as Figure 4 As shown, with both the reading device housing 7 and the reading device 40 covered by the covering part 26 on their upper surfaces, they are housed in the housing space V2. Furthermore, the planar antenna or coil of the reading device 40 is arranged parallel to the mounting plate 30 at this time.

[0119] The reading device storage unit 7 and the reading device 40 are stored in the storage space V2 through the insertion opening 23. By allowing these reading device storage units 7 and the reading device 40 to pass through the opening 23, they can be detached from the storage space V2.

[0120] In this way, since the reading device storage section 7 and the reading device 40 can enter and exit the storage space V2 through the opening 23, the tray assembly 10 can be detached from the device body 2 by being pulled out along the front-back direction of the device body 2.

[0121] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the general structure of the beverage supply system 100.

[0122] Next, as an example of the system used in the beverage supply device 1 of this embodiment, the beverage supply system 100 will be described.

[0123] The beverage supply system 100 of this embodiment is a system capable of appropriately supplying beverages to user U. The beverage supply system 100, as... Figure 5 As shown, the system includes a beverage dispensing device 1, a server 60, a beverage container 70, and an information terminal 80. In this embodiment, one unit of each of the beverage dispensing device 1 and the server 60 is described, but it is not limited to this, and multiple devices can be provided in the beverage dispensing system 100.

[0124] The beverage dispensing device 1, as described above, includes a control device 11. The control device 11 includes a computer with a processor such as a CPU or MPU, and a storage device such as ROM or RAM. Furthermore, the control device 11 includes a device control unit 8 and an overall control unit 9.

[0125] The device control unit 8 is a component that controls the drive of various device mechanisms, such as extraction mechanisms or supply mechanisms, housed in the device body 2.

[0126] The overall control unit 9 is a component that performs tasks such as acquiring information read by the reading device 40, sending and receiving various information with the server 60 via the communication network 90, display control of the display panel 6, and control of the device control unit 8.

[0127] Server 60 is a component that stores a database for identifying beverage containers 70 and transmits and receives information about the database between beverage dispensing device 1 and information terminal 80 via communication network 90.

[0128] In addition, the server 60 can also be integrated into the beverage dispensing device 1.

[0129] The beverage container 70 is a designated container into which a beverage is dispensed from the beverage dispensing device 1. This beverage container 70 may be, for example, a flat-bottomed glass, a portable cup, a water bottle, a disposable cup, or a jug. In this embodiment, the beverage container 70 is as follows: Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 As shown, it is constructed as a so-called flat-bottomed glass.

[0130] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5As shown, an information tag 72 is provided at the bottom of the beverage container 70. This information tag 72 is an electronic tag such as an NFC tag or RFID tag, or a recording medium that records specified information and is referred to as an IC tag.

[0131] The information tag 72 has a planar antenna or coil for communication configured parallel to the bottom surface of the beverage container 70.

[0132] As described above, the planar antenna or coil of the reading device 40 is arranged parallel to the mounting plate 30, and is configured to radiate radio waves or electromagnetic waves for communication in the vertical direction.

[0133] Therefore, when the beverage container 70 is placed on the mounting plate 30, the planar antenna or coil for communication of the information tag 72 is arranged substantially parallel to the planar antenna or coil of the reading device 40.

[0134] Furthermore, in the beverage container 70 of this embodiment, a serial number corresponding to the information label 72 is recorded, for example, on the periphery. However, it is not limited to a serial number; for example, a QR code could also be used.

[0135] In this embodiment, the beverage container 70 is formed as a flat-bottomed glass made of resin. However, it is not limited to this; the beverage container 70 may also be formed from various materials such as paper, ceramic, glass, or metal. When the beverage container 70 is made of metal, the information label 72 is preferably made of rubber or similar material and is disposed at the bottom of the beverage container 70, a few millimeters away from the metal surface.

[0136] Information terminal 80 is a portable terminal held by user U that can communicate with server 60 to send and receive specified information. Information terminal 80 may be, for example, a mobile phone, smartphone, or tablet computer. The specified application programs involved in the beverage supply system 100 can be executed on this information terminal 80.

[0137] The communication network 90 connects the various components of the beverage supply system 100, including the beverage supply device 1, server 60, and information terminal 80, in a manner enabling data communication between them. The communication network 90 includes communication lines such as dedicated lines, public line networks, mobile wireless communication networks, and LAN (Local Area Network) lines, and may also include components such as routers and wireless communication access points. The connection between the various components of the beverage supply system 100 and the communication network 90 can be wireless or wired.

[0138] Next, the function of this embodiment will be explained.

[0139] In the beverage supply system 100 of this embodiment, firstly, user U prepares a beverage container 70, operates a pre-defined application executed by information terminal 80, and accesses server 60. Furthermore, user U registers their information along with the serial number recorded in the beverage container 70. Next, user U operates the application to order the desired beverage from the menu. This order is sent to server 60 and stored there.

[0140] Then, user U places beverage container 70 in beverage dispensing device 1 at a location where it is installed. Specifically, beverage container 70 is placed on the upper surface of drain portion 34 of placement plate 30. Thus, beverage container 70 is positioned below the outlet 4 of beverage dispensing nozzle 3. Furthermore, user U can place beverage container 70 on placement plate 30 without specifying its circumferential position. That is, user U can place beverage container 70 on placement plate 30 without paying attention to the side orientation of beverage container 70 or performing any additional actions.

[0141] As described above, when the beverage container 70 is placed on the upper surface of the mounting plate 30, the reading device 40, located approximately directly below the beverage container 70, communicates with the information tag 72 and reads the information recorded in the information tag 72. The read information is acquired by the overall control unit 9, which then sends the information to the server 60.

[0142] Server 60 associates the information with the serial number based on the database and sends the order details to beverage dispensing device 1.

[0143] The overall control unit 9, having received the order, displays the order details on the display panel 6. The user U confirms the order details on the display panel 6; if they match the order received from the information terminal 80, the user presses the discharge button 5. When the discharge button 5 is pressed, the device control unit 8 activates the extraction and dispensing mechanisms, thereby dispensing the beverage from the discharge port 4 of the beverage dispensing nozzle 3 and injecting it into the beverage container 70.

[0144] However, in this control flow, the step of user U pressing the discharge button 5 can also be omitted. That is, the beverage can be discharged at the moment the overall control unit 9 receives the order from the server 60.

[0145] In this situation, because communication between the reading device 40 and the information tag 72 has been established, the beverage container 70 is reliably positioned below the beverage dispensing nozzle 3. Therefore, even without waiting for the user U to press the dispensing button 5 to dispense the beverage, the beverage can be reliably dispensed into the beverage container 70 without contaminating the tray assembly 10 or its surroundings.

[0146] In this way, in the beverage supply system 100, the user U in the store does not need to perform various operations related to ordering and billing, but can easily receive the beverage by placing the beverage container 70 on the beverage supply device 1.

[0147] Here, when beverage is dispensed from the beverage supply device 1 into the beverage container 70, there are sometimes cases where beverage discharged from the outlet 4 of the beverage supply nozzle 3 flows out of the beverage container 70. The outflowing beverage flows into the storage space V1 of the drip tray 20 through the drain hole 32 and the drain section 34.

[0148] As described above, the reading device 40 is housed in the storage space V2 below the drip tray 20. The reading device 40 reads information from the information tag 72 via near-field wireless communication. Therefore, if there is a liquid such as a beverage between the information tag 72 and the reading device 40, the radio waves or electromagnetic waves of the near-field wireless communication between the reading device 40 and the information tag 72 may be attenuated due to the liquid, and the reading device 40 may be unable to obtain the required information.

[0149] In this embodiment, the cover portion 26 of the cover reading device 40 forms an upper surface in such a way that a pair of inclined surfaces 28 are connected to the top 27, forming a so-called gable roof shape.

[0150] As a result, the liquid, such as beverage, flowing into the upper surface of the cover 26 flows along the inclined surface 28 to the bottom 24 of the drip tray 20. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the liquid, such as beverage, from accumulating between the information tag 72 and the reading device 40. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the reading of information from the information tag 72 by the reading device 40 from being hindered.

[0151] In addition, the upper surface of the cover 26, which consists of the top 27 and a pair of inclined surfaces 28, is able to more reliably allow liquids such as beverages to flow to the bottom 24 due to the use of a hydrophobic coating, hydrophobic processing, or appropriate materials.

[0152] Furthermore, the top 27 is located at the center of the drip tray 20 along its length and is closest to the information label 72 of the beverage container 70 placed on the mounting plate 30 in the storage space V1. Therefore, even when a predetermined amount of liquid such as beverage is stored in the storage space V1, it protrudes higher than the surface of the liquid, thus preventing the reading of information from the information label 72 by the reading device 40 from being hindered.

[0153] As explained above, according to this embodiment, the beverage dispensing device 1 includes: a device body 2; a mounting plate 30 for holding a beverage container 70 when dispensing beverage; a drip tray 20 disposed below the mounting plate 30 for receiving beverage flowing out of the beverage container 70; and a reading device 40 disposed below the drip tray 20 for reading information recorded in an information tag 72. Furthermore, the device is configured such that a cover portion 26, with its bottom 24 protruding upwards, is provided in the drip tray 20 to cover the reading device 40, and an inclined surface 28 is provided on the upper surface of the cover portion 26.

[0154] As a result, the liquid such as beverage that drips onto the upper surface of the cover 26 flows along the inclination of the inclined surface 28 toward the bottom 24 of the drip tray 20. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the situation where liquid such as beverage remains between the information tag 72 and the reading device 40, thus preventing the reading of the information tag 72 by the reading device 40 from being hindered.

[0155] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the drip tray 20 is configured in a way that allows it to be detachably attached to the main body.

[0156] Therefore, it becomes easier to discard liquids such as beverages accumulated in the drip tray 20 and to clean the drip tray 20. Thus, maintenance of the drip tray 20 becomes easier.

[0157] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the covering portion 26 is configured to communicate with the opening 23 provided on the side wall 21 of the drip tray 20, which connects the storage space V2 below the covering portion 26 to the outside.

[0158] Thus, the drip tray 20 is configured to be disengaged by moving the reading device 40 away from the opening 23.

[0159] Therefore, by moving the drip tray 20 along the reading device 40, the drip tray 20 can be detached from the device body 2.

[0160] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the reading device 40 reads the information recorded in the information tag 72 stored at the bottom of the beverage container 70.

[0161] Therefore, the beverage container 70 can be placed on the mounting plate 30 of the beverage dispensing device 1 without specifying its position in the circumferential direction. Thus, the user U can place the beverage container 70 on the beverage dispensing device 1 without confirming its circumferential configuration (the orientation of the side of the beverage container 70).

[0162] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the covering portion 26 is provided with a top 27 located below the bottom of the beverage container 70 held by the holding portion, and the inclined surface 28 is inclined from the top 27 to the bottom.

[0163] Therefore, the top 27 is located directly below the information label 72 of the beverage container 70 placed on the mounting plate 30, and this top 27 is the highest position in the depth direction of the drip tray 20. Therefore, even if a predetermined amount of liquid such as beverage is stored in the drip tray 20, the top 27 is located above the stored liquid, which can prevent the reading of the information label 72 by the reading device 40 from being hindered by the stored liquid such as beverage.

[0164] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the liquid such as beverage that can exist between the information tag 72 and the reading device 40 includes not only the beverage itself, but also the liquid used to clean the various parts of the beverage supply device 1, especially the beverage supply nozzle 3, etc. (mainly rinsing liquid), and the rinsing water remaining after the drip tray 20 is removed and cleaned.

[0165] The above-described embodiments are examples illustrating one aspect of the present invention, and can be arbitrarily modified and applied without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0166] In the above embodiment, the beverage dispensing device 1 is configured such that the upper surface of the cover 26 is shaped like a herringbone roof, forming a drip tray 20. However, it is not limited to this, such as... Figure 6 As shown in (A), the beverage dispensing device 1 may also have a drip tray 120, which has a pair of inclined surfaces 128 on both sides of the top 127 inclined toward the bottom 24 and an inclined surface 129 inclined along the length of the top 127 toward the bottom 24 in the upper surface of the cover portion 126.

[0167] In addition, for example, Figure 6 As shown in (B), the beverage dispensing device 1 may also have a drip tray 220, the upper surface of which is formed into a square pyramid shape with four inclined surfaces 228 that slope from the center in four directions toward the bottom 24. In this case, the top 227 becomes the vertex of the square pyramid.

[0168] Furthermore, the upper surface of the cover 226 is not limited to a square pyramid, but can also be formed into other cone shapes such as a cone.

[0169] Alternatively, the upper surface of the cover 26 can also be formed in the shape of a dome or a semi-cylindrical shape.

[0170] In addition, for example, in the above embodiment, a hydrophobic coating or hydrophobic processing is applied to the upper surface of the cover portion 26, but it is not limited to this, and a hydrophilic coating or water immersion processing may also be applied.

[0171] However, even without applying a hydrophobic coating or hydrophobic processing, or a hydrophilic coating or hydrophilic processing, materials that are difficult or difficult for liquids such as beverages to retain can be used, thereby achieving the same effect as structures that have been coated or processed.

[0172] In addition, for example, in the above embodiment, a drain hole 32 or a drain section 34 is provided on the mounting plate 30, but it is not limited to this. As long as the liquid such as beverage flowing out to the upper surface of the mounting plate 30 can be moved to the drip tray 120, it can be formed into any shape.

[0173] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, for example, the beverage supply device 1 is a device for supplying coffee beverages, but it is not limited to this. For example, it could also be a device for supplying beverages such as juice, ice cream, shaved ice, fruit syrup, hand-shaken drinks, mineral water, or similar foods. In addition, in this case, the mechanism housed in the device body 2 can be a mechanism corresponding to the beverage or food to be supplied.

[0174] (Implementation Method 2)

[0175] In this embodiment, a beverage supply device, beverage supply system, and beverage supply method are described that can suppress the reading of a recording medium by the transmitting and receiving unit from a container located at a position different from the position where the beverage can be supplied, and that the beverage supply device, beverage supply system, and beverage supply method can supply a predetermined beverage to the container simply by setting up the container.

[0176] Specifically, a beverage dispensing device is known in the prior art, which includes a reading device for reading information recorded in an electronic tag that serves as a recording medium (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-529576). In this beverage dispensing device, the reading device reads information recorded in an electronic tag affixed to a container, and based on this information, dispenses the beverage into the container if the selected beverage and the amount dispensed are purchaseable according to the bill amount and container size specified by the information recorded in the recording medium.

[0177] In such a beverage dispensing device, a container is positioned at a predetermined location where beverage discharged from the beverage outlet can be dispensed, thereby dispensing the beverage. Furthermore, a transmitting and receiving unit is provided at a location capable of reading the recording medium of the container positioned at the predetermined location.

[0178] However, in existing beverage dispensing devices, because the electromagnetic waves or radio waves used by the transmitting and receiving unit to read information from the recording medium are propagated and transmitted, the transmitting and receiving unit may be able to read the recording medium of the container even if the container is positioned in a position different from the intended position.

[0179] Therefore, in this embodiment, a beverage dispensing device 300 that can suppress the situation where the transmitting and receiving unit reads the recording medium of a container that is located at a position different from the position where the beverage can be dispensed, and a beverage dispensing system 100 and a beverage dispensing method that can use the information recorded in the electronic tag read by the transmitting and receiving unit to dispense the corresponding beverage to the container will be described.

[0180] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0181] Figure 7 This is a front view showing the structure of the beverage dispensing device 300 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0182] The beverage dispensing device 300 of this embodiment is a so-called automatic beverage vending machine installed in shops such as convenience stores, restaurants, or beverage bars. Specifically, it is a device that dispenses beverages such as coffee into a prescribed container such as a cup. In the beverage dispensing device 300 of this embodiment, a beverage container 70 is used as a dedicated container for dispensing beverages.

[0183] Beverage dispensing device 300 Figure 7 As shown, it includes the device body 2 and the tray assembly 10.

[0184] The main body 2 of the device is a box-shaped housing that internally houses various mechanisms for supplying beverages and communication devices for communicating with an external network. Internally, the main body 2 of this embodiment houses: various extraction mechanisms for extracting coffee beverages, such as a drive motor or grinder, filter, cylinder, and hot water tank; various supply mechanisms for supplying the extracted coffee beverages, such as a pump or supply piping; and a control device 11 for controlling these extraction and supply mechanisms and communicating with an external server, etc. Figure 12 )wait.

[0185] These extraction and supply mechanisms are largely the same as those known as coffee beverage extraction and supply mechanisms in beverage vending machines.

[0186] A beverage supply nozzle 3 is provided approximately at the center of the front surface (front) of the device body 2. The beverage supply nozzle 3 functions as a beverage discharge section, discharging beverage extracted from inside the device body 2. A supply pipe for a supply mechanism housed inside the device body 2 is connected to the beverage supply nozzle 3. An outlet 4 is formed at the lower end of the beverage supply nozzle 3. In the beverage supply device 300, the extracted beverage is discharged downwards through the outlet 4 of the beverage supply nozzle 3 along the vertical direction of the device body 2.

[0187] On the front surface of the main body 2, above the beverage supply nozzle 3, there is a discharge button 5. When the discharge button 5 is pressed, the beverage extracted by the extraction mechanism is discharged downward through the discharge port 4 of the beverage supply nozzle 3.

[0188] On the front surface of the main body 2, above the discharge button 5, there is a display panel 6. This display panel 6 functions as a display unit, and it can display information about the status of the beverage dispensing device 300, the menus that the beverage dispensing device 300 can provide, information read from the beverage container 70, etc.

[0189] Furthermore, the display panel 6 can be a touch panel. In this case, the display panel 6 can be configured to perform a touch operation to dispensing the extracted beverage from the beverage supply nozzle 3. Additionally, in this case, the dispensing button 5 does not necessarily need to be a physical button.

[0190] Alternatively, a communication terminal capable of communicating with the beverage dispensing device 300 can be used instead of the display panel 6. In this case, physical buttons such as the dispensing button 5 or the display panel 6 are omitted, and the beverage dispensing device 300 is operated via the communication terminal.

[0191] In addition, the display panel 6 functions as a display unit for displaying images transmitted from a server connected via an external network and as an operation unit for sending control signals to the server.

[0192] Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view of the beverage supply device 300.

[0193] like Figure 8 As shown, a reading device storage section 7 is provided on the front surface of the device body 2, below the beverage dispensing nozzle 3. The reading device storage section 7 is formed as a box with an open upper surface, and is arranged such that it extends forward from the front surface of the device body 2 along the longitudinal direction of the device body 2. The reading device storage section 7 is positioned approximately at the center in the width direction of the front surface of the device body 2.

[0194] In this embodiment, the reading device storage part 7 is provided at the lower end of the front surface of the device body 2, and its bottom surface is continuously formed with the bottom surface of the device body 2. That is, the bottom surface of the reading device storage part 7 is in contact with the mounting surface of the device body 2. Furthermore, the reading device storage part 7 is located directly below the beverage dispensing nozzle 3.

[0195] Figure 9 This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the reading device 40.

[0196] The reading device 40 is housed in the reading device storage section 7.

[0197] The reading device 40 is a contactless reading device capable of reading information recorded on a recording medium, such as an NFC tag, RFID tag, or IC tag, which contains specified information. The reading device 40 performs short-range wireless communication with the recording medium according to a specified standard to read information from the recording medium. The reading device 40 transmits the read information to a control device 11 housed inside the device body 2. In other words, the reading device 40 functions as a transmitting and receiving unit.

[0198] like Figure 9 As shown, the reading device 40 of this embodiment has a reading device body 41 formed in a flat cuboid shape and a covering member 49 covering the reading device body 41.

[0199] The main body 41 of the reading device houses a processor 44, which is composed of a CPU or MPU. The processor 44 functions as a control unit for performing various controls on the reading device 40.

[0200] Each reading device 40 is provided with a planar antenna, namely a device antenna 42, formed in a planar shape along one of its upper surfaces. The device antenna 42 radiates radio waves or electromagnetic waves for communication (for reading information). Furthermore, the device antenna 42 is not limited to a planar antenna and may also be a coil.

[0201] A wire 46 extends from the end of the reading device body 41 and is connected to the control device 11.

[0202] Alternatively, the reading device 40 may not have a cover member 49. In this case, the main body of the reading device 41 is directly housed in the reading device housing 7.

[0203] Figure 10 yes Figure 7 Section IV-IV Figure 11 This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the tray assembly 10.

[0204] like Figure 10 As shown, the tray assembly 10 is mounted on the front surface of the device body 2, positioned below the beverage dispensing nozzle 3. This tray assembly 10... Figure 11 As shown, it includes: a drip tray 20 formed in a generally groove shape; a flat mounting plate 30 covering the upper surface of the drip tray 20; and a shielding member 50 covering the upper surface of the mounting plate 30 and the front surface of the drip tray 20, which are formed as a whole as a box.

[0205] In this embodiment, both the drip tray 20 and the mounting plate 30 are made of resin, and the shielding component 50 is made of metal.

[0206] The mounting plate 30 is formed such that its length in the longitudinal direction is approximately the same as the width in the front surface of the device body 2, and it is a flat plate covering the entire upper surface of the drip tray 20. A drain hole 32 is provided approximately in the center of the mounting plate 30, and a mesh-like drain section 34 is provided around the drain hole 32. The drain section 34 is located directly below the beverage supply nozzle 3. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the drain hole 32 is located directly below the outlet 4.

[0207] With the tray assembly 10 mounted on the front surface of the device body 2, the drain hole 32 and the drain section 34 are positioned directly below the outlet 4 of the beverage supply nozzle 3.

[0208] In this embodiment, when a beverage is dispensed from the beverage dispensing device 300, the beverage container 70 is placed on the upper surface of the drain section 34.

[0209] The drip tray 20 is a component used to receive and store beverages that flow out of the beverage container 70 or splashed beverages when beverages are dispensed from the beverage dispensing device 300 into the beverage container 70. As described above, the drip tray 20 has an internal storage space V1, which is formed as a groove with an open upper surface.

[0210] Like the mounting plate 30, the drip tray 20 is formed such that its length in the longitudinal direction is approximately the same as the width in the front surface of the device body 2. The drip tray 20 is mounted on the device body 2 such that one of its sidewalls 21, formed along the longitudinal direction of the drip tray 20, contacts the lower end of the front surface of the device body 2.

[0211] In the drip tray 20, a cover portion 26 is provided at approximately the center in the length direction, and the bottom 24 protrudes to a predetermined height toward the storage space V1.

[0212] The cover portion 26 is generally rectangular in shape when viewed from above. One end of the cover portion 26 in the length direction is connected to the side wall 21, and the other end is disposed near the side wall 25 disposed opposite to the side wall 21.

[0213] A pair of inclined surfaces 28 are provided on the upper surface of the cover portion 26, which slope from a top 27 located approximately at the center of the drip tray 20 along its length and extending towards the bottom 24 on both sides along the length of the drip tray 20. These inclined surfaces 28 slope downwards from the top 27 along the vertical direction of the drip tray 20 (the depth direction of the storage space V1). These inclined surfaces 28 are formed entirely along the length of the cover portion 26.

[0214] That is, the upper surface of the cover 26 is formed into a so-called gable roof shape with a pair of inclined surfaces 28 connected at the top 27.

[0215] Preferably, a hydrophobic coating or hydrophobic processing is applied to the upper surface of the cover 26, which is composed of these tops 27 and a pair of inclined surfaces 28.

[0216] In addition, the cover 26 is formed in such a way that the top 27 does not contact the mounting plate 30 within the storage space V1.

[0217] A cover 26 is formed by protruding upward from the bottom 24, and a storage space V2 is formed below the cover 26. The storage space V2 is covered above by the cover 26, while the bottom is open.

[0218] An opening 23, with a cross-sectional shape approximately the same as that of the storage space V2, is provided on the side wall 21. As described above, one end of the cover 26 in the longitudinal direction is connected to the side wall 21, thereby communicating one side of the storage space V2 in the longitudinal direction with the opening 23. Therefore, the storage space V2 communicates with the outside of the device body 2 via the opening 23.

[0219] As described above, the tray assembly 10 is detachably mounted on the device body 2 such that one sidewall 21 formed along the length direction of the drip tray 20 contacts the lower end of the front surface of the device body 2. The bottom surface of the drip tray 20 mounted on the device body 2 is arranged to contact the mounting surface on which the device body 2 is placed.

[0220] At this time, with both the reading device storage section 7 and the reading device 40 covered by the covering section 26 on their upper surfaces, they are stored in the storage space V2. Furthermore, the planar antenna 42 of the reading device 40 is arranged parallel to the mounting plate 30.

[0221] The reading device storage unit 7 and the reading device 40 are stored in the storage space V2 through the insertion opening 23. By allowing these reading device storage units 7 and the reading device 40 to pass through the opening 23, they can be detached from the storage space V2.

[0222] In this way, since the reading device storage section 7 and the reading device 40 can enter and exit the storage space V2 through the opening 23, the tray assembly 10 can be detached from the device body 2 by being pulled out along the front-back direction of the device body 2.

[0223] Shielding component 50 Figure 11 As shown, the metal plate is bent into an approximate L-shape when viewed from the side, and it is a component that functions as a shield.

[0224] As described above, the shielding member 50 has: a flat upper plate portion 52 covering the upper surface of the mounting plate 30; and a flat front plate portion 54 covering the entire sidewall 25 constituting the front surface of the drip tray 20.

[0225] Therefore, when the shielding component 50 is installed on the main body 2 of the device, it constitutes the upper surface and the front surface of the tray assembly 10.

[0226] An opening 56 is provided approximately in the center of the upper plate portion 52.

[0227] The opening 56 is located directly below the beverage supply nozzle 3. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the center of the opening 56 is located directly below the outlet 4. Therefore, when the shielding member 50 covers the mounting plate 30, as... Figure 7 , Figure 9 As shown, a designated portion of the upper surface of the drain section 34 is exposed through the opening 56. Hereinafter, the designated portion of the upper surface of the drain section 34 exposed through the opening 56 will be designated as the mounting portion 36. This mounting portion 36 is located directly below the beverage supply nozzle 3.

[0228] In this embodiment, the opening 56 is formed as a generally circular shape with a predetermined inner diameter when viewed from above. The inner diameter of the opening 56 is formed such that the size of the opening 56 is larger than or approximately the same as the bottom surface 74 of the beverage container 70. Therefore, when the beverage container 70 is filled with beverage from the beverage dispensing device 300, the bottom of the beverage container 70 is inserted through the opening 56, thereby being placed on the mounting portion 36 of the mounting plate 30.

[0229] The beverage container 70 is a designated container into which a beverage is dispensed from the beverage dispensing device 300. This beverage container 70 may be, for example, a flat-bottomed glass, a portable cup, a water bottle, a disposable cup, or a jug. In this embodiment, the beverage container 70 is as follows: Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 10 As shown, it is constructed as a so-called flat-bottomed glass.

[0230] like Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 10 As shown, an information tag 72 is provided at the bottom of the beverage container 70. This information tag 72 is an electronic tag such as an NFC tag or RFID tag, or a recording medium that records specified information, also known as an IC tag. In this embodiment, the information tag 72 constitutes the bottom surface 74 of the beverage container 70. The bottom surface 74 in this embodiment is formed to be approximately circular when viewed from above, and the diameter of the bottom surface 74 is smaller than the inner diameter of the opening 56.

[0231] The information tag 72 has a planar antenna 76. This planar antenna 76 is formed in a flat plate shape and functions as a communication unit for receiving or radiating radio waves or electromagnetic waves. The planar antenna 76 is arranged parallel to the bottom surface of the beverage container 70.

[0232] As described above, the device antenna 42 of the reading device 40 is arranged in a manner parallel to the mounting plate 30.

[0233] Therefore, when the beverage container 70 is placed on the mounting part 36, the planar antenna 76 of the information tag 72 is arranged substantially parallel to the device antenna 42 of the reading device 40.

[0234] The upper surface of the planar antenna 76 is smaller than the bottom surface 74. Furthermore, the information tag 72, as a communication unit, is not limited to the planar antenna 76; for example, it may also include a coil.

[0235] In the beverage container 70 of this embodiment, a serial number corresponding to the information label 72 is printed on, for example, the periphery. However, it is not limited to a serial number; for example, a QR code could also be used.

[0236] The beverage container 70 in this embodiment is formed as a flat-bottomed glass made of resin. However, it is not limited to this; the beverage container 70 may also be formed of various materials such as paper, ceramic, glass, or metal.

[0237] When the beverage container 70 is made of metal, the information label 72 is preferably made of rubber or similar material and is disposed at the bottom of the beverage container 70, a few millimeters (mm) away from the metal surface. Alternatively, a metal corresponding label may be used for the information label 72.

[0238] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the schematic structure of the beverage supply system 100, of which the beverage supply device 300 of this embodiment is a component.

[0239] Next, as an example of a system using the beverage dispensing device 300 of this embodiment, the beverage dispensing system 100 will be described.

[0240] The beverage supply system 100 of this embodiment is a system capable of appropriately providing beverages to user U. For example... Figure 12 As shown, the beverage supply system 100 includes a beverage supply device 300, a server 60, a beverage container 70, and an information terminal 80. In this embodiment, the case where one beverage supply device 300 or one server 60 is provided is described, but it is not limited to this; the components of the beverage supply system 100 can be installed at various heights. For example... Figure 13 Another example of a beverage supply system is described, in which the beverage supply devices 300, 1A, and 1B of this embodiment are connected to a beverage supply system 200 on the same network.

[0241] The beverage dispensing device 300, as described above, includes a control unit 11. The control unit 11 includes a computer with a processor such as a CPU or MPU, and a storage device such as ROM or RAM. Furthermore, the control unit 11 includes a device control unit 8 and an overall control unit 9.

[0242] The device control unit 8 is a component that controls the drive of various device mechanisms, such as extraction mechanisms or supply mechanisms, housed in the device body 2.

[0243] The overall control unit 9 is a component that acquires information read by the reading device 40, controls the display of the display panel 6, and controls the device control unit 8. Furthermore, the overall control unit 9 transmits and receives various types of information with the server 60 via the communication network 90. ​​In other words, the overall control unit 9 functions as a transmitting unit that sends various types of information to the server 60 and a receiving unit that receives various types of information from the server 60.

[0244] Server 60 is a component that stores a database for identifying beverage containers 70 and transmits and receives information about the database between beverage dispensing device 300 and information terminal 80 via communication network 90.

[0245] In addition, the server 60 can also be integrated into the beverage dispensing device 300.

[0246] Information terminal 80 is a portable terminal held by user U that can communicate with server 60 to send and receive specified information. Information terminal 80 may be, for example, a mobile phone, smartphone, or tablet computer. The specified application programs involved in the beverage supply system 100 can be executed on this information terminal 80.

[0247] The communication network 90 connects the various components of the beverage supply system 100, such as the beverage supply device 300, server 60, and information terminal 80, in a manner enabling data communication between them. The communication network 90 includes communication lines such as dedicated lines, public line networks, mobile wireless communication networks, and LAN (Local Area Network) lines, and may also include components such as routers and wireless communication access points. The connection between the various components of the beverage supply system 100 and the communication network 90 can be wireless or wired.

[0248] Next, the function of this embodiment will be explained.

[0249] In the beverage supply system 100 of this embodiment, firstly, user U prepares a beverage container 70, operates a pre-defined application executed by information terminal 80, and accesses server 60. Furthermore, user U registers their information along with the serial number recorded in the beverage container 70. Next, user U operates the application to order the desired beverage from the menu. This order is sent to server 60 and stored there.

[0250] Then, user U places beverage container 70 in beverage dispensing device 300 at a location where it is installed. Specifically, beverage container 70 is placed on mounting portion 36 of mounting plate 30. At this time, the bottom of beverage container 70 is inserted into opening 56.

[0251] Thus, the beverage container 70 is positioned below the outlet 4 of the beverage supply nozzle 3.

[0252] As described above, when the beverage container 70 is placed on the mounting portion 36, the planar antenna 76 of the information tag 72 is arranged substantially parallel to the device antenna 42 of the reading device 40. Therefore, the user U can place the beverage container 70 on the mounting portion 36 without specifying its circumferential position. That is, the user U can place the beverage container 70 on the mounting portion 36 without paying attention to the orientation of its sides and without performing any additional actions.

[0253] In addition, the opening 56 serves as a marker to make it easy for the user U to position the beverage container 70 directly below the outlet 4 of the beverage supply nozzle 3.

[0254] As described above, when the beverage container 70 is placed on the mounting unit 36, the reading device 40, located approximately directly below the beverage container 70, communicates with the information tag 72 and reads the information recorded in the information tag 72. The read information is acquired by the overall control unit 9, which then sends the information to the server 60.

[0255] Server 60 associates the information with the serial number based on the database and sends the order details to beverage dispensing device 300.

[0256] The overall control unit 9, having received the order, displays the order details on the display panel 6. The user U confirms the order details on the display panel 6; if they match the order received from the information terminal 80, the user presses the discharge button 5. When the discharge button 5 is pressed, the device control unit 8 activates the extraction and dispensing mechanisms, thereby dispensing the beverage from the discharge port 4 of the beverage dispensing nozzle 3 and injecting it into the beverage container 70.

[0257] However, in this control flow, the step of user U pressing the dispensing button 5 can also be omitted. That is, the beverage can be dispensed when the overall control unit 9 receives the order from the server 60. In addition, automatic settlement of beverage sales can also be implemented in this control flow.

[0258] In this situation, because communication between the reading device 40 and the information tag 72 has been established, the beverage container 70 is reliably positioned below the beverage dispensing nozzle 3. Therefore, even without waiting for the user U to press the dispensing button 5 to dispense the beverage, the beverage can be reliably dispensed into the beverage container 70 without contaminating the tray assembly 10 or its surroundings.

[0259] In this way, in the beverage supply system 100, the user U in the store does not need to perform various operations related to ordering and billing, but can easily receive the beverage by placing the beverage container 70 on the beverage supply device 300.

[0260] As described above, in the beverage dispensing system 100, the step of pressing the dispensing button 5 can be omitted. In this case, the user U only needs to place the beverage container 70 on the beverage dispensing device 300 to receive the beverage without touching the beverage dispensing device 300. That is, in the beverage dispensing system 100, the user U can instruct the beverage dispensing device 300 to dispense beverages in a non-contact manner.

[0261] When beverage is dispensed from the beverage supply device 300 into the beverage container 70, there are sometimes cases where beverage flows out of the outlet 4 of the beverage supply nozzle 3 and spills outside the beverage container 70. The spilled beverage flows into the storage space V1 of the drip tray 20 through the drain hole 32 and the drain section 34.

[0262] As described above, the reading device 40 is housed in the storage space V2 below the drip tray 20. The reading device 40 reads information from the information tag 72 via near-field wireless communication. Therefore, if there is a liquid such as a beverage between the information tag 72 and the reading device 40, the radio waves or electromagnetic waves of the near-field wireless communication between the reading device 40 and the information tag 72 may be attenuated due to the liquid, and the reading device 40 may be unable to obtain the required information.

[0263] In this embodiment, the cover portion 26 of the cover reading device 40 forms an upper surface in such a way that a pair of inclined surfaces 28 are connected to the top 27, forming a so-called gable roof shape.

[0264] As a result, the liquid, such as beverage, flowing into the upper surface of the cover 26 flows along the inclined surface 28 to the bottom 24 of the drip tray 20. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the liquid, such as beverage, from accumulating between the information tag 72 and the reading device 40. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the reading of information from the information tag 72 by the reading device 40 from being hindered.

[0265] In addition, in this embodiment, the liquid such as beverage that can exist between the information tag 72 and the reading device 40 includes not only the beverage itself, but also the liquid used to clean the various parts of the beverage supply device 300, especially the beverage supply nozzle 3, etc. (mainly rinsing liquid), and the rinsing water remaining after the drip tray 20 is removed and cleaned.

[0266] As described above, the reading device 40 is housed in the storage space V2 below the drip tray 20 and reads the information from the information tag 72 via near-field wireless communication.

[0267] The reading device 40 radiates communication (information reading) radio waves or electromagnetic waves upwards from the device antenna 42. These radio waves or electromagnetic waves propagate upwards while spreading from the device antenna 42, which serves as the radiating point. Therefore, even if the beverage container 70 is positioned offset from below the outlet 4 of the beverage dispensing nozzle 3, it is possible to read the information.

[0268] In this embodiment, since the upper plate portion 52 of the shielding member 50 covers the upper surface of the mounting plate 30, the shielding member 50 can block the radio waves or electromagnetic waves radiated from the reading device 40. That is, the shielding member 50 can shield the upper surface of the mounting plate 30 from the radio waves or electromagnetic waves radiated from the reading device 40.

[0269] As described above, an opening 56 is provided in the upper plate portion 52. The opening 56 is preferably formed in a way that its size is less than or equal to the size of the bottom surface 74 of the beverage container 70. That is, the opening 56 is preferably formed to a size greater than or equal to the planar antenna 76 of the information tag 72. Therefore, the opening 56 can more reliably transmit radio waves or electromagnetic waves of sufficient strength for the reading device 40 to read information from the information tag 72 from the reading device 40 side to the upper surface side of the upper plate portion 52.

[0270] In this way, radio waves or electromagnetic waves radiated from the reading device 40 propagate from the reading device 40 side to the upper surface of the upper plate portion 52 through the opening 56. Furthermore, the reading device 40 can read the information of the information tag 72 via short-range wireless communication through the opening 56. That is, the reading device 40 can read the information of the information tag 72 when the bottom surface 74 of the beverage container 70, or more specifically, when the planar antenna 76 of the information tag 72, is disposed inside the opening 56.

[0271] Therefore, the reading device 40 can only read the information tag 72 when the beverage container 70 is positioned directly below the beverage dispensing nozzle 3.

[0272] Therefore, when the beverage container 70 is positioned offset from directly below the beverage dispensing nozzle 3, the beverage dispensing device 300 can suppress the dispensing of beverage. That is, the beverage dispensing device 300 can more reliably inject beverage into the beverage container 70.

[0273] Furthermore, the front surface of the drip tray 20 is covered by the front plate portion 54 of the shielding member 50. This blocks radio waves or electromagnetic waves radiated from the reading device 40 toward the front surface of the drip tray 20. Therefore, when the beverage container 70 is located in front of the drip tray 20 and the tray assembly 10, it is possible to prevent the information on the information tag 72 from being read by the reading device 40.

[0274] Based on the above implementation method, in addition to the effects of implementation method 1, the following effects can also be achieved.

[0275] According to this embodiment, the beverage dispensing device 300 includes: a device body 2; and a reading device 40 disposed below the position where the beverage container 70 is placed during beverage dispensing, for reading information recorded in an information tag 72. Furthermore, the beverage dispensing device 300 is configured to have an opening 56 disposed between the position where the beverage container 70 is placed and the reading device 40 during beverage dispensing, allowing communication between the beverage container 70 side and the reading device 40 side, and a shielding member 50 to shield communication between the information tag 72 and the reading device 40.

[0276] Therefore, by using the shielding member 50, the radio waves or electromagnetic waves radiated from the reading device 40 are blocked, and the radio waves or electromagnetic waves can be shielded from the upper surface of the mounting plate 30. In addition, the opening 56 of the shielding member 50 allows radio waves or electromagnetic waves of a strength that enables the reading device 40 to read the information of the information tag 72 to propagate from the reading device 40 side to the upper surface of the upper plate portion 52.

[0277] Therefore, when the beverage container 70 is positioned in the designated location, the beverage dispensing device 300 can read the information from the information tag 72 via short-range wireless communication.

[0278] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the device body 2 has a beverage supply nozzle 3 for discharging beverage from the beverage container 70, and the opening 56 is located directly below the beverage supply nozzle 3 of the shielding member 50.

[0279] Therefore, when the beverage container 70 is positioned directly below the beverage dispensing nozzle 3, the beverage dispensing device 300 can read the information on the information tag 72 via short-range wireless communication. Furthermore, by omitting the pressing of the dispensing button 5, the beverage dispensing device 300 can dispense the beverage without the user's hand contact by reading the information on the information tag 72 via short-range wireless communication. The beverage dispensing device 300 can inject beverage into the beverage container 70 without the user's hand contact.

[0280] Therefore, the beverage dispensing device 300 can provide beverages to the user U more reliably and in a contactless manner.

[0281] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the information tag 72 is configured to have a planar antenna 76 for transmitting and receiving information with the reading device 40 of the information tag 72, and the planar antenna 76 is disposed at the bottom of the beverage container 70.

[0282] Therefore, when the beverage container 70 is placed on the drain section 34, the planar antenna 76 of the information tag 72 is disposed inside the opening 56. Thus, when the beverage container 70 is positioned in the designated location, the reading device 40 does not block radio waves or electromagnetic waves radiated from the reading device 40, and can read the information of the information tag 72 via short-range wireless communication.

[0283] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the size of the opening 56 is formed such that it is at least the size of a planar antenna 76.

[0284] Therefore, the reading device 40 can more reliably propagate radio waves or electromagnetic waves of sufficient strength to read information from the information tag 72 from the reading device 40 side to the upper surface of the upper plate portion 52 via the opening 56.

[0285] Therefore, when the beverage container 70 is positioned in the designated location, the reading device 40 can read the information tag 72 more reliably and without obstruction via short-range wireless communication, using radio waves or electromagnetic waves radiated from the reading device 40.

[0286] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the shielding component 50 is formed of a metallic material.

[0287] Therefore, the shielding component 50 can more reliably shield radio waves or electromagnetic waves radiated from the reading device 40.

[0288] Therefore, the shielding component 50 can shield the upper surface of the mounting plate 30 from radio waves or electromagnetic waves radiated from the reading device 40.

[0289] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the drip tray 20 is provided with a cover portion 26 that protrudes upward from the bottom 24 and covers the reading device 40, and an inclined surface 28 is provided on the upper surface of the cover portion 26.

[0290] As a result, the liquid such as beverage that drips onto the upper surface of the cover 26 flows along the inclination of the inclined surface 28 toward the bottom 24 of the drip tray 20. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the situation where liquid such as beverage remains between the information tag 72 and the reading device 40, thus preventing the reading of the information tag 72 by the reading device 40 from being hindered.

[0291] Next, a variation of the beverage dispensing device 300 of this embodiment will be described.

[0292] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the shielding component 150 of a modified embodiment of this invention.

[0293] The beverage dispensing device 300 of this embodiment can replace the shielding member 50 described above, and has the following characteristics: Figure 14 The shielding component 150 is shown. The shielding component 150 has a substantially the same shape as the shielding component 50 described above. The shielding component 150, like the shielding component 50, has: a flat upper plate portion 152 that covers the entire upper surface of the mounting plate 30; and a flat front plate portion 154 that covers the entire sidewall 25 that constitutes the front surface of the drip tray 20, and is a plate-shaped component made of metal material.

[0294] A drainage section 159 is provided approximately at the center of the upper plate portion 52 of the shielding member 150. This drainage section 159 is formed by providing a mesh member 158 composed of multiple metal wires within a through hole 155 that is approximately the same size and shape as the opening 56. Multiple openings 156 are provided in this drainage section 159.

[0295] The drain section 159 is located directly below the beverage supply nozzle 3. Additionally, in this embodiment, the center of the opening 56 is located directly below the outlet 4.

[0296] The drainage section 159 has the strength to support the beverage container 70 placed on the upper surface.

[0297] When a beverage is dispensed from the beverage dispensing device 300 into the beverage container 70, the beverage container 70 is placed on the upper surface of the drain portion 159 of the shielding member 50.

[0298] Radio waves or electromagnetic waves radiated from the reading device 40 propagate from the reading device 40 side to the upper surface of the upper plate portion 52 through multiple openings 156. The reading device 40 can read information from the information tag 72 via short-range wireless communication through the multiple openings 156.

[0299] That is, in this modified example, the drainage part 159 functions as a mounting part, and the part of the shielding member 150 that deviates from the drainage part 159 functions as a shielding part.

[0300] Thus, the beverage supply device 300 is able to supply beverages to the beverage container 70.

[0301] In this way, the reading device 40 can read the information tag 72 when the beverage container 70 is positioned directly below the beverage dispensing nozzle 3, and can suppress the beverage dispensing device 300 from dispensing beverage when the beverage container 70 is positioned off-center from directly below the beverage dispensing nozzle 3. That is, the beverage dispensing device 300 can more reliably inject beverage into the beverage container 70.

[0302] Furthermore, the beverage dispensing device 300 may also be without the mounting plate 30 if it has a shielding component 150.

[0303] The drainage section 159 is formed by providing a metal mesh or wire mesh, similar to the mesh component 158, but is not limited to this. For example, it can also be formed by densely providing multiple openings formed by punching. In this case, the multiple openings are preferably formed into slits that allow electromagnetic waves or planar waves to pass through easily.

[0304] The above-described embodiments are examples illustrating one aspect of the present invention, and can be arbitrarily modified and applied without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0305] For example, in the above embodiment, the shielding member 50 has an upper plate portion 52 and a front plate portion 54, but it is not limited to this and may be composed only of the upper plate portion 52. In addition, in this case, the shielding member 50 may also be a structure installed on the lower surface side of the mounting plate 30.

[0306] Alternatively, in this case, the shielding member 50 can also be housed inside the mounting plate 30. That is, the mounting plate 30 can also be formed by inserting an insert in which the shielding member 50 is inserted.

[0307] Alternatively, the shielding component 50 may be a component formed by applying a metal coating to the surface of a resin component or the like.

[0308] Alternatively, the shielding component 50 may not be limited to the front plate portion 54 covering the front surface of the drip tray 20, but may also have plates covering other sides of the drip tray 20.

[0309] Alternatively, for example, the inner diameter of the opening 56 can be formed slightly smaller than that of the beverage container 70, and the upper surface of the shielding member 50 surrounding the opening 56 can be configured to support the beverage container 70. In this case, the area of ​​the shielding member 50 directly below the beverage supply nozzle 3 functions as a mounting portion. Furthermore, in this case, the mounting plate 30 can be omitted.

[0310] Alternatively, the inner diameter of the opening 56 can be formed to be slightly larger than that of the beverage container 70, and the opening 56 can be configured to fit into the side of the beverage container 70. In this case, the opening 56 functions as a mounting part.

[0311] In addition, for example, in the above-described embodiment, the shielding member 50 is formed of a metallic material, but it is not limited to this and may also be formed of a plate-shaped member in which a gel-like liquid is sealed inside.

[0312] Additionally, for example, in the above-described embodiment, the information label 72 is located at the bottom of the beverage container 70, but it is not limited to this and may also be located on the side.

[0313] In addition, for example, in the above embodiment, a drain hole 32 or a drain section 34 is provided on the mounting plate 30, but it is not limited to this. As long as the liquid such as beverage flowing out to the upper surface of the mounting plate 30 can be moved into the drip tray 20, it can be formed in any shape.

[0314] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, for example, the beverage supply device 300 is a device for supplying coffee beverages, but it is not limited to this. For example, it could also be a device for supplying beverages such as juice, ice cream, shaved ice, fruit syrup, hand-shaken drinks, mineral water, or similar foods. In addition, in this case, the mechanism housed in the device body 2 can be a mechanism corresponding to the beverage or food to be supplied.

[0315] Next, an example of the operation of the beverage supply system using the beverage supply device 300 of this embodiment will be discussed. Figure 15 This will be explained. Here, a beverage dispensing device is connected to the network... Figure 12 The beverage supply system 100 described in the document explains the actions related to the selection of goods, payment of goods fees, and supply of goods.

[0316] First, user U registers their beverage container 70 with server 60 using an application for controlling the beverage dispensing device 300. User U has previously installed this application on their information terminal 80. Figure 16 (a) is the startup screen of the application displayed on the display unit of the information terminal 80.

[0317] User U logs into the application (step S001). Next, User U navigates to the application's "Beverage Container Registration Page" (step S002) and follows the displayed instructions... Figure 16 (b) Figure 16 (c) indicates that the user U enters the code of the recording medium attached to the beverage container 70. Alternatively, the user U uses the reader function of the information terminal 80 to read the code (container ID) of the recording medium of the beverage container 70 (step S003). The entered code is sent from the information terminal 80 to the server 60 (step S004).

[0318] Server 60 confirms whether the received code is valid or invalid (step S005). For example, it confirms whether the code has already been settled or whether it has already been registered by someone. Here, if server 60 determines that the code is invalid, it displays a reminder screen such as "Code invalid" or "Already registered" on information terminal 80, and allows the user to choose whether to enter another code.

[0319] When the server 60 determines that the code is valid, the server 60 uses the beverage container 70 as "my beverage container" and stores the code (container ID) in the storage unit (not shown) in association with the user U's ID (step S006), and sends the result to the information terminal 80 (step S007).

[0320] The information terminal 80 displays the beverage container 70 on the display unit (not shown) to register it in the server 60, and notifies the user U (step S008).

[0321] In addition, on the "Beverage Container Registration Page", you can also register "Photos and Registration Names of Beverage Containers" associated with each code (Container ID).

[0322] If user U has no other beverage containers 70 to register (step S009), then close the "Beverage Container Registration Page" and end the operation.

[0323] If user U continues to register other beverage containers 70, the user will return to the application's "Beverage Container Registration Page" (step S002) and register the beverage container information again.

[0324] After registering the container ID of beverage container 70 in server 60, user U can select the product to purchase. The product selection is processed through an application on user U's information terminal 80, so the purchase can be made in advance anywhere and at any time, without going to a store equipped with beverage dispensing equipment 300.

[0325] Next, the procedure for purchasing goods is explained. User U starts the application and logs in on information terminal 80, and the "Menu Registration Page" is displayed. Figure 18 (a) is the home screen of the application's "Menu Registration Page". The home screen displays the "HOT" and "ICE" areas that open the selection menu, the area that indicates whether the currently registered menu (order) is available, and the area that displays the name of the registered beverage container.

[0326] Here, if user U has multiple beverage containers registered in server 60, they proceed with the selection process. When user U selects the area on the homepage displaying the beverage container's name, server 60 retrieves the code (container ID) of the beverage container registered with user U's ID and sends it to information terminal 80. Upon receiving the beverage container code (container ID), information terminal 80 displays a photo or registered name of the beverage container corresponding to the code (container ID) on its screen. User U selects the photo or registered name of the beverage container displayed on the screen to decide which beverage container to use for the product to be purchased later.

[0327] The application's "Menu Registration Page" displays the beverage container 70 to be used, and can also display various other services. For example, it can display promotions such as "Buy 5, Get 1 Free!" or discount coupons for purchasing bundled items, thereby increasing user U's desire to buy. These activities are achieved by using the application to record user U's purchase history in the server 60.

[0328] User U selects the "HOT" or "ICE" area from the homepage of the "Menu Registration Page" displayed on information terminal 80, and then selects the item to purchase from the re-displayed menu screen. The menu screen displays each type of hot beverage and cold beverage item separately. Figure 18 (b) is the screen for selecting hot drinks from the menu. Figure 18 (c) is the screen for selecting cold drinks from the menu. Each screen has a button that allows you to easily switch to another screen. The "Product Name" and "Price" are displayed in each menu screen. When you select the "Order" area for the desired product, the "Product Screen" for that product is displayed.

[0329] Figure 19 (a) Figure 19(b) In each of the respective "product screens," the user selects the size (quantity) of the product to be purchased. In this embodiment, the automatic vending machine on the screen allows selection of sizes divided into 6 levels. By selecting the respective screen, the user can choose the desired size, and the price corresponding to each size is displayed. After the user U confirms the selected menu, size, and price on the "product screen," when the "order confirmed" area is selected, the application sends the input information such as the selected product and size from the information terminal 80 to the server 60.

[0330] Before selling goods, i.e., before distributing goods from the product supply device to the beverage container 70, the server 60 displays the settlement process on the information terminal 80. When user U uses the information terminal 80 to complete the settlement process, if the server 60 successfully completes the settlement process, it registers (records) the user ID or the code of the beverage container 70 (container ID) in association with the ordered input information (order information).

[0331] After registering the order information, server 60 sends a signal to information terminal 80 notifying that the order process is complete, and displays an image on the screen of information terminal 80 indicating that the order process is complete. Figure 19 (c)).

[0332] exist Figure 18 and Figure 19 The procedure for selecting the menu is explained in the document. Figure 18 If the menu has been selected on the home screen of (a), then there is no need for subsequent menu selection using the application. Simply place the beverage container in the beverage dispensing unit, and the same beverage will always be served into the beverage container.

[0333] Next, use Figures 20-26 This describes the process of supplying beverages as commodities from the beverage supply device 300 to the beverage container 70. Figure 20 , Figure 21 and Figure 22 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of serving beverages. Figure 23 , Figure 24 and Figure 25 This refers to the screen displayed on the display unit 6 of the beverage dispensing device 300 that provides beverages.

[0334] When user U visits a store equipped with beverage dispensing equipment 300, the display on display unit 6 shows... Figure 23 (a) The beverage dispensing device 300 in the image has a self-contained beverage container 70 installed at a specific location. Furthermore, Figure 12 In the embodiment shown, the beverage supply device 300 constituting the beverage supply system 100 is one unit. Figure 13The beverage supply system 200 shown consists of multiple beverage supply devices 300. When user U visits any of the stores equipped with beverage supply devices 300, 300A, and 300B, the beverage container 70 can receive beverages.

[0335] In addition, user U can also purchase beverage containers in the store, register the purchased beverage containers, and then use them in the beverage dispensing device 300 (beverage dispensing device).

[0336] The beverage dispensing device 300 reads container information containing a code (container ID) from the storage medium of the beverage container 70, such as RFID (step S022), and sends it to the server 60 along with the device information (device ID, etc.) of the beverage dispensing device 300. The container information includes information about the beverage container 70 of the user U, such as the container ID, the material, size (capacity), shape, and manufacturing information of the container. In addition, the device information includes information about the beverage dispensing device 300 that houses the container, such as the device ID, the location where the device is installed (GPS information, etc.), the name of the store where it is installed, the date of manufacture of the device, and information about the products sold by the device.

[0337] Server 60 compares the received container ID with the information stored in the storage unit (step S024). If it determines that the container ID is a container ID already registered in the storage unit (step S025 determines that it is), then proceeds to... Figure 21 The process is as follows (a). On the other hand, if the container ID is inconsistent with the content already registered in the storage unit of server 60, server 60 sends a signal (image) to beverage dispensing device 300 notifying that the container ID has not been registered (step S026). Beverage dispensing device 300 receives the information (image) notifying that the container ID has not been registered and displays the information (image) on display unit 6, such as... Figure 23 (b) Informs user U as shown (step S027).

[0338] Next, server 60 retrieves the order information associated with the user ID or container ID from the storage unit (step S028). If no order information associated with the user ID or container ID is found, server 60 sends a notification (image) to beverage dispensing device 300 that the order information has not been registered, and beverage dispensing device 300 displays the information (image) on the display unit, such as... Figure 23 (c) Informs user U (step S030). Furthermore, the beverage dispensing device 300, following process (c), hereby... Figure 23 The display screen (a) is shown in the display unit 6.

[0339] On the other hand, when the server 60 finds the order information associated with the user ID or container ID, it sends the order information to the beverage dispensing device 300 with the device ID (step S031).

[0340] The beverage dispensing device 300 displays the order information received from the server 60 on the display unit 6 and informs the user U (step S032). Figure 24 This is an example of a screen displaying order information, such as bean products made from coffee beans. Figure 24 As shown in (a), regarding powdered products such as... Figure 24 As shown in (b), the types of goods, product names, sizes, prices, etc., are designed so that each item can be easily identified at a glance.

[0341] Furthermore, the beverage dispensing device 300 enables... Figure 24 The lower part of each display screen flashes for a certain period of time to urge the user U to press the discharge button 5 (step S033).

[0342] If user U confirms Figure 24 If the order information is displayed on the screen, press the discharge button 5 of the beverage dispensing device 300 (step S034).

[0343] The beverage dispensing device 300 begins dispensing the beverage after the dispensing button 5 is pressed, and the server 60 sends information indicating that the dispensing process has begun (continues). Figure 22 The process (b)).

[0344] On the other hand, from Figure 24 If the lower part of the screen flashes for a certain period of time and the dispensing button 5 is not pressed, the beverage dispensing device 300 stops. Figure 24 The screen flickers, and the system enters a state of waiting for user U's action (step S034).

[0345] Figure 22 This is the process by which the beverage dispensing device 300 supplies the ordered goods to the beverage container 70. After receiving the information that the dispensing button 5 has been pressed and thus the dispensing action is initiated, the beverage dispensing device 300 prepares the beverage and begins the dispensing action (step S041).

[0346] In addition, server 60 sends an image suitable for the product supply operation to 1, and beverage supply device 300 displays the received image and the product supply operation appropriately on display unit 6. Figure 25 This is an example of an image received and displayed by the beverage dispensing device 300; in the case of dispensing bean products, it displays an image of the bean grinding process. Figure 25 (a) and the extraction process ( Figure 25(b) In the case of powdered goods, the pouring process is displayed. Figure 25 (c)). User U views the display on display unit 6. Figure 25 The status display screen allows users to monitor the product supply process of the beverage supply device 300.

[0347] Figure 25 The visuals were also designed so that users could immediately grasp the product supply process at a glance.

[0348] After the beverage dispensing device 300 finishes dispensing beverage from the beverage container 70, it sends a dispensing completion message to the server 60 (step S042). Upon receiving the dispensing completion message, the server 60 will... Figure 25 (d) The recorded image notifying the end of the beverage supply is sent to the beverage dispensing device 300, and the beverage dispensing device 300 displays it on the display unit 6 (step S043). The display unit 6 shows... Figure 25 (d) When user U removes beverage container 70 from beverage dispensing device 300.

[0349] The supply end information includes the supply end time information, the size of the supply (supply quantity), and the container ID and device ID. The server 60 associates the container ID and device ID as the sales information of the product and records it (step S044).

[0350] By recording supply completion information in server 60, the correlation between the sales history of the product, container ID, and device ID can be summarized, which can serve as data for future product sales strategies.

[0351] Furthermore, server 60 can flexibly apply the recorded supply end information to suppress improper use of beverage container 70. For example, to restrict multiple users from using the same beverage container 70, use can be prohibited for a certain period starting from the time the beverage container 70 is used. During the menu information registration process, server 60 checks the latest supply end time information for the same container ID. If the menu information registration for a period of time has not yet passed since the supply end time information is available, it will not be accepted, thereby prohibiting the use of the same beverage container 70 for a short period of time.

[0352] In this embodiment, an example of using the dispensing button 5 on the beverage dispensing device 300 is shown, but its use is not mandatory. For example, the beverage dispensing device 300 may also display... Figure 24 After a certain period of time, the beverages will be supplied.

[0353] In this embodiment, in the process of supplying a beverage as a commodity from the beverage dispensing device 300 to the beverage container 70, as shown in step S034, from... Figure 24If the discharge button 5 is not pressed within a certain period of time, the beverage dispensing device 300 will stop. Figure 24 The screen flickers, indicating that it is waiting for user U's action.

[0354] However, it is not limited to this; the beverage dispensing device 300 can also be used from... Figure 24 If the lower part of the screen flashes for a certain period of time and the discharge button 5 is not pressed, step S041 is performed to manufacture the beverage and start the supply.

[0355] In addition, this embodiment describes an example of performing the checkout procedure when the selection menu information has already been selected. Figure 17 Step S019 can be performed, but it can also be performed immediately before or after the beverage dispensing device 300 dispenses the beverage. In either case, upon receiving a signal from the beverage dispensing device 300, the server 60 performs settlement processing. Furthermore, the service fee can be calculated based on the number of cups consumed, or it can be an unlimited drink at a fixed price for a specific period.

[0356] Additionally, user U can also stop using the registered beverage container by using information terminal 80. This can be done by selecting from the application's "Registration Menu" page. Figure 18 (a) On the homepage, in the "My Flat Glass" section, you can select beverage containers and also delete registrations. Additionally, from the application's "Flat Glass Stop Page," you can stop the use of registered beverage containers by entering the container ID you want to stop or by selecting the beverage container.

[0357] Furthermore, this embodiment describes the process from menu registration to beverage delivery for a registered beverage container on the "Menu Registration Page." However, the selection of beverage containers is not limited to one; multiple containers can be selected. In this way, user U can associate order information with each container ID and select the desired beverage container corresponding to that time when the beverage is delivered.

[0358] Figure 26 This is a sequence diagram of the beverage supply system 100. The operation relationships of the information terminal 80, server 60, and beverage supply device 300 are shown in chronological order.

[0359] First, the information terminal 80 starts the application and logs in, sending the information of the recording medium of the beverage container 70 to the server 60. The server 60 registers the information of the recording medium. Here, the information of the recording medium of the beverage container 70, that is, the container ID of the beverage container 70, is registered in the server 60.

[0360] After the beverage container 70 is registered, the information terminal 80 selects the items to be purchased from the menu and sends them to the server 60. The server 60 processes the payment for the selected items, and once payment is confirmed, registers the selected items as order information.

[0361] Server 60 sends the registered order information to the information terminal, and user U confirms that the order information has been registered on the information terminal.

[0362] Next, after user U places beverage container 70 into beverage dispensing device 300, beverage dispensing device 300 reads information such as container ID from the recording medium of beverage container 70 and sends it along with information of beverage dispensing device 300 (device ID, etc.) to server 60. Server 60 checks the container ID information to confirm whether it is already recorded. If the beverage container is not pre-registered, an image indicating that it is not registered is sent to beverage dispensing device 300 and displayed on display unit 6. If the beverage container is pre-registered, the order information associated with the container ID, i.e., the registration menu, is retrieved.

[0363] Server 60 sends the found registration menu to beverage dispensing device 300 with device ID. Beverage dispensing device 300 displays the registration menu on display unit 6. User U confirms the displayed registration menu, and when the user presses the dispensing button 5 of beverage dispensing device 300, beverage dispensing device 300 provides (sells) the product from the registration menu to beverage container 70.

[0364] After the beverage dispensing device 300 delivers the beverage from the registered menu to the beverage container 70, it sends a sales completion message to the server 60. The server 60 registers the sales completion message in association with the container ID. As described above, in the beverage dispensing system of this embodiment, the container ID of a specific beverage container is registered in the server, and the menu of the purchased goods is pre-registered as order information in association with the container ID. Therefore, as long as the beverage container is placed in the beverage dispensing device constituting the beverage dispensing system, beverages can be delivered. In addition, the beverage dispensing device constituting the beverage dispensing system sends the container ID along with its own device ID to the server, so even if multiple beverage dispensing devices are connected to the beverage dispensing system, the registered menu can be delivered to the beverage dispensing device with the beverage container without confusion.

[0365] In addition, server 60 manages user U in association with beverage containers and can provide various services to user U. Figure 27 This is a diagram illustrating one example of the service. Server 60 pre-records the quantity of beverages supplied to the beverage container, and when a specific quantity is reached, it can notify the information terminal of the user U associated with the beverage container of the activity information. Figure 27(a) is the display screen showing the activity information sent from server 60 when user U purchases the 100th cup of a specific product. When user U sees this display screen and selects a display option, they can receive the following... Figure 27 Coupon information as shown in (b).

[0366] Industrial availability

[0367] As described above, the beverage dispensing device of the present invention is applicable to beverage dispensing devices having a transmitting and receiving unit for reading information recorded in a recording medium and dispensing beverages to a container provided with a recording medium recording predetermined information.

[0368] Furthermore, the beverage dispensing system of the present invention is not limited to beverages; it can also be food or articles. Instead of beverage containers, the effects of the present invention can also be achieved in devices that have a recording medium and function to hold items such as boxes, baskets, or bags.

Claims

1. A beverage dispensing system, comprising: A beverage dispensing device that supplies beverages to a container equipped with a communication-enabled recording medium; and a server that sends beverage information to the beverage dispensing device regarding the beverage supplied to the container, the beverage dispensing system being characterized in that: The beverage dispensing device includes: A transmission and reception unit that transmits and receives information with the recording medium of the container; and The communication unit transmits the information received by the transmitting and receiving unit from the recording medium of the container and the information about the beverage dispensing device to the server, and receives the beverage information from the server. The server includes: A storage unit for storing beverage information supplied to the container; and A control unit detects beverage information supplied to the container and sends the beverage information to the beverage dispensing device, wherein the container is a container corresponding to information received from the beverage dispensing device from a recording medium containing the beverage.

2. The beverage supply system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The beverage dispensing device is a beverage dispensing device that supplies beverages to a container equipped with a communication-enabled recording medium, and includes: The mounting section for installing the container; and A shielding section is provided to shield the communication between the recording medium and the transmitting / receiving section at a position offset from the mounting section.

3. A beverage dispensing system comprising a beverage dispensing device with a device ID that dispenses beverages to containers, and a server connected to the beverage dispensing device via a network, characterized in that: The beverage dispensing device includes a unit that reads the container ID from a communicative storage medium of the container and sends the container ID and the device ID to the server. The server has a unit that detects the order information corresponding to the container ID and sends the detected order information to the beverage dispensing device corresponding to the device ID. The beverage dispensing device has a unit that provides the container with the goods corresponding to the received order information.

4. The beverage supply system as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The beverage dispensing device is a beverage dispensing device that supplies beverages to a container equipped with a communication-enabled recording medium, and includes: The mounting section for installing the container; A transmission and reception unit disposed below the mounting section for transmitting and receiving information with the recording medium; and A shielding section is provided to block communication between the recording medium and the transmitting / receiving section at a position offset from the mounting section.

5. A beverage dispensing method, comprising dispensing a beverage to a container equipped with a communication-enabled recording medium, characterized in that it includes: The step of the beverage dispensing device reading the container ID from a communicable storage medium of the container; The step of the beverage dispensing device sending the container ID and device ID to the server; The step of the server detecting the order information corresponding to the container ID; The step of the server sending the detected order information to the beverage supply device corresponding to the device ID; and The step of the beverage dispensing device providing the product corresponding to the received order information to the container.

Images