Electronic device, information processing method and program

Abstract

To provide amusement related to a beverage.SOLUTION: Provided is an electronic device that performs processing for outputting support information related to liquid to be poured into a dripper storing a substance for extracting a beverage, from an output unit on the basis of measurement of the substance stored in the dripper and the liquid to be poured into the dripper, when the liquid that has been poured into the dripper is reserved in a container arranged in a lower side of the dripper.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Various beverages, such as coffee, black tea, and green tea, are consumed all over the world. There are many devices for brewing these beverages (extraction devices), and various devices are still being proposed. For example, there is a coffee dripper for extracting coffee (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-104155 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-described conventional technology, various devices can be used to brew beverages according to individual preferences. However, brewing a desired beverage may require a certain level of skill. Therefore, if a device that can assist a user in brewing a beverage could be used, it would be more convenient and the enjoyment of brewing a beverage would increase, increasing the likelihood of the beverage being well-brewed.

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

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is an electronic device that is disposed above a container disposed below a dripper that contains a substance for extracting a beverage and that adjusts the supply of the liquid from the dripper to the container when the liquid is poured into the dripper and collected in the container. It also provides a processing method for performing the processing and a program for causing a computer to execute the method.

[0007] In this embodiment, the electronic device may be usable while being disposed between the dripper and the container.

[0008] In this embodiment, the electronic device may be provided in the dripper.

[0009] In addition, in these embodiments, an extraction stop unit may be provided that prevents the supply of the liquid from the dripper to the container, and the extraction stop unit may perform the adjustment by preventing the supply when the amount of the liquid stored in the container reaches a predetermined amount.

[0010] In these embodiments, a liquid volume detection unit may be provided that detects the amount of liquid accumulated in the container, and the adjustment process may be performed based on the liquid volume detected by the liquid volume detection unit.

[0011] In these embodiments, the liquid amount detection unit may acquire an image of the liquid accumulated in the container, and detect the amount of the liquid accumulated in the container based on the acquired image.

[0012] In these configurations, a weighing unit may be provided that measures the weight of the substance contained in the dripper and the weight of the liquid remaining inside the dripper, and the adjustment process may be performed based on the weight detected by the weighing unit.

[0013] In these embodiments, a temperature detection unit may be provided to detect the temperature in the flow path of the liquid from the dripper to the container, and the adjustment process may be performed based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit.

[0014] In these embodiments, a process may be performed to determine at least one of the amount of the substance to be used for the extraction and the amount of liquid to be stored in the container, using quantity data indicating the relationship between the amount of the substance and the amount of liquid to be stored in the container.

[0015] In these embodiments, the device may further include a measuring unit that measures the weight of the substance contained in the dripper and the weight of the liquid remaining inside the dripper, and a control unit that controls output of at least one of the liquid volume detected by the liquid volume detection unit and the weight measured by the measuring unit as extraction status information that indicates the status of the extraction of the beverage during the period from the start to the end of the dripping of the liquid.

[0016] In addition, in these embodiments, the control unit may be configured to control the output of information that allows the extraction status to be compared based on extraction history data regarding the transition during extraction of the liquid volume detected by the liquid volume detection unit and the weight measured by the weighing unit, and the extraction status information.

[0017] In these embodiments, the electronic device may perform the adjustment process during the extraction by hand drip.

[0018] Another aspect of the present invention is an electronic device that, when pouring a liquid into a dripper containing a substance for brewing a beverage and the liquid is collected in a container disposed below the dripper, outputs support information related to the liquid poured into the dripper from an output unit based on measurements of the substance contained in the dripper and the liquid poured into the dripper. Also provided are a processing method for performing the processing and a program for causing a computer to execute the method.

[0019] In addition, in this form, the support information may be output based on the results of comparing the measurement results in specified extraction history data regarding the transition of the measurement results at the time of extraction with the measurement results performed during the extraction.

[0020] In this embodiment, the device may further include a liquid volume detection unit that detects the volume of liquid accumulated in the container, a weighing unit that weighs the substance contained in the dripper and the liquid remaining inside the dripper, and a control unit that controls the output unit to output the support information as a result of the measurement of at least one of the liquid volume detected by the liquid volume detection unit and the weight measured by the weighing unit.

[0021] Another aspect of the present invention is an electronic device that, when liquid poured into a dripper containing a substance for extracting a beverage is collected in a container disposed below the dripper, controls the degree of opening of a flow path from the dripper to the container to adjust the extraction rate, and closes the flow path when the amount of liquid collected in the container reaches a predetermined amount. Also provided are a processing method for performing the processing and a program for causing a computer to execute the method.

[0022] In addition, in this embodiment, the device may be configured to include a liquid volume detection unit that detects the amount of liquid accumulated in the container, and a control unit that performs control to adjust the extraction speed during the extraction so that the transition in the liquid volume detected by the liquid volume detection unit approaches a reference transition when extracting the liquid volume accumulated in the container.

[0023] In this embodiment, a control unit may be provided that performs control to adjust the extraction speed during the extraction based on a transition that serves as a reference during extraction of the degree of opening.

[0024] Another aspect of the present invention is an electronic device that, when liquid poured into a dripper containing a substance for extracting a beverage is collected in a container disposed below the dripper, adjusts the supply of the liquid from the dripper to the container based on measurement of the liquid collected in the dripper. It also provides a processing method for performing the processing and a program for causing a computer to execute the method. Another aspect of the present invention is an electronic device that includes a control unit that displays an input screen on a panel that displays various types of information and accepts user operations, and displays input information based on the user operation on the input screen, wherein the control unit displays, on the input screen, a first operation marker that accepts an operation to discard content input to the input screen and return to a first screen that was displayed immediately before the input screen, and a second operation marker that accepts an operation to save content input to the input screen and return to the first screen, and when an operation of the first operation marker is accepted, discards content input to the input screen, clears the input screen, and displays the first screen, and when an operation of the second operation marker is accepted, saves content input to the input screen in a storage unit, clears the input screen, and displays the first screen. Also provided are a processing method for performing the processing and a program for causing a computer to execute the method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] The present invention has the effect of providing enjoyment of beverages. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of a coffee extractor 1 to which an electronic device 20 according to a first embodiment is attached. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of a dripper 10, an electronic device 20, and a container 40 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an example of an external configuration and a cross-sectional view of an electronic device 20 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4]2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the electronic device 20 according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an operation display screen displayed on the touch panel display 22 when measuring coffee powder in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 6 is a diagram showing an example of an operation display screen different from that shown in FIG. 5, which is displayed on the touch panel display 22 when measuring coffee powder in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an extraction status display screen displayed on the touch panel display 22 during coffee extraction in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing an example of a portion data list screen and a setting screen displayed on a touch panel display 22 in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing an example of a list screen and a detailed screen of extraction history data displayed on a touch panel display 22 in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing an example of the liquid volume detection operation by the liquid volume detection unit 270 in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation when extraction is performed using the electronic device 20 in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an electronic device 500 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of communication by a communication unit 510 of an electronic device 500 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of a coffee extractor 800 to which an electronic device 810 according to a third embodiment is attached. [Figure 15] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of a bottom configuration and a cross-sectional view of an electronic device 810 according to a third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an extraction stopper 822 according to a fourth embodiment, which includes a plate that changes its orientation from vertical to horizontal. [Figure 17]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an extraction stopper having a vertically moving plate in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an extraction stopping part in the fourth embodiment, in which a cylinder with a hole on the side acts as a valve. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of a coffee extractor 1001 to which an electronic device 1100 according to a fifth embodiment is attached. [Figure 20] 13A to 13C are diagrams showing an example of a screen listing registered drippers, a selection screen for extraction comparison data, and a screen displayed when measuring coffee powder, all of which are displayed on the touch panel display 22 in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 21] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing an example of a display selection screen during extraction and a display screen with a simple guide displayed on a touch panel display 22 in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 22] 13A to 13C are diagrams showing examples of an extraction policy data display screen, a period detail display screen, and a period change screen displayed on a touch panel display 22 in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen with detailed guide displayed on the touch panel display 22 during coffee extraction in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 24] 11 is the first half of a flowchart showing an example of an operation when extraction is performed in a simple guide mode in which a display screen with a simple guide is displayed using electronic device 1100 according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 25] 11 is the second half of a flowchart showing an example of the operation when extraction is performed in a simple guide mode in which a display screen with a simple guide is displayed using electronic device 1100 according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 26] 11 is the second half of a flowchart showing an example of the operation when extraction is performed in a detailed guide mode in which a display screen with a detailed guide is displayed using the electronic device 1100 according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an extraction stopper in the sixth embodiment, in which a disk-shaped plate rotates around an axis to open and close a flow path. [Figure 28]13A and 13B are diagrams showing an example of an extraction speed control mode selection screen and an extraction status display screen in a user-specified extraction control mode in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 29] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing an example of an opening degree control data selection screen, an opening degree control data setting change screen, and an extraction status display screen in a period-based opening degree designation mode in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 30] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing examples of an extraction speed control data selection screen, an extraction speed control data setting change screen, and an extraction status display screen in an automatic extraction liquid volume reference mode in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 31] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation when extraction is performed in a user-specified mode each time using an electronic device 810 according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 32] 13 is the second half of a flowchart showing an example of the operation when extraction is performed in a period-based mouth opening degree designation mode using electronic device 810 in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 33] 13 is the second half of a flowchart showing an example of the operation when extracting in an extract amount reference automatic mode using the electronic device 810 according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 34] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of an electronic device 1300 according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 35] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the inside of a hole 1320 of an electronic device 1300 according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 36] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an electronic device 1300 according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 37] 13 is a first page of a flowchart showing an example of an operation when extraction is performed in a detailed guide mode using the electronic device 1300 according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 38] 20 is a second flowchart showing an example of an operation when extraction is performed in detailed guide mode using the electronic device 1300 according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 39] 13 is a third flowchart showing an example of an operation when extraction is performed in detailed guide mode using the electronic device 1300 according to the seventh embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0028] [First embodiment: Example of stopping extraction when the desired amount of water has accumulated in the container when brewing coffee] [Examples of the external configuration of coffee extractors and electronic devices] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of a coffee extractor 1 to which an electronic device 20 according to a first embodiment is attached. Fig. 1(1) shows a perspective view of the coffee extractor 1 to which the electronic device 20 is attached, and Fig. 1(2) shows a side view of the coffee extractor 1 to which the electronic device 20 is attached.

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

[0030] Fig. 3 shows an example of the external configuration and cross-sectional view of the electronic device 20 in the first embodiment. Fig. 3(1) shows a top view of the electronic device 20, and Fig. 3(2) shows a bottom view of the electronic device 20. Fig. 3(3) shows a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 20 when the extract falls into the container, and Fig. 3(4) shows a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 20 when the extract is prevented from falling into the container.

[0031] The coffee extractor 1 includes a dripper 10, an electronic device 20, and a container 40. The coffee extractor 1 can also be called a drink extractor, a drink filtering device, a drink preparation device, or the like.

[0032] Dripper 10 is a coffee dripper that has housing 11, flange 12, and legs 13, and is placed in opening 42 of container 40 when electronic device 20 is not in use. Note that the first embodiment will be described assuming that electronic device 20 is attached to the lower part of flange 12.

[0033] Storage unit 11 is a storage unit that stores ground coffee beans inside, and has a hole (a hole that penetrates vertically) at the bottom to allow hot water poured into storage unit 11 to flow down. Thus, storage unit 11 has an upper opening for pouring hot water onto coffee powder (ground coffee bean powder) from above, and a hole (lower opening, extraction port) for allowing the hot water poured onto the coffee powder to fall into container 40. Storage unit 11 is also a device that pours the hot water poured onto the coffee powder stored inside, via the powder, into container 40 located below storage unit 11. Although not shown in FIG. 1 , various members such as a handle may be provided on the outer surface of storage unit 11.

[0034] For example, the container 11 can be formed in a funnel shape and can hold a paper filter that filters the liquid extracted (strained) from the coffee beans. The container 11 can also be a metal filter or a container that holds a flannel filter. The container 11 can have various shapes, such as a trapezoid, a cone, or a basket shape.

[0035] Flange portion 12 is a disk-shaped flange portion that extends outward in the horizontal direction from the lower portion of storage portion 11. In addition, flange portion 12 is provided at the lower portion of storage portion 11, and stably supports storage portion 11 when storage portion 11 is placed in opening 42 of container 40.

[0036] Legs 13 are ring-shaped protrusions provided on the underside of flange 12, and support dripper 10 when dripper 10 is placed directly on a portion of container 40 other than opening 42. Legs 13 correspond to the bottom, thread base, and thread tail of a ceramic piece (e.g., a teacup or bowl). While FIG. 2 shows an example in which legs 13 are ring-shaped protrusions, legs 13 may also be formed as multiple protrusions with three or more points (e.g., multiple protrusions arranged on a circumference) so as to be able to support dripper 10.

[0037] The housing portion 11, flange portion 12, and leg portion 13 may be integrally formed from heat-resistant glass, ceramic, resin, etc., or the housing portion 11, flange portion 12, and leg portion 13 may be formed separately and then joined together. The leg portion 13 may be omitted.

[0038] The container 40 is a container (coffee server) that collects the coffee bean extract that flows down from the dripper 10. The container 40 has an opening 42 for receiving the coffee bean extract that flows down from the dripper 10, and supports the dripper 10 that is placed in the opening 42. The container 40 can be made of heat-resistant glass. The container 40 may also be made of a material with improved heat retention (for example, a stainless steel server), or may be made of ceramic. The shape of the container 40 can be various shapes other than the shape shown in FIG. 1. Although not shown in FIG. 1, various members such as a handle may be provided on the outer surface of the container 40.

[0039] Electronic device 20 is an electronic device or information processing device that is attached so as to be sandwiched between flange portion 12 of dripper 10 and opening 42 of container 40. In other words, electronic device 20 is an electronic device or information processing device that can be used while being disposed between flange portion 12 of dripper 10 and opening 42 of container 40 (between dripper 10 and container 40).

[0040] The electronic device 20 may be configured to accommodate various devices in a rectangular housing. In the first embodiment, the external shape of the electronic device 20 is assumed to be a rectangular housing, and therefore may have a shape similar to that of a typical digital kitchen scale, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 . The first embodiment is not limited to this, and other shapes may be used as long as the electronic device can be sandwiched between the flange portion 12 of the dripper 10 and the opening 42 of the container 40 to perform stable extraction. For example, the housing may be cylindrical or square. The electronic device 20 may be connected to other devices (e.g., display devices or audio output devices) via a predetermined interface (using a wired communication cable or wireless communication) to output various pieces of information from the other devices.

[0041] Furthermore, since the housing that constitutes the electronic device 20 comes into contact with hot water and steam, it is desirable to use a heat-resistant material such as metal, polypropylene, or AS resin.

[0042] A power button 21, a touch panel display 22, and a weighing platform 24 are provided on the top surface of the electronic device 20 (see mainly FIG. 3(1)).

[0043] The power button 21 is a button that is pressed to turn the power to the electronic device 20 on or off. In the first embodiment, an example is shown in which the power button 21 is placed on the top surface of the electronic device 20, but this is not limiting and the power button 21 may be placed on another part of the electronic device 20 (for example, the side or bottom surface). Also, the power button 21 may be omitted and the power may be turned on by other means. For example, instead of turning on the power by pressing the power button 21, the power may be automatically turned on when weight is applied to the weighing platform 24.

[0044] The touch panel display 22 is a device for input and display, and is configured as a touch panel display. That is, it is configured as a display panel and a touch panel overlaid on the display panel. The display panel is configured as, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The touch panel is configured as, for example, a capacitive touch panel.

[0045] In the first embodiment, the input device and display device of the electronic device 20 are assumed to be a touch panel display 22 provided in the electronic device 20, but are not limited thereto. For example, the input section and output section (display section) may be configured by a display panel without an input device and physical operation members (examples of input devices) such as a decision button or a cross key button. Furthermore, the input device and display device of the electronic device 20 may be detachable from the electronic device 20 or may be separate devices wirelessly connected to the electronic device 20. Examples in which wireless devices such as smartphones and tablet terminals are used as input devices and display devices will be described in the second and third embodiments.

[0046] The weighing platform 24 is used to place the dripper 10, which is the object to be weighed. That is, the electronic device 20 is in contact with the flange 12 of the dripper 10 via the weighing platform 24. The weight of the dripper 10 itself and the weight of the coffee powder and liquid placed in the dripper 10 are applied to the weighing platform 24, and these weights are measured.

[0047] In the first embodiment, the measuring platform 24 has a shape in which a hole (hole 26) is provided in the center of a circular plate. In this manner, the hole (hole 26) is provided in the center of the measuring platform 24 so as not to prevent the liquid from falling from the dripper 10 into the container 40.

[0048] This hole 26 is not only provided in the weighing platform 24 on the top surface of the electronic device 20, but is provided as a hole that penetrates to the bottom surface of the electronic device 20. In Fig. 2(1), which shows a perspective view of the electronic device 20, the state in which the hole penetrates is shown by a cylinder shown by a dashed line inside the electronic device 20, and in Fig. 3(3) and Fig. 3(4), which show cross-sectional views of the electronic device 20, it is shown as a hole that penetrates from the top surface to the bottom surface of the electronic device 20.

[0049] It is preferable that hole 26 formed in weighing platform 24 be narrower than the outer diameter of flange 12 of dripper 10 and wider than the outer diameter of leg 13. This allows flange 12 to be stably installed on weighing platform 24, and protruding leg 13 to be positioned inside hole 26. In other words, dripper 10 can be stably installed on weighing platform 24.

[0050] Incidentally, if the hole 26 of the measuring base 24 can be changed to various sizes, the electronic device 20 can be made compatible with various drippers, thereby increasing its convenience. For example, by preparing measuring bases 24 with holes 26 of various sizes and making the measuring bases 24 removable, the electronic device 20 can be used with a variety of drippers stably installed.

[0051] Furthermore, although the weighbridge 24 is assumed to have a circular outer periphery, it is not limited to this and may have other shapes. For example, the outer and inner peripheries may be polygonal (e.g., triangular or rectangular), or the outer and inner peripheries may be different shapes.

[0052] The bottom surface of the electronic device 20 (mainly see FIG. 3(2)) is provided with a drainage container 23, a liquid level detection unit 25, a speaker 28, and four container position fixing units 31a to 31d.

[0053] The drain container 23 is a container for collecting the extract (drainage) that accumulates inside the electronic device 20 when the extraction liquid is prevented from dropping from the dripper 10 into the container 40. The drain container 23 has an extract inlet / outlet connected to a hole 26 that penetrates from the top to the bottom of the electronic device 20 (see FIGS. 2(1), 3(3), and 3(4)). The drain container 23 is detachable from the electronic device 20, and the user discards the accumulated liquid so that the drain container 23 does not become full and overflow from the electronic device 20. Note that the electronic device 20 may be provided with a function for checking that the drain container 23 is empty before the extraction operation, so that the user does not forget to discard the liquid.

[0054] The details of how the extract liquid is prevented from falling inside the electronic device 20 and accumulates in the drainage container 23 will be explained in detail later using Figures 3(3) and (4), which are cross-sectional views of the electronic device 20, so they will not be explained here.

[0055] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, an example of the electronic device 20 provided with the drain container 23 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. It is sufficient to prevent the extract liquid from falling into the container 40 when the dripping of the extract liquid from the dripper 10 into the container 40 is obstructed. For example, instead of providing a container for collecting liquid in the electronic device 20, it is also possible to allow the extract liquid to flow into a container such as a cup placed near the electronic device 20. In this case, instead of the drain container 23, a structure for guiding the extract liquid to the container such as a cup (for example, guiding the extract liquid to the cup using a silicone tube) is provided. It is also possible to provide a space inside the electronic device 20 that serves as a drain container. An example of this alternative space will be described in the seventh embodiment.

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

[0057] The camera module and LED light provided as the liquid level detection unit 25 are positioned so that they can capture and illuminate the inside of the container 40, such as the bottom and wall surfaces of the container 40 and the liquid surface of the extract collected in the container 40. In the first embodiment, the liquid level detection unit 25 is positioned on the electronic device 20 so that it is inside the opening 42 when the electronic device 20 is placed on the container 40, so that it can be used with containers 40 made of opaque materials such as stainless steel servers. Note that the lens of the camera module is preferably one that can capture as wide an area as possible so as to capture as much of the wall of the container 40 and the edge of the upper surface (water surface) of the extract. In other words, the lens of the camera module is preferably one that has optical properties classified as an ultra-wide-angle lens or a fisheye lens.

[0058] Furthermore, by providing an LED light along with the camera module, it is possible to capture bright images even when using a container 40 made of an opaque material such as a stainless steel server, making it possible to properly detect the amount of liquid.

[0059] The speaker 28 is for outputting various types of sound information such as warning sounds, operation sounds, voice guidance, etc. For example, when coffee extraction is complete, the speaker 28 outputs a melody to notify the user that the extraction is complete.

[0060] The container position fixing units 31a to d are used to fix the positional relationship between the electronic device 20 and the container 40. These container position fixing units 31a to d are structures that protrude from the electronic device 20 at positions that lightly contact the outer periphery of the opening 42 of the container 40, and by providing a plurality of them, the positions of the electronic device 20 and the container 40 are fixed. In the first embodiment, four container position fixing units 31a to d are provided, one on each of the four sides of the electronic device 20. Note that the container position fixing unit 31a on the side where the touch panel display 22 of the electronic device 20 is provided (the left side in FIG. 3(2)) has a triangular notch formed to correspond to the shape of the spout of the container 40.

[0061] Furthermore, in order to accommodate a plurality of containers 40 with openings 42 of different sizes, it is desirable that the positions of the container position fixing parts 31a to d can be adjusted to match the size of the openings 42. In Figure 3(2), it is assumed that the container position fixing parts 31a to d are moved in a sliding manner, and grooves indicating the sliding range are shown by thin rectangles that are perpendicular to the container position fixing parts 31a to d.

[0062] These container position fixing units 31a to d are intended to prevent the positional relationship between the electronic device 20 and the container 40 from shifting even when the container 40 is removed each time extraction is performed, and by keeping the positional relationship constant, it becomes easier for the liquid volume detection unit 25 to detect the liquid volume.

[0063] Next, the operation of the electronic device 20 to prevent the extraction liquid from falling (also referred to as the operation of blocking the flow path of the extraction liquid) will be described with reference to Figures 3(3) and 3(4). Figures 3(3) and 3(4) show a cross section taken along dashed line 99 in Figure 3(1), and are cross-sectional views viewed in the direction of arrow 97, which is perpendicular to dashed line 99 at the right end of dashed line 99.

[0064] Fig. 3(3) shows an example of a cross-sectional view of the extract dropping from the dripper 10 into the container 40 before the blocking operation by the electronic device 20 is performed. Fig. 3(4) shows an example of a cross-sectional view of the extract flowing from the dripper 10 into the drain container 23 after the blocking operation by the electronic device 20 is performed.

[0065] 3(3) and 3(4) show cross-sectional views of the housing (case) of the electronic device 20, as well as the drain container 23, the measuring platform 24, the liquid volume detection unit 25, the measuring unit 27, and the extraction stop unit 32. Note that the configuration other than the measuring unit 27 and the extraction stop unit 32 has already been explained, so explanations will be omitted. Also, the container position fixing units 31a to 31d are not shown.

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

[0067] The extraction stopper 32 blocks the passage (flow path) of the extracted liquid from the dripper 10 to the container 40 at the timing when the extraction is completed, thereby preventing the extracted liquid from falling into the container 40 and stopping the extraction. The extraction stopper 32 is provided midway through the hole 26 that penetrates the electronic device 20 from the top surface to the bottom surface.

[0068] In the first embodiment, the extraction stopping portion 32 is assumed to be a plate 32b that is stored within the housing of the electronic device 20 around the hole 26 when the blocking operation is not performed (during extraction), and that protrudes into the hole 26 when the blocking operation is performed (after extraction is completed).

[0069] 3(3) and 3(4), a plate accommodating section 32a is provided inside the electronic device 20 on the side where the touch panel display 22 is provided (the left side of FIG. 3). This plate accommodating section 32a accommodates the plate 32b so that it can slide horizontally, and the length in the sliding direction is longer than the length of the plate 32b in the sliding direction. For example, the plate accommodating section 32a and the plate 32b are realized by a rail-structured member that allows the plate 32b to move in the sliding direction and restricts the movement of the plate 32b in orthogonal directions (up / down and left / right directions) perpendicular to the sliding direction.

[0070] Plate 32b is a single plate with each side longer than the diameter of the outer periphery of hole 26 (for example, a rectangular plate with both short and long sides longer than the diameter of the outer periphery of hole 26), and is slidably held in plate accommodating section 32a. Plate 32b protrudes toward the side where drainage container 23 is provided (the right side in FIG. 3) so as to block hole 26, thereby preventing the extract from falling into container 40. The sliding action of protruding plate 32b and the retracting action of accommodating plate 32b in plate accommodating section 32a are performed, for example, by a driving means (for example, a motor or an actuator) provided in the housing.

[0071] The dashed lines 98 in Figures 3(3) and 3(4) indicate the difference in the direction of flow of the extracted liquid depending on the operation of the extraction stop unit 32. Figure 3(3) shows that the extracted liquid flows from the dripper 10 to the container 40 when no blocking operation is performed, while Figure 3(4) shows that the extracted liquid flows from the dripper 10 to the drain container 23 when a blocking operation is performed.

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

[0073] Regarding the shape and arrangement of plate 32b, it is also possible to provide a groove on the upper surface of plate 32b to guide the flow of liquid, or to install plate 32b so that it can slide diagonally to guide the flow of liquid.

[0074] In the first embodiment, the plate 32b, both sides of which are longer than the diameter of the hole 26, simply slides horizontally to close the hole 26, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, simply sliding the plate horizontally may result in a large amount of extract leaking into the container 40. In this case, it is preferable to have the plate come into contact with a tightly fitting member such as a packing after the horizontal movement.

[0075] Furthermore, when hot water (or boiled water) is poured into the dripper 10 or when the electronic device 20 is removed, water or the like may adhere to the entire electronic device 20 or each part of the electronic device 20. Therefore, it is preferable to waterproof the entire electronic device 20 or each part of the electronic device 20.

[0076] It is also expected that the electronic device 20 will heat up during the extraction process while the hot water is being poured. Therefore, it is preferable that each device built into the electronic device 20 be made of heat-resistant material, enclosed in a heat-insulating material, or subjected to heat insulation treatment so as not to be affected by the heat. For example, foam-based, felt-based, or other heat-insulating material may be used, or two or more of these materials may be combined.

[0077] Furthermore, when hot water is poured into dripper 10, steam is generated from the coffee (liquid) collected in container 40, which is expected to cause the lens of the camera module of liquid level detection unit 25 to fog up. Therefore, it is preferable to apply an anti-fogging treatment to the surface of the lens. Alternatively, the entire lens may be covered with a transparent member that has been treated with an anti-fogging treatment. Furthermore, to prevent steam from accumulating, a ventilation fan may be attached to electronic device 20 to exhaust steam around the lens from between container 40 and electronic device 20. Furthermore, to prevent the effects of heat, it is preferable to apply a heat insulating treatment to the lens itself or the transparent member that has been treated with an anti-fogging treatment.

[0078] [Example of functional configuration of electronic devices] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the electronic device 20 according to the first embodiment.

[0079] The electronic device 20 has an operation unit 210, a display unit 220, a sound output unit 230, a timer 240, a control unit 250, a measuring unit 260, a liquid volume detection unit 270, an extraction stop unit 280, and a memory unit 290. The electronic device 20 may have a built-in or attached battery and use the battery as a power source, or may not have a built-in battery and use an external power source.

[0080] The operation unit 210 accepts operation inputs for operating the electronic device 20 and transmits operation information corresponding to the accepted operation inputs to the control unit 250. That is, the operation unit 210 corresponds to the power button 21 shown in Figures 1 to 3 and the touch panel constituting the touch panel display 22. The operation unit 210 is used, for example, to input a setting for the amount of liquid relative to the amount of coffee powder, to input characters, to input a selection from a selection box, and to input a decision for various operations.

[0081] The display unit 220 displays various types of information under the control of the control unit 250. That is, the display unit 220 corresponds to the display panel of the touch panel display 22 shown in Figures 1 to 3. This display unit 220 is used, for example, to display the extraction status during extraction, display various menus, display various setting screens, and display warnings.

[0082] The sound output unit 230 outputs various types of audio information under the control of the control unit 250. That is, the sound output unit 230 corresponds to the speaker 28 shown in Figures 1 to 3. The sound output unit 230 is used to output, for example, a warning sound, an extraction completion sound, an input sound for each operation, and the like.

[0083] Timer 240 measures time and outputs time information relating to the measured time to control unit 250. Timer 240 starts measuring time, for example, when liquid amount detection unit 270 detects that liquid has been poured to steam the coffee powder.

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

[0085] The measuring unit 260 measures the weight of the coffee grounds and liquid (hot water) placed on the dripper 10 and outputs the measurement result to the control unit 250. In other words, the measuring unit 260 corresponds to the measuring platform 24 and the measuring unit 27 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. The measuring unit 260 measures the weight of the coffee grounds, for example, before the extraction operation. This measured weight is displayed on the display unit 220, and the user adjusts the weight (amount) of the coffee grounds to be placed on the dripper 10 by looking at this displayed weight. The measuring unit 260 also measures the weight of the coffee grounds and the amount of liquid during extraction. This measured weight during extraction is stored in the memory unit 290 as a transition of the status of the dripper 10 during extraction.

[0086] The liquid volume detection unit 270 detects the amount of extract accumulated in the container 40. In other words, the liquid volume detection unit 270 corresponds to the liquid volume detection unit 25 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. The liquid volume detection unit 270 captures an image of the container 40 under the control of the control unit 250, generates an image (image data), and detects the liquid volume from the captured image. The liquid volume detection using the captured image is performed by acquiring images of the container 40 containing a predetermined amount of liquid in advance for each liquid volume (images are acquired and recorded for different liquid volumes such as 100 ml, 110 ml, 120 ml, etc.) and comparing them with the image. To accommodate multiple containers 40 of different manufacturers and shapes, it is preferable that the user be able to perform the operation of acquiring the image for each liquid volume in advance. Information about these multiple containers 40 can be registered in the electronic device 20 by storing it in the memory unit 290.

[0087] Furthermore, when multiple containers 40 are registered in the electronic device 20, an image of the container 40 without liquid may be acquired in advance in order to automatically identify the container 40 set in the electronic device 20. This allows automatic identification of which container 40 has been set by acquiring an image before the extraction operation when the liquid has not yet fallen into the container 40 (for example, when the amount of coffee powder used for extraction is being adjusted) and comparing it with the image acquired in advance.

[0088] The liquid volume detection unit 270 is configured, for example, with a lens, an imaging element (image sensor) that receives light from the subject collected by the lens, and an image processing unit that performs predetermined image processing on image data generated by the imaging element. For example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) imaging element can be used as the imaging element. The lens may include a zoom lens, a focus lens, an aperture, and the like. While the liquid volume detection unit 270 is assumed to be provided with one set (camera module) of a lens and imaging element, this is not limiting and multiple sets may be provided.

[0089] The extraction stop unit 280, under the control of the control unit 250, blocks the flow path of the extract from the dripper 10 to the container 40 at the timing when the extraction ends, thereby preventing the extract from falling into the container 40 and stopping the extraction. This extraction stop unit 280 stops the extraction by preventing the extract from falling into the container 40 when the amount of liquid detected by the liquid volume detection unit 270 reaches a predetermined amount (when the desired amount of liquid has been extracted). That is, the extraction stop unit 280 performs a process to prevent the supply of liquid from the dripper 10 to the container 40 when the amount of liquid stored in the container 40 reaches a predetermined amount. Note that this prevention is achieved by blocking the path through which the liquid falls from the dripper 10 to the container 40. This extraction stop unit 280 corresponds to the extraction stop unit 32 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. That is, the control unit 250 controls a driving means (e.g., a motor, an actuator) that performs a sliding action to protrude the plate 32b and a retracting action to retract the plate 32b into the plate retracting unit 32a. The method of shielding the flow path by the plate 32b has already been explained, and so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0090] The storage unit 290 is a memory that stores various types of information. For example, the storage unit 290 stores various types of information (e.g., control programs) required for the electronic device 20 to perform various processes. The storage unit 290 also stores information set by the user, information related to the situation at the time of extraction, such as the transition of the weight measured by the measuring unit 260 and the transition of the liquid volume detected by the liquid volume detecting unit 270, and the like.

[0091] 5 to 9, the operation of the electronic device 20 will be described using examples of display on the touch panel display 22. Note that, hereinafter, functions having configurations corresponding to the functional configuration example and the external configuration example will be described mainly using the symbols of the functional configuration example.

[0092] First, the relationship between the coffee brewing procedure and the display examples in each drawing will be briefly explained.

[0093] To extract coffee, the user first places electronic device 20 on container 40, then places dripper 10 on scale 24 of electronic device 20, and then turns on electronic device 20. Next, a paper filter is attached to the inside of container 11 of dripper 10, and coffee powder is placed in the paper filter.

[0094] When adding the coffee powder, the electronic device 20 weighs the coffee powder and assists the user in placing the appropriate amount (weight) of coffee powder in the dripper 10. An example of the screen (coffee powder weighing screen) displayed on the touch panel display 22 at this time will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0095] When the amount of coffee powder is determined, the amount of extract (liquid volume) calculated based on the amount (weight) of coffee powder is displayed on the touch panel display 22. For this calculation, the relationship between the amount of coffee powder and the amount of extract must be set in advance. The screen for setting this relationship between the amount of coffee powder and the amount of extract will be described in detail later with reference to Figure 8.

[0096] Next, the user pours a small amount of boiled water, which has been cooled to about 90 degrees, onto the coffee grounds placed in dripper 10 and steeps for about 20 to 30 seconds. During this steeping process, the poured water is absorbed by the coffee bean powder, but the small amount of water that is not absorbed falls into container 40. When liquid volume detection unit 270 detects this small amount of water that has fallen, it is determined that the extraction operation has started, and timer 240 starts measuring time. Note that, although the first embodiment assumes the case where a small amount of water that has fallen is detected, the user may also press a start button to start measuring time when extraction begins.

[0097] After the steaming period is over, the user sequentially pours a desired amount of hot water onto the steamed coffee grounds set in the dripper 10 at a timing preferred by the user. As hot water is poured onto the coffee grounds in this manner, the coffee grounds are unable to absorb all of the hot water, causing the coffee liquid (extract) to fall into the container 40. The liquid amount detection unit 270 constantly detects the amount of extract that has fallen into the container 40, and when the control unit 250 determines that the desired amount of extract has been accumulated, the extraction stop unit 280 prevents the extract from falling into the container 40 and stops the extraction into the container 40. During the period from the start of steaming (start of extraction) to the end of extraction, a screen (extraction status display screen) is displayed on the touch panel display 22 to show the user the status of the extraction, including the elapsed time since the start of extraction and the amount of extract accumulated in the container 40. An example of the display of this extraction status display screen will be described in detail later using FIG. 7.

[0098] The amount of extracted liquid detected by the liquid volume detection unit 270 and the transition of the weight detected by the weighing unit 260 from the start to the end of extraction are stored in the storage unit 290 as extraction history data. This extraction history data is used for the user's own review of the extraction operation and for reproducing past extractions. Examples of the list and display of this extraction history data will be described in detail later using Figures 9(1) and 9(2). Also, examples of displays for comparison during extraction will be described in detail later using Figure 7(2).

[0099] In this way, the electronic device 20 can assist the user when performing hand-dripping.

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

[0101] Fig. 5(1) shows an example of the state in which ground coffee 14 is set in dripper 10, Fig. 5(2) shows an example of the display on touch panel display 22 when the amount of extracted liquid is calculated from the weight of ground coffee when the amount data named "Standard" is selected, and Fig. 5(3) shows an example of the display on touch panel display 22 when the amount data named "For Dripper A" is selected and the amount of extracted liquid is calculated from the weight of ground coffee.

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

[0103] As shown in Figure 5 (1), when coffee grounds 14 are placed on dripper 10 before the start of extraction, measuring unit 27 measures the weight of the placed coffee grounds 14. Electronic device 20 then displays the measurement result on touch panel display 22. At this time, electronic device 20 performs processing to either calculate the amount of extracted liquid (liquid volume) from the amount (weight) of coffee grounds, or calculate the amount of coffee grounds from the amount of extracted liquid designated by the user.

[0104] To perform these calculations, information about the relationship between the amount of ground coffee and the amount of liquid extracted is required. However, the amount of ground coffee required for one cup of coffee often differs depending on the shape of the dripper. In addition, the amount of liquid in one cup (cup size) often differs from user to user. Furthermore, this often differs depending on the coffee grounds used and the user's preferences.

[0105] Therefore, it is desirable to allow the user to set this information in addition to the preset information. In the first embodiment, selecting information regarding the relationship between the amount of coffee powder and the amount of extracted liquid is referred to as selecting the amount data. Figure 5(2) shows an example in which calculation is performed using "standard" amount data, which is amount data preset in the electronic device 20, and Figure 5(3) shows an example in which calculation is performed using "for dripper A" amount data, which is amount data set by the user.

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

[0107] In this example display, the following buttons are shown: "ZERO" button 311, "ml" button 312, "g" button 313, "+" button 314, "-" button 315, "Menu screen" button 316, "Up" button 317, "Down" button 318, and "Display set amount" button 319.

[0108] The "ZERO" button 311 is a button that sets the weight of the item placed on the weighing platform 24 to "0" grams (g). In other words, it corresponds to the ZERO button or TARE button on a typical electronic scale, which subtracts the weight of the container to set the weight to zero. When weighing the weight of coffee powder, by pressing the "ZERO" button 311 after placing the dripper 10 with the paper filter set on the weighing platform 24, it is possible to measure only the weight of the coffee powder placed on the dripper 10.

[0109] The "ml" button 312 and the "g" button 313 are buttons that determine the target of calculation by the electronic device 20. In Fig. 5(2), the "ml" button 312 is surrounded by a double line, and the "g" button 313 is surrounded by a dashed line. Note that in the first embodiment, the illustration is based on the assumption that the button surrounded by the double line has been pressed and selected.

[0110] When the "ml" button 312 is pressed, the amount of extracted liquid (extraction stop amount) is calculated based on the weight of the coffee grounds measured by the measuring unit 260. When the liquid amount detection unit 270 of the electronic device 20 detects that this calculated amount (extraction stop amount) of extracted liquid has accumulated in the container 40 during extraction, the extraction stop unit 280 stops the extraction.

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

[0112] The "+" button 314 and the "-" button 315 are buttons for fine-tuning the calculated extraction stop amount. For example, pressing the "+" button 314 increases the extraction stop amount by 10 ml, and pressing the "-" button 315 decreases the extraction stop amount by 10 ml. Figure 5(2) shows an example in which it is assumed that neither the "+" button 314 nor the "-" button 315 has been pressed even once. Note that if either button is pressed, it is advisable to display the extraction stop amount so that it is clear that it has been pressed. For example, in the case of Figure 5(2), if the "+" button 314 is pressed once, the ml portion may be displayed as "360 ml + 10 ml."

[0113] The "menu screen" button 316 is a button for displaying a menu screen for making various settings of the electronic device 20. Although detailed explanation will be omitted in the first embodiment, on the menu screen that is displayed after pressing this button, various settings, creation of quantity data, display of a log of past extractions, etc. can be performed.

[0114] The "Up" button 317 and the "Down" button 318 are buttons for changing the amount data displayed in the amount data list. When multiple amount data are set in the electronic device 20, it is difficult to display all of the amount data at once on the touch panel display 22. By pressing the "Up" button 317 or the "Down" button 318, the amount data displayed in the amount data list is changed, allowing the user to select the amount data they desire. The name of the dripper registered (set) for the selected amount data is displayed to the right of the "Dripper:" notation.

[0115] In Figure 5(2), the quantity data list shows three quantity data ("Standard," "For Dripper A," and "My Favorite Flavor"), and the selected "Standard" quantity data is shown surrounded by double lines, and the dripper to be used with this quantity data is shown as "XXX Dripper."

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

[0117] The next example, Figure 5(3), shows a display example when the amount of extract is calculated using the "Dripper A" amount data. The buttons displayed are the same as those in Figure 5(2), so the same reference numerals are used and their explanations are omitted.

[0118] In Figure 5(3), three pieces of measurement data ("For Dripper A," "My Favorite Flavor," and "For Store X Blend Beans") are shown in the measurement data list, and the selected "For Dripper A" is shown surrounded by double lines. Also, "Dripper A" is shown as the dripper to be used with the "For Dripper A" measurement data.

[0119] In Figure 5(3), the same weight of ground coffee (25 g) as in Figure 5(2) was measured, but a different extraction stop amount (250 ml (2.1 cups)) was calculated from that in Figure 5(2). The extraction stop amount in Figure 5(2) differs from that in Figure 5(1) because different amount data was set for the relationship (set amount) between the amount of ground coffee and the amount of extracted liquid. The set amount will be explained later using Figures 6(2), 6(3), and 8.

[0120] As shown in Figures 5(2) and 5(3), by using the electronic device 20, the amount of extract can be calculated from the measured amount of coffee powder, and the user can be assisted to complete the extraction when the calculated amount of extract enters the dripper 10. Next, Fig. 6(1) shows an example of the display on the touch panel display 22 when the "standard" amount data is selected and the amount of coffee powder is calculated from the amount of extracted liquid specified by the user. That is, the display example shown in Fig. 6(1) shows an example when the "g" button 313 is pressed on the screen of Fig. 5(2). Note that the following explanation assumes that the amount of coffee powder measured is different (24.5g) from the example of Fig. 5(2). Note that of the multiple buttons displayed in Fig. 6(1), all buttons except for the "Up (ml)" button 321, "Down (ml)" button 322, "Up (cup)" button 323, and "Down (cup)" button 324 are the same as those in Fig. 5(2), and therefore the same reference numerals are used and their explanations are omitted.

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

[0122] The "up (ml)" button 321 and the "down (ml)" button 322 are buttons that allow the user to specify the extraction stop amount in ml units. For example, pressing the "up (ml)" button 321 increases the extraction stop amount by 10 ml, and pressing the "down (ml)" button 322 decreases the extraction stop amount by 10 ml.

[0123] The "upper (cup)" button 323 and the "lower (cup)" button 324 are buttons that allow the user to specify the extraction stop amount in cups. For example, pressing the "upper (cup)" button 323 increases the extraction stop amount by one cup, and pressing the "lower (cup)" button 324 decreases the extraction stop amount by one cup.

[0124] In the case shown in FIG. 6(1) (when calculating the weight of coffee powder), the user first inputs the desired amount of extracted liquid. Then, the electronic device 20 calculates and displays the amount of coffee powder according to the set amount data. The user then adds coffee powder to the dripper 10 to achieve the calculated amount. The user then starts extraction, and when the liquid amount detection unit 270 detects that the amount of extracted liquid input by the user (extraction stop amount) has accumulated in the container 40, the extraction stop unit 280 stops the extraction.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 6(1), by using the electronic device 20, the amount of coffee powder can be calculated from the amount of liquid extract desired by the user, and the user can be assisted in putting the calculated amount of coffee powder into the dripper 10.

[0126] Next, a display example when the "Display set amount" button 319 is pressed in the display shown in FIG. 5(2) and FIG. 5(3) will be described with reference to FIG. 6(2) and FIG. 6(3).

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

[0128] As already explained, when the "Display set quantity" button 319 is pressed, the set quantity of the selected quantity data is displayed. In the first embodiment, an example is assumed in which the display related to the quantity data list changes to the display of the set quantity, and other displays remain unchanged.

[0129] In Figures 6(2) and 6(3), instead of the "Display set quantity" button 319 shown in Figures 5(2) and 5(3), a "Display quantity data list" button 327 is shown, and instead of the quantity data list, "Up" button 317, and "Down" button 318, a set quantity list, "Up" button 325, and "Down" button 326 are shown. In addition, the rest of the information shown is the same as in Figures 5(2) and 5(3).

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

[0131] The "Up" button 325 and the "Down" button 326 are buttons for changing the set amounts displayed in the set amount list. If there are many set amounts (the relationship between the amount of extracted liquid (cups) and the amount of coffee powder (g)), they cannot all be displayed at once in the set amount list. In this case, pressing the "Up" button 325 or the "Down" button 326 will display the set amount settings that were hidden and could not be displayed.

[0132] As shown in Figure 6(2), the "standard" portion data specifies 120 ml per cup, and the amount of ground coffee for brewing 1 to 4 cups is set to 11 g for 1 cup, 18 g for 2 cups, 25 g for 3 cups, and 32 g for 4 cups. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 6(3), the "Dripper A" portion data specifies 120 ml per cup, and the amount of ground coffee for brewing 1 to 4 cups is set to 12 g for 1 cup, 24 g for 2 cups, 36 g for 3 cups, and 48 g for 4 cups. In other words, because the "standard" portion data and the "Dripper A" portion data are set to different amounts, the calculated amount at which the extraction stops for 25 g of ground coffee is 360 ml (3 cups) for the "standard" portion data and 250 ml (2.1 cups) for the "Dripper A" portion.

[0133] In the example of Figure 6(3), the calculation of 250 ml (2.1 cups) is performed as follows: 25 g of ground coffee falls between the weight of 24 g for 2 cups (240 ml) and 36 g for 3 cups (360 ml) in the amount data for "Dripper A." Therefore, from these two settings, it is calculated that 1 g will extract 10 ml, resulting in the calculation of 250 ml (240 + 10 ml) and 2.1 cups (2 + approximately 0.1 cups).

[0134] An example of a screen for setting the set quantity in the quantity data will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

[0135] Furthermore, in the coffee powder measuring screen shown in Figures 5 and 6, an example is assumed in which the coffee powder measuring screen ends and transitions to the extraction screen when it is detected that the steaming liquid has dropped, but it is also possible to provide a button (measurement end button) on the coffee powder measuring screen that allows the user to input that the amount of coffee powder has been measured.

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

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

[0138] In Figure 7(1), as an example of displaying only the current extraction status, a "Stop midway (obscured)" button 328, a "Stop midway (unobscured)" button 329, extraction amount (100 ml), extraction stop amount (240 ml (3 cups)), and elapsed time (01:30) are shown.

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

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

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

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

[0143] In the example display of Figure 7 (2), there are displayed a "Stop midway (obstructed)" button 328, a "Stop midway (unobstructed)" button 329, the amount of extraction / amount of extraction stopped (100 / 240 ml), the elapsed time (01:30), the acquisition date and time of the extraction history data set in the extraction comparison data (x month △ day □ hours ○ minutes), the user evaluation of the extraction history data set in the extraction comparison data (sour: 5 bitter: 3 miscellaneous: 2), a weight transition graph 331, and a liquid volume transition graph 332.

[0144] The "Stop midway (obstructed)" button 328 and the "Stop midway (not obscured)" button 329 are the same as those shown in Fig. 7(1), so their explanation will be omitted. Also, the extraction amount / extraction stop amount is a combined display of the extraction amount and extraction stop amount shown in Fig. 7(1).

[0145] The extraction comparison data indicates the date and time when the extraction to be compared with the currently running extraction was performed. The user evaluation indicates the evaluation given by the user to the extraction to be compared. Details of the extraction history data used as the extraction comparison data will be explained in detail later using FIG. 9.

[0146] Weight transition graph 331 is a graph showing the transition (change over time) of the weight (weight) measured by measuring unit 260 during extraction. Note that, among the weights measured by measuring unit 260, the weight of dripper 10 and the weight of coffee grounds do not change, so the weight transition shows the transition of the amount of hot water remaining inside dripper 10.

[0147] Furthermore, the liquid volume transition graph 332 is a graph showing the transition (change over time) of the volume of extracted liquid detected during extraction by the liquid volume detection unit 270. Note that in the first embodiment, the graph shows the period during which extraction begins when the liquid volume detection unit 270 detects the drop of steaming liquid and the timer 240 starts measuring time, and ends when the liquid volume detection unit 270 detects that a predetermined volume of liquid has accumulated and the extraction stop unit 280 closes.

[0148] In these two graphs, the transition of the currently running extraction is shown by a solid line, and the transition of the past extraction (extraction on month, day, and hour) used for comparison is shown by a dashed line. In this way, by storing information about past extractions (extraction history data) in the storage unit 290, it becomes possible to compare the transition of the extraction state during extraction. Note that the extraction history data used for comparison can, for example, be used by a user to specify the extraction whose flavor was their favorite, and the electronic device 20 can assist in reproducing that favorite flavor.

[0149] The comparison shown in Figure 7(2) is best done when the same amount of ground coffee is used to extract the same amount of liquid. However, if different amounts of ground coffee are used, the liquid volume can be compared by plotting a graph using a percentage, with the volume at the end of extraction set at 100 and the volume at the start set at 0.

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

[0151] Up to this point, the explanation has focused on the operation of electronic device 20 during the period from measuring the amount of coffee powder to the end of extraction. Next, the explanation will focus on the information that the user causes electronic device 20 to store. First, the setting screen for the amount data required to calculate the amount of extracted liquid from the amount of coffee powder will be explained with reference to FIG. 8, and then the extraction history data required for comparison and display during extraction will be explained with reference to FIG. 9. Furthermore, the detection of liquid volume by liquid volume detection unit 270 will be explained with reference to FIG. 10.

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

[0153] Figure 8(1) shows an example of a list of quantity data, and Figure 8(2) shows an example of the display when quantity data is set. When you select to display quantity data on the menu screen, the quantity data is displayed in a list as shown in Figure 8(1), and when you select to edit existing quantity data or create new quantity data on the screen of Figure 8(1), a screen for setting quantity data is displayed as shown in Figure 8(2).

[0154] In the example display of a list of portion data (portion data list screen) shown in FIG. 8(1), an "Up" button 341, a "Down" button 342, a "New" button 343, an "Edit" button 344, and a "Return to Menu" button 345 are displayed, along with multiple portions of portion data. Four portions of portion data (standard, for dripper A, my favorite flavor, and for blended beans from store X) are displayed, with a double-lined frame indicating that my favorite flavor is selected. The numerical value displayed to the right of the portion data name is the amount of ground coffee (g) that has been set, and the amounts of ground coffee for cups 1 through 6 are displayed, with the leftmost portion being the first cup and the rightmost portion being the sixth cup. Amounts of ground coffee that have not been set are displayed as "--".

[0155] The "Up" button 341 and the "Down" button 342 are buttons for changing the quantity data displayed in the list of quantity data. If there is a lot of registered quantity data, it cannot all be displayed at once. In this case, by pressing the "Up" button 341 or the "Down" button 342, the displayed quantity data is hidden and the quantity data that could not be displayed is displayed.

[0156] The "Create new" button 343 is a button for creating new quantity data. When this "Create new" button 343 is pressed, the screen changes to a screen for creating new quantity data. Note that the screen for creating new quantity data is a screen in which all input fields are blank, as shown in FIG. 8(2) below.

[0157] The "Edit" button 344 is a button for changing and editing the settings of quantity data that has already been created. When this "Edit" button 344 is pressed, the screen changes to a screen for editing the selected quantity data. In FIG. 8(1), "My Favorite Flavor" is selected, and when the "Edit" button 344 is pressed in this state, the screen changes to a quantity data setting screen as shown in FIG. 8(2).

[0158] The "Return to Menu" button 345 is a button for returning to the menu screen. By pressing this button after setting and checking the amount data, you can return to the menu screen and perform other operations.

[0159] In the example of the screen for setting the quantity data shown in Figure 8 (2) (quantity data setting screen), a "Discard and return" button 346, a "Save and return" button 347, a "Name" input field 351, a "Serve size" input field 352, "Coffee powder quantity" input fields 353 and 354, a "Comments" input field 355, and a "Dripper" input field 356 are displayed.

[0160] The "Discard and return" button 346 is a button for discarding the information entered in each input field on this quantity data setting screen without saving it, and exiting the quantity data setting screen. For example, if the "Create new" button 343 shown in FIG. 8(1) is pressed to move to the quantity data setting screen, the screen returns to the quantity data list screen without creating new quantity data. Also, if the "Edit" button 344 shown in FIG. 8(2) is pressed to move to the quantity data setting screen, the screen returns to the quantity data list screen without changing the settings of the selected quantity data (the input information in the input fields).

[0161] The "Save and return" button 347 is a button for saving the information entered in each input field on this quantity data setting screen and exiting the quantity data setting screen. When the "Create new" button 343 shown in FIG. 8(1) is pressed to move to the quantity data setting screen, new quantity data is created based on the information entered in each input field, and the screen returns to the quantity data list screen. Also, when the "Edit" button 344 shown in FIG. 8(1) is pressed to move to the quantity data setting screen, the information changed by the user this time is reflected in each setting of the selected quantity data, and the screen returns to the quantity data list screen. In this manner, the control unit 250 of the electronic device 20 displays a portion data setting screen (shown in FIG. 8(2)) (an example of an input screen) on the touch panel display 22 (an example of a panel) that displays various information and accepts user operations, and executes control to display input information based on the user operation on the portion data setting screen. The control unit 250 also displays on the portion data setting screen a "Discard and Return" button 346 (an example of a first operation indicator) that accepts an operation to discard the input content on the portion data setting screen and return to the portion data list screen (shown in FIG. 8(1)) (an example of a first screen) that was displayed immediately before the portion data setting screen, and a "Save and Return" button 347 (an example of a second operation indicator) that accepts an operation to save the input content on the portion data setting screen and return to the portion data list screen. Furthermore, when the control unit 250 accepts an operation of the "Discard and Return" button 346, the control unit 250 discards the input content on the portion data setting screen, clears the portion data setting screen, and displays the portion data list screen. On the other hand, when the operation of "Save and return" button 347 is accepted, control unit 250 saves the input contents to the portion data setting screen in storage unit 290, erases the portion data setting screen, and displays the portion data list screen. Note that while this example shows an example of display control of touch panel display 22 provided in electronic device 20, it is also applicable to display control of touch panel displays (e.g., see touch panel display 610 in FIG. 13) provided in other electronic devices (e.g., smartphones, tablet terminals, televisions) and devices serving as external devices (e.g., display devices wirelessly operated by electronic devices).

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

[0163] The "Serving size" input field 352 is a field for inputting the amount (ml) of extracted liquid per serving.

[0164] The "Coffee powder amount" input fields 353 and 354 are fields for inputting the amount (quantity) of coffee powder for each cup. If no input is made or "0" is input, "No setting" is displayed. In FIG. 8(2), the first to third cups have been input, but the fourth to sixth cups have not been input and "No setting" is displayed. When measuring coffee powder using this amount data, if more coffee powder than the 25g for the third cup is placed on the dripper 10 when measuring, an error message will be displayed warning that there is too much. Also, if there is less coffee powder than the 10g for the first cup when measuring, an error message will be displayed warning that at least 10g for one cup must be placed.

[0165] The "Comment" input field 355 is a field for inputting a comment about the quantity data being set.

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

[0167] In this way, by allowing the user to set the amount data (set amount) that indicates the relationship between the amount of coffee powder (g) and the amount of extracted liquid (ml), the extraction process can be assisted to suit each user's different preferences. Also, by being able to store multiple amount data with different set amounts, the extraction process can be assisted when using drippers of different shapes or different coffee beans.

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

[0169] Figure 9(1) shows an example of a list of extracted history data, and Figure 9(2) shows an example of detailed extracted history data. When you select to display the extracted history data on the menu screen, the extracted history data is displayed in a list as shown in Figure 9(1), and when you select to check the details on the screen of Figure 9(1), a detailed screen of the extracted history data is displayed as shown in Figure 9(2).

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

[0171] The "volume data" change button 361 is a button for changing the volume data settings in order to change the extraction history data displayed in the list for each volume data. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the extraction history data list screen displays a list of extraction history data extracted using the same volume data. In the display example of FIG. 9(1), "standard" volume data is selected, and the extraction history data of extractions using the "standard" volume data is displayed in the list. When volume data other than the "standard" volume data is selected, the extraction history data of extractions using that volume data is displayed in the list.

[0172] In FIG. 9(1), it is assumed that the extracted comparison data is displayed for each amount data, but this is not limited to this, and it is also possible to display it for each weight of coffee powder.

[0173] The "Up" button 362 and the "Down" button 363 are buttons for changing the extraction history data displayed in the list of extraction history data. When there is a large amount of registered extraction history data, it is not possible to display all of it at once. Therefore, by pressing these buttons, the extraction history data displayed in the list is changed and the extraction history data that could not be displayed is displayed. Note that as multiple extraction history data, four extraction history data (X month X day X hour X minute, △ month △ day △ hour △ minute, X month △ day □ hour X minute, X month X day X hour X minute) are displayed, and a double-lined frame is displayed indicating that X month △ day □ hour X minute is selected. The numerical values displayed to the right of the extraction history data indicate the amount (g) of coffee powder used for extraction and the user's taste rating (acidity (acid), bitterness (bitter), imperfections (imperfections)).

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

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

[0176] The "Return to Menu" button 366 is a button for returning to the menu screen. By pressing this button after checking the extraction history data or setting the extraction comparison data, the user can return to the menu screen and perform other operations.

[0177] The example screen (extraction history data display screen) for checking details of extraction history data shown in Figure 9 (2) displays a "Return to list" button 367, a "rating star rating" input field 371, a "comments" input field 372, a graph showing changes in weight, a graph showing changes in liquid volume, and basic information about the extraction history data.

[0178] The basic information of the extraction history data includes the acquisition date and time (month, day, hour, minute), the amount used (reference), the weight of the coffee powder used for extraction (coffee powder: 25 g), the amount of extract collected in the container 40 (extraction amount: 360 ml), and the time from the start to the end of extraction (extraction time: 3 minutes 55 seconds). The amount of extract collected in the container 40 was referred to as the extraction stop amount in Figures 5 to 8, but will be referred to as the extraction amount here.

[0179] Furthermore, the graph showing the transition in weight and the graph showing the transition in liquid volume are the same as the graphs shown in Figure 7(2) (weight transition graph 331 and liquid volume transition graph 332) except that they only display the data of the extraction history data to be displayed, so detailed explanations will be omitted here.

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

[0181] The "rating star number" input field 371 is a field for inputting a taste evaluation for the displayed extraction history data. A user who has drunk coffee extracted using this extraction history data can enter information in this field to assign a taste evaluation to the extraction history data. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the taste evaluation is performed using three points, sourness, bitterness, and off-flavors, each rated on a five-point scale. In this "rating star number" input field 371, five stars that can be turned on or off by pressing are displayed for each of the three points, and the user determines the evaluation by specifying the number of stars to turn on. FIG. 9(2) shows a state in which three stars are turned on for "sourness," three stars are turned on for "bitterness," and one star is turned on for "off-flavors."

[0182] The "comment" input field 372 is a field for inputting a comment about the displayed extraction history data.

[0183] As shown in the "rating star rating" input field 371 and the "comment" input field 372 in Fig. 9(2), user ratings and comments can be input into the extraction history data. This allows the user to store information to help them decide whether or not to set the data as extracted comparison data together with the extraction history data.

[0184] 9(2), the extraction history data records the extraction status and the user's evaluation and comments regarding the extraction. The extraction status includes the date and time of extraction (acquisition date and time), the amount data used, the amount of coffee grounds used for extraction (coffee grounds), the amount of liquid at the end of extraction (extraction amount), the time at which extraction was completed (extraction time), the weight change in the dripper 10 during extraction (weight transition), and the liquid volume change in the container 40 during extraction (liquid volume transition).

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

[0186] Figure 10(1) shows an example where the amount of extracted liquid (coffee liquid 413) collected in the container 40 is small (about one-ninth the height of the container 40), and Figure 10(2) shows an example where the amount of extracted liquid (coffee liquid 423) collected in the container 40 is medium (about one-quarter the height of the container 40).

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

[0188] Note that captured images 410 and 420 focus on the liquid coffee surface as seen when the images are captured, and do not show the side of container 40, bubbles floating on the liquid surface, steam, etc. Therefore, captured images 410 and 420 show the liquid coffee surface (liquid surface 412 and liquid surface 422) and the edges of the liquid surface that are in contact with the side of container 40 (liquid surface edges 411 and liquid surface edges 421).

[0189] In captured images 410 and 420, liquid levels 412 and 422 are shown as ellipses with a sharp curve on the left side and a gentle curve on the right side in FIG. 10. This reflects the fact that the position of liquid level detection unit 25 is offset (left side of FIG. 10) from the position of electronic device 20 corresponding to the center of container 40. Comparing captured images 410 and 420, due to the shape of container 40 whose base is wider than its opening, liquid level 422 shown in captured image 420 has a smaller area than liquid level 412 shown in captured image 410. Furthermore, the position of edge 421 of the liquid level shown in captured image 420 is closer to the center of the image than the position of edge 411 of the liquid level shown in captured image 410. In this way, when the amount of coffee liquid collected in container 40 changes, the area of the liquid level and the position of the edge of the liquid level in the captured image change. Since it changes depending on the amount of liquid, if an image of the container 40 containing a predetermined amount of liquid is acquired in advance for each amount of liquid as described in Figure 4, the electronic device 20 can determine the amount of liquid by comparing it with this image.

[0190] For example, if the liquid level and edge of the liquid level in an image of a liquid volume of 100 ml among multiple images captured in advance approximately coincide with the liquid level 412 and edge 411 of the liquid level in the captured image 410, the liquid volume at the time the captured image 410 was taken is determined to be 100 ml.

[0191] In this way, the electronic device 20 can detect the amount of liquid at the time of extraction by acquiring in advance an image of the container 40 containing a predetermined amount of liquid for each amount of liquid.

[0192] [Example of electronic device operation] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation (extraction process procedure) when performing extraction using the electronic device 20 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 shows an example of the operation after the electronic device 20 is attached to the container 40 and the power button 21 is pressed to turn on the electronic device 20. FIG. 11 also shows an example of the operation without measuring the weight of the contents of the dripper 10 during extraction (the operation of displaying the extraction status display screen as shown in FIG. 7(1)). Note that an example of the operation of measuring the weight of the contents of the dripper 10 during extraction will be described in the fifth to seventh embodiments, and therefore will not be described here.

[0193] First, the liquid level detection unit 270 of the electronic device 20 acquires an image of the container 40 (step S101). Then, based on this acquired image, the control unit 250 determines whether the container 40 is set in the correct position (step S102). Specifically, the control unit 250 makes this determination by comparing the image with images of the container 40 that were acquired in advance and that do not contain liquid.

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

[0195] On the other hand, if it is determined that the position of the container 40 is correct (step S102), measurement of the weight of the object placed on the weighing platform 24 begins, and the weight of the weighing platform 24 is acquired (step S104). Then, the control unit 250 determines whether the weight of the dripper 10 has been zeroed (a process of subtracting the weight of the dripper 10) (step S105). That is, the control unit 250 determines whether the dripper 10 containing no coffee powder was placed on the weighing platform 24 and then the user pressed the "ZERO" button 311. If it is determined that the zeroing process has not been performed (step S105), the process returns to step S104.

[0196] On the other hand, if it is determined that zero processing has been performed (step S105), the weight of the weighing platform 24 on which zero processing has been performed, i.e., the weight of the coffee grounds, is obtained (step S106). Next, the extraction stop amount or the amount of coffee grounds is calculated based on the set amount of the amount data selected by the user (step S107).

[0197] Then, a coffee powder weighing screen reflecting the acquired and calculated weight of the coffee powder is displayed on the display unit 220 (step S108). This allows the user to add an appropriate amount of coffee powder to the dripper 10 depending on the brewing method they wish to perform. Although the start of the coffee powder weighing screen display is not specifically indicated as a step, if the "ZERO" button 311 is displayed on the coffee powder weighing screen as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the display of the coffee powder weighing screen begins after it is determined in step S102 that the position of the container 40 is correct. In this case, an alarm such as "Place only the dripper on the weighing platform and press the 'ZERO' button" is displayed until the zero processing of the weight of the dripper 10 is complete, and once it is determined that the zero processing has been completed, the alarm is cleared and the coffee powder can be weighed.

[0198] It is also possible to display the zeroing of the weight of the dripper 10 separately, and to display the coffee powder weighing screen without the "ZERO" button 311 described in Figures 5 and 6 after it is determined in step S105 that the zeroing has been performed.

[0199] Then, while the coffee powder measurement screen is displayed, the liquid amount detection unit 270 acquires an image of the container 40 (step S109), and based on this acquired image, the control unit 250 determines whether or not the liquid has fallen into the container 40 (step S110). In the first embodiment, the control unit 250 determines that extraction has started if the steaming liquid has fallen into the container 40 while the coffee powder measurement screen is displayed, and therefore determines that extraction has started in step S110. If it is determined that the steaming liquid has not fallen into the container 40 (step S110), the process returns to step S106.

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

[0201] Next, the amount of extract accumulated in the container 40 is detected based on the image acquired by the liquid amount detection unit 270 (step S113). Subsequently, an extraction status display screen reflecting the detected extract and the measured extraction time (elapsed time from the start of extraction) is displayed on the display unit 220 (step S114). This allows the user to properly recognize the current extraction status.

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

[0203] On the other hand, if it is determined that the determined amount of extract has accumulated in the container 40 (step S115), the extraction stopping unit 280 blocks the extract from falling into the container 40 to end the extraction (step S116). Then, the control unit 250 causes the sound output unit 230 to output a sound (end notification sound) notifying the user that the extraction has ended, and causes the display unit 220 to display a screen (extraction end screen) notifying the user that the extraction has ended (step S117), and the extraction processing procedure ends.

[0204] Thus, according to the first embodiment, by providing the electronic device 20 with a function for storing information indicating the relationship between the amount of coffee powder and the amount of extract, and a function for measuring the amount of coffee powder, it is possible to calculate the appropriate amount of extract simply by measuring the amount of coffee powder. Furthermore, by providing the electronic device 20 with a function for detecting the amount of extract accumulated in the container 40 and a function for preventing the extract from falling into the container 40, it is possible to easily complete extraction at the desired amount of liquid. In other words, by using the electronic device 20 having these functions, it is possible to assist the user in the coffee extraction operation.

[0205] [Second embodiment: Example with communication function with external devices] In the first embodiment, an example of the electronic device 20 without a communication function has been described. Providing the electronic device 20 with a communication function can increase the convenience of the electronic device 20. Furthermore, by providing the electronic device 20 with a communication function and using an external information processing terminal such as a smartphone to output image information, output sound information, input settings, and the like, the touch panel display 22 and the speaker 28 provided in the electronic device 20 can be omitted. By omitting these functions from the electronic device 20, the manufacturing cost of the electronic device 20 can be reduced.

[0206] Therefore, an example of the electronic device 20 having a communication function will be described as an electronic device 500 in the second embodiment with reference to Figs. 12 and 13. In the second embodiment, an example will be described in which the touch panel display 22 and the speaker 28 are not omitted and a communication function is simply added. That is, since the external configuration example of the electronic device 500 is similar to the external configuration example of the electronic device 20, the reference numerals of the electronic device 20 will be used in the description and the description will be omitted.

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

[0208] [Example of functional configuration of electronic devices] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the electronic device 500 according to the second embodiment.

[0209] Electronic device 500 includes a communication unit 510 in addition to the units of electronic device 20 shown in Fig. 4. Note that the functions of the units other than communication unit 510 are the same as those described in Fig. 4, so the following description will focus on communication unit 510.

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

[0211] In the second embodiment, since it is assumed that the device may be connected to a network, the description will be given on the assumption that the communication unit 510 includes a Wi-Fi module.

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

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

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

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

[0216] Electronic device 600 is provided with a touch panel display 610, and also has a Wi-Fi module as a communication function. Note that electronic device 600 is assumed to be a general smartphone or tablet terminal. Furthermore, touch panel display 610 and the communication function of electronic device 600 are similar to touch panel display 22 and communication unit 510 described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0217] It is also assumed that the electronic device 600 has installed therein an application (program) for processing data transmitted to and received from the electronic device 500 and providing content to the user.

[0218] Through communication between the electronic devices 500 and 600, for example, an image to be displayed on the touch panel display 22 of the electronic device 500 can be displayed on the touch panel display 610 of the electronic device 600. This makes it possible to display the image on a large display such as a smartphone or tablet terminal.

[0219] 13(2) shows a coffee extractor 1 equipped with an electronic device 500, and a communication system 700 configured from a network 720 and a server 710. Note that, although base stations and access points for wireless communication may also be assumed as devices constituting the communication system 700, they are not shown or described here.

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

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

[0222] For example, extraction history data of other people can be downloaded through communication between the server 710 and the electronic device 500. Extraction history data extracted by professionals or experts is registered in the server 710, and the user downloads it to the electronic device 500. Then, by using the downloaded extraction history data as extraction comparison data (see FIG. 7(2) and FIG. 9) when extracting, it is possible to imitate the extraction of professionals or experts.

[0223] As another example, the usage frequency of the electronic device 500 is uploaded to the server 710 every day, and when the usage frequency changes, a notification is sent to a third party via email, etc. This makes it possible to provide the same service as a safety confirmation service that uses the usage status of an already known home appliance.

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

[0225] [Third embodiment: Example of dripper and electronic device integrated] In the first and second embodiments, an example was shown in which the dripper 10 was placed on the measuring platform 24 provided in the electronic device 20 or 500. Although this would make it impossible to accommodate various drippers, integrating the dripper 10 and the electronic device 20 allows the drainage container 23 to be omitted from the electronic device 20.

[0226] Therefore, an example in which the dripper 10 and the electronic device 20 are integrated will be described as an electronic device 810 in the third embodiment with reference to Figs. 14 and 15. In the third embodiment, an example will be described in which the electronic device 810 has the communication function described in the second embodiment but does not include the touch panel display 22.

[0227] The dripper 10 and the electronic device 20 are integrated and have a communication function, but are similar to the first and second embodiments except that the touch panel display 22 is omitted. Therefore, the explanation in Figures 14 and 15 will focus on the differences.

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

[0229] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a bottom configuration and a cross-sectional view of an electronic device 810 according to the third embodiment. Fig. 15(1) shows a bottom view of the electronic device 810, and Fig. 15(2) shows a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 810 when the extraction liquid is prevented from falling into the container.

[0230] The functional configuration of the electronic device 810 is the same as that of the electronic device 500 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 12, except that the display unit 220 is omitted, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

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

[0232] The electronic device 810 is an electronic device or information processing device attached to the opening 42 of the container 40, and is an integrated combination of the electronic device 20 and the dripper 10 shown in Fig. 1. The electronic device 810 is also equipped with a communication function and outputs various information to the user using an external electronic device, so the touch panel display 22 of the electronic device 20 is omitted.

[0233] 14(1), the top surface of electronic device 810 is provided with dripper unit 811 and power button 812. Note that power button 812 is the same as power button 21 of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0234] In the third embodiment, the external shape of electronic device 810 is assumed to be such that a dripper portion is connected to the top surface of a cylindrical housing. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the external shape of electronic device 810 can be described as being similar to that of a dripper having a thick flange portion 12. As in the first embodiment, the external shape of electronic device 810 is not limited to the shape shown in the drawings, and other shapes are possible as long as the electronic device is stably placed in opening 42 of container 40.

[0235] Dripper section 811 corresponds to storage section 11 of dripper 10 shown in FIG. 1 and stores a filter such as a paper or metal filter and ground coffee beans inside. Dripper section 811 is connected to the housing of electronic device 810. Therefore, if the extract is prevented from falling inside electronic device 20, the extract will remain inside dripper section 811. Details of how the extract remains inside dripper section 811 when prevented will be explained in detail later using FIG. 15(2), a cross-sectional view of electronic device 810, and will not be explained here.

[0236] The bottom surface of the electronic device 810 (see mainly Fig. 14(2) and Fig. 15) is provided with a weighing platform 813 and a speaker 816. The bottom surface of the weighing platform 813 is provided with four container position fixing units 814a to 814d and a liquid volume detection unit 815. The top surface of the weighing platform 813 is provided with a weighing unit 819, which is connected to the housing of the electronic device 810 via the weighing unit 819 (see Fig. 15(2)).

[0237] The speaker 816, the four container position fixing units 814a to 814d, the liquid volume detection unit 815, and the measuring unit 819 are similar to the speaker 28, the four container position fixing units 31a to 31d, the liquid volume detection unit 25, and the measuring unit 27 in Figure 1, so detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0238] Weighing platform 813 is used to weigh electronic device 810, which is the object to be weighed. The lower surface of weighing platform 813 is placed above opening 42 of container 40, and the upper surface is connected to the housing of electronic device 810 via weighing unit 819 (see FIG. 15(2)). That is, weighing platform 813 is stably placed on container 40, and serves as a platform for measuring the weight applied to electronic device 810 placed on weighing platform 813 via weighing unit 819. In this way, the weights of electronic device 810 itself, coffee powder, and liquid are applied to weighing platform 813 in the third embodiment, and these weights are measured by weighing unit 819.

[0239] The underside of the weighing platform 813 is the surface that contacts the opening 42 of the container 40. Therefore, the four container position fixing units 31a to 31d and the liquid level detecting unit 25 that were provided on the underside of the electronic device 20 in the first embodiment are provided as four container position fixing units 814a to 814d and a liquid level detecting unit 815 on the underside of the measuring unit 819. Also, a hole (hole 817) is provided in the center of the weighing platform 813 so as not to interfere with the drop of the extract that passes through a hole (hole 818) that penetrates the housing of the electronic device 810. Note that in the third embodiment, it is assumed that the diameter of the hole 817 is slightly longer than the diameter of the hole 818 so that the extract that drops down the wall surface of the hole 818 does not splash onto the weighing platform 813.

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

[0241] 15(2) shows an example of a cross-sectional view in which the electronic device 810 performs an operation to prevent the extract from falling (also referred to as an operation to block the flow path), causing the extract to accumulate in the dripper portion 811. That is, FIG. 15(2) corresponds to FIG. 3(4) shown in the first embodiment.

[0242] 15(2) shows the housing of electronic device 810 including dripper unit 811, as well as measuring platform 813, liquid volume detection unit 815, measuring unit 819, and extraction stop unit 822. Note that extraction stop unit 822 corresponds to extraction stop unit 32 shown in FIGS. 3(3) and 3(4).

[0243] 15(2) also shows a signal line 831 as a signal line for transmitting a signal (image information) from the liquid amount detection unit 815 to an electronic circuit inside the electronic device 810. Also, a protrusion 821 is provided on the outer periphery of the hole 818 on the underside of the housing of the electronic device 810 to prevent the extracting liquid that has dripped down the wall of the hole 818 from dripping down the underside of the housing of the electronic device 810 onto the measuring platform 813 or the liquid amount detection unit 815.

[0244] 15(2), the housing of electronic device 810 is integrated with dripper unit 811, so hole 818 directly connects the top surface of the housing of electronic device 810 to the inside of dripper unit 811. Also, in FIG. 15(2), it is assumed that the diameter of hole 818 at the joint between dripper unit 811 and the housing of electronic device 810 is the same as the diameter at the bottom surface of the housing of electronic device 810.

[0245] 15(2), when plate 822b of extraction stopper 822 slides to prevent the extract from falling, the extract remains inside dripper unit 811, as indicated by dashed line 898. In other words, by integrating the housing of electronic device 810 with dripper unit 811, the extract that has been prevented from falling can be prevented from falling into container 40, even without including drainage container 23 shown in the first embodiment.

[0246] In this way, electronic device 810 of the third embodiment can perform the same operation as electronic device 20 of the first and second embodiments while omitting drainage container 23 of the first and second embodiments, because dripper section 811 is connected to electronic device 810.

[0247] It should be noted that, although the illustration shows integrated dripper unit 811 as being connected to the housing of electronic device 810 and not detached, the invention is not limited to this. As long as the connection does not allow liquid to leak after the prevention operation (for example, a connection that can be tightly fitted like the lid of a bottle or plastic bottle), it is also possible to make dripper unit 811 detachable from electronic device 810 and replace it with one of a different size.

[0248] 14 and 15, the amount data was not specifically explained. If dripper unit 811 is not replaceable, information and settings related to the dripper in the amount data (the display of the name of the dripper registered in the amount data in FIGS. 5 and 6, and the setting in "Dripper" input field 356 in FIG. 8(2)) are not necessary.

[0249] In electronic device 810 of the third embodiment, even if hole 818 is blocked by the blocking operation, the extract remains inside dripper portion 811 until the extract fills the interior of dripper portion 811 and overflows from the upper surface. That is, when flow path (hole 818) is partially opened by extraction stopper 822 during extraction, the amount of extract passing through the flow path (extraction rate) becomes smaller (slower) than when the flow path is fully open, and the time the extract remains inside dripper portion 811 can be adjusted. An example of adjusting the amount of extract dropping (extraction rate) by partially opening the flow path will be described as a sixth embodiment with reference to FIGS. 27 to 33.

[0250] [Fourth embodiment: modified example of extraction stop section] In the first to third embodiments, an example of the extraction stop unit (extraction stop unit 32 and 822) in which the plate (plate 32b and 822b) slides horizontally to prevent the extract from falling has been described. However, other methods for preventing the extract from falling are also possible. Some of these other methods will be described as the fourth embodiment with reference to Figures 16 to 18.

[0251] In the fourth embodiment, a modified example of the extraction stopping unit 822 of the electronic device 810 shown in the third embodiment will be assumed. Therefore, the reference numerals of the components not shown will be used in the description using the reference numerals of the third embodiment.

[0252] [Example of an extraction stop with a plate that changes orientation from vertical to horizontal] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of an extraction stopping unit according to the fourth embodiment, which includes a plate that changes its orientation from vertical to horizontal.

[0253] 16(1) shows an example of the configuration of the inside of the hole 911 as viewed from the top surface of the electronic device 810 when the plate 914 is oriented in the vertical direction (when the plane of the plate 914 is parallel to the vertical direction of the electronic device 810). Also, Fig. 16(2) shows an example of the configuration of the inside of the hole 911 as viewed from the top surface of the electronic device 810 when the plate 914 is oriented in the horizontal direction (when the plane of the plate 914 is parallel to the horizontal direction of the electronic device 810).

[0254] 16(3) and (4) show cross-sectional views of electronic device 810 in which plate 914 rotates 90 degrees as shaft 915 rotates with a motor. Fig. 16(3) shows the case where no shielding operation is performed (when the flow path is fully open), and Fig. 16(4) shows the case where the shielding operation is performed (when the flow path is closed).

[0255] 16(5) and (6) show cross-sectional views of the electronic device 810 when the rod 916b slides horizontally to move the plate 914. Fig. 16(5) shows the case where the shielding operation is not performed, and Fig. 16(6) shows the case where the shielding operation is performed.

[0256] The cross-sectional views shown in Figures 16(3) to (6) show cross-sections taken along dashed line 999 in Figure 16(1), and are cross-sectional views viewed in the direction of arrow 998 perpendicular to dashed line 999 at the right end of dashed line 999.

[0257] 16 shows an example in which the shape of the horizontal cross section of the hole penetrating the housing of electronic device 810 changes to match the shape of the plate halfway through the interior of electronic device 810 (halfway through the flow path). From the top surface to the bottom surface of electronic device 810, the shape changes as follows: hole 911 having the same diameter as the hole on the inside of dripper portion 811, hole 912 on the periphery with four sides slightly longer than the four sides of plate 914, and hole 913 on the periphery with four sides slightly shorter than the four sides of plate 914.

[0258] Plate 914, which closes the hole during the shielding operation, is provided at the location where the cross-sectional shape changes from hole 912 to hole 913. The location where hole 912 changes to hole 913 is flat in the horizontal direction of electronic device 810, and when the flat surface of plate 914, which is wider than hole 912, comes into contact with hole 912 so as to close it, it is possible to prevent the extract from falling. Plate 914 is connected to the housing of electronic device 810 via a rotating shaft (shaft 915 in Figures 16(3) and (4) and shaft 917 in Figures 16(5) and (6)) at the location where hole 912 changes to hole 913.

[0259] When the plate 914 is rotated in a direction in which the plane is parallel to the vertical direction of the electronic device 810, the hole 913 opens and the extract falls into the container 40. On the other hand, when the plate 914 is rotated in a direction in which the plane is parallel to the horizontal direction of the electronic device 810, the hole 913 is blocked and the extract is prevented from falling.

[0260] That is, when viewed from above when the extraction liquid is not prevented from falling into the container 40, holes 912 and 913 can be seen inside the hole 911, as shown in Fig. 16(1). Furthermore, since the plane of the plate 914 is parallel to the vertical direction of the electronic device 810, it looks like a thin plate that is arranged so as to be in contact with the inside of one side of the hole 912 (the left side shown in Fig. 16(1)).

[0261] On the other hand, when the extraction liquid is prevented from falling into the container 40, the inside of the hole 911 viewed from above can see the hole 912 and the plane of the plate 914, but the hole 913 covered by the plate 914 cannot be seen, as shown in Figure 16 (2).

[0262] There are various possible methods for driving the plate 914. As an example different from the example shown in Figures 16(3) and (4) in which a driving means such as a motor rotates the shaft 915, Figures 16(5) and (6) show an example in which a rod 916b stored in the housing of the electronic device 810 slides out from a storage section 916a in the housing to push down the plate 914 and block the flow path.

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

[0264] In this way, the extraction stopping portion, which is made up of the plate 914 whose plane direction can be changed and the driving means (shaft 915, driving portion 916), can also prevent the extract from falling.

[0265] Yet another example of an extraction stop will now be described with reference to FIG. 17, which illustrates an example of an extraction stop comprising a vertically moving plate of electronic device 810.

[0266] [Example of an extraction stop with a vertically moving plate] FIG. 17 shows an example of an extraction stopper having a vertically moving plate according to the fourth embodiment.

[0267] 17(1) shows an example of the configuration inside the hole 921 as viewed from the top of the electronic device 810. In the electronic device 810 shown in this Fig. 17, the plate 922 moves in the vertical direction of the electronic device 810, so the example of the configuration as viewed from the top does not change whether or not the drop of the extract is prevented.

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

[0269] Fig. 17(2) shows a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 810 when no operation to prevent the extraction liquid from falling is performed, and Fig. 17(3) shows a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 810 when the operation to prevent the extraction liquid from falling is performed. Figs. 17(2) and (3) show a cross-section taken along dashed line 997 in Fig. 17(1), and show cross-sections taken in the direction of arrow 996, which is perpendicular to dashed line 997 at the right end of dashed line 997.

[0270] 17(2) and (3), the hole penetrating the housing of electronic device 810 changes in cross-sectional size as it penetrates the interior of electronic device 810, changing from a hole (hole 921) with a diameter longer than plate 922 to a hole (hole 924) with a diameter shorter than plate 922. Plate 922 is moved vertically by a driving means, and when plate 922 is moved toward the upper surface of electronic device 810 as shown in FIG. 17(2), hole 924 is opened and the extract falls into container 40. On the other hand, when plate 922 is moved toward the lower surface of electronic device 810 as shown in FIG. 17(3), plate 922 closes hole 924, preventing the extract from falling.

[0271] Next, as another example of the extraction stopping portion, an example of an extraction stopping portion in which a cylinder with a hole on the side acts as a valve will be described with reference to FIG.

[0272] [Example of an extraction stop where a cylinder with holes on the side acts as a valve] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of an extraction stopping part in the fourth embodiment, in which a cylinder with a hole on the side acts as a valve.

[0273] 18(1) to 18(4) show an example in which the extraction liquid is not prevented from falling (when the flow path is open), and FIG. 18(5) to 18(8) show an example in which the extraction liquid is prevented from falling (when the flow path is closed). Note that FIG. 18(1) and 18(5) show an example of the configuration of the inside of the hole 931 as viewed from the top of the electronic device 810, and FIG. 18(2) and 18(6) show the orientation of the valve body 933. Also, FIG. 18(3) and 18(7) show a cross-sectional view taken along arrow 994, which is perpendicular to dashed line 995 at the right end of dashed line 995 in FIG. 18(1). Furthermore, FIG. 18(4) and 18(8) show a cross-sectional view taken along arrow 992, which is perpendicular to dashed line 993 at the top end of dashed line 993 in FIG. 18(2).

[0274] 18(2) and (6), an object having a hole (hole 932) penetrating straight from side surface to side surface of a cylinder is provided as a valve body (valve body 933) in electronic device 810. As shown in FIGS. 18(3) and (7), the length of the side surface of this columnar valve body (left-right direction in FIGS. 18(2) and (6)) is longer than the diameter of hole 931, and the diameter of the bottom surface is longer than the diameter of hole 931, as shown in FIGS. 18(4) and (8).

[0275] Valve body 933 is arranged such that its side surfaces are substantially parallel to the upper and lower surfaces (the surfaces to which dripper unit 811 is connected and the surfaces on which container 40 is disposed) of the housing of electronic device 810. Valve body 933 is provided midway through hole 931 penetrating electronic device 810 so that when hole 931 and hole 932 are connected, the center lines of the holes will be at substantially the same position.

[0276] The side of this valve body 933 is rotated by a driving means. As shown in Figures 18(1) to (4), when the rotation stops at a position where hole 931 of electronic device 810 and hole 932 of valve body 933 are connected, the extract drops from dripper unit 811 into container 40. Note that, as shown in Figures 18(5) to (6), when the rotation stops at a position where hole 931 of electronic device 810 and hole 932 of valve body 933 are not connected, the drop of the extract is prevented.

[0277] The valve body 933 can be rotated, for example, by rotating a shaft connected to the center of one of the bottom surfaces of the valve body 933 with a motor, or by providing a gear on the side and a drive mechanism that moves this gear.

[0278] If rotation stops at a position where hole 931 of electronic device 810 is partially blocked, leaving the hole slightly connected, the amount of extracted liquid that falls is reduced, slowing down the extraction speed. This allows the extracted liquid to collect in dripper part 811, lengthening the time the extracted liquid is in contact with the coffee grounds.

[0279] Furthermore, although the description in FIG. 18 is based on the assumption that the valve body is cylindrical, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to configure the valve body with a circular shape like a ball bearing.

[0280] [Fifth embodiment: Example of issuing instructions to a user using monitored extraction status] In the first to fourth embodiments, an extraction stopper automatically stops the extraction when the extraction is complete by preventing the extraction liquid from falling. However, since the extraction can be completed by simply removing the dripper and the electronic device from the container, some users may not need the extraction stopper. In such cases, the electronic device can be made smaller by omitting the extraction stopper.

[0281] 7(2) has been described as an example in which the current extraction status is displayed while being compared with past extractions, but it is also possible to consider examples in which the electronic device not only simply compares the current extraction status but also instructs the user on extraction operations or makes suggestions to the user according to the current extraction status. Note that such operations (user assistance operations) are functions that can be assumed in the electronic devices of the first to fourth embodiments, but will be described as functions of an electronic device in which the extraction stopping unit of the fifth embodiment has been omitted.

[0282] In the first embodiment, an example was described in which the name of the dripper is registered in the amount data, but an example is also conceivable in which data associating the name of the dripper with the weight of the dripper is stored in the electronic device. In this case, the dripper can be identified by measuring the weight of the dripper before weighing the coffee powder on the coffee powder weighing screen, thereby reducing the burden on the user in selecting amount data and extract comparison data as shown in Figures 5 and 6. In the fifth embodiment, an example is described in which the dripper is identified when the weight of the dripper alone is measured before weighing the coffee powder, making it easier to select extract comparison data.

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

[0284] The electronic device 1100 shown in Fig. 19 is the electronic device 20 of the first embodiment with the extraction stopping unit 32 and the drainage container 23 removed. The coffee extractor 1001 corresponds to the coffee extractor 1 of Fig. 1, and is the same except that the electronic device 1100 is provided instead of the electronic device 20. Therefore, the same components as those in Fig. 1(1) are given the same reference numerals and their explanations will be omitted.

[0285] By omitting the extraction stopper 32 and the drainage container 23, the electronic device 1100 can shorten the distance between the upper surface (the surface on which the weighing platform 24 is provided) and the lower surface (the surface in contact with the container 40) of the electronic device 1100. That is, as shown in FIG. 19, by omitting the device that prevents the extract from falling, it is possible to design an electronic device 1100 that is thin (low in height). Note that, compared to the electronic device 810 with an integrated dripper shown in FIG. 14, omitting the extraction stopper makes it easier to reduce the thickness of the electronic device.

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

[0287] Next, the operation of electronic device 1100 will be described with reference to example display screens shown in Fig. 20 to Fig. 23. Note that Fig. 20 describes, with reference to example display screens, the operation of identifying a dripper 10 based on the weight of the dripper placed on weighing platform 24, the operation of a user selecting extraction comparison data, and the operation of weighing the coffee grounds after determining the extraction comparison data to be used. Also, Fig. 21 to Fig. 23 describe, with reference to example display screens, the user's assistance actions during the extraction operation.

[0288] [Examples of the registered dripper list screen, the selection screen for extraction comparison data, and the screen displayed when measuring coffee powder] Fig. 20 shows an example of a list screen of registered drippers, a selection screen for extraction comparison data, and a screen (coffee powder measurement screen) displayed when measuring coffee powder on the touch panel display 22 in the fifth embodiment. Fig. 20(1) shows the list screen of drippers, Fig. 20(2) shows the selection screen for extraction comparison data, and Fig. 20(3) shows the coffee powder measurement screen.

[0289] In the example of the dripper list screen (registered dripper list screen) shown in Figure 20(1), an "Up" button 1101, a "Down" button 1102, an "Edit" button 1103, an "Add New" button 1104, a "Return to Menu" button 1105, and weight data for four registered drippers are displayed.

[0290] Here, the dripper weight data will be described. The dripper weight data is data that associates the name of a dripper with the weight of the dripper. In the fifth embodiment, the description will be based on the weight of a dripper with a filter attached. By storing this dripper weight data in electronic device 1100, it is possible to prevent the use of a wrong dripper by checking the weight in the preparation stage for extraction, and it is also possible to easily change the settings of electronic device 1100 when changing drippers.

[0291] This registered dripper list screen is displayed when, for example, you select to change settings for a registered dripper on the menu screen, and by performing various operations on this registered dripper list screen, you can register a new dripper or make changes to a registered dripper.

[0292] The functions of the buttons displayed here are the same as those of the buttons in Figure 8(1), except that the object of display and operation is dripper weight data, so detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0293] The Registered Dripper List screen shown in Figure 20(1) displays the weight data for four registered drippers (XXX dripper (paper filter), XXX dripper (metal filter), A dripper (filter for A), and XXX dripper (up to 6 cups) (6 cups paper)) along with their respective weights (150g, 225g, 320g, 250g). Additionally, A dripper (filter for A) is surrounded by a double line, indicating that it is selected.

[0294] Pressing the "Edit" button 1103 or the "Add New" button 1104 on this registered dripper list screen displays a display screen (dripper weight registration screen) that includes a name input field, a dripper weight measurement button, the measured dripper weight, a change confirmation button, and a change cancellation button. For example, when the dripper weight registration screen is displayed by pressing the "Add New" button 1104, the dripper weight registration screen is displayed with the name input field and the measured dripper weight field blank. While this screen is displayed, the user inputs a name and presses the dripper weight measurement button to measure the dripper weight. Then, by pressing the change confirmation button to confirm the input, new dripper weight data is registered. Note that this dripper weight registration screen is not illustrated because it is a simple display screen that simply associates dripper names with weights.

[0295] Although the first embodiment describes an example in which dripper weight data is not used, dripper weight data may also be used in the electronic device 20 of the first embodiment. In this case, the dripper designation for setting the amount data ("Dripper" input field 356 in FIG. 8(2)) is selected from already registered dripper weight data. This reduces the burden on the user when selecting amount data on the coffee powder measurement screen by displaying only amount data that matches the dripper. It also prevents the selection of amount data that does not match the dripper.

[0296] In this way, in the fifth embodiment, dripper weight data, which is data associating the name and weight of a dripper, is stored in the storage unit 290 of the electronic device 1100. As a result, the dripper to be used during extraction is identified before measuring the coffee powder, and this identification makes it easier for the user to select extraction comparison data and quantity data.

[0297] 20(2) shows an example of an extraction comparison data selection screen (extraction comparison data selection screen). This extraction comparison data selection screen will be described assuming a display example when selecting extraction comparison data different from the previous time in order to extract using extraction comparison data different from the previous time, after placing only the dripper and paper filter before measuring the coffee powder on the weighing platform 24 and measuring the weight.

[0298] The Extraction Comparison Data Selection Screen shown in Figure 20(2) is an example that is displayed when the dripper weight measurement result indicates that the dripper is the same as the previous one, and the same extraction comparison data as the previous one is presented, but you select to use different extraction comparison data. This Extraction Comparison Data Selection Screen is also the extraction comparison data selection screen that is displayed after the dripper weight measurement result indicates that the dripper is a different one, and you select one dripper from a list of drippers with a weight similar to the measured weight.

[0299] The extraction comparison data selection screen shown in Figure 20(2) displays a "Change Dripper" button 1106, a "Check Details" button 1107, a "Confirm" button 1108, an "Up" button 1109, a "Down" button 1110, four extraction strategy data, and the name of the dripper used for extraction. The extraction comparison data selection screen also displays the name of the dripper used for extraction, XXX dripper equipped with a paper filter (hereinafter also referred to as XXX dripper (paper filter)). Information indicating the extraction strategy data includes the name of the extraction strategy data (Name), amount of powder (Powder), amount of extraction stop (Liquid volume), extraction time (Time), amount data to be used (Amount data), and comments (Notes) entered by the user.

[0300] Here, the extraction policy data will be described. The extraction policy data is data that is a target (candidate) for selection as extraction comparison data in the fifth embodiment. Like the extraction history data selected as extraction comparison data in the first embodiment, the extraction policy data contains the history of each extraction, and is data that is referenced at the time of extraction to determine the extraction policy. For this reason, extraction policy data is created for each dripper, extraction amount, and extraction pattern, and is stored in the storage unit 290 of the electronic device 1100.

[0301] In the first embodiment, for ease of explanation, an example was described in which extracted comparison data was simply selected from extraction history data. However, since the amount of extraction history data increases the more extractions are performed, it is expected that selection will take time when the amount of extraction history data increases. Therefore, by assigning a name that is easy for the user to identify when selecting data to be used as extracted comparison data and storing it as extraction policy data separately from the extraction history data, it is possible to facilitate selection of extracted comparison data. For this reason, in this fifth embodiment, it is assumed that extracted comparison data is selected from the extraction policy data using extraction policy data.

[0302] When using the extraction policy data in the electronic device 20 of the first embodiment, the extraction policy data can be created by adding a name for the extraction policy data to the various information included in the extraction history data. When the user creates their own extraction policy data, they can create the extraction policy data by using (copying) the various information from the extraction history data of the extraction that they like and adding an easily identifiable name to this information.

[0303] In addition to the various information of the extraction history data and the name of the extraction policy data, the extraction policy data of the fifth embodiment further includes information (period information) that divides the period from the start to the end of extraction (extraction period) into each action. The extraction history data of the fifth embodiment also further includes this period information. This period information will be described in detail in FIG. 22, so its description will be omitted here.

[0304] In the example of the extraction comparison data selection screen shown in Figure 20(2), among the extraction strategy data described above, extraction strategy data associated with quantity data using dripper weight data for the XXX dripper (paper filter) is displayed in a list. This is because, before transitioning to this extraction comparison data selection screen, the dripper set on the weighing platform 24 was determined to be the XXX dripper (paper filter) based on the weighing results of the weighing unit 260. If a different dripper is determined to be used, extraction strategy data associated with quantity data using the dripper weight data for that dripper is displayed in a list.

[0305] Next, we will explain each button displayed on the extraction comparison data selection screen. The "Change Dripper" button 1106 is a button for changing the dripper determined to be used for extraction (cancel the determination and re-determine). When this "Change Dripper" button 1106 is pressed, the screen transitions to a screen for re-weighing the dripper and determining the dripper from the weight obtained from the re-weighing and confirming it with the user. Note that on this transition screen, if there are multiple dripper weight data with similar weights, they are displayed and the user is prompted to select the dripper. Then, once the dripper is determined, a list of extraction policy data using the amount data associated with the dripper weight data of the determined dripper is displayed on this extraction comparison data selection screen.

[0306] The "Check Details" button 1107 is a button for checking detailed information about the selected brewing strategy data. In FIG. 20(2), the brewing strategy data (XXX dripper, 3 cups) surrounded by double lines is the selected brewing strategy data. Pressing the "Check Details" button 1107 in this state transitions to a screen for checking various information about the "XXX dripper, 3 cups" brewing strategy data. On this screen for checking various information, for example, in addition to the brewing strategy data information shown in FIG. 20(2) (name, powder, liquid volume, time, portion data, notes), the user can check the weight transition during the brewing period, liquid volume transition, and period information. An example of a screen for checking various information is shown in FIG. 22(1), which will be described later.

[0307] The "OK" button 1108 is a button for deciding the selected extraction strategy data as the extraction comparison data. On the extraction comparison data selection screen shown in Figure 20(2), the "XXX dripper, 3 cups" extraction strategy data is selected, and when the "OK" button 1108 is pressed in this state, the "XXX dripper, 3 cups" extraction strategy data is decided as the extraction comparison data, and the screen transitions to the next screen (coffee powder measurement screen).

[0308] The "up" button 1109 and the "down" button 1110 are the same as the "up" and "down" buttons shown in the display examples so far, and are buttons for changing the extraction policy data being displayed when there is too much extraction policy data to display all at once.

[0309] As explained in FIG. 20(2), by storing dripper weight data in electronic device 1100 and using it to identify the dripper before measuring the coffee powder, the burden on the user in selecting extraction comparison data can be reduced.

[0310] Next, the coffee powder weighing screen after the extraction comparison data is selected on the extraction comparison data selection screen shown in Fig. 20(2) will be described with reference to Fig. 20(3). Note that Fig. 20(3) will be described assuming that the "XXX dripper, 3 cups" extraction strategy data from the extraction strategy data shown in Fig. 20(2) has been selected as the extraction comparison data.

[0311] 20(3) shows an example of the coffee powder measurement screen when user assistance is performed during extraction. This coffee powder measurement screen displays operation buttons such as a "Return to extraction comparison data setting" button 1111, a "Execute with calculated extraction end amount" button 1112, and a "Execute with recommended extraction end amount" button 1113.

[0312] The coffee powder measurement screen also displays the coffee powder weight (recommended: coffee powder weight (25g)) of the extraction comparison data ("XXX dripper, 3 cups" extraction strategy data) and the final extraction amount (recommended: extraction amount (360ml (3 cups))) of this extraction comparison data. Furthermore, the coffee powder measurement screen also displays the weight of the coffee powder being measured (measured: coffee powder weight (24.1g)). Furthermore, the final extraction amount (calculated: extraction amount (343ml (2.9 cups))) calculated from this coffee powder weight (24.1g) based on the set amount of the "standard" amount data (amount data set in the "XXX dripper, 3 cups" extraction strategy data) is also displayed.

[0313] The extraction end amount is the same as the extraction stop amount in the first embodiment, and indicates the amount of liquid at which extraction ends. Since the electronic device 1100 of the fifth embodiment does not have the extraction stop unit 280, the electronic device 1100 cannot stop extraction. For this reason, in the fifth embodiment, the extraction end amount is displayed instead of the extraction stop amount.

[0314] The "Return to extracted comparison data setting" button 1111 is a button for canceling the selection of extracted comparison data and redoing the selection from the extraction policy data. When this "Return to extracted comparison data setting" button 1111 is pressed, the screen transitions to a screen for selecting extracted comparison data from the extraction policy data, such as the extracted comparison data selection screen shown in Figure 20(2).

[0315] The "Execute with adjustment to calculated extraction end amount" button 1112 is a button for performing extraction by setting the extraction end amount to the extraction amount (calculated extraction end amount) calculated from the weight of the coffee grounds placed in the dripper 10 (measured coffee ground weight). This calculation is based on the set amount of the quantity data in the extraction strategy data selected for the extraction comparison data. The extraction end amount determined by pressing the "Execute with adjustment to calculated extraction end amount" button 1112 differs from the extraction end amount indicated by the extraction comparison data. For this reason, before performing extraction, the weight and liquid volume at each timing indicated by the extraction comparison data are adjusted to match the measured weight of the coffee grounds and the calculated extraction end amount.

[0316] For example, in Figure 20(3), it is assumed that the "XXX, 3 cups" brewing strategy data will be used for the brew comparison data, so the brew comparison data specifies a final brew volume of 360 ml. In contrast, if the 343 ml calculated from the weight of the ground coffee shown in Figure 20(3) is used as the final brew volume, the brew volume will be approximately 10% less. In this case, the brew comparison data calculates (adjusts) the liquid volume at each point during the brew so that it is 10% less, and then compares it with the brew currently in progress. Because there is a difference in the weight of the ground coffee (25 g and 24.1 g), the weights in the dripper are measured with both weights set to zero at the start of the brew, and then a process is performed to align the standards before comparing with the brew currently in progress.

[0317] The "Execute with recommended extraction end amount" button 1113 is a button for performing extraction by setting the extraction end amount to the extraction amount (recommended: extraction end amount) of the extraction strategy data selected in the extraction comparison data. This "Execute with recommended extraction end amount" button 1113 is basically a button for performing extraction as indicated by the extraction comparison data. However, if there is a difference between the weight of the measured coffee grounds and the weight indicated by the extraction comparison data, the previously explained criteria are matched and then a comparison with the extraction currently being performed is made.

[0318] As shown in FIG. 20, in the fifth embodiment, the burden on the user in operating electronic device 1100 can be reduced by using dripper weight data and extraction method data.

[0319] Next, a user assistance operation during an extraction operation by electronic device 1100 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0320] [Example of the extraction display selection screen and simple guide display screen] Fig. 21 shows an example of a screen (extraction display selection screen) for selecting a display during extraction displayed on the touch panel display 22 in the fifth embodiment, and a screen (simple guide display screen) for performing a guide operation (assistance operation) during extraction using the liquid volume in the container 40 as an indicator. Fig. 21(1) shows the extraction display selection screen, and Fig. 21(2) shows the simple guide display screen.

[0321] Before the user performs extraction, the electronic device 1100 allows the user to select what information to display during extraction. In the fifth embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the display during extraction can be selected from the menu screen described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. However, this is not limited to this, and it is also possible to select the information when the electronic device 1100 is turned on, or each time extraction is performed after measuring out the coffee powder.

[0322] In the example of the display selection screen during extraction shown in Fig. 21(1), a "Display with simple guide" button 1121, a "Display with detailed guide" button 1122, a "Display current state only" button 1123, and a "Display compared with past extraction" button 1124 are shown. Of these four buttons, when the "Display current state only" button 1123 is pressed, a screen that displays only the current extraction status as explained in Fig. 7(1) is displayed during extraction. Furthermore, when the "Display compared with past extraction" button 1124 is pressed, a screen that displays a comparison with past extraction as explained in Fig. 7(2) is displayed during extraction.

[0323] On the other hand, when the "Simple Guide Display" button 1121 is pressed, the extraction status is determined based on the liquid volume in the container 40 detected by the liquid volume detection unit 270, and a screen (Simple Guide Display Screen) containing instructions (guide information) to the user according to this extraction status is displayed during extraction. The guide information may be, for example, advice on the speed at which hot water should be poured.

[0324] Furthermore, when the "Detailed Guide Display" button 1122 is pressed, guide information generated by assessing the brewing situation in more detail than the simplified guide display screen is displayed during brewing. This guide information is displayed during brewing, including guide information based on the weight in the dripper 10 and guide information based on the period information set in the brewing strategy data selected in the brewing comparison data, in addition to guide information based on the amount of liquid in the container 40 on the simplified guide display screen. Guide information based on period information includes the content and start timing of the operation including the current time (current operation) and the next operation (next operation), making it easier to reproduce the brew indicated by the brewing comparison data than the guide information on the simplified guide display screen.

[0325] The period information required to display the display screen with detailed guide will be explained in detail later with reference to Fig. 22. The display screen with detailed guide will be explained in detail later with reference to Fig. 23.

[0326] The selection of the display during extraction on this display selection screen during extraction is called the selection of the display mode, and the mode that displays the display screen with a simple guide is called the simple guide mode, and the mode that displays the display screen with a detailed guide is called the detailed guide mode.

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

[0328] Before describing the display screen with simple guide, the simple guide mode will be described in detail. In the simple guide mode, the amount of extract collected in the container 40 indicated by the extraction comparison data is compared with the amount of extract collected in the container 40 during extraction, and guidance information regarding the speed at which hot water should be poured into the dripper 10 is notified to the user at any time. If, during this comparison, the amount of extract in the container 40 is greater than the amount of extract in the extraction comparison data, guidance information is notified to the user to have the dripper 10 pour hot water more slowly so as to slow down the extraction speed.

[0329] Furthermore, if the amount is less than the amount of the extraction comparison data, the user is notified of guidance information to pour hot water faster to increase the extraction speed, and if the amount is approximately the same as the amount of the extraction comparison data, the user is notified of guidance information to maintain the speed of pouring hot water. In other words, the extraction status is determined based on the amount of extracted liquid indicated by the extraction comparison data, and guidance information is notified to the user based on this determination result. Note that the amount of extracted liquid indicated by the extraction comparison data, which is used as the basis for this determination, will be referred to as the reference extracted amount in the following explanation. Meanwhile, the amount of extracted liquid during extraction detected by the liquid amount detection unit 270 will be referred to as the detected extracted amount in the following explanation.

[0330] The guide information to be notified is determined, for example, by setting a threshold value for the amount of extract liquid that serves as a criterion for switching guide information based on a reference extraction amount, and comparing the set threshold value with the detected extraction amount.

[0331] Here, the determination of guide information using a threshold value will be described in detail. Note that the explanation will be given assuming that the guide information in the simple guide mode is three patterns of guide information displayed as text information such as "It's too fast. Please slow it down," "It's too slow. Please speed up," and "It can be reproduced in the same way."

[0332] In this case, two thresholds are set based on the reference extraction amount: a threshold (TH1) that distinguishes between "fairly fast..." and "similarly...", and a threshold (TH2) that distinguishes between "similarly..." and "fairly slow...". When making a judgment, if the detected extraction amount exceeds the liquid amount of threshold (TH1), the guide information "fairly fast..." is displayed; if the liquid amount is between threshold (TH1) and threshold (TH2), the guide information "similarly..." is displayed; and if it is below threshold (TH2), the guide information "fairly slow..." is displayed.

[0333] Although we have assumed that three pieces of guide information are set, if more detailed guide information such as "a little fast..." or "a little slow..." is set, multiple thresholds are set according to the number of pieces of guide information, and the detected extraction amount is compared with these set thresholds.

[0334] The threshold value is calculated each time the threshold value and the detected extraction amount are compared during the extraction period. Here, the interval at which the guide information is determined is not particularly considered. However, for example, if the guide information is determined every 5 or 10 seconds to prevent frequent changes in the guide information, a threshold value is calculated for each 5 or 10 second interval. The threshold value may also be calculated each time the amount of extracted liquid or the weight in the dripper is detected (for example, at short intervals of 1 second or less), and this determination interval (timing) is determined and set through various experiments.

[0335] The threshold for each timing is calculated by adding or subtracting a predetermined amount of liquid from the reference extraction amount (for example, if adding by percentage, add 5% of the reference extraction amount, or if adding by volume, add 5 ml). This amount of liquid to be added or subtracted is determined and set in advance through various experiments so that the displayed guide information can be switched appropriately. Note that this amount of liquid may vary depending on the type of dripper, the amount of coffee powder, and the final extraction amount (number of cups), so multiple patterns may be prepared and the most suitable pattern may be used.

[0336] In addition, the threshold conditions for each timing may be gradually tightened as the extraction time passes (for example, the difference between the threshold and the reference extraction amount at the start of extraction is 30 ml, and the interval near the end of extraction is 5 ml) in order to match both the extraction amount and extraction time with the extraction indicated by the extraction comparison data.

[0337] Also, different patterns of the degree of difference between the threshold and the reference extraction amount at each timing (for example, "strict" for a small difference, "standard" for a medium difference, and "lenient" for a large difference) may be prepared and the user may select one. It is conceivable that the user may select "lenient" when they are not familiar with extraction, and then select "strict" once they become accustomed to it.

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

[0339] Up to this point, it has been assumed that guide information is notified by text information, but this is not limiting and various examples are conceivable. For example, in addition to visual notification using a display screen with a simple guide, it is also conceivable to provide auditory notification by outputting audio of substantially the same content as the text information from the speaker 28.

[0340] Additionally, the notification to the user by output from the speaker 28 may be an example of a sound effect. For example, a repeated "beep" sound may be used to notify the user to slow down, a repeated "woosh" sound may be used to notify the user to speed up, and silence may be used if the same reproduction is achieved.

[0341] Furthermore, as for the visual notification method, in addition to notification by text information as shown in Fig. 21(2), examples of notification by pictures or backlight color (background color) are also conceivable. For example, in the case of backlight color, a notification to slow down is made to the background of the screen red, a notification to speed up is made to the background of the screen blue, and a notification to achieve the same reproduction is made to the background of the screen white. Regarding notification by color coding, in addition to changing the background color of the simple guide display screen, examples of providing a notification LED in electronic device 1100 are also conceivable.

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

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

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

[0345] The "Stop midway" button 1125 corresponds to the "Stop midway (no obstruction)" button 329 shown in FIG. 7, and is a button for stopping, during extraction, each operation of the electronic device 1100 that is being performed during extraction.

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

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

[0348] As shown in the simplified guide display screen in FIG. 21(2), by comparing the amount of extracted liquid collected in the container 40 with that of previous extractions, the user can be notified of guide information regarding the speed at which hot water should be poured. Since the electronic device 1100 includes a weighing unit 260 that measures the weight of the dripper 10, the amount of hot water collected in the dripper 10 can also be compared. While the amount of extracted liquid collected in the container 40 only increases, the weight of the dripper 10 increases or decreases depending on the speed and number of times the hot water is poured. Therefore, the notification of guide information using a comparison of the weight of the dripper 10 can provide the user with more detailed advice than the notification of guide information using a comparison of the amount of extracted liquid collected in the container 40. The notification of guide information using a comparison of the weight of the dripper 10 will be described in FIG. 23 as a detailed guide display.

[0349] Although FIG. 21(2) illustrates an example in which only the liquid volume transition graph is displayed during extraction, a weight transition graph may also be displayed.

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

[0351] Figure 22(1) shows an example of a screen for checking the details of extraction policy data, Figure 22(2) shows an example of a screen for checking the period details of extraction policy data (period detail display screen), and Figure 22(3) shows an example of a screen for changing the contents of the period details (period change screen).

[0352] 22(1), a display example of a display screen (extraction policy data display screen) for checking details of the extraction policy data shows a "display additional information" button 1141, a "display period details" button 1142, and a "return to list" button 1143. In addition to these buttons, the name of the extraction policy data (name: XXX, 3 cups (homemade)), the name of the quantity data to be used (quantity data: standard), the amount of coffee powder to be used for extraction (coffee powder: 25g), the amount of extracted liquid to be stored in the container (extraction volume: 360ml), the time from the start to the end of extraction (extraction time: 3 minutes 55 seconds), the dripper to be used (dripper: XXX dripper (paper filter)), weight transition, and liquid volume transition are also shown.

[0353] The extraction policy data display screen shown in Fig. 22(1) corresponds to the extraction history data display screen shown in Fig. 9(2), and is displayed, for example, when the extraction policy data for which details are desired to be displayed is selected on the list screen of extraction policy data displayed by selecting to display the extraction policy data on the menu screen. Note that, since Fig. 22 focuses on period information, the illustration of the list screen of extraction policy data and the like is omitted.

[0354] The explanation will be given on the assumption that the "XXX, 3 cups (homemade)" extraction policy data shown in Figure 22 was created from the extraction history data shown in Figure 9(2) (by copying each data and giving it a name).

[0355] The "Display accompanying information" button 1141 is a button for displaying information (accompanying information) about extraction policy data that is not displayed on the extraction policy data display screen. For example, when the "Display accompanying information" button 1141 is pressed, comments, user ratings, information indicating the referenced extraction history data (only if self-created), and the like are displayed as accompanying information. Note that in this example, the information indicating the referenced extraction history data is the acquisition date and time (x month △ day □ hour ○ minute), but if the extraction history data is managed by a serial number or the like, this serial number can also be used.

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

[0357] The "return to list" button 1143 is the same as the "return to list" button 367 shown in FIG. 9(2), and when pressed, returns to the list screen of extraction policy data.

[0358] As shown in Fig. 22(1), the extraction policy data includes, in addition to each piece of information in the extraction history data described in the first embodiment, the name, information on the referenced extraction history data (if self-created), and period information, which will be described in detail later in Figs. 22(2) and (3). Note that, although period information is not essential in the fifth embodiment, it is added to the extraction history data for convenience (because it makes it easier to create extraction policy data from the extraction history data). In this case, a "Display period details" button 1142 is added to the extraction history data display screen shown in Fig. 9(2).

[0359] The display example shown in Figure 22(1) is merely an example, and the name of the extraction method data, the amount of coffee powder, the amount of extraction completed, weight transition, liquid volume transition, etc. may be displayed so as to be changeable. Next, the period information will be explained with reference to Figures 22(2) and (3).

[0360] In the example of the period details display screen shown in Figure 22(2), an "Up" button 1144, a "Down" button 1145, a "Change" button 1146, an "Add" button 1147, an "Automatic reset" button 1148, a "Return to transition details display" button 1149, multiple set periods, and a weight transition graph are displayed.

[0361] Four periods (0:00-0:30, 0:30-0:45, 0:45-1:15, 1:15-2:00) are shown as multiple periods, and a double-lined frame indicates that the period from 45 seconds after the start of extraction to 1 minute 15 seconds (0:45-1:15) has been selected. The name of the action during the period and details of that period are displayed to the right of the numerical value indicating the period. In addition to the solid line indicating the weight transition, the weight transition graph also displays dashed lines indicating the division of the period and sections filled with diagonal lines indicating the selected period.

[0362] The "up" button 1144 and the "down" button 1145 are buttons for changing the period displayed in the list of periods. If there are many periods, they cannot be displayed at once, so by pressing these buttons, the displayed period is hidden and the period that could not be displayed is displayed.

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

[0364] The "Add" button 1147 is a button for adding a new period immediately after the selected period. For example, when the period from 0:45 to 1:15 shown in FIG. 22(2) is selected, pressing the "Add" button 1147 will take you to a period change screen where the start time is 1:15 and no other information is set. Note that when the end time of a new period is set, the start time of the next period (1:15 of the period from 1:15 to 2:00 in the example of FIG. 22(2)) is automatically reset to the end time of that new period.

[0365] The "Automatic Reset" button 1148 is a button for resetting the period set in the extracted history data. When the "Automatic Reset" button 1148 is pressed, the electronic device 1100 determines the period based on the weight transition shown in the weight transition graph, and resets the number of periods, the start and end times of the periods, the names of the operations in the periods, details of the periods, and so on.

[0366] The "return to transition detail display" button 1149 is a button for returning from the period detail display screen to the extraction history data detail screen.

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

[0368] In the example of the period change screen shown in Figure 22 (3), a "Discard and return" button 1151, a "Save and return" button 1152, an "Action name" input field 1161, a "Details" input field 1162, a "Start time" field 1163, an "End time" field 1164, a weight transition graph, and a liquid volume transition graph are displayed.

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

[0370] The "save and return" button 1152 is a button for saving the information newly entered in each input field on the period change screen and moving to the period detail display screen.

[0371] The "action name" input field 1161 is a field for inputting a name (action name) indicating an action during the period being changed or newly created on the period change screen. By selecting the "action name" input field 1161 on this period change screen and inputting characters, the user can change the characters to the user's preference.

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

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

[0374] The weight transition graph and liquid volume transition graph shown in Figure 22(3) are similar to the weight transition graph and liquid volume transition graph described above, and in Figure 22(3) the left of the two graphs displayed is the weight transition graph and the right is the liquid volume transition graph. As in Figure 22(2), these graphs also show dashed lines indicating the divisions of each period in the extraction history data, and sections shaded with diagonal lines indicating the period being changed on this period change screen, in addition to the solid lines indicating the transitions of weight or liquid volume.

[0375] As shown in Fig. 22(3), the information for each period that makes up the period information includes a start time, an end time, an action name, and details. When extraction is performed in the detailed guide mode, this information is used to generate guide information.

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

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

[0378] Although the explanation of the period information of the extraction history data has been omitted, the extraction history data extracted using the extraction comparison data with period information is set with period information based on the period information of the extraction comparison data used.

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

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

[0381] The detailed guide display screen shown in Fig. 23 is displayed during brewing when the "detailed guide display" button 1122 is pressed on the brewing display selection screen shown in Fig. 21(1) to select the detailed guide display mode as the display mode. This detailed guide display screen provides the user with more detailed guide information than the simple guide mode, based on the weight transition in the dripper 10 during brewing, the weight transition in the brew comparison data, and the period set for the brew comparison data.

[0382] The example of the display screen with detailed guide for the steaming timing shown in Figure 23(1) displays a "Stop midway" button 1179, a weight transition graph 1171, a guide information column 1172, an operation guide column 1173, extraction amount / planned amount (0 / 0 ml), extraction end amount (360 ml), extraction end time (03:55), extraction comparison data (XXX, 3 cups), and elapsed time (00:20). Note that explanations of the display that has the same content as the display screen with simple guide in Figure 21(2) although the numerical values are different will be omitted here. Also, the "Stop midway" button 1179 is similar to the "Stop midway" button 1125 in Figure 21(2), and therefore explanations thereof will be omitted here.

[0383] Similar to the weight transition graphs described above, weight transition graph 1171 shows the transition of weight within dripper 10. Similar to the weight transition graphs shown in Figures 22(2) and (3), this weight transition graph 1171 shows the transition of the currently executing extraction (solid line), the transition of the extraction of the extraction comparison data (dashed line), dashed lines parallel to the vertical axis indicating the division of the period, and a diagonally shaded section indicating the period (steeping) that includes the current time. Note that this weight transition graph 1171 shows, as an example, that the weight transition is approximately the same during the steeping period indicated by the diagonal lines.

[0384] The guide information column 1172 is a space for displaying guide information on the detailed guide display screen that is determined based on the weight measured by the measuring unit 260 and the liquid volume detected by the liquid volume detection unit 270. As an example, the guide information column 1172 for the elapsed time (0:20) shown in Fig. 23(1) shows the elapsed time (00:15) at which the guide information was determined, and guide information based on the determination result at this time (as planned), similar to the guide information column 1131 in Fig. 21(2).

[0385] The operation guide field 1173 is a space that notifies the user of the current extraction operation and the next extraction operation based on the information on the period set in the extraction comparison data. As an example, the operation guide field 1173 for the elapsed time (0:20) shown in Figure 23(1) shows the name of the current operation (steaming), the remaining time of the current operation (5 seconds), and the name of the next operation (hot water supply (fast)).

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

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

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

[0389] A user who checks the display screen with detailed guide shown in Figure 23(2) during extraction recognizes that the extraction speed is slow due to a lack of hot water at the timing of the first hot water supply, that there are 15 seconds left in the current operation (standby), and that the next operation is hot water supply (slow).The user then continues extraction while determining during extraction when to pour more hot water.For example, a user who determines that more hot water should be poured in the hot water supply operation pours more hot water at the timing of hot water supply according to the operation guide field 1176 and weight transition graph 1174.

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

[0391] The displayed guide information is not limited to that shown in the figure. For example, it is possible to calculate the percentage of reproducibility (reproducibility rate) for each period and notify the user of this reproducibility rate, thereby notifying the user of the quality of the extraction during extraction. It is also possible to determine advice based on the degree of reproducibility of the transition in weight measured by the weighing unit 260, and display this advice as guide information.

[0392] In addition, since the timing of pouring hot water during the extraction period is known from the period information, if there is a discrepancy between the referenced extraction and the extraction currently being performed, it is possible to use guide information to instruct the timing of adjustment. For example, if the actual amount of extraction is small as shown in Figure 23(2), an example is possible in which an instruction is given to advance the timing of the next hot water supply.

[0393] As in the example shown in the simple guide mode, the criteria for determining guide information based on the amount of extracted liquid in the container (liquid volume transition) and the weight in the dripper (weight transition) are set to thresholds for each comparison timing, and the results are compared with these thresholds. Regarding the calculation of this weight threshold, since the only change in weight in the dripper is the change in the amount of hot water remaining in the dripper, it is recommended to calculate the threshold based only on the weight of the hot water, excluding the weight of the coffee grounds from the measured weight in the dripper. Furthermore, the weight transition display (e.g., weight transition graph 1171 and weight transition graph 1174 in FIG. 23) may also display the weight transition of only the amount of hot water.

[0394] Furthermore, by displaying the details set for each period described in FIG. 22 on a display screen with detailed guide, the user may be notified of the details of the extraction operation for the period during extraction.

[0395] In this way, in the detailed guide mode, the guide information is determined based on the amount of extracted liquid in the container, the weight in the dripper (the amount of hot water in the dripper), and the duration information, so that the user can be provided with more detailed guidance than in the simple guide mode.

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

[0397] The flowcharts shown in Figures 24 and 25 add the steps of displaying guide information based on the amount of extracted liquid, identifying the dripper based on the weight of the dripper, and setting the extracted comparison data to the example of operation shown in Figure 11. For this reason, the same steps as in Figure 11 are given the same reference numerals and their explanations will be omitted, and the explanation will focus on the added steps.

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

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

[0400] On the other hand, if the measured weight is the same as the previous time and therefore it is determined that the dripper is the same as the previous time (step S203), information about the extraction strategy data used as the extraction comparison data in the previous extraction is displayed on the display unit 220 (step S204). The control unit 250 then determines whether or not to use the previous extraction comparison data this time (step S205). If it is determined not to use the previous extraction comparison data, the process proceeds to step S208. Specifically, the information about the extraction strategy data used as the extraction comparison data in the previous extraction, along with a "Change" button and a "Decide" button (not shown), are displayed, prompting the user to determine whether or not to use this extraction strategy data this time. If the user presses the "Change" button, the control unit 250 determines not to use the previous extraction comparison data, and if the user presses the "Decide" button, it determines to use the previous extraction comparison data.

[0401] Subsequently, if it is determined that the previous extracted comparison data is to be used (step S205), the previous extracted comparison data is set as the current extracted comparison data by control unit 250 (step S206), and the process proceeds to step S106.

[0402] If it is determined in step S203 that the dripper is not the same as the previous dripper, control unit 250 identifies the dripper (step S207). Specifically, a list of dripper weight data registered with weights close to the weight measured by weighing unit 260 is displayed (not shown), and the user selects the appropriate dripper weight data to identify the dripper. Then, a screen (extraction comparison data selection screen) for selecting extraction comparison data from a list of extraction strategy data (e.g., FIG. 20(2)) that uses the selected dripper weight data is displayed on display unit 220 (step S208). Next, control unit 250 sets the extraction strategy data selected by the user from this list as the current extraction comparison data (step S209), and the process proceeds to step S106.

[0403] If it is determined in step S205 that the previous extraction comparison data will not be used, a screen (extraction comparison data selection screen) is displayed (step S208) for selecting extraction comparison data from a list of extraction strategy data that uses the dripper weight data of the dripper to be used (the same dripper as last time), and the program proceeds to step S106.

[0404] Then, after proceeding to step S108, the control unit 250 determines whether or not to end the measurement of coffee powder (step S211), and if it determines not to end, returns to step S106. Specifically, the coffee powder measurement screen as shown in Fig. 20(3) is displayed, and it is determined to have ended when the user presses the "Adjust to calculated extraction end amount and execute" button 1112 or the "Execute with recommended extraction end amount" button 1113, but it is determined not to have ended until they are pressed.

[0405] On the other hand, if it is determined that the metering of coffee powder is to be ended (S211), the process proceeds to step S111, where the amount of coffee powder to be used in extraction and the amount of extract to be stored in container 40 by extraction are determined. Then, based on the set conditions (extraction comparison data, degree and pattern of difference between the threshold and the reference extraction amount), control unit 250 calculates a threshold for the extraction amount for each timing of comparison during the extraction period (step S212). This threshold is calculated based on the liquid amount at each timing indicated by the extraction comparison data, as described in Figure 21.

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

[0407] Then, when the extraction end screen is displayed in step S117, the extraction history data relating to the finished extraction (current extraction) is saved in the storage unit 290 (step S216), and the extraction processing procedure ends.

[0408] If the interval between comparisons with the threshold during the extraction period is longer than the interval between detections of the extraction amount (for example, every 5 seconds or 10 seconds), the result of the comparison in step S213 is updated every time the comparison is made, and the guide information is determined based on the updated result. This also applies to the weight inside the dripper in FIG. 26.

[0409] Next, an example of the operation (extraction processing procedure) when performing extraction in the detailed guide mode that displays the display screen with detailed guide will be described with reference to Fig. 26. Note that the first half of the flowchart is the same as the flowchart shown in Fig. 24, so the description will be omitted.

[0410] Fig. 26 is the latter half of a flowchart showing an example of the operation (extraction process procedure) of displaying a display screen with detailed guide using electronic device 1100 according to the fifth embodiment. Fig. 26 adds determination of guide information based on the weight in the dripper and determination of guide information based on period information to the example of the operation shown in Fig. 25. Therefore, the same steps as in Fig. 25 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their explanations are omitted, and the explanation focuses on the added steps.

[0411] After the threshold amount of extracted liquid for each timing during the extraction period is calculated in step S212, the control unit 250 calculates the threshold weight of the liquid in the dripper 10 for each timing during the extraction period based on the set conditions (extraction comparison data, the degree and pattern of difference between the threshold weight and the reference weight) (step S221). Note that, like step S212, this threshold is calculated based on the weight at each timing indicated by the extraction comparison data.

[0412] Then, the process proceeds to step S213 of the subsequent operation, and once the comparison of the extracted amount with the threshold value is completed, the weight inside dripper 10 is detected by weighing unit 260 (step S222). Then, control unit 250 compares the weight inside dripper 10 with the weight threshold value (step S223). Next, control unit 250 acquires information regarding the period to which the detected timing (present) belongs and the next period (step S224), and then control unit 250 determines guide information based on the comparison result between the extracted amount and the threshold value, the comparison result between the weight and the threshold value, and information regarding the period (step S225).

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

[0414] In this way, according to the fifth embodiment, by notifying guide information (support information) during extraction, it is possible to facilitate extraction that reproduces the taste that the user prefers.

[0415] In addition, the function of assisting the user by notifying them of guide information (support information) described in the fifth embodiment can also be performed by an electronic device equipped with an extraction stopping unit 280, and by having both functions, it becomes even easier to reproduce the taste.

[0416] Up to this point, the role of the extraction stop unit (extraction stop unit 32, 822) has been described assuming that it is to block the extract path (flow path) (prevent the extract from falling) when the extraction is completed. This prevents excess extract from falling into the container. In particular, when extracting using a stainless steel server whose interior is difficult to see, using an electronic device (electronic device 20, 500, 810) equipped with an extraction stop unit makes it easier to perform the desired extraction.

[0417] Furthermore, if the extraction stopper partially blocks the flow path, allowing for control of the amount of extracted liquid dropping into the container 40 (extraction speed), the extraction speed can be adjusted regardless of the amount of hot water in the dripper. This broadens the range of extraction operations, allows for further consideration of hand drip conditions, and makes extraction even more enjoyable.

[0418] An example of an electronic device in which the extraction stopping portion controls the extraction speed by partially blocking the flow path will be described as a sixth embodiment with reference to FIGS. 27 to 33. FIG.

[0419] [Sixth embodiment: Example of controlling extraction speed] [Example of an extraction stop with a plate that rotates around an axis] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of an extraction stopper 822 in the sixth embodiment, in which a disk-shaped plate rotates around an axis to open and close the flow path.

[0420] In the electronic device of the sixth embodiment, the extraction stopping unit must have the function of partially blocking the flow path and must prevent the extract liquid collected in the dripper from leaking when blocked. In other words, even if the dripper of the third embodiment prevents the extract liquid from falling inside electronic device 810 (the flow path of the extract liquid) like the integrated electronic device (electronic device 810), the extract liquid must not come out from anywhere other than the spout on the top surface of dripper unit 811 (there must be no other entrances or exits).

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

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

[0423] Although not shown or described, an electronic device may be envisioned in which a touch panel display 22 is added to the dripper-integrated electronic device 810 of the third embodiment (for example, a rectangular housing with a touch panel display as shown in FIG. 1 instead of the cylindrical housing).

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

[0425] Figures 27(1) to (3) show examples of the configuration of the inside of hole 1203 as viewed from the top of electronic device 810. Figures (4) to (6) show cross-sectional views as viewed in the direction of arrow 1201, which is perpendicular to dashed line 1202 at the upper end of dashed line 1202 in Figure 27(1). Figures 27(1) and (4) show examples in which the flow path is completely blocked (closed), Figures 27(2) and (5) show examples in which the flow path is partially closed, and Figures 27(3) and (4) show examples in which the flow path is completely open.

[0426] Figures 27(7) and (8) show an example of the configuration of the inside of hole 1203 as seen from the top of electronic device 810, which finely controls the flow rate using four extraction stop sections, as an example of electronic device 810 that can finely adjust the extraction speed even when the size of hole 1203 is large.

[0427] As shown in Figures 27(4) to (6), the extraction stopping portion 822 in this sixth embodiment is provided with an axis 1205 extending parallel to a direction perpendicular to the side of the hole 1203 (the horizontal direction in Figure 27) midway through the hole 1203, and a disc-shaped plate 1204 rotating within the hole 1203 around this axis 1205 as a valve body.

[0428] As shown in Figures 27(1) and (4), this plate 1204 completely blocks and shields the hole 1203 when it stops at a position where its plane is perpendicular to the side of the hole 1203. Then, as shown in Figures 27(2) and (5), when the plane of the plate 1204 is rotated slightly from the direction perpendicular to the side of the hole 1203, the hole 1203 is partially opened. In this case, the gap becomes larger depending on the degree of rotation from the closed state shown in Figures 27(1) and (4), and the larger the gap, the greater the amount of extract that passes through the hole 1203 and falls into the container 40, resulting in a faster extraction rate.

[0429] 27(3) and (6), when the plane of plate 1204 is parallel to the side of hole 1203, hole 1203 is fully opened and the extraction speed is maximized. Rotation of plate 1204 shown in FIGS. 27(1) to (6) is achieved by control of the operation of a drive means (motor) that rotates shaft 1205 by control unit 250 (see FIG. 4).

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

[0431] 27(1) to 27(6) have shown an example in which one extraction stop portion 822 is provided. However, if multiple extraction stop portions 822 are provided and the degree of opening and closing is individually controlled, it is thought that the extraction speed can be controlled more precisely.

[0432] 27(7) and (8) show an example of electronic device 810 in which four holes (holes 1211 to 1214) smaller than hole 1210 are provided inside hole 1210, and extraction stop section 822 is provided for each of the four holes (holes 1211 to 1214). Extraction liquid flowing from dripper section 811 to hole 1210 flows into container 40 through one of holes 1211 to 1214. By controlling the degree of opening of each of holes 1211 to 1214, it is possible to easily set multiple extraction speeds.

[0433] For example, even if the extraction stop parts provided for each of the holes 1211 to 1214 only operate in two ways, fully open and closed, it is possible to set the extraction speed in five stages (fully open (4), fully open (3) closed (1), fully open (2) closed (2), fully open (1) closed (3), closed (4)).If an extraction stop part that can be maintained in a partially open state is provided, it is possible to set even more stages of extraction speed.

[0434] For example, assume that there are four extraction stoppers that open and close in three stages (fully open, shielded, and half-open), and that they are opened as evenly as possible so that there is no mixing of fully open and shielded states. In this case, nine stages of extraction speed can be set (fully open (4), fully open (3) half-open (1), fully open (2) half-open (2), fully open (1) half-open (3), half-open (4), half-open (3) shielded (1), half-open (2) shielded (2), half-open (1) shielded (3), shielded (4)).

[0435] Figure 27(7) shows an example in which two holes (holes 1212 and 1213) are partially opened and two more holes (holes 1211 and 1214) are completely closed, while Figure 27(8) shows an example in which all four holes (holes 1211 to 1214) are closed.

[0436] In this way, the electronic device 810 of the sixth embodiment is provided with an extraction stopper that can partially block the flow path of the extraction liquid, thereby enabling control of the extraction rate. Note that, although the extraction stopper of the electronic device 810 is assumed to be a butterfly valve, any extraction stopper shown in the first to fifth embodiments may be used as long as the electronic device 810 can control the opening and closing during the extraction period.

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

[0438] [Example of display screen in extraction speed control mode] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of an extraction speed control mode selection screen and an extraction status display screen in the user-specified extraction speed control mode in the sixth embodiment.

[0439] Figure 28(1) shows a screen (extraction speed control mode selection screen) for selecting the extraction speed control method (extraction speed control mode) by the extraction stop unit 280, and Figure 28(2) shows an extraction status display screen in the user-specified control mode each time.

[0440] The extraction speed control mode selection screen shown in Fig. 28(1) is the same as the extraction in progress display setting screen shown in Fig. 21(1), except that the items selected by the displayed buttons are different. Therefore, the following description focuses on the four extraction speed control modes that can be selected on the extraction speed control mode selection screen.

[0441] The extraction speed control mode selection screen shown in Figure 28(1) displays four buttons for selecting the extraction speed control mode on this screen: a "Full open mode" button 1221, a "User-specified mode each time" button 1222, a "Period-specific opening degree specified mode" button 1223, and a "Automatic mode with reference to the amount of extracted liquid" button 1224.

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

[0443] The "user-specified mode" button 1222 is a button for selecting a mode (user-specified mode) in which the user selects the degree of opening (opening degree) of the extraction liquid flow path by the opening and closing operation of the extraction stop unit 280 while performing the extraction operation. The operation of the electronic device 810 when the "user-specified mode" button 1222 is pressed and the user-specified mode is selected will be described in Figure 28(2), so its description will be omitted here.

[0444] The "Period-Based Mouth Opening Degree Designation Mode" button 1223 is a button for selecting a mode (period-based mouth opening degree designation mode) in which the mouth opening degree changes during extraction based on information (mouth opening degree control data) that the user directly specifies for the mouth opening degree for each period during extraction. Here, the mouth opening degree control data is information on the mouth opening degree that the user sets for each period during extraction before (in advance of) extraction, and is composed of information on the mouth opening degree for each hour, the period, comments on the mouth opening degree control data itself, and comments for each period. Note that information in the mouth opening degree control data other than the mouth opening degree for each hour is not essential for controlling the mouth opening degree in the period-based mouth opening degree designation mode, but is set in case it is needed for display during extraction or other purposes to support the user.

[0445] The operation of electronic device 810 when "period-based mouth opening degree designation mode" button 1223 is pressed and period-based mouth opening degree designation mode is selected will be described with reference to FIG. 29, and therefore will not be described here.

[0446] The "extract volume reference automatic mode" button 1224 is a button for selecting a mode (extract volume reference automatic mode) in which the electronic device 810 determines an appropriate opening degree during extraction based on pre-specified information about the transition of the liquid volume in the container 40 during extraction, and the opening degree is automatically controlled. The operation of the electronic device 810 when the "extract volume reference automatic mode" button 1224 is pressed and the extract volume reference automatic mode is selected will be described in Figure 30, and therefore will not be described here.

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

[0448] The extraction status display screen in the user-specified mode shown in Figure 28(2) is the same as the extraction status display screen shown in Figure 7(1) except that a display for the user to specify the mouth opening degree during extraction has been added, so here we will focus on the display for specifying the mouth opening degree in the explanation.

[0449] The extraction status display screen in the user-specified mode shown in Figure 28 (2) displays an "up" button 1225, a "down" button 1226, an "end midway (obstructed)" button 1227, an "end midway (unobstructed)" button 1228, and an indication of the extraction status. The indication of the extraction status includes the current amount of extracted liquid (extraction amount 100 ml), the amount of liquid to end extraction (extraction stop amount 240 ml (3 cups)), the elapsed time since the start of extraction (elapsed time 01:30), and the opening degree of extraction stop part 280 (opening degree (8: fully open, 0: obstructed) 8).

[0450] The "up" button 1225 and the "down" button 1226 are buttons that allow the user to specify the degree of mouth opening in the extraction stop section 280 during extraction. When the "up" button 1225 is pressed, the numerical value indicating the degree of mouth opening increases, and when the "down" button 1226 is pressed, the numerical value indicating the degree of mouth opening decreases.

[0451] In Figure 28(2), as an example, the number (8) is shown between the "up" button 1225 and the "down" button 1226, indicating that the setting is at the "9th" level (fully open) out of nine levels, with "0" representing the blocked state, the degree of opening increasing as the number increases, and "8" representing the fully open state.

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

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

[0454] [Example of display screen in period-specific opening degree specification mode] FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of an opening degree control data selection screen, an opening degree control data setting change screen, and an extraction status display screen in the period-based opening degree designation mode in the sixth embodiment.

[0455] Figure 29(1) shows a screen (opening degree control data selection screen) for selecting the opening degree control data to be used when extracting in the period-based opening degree designation mode, Figure 29(2) shows a screen (opening degree control data detail display screen) for displaying and changing the details of the contents of the opening degree control data, and Figure 29(3) shows an extraction status display screen in the period-based opening degree designation mode.

[0456] The opening degree control data selection screen shown in Figure 29(1) displays an "Up" button 1231, a "Down" button 1232, a "Check details / change" button 1233, a "Add new" button 1234, a "Set as used data" button 1235, a "Return to menu" button 1236, a list of opening degree control data, and the used opening degree control data.

[0457] The list shows four opening control data (high speed in the second half, A beans, coarse grind, for 6-minute extraction, for 2-minute brewing, and for brewing after each hot water supply), and a double-lined frame indicates that the opening control data named "for 2-minute brewing" is selected. The opening control data in use is displayed, from the left, with the name, brewing time, and comments.

[0458] The opening degree control data used is opening degree control data used to control the opening degree during extraction, and Figure 29(1) shows that opening degree control data named ``fast second half'' is set.

[0459] The "up" button 1231 and the "down" button 1232 are buttons for changing the opening control data displayed in the list, and are similar to the "up" button and the "down" button shown in the previous display example where a list is displayed.

[0460] The "Check details / change" button 1233 is a button for checking the details of the selected mouth opening control data indicated by a double-lined frame or for changing the information included in the mouth opening control data. When this "Check details / change" button 1233 is pressed, the screen switches to a mouth opening control data details display screen shown in Fig. 29(2).

[0461] The "Add New" button 1234 is a button for creating new usable mouth opening control data and adding it to the list of mouth opening control data. When this "Add New" button 1234 is pressed, the screen transitions to the mouth opening control data detail display screen shown in Fig. 29(2) without all the information that makes up the mouth opening control data.

[0462] The "Set to use data" button 1235 is a button for setting the selected mouth opening control data, which is indicated by a double-lined frame, as the use mouth opening control data. For example, as shown in Fig. 29(1), when the mouth opening control data "for 2-minute accumulation extraction" is selected, pressing this "Set to use data" button 1235 changes the use mouth opening control data to "for 2-minute accumulation extraction."

[0463] The "Return to Menu" button 1236 is a button for changing from the mouth opening control data selection screen to the menu screen. Note that in the sixth embodiment, an example will be described in which the menu screen is switched to this mouth opening control data selection screen, but this is not limited to this, and the setting may be made before measuring the coffee powder to be used for extraction.

[0464] Figure 29(2) shows the mouth opening control data detailed display screen. As explained in Figure 28(1), the mouth opening control data is made up of information such as the mouth opening degree for each time period, the period, comments on the mouth opening control data itself, and comments for each period. On the mouth opening control data detailed display screen shown here, these pieces of information that make up the mouth opening control data can be set.

[0465] The opening degree control data detailed display screen shown in Figure 29 (2) displays a "Confirm / change comment" button 1241, a "Change extraction policy data" button 1242, a "Discard and return" button 1243, a "Save and return" button 1244, an "Add period" button 1245, a "Name" input field 1251, a "Period number" designation button 1252, a "Opening degree" designation button 1253, a "Period start time" input field 1254, a "Period end time" input field 1255, a weight transition graph 1298, and an opening degree transition graph 1299.

[0466] The "Confirm / Change Comment" button 1241 is a button for displaying, confirming, and changing comments registered in the mouth opening control data ("For 2-minute accumulation extraction" in FIG. 29(2)) displayed on the mouth opening control data detail display screen. When this "Confirm / Change Comment" button 1241 is pressed, the screen transitions to a screen (not shown) on which the registered comments are displayed. The comments registered in the mouth opening control data include comments on the mouth opening control data itself (see the "Comment" input field 372 in FIG. 9(2)), as well as comments for each period (see the "Details" input field 1162 in FIG. 22(3)). These comments are used not only to identify the mouth opening control data by the user (see the display in the list in FIG. 29(1)), but also to help the user recognize the extraction operation when a guide is displayed during extraction.

[0467] The "Change Extraction Method Data" button 1242 is a button for changing the extraction method data that the user refers to to set the opening degree on this opening degree control data detail display screen. In FIG. 29(2), the weight transition information in dripper unit 811 held by this referenced extraction method data is shown by a solid line in weight transition graph 1298. The user refers to this weight transition graph 1298 to set each piece of information in the opening degree control data.

[0468] Although FIG. 29(2) illustrates an example in which the weight transition in dripper portion 811 is referenced, an example in which the liquid volume transition in container 40 is referenced is also conceivable.

[0469] In addition, when there is no extraction policy data to refer to (for example, when considering for the first time), the user registers each piece of information in the opening degree control data without specifying the extraction policy data to refer to. Note that the extraction history data may also be referenced.

[0470] The "Discard and return" button 1243 and the "Save and return" button 1244 are the same as the "Discard and return" button and the "Save and return" button shown in the display examples so far. In other words, when changes are made to the mouth opening control data, these buttons are used to discard or save the changes and return to the mouth opening control data selection screen.

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

[0472] The "period number" designation button 1252 is a button for designating the period to be displayed on the mouth opening degree control data detail display screen. Pressing the "period number" designation button 1252 displays a list of numbers indicating the periods set in the displayed mouth opening degree control data. Pressing one of the numbers from the list displays information about the period corresponding to that number. In other words, when the period to be displayed is changed by pressing the "period number" designation button 1252, the mouth opening degree, start time, and end time of the section of the selected number, as well as the hatched area on the mouth opening degree transition graph 1299 indicating the section of the selected number, are updated to the information about the period of the pressed number.

[0473] The “mouth opening degree” designation button 1253 is a button for designating the mouth opening degree set in the period designated by the “period number” designation button 1252 .

[0474] The "period start time" input field 1254 and the "period end time" input field 1255 are input fields for specifying the start timing and end timing of the period.

[0475] In the example display screen of Fig. 29(2), the fact that the first of a total of two periods (" / 2" in the figure) is being displayed is indicated by the "1" to the left of the "period number" designation button 1252 and the diagonally shaded section in the mouth opening degree transition graph. In addition, the number to the left of the "mouth opening degree" designation button 1253 and the numerical values in the "period start time" input field 1254 and the "period end time" input field 1255 indicate that the mouth opening degree for this period is "0" and the start time and end time are "0:00" and "2:00".

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

[0477] In Figure 29(2), in order to simplify the operation, an example of a display screen for setting the opening degree for each period (an example in which the opening degree for each time is set once for each period) is shown and explained, but this is not limited to this, and for example, a display screen in which the opening degree is set one by one at 15-second intervals and information regarding the period is set separately is also conceivable.

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

[0479] The extraction status display screen of Fig. 29(3) displays an "End (obstructed)" button 1246, an "End (unobstructed)" button 1247, extraction volume / planned volume, extraction completion volume, elapsed time, extraction completion time, weight transition graph, liquid volume transition graph, and opening degree transition graph. Note that the "End (obstructed)" button 1246 and the "End (unobstructed)" button 1247 are the same as the "End (obstructed)" button and the "End (unobstructed)" button described in the previous extraction status display screens, and therefore their explanation will be omitted here. Furthermore, the extraction volume / planned volume, extraction completion volume, elapsed time, and extraction completion time are the same as the previous extraction status display screens except for the different numerical values, and therefore their individual explanation will be omitted.

[0480] In addition, the extraction status display screen of Figure 29(3) is illustrated assuming that the opening degree control data named "for 2-minute accumulation extraction" shown in Figure 29(2) is set as the opening degree control data to be used.

[0481] In the weight transition graph and the liquid volume transition graph, each transition of the extraction strategy data is indicated by a dashed line, each transition of the extraction in progress is indicated by a solid line, and the timing of the transition of the period set in the opening degree control data is indicated by a dashed line parallel to the vertical axis.

[0482] In the mouth opening degree transition graph, the transition of the mouth opening degree set in the used mouth opening degree control data is indicated by a broken line, and the transition of the extraction being performed is indicated by a solid line.

[0483] 29(3) shows that when the elapsed time is "01:30", the opening degree of the extraction stop unit 822, in which the flow path is closed (shielded state), is "0", and the amount of extracted liquid in the container 40 is "0" ml. Then, the broken lines in the opening degree transition graph and the liquid volume transition graph indicate that after a little more time has passed, the flow path with an opening degree of "8" will be fully open, and the amount of liquid in the container 40 will increase.

[0484] In this way, in the period-based opening degree designation mode, extraction is performed while the opening degree is controlled based on the used opening degree control data. Note that the control of the opening degree for each time period during extraction is performed based only on the information on the opening degree for each time period (information on the transition of the opening degree) saved in the used opening degree control data, and other information is used for purposes other than controlling the opening degree. The display example in Figure 29(3) only shows the timing when the period changes, but it is also possible to display detailed information about the period to which the current time belongs (such as the period number, opening degree, and remaining time until the end shown in Figure 29(2)) as guide information, or to display the operation for the next period as guide information.

[0485] Regarding the display, it is also possible to display guide information as explained in the fifth embodiment. One example of the guide information is a notification regarding the excess or deficiency of the weight inside dripper unit 811.

[0486] In this way, the opening degree control data is composed of information on the opening degree for each time period, the start and end times of the period, comments on the opening degree control data itself, and comments for each period.By controlling the extraction speed during extraction based on this opening degree control data, the number of hand-drip technique patterns can be expanded, allowing users to enjoy hand-drip even more.

[0487] Up to this point, an example has been described in which the user creates the mouth opening control data, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, mouth opening control data for a simple extraction operation such as "for 2-minute accumulation extraction" shown in Fig. 29(2) can be stored in advance as preset mouth opening control data in the storage unit of the electronic device 810 (see storage unit 290 in Fig. 4). Also, as in the second embodiment, mouth opening control data recommended by others can be downloaded from a server and used.

[0488] 29 has been described as an example in which the information held in the extracted comparison data is not included in the mouth opening control data, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the information in the extracted comparison data may also be included, like the extracted speed control data described in Fig. 30. In this case, it is possible to display an extraction status display screen such as that in Fig. 29(3) using only the mouth opening control data without referring to the extracted comparison data during extraction, or to notify the user of guide information during extraction using only the mouth opening control data.

[0489] [Example of display screen in automatic extraction volume reference mode] FIG. 30 shows an example of an extraction speed control data selection screen, an extraction speed control data setting change screen, and an extraction status display screen in the automatic extraction liquid volume reference mode in the sixth embodiment.

[0490] Figure 30(1) shows a screen (extraction speed control data selection screen) for selecting the extraction speed control data to be used when extracting in the automatic mode with reference to the amount of extracted liquid, Figure 30(2) shows a screen (extraction speed control data setting change screen) for displaying and changing the details of the content of the extraction speed control data, and Figure 30(3) shows the extraction status display screen in the automatic mode with reference to the amount of extracted liquid.

[0491] The extraction speed control data selection screen shown in Figure 30(1) displays an "Up" button 1261, a "Down" button 1262, a "Check details / change" button 1263, a "Add new" button 1264, a "Set as used data" button 1265, a "Return to menu" button 1266, a list of extraction speed control data, and used extraction speed control data.

[0492] The extraction speed control data selection screen shown in Fig. 30(1) is a display screen similar to the mouth opening control data selection screen in Fig. 29(1) except for the selection target. That is, the displayed buttons are also the same as the buttons on the mouth opening control data selection screen in Fig. 29(1) except for the selection target being extraction speed control data, so detailed explanations will be omitted here.

[0493] The list of extraction speed control data displayed on the extraction speed control data selection screen shows four extraction speed control data (dark roast coarse ground coffee, full, light roast coarse ground coffee, full, dark roast coarse ground coffee, 2-minute distillation, full, medium roast medium ground coffee, high-speed final step). The information on the extraction speed control data is shown from left to right, including the name, extraction time, number of times it has been used to extract, and comments. Also, the extraction speed control data named "dark roast coarse ground coffee, 2-minute distillation, full" is set as the extraction speed control data to be used.

[0494] Next, the extraction speed control data will be described with reference to FIG.

[0495] Fig. 30(2) shows an extraction speed control data setting change screen that is displayed when the "Check details / change" button 1263 and "Add new" button 1264 shown in Fig. 30(1) are pressed. This extraction speed control data setting change screen shows a "Change weight / liquid volume transition" button 1268, a "Confirm / change comment" button 1269, a "Change past execution (trial) information" button 1270, a "Discard and return" button 1271, a "Save and return" button 1272, a "Name" input field 1267, an extraction information display field 1281, a weight transition graph 1295, a liquid volume transition graph 1296, and a planned opening degree graph 1294.

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

[0497] "Change weight / liquid volume transition" button 1268 is a button for changing information regarding the planned weight in dripper unit 811 for each time (each timing) and the planned liquid volume in container 40, which are stored in the extraction speed control data. When this "Change weight / liquid volume transition" button 1268 is pressed, a screen (not shown) for changing the planned weight in dripper unit 811 for each time and the planned liquid volume in container 40 is displayed, allowing the user to make changes. Note that if a period is to be set, this is done on the screen for making the change. Furthermore, if the information regarding the planned weight in dripper unit 811 for each time and the information regarding the period are not used on the extraction status display screen, extraction in the automatic mode with reference to the extracted liquid volume is possible even if these information is not set.

[0498] The "Confirm / Change Comment" button 1269 is a button for displaying, confirming, and changing comments registered for the currently displayed extraction speed control data (dark roast, coarse grind, 2-minute steeping, full). When this "Confirm / Change Comment" button 1269 is pressed, the screen moves to a screen (not shown) where the registered comments are displayed. In addition to comments on the extraction speed control data itself, comments for each period, the roast and grind of the coffee beans used, the amount, extraction amount, and extraction time can also be registered or changed on the screen where the comments are displayed.

[0499] The "Change Past Trial Information" button 1270 is a button for changing the extraction history data used to calculate the predicted opening degree for each hour set for the displayed extraction speed control data (dark roast coarse ground, 2-minute distillation, full). Note that the extraction history data used for this calculation is the extraction history data of past extractions performed in the extract volume reference automatic mode using the extraction speed control data named "dark roast coarse ground, 2-minute distillation, full."

[0500] In this sixth embodiment, the extraction history data includes, in addition to the information of the extraction history data described in the fifth embodiment, information indicating the extraction speed control data used (for example, name and identification number) and data on the actual opening degree over time (transition data). Furthermore, in this sixth embodiment, the extraction speed control data also includes information (name and identification number) indicating the extraction history data of extractions performed in the automatic mode with reference to the extracted liquid volume using this extraction speed control data.

[0501] Pressing the "Change Past Trial Information" button 1270 allows the user to change the extraction history data used to calculate the predicted opening degree, thereby adjusting the planned opening degree. For example, if one of seven past extraction history data is a failed extraction, the failed extraction history data is removed. The planned opening degree is then recalculated based on six past extraction history data. Note that when calculating the planned opening degree, not only the opening degree information from the past extraction history data is taken into account, but also the rate at which the extract volume in the container 40 increases. For example, if the rate at which the extract volume increases in a specific section in the past extraction history data is greater than the rate at which the extract volume increases in that section specified in the extraction speed control data, the opening degree for that extraction history data is determined to be too high and should have been reduced, and this determination is taken into account when calculating the planned opening degree.

[0502] In addition, if the number of previous attempts (trials) is zero, the electronic device 810 makes a rough prediction based on the registered roast level, grind level, amount, extraction amount, extraction time, and liquid volume transition graph, and controls the opening degree during extraction.

[0503] In this way, the more attempts (trials) have been made in the past, the higher the accuracy of the expected opening degree. The higher the accuracy of the expected opening degree, the closer the transition of the amount of extracted liquid during execution can be to the transition shown in the liquid amount transition graph 1296.

[0504] Here, we will explain the information displayed in the extraction information display field 1281. The extraction information display field 1281 shows that the number of previous attempts (tried) is "7 times", the degree of roasting of the coffee beans (roast) is "dark roast", the degree of grinding of the coffee beans (grind) is "coarse grind", the amount of coffee powder (coffee powder) is "25g", the amount of extracted coffee (extracted amount) is "360ml", and the extraction time (extraction time) is "04:00".

[0505] The number of past attempts (tried) is determined by how many pieces of extracted history data are referenced to set the predicted opening degree, but other information is entered by the user on the screen that appears when the "Confirm / Change Comment" button 1269 is pressed.

[0506] Although this input information (roast level, grind level, coffee powder, extraction volume, and extraction time) is not related to the setting of the planned opening angle, it is an important condition that determines whether the planned amount of liquid flows when the opening and closing operation of the planned opening angle is performed. Therefore, in the automatic extraction volume reference mode of the sixth embodiment, the amount of coffee powder, the amount of coffee extracted, and the extraction time are registered in the extraction speed control data, and the roast level and grind level of the coffee beans are notified to the user, thereby increasing the likelihood of achieving the planned extraction. Incidentally, the source of the beans can be entered in the comment field (not shown) to further increase the likelihood of achieving the planned extraction.

[0507] One possible use of this information is to notify (assist) the user when preparing the coffee powder to be used, to prepare the registered weight of coffee powder with the roast and grind level registered in the extraction speed control data in the dripper.

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

[0509] Furthermore, the information on the weight transition in the dripper registered in the extraction speed control data is used only as an indicator of the user's extraction action in this extraction, and is not used to set the planned opening size. However, because the amount of hot water in dripper unit 811 has a significant impact on the extraction speed, it is desirable to display a weight transition graph on the extraction in-progress display selection screen, and for the user to pour hot water so that the weight transition during execution approaches the weight transition in the extraction speed control data.

[0510] Since the planned opening degree is determined in advance, if a deviation occurs in the amount of extracted liquid accumulated in the container 40 during extraction, the opening degree will change in accordance with the deviation.

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

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

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

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

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

[0516] In this way, in the period-based opening degree specification mode, the opening degree is adjusted based on the transition in the liquid volume (extraction speed) in the container 40 specified by the extraction speed control data, thereby controlling the extraction speed during execution, thereby expanding the patterns of hand drip techniques and allowing users to enjoy hand drip even more.

[0517] Although an example of extraction speed control data generated by the user has been explained in Figure 30, as mentioned in the case of the opening degree control data explained in Figure 29, it is also possible to record the data in advance as a preset in an electronic device, or to download it from a server.

[0518] So far, the three extraction operations of the electronic device 810 (user-specified mode each time, period-specific opening degree specified mode, and automatic mode with reference to the amount of extracted liquid) have been described with reference to the operation screen of the electronic device 810.

[0519] Next, examples of the three extraction operations of the electronic device 810 will be described using the flowcharts shown in Figures 31 to 33. Note that Figures 31 to 33 assume that the operation to set the mode has been completed in advance. Also, Figures 32 and 33 assume that the opening degree control data and extraction speed control data to be used have already been selected.

[0520] [Example of electronic device operation] FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation (extraction process procedure) when extracting in the user-specified mode using electronic device 810 according to the sixth embodiment.

[0521] The flowchart shown in Fig. 31 illustrates an example in which an operation capable of changing the mouth opening degree is added to the example operation shown in Fig. 11, and the explanation will focus on the added steps. Note that since electronic device 810 does not have a touch panel display, it is assumed that the display will be on touch panel display 610 of electronic device 600 of the communication partner. Therefore, with regard to the display-related operations in the example operation, electronic device 810 outputs display screen data from communication unit 510 and displays it on touch panel display 610 of electronic device 600 of the communication partner. Such display-related operations that differ from the example operation of Fig. 11 only in that the output target is different, whether it is an internal touch panel or an external touch panel, will not be explained further, with the same reference numerals used. Note that this omission of explanation applies not only to Fig. 31, but also to Figs. 32 and 33.

[0522] After extraction starts, the process proceeds to step S112, where time measurement begins. The extraction stop unit 280 performs closure according to the opening degree specified (set) by the user (step S301). It is assumed that the opening degree immediately after start is already set before the start of steaming (start of extraction). For example, after selecting the user-specified mode each time on the extraction speed control mode selection screen shown in FIG. 28(1), the user may be prompted to set the opening degree immediately after the start of extraction. It is assumed that the opening degree is fully open until proceeding to step S112, allowing the steaming liquid to easily drip into the container. This fully open assumption is also true for FIGS. 32 and 33.

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

[0524] On the extraction status display screen in step S302, as shown in Fig. 28(2), a button for the user to change the mouth opening degree during extraction is displayed, and the mouth opening degree is changed during extraction by the user's operation via this button. Note that if the user changes the value of the mouth opening degree displayed on the extraction status display screen (see Fig. 28(2)) while it is displayed, the mouth opening degree is reset to this changed value in step S301, and the extraction stopping unit 280 performs shading according to this reset mouth opening degree.

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

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

[0527] When the amounts of coffee grounds and extract for this extraction are determined in step S111, the control unit 250 acquires the opening degree control data to be used in this extraction from the storage unit 290 (step S311). Then, when extraction starts and the process proceeds to step S112 to start measuring time, the extraction stop unit 280 performs shading according to the opening degree specified by the opening degree control data (step S312).

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

[0529] In this way, in the period-based opening degree designation mode, the degree of occlusion is changed during extraction based on opening degree control data prepared in advance.

[0530] Figure 33 is the second half of a flowchart showing an example of the operation when performing extraction in the extraction liquid volume reference automatic mode using the electronic device 810 in the sixth embodiment. The flowchart shown in Figure 33 is the same as the operation example shown in Figure 26, except that the operation related to guide information has been removed and an operation for controlling the opening degree based on extraction speed control data has been added. The explanation in Figure 33 will focus on the added steps. Note that the first half of the flowchart is the same as the flowchart shown in Figure 24, except that the operation related to the selection of extraction comparison data (steps S203 to S209) has been removed. As the rest is the same, the explanation here will be omitted.

[0531] After step S111 is completed, the control unit 250 acquires the extraction speed control data to be used in the current extraction from the storage unit 290 (step S321). Then, when extraction is started and the process proceeds to step S112 to start measuring time, the control unit 250 determines the mouth opening degree based on the comparison result of the amount of extracted liquid and the expected mouth opening degree (step S322). In this determination, the amount of extracted liquid at the current timing is compared with the amount of extracted liquid at the same timing indicated by the extraction speed control data, and if it is determined that the liquid amounts are the same, the mouth opening degree is determined to be the same as the expected mouth opening degree. If it is determined that the liquid amounts are different, the mouth opening degree is adjusted from the expected mouth opening degree to correct the discrepancy. Whether the liquid amounts are the same is determined, for example, using a threshold value, similar to the determination of the guide information described with reference to FIG. 21.

[0532] Next, the extraction stop unit 280 performs shading according to the determined opening degree (step S323). After the measurement of the amount of extracted liquid and the weight inside the dripper in steps S113 and S222 is completed, an extraction status display screen (see FIG. 30(3)) notifying the user of the extraction status is output via the communication unit 510 and displayed on the touch panel display 610 of the electronic device 600 (step S324).

[0533] Then, when the extraction is completed and the extraction history data relating to the current extraction is saved in step S216, the extraction speed control data used in the current extraction is updated by adding data relating to the current extraction (step S325), and then the extraction processing procedure ends.

[0534] In this way, according to the sixth embodiment, the extraction stopper partially blocks the flow path, allowing for adjustment of the extraction speed. This broadens the range of extraction operations, allowing for further consideration of hand-drip conditions, and making extraction even more enjoyable.

[0535] In the first to sixth embodiments described above, the temperature during extraction was not particularly considered. It is believed that if it were possible to easily extract coffee at the same temperature as the extraction temperature indicated by the extraction comparison data, it would be easier to reproduce the desired flavor. Therefore, an electronic device equipped with a temperature sensor will be described as a seventh embodiment with reference to FIGS. 34 to 39.

[0536] [Seventh embodiment: Example of measuring extraction temperature] [Example of external configuration of electronic device] Fig. 34 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of an electronic device 1300 according to the seventh embodiment. Fig. 34(1) shows a perspective view of the electronic device 1300, and Fig. 34(2) shows a top view of the electronic device 1300.

[0537] The electronic device 1300 described in the seventh embodiment is equipped with a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the extracting liquid, but this temperature sensor is not shown in Fig. 34 because it is provided in the extracting liquid path inside the electronic device 1300. For this reason, the temperature sensor will be described in detail in Fig. 35, and Fig. 34 will be described focusing on the differences in external configuration from the electronic devices described in the first to sixth embodiments.

[0538] The external configuration of the electronic device 1300 is a modified example of the electronic device 20 of the first embodiment, and is the same as that of the electronic device 20 except for the internal structure of the hole (hole 1320) through which the extract passes and the location for storing the wastewater. Therefore, the same components as those of the electronic device 20 are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described.

[0539] The temperature sensor can be installed in the electronic devices shown in the first to sixth embodiments to measure the temperature of the extract or the room temperature, but here, an example is shown in which it is installed in electronic device 1300, which is a modified example of electronic device 20.

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

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

[0542] The drainage space 1310 is a space (space) provided in the housing of the electronic device 1300, and similar to the drainage container 23 of the electronic device 20, is a space for collecting the extract (drainage) that accumulates inside the electronic device 1300 when the passage of the extract is obstructed. In the example of Fig. 34, the drainage space 1310 is open without a wall at the portion facing the top surface of the electronic device 1300, and is illustrated assuming that the accumulated extract can be easily discarded from the top surface. Note that this is just one example, and it is also possible to close the top surface of the drainage space 1310 and drill a hole in the side of the drainage space 1310 near the top surface, and discard the accumulated extract from this hole.

[0543] Hole 1320 differs from hole 26 of electronic device 20 of the first embodiment in that a temperature sensor is provided inside, and hole 1320 can measure the temperature of the extract using the internal temperature sensor. The interior of hole 1320 is also structured to facilitate measurement of the temperature of the extract. The internal structure of hole 1320 and the temperature sensor will be described with reference to the following Figure 35.

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

[0545] Figure 35(1) shows a top view of the case where the flow path of the extract is not blocked by the extraction stop parts (extraction stop parts 1331 and 1332 in Figure 35(6)), and Figure 35(2) shows a bottom view of this case. Figure 35(3) shows a top view of the case where the flow path of the extract is blocked by the extraction stop parts 1331 and 1332, and Figure 35(4) shows a bottom view of this case.

[0546] 35(5) shows a top view in which the drainage space 1310 and the water channel are added to the top view of the hole 1320. Also, FIG. 35(6) shows a cross section at the dashed line 1391 in FIG. 35(5), and shows a cross section as seen in the direction of an arrow 1392 that is perpendicular to the dashed line 1391 at the right end of the dashed line 1391.

[0547] Figures 35(1) to (4) show those of hole 1320, hole 1321, hole 1322, flow path separating section 1323, hole 1324, and temperature sensor 1325 that can be seen from the top or bottom. Figure 35(5) shows the top view shown in Figure 35(3) with dashed lines indicating the water channel connecting hole 1320 and drainage space 1310, and dashed lines indicating part of drainage space 1310. Figure 35(6) shows the components shown in Figures 35(1) to (5) as well as the measuring section 27, measuring platform 24, extraction stop section 1331, and extraction stop section 1332. Figures 35(3) to (6) also show plates 1331b and 1332b.

[0548] Note that the weighing unit 27 and the weighing platform 24 are the same as those in the electronic device 20, and the extraction stopper 1331 and the extraction stopper 1332 are the same as the extraction stopper 32 in the electronic device 20 except for the holes in which they are installed, so their explanation will be omitted here. Similarly, the plates 1331b and 1332b are the same as the plate 32b in the electronic device 20, so their explanation will be omitted here.

[0549] Inside hole 1320, there is provided a flow path (hole 1321) that is easily filled with extract liquid and a flow path (hole 1322) through which extract liquid easily flows without accumulating, and extract liquid that drops from the dripper (dripper 10 in FIG. 1) passes through one of the holes and falls into the container (container 40 in FIG. 1) (see FIGS. 35(2), (4), and (6)). To make it easier for the inside of hole 1321 to be filled with extract liquid, a partition (flow path separator 1323) is provided on the upper surface of hole 1321 to preferentially flow extract liquid into hole 1321 (see FIGS. 35(1), (3), and (6)).

[0550] The flow path separating section 1323 is a funnel-shaped partition provided to collect the extract in the hole 1321 in which the temperature sensor 1325 is provided. The flow path separating section 1323 is configured so that its upper surface (hole 1324) includes the center of the hole 1320 (center 1393 in Figure 35(1)) and so that the upper surface (hole 1324) occupies most of the area of the hole 1320 (see Figures 35(1) and (3)). On the other hand, the lower surface of the flow path separating section 1323 is connected to the hole 1321, and the extract that falls inside the hole 1324 flows preferentially to the hole 1321 (see Figure 35(6)).

[0551] 35(6), the flow path separating unit 1323 has an upper surface configured to be located inward of the electronic device 1300 by a width 1394 from the upper surface of the electronic device 1300. As a result, when the extracting liquid overflows from the upper surface of the flow path separating unit 1323, the extracting liquid does not overflow onto the upper surface of the electronic device 1300, but instead overflows into the hole 1322 connected to the outside of the flow path separating unit 1323.

[0552] Here, the size of the interior of the flow path separating section 1323 and the interior of the hole 1321 will be described, focusing on the amount of extract that accumulates therein. The amount of extract is preferably an amount that allows the temperature sensor (temperature sensor 1325) installed inside the hole 1321 to be in contact with the extract for as long as possible during the period from the first pour of hot water after steaming to the end of extraction. The rate at which the extract accumulates varies considerably depending on the amount of extract. For example, if the extraction time is the same for one cup and four cups, the extraction speed differs by nearly four times. The rate also varies depending on the amount of hot water remaining inside the dripper 10.

[0553] Furthermore, the electronic device 1300 of the seventh embodiment has a function for measuring the temperature of hot water before extraction, which will be described later. When measuring the temperature of hot water, if the extraction stopper 1331 is used to block the flow path so that liquid accumulates inside the hole 1321, it is desirable to collect an amount of hot water inside the hole 1321 and the flow path separation unit 1323 that allows the temperature of the hot water to be accurately measured when the hot water is poured. In this case, if the amount of hot water that accumulates is too small, too much heat will escape into the housing of the electronic device 1300 or the air, making it impossible to accurately measure the temperature. Furthermore, if the extraction stopper 1331 is not used to block the flow path when measuring the temperature of hot water, it is desirable to make the hole 1321 small and slow the flow rate of the hot water so that a small amount of hot water can be used for measurement. The flow path separation unit 1323 and the hole 1321 are set to appropriate sizes that take these factors into consideration and are determined in advance through various experiments.

[0554] Next, the hole 1322 will be described. The hole 1322 is a hole (flow path) for dropping (flowing) the extract during extraction that has overflowed from the flow path separation unit 1323 into the container 40. This hole 1322 may be of any size as long as it allows the extract that has overflowed from the flow path separation unit 1323 to drop into the container 40 without accumulating inside the electronic device 1300, and in Figures 35 (1) to (6), an example is shown in which a hole that is significantly larger than the hole 1321 is provided. Note that, in the seventh embodiment, it is assumed that there is only one hole (hole 1322) through which the extract that has overflowed from the flow path separation unit 1323 passes, but an example in which a plurality of holes is provided is also conceivable.

[0555] Next, the relationship between the drainage space 1310 and the holes 1321 and 1322 will be described. The drainage space 1310 is connected to the outside of the flow path separation section 1323, which is the flow path for the extract flowing through the hole 1322. On the other hand, it is not connected to the inside of the flow path separation section 1323 (see Figures 35 (5) and (6)). This allows the extract to accumulate inside the flow path separation section 1323 and the holes 1321 during extraction, and furthermore, when the flow path is blocked at the end of extraction, the extract flows from inside the holes 1320 to the drainage space 1310.

[0556] Next, the temperature sensor 1325 will be described. The temperature sensor 1325 is a contact-type sensor for measuring temperature. In the example shown in Figures 35(1) to (6), this temperature sensor 1325 has a temperature-sensing portion (temperature-sensing portion) inside the hole 1321 that protrudes from the wall surface of the hole 1321 toward the center of the hole 1321. The position of the temperature sensor 1325 may be any position that allows the temperature of the extract to be appropriately measured, and examples include embedding the temperature sensor in the wall surface of the hole 1321 or locating the temperature sensor near the bottom surface of the flow path separating portion 1323.

[0557] The temperature sensor 1325 is used to detect the room temperature by measuring the temperature when the electronic device 1300 is turned on. This detected room temperature is saved in the extraction history data after extraction is completed. It is also registered in the extraction policy data and is referenced when the user selects extraction comparison data from the extraction policy data.

[0558] In the seventh embodiment, the temperature sensor 1325 is also used to measure the temperature of hot water before the start of extraction and adjust the temperature of the hot water at the start of drip brewing. This function is unnecessary when the hot water temperature is already appropriate using another device, and can be omitted by setting it. For example, this function is unnecessary for users who use a separate thermometer to measure the temperature of the hot water in the drip pot before starting drip brewing, or for users who prepare hot water using an electronic kettle that can precisely adjust the hot water temperature.

[0559] The temperature of the hot water before the start of extraction is adjusted, for example, by the following procedure. First, after completing the measurement of the coffee powder to be used, the user is asked to remove the dripper 10 from the measuring base 24. Next, the user is asked to pour hot water into the flow path separating unit 1323, and the electronic device 1300 measures the temperature of the poured hot water. Note that in order to reduce the amount of hot water poured, the pouring and measurement operations are performed, for example, every 30 seconds. Note that when the flow path is blocked by the extraction stopping unit 1331 and hot water is collected for measurement, once measurement of the hot water temperature is completed, the flow path is opened and the hot water is discarded into the container 40, and then the flow path is blocked again to move on to the next measurement.

[0560] When the hot water temperature reaches the desired temperature, the operation of measuring the hot water temperature is terminated, the hot water that has fallen into the container 40 through the hole 1321 is discarded, and the dripper 10 is placed back on the measuring base 24 to start brewing. By having the user perform this series of operations, the electronic device 1300 can adjust the hot water temperature to a temperature appropriate for brewing.

[0561] The temperature of the hot water at the start of extraction is stored in the extraction history data and extraction policy data, just like the room temperature. If the temperature is adjusted by another device and not by the electronic device 1300, the temperature is input by the user and stored in the extraction history data.

[0562] The temperature sensor 1325 measures the temperature during extraction and stores the temperature transition (temperature transition) data of the extracted liquid in the extraction history data. This temperature transition is also stored in the extraction strategy data and is used to reproduce past extractions (model extractions) and generate guide information, similar to the liquid volume transition and weight transition in the first to sixth embodiments.

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

[0564] Although not particularly considered in the description so far, it is also desirable to pre-warm the dripper 10 and the container 40. For example, after measuring the coffee powder to be used for extraction and before the start of extraction, the coffee powder can be removed together with the filter, and hot water can be poured over the dripper 10 to warm it. The hot water poured over the dripper 10 passes through the electronic device 1300 and falls into the container 40, thereby also warming the container 40. By then starting the operation of adjusting the temperature of the hot water, extraction can be performed with the dripper 10, the electronic device 1300, and the container 40 warmed, allowing for more temperature-controlled extraction.

[0565] It should be noted that various other examples of the internal structure of hole 1320 are possible in addition to the example shown in Figure 35. Although not shown, one example is one in which hot water flows into drain space 1310 when the hot water temperature is adjusted. Specifically, extraction stopper 1332 is disposed below extraction stopper 1331 (on the underside of electronic device 1300) in Figure 35 (6) so as to completely block hole 1320. In this way, when extraction stopper 1332 closes the flow rate, all liquid flows into drain space 1310, and hot water can be prevented from dripping into container 40 even when the hot water temperature is adjusted.

[0566] Furthermore, in this electronic device, if the flow rate of the liquid accumulating inside hole 1321 and flow path separating unit 1323 is slow due to a narrow outlet of hole 1321, an example of an electronic device can be considered in which extraction stopping unit 1331 is not provided, and only extraction stopping unit 1332 that blocks all of the liquid flow paths is provided. Specifically, extraction stopping unit 1331 in FIG. 35(6) is omitted, and extraction stopping unit 1332 is placed below extraction stopping unit 1331 (on the underside of electronic device 1300) so as to block the entire hole 1320. Even in such a device, when extraction stopping unit 1332 closes the flow rate, all of the liquid flows into drain space 1310, so it is possible to adjust the hot water temperature and stop the extraction.

[0567] [Example of functional configuration of electronic devices] FIG. 36 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an electronic device 1300 according to the seventh embodiment.

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

[0569] The temperature detection unit 1341 detects the temperature of the extract passing through the electronic device 1300 and outputs the detection result to the control unit 250. The temperature detection unit 1341 is also used to detect the room temperature and to detect and adjust the temperature of the hot water before the start of extraction. That is, the temperature detection unit 1341 adjusts the temperature of the hot water before the start of extraction, thereby adjusting the temperature of the extract supplied from the dripper to the container. This temperature detection unit 1341 corresponds to the temperature sensor 1325 shown in FIG. 35.

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

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

[0572] Although not considered in the previous operational examples, when temperature is a key factor in brewing, brewing with more appropriate temperature control can be performed by pre-warming the dripper 10, the container 40, and the electronic device 1300 before starting brewing. In the seventh embodiment, an example is shown in which the dripper 10, the container 40, and the inside of the hole 1320 of the electronic device 1300 are pre-warmed before starting brewing to brew at a specific brewing temperature based on temperature detection by the temperature sensor 1325.

[0573] [Example of electronic device operation] Figures 37 to 39 are a series of flowcharts showing an example of the operation (extraction processing procedure) when extracting in detailed guide mode using the electronic device 1300 in the seventh embodiment. Figure 37 shows an example of the operation up to the end of determining the extracted comparison data, and Figure 38 shows an example of the operation from the start of measuring the coffee powder after determining the extracted comparison data to the end of adjusting the hot water temperature. And Figure 39 shows an example of the operation from the start of extraction to the end of extraction.

[0574] Note that Figure 37 is a modified example of Figure 24, and adds an operation for detecting room temperature to Figure 24. Also, Figure 38 adds an operation for calculating a threshold for determining guide information based on the temperature of the extract, an operation for pre-warming the device, and an operation for adjusting the temperature of the hot water to the operations up to the start of extraction in Figure 26. Also, Figure 39 adds a display of guide information based on the temperature of the extract to the operations from the start to the end of extraction in Figure 26. Therefore, explanations of operations common to Figures 24 and 26 will be omitted, and the following explanation will focus on the different operations.

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

[0576] Then, once the weight thresholds in the dripper for each timing to be compared during the extraction period are calculated in step S221 shown in FIG. 38, the control unit 250 calculates the threshold temperature of the extracted liquid for each timing to be compared (step S402). Next, an instruction screen (not shown) for warming the device (the dripper 10, the container 40, and the interior of the hole 1320 of the electronic device 1300) by pouring hot water after removing the coffee grounds together with the filter from the dripper 10 is displayed on the display unit 220 (step S403). Specifically, an instruction screen including an instruction such as "Please remove the coffee grounds together with the filter and then pour hot water into the dripper to warm the device" and an "End" button is displayed, and the user reads this instruction screen and performs the operation of pre-warming the device. Note that when a dripper with an integrated filter function made of metal mesh or ceramic is used, the coffee grounds are removed together with the dripper, and only the interior of the hole 1320 of the electronic device 1300 and the container 40 are warmed.

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

[0578] On the other hand, if it is determined that the water has been heated (step S404), the control unit 250 determines whether to adjust the temperature of the hot water used for extraction using the temperature detection unit 1341 of the electronic device 1300 (step S405). Specifically, for example, a screen including a message such as "Do you want to adjust the temperature of the hot water now?" and "Yes" and "No" buttons is displayed, and the determination is made based on whether the user presses the button. If it is determined that the temperature will not be adjusted based on the user pressing the "No" button (step S405), the process proceeds to step S410. Note that the user may press the "No" button when adjusting the temperature using a thermometer attached to the drip pot, or when the temperature has already been adjusted by boiling water in an electronic kettle with a temperature adjustment function, etc.

[0579] On the other hand, if it is determined that the temperature adjustment operation should be performed (step S405), a prompt screen (not shown) for removing dripper 10 from measuring base 24 is displayed on display unit 220 (step S406). Specifically, for example, a message saying "Please remove dripper from measuring base" is displayed.

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

[0581] On the other hand, if it is determined that dripper 10 has been removed from measuring platform 24 (step S407), an operation to adjust the temperature of the hot water poured into flow path separation unit 1323 is performed (step S408). Specifically, an instruction screen (not shown) during adjustment displays, for example, the timing of pouring hot water (e.g., every 30 seconds), the most recently measured temperature, the temperature to be adjusted (the temperature registered in the extraction comparison data), an "End Adjustment" button, and a "Redo" button. Then, as the user pours hot water into flow path separation unit 1323 according to this instruction screen, the temperature of the hot water is repeatedly measured at each timing. When it is determined that the hot water has cooled to approximately the temperature to be prepared, the adjustment of the hot water temperature is completed.

[0582] Then, the control unit 250 determines whether or not to end the operation of adjusting the hot water temperature (step S409). If it is determined not to end the operation of adjusting the hot water temperature (step S409), the process returns to step S408, and the hot water temperature adjustment continues. Specifically, for example, if the hot water temperature has not cooled down to the temperature to which it was intended to be adjusted, it is determined not to end. It is also determined not to end if the user presses the "redo" button because the hot water temperature has cooled down too much compared to the temperature to which it was intended to be adjusted.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0589] After that, after proceeding to step S224, the temperature of the extract is detected by the temperature detection unit 1341 (step S414). Subsequently, the detected temperature of the extract is compared with a temperature threshold (step S415). Then, guide information is determined by the control unit 250 based on the comparison results between the extraction amount and the threshold, the comparison results between the weight and the threshold, the comparison results between the temperature and the threshold, and information related to the period (step S416). Thereafter, an extraction status display screen reflecting the determined guide information is displayed on the display unit 220 (step S417).

[0590] Thereafter, when the process proceeds to step S117 and an extraction end screen is displayed, extraction history data relating to the completed extraction (current extraction) is saved in the storage unit 290 (step S418). In the electronic device 1300, the room temperature, the temperature of the hot water before extraction, and the temperature transition of the extraction liquid during extraction are added to each piece of information in the extraction history data described in the fifth embodiment and saved as extraction history data. Furthermore, if the hot water temperature was not adjusted using the electronic device 1300 in step S405, the user can input the hot water temperature before extraction and this is recorded in the extraction history data.

[0591] After that, guide information (not shown) summarizing the completed extraction is displayed (step S419), and the extraction processing procedure ends. This guide information, for example, summarizes the results of comparisons of the liquid volume transition and weight transition with thresholds, and if there is a large deviation from the reference (transition of the extraction comparison data), guide information such as "Check the extraction operation" is displayed. Regarding temperature, guide information is displayed based on a summary of the results of comparisons between the room temperature at the time of extraction and the reference room temperature, the results of comparisons between the hot water temperature at the start of extraction and the reference hot water temperature, and the results of comparisons with the temperature transition threshold. For example, if the room temperature differs significantly, guide information such as "The reference extraction and the room temperature are significantly different. If the taste is not satisfactory, prepare extraction policy data for the current season." is displayed. Furthermore, if the hot water temperature at the start is approximately the same but the extraction temperature drops during extraction, guide information such as "Increase the amount of hot water prepared to prevent the hot water from cooling down." is displayed.

[0592] As described above, according to the seventh embodiment, by providing the temperature detection unit 1341 in the electronic device 1300, extraction can be easily performed taking into consideration temperatures related to extraction, such as room temperature, hot water temperature, and extraction liquid temperature, etc. This makes it possible to easily perform extraction that reproduces the user's preferred taste.

[0593] 36 to 38 show an example in which the room temperature is detected using the temperature detection unit 1341 of the electronic device 1300 (step S401), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a room temperature may be acquired via the communication unit 510 from a thermometer (thermo-hygrometer) having a wireless communication function. If the electronic device 1300 is used intermittently several times a day, the temperature detection unit 1341 may be constantly warm. Therefore, for users who use the electronic device 1300 frequently, it is preferable to provide the electronic device 1300 with a function to acquire the room temperature via the communication unit 510. Regarding the temperature of the hot water before the start of extraction, a case in which the temperature of the hot water in the drip pot measured by a thermometer having a communication function is acquired via the communication unit 510 may also be considered.

[0594] Although not considered in the seventh embodiment, when different extraction policy data are prepared for each room temperature, an example is conceivable in which the electronic device 1300 automatically selects extraction policy data appropriate for the room temperature at the time of extraction. For example, the storage unit 290 stores information (group information) in which extraction policy data A is recorded for room temperatures below 10°C, extraction policy data B is recorded for room temperatures between 10 and 30°C, and extraction policy data C is recorded for room temperatures above 30°C. When selecting extraction policy data at the time of extraction (when extracting), this group information is referenced, and the electronic device 1300 automatically selects extraction policy data whose range includes the room temperature at the time of selection. In this way, the extraction-related temperatures acquired by the electronic device 1300 can be used to assist the user in various extraction operations.

[0595] In this way, the electronic devices described in the first to seventh embodiments detect the weight inside the dripper, the amount of extract in the container, and the temperatures of the room, hot water, and extract, allowing the user to adjust the amount and timing of pouring hot water, thereby adjusting the supply of extract from the dripper to the container.

[0596] Each control operation shown in the first to seventh embodiments is executed based on a program for causing a computer to execute each processing procedure, and each control operation can also be understood as a method or program invention. For example, the control operation shown in the first and seventh embodiments can be realized by storing a program relating to each control operation shown in the first and seventh embodiments in a storage medium of an information processing device such as an electronic device or a server, reading the program from the storage medium, and causing the information processing device to execute the read program. Furthermore, the program may be stored in an external storage medium (e.g., a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a memory card) of the information processing device and used.

[0597] The first to seventh embodiments are merely examples for realizing the invention described in the claims, and are not limited to these, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0598] 1, 800, 1001 Coffee Extractor 10 Dripper 11 Storage section 12 Flange 13 Legs 20, 500, 600, 810, 1100, 1300 electronic equipment 21 Power button 22,610 Touch panel display 23 Drain container 24, 813 weighbridge 25, 270, 815 Liquid level detector 27, 260, 819 Measuring section 28,810 speaker 31a~31d Container position fixing part 32, 280, 822, 1331, 1332 Extraction stop part 40 containers 210 Operation section 220 Display section 230 Sound output unit 240 Timer 250 control section 290 Storage section 510 Communications Department 700 Communication Systems 710 Server 720 Network 811 Dripper section 1325 Temperature Sensor 1341 Temperature detection unit

Claims

1. An electronic device that performs processing to output, from an output unit, support information regarding the liquid poured into a dripper, based on measurements of the substance contained in the dripper and the liquid poured into the dripper, when the liquid poured into a dripper containing a substance for extracting a beverage is collected in a container located below the dripper.

2. The support information is output based on a result of comparing the measurement result in predetermined extraction history data relating to the transition of the measurement result at the time of extraction with the measurement result performed during the extraction. The electronic device according to claim 1 .

3. a liquid amount detection unit that detects the amount of liquid accumulated in the container; a measuring unit that measures the weight of the substance contained in the dripper and the weight of the liquid remaining inside the dripper; a control unit that controls the output unit to output the support information as a result of the measurement of at least one of the liquid amount detected by the liquid amount detection unit and the weight measured by the measuring unit. The electronic device according to claim 1 .

4. An information processing method for causing a computer to execute a process for outputting, from an output unit, support information regarding the liquid to be poured into a dripper, based on measurements of the substance contained in the dripper and the liquid to be poured into the dripper, when the liquid poured into the dripper contains a substance for extracting a beverage and the substance is to be collected in a container disposed below the dripper.

5. A program that causes a computer to execute a process for outputting, from an output unit, support information regarding the liquid poured into a dripper, based on measurements of the substance contained in the dripper and the liquid poured into the dripper, when the liquid poured into the dripper containing the substance for extracting a beverage is collected in a container disposed below the dripper.

Images