Electronic apparatus

Abstract

To provide pleasure related to drink.SOLUTION: When liquid poured into a dripper for storing a material to extract a drink is received in a container arranged on the lower side of the dripper, an electronic apparatus adjusts an extraction speed by limiting a degree of opening in a flow path from the dripper to the container, and executes processing to shield the flow path when the amount of the liquid to be received in the container becomes the predetermined amount.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device, and particularly to an electronic device, an information processing method, and a program used when extracting a beverage.

Background Art

[0002] Around the world, various beverages such as coffee, black tea, and green tea are consumed. In addition, there are a number of devices (extraction devices) for brewing these beverages, and various devices are still being proposed. For example, there is a coffee dripper for extracting coffee (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above-described conventional technology, various devices can be used to brew a beverage according to an individual's preference. However, in order to make a preferred beverage, a certain level of skilled technique may be required. Therefore, if a device that can assist a user when brewing a beverage can be used, the possibility of making a good beverage is high, which is convenient, and it is considered that the pleasure of making a beverage increases.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide enjoyment related to beverages.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is an electronic device that is disposed above a container when storing the liquid poured into a dripper containing a substance for extracting a drink in the container disposed below the dripper, and performs a process for adjusting the supply of the liquid from the dripper to the container. It is also a processing method for performing the process and a program for causing a computer to execute the method.

[0007] Also, in that aspect, the electronic device may be disposed between the dripper and the container so as to be usable.

[0008] Also, in that aspect, the electronic device may be provided in the dripper.

[0009] Also, in those aspects, an extraction stop unit for blocking the supply of the liquid from the dripper to the container is provided, and the extraction stop unit may perform the blocking of the supply as the adjustment at the timing when the liquid volume of the liquid stored in the container reaches a predetermined liquid volume.

[0010] Also, in those aspects, a liquid volume detection unit for detecting the liquid volume accumulated in the container may be provided, and the process for the adjustment may be performed based on the liquid volume detected by the liquid volume detection unit.

[0011] Also, in those aspects, the liquid volume detection unit may acquire an image of the liquid accumulated in the container and detect the liquid volume of the liquid accumulated in the container based on the acquired image.

[0012] Also, in those aspects, a weighing unit for weighing the weight of the substance contained in the dripper and the liquid remaining inside the dripper may be provided, and the process for the adjustment may be performed based on the weight detected by the weighing unit.

[0013] Further, in those forms, a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature in the flow path of the liquid from the dropper to the container may be provided, and processing for the adjustment may be performed based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit.

[0014] Further, in those forms, processing for determining at least one of the amount of the substance used for the extraction and the amount of the liquid stored in the container may be performed using component data indicating the relationship between the amount of the substance and the amount of the liquid stored in the container.

[0015] Further, in those forms, a weighing unit that weighs the substance contained in the dropper and the liquid remaining inside the dropper, and a control unit that performs control to output at least one of the amount of liquid detected by the liquid amount detection unit and the weight measured by the weighing unit as extraction status information indicating the extraction status of the drink during the period from the start to the end of the drop of the liquid may be further provided.

[0016] Further, in those forms, the control unit may perform control to output information that can compare the extraction status based on extraction history data regarding the transition at the time of extraction of the amount of liquid detected by the liquid amount detection unit and the weight measured by the weighing unit, and the extraction status information.

[0017] Further, in those forms, the electronic device may perform processing for the adjustment in the extraction by the hand drip method.

[0018] Further, one form of the present invention is an electronic device that performs processing for outputting support information regarding the liquid to be poured into the dropper from an output unit based on the measurement of the substance contained in the dropper and the liquid to be poured into the dropper when storing the liquid poured into the dropper containing the substance for extracting a drink in a container arranged below the dropper. It is also a processing method for performing that processing and a program for causing a computer to execute that method.

[0019] Also, in that form, the support information may be output based on the result of comparing the measurement result in the predetermined extraction history data regarding the transition at the time of the extraction of the measurement result with the measurement result performed during the extraction.

[0020] Also, in that form, it may include a liquid volume detection unit that detects the volume of liquid accumulated in the container, a weighing unit that weighs the substance accommodated in the dropper and the liquid remaining inside the dropper, and a control unit that performs control to output the support information from the output unit using at least one of the liquid volume detected by the liquid volume detection unit and the weight measured by the weighing unit as the measurement result.

[0021] Also, one form of the present invention is an electronic device that, when storing the liquid poured into a dropper containing a substance for extracting a drink in a container disposed below the dropper, restricts the degree of opening in the flow path from the dropper to the container to adjust the extraction speed, and performs a process for shielding the flow path when the volume of the liquid stored in the container reaches a predetermined volume. It is also a processing method for performing that process and a program for causing a computer to execute that method.

[0022] Also, in that form, it may include a liquid volume detection unit that detects the volume of liquid accumulated in the container, and a control unit that performs control to adjust the extraction speed during the extraction so that the transition of the liquid volume detected by the liquid volume detection unit approaches the reference transition at the time of extraction of the liquid volume accumulated in the container.

[0023] Also, in that form, it may include a control unit that performs control to adjust the extraction speed during the extraction based on the reference transition at the time of extraction of the degree of opening.

[0024] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is an electronic device that performs a process for adjusting the supply of the liquid from the dropper to the container based on the measurement of the liquid accumulated in the dropper when accumulating the liquid poured into the dropper containing a substance for extracting a drink in a container disposed below the dropper. It is also a processing method for performing the process and a program for causing a computer to execute the method. In addition, one embodiment of the present invention has a control unit that displays an input screen on a panel that displays various information and accepts user operations, and displays input information based on the user operations on the input screen. The control unit displays a first operation identifier for accepting an operation to discard the input content on the input screen and return to the first screen displayed immediately before the input screen, and a second operation identifier for accepting an operation to save the input content on the input screen and return to the first screen on the input screen. When an operation of the first operation identifier is received, the input content on the input screen is discarded, the input screen is erased, and the first screen is displayed. When an operation of the second operation identifier is received, the input content on the input screen is saved in a storage unit, the input screen is erased, and the first screen is displayed. It is also a processing method for performing the process and a program for causing a computer to execute the method.

Effects of the Invention

[0025] According to the present invention, there is an effect that fun related to drinks can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0028] [First Embodiment: Example of Stopping Extraction When the Target Amount of Water Accumulates in the Container When Coffee is Put In] [Example of External Configuration of Coffee Extractor and Electronic Device] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of a coffee extractor 1 to which an electronic device 20 in the first embodiment is attached. FIG. 1(1) shows a perspective view of the coffee extractor 1 to which the electronic device 20 is attached, and FIG. 1(2) shows a side view of the coffee extractor 1 to which the electronic device 20 is attached.

[0029] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view and a side view when the electronic device 20 is removed from the coffee extractor 1 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2(1) shows a perspective view of the coffee extractor 1, and FIG. 3(2) shows a side view of the dripper 10.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration and a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 20 in the first embodiment. FIG. 3(1) shows a top view of the electronic device 20, and FIG. 3(2) shows a bottom view of the electronic device 20. Further, FIG. 3(3) shows a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 20 when the extraction liquid falls into the container, and FIG. 3(4) shows a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 20 when the fall of the extraction liquid into the container is blocked.

[0031] The coffee extractor 1 includes a dripper 10, an electronic device 20, and a container 40. Note that the coffee extractor 1 can be referred to as a drink extractor, a device for filtering a drink, a drink generating device, or the like.

[0032] The dripper 10 has a housing portion 11, a flange portion 12, and leg portions 13, and is a coffee dripper that is disposed at the opening 42 of the container 40 and used when the electronic device 20 is not used. In the first embodiment, the description will be made assuming that the electronic device 20 is attached to the lower part of the flange portion 12.

[0033] The housing part 11 is a housing part that houses the powder obtained by grinding coffee beans inside. At the bottom, there is a hole (a hole penetrating in the vertical direction) for allowing the hot water poured into the housing part 11 to flow down. In this way, the housing part 11 has an upper opening for pouring hot water onto the coffee powder (powder obtained by grinding coffee beans) from above, and a hole (lower opening, extraction port) for dropping the hot water poured onto the coffee powder into the container 40. Further, the housing part 11 is a device for pouring the hot water poured onto the coffee powder housed inside through the powder into the container 40 arranged below the housing part 11. Note that in FIG. 1, although not shown, various members such as a handle may be provided on the outer surface of the housing part 11.

[0034] For example, the housing part 11 can be formed in a funnel shape and be a housing part that holds a paper filter for filtering the liquid extracted (dripped out) from coffee beans. Also, the housing part 11 may be a metal filter, or may be a housing part that holds a nel filter. Further, the shape of the housing part 11 can be various shapes such as a trapezoidal shape, a conical shape, a basket shape, etc.

[0035] The flange part 12 is a disk-shaped flange part that spreads outward from the lower part of the housing part 11 in the horizontal direction. Also, the flange part 12 is provided at the lower part of the housing part 11 and stably supports the housing part 11 when the housing part 11 is installed in the opening 42 of the container 40.

[0036] The leg part 13 is a ring-shaped protrusion provided on the lower surface of the flange part 12, and supports the dripper 10 when the dripper 10 is placed directly on a part other than the opening 42 of the container 40. Note that the leg part 13 corresponds to the bottom, the thread bottom, and the thread end of pottery (for example, a tea bowl, a bowl). Also, in FIG. 2, an example where the leg part 13 is a ring-shaped protrusion is shown, but the leg part 13 may be a plurality of protrusions of three or more points (for example, a plurality of protrusions arranged on the circumference) so as to be able to support the dripper 10.

[0037] Note that the storage part 11, the flange part 12, and the leg part 13 may be integrally formed of heat-resistant glass, pottery, resin, etc., or the storage part 11, the flange part 12, and the leg part 13 may be separately formed and joined. Note that the leg part 13 may be omitted.

[0038] The container 40 is a container (coffee server) that stores the coffee bean extract flowing down from the dripper 10. The container 40 also has an opening 42 for receiving the coffee bean extract flowing down from the dripper 10, and supports the dripper 10 disposed at the opening 42. Note that the container 40 can be made of heat-resistant glass. Also, the container 40 may be made of a member with enhanced heat retention properties (for example, a stainless steel server), or a pottery one may be used. Further, the shape of the container 40 can be various shapes other than the shape shown in FIG. 1. Note that in FIG. 1, although not shown, various members such as a handle may be provided on the outer surface of the container 40.

[0039] The electronic device 20 is an electronic device or an information processing device that is attached so as to be sandwiched between the flange part 12 of the dripper 10 and the opening 42 of the container 40. That is, the electronic device 20 is an electronic device or an information processing device that can be used by being disposed between the flange part 12 of the dripper 10 and the opening 42 of the container 40 (between the dripper 10 and the container 40).

[0040] Further, the electronic device 20 can be configured to accommodate each device in a rectangular housing. Also, in the first embodiment, since the external shape of the electronic device 20 assumes a rectangular housing, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, it can have a shape similar to a general digital kitchen scale. Note that the first embodiment is not limited to this, and other shapes may be used as long as the shape allows for stable extraction by being sandwiched between the flange portion 12 of the dropper 10 and the opening 42 of the container 40. For example, it can be a cylindrical or square housing. Further, the electronic device 20 may be connected to other devices (e.g., a display device or an audio output device) via a predetermined interface (using a wired communication cable or wireless communication) so that each piece of information is output from the other devices.

[0041] Also, since the housing constituting the electronic device 20 comes into contact with hot water and steam, it is desirable to use heat-resistant members such as metal, polypropylene, and AS resin.

[0042] On the upper surface of the electronic device 20 (mainly refer to FIG. 3(1)), a power button 21, a touch panel display 22, and a weighing platform 24 are provided.

[0043] The power button 21 is a button for turning on or off the power of the electronic device 20 by pressing it. In the first embodiment, an example where the power button 21 is arranged on the upper surface of the electronic device 20 is shown, but it is not limited to this, and it may be arranged on other parts of the electronic device 20 (e.g., the side surface, the lower surface). Also, the power button 21 may be omitted and the power may be turned on by other means. For example, instead of turning on the power by pressing the power button 21, the power may be automatically turned on when a weight is applied to the weighing platform 24.

[0044] The touch panel display 22 is a device for input and display, and is composed of a touch panel type display. That is, it is composed of a display panel and a touch panel superimposed on the display panel. The display panel is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. Also, the touch panel is composed of, for example, a capacitance type touch panel.

[0045] In the first embodiment, although the touch panel display 22 provided in the electronic device 20 is assumed as the input device and the display device of the electronic device 20, it is not limited thereto. For example, an input unit and an output unit (display unit) may be configured by a display panel without an input device and physical operation members (an example of an input device) such as a determination button and a cross key button. Also, the input device and the display device of the electronic device 20 may be detachable from the electronic device 20 or may be another device wirelessly connected to the electronic device 20. Examples of using wireless devices such as smartphones and tablet terminals as the input device and the display device will be described in the second and third embodiments.

[0046] The weighing platform 24 is for placing the dropper 10 which is an object to be weighed. That is, the electronic device 20 is in contact with the flange portion 12 of the dropper 10 via the weighing platform 24. Note that the weight of the dropper 10 itself and the weight of coffee powder or liquid placed in the dropper 10 are applied to the weighing platform 24, and these weights are measured.

[0047] In the first embodiment, this weighing platform 24 has a shape in which a hole (hole 26) is provided at the center of a circular plate. In this way, the weighing platform 24 has a hole (hole 26) provided at the center of the weighing platform 24 so as not to prevent the liquid from dropping from the dropper 10 to the container 40.

[0048] This hole 26 is not provided only in the weighing platform 24 on the upper surface of the electronic device 20, but is provided as a hole penetrating to the lower surface of the electronic device 20. In FIG. 2(1) showing a perspective view of the electronic device 20, the state of the hole penetrating is shown by a cylinder indicated by a broken line inside the electronic device 20, and in FIGS. 3(3) and 3(4) showing a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 20, it is shown as a hole penetrating from the upper surface to the lower surface of the electronic device 20 and open.

[0049] In addition, the hole 26 provided in this weighing platform 24 is preferably made narrower than the outer diameter of the flange portion 12 of the dropper 10 and wider than the outer diameter of the leg portion 13. By doing so, the flange portion 12 can be stably installed on the weighing platform 24, and the protruding leg portion 13 can be disposed inside the hole 26. That is, the dropper 10 can be stably installed on the weighing platform 24.

[0050] Regarding the hole 26 in the weighing platform 24, if it can be changed to various sizes, the electronic device 20 can be made compatible with various droppers, and the convenience is expanded. For example, by preparing weighing platforms 24 with holes 26 of various sizes and making the weighing platforms 24 removable, various droppers can be stably installed and the electronic device 20 can be used.

[0051] Also, although the weighing platform 24 is assumed to have a circular outer periphery, it is not limited to this, and other shapes may be used. For example, the outer periphery and the inner periphery may be polygonal (for example, triangular or quadrangular), or the outer periphery and the inner periphery may have different shapes.

[0052] On the lower surface of the electronic device 20 (mainly refer to FIG. 3(2)), a drainage container 23, a liquid volume detection unit 25, a speaker 28, and four container position fixing parts 31a to 31d are provided.

[0053] The drainage container 23 is a container for storing the extraction liquid (drainage) that accumulates inside the electronic device 20 when the fall of the extraction liquid from the dropper 10 to the container 40 is obstructed. The inlet and outlet of the extraction liquid of this drainage container 23 are connected to a hole 26 that penetrates from the upper surface to the lower surface of the electronic device 20 and opens (see Fig. 2(1), Fig. 3(3), and Fig. 3(4)). Further, this drainage container 23 is removable from the electronic device 20, and the user discards the accumulated liquid so that the liquid accumulated in this drainage container 23 does not overflow from the electronic device 20. In addition, a function for checking that the drainage container 23 is empty before the extraction operation may be provided in the electronic device 20 so that the user does not forget to discard the liquid.

[0054] Note that the details of the extraction liquid being obstructed from falling inside the electronic device 20 and accumulating in the drainage container 23 will be described in detail later using Figs. 3(3) and (4), which are cross-sectional views of the electronic device 20, so the description here is omitted.

[0055] Also, in the first embodiment, an example of the electronic device 20 in which the drainage container 23 is provided has been described, but it is not limited thereto. When the fall of the extraction liquid from the dropper 10 to the container 40 is obstructed, the extraction liquid may not fall into the container 40. For example, instead of providing a container for accumulating liquid in the electronic device 20, it is also conceivable to make it flow down to a container such as a cup placed near the electronic device 20. In this case, instead of the drainage container 23, a structure for guiding the extraction liquid to a container such as a cup (for example, guiding it to the cup with a silicone tube) is provided. It is also conceivable to provide a space inside the electronic device 20 that serves as an alternative to the drainage container. An example of this alternative space will be described in the seventh embodiment.

[0056] The liquid volume detection unit 25 is for detecting the volume (extraction volume) of the extraction liquid accumulated in the container 40. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the liquid volume detection unit 25 detects the volume of the extraction liquid accumulated in the container 40 from an image obtained by imaging the inside of the container 40. In FIG. 3(2), two circles indicating a camera module composed of an image sensor and a lens and an LED (Light Emitting Diode) light for brightening the inside of the container 40 when it is dark are shown in the liquid volume detection unit 25.

[0057] The camera module and the LED light provided as the liquid volume detection unit 25 are arranged at positions where they can image or brighten the inside of the container 40, such as the bottom or wall surface of the container 40 or the liquid surface of the extraction liquid accumulated in the container 40. In the first embodiment, the liquid volume detection unit 25 is arranged at a position of the electronic device 20 that is inside the opening 42 when the electronic device 20 is arranged on the container 40 so that even a container 40 made of an opaque member such as a stainless steel server can be handled. Note that it is desirable that the lens of the camera module can image as wide a range as possible so that the edges of the wall of the container 40 and the upper surface (water surface) of the extraction liquid can be imaged as much as possible. That is, it is desirable that the lens of the camera module has optical characteristics classified as an ultra-wide-angle lens or a fish-eye lens.

[0058] Also, by providing the LED light together with the camera module, it becomes possible to capture a bright image even when using a container 40 made of an opaque member such as a stainless steel server, and it becomes possible to appropriately detect the liquid volume.

[0059] The speaker 28 is for outputting various sound information such as warning sounds, operation sounds, and voice guidance. For example, when the coffee extraction is finished, the speaker 28 outputs a melody notifying that it has ended.

[0060] The container position fixing parts 31a to 31d are for fixing the positional relationship between the electronic device 20 and the container 40. The container position fixing parts 31a to 31d are structures that project from the electronic device 20 at positions lightly contacting the outer periphery of the opening 42 of the container 40. By providing a plurality of them, the positions of the electronic device 20 and the container 40 are fixed. In the first embodiment, four container position fixing parts 31a to 31d are provided in the respective directions of the four sides of the electronic device 20. Note that the container position fixing part 31a on the side (the left side in Fig. 3(2)) where the touch panel display 22 of the electronic device 20 is provided has a triangular cutout so as to correspond to the shape of the pouring port of the container 40.

[0061] In addition, in order for the container position fixing parts 31a to 31d to correspond to a plurality of containers 40 having different sizes of the opening 42, it is desirable that the positions of the container position fixing parts 31a to 31d can be adjusted according to the size of the opening 42. In Fig. 3(2), it is assumed that the container position fixing parts 31a to 31d are slid, and grooves indicating the sliding range are respectively shown by thin rectangles orthogonal to the container position fixing parts 31a to 31d.

[0062] The container position fixing parts 31a to 31d are for preventing the positional relationship between the electronic device 20 and the container 40 from shifting even when the container 40 is removed each time extraction is performed, and by making the positional relationship constant, it becomes easier to detect the liquid volume by the liquid volume detection part 25.

[0063] Next, the operation of preventing the extracted liquid from dropping by the electronic device 20 (also referred to as the operation of shielding the flow path of the extracted liquid) will be described with reference to Figs. 3(3) and 3(4). Note that Figs. 3(3) and 3(4) show cross-sections at the broken line 99 in Fig. 3(1), and show cross-sectional views when viewed in the direction of the arrow 97 orthogonal to the broken line 99 at the right end of the broken line 99.

[0064] Fig. 3(3) shows an example of a cross-sectional view when the extracted liquid drops from the dropper 10 to the container 40 before the blocking operation by the electronic device 20. Fig. 3(4) shows an example of a cross-sectional view when the blocking operation by the electronic device 20 is performed and the extracted liquid flows from the dropper 10 to the drainage container 23.

[0065] In FIGS. 3(3) and 3(4), in addition to the housing (case) of the electronic device 20, cross-sectional views of the drainage container 23, the weighing table 24, the liquid level detection unit 25, the weighing unit 27, and the extraction stop unit 32 are shown. Since the configurations other than the weighing unit 27 and the extraction stop unit 32 have already been described, the description thereof is omitted. Also, the container position fixing parts 31a to 31d are not shown.

[0066] The weighing unit 27 measures the weight of the substance placed on the weighing table 24. That is, this weighing unit 27 corresponds to a load cell and a circuit unit provided in an electronic scale.

[0067] The extraction stop unit 32 closes the passage (flow path) of the extraction liquid from the dropper 10 to the container 40 at the timing of the end of extraction to prevent the extraction liquid from falling into the container 40 and stop the extraction. This extraction stop unit 32 is provided in the middle of the hole 26 that penetrates from the upper surface to the lower surface of the electronic device 20 and is open.

[0068] In the first embodiment, it is assumed that as the extraction stop unit 32, when the blocking operation is not performed (during extraction), it is stored in the housing of the electronic device 20 around the hole 26, and when the blocking operation is performed (after the end of extraction), a plate 32b that protrudes into the hole 26 is provided.

[0069] As shown in FIGS. 3(3) and 3(4), a plate housing portion 32a is provided on the side (the left side in FIG. 3) where the touch panel display 22 is provided inside the electronic device 20. This plate housing portion 32a houses the plate 32b so as to be slidable in the horizontal direction, and the length in the slide direction is made longer than the length of the plate 32b in the slide direction. For example, the plate housing portion 32a and the plate 32b are realized by members having a rail structure that enables the plate 32b to move in the slide direction and restricts the movement of the plate 32b in the orthogonal direction (vertical direction, horizontal direction) orthogonal to the slide direction.

[0070] In addition, the plate 32b is a single plate (for example, a rectangular plate with both the short side and the long side longer than the diameter of the outer periphery of the hole 26) whose sides are longer than the diameter of the outer periphery of the hole 26, and is slidably held in the plate housing portion 32a. Further, the plate 32b projects toward the side where the drainage container 23 is provided (the right side in FIG. 3) so as to close the hole 26, thereby preventing the extract from falling into the container 40. The sliding operation for projecting the plate 32b and the storing operation for storing the plate 32b in the plate housing portion 32a are performed by, for example, driving means (for example, a motor, an actuator) provided in the housing.

[0071] Note that the broken lines 98 in FIGS. 3(3) and 3(4) indicate the difference in the traveling direction of the extract due to the operation of the extraction stop portion 32. FIG. 3(3) shows that the extract flows from the dropper 10 to the container 40 when the blocking operation is not performed, and FIG. 3(4) shows that the extract flows from the dropper 10 to the drainage container 23 when the blocking operation is performed.

[0072] In the first embodiment, it is assumed that a single plate 32b is used to prevent the extract from falling into the container 40, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it is also conceivable to prevent the extract from falling into the container 40 by moving a plurality of blades (plates) like the aperture of a camera lens to close or open the hole. It is also conceivable to prevent the extract from falling into the container 40 by changing the orientation of the plate that was oriented in the vertical direction inside the hole 26 to the horizontal direction. An example of preventing the extract from falling into the container 40 by changing the orientation of the plate that was oriented in the vertical direction to the horizontal direction will be described in the fourth and fifth embodiments later.

[0073] Regarding the shape and arrangement of the plate 32b, it is also conceivable to provide a groove for guiding the flow of the liquid on the upper surface of the plate 32b, or to install the plate 32b so that it can slide in an oblique direction to guide the flow of the liquid.

[0074] In the first embodiment, an example was described in which the plate 32b whose both sides are longer than the diameter of the hole 26 simply slides horizontally to close the hole 26. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if it is simply slid horizontally, there may be a case where the amount of the extract leaking into the container 40 is large. In this case, it is preferable to make it contact a member such as a packing after moving horizontally.

[0075] In addition, when hot water is poured into the dripper 10 or when the electronic device 20 is removed, etc., it is also assumed that water or the like adheres to the whole or each part of the electronic device 20. Therefore, it is preferable to perform a waterproof processing on the whole or each part of the electronic device 20.

[0076] In addition, during the extraction when hot water is being poured, it is assumed that the electronic device 20 has heat. Therefore, for each device incorporated in the electronic device 20, it is preferable to use a heat-resistant member, enclose it with a heat-insulating member or the like, or perform a heat-insulating treatment so as not to be affected by heat. For example, a heat-insulating material such as a foam material system or a felt system may be used, or two or more of these members may be combined.

[0077] In addition, when hot water is poured into the dripper 10, it is assumed that steam is generated from the coffee (liquid) accumulated in the container 40 and the lens of the camera module of the liquid amount detection unit 25 becomes cloudy. Therefore, it is preferable to perform an anti-fogging treatment on the surface of the lens. Or, the whole lens may be covered with a transparent member having an anti-fogging treatment. In addition, in order to prevent the steam from accumulating, a ventilation fan may be attached to the electronic device 20 to discharge the steam around the lens from between the container 40 and the electronic device 20 to the outside. In addition, in order to prevent the influence of heat, it is preferable to perform a heat-insulating treatment on the lens itself or the transparent member having an anti-fogging treatment.

[0078] [Functional Configuration Example of Electronic Device] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the electronic device 20 in the first embodiment.

[0079] The electronic device 20 includes an operation unit 210, a display unit 220, a sound output unit 230, a timer 240, a control unit 250, a metering unit 260, a liquid volume detection unit 270, an extraction stop unit 280, and a storage unit 290. Note that the electronic device 20 may incorporate a battery or be equipped with a battery and use the battery as a power source, or it may use an external power source without incorporating a battery.

[0080] The operation unit 210 receives operation inputs for operating the electronic device 20 and transmits operation information corresponding to the received operation inputs to the control unit 250. That is, the operation unit 210 corresponds to the power button 21 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and the touch panel constituting the touch panel display 22. This operation unit 210 is used, for example, for setting inputs of the liquid volume with respect to the amount of coffee powder, character inputs, selection inputs from selection fields, determination inputs for various operations, and the like.

[0081] The display unit 220 displays various information based on the control of the control unit 250. That is, the display unit 220 corresponds to the display panel of the touch panel display 22 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. This display unit 220 is used, for example, for displaying the extraction status during extraction, various menu displays, various setting screens, warning displays, and the like.

[0082] The sound output unit 230 outputs various audio information based on the control of the control unit 250. That is, the sound output unit 230 corresponds to the speaker 28 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. This sound output unit 230 is used, for example, for outputting warning sounds, extraction end sounds, input sounds for each operation, and the like.

[0083] The timer 240 measures time and outputs time information regarding the measured time to the control unit 250. For example, when the liquid volume detection unit 270 detects the liquid poured for steaming the coffee powder, the timer 240 starts measuring time.

[0084] The control unit 250 controls each part of the electronic device 20 based on the control program stored in the storage unit 290. The control unit 250 is realized by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Note that the CPU is a central processing unit (electronic device) composed of a control device (control circuit) and an arithmetic device (arithmetic circuit).

[0085] The weighing unit 260 weighs the coffee powder and liquid (hot water) placed on the dripper 10, and outputs the weighing result to the control unit 250. That is, the weighing unit 260 corresponds to the weighing table 24 and the weighing unit 27 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. The weighing unit 260 measures, for example, the weight of the coffee powder before the extraction operation. This measured weight is displayed on the display unit 220, and the user adjusts the weight (amount) of the coffee powder placed on the dripper 10 by looking at this displayed weight. Also, during extraction, the weighing unit 260 measures the weight of the coffee powder and the liquid volume. This measured weight during extraction is stored in the storage unit 290 as a transition of the state of the dripper 10 during extraction.

[0086] The liquid volume detection unit 270 detects the amount of the extracted liquid accumulated in the container 40. That is, the liquid volume detection unit 270 corresponds to the liquid volume detection unit 25 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. Based on the control of the control unit 250, the liquid volume detection unit 270 captures an image of the container 40 to generate an image (image data), and detects the liquid volume from the captured image. Note that the detection of the liquid volume using this captured image is performed by previously acquiring images of the container 40 containing a predetermined liquid volume for each liquid volume (acquiring and recording images by changing the liquid volume such as 100 ml, 110 ml, 120 ml...), and comparing with this image. In order to be able to handle a plurality of containers 40 with different manufacturers and shapes, the operation of acquiring images for each liquid volume in advance may be made possible for the user to perform. Information regarding these plurality of containers 40 can be registered in the electronic device 20 by being stored in the storage unit 290.

[0087] Also, when a plurality of containers 40 are registered in the electronic device 20, in order to automatically identify the container 40 set in the electronic device 20, an image without liquid may be acquired in advance. Thereby, by acquiring an image at a stage where the solution before the extraction operation has not fallen into the container 40 (for example, at the stage of adjusting the amount of coffee powder used for extraction) and comparing it with the image acquired in advance, it is possible to automatically identify which container 40 is installed.

[0088] Further, the liquid amount detection unit 270 is composed of, for example, a lens, an image sensor that receives light from a subject condensed by the lens, and an image processing unit that performs predetermined image processing on the image data generated by the image sensor. As the image sensor, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) type or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) type image sensor can be used. The lens may be provided with a zoom lens, a focus lens, a diaphragm, and the like. Although it is assumed that one set of a lens and an image sensor (camera module) is provided for the liquid amount detection unit 270, it is not limited thereto, and a plurality of sets may be provided.

[0089] The extraction stop unit 280 blocks the flow path of the extraction liquid from the dropper 10 to the container 40 at the timing of the end of extraction based on the control of the control unit 250, preventing the extraction liquid from falling into the container 40 and stopping the extraction. When the liquid volume detected by the liquid volume detection unit 270 reaches a predetermined liquid volume (when the extraction of the target liquid volume is completed), this extraction stop unit 280 blocks the fall of the extraction liquid into the container 40 and stops the extraction. That is, when the liquid volume stored in the container 40 reaches a predetermined liquid volume, the extraction stop unit 280 performs a process to block the supply of liquid from the dropper 10 to the container 40. Note that this blocking is performed by blocking the path through which the liquid falls from the dropper 10 to the container 40. This extraction stop unit 280 corresponds to the extraction stop unit 32 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. That is, the driving means (for example, a motor, an actuator) that performs the slide operation of protruding the plate 32b and the storage operation of housing the plate 32b in the plate housing portion 32a is controlled by the control unit 250. Since the method of shielding the flow path by the plate 32b has already been described, a detailed description is omitted.

[0090] The storage unit 290 is a memory that stores various information. For example, various information (for example, a control program) necessary for the electronic device 20 to perform various processes is stored in the storage unit 290. In addition, information set by the user, information regarding the situation during extraction such as the transition of the weight measured by the weighing unit 260 and the transition of the liquid volume detected by the liquid volume detection unit 270, etc. are recorded in the storage unit 290.

[0091] Subsequently, the operation of the electronic device 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9 while using the display example of the touch panel display 22. Hereinafter, for functions having configurations corresponding to the functional configuration example and the external appearance configuration example, the description will mainly use the reference numerals of the functional configuration example.

[0092] First, the relationship between the coffee extraction procedure and the display example of each drawing will be briefly described.

[0093] To extract coffee, first, the user sets the electronic device 20 on the container 40, then sets the dripper 10 on the weighing platform 24 of the electronic device 20, and then turns on the power of the electronic device 20. Then, a paper filter is attached inside the accommodating portion 11 of the dripper 10, and coffee powder is put into the paper filter.

[0094] When putting in this coffee powder, the electronic device 20 measures the weight of the coffee powder and assists the user so that an appropriate amount (weight) of coffee powder is set in the dripper 10. A display example of the screen (coffee powder weighing screen) displayed on the touch panel display 22 at this time will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0095] Note that when determining the amount of coffee powder, the amount (liquid volume) of the extract calculated based on the amount (weight) of the coffee powder is displayed on the touch panel display 22. For this calculation, it is necessary to set in advance the relationship between the amount of coffee powder and the amount of the extract. A screen for setting the relationship between the amount of coffee powder and the amount of the extract will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 8.

[0096] Subsequently, the user pours a small amount of hot water that has been boiled and then cooled to about 90 degrees onto the coffee powder set in the dripper 10 and steams it for about 20 to 30 seconds. In this steaming process, although the poured hot water is absorbed by the coffee bean powder, a small amount of hot water that has not been completely absorbed falls into the container 40. When the liquid volume detection unit 270 detects this small amount of fallen hot water, it is determined that the extraction operation starts, and the measurement of time by the timer 240 starts. Note that in the first embodiment, it is assumed that a small amount of fallen hot water is detected, but the user may press the start button at the start of extraction to start the measurement of time.

[0097] When the steaming period ends, the user sequentially pours an appropriate amount of hot water at a timing preferred by the user onto the steamed coffee powder set in the dripper 10. In this way, when hot water is poured onto the coffee powder, the coffee powder cannot absorb all the hot water, and the coffee liquid (extract) falls into the container 40. The liquid amount detection unit 270 detects the amount of the extract that has fallen into the container 40 at any time. When the control unit 250 determines that the target amount of the extract has accumulated, the extraction stop unit 280 blocks the fall of the extract into the container 40 and stops the extraction into the container 40. During the period from the start of steaming (start of extraction) to the end of extraction, on the touch panel display 22, a screen (extraction status display screen) that shows the user the extraction status by displaying the elapsed time since the start of extraction, the amount of the extract accumulated in the container 40, etc. is displayed. A display example of this extraction status display screen will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 7.

[0098] Note that the transition of the amount of the extract detected by the liquid amount detection unit 270 and the weight detected by the weighing unit 260 from the start to the end of extraction is stored in the storage unit 290 as extraction history data. This extraction history data is used for the user's own consideration of the extraction operation and for reproducing past extractions. A list example and a display example of this extraction history data will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 9(1) and 9(2). Also, a display example for comparison during extraction will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 7(2).

[0099] In this way, the electronic device 20 can assist the user when the user performs a hand drip.

[0100] [Example of the screen displayed when weighing coffee powder] FIGS. 5 and 6 are diagrams showing an example of an operation display screen (coffee powder weighing screen) displayed on the touch panel display 22 during the weighing of coffee powder in the first embodiment.

[0101] Fig. 5(1) shows an example of the state where the coffee powder 14 is set on the dripper 10, and Fig. 5(2) shows a display example of the touch panel display 22 when the amount of the extract is calculated from the weight of the coffee powder when the portion data named "standard" is selected. Further, Fig. 5(3) shows a display example of the touch panel display 22 when the amount of the extract is calculated from the weight of the coffee powder when the portion data named "for A dripper" is selected.

[0102] Furthermore, Fig. 6(1) shows a display example of the touch panel display 22 when the amount of the coffee powder is calculated from the amount of the extract specified by the user when the portion data named "standard" (hereinafter also referred to as "standard" portion data; the portion data of other names is also referred to in the same way) is selected. Also, Fig. 6(2) shows a display example of the touch panel display 22 when the "set portion display" button 319 is pressed (touched) on the display screen shown in Fig. 5(2). In addition, Fig. 6(3) shows a display example of the touch panel display 22 when the "set portion display" button 319 is pressed (touched) on the display screen shown in Fig. 5(3).

[0103] As shown in Fig. 5(1), when the coffee powder 14 is placed on the dripper 10 before the extraction starts, the weighing unit 27 weighs the placed coffee powder 14. Then, the electronic device 20 displays the weighing result on the touch panel display 22. At this time, the electronic device 20 performs a process of calculating the amount of the extract (liquid amount) from the amount (weight) of the coffee powder or calculating the amount of the coffee powder from the amount of the extract specified by the user.

[0104] In order to perform these calculation processes, information regarding the relationship between the amount of the coffee powder and the amount of the extract is necessary. However, the amount of powder for one cup of coffee often varies depending on the shape of the dripper. Also, the liquid amount (cup size) for one cup often varies from user to user. Furthermore, it often varies depending on the coffee powder used and the user's preference.

[0105] Therefore, in addition to the pre-set information, it is desirable to allow the user to set this information. In the first embodiment, selecting information regarding the relationship between the amount of coffee powder and the amount of extract is referred to as the selection of component data. In FIG. 5(2), an example of calculation using the "standard" component data pre-set in the electronic device 20 is shown, and in FIG. 5(3), an example of calculation using the "for A-dripper" component data set by the user is shown.

[0106] In the display example of the touch panel display 22 when the "standard" component data shown in FIG. 5(2) is selected and the amount of extract is calculated, a plurality of buttons, the weight of the measured coffee powder (coffee powder weight 25 g), the calculated extraction amount (extraction stop amount 360 ml (3 cups)), the dripper (dripper: XXX dripper), and a list of component data are shown.

[0107] In this display example, as buttons, a "ZERO" button 311, an "ml" button 312, a "g" button 313, a "+" button 314, a "-" button 315, a "menu screen" button 316, an "up" button 317, a "down" button 318, and a "set component display" button 319 are shown.

[0108] The "ZERO" button 311 is a button that sets the weight including the weight of the object placed on the weighing platform 24 to "0" grams (g). That is, it corresponds to the ZERO button or TARE button that subtracts the weight of the container and sets it to zero in a general electronic scale. After placing the dripper 10 with the paper filter set on the weighing platform 24 when weighing the weight of the coffee powder, pressing the "ZERO" button 311 allows only the weight of the coffee powder placed on the dripper 10 to be measured.

[0109] The "ml" button 312 and the "g" button 313 are buttons that determine the object to be calculated by the electronic device 20. In FIG. 5(2), the "ml" button 312 surrounded by a double line and the "g" button 313 surrounded by a broken line are shown. In the first embodiment, it is illustrated assuming that the button surrounded by the double line is pressed and selected.

[0110] When the "ml" button 312 is pressed, the amount of the extract (extraction stop amount) is calculated based on the weight of the coffee powder measured by the weighing unit 260. When the liquid amount detection unit 270 detects that the calculated amount (extraction stop amount) of the extract has accumulated in the container 40 during extraction, the extraction stop unit 280 stops the extraction.

[0111] On the other hand, when the "g" button 313 is pressed, the amount (weight) of the coffee powder is calculated based on the extraction stop amount input by the user. The case where the "g" button 313 is pressed will be described later with reference to FIG. 6(1).

[0112] The "+" button 314 and the "-" button 315 are buttons for finely adjusting the calculated extraction stop amount. For example, when the "+" button 314 is pressed, the extraction stop amount increases by 10 ml each time, and when the "-" button 315 is pressed, the extraction stop amount decreases by 10 ml each time. FIG. 5(2) shows an example assuming that neither the "+" button 314 nor the "-" button 315 has been pressed at all. When pressed, it is preferable to display the extraction stop amount so that it can be known that it has been pressed. For example, in the case of FIG. 5(2), when the "+" button 314 is pressed once, an example where "360 ml +10 ml" is displayed at the ml position can be considered.

[0113] The "Menu Screen" button 316 is a button for displaying a menu screen for performing various settings of the electronic device 20. Although detailed description is omitted in the first embodiment, in the menu screen after pressing this button, various settings, creation of dosage data, display of logs of past extractions, etc. can be performed.

[0114] The "Up" button 317 and the "Down" button 318 are buttons for changing the dosage data displayed in the dosage data list. When multiple dosage data are set in the electronic device 20, it is difficult to display all the dosage data on the touch panel display 22 at once. By pressing the "Up" button 317 and the "Down" button 318, the dosage data displayed in the dosage data list is changed so that the dosage data desired by the user can be selected. Note that the name of the dropper registered (set) in the selected dosage data is displayed to the immediate right of the notation "Dropper:".

[0115] In this Figure 5(2), three dosage data ("Standard", "For A Dropper", "My Favorite Flavor") are shown in the dosage data list, and the selected "Standard" dosage data is shown surrounded by a double line. Also, "XXX Dropper" is shown as the dropper to be used for using this dosage data.

[0116] The "Set Dosage Display" button 319 is a button for displaying the relationship between the amount of coffee powder and the amount of extract registered in the selected dosage data. Hereinafter, the relationship (dosage relationship) between the amount of coffee powder (g) and the amount of extract (ml) will also be referred to as the set dosage. An example of the case when the "Set Dosage Display" button 319 is pressed will be described later with reference to Figures 6(2) and 6(3).

[0117] In Figure 5(3) of the following display example, a display example in the case where the "For A Dropper" dosage data is set and the amount of extract is calculated is shown. Note that since each button shown is the same as that in Figure 5(2), the same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted.

[0118] In this Figure 5(3), three dosage data ("For A Dropper", "My Favorite Flavor", "For Blend Beans from X Store") are shown in the dosage data list, and the selected "For A Dropper" is shown surrounded by a double line. Also, "A Dropper" is shown as the dropper to be used for using the "For A Dropper" dosage data.

[0119] In this Figure 5(3), although the weight of the coffee powder (25 g) is measured in the same way as in Figure 5(2), a state is shown where an extraction stop amount different from that in Figure 5(2) (250 ml (2.1 cups)) is calculated. The reason why the extraction stop amount in Figure 5(2) is different from that in Figure 5(1) is that different component data of the relationship (set component) between the amount of coffee powder and the amount of extract is set. The set component will be described later with reference to Figures 6(2) and 6(3), and Figure 8.

[0120] As shown in Figures 5(2) and 5(3), by using the electronic device 20, the amount of extract can be calculated from the measured amount of coffee powder, and the user can be assisted so that the extraction ends when the calculated amount of extract enters the dripper 10. Subsequently, Figure 6(1) shows a display example of the touch panel display 22 when the amount of coffee powder is calculated from the amount of extract specified by the user when the "standard" component data is selected. That is, the display example shown in this Figure 6(1) shows an example when the "g" button 313 is pressed on the screen of Figure 5(2). It should be noted that the description is made assuming that the weight of the measured coffee powder is different from the example in Figure 5(2) (24.5 g). Among the plurality of buttons displayed in this Figure 6(1), those other than the "up (ml)" button 321, "down (ml)" button 322, "up (cups)" button 323, and "down (cups)" button 324 are the same as those in Figure 5(2), so the same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted.

[0121] In this Figure 6(1), instead of the weight of the measured coffee powder and the calculated extraction amount displayed in Figure 5(2), the extraction amount input by the user (extraction stop amount 360 ml (3 cups)), the weight of the coffee powder calculated based on the extraction amount (coffee powder weight calculated 25 g), and the weight of the coffee powder placed on the dripper (coffee powder weight measured 24.5 g) are shown.

[0122] The "Up (ml)" button 321 and the "Down (ml)" button 322 are buttons for the user to specify the extraction stop amount in ml units. For example, when the "Up (ml)" button 321 is pressed, the extraction stop amount increases by 10 ml each time, and when the "Down (ml)" button 322 is pressed, the extraction stop amount decreases by 10 ml each time.

[0123] The "Up (cup)" button 323 and the "Down (cup)" button 324 are buttons for the user to specify the extraction stop amount in cup units. For example, when the "Up (cup)" button 323 is pressed, the extraction stop amount increases by 1 cup each time, and when the "Down (cup)" button 324 is pressed, the extraction stop amount decreases by 1 cup each time.

[0124] In the case shown in Fig. 6(1) (when calculating the weight of coffee powder), the user first inputs the desired amount of the extract. Then, the electronic device 20 calculates and displays the amount of coffee powder according to the set ingredient data. After that, the user puts the coffee powder into the dripper 10 so that the amount is as calculated. Then the user starts the extraction. When the liquid amount detection unit 270 detects that the extract of the amount (extraction stop amount) input by the user has accumulated in the container 40, the extraction stop unit 280 stops the extraction.

[0125] As shown in Fig. 6(1), by using the electronic device 20, it is possible to calculate the amount of coffee powder from the amount of the extract desired by the user and assist the user so that the calculated amount of coffee powder is put into the dripper 10.

[0126] Subsequently, an example of the display when the "Set Ingredient Display" button 319 is pressed in the displays shown in Figs. 5(2) and 5(3) will be described with reference to Figs. 6(2) and 6(3).

[0127] Fig. 6(2) shows an example of the display when the "Set Ingredient Display" button 319 is pressed (touched) on the display screen shown in Fig. 5(2), and Fig. 6(3) shows an example of the display when the "Set Ingredient Display" button 319 is pressed (touched) on the display screen shown in Fig. 5(3).

[0128] As already described, when the "Set Quantity Display" button 319 is pressed, the set quantity of the selected quantity data is displayed. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the display related to the quantity data list changes to the display of the set quantity, and other displays remain unchanged.

[0129] In FIGS. 6(2) and 6(3), instead of the "Set Quantity Display" button 319 shown in FIGS. 5(2) and 5(3), a "Quantity Data List Display" button 327 is shown, and instead of the quantity data list, the "Up" button 317, and the "Down" button 318, a set quantity list, an "Up" button 325, and a "Down" button 326 are shown. Otherwise, the same as FIGS. 5(2) and 5(3) is shown.

[0130] The "Quantity Data List Display" button 327 is a button for changing the display of the set quantity to the display of the quantity data list. That is, when pressed in the display of FIG. 6(2), it changes to the display of FIG. 5(2), and when pressed in the display of FIG. 6(3), it changes to the display of FIG. 5(3).

[0131] The "Up" button 325 and the "Down" button 326 are buttons for changing the set quantity displayed in the set quantity list. When there is a large amount of the set quantity (the relationship between the amount of the extract (cup) and the amount of coffee powder (g)), it cannot be completely displayed in the set quantity list at once. In this case, by pressing the "Up" button 325 or the "Down" button 326, the setting of the set quantity that was hidden and could not be completely displayed is shown.

[0132] As shown in Fig. 6(2), for the "standard" portion data, one cup is 120 ml, and for the extraction of 1 to 4 cups, the amount of coffee powder is set as 11 g for 1 cup, 18 g for 2 cups, 25 g for 3 cups, and 32 g for 4 cups. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 6(3), for the "for A-dripper" portion data, one cup is 120 ml, and for the extraction of 1 to 4 cups, the amount of coffee powder is set as 12 g for 1 cup, 24 g for 2 cups, 36 g for 3 cups, and 48 g for 4 cups. That is, since the set portions are different between the "standard" portion data and the "for A-dripper" portion data, for the calculation of the extraction stop amount for 25 g of coffee powder, it becomes 360 ml (3 cups) for the "standard" portion data and 250 ml (2.1 cups) for the "for A-dripper".

[0133] Note that the calculation of 250 ml (2.1 cups) in the example of Fig. 6(3) is performed as follows, for example. Since 25 g of coffee powder is the weight between 24 g for 2 cups (240 ml) and 36 g for 3 cups (360 ml) in the "for A-dripper" portion data, it is calculated that 10 ml is extracted per 1 g from these two settings. As a result, 250 ml (240 + 10 ml) and 2.1 cups (2 + approximately 0.1 cup) are calculated.

[0134] Note that an example of the screen for setting the set portion in the portion data will be described in detail later with reference to Fig. 8.

[0135] Also, in the coffee powder weighing screen shown in Figs. 5 and 6, an example is assumed where the coffee powder weighing screen ends and shifts to the extraction screen by detecting that the steaming liquid has dropped. However, a button (weighing end button) for the user to input that the weighing of the amount of coffee powder has ended may be provided on the coffee powder weighing screen.

[0136] Next, an example of the display of the screen during extraction (extraction status display screen) will be described with reference to Fig. 7.

[0137] [Example of the screen displayed during coffee extraction] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen (extraction status display screen) displayed on the touch panel display 22 during coffee extraction in the first embodiment. Two examples are shown in Fig. 7, Fig. 7(1) showing an example of displaying only the current extraction status, and Fig. 7(2) showing an example of displaying a comparison with past extractions.

[0138] In FIG. 7(1), as an example of displaying only the current extraction status, a “Stop midway (obstructed)” button 328, a “Stop midway (not obscured)” button 329, the amount of extraction (100 ml), the amount of extraction stopped (240 ml (3 cups)), and the elapsed time (01:30) are shown.

[0139] The "Stop midway (shielded)" button 328 and the "Stop midway (not shielded)" button 329 are buttons for stopping each operation of the electronic device 20 being performed during extraction (such as time measurement by the timer 240, measurement by the measuring unit 260, and liquid volume detection by the liquid volume detection unit 270). When these buttons are pressed, the electronic device 20 ends the operation even if the extraction is in progress (when the amount of extracted liquid equivalent to the amount required to stop extraction has not accumulated in the container 40).

[0140] When the "End midway (with shielding)" button 328 is pressed, the extraction stop unit 280 performs a shielding operation to cause the extraction liquid to flow into the drainage container 23, and then each operation of the electronic device 20 ends. When the "End midway (without shielding)" button 329 is pressed, the extraction stop unit 280 does not perform a shielding operation, and each operation of the electronic device 20 ends with the extraction liquid still flowing into the container 40.

[0141] If the "End midway (shielded)" button 328 and the "End midway (not shielded)" button 329 are not pressed, the extraction status display screen is displayed until the extraction is completed. That is, the display of the elapsed time increases according to the time from the start of extraction measured by the timer 240, and the display of the extraction amount increases according to the liquid amount in the container 40 detected by the liquid amount detection unit 270. Then, when the liquid amount (extraction amount) detected by the liquid amount detection unit 270 becomes the same as the extraction stop amount, the extraction stop unit 280 performs a shielding operation and the extraction is completed.

[0142] Next, an example of displaying the current extraction status while comparing it with past extractions during extraction will be described with reference to FIG. 7(2).

[0143] In the display example of FIG. 7(2), the "Intermediate Termination (with Shielding)" button 328, the "Intermediate Termination (without Shielding)" button 329, the extraction amount / extraction stop amount (100 / 240 ml), the elapsed time (01:30), the acquisition date and time of the extraction history data set in the extraction comparison data (× month △ day □ hour ○ minute), the user evaluation of the extraction history data set in the extraction comparison data (acid: 5 bitter: 3 miscellaneous: 2), the weight transition graph 331, and the liquid volume transition graph 332 are shown.

[0144] The "Intermediate Termination (with Shielding)" button 328 and the "Intermediate Termination (without Shielding)" button 329 are the same as those shown in FIG. 7(1), so the description thereof will be omitted. Also, the extraction amount / extraction stop amount is a combined display of the extraction amount and the extraction stop amount shown in FIG. 7(1).

[0145] The extraction comparison data shows the date and time when the extraction compared with the ongoing extraction was performed. Also, in the user evaluation, the evaluation given by the user to the extraction being compared is displayed. Details of the extraction history data used as the extraction comparison data will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 9.

[0146] The weight transition graph 331 is a graph showing the transition (change over time) of the weight (weight) measured by the weighing unit 260 during extraction. Among the weights measured by the weighing unit 260, the weight of the dripper 10 and the weight of the coffee powder do not change, so the weight transition shows the transition of the amount of hot water remaining inside the dripper 10.

[0147] The liquid volume transition graph 332 is a graph showing the transition (change over time) of the amount of the extracted liquid detected by the liquid volume detection unit 270 during extraction. In the first embodiment, the start of extraction is defined as the time when the liquid volume detection unit 270 detects the dripping of the steaming liquid and the timer 240 starts measuring time, and the period during which the extraction stop unit 280 shields when the liquid volume detection unit 270 detects that a predetermined liquid volume has accumulated is defined as the extraction in progress, and the graph is shown accordingly.

[0148] In these two graphs, the transition of the ongoing extraction is indicated by a solid line, and the transition of the past extraction (extraction at × month △ day □ hour ○ minute) used for comparison is indicated by a dashed line. In this way, by having the storage unit 290 hold information (extraction history data) regarding past extractions, it becomes possible to compare the transition of the extraction state during extraction. Note that the extraction history data used for comparison can, for example, assist the electronic device 20 in reproducing the preferred taste by the user designating the extraction that was most preferred in terms of taste.

[0149] Note that the comparison shown in Fig. 7(2) is preferably performed when extracting the same liquid volume with the same amount of coffee powder. However, when performing the comparison with different amounts of coffee powder, it is possible to make the comparison by drawing a graph using the 100 - fraction with the liquid volume at which extraction was stopped set to 100 and the start set to 0.

[0150] As shown in Fig. 7(1) and Fig. 7(2), the electronic device 20 can assist the user's extraction operation by displaying data (time, weight in the dripper 10, liquid volume in the container 40) indicating the situation of the extraction during extraction.

[0151] So far, the explanation has focused on the operation of the electronic device 20 during the period from the measurement of the amount of coffee powder to the end of extraction. Next, an explanation will be given focusing on the information that the user holds in the electronic device 20. First, the setting screen for the component data necessary to calculate the amount of the extracted liquid from the amount of coffee powder will be explained with reference to Fig. 8, and subsequently, the extraction history data necessary for comparison and display during extraction will be explained with reference to Fig. 9. Also, the detection of the liquid volume by the liquid volume detection unit 270 will be explained with reference to Fig. 10.

[0152] [Example of the screen displayed when setting component data] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a component data list screen and a setting screen displayed on the touch panel display 22 in the first embodiment.

[0153] FIG. 8(1) shows an example of the display of a list of component data, and FIG. 8(2) shows an example of the display when setting component data. When a selection is made to display component data on the menu screen, the component data is displayed in a list as shown in FIG. 8(1). When a selection is made to edit the existing component data and create new component data on the screen of FIG. 8(1), a screen for setting component data is displayed as shown in FIG. 8(2).

[0154] In the example of the display of the list of component data (component data list screen) shown in FIG. 8(1), an "Up" button 341, a "Down" button 342, a "New Creation" button 343, an "Edit" button 344, a "Return to Menu" button 345, and a plurality of component data are shown. As the plurality of component data, four component data (Standard, for A Dripper, My Favorite Flavor, for Blend Beans of X Store) are shown, and a double-line frame indicating that My Favorite Flavor is selected is shown. Also, the numerical value shown to the right of the name of the component data is the amount (g) of coffee powder set, and the amount of coffee powder from cup 1 to cup 6 with the left end being cup 1 and the right end being cup 6 is shown. The amount of coffee powder not set is indicated by "――".

[0155] The "Up" button 341 and the "Down" button 342 are buttons for changing the component data displayed in the list of component data. When there are a large number of registered component data, they cannot all be displayed at once. In this case, by pressing the "Up" button 341 and the "Down" button 342, the displayed component data is hidden and the component data that could not be fully displayed is shown.

[0156] The "New Creation" button 343 is a button for newly creating ingredient data. When this "New Creation" button 343 is pressed, it shifts to a screen for newly creating ingredient data. Note that the screen for newly creating ingredient data is a screen in which all the input fields in the screen shown in Figure 8(2) later are blank.

[0157] The "Edit" button 344 is a button for changing and editing the settings of already created ingredient data. When this "Edit" button 344 is pressed, it shifts to a screen for editing the selected ingredient data. Note that in Figure 8(1), my favorite flavor is selected, and when the "Edit" button 344 is pressed in this state, it shifts to an ingredient data setting screen as shown in Figure 8(2).

[0158] The "Return to Menu" button 345 is a button for returning to the menu screen. After finishing the setting and confirmation of the ingredient data, pressing this button returns to the menu screen and other operations can be performed.

[0159] In the display example of the screen for setting the ingredient data shown in Figure 8(2) (ingredient data setting screen), a "Discard and Return" button 346, a "Save and Return" button 347, a "Name" input field 351, a "Size per Cup" input field 352, "Coffee Powder Quantity" input fields 353 and 354, a "Comment" input field 355, and a "Dripper" input field 356 are displayed.

[0160] The "Discard and Return" button 346 is a button for discarding the information input in each input field on this ingredient data setting screen without saving and ending the ingredient data setting screen. For example, when the "New Creation" button 343 shown in Figure 8(1) is pressed to shift to the ingredient data setting screen, it returns to the ingredient data list screen without newly creating ingredient data. Also, when the "Edit" button 344 shown in Figure 8(2) is pressed to shift to the ingredient data setting screen, it returns to the ingredient data list screen without changing the settings (each input information in the input fields) of the selected ingredient data.

[0161] The "Save and Return" button 347 is a button for saving the information entered in each input field on this component data setting screen and ending the component data setting screen. When transitioning to the component data setting screen by pressing the "New Creation" button 343 shown in Fig. 8(1), component data is newly created based on the information entered in each input field and returns to the component data list screen. Also, when transitioning to the component data setting screen by pressing the "Edit" button 344 shown in Fig. 8(1), the information newly changed by the user is reflected in each setting of the selected component data and returns to the component data list screen. In this way, the control unit 250 of the electronic device 20 causes the touch panel display 22 (an example of a panel), which displays various information and accepts user operations, to display a component data setting screen (shown in Fig. 8(2)) (an example of an input screen), and executes control to display the input information based on the user operation on the component data setting screen. Further, the control unit 250 discards the input content to the component data setting screen and accepts an operation to return to the component data list screen (shown in Fig. 8(1)) (an example of a first screen) that was displayed immediately before the component data setting screen, and a "Save and Return" button 347 (an example of a second operation identifier) that accepts an operation to save the input content to the component data setting screen and return to the component data list screen are displayed on the component data setting screen. Also, when an operation of the "Discard and Return" button 346 is accepted, the control unit 250 discards the input content to the component data setting screen, deletes the component data setting screen, and displays the component data list screen. On the other hand, when an operation of the "Save and Return" button 347 is accepted, the control unit 250 saves the input content to the component data setting screen in the storage unit 290, deletes the component data setting screen, and displays the component data list screen. Note that in this example, an example of the display control of the touch panel display 22 provided in the electronic device 20 is shown, but it is also applicable to the display control of a touch panel display (for example, refer to the touch panel display 610 in Fig. 13) provided in other electronic devices (for example, smartphones, tablet terminals, televisions), or a device as an external device (for example, a display device wirelessly operated by an electronic device).

[0162] The "Name" input field 351 is a field for entering the name of the ingredient data.

[0163] The "Size per Cup" input field 352 is a field for entering the amount (ml) of the extract per cup.

[0164] The "Coffee Powder Amount" input fields 353 and 354 are fields for entering the amount (quantity) of coffee powder per cup. If there is no input or "0" is entered, "Not Set" is displayed. In FIG. 8(2), it is shown that the amounts for the first to third cups are entered, and the fourth to sixth cups are not entered and "Not Set" is displayed. When weighing coffee powder using this ingredient data, if more coffee powder than 25 g for the third cup is placed on the dripper 10 during weighing, an error warning indicating that it is too much is displayed. Also, if the amount of coffee powder is less than 10 g for the first cup during weighing, an error warning is displayed to prompt loading at least 10 g for one cup.

[0165] The "Comment" input field 355 is a field for entering comments on the set ingredient data.

[0166] The "Dripper" input field 356 is a field for entering the name of the dripper to identify the dripper to be used.

[0167] In this way, by enabling the user to set information (set quantity) indicating the relationship between the amount (g) of coffee powder and the amount (ml) of the extract as ingredient data, it is possible to assist the extraction operation according to different preferences for each user. Also, by enabling the retention of a plurality of ingredient data with different set quantities, it is possible to assist the extraction operation when using drippers with different shapes or different coffee beans.

[0168] [Example of the screen displayed when checking extraction history data] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the list screen and the detailed screen of the extraction history data displayed on the touch panel display 22 in the first embodiment.

[0169] Figure 9(1) shows an example of the display of a list of extraction history data, and Figure 9(2) shows an example of the display of the details of the extraction history data. When a selection is made to display the extraction history data on the menu screen, the extraction history data is displayed in a list as shown in Figure 9(1). When a selection is made to check the details on the screen of Figure 9(1), a screen showing the details of the extraction history data is displayed as shown in Figure 9(2).

[0170] In the example of the display of the list of extraction history data shown in Figure 9(1) (extraction history data list screen), a "quantity data" change button 361, an "up" button 362, a "down" button 363, an "extract comparison data setting" button 364, a "detailed display" button 365, a "return to menu" button 366, a plurality of extraction history data, and extraction comparison data are shown. Note that the extraction comparison data is the extraction history data that is displayed as the extraction to be compared when comparing the extraction status during extraction shown in Figure 7(2). In the first embodiment, it is assumed that this is selected and set from the extraction history data arranged in a list on this extraction history data list screen.

[0171] The "quantity data" change button 361 is a button for changing the setting of the quantity data in order to change the extraction history data displayed in a list for each quantity data. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that on this extraction history data list screen, the extraction history data extracted with the same quantity data is displayed in a list. In the display example of Figure 9(1), the "standard" quantity data is selected, and the extraction history data of the extraction using the "standard" quantity data is shown in a list. When quantity data other than the "standard" quantity data is selected, the extraction history data of the extraction using that quantity data is displayed in a list.

[0172] Note that in this Figure 9(1), although it is assumed that the extraction comparison data is displayed for each quantity data, it is not limited to this, and it is also conceivable to display it for each weight of coffee powder.

[0173] The "Up" button 362 and the "Down" button 363 are buttons for changing the extraction history data displayed in the list of extraction history data. When there is a large amount of registered extraction history data and it cannot be displayed all at once, by pressing these buttons, the extraction history data that could not be displayed after changing the extraction history data displayed in the list is shown. As multiple extraction history data, four pieces of extraction history data (○ / ○ / ○ ○:○○, △ / △ / △ △:△△, × / △ / □ □:○○, × / × / × ×:××) are shown, and a double-line frame indicating that × / △ / □ □:○○ is selected is shown. And the numerical values shown to the immediate right of the extraction history data indicate the amount of coffee powder (g) used in the extraction and the user's taste evaluations (sourness (acid), bitterness (bitter), off-flavor (off)).

[0174] The "Set as Extraction Comparison Data" button 364 is a button for setting the extraction history data selected in the extraction history data list as extraction comparison data.

[0175] The "Detailed Display" button 365 is a button for displaying the details of the extraction history data selected in the extraction history data list. When this button is pressed, it transitions to the screen showing the details of the extraction history data shown in Fig. 9(2).

[0176] The "Return to Menu" button 366 is a button for returning to the menu screen. After confirming the extraction history data or setting the extraction comparison data, pressing this button allows returning to the menu screen to perform other operations.

[0177] In the display example of the screen (extraction history data display screen) for confirming the details of the extraction history data shown in Fig. 9(2), the "Return to List" button 367, the "Rating Stars" input field 371, the "Comment" input field 372, a graph showing the transition of weight, a graph showing the transition of liquid volume, and the basic information of the extraction history data are shown.

[0178] In addition, as the basic information of the extraction history data, acquisition date and time (× month △ day □ hour ○ minute), used quantity data (standard), weight of coffee powder used for extraction (coffee powder: 25 g), amount of extracted liquid stored in container 40 (extraction amount: 360 ml), and time from start to end of extraction (extraction time: 3 minutes and 55 seconds) are shown. Regarding the amount of extracted liquid stored in container 40, it was referred to as the extraction stop amount in FIGS. 5 to 8, but here it is referred to as the extraction amount.

[0179] Also, the graph showing the transition of weight and the graph showing the transition of liquid volume are the same as the graphs shown in FIG. 7(2) (weight transition graph 331 and liquid volume transition graph 332) except for displaying only the data of the extraction history data to be displayed, so detailed description here is omitted.

[0180] The "Return to List" button 367 is a button for ending the extraction history data display screen and returning to the extraction history data list screen. When an input is made in each input field displayed on the extraction history data display screen, the input is saved and the screen returns to the extraction history data list screen.

[0181] The "Rating Stars" input field 371 is a field for inputting the taste evaluation regarding the displayed extraction history data. When a user who has drunk the coffee extracted with this extraction history data inputs in this field, the extraction history data is given a taste evaluation. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that as the taste evaluation, three points of sourness, bitterness, and off-flavor are each evaluated on a 5-point scale. In this "Rating Stars" input field 371, five on / off-able stars are shown for each of the three points. The user determines the evaluation by specifying the number of stars to be turned on. FIG. 9(2) shows a state where three stars are turned on for "sourness", three stars are turned on for "bitterness", and one star is turned on for "off-flavor".

[0182] The "Comment" input field 372 is a field for inputting comments on the displayed extraction history data.

[0183] As shown in the "Number of Evaluation Stars" input field 371 and the "Comment" input field 372 in this Figure 9(2), the extraction history data allows users to input their evaluations and comments. Thus, when the user determines whether to set the extraction comparison data or not, the materials for judgment can be saved together with the extraction history data.

[0184] As described in this Figure 9(2), the extraction history data records the situation at the time of extraction, as well as the user's evaluations and comments regarding the extraction. The situation at the time of extraction includes the date and time of extraction (acquisition date and time), the amount data used, the amount of coffee powder used for extraction (coffee powder), the liquid volume at the end of extraction (extraction volume), the time to complete extraction (extraction time), the weight change within the dripper 10 during extraction (weight transition), and the liquid volume change within the container 40 during extraction (liquid volume transition).

[0185] [Example of Liquid Volume Detection] Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the liquid volume detection operation by the liquid volume detection unit 270 in the first embodiment.

[0186] Figure 10(1) shows an example when the extracted liquid (coffee liquid 413) accumulated in the container 40 is in a small amount (about 1 / 9 of the height of the container 40), and Figure 10(2) shows an example when the extracted liquid (coffee liquid 423) accumulated in the container 40 is in a medium amount (about 1 / 4 of the height of the container 40).

[0187] In Figures 10(1) and 10(2), side views of the electronic device 20 and the container 40 are shown on the left, and examples of captured images (captured images 410 and 420) when the liquid volume detection unit 25 captures the coffee liquid in the amount shown on the left are shown on the right.

[0188] Note that the captured images 410 and 420 are illustrated by focusing on the liquid surface of the coffee liquid captured during imaging, and the side of the container 40, bubbles floating on the liquid surface, steam, etc. that appear during imaging are omitted from the illustration. Therefore, in the captured images 410 and 420, the liquid surfaces of the coffee liquid (liquid surfaces 412 and 422) and the edges of the liquid surfaces in contact with the side of the container 40 (edges of the liquid surfaces 411 and 421) are shown.

[0189] In captured images 410 and 420, liquid surfaces 412 and 422 are shown as ellipses where the left side in FIG. 10 has a sharp curve and the right side has a gentle curve. This illustrates that the position of the liquid volume detection unit 25 is offset from the position of the electronic device 20 corresponding to the center of the container 40 (left side in FIG. 10). When comparing captured image 410 and captured image 420, due to the shape of the container 40 with a wider bottom than the opening, the liquid surface 422 shown in captured image 420 has a smaller area than the liquid surface 412 shown in captured image 410. Also, the position of the edge 421 of the liquid surface shown in captured image 420 is closer to the center of the captured image than the position of the edge 411 of the liquid surface shown in captured image 410. Thus, when the liquid volume of the coffee liquid accumulated in the container 40 changes, the area of the liquid surface and the position of the edge of the liquid surface in the captured image change. Since they change according to the liquid volume, if images of the container 40 containing the determined liquid volume as described in FIG. 4 are acquired in advance for each liquid volume, the electronic device 20 can determine the liquid volume by comparing with this image.

[0190] For example, when the liquid surface and the edge of the liquid surface in the image of the liquid volume of 100 ml among a plurality of pre-captured images substantially coincide with the liquid surface 412 and the edge 411 of the liquid surface of captured image 410, the liquid volume at the timing when captured image 410 was taken is determined to be 100 ml.

[0191] In this way, the electronic device 20 can detect the liquid volume at the time of extraction by acquiring in advance images of the container 40 containing the determined liquid volume for each liquid volume.

[0192] [Operation Example of Electronic Device] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation (extraction processing procedure) when extraction is performed using the electronic device 20 in the first embodiment. FIG. 11 shows an example of the operation after the power button 21 is pressed to turn on the power of the electronic device 20 after attaching the electronic device 20 to the container 40. Further, FIG. 11 shows an example of the operation of not measuring the weight in the dropper 10 during extraction (the operation of displaying an extraction status display screen as shown in FIG. 7(1)). Note that, since an example of the operation of measuring the weight in the dropper 10 during extraction will be described in the fifth to seventh embodiments, the description here will be omitted.

[0193] First, the liquid amount detection unit 270 of the electronic device 20 acquires an image of the container 40 (step S101). Then, based on the acquired image, the control unit 250 determines whether the container 40 is set in the correct position (step S102). Specifically, the control unit 250 makes a determination by comparing with an image of the container 40 in which no liquid is contained, which has been acquired in advance.

[0194] And when it is determined that the position of the container 40 is incorrect (step S102), a warning to correct the position of the container 40 is displayed on the display unit 220 (step S103), and the process returns to step S101.

[0195] On the other hand, when it is determined that the position of the container 40 is correct (step S102), the weighing of the object placed on the weighing table 24 is started, and the weight related to the weighing table 24 is acquired (step S104). Then, the control unit 250 determines whether the weight of the dropper 10 has been zero-processed (the process of subtracting the weight of the dropper 10) (step S105). That is, the control unit 250 determines whether the dropper 10 without coffee powder has been placed on the weighing table 24 and then the "ZERO" button 311 has been pressed by the user. And when it is determined that the zero process has not been performed (step S105), the process returns to step S104.

[0196] On the other hand, when it is determined that zero processing has been performed (step S105), the weight related to the weighing platform 24 on which zero processing has been performed, that is, the weight of the coffee powder, is acquired (step S106). Subsequently, based on the set amount of the amount data selected by the user, the extraction stop amount or the amount of coffee powder is calculated (step S107).

[0197] Then, a coffee powder weighing screen reflecting the acquisition result and the calculation result of the weight of the coffee powder is displayed on the display unit 220 (step S108). As a result, the user can put an appropriate amount of coffee powder into the dripper 10 according to the extraction he or she wants to perform. Although the start of the display of the coffee powder weighing screen is not particularly shown as a step, when the "ZERO" button 311 is displayed on the coffee powder weighing screen as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the display of the coffee powder weighing screen starts after it is determined in step S102 that the position of the container 40 is correct. In this case, an alarm such as "Please place only the dripper on the weighing platform and press the 'ZERO' button" is displayed until the zero processing of the weight of the dripper 10 is completed, and when it is determined that the zero processing has been performed, the alarm is canceled and the weighing of the coffee powder is enabled.

[0198] Note that the zero processing of the weight of the dripper 10 may be displayed separately, and a coffee powder weighing screen without the "ZERO" button 311 described in FIGS. 5 and 6 may be displayed after it is determined in step S105 that the zero processing has been performed.

[0199] When the coffee powder weighing screen is being displayed, the liquid amount detection unit 270 acquires an image of the container 40 (step S109), and based on the acquired image, the control unit 250 determines whether or not the liquid has fallen into the container 40 (step S110). In the first embodiment, since the control unit 250 determines that extraction starts when the steaming liquid falls into the container 40 during the display of the coffee powder weighing screen, it is determined in step S110 that extraction starts. If it is determined that the steaming liquid has not fallen into the container 40 (step S110), the process returns to step S106.

[0200] On the other hand, when it is determined that the steaming liquid has fallen into the container 40 (step S110), it is determined that extraction is to start, and based on the calculation result based on the set amount on the coffee powder measurement screen, the user input, and the weight of the coffee powder set in the dripper 10, the weight of the coffee powder to be used for extraction and the amount of the extract to be stored in the container 40 are determined (step S111). Subsequently, the control unit 250 causes the timer 240 to start measuring the extraction time (step S112). At this time, the display of the screen (extraction status display screen) that is displayed during coffee extraction is started on the display unit 220. That is, the display of the extraction status display screen as shown in FIG. 7 is started.

[0201] Next, based on the image acquired by the liquid amount detection unit 270, the amount of the extract accumulated in the container 40 is detected (step S113). Subsequently, the extraction status display screen reflecting the detected extract and the measured extraction time (elapsed time since extraction started) is displayed on the display unit 220 (step S114). Thereby, the user can appropriately recognize the current extraction status.

[0202] Subsequently, based on the detected liquid amount, the control unit 250 determines whether or not the determined amount of the extract has accumulated in the container 40 (step S115). If it is determined that the determined amount of the extract has not accumulated in the container 40 (step S115), the process returns to step S113 and extraction continues.

[0203] On the other hand, when it is determined that the determined amount of the extract has accumulated in the container 40 (step S115), the extraction stop unit 280 shields the fall of the extract into the container 40 to end the extraction (step S116). Then, the control unit 250 causes the sound output unit 230 to output a sound (end notification sound) to notify the user of the end of extraction, and causes the display unit 220 to display a screen (extraction end screen) to notify the user of the end of extraction (step S117), and the extraction process procedure ends.

[0204] Thus, according to the first embodiment, by providing the electronic device 20 with a function of holding information indicating the relationship between the amount of coffee powder and the amount of extract, and a function of measuring the amount of coffee powder, it is possible to calculate an appropriate amount of extract simply by measuring the amount of coffee powder. Further, by providing the electronic device 20 with a function of detecting the amount of extract accumulated in the container 40 and a function of preventing the extract from falling into the container 40, it is possible to easily end the extraction at the target liquid volume. That is, by using the electronic device 20 having these functions, it is possible to assist the coffee extraction operation performed by the user.

[0205] [Second Embodiment: Example with Communication Function to External Devices] In the first embodiment, an example of the electronic device 20 without a communication function was shown. By providing the communication function to the electronic device 20, the convenience of the electronic device 20 can be expanded. Further, by providing the communication function to the electronic device 20 and using an external information processing terminal such as a smartphone to perform image information output, sound information output, setting input, etc., the touch panel display 22 and the speaker 28 provided in the electronic device 20 can be omitted. By omitting these functions from the electronic device 20, the manufacturing cost of the electronic device 20 can be reduced.

[0206] Therefore, an example of the electronic device 20 with a communication function will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13 as the electronic device 500 in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, an example in which the communication function is simply added without omitting the touch panel display 22 and the speaker 28 will be described. That is, since the external configuration example of the electronic device 500 is the same as the external configuration example of the electronic device 20, the description will be omitted using the reference numeral of the electronic device 20 for the sake of simplicity.

[0207] As described above, since the electronic device 500 in the second embodiment is a modified example of the electronic device 20 in the first embodiment, the description of the common parts will be omitted.

[0208] [Functional Configuration Example of Electronic Device] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the electronic device 500 in the second embodiment.

[0209] In addition to each part of the electronic device 20 shown in FIG. 4, the electronic device 500 includes a communication unit 510. Since the functions of each part other than the communication unit 510 are the same as those described in FIG. 4, the description here will focus on the communication unit 510.

[0210] Based on the control of the control unit 250, the communication unit 510 exchanges various information with other devices via a wired or wireless line. For example, when exchanging various information using wireless communication, the communication unit 510 transmits and receives radio waves via an antenna (not shown). For example, the communication unit 510 can perform wireless communication using Wireless LAN (Local Area Network) (e.g., Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity)), NFC (Near Field Communication), Bluetooth (registered trademark), infrared rays, mobile radio waves, etc. Note that the communication unit 510 is realized by, for example, a communication module including an antenna and having a wireless communication function, or a communication module having a wired communication function.

[0211] In the second embodiment, since it is also assumed to be connected to a network, the description will be made assuming that the communication unit 510 includes a Wi-Fi module.

[0212] This communication unit 510 can output various information to the user by using the touch panel display and speaker of these communication devices, for example, by connecting to a portable communication device equipped with a touch panel display and a speaker, such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, via wireless communication. Note that this example will be described with reference to FIG. 13(1).

[0213] Also, this communication unit 510 can, for example, download and upload extraction history data and upload the usage frequency of the electronic device 500 by connecting to the Internet. This example will be described with reference to FIG. 13(2).

[0214] [Example of cooperating with other devices using the communication function] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of communication by the communication unit 510 of the electronic device 500 in the second embodiment. FIG. 13(1) shows an example of outputting various information to the user by using the touch panel display and speaker of the portable communication device (electronic device 600), and FIG. 13(2) shows an example in which convenience is further increased by connecting to the Internet.

[0215] In the example shown in FIG. 13(1), a coffee extractor 1 provided with the electronic device 500 and an electronic device 600 held by the user P1 are shown.

[0216] The electronic device 600 is provided with a touch panel display 610, and this electronic device 600 includes a Wi-Fi module as a communication function. Note that the electronic device 600 is assumed to be a general smartphone or tablet terminal. Also, since the touch panel display 610 and the communication function of the electronic device 600 are the same as those of the touch panel display 22 and the communication unit 510 described above, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0217] Also, it is assumed that an application (program) for processing the data transmitted and received between the electronic device 500 and the electronic device 600 and providing content to the user is installed in the electronic device 600.

[0218] By the communication between the electronic device 500 and the electronic device 600, for example, an image to be displayed on the touch panel display 22 of the electronic device 500 can be displayed on the touch panel display 610 of the electronic device 600. Thereby, it becomes possible to display using the large display of a smartphone or a tablet terminal.

[0219] In the example shown in FIG. 13(2), a coffee extractor 1 including an electronic device 500 and a communication system 700 including a network 720 and a server 710 are shown. Note that, as devices constituting the communication system 700, a base station, an access point, etc. for performing wireless communication are also assumed, but illustration and description thereof are omitted here.

[0220] The server 710 is a server (information processing device) that manages information transmitted and received to and from each of the electronic devices 500. For example, the server 710 holds and manages extraction history data uploaded by a user.

[0221] The network 720 is a network such as a public switched telephone network or the Internet.

[0222] By communication between the server 710 and the electronic device 500, for example, extraction history data of others can be downloaded. The extraction history data when a professional or an expert extracts is registered in the server 710 and downloaded by the user to the electronic device 500. Then, by using the downloaded extraction history data as extraction comparison data (see FIGS. 7(2) and 9) at the time of extraction, extraction by a professional or an expert can be imitated.

[0223] Also, as another example, the usage frequency of the electronic device 500 is uploaded to the server 710 every day, and when the usage frequency changes, it is notified to a third party through an e-mail or the like. Thereby, the same thing as a safety confirmation service using the usage status of home appliances already known can be performed.

[0224] As described above, according to the second embodiment, by using the electronic device 500 having a communication function, cooperation with other devices and data exchange with the server become possible, and further assistance for the user becomes possible.

[0225] [Third Embodiment: Example of an Integrated Dripper and Electronic Device] In the first and second embodiments, an example in which the dropper 10 is placed on the weighing platform 24 provided in the electronic devices 20 and 500 has been shown. Although it becomes impossible to handle various droppers, if the dropper 10 and the electronic device 20 are integrated, the drainage container 23 can be omitted from the electronic device 20.

[0226] Therefore, an example in which the dropper 10 and the electronic device 20 are integrated will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15 as the electronic device 810 in the third embodiment. Note that in the third embodiment, an example will be described in which the communication function described in the second embodiment is provided and the touch panel display 22 is omitted.

[0227] Note that since the dropper 10 and the electronic device 20 are integrated and have a communication function, but are the same as the first and second embodiments except that the touch panel display 22 is omitted, FIGS. 14 and 15 will focus on the differences for explanation.

[0228] [Example of the external configuration of the coffee extractor and the electronic device] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the coffee extractor 800 to which the electronic device 810 in the third embodiment is attached. FIG. 14(1) shows a perspective view of the coffee extractor 800 to which the electronic device 810 is attached, and FIG. 14(2) shows a side view of the coffee extractor 800 to which the electronic device 810 is attached.

[0229] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the bottom surface configuration and cross-sectional view of the electronic device 810 in the third embodiment. FIG. 15(1) shows a bottom view of the electronic device 810, and FIG. 15(2) shows a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 810 when the fall of the extraction liquid into the container is blocked.

[0230] Note that since the functional configuration of the electronic device 810 is the same as that of the electronic device 500 in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 12 with the display unit 220 omitted, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0231] The coffee extractor 800 includes the electronic device 810 and the container 40.

[0232] The electronic device 810 is an electronic device or information processing device attached to the opening 42 of the container 40, and is an integrated unit of the electronic device 20 and the dripper 10 shown in FIG. 1. Further, since the electronic device 810 has a communication function and outputs various information to the user using an external electronic device, the touch panel display 22 of the electronic device 20 is omitted.

[0233] As shown in FIG. 14(1), a dripper portion 811 and a power button 812 are provided on the upper surface of the electronic device 810. Since the power button 812 is the same as the power button 21 of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

[0234] In addition, in the third embodiment, the external shape of the electronic device 810 is assumed to have a dripper portion connected to the upper surface of a cylindrical housing. For this reason, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, it can also be described as having a shape like a dripper with a thick flange portion 12. Note that the external shape of the electronic device 810 is not limited to the illustrated shape as in the first embodiment, and other shapes may be used as long as it is stably arranged at the opening 42 of the container 40.

[0235] The dripper portion 811 corresponds to the accommodating portion 11 of the dripper 10 shown in FIG. 1, and accommodates a filter such as paper or metal and powder obtained by grinding coffee beans therein. The dripper portion 811 is connected to the housing of the electronic device 810. Therefore, when the fall of the extract is blocked inside the electronic device 20, the extract remains inside the dripper portion 811. The details of the extract remaining inside the dripper portion 811 when this is blocked will be described in detail later using FIG. 15(2), which is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 810, and thus the description here is omitted.

[0236] On the lower surface of the electronic device 810 (mainly refer to FIGS. 14(2) and 15), a weighing platform 813 and a speaker 816 are provided. Also, on the lower surface of the weighing platform 813, four container position fixing parts 814a to 814d and a liquid volume detection part 815 are provided. Further, a weighing part 819 is provided on the upper surface of the weighing platform 813 and is connected to the housing of the electronic device 810 via the weighing part 819 (refer to FIG. 15(2)).

[0237] Note that since the speaker 816, the four container position fixing parts 814a to 814d, the liquid volume detection part 815, and the weighing part 819 are the same as the speaker 28, the four container position fixing parts 31a to 31d, the liquid volume detection part 25, and the weighing part 27 in FIG. 1, detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0238] The weighing platform 813 is for measuring the weight of the electronic device 810 which is the object to be weighed. This weighing platform 813 has its lower surface disposed above the opening 42 of the container 40 and its upper surface connected to the housing of the electronic device 810 via the weighing part 819 (refer to FIG. 15(2)). That is, the weighing platform 813 becomes a platform for measuring the weight applied to the electronic device 810 placed on the weighing platform 813 via the weighing part 819 by being stably placed on the container 40. Thus, the weight of the electronic device 810 itself, coffee powder, and liquid is applied to the weighing platform 813 of the third embodiment, and these weights are measured by the weighing part 819.

[0239] The lower surface of this weighing platform 813 is the surface in contact with the opening 42 of the container 40. Therefore, the four container position fixing parts 31a to 31d and the liquid volume detection part 25 provided on the lower surface of the electronic device 20 in the first embodiment are provided as the four container position fixing parts 814a to 814d and the liquid volume detection part 815 on the lower surface of the weighing part 819. Also, a hole (hole 817) is provided at the center of the weighing platform 813 so as not to prevent the extraction liquid from falling through the hole (hole 818) passing through the housing of the electronic device 810. Note that in the third embodiment, it is assumed that the diameter of the hole 817 is slightly longer than the diameter of the hole 818 so that the extraction liquid falling along the wall surface of the hole 818 does not reach the weighing platform 813.

[0240] Next, the cross-sectional structure of the electronic device 810 will be described with reference to FIG. 15(2). Note that FIG. 15(2) shows a cross-section along the broken line 899 in FIG. 15(1), and is a cross-sectional view seen in the direction of the arrow 897 that is orthogonal to the broken line 899 at the right end of the broken line 899.

[0241] In this FIG. 15(2), an example of a cross-sectional view is shown in which the operation of preventing the extraction liquid from dropping by the electronic device 810 (also referred to as the flow path shielding operation) is performed and the extraction liquid accumulates in the dripper portion 811. That is, FIG. 15(2) corresponds to FIG. 3(4) shown in the first embodiment.

[0242] In FIG. 15(2), in addition to the housing of the electronic device 810 including the dripper portion 811, a weighing table 813, a liquid volume detection portion 815, a weighing portion 819, and an extraction stop portion 822 are shown. Note that the extraction stop portion 822 corresponds to the extraction stop portion 32 shown in FIGS. 3(3) and (4).

[0243] Further, in this FIG. 15(2), a signal line 831 is shown as a signal line for transmitting a signal (image information) from the liquid volume detection portion 815 to an internal electronic circuit of the electronic device 810. Further, in order to prevent the extraction liquid that has fallen along the wall surface of the hole 818 from reaching the weighing table 813 and the liquid volume detection portion 815 along the lower surface of the housing of the electronic device 810, a protrusion 821 is provided on the outer periphery of the hole 818 on the lower surface of the housing of the electronic device 810.

[0244] As shown in FIG. 15(2), since the housing of the electronic device 810 is integrated with the dripper portion 811, the hole 818 is directly connected from the upper surface of the housing of the electronic device 810 to the inside of the dripper portion 811. Further, in FIG. 15(2), it is assumed that the diameter of the hole 818 is the same hole as the size at the joining position between the dripper portion 811 and the housing of the electronic device 810 and the size on the lower surface of the housing of the electronic device 810.

[0245] As shown in this Figure 15(2), when the plate 822b of the extraction stop portion 822 slides and the operation of preventing the fall of the extraction liquid is performed, as indicated by the broken line 898, the extraction liquid remains inside the dropper portion 811. That is, since the housing of the electronic device 810 is integrated with the dropper portion 811, even without providing the drainage container 23 shown in the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent the extraction liquid whose fall is obstructed from falling into the container 40.

[0246] Thus, in the electronic device 810 of the third embodiment, since the dropper portion 811 is connected to the electronic device 810, it is possible to perform the same operations as the electronic devices 20 of the first and second embodiments while omitting the drainage container 23 of the first and second embodiments.

[0247] Regarding the integrated dropper portion 811, although it is illustrated assuming that it is connected to the housing of the electronic device 810 and does not come off, it is not limited thereto. If there is a connection that does not leak liquid after the blocking operation (for example, a connection that can be closely attached like the lid of a bottle or a PET bottle), it is also possible to make it detachable from the electronic device 810 and replaceable with a dropper portion 811 of a different size.

[0248] Also, in FIGS. 14 and 15, the dosage data was not particularly described. When the dropper portion 811 is not replaceable, the information and settings regarding the dropper in the dosage data (the name display of the dropper registered in the dosage data of FIGS. 5 and 6, the setting in the "dropper" input field 356 of FIG. 8(2)) are unnecessary.

[0249] In the electronic device 810 of the third embodiment, even if the hole 818 is shielded by the blocking operation, the extraction liquid remains inside the dripper portion 811 until the extraction liquid fills the inside of the dripper portion 811 and overflows from the upper surface. That is, when the flow path (hole 818) is half-opened by the extraction stop portion 822 during extraction, the amount (extraction speed) of the extraction liquid passing through the flow path becomes less (slower) than when it is fully opened, and the time for the extraction liquid to remain inside the dripper portion 811 can be adjusted. An example of adjusting the amount (extraction speed) of the extraction liquid falling by this half-opening will be described with reference to FIGS. 27 to 33 as the sixth embodiment.

[0250] [Fourth Embodiment: Modification Example of Extraction Stop Portion] In the first to third embodiments, examples of the extraction stop portions (extraction stop portions 32 and 822) in which the plate (plates 32b and 822b) slides in the horizontal direction to perform the blocking operation of the fall of the extraction liquid have been described. However, other methods can also be considered for the method of blocking the fall of the extraction liquid. Therefore, a part of other methods will be described as the fourth embodiment with reference to FIGS. 16 to 18.

[0251] Note that in the fourth embodiment, a modification example of the extraction stop portion 822 of the electronic device 810 shown in the third embodiment will be described. Therefore, for the reference numerals of the configurations not shown, the reference numerals of the third embodiment will be used for the description.

[0252] [Example of Extraction Stop Portion Having a Plate Whose Direction Changes from Vertical to Horizontal] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of an extraction stop portion having a plate whose direction changes from vertical to horizontal in the fourth embodiment.

[0253] FIG. 16(1) shows a configuration example inside the hole 911 as seen from the upper surface of the electronic device 810 when the plate 914 is oriented in the vertical direction (the vertical plane of the plate 914 is parallel to the vertical direction of the electronic device 810). Further, FIG. 16(2) shows a configuration example inside the hole 911 as seen from the upper surface of the electronic device 810 when the plate 914 is oriented in the horizontal direction (the plane of the plate 914 is parallel to the horizontal direction of the electronic device 810).

[0254] FIGS. 16(3) and (4) show cross-sectional views of the electronic device 810 in which the plate 914 rotates 90 degrees as the shaft 915 rotates by a motor. FIG. 16(3) shows the case where the shielding operation is not performed (when the flow path is fully open), and FIG. 16(4) shows the case where the shielding operation is performed (when the flow path is closed).

[0255] Further, FIGS. 16(5) and (6) show cross-sectional views of the electronic device 810 when the plate 914 moves as the rod 916b slides in the horizontal direction. FIG. 16(5) shows the case where the shielding operation is not performed, and FIG. 16(6) shows the case where the shielding operation is performed.

[0256] Note that the cross-sectional views shown in FIGS. 16(3) to (6) show the cross-section at the broken line 999 in FIG. 16(1), and show the cross-sectional view when viewed in the direction of the arrow 998 orthogonal to the broken line 999 at the right end of the broken line 999.

[0257] In the electronic device 810 shown in FIG. 16, an example is shown in which the shape of the horizontal cross-section of the hole penetrating the housing of the electronic device 810 changes according to the shape of the plate in the middle of penetrating the inside of the electronic device 810 (in the middle of the flow path). Examples are shown in which the shape changes from the hole 911 having the same diameter as the hole inside the dripper portion 811, the outer peripheral hole 912 having four sides slightly longer than the four sides of the plate 914, and the outer peripheral hole 913 having four sides slightly shorter than the four sides of the plate 914 from the upper surface to the lower surface of the electronic device 810.

[0258] The plate 914 that closes the hole during the shielding operation is provided at the location where the cross-sectional shape switches from the hole 912 to the hole 913. Note that the location where the switching from the hole 912 to the hole 913 occurs is flat in the horizontal direction of the electronic device 810. When the plane of the plate 914, which is wider than the hole 912, touches so as to block the hole 912, the fall of the extraction liquid can be prevented. The plate 914 is connected to the housing of the electronic device 810 via a shaft (shaft 915 in FIGS. 16(3) and (4), shaft 917 in FIGS. 16(5) and (6)) that rotates at the location where the switching from the hole 912 to the hole 913 occurs.

[0259] When the plate 914 rotates in the direction where the plane is parallel to the vertical direction of the electronic device 810, the hole 913 opens and the extraction liquid falls into the container 40. On the other hand, when the plate 914 rotates in the direction where the plane is parallel to the horizontal direction of the electronic device 810, the hole 913 is shielded and the fall of the extraction liquid is prevented.

[0260] That is, inside the hole 911 as seen from the top surface when the fall of the extraction liquid into the container 40 is not blocked, as shown in FIG. 16(1), the holes 912 and 913 can be seen inside the hole 911. Also, since the plane of the plate 914 is parallel to the vertical direction of the electronic device 810, it appears as a thin plate arranged to contact the inside of one side (the left side shown in FIG. 16(1)) of the hole 912.

[0261] On the other hand, inside the hole 911 as seen from the top surface when the fall of the extraction liquid into the container 40 is blocked, as shown in FIG. 16(2), the hole 912 and the plane of the plate 914 can be seen, but the hole 913 covered by the plate 914 cannot be seen.

[0262] Note that various methods can be considered for the driving method of the plate 914. As an example different from the example where the driving means such as a motor rotates the shaft 915 shown in FIGS. 16(3) and (4), in FIGS. 16(5) and (6), an example is shown where the rod 916b stored in the housing of the electronic device 810 slides out from the storage portion 916a in the housing to push down the plate 914 and shield the flow path.

[0263] In the examples shown in FIGS. 16(5) and 16(6), no driving means is provided on the shaft 917 that connects the plate 914 to the housing of the electronic device 810. Instead, a member that protrudes into the hole (driving part 916, storage part 916a, rod 916b) is provided like the extraction stop part 32 of the first embodiment, and the rod 916b pushes down the plate 914 whose plane is parallel to the vertical direction, thereby shielding the flow path and preventing the extraction liquid from falling. Note that the operation of turning the pushed-down plate 914 back to be parallel to the vertical direction (the operation from the state of FIG. 16(6) to the state of FIG. 16(5)) is performed by the user himself / herself before using the electronic device 810.

[0264] In this way, the extraction stop part composed of the plate 914 whose plane direction can be changed and the driving means (shaft 915, driving part 916) can also prevent the extraction liquid from falling.

[0265] Next, as another example of the extraction stop part, an example of an extraction stop part including a plate that moves in the vertical direction of the electronic device 810 will be described with reference to FIG. 17.

[0266] [Example of extraction stop part including a plate that moves in the vertical direction] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of an extraction stop part including a plate that moves in the vertical direction in the fourth embodiment.

[0267] In FIG. 17(1), a configuration example inside the hole 921 as seen from the upper surface of the electronic device 810 is shown. In the electronic device 810 shown in FIG. 17, since the plate 922 moves in the vertical direction of the electronic device 810, the configuration example as seen from the upper surface does not change depending on whether the extraction liquid falls or not.

[0268] That is, as shown in FIG. 17(1), inside the hole 921, the plate 922 and the plate support part 923 for connecting the plate 922 to the driving means are always seen. In FIG. 17, it is assumed that the planar shape of the plate 922 is the same circular shape as the cross-sectional shape of the hole 921, and it is assumed that the planar diameter of the plate 922 is smaller than the diameter of the hole 921.

[0269] FIG. 17(2) shows a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 810 when the operation of preventing the extraction liquid from dropping is not performed, and FIG. 17(3) shows a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 810 when the prevention operation is performed. Note that FIGS. 17(2) and (3) show the cross-section along the dashed line 997 in FIG. 17(1), and show a cross-sectional view when viewed in the direction of the arrow 996 orthogonal to the dashed line 997 at the right end of the dashed line 997.

[0270] As shown in FIGS. 17(2) and (3), the hole penetrating the housing of the electronic device 810 changes in cross-sectional size during the process of penetrating the inside of the electronic device 810, changing from a hole (hole 921) with a diameter longer than that of the plate 922 to a hole (hole 924) with a diameter shorter than that of the plate 922. The plate 922 is moved in the vertical direction by a driving means. As shown in FIG. 17(2), when the plate 922 is moved to the upper surface side of the electronic device 810, the hole 924 is opened and the extraction liquid drops into the container 40. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 17(3), when the plate 922 is moved to the lower surface side of the electronic device 810, the hole 924 is blocked by the plate 922, and the dropping of the extraction liquid is prevented.

[0271] Subsequently, as another example of the extraction stop portion, an example of an extraction stop portion in which a cylinder with holes opened on its side surface operates as a valve will be described with reference to FIG. 18.

[0272] [Example of an extraction stop portion in which a cylinder with holes opened on its side surface operates as a valve] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of an extraction stop portion in which a cylinder with holes opened on its side surface operates as a valve in the fourth embodiment.

[0273] Figures 18(1) to (4) show examples where the fall of the extraction liquid is not prevented (when the flow path is open), and Figures 18(5) to (8) show examples where the fall of the extraction liquid is prevented (when the flow path is closed). In Figures 18(1) and (5), a configuration example inside the hole 931 as seen from the upper surface of the electronic device 810 is shown. In Figures 18(2) and (6), the orientation of the valve body 933 is shown. Also, in Figures 18(3) and (7), cross-sectional views are shown when viewed in the direction of arrow 994 perpendicular to the broken line 995 at the right end of the broken line 995 in Figure 18(1). And in Figures 18(4) and (8), cross-sectional views are shown when viewed in the direction of arrow 992 perpendicular to the broken line 993 at the upper end of the broken line 993 in Figure 18(2).

[0274] In the example shown in this Figure 18, as shown in Figures 18(2) and (6), an object provided with a hole (hole 932) that penetrates straight from the side surface of the cylinder to the side surface is provided as a valve body (valve body 933) in the electronic device 810. As shown in Figures 18(3) and (7), this valve body 933 has a length of the side surface of the cylindrical valve body (the left-right direction in Figures 18(2) and (6)) longer than the diameter of the hole 931, and as shown in Figures 18(4) and (8), the diameter of the bottom surface is longer than the diameter of the hole 931.

[0275] Also, the valve body 933 is arranged such that its side surface is substantially parallel to the upper surface and the lower surface of the housing of the electronic device 810 (the surface to which the dripper portion 811 is connected and the surface on which the container 40 is arranged). The valve body 933 is provided such that when the holes 931 and 932 are connected in the middle of the hole 931 penetrating the electronic device 810, the center lines of the holes are substantially at the same position.

[0276] This valve body 933 rotates on its side by a driving means. As shown in Figures 18(1) to (4), when the rotation stops at a position where the hole 931 of the electronic device 810 and the hole 932 of the valve body 933 are connected, the extraction liquid falls from the dripper portion 811 into the container 40. As shown in Figures 18(5) to (6), when the rotation stops at a position where the hole 931 of the electronic device 810 and the hole 932 of the valve body 933 are not connected, the fall of the extraction liquid is prevented.

[0277] Note that the rotation of the valve body 933 is performed, for example, by rotating a shaft connected to the center of one bottom surface of the valve body 933 with a motor, or by providing a drive mechanism that moves the gear provided on the side surface.

[0278] Note that when the rotation stops at a position where the hole 931 of the electronic device 810 is partially blocked and the holes are slightly connected, the amount of the extraction liquid falling decreases, so that the extraction speed can be slowed down. As a result, the extraction liquid accumulates in the dripper portion 811, and the time for the extraction liquid to contact the coffee powder can be lengthened.

[0279] In addition, although the description has been made assuming a cylindrical valve body in FIG. 18, the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, it is also conceivable to configure it with a circular valve body such as a ball bearing.

[0280] [Fifth Embodiment: Example of Giving Instructions to User Using Monitored Extraction Status] In the first to fourth embodiments, an example in which the extraction automatically stops when the extraction stop portion blocks the fall of the extraction liquid at the end of extraction has been described. However, since the extraction can be ended by removing the dripper and the electronic device from the container, there may be cases where the extraction stop portion is unnecessary for some users. In such a case, the electronic device can be miniaturized by omitting the extraction stop portion.

[0281] In addition, although an example of displaying the current extraction status while comparing it with past extractions in FIG. 7(2) has been described, not only simple comparison but also examples in which the electronic device instructs the user on the extraction operation or makes a proposal to the user according to the current extraction status are conceivable. Note that such an operation (user support operation) is a function that can also be assumed in the electronic devices of the first to fourth embodiments, but will be described as a function of the electronic device in which the extraction stop portion in this fifth embodiment is omitted.

[0282] In the first embodiment, an example in which the name of the dripper is registered in the quantity data has been described. However, an example in which the electronic device holds data associating the name of the dripper with the weight of the dripper is also conceivable. In this case, before measuring the weight of the coffee powder on the coffee powder weighing screen, the dripper can be identified from the measurement of the weight of the dripper, and the burden on the user can be reduced in the selection of the quantity data shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the selection of the extraction comparison data, etc. In the fifth embodiment, an example will be described assuming that the selection of the extraction comparison data is facilitated by identifying the dripper when measuring only the weight of the dripper before measuring the coffee powder.

[0283] [Example of the external configuration of the coffee extractor and the electronic device] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the coffee extractor 1001 to which the electronic device 1100 in the fifth embodiment is attached.

[0284] The electronic device 1100 shown in this FIG. 19 is obtained by omitting the extraction stop unit 32 and the drain container 23 from the electronic device 20 in the first embodiment. Further, the coffee extractor 1001 corresponds to the coffee extractor 1 in FIG. 1, and is the same except that the electronic device 1100 is provided instead of the electronic device 20. Therefore, the same components as those in FIG. 1(1) are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

[0285] By omitting the extraction stop unit 32 and the drain container 23, the electronic device 1100 can reduce the distance between the upper surface (the surface on which the weighing table 24 is provided) and the lower surface (the surface in contact with the container 40) of the electronic device 1100. That is, as shown in FIG. 19, by omitting the device for blocking the fall of the extraction liquid, the electronic device 1100 with a small (low) thickness (height) can be designed. In addition, even when compared with the integrated type electronic device 810 of the dripper shown in FIG. 14, the thickness of the electronic device can be easily reduced by omitting the extraction stop unit.

[0286] Note that the functional configuration of the electronic device 1100 is the same as that shown in FIG. 4 except that the extraction stop unit 280 is omitted, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0287] Next, the operation of the electronic device 1100 will be described with reference to examples of display screens illustrated in FIGS. 20 to 23. In FIG. 20, the operation of identifying the dropper from the weight of the dropper 10 placed on the weighing table 24, the operation when the user selects the extraction comparison data, and the operation of measuring the weight of the coffee powder after determining the extraction comparison data to be used will be described with reference to examples of display screens. In FIGS. 21 to 23, the user support operation during the extraction operation will be described with reference to examples of display screens.

[0288] [Examples of the list screen of registered droppers, the selection screen of extraction comparison data, and the screen displayed during coffee powder weighing] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the list screen of registered droppers, the selection screen of extraction comparison data, and the screen (coffee powder weighing screen) displayed during coffee powder weighing, which are displayed on the touch panel display 22 in the fifth embodiment. In FIG. 20(1), a list screen of droppers is displayed, in FIG. 20(2), a selection screen of extraction comparison data is shown, and in FIG. 20(3), a coffee powder weighing screen is shown.

[0289] In the display example of the dropper list screen (registered dropper list screen) shown in FIG. 20(1), an "up" button 1101, a "down" button 1102, an "edit" button 1103, a "new addition" button 1104, a "return to menu" button 1105, and four registered dropper weight data are shown.

[0290] Here, the dropper weight data will be described. The dropper weight data is data in which the name of the dropper and the weight of the dropper are associated. In the fifth embodiment, the description will be made assuming the weight of the dropper with a filter. By having the electronic device 1100 hold this dropper weight data, it is possible to prevent mistakes in the dropper to be used by checking the weight in the preparation stage of extraction, and to facilitate the setting change of the electronic device 1100 by the user when changing the dropper.

[0291] This registered dropper list screen is displayed, for example, when a selection to make a setting change regarding a registered dropper is made on the menu screen. By performing various operations on this registered dropper list screen, registration of a new dropper and changes regarding the registered dropper are made.

[0292] Note that the roles of the respective buttons displayed here are the same as those of the respective buttons in Fig. 8(1), except that the display and operation targets are dropper weight data, and thus detailed explanations are omitted.

[0293] In this registered dropper list screen shown in Fig. 20(1), four registered dropper weight data (XXX dropper (paper filter), XXX dropper (metal filter), A dropper (A filter), XXX dropper (~6 cups) (6-cup paper)) are shown together with their respective weights (150 g, 225 g, 320 g, 250 g). Also, the display of the A dropper (A filter) is surrounded by a double line indicating that it is selected.

[0294] On this registered dropper list screen, when the "Edit" button 1103 or the "New Addition" button 1104 is pressed, a display screen (dropper weight registration screen) equipped with a name input field, a weighing button for the dropper weight, the weight of the weighed dropper, a change confirmation button, and a change cancellation button is displayed. For example, when the dropper weight registration screen is displayed by pressing the "New Addition" button 1104, a dropper weight registration screen with a blank name input field and the weight of the weighed dropper is displayed. Then, during the display of this screen, the user inputs a name and presses the weighing button for the dropper weight to perform weighing. Thereafter, by pressing the change confirmation button to confirm the input, new dropper weight data is registered. Note that since this dropper weight registration screen is simply a simple display screen for associating only the name and weight of the dropper, the illustration thereof is omitted.

[0295] In the first embodiment, an example without using the dropper weight data has been described. However, the dropper weight data may also be used in the electronic device 20 of the first embodiment. In this case, the designation of the dropper for setting the ingredient data (the "dropper" input field 356 in Fig. 8(2)) will be selected from the already registered dropper weight data. As a result, when selecting the ingredient data on the coffee powder weighing screen, only the ingredient data with a matching dropper can be displayed, etc., thereby reducing the burden on the user in selecting the ingredient data. Also, it is possible to prevent the selection of ingredient data with a non-matching dropper.

[0296] As described above, in the fifth embodiment, the dropper weight data, which is data associating the name and weight of the dropper, is held in the storage unit 290 of the electronic device 1100. Thereby, the identification of the dropper used at the time of extraction is performed before weighing the coffee powder, and by performing this identification, it is possible to facilitate the selection of the extraction comparison data and the ingredient data by the user.

[0297] Fig. 20(2) shows an example of a screen for selecting extraction comparison data (extraction comparison data selection screen). In this extraction comparison data selection screen, an example of the display when selecting extraction comparison data different from the previous time for extraction using extraction comparison data different from the previous time after weighing only the dropper and the paper filter before weighing the coffee powder on the weighing table 24 will be described assuming this situation.

[0298] The extraction comparison data selection screen shown in this Fig. 20(2) is an example displayed when, for example, although the weighing result of the dropper weight is determined to be the same dropper as the previous time and the same extraction comparison data as the previous time is presented, it is selected to use different extraction comparison data. Also, this extraction comparison data selection screen is also a screen for selecting extraction comparison data that is performed after selecting one dropper from a list of droppers approximated to the weighed weight when it is determined that the dropper is a different dropper based on the weighing result of the dropper weight.

[0299] On the extraction comparison data selection screen shown in this Figure 20(2), there are a "Dripper Change" button 1106, a "Details Check" button 1107, a "Decision" button 1108, an "Up" button 1109, a "Down" button 1110, four extraction policy data, and the name of the dripper used for extraction. Note that on the extraction comparison data selection screen, as the name of the dripper used for extraction, an XXX dripper equipped with a paper filter (hereinafter also referred to as XXX dripper (paper filter)) is shown. Note that as information indicating the extraction policy data, the name (name) of the extraction policy data, the amount of powder (powder), the extraction stop amount (liquid amount), the extraction time (time), the component data used (component data), and the comment (memo) entered by the user are shown.

[0300] Here, the extraction policy data will be described. The extraction policy data is data that becomes the target (candidate) to be selected as extraction comparison data in the fifth embodiment. The extraction policy data, similar to the extraction history data selected as extraction comparison data in the first embodiment, each piece of data holds the history of each extraction, and is data that becomes the extraction policy by referring to it during extraction. Therefore, the extraction policy data is created for each dripper, each extraction amount, and each extraction pattern, and is held in the storage unit 290 of the electronic device 1100.

[0301] Note that in the first embodiment, for the sake of easy explanation, an example of simply selecting extraction comparison data from the extraction history data was described. However, since the extraction history data increases in number as the number of extractions increases, it is assumed that it will take time to select when the number of extraction history data increases. Therefore, by attaching an easily distinguishable name to the data planned to be used as extraction comparison data when the user selects it and holding it separately from the extraction history data as extraction policy data, the selection of extraction comparison data can be facilitated. For this reason, in this fifth embodiment, it is assumed and described that extraction comparison data is selected from the extraction policy data using the extraction policy data.

[0302] Regarding the extraction policy data, when using this extraction policy data in the electronic device 20 of the first embodiment, data obtained by adding the name as the extraction policy data to various information included in the extraction history data may be used as the extraction policy data. When a user creates unique extraction policy data, the extraction policy data can be created by using (copying) various information of the extraction history data of the extraction that tastes good and adding a name that is easy to identify to this information.

[0303] In addition to various information of the extraction history data and the name as the extraction policy data, the extraction policy data of this fifth embodiment further includes information (period information) obtained by dividing the period from the start to the end of extraction (extraction period) for each operation. Also, regarding the extraction history data of the fifth embodiment, this period information is further added. Since this period information will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 22, the description here is omitted.

[0304] In the example of the extraction comparison data selection screen shown in FIG. 20(2), the extraction policy data associated with the component data using the dropper weight data of the XXX dropper (paper filter) among the extraction policy data described above is displayed in a list. This is because it was determined based on the weighing result of the weighing unit 260 that the dropper set on the weighing platform 24 was the XXX dropper (paper filter) before transitioning to this extraction comparison data selection screen. If it is determined that it is another dropper, the extraction policy data associated with the component data using the dropper weight data of that dropper is displayed in a list.

[0305] Next, each button displayed on the extraction comparison data selection screen will be described. The "Dripper Change" button 1106 is a button for changing the dripper determined to be used for extraction (canceling the decision and making a new decision). When this "Dripper Change" button 1106 is pressed, it transitions to a screen for reweighing the dripper and determining the dripper from the weight obtained from the reweighing for user confirmation. In the case where there are multiple dripper weight data with similar weights on the transitioned screen, an operation of displaying them and asking the user which dripper it is will be added. When the dripper is determined, a list of extraction policy data using the component data associated with the dripper weight data of the determined dripper is displayed on this extraction comparison data selection screen.

[0306] The "Detailed Confirmation" button 1107 is a button for confirming detailed information of the selected extraction policy data. In Fig. 20(2), the extraction policy data (XXX dripper, 3 cups) surrounded by a double line is the selected extraction policy data. When the "Detailed Confirmation" button 1107 is pressed in this state, it transitions to a screen for confirming various information of the "XXX dripper, 3 cups" extraction policy data. On the screen for confirming this various information, for example, in addition to the information (name, powder, liquid volume, time, component data, memo) of the extraction policy data shown in Fig. 20(2), the weight transition, liquid volume transition, period information, etc. during the extraction period can be confirmed. As an example, the screen for confirming various information can be a screen like Fig. 22(1) shown later.

[0307] The "Determine" button 1108 is a button for determining the selected extraction policy data as extraction comparison data. On the extraction comparison data selection screen shown in Fig. 20(2), the "XXX dripper, 3 cups" extraction policy data is selected. When the "Determine" button 1108 is pressed in this state, the "XXX dripper, 3 cups" extraction policy data is determined as extraction comparison data and transitions to the next screen (coffee powder weighing screen).

[0308] The "Up" button 1109 and the "Down" button 1110 are the same as the "Up" button and the "Down" button shown in the previous display examples, and are buttons for changing the extraction policy data to be displayed when the extraction policy data to be displayed is so much that it cannot be completely displayed at once.

[0309] As described with reference to FIG. 20(2), by having the electronic device 1100 hold the dropper weight data and using it to identify the dropper before weighing the coffee powder, the burden on the user in selecting extraction comparison data can be reduced.

[0310] Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 20(3), the coffee powder weighing screen after determining the extraction comparison data on the extraction comparison data selection screen shown in FIG. 20(2) will be described. Note that FIG. 20(3) is described assuming that the "XXX dropper, 3 cups" extraction policy data among the extraction policy data shown in FIG. 20(2) is selected as the extraction comparison data.

[0311] FIG. 20(3) shows a display example of the coffee powder weighing screen when performing a user support operation during extraction. On this coffee powder weighing screen, as operation buttons, a "Return to extraction comparison data setting" button 1111, a "Adjust to calculated extraction end amount and execute" button 1112, and a "Execute with recommended extraction end amount" button 1113 are shown.

[0312] Also, on this coffee powder weighing screen, the coffee powder weight of the extraction comparison data ("XXX dropper, 3 cups" extraction policy data) (recommended: coffee powder weight (25 g)) and the extraction end amount of this extraction comparison data (recommended: extraction end amount (360 ml (3 cups))) are shown. Furthermore, on this coffee powder weighing screen, the coffee powder weight during weighing (weighing: coffee powder weight (24.1 g)) is shown. Further, the extraction end amount (calculated: extraction end amount (343 ml (2.9 cups))) calculated based on the set amount of the "standard" amount data (the amount data set for the "XXX dropper, 3 cups" extraction policy data) from this coffee powder weight (24.1 g) is shown.

[0313] Note that the extraction end amount is the same as the extraction stop amount in the first embodiment and indicates the liquid amount at which extraction ends. Since the electronic device 1100 in the fifth embodiment does not include the extraction stop unit 280, the electronic device 1100 cannot stop extraction. Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, the extraction end amount is displayed instead of the extraction stop amount.

[0314] The "Return to Extraction Comparison Data Setting" button 1111 is a button for canceling the determination of extraction comparison data and reselecting from the extraction policy data. When this "Return to Extraction Comparison Data Setting" button 1111 is pressed, for example, a transition is made to a screen for selecting extraction comparison data from the extraction policy data, such as the extraction comparison data selection screen shown in FIG. 20(2).

[0315] The "Execute after Adjusting to Calculated Extraction End Amount" button 1112 is a button for setting the extraction amount (calculated: extraction end amount) calculated from the weight of the coffee powder placed in the dripper 10 (measurement: coffee powder weight) as the extraction end amount and performing extraction. Note that this calculation is performed based on the set amount of the component data of the extraction policy data selected in the extraction comparison data. The extraction end amount determined by pressing this "Execute after Adjusting to Calculated Extraction End Amount" button 1112 is different from the extraction end amount indicated by the extraction comparison data. Therefore, before extraction execution, the weight and liquid amount at each timing indicated by the extraction comparison data are adjusted to match the measured weight of the coffee powder and the calculated extraction end amount.

[0316] For example, in Fig. 20(3), since it is assumed that the extraction policy data of "XXX, 3 cups" is used as the extraction comparison data, the extraction end amount specified by the extraction comparison data is 360 ml. On the other hand, if the extraction end amount is 343 ml calculated from the weight of the coffee powder shown in Fig. 20(3), the extraction amount will be approximately 10% less. In this case, the liquid amount at each timing during extraction indicated by the extraction comparison data is calculated (adjusted) to be 10% less, and then compared with the ongoing extraction. Also, since there is a difference in the weight of the coffee powder between 25 g and 24.1 g, after performing a process to align the standards such that the weight at the start of extraction is zero for both and measuring the weight inside the dripper, a comparison with the ongoing extraction is made.

[0317] The "Execute with Recommended Extraction End Amount" button 1113 is a button for setting the extraction amount (recommended: extraction end amount) of the extraction policy data selected in the extraction comparison data as the extraction end amount and performing extraction. This "Execute with Recommended Extraction End Amount" button 1113 is basically a button for performing extraction as shown in the extraction comparison data. However, if there is a difference between the measured weight of the coffee powder and the weight shown in the extraction comparison data, a comparison with the ongoing extraction is made after performing a process to align the standards as described above.

[0318] As shown in this Fig. 20, in the fifth embodiment, by using the dripper weight data and the extraction policy data, the burden on the user in the operation of the electronic device 1100 can be reduced.

[0319] Subsequently, the user support operation during the extraction operation by the electronic device 1100 will be described with reference to Figs. 21 to 23.

[0320] [Examples of Extraction Progress Display Selection Screen and Display Screen with Simple Guide] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for selecting a display during extraction (extraction display selection screen) displayed on the touch panel display 22 in the fifth embodiment, and a screen (simple guidance display screen) for performing a guidance operation (assistance operation) during extraction using the liquid amount in the container 40 as an index. In FIG. 21(1), an extraction display selection screen is shown, and in FIG. 21(2), a simple guidance display screen is shown.

[0321] Before the user performs extraction, the electronic device 1100 allows the user to select what information to display during extraction. In this fifth embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the display during extraction can be selected from the menu screens described in FIGS. 5 and 6. However, it is not limited to this, and it is also conceivable to select when the power of the electronic device 1100 is turned on, or to select each time extraction is performed at the end of weighing the coffee powder.

[0322] In the example of the extraction display selection screen shown in FIG. 21(1), a "display with simple guidance" button 1121, a "display with detailed guidance" button 1122, a "display current state only" button 1123, and a "display for comparison with past extractions" button 1124 are shown. When the "display current state only" button 1123 is pressed, a screen that displays only the current extraction status described in FIG. 7(1) is displayed during extraction. Also, when the "display for comparison with past extractions" button 1124 is pressed, a screen that is displayed in comparison with past extractions described in FIG. 7(2) is displayed during extraction.

[0323] On the other hand, when the "display with simple guidance" button 1121 is pressed, the extraction status is determined based on the liquid amount in the container 40 detected by the liquid amount detection unit 270, and a screen (simple guidance display screen) including an instruction (guidance information) to the user according to this extraction status is displayed during extraction. The guidance information is, for example, advice regarding the speed of pouring hot water.

[0324] Also, when the "Display with Detailed Guide" button 1122 is pressed, guide information generated by judging the extraction status in more detail than the simple guide display screen is displayed during extraction. This guide information includes, in addition to the guide information based on the liquid volume in the container 40 on the simple guide display screen, guide information based on the weight in the dropper 10 and guide information based on the period information set in the extraction policy data selected in the extraction comparison data, which is displayed during extraction. The guide information based on the period information includes the content and start timing of the current operation (current operation) and the next operation (next operation) including the current time, and can make it easier to reproduce the extraction indicated by the extraction comparison data than the guide information on the simple guide display screen.

[0325] Note that the period information required for the display of this detailed guide display screen will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 22. Also, the detailed guide display screen will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 23.

[0326] Note that the selection of the display during extraction on this extraction-in-progress display selection screen is referred to as the selection of the display mode. The mode for displaying the simple guide display screen is called the simple guide mode, and the mode for displaying the detailed guide display screen is called the detailed guide mode.

[0327] Subsequently, the simple guide display screen will be described with reference to FIG. 21(2). FIG. 21(2) shows an example of the simple guide display screen displayed during extraction when the "Display with Simple Guide" button 1121 is pressed and the display mode is set to the simple guide mode.

[0328] First, before explaining the simple guide display screen, the simple guide mode will be described in detail. In the simple guide mode, the amount of the extraction liquid accumulated in the container 40 indicated by the extraction comparison data is compared with the amount of the extraction liquid accumulated in the container 40 during the extraction execution, and guide information regarding the speed of pouring hot water into the dropper 10 is notified to the user at any time. During the comparison, when the amount of the extraction liquid in the container 40 is more than the amount of the extraction liquid in the extraction comparison data, guide information for slowly pouring hot water into the dropper 10 so that the extraction speed decreases is notified to the user.

[0329] Also, when the amount of extraction comparison data is less, guide information for quickly pouring hot water to increase the extraction speed is notified to the user, and when the amount is approximately the same as the amount of extraction comparison data, guide information for maintaining the speed of pouring hot water is notified to the user. That is, the extraction situation is judged based on the amount of the extract shown by the extraction comparison data, and guide information is notified to the user based on the judgment result. Note that the amount of the extract shown by the extraction comparison data serving as the criterion for this judgment will also be described as the reference extraction amount in the following explanation. On the other hand, the amount of the extract being extracted detected by the liquid amount detection unit 270 will also be described as the detected extraction amount in the following explanation.

[0330] The determination of this notified guide information is performed, for example, by setting a threshold value of the amount of the extract serving as the criterion for switching the guide information based on the reference extraction amount and comparing the set threshold value with the detected extraction amount.

[0331] Here, the determination of the guide information using the threshold value will be described in detail. Note that the guide information in the simple guide mode is assumed to be three patterns of guide information displayed as character information such as "It is quite fast. Please slow down.", "It is quite slow. Please speed up.", and "It can be reproduced in the same way."

[0332] In this case, two threshold values, a threshold value (TH1) for distinguishing between "It is quite fast..." and "It can be reproduced in the same way." and a threshold value (TH2) for distinguishing between "It can be reproduced in the same way." and "It is quite slow...", are set based on the reference extraction amount. Then, when judging, if the detected extraction amount exceeds the liquid amount of the threshold value (TH1), the guide information of "It is quite fast..." is displayed, if the liquid amount is between the threshold value (TH1) and the threshold value (TH2), the guide information of "It can be reproduced in the same way." is displayed, and if it is below the threshold value (TH2), the guide information of "It is quite slow..." is displayed.

[0333] Although the case where three pieces of guidance information are set has been assumed, when more detailed guidance information such as "a little faster..." or "a little slower..." is set, a plurality of thresholds are set according to the number of pieces of guidance information, and the set thresholds and the detected and extracted amount are compared.

[0334] Note that the threshold is calculated for each timing at which the threshold during the extraction period and the detected and extracted amount are compared. Here, the interval for determining the guidance information is not particularly considered. For example, when the guidance information is determined every 5 seconds or every 10 seconds to prevent the guidance information from changing frequently, the thresholds for every 5 seconds or every 10 seconds are calculated. Note that it may be performed at each detection of the amount of the extraction liquid or the weight in the dripper (for example, at a short interval of 1 second or less), and this determination interval (timing) is obtained and set through various experiments.

[0335] The threshold for each timing is calculated by adding or subtracting a predetermined liquid amount (for example, if adding at a ratio, add a liquid amount of 5% of the reference extraction amount; if adding by liquid amount, add a liquid amount of 5 ml) to the reference extraction amount. The liquid amount to be added or subtracted is obtained and set through various experiments in advance so that the displayed guidance information can be switched appropriately. Note that since this liquid amount may vary depending on the type of the dripper, the amount of coffee powder, and the final extraction amount (number of cups), a plurality of patterns may be prepared and the pattern considered to be optimal may be used.

[0336] Also, for the threshold at each timing, a pattern in which the threshold condition is gradually made stricter as the extraction time elapses (for example, at the start of extraction, the difference between the threshold and the reference extraction amount is 30 ml, and the interval near the end of extraction is 5 ml) is considered in order to match both the extraction amount and the extraction time with the extraction indicated by the extraction comparison data.

[0337] In addition, patterns with different degrees of difference between the threshold value and the reference extraction amount at each timing (for example, those with a small difference are "strict", those in the middle are "standard", and those with a large difference are "lenient") may be prepared for the user to select. For example, when not yet accustomed to extraction, the user may select "lenient", and when accustomed, may select "strict".

[0338] Although an example of calculating the threshold value by adding or subtracting a predetermined liquid volume to or from the reference extraction amount has been shown, this added or subtracted liquid volume may be used as the threshold value, and the value calculated by subtracting the reference extraction amount from the detected extraction amount at the comparison timing may be compared with this threshold value.

[0339] So far, it has been assumed that the guide information is notified by character information, but this is not limited, and various examples are conceivable. For example, in addition to visual notification by a simple guide display screen, an example of auditory notification by outputting, from the speaker 28, voice with substantially the same content as the character information is also conceivable.

[0340] In addition, for the notification to the user by the output from the speaker 28, an example of notification by an effect sound is also conceivable. For example, when notifying to slow down, the "pee" sound may be repeated, when notifying to speed up, the "poo" sound may be repeated, and when it can be reproduced in the same way, it may be made silent, etc.

[0341] Furthermore, regarding the notification method by visual notification, in addition to the notification by character information as shown in FIG. 21(2), examples of notification by a picture or the color of the backlight (background color) are also conceivable. For example, in the case of the color of the backlight, when notifying to slow down, the background of the screen is made red, when notifying to speed up, the background of the screen is made blue, and when it can be reproduced in the same way, it is made white, etc. Note that for the notification by color separation, in addition to the change in the color of the background of the simple guide display screen, an example of providing a notification LED to the electronic device 1100 is also conceivable.

[0342] Next, the display contents of the simple guide display screen shown in Fig. 21(2) will be described. The simple guide display screen shown in Fig. 21(2) shows an example in which guide information for pouring hot water slowly to slow down the extraction speed is notified to the user. The display screen example shown in Fig. 21(2) shows an "Intermediate stop" button 1125, a guide information field 1131, a liquid volume transition graph 1132, extraction volume / planned volume (100 / 80 ml), extraction end volume (360 ml), extraction end time (04:00), extraction comparison data (XXX, 3 cups), and elapsed time (01:35).

[0343] The extraction amount / planned amount indicates the currently detected extraction amount (extraction amount) during the extraction and the reference extraction amount (planned amount) at the same elapsed time in the extraction comparison data. The extraction end amount indicates the extraction end amount determined from the recommended or calculated extraction end amount on the coffee powder measurement screen shown in Figure 20 (3). The extraction end time indicates the extraction time from the start to the end of the extraction stored in the extraction comparison data, and the extraction comparison data indicates the name of the extraction policy data selected in the extraction comparison data.

[0344] In addition, in Figure 21 (2), it is assumed that the "Execute with recommended extraction end amount" button 1113 in the display example of Figure 20 (3) has been pressed, and extraction is being performed in accordance with the extraction end amount (360 ml) and extraction time (04:00) of the "XXX, 3 cups" extraction strategy data.

[0345] The "end midway" button 1125 corresponds to the "end midway (not obstructed)" button 329 shown in FIG. 7, and is a button for stopping, during extraction, each operation of the electronic device 1100 that is being performed during extraction.

[0346] The guide information column 1131 is a space for displaying guide information on the simple guide display screen. In the simple guide display screen shown in Fig. 21(2), as an example, the elapsed time (01:30) at which the amount of extract in the container 40 was compared to determine the guide information and the guide information based on the determination result of this time (it is too fast. Please slow it down).

[0347] The liquid volume transition graph 1132 is a graph showing the transition (change over time) of the amount of the extract liquid, similar to the liquid volume transition graph 332 shown in FIG. 7(2).

[0348] As shown in the simple guide-attached display screen of FIG. 21(2), by comparing the amount of the extract liquid accumulated in the container 40 with past extractions, guide information regarding the speed of pouring hot water can be notified to the user. Note that since the electronic device 1100 includes the weighing unit 260 that measures the weight applied to the dripper 10, the amount of hot water accumulated in the dripper 10 can also be compared. The amount of the extract liquid accumulated in the container 40 only increases, whereas the weight applied to the dripper 10 increases or decreases depending on the speed and number of times of pouring hot water. For this reason, the notification of guide information using the comparison of the weight applied to the dripper 10 can notify the user of more detailed advice than the notification of guide information using the comparison of the amount of the extract liquid accumulated in the container 40. The notification of guide information using the comparison of the weight applied to the dripper 10 will be described in FIG. 23 as a detailed guide-attached display.

[0349] Note that in FIG. 21(2), an example in which only the liquid volume transition graph is displayed during extraction has been described, but the weight transition graph may also be displayed together.

[0350] [Example of a screen displayed when confirming extraction policy data] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of an extraction policy data display screen, a period detailed display screen, and a period change screen displayed on the touch panel display 22 in the fifth embodiment.

[0351] In FIG. 22(1), an example of a screen for confirming the details of the extraction policy data is shown, in FIG. 22(2), an example of a screen for confirming the period details of the extraction policy data (period detailed display screen) is shown, and in FIG. 22(3), an example of a screen for changing the content of the period details (period change screen) is shown.

[0352] In the display example of the display screen (extraction policy data display screen) for checking the details of the extraction policy data shown in Fig. 22(1), the "Accompanying Information Display" button 1141, "Period Details Display" button 1142, and "Return to List" button 1143 are shown. In addition to these buttons, the name of the extraction policy data (Name: XXX, 3 cups (homemade)), the name of the quantity data used (Quantity data: Standard), the amount of coffee powder used for extraction (Coffee powder: 25g), the amount of extracted liquid stored in the container (Extraction amount: 360 ml), the time from the start to the end of extraction (Extraction time: 3 minutes and 55 seconds), the drip coffee maker used (Drip coffee maker: XXX drip coffee maker (paper filter)), weight transition, and liquid volume transition are shown.

[0353] The extraction policy data display screen shown in this Fig. 22(1) corresponds to the extraction history data display screen shown in Fig. 9(2). For example, in the list screen of the extraction policy data displayed by making a selection to display the extraction policy data on the menu screen, it is displayed when the extraction policy data for which details are to be displayed is selected. Note that in Fig. 22, in order to focus on the period information, the illustration of the list screen of the extraction policy data and the like is omitted.

[0354] Note that the "XXX, 3 cups (homemade)" extraction policy data shown in this Fig. 22 is described assuming that it is made from the extraction history data shown in Fig. 9(2) (created by copying each data and attaching a name).

[0355] The "Accompanying Information Display" button 1141 is a button for displaying the information (accompanying information) of the extraction policy data that is not displayed on the extraction policy data display screen. For example, when this "Accompanying Information Display" button 1141 is pressed, as accompanying information, comments, user evaluations, information indicating the extraction history data referred to (only in the case of homemade), etc. are displayed. Note that the information indicating the extraction history data referred to is the acquisition date and time (× month △ day □ hour ○ minute) in this example, but if the extraction history data is managed by a serial number or the like, this serial number is also conceivable.

[0356] The "Period Details Display" button 1142 is a button for checking the period information of the extraction policy data. When this button is pressed, the screen transitions to the period details display screen shown in Fig. 22(2).

[0357] The "Return to List" button 1143 is the same as the "Return to List" button 367 shown in Fig. 9(2). When pressed, it returns to the list screen of the extraction policy data.

[0358] As shown in Fig. 22(1), in the extraction policy data, to each piece of information of the extraction history data described in the first embodiment, information such as the name, information of the referenced extraction history data (when self-made), and period information to be described in detail in Figs. 22(2) and (3) later is added. Note that in the fifth embodiment, the period information is not essential, but for convenience (because it is easier when creating extraction policy data from extraction history data), it is also added to the extraction history data. In this case, the "Period Details Display" button 1142 is added to the extraction history data display screen shown in Fig. 9(2).

[0359] Note that the display example shown in Fig. 22(1) is just an example, and the name, coffee powder quantity, extraction end quantity, weight transition, liquid quantity transition, etc. of the extraction policy data may be displayed so that they can be changed. Subsequently, the period information will be described with reference to Figs. 22(2) and (3).

[0360] In the display example of the period details display screen shown in Fig. 22(2), an "Up" button 1144, a "Down" button 1145, a "Change" button 1146, an "Add" button 1147, an "Auto Reset" button 1148, a "Return to Transition Details Display" button 1149, a plurality of set periods, and a weight transition graph are shown.

[0361] Note that as the plurality of periods, four periods (0:00 to 0:30, 0:30 to 0:45, 0:45 to 1:15, 1:15 to 2:00) are shown, and a double-line frame indicating that the period from 45 seconds to 1 minute 15 seconds after the start of extraction (0:45 to 1:15) is selected is shown. Also, to the immediate right of the numerical value indicating the period, the name of the operation of the period and the details of that period are shown. Note that in the weight transition graph, in addition to the solid line indicating the transition of the weight, a dashed line indicating the division of the periods and a section filled with diagonal lines indicating the selected period are shown.

[0362] The "up" button 1144 and the "down" button 1145 are buttons for changing the periods displayed in the period list. Since a large number of periods cannot be displayed at once, by pressing these buttons, the currently displayed periods are hidden and the periods that could not be fully displayed are shown.

[0363] The "change" button 1146 is a button for changing each piece of information set for the selected period. When the "change" button 1146 is pressed when the period from 0:45 to 1:15 is selected as shown in Fig. 22(2), the screen transitions to a period change screen for changing each piece of information in the period from 0:45 to 1:15 shown in Fig. 22(3).

[0364] The "add" button 1147 is a button for newly adding a new period immediately after the selected period. For example, when the "add" button 1147 is pressed when the period from 0:45 to 1:15 is selected as shown in Fig. 22(2), the screen transitions to a period change screen with 1:15 as the start and other information not set. Note that when setting the end time of the new period, the start time of the next period (1:15 in the period from 1:15 to 2:00 in the example of Fig. 22(2)) is automatically reset to the end time of that new period.

[0365] The "Auto Reset" button 1148 is a button for resetting the period set in the extraction history data. When this "Auto Reset" button 1148 is pressed, the electronic device 1100 determines the period based on the weight transition shown in the weight transition graph, and all of the number of periods, the start and end times of the period, the operation name of the period, the details of the period, etc. are reset.

[0366] The "Return to Transition Details Display" button 1149 is a button for returning from the period details display screen to the details screen of the extraction history data.

[0367] Next, an example of the information set for each period will be described with reference to the period change screen shown in Fig. 22(3).

[0368] In the display example of the period change screen shown in Fig. 22(3), a "Discard and Return" button 1151, a "Save and Return" button 1152, an "Operation Name" input field 1161, a "Details" input field 1162, a "Start Time" column 1163 and an "End Time" column 1164, a weight transition graph and a liquid volume transition graph are shown.

[0369] The "Discard and Return" button 1151 is a button for discarding the information newly input in each input field on this period change screen and moving to the period details display screen.

[0370] The "Save and Return" button 1152 is a button for saving the information newly input in each input field on the period change screen and moving to the period details display screen.

[0371] The "Operation Name" input field 1161 is a field for inputting a name (operation name) indicating the operation in the period being changed or newly created on the period change screen. By selecting the "Operation Name" input field 1161 on this period change screen and the user inputting characters, it can be changed to the user's preferred characters.

[0372] The "Details" input field 1162 is a field for inputting detailed information about the operation during the period being changed or newly created on the period change screen. As with the operation name, the user can change the details to the user's preferred text by inputting text.

[0373] The "Start Time" column 1163 and the "End Time" column 1164 are columns for inputting the start time or end time of the period being set. When the values ​​in these columns are changed, the times of the periods adjacent to the period being set are changed accordingly. For example, if the start time of 0:45 is changed to 0:38, the end time of the previous hot water supply (fast) period (0:30 to 0:45) is changed from 0:45 to 0:38.

[0374] The weight transition graph and liquid volume transition graph shown in Fig. 22(3) are similar to those explained so far, and of the two graphs displayed in Fig. 22(3), the left one is the weight transition graph and the right one is the liquid volume transition graph. As in Fig. 22(2), in addition to solid lines showing the transition of weight or liquid volume, these graphs also show dashed lines showing the divisions of each period in the extraction history data, and sections painted with diagonal lines showing the period being changed on this period change screen.

[0375] As shown in Fig. 22(3), the start time, end time, action name, and details are set for each period that constitutes the period information. When extraction is performed in the detailed guide mode, guide information is generated using this information.

[0376] When a period is set using the "Automatic Reset" button 1148, the start and end times of each period are automatically set by the electronic device 1100 based on the transition of the weight in the dripper 10. Then, the name and details of the operation corresponding to the transition of the weight within the set period are automatically set.

[0377] In the fifth embodiment, the period information as explained in FIG. 23 is stored in the extraction policy data and extraction history data, and is used in the detailed guide mode.

[0378] Although the description of the period information of the extraction history data is omitted, the period information is set for the extraction history data of the extraction using the extraction comparison data with period information based on the period information of the used extraction comparison data.

[0379] Next, the notification of the guide information (detailed guide) using both the comparison of the amount of the extraction liquid and the comparison of the amount of hot water in the dripper 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 23.

[0380] [Example of the display screen with detailed guide] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen with a detailed guide displayed during coffee extraction on the touch panel display 22 in the fifth embodiment. FIG. 23(1) shows an example of the display screen with a detailed guide at the timing of steaming in coffee extraction, and FIG. 23(2) shows an example of the display screen with a detailed guide at the timing (waiting timing) of waiting for the hot water in the dripper 10 to decrease after pouring a large amount of the first hot water in coffee extraction.

[0381] The display screen with a detailed guide described in this FIG. 23 is displayed during extraction when the "display with detailed guide" button 1122 is pressed on the extraction display selection screen shown in FIG. 21(1) and the display mode with a detailed guide is selected as the display mode. On this display screen with a detailed guide, more detailed guide information is notified to the user based on the transition of the weight in the dripper 10 during extraction, the transition of the weight of the extraction comparison data, and the period set in the extraction comparison data.

[0382] In the example of the detailed guide display screen at the steaming timing shown in Fig. 23(1), there are shown a "Terminate Midway" button 1179, a weight transition graph 1171, a guide information column 1172, an operation guide column 1173, an extraction amount / planned amount (0 / 0 ml), an extraction end amount (360 ml), an extraction end time (03:55), extraction comparison data (XXX, 3 cups), and an elapsed time (00:20). Regarding the display of the same content as that of the simple guide display screen in Fig. 21(2) although the numerical values are different, the explanation here is omitted. Also, since the "Terminate Midway" button 1179 is the same as the "Terminate Midway" button 1125 in Fig. 21(2), the explanation here is omitted.

[0383] The weight transition graph 1171 is a graph showing the transition of the weight in the dropper 10, similar to the weight transition graphs described so far. This weight transition graph 1171, similar to the weight transition graphs shown in Figs. 22(2) and (3), shows the transition of the ongoing extraction (solid line), the transition of the extraction of the extraction comparison data (dashed line), a dashed line parallel to the vertical axis indicating the period separation, and a section shaded with oblique lines indicating the period (steaming) including the current time. Note that, as an example, this weight transition graph 1171 shows that the weight transition is substantially the same during the steaming period indicated by the oblique lines.

[0384] The guide information column 1172 is a space for displaying guide information determined based on the weight measured by the weighing unit 260 and the liquid amount detected by the liquid amount detection unit 270 in the detailed guide display screen. In the guide information column 1172 at the elapsed time (0:20) shown in Fig. 23(1), as an example, similar to the guide information column 1131 in Fig. 21(2), there are shown the elapsed time (00:15) when the guide information was determined and the guide information (It's on schedule.) based on the determination result at this time.

[0385] The operation guide column 1173 is a space for notifying the user of the current extraction operation and the next extraction operation based on the information of the period set in the extraction comparison data. In the operation guide column 1173 at the elapsed time (0:20) shown in this Figure 23(1), as an example, the name of the current operation (simmering), the remaining time of the current operation period (5 seconds), and the name of the next operation (hot water supply (fast)) are shown.

[0386] In the detailed guide display screen during the period (standby) of waiting for the decrease of hot water after pouring a large amount of hot water for the first time shown in Figure 23(2), an example displayed at the elapsed time (01:00), which is 40 seconds after the elapsed time (0:20) shown in Figure 23(1), is shown. In this Figure 23(2), an example is shown where the amount of the extracted liquid detected at the elapsed time (01:00) (extraction amount (40 ml)) is less than the amount of the extracted liquid at the same time in the extraction comparison data (predicted amount (60 ml)).

[0387] Also, in the weight transition graph 1174, it is shown that the weight change of the ongoing extraction in the current period (standby) and the previous period (hot water supply (fast)) is significantly shifted in the direction of less weight increase compared to the weight change in the extraction comparison data.

[0388] In this case, guide information (Slow. Pour more hot water) notifying that the extraction is slow is displayed in the guide information column 1175. Also, as shown in the operation guide column 1176, the name of the current operation (standby), the remaining time of the current operation (15 seconds), and the name of the next operation (hot water supply (slow)) are displayed as operation guide information.

[0389] The user who checks the detailed guide display screen shown in this Figure 23(2) during extraction recognizes that the extraction speed is slow due to the insufficient amount of hot water at the timing of the first hot water supply, that the current operation (standby) remains for 15 seconds, and that the next operation is hot water supply (slow). Then, the user continues the extraction while judging during which period to pour more hot water. For example, the user who determines to pour more hot water in the hot water supply operation pours more hot water at the timing of the hot water supply according to the operation guide column 1176 and the weight transition graph 1174.

[0390] In this way, by displaying detailed guide information, it is possible to further assist the user in reproducing the extraction indicated by the extraction comparison data.

[0391] Note that the guide information to be displayed is not limited to what is illustrated. For example, it is also conceivable to calculate the ratio (reproduction rate) that can be reproduced for each period and notify the user of this reproduction rate, thereby notifying the user of the quality of the extraction during the extraction. Further, it is also conceivable to determine advice based on the degree of reproduction of the weight transition measured by the metering unit 260 and display this advice as guide information.

[0392] Also, since the timing of pouring hot water during the extraction period is known from the period information, an example is also conceivable in which, when there is a deviation between the extraction being referred to and the extraction being executed, the timing for adjustment is indicated as guide information. For example, when the actual extraction amount is small as shown in FIG. 23(2), an example of instructing to advance the next hot water supply timing is conceivable.

[0393] Note that the criteria for determining guide information from the amount of the extraction liquid in the container (liquid amount transition) and the weight in the dropper (weight transition) are the same as the examples shown in the simple guide mode. Threshold values are set for each timing of comparison, and the comparison is made with the set threshold values. Regarding the calculation of this weight threshold value, since the weight changes in the dropper only due to the change in the amount of hot water remaining in the dropper, it is advisable to calculate the threshold value only from the weight of the hot water by subtracting the weight of the coffee powder from the measured weight in the dropper. Also, regarding the display of the weight transition (for example, the weight transition graph 1171 and the weight transition graph 1174 in FIG. 23), it is also possible to display only the weight transition of the amount of hot water.

[0394] Also, by displaying the details set for each period described in FIG. 22 on the detailed guide-attached display screen, it is also conceivable to notify the user of the details of the extraction operation during the period during the extraction.

[0395] In this way, in the detailed guide mode, since the guide information is determined based on the amount of the extract in the container, the weight in the dripper (the amount of hot water in the dripper), and the period information, it is possible to notify the user of a guide more detailed than the simple guide mode.

[0396] [Operation Example of Electronic Device] FIGS. 24 and 25 are flowcharts showing an example of an operation (extraction processing procedure) when performing extraction while displaying a display screen with a simple guide using the electronic device 1100 in the fifth embodiment. FIG. 24 shows the first half of the flowchart, and FIG. 25 shows the second half of the flowchart. Note that this is an operation example after the power is turned on, similar to FIG. 11. Also, it is assumed that a display with a simple guide (simple guide mode) is selected on the selection screen shown in FIG. 21(1).

[0397] The flowcharts shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 are obtained by adding steps of displaying guide information based on the amount of the extract, identifying the dripper based on the weight of the dripper, and setting extraction comparison data to the operation example shown in FIG. 11. For this reason, the same steps as those in FIG. 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted, and the added steps will be mainly described.

[0398] First, when the control unit 250 determines that the position of the container 40 is correct (step S102), a screen (dripper weight measurement screen) for allowing the user to measure the weight of the dripper is displayed on the display unit 220 (step S201). Subsequently, the control unit 250 determines whether the weight of the dripper has been measured by the weighing unit 260 (step S202). If it is determined that the weight has not been measured, the process returns to step S201. Specifically, a message prompting the user to place the dripper with the filter on the weighing platform and a weighing button ("ZERO" button) are displayed on the dripper weight measurement screen (not shown), and the dripper weight measurement screen is displayed until the "ZERO" button is pressed.

[0399] When it is determined that the weight of the dropper has been measured (step S202), based on the measured weight, the control unit 250 determines whether it is the same dropper as the previous one (step S203). If it is determined that the measured weight is different from the previous one and thus it is not the same dropper as the previous one (step S203), the process proceeds to step S207.

[0400] On the other hand, when it is determined that the measured weight is the same as the previous one and thus it is the same dropper as the previous one (step S203), the information of the extraction policy data used as the extraction comparison data in the previous extraction is displayed on the display unit 220 (step S204). Then, the control unit 250 determines whether to use the previous extraction comparison data this time (step S205). If it is determined not to use the previous extraction comparison data, the process proceeds to step S208. Specifically, the information of the extraction policy data used as the extraction comparison data in the previous extraction, together with the "Change" button and the "OK" button (not shown in the figure), is displayed, and the user is allowed to determine whether to use this extraction policy data this time. When the "Change" button is pressed by the user, the control unit 250 determines not to use the previous extraction comparison data, and when the "OK" button is pressed, it determines to use the previous extraction comparison data.

[0401] Subsequently, when it is determined to use the previous extraction comparison data (step S205), the previous extraction comparison data is set as the current extraction comparison data by the control unit 250 (step S206), and the process proceeds to step S106.

[0402] If it is determined in step S203 that the dropper is not the same as the previous one, the control unit 250 identifies the dropper (step S207). Specifically, dropper weight data with a weight close to the weight measured by the weighing unit 260 is listed (not shown), and the user selects appropriate dropper weight data to identify the dropper. Then, a screen (extraction comparison data selection screen) for selecting extraction comparison data is displayed on the display unit 220 from a list of extraction policy data using the selected dropper weight data (for example, Fig. 20(2)) (step S208). Subsequently, the extraction policy data selected by the user from this list is set as the current extraction comparison data by the control unit 250 (step S209), and the process proceeds to step S106.

[0403] If it is determined in step S205 not to use the previous extraction comparison data, a screen (extraction comparison data selection screen) for selecting extraction comparison data is displayed from a list of extraction policy data using the dropper weight data of the dropper to be used (the same dropper as the previous one) (step S208), and the process proceeds to step S106.

[0404] After proceeding to step S108, the control unit 250 determines whether to end the weighing of coffee powder (step S211). If it is determined not to end, the process returns to step S106. Specifically, a coffee powder weighing screen as shown in Fig. 20(3) is displayed, and it is determined to end when the user presses the "Execute after adjusting to the calculated extraction end amount" button 1112 or the "Execute with the recommended extraction end amount" button 1113, and it is determined not to end until it is pressed.

[0405] On the other hand, when it is determined that the weighing of the coffee powder has been completed (S211), the process proceeds to step S111, where the amount of coffee powder to be used for extraction and the amount of the extract to be stored in the container 40 during extraction are determined. Then, based on the set conditions (extraction comparison data, degree or pattern of the difference between the threshold value and the reference extraction amount), the control unit 250 calculates the threshold value of the extraction amount for each timing of comparison during the extraction period (step S212). This calculation of the threshold value is performed based on the liquid amount at each timing indicated by the extraction comparison data, as described with reference to FIG. 21.

[0406] After proceeding to step S113, the control unit 250 compares the detected amount of the extract (extraction amount) with the threshold value (step S213). Then, based on the comparison result, the control unit 250 determines the guide information to be notified to the user (step S214), and the extraction status display screen (see FIG. 21(2)) reflecting the determined guide information is displayed on the display unit 220 (step S215). Then, the process proceeds to step S116.

[0407] When the extraction end screen is displayed in step S117, the extraction history data related to the completed extraction (the current extraction) is stored in the storage unit 290 (step S216), and the extraction process procedure ends.

[0408] In addition, when the interval of the timing for comparison with the threshold value during the extraction period is wider than the interval of detection of the extraction amount (for example, every 5 seconds or every 10 seconds), the result of the comparison in step S213 is updated for each timing of performing the comparison, and the guide information is determined based on the updated result. This is the same for the weight inside the dripper in FIG. 26.

[0409] Subsequently, an example of the operation (extraction process procedure) when performing extraction in the detailed guide mode for displaying the detailed guide attached display screen will be described with reference to FIG. 26. Since the first half of the flowchart is the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 24, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0410] FIG. 26 shows the latter part of a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation (extraction processing procedure) for displaying a detailed guide-attached display screen using the electronic device 1100 in the fifth embodiment. Note that FIG. 26 is obtained by adding the determination of guide information based on the weight in the dropper and the determination of guide information based on the period information to the operation example shown in FIG. 25. For this reason, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same steps as those in FIG. 25, and the description thereof is omitted, and the added steps will be mainly described.

[0411] When the threshold value of the amount of the extraction liquid at each timing during the extraction period is calculated in step S212, in the same manner as this step, based on the set conditions (extraction comparison data, degree or pattern of the difference between the threshold value and the reference weight), the threshold value of the weight in the dropper 10 at each timing during the extraction period is calculated by the control unit 250 (step S221). Note that the calculation of this threshold value is performed based on the weight at each timing indicated by the extraction comparison data, in the same manner as step S212.

[0412] Then, when the process proceeds to step S213 of the subsequent operation and the comparison with the threshold value of the extraction amount is completed, the weight in the dropper 10 is detected by the weighing unit 260 (step S222). Then, the comparison between the weight in the dropper 10 and the threshold value of the weight is performed by the control unit 250 (step S223). Subsequently, after information regarding the period to which the detected timing (current) belongs and the next period is acquired by the control unit 250 (step S224), guide information is determined by the control unit 250 based on the comparison result between the extraction amount and the threshold value, the comparison result between the weight and the threshold value, and the information regarding the period (step S225).

[0413] Then, an extraction status display screen (see FIG. 23) reflecting the determined guide information is displayed on the display unit 220 (step S226), and the process proceeds to step S115. Note that, in addition to the example shown in FIG. 23, various examples of guide information are conceivable. For example, when the extraction amount is as planned but the weight is outside the allowable range, guide information such as "The extraction speed is as planned, but the extraction procedure is incorrect." is notified to the user. Also, when the extraction amount is less than planned, the weight is also less than planned, and the current period is standby and the next period is hot water supply, guide information such as "The amount of hot water being poured is overall less. Please increase it at the next hot water supply timing." is notified to the user.

[0414] As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, by notifying guide information (support information) during extraction, it is possible to facilitate extraction that reproduces the user's preferred taste.

[0415] Note that the function of assisting the user by notifying the guide information (support information) described in the fifth embodiment can also be performed by an electronic device including an extraction stop unit 280, and by providing both functions, taste reproduction can be made even easier.

[0416] So far, as the role of the extraction stop unit (extraction stop units 32 and 822), it has been described assuming that the path (flow path) of the extraction liquid is blocked (the fall of the extraction liquid is prevented) at the end timing of extraction. Thereby, it is possible to prevent excess extraction liquid from falling into the container. In particular, when extraction is performed using a stainless steel server whose inside is difficult to check, using an electronic device (electronic devices 20, 500, and 810) including an extraction stop unit facilitates extraction as intended.

[0417] Note that if the extraction stop unit partially blocks the flow path to enable control of the amount (extraction speed) of the extraction liquid falling into the container 40, the extraction speed can be adjusted regardless of the amount of hot water in the dripper. Thereby, the range of the extraction operation is widened, further consideration of hand-drip conditions becomes possible, and extraction becomes more enjoyable.

[0418] Therefore, as a sixth embodiment, an example of an electronic device that controls the extraction speed by the extraction stop portion partially blocking the flow path will be described with reference to FIGS. 27 to 33.

[0419] [Sixth Embodiment: Example of Controlling Extraction Speed] [Example of Extraction Stop Portion Having a Plate Rotating about an Axis] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of an extraction stop portion 822 in which a disk-shaped plate rotates about an axis to open and close a flow path in the sixth embodiment.

[0420] In addition, the electronic device in the sixth embodiment needs to have a function in which the extraction stop portion partially shields the flow path and prevent the extraction liquid accumulated in the dropper from leaking when shielded. That is, like the dropper-integrated electronic device (electronic device 810) in the third embodiment, even if the fall of the extraction liquid is prevented inside the electronic device 810 (the flow path of the extraction liquid), the extraction liquid must not come out from other than the pouring port on the upper surface of the dropper portion 811 (there is no other entrance or exit).

[0421] Therefore, in the sixth embodiment, it is assumed that the external configuration is the same as that of the dropper-integrated electronic device 810 in the third embodiment, and the description will be made using the same reference numerals. The functional configuration of the electronic device in the sixth embodiment is the same as that in the third embodiment except that the extraction stop portion partially shields the flow path, and the display portion 220 of the electronic device 500 in the second embodiment is omitted. For this reason, the functional configuration of the electronic device in the sixth embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals as those of the electronic device 500 in the second embodiment.

[0422] In addition, in the third embodiment, an example of an electronic device in which the touch panel display 22 is omitted was described as the electronic device 810. This electronic device 810 includes a communication unit 510 like the electronic device 500 in the second embodiment, and displays an operation screen on the touch panel display 610 of the communication partner's electronic device 600. Also in this display example of the sixth embodiment, the description will be made assuming that it is displayed on the touch panel display 610 of the electronic device 600.

[0423] Although not shown and described, an electronic device obtained by adding a touch panel display 22 to the dropper integrated type electronic device 810 of the third embodiment (for example, a housing with a rectangular touch panel display in FIG. 1 instead of a cylindrical housing) may be assumed.

[0424] In addition, in this sixth embodiment, when using extraction comparison data during extraction, it shall be selected from the extraction policy data described in the fifth embodiment. Also, similar to the fifth embodiment, it is assumed that the extraction policy data and the extraction history data include period information.

[0425] FIGS. 27(1) to (3) show a configuration example inside the hole 1203 as viewed from the upper surface of the electronic device 810. FIGS. (4) to (6) show cross-sectional views when viewed in the direction of the arrow 1201 orthogonal to the broken line 1202 at the upper end of the broken line 1202 in FIG. 27(1). Note that FIGS. 27(1) and (4) show examples where the flow path is completely shielded (closed), FIGS. 27(2) and (5) show examples where the flow path is partially closed, and FIGS. 27(3) and (4) show examples where the flow path is completely open.

[0426] And FIGS. 27(7) and (8) show a configuration example inside the hole 1203 as viewed from the upper surface of the electronic device 810 that finely controls the flow rate with four extraction stop portions as an example of the electronic device 810 that finely adjusts the extraction speed even when the size of the hole 1203 is large.

[0427] The extraction stop portion 822 in this sixth embodiment includes, as shown in FIGS. 27(4) to (6), a shaft 1205 extending in parallel in a direction orthogonal to the side surface of the hole 1203 (the horizontal direction in FIG. 27) in the middle of the hole 1203, and a disk-shaped plate 1204 that rotates within the hole 1203 around this shaft 1205 as a valve body.

[0428] As shown in FIGS. 27(1) and (4), when the plane of this plate 1204 stops at a position where it is orthogonal to the side surface of the hole 1203, the hole 1203 is completely blocked and shielded. Then, as shown in FIGS. 27(2) and (5), when the plane of the plate 1204 rotates slightly from the direction orthogonal to the side surface of the hole 1203, the hole 1203 is in a partially open state. In this case, the gap increases according to the degree of rotation from the shielding state shown in FIGS. 27(1) and (4), and the larger the gap, the larger the amount of the extraction liquid falling into the container 40 through the hole 1203, and the faster the extraction speed.

[0429] In addition, as shown in FIGS. 27(3) and (6), when the plane of the plate 1204 becomes parallel to the side surface of the hole 1203, the hole 1203 is in a completely open state, and the extraction speed becomes the fastest. Further, the rotation of the plate 1204 shown in FIGS. 27(1) to (6) is realized by the control unit 250 (see FIG. 4) controlling the operation of the driving means (motor) for rotating the shaft 1205.

[0430] Thus, the extraction stop portion 822 in the sixth embodiment is realized by a configuration substantially the same as the valve structure generally called a butterfly valve.

[0431] In FIGS. 27(1) to (6) up to here, an example in which one extraction stop portion 822 is provided has been shown. However, if a plurality of extraction stop portions 822 are provided and the degree of opening and closing is controlled individually, it is considered that the extraction speed can be controlled more finely.

[0432] In FIGS. 27(7) and (8), an example of an electronic device 810 is shown in which four holes (holes 1211 to 1214) smaller in size than the hole 1210 are provided inside the hole 1210, and extraction stop portions 822 are provided for each of the four holes (holes 1211 to 1214). The extraction liquid flowing from the dripper portion 811 into the hole 1210 flows into the container 40 through any one of the holes 1211 to 1214. By controlling the degree of opening for each of the holes 1211 to 1214, multi-stage extraction speeds can be easily set.

[0433] For example, even if the extraction stop portions provided in each of the holes 1211 to 1214 have only two operations of fully open and shielded, extraction speeds in five steps (fully open (4), fully open (3) shielded (1), fully open (2) shielded (2), fully open (1) shielded (3), shielded (4)) can be set. When an extraction stop portion that can maintain a partially open state is provided, extraction speeds in more steps can be set.

[0434] For example, assume that four extraction stop portions that open and close in three steps of fully open, shielded, and half open are provided, and that they open as evenly as possible and that fully open and shielded do not coexist. In this case, extraction speeds in nine steps (fully open (4), fully open (3) half open (1), fully open (2) half open (2), fully open (1) half open (3), half open (4), half open (3) shielded (1), half open (2) shielded (2), half open (1) shielded (3), shielded (4)) can be set.

[0435] FIG. 27(7) shows, as an example, an example in which two holes (holes 1212 and 1213) are partially open and the other two holes (holes 1211 and 1214) are completely closed. Further, FIG. 27(8) shows an example in which all four holes (holes 1211 to 1214) are closed.

[0436] As described above, the electronic device 810 of the sixth embodiment can control the extraction speed by providing an extraction stop portion that can partially shield the flow path of the extraction liquid. Note that in the electronic device 810, an extraction stop portion of a butterfly valve is assumed, but it is sufficient that the electronic device 810 can control opening and closing during the extraction period, and the extraction stop portions shown in the first to fifth embodiments may also be used.

[0437] Next, an example of performing coffee extraction while controlling the extraction speed using the electronic device 810 will be described with reference to examples of the display screens in FIGS. 28 to 30.

[0438] [Example of Display Screen in Extraction Speed Control Mode] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of an extraction speed control mode selection screen and an extraction status display screen in the per-time user-specified control mode in the sixth embodiment.

[0439] In FIG. 28(1), a screen (extraction speed control mode selection screen) for selecting a control method (extraction speed control mode) of the extraction speed by the extraction stop unit 280 is shown, and in FIG. 28(2), an extraction status display screen in the per-time user-specified control mode is shown.

[0440] Note that the extraction speed control mode selection screen shown in FIG. 28(1) is the same as the extraction-in progress display setting screen shown in FIG. 21(1), except that the selections made by the respective buttons displayed are different. Therefore, here, the description will focus on the four extraction speed control modes selected on the extraction speed control mode selection screen.

[0441] On the extraction speed control mode selection screen shown in FIG. 28(1), as four buttons for selecting the extraction speed control mode on this screen, a "fully open mode" button 1221, a "per-time user-specified mode" button 1222, a "per-period aperture specification mode" button 1223, and an "automatic reference to extraction liquid volume mode" button 1224 are shown.

[0442] The "fully open mode" button 1221 is a button for selecting a mode (fully open mode) in which the control of the extraction speed by partial shielding by the extraction stop unit 280 is not performed during extraction. In the fully open mode selected by this "fully open mode" button 1221, the open / close state in the extraction stop unit 280 is either fully open or shielded. That is, when the fully open mode is set, the same operation as the extraction operation shown in the first to fourth embodiments is performed.

[0443] The "Each-time User Specified Mode" button 1222 is a button for selecting a mode (each-time user specified mode) in which the user selects, while performing an extraction operation during extraction, the degree of opening (opening degree) of the flow path of the extraction liquid due to the opening and closing operation in the extraction stop unit 280. Regarding the operation of the electronic device 810 when this "each-time user specified mode" button 1222 is pressed and the each-time user specified mode is selected, since it will be described in FIG. 28(2), the description here is omitted.

[0444] The "Opening Degree Specified by Period Mode" button 1223 is a button for selecting a mode (opening degree specified by period mode) in which the opening degree changes during extraction based on information (opening degree control data) directly specified by the user for each period during extraction. Here, the opening degree control data is information on the opening degree set by the user for each period during extraction before extraction (prior). It is composed of information on the opening degree per time, the period, the comment of the opening degree control data itself, and the comment for each period. Note that among the information of the opening degree control data, information other than the opening degree per time is not essential for the control of the opening degree in the opening degree specified by period mode, and is set for cases where it is necessary for user support, such as display during extraction.

[0445] Regarding the operation of the electronic device 810 when this "opening degree specified by period mode" button 1223 is pressed and the opening degree specified by period mode is selected, since it will be described in FIG. 29, the description here is omitted.

[0446] The "Automatic Mode with Reference to Extraction Liquid Amount" button 1224 is a button for selecting a mode (automatic mode with reference to extraction liquid amount) in which the electronic device 810 determines an appropriate opening degree during extraction based on information specified in advance for the transition of the liquid amount in the container 40 during extraction, and the opening degree is automatically controlled. Regarding the operation of the electronic device 810 when this "automatic mode with reference to extraction liquid amount" button 1224 is pressed and the automatic mode with reference to extraction liquid amount is selected, since it will be described in FIG. 30, the description here is omitted.

[0447] Fig. 28(2) shows an example of the extraction status display screen in the per-time user-specified mode.

[0448] Note that the extraction status display screen in the per-time user-specified mode shown in this Fig. 28(2) is the same as the extraction status display screen shown in Fig. 7(1), except that a display for the user to specify the opening degree during extraction is added. Therefore, here, an explanation will be given focusing on the display for specifying the opening degree.

[0449] On the extraction status display screen in the per-time user-specified mode shown in Fig. 28(2), an "UP" button 1225, a "DOWN" button 1226, a "Terminate in Middle (with Shielding)" button 1227, a "Terminate in Middle (without Shielding)" button 1228, and a display showing the extraction status are shown. As the display showing the extraction status, a display showing the current amount of the extraction liquid (extraction amount 100 ml), the amount of liquid to end the extraction (extraction stop amount 240 ml (3 cups)), the elapsed time since the start of extraction (elapsed time 01:30), and the opening degree of the extraction stop part 280 (opening degree (8: fully open 0: shielded) 8) is shown.

[0450] The "UP" button 1225 and the "DOWN" button 1226 are buttons for the user to specify the opening degree in the extraction stop part 280 during extraction. When the "UP" button 1225 is pressed, the numerical value indicating the opening degree increases, and when the "DOWN" button 1226 is pressed, the numerical value indicating the opening degree decreases.

[0451] Note that in this Fig. 28(2), as an example, "0" is set as the shielded state, the degree of opening increases as the numerical value increases, and the numerical value (8) indicating that it is set to the "9"th stage (fully open) out of 9 stages where "8" is the fully open state is shown between the "UP" button 1225 and the "DOWN" button 1226.

[0452] As shown in this Fig. 28(2), when the per-time user-specified mode is set, the user can freely adjust the opening degree during extraction.

[0453] Note that the extraction status display screen in the user-specified mode each time is not limited to that shown in FIG. 28(2). For example, a display for setting the opening degree may be added to the display screen shown in FIG. 7(2), or it may be displayed together with the guide information described in the fifth embodiment.

[0454] [Example of Display Screen in Opening Degree Designation Mode by Period] FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of an opening degree control data selection screen, an opening degree control data setting change screen, and an extraction status display screen in the opening degree designation mode by period in the sixth embodiment.

[0455] In FIG. 29(1), a screen (opening degree control data selection screen) for selecting the opening degree control data used when extracting in the opening degree designation mode by period is shown. In FIG. 29(2), a screen (opening degree control data detailed display screen) for displaying and changing the details of the content of the opening degree control data is shown. In FIG. 29(3), an extraction status display screen in the opening degree designation mode by period is shown.

[0456] On the opening degree control data selection screen shown in FIG. 29(1), an "up" button 1231, a "down" button 1232, a "detail confirmation / change" button 1233, a "new addition" button 1234, a "set to used data" button 1235, a "return to menu" button 1236, a list of opening degree control data, and used opening degree control data are shown.

[0457] In the list, four opening degree control data (high speed in the second half, for A beans, rough milling, 6-minute extraction, for 2-minute storage extraction, for storage every time hot water is supplied) are shown, and a double-line frame indicating that the opening degree control data named "for 2-minute storage extraction" is selected is shown. Note that as the display of the used opening degree control data, the name, extraction time, and comment are displayed from the left.

[0458] The used opening degree control data is the opening degree control data used to control the opening degree during extraction. In FIG. 29(1), the state where the opening degree control data named "high speed in the second half" is set is shown.

[0459] The "Up" button 1231 and the "Down" button 1232 are buttons for changing the aperture control data displayed in the list, and are the same as the "Up" button and the "Down" button shown in the display example where the previous list was displayed.

[0460] The "Detail Check / Change" button 1233 is a button for checking the details of the selected aperture control data indicated by the double-line frame, or for changing the information included in the aperture control data. When this "Detail Check / Change" button 1233 is pressed, the process proceeds to the aperture control data detail display screen shown in Fig. 29(2).

[0461] The "New Addition" button 1234 is a button for newly creating usage aperture control data and adding it to the list of aperture control data. When this "New Addition" button 1234 is pressed, the process proceeds to the aperture control data detail display screen shown in Fig. 29(2) with no information constituting the aperture control data.

[0462] The "Set to Used Data" button 1235 is a button for setting the selected aperture control data indicated by the double-line frame as the usage aperture control data. For example, when this "Set to Used Data" button 1235 is pressed while the aperture control data for "2-minute accumulation extraction" is selected as shown in Fig. 29(1), the usage aperture control data is changed to "2-minute accumulation extraction".

[0463] The "Return to Menu" button 1236 is a button for changing from the aperture control data selection screen to the menu screen. In the sixth embodiment, an example of moving from the menu screen to this aperture control data selection screen is assumed for explanation, but it is not limited thereto, and it may be set before weighing the coffee powder used for extraction.

[0464] Figure 29(2) shows the detailed aperture control data display screen. As described in Figure 28(1), the aperture control data is composed of the aperture for each time, the period, the comment on the aperture control data itself, and the comment for each period. On the detailed aperture control data display screen shown here, these pieces of information that make up the aperture control data can be set.

[0465] On the detailed aperture control data display screen shown in Figure 29(2), a "Comment Confirmation / Change" button 1241, an "Extraction Policy Data Change" button 1242, a "Discard and Return" button 1243, a "Save and Return" button 1244, a "Period Addition" button 1245, a "Name" input field 1251, a "Period Number" designation button 1252, an "Aperture" designation button 1253, a "Period Start Time" input field 1254, a "Period End Time" input field 1255, a weight transition graph 1298, and an aperture transition graph 1299 are shown.

[0466] The "Comment Confirmation / Change" button 1241 is a button for displaying, confirming, and changing the comment registered in the aperture control data displayed on the detailed aperture control data display screen (in Figure 29(2), it is for "extraction for 2-minute accumulation"). When this "Comment Confirmation / Change" button 1241 is pressed, the screen (not shown) for displaying the registered comment is shifted to. Note that the comment registered in the aperture control data includes, in addition to the comment on the aperture control data itself (refer to the "Comment" input field 372 in Figure 9(2)), the comment for each period (refer to the "Details" input field 1162 in Figure 22(3)) is also registered for each period. These comments are used by the user to identify the aperture control data (refer to the display in the list in Figure 29(1)), and also to enable the user to recognize the extraction operation when a guide is displayed during extraction.

[0467] The "Extraction Policy Data Change" button 1242 is a button for changing the extraction policy data that the user refers to in order to set the aperture in this aperture control data detailed display screen. In Fig. 29(2), the information on the weight transfer in the dropper part 811 that holds the extraction policy data to be referred to is shown by the solid line of the weight transfer graph 1298. The user refers to this weight transfer graph 1298 to set each piece of information of the aperture control data.

[0468] Note that in Fig. 29(2), an example of referring to the weight transfer in the dropper part 811 has been described, but an example of referring to the liquid volume transfer in the container 40 is also conceivable.

[0469] Also, when there is no extraction policy data to be referred to (for example, when considering it for the first time), the user registers each piece of information of the aperture control data without specifying the extraction policy data to be referred to. Note that the extraction history data may be referred to.

[0470] The "Discard and Return" button 1243 and the "Save and Return" button 1244 are the same as the "Discard and Return" button and the "Save and Return" button shown in the previous display examples. That is, they are buttons for discarding or saving the changes and returning to the aperture control data selection screen when changes are made to the aperture control data.

[0471] The "Name" input field 1251 is an input field for changing the name of the aperture control data being changed.

[0472] The "Period Number" designation button 1252 is a button for designating the period to be displayed on the aperture control data detailed display screen. When the "Period Number" designation button 1252 is pressed, a list of numbers indicating the periods set in the displayed aperture control data is displayed. Then, when one of the numbers is pressed from the list, each piece of information for the period corresponding to that number is displayed. That is, when the period to be displayed is changed by pressing the "Period Number" designation button 1252, the aperture, start time, end time of the selected number's section, and the area shaded with diagonal lines indicating the selected number's section on the aperture transition graph 1299 are updated to the information for the period of the pressed number.

[0473] The "Aperture" designation button 1253 is a button for designating the aperture set in the period specified by the "Period Number" designation button 1252.

[0474] The "Period Start Time" input field 1254 and the "Period End Time" input field 1255 are input fields for designating the start timing and end timing of the period.

[0475] In the example of the display screen in FIG. 29(2), that the first of the two periods (" / 2" in the figure) is being displayed is indicated by the "1" immediately to the left of the "Period Number" designation button 1252 and the shaded section of the aperture transition graph. Also, that the aperture for this period is "0" and the start time and end time are "0:00" and "2:00" is indicated by the number immediately to the left of the "Aperture" designation button 1253 and the numerical values in the "Period Start Time" input field 1254 and the "Period End Time" input field 1255.

[0476] The "Period Addition" button 1245 is a button for adding a new period. For example, when this "Period Addition" button 1245 is pressed in the example of the display screen in FIG. 29(2), the period with period number "2" is advanced to period number "3", and a new period with a start time of "2:00" is added as the new period with period number "2". Note that the start time of the period with the new period number "3" is set to that time, for example, when the user designates the end time of the period with the new period number "2".

[0477] In addition, in FIG. 29(2), for the sake of simplicity of operation, an example of a display screen for setting the aperture for each period (an example of setting the aperture for each time at once for each period) is shown and described, but it is not limited to this. For example, a display screen in which the aperture is set one by one at 15-second intervals and the information regarding the period is set separately is also conceivable.

[0478] FIG. 29(3) shows an extraction status display screen that is displayed during extraction when extraction is performed in the aperture-by-period designation mode.

[0479] On this extraction status display screen of FIG. 29(3), a "Termination in Progress (with Shielding)" button 1246, a "Termination in Progress (without Shielding)" button 1247, extraction amount / planned amount, extraction completed amount, elapsed time, extraction end time, weight transition graph, liquid volume transition graph, and aperture transition graph are displayed. Note that since the "Termination in Progress (with Shielding)" button 1246 and the "Termination in Progress (without Shielding)" button 1247 are the same as the "Termination in Progress (with Shielding)" button and the "Termination in Progress (without Shielding)" button described in the previous extraction status display screen, the explanation here is omitted. Also, since the extraction amount / planned amount, extraction completed amount, elapsed time, and extraction end time are the same as the previous extraction status display screen except for the different numerical values, the individual explanations are omitted.

[0480] In addition, in this extraction status display screen of FIG. 29(3), it is illustrated assuming that the aperture control data named "2-minute accumulation extraction" shown in FIG. 29(2) is set as the used aperture control data.

[0481] In the weight transfer graph and the liquid volume transfer graph, each transition of the extraction policy data is indicated by a dashed line, and each transition of the ongoing extraction is indicated by a solid line. Also, the timing of the boundary of the period set in the use aperture control data is indicated by a dashed line parallel to the vertical axis.

[0482] In the aperture transition graph, the transition of the aperture set in the use aperture control data is indicated by a dashed line, and the transition of the ongoing extraction is indicated by a solid line.

[0483] In the extraction status display screen of this Figure 29(3), when the elapsed time is "01:30", in the extraction stop part 822, the aperture of the closed state (shielded state) of the flow path is "0", and it is shown that the amount of the extract in the container 40 is "0" ml. And as the elapsed time elapses a little more, it is shown by each dashed line of the aperture transition graph and the liquid volume transition graph that the flow path with an aperture of "8" becomes fully open and the liquid volume in the container 40 is expected to increase.

[0484] In this way, in the aperture designation mode by period, extraction is performed while the aperture is controlled based on the use aperture control data. Note that the control of the aperture for each time during extraction is performed only based on the aperture information (information on the transition of the aperture) for each time stored in the use aperture control data, and other information is used for purposes other than the control of the aperture. In the display example of Figure 29(3), only the timing of the period change is shown, but for example, it is conceivable to display detailed information (such as the period number, aperture, remaining time until the end shown in Figure 29(2)) regarding the period to which the current time belongs as guide information, or to display the operation in the next period as guide information.

[0485] Regarding the display, it is also conceivable to display guide information as described in the fifth embodiment. As an example of the guide information, a notification regarding the excess or deficiency of the weight in the dropper part 811 can be considered.

[0486] In this way, the aperture control data is composed of the aperture for each time, the start and end times of the period, the comment on the aperture control data itself, and the comment information for each period. By controlling the extraction speed during extraction based on this aperture control data, the pattern of the hand drip method expands, and the user can enjoy the hand drip more.

[0487] So far, an example where the user creates the aperture control data himself / herself has been described, but it is not limited to this. For example, for the aperture control data of a simple extraction operation such as "extraction for 2-minute accumulation" shown in Fig. 29(2), it can be considered to be stored in advance in the storage unit of the electronic device 810 (refer to the storage unit 290 in Fig. 4) as preset aperture control data. Also, as in the second embodiment, it is also conceivable to download and use the aperture control data recommended by others from the server.

[0488] Note that in Fig. 29, an example where each information held in the extraction comparison data is not included in the aperture control data has been described, but it is not limited to this. For example, each information of the extraction comparison data may also be included like the extraction speed control data described in Fig. 30. In this case, without referring to the extraction comparison data during extraction, it is possible to display an extraction status display screen like Fig. 29(3) only with the aperture control data, or to notify the user of the guide information during extraction only with the aperture control data.

[0489] [Example of the display screen in the automatic extraction liquid amount reference mode] Fig. 30 is a diagram showing an example of an extraction speed control data selection screen, an extraction speed control data setting change screen, and an extraction status display screen in the automatic extraction liquid amount reference mode in the sixth embodiment.

[0490] Figure 30(1) shows a screen (extraction speed control data selection screen) for selecting extraction speed control data used when extracting in the extraction liquid volume reference automatic mode. Figure 30(2) shows a screen (extraction speed control data setting / change screen) for displaying and changing the details of the extraction speed control data. Figure 30(3) shows an extraction status display screen in the extraction liquid volume reference automatic mode.

[0491] On the extraction speed control data selection screen shown in Figure 30(1), an "Up" button 1261, a "Down" button 1262, a "Details Check / Change" button 1263, a "New Addition" button 1264, a "Set to Used Data" button 1265, a "Return to Menu" button 1266, a list of extraction speed control data, and the used extraction speed control data are shown.

[0492] Note that the extraction speed control data selection screen shown in Figure 30(1) is the same display screen as the aperture control data selection screen in Figure 29(1) except that the selection target is different. That is, each button shown is the same as each button on the aperture control data selection screen in Figure 29(1) except that the target is the extraction speed control data, so detailed description here is omitted.

[0493] In the list of extraction speed control data displayed on the extraction speed control data selection screen, four extraction speed control data (dark roast coarse grind - full cup, light roast coarse grind - full cup, dark roast coarse grind - 2-minute drain - full cup, medium roast medium grind - last high speed) are shown. Note that as information on the extraction speed control data, the name, extraction time, number of extractions using it, and comment are shown in order from the left. Also, the extraction speed control data named "dark roast coarse grind - 2-minute drain - full cup" is set as the used extraction speed control data.

[0494] Next, the extraction speed control data will be described with reference to Figure 30(2).

[0495] Figure 30(2) shows an extraction speed control data setting change screen that is displayed when the "Detailed Check / Change" button 1263 and the "New Addition" button 1264 shown in Figure 30(1) are pressed. This extraction speed control data setting change screen shows a "Weight / Liquid Volume Transition Change" button 1268, a "Comment Check / Change" button 1269, a "Past Execution (Try) Information Change" button 1270, a "Discard and Return" button 1271, a "Save and Return" button 1272, a "Name" input field 1267, an extraction information display field 1281, a weight transition graph 1295, a liquid volume transition graph 1296, and a planned opening degree graph 1294.

[0496] Note that the "Discard and Return" button 1271, the "Save and Return" button 1272, and the "Name" input field 1267 are the same as those shown in Figure 29(2) except that the target is extraction speed control data, so the description here is omitted.

[0497] The "Weight / Liquid Volume Transition Change" button 1268 is a button for changing information regarding the planned weight in the dropper unit 811 and the planned liquid volume in the container 40 at each time (timing) held in the extraction speed control data. When this "Weight / Liquid Volume Transition Change" button 1268 is pressed, a screen (not shown) for changing the planned weight in the dropper unit 811 and the planned liquid volume in the container 40 at each time is displayed, enabling the user to make changes. When a period is set, the changes are made on this change screen. Also, the information on the planned weight in the dropper unit 811 at each time and the period information do not need to be set if they are not used on the extraction status display screen, and extraction in the automatic extraction liquid volume reference mode is possible.

[0498] The "Comment Confirmation / Modification" button 1269 is a button for displaying the comment registered in the currently displayed extraction speed control data (dark roast coarse grind · 2-minute drip · full cup) and performing confirmation and modification. When this "Comment Confirmation / Modification" button 1269 is pressed, the screen (not shown) for displaying the registered comment is shifted to. In addition to the comment for the extraction speed control data itself, the comment for each period, the roasting and grinding conditions of the coffee beans used, the quantity, the extraction amount, and the extraction time are also registered and modified on the screen where the comment is displayed.

[0499] The "Past Execution (Try) Information Modification" button 1270 is a button for modifying the extraction history data used to calculate the predicted aperture for each time set in the currently displayed extraction speed control data (dark roast coarse grind · 2-minute drip · full cup). The extraction history data used for this calculation is the extraction history data of past extractions performed in the extraction liquid volume reference automatic mode using the extraction speed control data named "dark roast coarse grind · 2-minute drip · full cup".

[0500] In this sixth embodiment, the extraction history data is to hold, in addition to each piece of information of the extraction history data described in the fifth embodiment, information (for example, name or identification number) indicating the extraction speed control data used and data (transition data) of the aperture actually performed for each time. Further, in this sixth embodiment, the extraction speed control data is to have registered therein information (name or identification number) indicating the extraction history data of the extraction performed in the extraction liquid volume reference automatic mode using this extraction speed control data.

[0501] When the "Past Execution (Try) Information Change" button 1270 is pressed, the extraction history data used to calculate the predicted opening degree can be changed, and thereby the planned opening degree can be adjusted. For example, if one of the seven past extraction history data is a failed extraction, this one failed extraction history data is excluded. Then, the planned opening degree is recalculated based on the six past extraction history data. When calculating the planned opening degree, not only the opening degree information of the past extraction history data but also the increasing speed of the extraction liquid in the container 40 is considered. For example, if the increasing speed of the extraction liquid in a specific section in the past extraction history data is much larger than the increasing speed of the liquid volume in that section specified in the extraction speed control data, it is determined that the opening degree of that extraction history data is too large and should originally be made smaller. When calculating the planned opening degree, this determination is considered in the calculation.

[0502] In addition, when the number of past executions (tries) is 0, the electronic device 810 makes a rough prediction from the registered frying state, grinding state, quantity, extraction amount, extraction time, and liquid volume transition graph and controls the opening degree during extraction.

[0503] In this way, the higher the number of past executions (tries), the higher the accuracy of the planned opening degree. And the higher the accuracy of the planned opening degree, the closer the transition of the amount of the extraction liquid during execution can be made to the transition shown in the liquid volume transition graph 1296.

[0504] Here, the information displayed in the extraction information display column 1281 will be described. In the extraction information display column 1281, it is shown that the number of past executions (tries) is "7 times", the frying state of the coffee beans (frying) is "deep frying", the grinding state of the coffee beans (grinding) is "coarse grinding", the amount of coffee powder (coffee powder) is "25 g", the extraction amount of coffee (extraction amount) is "360 ml", and the extraction time (extraction time) is "04:00".

[0505] The number of past execution (trial) times is determined by the number of extraction history data to be referred to for setting the predicted opening degree. However, other information is input by the user on the screen displayed when the "Comment Confirmation / Change" button 1269 is pressed.

[0506] Although this input information (roasting degree, grinding degree, coffee powder, extraction amount, extraction time) has nothing to do with setting the planned opening degree, it is an important condition regarding whether the planned liquid volume flows due to the opening and closing operation of the planned opening degree. Therefore, in the extraction liquid volume reference automatic mode of the sixth embodiment, in addition to the amount of coffee powder, the coffee extraction amount, and the extraction time, by registering the roasting degree of coffee beans and the grinding degree of coffee beans in the extraction speed control data, these information are notified to the user to increase the possibility of realizing the extraction as planned. In addition, writing the source of the beans in the comment column (not shown) can further increase the possibility of realizing the extraction as planned.

[0507] As the use of this information, for example, when preparing the coffee powder to be used, it is conceivable to notify (assist) the user to prepare the coffee powder with the roasting degree and grinding degree registered in the extraction speed control data in the dripper to the registered weight.

[0508] Since the extraction speed control data includes all the information contained in the extraction comparison data, the extraction comparison data is not used in the extraction liquid volume reference automatic mode.

[0509] In addition, the information on the weight transition in the dripper registered in the extraction speed control data is only used as an index of the user's extraction operation in this extraction and is not used for setting the planned opening degree. However, since the amount of hot water in the dripper unit 811 has a great influence on the extraction speed, it is desirable to display a weight transition graph on the extraction progress display selection screen so that the user pours hot water so that the weight transition during execution approaches the weight transition in the extraction speed control data.

[0510] Since the planned opening degree is a prior plan, if there is a deviation in the amount of the extracted liquid accumulated in the container 40 during extraction, the opening degree changes according to the deviation.

[0511] As shown in FIG. 30(2), the extraction speed control data is composed of information on the amount of liquid in container 40 at each time (information on liquid amount transition) which is essential for controlling the opening degree, as well as information on weight transition in dripper portion 811 which is necessary to reproduce the extraction, period information, information indicating the extraction history data of past extractions using this extraction speed control data, information indicating the extraction history data used to create a schedule for transitions in the opening degree, information on the planned opening degree for each hour, roast level, grind level, amount, extraction amount, and extraction time.

[0512] FIG. 30(3) shows an extraction status display screen that is displayed during extraction when extraction is performed in the automatic extraction liquid volume reference mode.

[0513] The extraction status display screen in Fig. 30(3) displays an "End midway (obstructed)" button 1273, an "End midway (not obscured)" button 1274, extraction amount / planned amount, end amount of extraction, elapsed time, end time of extraction, weight transition graph, liquid volume transition graph, and mouth opening transition graph. Note that the extraction status display screen shown in Fig. 30(3) is the same as the extraction status display screen in the period-based mouth opening designation mode shown in Fig. 29(3) except for the numerical values ​​of each piece of information, the patterns of each transition, and the signs, and therefore a detailed description will be omitted.

[0514] In addition, in Figure 30 (3), an example of extraction speed control data (dark roast coarse ground, 2 minutes distillation, full) for which the planned opening degree is calculated is shown, so a thin line indicating the planned opening degree is shown in the opening degree transition graph. In cases where the planned opening degree is not calculated, such as extraction speed control data with a past execution (trial) count of "0", only a thick solid line indicating the opening degree during extraction is shown in the opening degree transition graph.

[0515] As in FIG. 29(3), the extraction status display screen is not limited to this display example, and may also display guide information as described in the fifth embodiment.

[0516] In this way, in the aperture degree designation mode by period, based on the transition (extraction speed) of the liquid volume in the container 40 designated by the extraction speed control data, the aperture degree is adjusted to control the extraction speed during execution, so that the pattern of the hand drip method is expanded and the user can enjoy the hand drip more.

[0517] Regarding the extraction speed control data, although an example where the user generates it himself / herself has been described with reference to Fig. 30, as mentioned in the aperture degree control data described in Fig. 29, in addition to being recorded in the electronic device as a preset in advance, it is also conceivable to download it from the server.

[0518] So far, the three extraction operations (user-specified mode each time, aperture degree designation mode by period, automatic mode for referring to the extraction liquid volume) of the electronic device 810 have been described with reference to the operation screen of the electronic device 810.

[0519] Subsequently, operation examples of these three extraction operations of the electronic device 810 will be described using the flowcharts shown in Figs. 31 to 33. In Figs. 31 to 33, it is assumed that the operation of setting the mode has been completed in advance. Also, in Figs. 32 and 33, it is assumed that the aperture degree control data and the extraction speed control data to be used have already been selected.

[0520] [Operation Example of Electronic Device] Fig. 31 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation (extraction processing procedure) when extraction is performed in the user-specified mode each time using the electronic device 810 in the sixth embodiment.

[0521] In the flowchart shown in FIG. 31, an example is shown in which an operation for changing the aperture is added to the operation example shown in FIG. 11, and the explanation will focus on the added steps. Since the electronic device 810 does not have a touch panel display, the display on the touch panel display 610 of the communication partner's electronic device 600 is assumed. For this reason, regarding the operation related to the display in the operation example, the electronic device 810 outputs the data of the display screen from the communication unit 510 and causes it to be displayed on the touch panel display 610 of the communication partner's electronic device 600. Regarding the operation related to the display that is different from the operation example of FIG. 11 only in that the output target is different depending on whether it is a built-in touch panel or an external touch panel, the explanation will be omitted without changing the reference numerals. Note that this omission of explanation will be done in the same way not only in FIG. 31 but also in FIGS. 32 and 33.

[0522] After the extraction is started and the process proceeds to step S112 and the measurement of time is started, shielding according to the aperture specified (set) by the user is performed by the extraction stop unit 280 (step S301). It is assumed that the aperture immediately after the start has already been set before the start of steaming (start of extraction). For example, an example can be considered in which after the user-specified mode is selected each time on the extraction speed control mode selection screen shown in FIG. 28(1), the user is made to perform an operation of setting the aperture immediately after the start of extraction. Regarding the aperture, it is assumed that it is fully open until the process proceeds to step S112 so that the liquid for steaming easily falls into the container. This assumption of full opening also applies to FIGS. 32 and 33.

[0523] Note that after the amount of the extraction liquid is detected in step S113, an extraction status display screen for notifying the user of the extraction status and the aperture is output by the control unit 250 via the communication unit 510 and is displayed on the touch panel display 610 of the electronic device 600 (step S302). Then, the process proceeds to step S115.

[0524] On the extraction status display screen of this step S302, as shown in Fig. 28(2), buttons for the user to change the aperture during extraction are displayed, and the aperture is changed during extraction by the user's operation via these buttons. During the display of the extraction status display screen (see Fig. 28(2)), if the value of the aperture within the display is changed by the user, the aperture is reset to this changed value in step S301, and shielding according to this reset aperture is performed by the extraction stop unit 280.

[0525] In this way, in the user-specified mode each time, the aperture can be changed by the user's operation during extraction.

[0526] Fig. 32 is the latter half of a flowchart showing an example of the operation (extraction processing procedure) when extraction is performed in the aperture-by-period specified mode using the electronic device 810 in the sixth embodiment. The flowchart shown in this Fig. 32 is obtained by removing the operations related to the guide information from the operation example shown in Fig. 26 and adding the operation of controlling the aperture based on the aperture control data. In this Fig. 32, the added steps will be mainly described. Since the first half of the flowchart is the same as that in Fig. 24, the description here is omitted.

[0527] When the amount of coffee powder and the amount of extract for the current extraction are determined in step S111, the aperture control data to be used in the current extraction is acquired from the storage unit 290 by the control unit 250 (step S311). Then, when extraction is started and the process proceeds to step S112 and the measurement of time starts, shielding according to the aperture specified by the aperture control data is performed by the extraction stop unit 280 (step S312).

[0528] Then, when the measurement of the amount of extract and the weight within the dripper in steps S113 and S222 is completed, an extraction status display screen (see Fig. 29(3)) for notifying the user of the extraction status is output via the communication unit 510 and displayed on the touch panel display 610 of the electronic device 600 (step S313).

[0529] Thus, in the aperture degree designation mode by period, the degree of shielding is changed during extraction based on the aperture degree control data prepared in advance.

[0530] FIG. 33 is the latter half of a flowchart showing an example of the operation when extraction is performed in the extraction liquid amount reference automatic mode using the electronic device 810 in the sixth embodiment. The flowchart shown in this FIG. 33 is obtained by removing the operation related to the guide information from the operation example shown in FIG. 26 and adding the operation of controlling the aperture degree based on the extraction speed control data. In this FIG. 33, the added steps will be mainly described. Note that the first half of the flowchart omits the operation related to the selection of the extraction comparison data (steps S203 to S209) from the flowchart shown in FIG. 24. Since the rest is the same, the description here will be omitted.

[0531] When step S111 ends, the extraction speed control data used in the current extraction is acquired from the storage unit 290 by the control unit 250 (step S321). Then, when extraction is started and the process proceeds to step S112 and the measurement of time starts, the aperture degree is determined by the control unit 250 based on the comparison result of the amount of the extraction liquid and the planned aperture degree (step S322). In this determination, the amount of the extraction liquid at the current timing is compared with the amount of the extraction liquid at the same timing indicated by the extraction speed control data. When it is determined that the amounts of the liquid are the same, the aperture degree according to the planned aperture degree is determined. When it is determined that the amounts of the liquid are different, the aperture degree adjusted from the planned aperture degree is determined so as to correct the deviation. Note that the determination as to whether the amounts of the liquid are the same is made using a threshold value, for example, in the same manner as the determination of the guide information described in FIG. 21.

[0532] Subsequently, shielding according to the determined aperture degree is performed by the extraction stop unit 280 (step S323). Then, when the measurement of the amount of the extraction liquid and the weight in the dropper in steps S113 and S222 ends, an extraction status display screen (see FIG. 30(3)) for notifying the user of the extraction status is output via the communication unit 510 and displayed on the touch panel display 610 of the electronic device 600 (step S324).

[0533] Then, after the extraction is completed and the storage of the extraction history data related to the extraction performed in step S216 is completed, after an update is performed to add data related to this extraction to the extraction speed control data used for this extraction (step S325), the extraction process procedure ends.

[0534] As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, the extraction speed can be adjusted by the extraction stop unit partially shielding the flow path. As a result, the range of the extraction operation is widened, further consideration of the hand drip conditions becomes possible, and the extraction becomes more enjoyable.

[0535] In the first to sixth embodiments described so far, an example in which the temperature during extraction is not particularly considered has been described. If it is possible to easily perform extraction at the same temperature as the extraction indicated by the extraction comparison data, it is considered that the taste can be reproduced more easily. Therefore, an electronic device equipped with a temperature sensor will be described as a seventh embodiment with reference to FIGS. 34 to 39.

[0536] [Seventh Embodiment: Example of Measuring Extraction Temperature] [Example of External Configuration of Electronic Device] FIG. 34 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the electronic device 1300 in the seventh embodiment. FIG. 34(1) shows a perspective view of the electronic device 1300, and FIG. 34(2) shows a top view of the electronic device 1300.

[0537] The electronic device 1300 described in the seventh embodiment includes a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the extraction liquid. Since this temperature sensor is provided in the path of the extraction liquid inside the electronic device 1300, it is not shown in FIG. 34. For this reason, the temperature sensor will be described in detail in FIG. 35, and in FIG. 34, the description will focus on the differences in the external configuration from the electronic devices shown in the first to sixth embodiments.

[0538] Note that the external configuration of the electronic device 1300 is a modification of the electronic device 20 of the first embodiment, and is the same except that the structure inside the hole (hole 1320) through which the extraction liquid passes and the place for storing the drained water are different. Therefore, the same components as those of the electronic device 20 are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

[0539] Note that, although it is also possible to provide a temperature sensor in the electronic devices shown in the first to sixth embodiments to measure the temperature of the extraction liquid or the room temperature, here, an example in which it is provided in the electronic device 1300, which is a modification of the electronic device 20, is shown.

[0540] In addition, in the seventh embodiment, an example of a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the extraction liquid passing through the inside of the electronic device 1300 will be described. In addition to this example, an example of measuring the temperature of the extraction liquid accumulated in the container (container 40 in FIG. 1) can be considered. However, the temperature of the extraction liquid accumulated in the container 40 is more affected by the temperature of the container 40 or the room temperature as the amount of the extraction liquid is smaller, so the measurement result may become unstable. For this reason, in the seventh embodiment, an example of measuring the temperature of the extraction liquid passing through the inside of the electronic device 1300 will be described. Incidentally, in the example of measuring the temperature of the extraction liquid accumulated in the container 40, an example of extending a contact-type temperature sensor from the lower surface of the electronic device (a 90-degree movable temperature sensor that is folded so as to be in contact with the lower surface of the electronic device when not in use) or an example of providing a non-contact thermometer (radiation thermometer) on the lower surface of the electronic device can be considered.

[0541] As shown in FIGS. 34(1) and (2), the electronic device 1300 includes a non-removable drainage space 1310 instead of the removable drainage container 23 of the electronic device 20.

[0542] The drainage space 1310 is a space provided in the housing of the electronic device 1300. Similar to the drainage container 23 of the electronic device 20, it is a space for storing the extraction liquid (drainage) that accumulates inside the electronic device 1300 when the passage of the extraction liquid is blocked. In the example of FIG. 34, the drainage space 1310 is open without a wall at the part facing the upper surface of the electronic device 1300, and is illustrated assuming that the accumulated extraction liquid can be easily discarded from the upper surface. Note that this is just an example, and it is also conceivable to close the upper surface of the drainage space 1310 and open a hole at a position near the upper surface on the side surface of the drainage space 1310 to discard the accumulated extraction liquid from this hole.

[0543] The hole 1320 is different from the hole 26 of the electronic device 20 in the first embodiment in that a temperature sensor is provided inside. With this hole 1320, the temperature of the extraction liquid can be measured by the internal temperature sensor. Also, the inside of this hole 1320 has a structure that makes it easy to measure the temperature of the extraction liquid. The structure inside this hole 1320 and the temperature sensor will be described with reference to FIG. 35 below.

[0544] [Example of the temperature sensor inside the hole] FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an example of the inside of the hole 1320 of the electronic device 1300 in the seventh embodiment.

[0545] FIG. 35(1) shows a top view when the flow path of the extraction liquid is not blocked by the extraction stop portions (the extraction stop portions 1331 and 1332 in FIG. 35(6)), and FIG. 35(2) shows a bottom view in this case. Also, FIG. 35(3) shows a top view when the flow path of the extraction liquid is blocked by the extraction stop portions 1331 and 1332, and FIG. 35(4) shows a bottom view in this case.

[0546] And in FIG. 35(5), a top view with the drainage space 1310 and the water channel added to the top view of the hole 1320 is shown. Also, FIG. 35(6) shows a cross-section along the broken line 1391 in FIG. 35(5), and shows a cross-sectional view when viewed in the direction of the arrow 1392 orthogonal to the broken line 1391 at the right end of the broken line 1391.

[0547] Figures 35(1) to (4) show what can be seen from above or below among the hole 1320, hole 1321, hole 1322, flow path separation part 1323, hole 1324, and temperature sensor 1325. Further, Figure 35(5) shows, in the top view shown in Figure 35(3), a broken line indicating a water channel connecting between the hole 1320 and the drainage space 1310 and a broken line indicating a part of the drainage space 1310. And Figure 35(6) shows, in addition to the configurations shown in Figures 35(1) to (5), the metering part 27, the metering table 24, the extraction stop part 1331, and the extraction stop part 1332. Also, Figures 35(3) to (6) show the plate 1331b and the plate 1332b.

[0548] Note that the metering part 27 and the metering table 24 are the same as those of the electronic device 20, and the extraction stop part 1331 and the extraction stop part 1332 are the same as the extraction stop part 32 of the electronic device 20 except that the installed holes are different, so the description here is omitted. Similarly, for the plate 1331b and the plate 1332b, since they are the same as the plate 32b of the electronic device 20, the description here is omitted.

[0549] Inside the hole 1320, a flow path (hole 1321) that is easily filled with the extraction liquid and a flow path (hole 1322) through which the extraction liquid easily flows without accumulating are provided, and the extraction liquid dropped from the dropper (dropper 10 in Figure 1) falls into the container (container 40 in Figure 1) through one of the holes (see Figures 35(2), (4), (6)). In order to make the inside of the hole 1321 easily filled with the extraction liquid, a partition wall (flow path separation part 1323) for preferentially flowing the extraction liquid into the hole 1321 is provided on the upper surface of the hole 1321 (see Figures 35(1), (3), (6)).

[0550] The flow path separation part 1323 is a funnel-shaped partition provided to collect the extract in the hole 1321 where the temperature sensor 1325 is provided. The flow path separation part 1323 is configured such that the upper surface (hole 1324) includes the center of the hole 1320 (center 1393 in Fig. 35(1)), and the upper surface (hole 1324) occupies most of the area of the hole 1320 (see Fig. 35(1) and (3)). On the other hand, the lower surface of the flow path separation part 1323 is connected to the hole 1321, and the extract that has fallen inside the hole 1324 preferentially flows into the hole 1321 (see Fig. 35(6)).

[0551] Also, as shown by the width 1394 in Fig. 35(6), the upper surface of the flow path separation part 1323 is configured to be 1394 wider than the upper surface of the electronic device 1300 and inside the electronic device 1300. Thus, when the extract overflows from the upper surface of the flow path separation part 1323, the extract overflows not onto the upper surface of the electronic device 1300 but into the hole 1322 where the outside of the flow path separation part 1323 is connected.

[0552] Here, regarding the sizes inside the flow path separation part 1323 and inside the hole 1321, an explanation will be given focusing on the amount of the extract accumulated inside these. The amount of this extract is desirably such that the temperature sensor (temperature sensor 1325) installed inside the hole 1321 can be in contact with the extract for as much time as possible during the period from pouring the first hot water after steaming until the extraction ends. Note that the speed at which the extract accumulates varies considerably depending on the extraction amount. For example, for an extraction of only one cup and an extraction of four cups, if the extraction time is the same, the extraction speed differs by nearly four times. It also varies depending on the amount of hot water remaining inside the dripper 10.

[0553] Furthermore, the electronic device 1300 of the seventh embodiment has a function of measuring the temperature of the hot water before extraction, which will be described later. When measuring the temperature of the hot water, if the flow path is blocked by the extraction stop portion 1331 so that liquid accumulates inside the hole 1321, it is desirable that an amount of hot water sufficient to accurately measure the temperature of the hot water when pouring the hot water is accumulated inside the hole 1321 and the flow path separation portion 1323. In this case, if the amount of accumulated hot water is too small, the amount of heat escaping into the housing of the electronic device 1300 and the air will be too large to be accurately measured. Also, when the flow path is not blocked by the extraction stop portion 1331 when measuring the temperature of the hot water, it is desirable to reduce the size of the hole 1321 and slow down the flow rate of the hot water so that it can be measured with a small amount of hot water. The flow path separation portion 1323 and the hole 1321 are set with appropriate sizes considering these factors through various experiments in advance.

[0554] Subsequently, the hole 1322 will be described. The hole 1322 is a hole (flow path) for dropping (flowing) the extraction liquid being extracted that has overflowed from the flow path separation portion 1323 into the container 40. This hole 1322 only needs to be sized such that the extraction liquid that has overflowed from the flow path separation portion 1323 does not accumulate inside the electronic device 1300 and falls into the container 40. In FIGS. 35(1) to (6), as an example, an example is shown in which a hole considerably larger than the hole 1321 is provided. In the seventh embodiment, it is assumed and described that there is only one hole (hole 1322) through which the extraction liquid that has overflowed from the flow path separation portion 1323 passes, but an example of providing a plurality of holes is also conceivable.

[0555] Next, the relationship between the drainage space 1310, the hole 1321, and the hole 1322 will be described. The drainage space 1310 is connected to the outside of the flow path separation portion 1323, which is the flow path of the extraction liquid flowing into the hole 1322. On the other hand, it is not connected to the inside of the flow path separation portion 1323 (see FIGS. 35(5) and (6)). As a result, the extraction liquid accumulates inside the flow path separation portion 1323 and the hole 1321 during extraction, and further, when the flow path is blocked at the end of extraction, the extraction liquid flows from the inside of the hole 1320 into the drainage space 1310.

[0556] Next, the temperature sensor 1325 will be described. The temperature sensor 1325 is a sensor for measuring the contact type temperature. In the example shown in FIGS. 35(1) to (6), an example is shown in which, inside the hole 1321, a part (temperature sensing part) for sensing the temperature protrudes from the wall surface of the hole 1321 toward the center of the hole 1321. Note that the position of the temperature sensor 1325 may be any position where the temperature of the extraction liquid can be appropriately measured, and examples include being embedded in the wall surface of the hole 1321 and being disposed near the lower surface of the flow path separation part 1323.

[0557] Note that this temperature sensor 1325 is used to detect the room temperature by measuring the temperature when the power supply of the electronic device 1300 is turned on. The detected room temperature is stored in the extraction history data after the extraction is completed. It is also registered in the extraction policy data and is referred to when the user selects extraction comparison data from the extraction policy data.

[0558] Also, in the seventh embodiment, the temperature sensor 1325 is also used to measure the temperature of hot water before the start of extraction and adjust the temperature of the hot water at the start of the drip. Note that since this function is unnecessary when the temperature of the hot water is already appropriate using other devices, it can be omitted by setting. For example, it is unnecessary for users who prepare a separate thermometer to measure the temperature of the hot water in the drip pot and then start the drip, or users who prepare the hot water using an electric kettle that can finely adjust the temperature of the hot water.

[0559] The adjustment of the temperature of the hot water before the start of extraction is performed, for example, according to the following procedure. First, after the measurement of the amount of coffee powder to be used is completed, the user is asked to remove the dropper 10 from the weighing table 24. Next, the user is asked to pour hot water inside the flow path separation part 1323, and the electronic device 1300 measures the temperature of the poured hot water. Note that in order to reduce the amount of hot water to be poured, the operations of pouring and measuring the hot water are performed, for example, every 30 seconds. When the flow path is shielded by the extraction stop part 1331 to store the hot water for measurement, after the measurement of the temperature of the hot water is completed, the flow path is opened, the hot water is discarded into the container 40, and then it is shielded again to move to the next measurement.

[0560] Then, when the temperature reaches the target temperature, the operation of measuring the temperature of the hot water is terminated. After discarding the hot water that has fallen from the hole 1321 into the container 40, the dropper 10 is placed on the weighing platform 24 again, and the extraction is started. By having the user perform such a series of operations, the electronic device 1300 can adjust the temperature of the hot water to an appropriate temperature for extraction.

[0561] Note that the temperature of the hot water at the start of extraction is stored in the extraction history data and the extraction policy data, similar to the room temperature. When the temperature is adjusted by another device and the temperature of the hot water is not adjusted using the electronic device 1300, it is stored in the extraction history data by the user inputting the temperature.

[0562] The temperature sensor 1325 measures the temperature during extraction and is stored in the extraction history data as data on the transition of the temperature of the extract (temperature transition). This temperature transition is also stored in the extraction policy data and is used, similar to the liquid volume transition and weight transition in the first to sixth embodiments, for reproducing past extractions (model extractions) and generating guide information.

[0563] In this way, by providing the temperature sensor 1325 inside the hole 1320, the electronic device 1300 can perform three operations: measuring the room temperature, adjusting the temperature of the hot water before extraction, and measuring the temperature of the extract during extraction. Also, by storing the room temperature, the temperature of the hot water before extraction, and the temperature transition of the extract during extraction in the extraction history data and the extraction policy data, it is possible to reproduce past extractions considering the temperature and generate guide information.

[0564] Although not particularly considered in the description so far, it is also desirable to perform an operation of preheating the dripper 10 and the container 40. For example, it is conceivable to remove the coffee powder together with the filter after weighing the coffee powder prepared for extraction and before starting the extraction, and pour hot water into the dripper 10 to warm it. The hot water poured into the dripper 10 passes through the electronic device 1300 and falls into the container 40, thereby warming the container 40 as well. Then, by entering the operation of adjusting the temperature of the hot water, extraction can be performed with the dripper 10, the electronic device 1300, and the container 40 being warmed, and extraction with more temperature control can be performed.

[0565] Regarding the internal structure of the hole 1320, various examples other than the example shown in FIG. 35 can be considered. Although illustration is omitted, for example, an example in which the hot water when adjusting the temperature of the hot water flows into the drainage space 1310 can be considered. Specifically, an extraction stop portion 1332 is disposed so as to shield the entire hole 1320 below the extraction stop portion 1331 in FIG. 35(6) (the lower surface side of the electronic device 1300). Thereby, when the extraction stop portion 1332 closes the flow rate, all the liquid flows into the drainage space 1310, and it is possible to prevent the hot water from falling into the container 40 even when adjusting the temperature of the hot water.

[0566] Also, in this electronic device, when the flow velocity of the liquid accumulated inside the hole 1321 and the flow path separation portion 1323 is slow due to the narrow exit of the hole 1321, an example of an electronic device provided only with the extraction stop portion 1332 that shields the flow paths of all the liquid without providing the extraction stop portion 1331 can be considered. Specifically, the extraction stop portion 1331 in FIG. 35(6) is omitted, and the extraction stop portion 1332 is disposed so as to shield the entire hole 1320 below the extraction stop portion 1331 (the lower surface side of the electronic device 1300). Also in such a device, when the extraction stop portion 1332 closes the flow rate, all the liquid flows into the drainage space 1310, so that adjustment of the temperature of the hot water and stopping of the extraction can be realized.

[0567] [Functional Configuration Example of Electronic Device] FIG. 36 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the electronic device 1300 in the seventh embodiment.

[0568] Note that the functional configuration of the electronic device 1300 includes a first extraction stop unit 1342 and a second extraction stop unit 1343 instead of the extraction stop unit 280 of the functional configuration of the electronic device 500 in the second embodiment. In addition to the functional configuration other than the extraction stop unit 280 of the electronic device 500, a temperature detection unit 1341 is provided. Here, the description of the functional configuration similar to that shown in FIGS. 4 and 12 is omitted here.

[0569] The temperature detection unit 1341 detects the temperature of the extraction liquid passing through the inside of the electronic device 1300 and outputs the detection result to the control unit 250. In addition, the temperature detection unit 1341 is also used for detecting the room temperature and detecting and adjusting the temperature of hot water before the start of extraction. That is, the temperature detection unit 1341 adjusts the temperature of the extraction liquid supplied from the dropper to the container by adjusting the temperature of the hot water before the start of extraction. This temperature detection unit 1341 corresponds to the temperature sensor 1325 shown in FIG. 35.

[0570] Similar to the extraction stop unit 280, the first extraction stop unit 1342 and the second extraction stop unit 1343 block the flow path of the extraction liquid at the timing of the end of extraction based on the control of the control unit 250 to prevent the extraction liquid from falling into the container 40 and stop the extraction. The first extraction stop unit 1342 is provided in the flow path through which the measured extraction liquid passes, and the second extraction stop unit 1343 is provided in the other flow path. The first extraction stop unit 1342 blocks the flow path to store the hot water to be measured around the temperature sensor when adjusting the temperature of the hot water before starting extraction using the electronic device 1300. Note that the first extraction stop unit 1342 corresponds to the extraction stop unit 1331 shown in FIG. 35, and the second extraction stop unit 1343 corresponds to the extraction stop unit 1332.

[0571] Subsequently, an operation example of the electronic device 1300 will be described with reference to FIGS. 37 to 39. Note that the operation example shows an example in which the functions of measuring the room temperature, adjusting the temperature of the hot water before extraction, measuring the temperature of the extraction liquid during extraction, and displaying guide information based on the temperature are added to the operation example of the detailed guide mode (FIGS. 24 and 26) described in the fifth embodiment.

[0572] Also, although not considered in the previous operation examples, when extraction is performed with a focus on temperature, if the dropper 10, the container 40, and the electronic device 1300 are pre-warmed before starting extraction and then used, extraction with more appropriately controlled temperature can be performed. In the seventh embodiment, in order to perform extraction with a focus on the extraction temperature based on the temperature detection by the temperature sensor 1325, an example is shown in which an operation of pre-warming the dropper 10, the container 40, and the inside of the hole 1320 of the electronic device 1300 before starting extraction is also added.

[0573] [Operation Example of Electronic Device] Figs. 37 to 39 are a series of flowcharts showing an example of the operation (extraction processing procedure) when extraction is performed in the detailed guide mode using the electronic device 1300 in the seventh embodiment. Fig. 37 shows an example of the operation until the determination of the extraction comparison data among the series of flowcharts, and Fig. 38 shows an example of the operation from the start of weighing the coffee powder after the determination of the extraction comparison data to the end of adjusting the temperature of the hot water. And Fig. 39 shows an example of the operation from the start to the end of extraction.

[0574] Note that Fig. 37 is a modification of Fig. 24, with an operation for detecting the room temperature added to Fig. 24. Also, Fig. 38 is obtained by adding to the operation before starting extraction in Fig. 26 the operations of calculating a threshold value for determining guide information based on the temperature of the extraction liquid, pre-warming the appliance, and adjusting the temperature of the hot water. Further, Fig. 39 is obtained by adding the display of guide information based on the extraction liquid temperature to the operation from the start to the end of extraction in Fig. 26. For this reason, the description of the operations common to Fig. 24 and Fig. 26 is omitted, and the description focuses on the different operations.

[0575] First, when the operation of the electronic device 1300 is started, the room temperature is detected by the temperature detection unit 1341 (step S401). After that, the same operations as in Figs. 24 and 26 are performed from step S101 to step S221 in Fig. 38.

[0576] Then, when the threshold value of the weight in the dripper at each timing to be compared during the extraction period is calculated in step S221 shown in FIG. 38, the threshold value of the extraction liquid temperature at each timing to be compared is calculated by the control unit 250 (step S402). Subsequently, an instruction screen (not shown) for warming the appliance (inside the holes 1320 of the dripper 10, the container 40, and the electronic device 1300) by pouring hot water after removing the coffee powder together with the filter from the dripper 10 is displayed on the display unit 220 (step S403). Specifically, for example, an instruction screen including an instruction such as "Please remove the coffee powder together with the filter and then pour hot water into the dripper to warm the appliance" and an "End" button is displayed, and the user performs an operation to warm the appliance in advance by looking at this instruction screen. When an integrated dripper with a filter function composed of a metal mesh or ceramic is used, the coffee powder is removed together with the dripper, and only the inside of the hole 1320 of the electronic device 1300 and the container 40 are warmed.

[0577] Then, it is determined by the control unit 250 whether or not the operation of warming the appliance has ended (step S404). In this determination, until the "End" button is pressed, it is determined that it has not been warmed (step S404), and the process returns to step S403 and waits until the "End" button is pressed and it is determined that the warming has ended.

[0578] On the other hand, when it is determined that it has been warmed (step S404), it is determined by the control unit 250 whether or not to adjust the temperature of the hot water used for extraction using the temperature detection unit 1341 of the electronic device 1300 (step S405). Specifically, for example, a screen including a display such as "Do you want to adjust the temperature of the hot water now?" and "Yes" and "No" buttons is displayed, and the determination is based on the user pressing the button. Then, when it is determined that the temperature adjustment is not performed by pressing the "No" button (step S405), the process proceeds to step S410. Note that the case where the "No" button is pressed by the user includes cases where a thermometer is attached to the drip pot to adjust the temperature, or when the hot water is boiled using an electric kettle with a temperature adjustment function and the temperature has already been adjusted.

[0579] On the other hand, when it is determined that an operation for adjusting the temperature is to be performed (step S405), an instruction screen (not shown) for removing the dropper 10 from the weighing table 24 is displayed on the display unit 220 (step S406). Specifically, for example, it is displayed as "Please remove the dropper from the weighing table".

[0580] Then, the control unit 250 determines whether the dropper 10 has been removed from the weighing table 24 (step S407). Specifically, for example, when the weighing unit 260 measures the weight and the user removes the dropper 10 from the weighing table 24 and the weight of the dropper 10 becomes lighter, it is determined that the dropper 10 has been removed from the weighing table 24. If it is determined that it has not been removed (step S407), the process returns to step S406 and waits until the dropper 10 is removed from the weighing table 24.

[0581] On the other hand, when it is determined that the dropper 10 has been removed from the weighing table 24 (step S407), an operation for adjusting the temperature of the hot water poured into the internal flow path separation unit 1323 is performed (step S408). Specifically, as an instruction screen during adjustment (not shown), for example, the timing of pouring hot water (for example, at 30 - second intervals), the latest measured temperature, the temperature to be adjusted (the temperature registered in the extraction comparison data), an "Adjustment completed" button, a "Retry" button, etc. are displayed. Then, according to this instruction screen, the user pours hot water into the internal flow path separation unit 1323, and the temperature of the hot water is repeatedly measured at each timing. When it is measured that the hot water has cooled to near the temperature to be prepared, the adjustment of the temperature of the hot water is completed.

[0582] Then, it is determined by the control unit 250 whether to end the operation of adjusting the temperature of the hot water (step S409). In this determination, if it is determined not to end the operation of adjusting the temperature of the hot water (step S409), the process returns to step S408, and the adjustment of the temperature of the hot water continues. Specifically, for example, if the temperature of the hot water has not cooled down to the temperature to be adjusted, it is determined not to end. Also, even when the user presses the "redo" button because the temperature of the hot water has cooled too much from the temperature to be adjusted, it is determined not to end.

[0583] On the other hand, if it is determined to end the operation of adjusting the temperature of the hot water (step S409), a hot water disposal instruction screen (not shown) for disposing of the hot water accumulated inside the container 40 is displayed on the display unit 220 (step S410). This determination is made when the measured temperature of the hot water is near the temperature to be adjusted (for example, within ±2°C of the temperature to be adjusted), and when the user presses the "end adjustment" button regardless of the temperature of the hot water (when extracting at a temperature different from the hot water temperature in the extracted comparison data). Note that on the hot water disposal instruction screen, for example, a notification such as "Please remove the container and discard the accumulated hot water. After discarding, please set the container again." is displayed.

[0584] Thereafter, it is determined by the control unit 250 whether the hot water accumulated inside the container 40 has been discarded (step S411). This determination is made, for example, by analyzing the image acquired by the liquid amount detection unit 270, using the image of the container 40 immediately before the start of the display of the hot water disposal instruction screen and the latest image of the container 40. For example, the liquid level and the edge of the liquid level of the hot water to be discarded are detected from the image of the container 40 immediately before the start of the display, and if the liquid level and the edge of the liquid level of this hot water disappear in the latest image of the container 40, it is determined that the hot water has been discarded. Note that as another example of this determination, a "complete" button may be displayed on the hot water disposal instruction screen, and it may be determined that the hot water has been discarded when the user presses this "complete" button.

[0585] If it is determined that the hot water has not been discarded (step S411), the process returns to step S410 and waits until it is determined that the hot water has been discarded.

[0586] On the other hand, if it is determined that the hot water has been discarded (step S411), a reset instruction screen (not shown) for resetting the coffee powder with the dripper 10 and the filter removed to the weighing table 24 is displayed on the display unit 220. Specifically, for example, a notification such as "Please reset the removed dripper and coffee powder." is displayed.

[0587] Then, it is determined by the control unit 250 whether the coffee powder and the dripper have been reset (step S413). This determination is made, for example, when the weighing unit 260 measures the weight related to the weighing table 24 and the measured weight is substantially the same as the weight before the dripper 10 and the coffee powder are removed from the weighing table 24, it is determined that they have been reset.

[0588] If it is determined that they have not been reset (step S413), the process returns to step S412 and waits until they are reset. On the other hand, if it is determined that they have been reset (step S413), the process proceeds to step S109 shown in FIG. 39.

[0589] After that, after proceeding to step S224, the temperature of the extract is detected by the temperature detection unit 1341 (step S414). Subsequently, the detected temperature of the extract is compared with the temperature threshold (step S415). Then, based on the comparison results between the extraction amount and the threshold, the comparison results between the weight and the thresh...

Claims

1. An electronic device that, when liquid poured into a dripper that contains a substance for extracting a beverage is stored in a container placed below the dripper, adjusts the extraction speed by restricting the degree of opening in the flow path from the dripper to the container, and performs processing to close the flow path when the amount of liquid stored in the container reaches a predetermined amount.

2. A liquid amount detection unit that detects the amount of liquid accumulated in the container; a control unit that performs control to adjust the extraction speed during the extraction so that a transition in the liquid amount detected by the liquid amount detection unit approaches a reference transition in the liquid amount accumulated in the container during extraction.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1.

3. A control unit that performs control to adjust the extraction speed during the extraction based on a transition that is a reference when the degree of opening is extracted.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1.

4. An electronic device that performs processing to adjust the supply of liquid from a dripper to a container arranged below a dripper that contains a substance for extracting a beverage, based on measurement of the liquid accumulated in the dripper.

5. a control unit that displays an input screen on a panel that displays various information and accepts user operations, and displays input information based on the user operations on the input screen; the control unit displays, on the input screen, a first operation marker accepting an operation for discarding an input content on the input screen and returning to a first screen that was displayed immediately before the input screen, and a second operation marker accepting an operation for saving the input content on the input screen and returning to the first screen; when the operation of the first operation marker is accepted, discarding the input contents on the input screen and displaying the first screen; When the operation of the second operation marker is accepted, the input contents on the input screen are stored in a storage unit, and the first screen is displayed. electronic equipment.

6. An information processing method for controlling an extraction speed by restricting an opening degree of a flow path from the dripper to the container when liquid poured into a dripper that contains a substance for extracting a beverage is stored in a container arranged below the dripper, and causing a computer to execute a process for closing the flow path when the amount of the liquid stored in the container reaches a predetermined amount.

7. An information processing method for causing a computer to execute a process for adjusting the supply of liquid from a dripper to a container arranged below the dripper, based on a measurement of the liquid accumulated in the dripper, when liquid poured into the dripper containing a substance for extracting a beverage is stored in the container arranged below the dripper.

8. 1. An information processing method for causing a computer to execute a control process of displaying an input screen on a panel that displays various information and accepts user operations, and displaying input information based on the user operations on the input screen, comprising: the control process displays, on the input screen, a first operation marker for accepting an operation to discard an input content on the input screen and return to a first screen that was displayed immediately before the input screen, and a second operation marker for accepting an operation to save the input content on the input screen and return to the first screen; when the operation of the first operation marker is accepted, discarding the input contents on the input screen and displaying the first screen; When the operation of the second operation marker is accepted, the input contents on the input screen are stored in a storage unit, and the first screen is displayed. Information processing methods.

9. A program that causes a computer to execute a process for adjusting an extraction speed by restricting the degree of opening in a flow path from the dripper to a container when liquid poured into a dripper that contains a substance for extracting a beverage is stored in a container placed below the dripper, and for closing the flow path when the amount of the liquid stored in the container reaches a predetermined amount.

10. This program causes a computer to execute a process for adjusting the supply of liquid from a dripper containing a substance for extracting a beverage to a container arranged below the dripper, based on measurement of the liquid accumulated in the dripper, when the liquid is poured into the dripper and accumulated in the container.

11. A program for causing a computer to execute a control process of displaying an input screen on a panel that displays various information and accepts user operations, and displaying input information based on the user operations on the input screen, In the control process, a first operation marker for accepting an operation to discard an input content to the input screen and return to a first screen that was displayed immediately before the input screen, and a second operation marker for accepting an operation to save the input content to the input screen and return to the first screen are displayed on the input screen, when the operation of the first operation marker is accepted, discarding the input contents on the input screen and displaying the first screen; When the operation of the second operation marker is accepted, the input contents on the input screen are stored in a storage unit, and the first screen is displayed. program.

Images