Food and beverage manufacturing system

Abstract

To provide a food and beverage production system that can be customized for each serving based on the individual settings of the user or customer. [Solution] The food and beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 in the food and beverage manufacturing system manufactures food and beverages by adding multiple sub-components to a base component. The food and beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 comprises a sub-component injection unit 24 and a control unit 111. The sub-component injection unit 24 has a syringe 241 for each of the multiple sub-components that dispenses a predetermined amount of the filled sub-components using an extrusion unit. For each of the multiple sub-components to be injected, the control unit 111 executes control to dispense a predetermined amount of the injection target from the syringe 241 filled with that injection target and administer it to a container B filled with the base component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a food and beverage manufacturing system.

Background Art

[0002] Regarding an apparatus for preparing a beverage from a capsule and a beverage dispenser machine equipped with the apparatus, the technique of Patent Document 1 below is known.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In recent years, there has been a demand for, for example, fine customization of flavors per serving (customization at a low level such as milliliters or microliters). However, the conventional techniques including Patent Document 1 have not been able to meet this demand. In other words, at present, it is not possible to manufacture and provide food and beverages customized for each serving based on individual settings (orders) of users or customers.

[0005] In view of such a situation, the present invention has been made, and an object thereof is to provide a food and beverage manufacturing system capable of manufacturing food and beverages customized for each serving based on individual settings of users or customers.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above object, a food and beverage manufacturing system according to one aspect of the present invention is a food and beverage manufacturing system that manufactures food and beverages by adding a plurality of sub-components to a base component. A subcomponent injection unit having a syringe for each of the plurality of subcomponents that dispenses a specified amount of a predetermined subcomponent from the filled subcomponents via an extrusion unit, A control unit that performs control to dispense a predetermined amount of the injection target from the syringe filled with the injection target for each of the multiple subcomponents to be injected into a container filled with the base component, for each injection target of one or more of the subcomponents, It is equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, customized food and beverages can be produced for each serving based on the individual settings of the user or customer. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the outline of the service that can be realized by a food and beverage manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the food and beverage manufacturing system of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the configuration of one embodiment of the food and beverage manufacturing system of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the food and beverage manufacturing equipment within the food and beverage manufacturing system. [Figure 4] This is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the food and beverage manufacturing apparatus shown in Figure 3, which constitutes the food and beverage manufacturing system shown in Figure 2. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates an example of the process for manufacturing customized food and beverages based on individual user settings. [Figure 6] Figures 1 and 5 show the subcomponent injection sections. [Figure 7] Figure 6 shows the subcomponent injection section viewed from an oblique angle above. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] First, with reference to Figure 1, we will explain the overview of the service (hereinafter referred to as "the Service") that can be realized by the food and beverage manufacturing system of the present invention (see Figure 2, which will be described later). Figure 1 shows an example of the overview of the service that can be realized by a food and beverage manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the food and beverage manufacturing system of the present invention.

[0011] This service allows customized food and beverages to be produced for each serving using a food and beverage manufacturing device 1, and then provided to user U in a state where the produced food and beverages are filled, for example, into a dedicated container B. In this service, the food and beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 is equipped with a food and beverage manufacturing unit 2 for manufacturing customized food and beverages for each serving.

[0012] For example, the food and beverage manufacturing unit 2 of this embodiment manufactures food and beverages (for example, beverages customized to a desired flavor) by adding a number of sub-components (for example, multiple types of aromas) to a base component (for example, a base beverage such as coffee, tea, or carbonated water) filled in a container B. Such a food and beverage manufacturing unit 2 includes a sub-component injection unit 24 and a control unit 111 (e.g., a CPU 11) that controls the sub-component injection unit 24.

[0013] The sub-component injection unit 24 has a syringe 241 (for example, a syringe, as described later; see Figure 5) for each of the multiple sub-components, which dispenses a predetermined amount of the filled sub-components using an extrusion unit described later. The control unit 111 executes a control to dispense a predetermined amount of the injection target from the syringe 241 filled with the injection target for each of the multiple subcomponents to be injected, and to administer it into the container B filled with the base component.

[0014] The food and beverage manufacturing unit 2 is controlled by the control unit 111 to dispense a specified amount of the substance to be injected from the syringe 241 filled with the substance to be injected. As a result, the food and drink manufacturing unit 2 can administer the injection target to the container B filled with the base component.

[0015] Therefore, in this service, customized food and drink can be manufactured by the food and drink manufacturing unit 2, and thus this customized food and drink can be provided to the user U in the container B. In this service, since the sub-component injection unit 24 is provided such that a prescribed amount of the injection target is output from the syringe 241 filled with the injection target, customized food and drink can be manufactured for each serving.

[0016] Supplemental explanation regarding the food and drink manufacturing unit 2 is as follows. The food and drink manufacturing unit 2 includes a robot arm unit 21 capable of appropriately moving the container B in the process of manufacturing food and drink. The robot arm unit 21 is a so-called multi-joint robot, and its movement is controlled by the control unit 111. The robot arm unit 21 has a gripping part 211 for gripping the container B, for example, at the tip of this arm.

[0017] Also, the food and drink manufacturing unit 2 includes a base component filling unit 22 (described later with reference to FIG. 4) for filling the container B with one or more base components. Also, the food and drink manufacturing unit 2 includes a drive unit 23 (described later with reference to FIG. 5) for moving each of the above-described extrusion parts of the plurality of syringes 241 in the sub-component injection unit 24.

[0018] Also, the food and drink manufacturing unit 2 includes a detection unit 25 for detecting the dosage of the sub-component administered to the container B filled with the base component. The detection unit 25 is configured to be able to detect the detected dosage of the sub-component and transmit this to the control unit 111. By transmitting the detected dosage of the sub-component to the control unit 111, it is possible to contribute to the realization of administering the sub-component at, for example, the microliter level.

[0019] Furthermore, the food and beverage manufacturing unit 2 is equipped with a stirring unit 26 (described later with reference to Figure 4) for stirring the food and beverage, which consists of a base component and sub-components added to the base component. Furthermore, the food and beverage manufacturing unit 2 is equipped with a container output unit 27 that outputs a container B filled with the stirred food and beverage to the user U.

[0020] In this service, when customizing food and beverages, user U can do so using either a user terminal UT that they carry and operate themselves, or a selection unit 161 (described later with reference to Figure 4) pre-installed in the food and beverage manufacturing device 1. For example, in the case of a user terminal (UT), a dedicated application program (hereinafter simply referred to as "app") can be downloaded and installed in advance from the food and beverage manufacturing device 1 or a device (not shown) under the management of the service provider that manages the food and beverage manufacturing device 1, and customization can be performed using the app.

[0021] The app (and similarly in the selection section 161) can assist in selecting, for example, a combination of flavor and taste. This service offers over 1,000,000 options through various combinations, and can assist you in making the right choice. While a detailed explanation will be omitted, this embodiment allows for the calculation of the precise arithmetic aroma composition (and this calculation can be applied not only to aromas but also to supplements (including nutritional supplements)).

[0022] This service uses data such as the following for the calculations described above. In other words, various types of data are used, such as machine data, flavor data, ingredient data, recipe data, personal profile data (user U's age, gender, surveys, onboarding profiling, etc.), app social data (sharing, likes, voting, gifts, etc.), event data (season, time, weather, location, habits, etc.), order data (orders, customizations, user ratings, favorites, etc.), and health data (for example, weight, activity, sleep, etc., which are shared in conjunction with other apps).

[0023] This service utilizes the data described above to provide, for example, over 1,000,000 options for flavor and taste combinations.

[0024] This service, for example, can recommend suitable combinations on the app screen (it has a recommendation function). Specifically, for example, it can recommend combinations based on "taste," "aroma," "texture," and "nutrition (supplements)" using a five-level rating system (illustration omitted).

[0025] The container B provided to user U through this service is reusable. For example, if user U brings it with them, or if container B is collected as appropriate, it will be washed in the washing section (no reference numerals) of the food and beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 before being filled with food and beverage (base and sub-components). Container B is used if, for example, user U does not bring it, one stored in the food and beverage manufacturing device 1. Although not specifically limited, even when using container B stored in the food and beverage manufacturing apparatus 1, the container is washed before being filled with food or beverage.

[0026] Container B may be, for example, a cylindrical bottle with a lid. Container B is designed to allow stirring without direct contact with the filled food or beverage (the aforementioned structure of container B will be briefly explained in the stirring section 26 described later).

[0027] The configuration and structure of the sub-component injection unit 24 in the food and beverage manufacturing unit 2 will be described later with reference to Figures 5 to 7.

[0028] Next, with reference to Figure 2, the configuration of an information processing system that realizes the provision of the above-mentioned service, i.e., one embodiment of the food and beverage manufacturing system of the present invention, will be described. Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of one embodiment of the food and beverage manufacturing system of the present invention.

[0029] The food and beverage manufacturing system shown in Figure 2 is configured to include n food and beverage manufacturing devices 1-1 to 1-n, each of which is located in a field of n (where n is an integer value of 1 or more), a user terminal UT, and a server SV. The food and beverage manufacturing devices 1-1 to 1-n, the user terminal UT, and the server SV are interconnected via a network N such as the Internet.

[0030] Server SV is an information processing device managed by the provider of this service, and it performs various processes for managing each of the food and beverage manufacturing devices 1-1 to 1-n (for example, processes for managing the inventory levels of each food and beverage). In the following, when it is not necessary to distinguish between food and beverage manufacturing devices 1-1 through 1-n individually, they will be collectively referred to as "food and beverage manufacturing device 1" as described above in Figure 1.

[0031] As shown above in Figure 1, the food and beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 is capable of manufacturing customized food and beverages for each serving and providing them to user U in the form of container B. The food and beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 is equipped with an information processing device.

[0032] The user terminal (UT) is an information processing device operated by the user (U), and consists of a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, etc.

[0033] Next, with reference to Figure 3, an example of the hardware configuration of the food and beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 will be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the food and beverage manufacturing equipment within the food and beverage manufacturing system shown in Figure 2.

[0034] The food and beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a bus 14, an input / output interface 15, an input unit 16, an output unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, a drive 20, and a food and beverage manufacturing unit 2.

[0035] The CPU 11 executes various processes according to the program recorded in the ROM 12 or the program loaded from the storage unit 18 into the RAM 13. RAM13 also stores data and other information necessary for the CPU11 to perform various processes.

[0036] The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are interconnected via a bus 14. An input / output interface 15 is also connected to this bus 14. An input / output interface 15 is connected to an input unit 16, an output unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, a drive 20, and a food and beverage manufacturing unit 2.

[0037] The input unit 16 is composed of, for example, a keyboard, a touch panel, etc., and accepts input of various types of information. The input unit 16 is provided with a selection unit 161 (see Figure 5) that allows user U to customize food and beverages.

[0038] The output unit 17 consists of a display such as an LCD and a speaker, and outputs various information as images and sounds. The memory unit 18 is composed of DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and stores various types of data. The communication unit 19 communicates with other devices (for example, the user terminal UT and server SV in Figure 2) via a network N, including the Internet.

[0039] A removable media 30, such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or semiconductor memory, is appropriately mounted in the drive 20. Programs read from the removable media 30 by the drive 20 are installed in the storage unit 18 as needed. Furthermore, the removable media 30 can store various types of data stored in the storage unit 18, just as the storage unit 18 does.

[0040] Food and beverage manufacturing unit 2 manufactures customized food and beverages for each serving and outputs container B filled with the manufactured food and beverages. The Food and Beverage Manufacturing Department 2 will be described later, with reference to Figure 4 and other figures.

[0041] Although not shown in the diagram, the user terminal UT and server SV in Figure 2 can have essentially the same hardware configuration as shown in Figure 3. Therefore, a description of the hardware configuration of the user terminal UT and server SV in the food and beverage manufacturing system will be omitted.

[0042] Through the cooperation of various hardware and software constituting the food and beverage manufacturing system shown in Figure 2, including the food and beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in Figure 3, the food and beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 can perform various processes.

[0043] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the food and beverage manufacturing equipment and server shown in Figure 3, which constitute the food and beverage manufacturing system shown in Figure 2. Furthermore, for components such as CPU11, the specific component of each device is clearly identified by adding a hyphen (-) followed by the device's code at the end of the code. For example, the CPU11 of food and beverage manufacturing device 1 is written as "CPU11-1", while the CPU11 of server SV is written as "CPU11-SV".

[0044] As shown in Figure 4, the food and beverage manufacturing section 2 of the food and beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 includes a robot arm section 21, a base component filling section 22, a drive section 23, a sub-component injection section 24, a detection section 25, a stirring section 26, and a container output section 27. In addition, the control unit 111 functions in the CPU 11-1.

[0045] The robot arm 21 is a multi-joint robot as shown in Figure 1, and its movement is controlled by the control unit 111. The robot arm 21 has a gripping portion 211 at its tip that holds the container B. The robot arm 21 moves the container B to a predetermined position each time during the manufacturing process, such as washing the container B, filling the container B with base components and administering sub-components, stirring the food and beverage, and outputting the container B filled with the food and beverage.

[0046] The base component filling unit 22 fills container B with one or more base beverages until a predetermined amount is reached, for example, if the food or beverage is a beverage. Furthermore, the base component filling unit 22 fills container B with one or more base food items until a predetermined amount is reached, for example, if the food or beverage is a food product.

[0047] The drive unit 23 controls the movement of each of the extrusion sections of the multiple syringes 241 (see Figures 5 to 7) in the sub-component injection unit 24. The drive unit 23 has a linear motor 231 to move the extrusion unit (see Figures 5 to 7; the linear motor 231 is an example).

[0048] The sub-component injection unit 24 has a structure in which a syringe 241 is provided for each of several sub-components, which is used to dispense a predetermined amount of a specific sub-component (components such as aromas (fragrances, air fresheners), and supplements) via an extrusion unit (see Figures 5 to 7, which will be described later). The specified amount mentioned above refers to a very small amount, such as a microliter, in this embodiment.

[0049] The subcomponent injection unit 24 in this embodiment is a so-called dispenser unit for injecting (administering) subcomponents. The sub-component injection unit 24 has multiple syringes 241 with the same specified volume, and N sub-component injection units 24 are provided for each of N types of specified volumes (where N is an integer value of 2 or more) or N types of applications.

[0050] For example, if the specified volume is in milliliters or microliters, there will be two types, and at least two sub-component injection units 24 will be provided. Also, if the application is aromatherapy or supplements, there will be two types, so at least two sub-component injection units 24 will be provided (the types and number are not limited to these examples). In Figure 1, these are shown as sub-component injection sections 24-1 to 24-N, but when referring to them collectively regardless of their number, they will be referred to as sub-component injection section 24.

[0051] The detection unit 25 detects the amount of the sub-component to be administered to the container B, which is filled with the base component. The detection unit 25 detects the dosage of the detected subcomponent and transmits it to the control unit 111 (which contributes to the realization of subcomponent administration at the microliter level, for example).

[0052] The stirring unit 26 stirs a container filled with a base component, or a container filled with food or beverage consisting of the base component and sub-components added thereto. The stirring unit 26 of this embodiment has a structure that allows stirring without directly touching food or beverages.

[0053] Specifically, the stirring unit 26 includes a container mounting platform on which a container B filled with base components can be placed, and a platform rotation mechanism for rotating the container mounting platform. The container mounting platform has a container holding section that holds container B in order to allow container B to follow the platform's rotation. The container holding portion of this embodiment is formed in a shape such as a convex (or concave) portion that engages with the bottom of container B (note that the bottom of container B has a concave (or convex) portion that engages with the container holding portion).

[0054] The container output unit 27 outputs container B, which is filled with the stirred food or beverage, from the food and beverage manufacturing unit 2 in order to provide the container B to user U (so that container B can be removed from the container outlet of the food and beverage manufacturing device 1).

[0055] The control unit 111 in the CPU 11 receives customization requests from the user terminal UT or the selection unit 161 pre-installed in the food and beverage manufacturing apparatus 1, and executes control of each of the above-described configurations of the food and beverage manufacturing unit 2. Specifically, the control unit 111 controls the movement of the robot arm 21 to move container B to a predetermined position. Furthermore, the control unit 111 controls the base component filling unit 22 to fill container B with one or more base food or beverages until a predetermined amount is reached.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 111 controls the linear motor 231 (drive unit 23) that moves the respective extrusion parts (e.g., plungers) of the multiple syringes 241 in the sub-component injection unit 24.

[0057] Furthermore, the control unit 111 determines one or more sub-components necessary for manufacturing the food and beverage (final product) to be provided to the user, and determines the injection amount (target specified amount) of each of these one or more sub-components. Based on the dose (actual amount) of the sub-components detected by the detection unit 25, the control unit 24 controls the sub-component injection unit 24 so that each of the one or more sub-components is injected in the target specified amount. Here, the one or more sub-components required to manufacture the food and beverages (final products) provided to the user, and the specified target amounts for each of those one or more sub-components, are, in principle, determined according to the menus pre-set for each food and beverage (final product). The principle here is that users can operate the user terminal UT to freely customize the type, number, and amount of each sub-component added to the base component of food and beverages (final products) in order to optimize the taste and quantity of the food and beverages. In other words, the user operates the user terminal UT to give instructions for customization regarding at least some of the types, number, and respective injection amounts of sub-components to be administered to the base components of the food and beverage (final product) (hereinafter referred to as "customization instructions"). The user terminal UT sends customization instructions to the food and beverage manufacturing device 1. When the control unit 111 of the food and beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 receives a customization instruction from the user terminal UT, it makes appropriate adjustments to the sub-components in the menu based on the customization instruction, and based on the results of the adjustments, it determines one or more sub-components necessary to manufacture the food and beverage (final product) to be provided to the user, and also determines the target specified amount for each of those one or more sub-components.

[0058] Furthermore, the control unit 111 controls the stirring unit 26 for stirring the food or beverage consisting of the base component filled in container B and the sub-components added to the base component. Furthermore, the control unit 111 controls the container output unit 27 for outputting the container B, which is filled with the stirred food or beverage, from the food or beverage manufacturing unit 2. Furthermore, the control unit 111 controls the cleaning unit (not shown in numerals) which cleans container B.

[0059] Furthermore, the control unit 111 detects the remaining amount of the base component and the remaining amount of the sub-component filled in the sub-component injection unit 24, and performs control to transmit the detection results to the server SV via the network N. In server SV's CPU 11-CV, the inventory management unit 51 functions. The inventory management unit 51 detects the remaining amount of base components and the remaining amount of sub-components filled in the sub-component injection unit 24, which are transmitted for each food and beverage manufacturing device 11-1 to 11-n, and manages the remaining amount of base components and sub-components filled in the sub-component injection unit 24. The inventory management unit 51, when the remaining amount of at least some of the base components and sub-components in a designated food and beverage manufacturing device 1 falls below a threshold, notifies the designated food and beverage manufacturing device 1 and devices managed by a component replenisher (not shown) of an alert to replenish the components that have fallen below the threshold.

[0060] The selection unit 161 mentioned above is, for example, a touch panel or the like, provided as an input unit 16. The selection unit 161 is located at an appropriate position on the outside of the food and beverage manufacturing apparatus 1.

[0061] Next, with reference to Figure 5, we will explain an example of the process for manufacturing food and beverages. Figure 5 shows an example of the process for manufacturing customized food and beverages based on the user's individual settings.

[0062] First, customization requests based on the individual settings of user U are made from the user terminal UT, as shown in step S1a (or from the selection unit 161 pre-installed in the food and beverage manufacturing device 1, as shown in step S1b). The methods for requesting customization include both selecting a desired final product (recipe) from multiple options and selecting a desired sub-component (flavor, etc.) from multiple options (e.g., adding banana flavor).

[0063] Next, the food and beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 receives a customization request and executes the control of each of the above-described configurations of the food and beverage manufacturing unit 2. Specifically, as shown in step S2, the sub-component is administered to the container B filled with the base component according to the customization request using the sub-component injection unit 24.

[0064] At this time, i.e., when the subcomponent is administered, as shown in step S3, the amount of the subcomponent administered is detected by the detection unit 25, and this detected amount of the subcomponent is fed back to the control unit 111. Therefore, based on the dosage, it is possible to administer subcomponents at, for example, a microliter level.

[0065] After step S3, although not specifically shown in the diagram, the food and beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 completes the series of manufacturing processes by performing stirring in the stirring unit 26 and outputting container B filled with food and beverages in the container output unit 27.

[0066] Next, with reference to Figures 6 and 7, we will describe the subcomponent injection unit 24, which enables the administration of subcomponents at, for example, a microliter level. Figure 6 shows the subcomponent injection section of Figures 1 and 5. Figure 7 is a view of the subcomponent injection section of Figure 6 from an oblique angle above.

[0067] The sub-component injection unit 24 is configured to include, for example, a plurality of syringes 241 for administering sub-components at the microliter level, and holding units 244 and 245 for holding the plurality of syringes 241. Each of the multiple syringes 241 used in this embodiment is of the same size and has a syringe, plunger, and needle 242. The syringe is filled with subcomponents from a tank (not shown) via piping 243. Needle 242 employs a passage diameter that enables the administration of subcomponents at the microliter level (administration is possible in microliter-level drops. The subcomponent injection section 24 can dispense components such as fragrances, scents, and supplements in microliter droplets).

[0068] The subcomponent filled in the syringe is dispensed towards the needle 242 by the movement of the plunger, which acts as the extrusion unit, and is then administered into container B, which is filled with the base component. In this embodiment, the plunger is moved by a linear motor 231 (the linear motor 231 is just one example; other means such as air can also be used).

[0069] In the sub-component injection section 24, the multiple syringes 241 are arranged at an angle as shown in the figure, so that the needles 242 of each syringe 241 are directed toward container B. Furthermore, each of the multiple syringes 241 is arranged circumferentially around the axis of the sub-component injection section 24. As can be seen from the above configuration and structure, the sub-component injection unit 24 is a device that allows for customization of flavor.

[0070] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and any modifications, improvements, etc. that can achieve the objectives of the present invention are considered to be included in the present invention. In the above-described embodiment, the sub-components were administered using a syringe, but this is not limited to this; similar devices (similar instruments) such as a dischargeable cartridge may also be used. Preferably, the cartridge is a component that is easy to replace.

[0071] Furthermore, the system configuration shown in Figure 2 and the hardware configuration of the food and beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in Figure 3 are merely illustrative examples for achieving the objectives of the present invention and are not particularly limited.

[0072] Furthermore, the functional block diagram shown in Figure 4 is merely illustrative and not particularly limiting. In other words, it is sufficient that the food and beverage manufacturing system in Figure 2 has the functionality to execute the various processes described above as a whole, and the functional blocks and databases used to realize this functionality are not particularly limited to the example in Figure 4.

[0073] Furthermore, the location of the functional blocks and database is not limited to Figure 4, but can be any location. For example, at least a portion of the functional blocks and database located on the food and beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 side may be provided on the user terminal UT side or on another information processing device (not shown).

[0074] Furthermore, the series of processes described above can be executed by hardware or by software. Furthermore, a single functional block may consist of hardware alone, software alone, or a combination of both.

[0075] When a series of processes are executed by software, the programs that make up that software are installed on a computer or other device from a network or storage medium. The computer may be a computer that is built into dedicated hardware. Furthermore, a computer can be any computer capable of performing various functions by installing various programs, such as a server, a general-purpose smartphone, or a personal computer.

[0076] Such recording media containing programs may consist not only of removable media (not shown) distributed separately from the main unit of the device to provide the program to the user, but also of recording media provided to the user in a state where they are pre-installed in the main unit of the device.

[0077] In this specification, the step of describing a program to be recorded on a recording medium includes not only processes that are performed chronologically in that order, but also processes that are not necessarily performed chronologically, but are executed in parallel or individually.

[0078] In summary, the food and beverage manufacturing system to which the present invention applies only needs to have the following configuration, and can take various forms. In other words, the food and beverage manufacturing system to which the present invention applies (for example, the food and beverage manufacturing system shown in Figure 2) is: In a food and beverage manufacturing system that produces food and beverages (beverages or food products) by adding multiple sub-components (e.g., multiple types of aromas, supplements, etc.) to a base component (e.g., a base beverage such as coffee, tea, or carbonated water, or a base food product), A subcomponent injection unit (e.g., subcomponent injection unit 24, etc. in Figures 5 to 7) has a syringe (e.g., syringe 241, etc. in Figures 5 to 7 (dispenser, etc.)) for each of the plurality of subcomponents that dispenses a predetermined amount of the filled subcomponents by an extrusion unit (e.g., plunger of syringe 241 in the subcomponent injection unit 24 in Figures 5 to 7), For each of the multiple subcomponents to be injected, a control unit (e.g., control unit 111 in Figure 4) executes control to dispense a predetermined amount of the injected substance (e.g., a microliter of a droplet of fragrance, air freshener, supplement, etc.) from the syringe filled with the injected substance and administer it into a container filled with the base component (e.g., container B in Figure 1), Having that is sufficient.

[0079] Such a food and beverage manufacturing system allows for the production of customized food and beverages for each serving, based on the individual settings of the user or customer.

[0080] Furthermore, the food and beverage manufacturing system to which the present invention is applied (for example, the food and beverage manufacturing system shown in Figure 2) is: A detection unit (for example, the detection unit 25 in Figures 1, 4, and 5) for detecting the amount of the sub-component administered to the container filled with the base component. Furthermore, The control unit executes control to output the injection target in a predetermined amount from the syringe based on the detection result of the detection unit. It is possible.

[0081] Furthermore, the food and beverage manufacturing system to which the present invention is applied (for example, the food and beverage manufacturing system shown in Figure 2) is: A drive unit (for example, the drive unit 23 in Figures 1, 4, and 5) having a linear motor (for example, the linear motor 231 in Figures 6 and 7) for moving the respective extrusion sections of the plurality of syringes. Furthermore, The control unit controls the linear motor of the drive unit to perform control that causes the syringe to output the injection target in the specified amount. It is possible.

[0082] Furthermore, the food and beverage manufacturing system to which the present invention is applied (for example, the food and beverage manufacturing system shown in Figure 2) is: The sub-component injection unit, which has multiple syringes with the same specified amount, is provided in N units for each of N types of specified amounts or N types of uses (for example, if the uses are aroma and supplements, there are 2 types and the number is 2 units). It is preferable.

[0083] Furthermore, the food and beverage manufacturing system to which the present invention is applied (for example, the food and beverage manufacturing system shown in Figure 2) is: A selection unit (for example, the selection unit 161 in Figures 4 and 5) selects one or more injection targets from among the aforementioned subcomponents. It can provide even more.

[0084] Furthermore, the food and beverage manufacturing system to which the present invention is applied (for example, the food and beverage manufacturing system shown in Figure 2) is: The control unit determines one or more of the sub-components necessary for manufacturing the food or beverage to be manufactured, according to a menu prepared in advance for manufacturing the food or beverage to be manufactured, and determines the specified target amount for each of the one or more sub-components (the above is the function of the control unit 111 as described above, with reference to Figure 4). It is preferable.

[0085] Furthermore, the food and beverage manufacturing system to which the present invention is applied (for example, the food and beverage manufacturing system shown in Figure 2) is: The control unit further, The user's customization instructions regarding at least a portion of the types, number, and respective injection amounts of the sub-components to be administered to the base component of the food or beverage are obtained as customization instructions. Based on the customization instructions, the sub-components in the menu are adjusted, and based on the results of the adjustments, one or more sub-components necessary for manufacturing the food or beverage are determined, and the target specified amount for each of these one or more sub-components is determined (the above is the function of the control unit 111 as described above, with reference to Figure 4). It is preferable.

[0086] Furthermore, the food and beverage manufacturing system to which the present invention is applied (for example, the food and beverage manufacturing system shown in Figure 2) is: A stirring unit (for example, the stirring unit 26 shown in Figure 4) for stirring the container filled with the base component, or the container filled with the food or beverage consisting of the base component and the sub-components administered thereto. It can provide even more.

[0087] Furthermore, the food and beverage manufacturing system to which the present invention is applied (for example, the food and beverage manufacturing system shown in Figure 2) is: There are n food and beverage manufacturing apparatuses (where n is an integer of 1 or more) having the sub-component injection unit and the control unit (for example, food and beverage manufacturing apparatuses 1-1 to 1-n shown in Figure 2), For each of the n food and beverage manufacturing devices, there is an inventory management unit (for example, the inventory management unit 51 shown in Figure 4) that manages the remaining amounts of the base component and the sub-components. It can provide even more. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0088] 1, 1-1 to 1-n... Food and beverage manufacturing apparatus, 2... Food and beverage manufacturing section, 11... CPU, 12... ROM, 13... RAM, 14... Bus, 15... Input / Output interface, 16... Input section, 17... Output section, 18... Memory section, 19... Communication section, 20... Drive, 21... Robot arm section, 22... Base component filling section, 23... Drive section, 24 ...Sub-component injection unit, 25...Detection unit, 26...Agitation unit, 27...Container output unit, 30...Removal media, 51...Inventory quantity management unit, 111...Control unit, 211...Gripping unit, 231...Linear motor, 241...Syringe, 242...Needle, 243...Piping, 244, 245...Holding unit, B...Container, U...User, UT...User terminal

Claims

1. In a food and beverage manufacturing system that produces food and beverages by adding multiple sub-components to a base component, A subcomponent injection unit having a syringe for each of the plurality of subcomponents that dispenses a specified amount of a predetermined subcomponent from the filled subcomponents via an extrusion unit, A control unit that performs control to dispense a predetermined amount of the injection target from the syringe filled with the injection target for each of the multiple subcomponents to be injected into a container filled with the base component, for each injection target of one or more of the subcomponents, A food and beverage manufacturing system equipped with the following features.

2. Detection unit for detecting the amount of the sub-component administered to the container filled with the base component. Furthermore, The control unit executes control to output the injection target in a predetermined amount from the syringe based on the detection result of the detection unit. A food and beverage manufacturing system according to claim 1.

3. A drive unit having a linear motor for moving the extrusion portion of each of the plurality of syringes. Furthermore, The control unit controls the linear motor of the drive unit to perform control that causes the syringe to output the injection target in the specified amount. A food and beverage manufacturing system according to claim 1.

4. The sub-component injection unit, which has multiple syringes with the same specified amount, is provided in N units for each of N types (where N is an integer value of 2 or more) specified amounts or N types of applications. A food and beverage manufacturing system according to claim 1.

5. Selection unit for selecting one or more injection targets from the aforementioned plurality of subcomponents. The food and beverage manufacturing system according to claim 1, further comprising:

6. The control unit determines one or more sub-components necessary for manufacturing the food or beverage to be manufactured, according to a menu prepared in advance for manufacturing the food or beverage to be manufactured, and determines the specified target amount for each of the one or more sub-components. A food and beverage manufacturing system according to claim 1.

7. The control unit further, The user's customization instructions regarding at least a portion of the types, number, and respective injection amounts of the sub-components to be administered to the base component of the food or beverage are obtained as customization instructions. Based on the customization instructions, the sub-components in the menu are adjusted, and based on the results of the adjustments, one or more sub-components necessary for manufacturing the food or beverage are determined, and the target specified amount for each of the one or more sub-components is determined. The food and beverage manufacturing system according to claim 6.

8. A stirring unit for stirring the container filled with the base component, or the container filled with the food or beverage consisting of the base component and the sub-components added thereto. The food and beverage manufacturing system according to claim 1, further comprising:

9. There are n food and beverage manufacturing apparatuses (where n is an integer of 1 or more) each having the sub-component injection unit and the control unit. For each of the n food and beverage manufacturing devices, there is an inventory management unit that manages the remaining amounts of the base component and the sub-components. The food and beverage manufacturing system according to claim 1, further comprising:

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