Systems and processes for the preparation of food products having a sentient access arrangement

Abstract

The present invention discloses a system and process for the preparation of an edible product, for example an aromatic beverage such as espresso coffee, based on an edible substance, for example a portion of coffee, in a capsule, the system comprising a device (1) comprising a receptacle placement arrangement (2) adapted for placing a receptacle (10, 10') for collecting the edible product, an enclosure (3) of the device, and an access arrangement (4) providing selective access to at least one of the receptacle placement arrangement (2) and a portion entrance passage (8), whereby the device (1) is adapted to apply selective access to at least one of the receptacle placement arrangement (2) and the portion entrance passage (8) by recognition of at least one of a contactless input gesture performed in a proximal environment and preferably a touch gesture performed on an input surface associated with the access arrangement (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and a process for preparing food products, and in particular, includes an apparatus for preparing aromatic beverages by extracting respective food substances, the apparatus including means for discharging the beverage into the interior of a drinking receptacle, in particular a discharge portion in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity.

Background Art

[0002] The prior art has several solutions for beverage discharge in beverage preparation machines. In particular, for aromatic beverages such as, for example, espresso-type coffee, beverage discharge is an important process that can potentially affect the quality of the beverage obtained in the drinking receptacle. In fact, especially in the case of espresso-type coffee, several aspects are determined by the main characteristics of the discharge flow, such as the formation of the crema and its retention in the cup, and the temperature change due to air exposure during discharge into the cup.

[0003] Document DE2009 / 048233A1 discloses a system of the type of the present invention in which a portion of the food substance is provided in a collection space by lifting a lid-like arrangement provided with means for discharging the beverage. This solution has constructional complexity and ergonomic constraints. Furthermore, the lid-like arrangement does not provide selective access to the beverage discharge means.

[0004] Document WO2014 / 086915A1 discloses a similar system in which an opening for introducing a portion of the food substance and a beverage discharge portion appear to be provided at the same height. However, this document does not disclose a compact and ergonomic arrangement of the elements.

[0005] Document WO2017 / 200409A1, further registered by the author of the present application, discloses a system for preparing aromatic beverages having an improved beverage discharge arrangement and also having an advantageous configuration of the apparatus.

[0006] Furthermore, for example, systems are generally known in which the operation of an access arrangement for inserting a capsule containing an edible substance requires a completely free hand for this purpose. Therefore, it is difficult for the user to operate a device of the type of the present invention when the user is substantially using both hands. For example, when the user holds a drinking receptacle in one hand and a mobile communication device in the other hand.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a solution that provides better ergonomics in the operation of the access arrangement in this type of device, in particular a passage for introducing a portion of the edible substance and, where applicable, selective access to the support for the installation of the drinking receptacle.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] An object of the present invention is a system for preparing an edible product, for example of the espresso coffee type, based on a portion of an edible substance, for example coffee in a capsule or pod, comprising in particular a device and a receptacle that can be installed in the receptacle installation arrangement of the device, and as a result, a receptacle operably associated with the discharge part of the edible product, the device being adapted to provide at least the operation of the access arrangement by an interface that does not require the application of force or pressure to an interface having operating means of the device, in particular different operating buttons, mechanical arrangements, etc.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] This object is solved according to the present invention by a system for preparing an edible product according to claim 1.

[0010] In particular, the above object is solved by a system comprising a device with an access arrangement, the access arrangement being capable of selectively covering at least, in particular, a receptacle installation arrangement and a product discharge associated therewith, based on the recognition of input gestures performed as non-contact interaction gestures in the proximal environment and / or as haptic interaction gestures with the device, in particular the outer surface of the access arrangement and / or other input surfaces associated therewith, so as to provide selective access to the receptacle installation arrangement and the inlet passage of the portion.

[0011] According to another aspect of the invention, the device comprises input means adapted to be able to recognize and distinguish at least one of preferably different types of input gestures. The input gestures include at least one of a touchless freehand gesture, a gesture of a hand with a touchless receptacle, a gesture of installing a receptacle in each receptacle installation arrangement, a gesture of handling a receptacle in the receptacle installation arrangement, a gesture of touching an input surface, and a gesture of installing a receptacle on the input surface of the device.

[0012] According to another aspect of the invention, the device comprises input means adapted to be able to recognize and distinguish different types of objects in the proximal environment and / or installed on each operating means of the device, in particular different types of portions of an edible substance and receptacles, preferably including the relative position of the marks of these objects in relation to a reference.

[0013] The input means can preferably be adapted to recognize at least one of optical interactions, electromagnetic interactions including infrared interactions, magnetic interactions, and mechanical force interactions, occurring in at least one of a three-dimensional input space within the proximal environment of the device and an input surface within the outer enclosure of the device, and being below the weight of the interacting object.

[0014] Within the scope of the present invention, the expression "input space" is understood as a spatial enclosure that extends externally adjacent to the device and at a distance of up to 0.5 m, preferably up to 0.3 m, from the outer enclosure of the device, and that includes at least a part of the orthographic projection of at least a part of the area defined or delimited by the input means, or within a part of the surrounding space as seen from at least the input means.

[0015] Within the scope of the present invention, the expression "input surface" is understood as an outer surface having a plurality of adjacent points along two directions, at least a part of which provides recognition of input by finger touch, for example, such as a capacitive device, without the need for the application of pressure, and without buttons and similar devices.

[0016] The device can be provided with control means adapted to control a beverage preparation cycle based on and in accordance with input data recognized by the input means in their respective proximal environment and associated with an object that is not part of the device. The input data includes data regarding the position of the drinking receptacle and the portion of the edible substance in relation to the components of the device.

[0017] The device can be provided with a receptacle installation arrangement adapted to support the installation of at least one type of drinking receptacle for collecting the edible product, in a particularly operable manner, such that the receptacle can be held in the receptacle installation arrangement and the edible product can be discharged along a direction opposite to the direction of gravity.

[0018] The device can be provided with a discharge portion for the edible product, associated with the receptacle installation discharge portion and adapted to inject the edible product, for example, a beverage, along a direction opposite to the direction of gravity.

[0019] The device can comprise a receptacle installation arrangement and an inlet passage for a portion, along a single plane, preferably on at least substantially the same enclosing surface of the device, which extends on the enclosing surface of the upper part of the device. When the upper part of the device comprises only the receptacle installation arrangement and the inlet passage for the portion of the edible substance, it is preferred that an access arrangement is provided so that both can be selectively covered with respect to the outside of the device.

[0020] The invention further relates to an operating process of a system of the type of the invention, in particular to a process for providing the use of the system without requiring more than three input gestures or actuations by the user.

[0021] This object is solved according to the invention by the process according to claim 15.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] Hereinafter, the invention will be described in more detail based on preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0023] These figures show the following in simplified schematic views.

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Figures 1 and 2 represent a first type of system according to the invention.

[0025] Figure 1 is a side view (left side of the drawing) and a front view of an apparatus (1) for preparing a beverage in a system of the type according to the invention, including a drinking receptacle (10, 10') operably installed in a receptacle installation arrangement (2) of the apparatus (1). Figure 2 represents a functional diagram of the discharge of an edible product (BD) in a system of the type of the invention.

[0026] As shown, the apparatus (1) comprises a product preparation device (5) provided here inside an outer enclosure (3) of the apparatus (1) and having two parts, at least one of the two parts being movable between a closed position and an open position, so that, for example, a portion (7) of an edible substance, which is a precursor of a beverage, contained in a capsule and introduced through an inlet passage (8) of the portion, can be collected by the product preparation device (5).

[0027] Furthermore, the apparatus (1) can include a fluid reservoir (not shown), a flow pressurization device, and a fluid heating device (not shown), so that a flow (FS) can be supplied at a temperature of 60 to 100 °C and a pressure of 1 to 20 bar to interact with the edible substance. The apparatus (1) further comprises control means (6) adapted to be able to control each beverage preparation cycle. Those skilled in the art are familiar with these means, so a more detailed representation or description thereof is omitted herein.

[0028] The beverage flow discharge (BD) is led from the outlet of the product preparation device (5) to a receptacle installation arrangement (2) including a product discharge section (21), as a result of which the beverage discharge into the interior of the drinking receptacle (10, 10') spreads through its base portion (11).

[0029] In the case of this type of system, the drinking receptacle (10, 10') is arranged in its base portion (11) and is equipped with flow regulating means (13) adapted to allow flow into the drinking receptacle (10, 10') only if the flow pressure is greater than a pre-defined flow pressure.

[0030] Figures 3 to 6 represent embodiments of the system according to the invention, and Figure 7 represents an embodiment of the associated process.

[0031] As shown, in this case, the device (1) comprises an outer device enclosure (3) and an access arrangement (4) that at least substantially together define the geometric shape and volume of the device (1).

[0032] Advantageously, the access arrangement (4) provides selective access to the receptacle installation arrangement (2) and the product discharge section (21), as a result of which the possibility of accumulation of dust and other residues as a result of exposure to the ambient air at a given location where the device (1) is used is prevented.

[0033] The access arrangement (4) can be actuated, for example, by mechanical actuation means with a rotational movement between a closed position (Figure 3) and an open position (II) (Figure 5), in which open position (II), access is provided to the receptacle installation arrangement (2), the product discharge section (21), and a portion inlet passage (8) (not shown) adapted for the introduction of a portion of the edible substance (7).

[0034] Alternatively, the access arrangement (4) can be actuated with a sliding movement in a plane that is at least substantially parallel to one of the receptacle installation arrangements (2) (see Figure 6, which shows the access arrangement (4) close to the open position (II)).

[0035] It is preferred that the access arrangement (4) can occupy an intermediate position between the closed position (I) and the open position (II), which corresponds to at least a semi-open position that provides access to, for example, the product discharge section (21), but does not provide access to the inlet passage (8) of the portion.

[0036] The access arrangement (4; 41, 42) can be adapted to provide selective access to at least the product discharge section (21) and the receptacle installation arrangement (2), whereby the access arrangement (4) can completely confine the space defined by the receptacle installation arrangement (2) and the product discharge section (21) with respect to the outside of the device (1) when the access arrangement (4) is in the closed position (I).

[0037] The access arrangement (4; 41, 42) can be adapted to provide selective access and be adapted for the introduction of a portion (7) of the food substance, and can be arranged in a plane and level that is the same as or different from the plane in which the receptacle installation arrangement (2) is arranged, so as to confine the inlet passage (8) of the portion with respect to the outside.

[0038] The access arrangement (4; 41, 42) is operably associated in particular with the outer casing (3) of the device, and as a result, - a closed position (I) in which at least one of the receptacle installation arrangement (2) including the product discharge section (21) when at least the receptacles (10, 10') are not installed and the inlet passage (8) of the portion is confined with respect to the outside of the device (1), - and an open position (II) that can be adapted to be movable between at least one open position (II) that provides access to at least one of the receptacle installation arrangement (2) for the installation of the receptacles (10, 10'), which is an operating installation in particular in relation to the product discharge section (21) for the supply of a portion (7) of the food substance to the product preparation device (5), and the inlet passage (8) of the portion.

[0039] The access arrangement (4; 41, 42) can be adapted to separately provide selective access to the receptacle installation arrangement (2) including the product discharge part (21) and to the inlet passage (8) of the portion, whereby the operating mechanisms of the first and second access parts (41, 42) are preferably at least one of similar and common.

[0040] The access arrangement (4) can comprise first and second access parts (41, 42), whereby the first access part (41) confines and provides access to the receptacle installation arrangement (2) including at least the product discharge part (21), and the second access part (42) provides selective access to the inlet passage (8).

[0041] The first and second access parts (41, 42) can be adapted to be provided only when at least one of their openings is shown with the operating opening of the other. For example, the opening of the second access part (42) to the inlet passage (8) of the portion is provided only when receptacles (10, 10') are operably installed in the receptacle installation arrangement (2).

[0042] The access arrangement (4; 41, 42) can be provided to be operable in at least one of the movements between the closed position (I) and the open position (II) in a manual and / or non-manual manner, whereby the access arrangement (4; 41, 42) can preferably be held in a removable manner in the closed position (I).

[0043] The access arrangement (4; 41, 42) can be adapted to be operable in a non-manual manner between its closed position (I) and its open position (II), and vice versa. Thereby, the operation corresponds to at least one of at least a rotational movement and a translational movement of at least a part of the access arrangement (4; 41, 42), whereby at least a part of said movement is carried out in at least one of a different plane and a plane that is at least substantially parallel to the plane in which the receptacle installation arrangement (2) and the inlet passage (8) of the portion extend, and whereby said movement further corresponds to at least one of the movement of a single access part (4), the movement of a first access part (41) and at least a second access part (42) (preferably in a mutually coordinated manner), for example, the coupled movement of a plurality of access parts in an arrangement such as a diaphragm.

[0044] The receptacle installation arrangement (2) can be adapted to be operable in a non-manual manner between its closed position (I) and its open position (II), whereby the receptacle (10) can be installed on its installation surface, and vice versa, whereby the receptacle (10) is held on the installation surface.

[0045] The access arrangement (4; 41, 42) is provided as a single part or as a plurality of parts, such as a lid, a hood, etc. of a general shape type, a door, for example, a window of a flat type.

[0046] The access arrangement (4) is - when in the closed position (I), does not extend completely upwards and preferably extends being completely surrounded laterally by the outer casing (3) of the device, - when in the closed position (I), extends completely upwards of the outer casing (3) of the device, - adapted as at least one of at least a majority, preferably the whole, of the upper region of the device (1).

[0047] The access arrangement (4; 41, 42) may not have cavities, protrusions, or openings.

[0048] The access arrangement (4) can be provided in at least one of the upper region and the front region of the outer casing (3) of the device.

[0049] The access arrangement (4; 41, 42) is adapted to enclose at least one of the receptacle installation arrangement (2) and the inlet passage (8) of the portion for the outside when at least a part thereof is in the closed position (I), and to provide at least one of the installation of the drinking receptacle (10, 10') in the receptacle installation arrangement (2) and the introduction of the portion (7) of the edible substance through the inlet passage (8) when at least a part thereof is in the open position (II).

[0050] The device (1) can be provided so as to be able to prepare a beverage, for example an aromatic beverage, based on the portion (7) of the edible substance in the capsule, for example.

[0051] The device (1) can comprise a product preparation device (5) provided in a flow connection downstream of a flow pressurization device, and an inlet passage (8) for each portion, adapted for the introduction of the portion (7) of the edible substance and for the supply of the portion (7) of the edible substance to the product preparation device (5).

[0052] According to an aspect of the invention, the device (1) further comprises input means (9), which are operably associated with the access arrangement (4) and are adapted to recognize non-contact input generated in the proximal environment of the access arrangement (4), in particular in a three-dimensional input space (E) associated with the input means (9). The non-contact input can be a free-hand gesture, or a gesture of a hand holding the receptacle (10), in particular a gesture of approaching the receptacle (10) towards the access arrangement (4), and optionally further an existence during a predefined period near the access arrangement (4).

[0053] The input means (9) is oriented externally and extends, in particular in the front and upper regions of the device (1), so as to maximize the geometric space of the environment, and can be provided as an element arranged in a visible manner, whereby, when provided, it is preferably such that they are not visible or perceptible by the user.

[0054] Alternatively, the input can be provided by a touch gesture of the hand without applying pressure to the access arrangement (4), including a touch at a single point, a downward pressure touch, a pushing and / or dragging touch in a given direction.

[0055] In this case, the input means (9) can be adapted for tactile recognition (see Figure 4), so that as a result, all such hand touch gestures can preferably be gestures of short duration and low intensity. Alternatively, the input means (9) can be actuated to measure force (see Figures 5 and 6), so that as a result, the applied force can be recognized.

[0056] Therefore, the interaction of the user with the device (1) can include providing an actuation input to the access arrangement (4) by at least one of a hand gesture in the proximal environment and a touch to the access arrangement (4) such that actuation from the closed position (I) is triggered.

[0057] Figure 8 represents a process according to the invention, and Figures 9 and 10 represent a second embodiment of the associated system.

[0058] In this case, the access arrangement (4) comprises two access parts (41, 42) which can be actuated separately, whereby, in the case of the first access part (41), a distinct access to the receptacle installation arrangement (2) and the product discharge part (21) is provided, and in the case of the second access part (42), a distinct access to the inlet passage (8) of the portion is provided.

[0059] Preferably, only the operation of one of the access parts (41, 42) requires an input gesture, whereby the second operation requires verification of a predefined condition associated with the first access part (41).

[0060] The user can approach the receptacle (10) of the first access part (41), as a result generating an input recognized by the input means (9) that triggers the operation of the first access part to the open position, thereby providing access to the receptacle installation arrangement (2).

[0061] Preferably, a means of, for example, the magnetic type, which is adapted to generate a non-contact interaction in the proximity environment of the input means (9), is provided at the receptacle (10).

[0062] Next, the user installs the receptacle (10) in the receptacle installation arrangement (2), whereby when it is recognized that the receptacle (10) is present thereon, the operation of the second access part (42) is automatically triggered, as a result of which the entrance passage (8) of the portion is released. When it is recognized that a portion (7) of the edible substance enters through the entrance passage (8) of the portion and / or its presence is in the product preparation device (5), the reverse closing movement of the second access part (42) is automatically triggered. Furthermore, the control means (6) can be adapted to automatically start the process of preparing and discharging the flow of the edible product when the closing movement of the second access part (42) is completed.

[0063] Thereby, an advantageous interaction with the device (1) that requires a minimum of input gestures and actions by the user is provided.

[0064] In particular, the user does not need to press a button or operate a lever.

[0065] Figures 11 and 12, Figures 13 to 16, and Figures 17 and 18 represent other alternative embodiments of the system and process according to the present invention.

[0066] The first input means (91) can be provided in association with the first access portion (41), and the second input means (92) can be associated with the second access portion (42). The input means (91, 92) are adapted, for example, as optical, magnetic or infrared detection devices, and when in a proximal environment including at least a special area extending along the vertical projection of the upper region, preferably further along the projection of the front region of the device (1), at least one of gestures and objects, such as a portion (7) of an edible substance and / or a receptacle (10, 10'), can be recognized remotely.

[0067] Furthermore, a third input means (93) adapted to recognize the interaction of a portion (7) of an edible substance with at least one of the portion's inlet passage (8) and the product preparation device (5), and a fourth input means (94) adapted to recognize the installation of the receptacle (10) are further provided.

[0068] The user can perform an input gesture by manual touch at the first access portion (41) extending over the inlet passage (8) of the portion.

[0069] This manual touch can be pinpoint only (Figure 11) or can describe the operating direction (Figure 17), thereby enhancing the reliability of the operation in consideration of the possibility of accidental touches on the input surface.

[0070] The contact is recognized by the input means (9), and the movement of the first access portion (41) to the open position (II) is triggered. Here, the user can introduce a portion (7) of an edible substance. The closing movement of the first access portion (41) is automatically triggered by the recognition of the presence of the passage and / or the portion (7) of the edible substance. Optionally, data recognition from a code associated with the portion (7) of the edible substance is further automatically triggered.

[0071] Completion of the closing movement of the first access portion (41) can automatically trigger the opening movement of the second access portion (42), as a result of which the receptacle (10) can be installed within the receptacle installation arrangement (2).

[0072] Detection of the receptacle (10) can in particular trigger the movement of the engaging portion of the receptacle installation arrangement (2) from the first position to the holding position of the receptacle (10). Here, the control means (6) can trigger the start of the process of preparing the food product and discharging it into the receptacle (10). After its completion, the movement of the engaging portion of the receptacle installation arrangement (2) from the holding position of the receptacle (10) to the release position can be automatically triggered.

[0073] After a predefined period has elapsed without an input gesture associated with at least one of the access portions (41, 42) being detected, the closing movement of the second access portion (42) can be automatically triggered.

[0074] The counting of this period can be interrupted, for example, in the case of an input gesture such as the approach of a portion of the food substance from the first access portion (41) or the installation of the receptacle (10) into the receptacle installation arrangement (2).

[0075] Figures 19 and 20 illustrate other embodiments of the process according to the invention, whereby the user does not need to touch the operating means of the device (1), and normal usage gestures thereby provide the input for the preparation and discharge of the food product.

[0076] Gestures approaching the receptacle (10) from the second access portion (42) can be recognized by the respective input means (92), thereby generating an input for the operation of the automatic opening of the second access portion (42). Preferably, a gesture for installing the receptacle into the receptacle installation arrangement (2), including for example a specific gesture such as the rotation of the receptacle (10), can also generate an input for starting the circulation of the flow for the preparation of the food product.

[0077] In a preferred embodiment, the receptacle (10) can rotate between a first installation position and a second installation position, whereby at least one of the rotational direction and the rotational elongation can generate respective inputs.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 20, the device (1) can include input means (9) adapted to detect the installation of the receptacle (10) at its first installation position in the receptacle installation arrangement (2), and preferably also the type of the receptacle (10, 10'), whereby the movement is automatically actuated so that the receptacle (10) is in the holding position.

[0079] The input means (9) associated with the receptacle installation arrangement (2) can further recognize at least one of, for example, data associated with the receptacle (10, 10'), in the form of a code, and discharging an edible product according to the recognized input.

[0080] The steps can be repeated in the reverse way, whereby the whole process can be developed in an automatic way from the first installation of the receptacle (10) until the detection of its removal from the receptacle installation arrangement (2).

[0081] FIGS. 21 and 22 represent a second type of system according to the invention.

[0082] In this case, the device (1) comprises an access arrangement (4; 41, 42) movable between a closed position (I) and an open position (II), and respective receptacle installation arrangements (2) and a portion inlet passage (8) provided at the front of the device (1). Alternatively, the access arrangement (4; 41, 42) can comprise only the first and second access parts (41, 42).

[0083] Furthermore, in this case, the product discharge part (21) is arranged above a place where the receptacle (10, 10') can be operably installed so as to collect the edible product.

[0084] When the access arrangement (4) is in the closed position (II) as shown in FIG. 21, it is preferably configured to form at least a substantially regular shape together with the outer enclosure (3) of the device, such as a cube, etc., thereby providing an outer enclosure without protrusions or cavities. Risbon, March 23, 2021

Claims

1. A system for preparing a beverage as an edible product based on the circulation of a fluid through a portion (7) of an edible substance, comprising an apparatus (1), said apparatus (1) being - a receptacle installation arrangement (2) adapted to provide an operative installation of at least one type of drinking receptacle (10, 10') so as to be able to collect the edible product from a product discharge part (21) provided so that the edible product can be discharged along a direction opposite to gravity; - an outer casing (3) of said apparatus; - control means (6) adapted to be able to control at least the circulation of the fluid in said apparatus (1), comprising - portion supply means including an inlet passage (8) of the portion, adapted to supply a portion of the edible substance to a product preparation device (5); - input means (9; 91, 92, 93, 94) adapted to recognize an input external to said apparatus (1) and provided in operative connection with said control means (6); said apparatus (1) being provided with an access arrangement (4; 41, 42) adapted to be movable, thereby providing access to at least one of the inlet passage (8) and the product discharge part (21), characterized in that said apparatus (1) is capable of performing at least the following operations: - actuating at least a part of said access arrangement (4; 41, 42); - starting the supply of a portion of the edible substance to the product preparation device (5) by said portion supply means including the inlet passage (8) of the portion; - starting the circulation of the fluid including passing through said portion (7) of the edible substance and discharging it into the receptacle (10, 10'), characterized in that thereby, at least one of said operations can be performed based on the recognition of an input gesture, said input gesture including - a hand gesture in the proximal environment of said apparatus (1) without touching said apparatus (1), and - a touch gesture on a part of the outer surface of said apparatus (1), at least one of the receptacle installation arrangement (2) and the access arrangement (4; 41, 42) being such that the input recognized by said input means (9) triggers only the operation of the opening movement from the closed position (I) and the operation of the closing movement from the open position (II) is - A predefined operating event of the device (1) including the detection of the presence of at least one of a portion of an edible substance (7) and a receptacle (10, 10) in an operating state within the device (1), or other indication of each operating state, - Comprising actuating means adapted to be triggered by at least one of a predefined period after a predefined operating event of the device (1), The access arrangement (4), when in the closed position (I), extends over the whole or most of the upper region of the device (1) and defines a space that can completely confine the product discharge part (21) directly below the access arrangement (4) in the direction of gravity with respect to the outside of the device (1). A system characterized by this.

2. At least a part of the access arrangement (4; 41, 42) of the device (1) - Without touching the device (1), up to two different types of freehand input gestures, - Input gestures of up to three types by a conductive interaction object, at least in contact proximity, and without applying a force due to a pressure exceeding the weight of the interaction object of the tactile type, with respect to each input surface of the device (1), up to three types of input gestures, - Adapted to be actuated by at least one of up to four types of input gestures involving contact in relation to each input surface of the device (1) and detection of at least one of the presence and relative position of the interaction object. The system according to claim 1, characterized by this.

3. The input means (9; 91, 92, 93, 94) is characterized by being adapted to recognize at least one of the input gestures, and the input gestures - In an input space (E) associated with the access arrangement (4; 41, 42), which extends in the orthographic projection of the access arrangement (4; 41, 42), an image capture or an infrared interaction, a remote method of the magnetic interaction type, - A capacitive tactile method of generating a change in the electric field at at least one point of an input surface having a plurality of adjacent possible touch points. The system according to claim 1 or 2, including this.

4. The input means (9; 91, 92) - At least two different types of non-contact input gestures performed by hand in the proximal environment of each input space (E, E'), including gestures along a single direction, gestures along at least first and second directions, gestures within a single plane, and gestures within at least first and second planes, and at least one type of gesture from a list including gestures having first and second configurations of a spatial path, at least two different types of non-contact input gestures including at least one type of gesture from the list. - At least two different types of touch input gestures performed by at least one finger of the hand, including at least one type of touch from a list including pinpoint touch, sliding touch, and dragging touch on the outer surface of the access arrangement (4; 41, 42), at least two different types of touch input gestures including at least one type of touch from the list, characterized in that it is adapted to be able to distinguish at least one of them, the system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The input means (9; 91, 92, 93, 94) is characterized in that it is adapted to be able to distinguish at least two positions of at least one of the input gesture and an object on the device (1), and the at least two positions are - A part of the outer enclosure (3) of the device, - A part of the outer enclosure (3) of the device, - At least one of at least two different positions of a receiver (10) installed in the receiver installation arrangement (2), and - At least one of at least two different positions of a portion (7) of an edible substance in relation to the portion supply means including an inlet passage (8) of the portion, the system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The input means (9) is - The approach of the receiver (10) at least in the proximal environment of the access arrangement (4; 41, 42), and - The installation of the receiver (10) on the receiver installation arrangement (2) at a predefined position of at least a part of the receiver (10), characterized in that it is adapted to generate an input for triggering the non-manual movement operation of the receiver installation arrangement (2) when recognizing at least one of the gestures, the system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. At least a part of the input means (9; 91, 92) is associated with at least one external input location of the device enclosure (3), is oriented in an orientation along at least a part of the visible proximal environment, and is associated with a remote interaction, and is adapted to recognize at least one of the presence, duration of presence, trajectory, relative distance, etc. in at least a part of the proximal environment, either alone or jointly, or, At least a part of the input means (9; 91, 92) is characterized in that it is associated with at least one external input surface of the device enclosure (3) including a plurality of different adjacent locations for input recognition by touch without pressure, whereby the input means (9; 91, 92) is provided under the outer surface as an inter-electrostatic capacitance sensor or the like and is not provided in the form of a button or the like. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The input means (9; 91, 92, 93, 94) is adapted to be able to distinguish at least one of the proximity and installation of a portion (7) of an edible substance and a receptacle (10, 10') in relation to a part of the device (1) including the access arrangement (4; 41, 42). The input means (9) is - the proximity of the receptacle (10, 10') to the access arrangement (4) and / or the receptacle installation arrangement (2), - characterized in that it is adapted to be able to automatically detect at least one of the installation of the receptacle (10, 10') at the receptacle installation arrangement (2). The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The input means (9) is - a receptacle installation arrangement (2) adapted to be able to execute a movement from an initial position (I), - an access arrangement (4; 41, 42) adapted to be able to execute a movement from a closed position (I), - a part of the device enclosure (3) close to a part within the same plane of the device (1) as at least one of the receptacle installation arrangement (2) and the access arrangement (4; 41, 42), Control means (6) adapted to be able to control the operation of the device (1), including based on recognition of a code associated with the portion (7) of the food substance, characterized in that it is operably associated with at least one of them, the system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The input means (9; 91, 92) is adapted to recognize input gestures associated with at least one of optical interactions such as image capture, electromagnetic interactions such as electromagnetic interactions by infrared rays, magnetic interactions, and capacitive type interactions that occur in at least one of the proximal environment and the enclosure (3), and touch by a force not greater than the weight of the interacting object which is a finger. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. At least a part of the receptacle installation arrangement (2) is adapted to be movable by non - manual electromechanical means, - at least from its respective closed position (I) to the open position (II), - including at least one of from the initial installation position (I) of the receptacle to the holding position (II) of the receptacle, whereby at least one of said movements is triggered by and in accordance with an input recognized by the input means (9; 91, 92, 93, 94), the system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. At least a part of the access arrangement (4; 41, 42) is adapted to be movable by non - manual electromechanical means, - from the closed position (I) to the open position (II), - including at least one of from the open position (II) to the closed position (I), whereby at least one of said movements is triggered by and in accordance with an input recognized by the input means (9; 91, 92), the system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The device (1) is at least a part of the access arrangement (4; 41, 42), - detection of the presence of the receptacle (10) on the receptacle installation arrangement (2) as an object on the device (1), The system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further capable of automatically operating based on at least one of: counting a predefined period without recognition of non-contact, tactile, or presence detection input.

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