Pour spout and system for determining a dispensed amount of beverage

Abstract

Pour spout 100 for dispensing a beverage from a bottle 60, the spout comprising a spout body 10 having an adapter 11 for attaching the spout body to the bottle, and a dispensing channel 20 for dispensing the beverage therethrough. The spout further comprises a sensor unit for 40 detecting a dispensing event and determining a dispensed amount of the beverage corresponding to the dispensing event. The sensor unit 40 includes a beverage detector 45 arranged for detecting that the beverage is present in the dispensing channel, and an orientation sensor 41 arranged for measuring an angular orientation of the spout body 10 at least when the beverage detector 45 detects that the beverage is present in the dispensing channel.

Description

[0001] Title: Pour spout and system for determining a dispensed amount of beverage

[0002] FIELD

[0003] The disclosure generally relates to pour spouts for attachment to a bottle outlet, for pouring a beverage from the bottle.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Pour spouts are generally used by bars and other establishments to facilitate the serving of beverages. Instead of pouring the beverage directly from a bottle, a pouring spout is attached to the bottle outlet for dispensing a controlled beverage flow. Generally two types of pour spouts can be distinguished. A first type, often referred to as a fixed dosing spout or auto spout, is arranged to dispense the beverage from a bottle in fixed predetermined dosages. This type of spout provides for accurate and consistent dosing of beverages with little risk of spillage and over- and underdispensing. A second type is often referred to as a free pouring spouts and allow for free pouring of the beverage at any dose preferred. While the second type is often preferred by bar personnel due to its flexibility, keeping track of the dispensed beverage amounts and monitoring spillage is a challenge.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] It is an object to propose a pour spout for dispensing a beverage from a bottle and accurately determining an amount of dispensed beverage. In a more general sense it is an object to overcome or reduce at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art. It is also an object to provide alternative solutions which are less cumbersome in assembly and operation and which moreover can be made relatively inexpensively. Alternatively it is an object to at least provide a useful alternative.

[0008] Hereto, an aspect of the disclosure provides a pour spout for dispensing a beverage from a bottle, the spout comprising a spout body having an adapter for attaching the spout body to the bottle, and a dispensing channel for dispensing the beverage therethrough. The spout further comprises a sensor unit for detecting a dispensing event and determining a dispensed amount of the beverage corresponding to the dispensing event. The sensor unit includes a beverage detector arranged for detecting that the beverage is present in the dispensing channel, and an orientation sensor arranged for measuring an angular orientation of the spout body at least when the beverage detector detects that the beverage is present in the dispensing channel. Hence, the beverage detector allows for detection whether the beverage is present in the dispensing channel or not. If it is detected that the beverage is present in the dispensing channel, it can be inferred that the beverage flows through the dispensing channel, and hence that an amount of beverage is being dispensed from the bottle. The measured angular orientation of the spout body can further indicate whether the spout, and hence the bottle to which it attaches, is in an orientation to pour or not. The measured angular orientation in conjunction with the detection of the beverage in the dispensing channel hence allow for accurate determination of the dispensing event, particularly of a start and end of the dispensing event. Moreover, the orientation sensor allows for accurately determining a flow rate of the beverage through the dispensing channel, which may depend on the angular orientation of the bottle, and hence of a flow rate at which the beverage is being dispensed.

[0009] Optionally, the sensor unit is configured for detecting, with the beverage detector, a start of the dispensing event and an end of the dispensing event, and generating a time signal indicative of a time span of the detection event between the start and the end of the dispensing event. The time span of the dispensing event can be used, e.g. in conjunction with sensor data of the orientation sensor, to accurately determine the dispensed amount of beverage.

[0010] Optionally, the sensor unit is configured for detecting a start of the dispensing event by detecting, with the beverage detector, a first time instant that the beverage is present in the dispensing channel. The presence of a beverage can indicate that a beverage is flowing through the dispensing channel. In contrast, if the sensor unit does not detect a beverage then that could be an indication that no beverage is flowing through the dispensing channel, even if the orientation sensor indicates that the bottle is in an orientation to pour. It can accordingly be accurately determined, with the beverage detector, whether and when the dispensing event starts, particularly accounting for a time delay between tilting of the bottle from a non-pouring orientation to a pouring orientation and the beverage reaching the dispensing channel of the spout. The time delay may depend on a beverage level in the bottle, and a tilting motion of the bottle by the user.

[0011] Optionally, the sensor unit is configured for detecting an end of the dispensing event by detecting, with the beverage detector, a second time instant that the beverage is no longer present in the dispensing channel. A time span of the dispensing event can hence be accurately determined between the start and the end of the dispensing event. By determining with the beverage detector when beverage is no longer in the dispensing channel, a time delay between the tilting of the bottle from the pouring orientation back to a non-pouring orientation and the beverage withdrawing from the dispensing channel can be accounted for. The beverage detector noticing the absence of beverage in the dispensing channel can furthermore be used to determine whether the bottle is emptied out before the orientation sensor has determined that the bottle is returned to a non-pouring orientation.

[0012] Optionally, the beverage detector comprises a capacitive sensor. Capacitive sensors effectively and efficiently differentiate between air and beverages in the dispensing channel. Capacitive sensors furthermore can be operated at low power.

[0013] Optionally, the capacitive sensor includes two capacitor electrodes arranged on opposing lateral sides of the dispensing channel and separated from each other by the dispensing channel. The dispensing channel is hence arranged in a gap between the two capacitor electrodes. This way, a capacitance of the capacitor can depend on whether the dispensing channel is filled with beverage or with ambient air. The positioning of the capacitor electrodes thus allows for effective detection of a presence of the beverage in the dispensing channel. The capacitive sensor for example includes a single capacitor, having the two capacitor electrodes.

[0014] Optionally, the two capacitor electrodes are provided on a flexible circuit board that is bent around the dispensing channel, such that the capacitor electrodes are on opposing lateral sides of said dispensing channel. This way, the a compact arrangement can be obtained that is easy to assemble. The overall form factor of the pour spout can furthermore be minimized.

[0015] Optionally, the two capacitor electrodes are integrated with a circuit board of the sensor unit, and extend, parallel to each other, outward from the circuit board so as to define a spacing between the capacitor electrodes for accommodating the dispensing channel. This allows for a simplified and reliable assembly of the pour spout. Measurement consistency between spouts may hence be improved.

[0016] Optionally, the sensor unit is configured for detecting a start of the dispensing event by detecting, with the capacitance sensor, a time instant of a first capacitance change that exceeds a first predetermined threshold. The start of the dispensing event may be triggered by the beverage flowing along the capacitive sensor, causing the air in the dispensing channel to be replaced with the beverage. The difference between the respective dielectric constants of the air and the beverage can be detected by the capacitive sensor. In practice, the change from air to beverage and vice versa in the dispensing channel is relatively abrupt, causing a sharp decrease or increase in a capacitance of the capacitive sensor. The capacitance change can signal the start of the dispensing event, and can be automatically detected. It can be differentiated between a start and an end of the dispensing event based on whether the change is positive or negative. A predetermined threshold could be used to minimize possibilities of false detection. Possible false flags could be compression of the pour spout leading to a change in distance between the capacitance plates which could cause a change in capacitance.

[0017] Optionally, the sensor unit is configured for detecting an end of the dispensing event by detecting, with the capacitive sensor, a time instant of a second capacitance change that exceeds a second predetermined threshold. The first and second predetermined thresholds could be set the same or at different absolute values.

[0018] Optionally, the pour spout could comprise a transmitter configured for wirelessly transmitting sensor data, the sensor data particularly being indicative of one or more of a time of a detection by the beverage detector that the beverage was present in the dispensing channel, a measured angular orientation of the spout body corresponding to said detection by the beverage detector, an ambient and / or spout temperature, an acceleration of the spout body. The transmitted sensor data could be used to calculate and / or process various parameters of interest. Such parameters can include, but are not limited to a total amount of dispensed beverage per dispensing event or for multiple dispensing events, an average amount of a dispensed beverage during one or more dispensing events, an volumetric accuracy of dispensing, an average duration of several dispensing events, activity or inactivity of a spout, a time of activity of a spout. The sensor data could also be used to adjust or update estimation parameters, such as a viscosity of the beverage dependent on a measured temperature, for improving accuracy of the determination of the dispensed amount of beverage.

[0019] Optionally, the transmitter is configured to broadcast the sensor data, e.g. using a Bluetooth advertising protocol. It will be appreciated that a broadcasted signal, as opposed to a point-to-point transmission, is transmitted for being received by any recipient within reach, without requiring confirmation or acknowledgement of receipt from the recipient. This way, power can be saved, and any time delay between successive dispensing events is minimized, which furthermore allows the sensor unit to turn itself into a power saving mode after transmitting the data without having to wait for confirmation. It will be appreciated that there are various suitable protocols for wirelessly transmitting the sensor data. Bluetooth low energy is an particular suitable example, allowing for transmitting the sensor data via an advertising protocol. Alternatively the sensor data could be send over Wi-Fi within a local network.

[0020] Optionally, the spout body is arranged for being attached to the bottle such that, in use, the transmitter is external of the bottle. Placing the transmitter externally to the bottle minimizes possible interferences an impedance of the transmission of the sensor data, particularly as the transmitter is less likely to be enclosed by the hand of the user holding the neck of the bottle during pouring of the liquid.

[0021] Optionally, the sensor unit is configured for transmitting the sensor data upon detecting that beverage is no longer present in the dispensing channel, and / or upon measuring that the angular orientation is within a predetermined orientation range. The predetermined orientation range of the pour spout can be selected such that the range could indicate the end of a dispensing event, similar to the lack of presence of a beverage in the dispensing channel. Either one or both of these signals could indicate that the dispensing event has ended, which can be used to trigger the transmission of the acquired sensor data corresponding to the dispensing event. This way, substantially real-time insights can be obtained on the dispensing event.

[0022] Optionally, the sensor data has a unique spout identifier associated therewith. A unique spout identifier allows for identifying the origin of transmitted data, which could provide insightful information in the processing of the sensor data from multiple spouts. The spout identifier can be linked to a type of beverage contained by the bottle the spout is attached to. The origin of transmitted sensor data can thus allow for correlating specific dispensing events to specific beverages in specific bottles. It can furthermore allow for the linking dispensing events to a specific user, e.g. a bartender, to monitor performances.

[0023] Optionally, the pour spout could comprise a memory configured for storing sensor data from the sensor unit. The storing of sensor data on the memory can provide redundancy over the wireless transmission, and also allows for a reliable transfer of data to a receiver. Such a transfer could for example be executed during hours of low activity in the bar, and allows for a secure transfer of the sensor data.

[0024] Optionally, the spout body comprises a sealed sensor cavity holding the sensor unit.

[0025] Optionally, the sensor unit is releasably held in the sealed sensor cavity. It may hence be possible to replace and repair the sensor unit by having a sealable sensor cavity and a releasable sensor unit. This could help minimize the costs of maintaining and operating multiple pour spouts by allowing for simple and partial replacements.

[0026] Optionally, the orientation sensor comprises an accelerometer for measuring an acceleration of the spout body. The accelerometer could determine the orientation of the pour spout by measuring the angle of the pour spout with respect a reference, e.g. a vertical or horizontal axis. The angular orientation could be used to determine whether the bottle is in a position to pour or not, and to determine a flow rate through the dispensing channel. Additionally the accelerometer can determine a position of the spout in space.

[0027] Optionally, the sensor unit is configured for, while the beverage detector detects that the beverage is present in the dispensing channel, detecting an acceleration of the spout body with the accelerometer for determining whether the dispensing event corresponds to a single dispensed beverage or multiple dispensed beverages. A user might occasionally pour several beverages in short succession while maintaining the bottle in a pouring position also in between the successive pours. In such situation, the beverage may accordingly not have withdrawn from the dispensing channel, in between the different pourings, and as such, it may not be able to differentiate the different beverages from the beverage detector signal. Hereto, measurements of the acceleration of the spout body can allow to distinguish between a single beverage and multiple beverages. In particular, it can be determined whether the dispensing event corresponds to a single dispensed beverage or multiple dispensed beverages, based on a measured vertical acceleration of the spout body. A user may for example shortly interrupt the flow of beverage from the dispensing channel by vertically acceleration the bottle away from the beverage receptacle.

[0028] Optionally, the sensor unit is configured for detecting that the dispensing event corresponds to multiple dispensed beverages in case the accelerometer detects at least one acceleration of the spout in the vertical direction that exceeds the acceleration threshold, while the beverage detector detects that the beverage is present in the dispensing channel. In situations where a user pours multiple beverages in short succession, the bottle may be accelerated in vertical direction in between poured beverages. This vertical motion may be detected by the accelerometer and could be used as a signal to indicate that a single dispensing event as detected by the beverage detector in fact constitutes of multiple dispensing events with associated starts and ends. This improves the accuracy by maintaining a record of total dispensing events that more accurately reflect the actual number of poured beverages.

[0029] Optionally, the pour spout could comprise a temperature sensor arranged for measuring an ambient air temperature. Properties of the beverage could be affected by the ambient air temperature. It might be possible that certain beverages have a temperature-dependent viscosity, which in turn influences the flow rate through the dispensing channel. For example for such situations, having access to temperature data allows for adjustments of calculated flowrate and in turn of the calculated amount of dispensed beverage.

[0030] Optionally, the sensor unit is arranged for selectively being in a power saving mode or an active mode. The power consumption of the sensor unit could hence be minimized, and therefore the battery life could be extended. The sensor unit be active shortly before and after dispensing events. In all other situations, the sensor may be the power saving mode, e.g. in a sleep state.

[0031] Optionally, the sensor unit is configured to automatically switch from the active mode to the power saving mode upon transmitting the sensor data. The transmission of the data may trigger the switching into the power saving mode.

[0032] Optionally, the sensor unit is configured to automatically switch from the power saving mode to the active mode upon detection by the orientation sensor that the orientation or orientation change of the spout exceeds a predetermined orientation threshold, or upon detection by the orientation sensor that an acceleration of the spout exceeds a predetermined acceleration threshold. The switching from the power saving mode to the active mode can for example be triggered by the detection of an orientation of the spout that could indicate it is in a pourable orientation and / or of acceleration of the spout that could indicate that the bottle is being displaced. The orientation sensor, e.g. the accelerometer, may hence be kept in an active or semi-active state when the sensor unit is in the power saving mode. The orientation threshold and / or acceleration threshold can be set such filter out minor movements of the spout, e.g. noise.

[0033] Optionally, the sensor unit is configured for being in an inactive mode, and wherein the sensor unit comprises an activation sensor configured to generate an activation signal upon detecting a predetermined external activation stimulus for switching the sensor unit from the inactive mode to the active mode. Optionally, the activation sensor comprises a magnetic sensor, such as a Hall-effect sensor, configured for detecting an external magnetic field and generating the activation signal upon detecting a magnetic field that exceeds a predetermined magnetic threshold. The inactive mode can be used for handling and transporting the sensor unit or spout when acquiring sensor data is not required or desired, to save battery power. The sensor unit can be activated and / or inactivated at any desired place and time, by exposing the spout the predetermined stimulus, such as an external electric or magnetic field, or by manually activating a switch.

[0034] Another aspect of the disclosure provides a system comprising a pour spout as described herein. The system further comprises a processing unit, remote from the pour spout, and communicatively connected to the pour spout being arranged to wirelessly transmit sensor data acquired by the sensor unit to the processing unit. The remote processing unit is thus arranged to receive sensor data from the pour spout. The processing unit could process the sensor data to determine the dispensed amount of beverage. The processer unit can further be configured to determine various other parameters.

[0035] Optionally, the sensor data includes beverage detection data indicative of presence of the beverage in the dispensing channel and an associated time duration that the beverage was present in the dispensing channel, and orientation data indicative of an orientation of the spout body during the dispensing event, wherein the processing unit is configured for determining, based on the sensor data, a dispensed amount of beverage corresponding to the dispensing event. An example calculation by the processor unit could comprise calculating the time span of a dispensing event, e.g. based on a measured time instant indicative of a start of the dispensing event, and a measured time instant indicative of an end of the dispensing event. The processing unit can furthermore determine based on a measure orientation of the spout, and e.g. predetermined dimensions of the dispensing channel, a flow rate of the beverage through the dispensing channel. Based on the flow rate and the time span, the dispensed amount of beverage associated with the dispensing event can hence be determined with the processing unit. It will be appreciated that the spout may only need to transmit a time parameter, e.g. a time span or time instants of a start and a end of the detected dispensing event, and orientation parameters of the orientation of the spout, for allowing the processing unit to determine an estimate of the dispensed amount of beverage.

[0036] Optionally, the sensor data includes acceleration data indicative of an acceleration of the spout body during the dispensing event.

[0037] Optionally, the processing unit is configured for, based on the sensor data, determining whether the dispensing event corresponds to a single dispensed beverage or multiple dispensed beverages.

[0038] Optionally, the processing unit is configured for determining that the dispensing event corresponds to multiple dispensed beverages in case at least one acceleration of the spout body in a vertical direction has been measured to exceed a predetermined acceleration threshold.

[0039] Optionally, the processing unit is configured for determining, based on the sensor data, that the bottle has been emptied during a dispensing event, when the angular orientation of the spout body at the end of the dispensing event has been measured to exceed a predetermined threshold. Mostly, a dispensing event is ended when the user tilts the bottle to a nonpouring orientation, e.g. by crossing a horizontal orientation. However, the dispensing event could alternatively end when the entire content of the bottle has been dispensed, which can be detected using the beverage detector in conjunction with the measured orientation of the spout at the detected end of the dispensing event indicating a pouring orientation. The determining that the bottle has been emptied may also be determined by the spout, and transmitted to the processing unit. The detection of an empty bottle could for example be communicated to an inventory management system.

[0040] Optionally, the processing unit is configured for determining, based on the sensor data, that the pour spout has been attached to a new bottle after having been attached to the emptied bottle, when the angular orientation of the spout body at the beginning of a subsequent dispensing event has been measured to differ from the measured angular orientation of the spout body at the end of the preceding dispensing event.

[0041] Optionally, the processing unit is configured for determining that the preceding dispensing event and the subsequent dispensing event correspond to a single dispensed beverage. It may in practice occur that a bottle runs out before a proper amount has been poured, and is topped up by a new bottle. The processing unit may determine, e.g. in conjunction with data from a sales register, that two subsequent dispensing events of low volume actually combine into a single dispensed beverage.

[0042] Optionally, the processing unit is configured for determining a residual beverage amount in the bottle based on a measured angular orientation of the bottle at the start of the dispensing event. The remaining amount of beverage in a bottle can be correlated to the angular orientation of the spout at which the beverage is first dispensed from the dispensing channel. A full bottle generally correlates to a smaller angular tilt of the bottle at the start of the dispensing event than a near-empty bottle.

[0043] Optionally, the processing unit is configured for determining a difference between a cumulative dispensed amount of beverage of multiple dispensing events associated with the emptied bottle and a reference amount associated with the emptied bottle. The volumetric content of each new bottle is generally known. The processing unit could keep a record of the number of successive dispensing events and their respective estimated volumes, per bottle of a specific beverage. The processing unit could be arranged to compare the summed amount of these successive dispensing events for a specific bottle, to the reference amount for that bottle, and adjust estimation parameters for potential discrepancies. The comparison could furthermore indicate and signal unusual activity, a discontinued bottle, e.g. if the bottle is broken.

[0044] Optionally, the processing unit is configured for updating a bottlespecific and / or beverage-specific parameter to reduce said difference, such as viscosity parameter of the beverage.

[0045] Optionally, the sensor data is accompanied by a unique identifier, and the processing unit is configured for distinguishing between different spouts based on the unique identifier.

[0046] Optionally, the spout is one of a plurality of spouts that are communicatively connected to a common processing unit, and wherein the plurality of pour spouts include a spare spout for being interchangeable with any of the plurality of spouts, the spare spout being associated with a unique identifier that is distinguishable by the processing unit, wherein the processing unit, upon receiving sensor data from the spare spout, is configured for automatically linking the spare spout to the spout it has replaced based on a comparison between collective sensor data from the plurality of spouts with data of a beverage sales register.

[0047] An aspect provides a method for dispensing a beverage from a bottle using a pour spout or a system as described herein. The pour spout is attached to the bottle. The method comprises determining, based on sensor data of the beverage detector and the orientation sensor, a dispensed amount of the beverage corresponding to the dispensing event. Optionally, the method comprises determining a start and an end of a dispensing event; determining a time span of the dispensing event between the start and end of the dispensing event; measuring, using the orientation sensor, an angular orientation of the pour spout during the time span of the dispensing event; based on the angular orientation and the time span, automatically determining the dispensed amount of the beverage corresponding to the dispensing event.

[0048] Optionally, the method comprises, transmitting sensor data indicative of the time span of the dispensing event and the angular orientation of the pour spout to a remote processing unit, and having the processing unit determine the dispensed amount of the beverage.

[0049] It will be appreciated that any of the aspects, features and options described herein can be combined. It will particularly be appreciated that any of the aspects, features and options described in view of the pour spout apply equally to the system, and vice versa. It will particularly be appreciated that any of the aspects, features and options described in view of the pour spout apply equally to the method, and vice versa.

[0050] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0052] Figures 1A-1F show an example of a pour spout for being attached to a bottle;

[0053] Figures 2A-2D show a beverage detector and a sensor signal of the beverage detector;

[0054] Figures 3A and 3B show an orientation sensor and a sensor signal of the orientation sensor;

[0055] Figure 4 shows an example of a system. Figures 5A-5F show another example of a pour spout for being attached to a bottle;

[0056] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] Figures 1A-1F show an example of a pour spout 100. The pour spout 100 comprises spout body 10 with an adapter 11 at a proximal side of the spout body 10 for attachment to a bottle. Here, the spout body 10 includes two separate spout body parts that are releasably couplable to each other; a proximal body part 10a having the adapter associated therewith, and a distal body part 10b.

[0058] The spout 100 also comprises a dispensing channel 20, extending from an inlet 21 to an outlet 22 through the spout body 10. The dispensing channel 20 in use provides a fluid connection between the bottle’s interior and the bottle’s exterior, to allow beverage to be dispensed from the bottle in a manageable manner. Here, the distal spout body part 10b forms the dispensing channel 20. The spout 100 further comprises an air vent channel 25, here for receiving a separate venting tube, for smooth pouring of the beverage.

[0059] The spout 100 here comprises a sensor cavity 30 for holding a sensor unit 40. The sensor cavity 30 is in this example formed by the distal spout body part 10b. The sensor unit 40 can be held in the sensor cavity 30, and can be sealed from the environment. The sensor cavity 30 has an open side for receiving the sensor unit 40 there through, and is sealed by a sealing cap 31. Here, the sensor unit 40 includes a circuit board 41 holding one or more sensors. The circuit board 41 here also holds a wireless transmitter for transmitting sensor data acquired from by the one or more sensors to a remote processing unit. The circuit board 41 is here covered by a cover 42. The sensor unit 40 is powered by a replicable battery 44, here two replicable coin cell batteries. The sensor unit 40 includes a beverage detector 45. The beverage detector 45 is configured for detecting a presence of the beverage in the dispensing channel 20. With the beverage detector 45, it can be detected whether a beverage is present in the dispensing channel 20 or not. The presence of the beverage in the dispensing channel is particularly detected in a contactless manner, i.e. without directly contacting the beverage. The beverage detector 45 in this example includes a capacitive sensor with two capacitor electrodes being arranged on opposite lateral sides of the dispensing channel 20. Here, the capacitor electrodes are held by a flexible printed circuit board 46 and folded around the dispensing channel 20. Hence, in this example, the capacitor electrodes are spaced apart by the lateral extent of the dispensing channel 20. A gap between the two capacitor electrodes is hence substantially filed with either air in case no beverage is dispensed by the spout or with the beverage in case the beverage is dispensed from the spout. Dielectric constant differences between air and the beverage can cause a detectable capacitance difference of the capacitive sensor, which can be used to distinguish between air and the beverage. A detection of a beverage in the dispensing channel can hence signal a dispensing event.

[0060] Figures 5A-5F show another example of a pour spout 10, similar to the example shown in figures 1A-1F. In this example, two capacitor electrodes 45 are provided on, or integrated with, the circuit board 41. The capacitor electrodes 45 particularly extend, parallel to one another, outward from the circuit board 41. The capacitor electrodes 45 define a predetermined spacing between each other dimensioned so as to accommodate the dispensing channel 20. The capacitor electrodes 45 are positioned on opposing lateral sides of the dispensing channel 20 by connecting the circuit board 41 to the distal spout body 10b. The outward extension of the capacitor electrodes 45 can further facilitate alignment of the circuit board 41 with respect to the distal spout body 10b. Assembly of the pour spout 10 can hence be simplified, and more consistent. Moreover, the integration of the capacitor electrodes 45 with the circuit board 41 can also provide for measurement consistency between different pour spouts 10.

[0061] As schematically shown in figures 2A-2D, with the beverage detector 45, a start of a dispensing event can be accurately determined, e.g. signaled by a capacitance change indicative of a change in the dispensing channel 20 from air to beverage. Similarly, an end of the dispensing event can be accurately determined, e.g. signaled by a capacitance change indicative of a change in the dispensing channel 20 from beverage to air. A time span of the dispensing event can hence be determined. Figures 2A-2C show the spout 100 in three different angular orientations associated with a dispensing event. In figures 2A and 2B, the spout 100 is in a pouring orientation in which the beverage is able to flow out of the bottle. There is time delay between the spout 100 being in the pouring orientation and the beverage reaching the dispensing channel 20, which is detectable by the beverage detector 45. In figure 2C, the spout 100 is in a non-pouring orientation in which the beverage is not able to flow out of the bottle. Figure 2D shows an exemplary sensor signal from the capacitive sensor 45, indicating six dispensing events el-e6 of different time lengths, before a detection that the bottle has been emptied.

[0062] The sensor unit 40 also comprises an orientation sensor, here held by the circuit board 41, configured for measuring an angular orientation of the spout body 10. The angular orientation of the spout body 10, is indicative of an angular orientation of the bottle to which the spout body 10 is attached, and can hence be used to determine a dispensing flow rate of the beverage through the dispensing channel 20, e.g. in combination with given parameter of the dispensing channel. The orientation sensor in this example includes an accelerometer. The accelerometer is configured for determining an angular orientation of the spout body 10 with respect to a vertical, e.g. relative to the earth’s gravitational field. The accelerometer is furthermore configured for measuring an acceleration of the spout body 10.

[0063] The orientation sensor in conjunction with the beverage detector can be used to accurately estimate a dispensed amount of beverage during a dispensing event. In particular, the beverage detector can accurately determine a time span of the dispensing event, wherein the orientation sensor measures the angular orientation of the bottle during the dispensing event. Hence, a volume of dispensed beverage of the dispensing event can be estimated based on the sensor data from the beverage detector and the orientation sensor.

[0064] Figures 3A shows an exemplary pouring technique in which, here, three beverages are poured into three respective receptacles 7a-7c from a bottle 60 that is provided with a spout 100, wherein the three beverage are poured in short succession without tilting the bottle 60 to a non-pouring orientation in between the respective pours. Figure 3B shows an exemplary sensor signal over time of the accelerometer and the capacitive sensor. The sensor signal shows that the capacitive sensor detects the beverage being continuously present in the dispensing channel 20. The sensor signal also shows that the accelerometer detects two events of a rapid acceleration of the spout 100. From the accelerometer signal it can hence be determined that the single dispensing event as determined by the capacitive sensor, in fact corresponds to the dispensing of three separate beverages.

[0065] The sensor data from the sensor unit 40 is in these examples wirelessly transmittable, e.g. via short-range wireless link such as Bluetooth, to a remote processing unit 200. Figure 4 shows an example of a system 1000 comprising multiple spouts that are communicatively connected to a common processing unit 200. Each spout 100 of the system may have a unique identifier assigned to it, that is transmitted along with each transmission of sensor data. The processing unit 200 may link the spout identifier to a particular beverage. The dispensing events determined for each of the spouts 100 of the system 1000 may be logged by the processing unit 200, and be statistically analyzed. Here, system 1000 here comprises an intermediary unit 201, e.g. a gateway, for relaying the sensor data received from the plurality of spouts 100, e.g. over short-range communication links 1, to the remote processing unit 200, e.g. over a long- range communication link 2.

[0066] Herein, the invention is described with reference to specific examples of embodiments of the invention. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made therein, without departing from the essence of the invention. For the purpose of clarity and a concise description features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, alternative embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described in these separate embodiments are also envisaged.

[0067] However, other modifications, variations, and alternatives are also possible. The specifications, drawings and examples are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than in a restrictive sense.

[0068] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word ‘comprising’ does not exclude the presence of other features or steps than those listed in a claim. Furthermore, the words ‘a’ and ‘an’ shall not be construed as limited to ‘only one’, but instead are used to mean ‘at least one’, and do not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to an advantage.

Claims

Claims1. Pour spout for dispensing a beverage from a bottle, the spout comprising a spout body having an adapter for attaching the spout body to the bottle, and a dispensing channel for dispensing the beverage therethrough, wherein the spout further comprises a sensor unit for detecting a dispensing event and determining a dispensed amount of the beverage corresponding to the dispensing event, the sensor unit including a beverage detector arranged for detecting that the beverage is present in the dispensing channel, and an orientation sensor arranged for measuring an angular orientation of the spout body at least when the beverage detector detects that the beverage is present in the dispensing channel.

2. Pour spout of claim 1, wherein the sensor unit is configured for detecting, with the beverage detector, a start of the dispensing event and an end of the dispensing event, and generating a time signal indicative of a time span of the detection event between the start and the end of the dispensing event.

3. Pour spout of claim 1 or 2, wherein the sensor unit is configured for detecting a start of the dispensing event by detecting, with the beverage detector, a first time instant that the beverage is present in the dispensing channel.

4. Pour spout of any of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor unit is configured for detecting an end of the dispensing event by detecting, with the beverage detector, a second time instant that the beverage is no longer present in the dispensing channel.

5. Pour spout of any of the preceding claims, wherein the beverage detector comprises a capacitive sensor.

6. Pour spout of claim 5, wherein the capacitive sensor includes two capacitor electrodes arranged on opposing lateral sides of the dispensing channel and separated from each other by the dispensing channel.

7. Pour spout of claim 6, wherein the two capacitor electrodes are provided on a flexible circuit board that is bent around the dispensing channel, such that the capacitor electrodes are on opposing lateral sides of said dispensing channel.

8. Pour spout of claim 6, wherein the two capacitor electrodes are integrated with a circuit board of the sensor unit, and extend, parallel to each other, outward from the circuit board so as to define a spacing between the capacitor electrodes for accommodating the dispensing channel.

9. Pour spout of any of claims 5-8, wherein the sensor unit is configured for detecting a start of the dispensing event by detecting, with the capacitance sensor, a time instant of a first capacitance change that exceeds a first predetermined threshold.

10. Pour spout of any of claims 5-9, wherein the sensor unit is configured for detecting an end of the dispensing event by detecting, with the capacitive sensor, a time instant of a second capacitance change that exceeds a second predetermined threshold.

11. Pour spout of any of the preceding claims, comprising a transmitter configured for wirelessly transmitting sensor data, the sensor data particularly being indicative of one or more of a time of a detection by thebeverage detector that the beverage was present in the dispensing channel, a measured angular orientation of the spout body corresponding to said detection by the beverage detector, an ambient and / or spout temperature, an acceleration of the spout body.

12. Pour spout of claim 11, wherein the transmitter is configured to broadcast the sensor data, e.g. using a Bluetooth advertising protocol.

13. Pour spout of claim 11 or 12, wherein the spout body is arranged for being attached to the bottle such that, in use, the transmitter is external of the bottle.

14. Pour spout of any of claims 11-13, wherein sensor unit is configured for transmitting the sensor data upon detecting that beverage is no longer present in the dispensing channel, and / or upon measuring that the angular orientation is within a predetermined orientation range.

15. Pour spout of any of claims 11-14, wherein the sensor data has a unique spout identifier associated therewith.

16. Pour spout of any of the preceding claims, comprising a memory configured for storing sensor data from the sensor unit.

17. Pour spout of any of the preceding claims, wherein the spout body comprises a sealed sensor cavity holding the sensor unit.

18. Pour spout of claim 17, wherein the sensor unit is releasably held in the sealed sensor cavity.

19. Pour spout of any of the preceding claims, wherein the orientation sensor comprises an accelerometer for measuring an acceleration of the spout body.

20. Pour spout of claim 19, wherein the sensor unit is configured for, while the beverage detector detects that the beverage is present in the dispensing channel, detecting an acceleration of the spout body with the accelerometer for determining whether the dispensing event corresponds to a single dispensed beverage or multiple dispensed beverages.

21. Pour spout of claim 19 or 20, wherein the sensor unit is configured for detecting that the dispensing event corresponds to multiple dispensed beverages in case the accelerometer detects at least one acceleration of the spout in the vertical direction that exceeds the acceleration threshold, while the beverage detector detects that the beverage is present in the dispensing channel.

22. Pour spout of any of the preceding claims, comprising a temperature sensor arranged for measuring an ambient air temperature.

23. Pour spout of any of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor unit is arranged for selectively being in a power saving mode or an active mode.

24. Pour spout of claim 23 when dependent on claim 12, wherein the sensor unit is configured to automatically switch from the active mode to the power saving mode upon transmitting the sensor data.

25. Pour spout of claim 23 or 24, wherein the sensor unit is configured to automatically switch from the power saving mode to the active mode upon detection by the orientation sensor that the orientation or orientationchange of the spout exceeds a predetermined orientation threshold, or upon detection by the orientation sensor that an acceleration of the spout exceeds a predetermined acceleration threshold.

26. Pour spout of any of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor unit is configured for being in an inactive mode, and wherein the sensor unit comprises an activation sensor configured to generate an activation signal upon detecting a predetermined external activation stimulus for switching the sensor unit from the inactive mode to the active mode.

27. Pour spout of claim 26, wherein the activation sensor comprises a magnetic sensor, such as a Hall-effect sensor, configured for detecting an external magnetic field and generating the activation signal upon detecting a magnetic field that exceeds a predetermined magnetic threshold.

28. System, comprising a pour spout according to any of the preceding claims, and a processing unit, remote from the pour spout, and communicatively connected to the pour spout being arranged to wirelessly transmit sensor data acquired by the sensor unit to the processing unit.

29. System of claim 28, wherein the sensor data includes beverage detection data indicative of presence of the beverage in the dispensing channel and an associated time duration that the beverage was present in the dispensing channel, and orientation data indicative of an orientation of the spout body during the dispensing event, wherein the processing unit is configured for determining, based on the sensor data, a dispensed amount of beverage corresponding to the dispensing event.

30. System of claim 29, wherein the sensor data includes acceleration data indicative of an acceleration of the spout body during the dispensing event.

31. System of claim 30, wherein the processing unit is configured for, based on the sensor data, determining whether the dispensing event corresponds to a single dispensed beverage or multiple dispensed beverages.

32. System of claim 31, wherein the processing unit is configured for determining that the dispensing event corresponds to multiple dispensed beverages in case at least one acceleration of the spout body in a vertical direction has been measured to exceed a predetermined acceleration threshold.

33. System of any of claims 29-32, wherein the processing unit is configured for determining, based on the sensor data, that the bottle has been emptied during a dispensing event, when the angular orientation of the spout body at the end of the dispensing event has been measured to exceed a predetermined threshold.

34. System of claim 33, wherein the processing unit is configured for determining, based on the sensor data, that the pour spout has been attached to a new bottle after having been attached to the emptied bottle, when the angular orientation of the spout body at the beginning of a subsequent dispensing event has been measured to differ from the measured angular orientation of the spout body at the end of the preceding dispensing event.

35. System of claim 34, wherein the processing unit is configured for determining that the preceding dispensing event and the subsequent dispensing event correspond to a single dispensed beverage.

36. System of any of claims 28-35, wherein the processing unit is configured for determining a residual beverage amount in the bottle based on a measured angular orientation of the bottle at the start of the dispensing event.

37. System of any of claims 28-36, wherein the processing unit is configured for determining a difference between a cumulative dispensed amount of beverage of multiple dispensing events associated with the emptied bottle and a reference amount associated with the emptied bottle.

38. System of claim 37, wherein the processing unit is configured for updating a beverage-specific parameter to reduce said difference.

39. System of any of claims 28-38, wherein the processing unit is configured for determining, based on the sensor data, a type of beverage dispensed by the spout.

40. System of any of claims 28-39, wherein the sensor data is accompanied by a unique identifier, and the processing unit is configured for distinguishing between different spouts based on the unique identifier.

41. System of claim 40, wherein the spout is one of a plurality of spouts that are communicatively connected to a common processing unit, and wherein the plurality of pour spouts include a spare spout for being interchangeable with any of the plurality of spouts, the spare spout being associated with a unique identifier that is distinguishable by the processingunit, wherein the processing unit, upon receiving sensor data from the spare spout, is configured for automatically linking the spare spout to the spout it has replaced based on a comparison between collective sensor data from the plurality of spouts with data of a beverage sales register.

42. Method for dispensing a beverage from a bottle using a pour spout of any of claims 1-27 attached to the bottle or a system of any of 28-41, the method comprising determining, based on sensor data of the beverage detector and the orientation sensor, a dispensed amount of the beverage corresponding to the dispensing event.

43. Method of claim 42, comprising- determining a start and an end of a dispensing event;- determining a time span of the dispensing event between the start and end of the dispensing event;- measuring, using the orientation sensor, an angular orientation of the pour spout during the time span of the dispensing event;- based on the angular orientation and the time span, automatically determining the dispensed amount of the beverage corresponding to the dispensing event.

44. Method of claim 42 or 43, comprising transmitting sensor data indicative of the time span of the dispensing event and the angular orientation of the pour spout to a remote processing unit, and having the processing unit determine the dispensed amount of the beverage.

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