Method and control device for detecting the availability of a liquid to be cooled in at least one storage container for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation device, method and control device for controlling a beverage preparation device for preparing the beverage in the beverage preparation device using a liquid to be cooled in at least one storage container, beverage preparation device and cooling device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for detecting the availability of a liquid to be cooled in at least one storage container (130) for the preparation of a beverage in a beverage preparation device (200). The method comprises a reading step, a determination step, and an output step. In the reading step, an information signal is read via an interface from a camera (135). The information signal represents information about the liquid in the storage container (130) in a cooling device (100). In the reading step, a temperature signal is also read. The temperature signal represents the liquid temperature of the liquid in the storage container (130) and additionally or alternatively an ambient temperature of the cooling device (100) and additionally or alternatively an internal temperature of the cooling device (100). In the determination step, a cooling signal is determined.The cooling signal represents information about the temperature of the liquid in the reservoir (130). The cooling signal is determined using the information signal and the temperature signal. In the output step, the cooling signal is output to a component of the cooling unit (100) and additionally or alternatively to an external central unit and additionally or alternatively to a user's mobile communication unit to indicate the availability of the liquid in the reservoir (130) for preparing the beverage in the beverage preparation unit (200).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a control device for detecting the availability of a liquid to be cooled in at least one storage container for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation device, a method and a control device for controlling a beverage preparation device for preparing the beverage in the beverage preparation device using a liquid to be cooled in at least one storage container, a beverage preparation device and a cooling device.

[0002] US patent 2013115343 A1 discloses a milk container that detects the fill level and transmits it to the coffee machine.

[0003] The invention aims to provide an improved method and an improved control device for detecting the availability of a liquid to be cooled in at least one storage container for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation device, an improved method and an improved control device for controlling a beverage preparation device for preparing the beverage in the beverage preparation device using a liquid to be cooled in at least one storage container, an improved beverage preparation device and an improved cooling device.

[0004] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a method and a control device for detecting the availability of a liquid to be cooled in at least one storage container for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation device, a method and a control device for controlling a beverage preparation device for preparing the beverage in the beverage preparation device using a liquid to be cooled in at least one storage container, a beverage preparation device, and a cooling device with the features of the main claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are described in the following dependent claims.

[0005] The advantages achievable with the invention consist in particular of the fact that a method can be created which enables the reliable preparation of a beverage.

[0006] A method for detecting the availability of a liquid to be cooled in at least one reservoir for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation device comprises a reading step, a determination step, and a dispensing step. In the reading step, an information signal is read from a camera via an interface. This information signal represents information about the liquid in the reservoir of a cooling device. Additionally, a temperature signal is read during the reading step. This temperature signal represents the liquid temperature in the reservoir and, additionally or alternatively, the ambient temperature of the cooling device and, additionally or alternatively, the temperature of the interior of the cooling device. In the determination step, a cooling signal is determined. This cooling signal represents information about the cooling status of the liquid in the reservoir.The cooling signal is determined using the information signal and the temperature signal. During the output step, the cooling signal is sent to a component of the cooling unit and additionally or alternatively to an external central unit and additionally or alternatively to a user's mobile communication unit to indicate the availability of liquid in the reservoir for beverage preparation in the beverage preparation device.

[0007] The storage container could be, for example, a milk container or carafe, and the liquid to be cooled could be, for example, milk. The camera could be positioned inside a cooling unit and capture the contents of the container. The data acquisition process could be performed via an interface from a sensor device. This sensor device could include, for example, an internal and an external temperature sensor. The cooling signal could then be displayed on a screen inside the cooling unit to show the user the temperature of the liquid in the storage container.

[0008] Using intelligently networked sensors, cameras, and cloud data synchronization, the temperature of the liquid in the storage container can be approximately calculated and / or determined. The approach presented here can therefore also be understood as a storage container with networked intelligence. Storage containers that are not actively cooled can warm up depending on the ambient temperature. With the approach presented here, the user can be informed to what extent the liquid in the storage container has warmed up over a given period of time.

[0009] During the reading step, the information signal can represent the point in time when the reservoir is inserted into the interior of the cooling unit. Using this point in time, the temperature of the liquid can be reliably determined.

[0010] During the reading step, the information signal can represent the fill level of the liquid in the storage container. Using the fill level, the temperature of the liquid can be reliably determined.

[0011] In the reading step, the information signal can be obtained using an image processing instruction, in particular an artificial intelligence algorithm.

[0012] During the determination phase, the cooling signal can represent the cooling time until a target temperature is reached and, additionally or alternatively, the current temperature of the liquid. This can increase user satisfaction.

[0013] A method for controlling a beverage preparation device to prepare the beverage in the beverage preparation device using a liquid to be cooled in at least one storage container comprises a reading step and an output step. In the reading step, a temperature signal is read, the temperature signal representing the temperature of the liquid in the storage container. In the output step, the temperature signal is output to an external central device for forwarding to a cooling unit in order to cool the liquid in the storage container in a subsequent process in the cooling unit.

[0014] During the dispensing step, a temperature signal can be issued to indicate if the liquid temperature is too high for preparing the beverage. This can increase user satisfaction by preventing the beverage from being prepared with a liquid that is too hot.

[0015] Although the described approach is based on a household appliance, the procedures described here can be used accordingly in connection with a commercial or professional device, for example a medical device, such as a cleaning or disinfection device, a small sterilizer, a large-capacity disinfector or a container washing system.

[0016] The approach presented here further creates a control device designed to perform, control, or implement the steps of a variant of the methods presented here in corresponding facilities. This embodiment of the invention in the form of a control device also allows the problem underlying the invention to be solved quickly and efficiently.

[0017] The control device can be configured to read input signals and use these input signals to determine and provide output signals. An input signal can, for example, be a sensor signal readable via an input interface of the control device. An output signal can be a control signal or a data signal that can be provided at an output interface of the device. The control device can be configured to determine the output signals using a processing instruction implemented in hardware or software. For example, the device can include a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, or a software module and may be implemented as, or comprised of, a discrete component.

[0018] A beverage preparation device comprises an embodiment of a control device mentioned herein. The beverage preparation device can, for example, be designed as a fully automatic coffee machine.

[0019] A cooling device comprises an embodiment of a control device mentioned herein. The cooling device can, for example, be designed as a refrigerator and include at least one camera for recording the interior of the cooling device. Additionally, the cooling device can include a temperature sensor for recording the temperature inside the cooling device.

[0020] A computer program product or computer program with program code that can be stored on a machine-readable medium such as semiconductor memory, hard disk memory, or optical memory is also advantageous. If the program product or program is executed on a computer or device, it can be used to carry out, implement, and / or control the steps of the method according to one of the embodiments described above.

[0021] An embodiment of the invention is shown purely schematically in the drawings and is described in more detail below. It shows Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a cooling device; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a cooling device; Fig. 3 a flowchart of an exemplary implementation of a process; Fig. 4 a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a control device; Fig. 5 a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method; and Fig. 6 a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a control device.

[0022] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a cooling device 100. More precisely, a partial representation of the cooling device 100 is shown, wherein the cooling device 100 is designed, for example, as a refrigerator.

[0023] The refrigerator 100, for example, has an interior 105 and a door 110 that closes the interior 105. The door 110 is shown in an open position only as an example, so that, for example, three compartments 115, 120, 125 for storing food and / or drinks are shown.

[0024] For example, a storage container 130 is arranged in compartment 115. The storage container 130 is designed to hold a liquid, for example milk, for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation appliance. The storage container 130 can therefore also be referred to as a milk carafe and / or milk container. The beverage preparation appliance is, for example, in Fig. 2 shown.

[0025] In compartment 115, according to one embodiment, a camera 135 is arranged which is designed to detect the storage container 130.

[0026] Additionally, the cooling unit 100 has a temperature sensor 140, which is shown here, for illustrative purposes, at the level of compartment 135. The temperature sensor 140 is designed, for example, to detect the temperature inside 105 of the cooling unit 100.

[0027] The cooling unit 100 also features a display device 145, which includes, for example, a control device 150. The display device 145 allows the user to, for example, view the temperature of the interior 105 and adjust operating settings. The display device 145 incorporates, for example, an ambient temperature sensor and the necessary electronics. A fan 155 is located below the display device 145, for example.

[0028] In an operational state, the user opens the door 110 of the cooling unit 100, which activates the camera 135. When the user places the storage container 130 into the compartment 115, this process is recorded by the camera 135. The camera records and stores, for example, the time the storage container 130 is placed into the interior 105. Additionally or alternatively, the fill level of the storage container 130 and the temperature of the liquid in the storage container 130 are recorded. Using this information, the cooling unit 100 determines the cooling status of the liquid in the storage container 130.

[0029] In the following Fig. Section 2 presents and explains the approach in more detail.

[0030] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a cooling device 100. The cooling device 100 is similar to or corresponds to the cooling device from [reference missing]. Fig. 1, except that the cooling unit is 100 in Fig. Figure 2 is shown in full. In addition, a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a beverage preparation device 200 is shown.

[0031] The refrigerator 100 is shown in its open position and additionally features, for example, a fourth compartment 205 and a drawer 210. The drawer 210 is designed, for example, to store vegetables and / or fruit and can therefore also be referred to as a vegetable drawer.

[0032] According to the embodiment shown here, a camera 135, 210, 215, 220 is arranged in each compartment 115, 120, 125, 205. Additionally, the cooling unit 100 has a temperature sensor 140, which is shown here, for illustrative purposes, at the level of compartment 120.

[0033] The cooling unit 100, for example, is connected to a Cloud 255 via signal transmission. The beverage preparation unit 200 is also connected to the Cloud 255 via signal transmission.

[0034] The beverage preparation unit 200 is, for example, designed as a fully automatic coffee machine and is designed to accommodate the storage container 130. The storage container 130 is inserted into a receiving area of ​​the beverage preparation unit 200 by a user.

[0035] The beverage preparation device 200 has a display device 260, which includes, for example, a control device 265. The user can make operating settings and select a beverage via the display device 260. Electronics are integrated into the display device 260, but this is only an example. A central outlet 270 is arranged below the display device 260, but this is only an example.

[0036] According to the embodiment shown here, the storage container 130 is arranged in the cooling unit 100 and on the beverage preparation unit 200 only as an example, in order to illustrate the approach presented here.

[0037] Beverage maker 200 often uses reservoir 130 to store the liquid. The reservoir 130 is either located next to the beverage maker 200 or is inserted into it. The reservoir 130 is typically inserted into the beverage maker 200 when it is switched on and is then exposed to room temperature. Depending on the ambient temperature, the liquid inside the reservoir 130 warms up. This liquid could be, for example, milk. Warm milk can negatively affect the milk frothing results of the beverage maker 200. Furthermore, milk bacteria can multiply more rapidly at higher temperatures, which reduces the shelf life of the milk.

[0038] Storage containers 130 are available in a variety of materials. They are primarily made of glass, plastic, and stainless steel, and insulated containers are also available. Storage container 130 is typically placed near the fully automatic beverage maker 200. Depending on the liquid requirements and user behavior, storage container 130 often remains at room temperature next to the beverage maker 200. Experience has shown that a small percentage of users remove storage container 130 from the refrigerator 100 to prepare a single beverage, which can also be described as a milk-based drink, and then return it to the refrigerator 100.

[0039] The majority of users remove the storage container 130 from the cooling unit 100, prepare a beverage with the liquid, which can also be described as a milk-based beverage, and leave the storage container 130 in or next to the beverage preparation unit 200 until further beverage preparation. This increases the temperature of the liquid according to the time the liquid has been at room temperature.

[0040] Modern refrigerators are equipped with various sensors. These include the temperature sensor integrated into the refrigerator. In addition, modern refrigerators are equipped with an ambient temperature sensor, which is usually located on the control or operating electronics. Finally, modern refrigerators and freezers have one or more camera modules. To determine the temperature of the liquid in the storage container, the aforementioned sensors (140), cameras (135, 210, 215, 220), and cloud matching functions are used to obtain an approximate temperature reading.

[0041] Data exchange and provision between devices 100 and 200 is carried out via cloud synchronization. Furthermore, extended information such as the removal of the storage container 130 from the cooling unit 100, the insertion of the storage container 130 into the beverage preparation unit 200, and the replacement of the storage container 130 are also synchronized via cloud-based data exchange.

[0042] The following are examples of the steps involved in the approach presented here: 1. When the storage container 130 of the beverage preparation unit 200 is placed in the refrigerator 100, this is detected by camera 135. Intelligent recognition is achieved through AI image data analysis. In this case, camera 135 is activated by the door opener signal. If a user has more than one storage container 130, a 2D barcode can be affixed to the container to distinguish it from the others. The 2D barcode is applied, for example, by a manufacturer. The time of storage of the storage container 130 is thus known and stored accordingly. This information can be stored locally on the electronics of the refrigerator 100 or made available to other devices via cloud synchronization. 2. Using camera 135, which can also be referred to as a refrigerator camera, the fill level of the storage container 130 is estimated, if possible, especially with transparent materials. This fill level determination is based on AI image data analysis. The determined fill level value can be stored locally on the electronics of the refrigerator 100 or made available to other devices via cloud synchronization. 3. Another parameter is the temperature prevailing in the cooling unit 100, also called the temperature setpoint. 4. The fourth parameter is the ambient temperature - recorded on the display device 145 of the cooling unit 100. 5. The residence time of the liquid-filled reservoir 130 in the cooling unit 100 until the target temperature is reached can be determined using the data from the preceding steps 1 to 4. The liquid inside the reservoir 130 can have different initial states.

[0043] Option 1: A calculation of the approximate temperature of the liquid by the beverage preparation device 200 is available, see also step 8, for example 30 percent carafe fill 10 degrees Celsius from step 8 of the calculated temperature return by the beverage preparation device 200.

[0044] Option 2: The storage container 130 was filled with chilled liquid, 80 percent carafe fill at 5 degrees Celsius based on the parameter from step 3.

[0045] Option 3: The storage container 130 was filled with UHT milk stored at room temperature. 100 percent fill of storage container 130 at 20 degrees Celsius, based on the parameter from step 4.

[0046] Depending on the temperature and fill level of the reservoir 130, as well as the temperature of the cooling compartment, the cooling time until the liquid in reservoir 130 reaches the target temperature can now be estimated. Once the target temperature is reached, the user can be notified via an app and cloud synchronization that the liquid in reservoir 130 has reached the target temperature.

[0047] 6. At the time of removal of the storage container 130 from the cooling unit 100, all data from steps 1 to 6 are now known and, through cloud data synchronization, these values ​​are also known to other end devices.

[0048] 7. When the storage container 130 is inserted into the beverage preparation device 200, this time is saved and made available to other devices via cloud data synchronization.

[0049] 8. The beverage preparation device 200 knows from step 7 when the storage container 130 was inserted. The ambient temperature is also known via cloud data exchange from the cooling unit 100. From step 2, the fill level of the storage container 130 at the time of removal is known. Furthermore, the temperature of the liquid, which can be estimated based on its residence time within the cooling unit 100, is known. Using these measurements and parameters, the beverage preparation device 200 can now determine an approximate temperature value for the liquid in the storage container 130. From the temperature of the liquid at the time of removal from the cooling unit 100, the fill level determined by camera 135, and the current ambient temperature, the beverage preparation device 200 can calculate the temperature increase of the liquid.

[0050] If liquid is dispensed by the beverage preparation unit 200, this reduced fill level is taken into account when calculating the liquid's temperature. All data and calculations are synchronized with the cloud at regular intervals.

[0051] 9. As mentioned previously, the reservoir 130, which is suspended in the beverage maker 200, is exposed to ambient temperature. If the liquid warms up due to the room temperature, a notification is triggered when a threshold value, for example 10 degrees Celsius, is exceeded. This notification can be sent via the beverage maker 200 and / or the app or cloud. The user is informed that the liquid in the reservoir 130 has become too warm, which can negatively affect the milk frothing process and the shelf life of the liquid. A recommendation to cool the liquid may also be displayed.

[0052] 10. The user removes the storage container 130, which is saved as an event in the device memory or synchronized in the cloud.

[0053] 11. The user places the storage container 130 into the cooling unit 100 according to the instructions. From this point on, the process starts again with step 1. All data is continuously synchronized with the cloud from all devices.

[0054] Instead of cloud-based data synchronization, data exchange and synchronization can also be carried out via a home appliance network. If no camera technology is available, a fictitious fill level value can be assumed or requested from the user and corrected if necessary during milk dispensing. If the beverage preparation unit 200 does not detect the storage container 130, a causal relationship between the door opening and the subsequent milk preparation can be interpreted as a withdrawal.

[0055] Intelligent data synchronization takes place between cooling units 100 and beverage preparation units 200 to create added value for the user. The temperature of the liquid in the storage container 130 is approximately calculated using the existing networked sensors. This eliminates the need for additional sensors.

[0056] The following is a summary of the approach presented here: 1. Detection of the storage container 130 using camera 135 and AI image processing with corresponding result in the form of storage time and storage date. 2. In addition, the fill level of the storage container 130 is determined using camera 135 and AI image processing and synchronized with all devices via the cloud. 3. Identification of the various storage containers 130 by means of an applied or manufacturer-applied 2D barcode. 4. Calculation of the required milk cooling time until reuse by the user. 5. Removal of the storage container 130 using camera 135 and AI image processing with corresponding result in the form of removal time and removal date. 6. Detection of the insertion of the storage container 130 by conductivity measurement; date and time of insertion are synchronized with the cloud. 7. Approximate calculation of milk heating based on the ambient temperature of the cooling unit 100 and the cloud-based fill level measurement by the AI ​​camera image analysis. 8. In the event of an impermissible increase in the temperature of the liquid based on the heating calculation, the user will be informed that the liquid is too warm and needs to be cooled. 9. The cooling time of the liquid in the cooling unit 100 until the desired setpoint is reached can be calculated and communicated to the user.

[0057] Fig. Figure 3 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 300 for detecting the availability of a liquid to be cooled in at least one storage container for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation device. The storage container and the beverage preparation device are similar to or correspond to the storage container and the beverage preparation device from one of the figures described above.

[0058] Procedure 300 includes a step 305 of reading, a step 310 of determining and a step 315 of outputting.

[0059] In step 305 of the reading process, an information signal is read from a camera via an interface. This information signal represents information about the liquid level in the reservoir of a cooling unit. According to one embodiment, the information signal represents the time at which the reservoir was inserted into an interior space of the cooling unit. Additionally or alternatively, the information signal represents the liquid level in the reservoir. Additionally or alternatively, in step 305 of the reading process, the information signal is obtained using an image processing instruction, in particular an artificial intelligence algorithm.

[0060] In step 305 of the data acquisition process, a temperature signal is also read. This temperature signal represents the temperature of the liquid in the reservoir and, additionally or alternatively, the ambient temperature of the cooling unit and, additionally or alternatively, the temperature of the interior of the cooling unit.

[0061] In step 310 of the determination process, a cooling signal is determined. The cooling signal represents cooling information for the liquid in the storage tank. The cooling signal is determined using the information signal and the temperature signal. According to one embodiment, the cooling signal represents the cooling time until a target temperature is reached and / or the current temperature of the liquid.

[0062] In step 315 of the output process, the cooling signal is output to a component of the cooling unit and additionally or alternatively to an external central unit and additionally or alternatively to a user's mobile communication unit to indicate the availability of the liquid in the reservoir for preparing the beverage in the beverage preparation device.

[0063] Fig. Figure 4 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a control device 150 for detecting the availability of a liquid to be cooled in at least one storage container for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation device. The control device 150 is designed to control the method from Fig. 3 or a similar procedure to target and / or execute.

[0064] For this purpose, the control device 150 has a unit 405 for reading, a unit 410 for determining and a unit 415 for outputting.

[0065] The reading unit 405 is configured to read the information signal 402 from the camera via an interface. The information signal 402 represents information about the liquid in the reservoir of a cooling unit. According to one embodiment, the information signal 402 represents the time of insertion of the reservoir into an interior space of the cooling unit. Additionally or alternatively, the information signal 402 represents the fill level of the liquid in the reservoir. Additionally or alternatively, the reading unit 405 is configured to obtain the information signal 402 using an image processing instruction, in particular an artificial intelligence algorithm.

[0066] The input unit 405 is additionally designed to receive a temperature signal 408. The temperature signal 408 represents the liquid temperature of the liquid in the reservoir and, additionally or alternatively, the ambient temperature of the cooling unit and, additionally or alternatively, the temperature of the interior of the cooling unit.

[0067] The unit 410 is designed to determine a cooling signal 412. The cooling signal 412 represents cooling information about the liquid in the storage container. The cooling signal 412 is determined using the information signal 402 and the temperature signal 408. According to one embodiment, the cooling signal 412 represents the cooling time until a target temperature is reached and / or the current temperature of the liquid.

[0068] The output unit 415 is designed to output the cooling signal 412 to a component of the cooling device and additionally or alternatively to an external central unit and additionally or alternatively to a mobile communication unit of a user, in order to indicate the availability of the liquid in the reservoir for preparing the beverage in the beverage preparation device.

[0069] Fig. Figure 5 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 500 for controlling a beverage preparation device for preparing the beverage in the beverage preparation device using a liquid to be cooled in at least one storage container. The storage container and the beverage preparation device are similar to or correspond to the storage container and the beverage preparation device from one of the figures described above.

[0070] The procedure 500 comprises a reading step 505 and an output step 510. In reading step 505, a temperature signal is read, where the temperature signal represents the temperature of the liquid in the reservoir. In output step 510, the temperature signal is output to an external central unit for forwarding to a cooling unit in order to cool the liquid in the reservoir in a subsequent process within the cooling unit.

[0071] According to one embodiment, in step 510 of the output process, information about a temperature of the liquid being too high for the preparation of the beverage is output as a temperature signal.

[0072] Fig. Figure 6 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a control device 265 for controlling a beverage preparation device for preparing the beverage in the beverage preparation device using a liquid to be cooled in at least one storage container. The control device 265 is designed to carry out the method from Fig. 5 or a similar procedure to target and / or execute.

[0073] For this purpose, the control device 265 has a unit 605 for reading and a unit 610 for outputting. The unit 605 for reading is configured to read a temperature signal 602, wherein the temperature signal 602 represents a temperature of the liquid in the storage container.

[0074] The output unit 610 is designed to output the temperature signal 602 to an external central unit for forwarding to a cooling unit in order to cool the liquid in the storage container in a subsequent process within the cooling unit. According to one embodiment, the temperature signal 602 provides information indicating that the liquid temperature is too high for the preparation of the beverage. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 2013115343 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Method (300) for detecting the availability of a liquid to be cooled in at least one storage container (130) for the preparation of a beverage in a beverage preparation appliance (200), wherein the method (300) comprises the following steps: Reading (305) an information signal (402) via an interface from a camera (135), wherein the information signal (402) represents information about the liquid in the reservoir (130) in a cooling device (100), and reading (305) a temperature signal (408), wherein the temperature signal (408) represents a liquid temperature of the liquid in the reservoir (130) and / or an ambient temperature of the cooling device (100) and / or a temperature of an interior (105) of the cooling device (100); Determining (310) a cooling signal (412), wherein the cooling signal (412) represents cooling information of the liquid in the storage container (130), wherein the cooling signal (412) is determined using the information signal (402) and the temperature signal (408); and Output (315) of the cooling signal (412) to a component of the cooling unit (100) and / or to an external central unit and / or to a user's mobile communication unit to indicate the availability of the liquid in the reservoir (130) for the preparation of the beverage in the beverage preparation unit (200). [2] Method (300) according to claim 1, wherein in step (305) of reading the information signal (402) represents a time of insertion of the storage container (130) into the interior (105) of the cooling device (100). [3] Method (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in step (305) of reading the information signal (402) represents a fill level of the liquid in the storage container (130). [4] Method (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in step (305) of reading the information signal (402) is obtained using an image processing instruction, in particular an algorithm of an artificial intelligence. [5] Method (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in step (310) of determining the cooling signal (412) represents a cooling time until a target temperature is reached and / or a current temperature of the liquid. [6] Method (500) for controlling a beverage preparation device (200) for preparing the beverage in the beverage preparation device (200) using a liquid to be cooled in at least one storage container (130), wherein the method (500) comprises the following steps: Reading (505) a temperature signal (602), wherein the temperature signal (602) represents a temperature of the liquid in the reservoir (130); and Output (510) of the temperature signal (602) to an external central device for forwarding to a cooling unit (100) in order to cool the liquid in the storage container (130) in a subsequent process in the cooling unit (100). [7] Method (500) according to claim 6, wherein in the step of outputting as a temperature signal (602) information about a temperature of the liquid being too high for preparation of the beverage is output. [8] Control device (150; 265) configured to perform and / or control the steps (305, 310, 315; 505, 510) of the method (300; 500) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and / or 6 to 7 in corresponding units (405, 410, 415; 605, 610). [9] Beverage preparation device (200) with a control device (265) according to claim 8. [10] Cooling device (100) with a control device (150) according to claim 8. [11] Computer program product with program code for carrying out the method (300; 500) according to one of claims 1 to 5 and / or 6 to 7, when the computer program product is executed on a control device (150; 265). [12] Machine-readable storage medium on which the computer program according to claim 11 is stored.

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