Coffee powder analysis device and bean grinding system

Abstract

This disclosure provides a coffee powder analysis device and a coffee grinding system. The device includes a powder inlet channel with an inlet and an outlet, a feeding module, a powder carrying surface, a first powder driving module, and an imaging module. At least a portion of the powder inlet channel is inclined, allowing coffee powder fed from the inlet to fall into the powder inlet channel near the outlet under gravity. The feeding module moves the coffee powder in the powder inlet channel in batches from the outlet to the powder carrying surface. The imaging module images at least a portion of the coffee powder on the powder carrying surface to obtain multiple target images. The first powder driving module drives the coffee powder on the powder carrying surface to move before the imaging module images at least a portion of the coffee powder on the powder carrying surface to reduce the stickiness of the coffee powder. And after the imaging module images at least a portion of the coffee powder on the powder carrying surface, it drives the coffee powder on the powder carrying surface to move so that the coffee powder on the powder carrying surface leaves the powder carrying surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This manual pertains to the field of coffee powder measurement, and particularly to coffee powder analysis equipment and grinding systems. Background Technology

[0002] The analysis of coffee powder (e.g., particle size distribution, shape analysis, colorimetric analysis) is of significant value and importance to the coffee industry. For example, the particle size of coffee powder directly affects the contact area between water and the powder, thus influencing extraction rate and uniformity. Finer powder can lead to over-extraction and bitterness, while coarser powder may result in under-extraction and a weak coffee flavor. Therefore, accurate particle size analysis helps optimize the brewing process and ensure optimal extraction. Furthermore, the uniformity of particle size distribution and the standardization of powder shape are crucial indicators for controlling coffee quality. Analysis ensures that each batch of coffee powder meets pre-defined specifications, providing a consistent coffee flavor. However, in coffee powder analysis, the uniform distribution of powder particles is critical to measurement accuracy; particle aggregation can lead to deviations in colorimetric measurements. Therefore, users need to take small samples of coffee powder for analysis each time, making the process cumbersome.

[0003] Therefore, some embodiments of this specification provide an apparatus capable of batch analysis of coffee powder. Utility Model Content

[0004] This specification provides one or more embodiments of a coffee powder analysis device, comprising: a powder inlet channel having an inlet and an outlet, a feeding module, a powder carrying surface, a first powder driving module, and an imaging module; at least a portion of the powder inlet channel is inclined, such that coffee powder loaded from the inlet can fall into the powder inlet channel near the outlet under the influence of gravity; the feeding module is used to transfer coffee powder in the powder inlet channel in batches from the outlet to the powder carrying surface, wherein the feeding module includes a vibration module for driving at least a portion of the powder inlet channel to vibrate, so as to drive the coffee powder to be discharged from the outlet. Coffee powder in the powder inlet channel vibrates sequentially from the powder outlet onto the powder carrier surface; the imaging module is used to image at least a portion of the coffee powder on the powder carrier surface to obtain multiple target images; the first powder driving module is used to drive the coffee powder on the powder carrier surface to move before the imaging module images at least a portion of the coffee powder on the powder carrier surface, so as to reduce the adhesion of the coffee powder on the powder carrier surface; and is used to drive the coffee powder on the powder carrier surface to move after the imaging module images at least a portion of the coffee powder on the powder carrier surface, so that the coffee powder on the powder carrier surface leaves the powder carrier surface.

[0005] Optionally, the powder-carrying surface includes a first end and a second end opposite to each other, the powder outlet is located at the first end of the powder-carrying surface, and the coffee powder on the powder-carrying surface leaves the powder-carrying surface from the second end; the surface of the powder-carrying surface is inclined, and the first end is higher than the second end. Optionally, the first powder-driving module is located on the back side of the powder-carrying surface and is used to drive the powder-carrying surface to vibrate in a vertical direction; and / or, the first powder-driving module is located on the back side of the powder-carrying surface and is aligned with the area between the center of the powder-carrying surface and the first end; the imaging module is located on the front side of the powder-carrying surface, and the field of view covers the area between the center of the powder-carrying surface and the second end.

[0006] Optionally, the first powder-driving module includes a first vibration source and a second vibration source, wherein the first vibration source and the second vibration source are used to alternately drive the powder-carrying surface to vibrate, and the vibration intensity of the second vibration source is higher than the vibration intensity of the first vibration source, and the vibration frequency and / or vibration duration of the second vibration source is lower than the vibration frequency and / or vibration duration of the first vibration source. Optionally, the first vibration source is used to emit sound waves to drive the powder-carrying surface to vibrate; and / or, the second vibration source includes an electromagnetic coil and a metal rod, the electromagnetic coil being used to drive the metal rod to strike the powder-carrying surface to drive the powder-carrying surface to vibrate. Optionally, the powder-carrying surface includes a first end and a second end opposite to each other, the powder outlet is located at the first end of the powder-carrying surface, and the coffee powder on the powder-carrying surface leaves the powder-carrying surface from the second end; the central axis of the powder-carrying surface extends from the powder outlet to the second end; the first vibration source and the second vibration source are arranged along the central axis of the powder-carrying surface, and / or, the distance between the second vibration source and the powder outlet is greater than the distance between the first vibration source and the powder outlet.

[0007] Optionally, the powder feeding channel includes a powder dropping channel and a buffer channel, the powder dropping channel being inclined and the buffer channel being horizontal; the powder inlet is located at one end of the powder dropping channel, and the powder outlet is located at one end of the buffer channel. Optionally, the powder dropping channel and the buffer channel are connected, and the aperture at the connection point is smaller than the aperture of the powder inlet; and / or, the powder feeding channel is made of plastic, and the vibration module is used to drive the entire vibration of the powder feeding channel. Optionally, the device further includes a top support and a bottom support, the powder feeding channel being fixed to the bottom support by at least one shock-absorbing structure; a powder pouring port is fixed on the top support, the powder pouring port being fixed above the powder inlet and maintaining a gap between the powder pouring port and the powder inlet; coffee powder poured by the user falls into the powder inlet from the powder pouring port; the imaging module is fixed inside the top support facing the powder-carrying surface.

[0008] Optionally, the imaging module includes a first lens and a second lens, wherein the field of view of the first lens is larger than the field of view of the second lens; wherein the field of view of the first lens covers at least a portion of the powder-carrying surface, and the field of view of the second lens covers a portion of the powder-carrying surface; and / or, the field of view of the first lens covers at least a portion of the field of view of the second lens. Alternatively, the imaging module includes a single lens, wherein the area of ​​the powder-carrying surface covered by the field of view of the single lens is wider in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the powder-carrying surface than in a direction parallel to the central axis of the powder-carrying surface, wherein the powder-carrying surface includes a first end and a second end opposite to each other, the powder outlet is located at the first end of the powder-carrying surface, coffee powder on the powder-carrying surface exits the powder-carrying surface from the second end, and the central axis of the powder-carrying surface extends from the powder outlet to the second end.

[0009] Optionally, the powder-carrying surface is covered with a superhydrophobic layer; and / or, an antistatic module is further provided on the back side of the powder-carrying surface for removing static electricity from at least the area of ​​the powder-carrying surface covered by the field of view of the imaging module; the antistatic module includes a boost module and two high-voltage electrodes connected to the boost module, wherein the two high-voltage electrodes are located on the back side of the powder-carrying surface.

[0010] Optionally, the device further includes a white light source module located above the coffee powder carrier surface, and the imaging module includes a first imaging module for acquiring an RGB image of the coffee powder when the white light source module emits white light onto the coffee powder carrier surface, wherein the multi-frame target image includes the RGB image; and / or, the device includes a near-infrared light source module located above the coffee powder carrier surface, and the imaging module includes a near-infrared imaging module for emitting near-infrared light onto at least a portion of the coffee powder on the coffee powder carrier surface; the white light source module and the near-infrared light source module are used to alternately emit light beams; the multi-frame target image includes at least one near-infrared image output by the near-infrared imaging module based on the reflection spectrum of the received near-infrared light.

[0011] Optionally, the device further includes a processing module and a display screen; the processing module is used to analyze the powder information of the coffee powder based on the multiple frames of target images, the powder information including at least one of particle size information, shape information, and color information; the display screen is used to display the powder information of the coffee powder. Optionally, the device further includes a top bracket fixed above the powder-carrying surface, and the display screen is fixed on the upper surface of the top bracket; and / or, the particle size information displayed on the display screen includes at least one of the following: particle size distribution, particle quantity, average particle size, standard deviation of particle size, minimum particle size, maximum particle size, upper limit of particle size with a quantity ratio not exceeding a preset percentage, particle size distribution histogram, particle size distribution curve, particle size shape correlation diagram, cumulative particle size distribution curve, and particle size difference curve; or, the shape information includes at least one of the following: shape distribution, particle quantity, average shape, standard deviation of shape, minimum shape, maximum shape, upper limit of shape with a quantity ratio not exceeding a preset percentage, shape distribution histogram, shape distribution curve, particle size shape correlation diagram, cumulative shape distribution curve, and shape difference curve; or, the chromaticity information includes at least one of the following: chromaticity distribution, particle quantity, average chromaticity, standard deviation of chromaticity, minimum chromaticity, maximum chromaticity, upper limit of chromaticity with a quantity ratio not exceeding a preset percentage, chromaticity distribution histogram, chromaticity distribution curve, cumulative chromaticity distribution curve, and chromaticity difference curve.

[0012] This specification also provides a coffee grinding system in one or more embodiments, including the coffee powder analysis device and coffee grinding device described in any one of the embodiments.

[0013] In this embodiment, the powder feeding channel and the feeding module allow users to easily add a batch of coffee powder at once. The feeding module then divides the batch of coffee powder into multiple batches and sequentially feeds them onto the powder carrier surface. This allows the imaging module to acquire target images of at least a portion of the coffee powder from the powder feeding channel, avoiding inaccurate powder analysis results due to excessive coffee powder in a single frame. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for users to manually perform multiple batch imaging and analysis of the coffee powder. The processing module can then analyze and statistically process the powder information from the multiple target images corresponding to at least a portion of the batches, enabling the display module to present the powder information of that batch of coffee powder to the user on the screen at once. Attached Figure Description

[0014] This specification will be further described by way of exemplary embodiments, which will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same numbers in the drawings denote the same structures or steps.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a coffee powder analysis device according to one embodiment of this application. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the coffee powder analysis device shown. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of a coffee powder analysis device according to another embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the relationship between the field of view of the first camera and the field of view of the second camera. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the field of view of a single lens in an imaging module; Figures 6-9 These are schematic diagrams of different embodiments of the display interface of a coffee powder analysis device. Figure 10 This is a logical structure diagram of the coffee grinding system of this application; Figure 11 This is a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of the coffee powder analysis method of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments in this specification, the embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the content described below are some examples or embodiments of this specification. For those skilled in the art, without creative effort, the technical solutions or means disclosed in this specification can be applied to other scenarios based on this technical content.

[0017] It should be understood that the terms "system," "device," "unit," and / or "module" used in this specification are a method of distinguishing different components, elements, parts, sections, or assemblies at different levels. However, if other terms can achieve the same purpose, they may be replaced by other expressions.

[0018] Unless otherwise specified, the technical terms used to describe components, elements, etc. in this specification are not singular but may include plural. Generally speaking, terms such as "comprising" or "including" only indicate that explicitly identified steps, elements, or components are included, and these steps, elements, and components do not constitute an exclusive list, as the described method or apparatus may also include other steps or components.

[0019] This specification uses flowcharts to illustrate the operational steps performed by the devices or systems of related embodiments. However, unless otherwise specified, the order in which these steps are described should not be construed as a limitation on the order of execution. Those skilled in the art can adjust the order of these steps based on the knowledge and information conveyed by the embodiments in this specification. Such adjustments include, but are not limited to, reversing the order of steps, merging multiple steps, and splitting a step.

[0020] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, Figure 1 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a coffee powder analysis device according to one embodiment of this application. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of a coffee powder analysis device. The coffee powder analysis device 10 includes a powder inlet channel 11, a feeding module 12, a powder-carrying surface 13, a first powder-driving module 14, and an imaging module 15. Optionally, the coffee powder analysis device 10 also includes a processing module (not shown) and a display screen 16. The powder inlet channel 11 includes a powder inlet 111 and a powder outlet 112. At least a portion of the powder inlet channel connected to the powder inlet 111 is inclined, allowing coffee powder fed into the powder inlet 11 to fall from the powder inlet channel 12 into the powder inlet channel 11 near the powder outlet 112 under the influence of gravity.

[0021] The feeding module 12 is used to transfer coffee powder in batches from the powder inlet 11 to the powder carrier surface 13 from the powder outlet 112. For example, the feeding module 12 can vibrate the coffee powder in the powder inlet 11 onto the powder carrier surface in batches, or it can push the coffee powder in the powder inlet 11 onto the powder carrier surface in batches. Optionally, the feeding module can transfer a batch of coffee powder from the powder outlet 112 onto the powder carrier surface 13 in small batches or in a single operation. The imaging module 15 is used to image at least a portion of the coffee powder on the powder carrier surface to obtain multiple target images. Optionally, the imaging module 15 can image each batch of coffee powder once or at least twice to obtain one or at least two target images corresponding to that batch.

[0022] The processing module analyzes the powder information of the coffee powder based on the multiple target images, including at least one of particle size, shape, and color information. The display screen 16 displays the powder information of the coffee powder. The first powder-repelling module 14 drives the coffee powder on the powder-carrying surface to move, causing the coffee powder to leave the powder-carrying surface. Optionally, the first powder-repelling module 14 can remove a batch of coffee powder falling on the powder-carrying surface 13 in small, multiple passes or in a single pass.

[0023] In this embodiment, the powder feeding channel and the feeding module allow users to easily add a batch of coffee powder at once. The feeding module then divides the batch of coffee powder into multiple batches and sequentially feeds them onto the powder carrier surface. This allows the imaging module to acquire target images of at least a portion of the coffee powder from the powder feeding channel, avoiding inaccurate powder analysis results due to excessive coffee powder in a single frame. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for users to manually perform multiple batch imaging and analysis of the coffee powder. The processing module can then analyze and statistically process the powder information from the multiple target images corresponding to at least a portion of the batches, enabling the display module to present the powder information of that batch of coffee powder to the user on the screen at once.

[0024] Optionally, the first powder-driving module 14 includes a power amplifier, and the powder-carrying surface 13 includes a vibrating diaphragm. The first powder-driving module 14 is used to emit sound waves to drive the powder-carrying surface 13 to vibrate. The energy of the sound waves radiates from the center outwards, enabling the powder to be more dispersed. Alternatively, the first powder-driving module may include a vibration source for emitting other mechanical waves, such as water waves, rope waves, etc. Alternatively, the first powder-driving module may drive the powder-carrying surface to vibrate not by emitting mechanical waves but by other means (such as mechanical impact). In one example, the first powder-driving module 14 includes an electromagnetic coil, electrodes, a pneumatic hammer, a spring, etc., connected to the carrying surface, which drives the coffee powder on the powder-carrying surface to vibrate by impacting the carrying surface. In one example, the first powder-driving module includes at least two linear vibration sources with different directions. The vibration direction and separation degree of the coffee powder on the powder-carrying surface 13 can be controlled by controlling the frequencies of the transverse and longitudinal waves of each linear vibration source. In one example, the powder-carrying surface includes multiple vibration sources disposed on the back side of the powder-carrying surface. In a Cartesian coordinate system centered at a point on the surface of the powder-carrying surface, these multiple vibration sources may include three vibration sources whose vibration directions are respectively parallel to the X, Y, and Z coordinate axes of the Cartesian coordinate system. In another example, the first powder-driving module includes voice coil motors arranged at the four corners of the powder-carrying surface, with vibration directions perpendicular to the powder-carrying surface 13. Control is achieved by controlling the amplitude and frequency of the voice coil electrodes using the principles of resonance and coherent wave interference. In yet another example, the first powder-driving module includes an eccentric motor, a piezoelectric ceramic vibrator, or an ultrasonic motor, etc.

[0025] In some examples, the first powder-repelling module, besides shaking the coffee powder off the powder-carrying surface, also drives the coffee powder on the powder-carrying surface to move before the imaging module images at least a portion of the coffee powder on the powder-carrying surface, thereby reducing the adhesion of the coffee powder on the powder-carrying surface. This can significantly reduce the adhesion of coffee powder in the target image obtained by the imaging module, facilitating better analysis of the powder information by the processing module. Optionally, the first powder-repelling module is used to drive the powder-carrying surface to vibrate with preset vibration parameters. The vibration parameters include at least one of vibration duration, vibration frequency, and vibration intensity. Optionally, for example, the processing module is further used to determine the adhesion of the coffee powder based on the target image, and the first powder-repelling module is used to adjust the vibration parameters based on the adhesion. For example, when the processing module determines that the adhesion of the coffee powder reaches a preset value based on the target image, the first powder-repelling module increases the vibration parameters. There are various ways to determine whether the adhesion has reached the preset value. For example, when the processing module determines that the number of sticky coffee powder particles in the target image exceeds a preset number, or the proportion of sticky coffee powder particles to the total number of coffee powder particles exceeds a preset ratio, or the area of ​​sticky coffee powder particles exceeds a preset area, or the proportion of the area of ​​sticky coffee powder particles to the total area of ​​coffee powder particles exceeds a preset ratio, the first powder-removing module increases at least one of the vibration duration, vibration frequency, and vibration intensity. Optionally, the processing module is further configured to determine the stickiness of the coffee powder based on the target image obtained after the first powder-removing module increases the vibration parameters, in order to decide whether the first powder-removing module should continue to increase the vibration parameters. Optionally, when the processing module determines that the stickiness of the coffee powder has not reached a preset value, the first powder-removing module stops adjusting the vibration parameters. Optionally, when acquiring the powder information of the coffee powder, the processing module specifically selects target images from the acquired multi-frame images where the stickiness has not reached a preset value for powder analysis.

[0026] In some examples, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the coffee powder carrier surface 13 includes a first end 131 and a second end 132 opposite to each other, and the coffee powder outlet 112 is located at the first end 131 of the coffee powder carrier surface 13. For example, the coffee powder outlet 112 is located above the first end 131, so that coffee powder removed from the coffee powder outlet 112 falls onto the coffee powder carrier surface 13. The first powder-driving module 14 is used to remove the coffee powder on the coffee powder carrier surface 13 from the second end 132 of the coffee powder carrier surface 13. The surface of the coffee powder carrier surface 13 is inclined, wherein the first end 131 is higher than the second end 132, so that the coffee powder on the coffee powder carrier surface is vibrated to reduce adhesion while gradually moving towards the second end. Optionally, the coffee powder carrier surface 13 is strip-shaped or rectangular, and the central axis L1 of the coffee powder carrier surface 13 extends from the coffee powder outlet 131 to the second end 132.

[0027] Optionally, the first powder-driving module 14 is located on the back side of the powder-carrying surface and is used to drive the powder-carrying surface to vibrate in the vertical direction, which allows the coffee powder to be better dispersed and reduces adhesion. Optionally, the first powder-driving module 14 is located on the back side of the powder-carrying surface 13 and is aligned with the area between the center of the powder-carrying surface 13 and the first end 131; the imaging module 15 is located on the front side of the powder-carrying surface 13, and its field of view covers at least a portion between the center of the powder-carrying surface 13 and the second end 132. Since coffee powder tends to accumulate when it falls from the outlet of the powder inlet channel onto the powder-carrying surface, placing the first powder-driving module between the center of the powder-carrying surface and the first end can disperse the powder more quickly and allow the powder to move towards the second end; while the imaging module's field of view covers at least a portion between the center of the powder-carrying surface and the second end, which can obtain an image with less adhered powder.

[0028] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of a coffee powder analysis device according to another embodiment of this application. The first powder-driving module 14 includes a first vibration source 141 and a second vibration source 142, wherein the first vibration source 141 and the second vibration source 142 are used to alternately drive the powder-carrying surface 13 to vibrate, and the vibration intensity of the second vibration source 142 is higher than the vibration intensity of the first vibration source 141, and the vibration frequency and / or vibration duration of the second vibration source 142 is lower than the vibration frequency and / or vibration duration of the first vibration source 141. In practical applications, if the coffee powder contains both coarse and fine powder, a single vibration source may either fail to disperse the fine powder or easily vibrate the coarse powder out of the powder-carrying surface. In this example, by using two vibration sources with different vibration intensities to alternately vibrate the powder-carrying surface, and the vibration frequency and / or vibration duration of the high-intensity vibration source is lower, it is possible to disperse the fine powder while preventing the coarse powder from being vibrated out of the powder-carrying surface. Optionally, the first vibration source is used to emit sound waves to drive the powder-carrying surface to vibrate. Optionally, as Figure 3 As shown, the second vibration source 142 includes an electromagnetic coil 1421 and a metal rod 1422. The electromagnetic coil 1421 drives the metal rod 1422 to vibrate and impact the powder-carrying surface 13, thereby driving the powder-carrying surface to vibrate. Optionally, the first and second vibration sources are arranged along the central axis of the powder-carrying surface 13. Since the powder outlet is located above the central axis, this allows the vibration sources to better disperse the coffee powder. Optionally, the distance between the second vibration source 142 and the powder outlet 112 is greater than the distance between the first vibration source 141 and the powder outlet 112. For example, as... Figure 3 As shown, the first vibration source 141 and the second vibration source 142 are arranged side by side below the central axis of the powder-carrying surface 13, and the second vibration source 142 is located on the side of the first vibration source 141 away from the powder outlet 112.

[0029] In some examples, the ratio of the vibration frequency or vibration duration of the second vibration source to the first vibration source is a preset ratio. After the coffee powder falls from the outlet onto the powder carrier surface, the second and first vibration sources alternately drive the powder carrier surface to vibrate at this preset ratio. In some examples, the display screen is also used to determine the grind degree of the coffee powder based on user input; wherein, corresponding to different grind degrees, the ratio of the vibration frequency or vibration duration of the second and first vibration sources is a different preset ratio. For example, when the display screen determines that the coffee powder in this batch has a first grind degree based on user input, then when the coffee powder falls onto the powder carrier surface, the second and first vibration sources operate at a preset vibration frequency or preset vibration duration corresponding to the first grind degree, and the ratio of the preset vibration frequency or preset vibration duration of the second and first sources is a first ratio. When the display screen determines that the coffee powder in this batch has a second grind degree based on the user's input, the second vibration source and the first vibration source operate at a preset vibration frequency or preset vibration duration corresponding to the second grind degree after the coffee powder falls onto the powder carrier surface, and the ratio of the preset vibration frequency or preset vibration duration of the second vibration source and the first vibration source is a second ratio.

[0030] There are several ways the display screen can determine the grind size of the coffee powder based on user input. For example, the screen may show different grind size options for the user to choose from. Alternatively, different brewing methods may have preset grind sizes, with the screen displaying different brewing method options for the user to choose from, and determining the corresponding grind size based on the user's selected brewing method.

[0031] In some examples, the second and first vibration sources adjust their vibration frequency or duration based on powder information obtained by the processing module, thereby adjusting the ratio of their vibration frequency or duration. For example, the first vibration source is used to increase vibration parameters when the powder information determines that the adhesion degree of powder with a particle size larger than the preset particle size threshold is greater than a first adhesion degree. Similarly, the second vibration source is used to increase vibration parameters when the powder information determines that the adhesion degree of powder with a particle size smaller than the preset particle size threshold is greater than a second adhesion degree.

[0032] There are various ways to implement the feeding module. In some examples, the feeding module 12 includes a vibration module. Optionally, the vibration module 12 can include any of the vibration sources described above, which will not be repeated here. Optionally, the vibration module is used to drive the entire powder feeding channel to vibrate, so as to gradually vibrate the coffee powder in the powder feeding channel out of the powder outlet 112. In one example, the vibration module includes an eccentric motor, which can drive the vibration of the entire powder feeding channel in a small volume. Alternatively, the vibration module is used to drive a region of the powder feeding channel adjacent to the powder outlet 112 to vibrate, so as to gradually vibrate the coffee powder located in the region of the powder feeding channel out of the powder outlet 112. The coffee powder in the powder feeding channel can continuously fall onto this region under the action of gravity, so that coffee powder is continuously vibrated out of the powder outlet 112 during the operation of the vibration module.

[0033] For example, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the coffee powder analysis device 10 also includes a top support 17 and a bottom support 18. One of the outer surfaces of the powder inlet channel is connected to the top support 17 or the bottom support 18 via a shock-absorbing structure to be fixed between the top support 17 and the bottom support 18. The remaining outer surfaces of the powder inlet channel are suspended to reduce the resistance when the powder inlet channel vibrates and to prevent the vibration of the powder inlet channel from being transmitted to the top support 17 and the bottom support 18. Figure 2 The example shown is that the powder inlet channel 11 is fixed to the bottom support 18 by at least one shock-absorbing ball 19. Optionally, the powder carrier surface 13 is fixed to the bottom support 18 by at least one shock-absorbing ball.

[0034] Optionally, such as Figure 2As shown, the coffee powder inlet channel 11 includes a discharging channel 113 and a buffer channel 114 connected to each other. The discharging channel 113 is inclined, the buffer channel 114 is horizontal and its outlet is one end open. The discharging channel's opening is the inlet 111, allowing coffee powder entering from the inlet to fall from the discharging section under gravity and remain in the buffer channel 114. When the vibration module 12 drives the coffee powder inlet channel 11 to vibrate, the coffee powder is then vibrated out of the outlet 112 from the buffer channel 114. Optionally, the aperture at the junction of the discharging channel 113 and the buffer channel 114 is smaller than the aperture of the inlet 111, which helps reduce the falling speed of the coffee powder. This allows for a reduction in the length of the buffer channel while preventing the coffee powder from falling directly from the outlet during the falling process rather than under the vibration of the vibration module, thus contributing to the miniaturization of the coffee powder analysis device. Optionally, the coffee powder inlet channel 11 is made of plastic, and the vibration module 12 is used to drive the entire inlet channel to vibrate. The vibration module can be placed on one side of any point in the powder inlet channel. Figure 2 The vibration module 12 is placed directly below the buffer channel 114 as an example. Optionally, a pouring port 20 is also provided above the powder inlet 111 of the powder feeding channel 11. The pouring port 20 is fixed above the powder inlet 111 by being fixed to the top bracket 17 and a certain gap is maintained between them, so that the vibration of the powder inlet 111 is not transmitted to the pouring port during the vibration of the powder feeding channel 11, and the pouring port remains stationary. The user adds coffee powder to the pouring port 20, and the coffee powder falls into the powder feeding channel 11 after passing through the pouring port 20.

[0035] In some examples, the buffer channel of the feed channel 11 can be formed by a vibrating diaphragm, on which coffee powder falling from the drop channel 113 remains. A vibration module is placed on the back of the vibrating diaphragm to drive only the diaphragm to vibrate, thereby discharging the coffee powder from the outlet 112. In some examples, the dispensing module may not use vibration to gradually dissolve the coffee powder in the feed channel from the outlet. For example, the dispensing module includes a push rod with a helical protrusion around its surface; the dispensing module also includes a drive module for rotating the push rod, such that the helical protrusion pushes the coffee powder out of the feed channel from the outlet during rotation. As another example, the dispensing module includes a push block structure and a drive module for controlling the push block's back-and-forth movement, the drive module driving the push block to discharge the coffee powder out of the feed channel from the outlet.

[0036] Optionally, the first powder-discharging module and / or vibration module are used to emit a sine wave. Optionally, the frequency of the sine wave is between 100 Hz and 200 Hz. The frequency response of the sine wave is smooth, and the energy is uniformly distributed. Using a sine wave can reduce the noise generated by the first powder-discharging module and / or vibration module.

[0037] In some examples, the dispensing module removes coffee powder from the outlet at a preset dispensing speed. For instance, the dispensing duration, frequency, and amplitude (e.g., the vibration duration, frequency, and amplitude of the vibration module) are preset or fixed. In other examples, the dispensing module adjusts the dispensing speed based on the grind size of the coffee powder. It's important to note that the grind size of the coffee powder also refers to its particle size range. For example, when the vibration module determines the coffee powder is a coarse grind, it uses a higher vibration parameter to dispensing it from the outlet; conversely, when it determines the coffee powder is a fine grind, it uses a lower vibration parameter. There are various methods for the vibration module to determine the grind size. For example, the display screen may offer different grind size options, each corresponding to a different vibration parameter on the vibration module, which then determines the appropriate vibration parameter based on the user's selection on the screen. For example, the vibration module first uses default vibration parameters to vibrate the powder from the outlet onto the powder carrier surface. Then, based on the powder information of the coffee powder obtained by the processing module from the previous few frames of target images, it determines the grind level of the coffee powder and, based on this grind level, determines whether to adjust the vibration parameters. When it is determined that adjustment is needed, the vibration parameters are adjusted to the appropriate grind level for subsequent processing.

[0038] In some examples, the processing module is also used to obtain the amount of coffee powder in the batch based on the target image, and the dispensing module is also used to adjust the dispensing time, dispensing frequency, or dispensing amplitude based on the amount of powder to change the amount of coffee powder in the next batch. For example, when the amount of powder is less than a preset amount, the dispensing module can increase at least one of the dispensing time, dispensing frequency, or dispensing amplitude to ensure that the amount of coffee powder in subsequent batches is within the preset range.

[0039] The timing of the feeding module, the first powder-driving module, and the imaging module can vary. In some examples, in the first stage, the feeding module moves a portion of the coffee powder in the powder inlet channel as the current batch from the powder outlet of the powder inlet channel to the powder carrier surface. In the second stage, the first powder-driving module drives the coffee powder on the powder carrier surface to reduce the adhesion of the coffee powder on the powder carrier surface. In the third stage, the imaging module images at least a portion of the coffee powder on the powder carrier surface to obtain at least one frame of target image. In the fourth stage, the first powder-driving module further drives the coffee powder on the powder carrier surface to move, causing the coffee powder on the powder carrier surface to leave the powder carrier surface. In the fifth stage, the feeding module further moves a portion of the coffee powder in the powder inlet channel as the next batch from the powder outlet of the powder inlet channel to the powder carrier surface. Optionally, the second stage follows the first stage, and the fourth stage follows the third stage. For example, the coffee powder analysis device is used to cyclically execute the first to the fourth stages, with the first, second, third, and fourth stages executed sequentially in each cycle. Optionally, in each loop, only one of the second and third steps is executed, with the third step following the second step. Optionally, in each loop, at least two of the second steps or two of the third steps are executed, with the second and third steps being executed alternately.

[0040] For example, the feeding module and the first powder-repelling module are used to work alternately, wherein the feeding module is used to push the coffee powder onto the powder-carrying surface in batches, and to start pushing the next batch of coffee powder onto the powder-carrying surface after the current batch of coffee powder that has fallen onto the powder-carrying surface has been shaken off the powder-carrying surface by the first powder-repelling module, or after the imaging module has acquired the target image of the current batch of coffee powder. As another example, the feeding module can push the next batch of coffee powder onto the powder-carrying surface while the imaging module is imaging the current batch of coffee powder or while the first powder-repelling module is driving the current batch of coffee powder off the powder-carrying surface.

[0041] For example, after the feeding module pushes the current batch of coffee powder onto the powder-carrying surface, the imaging module images the coffee powder on the powder-carrying surface after the first powder-dispersing module disperses the coffee powder. After imaging ends, the first powder-dispersing module disperses the coffee powder away from the powder-carrying surface. Alternatively, the imaging module can image the powder-carrying surface during at least one gap in the vibration of the powder-carrying surface driven by the first powder-dispersing module. During the vibration gap, the coffee powder falls onto the powder-carrying surface, avoiding inaccurate particle size of the coffee powder obtained during image recognition due to the coffee powder vibrating in the air during imaging. In some examples, the imaging module can continuously image the powder-carrying surface while the first powder-dispersing module is driving the powder-carrying surface to vibrate. Optionally, the imaging module uses a drone camera to achieve clear imaging of moving coffee powder.

[0042] In a specific example, the first powder-driving module begins to drive the powder-carrying surface to vibrate after the feeding module moves the current batch of coffee powder from the outlet to the powder-carrying surface. After the powder-carrying surface begins to vibrate, the first powder-driving module and the imaging module work alternately. For example, the powder-carrying surface vibrates for a certain period of time and then stops, and then the imaging module images the coffee powder. This ensures that the distance between the coffee powder and the imaging module remains constant during imaging, avoiding inaccurate image recognition due to changes in the distance between the coffee powder and the imaging module. After the imaging module images, the powder-carrying surface continues to vibrate for a certain period of time and then stops, and then the imaging module images the coffee powder again. This alternation continues until all the coffee powder of the current batch leaves the second end of the powder-carrying surface. The feeding module starts moving the next batch of coffee powder from the outlet to the powder-carrying surface after the imaging module stops imaging or during the imaging process. This process is repeated.

[0043] The imaging module is located above the powder-carrying surface. For example, as Figure 2 As shown, the imaging module 15 is fixed on the top support 17 and images towards the coffee powder carrier surface 13. Optionally, the field of view of the imaging module covers the entire coffee powder carrier surface, and the target image obtained in a single imaging session can cover all coffee powders of the current batch located on the coffee powder carrier surface. The processing module can also analyze the target image obtained in a single imaging session to obtain the particle size information of all coffee powders of the current batch. Optionally, the field of view of the imaging module only covers a portion of the coffee powder carrier surface, and the coffee powders on the coffee powder carrier surface pass through the field of view of the imaging module sequentially during vibration. By combining the imaging frequency of the imaging module with the moving speed of the coffee powders on the coffee powder carrier surface, it is possible to obtain target images of all coffee powders of the current batch on the corresponding coffee powder carrier surface through at least two imaging sessions, while avoiding overlapping coffee powders or excessive overlapping coffee powders in adjacent imaging sessions. The processing module can analyze the target images of at least two frames to obtain the powder information of all coffee powders of the current batch.

[0044] Optionally, such as Figure 2As shown, the field of view of the imaging module 15 is located on the side of the center of the powder-carrying surface 13, biased towards the second end 132. Compared to coffee powder located on the side of the powder-carrying surface biased towards the first end, the coffee powder located on the side biased towards the second end has higher uniformity, which is more beneficial for the processing module to perform particle size analysis. Optionally, the field of view of the imaging module is strip-shaped or elliptical, and the long side of the strip or ellipse extends along the edge of the first end to ensure that all coffee powder passing through the first end can be imaged by the imaging module.

[0045] In some examples, the imaging module may include at least two lenses. Optionally, the imaging module includes a first lens and a second lens, wherein the field of view of the first lens is larger than that of the second lens. The target image obtained by the imaging module of the same batch of coffee powder on the powder carrier surface includes a first target image obtained by the first lens and a second target image obtained by the second lens. The processing module is used to identify the shape distribution and / or particle size distribution of coffee powder within the field of view of the first lens and within a first range of particle size based on the first target image, and to identify the shape distribution and / or particle size distribution of coffee powder within the field of view of the second lens and within a second range of particle size based on the second target image, wherein at least a portion of the particle size within the first range is larger than the particle size within the second range. The processing module is also used to calculate the shape distribution and / or particle size distribution of coffee powder within the field of view of the first lens and within the second range of particle size based on the area of ​​the field of view of the first lens and the area of ​​the field of view of the second lens, and the shape of the coffee powder within the field of view of the second lens and within the second range of particle size. Because lenses with a large field of view require high resolution to identify the shape and / or size of tiny particles, this increases lens costs. Conversely, lenses with lower resolution require a small field of view to identify the shape and / or size of tiny particles, making it impossible to identify large areas of coffee powder. In this example, by using two lenses with different field of view, the large field of view lens can be used to analyze coarse powder, while the small field of view lens can be used to analyze fine powder. Then, the shape and / or size distribution of fine powder over a large area can be inferred from the shape and / or size distribution of fine powder over a small area. This approach can identify the shape and / or size distribution of both coarse and fine powder over a large area, achieving both large-area and high dynamic range recognition while reducing costs.

[0046] For example, the processing module is used to identify the shape distribution and / or particle size distribution of coffee powder with a particle size between 100µm and 2500µm in an image based on a first target image, and to identify the shape distribution and / or particle size distribution of coffee powder with a particle size between 10µm and 100µm in an image based on a second target image. The field of view areas of the first lens and the second lens can be pre-stored, or the processing module can calculate the field of view area of ​​the first lens based on the first target image, and calculate the field of view area of ​​the second lens based on the area of ​​the second target image. Optionally, the processing module can magnify the quantity and shape distribution of coffee powder with a particle size between 10µm and 100µm into the field of view of the first lens proportionally according to the ratio of the field of view area of ​​the first lens to the field of view area of ​​the second lens, to obtain the shape distribution and / or particle size distribution of coffee powder with a particle size within the second range in the field of view of the first lens. Optionally, the field of view of the first lens covers the entire powder-carrying surface, and the field of view of the second lens covers a portion of the powder-carrying surface. Optionally, the field of view of the first lens covers at least a portion of the field of view of the second lens. Optionally, the field of view of the second lens covers at least a portion of the central axis of the coffee powder carrier surface. Since the coffee powder is distributed substantially symmetrically or nearly symmetrically on both sides of the central axis of the carrier surface during vibration from the first end to the second end, and primarily moves along the central axis of the carrier surface to the second end, the field of view of the second lens covering at least a portion of the central axis of the carrier surface ensures that the second target image can encompass the distribution of the main fine powder particles.

[0047] like Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the relationship between the field of view of the first lens and the field of view of the second lens. The central axis of the first lens 151 is located above the center of the powder-carrying surface 13, and the field of view of the first lens 151 covers all or more of the area of ​​the powder-carrying surface 13. The second lens 152 is located on the side of the first lens 151 near the second end 132 of the powder-carrying surface 13, and is located above the central axis of the powder-carrying surface 13. Since the distribution of coffee powder near the second end is likely to be more uniform than that near the first end after vibration of the powder-carrying surface, placing the second lens on the side of the first lens near the second end of the powder-carrying surface, compared to placing it on the side closer to the first end, allows for a more uniform distribution of fine powder in the second target image.

[0048] In some examples, the imaging module may contain a single lens with a striped field of view, and the field of view of the single lens only covers a portion of the powder-carrying surface. For example... Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the field of view of a single lens in an imaging module. The field of view of the single lens 15 covers a strip-shaped area on the coffee powder carrier surface 13. The width of the strip-shaped area along the central axis L1 of the coffee powder carrier surface 13 is greater than its width in the direction perpendicular to the central axis L1 of the coffee powder carrier surface 13. The edge of the strip-shaped area is perpendicular to the overall direction of movement of the coffee powder on the coffee powder carrier surface, such that at least most of the coffee powder passes through the field of view of the single lens as it leaves the coffee powder carrier surface. Optionally, the field of view of the single lens covers the width of a first end of the coffee powder carrier surface. Because the field of view area of ​​the single lens is relatively small, the processing module can simultaneously analyze the shape distribution and / or particle size distribution of coarse and fine coffee powder based on the acquired images. Moreover, multiple images acquired by a single lens can cover a batch of coffee powder on the coffee powder carrier surface, balancing the cost of the imaging module and the accuracy of image analysis.

[0049] After acquiring multiple target images corresponding to different batches of coffee powder, the processing module identifies, analyzes, and statistically analyzes each coffee powder in each target image to obtain powder information. During image acquisition, due to the stickiness or electrostatic effect of the coffee powder, some powder may adhere to the powder carrier surface and fail to leave, or some dust may adhere to the powder carrier surface. These are collectively referred to as residual powder, which affects the accuracy of particle size analysis and statistics. Optionally, the coffee powder analysis device also incorporates other methods to prevent residual powder. For example, a superhydrophobic layer is applied to the powder carrier surface to prevent residual powder from adhering. Another example is the presence of an antistatic module on the back of the powder carrier surface to remove static electricity from at least a portion of the surface. Optionally, the antistatic module is positioned behind the area covered by the imaging module's field of view on the powder carrier surface for better static electricity removal in that area. Optionally, the antistatic module includes a boost module and two high-voltage electrodes connected to the boost module, wherein the two high-voltage electrodes are located on the back of the powder carrier surface. For example, during static removal, the boost module increases the voltage to a 2-10kV pulsed high voltage and delivers it to two high-voltage electrodes, forming a negative ion generator. Since these two high-voltage electrodes are located on the back side of the powder-carrying surface, they can remove static electricity from that surface. The boost module can be located on the back side of the powder-carrying surface, or it can be located in other positions, such as within a top bracket and placed together with the motherboard. Optionally, the static removal module is used to remove static electricity from the area after the first powder-removing module has worked for a preset duration or a preset number of times, to achieve a periodic static removal effect. Alternatively, the processing module is also used to identify whether residual powder exists in the current target image, and the static removal module is used to remove static electricity from the powder-carrying surface when the processing module determines that residual powder exists in the current target image.

[0050] In some examples, the coffee powder analysis device further includes a white light source module located above the powder carrier surface, used to emit white light onto the powder carrier surface at least when the imaging module images the coffee powder on the powder carrier surface. The imaging module includes a first imaging module (e.g., a CMOS camera) for acquiring an RGB image of at least a portion of the coffee powder on the powder carrier surface. The processing module is used to determine the pixel position corresponding to the coffee powder based on the RGB image, and to acquire particle size information and / or shape information of the coffee powder based on the pixel position. Optionally, the processing module is also used to calculate color parameters (e.g., Lab values) of the coffee powder based on the RGB image and the pixel position of the coffee powder.

[0051] In some examples, the coffee powder analysis device further includes a near-infrared light source module located above the powder carrier surface, and the imaging module further includes a near-infrared imaging module. The near-infrared light source emits near-infrared light onto at least a portion of the coffee powder on the powder carrier surface, and the near-infrared imaging module outputs at least one near-infrared image based on the reflectance spectrum of the received near-infrared light. The aforementioned multi-frame target images include this at least one near-infrared image. When the processing module analyzes the powder information of the coffee powder based on the multi-frame target images, the processing module obtains the chromaticity information of the coffee based on the at least one near-infrared image and the pixel positions of the coffee powder. Optionally, the near-infrared light source includes a near-infrared light source emitting 850nm and / or 940nm wavelengths. Optionally, the white light source module and the near-infrared light source module alternately emit light beams. Through the cooperation of the white light source module and the near-infrared light source module with the imaging module containing the infrared imaging module, the processing module can use the target image formed when emitting white light to determine the pixel position of the coffee powder to accurately locate the coffee powder. Then, the infrared image is used to calculate the color value of the coffee powder by matching the pixel value at the corresponding pixel position.

[0052] In this application embodiment, the display screen displays powder information in various forms. In some examples, the powder information displayed on the display screen includes at least one of the following: particle size distribution, shape distribution, color distribution, particle size parameter, shape parameter, and color parameter of coffee powder. The particle size parameter, shape parameter, or color parameter includes at least one of the following: peak value, average value, standard deviation, quantity, quantity percentage, upper limit of a quantity percentage not exceeding a preset percentage, maximum value, and minimum value. For example, the display screen is used to display at least one of the following particle size parameters: particle size distribution, particle quantity, average particle size, standard deviation of particle size, minimum particle size, maximum particle size, Dx value, etc. Optionally, the display screen is also used to visualize at least one of the powder information. For example, the display screen is also used to display at least one of the following images of particle size, shape, or color: distribution histogram, particle size distribution curve, cumulative distribution curve, difference curve, and particle size-shape correlation diagram.

[0053] The distribution histogram and distribution curve indicate the quantity or proportion of coffee powder with different particle sizes, shapes, or colors in the current test. The particle size-shape correlation plot indicates the correlation between the particle size distribution and shape distribution in the coffee particles of the current test. The cumulative distribution curve displays the total percentage of particles smaller than a certain particle size, shape value, or color value, helping to visualize D10, D50, and D90 values, showing the cumulative situation of particle size, shape, or color. The difference curve displays the frequency or concentration of each particle size, shape, or color, highlighting the location where the particle size / shape / color is most concentrated in the distribution, and showing the respective peak and mode.

[0054] For example, such as Figures 6-9 As shown, Figures 6-9 These are schematic diagrams of different embodiments of the display interface of a coffee powder analysis device. Each display interface is used to display the powder information obtained by the processing module based on at least a portion of the target image previously obtained by the imaging module after the imaging module stops imaging the coffee powder.

[0055] Specifically, such as Figure 6 As shown, the display interface 601 is used to display parameters such as the D10, D50, and D90 values ​​of the coffee powder particle size, peak particle size, average particle size, standard deviation of particle size, and powder quantity. Optionally, the display interface is also used to display a particle size distribution histogram F1 and a cumulative particle size distribution curve F2 in the same coordinate system, where the horizontal axis of the coordinate system represents particle size, one vertical axis represents the quantity percentage, and the other vertical axis represents the cumulative particle size percentage.

[0056] like Figure 7 As shown, the display interface 701 is used to display parameters such as the D10, D50, and D90 values ​​of the shape of coffee powder, the peak shape value, the average shape value, the standard deviation of the shape, the minimum shape value, the maximum shape value, and the quantity of powder. Optionally, the display interface is also used to display a shape distribution histogram F3 and a cumulative shape distribution curve F4 in the same coordinate system, where the horizontal axis of the coordinate system represents the particle size, one vertical axis represents the quantity percentage, and the other vertical axis represents the cumulative shape percentage.

[0057] For example, such as Figure 8 As shown, the display interface 801 is used to display a particle size and shape correlation diagram of coffee powder. The particle size and shape correlation diagram is a point cloud diagram F5 displayed on the display screen in a coordinate system, where one of the horizontal and vertical axes represents particle size, and the other represents shape. Each point in the point cloud diagram represents a coffee particle. Optionally, as... Figure 9As shown, the display interface 801 is also used to receive a user's selection of the point cloud image and to display at least one particle size parameter of the selected point cloud. Optionally, when the user performs a selection operation on the point cloud image, the display interface 801 also displays a corresponding box 91. Optionally, at least one option can pop up on one side of the box 91. For example, after the user clicks on one of the options, the box is used to filter the point cloud image. As another example, after the user clicks on one of the options, the display interface 801 can jump to display an image of the filtered coffee powder.

[0058] like Figure 11 As shown, Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the workflow of the coffee powder analysis device of this application in one embodiment. The workflow includes: Step 1201, using a feeding module to move a portion of the coffee powder in the powder inlet channel as the current batch from the powder outlet of the powder inlet channel to the powder carrier surface. Step 1202, using a first powder-driving module to drive the coffee powder on the powder carrier surface to reduce the adhesion of the coffee powder on the powder carrier surface. Step 1203, using an imaging module to sequentially image at least a portion of the current batch of coffee powder on the powder carrier surface to obtain at least one target image. Step 1204, using the first powder-driving module to drive the coffee powder on the powder carrier surface to move, causing the coffee powder on the powder carrier surface to leave the powder carrier surface. After repeating steps 1201-1204 at least twice, step 1205 is executed, analyzing the powder information of the coffee powder based on the multiple target images obtained by the imaging module, the powder information including at least one of particle size information, shape information, and color information; and step 1206, displaying the powder information of the coffee powder on a display screen.

[0059] right Figure 11 For explanations of the steps in the illustrated embodiments and further details, please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 1 to 10 The relevant explanations and the above descriptions of coffee powder analysis equipment will not be repeated here.

[0060] This application also provides a coffee grinding system, including the coffee powder analysis device and grinding device described in any of the above embodiments. Figure 10 As shown, Figure 10This is a logical structure diagram of the coffee grinding system of this application. The coffee grinding system 100 includes a coffee grinding device 101 and a coffee powder analysis device 102. The coffee powder analysis device 102 can be any of the coffee powder analysis devices 102 described above. The coffee grinding device 101 includes a control module 1011 and a burr 1012. The burr 1012 is used to grind coffee beans into coffee powder, the inlet of the coffee powder analysis device is used to receive the coffee powder ground by the burr 1012, and the processing module in the coffee powder analysis device 102 is used to obtain the particle size information and / or shape information of the coffee powder. The control module 1011 is used to adjust at least one grinding parameter of the burr 1012 according to the particle size information and / or shape information of the coffee powder.

[0061] Optionally, the grinding parameters include burr rotation speed, burr spacing, or grinding time. For example, when the control module determines that the coffee powder particle size exceeds a first preset value, it increases the burr rotation speed to accelerate the grinding process and achieve the ideal coffee particle size. As another example, when the control module determines that the coffee powder shape is uneven or the particle size is smaller than a second preset value, it adjusts the burr spacing to make the grinding more uniform. Optionally, the coffee grinding equipment includes a powder outlet or a grinding chamber, and a coffee powder analysis device is installed inside the coffee grinder's powder outlet or grinding chamber so that the coffee powder analysis device can acquire the particle size and / or shape information of the coffee powder from the grinder in real time without interfering with the normal operation of the grinder. Optionally, the coffee powder analysis device is used to transmit the collected particle size and / or shape information to the grinder's control module in real time via a communication interface (such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or wired connection).

[0062] In this embodiment, a coffee powder analysis device provides real-time particle size and / or shape data of the ground coffee powder. The control module can dynamically adjust the grinder's operating parameters based on changes in this data. This allows the grinder to continuously adjust throughout the grinding process, ensuring that the coffee powder produced each time has a uniform particle size that meets requirements, thereby improving the consistency of the coffee's flavor and preventing excessively fine or coarse powder from affecting extraction. Furthermore, automatically adjusting the grinder's parameters reduces errors caused by human operation, making the grinding process more efficient and precise. Additionally, traditional grinders may experience unstable grinding results due to improper operation or aging; the addition of a coffee powder analysis device can automatically correct these issues and reduce errors. In some examples, the control module can also intelligently adjust based on real-time particle size and / or shape data, combined with preset target particle size and / or shape (such as coffee coarseness standards). For example, the control module can analyze historical grinding data using machine learning or deep learning algorithms to predict the optimal burr speed and spacing settings.

[0063] It should be understood that the processing module of this application can be implemented in various ways. For example, in some embodiments, it can be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware. The hardware portion can be implemented using dedicated logic; the software portion can be stored in memory and executed by an appropriate instruction execution system, such as a microprocessor or dedicated-design hardware. Those skilled in the art will understand that some steps in the above methods can be implemented using computer-executable instructions and / or included in the control code of a processor, such as in the memory of a disk, CD, or DVD-ROM. The processing module of this specification can be implemented not only by hardware circuits such as very large-scale integrated circuits or gate arrays, semiconductors such as logic chips and transistors, or programmable hardware devices such as field-programmable gate arrays and programmable logic devices, but also by software, for example, executed by various types of processors, or by a combination of the above hardware circuits and software (e.g., firmware).

[0064] It should be noted that the above description is for convenience only and should not be construed as limiting this specification to the examples provided. It is understood that those skilled in the art, after understanding the principles of the system, may arbitrarily combine the modules to form subsystems connected to other modules without departing from these principles. Alternatively, some modules may be split to obtain more modules or multiple units under a given module. Such variations are all within the scope of this specification. The basic concepts have been described above; obviously, for those skilled in the art, the detailed disclosure above is merely illustrative and does not constitute a limitation of this specification. Although not explicitly stated herein, those skilled in the art may make various modifications, improvements, and corrections to this specification. Such modifications, improvements, and corrections are taught in this specification and therefore still fall within the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments of this specification.

Claims

1. A coffee powder analysis device, characterized in that, It includes a powder inlet channel with a powder inlet and a powder outlet, a feeding module, a powder carrying surface, a first powder driving module, and an imaging module; The powder feeding channel is at least partially inclined to the powder inlet, so that coffee powder loaded from the powder inlet can fall into the powder feeding channel near the powder outlet under the action of gravity. The feeding module is used to transfer coffee powder in the powder feeding channel in batches from the powder outlet to the powder carrying surface. The feeding module includes a vibration module for driving at least part of the powder feeding channel to vibrate so as to vibrate the coffee powder in the powder feeding channel from the powder outlet to the powder carrying surface in sequence. The imaging module is used to image at least a portion of the coffee powder on the powder-carrying surface to obtain multiple frames of target images; The first powder-driving module is used to drive the coffee powder on the powder-carrying surface to move before the imaging module images at least a portion of the coffee powder on the powder-carrying surface, so as to reduce the adhesion of the coffee powder on the powder-carrying surface; and is used to drive the coffee powder on the powder-carrying surface to move after the imaging module images at least a portion of the coffee powder on the powder-carrying surface, so that the coffee powder on the powder-carrying surface leaves the powder-carrying surface.

2. The coffee powder analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The powder-carrying surface includes a first end and a second end opposite to each other, the powder outlet is located at the first end of the powder-carrying surface, and the coffee powder on the powder-carrying surface leaves the powder-carrying surface from the second end; The powder-carrying surface is inclined, and the first end is higher than the second end.

3. The coffee powder analysis device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first powder-driving module is located on the back side of the powder-carrying surface and is used to drive the powder-carrying surface to vibrate in the vertical direction; and / or, The first powder-repelling module is located on the back side of the powder-carrying surface and is aligned with the area between the center of the powder-carrying surface and the first end; the imaging module is located on the front side of the powder-carrying surface and its field of view covers the area between the center of the powder-carrying surface and the second end.

4. The coffee powder analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first powder driving module includes a first vibration source and a second vibration source, wherein the first vibration source and the second vibration source are used to alternately drive the powder-carrying surface to vibrate, and the vibration intensity of the second vibration source is higher than the vibration intensity of the first vibration source, and the vibration frequency and / or vibration duration of the second vibration source is lower than the vibration frequency and / or vibration duration of the first vibration source.

5. The coffee powder analysis device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first vibration source is used to emit sound waves to drive the powder-carrying surface to vibrate; and / or, The second vibration source includes an electromagnetic coil and a metal rod. The electromagnetic coil is used to drive the metal rod to strike the powder-carrying surface to drive the powder-carrying surface to vibrate.

6. The coffee powder analysis device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The coffee powder carrier surface includes a first end and a second end opposite to each other. The coffee powder outlet is located at the first end of the coffee powder carrier surface, and the coffee powder on the coffee powder carrier surface leaves the coffee powder carrier surface from the second end. The central axis of the coffee powder carrier surface extends from the coffee powder outlet to the second end. The first vibration source and the second vibration source are arranged along the central axis of the powder-carrying surface, and / or the distance between the second vibration source and the powder outlet is greater than the distance between the first vibration source and the powder outlet.

7. The coffee powder analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The powder feeding channel includes a powder dropping channel and a buffer channel. The powder dropping channel is inclined, and the buffer channel is horizontal. The powder inlet is located at one end of the powder discharge channel, and the powder outlet is located at one end of the buffer channel.

8. The coffee powder analysis device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The powder discharge channel and the buffer channel are connected, and the aperture at the connection point is smaller than the aperture of the powder inlet; and / or, The powder feeding channel is made of plastic, and the vibration module is used to drive the entire vibration of the powder feeding channel.

9. The coffee powder analysis device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The device also includes a top support and a bottom support, and the powder inlet channel is fixed to the bottom support by at least one shock-absorbing structure; A powder pouring spout is fixed to the top support, and the powder pouring spout is fixed above the powder inlet with a gap between them; coffee powder poured by the user falls from the powder pouring spout into the powder inlet; The imaging module is fixed inside the top bracket and faces the powder-carrying surface.

10. The coffee powder analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The imaging module includes a first lens and a second lens, wherein the field of view of the first lens is larger than the field of view of the second lens; wherein the field of view of the first lens covers at least a portion of the powder-carrying surface, and the field of view of the second lens covers a portion of the powder-carrying surface; and / or, the field of view of the first lens covers at least a portion of the field of view of the second lens. or, The imaging module includes a single lens, the area of ​​the powder-carrying surface covered by the field of view of the single lens having a wider width along the direction perpendicular to the central axis of the powder-carrying surface than its width along the direction parallel to the central axis of the powder-carrying surface. The coffee powder carrier surface includes a first end and a second end, the coffee powder outlet is located at the first end of the coffee powder carrier surface, the coffee powder on the coffee powder carrier surface leaves the coffee powder carrier surface from the second end, and the central axis of the coffee powder carrier surface extends from the coffee powder outlet to the second end.

11. The coffee powder analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The powder-carrying surface is covered with a superhydrophobic layer; and / or, The back side of the powder-carrying surface is also provided with an anti-static module for removing static electricity from at least the area of ​​the powder-carrying surface covered by the field of view of the imaging module; the anti-static module includes a boost module and two high-voltage electrodes connected to the boost module, wherein the two high-voltage electrodes are located on the back side of the powder-carrying surface.

12. The coffee powder analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device also includes a white light source module located above the powder carrier surface, and the imaging module includes a first imaging module for acquiring an RGB image of the coffee powder when the white light source module emits white light onto the powder carrier surface, and the multi-frame target image includes the RGB image; And / or, The device includes a near-infrared light source module located above the coffee powder carrier surface, and an imaging module including a near-infrared imaging module for emitting near-infrared light onto at least a portion of the coffee powder on the coffee powder carrier surface; the white light source module and the near-infrared light source module are used to alternately emit light beams; the multi-frame target image includes at least one near-infrared image output by the near-infrared imaging module based on the reflection spectrum of the received near-infrared light.

13. The coffee powder analysis apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The device also includes a processing module and a display screen; The processing module is used to analyze the powder information of the coffee powder based on the multi-frame target images, wherein the powder information includes at least one of particle size information, shape information, and color information; The display screen is used to display the powder information of the coffee powder.

14. The coffee powder analysis apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that, The device also includes a top bracket fixed above the powder carrier surface, and the display screen is fixed on the upper surface of the top bracket; And / or, The particle size information displayed on the screen includes at least one of the following: particle size distribution, particle count, average particle size, standard deviation of particle size, minimum particle size, maximum particle size, upper limit of particle size with a quantity ratio not exceeding a preset percentage, particle size distribution histogram, particle size distribution curve, particle size shape correlation diagram, cumulative particle size distribution curve, and particle size difference curve; or, The shape information includes at least one of the following: shape distribution, particle number, average shape value, standard deviation of shape, minimum shape value, maximum shape value, upper limit of shape quantity not exceeding a preset percentage, shape distribution histogram, shape distribution curve, particle size-shape correlation diagram, cumulative shape distribution curve, and shape difference curve; or... The chromaticity information includes at least one of the following: chromaticity distribution, particle count, average chromaticity value, standard deviation of chromaticity, minimum chromaticity value, maximum chromaticity value, upper limit of chromaticity with a quantity ratio not exceeding a preset percentage, chromaticity distribution histogram, chromaticity distribution curve, cumulative chromaticity distribution curve, and chromaticity difference curve.

15. A coffee grinding system, characterized in that, include: The coffee powder analysis apparatus and coffee grinding apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

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