Beverage preparation machine that recognizes capsules

Abstract

1. A machine (1) for preparing and brewing a beverage (2), such as tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cold chocolate, milk, soup, or baby food, comprising a capsule recognition module (8) for recognizing the type of capsule (3) inserted into the machine, the recognition module comprising a light source (82) for illuminating the surface of the capsule and an optical sensor (81) for detecting optical properties of the capsule surface, the recognition module being configured to: determine a correction value for the optical property by detecting the optical property of the capsule surface while the light source is off; determine a sample value for the optical property by detecting the optical property of the capsule surface while the light source is on; calculate a corrected sample value using the correction value and the sample value; and determine the capsule type by comparing the corrected sample value with a reference value, the reference value being representative of the capsule type.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The field of the present invention relates to a beverage preparation machine that uses capsules of raw materials for the beverages to be prepared. The field of the present invention relates in particular to a beverage preparation machine that is configured to automatically recognize the type of capsule inserted into the machine, using capsules and adapting, for example, the beverage preparation parameters to the recognized type of capsule.

[0002] For the purposes of this specification, "beverage" is intended to include any liquid substance that can be consumed by a person, such as tea, coffee, hot chocolate or cold chocolate, milk, soup, baby food, etc. "Capsule" is intended to include any enclosed package of any shape and structure that contains raw materials, such as a soft pod or a hard cartridge that contains raw materials, for example, plastic, aluminum, recyclable and / or biodegradable packages, etc., and in particular, any pre-dosed beverage raw materials, such as flavor raw materials, are contained within an airtight package. The capsule can contain an amount of raw materials for preparing a beverage for one person or for multiple persons.

Background Art

[0003] Certain types of beverage preparation machines use capsules, which contain raw materials to be extracted or dissolved and / or raw materials that are stored in the machine and automatically dispensed or added during the preparation of the drink. Some beverage machines have filling means, which include a pump for a liquid, usually water, and the pump pumps cold water or a liquid that is actually heated by heating means such as a thermoblock, for example, from a water source.

[0004] In particular, in the field of coffee preparation, machines have been widely developed in which capsules containing beverage raw materials are inserted into an infusion device.

[0005] The infusion device has been developed to facilitate the insertion of a "new" capsule in use and to make it easy to remove this capsule. Typically, the infusion device comprises two parts that are relatively movable from a configuration for inserting / removing the capsule to a configuration for infusing the raw material within the capsule.

[0006] The operation of the movable part of the infusion device may be manual, as disclosed in WO 2009 / 043630, WO 01 / 15581, WO 02 / 43541, WO 2010 / 015427, WO 2010 / 128109, WO 2011 / 144719, and WO 2012 / 032019. Various handling configurations are disclosed in EP 1867260, WO 2005 / 004683, WO 2007 / 135136, WO 2008 / 138710, WO 2009 / 074550, WO 2009 / 074553, WO 2009 / 074555, WO 2009 / 074557, WO 2009 / 074559, WO 2010 / 037806, WO 2011 / 042400, WO 2011 / 042401, and WO 2011 / 144720. The integration of such a configuration into a beverage machine is disclosed in WO 2009 / 074550, WO 2011 / 144719, EP 2014195046 A1, EP 2014195048 A1, and EP 2014195067 A1.

[0007] The operation of the movable part of the overflow device may be electric. Such a system is disclosed, for example, in European Patent No. 1767129. In this case, there is no need for the user to perform manual operations to open or close the overflow device. The overflow device has a capsule insertion path with a safety door incorporated into the movable part of the overflow device via a switch, and this switch detects the presence of an unwanted finger in the insertion path when closed, and is for preventing injury by clamping. Alternative covers for the capsule insertion path are disclosed in International Publication Nos. 2012 / 093107 and 2013 / 127906. Another electric system is disclosed in International Publication Nos. 2012 / 025258, 2012 / 025259, and 2013 / 127476.

[0008] To enable a user to interact with such a machine, various systems are disclosed in the art for providing operating instructions to the machine or obtaining feedback from the machine, such as those mentioned below. Austrian Patent No. 410377, Swiss Patent No. 682798, German Patent No. 4429353, No. 20200419, German Patent Application Publication No. 20 2006 019039, No. 2007 008590, European Patent No. 1448084, No. 1676509, European Patent Application Publication No. 08155851.2, French Patent No. 2624844, British Patent No. 2397510, U.S. Patent No. 4377049, No. 4458735, No. 4554419, No. 4767632, No. 4954697, No. 5312020, No. 5335705, No. 5372061, No. 5375508, No. 5645230, No. 5685435, No. 5731981, No. 5836236, No. 5959869, No. 6182555, No. 6354341, No. 6759072, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0157820, International Publication No. 97 / 25634, No. 99 / 50172, No. 2004 / 030435, No. 2004 / 030438, No. 2006 / 063645, No. 2006 / 090183, No. 2007 / 003062, No. 2007 / 003990, No. 2008 / 104751, No. 2008 / 138710, No. 2008 / 138820, No. 2010 / 003932, No. 2011 / 144720 and No. 2012 / 032019.

[0009] To smooth the operation of the machine, for example, as disclosed in International Publication No. 2012 / 123440, the machine can automatically identify a capsule supplied to the machine and then automatically operate the capsule for extraction.

[0010] Beverage dispensing using a machine that automatically and reliably identifies capsules still needs improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The present invention relates to a machine for preparing beverages. The beverage preparation machine can be a machine for use inside or outside the home.

[0012] The machine may be for the preparation of coffee, tea, chocolate, cocoa, milk, soup, baby food, and the like.

[0013] The preparation of the beverage typically includes the mixing of a plurality of beverage raw materials, such as water and milk powder, and / or the extraction or infusion of the beverage raw materials, such as the extraction or infusion of ground coffee or tea with water. One or more of such raw materials can be supplied in an unconsolidated powder form and / or an agglomerated powder form, and / or a liquid form, particularly a concentrated form. A carrier or diluent, such as water, can be mixed with such raw materials to form a beverage. Typically, a predetermined amount of beverage corresponding to one serving (e.g., one cup) is formed and dispensed according to user requirements. Such an amount per serving can be in the range of 25 to 200 mL, and, for example, up to 300 or 400 mL, which is the amount to fill a cup, depending on the type of beverage. The formed and dispensed beverage may be selected from ristretto, espresso, lungo, cappuccino, latte macchiato, caffe latte, American coffee, tea, and the like. In particular, the coffee machine may be configured to dispense espresso, for example, with an adjustable volume of 20 to 60 mL per serving, and / or lungo, for example, with a volume in the range of 70 to 150 mL per serving.

[0014] The machine of the present invention has a unit for extracting a beverage raw material capsule to form a beverage. The unit has a first part and a second part, which are relatively movable between an open position for inserting and / or removing the capsule and a closed position for fixing such a capsule for extraction. In the closed position, the first part and the second part typically define an extraction chamber.

[0015] The capsule can comprise a capsule body, for example a substantially linear or tapered body. The capsule can have a circular peripheral annular flange, for example a flexible or rigid flange, extending from a peripheral part of the capsule body, for example an edge or a face. The capsule can accommodate flavor raw materials for preparing tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cold chocolate, milk, soup or baby food.

[0016] At least one of the first part and the second part may define a cavity for receiving raw materials in the capsule, such as a tapered cavity, for example a conical or pyramidal cavity, or a linear cavity, for example a cylindrical or trapezoidal cavity. Such a cavity may extend along an axis generally in line with the direction of relative movement of the first part and the second part. The extraction chamber is then defined on one side by such a cavity.

[0017] The other part of these first and second parts may be defined by another cavity, or may include an extraction plate, such as a plate provided with a perforating element opening the flow-through face of the capsule, or a non-invasive plate for cooperating with a pre-opened or self-opening flow-through face of the capsule.

[0018] Examples of extraction chambers are disclosed in WO 2008 / 037642 and WO 2013 / 026843.

[0019] At least one of these parts can have a capsule opener, for example one or more capsule perforators.

[0020] The capsule can also include a self-opening mechanism. Self-opening capsules are disclosed, for example, in Swiss Patent No. 605293 and WO 03 / 059778.

[0021] When a closed capsule is used, the first and second parts can include a capsule opener such as a blade and / or a tear tool (e.g., a plate having a tear profile known from a Nespresso™ machine or as disclosed in European patents Nos. 0512470, 2068684, and International Publication No. 2014 / 076041 and the references cited therein).

[0022] At least one of these parts may have an opening for allowing a liquid to flow in, which liquid is to be mixed with the raw materials accommodated in such a capsule.

[0023] The machine includes a control unit for controlling an extraction unit to perform extraction of such a capsule. The control unit can be powered by a power source, for example, via an electrical cord.

[0024] The machine has an outlet for pouring out a beverage formed by performing extraction of such a capsule into a user container such as a cup or a mug arranged in a container placement area.

[0025] To flavor the liquid, a carrier liquid such as water is circulated through the capsule (by a liquid driving device, e.g., a pump), and the flavored beverage can be prepared by exposing the flavor raw materials held in the capsule, for example, along an extraction direction that is generally parallel to the direction of relative movement of the first and second parts or the longitudinal or central direction of the extraction.

[0026] For example, the user container can be arranged on a container support for collecting the beverage.

[0027] The container support can be formed by an external placement support on which such a machine is arranged.

[0028] The container support may be formed by a support constituted by the machine, for example, a movable or removable machine support.

[0029] The container placement area can be associated with a machine receiving part support for supporting such a user receiving container below the outlet. The support can be associated with a drip tray, for example, a drip tray that supports the support, and / or can be movable vertically relative to the housing below the outlet, and / or can be movable relative to the housing away from below the outlet, enabling the user receiving container to be placed below the outlet at various heights. Examples of suitable receiving part supports are disclosed in European Patent Nos. 0549887, 1440639, 1731065, 1867260, U.S. Patent Nos. 5,161,455, 5,353,692, International Publication Nos. 2009 / 074557, 2009 / 074559, 2009 / 135869, 2011 / 154492, 2012 / 007313, 2013 / 186339, 2016 / 096705, 2016 / 096706, and 2016 / 096707.

[0030] In an embodiment, the outlet can be fixed to, or formed by, or attached to, or mounted within the machine head and / or a movable beverage guide. The machine head has a deployed position where the outlet is located above the container placement area and a retracted storage position where the outlet is retracted into the external main machine housing, and is a machine head driven towards and away from the inside of the main housing by at least one of a first part and a second part or by an actuator controlled by a control unit. The movable beverage guide has a beverage dispensing configuration for dispensing a beverage into the container placement area and a beverage stop configuration for preventing the dispensing of the beverage into the container placement area, for example, by discharging the remaining beverage from the guide via a guide edge into a waste container, and is a beverage guide driven between the dispensing configuration and the stop configuration by at least one of a first part and a second part or by an actuator controlled by the machine head (or the above-mentioned machine head) or by a control unit.

[0031] For example, the machine comprises a machine head as disclosed in International Publications No. WO 2017 / 037212 and No. WO 2017 / 037215.

[0032] Examples of suitable waste containers for carrying out the present invention are disclosed in European Patent No. EP 1867260, International Publications No. WO 2009 / 074559, No. WO 2009 / 135869, No. WO 2010 / 128109, No. WO 2011 / 086087, No. WO 2011 / 086088, International Application PCT / EP No. 2017 / 050237, and International Publication No. WO 2017 / 037212.

[0033] The fluid introduction guide can be completely enclosed within the body and / or the machine head.

[0034] Details of suitable or adaptable fluid introduction guides for carrying out the present invention are disclosed in International Publications No. WO 2006 / 050769, No. WO 2012 / 072758, No. WO 2013 / 127907, No. WO 2016 / 083488, and No. WO 2017 / 037212.

[0035] The extraction unit can comprise a capsule feeder for supplying capsules to an extraction chamber, the feeder having a capsule dispenser having a discharge configuration for discharging such capsules from the feeder towards the extraction chamber and a holding configuration for holding such capsules away from the extraction chamber.

[0036] The capsule dispenser can be formed by a mechanical and / or magnetic capsule gate, which is, for example, a capsule holder having a shape that complements and matches at least a part of the outer shape of such a capsule.

[0037] The capsule holder may have a movable capsule gate, which is pivotable and / or translatable between a position that prevents transfer towards the extraction chamber and a position that clears the transfer towards the extraction chamber.

[0038] The capsule holder may have an actuator for transitioning from a holding configuration to a releasing configuration and vice versa, and such an actuator is controlled by a control unit.

[0039] Immediately after releasing the capsule towards extraction, the capsule dispenser may pass from the releasing configuration to the holding configuration such that access towards the extraction chamber is provided only when it is necessary to release the capsule.

[0040] Details of suitable capsule dispensers are disclosed in WO 2012 / 126971, WO 2014 / 056641, WO 2014 / 056642, and WO 2015 / 086371.

[0041] The capsule feeder may include a passage for guiding such a capsule into the extraction chamber and orienting the capsule in a predetermined orientation for entry into the extraction chamber, and such a passage is associated with a capsule fixator for fixing such a capsule between a first part and a second part in an open position before the first part and the second part are relatively moved to a closed position.

[0042] The interaction between the first part and the second part (and optionally the capsule guiding passage) and the raw material capsule may be of the kind disclosed in WO 2005 / 004683, WO 2007 / 135135, WO 2007 / 135136, WO 2008 / 037642, and WO 2013 / 026856.

[0043] The control unit can control the capsule dispenser to release such a capsule from the feeder when the first and second parts are in the open position, or when the first and second parts are returned to the closed position, or when moving towards the open position such that such a capsule enters the extraction chamber.

[0044] The control unit can control the capsule dispenser to hold such a capsule away from the extraction chamber and hold it in the feeder when the first and second parts are in the following cases.

[0045] In the closed position, or when moving relatively towards the closed position, or When in the open position and even if such a capsule has been released from the dispenser, but there is only insufficient time left for such a capsule to be received into the extraction chamber before the first and second parts reach the closed position, when being moved relatively towards the closed position.

[0046] The capsule feeder may include, or be associated with, a capsule sensor connected to the control unit. The control unit is configured to make the capsule dispenser in a holding configuration or maintain it in the holding configuration when the capsule sensor does not detect such a capsule on or at the capsule dispenser. Examples of capsule sensors are disclosed, for example, in WO 2012 / 123440, WO 2014 / 147128, WO 2015 / 173285, WO 2015 / 173289, WO 2015 / 173292, WO 2016 / 005352, and WO 2016 / 005417.

[0047] The control unit controls the actuator so that, for example, starting from a beverage preparation operation event such as capsule detection, capsule recognition, user actuation of the user interface of the machine, or a combination thereof, after a predetermined time within the range of 3 to 15 seconds, such as 5 to 12 seconds, for example 7 to 10 seconds, has elapsed, the first part and the second part can be configured to be moved by the actuator from the closed position to the open position and from the open position to the closed position.

[0048] Examples of such parts that are relatively moved by an actuator (for example, a motor) are disclosed in European Patent No. 1767129, International Publication Nos. 2012 / 025258, 2012 / 025259, 2013 / 127476, and 2014 / 056641.

[0049] For example, the first part and the second part can be relatively movable by the actuator along a generally linear axis from the closed position to the open position and / or vice versa.

[0050] The machine may include a liquid supply device for supplying a liquid, for example water, to the extraction chamber. The liquid supply device is connected to the control unit and controlled by the control unit to supply such liquid into the extraction chamber, and such supply is automatically and / or manually via a user interface connected to the control unit and / or interrupted when it is detected by the detection device that such a container has been removed. For example, the liquid supply device includes one or more of a liquid source such as a liquid connector for connecting to a liquid tank or an external liquid supply; one or more liquid tubes for guiding the liquid to the extraction chamber; a liquid driving device such as a pump, for example, an electromagnetic pump (reciprocating piston pump), or a peristaltic pump, or a diaphragm pump, for driving such liquid into the extraction chamber; and a heat conditioner for thermally conditioning the liquid, for example, a heater and / or a cooler, an in-line heat conditioner such as an in-line flow conditioner.

[0051] Examples of suitable liquid sources, such as tanks or connectors, are disclosed in WO 2016 / 005349, EP 2015194020.2, PCT / EP 2017 / 050237, and the references cited therein.

[0052] The heat conditioner may be a boiler or a thermoblock or an on - demand heater (ODH), such as the types of ODH disclosed in EP 1253844, EP 1380243, and EP 1809151.

[0053] Examples of pumps and their incorporation into beverage machines are disclosed in WO 2009 / 150030, WO 2010 / 108700, WO 2011 / 107574, and WO 2013 / 098173.

[0054] The control unit Optionally, after detecting the supply of such a capsule to the unit by a capsule sensor (or the above - mentioned capsule sensor) to mix the liquid with the raw material contained in the capsule to form a beverage to be dispensed through the outlet, the first part and the second part are moved from an open position to a closed position, when the first part and the second part reach the closed position with the capsule housed in the extraction chamber, and / or The liquid supply device is configured to control the supply of liquid to the extraction chamber such that, when the first part and the second part reach the closed position with the capsule not housed in the extraction chamber, at least a part of the unit and optionally the outlet are flushed or washed. The liquid supply device may be configured to supply the liquid at a flushing temperature or a washing temperature different from the temperature of such a liquid for forming a beverage, for example, by flooding.

[0055] In certain embodiments, it is also contemplated to deliver cold or chilled beverages.

[0056] The control unit can be configured to control the liquid supply device so that when the first part and the second part reach the closed position while the capsule is not stored (for example, not detected or recognized) in the extraction chamber, the liquid is not automatically supplied to the extraction chamber. For example, when the control unit detects a user input by a corresponding manual input on a user interface connected to the control unit, the control unit is configured to control the liquid supply device to supply the liquid to the extraction chamber.

[0057] The control unit may have an extraction end management program. This program is automatically executed when the supply of the liquid is interrupted (for example, when a predetermined extraction process is completed or a defect is detected in the extraction process), to immediately move the first part and the second part to the open position so as to remove the capsule from between them if there is a capsule between the first part and the second part, or maintain the first part and the second part in the closed position for a predetermined time, for example, in the range of 1 to 5 seconds such as 2 to 3 seconds, thereby enabling a manual input request for the liquid supply device to supply a further amount of liquid to the extraction chamber via, for example, a user interface connected to the control unit, and if there is no such manual input request during the predetermined time, if there is a capsule between the first part and the second part, remove it from there and move the first part and the second part to the open position so as to move such a capsule to a used capsule collector formed by a waste container (or the above-mentioned waste container).

[0058] For example, before moving the first part and the second part to the closed position, these parts can remain in the open position for a predetermined time, for example, in the range of 1 to 6 seconds such as 2 to 4 seconds, to enable the insertion of a new capsule between the first part and the second part, and then, in order to extract the new capsule, move the first part and the second part to the closed position relative to each other with the new capsule stored in the extraction chamber.

[0059] Thus, the user can request the pouring of two or more servings (e.g., a double espresso) of beverage into the same user receptacle.

[0060] According to the present invention, the machine is an extraction unit for performing extraction of a beverage raw material capsule to form a beverage, the unit having, for example, a first part and a second part, the first and second parts being relatively movable between an open position for inserting and / or removing the capsule and a closed position for fixing the capsule for extraction, such as a closed position in which the first and second parts define an extraction chamber, and optionally, at least one of the first and second parts having a capsule opener, e.g., one or more capsule piercers, and / or having an opening for the inflow of a liquid to be mixed with the raw material contained in the capsule, the extraction unit; a control unit for controlling the extraction unit to perform extraction of the capsule, the control unit being supplied with power from a main power source, e.g., via an electrical cord; an outlet for pouring the beverage formed by performing extraction of the capsule into a user receptacle such as a cup or a mug, the user receptacle being arranged in a container installation area on a container support, e.g., on an external arrangement support on which the machine is arranged, or on a machine support, e.g., a movable or removable machine support, for collecting the beverage; a capsule recognition module for recognizing the type of capsule inserted into the machine, a light source for illuminating at least a part of the surface of the capsule; an optical sensor for detecting the optical characteristics of at least a part of the surface of the capsule; and comprising the capsule recognition module; and the capsule recognition module determines a correction value of the optical characteristics by detecting the optical characteristics of at least a part of the surface of the capsule while the light source is off, By detecting the optical properties of at least a part of the surface of the capsule (3) while the light source is on, determining at least one sample value of the optical properties, Calculating a corrected sample value using the correction value and at least one sample value, Determining the type of the capsule by comparing the corrected sample value with at least one reference value representing the type of the capsule. It is configured as follows.

[0061] Preferably, the capsule recognition module is configured to calculate a corrected sample value by subtracting the correction value from at least one sample value.

[0062] In an embodiment, the capsule recognition module is configured to continuously determine two or more, for example three, sample values of at least a part of the surface of the capsule while the light source is on. Then, the sample values thus determined are compared with each other, for example, to detect possible variations in the detection conditions during the sample value measurement, which may indicate unstable capsules and / or rapidly changing ambient conditions, especially ambient lighting conditions. If the variation within the sample values is higher than a predetermined threshold, the sample values are, for example, ignored, the capsule recognition process is interrupted, and may be repeated from the start. If the variation is below the predetermined threshold, one of the sample values is used as the sample value obtained from the detection step, or the sample values are averaged and the average is used as the sample value obtained from the detection step. Then, the corrected sample value is calculated, for example, by subtracting the correction value from the obtained sample value.

[0063] The capsule recognition module is preferably configured to determine the correction value in a first step and determine at least one sample value in a second step. The capsule recognition module In a step after the second step, by detecting the optical properties of at least a part of the surface of the capsule while the light source is off, determining a control value of the optical properties. Calculate the difference between the control value and the correction value, if the difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value, discard at least one previously determined sample value and restart the capsule recognition process at the first step, if the difference is less than the predetermined threshold value, it is further configured to send the determined type of capsule to the control unit of the machine.

[0064] The detected optical property is, for example, the color of the capsule, and the value is a vector characterizing such color, for example, a three-dimensional color vector. Then, the capsule recognition module may be configured to determine the type of capsule by calculating the Euclidean distance between the corrected sample value and at least one reference value, and at least one reference value represents the type of capsule.

[0065] Preferably, the machine comprises a capsule recognition position.

[0066] The machine may also further comprise a capsule detector for detecting the presence of a capsule disposed on or approaching the capsule feeder of the machine and activating the capsule recognition by the capsule recognition module.

[0067] The machine may also further comprise a material detector for recognizing the material of a capsule disposed on or approaching the capsule feeder of the machine.

[0068] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a combination of such a machine and a capsule, for example, a capsule in the extraction chamber of the machine, or a capsule processed by the capsule feeder of the machine, etc.

[0069] In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for preparing and dispensing a beverage from a capsule in such a machine, the method comprising inserting a capsule into the machine, and Determining a correction value for the optical properties by detecting, with an optical sensor, at least a part of the optical properties of the surface of the capsule while the light source is off; Determining at least one sample value of the optical properties by detecting at least a part of the optical properties of the surface of the capsule while the light source is on; Calculating a corrected sample value using the correction value and the at least one sample value; Determining the type of the capsule by comparing the corrected sample value with at least one reference value, wherein the at least one reference value represents the type of the capsule.

[0070] The corrected sample value can be calculated by subtracting the correction value from the at least one sample value.

[0071] Preferably, the step of determining at least one sample value includes continuously determining three sample values of at least a part of the surface of the capsule while the light source is on, calculating the average of the three sample values, and subtracting the correction value from the average to calculate the corrected sample value.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, the step of determining the correction value is performed in a first step, the step of determining at least one sample value is performed in a second step, and the method further includes: In a step after the second step, determining a control value for the optical properties by detecting at least a part of the optical properties of the surface of the capsule while the light source is off; Calculating the difference between the control value and the correction value; If the difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, discarding the at least one previously determined sample value and restarting the capsule recognition process in the first step; If the difference is less than the predetermined threshold, transmitting the determined type of the capsule to the control unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0073] Here, the present invention will be described with reference to schematic diagrams.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0074] Figures 1 to 8 show exemplary embodiments of a beverage machine 1 according to the present invention for preparing and dispensing a beverage 2 such as tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cold chocolate, milk, soup or baby food. The raw materials may be supplied in the form of raw material capsules 3 (for example, of the types described above under the heading "Technical Field").

[0075] The order of Figures 1 to 8 shows the beverage preparation sequence from the supply of the raw material capsule 3 in the machine 1 to the removal of the capsule 3 after beverage preparation.

[0076] The machine 1 includes an extraction unit 10 for extracting a beverage raw material capsule 3 to form a beverage 2. The extraction unit 10 has, for example, a first part 11 and a second part 12, which are relatively movable between an open position for inserting and / or removing the capsule 3 and a closed position for fixing such a capsule 3 for extraction, such as a closed position where the first part 11 and the second part 12 define an extraction chamber 100. For example, at least one of the parts 11, 12 has a capsule opener, such as one or more capsule piercers, and / or at least one of the parts 11, 12 has an opening for allowing a liquid to flow in and be mixed with the raw material contained in such a capsule 3.

[0077] The machine 1 includes a control unit 40 for controlling the extraction unit 10 to perform extraction of the capsule 3, which is schematically shown in Figures 2 to 8. The control unit 40 may be powered by a main power source, for example via an electrical cord 45, or from a DC power source of one or more batteries such as an automotive battery or a portable battery or a machine battery.

[0078] Machine 1 has an outlet 20 for pouring out a beverage 2 formed by extracting such a capsule 3 into a user container 4 such as a cup or a mug. The user container 4 is arranged in a container placement area for collecting the beverage 2. Such a container placement area may be, for example, on a container support 5, 6 such as an external placement support 5 on which such a machine 1 is arranged, or a machine support 6, for example, a movable or removable machine support 6, for example, a machine support 6 located above the external placement support 5 or above the external placement support 5.

[0079] In an embodiment, the outlet 20 is fixed to, formed by, attached to, or mounted in the machine head 21, for example. The machine head 21 has, for example, a deployed position where the outlet 20 is located above the container placement area and a retracted storage position where the outlet 20 is retracted into the external main housing 14 of the machine 1. The machine head 21 may be driven into and out of the housing 14 by at least one of the first part 11 and the second part 12 or by an actuator controlled by a control unit.

[0080] The outlet 20 may be fixed to, formed by, attached to, or mounted in a movable beverage guide 22 having, for example, a beverage pouring configuration shown in the figure. The movable beverage guide 22 has, for example, a beverage pouring configuration for pouring out the beverage 2 into the container placement area and, as can be seen in FIG. 2, for example, a beverage stop configuration for preventing the pouring of the beverage into the container placement area by discharging the residual beverage from the guide 22 to the waste container 60 via the guide edge 23. The guide 22 can be driven between the pouring configuration and the stop configuration by at least one of the first part 11 and the second part 12, or by the machine head (or the above-mentioned machine head) 21, or by an actuator controlled by a control unit.

[0081] The extraction unit 10 includes an actuator 13 configured to relatively move a first part 11 and a second part 12 relative to each other between an open position and a closed position. The actuator 13 is connected to a control unit 40 and is controlled by the control unit 40 to move the first part 11 and the second part 12 relative to each other.

[0082] The control unit 40 is connected to an input device for activating and / or controlling the extraction unit 10. According to the present invention, the input device includes, for example, a user interface 41 and a capsule recognition module 8 for recognizing the type of the capsule 3 to be inserted into the extraction unit 10. The input device optionally further includes a capsule sensor for detecting the presence of the capsule 3 disposed within and / or approaching the extraction unit 10, for example, for detecting the presence of the capsule 3 disposed at and / or approaching a capsule recognition position.

[0083] The extraction unit 10 can include a capsule feeder 15 for supplying the capsule 3 to the extraction chamber 100. The capsule feeder 15 can have a capsule dispenser 151 having a discharge configuration for discharging the capsule 3 from the capsule feeder 15 towards the extraction chamber 100 and a holding configuration for holding the capsule 3 away from the extraction chamber 100. The capsule feeder 15 can include, for example, a mechanical and / or magnetic capsule gate such as a capsule holder 151 that matches at least a part of the outer shape of the capsule 3.

[0084] The capsule feeder 15 can have a passage 152 (Fig. 4) for guiding the capsule 3 into the extraction chamber 100 in a predetermined capsule orientation, and such a passage 152 is preferably associated with a capsule fixator for fixing the capsule 3 between a first part 11 and a second part 12 until the first part 11 and the second part 12 in the open position (Fig. 5) move relative to each other to their closed position (Fig. 6).

[0085] When the first part 11 and the second part 12 are in the open position (Fig. 4), or when the first part 11 and the second part 12 are returned to their closed position (Fig. 6), or when the first part 11 and the second part 12 are moving towards the open position so that the capsule 3 enters the extraction chamber 100, the control unit 40 can control the capsule dispenser 151 to release the capsule 3 from the feeder 15.

[0086] When the first part 11 and the second part 12 are in the closed position or are moving towards the closed position (Fig. 2), or when the first part 11 and the second part 12 are in the open position and are about to move to the closed position and there is not enough time for the capsule 3 to be received in the extraction chamber 100 before the first part 11 and the second part 12 reach the closed position when the capsule 3 is released from the dispenser 151, the control unit 40 can control the capsule dispenser 151 to hold the capsule 3 away from the extraction chamber 100 and retain it in the feeder 15.

[0087] Optionally, the capsule feeder 15 may include or be associated with a capsule sensor, and the capsule sensor is connected, for example, to a control unit 40 configured to hold the capsule dispenser 151 in a holding configuration or maintain it in the holding configuration when the capsule sensor does not detect the capsule 3 on or at the capsule dispenser 151 (Fig. 7).

[0088] The control unit 40 may be configured to control the actuator 13 such that after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of a beverage preparation operation event such as, for example, capsule detection, capsule recognition, user operation of the user interface of the machine, or reaching the open position, or a combination thereof (Figs. 2 to 6), the first part 11 and the second part 12 are moved by the actuator 13 from the open position to the closed position. For example, the predetermined time is in the range of 3 to 15 seconds, such as 5 to 12 seconds, for example 7 to 10 seconds.

[0089] The extraction unit 10 may include liquid supply devices 50, 51, 52, 53, 54 for supplying a liquid, such as water, to the extraction chamber 100 (Fig. 2). The liquid supply devices 50, 51, 52, 53, 54 are connected to the control unit 40 and controlled by the control unit 40 to supply the liquid to the extraction chamber 100, and such supply can be interrupted automatically and / or manually, for example, via a user interface 41 connected to the control unit 40.

[0090] For example, the liquid supply devices 50, 51, 52, 53, 54 include one or more of a source of the liquid 50, such as a liquid connector for connecting to a liquid tank or an external liquid supply section, one or more liquid tubes 51, 52 for guiding the liquid to the extraction chamber 100, a liquid driving device 53 such as a pump for driving the liquid into the extraction chamber 100, and a thermal regulator 54 such as a heater and / or a cooler for thermally adjusting the liquid, for example, an in-line thermal conditioner such as an in-line flow conditioner.

[0091] The control unit 40 controls the liquid supply devices 50, 51, 52, 53, 54 so that when the first part 11 and the second part 12 have reached the closed position and the first part 11 and the second part 12 have moved from the open position to the closed position and the capsule 3 is accommodated in the extraction chamber 100, the liquid can be automatically supplied into the extraction chamber 100. Thereby, the liquid is mixed with the raw material accommodated in the capsule 3 to form the beverage 2 to be poured out through the outlet 20. Refer to FIG. 6.

[0092] The control unit 40 controls the liquid supply devices 50, 51, 52, 53, 54 so that when the first part 11 and the second part 12 have reached the closed position and no capsule is accommodated in the extraction chamber 100, the liquid can be automatically supplied into the extraction chamber 100 to wash or clean at least a part of the extraction unit 10 and optionally the outlet 20. For example, the liquid supply devices 50, 51, 52, 53, 54 are configured to supply the liquid at a flushing temperature or a cleaning temperature different from the temperature of such liquid for generating the beverage by, for example, overflow.

[0093] In an embodiment, it is also contemplated to deliver a cold or cooled beverage.

[0094] The control unit 40 can be configured to control the liquid supply devices 50, 51, 52, 53, 54 so as not to automatically supply the liquid into the extraction chamber 100 when the first part 11 and the second part 12 have reached the closed position with no capsule accommodated in the extraction chamber 100. For example, when the control unit 40 detects a corresponding manual user input on the user interface 41 connected to the control unit 40, it controls the liquid supply devices 50, 51, 52, 53, 54 to supply the liquid into the extraction chamber 100.

[0095] According to the present invention, the machine 1 includes a capsule recognition module 8 connected to the control unit 40 and configured to recognize the type of the capsule 3 supplied to or about to be supplied to the extraction chamber 100, preferably the capsule 3 arranged at a defined capsule recognition position. According to the present invention, the capsule recognition module 8 recognizes the type of the capsule 3 by recognizing at least one optical property of at least a part of the surface of the capsule 3, for example, color, luminance, or any other optical property.

[0096] The control unit 40 is preferably configured to control the liquid supply devices 50, 51, 52, 53, 54 according to a liquid supply program associated with the type, and the liquid supply program uses one or more adjusted parameters selected from the liquid temperature, flow rate, pressure, and volume of the supplied liquid, which may be constant or variable during the extraction of the recognized capsule 3. For example, this type can be selected from a plurality of capsule types extractable within the extraction chamber 100, and each is associated with at least one optical property stored in internal or external data storage means connected to or connectable to the control unit 40.

[0097] The capsule recognition module 8 is arranged, for example, in the vicinity of the capsule feeder 15, more specifically, near, around, and / or inside the capsule dispenser 151. The capsule recognition position is defined, for example, within the capsule feeder 15, for example, on the capsule dispenser 151.

[0098] The control unit 40 may have an extraction end management program, which is automatically executed when the liquid supply is interrupted (for example, when a predetermined extraction process ends or is detected to be incomplete), to immediately move the first part 11 and the second part 12 to the open position relative to each other to remove the capsule 3 from there if there is a capsule 3 between the first part 11 and the second part 12, or Maintain the first part 11 and the second part 12 in the closed position for a predetermined time, for example, within the range of 1 to 5 seconds such as 2 to 3 seconds, to allow a request by manual input from a user interface 41 connected to a control unit 40 for supplying, for example, an additional amount of liquid into the extraction chamber 100 through liquid supply devices 50, 51, 52, 53, 54. If there is no such request by manual input within the predetermined time, move the first part 11 and the second part 12 relative to each other to the open position to remove the capsule 3 therebetween, and move it, for example, into a used capsule collector 60 formed by a waste container (or the above-mentioned waste container) 60.

[0099] Optionally, before moving the first part 11 and the second part 12 to their closed positions, keep the first part 11 and the second part 12 in their open positions for a predetermined time within the range of 1 to 6 seconds, for example, 2 to 4 seconds, so that a new capsule 3 can be inserted between the first part 11 and the second part 12. Then, move it relatively to the closed position with the new capsule 3 accommodated in the extraction chamber 100 to extract the new capsule 3.

[0100] During use, the following steps can be executed (Figs. 1 - 6). The step of placing the container 4 within the container placement area, The step of placing the capsule 3 on the capsule feeder 15, The step of recognizing the type of the capsule 3 by the capsule recognition module 8, The step of moving the first part 11 and the second part 12 automatically, semi - automatically, or manually relative to their open positions, The step of supplying the capsule 3 to the extraction unit 10, The step of moving the first part 11 and the second part 12 relative to their closed positions to place the capsule 3 in the extraction chamber 100, Applying the extraction parameters determined based on the recognized type of the capsule 3 to extract the capsule 3 in the extraction chamber 100 to prepare the beverage 2, and Pouring the prepared beverage 2 into the container 4 through the outlet 20.

[0101] According to the present invention, the recognition module 8 is configured to determine the type of the capsule 3 inserted into or disposed on the machine 1, preferably within the capsule recognition position, for example, on the capsule feeder 15, by recognizing at least a part of the optical characteristics of the surface of the capsule 3.

[0102] The machine 1 is typically capable of performing extractions of various types of capsules to prepare various beverages and / or various styles of beverages. The various types of capsules that can be extracted within the extraction chamber 100 correspond, for example, to various raw materials contained therein and / or various adjustments of the raw materials. In an embodiment, each type of capsule corresponds to a specific type of coffee, for example, different from the coffee contained in other types of capsules, but not exclusive in one or more of its origin, roasting degree, grind size, capsule quantity, and / or its caffeine content. Instead, or in combination with these, the different types of capsules that can be extracted within the machine 1 correspond to raw materials for the preparation of different beverages such as coffee, milk, soup, infant milk, tea, cold beverages, etc.

[0103] Preferably, each type of capsule is associated with at least one specific optical characteristic of at least a part of the surface of the capsule 3, for example, a reference color, a reference luminance, or another reference optical characteristic, thereby enabling, for example, the user to visually distinguish different types of capsules. Data representing such reference optical characteristics, such as a reference color vector and / or luminance values, are preferably stored in an internal or external data storage means connected to or connectable to the control unit 40 and / or the capsule recognition module 8.

[0104] Machine 1 may be configured to perform the extraction of each capsule 3 using preparation parameters specific to a particular type of capsule 3. The preparation parameters may include, for example, one or more of carrier liquid temperature, carrier liquid volume, extraction time, carrier liquid pressure, type of carrier liquid, number of consecutive preparation phases, and the like. The preparation parameters for use with each type of capsule that can be extracted within machine 1 are preferably stored in internal or external data storage means connected to, or connectable to, control unit 40 and / or capsule recognition module 8. Appropriate preparation parameters are determined by capsule recognition module 8 and selected based on the type of capsule 3 to be used by control unit 40 to control the extraction of the recognized capsule 3.

[0105] Machine 1 may also be configured to store information regarding the type of each capsule extracted within the machine and / or to transmit it to an external server, for example, to monitor capsule consumption in machine 1.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 9, capsule recognition module 8 comprises a light source 82, such as a white LED or any other suitable, preferably known and well-defined spectrum light source, and an optical sensor 81, such as a camera, color sensor, photo sensor, or any other optical sensor suitable for capturing the optical properties to be measured. Capsule recognition module 8 preferably further comprises a controller 83, such as, but not limited to, an ASIC or programmable microcontroller, for controlling light source 82 and optical sensor 81, for example, to switch light source 82 on and off and / or to receive and process signals from optical sensor 81. Light source 82, optical sensor 81, and controller 83 are typically attached, for example by soldering, to a preferably electronic substrate 80, typically a PCB, which provides them with the necessary power as well as data connections and / or interconnections in a known manner. Controller 83 is preferably connected to and controlled by control unit 40 of machine 1.

[0107] In an embodiment, the capsule recognition module 8 includes, for example, an optical guide 89 that guides the light emitted by a light source 82 toward a capsule recognition position or at least a part of the capsule recognition position, and restricts the light received by an optical sensor 81 to the light preferably reflected by an object located at the capsule recognition position, in order to avoid detecting parasitic light such as ambient light as much as possible. The optical guide 89 is associated with, for example, an electronic substrate 80, and has, for example, a form of a cover that is attached and at least partially covers the light source 82 and / or the optical sensor 81. The cover includes, for example, an opening or other guiding means for guiding light between the capsule recognition position. In the illustrated example, cavities are formed in the covers above the optical sensor 81 and the light source 82 respectively, and open on the upper side thereof. The inner wall of the cavity is preferably shaped to avoid reflection within the cavity, which may lead to poor illumination of the object located at the capsule recognition position and / or poor detection of the light reflected by the object.

[0108] Optionally, the machine 1 includes a capsule detector 84 for detecting a capsule disposed on or approaching a capsule feeder. The capsule detector 84 is included, for example, preferably mounted on an electronic substrate 80, for example soldered, within the capsule recognition module 8. However, within the framework of the present invention, it is also possible to arrange the capsule detector at other positions. The capsule detector 84 may be any suitable type of presence and / or motion detector, for example, an infrared (IR) detector, an inductive and / or resistive detector, a mechanical switching element, etc. The capsule detector 84 is controlled, for example, by a controller 83 of the capsule recognition module 8 or directly by a control unit of the machine. The capsule detector 84 detects, for example, the presence of a capsule disposed on or approaching the capsule recognition position.

[0109] In an embodiment, the machine 1 further includes a material detector (not shown in the figures) for detecting the material of the capsules disposed on or approaching the capsule feeder. The material detector is, for example, an inductor or a resistive element that recognizes the metal body of the capsule. The output of the material detector is sent, for example, to the controller 83 and is used in combination with the output of the capsule recognition module 8 as an additional criterion for determining the type of the capsule disposed on or approaching the capsule feeder. The material detector can be an additional detector in addition to the optional capsule detector 84. Alternatively, a single detector, for example, an inductive, capacitive or resistive detector can be used as both the capsule detector and the material detector.

[0110] FIG. 10 shows the capsule 3 before introduction into the extraction chamber of the machine, disposed at the capsule recognition position within the capsule feeder 15 of the machine. The capsule recognition module 8 is preferably associated with the capsule feeder 15 or is a part of the capsule feeder 15. The capsule recognition module 8 is attached, for example, to the capsule holder 151, and the light emitted by the light source 82 is directed towards the surface of the capsule 3 disposed at the capsule recognition position within the capsule feeder 15, and at least a part of the light of the light source 82 reflected by the surface of the capsule 3 is directed towards the optical sensor 81.

[0111] In the illustrated embodiment, the capsule recognition module 8 is attached under the capsule receiving surface of the capsule holder 151. A window is formed in a preferably opaque material of the capsule holder 151, and the window cooperates with the opening of the light guide 89 of the capsule recognition module 8 to allow the light emitted by the light source 82 to reach at least a part of the surface of the capsule 3 disposed at the capsule recognition position on the capsule holder 151 and to allow the light reflected by the surface to be received by the optical sensor 81.

[0112] The window of the capsule holder 151, preferably formed of an opaque material, is preferably coated with a translucent material to protect the elements of the capsule recognition module 8, in particular the optical sensor 81, the light source 82, and the optional capsule detector 84, from external mechanical intrusion. External mechanical intrusion includes, but is not limited to, dirt, objects inserted into the window of the capsule holder 151, and the like. In an embodiment, the capsule receiving surface of the capsule holder 151 is made of, for example, a rigid translucent plastic material and shaped to conform to the shape of the surface of the capsule 3 so as to provide a stable position for the capsule 3 when correctly positioned at the capsule recognition position on the capsule holder 151. It is coated with a translucent skin 153, for example, formed by molding. In an embodiment, the cover 153 is further lightly colored to at least partially hide the capsule recognition module 8 and its elements from the view of the machine user without significantly impairing the optical detection of the capsule 3 by the capsule recognition module 8.

[0113] In an embodiment, when the capsule 3 approaches and / or is positioned at the capsule recognition position within the capsule feeder 15, the optional capsule detector 84 detects the presence of the capsule 3 and transmits a corresponding signal to the controller 83 and / or the control unit of the machine, thereby activating the capsule recognition module 8 to initiate the capsule recognition process.

[0114] The capsule recognition process involves activating the light source 82 to illuminate at least a part of the surface of the capsule 3 located at the capsule recognition position, and detecting at least one optical property, such as the color, luminance, or another optical property of the capsule 3, from the light reflected by the surface and received by the optical sensor 81. This is done by activating the optical sensor 81 and determining a sample value that characterizes such an optical property of the capsule 3 or the detected surface of the capsule 3. The sample value is, for example, a numerical value that characterizes an optical property such as luminance, reflectance in a predetermined frequency range, or a vector of numerical values, such as a three-dimensional vector that characterizes color as described in the published PCT application International Publication No. WO 2018 / 229102 (A1). Next, at least one sample value of the capsule 3 or the average of several sample values is compared with one or more known reference values of the optical properties, and each reference value typically represents a different type of capsule. Preferably, the type of the recognized capsule 3 is determined as the type for which the representative reference value is closest to the sample value or the average sample value determined for the capsule 3.

[0115] Alternatively, especially when the machine does not include any capsule detector, the capsule recognition module 8 is activated, for example, by the activation of a beverage preparation command, such as by a user operation on the user interface of the machine.

[0116] In an embodiment, the capsule recognition module 8 is a color recognition module, and the capsule recognition is performed as described, for example, in the PCT application International Publication No. WO 2018 / 229102 (A1), which is incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, or in combination therewith, the capsule recognition module may determine the overall reflectance of the surface of the capsule 3, the reflection level in one or more frequency spectra, the luminance, or any other suitable optical property.

[0117] For the sake of brevity, when used throughout this application, terms may refer to a single numerical value, such as a luminance value or an overall reflectance level within a preferably limited frequency range, or a vector of numerical values, such as an RGB color vector or a color vector as described in WO 2018 / 229102 (A1).

[0118] To eliminate or at least mitigate the effect of ambient light on the determination of the sample value representing the detected optical properties of the capsule arranged at the capsule recognition position, thereby reducing the probability of error in the capsule recognition process, the capsule recognition module 8 of the present invention is configured to perform a correction step.

[0119] According to the present invention, the correction step includes detecting the optical properties of the capsule 3 arranged at the capsule recognition position while the light source 82 of the capsule recognition module 8 is off, i.e., while the surface of the capsule 3 at the capsule recognition position is illuminated only by ambient light. Preferably, the conditions during the determination of the correction value, except for illumination, are the same as the conditions during the determination of at least one sample value. In particular, the correction value and at least one sample value are sampled while the capsule is in the same position relative to the optical sensor 81, preferably at the capsule recognition position.

[0120] Using the correction value, correct at least one sample value to at least one corrected sample value representing the optical properties of the sampled capsule 3 only under the influence of the light emitted only by the light source 82, i.e., without the influence of ambient light.

[0121] The corrected sample value is calculated, for example, by subtracting the correction value from the sample value or from the average of the sample values representing the same capsule 3. However, other methods of calculating the corrected sample value are possible within the framework of the present invention, depending, for example, on the nature of the optical property, the unit or value characterizing the optical property, etc.

[0122] According to a preferred embodiment of the capsule recognition process of the present invention schematically shown in the figure of FIG. 11, the correction value is determined in the first step 71. Thus, when the capsule is placed at the capsule recognition position and the capsule recognition process is started either automatically by the signal of the detection sensor or manually through the operation by the user of the machine's user interface, the optical sensor of the capsule recognition module detects the corresponding optical characteristics of the capsule while the light source is off, whereby the correction value is determined. In the second step 72, the light source is turned on and the optical sensor detects the same optical characteristics of the capsule, thereby determining at least one sample value of the optical characteristics of the capsule. In the second step 72, the optical sensor preferably detects the optical characteristics of the capsule continuously at least twice, for example three times, for example in bursts. Then, at least two, for example three, sample values thus determined are preferably compared with each other to detect possible variations in the detection conditions during the sample value measurement burst, which may indicate unstable capsules and / or rapidly changing environmental conditions, specifically environmental lighting conditions, which may result in incorrect results of the capsule recognition process. If the variation within the sample value is higher than a predetermined threshold, the sample value is, for example, ignored and the capsule recognition process may be interrupted and repeated from the start. If the variation is below the predetermined threshold, one of the sample values is used as the sample value obtained from the detection step, or the sample values are averaged and the average is used as the sample value obtained from the detection step. Then, the corrected sample value is calculated, for example, by subtracting the correction value from the obtained sample value. Alternatively, each sample value of the same capsule is corrected by the correction value and then averaged with the other corrected sample values of the same capsule.

[0123] Then, the obtained corrected sample value is used in step 73 to determine the type of the capsule detected based on the reference value as described above.

[0124] Optionally, the optical properties of the capsule are detected again with the light source off in step 74 of the capsule recognition process. The control value thus determined is compared with the correction value captured in the first step 71 to determine whether the ambient lighting conditions remained stable during the capsule recognition process.

[0125] If the ambient light changes significantly between the start and end of the recognition process, i.e., if the difference between the correction value and the control value exceeds a predefined threshold, the capsule recognition process is preferably repeated from the first step 71 to avoid errors that may be induced by the change in lighting conditions.

[0126] If there is no significant change in the ambient light between the start and end of the capsule recognition process, i.e., if the difference between the correction value and the control value is less than a predefined threshold, the type of capsule determined during the capsule recognition process is likely to be correct and is therefore used by the machine controller to control the beverage preparation process using the recognized capsule.

[0127] Alternatively, the step 73 of determining the type of capsule is performed after the step 75 of determining whether the ambient light has changed significantly during the capsule recognition process. Thus, if the answer is positive, i.e., if the ambient light has changed significantly and the capsule recognition process has to be restarted for the same capsule, unnecessary operations of comparing possibly irrelevant corrected sample values with reference values can be omitted. Similarly, for the same reason, correcting at least one sample value with the correction value may be performed after the determination step 75.

Claims

Machine (1) for preparing and dispensing a beverage (2), comprising: an extraction unit (10) for extracting a beverage raw material capsule (3) to form the beverage (2); a control unit (40) for controlling the extraction unit (10) to extract the capsule (3); an outlet (20) for dispensing the beverage (2) formed by extracting the capsule (3) into a user container (4) arranged in a container installation area so as to collect the beverage (2); a capsule recognition module (8) for recognizing the type of the capsule (3) inserted into the machine (1) at a defined capsule recognition position, the capsule recognition module (8) comprising: a light source (82) for illuminating at least a part of the surface of the capsule (3); an optical sensor (81) for detecting the optical properties of at least the part of the surface of the capsule (3); wherein the capsule recognition module (8): determines a correction value of the optical properties by detecting the optical properties of at least the part of the surface of the capsule (3) while the light source (82) is off; determines at least one sample value of the optical properties by detecting the optical properties of at least the part of the surface of the capsule (3) while the light source (82) is on; calculates a corrected sample value using the correction value and the at least one sample value; determines the type of the capsule by comparing the corrected sample value with at least one reference value representing the type of the capsule; Machine (1) configured as such.

2. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the capsule recognition module (8) is configured to calculate the corrected sample value by subtracting the correction value from the at least one sample value.

3. The machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the capsule recognition module (8) is configured to continuously determine three sample values of at least the part of the surface of the capsule (3) while the light source (82) is on, calculate the average of the three sample values, and calculate the corrected sample value by subtracting the correction value from the average.

4. When the capsule recognition module (8) starts the capsule recognition process, it is configured to determine the correction value in a first step (71) and determine the at least one sample value in a second step (72), and the capsule recognition module (8) In a step (74) after the second step (72), by detecting the optical characteristics of at least a part of the surface of the capsule (3) while the light source (82) is off, a control value of the optical characteristics is determined, Calculate the difference between the control value and the correction value, If the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, discard the previously determined at least one sample value and restart the capsule recognition process in the first step (71), If the difference is less than the predetermined threshold value, transmit the determined type of the capsule (3) to the control unit, The machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further configured as described above.

5. The machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the optical characteristic is the color of the capsule (3), and the sample value and the reference value are vectors characterizing the color.

6. The capsule recognition module (8) is configured to determine the type of the capsule by calculating the Euclidean distance between the corrected sample value and at least one reference value, and the at least one reference value represents the type of the capsule. The machine according to claim 5.

7. The machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further having a capsule recognition position for recognizing the capsule (3) by the capsule recognition module (8).

8. The machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a capsule detector (84) for detecting the presence of the capsule (3) disposed on or approaching the capsule feeder (15) of the machine (1) and activating the capsule recognition by the capsule recognition module (8).

9. The machine according to claim 8, further comprising a material detector for recognizing the material of the capsule (3) disposed on or another or approaching the capsule feeder (15) of the machine (1).

10. The combination of the machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and the capsule (3).

11. In the machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, a method for preparing and dispensing a beverage (2) from a capsule (3), comprising: inserting the capsule (3) into the machine (1); determining a correction value of the optical properties by detecting at least a part of the optical properties of the surface of the capsule (3) with the optical sensor (81) while the light source (82) is off; determining at least one sample value of the optical properties by detecting at least a part of the optical properties of the surface of the capsule (3) while the light source (82) is on; calculating a corrected sample value using the correction value and the at least one sample value; determining the type of the capsule by comparing the corrected sample value with at least one reference value, wherein the at least one reference value represents the type of the capsule; A method comprising the steps of:

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the corrected sample value is calculated by subtracting the correction value from the at least one sample value.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the step of determining at least one sample value comprises continuously determining three sample values of at least a part of the surface of the capsule (3) while the light source (82) is on, calculating an average of the three sample values, and subtracting the correction value from the average to calculate the corrected sample value.

14. When a capsule recognition process is started, the step of determining the correction value is executed in a first step (71), the step of determining the at least one sample value is executed in a second step (72), and the method comprises: in a step (74) after the second step (72), determining a control value of the optical properties by detecting at least a part of the optical properties of the surface of the capsule (3) while the light source (82) is off; calculating a difference between the control value and the correction value; If the difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value, discard the at least one sample value determined previously and restart the capsule recognition process in the first step (71); If the difference is less than the predetermined threshold value, further include the step of transmitting the determined type of the capsule (3) to the control unit. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13

15. For preparing and dispensing a beverage (2) by means of a machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 For implementing the combination according to claim 10, comprising a capsule (3) and the machine (1) Or Use of a capsule (3) for executing the method according to any one of claims 11 to 14 for preparing and dispensing a beverage from the capsule (3) in the machine (1), wherein the capsule (3) has a type determinable by the capsule recognition module (8). Use of a capsule (3).

Images