Beverage serving quality monitoring system and beverage serving quality monitoring method

Abstract

To provide a beverage providing quality monitoring system and a beverage providing quality monitoring method capable of accurately grasping quality of providing a beverage in a store while reducing frequency of visits to a store.SOLUTION: A beverage providing quality monitoring system according to an embodiment is a beverage providing quality monitoring system 1 which monitors beverage providing quality in shops A1 and A2 that provides a beverage by a beverage server 10. The beverage providing quality monitoring system includes: a beverage server sensor 20 that measures a state of the beverage server 10 in a state of being fixed to the beverage server 10; sensor units 40 and 60 including one or more sensors that measure a state of a beverage provided from the beverage server 10 at a position separated from the beverage server 10; and a beverage providing information reception unit 3 that receives the state of the beverage server 10 measured by the beverage server sensor 20 and the state of the beverage measured by the sensor units 40 and 60.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a beverage serving quality monitoring system and a beverage serving quality monitoring method. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2018-103999 describes a beverage dispenser system and an information processing method. The beverage dispenser system includes a beer dispenser and an external computer. The external computer includes a receiving unit that receives information about the motion of the beer dispenser, an analyzing unit that analyzes the information about the motion, and a transmitting unit that transmits a message determined according to the information about the motion.

[0003] The information about the motion includes the movement of the lever of the beer dispenser, the action of removing the tap of the beer dispenser, and the action of removing the dispense head from the beer barrel. The analysis unit analyzes the movement of the lever, the action of removing the tap, and the action of removing the dispense head, and calculates the frequency of lever use and the frequency of cleaning the tap and the dispense head. The transmission unit generates a message according to the frequency of lever use and the frequency of cleaning the tap and the dispense head calculated by the analysis unit, and transmits the generated message to a mobile device of a person in charge of the beverage sales company. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-103999 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The beverage dispenser system described above includes a plurality of sensors that measure the status of each part of the beverage dispenser system, an external computer that receives the measurement results of the plurality of sensors, and a message according to the measurement results is sent to the mobile terminal of the beverage sales company's representative. In this way, information about the status of each part of the beer dispenser is sent to the mobile terminal.

[0006] However, in the above-mentioned beverage dispenser system, information about the beverages actually served to customers is not transmitted to an external computer, making it difficult to obtain information about the beverages themselves. Therefore, it is not possible to fully grasp the condition in which the beverages are actually served to customers from the establishment that serves the beverages. Therefore, in order to grasp the actual condition in which the beverages are served, it is necessary to interview the establishment or actually visit the establishment, so there is room for improvement in the management of the quality of beverages served in the establishment.

[0007] The present disclosure aims to provide a beverage serving quality monitoring system and a beverage serving quality monitoring method that can accurately grasp the serving quality of beverages in a store while reducing the frequency of visits to the store. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The beverage serving quality monitoring system of the present disclosure is a beverage serving quality monitoring system that monitors the quality of beverage serving at multiple stores that serve beverages using beverage servers, and includes a beverage server sensor that is fixed to the beverage server and measures the state of the beverage server, a sensor unit that includes one or more sensors that measure the state of the beverage served from the beverage server at a position spaced apart from the beverage server, and a beverage serving information receiving unit that receives the state of the beverage server measured by the beverage server sensor and the state of the beverage measured by the sensor unit.

[0009] This beverage serving quality monitoring system monitors the serving quality of beverages at multiple establishments that serve beverages from beverage servers, and a beverage server sensor fixed to the beverage server measures the status of the beverage server. Furthermore, this beverage serving quality monitoring system includes a sensor unit including one or more sensors positioned at a distance from the beverage server, which measures the status of the beverage served from the beverage server. The status of the beverage server and the status of the beverage measured by the sensor unit are then received by a beverage serving information receiving unit. Therefore, it is possible to receive information on not only the status of the beverage server but also the beverage actually served from the beverage server, thereby obtaining information on the beverage served itself. Therefore, it is possible to obtain information on not only the beverage server but also the beverage served, thereby fully understanding the status of beverages actually served to customers at the establishment. As a result, it is possible to reduce the effort required to interview or visit the establishment to understand the status of beverage serving, and it is possible to easily and accurately understand the quality of beverage serving at the establishment.

[0010] The beverage serving quality monitoring system described above may include a housing member at a position spaced from the beverage server that houses a hose through which a beverage passes and that extends from the beverage server, and at least some of the sensors of the sensor unit, and the sensor measures the condition of the beverage passing through the hose housed in the housing member. In this case, the hose through which the beverage passes and at least some of the sensors of the sensor unit are housed in the housing member. The condition of the beverage passing through the inside of the hose housed in the housing member is measured by the sensor. Therefore, since the hose and sensor are housed together in the housing member and the sensor measures the condition of the beverage in the housed state, the condition of the beverage can be measured with high accuracy.

[0011] The beverage serving quality monitoring system described above may include a keg stand on which a keg containing a sparkling beverage and connected to a beverage server via a hose is placed, and on which at least some of the sensors of a sensor unit are arranged, and the sensor measures the condition of the beverage contained in the keg. In this case, a keg stand is provided on which a keg connected to the beverage server via a hose is placed, and at least some of the sensors of the sensor unit are arranged on the keg stand. The sensor arranged on the keg stand measures the condition of the beverage contained in the keg. Therefore, the condition of the beverage contained in the keg can be measured with high accuracy by the sensor, and the storage condition of the beverage in the keg can be understood.

[0012] The sensor unit may include a sensor fixed to a cylinder that contains gas to be supplied to the inside of the keg and that measures the state of the gas in the cylinder. In this case, the sensor is fixed to the cylinder that supplies gas to the beverage contained in the keg and measures the state of the gas. Therefore, since the sensor fixed to the cylinder can measure the state of the gas supplied to the beverage inside the keg, the state of the beverage can be measured with higher accuracy.

[0013] The beverage serving quality monitoring system described above may include a separate measuring device on which a beverage container containing a beverage dispensed from the beverage server is placed, and the sensor unit may include a sensor that is incorporated into the separate measuring device and measures the condition of the beverage dispensed into the beverage container. In this case, a sensor is incorporated into the separate measuring device on which a beverage container containing a beverage dispensed from the beverage server is placed, and the sensor measures the condition of the beverage dispensed into the beverage container. Therefore, since the condition of the beverage dispensed from the beverage server can be measured by the separate measuring device, the quality of the beverage served can be measured with higher accuracy.

[0014] The beverage server may include a cradle on which a beverage container from which a beverage is dispensed is placed, and the sensor unit may include a sensor that measures the state of the beverage dispensed into the beverage container placed on the cradle. In this case, the sensor can measure the beverage immediately after it is dispensed into the beverage container placed on the cradle of the beverage server and / or while it is being dispensed into the beverage container. Therefore, the state of the beverage being dispensed can be measured in real time.

[0015] The beverage may be a sparkling drink containing a liquid and foam placed on top of the liquid, and the sensor unit may include a sensor that measures at least one of the state of the liquid in the sparkling drink and the state of the foam in the sparkling drink. In this case, at least some of the sensors in the sensor unit measure at least one of the state of the liquid in the sparkling drink and the state of the foam in the sparkling drink, thereby enabling highly accurate measurements of the sparkling drink to be provided.

[0016] The sensor unit may include a sensor for measuring the turbidity of the liquid in the fizzy drink, in which case the sensor measures the turbidity of the liquid in the fizzy drink to be served, thereby making it possible to know whether the served drink is cloudy.

[0017] The sensor unit may include a sensor that measures the distance between the top of the beverage container from which the beverage is dispensed and the top of the foam. In this case, by measuring the distance between the top of the beverage container and the top of the foam with the sensor, it is possible to determine whether the amount of sparkling beverage is appropriate. Therefore, the serving quality of the beverage can be determined with higher accuracy.

[0018] The sensor unit may include a sensor that measures the ratio of foam to liquid in the beverage container from which the beverage is dispensed. In this case, the sensor measures the foam to liquid ratio, so that it is possible to determine whether the foam to liquid ratio in the sparkling beverage being served is appropriate. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the foam to liquid ratio is the recommended ratio, and therefore the serving quality of the beverage can be determined with greater accuracy.

[0019] The sensor unit may include a sensor that measures frosty mist generated at the boundary between the foam and the liquid in the beverage container from which the beverage is dispensed. Frosty mist is tiny granular bubbles generated between the liquid and foam of a sparkling beverage, and it is known that when the frosty mist is stimulated during drinking, finer bubbles regenerate. Therefore, if a sensor that measures frosty mist is provided, the amount of foam regenerated in the sparkling beverage can be estimated, thereby more accurately assessing the quality of the sparkling beverage.

[0020] The sensor unit may include a sensor that detects the presence or absence of foreign matter in the beverage container from which the beverage is dispensed. In this case, the presence or absence of foreign matter in the beverage container can be detected by the sensor. Therefore, a warning can be issued to establishments that use beverage containers with foreign matter attached, thereby improving the quality of beverages served.

[0021] The beverage server may include a faucet for dispensing beverages, and the sensor unit may measure at least one of the temperature of the beverage container from which the beverage is dispensed, the temperature of the beverage dispensed in the beverage container, and the temperature of the outside air outside the beverage server. In this case, the sensor unit can measure at least one of the temperature of the beverage container, the temperature of the beverage dispensed in the beverage container, and the temperature of the outside air, thereby obtaining information about the environment in which the beverage is served. Therefore, the quality of the beverage served can be determined with even greater accuracy by measuring the temperature.

[0022] The sensor unit may be detachable from the beverage server, in which case the sensor unit can be reused in another store or another beverage server.

[0023] The beverage serving quality monitoring method of the present disclosure is a beverage serving quality monitoring method for monitoring the quality of beverage serving in a plurality of stores that serve beverages using a beverage server, and includes the steps of measuring the status of the beverage server using a beverage server sensor fixed to the beverage server and generating beverage server status information indicating the status of the beverage server, measuring the status of the beverage served from the beverage server using a sensor unit installed at a position away from the beverage server and generating outside-server beverage status information indicating the status of the beverage outside the beverage server, and receiving beverage server status information and outside-server beverage status information from each of the plurality of stores.

[0024] This beverage serving quality monitoring method monitors the serving quality of beverages at multiple establishments and generates beverage server status information from the measurement results of a beverage server sensor. Furthermore, this beverage serving quality monitoring method generates beverage status information outside the server from the measurement results of a sensor unit installed at a location remote from the beverage server, and receives both the beverage server status information and the beverage server status information. Therefore, similar to the beverage serving quality monitoring system described above, it is possible to receive information not only on the status of the beverage server but also on the beverages actually served outside the beverage server. Therefore, it is possible to obtain information not only on the beverage server but also on the beverages being served themselves. As a result, it is possible to fully understand the condition in which beverages are actually being served to customers at the establishment, thereby reducing the effort required to interview or visit the establishment to understand the beverage serving status. This also makes it possible to easily and accurately grasp the beverage serving quality at the establishment. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to grasp the quality of beverages served at a store with high accuracy while reducing the frequency of visits to the store. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a beverage serving quality monitoring system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a server or terminal used in the beverage serving quality monitoring system. [Figure 3] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a beverage serving device including a beverage server that constitutes the beverage serving quality monitoring system of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a block diagram showing an exemplary functional configuration of each unit of the beverage providing device of FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a sensor unit of the beverage serving quality monitoring system of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the sensor unit of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 2 is a diagram showing an example of frosty mist in a beverage served from a beverage server of the beverage serving quality monitoring system of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] 2A, 2B, and 2C are diagrams showing an example of measurement of lacing in a beverage served from a beverage server of the beverage serving quality monitoring system of FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of a beverage serving quality monitoring system and a beverage serving quality monitoring method according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, identical or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted as appropriate. In addition, the drawings may be partially simplified or depicted in a schematic manner for ease of understanding, and the dimensional proportions and arrangement state are not limited to those shown in the drawings.

[0028] In the beverage serving quality monitoring system and beverage serving quality monitoring method of this embodiment, as an example, various sensors are attached around the beverage servers in each of multiple stores, and the beverage serving quality in the multiple stores is monitored by receiving the measurement results of the various sensors.

[0029] The beverage serving quality monitoring system and beverage serving quality monitoring method according to this embodiment monitor the beverage serving quality at multiple establishments, thereby enabling efficient visits to establishments for quality checks. In other words, because the beverage serving quality at multiple establishments can be monitored remotely, the frequency of visits can be reduced for establishments with high beverage serving quality, and guidance for quality improvement can be provided promptly to establishments with low beverage serving quality. For example, it is possible to encourage establishments that are not cleaning their beverage servers enough to clean them.

[0030] The beverage serving quality monitoring system according to this embodiment can remotely monitor the status of multiple beverage servers installed in multiple stores. This makes it possible to determine when maintenance is required for multiple beverage servers. Furthermore, because the beverage serving quality monitoring system according to this embodiment can monitor the usage status of beverage servers, it can detect when a beverage server is no longer in use due to a store going out of business, or when a beverage server has been moved from the store.

[0031] In this disclosure, the term "beverage" refers to a drinkable liquid or semi-solid. "Beverages" include alcoholic beverages such as beer, chuhai, happoshu (low-malt beer), and wine, as well as non-alcoholic carbonated beverages and soft drinks. A "beverage" is, for example, a sparkling beverage. A "sparkling beverage" is, for example, a beverage containing a fermented alcoholic beverage containing a gas such as carbon dioxide, which has a foaming property in which a foam layer is formed on the liquid when poured into a beverage container, and a foam retention property in which the formed foam is maintained for a certain period of time or more.

[0032] A sparkling beverage is, for example, a beverage that exhibits a NIBEM value of 50 seconds or more according to the EBC (European Brewery Convention) method. The NIBEM value is an index value that indicates the foam retention characteristics of a beverage. The sparkling beverage may be a beer-flavored beverage. Beer-flavored beverages include beverages that taste like beer and beverages that give the drinker the sensation of drinking beer. Beer-flavored beverages with an alcohol content of 1% or more are also called beer-flavored alcoholic beverages.

[0033] Furthermore, beer-taste beverages include malt fermented beverages such as beer, happoshu, non-alcoholic beer, and liqueurs (e.g., beverages classified as "liqueurs (sparkling) (1)" under the Liquor Tax Act) that use malt as an ingredient, as well as beer-taste beverages that do not use barley or malt as an ingredient (e.g., beverages classified as "other brewed alcoholic beverages (sparkling) (1)" under the Liquor Tax Act). Note that "sparkling beverages" may also be beverages other than beer-taste beverages. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the sparkling beverage is beer and the liquid in the sparkling beverage is beer liquid.

[0034] "Quality of beverage provision" and "provision quality" include the quality of the beverage itself provided and the quality of the beverage server. "Quality of beverage provision" and "provision quality" may also include the quality of the establishment where the beverage is provided (e.g., the temperature inside the establishment). "Establishment" is an establishment where beverages are provided to customers (drinkers). "Establishment" may include, for example, eating and drinking establishments such as izakayas, restaurants, or beer gardens, or event venues where beverages are provided.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a beverage serving quality monitoring system 1 according to this embodiment. The beverage serving quality monitoring system 1 is, for example, a computer system used to monitor the quality of beverage serving at multiple establishments. For example, the beverage serving quality monitoring system 1 may be configured as a single computer, and may include a mobile terminal such as a tablet terminal, a high-function mobile phone (smartphone), or a laptop personal computer, or may include an information terminal such as a stationary personal computer. Alternatively, the beverage serving quality monitoring system 1 may be a distributed processing system configured by multiple computers, or may be a client-server system or a cloud system.

[0036] The beverage serving quality monitoring system 1 may include a beverage serving quality monitoring program. The beverage serving quality monitoring program according to this embodiment includes, for example, a main module, a data acquisition module, an image analysis module, a determination module, and an output module. The main module is a module that comprehensively manages the functions of the beverage serving quality monitoring system 1. Execution of the data acquisition module, image analysis module, determination module, and output module causes each functional component of the beverage serving quality monitoring system 1 to function. The beverage serving quality monitoring program may be provided by being permanently recorded on a tangible recording medium such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the beverage serving quality monitoring program may be provided via a communications network as a data signal superimposed on a carrier wave.

[0037] The beverage serving quality monitoring system 1 includes, for example, a server 2. The exemplary server 2 is capable of communicating with a beverage server sensor 20 fixed to a beverage server 10 disposed in each of a plurality of establishments, and a sensor unit 40 disposed outside the beverage server 10 as a separate entity. The term "sensor unit" refers to one or more sensors that measure the state of the beverage being served. The term "beverage being served" includes both the beverage before it is dispensed from the beverage server 10 and the beverage after it has been dispensed from the beverage server 10.

[0038] In the example of FIG. 1, store A1 equipped with one beverage server 10 and store A2 equipped with multiple beverage servers 10 are shown as examples of multiple stores. However, the number of stores targeted by beverage serving quality monitoring system 1 may be three or more, or in some cases may be one. Furthermore, the number of beverage servers 10 installed in a store is not particularly limited. Furthermore, the number of beverage servers 10 and the number of sensor units 40 in a store may be the same or different.

[0039] The server 2 includes, as functional components, for example, a beverage provision information receiving unit 3, a data analysis unit 4, a data display unit 5, and an alert output unit 6. The beverage provision information receiving unit 3 receives beverage server status information D1 indicating the status of the beverage server 10 from the beverage server 10. Furthermore, the beverage provision information receiving unit 3 receives, from the sensor unit 40, outside-server beverage status information D2 indicating information on the status of the beverage outside the beverage server 10. The outside-server beverage status information D2 may be, for example, the status of the beverage dispensed from the beverage server 10, or the status of the beverage before it is supplied to the beverage server 10.

[0040] The data analysis unit 4 is a functional element that analyzes, for example, the beverage server status information D1 and the beverage off-server status information D2 received by the beverage provision information receiving unit 3. As an example, the data analysis unit 4 may determine whether the beverage server status information D1 is good or bad, and whether the beverage off-server status information D2 is good or bad. As a specific example, the data analysis unit 4 may determine that a store is passable if both the beverage server status information D1 and the beverage off-server status information D2 meet a predetermined standard, or may determine that a store is failable if either the beverage server status information D1 or the beverage off-server status information D2 does not meet the standard.

[0041] The data display unit 5 is a functional element that displays the analysis results of the beverage server status information D1 and the beverage outside the server status information D2 by the data analysis unit 4. The data display unit 5 may display the analysis results as a dashboard including at least one of a pie chart, a bar graph, and a line graph, for example. The data analysis unit 4 and the data display unit 5 may be configured using BI tools (Business Intelligence tools).

[0042] The alert output unit 6 is a functional element that outputs, for example, information about stores that have been determined to have failed by the data analysis unit 4. As one example, the alert output unit 6 outputs information about stores that have been determined to have failed by the data analysis unit 4 to an information terminal T. The information terminal T is, for example, a mobile terminal of the headquarters (for example, a person in charge of a company that provides beverages), and the information about stores that have been determined to have failed by the alert output unit 6 is output to the mobile terminal.

[0043] The alert output unit 6 outputs the information about the store to the information terminal T, for example, by email or by using a beverage serving quality monitoring program application. This allows, for example, a person in charge of the beverage supply company to quickly grasp the information about the store that has been judged to be unsatisfactory, making it possible to provide prompt guidance to the store.

[0044] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the beverage serving quality monitoring system 1 (for example, the server 2 and the terminal). As an example, each of the above-mentioned functional elements of the server 2 is realized by this hardware configuration. For example, the server 2 includes a processor 2b, a main memory unit 2c, an auxiliary memory unit 2d, a communication module 2f, a display 2g, and an input interface 2h.

[0045] The processor 2b is a computing device that executes an operating system and application programs. The main memory 2c is composed of, for example, ROM or RAM, and temporarily stores loaded programs or calculation results. The auxiliary memory 2d is composed of, for example, flash memory or a hard disk, and permanently stores programs or data. The communication module 2f is composed of a wireless communication module or network card, and transmits and receives data to and from other computers. The display 2g is composed of a touch panel or monitor, and is a device that accepts input of data or instructions so that the user can see it.

[0046] For example, each of the aforementioned functional elements of the server 2 (beverage provision information receiving unit 3, data analyzing unit 4, data display unit 5, and alert output unit 6) is realized by loading predetermined software (e.g., the aforementioned beverage provision quality monitoring program) into the processor 2b or main memory unit 2c and executing that software. The processor 2b operates the communication module 2f, display 2g, or input interface 2h in accordance with the software, and reads and writes data from and to the main memory unit 2c or auxiliary memory unit 2d. Data compiled into a database is stored in the main memory unit 2c or auxiliary memory unit 2d.

[0047] As described above, the server 2 may be configured with one computer or multiple computers. For example, when the server 2 is configured with multiple computers, the multiple computers are connected to each other via a communication network such as the Internet or an intranet, thereby logically configuring one server 2.

[0048] Next, an exemplary beverage providing device 11 including a beverage server 10 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 3. In this embodiment, the beverage providing device 11 is installed in each of stores A1 and A2. The exemplary beverage providing device 11 is a device that dispenses a beverage (beer, for example) from a faucet 10b of the beverage server 10 in response to a customer order, etc.

[0049] In addition to the beverage server 10 of this embodiment, the beverage providing device 11 also includes a cylinder 12, a pressure reducing valve 13, a carbon dioxide hose 14, a barrel 15 containing beer, a head 16, and a hose 17. The cylinder 12 is, for example, a container filled with high-pressure carbon dioxide gas, and has the function of pushing the beverage inside the barrel 15 out to the beverage server 10, as well as the function of maintaining an appropriate amount of carbon dioxide gas contained in the beverage inside the barrel 15.

[0050] Carbon dioxide gas is filled in liquid form inside the cylinder 12, for example, at a pressure of 6 to 8 MPa. The cylinder 12 is provided with, for example, a remaining amount indicator that displays the amount of carbon dioxide gas inside the cylinder 12. By providing this remaining amount indicator, the amount of carbon dioxide gas inside the cylinder 12 can be recognized.

[0051] Pressure reducing valve 13 is a device for adjusting the pressure (hereinafter referred to as gas pressure) of carbon dioxide gas applied to the beverage inside barrel 15. Pressure reducing valve 13 is equipped with a residual pressure indicator 13b that displays the residual pressure of carbon dioxide gas inside cylinder 12, and an operating unit 13c for adjusting the gas pressure.

[0052] Keg 15 is a container filled with a beverage. For example, a liquid temperature detector 15b can be attached to the surface of keg 15, and the liquid temperature detector 15b can detect the temperature of the beverage in keg 15. Inside keg 15, a tube 15c through which the beverage flows and a nozzle 15d are provided.

[0053] Head 16 has the function of, for example, sending carbon dioxide gas from inside cylinder 12 into barrel 15 via pressure reducing valve 13 and carbon dioxide hose 14, and sending the beverage from barrel 15 to beverage server 10. As an example, head 16 includes main body 16f, operating handle 16b that can open and close the flow paths of carbon dioxide gas and beverage by moving it up and down, gas fitting 16c connected to carbon dioxide hose 14, and beverage fitting 16d connected to hose 17.

[0054] For example, with the lower part of head 16 connected to nozzle 15d, lowering operation handle 16b of head 16 opens the flow paths of carbon dioxide hose 14 and hose 17, and raising operation handle 16b closes the flow paths of carbon dioxide hose 14 and hose 17. Note that gas joint 16c and beverage joint 16d are detachable from main body 16f, and because gas joint 16c, beverage joint 16d and main body 16f are disassembled, head 16 is designed to be easy to clean.

[0055] Beverage server 10 is connected to head 16 via hose 17 and has the function of cooling the beverage delivered from barrel 15 via head 16 and hose 17. Beverage server 10 is, for example, an electric-cooling instant-cooling server. Inside beverage server 10, cooling device 10c is provided, which functions as a supply device that cools the beverage from hose 17 and supplies the beverage to faucet 10b.

[0056] Beverage server 10 includes a pedestal 10j on which a beverage container to be dispensed from faucet 10b can be placed. By pulling faucet 10b with the beverage container placed on pedestal 10j, beverage can be dispensed into the beverage container. Pedestal 10j not only accommodates the beverage container but also receives and contains spilled beverage. Pedestal 10j is detachable from beverage server 10 and can be periodically removed from beverage server 10 and cleaned, for example.

[0057] Cooling device 10c includes water tank 10d containing cooling water and spiral beverage pipe 10f connected to hose 17 and disposed inside water tank 10d. Refrigerant pipe 10g, connected to a refrigeration cycle device of cooling device 10c, is disposed on the inner surface of water tank 10d. The refrigeration cycle device circulates refrigerant through refrigerant pipe 10g, cooling the cooling water around refrigerant pipe 10g and forming ice 10h in refrigerant pipe 10g. This ice 10h further cools the cooling water in water tank 10d, thereby cooling the beverage inside beverage pipe 10f.

[0058] In the above, an example has been described in which beverage server 10 is an electric-cooled, instant-cooling server. However, the configuration of each part of beverage server 10 is not limited to the above example, and beverage server 10 may be a server other than an electric-cooled, instant-cooling server. For example, beverage server 10 may be an ice-cooled, instant-cooling server, or a keg-storage server in which keg 15, head 16, and hose 17 are installed inside a refrigerator.

[0059] An ice-cooled instant cooling server is a server in which ice is placed inside a cooling tank and the beverage pipe is cooled by the ice via a cold plate. On the other hand, a barrel-storage server is a server in which the barrel, head, and hose are stored in a refrigerator, and in this case, the hose 17 is cooled by the refrigerator.

[0060] Furthermore, the type of beverage server 10 installed in store A1 may be different from the type of beverage server 10 installed in store A2. Furthermore, the types of beverage servers 10 installed in store A2 may be different from each other. In the beverage serving quality monitoring system 1 and beverage serving quality monitoring method according to this embodiment, the type of beverage server is not particularly limited. Below, specific examples of the beverage server sensor 20 and sensor unit 40 of the beverage serving quality monitoring system 1 are described.

[0061] 3 and 4, beverage server sensor 20 and sensor unit 40 each include, for example, a plurality of sensors. First, the sensors that make up beverage server sensor 20 will be described. Beverage server sensor 20 includes, for example, at least one of water tank temperature sensor 21, ice production volume measurement sensor 22, server power supply energization sensor 23, earth leakage breaker activation sensor 24, stirring motor rotation speed sensor 25, beverage line attachment sensor 26, water tank water level sensor 27, basin water volume sensor 28, fan motor current measurement sensor 29, outer surface condensation sensor 30, water tank water quality sensor 31, refrigeration unit current measurement sensor 32, spout lever open / close sensor 33, faucet outlet temperature sensor 34, and communication unit 35.

[0062] Communication unit 35 has, for example, a function for communicating with server 2. Communication unit 35 may also have a function for wireless communication with server 2. Communication unit 35 transmits the measurement results measured by each sensor constituting beverage server sensor 20 to server 2. The timing of transmitting the measurement results to server 2 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, in real time, continuously as time-series data, or at regular intervals.

[0063] Communication unit 35 transmits a server individual number (identification ID) that is uniquely assigned to each beverage server 10 to server 2 along with the measurement results. Communication between beverage server sensor 20 and server 2 via communication unit 35 may be wireless or wired communication. There are no particular limitations on the means of communication between beverage server sensor 20 (communication unit 35) and server 2.

[0064] Water tank temperature sensor 21 measures the temperature of water tank 10d. Water tank temperature sensor 21 measures at least one of the temperature of water tank 10d itself and the temperature of the cooling water contained in water tank 10d. For example, water tank temperature sensor 21 is placed in a position that does not come into contact with ice 10h to avoid being affected by ice 10h.

[0065] Ice production amount measurement sensor 22 measures the amount of ice 10h produced in water tub 10d by cooling device 10c. As an example, ice production amount measurement sensor 22 is fixed to the inner surface of water tub 10d. For example, ice production amount measurement sensor 22 has multiple metal rods of different lengths and measures the amount of ice 10h by detecting the electrical continuity of the multiple metal rods. In this case, when the amount of ice 10h is less than a certain amount, the electrical continuity of the multiple metal rods is maintained. However, when the amount of ice 10h exceeds the certain amount, one metal rod becomes buried in the ice 10h, interrupting the electrical continuity. In other words, ice production amount measurement sensor 22 determines whether the amount of ice 10h has exceeded the certain amount by detecting the electrical continuity.

[0066] Server power conduction sensor 23 measures whether or not a predetermined voltage of power is being supplied to beverage server 10. In this way, server power conduction sensor 23 measures the power supply to beverage server 10, thereby making it possible to measure the usage status of beverage server 10. Because the voltage of the power used by beverage server 10 is, for example, AC 100V, server power conduction sensor 23 measures whether or not AC 100V is being supplied to beverage server 10. By server power conduction sensor 23 measuring the state of power to beverage server 10, it is possible to determine whether or not beverage server 10 is being used appropriately in the establishment.

[0067] The earth leakage breaker operation sensor 24 measures the operation state of the earth leakage breaker of the beverage server 10. The earth leakage breaker of the beverage server 10 detects whether or not an earth leakage has occurred in the beverage server 10, and when an earth leakage is detected, it cuts off the electric circuit inside the beverage server 10. For example, the earth leakage breaker operation sensor 24 measures whether or not the earth leakage breaker of the beverage server 10 is activated.

[0068] Agitation motor rotation speed sensor 25 measures the rotation speed of a motor that rotates an agitation member (for example, a propeller) that agitates the cooling water in water tank 10d. As a specific example, agitation motor rotation speed sensor 25 acquires information about the rotation speed and rotation state (for example, whether the rotation speed is high or low) of the motor from a controller that controls the rotation of the motor.

[0069] The beverage line attachment sensor 26 measures whether or not a beverage pipe 10f is attached to the beverage server 10. As a specific example, multiple beverage pipes 10f can be attached and detached to the beverage server 10, and the beverage line attachment sensor 26 measures which of the multiple beverage pipes 10f is attached. This makes it possible to determine the attachment state of the beverage pipe 10f (whether or not the beverage pipe 10f is attached to the water tank 10d).

[0070] Water tank level sensor 27 measures the level of the cooling water contained in water tank 10d. For example, water tank level sensor 27 measures whether the level of the cooling water contained in water tank 10d is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. By measuring the level of the cooling water in this way, water tank level sensor 27 can determine whether the level of the cooling water in water tank 10d is appropriate.

[0071] The cradle water level sensor 28 measures the amount of water in the cradle 10j of the beverage server 10. For example, the cradle water level sensor 28 is attached to the cradle 10j or its vicinity, and measures whether the amount of water contained in the cradle 10j is equal to or greater than a certain amount. It is preferable that the amount of water contained in the cradle 10j is smaller, and it can be seen that the smaller the amount of water in the cradle 10j, the more frequently the cradle 10j needs to be cleaned. Therefore, by having the cradle water level sensor 28 measure the amount of water in the cradle 10j, it can be determined whether the cradle 10j is being properly cleaned.

[0072] Because the temperature of water tank 10d is lower than room temperature, water vapor in the air may liquefy, and the liquefied water vapor may adhere to the surface of water tank 10d as condensed water. When this condensed water enters water tank 10d, the water level inside water tank 10d rises. Water tank 10d is provided with an overflow drain pipe (not shown) at the top, and when the water level inside water tank 10d reaches this drain pipe, water flows out of the drain pipe, preventing water from flowing from water tank 10d to the outside through any route other than the drain pipe, for example.

[0073] The overflow drain pipe of the water tub 10d is connected to the pedestal 10j, and water overflowing from the water tub 10d flows into the pedestal 10j through the drain pipe. Therefore, when humidity is high, such as during the rainy season in summer, the pedestal 10j may become full within a few days. Therefore, when the pedestal water level sensor 28 measures whether the amount of water in the pedestal 10j is above a certain level, the humidity level in the store and the cleaning status of the pedestal 10j can be remotely monitored.

[0074] Fan motor current measurement sensor 29 measures the current flowing to the fan motor that rotates and drives the fan that constitutes the refrigeration cycle device of beverage server 10. The fan of the refrigeration cycle device of beverage server 10 sends air to the condenser of the refrigeration cycle device, allowing efficient heat exchange of the refrigerant to refrigerant pipe 10g in the condenser. By measuring the current flowing to the fan motor with fan motor current measurement sensor 29, the load state on the fan motor can be determined.

[0075] The external surface condensation sensor 30 is, for example, a moisture sensor fixed to the surface of the housing of the beverage server 10. As an example, the external surface condensation sensor 30 includes two metal members. The external surface condensation sensor 30 measures condensation by detecting conduction between the two metal members when water droplets form between the two metal members.

[0076] The water tank water quality sensor 31 measures the quality of the cooling water contained in the water tank 10d of the beverage server 10. For example, the water tank water quality sensor 31 measures whether the quality of the cooling water in the water tank 10d is close to pure water. The water tank water quality sensor 31 may also measure the turbidity of the cooling water in the water tank 10d. In this way, by the water tank water quality sensor 31 measuring the quality of the cooling water in the water tank 10d, the condition of the cooling water in the water tank 10d can be grasped. The refrigeration unit current measurement sensor 32 measures, for example, the current flowing through the motor of the condenser (compressor) mentioned above of the refrigeration cycle device of the beverage server 10.

[0077] Spout lever open / close sensor 33 measures the movement of the lever of faucet 10b of beverage server 10. Spout lever open / close sensor 33 may also be arranged inside faucet 10b and detect the operation of a slide valve that moves when the lever is operated. By detecting the lever operation of faucet 10b, spout lever open / close sensor 33 can measure the open / close state of the beverage flow path inside faucet 10b. Faucet outlet temperature sensor 34 measures the temperature of the outlet of faucet 10b where the beverage is dispensed from faucet 10b.

[0078] As described above, the beverage server sensor 20 includes at least one of a water tank temperature sensor 21, an ice production amount measurement sensor 22, a server power supply current sensor 23, a ground fault circuit interrupter activation sensor 24, a stirring motor rotation speed sensor 25, a beverage line attachment sensor 26, a water tank water level sensor 27, a basin water volume sensor 28, a fan motor current measurement sensor 29, an external surface condensation sensor 30, a water tank water quality sensor 31, a refrigeration unit current measurement sensor 32, a pouring lever opening / closing sensor 33, and a faucet outlet temperature sensor 34.

[0079] This allows the beverage server sensor 20 to measure and transmit to the server 2 at least one of the following: the temperature of the water tank 10d, the level and quality of the cooling water, the amount of ice 10h, the power supply status to the beverage server 10, the status of the earth leakage breaker, the status of the stirring motor, the status of the beverage pipe 10f, the status of the cooling device 10c, and the operating status of the faucet 10b.

[0080] Next, the sensor unit 40 will be described. The sensor unit 40 measures the state of the beverage served from the beverage server 10, for example, at a position spaced apart from the beverage server 10. The beverage serving quality monitoring system 1 includes, for example, a housing member 1A that houses a hose 17 at a position spaced apart from the beverage server 10, and a keg stand 1B on which a keg 15 is placed. The housing member 1A is, for example, an external box that is placed at a position spaced apart from the beverage server 10, and is detachable from the hose 17.

[0081] For example, the sensor unit 40 includes a first sensor group 40A housed together with the hose 17 in the housing member 1A, a second sensor group 40B arranged on the barrel stand 1B, and a sensor 41 fixed to the cylinder 12 to measure the state of the gas in the cylinder 12. The sensor 41 may include, for example, a gas pressure measuring unit 41b that measures the gas pressure inside the cylinder 12, a remaining amount measuring unit 41c that measures the remaining amount of gas inside the cylinder 12, and a communication unit 41d.

[0082] The gas pressure measuring unit 41b measures, for example, the primary pressure and secondary pressure of the pressure reducing valve 13 attached to the cylinder 12. The communication unit 41d has a function of communicating with the server 2, similar to the communication unit 35 described above. Therefore, for example, the gas pressure of the cylinder 12 measured by the gas pressure measuring unit 41b and the remaining amount of gas in the cylinder 12 measured by the remaining amount measuring unit 41c are transmitted to the server 2 by the communication unit 41d.

[0083] The sensor unit 40 is located inside the housing member 1A and includes a temperature measurement sensor 42, a flow rate sensor 43, a conductivity measurement sensor 44, a turbidity measurement sensor 45, a bubble measurement sensor 46, a pressure measurement sensor 47, an outside air temperature measurement sensor 48, and a communication unit 49. Similar to the communication unit 35 described above, the communication unit 49 has a function of communicating with the server 2. Therefore, the measurement results obtained by each sensor of the sensor unit 40 arranged inside the housing member 1A are transmitted to the server 2 by the communication unit 49.

[0084] The temperature measuring sensor 42 measures the temperature of the beverage passing through the inside of the hose 17. The temperature measuring sensor 42 is fixed to the hose 17 while in contact with the hose 17, and may be fixed to the hose 17 so as to embrace the hose 17, for example. The temperature measuring sensor 42 may include a metal joint, and the hose 17 may be connected to both ends of the metal joint. In this case, the temperature measuring sensor 42 is attached to the hose 17 via the metal joint, so that the temperature of the beverage passing through the hose 17 can be determined more accurately.

[0085] As an example, the flow rate sensor 43 is a capacitance-type non-contact sensor that measures the flow rate of the beverage passing through the inside of the hose 17. As an example, the flow rate sensor 43 is a flow meter that is attached to the hose 17. As an example, the flow rate sensor 43 is fixed to the hose 17 in a state where it clamps the hose 17. By the flow rate sensor 43 measuring the flow rate of the beverage passing through the hose 17, it is possible to estimate the amount of beverage dispensed per certain period (for example, one day), the amount of beverage consumed, and the sales of the beverage.

[0086] The conductivity measuring sensor 44 measures the conductivity of the beverage passing through the inside of the hose 17. For example, the conductivity measuring sensor 44 includes a pair of electrodes and a joint, and the hose 17 is connected to both ends of the joint. The conductivity measuring sensor 44 measures the conductivity of the beverage by measuring the electrical resistance between the pair of electrodes. Since conductivity differs depending on the type of beverage (liquid type), by having the conductivity measuring sensor 44 measure the conductivity of the beverage, it is possible to determine the type of beverage passing through the hose 17.

[0087] The turbidity measurement sensor 45 measures the turbidity of the beverage passing through the inside of the hose 17. For example, the turbidity measurement sensor 45 is an optical sensor fixed to the hose 17 so as to hold the hose 17. In this case, the turbidity measurement sensor 45 includes a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit, and the light-emitting unit irradiates light onto the inside of the hose 17, and the light-receiving unit receives the light that is transmitted through (or reflected by) the hose 17 in response to the irradiation. The turbidity measurement sensor 45 then measures the turbidity of the beverage in the hose 17 from the amount of light received by the light-receiving unit.

[0088] The air bubble measurement sensor 46 measures air bubbles in the beverage passing through the inside of the hose 17. For example, an optical sensor similar to the turbidity measurement sensor 45 can be used as the air bubble measurement sensor 46. As an example, the air bubble measurement sensor 46 irradiates light from a light-emitting unit into the inside of the hose 17 and measures the presence or absence of air bubbles based on the state of the light received by the light-receiving unit in response to the irradiation. For example, the air bubble measurement sensor 46 determines that air bubbles have been generated when there is a continuous change in the intensity of the light received by the light-receiving unit. By measuring the air bubbles inside the hose 17 in this way, the air bubble measurement sensor 46 can determine the presence or absence of foreign matter, foam running, or supersaturation inside the hose 17.

[0089] Pressure measurement sensor 47 measures, for example, the pressure of the beverage passing through the inside of hose 17. As an example, pressure measurement sensor 47 includes a joint connected to hose 17 and a pressure sensor built into the joint. Pressure measurement sensor 47 measures the pressure of the beverage inside hose 17 while fixed to hose 17 via the joint. This makes it possible to determine whether excessive pressure is being applied to hose 17, and therefore makes it possible to determine whether the installation conditions of hose 17 and beverage server 10 are appropriate.

[0090] The outside air temperature measurement sensor 48 is a thermometer that measures the temperature of the outside air outside the beverage server 10. The outside air temperature measurement sensor 48 measures the temperature of the location where the beverage server 10 is installed. The outside air temperature measurement sensor 48 may measure humidity as well as temperature. By measuring the temperature around the beverage server 10 with the outside air temperature measurement sensor 48, it is possible to determine whether the installation environment of the beverage server 10 is appropriate.

[0091] The above describes various sensors of sensor unit 40 provided in storage member 1A, but the sensors of sensor unit 40 provided in storage member 1A are not limited to the above examples and can be changed as appropriate. For example, a GPS that measures the position of beverage server 10, a time measurement (clock), etc. may be provided in storage member 1A.

[0092] Furthermore, the various sensors of sensor unit 40 provided in housing member 1A may be included in beverage server sensor 20. That is, a sensor that measures the beverage in hose 17 passing through the inside of beverage server 10 (for example, a sensor similar to temperature measurement sensor 42 described above) may be provided as a sensor of beverage server sensor 20.

[0093] For example, the sensor unit 40 may include a sensor arranged on the keg stand 1B, which includes, for example, a keg liquid temperature measuring sensor 51, a remaining amount measuring sensor 52, and a communication unit 53. The communication unit 53 has a communication function with the server 2, similar to the communication unit 35 described above. Therefore, the measurement results measured by each sensor of the sensor unit 40 arranged on the keg stand 1B are transmitted to the server 2 by the communication unit 53.

[0094] As an example, the keg stand 1B has a mounting portion 1b on which the keg 15 is placed, and the second sensor group 40B of the sensor unit 40 is embedded in the mounting portion 1b. For example, the mounting portion 1b is disk-shaped, and the second sensor group 40B is fixed to the center of the mounting portion 1b. In this case, when the keg 15 is placed on the mounting portion 1b, the keg liquid temperature measuring sensor 51 of the second sensor group 40B measures the temperature of the keg 15, and the remaining amount measuring sensor 52 measures the remaining amount of the keg 15.

[0095] The keg liquid temperature measuring sensor 51 may estimate the temperature of the beverage inside the keg 15, for example, by measuring the temperature at the bottom of the keg 15. The remaining amount measuring sensor 52 measures the remaining amount of beverage in the keg 15 from the weight of the keg 15 placed on the keg stand 1B. By the keg liquid temperature measuring sensor 51 measuring the temperature of the keg 15, it is possible to know the temperature of the beverage in the keg 15. Furthermore, by the remaining amount measuring sensor 52 measuring time series data of the remaining amount in the keg 15, it is possible to know the amount of beverage consumed in the keg 15.

[0096] The above has described the first sensor group 40A arranged in the housing member 1A of the sensor unit 40, the second sensor group 40B arranged in the barrel stand 1B, and the sensor 41. The various sensors constituting the first sensor group 40A, the various sensors constituting the second sensor group 40B, and the sensor 41 transmit the status of each part of the beverage provision device 11 to the server 2, making it possible to grasp the status of the beverage provision device 11 in store A1 and store A2 with high accuracy.

[0097] Next, an exemplary sensor unit 60, which is different from the sensor unit 40, will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. The sensor unit 60 measures the state of a beverage after it has been dispensed from the beverage server 10, for example. The sensor unit 60 may be used together with the sensor unit 40, or may be used alone.

[0098] An exemplary sensor unit 60 includes at least one of a real-time measurement sensor 60A, a stationary measurement sensor 60B, and a separately installed measurement device 60C. Note that Fig. 5 shows the real-time measurement sensor 60A, the stationary measurement sensor 60B, and the separately installed measurement device 60C in a schematic manner, and the shapes and sizes of the real-time measurement sensor 60A, the stationary measurement sensor 60B, and the separately installed measurement device 60C are not limited to the example shown in Fig. 5.

[0099] For example, real-time measurement sensor 60A is placed in a position where it can photograph the beverage dispensed from faucet 10b. Stationary measurement sensor 60B is placed on cradle 10j, for example, and separate measurement device 60C is placed at a distance from beverage server 10.

[0100] The real-time measurement sensor 60A measures the state of the beverage immediately after it is dispensed from the faucet 10b. The real-time measurement sensor 60A includes, for example, a plurality of sensors. As an example, the real-time measurement sensor 60A includes a quantity measurement sensor 61, a foam-to-liquid ratio measurement sensor 62, a foam measurement sensor 63, a liquid measurement sensor 64, a beverage temperature measurement sensor 65 in the container, a beverage container temperature measurement sensor 66, and a communication unit 67.

[0101] FIG. 7 shows an example of a beverage dispensed from beverage server 10. As shown in FIG. 7, for example, sparkling beverage B is dispensed from beverage server 10 of this embodiment. As an example, sparkling beverage B is dispensed into beverage container C. Sparkling beverage B comprises liquid B1 and foam B2 located on top of liquid B1 inside beverage container C. Beverage container C is a container capable of dispensing sparkling beverage B, such as a mug, glass, or cup.

[0102] The foam B2 of the sparkling beverage B includes so-called fine bubbles, which are different from the coarse bubbles that are generated, for example, by the impact of the liquid B1 on the beverage container C. The fine bubbles are creamy bubbles that improve the design and mouthfeel of the sparkling beverage B, and it is preferable that a large amount of fine bubbles be generated, as they function as a lid to prevent the aroma or carbon dioxide gas from escaping from the liquid B1 and to prevent oxidation of the liquid B1.

[0103] As shown in Figures 5, 6 and 7, the quantity measurement sensor 61 measures the amount of sparkling beverage B in the beverage container C. The quantity measurement sensor 61 is a sensor that measures the distance D between the top end C1 of the beverage container C and the top end B4 of the foam B2. The quantity measurement sensor 61 may be, for example, a camera that measures whether or not there is foam B2, or may photograph the foam B2 of the dispensed sparkling beverage B. The quantity measurement sensor 61 may also be an optical height sensor that measures the distance D from the top end C1 of the beverage container C to the top end B4 of the foam B2. By measuring the distance D in this way, it is possible to determine whether the amount of sparkling beverage B provided to the customer is appropriate.

[0104] The foam liquid ratio measurement sensor 62 measures the ratio of liquid B1 to foam B2 dispensed into the beverage container C. In other words, the foam liquid ratio measurement sensor 62 is a sensor that measures the ratio of the foam B2 area to the liquid B1 area in the beverage container C. The foam liquid ratio measurement sensor 62 is, for example, a camera that captures an image of the sparkling beverage B from the side of the beverage container C. In this case, the foam liquid ratio measurement sensor 62 calculates the ratio between the height H2 of the foam B2 and the height H1 of the liquid B1 in the captured image.

[0105] By measuring the ratio of foam B2 to liquid B1 using the foam-liquid ratio measuring sensor 62 in this way, it becomes possible to determine whether the amounts of foam B2 and liquid B1 are appropriate. As an example, if the ratio of foam B2 to liquid B1 is X:Y (X and Y are real numbers), then it is preferable that X = 3 and Y = 7. Therefore, the foam-liquid ratio measuring sensor 62 may, for example, measure the value of X / (X+Y) and determine whether the value of X / (X+Y) is within a predetermined range.

[0106] As a specific example, it may be determined whether the value of X / (X+Y) is greater than or equal to 0.1 and less than or equal to 0.5. For example, if the value of X / (X+Y) is greater than or equal to 0.1 and less than or equal to 0.5, the ratio of foam B2 to liquid B1 is determined to be good, and if the value of X / (X+Y) is less than 0.1 or greater than 0.5, the ratio is determined to be bad. In this way, it can be determined whether the ratio of foam B2 to liquid B1 is appropriate.

[0107] The foam measurement sensor 63 measures, for example, the dispensed foam B2 itself. The foam measurement sensor 63 may be a camera that photographs the surface of the foam B2, and may measure the surface of the foam B2 from the photographed image. As a specific example, the foam measurement sensor 63 may measure the pattern of the photographed foam B2 and calculate the ratio of fine to coarse bubbles in the foam B2 from the measured pattern of the foam B2. This makes use of the characteristic that the pattern of a photographed image of fine bubbles is white, while the pattern of a photographed image of coarse bubbles is mottled. In this way, the state of the foam B2 can be grasped by using the foam measurement sensor 63.

[0108] The liquid measurement sensor 64 measures, for example, the poured liquid B1 itself. The liquid measurement sensor 64 may be a camera that photographs the liquid B1 from the side of the beverage container C. The liquid measurement sensor 64 may also measure the presence or absence of air bubbles and foreign matter in the liquid B1. For example, if air bubbles are generated in the liquid B1 from the bottom or inner surface of the beverage container C, it is possible that minute foreign matter remains in the beverage container C, and it is therefore considered necessary to clean the beverage container C more thoroughly. Therefore, by having the liquid measurement sensor 64 measure the air bubbles and foreign matter in the liquid B1, it is possible to determine the degree to which the beverage container C has been cleaned.

[0109] The in-container beverage temperature measuring sensor 65 is a sensor that measures the temperature of the beverage dispensed into the beverage container. For example, the in-container beverage temperature measuring sensor 65 may be a thermal camera that measures the temperature of the sparkling beverage B dispensed into the beverage container C. In this way, by the in-container beverage temperature measuring sensor 65 measuring the temperature of the dispensed sparkling beverage B, it becomes possible to determine whether the temperature of the dispensed sparkling beverage B is appropriate.

[0110] Beverage container temperature measuring sensor 66 is a sensor that measures the temperature of a beverage container. Beverage container temperature measuring sensor 66 may be, for example, a thermal camera that measures the temperature of a beverage container C placed on the cradle 10j of beverage server 10. By measuring the temperature of beverage container C with beverage container temperature measuring sensor 66, it becomes possible to determine whether the temperature of beverage container C is appropriate. Note that beverage container temperature measuring sensor 66 and the aforementioned in-container beverage temperature measuring sensor 65 may be integrated.

[0111] Furthermore, the in-container beverage temperature measuring sensor 65 and the beverage container temperature measuring sensor 66 may be sensors other than a thermal camera. The communication unit 67 has a function of communicating with the server 2, similar to the communication unit 35 described above. Therefore, the measurement results measured by each sensor of the real-time measurement sensor 60A are transmitted to the server 2 by the communication unit 67.

[0112] The stationary measurement sensor 60B measures the sparkling beverage B and the beverage container C, for example, after the sparkling beverage B has been poured into the beverage container C. The stationary measurement sensor 60B may be provided with a switch, and the sensor may measure the sparkling beverage B and the beverage container C for a fixed period of time (for example, 5 seconds) after the switch is operated.

[0113] The sensors constituting the stationary measurement sensor 60B include, for example, sensors that measure the weight of the sparkling beverage B and the beverage container C. In this case, the weights of the sparkling beverage B and the beverage container C can be ascertained, making it possible to determine, for example, whether a predetermined amount of sparkling beverage B has been served. Furthermore, the stationary measurement sensor 60B may incorporate some of the sensors constituting the separately installed measurement device 60C, which will be described later.

[0114] The real-time measurement sensor 60A and the stationary measurement sensor 60B perform measurements on, for example, the sparkling beverage B and beverage container C that are actually provided to a customer. In contrast, the separately installed measurement device 60C performs measurements on the sparkling beverage B and beverage container C that are not provided to a customer. In this way, by performing measurements on both the sparkling beverage B that is provided to a customer and the sparkling beverage B that is not provided to a customer, it is possible to measure the sparkling beverage B with higher accuracy.

[0115] For example, the separate measuring device 60C measures the sparkling beverage B immediately after it has been poured into a beverage container C from the faucet 10b. As a specific example, the separate measuring device 60C includes a stand 60d on which the beverage container C is placed, and a measuring unit 60f extending upward from the stand 60d. The beverage container C into which the sparkling beverage B has been poured from the faucet 10b is placed on the stand 60d of the separate measuring device 60C. The measuring unit 60f measures the sparkling beverage B, for example, by photographing the beverage container C placed on the stand 60d from the side.

[0116] The fine bubbles in the sparkling beverage B are also produced by the frosty mist B3 that appears at the boundary between the liquid B1 and the bubbles B2. The frosty mist B3 is a mist-like layer that appears at the boundary between the liquid B1 and the bubbles B2, and is, for example, a collection of fine bubbles with an outer diameter of 20 μm or less.

[0117] The amount of frosty mist B3 varies depending on the type (brand) of sparkling beverage B, the ingredients of sparkling beverage B, or the method of dispensing sparkling beverage B. Frosty mist B3 is generated by the application of gas pressure when sparkling beverage B is dispensed into beverage container C. Note that frosty mist B3 may be generated not only by gas pressure but also by other factors such as ultrasound. Frosty mist B3 regenerates bubbles B2 when sparkling beverage B is consumed, for example, and thus has the effect of improving the retention of fine bubbles.

[0118] As a specific example, when sparkling beverage B is consumed, frosty mist B3 comes into contact with liquid B1, foam B2, or beverage container C and is stimulated, causing new foam B2 to be regenerated from frosty mist B3. As frosty mist B3 becomes clearer and the amount of frosty mist B3 increases, the amount of regenerated foam B2 also increases. Therefore, measuring the amount of frosty mist B3 can be important in order to improve the head retention of fine bubbles and regenerate foam B2.

[0119] For example, the sensor unit 60 includes a frosty mist measuring sensor 71 that measures the amount of frosty mist B3 in the separately placed measuring device 60C, an odor sensor 72, a container state measuring sensor 73, a lacing measuring sensor 74, and a communication unit 75. Similar to the communication unit 35 described above, the communication unit 75 has a function for communicating with the server 2, and the measurement results measured by each sensor in the separately placed measuring device 60C are transmitted to the server 2 by the communication unit 75.

[0120] The frosty mist measuring sensor 71 is a sensor that measures the frosty mist B3 generated at the boundary between the foam B2 and the liquid B1. The frosty mist measuring sensor 71 may include a camera that captures an image of the vicinity of the boundary between the liquid B1 and the foam B2 from the side of the beverage container C. For example, the frosty mist measuring sensor 71 may measure the frosty mist B3 a certain time (for example, 60 seconds) after the sparkling beverage B is poured into the beverage container C. The frosty mist measuring sensor 71 may include a gas spraying unit that sprays dry gas (dry air) onto the surface of the beverage container C. In this case, it is possible to take an image with the camera in a state where condensation on the surface of the beverage container C has been removed by the dry gas.

[0121] Furthermore, frosty mist measuring sensor 71 may acquire color parameters of beverage container C and measure the amount of frosty mist B3 using at least the color parameters of frosty mist B3 from among the color parameters of sparkling beverage B. The color parameters are parameters that indicate color, and may be, for example, at least one of the L* value, a* value, and b* value of the color of sparkling beverage B. In this way, by frosty mist measuring sensor 71 measuring frosty mist B3 of sparkling beverage B, it becomes possible to determine the strength of the fine bubble regeneration power for each beverage server 10 and each store.

[0122] Odor sensor 72 is a sensor that measures the presence or absence of an odor in sparkling beverage B and beverage container C. Odor sensor 72 may, for example, measure and quantify the odor from sparkling beverage B and beverage container C. By using odor sensor 72 to measure the odor of sparkling beverage B and beverage container C, it becomes possible to quickly determine whether or not the sparkling beverage B and beverage container C have an odor.

[0123] It should be noted that odor sensor 72 may be disposed in real-time measurement sensor 60A. Container state measurement sensor 73 is a sensor that measures the beverage container C, for example, measuring the temperature of the beverage container C. The function of container state measurement sensor 73 may be the same as, for example, beverage container temperature measurement sensor 66 of real-time measurement sensor 60A described above. Therefore, container state measurement sensor 73 may be omitted.

[0124] The lacing measurement sensor 74 measures annular foam trails (lacing) formed on the inner surface of the beverage container C. As illustrated in Figures 8(a), 8(b), and 8(c), the platform 60d is tilted when measurement is performed using the lacing measurement sensor 74. When measurement is performed using the lacing measurement sensor 74, for example, a lid F with an opening is attached to the beverage container C.

[0125] For example, beverage container C is placed on stand 60d, and stand 60d is tilted at an angle θ with respect to horizontal plane H, and sparkling beverage B is poured out of beverage container C through an opening in lid F. Then, when the tilt of stand 60d is returned to its original position, lacing measurement sensor 74 photographs beverage container C and measures bubbles B2 adhering to the inner surface of beverage container C from the photographed image of beverage container C. As an example, lacing measurement sensor 74 may measure the number of pixels of bubbles B2 and the distribution of the pixels of bubbles B2 from the photographed image of beverage container C, and measure the number, shape, and size of circular bubble traces (lacings) formed on the inner surface of beverage container C.

[0126] If the above-mentioned lacing is formed on the inner surface of beverage container C, it is considered that beverage container C has been properly cleaned and is able to provide the original deliciousness of sparkling beverage B. Therefore, by measuring the lacing adhering to the inner surface of beverage container C with lacing measurement sensor 74 as described above, it is possible to determine whether or not beverage server 10 is providing a delicious sparkling beverage B.

[0127] Next, an example of a beverage serving quality monitoring method according to this embodiment will be described. As illustrated in Figures 1, 3, and 5, a beverage server sensor 20 is attached to a beverage server 10, and sensor units 40 and 60 are installed around the beverage server 10. Then, the status of the beverage server 10 is measured by each sensor of the beverage server sensor 20, and the beverage server sensor 20 generates beverage server status information D1 (a step of generating beverage server status information).

[0128] Meanwhile, the sensor unit 40 measures the state of the beverage provided from the beverage server 10. For example, each sensor of the first sensor group 40A arranged in the housing member 1A measures the state of the beverage in the hose 17, while the second sensor group 40B arranged in the keg stand 1B measures the state of the beverage in the keg 15, and the sensor 41 measures the state of the cylinder 12. In this way, the state of the beverage provided is measured by each sensor of the sensor unit 40 provided outside the beverage server 10, and external beverage state information D2 is generated (a process of generating external beverage state information).

[0129] The state of the beverage dispensed from the beverage server 10 may also be measured by the sensor unit 60. For example, the sparkling beverage B is measured by the sensors of the real-time measurement sensor 60A, the sensors of the stationary measurement sensor 60B, and the sensors of the separately installed measurement device 60C. In this way, the state of the dispensed beverage is measured by the sensors of the sensor unit 60 to generate out-of-server beverage state information D2 (step of generating out-of-server beverage state information).

[0130] The generation of the beverage server status information D1 and the generation of the beverage outside the server status information D2 are performed, for example, in a plurality of stores (for example, store A1 and store A2). Then, the beverage provision information receiving unit 3 receives the beverage server status information D1 and the beverage outside the server status information D2 from each of the plurality of stores (receiving step).

[0131] The beverage server status information D1 and the beverage outside the server status information D2 received by the beverage provision information receiving unit 3 are analyzed, for example, by the data analysis unit 4. For example, the data analysis unit 4 analyzes, from the acquired beverage server status information D1 and the beverage outside the server status information D2, whether the beverage server 10 and the beverage provided meet a minimum quality, and whether the beverage provided is of high quality (analyzing step).

[0132] Whether minimum quality is met indicates, for example, whether each part of the beverage serving device 11 and the beverage container C have been properly cleaned, whether there is no odor, and whether the amount of sparkling beverage B dispensed into the beverage container C is appropriate. Whether the beverage served is of high quality indicates, for example, whether the ratio of liquid B1 to foam B2 in the beverage container C is appropriate, whether the temperatures of the outlet of the faucet 10b, the sparkling beverage B, and the beverage container C are appropriate, whether frosty mist B3 is generated, and whether lacing is formed. By receiving beverage server status information D1 and beverage status information outside the server D2, the beverage serving information receiving unit 3 can analyze both whether the above minimum quality is met and whether the beverage served is of high quality.

[0133] The data analysis unit 4 may also determine whether the beverage server status information D1 and the beverage outside the server status information D2 are acceptable. That is, the data analysis unit 4 may perform a pass / fail determination of the beverage server status information D1 and the beverage outside the server status information D2 for each of a plurality of stores.

[0134] After the data analysis unit 4 has analyzed the beverage server status information D1 and the beverage status information outside the server D2 as described above, the data display unit 5 displays the analysis results of the beverage server status information D1 and the beverage status information outside the server D2 by the data analysis unit 4 (process of displaying the analysis results).

[0135] For example, data display unit 5 displays the analysis results on an information terminal at headquarters. Furthermore, data display unit 5 may display, for example, the analysis results for store A1 among the analysis results on an information terminal installed inside store A1. In this case, the beverage provider at store A1 can himself / herself understand the quality of the beverages served by beverage server 10.

[0136] Furthermore, the alert output unit 6 may output an alert to the information terminal (a step of outputting an alert). As an example, the alert output unit 6 may output information about a store that has been determined to be unsuccessful by the data analysis unit 4 to the information terminal. In this way, the series of steps is completed after the alert output unit 6 outputs an alert to the information terminal as needed.

[0137] Next, the effects obtained from the beverage serving quality monitoring system 1 and beverage serving quality monitoring method according to this embodiment will be described in detail. The beverage serving quality monitoring system 1 monitors the quality of beverage serving at multiple establishments that serve beverages from beverage server 10, and a beverage server sensor 20 fixed to beverage server 10 measures the condition of beverage server 10. Furthermore, beverage serving quality monitoring system 1 is equipped with sensor units 40, 60 including one or more sensors arranged at a position separated from beverage server 10, and sensor units 40, 60 measure the condition of beverages served from beverage server 10.

[0138] The status of beverage server 10 and the status of the beverage measured by sensor units 40, 60 are then received by beverage provision information receiving unit 3. Therefore, not only the status of beverage server 10 but also information on the beverage actually provided by beverage server 10 can be received, so information on the beverage being provided itself can be obtained. Therefore, since not only information on beverage server 10 but also information on the beverage being provided can be obtained, it is possible to fully understand the status in which beverages are actually being provided to customers in the establishment. As a result, it is possible to reduce the effort required to interview or visit the establishment to understand the status of beverage provision, and it is possible to easily and accurately understand the quality of beverage provision in the establishment.

[0139] The beverage serving quality monitoring system 1 comprises a storage member 1A at a position separated from the beverage server 10, which stores a hose 17 extending from the beverage server 10 as the beverage passes therethrough, and at least some of the sensors of the sensor unit 40 (for example, the sensors of the first sensor group 40A), and the sensors may measure the state of the beverage passing through the hose 17 stored in the storage member 1A. In this case, the hose 17 through which the beverage passes and at least some of the sensors of the sensor unit 40 are stored in the storage member 1A. The state of the beverage passing through the inside of the hose 17 stored in the storage member 1A is then measured by the sensors. Therefore, since the hose 17 and the sensors are stored together in the storage member 1A and the sensors measure the state of the beverage together, the state of the beverage can be measured with high accuracy.

[0140] The beverage serving quality monitoring system 1 includes a keg stand 1B on which a keg 15 containing a sparkling beverage B is placed and which is connected to a beverage server 10 via a hose 17, and on which at least some of the sensors of a sensor unit 40 (e.g., each sensor of a second sensor group 40B) are arranged, and the sensors may measure the condition of the beverage contained in the keg 15. In this case, a keg stand 1B is provided on which a keg 15 connected to a beverage server 10 via a hose 17 is placed, and at least some of the sensors of the sensor unit 40 are arranged on the keg stand 1B. The sensors arranged on the keg stand 1B measure the condition of the beverage contained in the keg 15. Therefore, the condition of the beverage contained in the keg 15 can be measured with high accuracy by the sensors, and the storage condition of the beverage in the keg 15 can be ascertained.

[0141] The sensor unit 40 may include a sensor 41 that is fixed to the cylinder 12 that contains the gas to be supplied inside the barrel 15 and that measures the state of the gas in the cylinder 12. In this case, the sensor 41 is fixed to the cylinder 12 that supplies gas to the beverage contained in the barrel 15, and the sensor 41 measures the state of the gas. Therefore, the state of the gas to be supplied to the beverage inside the barrel 15 can be measured by the sensor 41 fixed to the cylinder 12, and the state of the beverage can be measured with higher accuracy.

[0142] The beverage serving quality monitoring system 1 includes a separate measuring device 60C on which a beverage container C having a beverage dispensed from a beverage server 10 is placed, and the sensor unit 60 may include sensors (e.g., a frosty mist measuring sensor 71, an odor sensor 72, a container state measuring sensor 73, and a lacing measuring sensor 74) that are incorporated into the separate measuring device 60C and measure the state of the beverage dispensed into the beverage container C. In this case, sensors are incorporated into the separate measuring device 60C on which the beverage container C having a beverage dispensed from the beverage server 10 is placed, and the sensors measure the state of the beverage dispensed into the beverage container C. Therefore, the state of the beverage dispensed from the beverage server 10 can be measured by the separate measuring device 60C, so the quality of the beverage served can be measured with higher accuracy.

[0143] The beverage server 10 includes a pedestal 10j on which a beverage container C from which a beverage is dispensed is placed, and the sensor unit 60 may include sensors (e.g., real-time measurement sensor 60A and static measurement sensor 60B) that measure the state of the beverage dispensed into the beverage container C placed on the pedestal 10j. In this case, the sensors can measure the beverage immediately after it has been dispensed into the beverage container C placed on the pedestal 10j of the beverage server 10 and / or while it is being dispensed into the beverage container C. Therefore, the state of the beverage being dispensed can be measured with higher accuracy and in real time.

[0144] The beverage is a sparkling drink B containing a liquid B1 and foam B2 placed on top of the liquid B1, and the sensor unit 60 may include a sensor (e.g., a foam measurement sensor 63 or a liquid measurement sensor 64) that measures at least one of the state of the liquid B1 of the sparkling drink B and the state of the foam B2 of the sparkling drink B. In this case, at least some of the sensors in the sensor unit 60 measure at least one of the state of the liquid B1 of the sparkling drink B and the state of the foam B2, making it possible to perform highly accurate measurements on the sparkling drink B that is provided.

[0145] The sensor unit 40 may include a turbidity measurement sensor 45 that measures the turbidity of the liquid B1 in the sparkling beverage B. In this case, the turbidity measurement sensor 45 measures the turbidity of the liquid B1 in the sparkling beverage B to be served, making it possible to determine whether the served beverage is turbid. Alternatively, the liquid measurement sensor 64 may measure the turbidity of the liquid B1 in the sparkling beverage B.

[0146] The sensor unit 60 may include an amount measurement sensor 61 that measures the distance D between the top end C1 of the beverage container C into which the sparkling beverage B has been poured and the top end B4 of the foam B2. In this case, by having the amount measurement sensor 61 measure the distance D between the top end C1 of the beverage container C and the top end B4 of the foam B2, it is possible to determine whether the amount of the sparkling beverage B is appropriate. Therefore, the serving quality of the sparkling beverage B can be determined with greater accuracy.

[0147] The sensor unit 60 may include a foam / liquid ratio measuring sensor 62 that measures the ratio of the foam B2 area to the liquid B1 area in the beverage container C into which the sparkling beverage B has been dispensed. In this case, the foam / liquid ratio measuring sensor 62 measures the ratio of the foam B2 to the liquid B1, making it possible to determine whether the ratio of the foam B2 to the liquid B1 in the sparkling beverage B being served is appropriate. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the ratio of the foam B2 to the liquid B1 is the recommended ratio (for example, 3:7), making it possible to more accurately determine the serving quality of the sparkling beverage B.

[0148] The sensor unit 60 may include a frosty mist measurement sensor 71 that measures frosty mist B3 that is generated at the boundary between the foam B2 and the liquid B1 in the beverage container C into which the sparkling beverage B has been poured. As described above, the frosty mist B3 is a tiny granular bubble that is generated between the liquid B1 and the foam B2 of the sparkling beverage B, and it is known that when the frosty mist B3 is stimulated during drinking, finer bubbles are regenerated. Therefore, when the sensor unit 60 is equipped with a frosty mist measurement sensor 71 that measures the frosty mist B3, it is possible to estimate the amount of foam B2 that is regenerated in the sparkling beverage B being served, thereby enabling the serving quality of the sparkling beverage B to be determined with greater accuracy.

[0149] The sensor unit 60 may include a sensor (e.g., liquid measurement sensor 64) that measures the presence or absence of foreign matter in the beverage container C from which the beverage is dispensed. In this case, the sensor can detect the presence or absence of foreign matter in the beverage container C. Therefore, it is possible to warn establishments that use beverage containers C with foreign matter attached, thereby improving the quality of beverage service.

[0150] Beverage server 10 includes faucet 10b for dispensing beverages, and sensor units 40, 60 may measure at least one of the temperature of beverage container C from which the beverage is dispensed, the temperature of the beverage dispensed into beverage container C, and the temperature of the air outside beverage server 10 (for example, measurements may be performed using beverage container temperature measurement sensor 66, in-container beverage temperature measurement sensor 65, and outside air temperature measurement sensor 48). In this case, sensor units 40, 60 can measure at least one of the temperature of beverage container C, the temperature of the beverage dispensed into beverage container C, and the temperature of the air outside, thereby obtaining information about the environment in which the beverage is served. Therefore, the quality of the beverage served can be determined with even greater accuracy by measuring the temperature.

[0151] At least one of sensor unit 40 and sensor unit 60 may be detachable from beverage server 10. In this case, at least one of sensor unit 40 and sensor unit 60 can be diverted to another store or another beverage server.

[0152] In the beverage serving quality monitoring method according to this embodiment, the quality of beverage serving at multiple establishments is monitored, and beverage server status information D1 is generated from the measurement results of beverage server sensor 20. Furthermore, in the beverage serving quality monitoring method, out-of-server beverage status information D2 is generated from the measurement results of sensor units 40 and 60 installed at locations remote from beverage server 10, and both beverage server status information D1 and out-of-server beverage status information D2 are received. Therefore, it is possible to obtain information on not only the status of beverage server 10 but also the beverage being served. Therefore, it is possible to obtain information on not only beverage server 10 but also the beverage itself being served. As a result, it is possible to fully understand the condition in which beverages are actually being served to customers at the establishment, thereby reducing the effort required to interview or visit the establishment to understand the beverage serving condition. This also allows the beverage serving quality at the establishment to be easily and accurately understood.

[0153] In particular, in this embodiment, by measuring the state of the beverage before it reaches beverage server 10 (for example, the state of the beverage stored in hose 17 or barrel 15), the state of beverage server 10, and the state of the beverage dispensed from beverage server 10 at each of a plurality of stores, it is possible to grasp the serving quality of the beverage throughout the process up to the beverage being served to the customer at each of a plurality of stores. Therefore, since information relating to the entire serving of beverages, not just beverage server 10 or the beverage, can be collected from each store, it is possible to compare serving quality between stores.

[0154] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the beverage serving quality monitoring system 1 includes a beverage server sensor 20, a sensor unit 40 that measures the beverage before it is dispensed, and a sensor unit 60 that measures the beverage after it is dispensed. Each of the beverage server sensor 20, the sensor unit 40, and the sensor unit 60 is composed of multiple sensors. Therefore, it is possible to measure the beverage and the beverage server 10 with high accuracy at each step up to the serving of the beverage to the customer.

[0155] The above describes embodiments of the beverage serving quality monitoring system and beverage serving quality monitoring method according to the present disclosure. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may be modified or applied to other things without departing from the spirit of the claims. In other words, the present invention can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the claims, and the configuration, function, shape, size, number, materials, and arrangement of each part of the beverage serving quality monitoring system, as well as the content and order of each step of the beverage serving quality monitoring method, can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the claims.

[0156] For example, in the above-described embodiment, beverage server sensor 20 was described as including water tank temperature sensor 21, ice volume measurement sensor 22, server power supply energization sensor 23, earth leakage breaker activation sensor 24, stirring motor rotation speed sensor 25, beverage line attachment sensor 26, water tank water level sensor 27, basin water volume sensor 28, fan motor current measurement sensor 29, outer surface condensation sensor 30, water tank water quality sensor 31, refrigeration unit current measurement sensor 32, spout lever open / close sensor 33, faucet outlet temperature sensor 34, and communication unit 35. However, the beverage server sensor may be a sensor in which at least some of the above sensors are omitted, and the sensor configuration of the beverage server sensor can be modified as appropriate. The same applies to sensor unit 40 and sensor unit 60.

[0157] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which at least one of sensor unit 40 and sensor unit 60 is detachable from beverage server 10. However, the sensor unit may not be detachable from beverage server 10, and may be provided integrally with beverage server 10.

[0158] In the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which the beverage was sparkling beverage B, and sparkling beverage B was beer. However, the beverage serving quality monitoring system and beverage serving quality monitoring method according to the present disclosure can also be applied to sparkling beverages other than beer and beverages other than sparkling beverages. As a specific example, the beverage may be a low-malt beer with foam retention properties, non-alcoholic beer, chuhai, sour, highball, RTD (Ready To Drink), cola, soda, cider, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0159] 1...beverage serving quality monitoring system, 1A...storage member, 1B...keg stand, 1b...mounting unit, 2...server, 2b...processor, 2c...main memory unit, 2d...auxiliary memory unit, 2f...communication module, 2g...display, 2h...input interface, 3...beverage serving information receiving unit, 4...data analysis unit, 5...data display unit, 6...alert output unit, 10...beverage server, 10b...faucet, 10c...cooling device, 10d...water tank, 10f...beverage pipe, 10g...refrigerant pipe, 10h...ice, 10j...receiver, 11...beverage serving device, 12...cylinder, 13...pressure reducing valve, 13b... Residual pressure indicator, 13c...operation unit, 14...carbon dioxide hose, 15...barrel, 15b...liquid temperature detection unit, 15c...tube, 15d...nozzle, 16...head, 16b...operation handle, 16c...gas fitting, 16d...beverage fitting, 16f...main body, 17...hose, 20...beverage server sensor, 21...water tank temperature sensor, 22...ice production volume measurement sensor, 23...server power supply current sensor, 24...earth leakage breaker operation sensor, 25...mixing motor rotation speed sensor, 26...beverage line installation sensor, 27...water tank water level sensor, 28...receiver water level sensor, 29...fan motor current Measurement sensors, 30...external surface condensation sensor, 31...aquarium water quality sensor, 32...refrigeration device current measurement sensor, 33...spout lever open / close sensor, 34...faucet outlet temperature sensor, 35...communication unit, 40...sensor unit, 40A...first sensor group, 40B...second sensor group, 41...sensor, 41b...gas pressure measurement unit, 41c...remaining amount measurement unit, 41d...communication unit, 42...temperature measurement sensor, 43...flow rate sensor, 44...conductivity measurement sensor, 45...turbidity measurement sensor, 46...air bubble measurement sensor, 47...pressure measurement sensor, 48...outside air temperature measurement sensor, 49...communication unit, 51...barrel Liquid temperature measurement sensor, 52... remaining amount measurement sensor, 53... communication unit, 60... sensor unit, 60A... real-time measurement sensor, 60B... static measurement sensor, 60C... separate measurement device, 60d... unit, 60f... measurement unit, 61... amount measurement sensor, 62... foam-liquid ratio measurement sensor, 63... foam measurement sensor, 64... liquid measurement sensor, 65... beverage temperature measurement sensor in container, 66... ​​beverage container temperature measurement sensor, 67... communication unit, 71... frosty mist measurement sensor, 72... odor sensor, 73... container state measurement sensor, 74... racing measurement sensor, 75... communication unit, A1,A2...store, B...sparkling drink (drink), B1...liquid, B2...foam, B3...frosty mist, B4...top, C...drink container, C1...top, D...distance, D1...drink server status information, D2...drink status information outside the server, F...lid, H...horizontal plane, T...information terminal, θ...angle.

Claims

1. A beverage serving quality monitoring system for monitoring the quality of beverage serving in a plurality of establishments that serve beverages using beverage servers, comprising: a beverage server sensor that measures a state of the beverage server while being fixed to the beverage server; a sensor unit including one or more sensors for measuring the state of the beverage dispensed from the beverage dispenser at a location remote from the beverage dispenser; a beverage serving information receiving unit that receives the state of the beverage server measured by the beverage server sensor and the state of the beverage measured by the sensor unit; Equipped with the sensor units include a first sensor unit for measuring the beverage before dispensing and a second sensor unit for measuring the beverage after dispensing; The beverage server includes a faucet for dispensing the beverage, the sensor unit measures the temperature of a beverage container from which the beverage is dispensed and the temperature of the beverage dispensed into the beverage container; Beverage serving quality monitoring system.

2. a hose through which the beverage passes and which extends from the beverage server at a position spaced from the beverage server, and a housing member that houses at least a part of the sensors of the sensor unit; The sensor measures the state of the beverage passing through the hose contained in the containing member. The beverage serving quality monitoring system of claim 1 .

3. a barrel stand on which a barrel containing the beverage, which is a sparkling beverage, and which is connected to the beverage server via a hose is placed, and on which at least some of the sensors of the sensor unit are arranged; the sensor measures the condition of the beverage contained in the keg; The beverage serving quality monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The sensor unit includes a sensor fixed to a cylinder that contains gas to be supplied to the inside of the barrel and that measures the state of the gas in the cylinder. The beverage serving quality monitoring system according to claim 3 .

5. a separate measuring device on which a beverage container into which the beverage has been dispensed from the beverage server is placed, The sensor unit includes a sensor that is incorporated into the separate measuring device and measures the state of the beverage poured into the beverage container. The beverage serving quality monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The beverage server includes a cradle on which a beverage container from which the beverage is dispensed is placed, The sensor unit includes a sensor for measuring a state of the beverage dispensed into the beverage container placed on the cradle. The beverage serving quality monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the beverage is a sparkling beverage comprising a liquid and a foam on top of the liquid; The sensor unit includes a sensor that measures at least one of the state of the liquid in the sparkling beverage and the state of the foam in the sparkling beverage. The beverage serving quality monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. the sensor unit includes a sensor for measuring the turbidity of the liquid of the sparkling beverage; The beverage serving quality monitoring system according to claim 7.

9. The sensor unit includes a sensor for measuring a distance between an upper end of a beverage container from which the beverage is dispensed and an upper end of the foam. The beverage serving quality monitoring system according to claim 7 or 8.

10. the sensor unit includes a sensor for measuring a ratio of the foam area to the liquid area in the beverage container from which the beverage has been dispensed; The beverage serving quality monitoring system according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

11. The sensor unit includes a sensor for measuring frosty mist generated at an interface between the foam and the liquid in the beverage container from which the beverage is poured. The beverage serving quality monitoring system according to any one of claims 7 to 10.

12. The sensor unit includes a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a foreign object in a beverage container from which the beverage is dispensed. The beverage serving quality monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. the sensor unit includes a sensor for measuring the odor of the beverage dispensed into the beverage container; The beverage serving quality monitoring system according to any one of claims 7 to 12.

14. The sensor unit is detachable from the beverage server. The beverage serving quality monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A beverage serving quality monitoring method for monitoring the serving quality of beverages in a plurality of establishments that serve beverages using beverage servers, comprising: measuring a state of the beverage server using a beverage server sensor fixed to the beverage server, and generating beverage server state information indicating a state of the beverage server; a step of measuring a state of a beverage provided from the beverage server by a sensor unit provided at a position remote from the beverage server, and generating out-of-server beverage state information indicating a state of the beverage outside the beverage server; receiving the beverage server status information and the beverage out-of-server status information from each of the plurality of stores; Equipped with the sensor units include a first sensor unit for measuring the beverage before dispensing and a second sensor unit for measuring the beverage after dispensing; The beverage server includes a faucet for dispensing the beverage, the sensor unit measures the temperature of a beverage container from which the beverage is dispensed and the temperature of the beverage dispensed into the beverage container; Beverage serving quality monitoring method.

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