Method and device for dispensing liquid from a container

Abstract

A device for dispensing a volume of a liquid from a container. A device housing seals an opening of the container and comprises a receiving aperture, a conduit to receive a portion of the liquid from the container via the receiving aperture, a pressure sensor to measure a pressure measurement of the liquid, a dispensing aperture to dispense the liquid from the container via the conduit, an actuator to, in response to being activated, dispense the liquid from the container, via the dispensing aperture, and a computer-implemented controller. The controller is configured to, in response to the device being activated, process the pressure measurement to determine a target pour time, activate the actuator, and, in response to the actuator being activated, measure an elapsed time period, and in response to the elapse time period satisfying the target pour time, deactivate the actuator to cease dispensing the liquid.

Description

Method and device for dispensing liquid from a containerCross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2024902990 filed on 19 September 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.Technical Field

[0002] Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to devices and methods for dispensing a volume of liquid and, more specifically, to dispensing liquid in accordance with a determined period of time.Background

[0003] Accurately dispensing an accurate volume of a liquid from a container is desirable for a number of applications, including culinary applications, the preparation of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, laboratory applications and industrial applications.

[0004] In the preparation of mixed liquid, an accurate measurement of each liquid component is often key to achieve the desired mixture. Furthermore, it is often also desirable to ensure that accurate measures of a liquid are dispensed to avoid waste and excess use, or to ensure adherence to regulations, such as the regulations that relate to the responsible provision of alcohol.

[0005] Within the domain of drink mixing and culinary applications, both professional bartenders and home users often rely on measuring devices to ensure the correct quantity of the liquid is dispensed from a bottle; however, the process of locating and utilizing a measuring device can be time-consuming. Furthermore, there is burden on the user having to recall the desired volume of liquid to be measured. Accordingly, it can be desirable to reduce burden on the user to dispense a desired volume of a liquid.

[0006] It is desired to address or ameliorate one or more shortcomings or disadvantages associated with the prior art, or to at least provide a useful alternative hereto.

[0007] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context forthe present invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.Summary

[0008] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a device for dispensing a volume of a liquid from a container containing the liquid. The device comprises a housing configured to seal an opening of the container. The housing comprises a receiving aperture, a conduit, configured to receive at least a portion of the liquid from the container via the receiving aperture, and a pressure sensor, configured to measure a pressure measurement of the liquid. The housing further comprises a dispensing aperture, configured to dispense the liquid from the container via the conduit, an actuator, configured to, in response to being activated, dispense the liquid from the container, via the dispensing aperture, and a controller. The controller is configured to, in response to the device being activated, process the pressure measurement to determine a target pour time and activate the actuator. The controller is configured to, in response to the actuator being activated, measure an elapsed time period, and in response to the elapse time period satisfying the target pour time, deactivate the actuator to cease dispensing the liquid.

[0009] In some embodiments, the conduit is configured to receive the at least a portion of the liquid from the container via the receiving aperture, in response to the container being tilted. In some embodiments, the device further comprises a tilt sensor, configured to determine a tilt angle of the device. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to activate the device in response to determining the tilt angle of the device satisfies a pouring angle.

[0010] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to activate the device in response to detecting liquid in the conduit. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to activate the device in response to receiving an activation input via a user interface. In some embodiments, the device comprises a wireless communication interface. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to activate the device in response to receiving an activation instruction via the wireless communication interface.

[0011] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to activate the actuator in response to receiving user input via a user interface. In some embodiments, the user interface comprises a button, and the controller is configured to activate the actuator in response to the button beingpressed. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to activate the actuator in response to receiving user input via a wireless communication interface. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to activate the actuator in response to receiving input from a proximity sensor.

[0012] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to determine a positional stability of the liquid dispensing device before activating the actuator. In some embodiments, determining the positional stability of the liquid dispensing device comprises determining that the device has maintained a tilt angle within a pouring angle range for a stability period of time.

[0013] In some embodiments, the pressure sensor is located in a wall of the conduit. In some embodiments, the pressure measurement comprises a measurement of pressure of the liquid in the conduit.

[0014] In some embodiments, processing the pressure measurement to determine a target pour time comprises processing the tilt angle and the pressure measurement to determine the target pour time. In some embodiments, processing the pressure measurement to determine the target pour time comprises applying the pressure measurement to an equation derived by linear regression.

[0015] In some embodiments, the conduit comprises a tube and the actuator comprises a pinch valve, configured to pinch the tube to cease dispensing the liquid. In some embodiments, the device further comprises an air equalisation tube, configured to allow air into the container.

[0016] In some embodiments, the device further comprises a power management system. The power management system may be configured to, in response to the tilt sensor indicating that the container is upright, reduce or cease power supply from a battery to one or more of the pressure sensor; and the controller. The power management system may be configured to, in response to the tilt sensor indicating that the container is being tilted, reinstate or increase power supply from the battery to one or more of the pressure sensor; and the controller.

[0017] In some embodiments, the housing further comprises an adaptor for securely attaching the device to the container, the adaptor comprising a threaded surface configured to engage with a threaded surface of an opening of the container.

[0018] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for dispensing a volume of a liquid from a container containing the liquid. The method may be performed by a device attached to an aperture of the container. The device comprises an actuator, configured to dispense the liquid from the container. The method comprises receiving,in the device, at least a portion of the liquid. The method further comprises, in response to the device being activated, measuring a pressure measurement of the liquid, processing the pressure measurement to determine a target pour time and activating the actuator. The method further comprises, in response activating the actuator, dispensing the liquid from the container, and while dispensing the liquid, measuring an elapsed time period. In response to the elapse time period satisfying the target pour time, the method further comprises deactivating the actuator to cease dispensing the liquid.

[0019] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, individually or in combination, cause the one or more processors to perform a method described herein.Brief Description of Drawings

[0020] The embodiments of the disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:Figures 1 A and IB each illustrate a respective isometric view of a liquid dispensing device 100, in an accordance with an embodiment;Figure 2A illustrates the liquid dispensing device attached to a container (e.g. a glass bottle) 150 containing a liquid 160, in accordance with an embodiment;Figure 2B illustrates a cross-section E-E of Figure 2A;Figure 3 illustrates the liquid dispensing device in use, in accordance with an embodiment;Figure 4 illustrates a cross section F-F of the container, device and receptacle of Figure 3, in accordance with an embodiment;Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view of the components of a liquid dispensing device, in accordance with an embodiment;Figure 6 is a zoomed illustration of a section of Figure 5, in accordance with an embodiment;Figure 7 illustrates a liquid dispensing device illustrated as a front view (in Figure 7A) and a 90 degree rotation view (in Figure 7B), in accordance with an embodiment;Figure 8 illustrates cross-section A-A of the liquid dispensing device of Figure 7, in accordance with an embodiment;Figure 9 illustrates cross-section B-B of the liquid dispensing device of Figure 7, in accordance with an embodiment;Figure 10 illustrates cross-section C-C of the liquid dispensing device of Figure 7, in accordance with an embodiment;Figure 11 illustrates cross-section D-D of the liquid dispensing device of Figure 7, in accordance with an embodiment;Figure 12 illustrates a block diagram of control circuitry 1200 of device 100, in accordance with an embodiment;Figure 13 is a graph illustrating empirically derived pour time data for pouring 30mL of a liquid for a plurality of pressure measurements, for a plurality of pouring angles (measured from a horizontal position), in accordance with an embodiment;Figure 14 illustrates the operational states of a liquid dispensing device, in accordance with an embodiment;Figure 15 illustrates four examples of tilting a container comprising a liquid, in accordance with an embodiment;Figure 16 illustrates a calibration process for determining a coefficients of the target pour time equation, in accordance with an embodiment;Figure 17A is a graph illustrating pressure measurements over time in response to a container containing 750mL of liquid being tilted to a tilt angle of 180 degrees, in accordance with an embodiment;Figure 17B is a graph illustrating pressure measurements over time in response to a container containing 200mL of liquid being tilted to a tilt angle of 180 degrees, in accordance with an embodiment;Figures 18A and 18B illustrate a charge port on a liquid dispensing device 1800, in accordance with an embodiment;Figure 19 illustrates a plurality of adapters, in accordance with embodiments;Figure 20 illustrates an architecture of software executed by the controller, in accordance with an embodiment;Figure 21 illustrates regression results as determined by the analyser application, in accordance with an embodiment; andFigure 22 illustrates a liquid dispensing device comprising dual pressure sensors, in accordance with an embodiment.Description of Embodiments

[0021] Embodiments described herein generally relate to an electronically controlled liquid dispensing device that is configured to attach to a container containing a liquid, and to dispense a preconfigured target volume of that liquid from the container.

[0022] Embodiments of the liquid dispensing device comprise a pressure sensor, configured to sense a pressure of the liquid, and to determine, based on the pressure of the liquid, a duration of time for dispensing the liquid such that the target volume of liquid is dispensed.

[0023] Embodiments of the liquid dispensing device comprise an electronically controlled pinch valve configured to release to dispense liquid from the container, and to close to prevent the liquid from dispensing from the container.

[0024] Embodiments of the liquid dispensing device apply an algorithm to determine a target dispense time to deliver the target liquid volume. The algorithm applies a measurement of the pressure of the liquid to determine the target dispense time.

[0025] In one embodiment, in response to the container being in a position to dispense the liquid, a user interface is enabled, awaiting activation from the user (e.g., human user, software user, robotic user, mechanical user) to commence liquid dispensing. Once the user activates the user interface, the liquid dispensing device commences dispensing the liquid from the container via gravity. In some embodiments, the liquid dispensing device determines, based on a tilt angle of the device, whether the container is in a position to dispense the liquid.

[0026] Advantageously, embodiments of the liquid dispensing device are capable of dispensing target volumes of a liquid, thus ameliorating the need for a user to manually measure liquid volumes. Advantageously, embodiments of the liquid dispensing device may be variously configured to dispense tailored target volumes, thus facilitating the process of dispensing different volumes of a variety of liquids into a receptacle (e.g. making a cocktail).Advantageously, embodiments of the liquid dispensing device are capable of dispensing successive target volumes of a liquid, without re-inversion of the container.

[0027] Various embodiments of the liquid dispensing device will be described herein. An embodiment of the liquid dispensing device is illustrated in Figures 1 to 12.Liquid dispensing device

[0028] Figures 1A and IB each illustrate a respective isometric view of a liquid dispensing device 100, in an accordance with an embodiment.

[0029] The device comprises a housing 102 configured to housing the components of the liquid dispensing device. The housing may be formed of durable material(s), such as plastic or metal. The housing may provide a water-proof protection for the internal components of the device.

[0030] The housing is configured to attach (fixedly or removably) to a container, so as to receive liquid from a dispensing aperture of the container. In one embodiment, the housing is configured to screw onto the threaded neck of a bottle. In one embodiment, the housing is configured to elastically deflect to receive and engage with a neck of a bottle. In one embodiment, the housing is comprises a snap-lock component configured to receive and engage a neck of a bottle. In one embodiment, the housing is configured to be received within a neck of a bottle. The housing comprises a receiving aperture 104, via which the liquid dispensing device is configured to receive liquid from a dispensing aperture of the container.

[0031] The housing further comprises a dispensing aperture 118, configured to dispense liquid from the container via the liquid dispensing device. In some embodiments, the dispensing aperture is part of a nozzle 122.

[0032] The housing further comprises a user interface 130, via which the user controls the operation of the device 100. The user interface comprises a button 132 and a light emitting diode 134.Device components

[0033] Figure 2A illustrates the liquid dispensing device 100 attached to a container (e.g. a glass bottle) 150 containing a liquid 160, in accordance with an embodiment. Figure 2B illustrates a cross-section E-E of Figure 2A.

[0034] Figure 3 illustrates the liquid dispensing device 100 in use, in accordance with an embodiment. In Figure 3, the device 100 is attached to the container 150, and the container istilted, so as to dispense the liquid 160 from the container into a receptacle 170. Figure 4 illustrates a cross section F-F of the container, device and receptacle of Figure 3, showing the flow of liquid 160 from the bottle, through the conduit 106 and into the receptacle 170, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0035] Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view of the components of the liquid dispensing device 100 illustrated in Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment. Figure 6 is a zoomed in illustration of a section 500 of Figure 5, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0036] Figure 7 illustrates a liquid dispensing device illustrated as a front view (in Figure 7A) and a 90 degree rotation view (in Figure 7B), in accordance with an embodiment. Figure 8 illustrates cross-section A-A of the liquid dispensing device of Figure 7, in accordance with an embodiment. Figure 9 illustrates cross-section B-B of the liquid dispensing device of Figure 7, in accordance with an embodiment. Figure 10 illustrates cross-section C-C of the liquid dispensing device of Figure 7, in accordance with an embodiment. Figure 11 illustrates crosssection D-D of the liquid dispensing device of Figure 7, in accordance with an embodiment.Conduit

[0037] The liquid dispensing device comprises a conduit 106 which is configured to convey the liquid from the receiving aperture 104, through the device to the dispensing aperture 118. The conduit may comprise: a channel; a tube; a pipe; a duct; or any combination thereof. The conduit may be tapered, irregularly shaped or uniformly shaped throughout the conduit’ s length.

[0038] In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the conduit is configured to receive the liquid from the bottle 150, in response to the bottle being tilted such that the liquid pours out of the dispensing aperture of the bottle.Air equalisation assembly

[0039] In some embodiments, the liquid dispensing device comprises an air equalisation assembly 112. The air equalisation assembly is configured to replace the bottle’s dispensed liquid volume with air, to maintain a consistent air pressure in the bottle and to prevent airlocking.

[0040] The air equalisation assembly of the liquid dispensing device 100 comprises an air equalisation intake 117 which is coupled to an air equalisation tube 114. The air equalisation intake is located near the dispensing nozzle 122 of the device. In other embodiments, the air equalisation intake may be located elsewhere in the housing of the device. The air equalisationintake may be configured to intake atmospheric air from outside the container. The air equalisation intake may be coupled to an air supply.

[0041] The air equalisation assembly further comprises an air equalisation valve 112 which is configured to allow for the transmission of air into the bottle via the air equalisation tube, and prevent the transmission of the liquid 160 into the air equalisation tube. The air equalisation tube 114 is sufficiently long, so that the incoming air is directed into an existing volume air within the container, when the container is inverted. Advantageously, directing the incoming air into an existing volume of air, rather than into a volume of liquid in the container, may ameliorate the effects (e.g. oxidisation) of mixing the liquid with the air.

[0042] In some embodiments, the liquid dispensing device may not comprise an air equalisation assembly. For example, a container may comprise a plurality of apertures, allowing air to enter the container via one aperture to replace the volume of liquid dispensed via another aperture. Furthermore, in an example in which air-locking does not adversely impact the dispensing of liquid from the container (e.g. because the container has a flexible volume), the liquid dispensing device may not comprise an air equalisation assembly. In some embodiments, the air equalisation assembly may not comprise an air equalisation valve, as transmission of liquid into the air equalisation tube does not adversely impact dispensing of liquid from the container.

[0043] In some embodiments, the liquid dispensing device 100 is configured to dispense still liquids, rather than gassed liquids (e.g., liquids to which gas has been dissolved under high pressure). As used herein, a gassed liquid refers to a liquid that contains a significant amount of dissolved gas, such as carbon dioxide, sufficient to produce effervescence or noticeable release of gas under normal atmospheric conditions. As used herein, a still liquid refers to a liquid that does not contain a significant amount of dissolved gas, such as carbon dioxide, sufficient to produce effervescence under normal atmospheric conditions.Pour actuator

[0044] The device 100 further comprises control circuitry 120 (herein ‘a controller’) configured to control the operation of the device. The controller is described in relation to Figure 12. The device also comprises a pour actuator (e.g. an actuator) 138 and the controller 120 is configured to electronically control the operation of the actuator.

[0045] In response to being activated by the controller, the actuator is configured to allow the liquid from the container to dispense out of the dispensing aperture 118 of the device, via theconduit 106. Conversely, in response to being deactivated by the controller, the actuator, is configured to prevent the liquid from dispensing out of the dispensing aperture 118 of the device 100.

[0046] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 to 11, the actuator 138 comprises a one-way pinch valve. The conduit 106 of the liquid dispensing device comprises a flexible section 107, which is configured to be compressed by the pinch valve cam 137 to prevent the liquid from dispensing from the container through the conduit. The pinch valve cam 137 is extended to compress the flexible section 107 of the conduit. Conversely, the pinch valve is retracted to allow the flexible section to pass liquid. The pinch valve is actuated by a battery-powered geared motor 136. The operation of the motor is electronically controlled by the controller 120. The pinch valve may comprise a pinch valve roller 139a, a pinch valve nut 139b and a pinch valve arm 139c.

[0047] In other embodiments, one or more actuators may be applied to effect the prevention and release of liquid dispensing through the conduit. An actuator may comprise: a two-way pinch valve; a ball valve; a gate valve; a rotational valve; or any combination thereof.Control circuitry

[0048] The device 100 further comprises control circuitry configured to control the operation of the device. Figure 12 illustrates a block diagram of control circuitry 1200 of device 100, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0049] The control circuitry may comprise a computer-implemented controller, system memory and a communications interface. The controller may comprise one or more processor(s). The processor(s) may comprise one or more microprocessors, central processing units (CPUs), application specific instruction set processors (ASIPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or other processors capable of reading and executing instruction code. The processor(s) may be configured to receive stored instructions (i.e. program code, software or firmware) from system memory, which, when executed by the processor(s), in combination or individually, cause the device to function according to the described embodiments. The system memory may comprise volatile and non-volatile (non-transitory) memory. Figure 20 illustrates an architecture of software executed by the controller 120, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0050] The controller is configured to control the dispensing of liquid from the device. In particular, the controller is configured to control the actuator motor 136 which operates the actuator 137.

[0051] The device comprises a battery 144 which provides power to the control circuitry. The controller is configured to receive an indication of the battery charge level. In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in Figure 12, the controller 120 receives an indication of the battery 144 charge level via a battery gauge 145.

[0052] The device is configured to signal information to the user via one or more light emitting diode(s) (LEDs) 134, which are controlled by the controller.Tilt sensor

[0053] The housing of the liquid dispensing device 100 further comprises a tilt sensor 110. The controller 120 is configured to receive tilt measurements from the tilt sensor 110. The tilt sensor comprises an accelerometer. In some embodiments, the tilt sensor may comprise; an inclinometer; a gyroscope; a single-axis tilt sensor; a dual axis tilt sensor; a solid pendulum tilt sensor; a liquid tilt sensor; or any combination thereof.Pressure sensor

[0054] The housing of the liquid dispensing device 100 further comprises at least one pressure sensor 108. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor is configured to measure a pressure of the liquid in the conduit 106. Accordingly, the pressure sensor is exposed to the liquid present in the conduit. In some embodiments, the housing comprises a pressure sensor is located in a wall of the conduit.

[0055] In some embodiments, the pressure sensor is configured to measure a pressure of the liquid in the container. Accordingly, the pressure sensor is exposed to the liquid present in the container. In some embodiments, the housing comprises a pressure sensor which is located, in use, within the container. The pressure sensor may be attached to the housing via a protrusion, which extends into the container in response to the device being attached to the dispensing aperture of the container.

[0056] In some embodiments, the pressure sensor comprises a diaphragm and the pressure sensor is configured to determine a pressure by determining a force applied by the liquid to the diaphragm. In some embodiments, the pressure measured by the pressure sensor is indicative of a depth of the liquid at the pressure sensor.

[0057] The controller is configured to receive pressure measurements from the pressure sensor 108 and to determine, based on the pressure measurement, a period of time (e.g. target pour time) in which to dispense liquid from the device in order to dispense a target volume of the liquid.

[0058] Figure 22 illustrates a liquid dispensing device comprising dual pressure sensors, in accordance with an embodiment. The pressure sensors 108a and 108b are positioned at a wall of the conduit 106, such that the pressure sensors are exposed to the liquid 160 in the conduit. In some embodiments, the conduits may comprise protrusions 115 which funnel the liquid through a narrower portion of the conduit 106. The protrusions may shield the pressure sensors from a front (e.g. wave front) of the liquid as it flows from the container through the conduit. Accordingly, the protrusions may ameliorate pressure fluctuations resulting from liquid entering an empty conduit.

[0059] In an embodiment in which the device comprises a plurality of pressure sensors, the controller may derive a pressure value from the plurality of pressure measurements (e.g. an average). Alternatively, the device may select a pressure measurement from the plurality of pressure measurements based on a tilt angle. For example, if the container is tilted to the right, the controller may select a pressure measurement from a pressure sensor located on the right hand side of the liquid dispensing device.Target pour time

[0060] The controller is configured to determine a target pour time. A target pour time represents a time period during which the device is configured to dispense liquid, in order to dispense the target volume of liquid.

[0061] Figure 13 is a graph 1300 illustrating empirically derived pour time data for pouring 30mL of a liquid for a plurality of pressure measurements, for a plurality of pouring angles (measured from a horizontal position), in accordance with an embodiment. Graph line 1302 represents empirically derived pour time data for pouring 30mL of liquid from a pouring angle of 45 degrees. Graph line 1304 represents empirically derived pour time data for pouring 30mL of liquid from a pouring angle of 60 degrees. Graph line 1306 represents empirically derived pour time data for pouring 30mL of liquid from a pouring angle of 75 degrees. Graph line 1308 represents empirically derived pour time data for pouring 30mL of liquid from a pouring angle of 90 degrees. Graph 1300 illustrates that for higher pressure measurements, the pour time for the preconfigured volume of 30 mL is shorter than the pour time for lower pressuremeasurements. Additionally, the graph illustrates that for steeper pouring angles, the pour time is shorter than the pour time for less steep angles.

[0062] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to determine a target pour time for dispensing a target volume of a liquid, in response to the liquid dispensing device (and by extension) the container being tilted to a pouring angle.

[0063] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to determine the target pour time based on a tilt measurement obtained from the tilt sensor 110 and a pressure measurement obtained from the pressure sensor 108. The controller may apply an equation (i.e. a target pour time equation) to the tilt measurement and the pressure measurement to determine the target pour time. The equation may comprise a linear regression equation.

[0064] Equation (1) comprises a target pour time equation for determining the target pour time, in accordance with an embodiment.Target pour time = Co+ Ci a + C2P + CsP2+ C4P3+ C aP (1) wherein a = tilt angle and P = pressure, and wherein Co to Csare coefficients generated by a linear regression fit algorithm.

[0065] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to determine the target pour time based on a pressure measurement obtained from the pressure sensor 108. In some embodiments, the controller does not consider a tilt angle in determining the target pour time. In some embodiments, the liquid dispensing device may be fixedly positioned at a pouring tilt angle. The controller may apply an equation to the pressure measurement to determine the target pour time. The equation may comprise a linear regression equation.

[0066] Equation (2) comprises a target pour time equation for determining the target pour time, in accordance with an embodiment.Target pour time = Co + Ci P + C2P2+ C3P3(2) wherein P = pressure, and wherein Co to Cs are coefficients generated by a linear regression fit algorithm. One or more of coefficients Co to Cs may differ from the coefficients of Equation (1).

[0067] In some embodiments, during the process of dispensing liquid from the liquid dispensing device, the controller is configured to determine a change in the pressure measurement, and in response to that change, adjust the target pouring time. Accordingly,during liquid dispensing, the device can compensate for pressure variation caused by changes in bottle position, and / or liquid volume, during the pour.

[0068] In some embodiments, the value of the coefficients be determined based on the type of liquid being poured. Type of liquid may be identified by user input, or by a sensor in the device.Inverted container

[0069] In some embodiments, the container (e.g. a bottle) may comprise a dispensing aperture that is directed downwards (or substantially downwards), such that the liquid contained by the container will flow, due to gravitational force, through the dispensing aperture of the container, without the container being tilted. The container may comprise a container that is positioned in an inverted (or partially inverted) position, such as being fixedly attached in an inverted position.

[0070] The liquid dispensing device may be attached to the container such that the liquid dispensing device acts as a seal, preventing liquid from exiting the container until the liquid dispensing device is activated. The liquid dispensing device may be attached to the container before the container is inverted. The liquid dispensing device may be attached to the container to seal a dispensing aperture of the container, before liquid is added to the container via another aperture of the container (e.g. filled via an upper opening).

[0071] In such an embodiment, the controller of the liquid dispensing device may determine a target pour time based on a pressure measurement, without determining a tilt angle from the tilt sensor. Alternatively, the controller may determine a target pour time based on a pressure measurement and a preconfigured tilt angle (e.g. 180 degrees) stored in system memory. In some embodiments, the liquid dispensing device may not comprise a tilt sensor.Operational states

[0072] Figure 14 illustrates the operational states of the liquid dispensing device 100, in accordance with an embodiment. On startup (e.g. on charge) the liquid dispensing device may perform a setup operation. The setup operation may comprise obtaining calibration parameters from the control application 190. The setup operation may comprise testing the responsiveness of the actuator. On completion of the setup operation, the controller transitions to the Idle stateActivating the device

[0073] In the Idle state 1404, the controller 120 is configured to determine the readiness of the device to be activated to dispense liquid from the container. In response to determining that the device is activated (e.g., ready to activate the actuator to dispense liquid from the container), the controller 120 transitions the device from the Idle state 1404 to the Device Activated state 1406. In the Device Activated state, the device is considered to be activated.

[0074] In some embodiments, the controller 120 determines that the device is activated, based on one or more tilt measurements, provided by the tilt sensor 110. For example, in response to the controller 120 determining that the tilt angle of the container is within a sufficient tilt angle range, the controller determines that the device is activated.

[0075] A sufficient tilt angle range defines a range of tilt angles which are sufficient to provide for the liquid from the container to flow into the conduit of the liquid dispensing device. A sufficient tilt angle may depend on the shape of the container and / or the shape of the conduit. For example, a bottle with a narrow neck and broad shoulders may be tilted at a steep angle before liquid flows through the bottle neck and into the conduit of the attached liquid dispensing device.

[0076] Furthermore, the sufficient tilt angle may depend on the volume of liquid in the container. Accordingly, as liquid is dispensed from the container, the container may be tilted at a steeper angle to dispense the remaining liquid.Measuring tilt angles

[0077] Figure 15 illustrates four examples of tilting a container 150 (exemplified by a bottle) comprising a liquid, in accordance with an embodiment. An axis 1502 is superimposed over each representation of the bottle, indicating, within a two-dimensional space, the tilt angle of the bottle.

[0078] For clarity of illustration, the examples illustrated in Figure 15 illustrate the container being tilted within a two-dimensional space; however, it is to be understood that, in some embodiments, the container may be tilted within a three-dimensional space, and a tilt angle may define the position of the container within that three-dimensional space. Accordingly, the examples described herein may be extrapolated to be applicable in three-dimensional space.

[0079] The tilt angle is described herein as being measured relative to a zero tilt angle, wherein the zero tilt angle is configured to represent the position of the container when the dispensingaperture of the container is positioned at the highest point above the liquid contained in the container. Accordingly, at a zero tilt angle, the conduit 106 of a liquid dispensing device attached to the dispensing aperture of the container does not contain liquid.

[0080] It is to be understood that the numerical representations of tilt angles provided herein are with reference to an arbitrarily defined tilt axis 1502. In other embodiments, an alternative tilt axis or set of tilt axes, or an alternative set of tilt angle reference points may be utilised. For example, in some embodiments, a zero tilt angle may be defined to describe a horizontal position of the container, or a zero tilt angle may be defined to describe the position in which the dispensing aperture of the container is downward facing.

[0081] Figure 15A illustrates the bottle 150 positioned upright at a tilt angle of 0 degrees, with the liquid dispensing device attached to the dispensing aperture of the bottle. In this position, the liquid is positioned within the bottle, and is not within the conduit 106 of the bottle.Pouring angle

[0082] Figure 15B illustrates the bottle 150 positioned at a tilt angle of 105 degrees relative to the zero tilt angle, in accordance with an embodiment. The controller 120 may be configured to consider that a tilt angle of 105 degrees is not a pouring angle (e.g. is a non-pouring angle), because at this tilt angle, depending on volume of liquid in the bottle, the liquid in the contain may not flow into the conduit 106 of the liquid dispensing device. Consequently, in response to determining that the tilt angle of the bottle is at a non-pouring angle, the controller maintains the device in the Idle state 1404.

[0083] The tilting of a container at a non-pouring angle may signify that the user does not intend for the liquid dispensing device to be activated to dispense liquid. Advantageously, in the event that the user unintentionally (or otherwise) presses the activation button 132 when the container is at a non-pouring angle, the controller may be configured to ignore the press of the activation button and remain in the Idle state.

[0084] The controller 120 may be configured to define a pouring angle. The pouring angle defines a tilt angle, wherein in response to the container being tilted to that tilt angle, the controller is configured to determine that the liquid dispensing device is activated, and the controller transitions the device from the Idle state 1404 to the Device Activated state 1406.

[0085] Figure 15C illustrates the bottle 150 positioned at a tilt angle of 145 degrees relative to the zero tilt angle, in accordance with an embodiment. At this tilt angle, depending on volume of liquid in the bottle, the conduit 106 of the liquid dispensing device is likely to contain someof the liquid. Accordingly, in an example, the controller is configured to define the pouring angle as 145 degrees.

[0086] In some embodiments, the controller 120 may be configured to define a pouring angle range. The pouring angle range defines a range of tilt angles, wherein in response to the container being tilted to a tilt angle within the pouring angle range, the controller determines that the liquid dispensing device is activated, and the controller transitions the device from the Idle state 1404 to the Device Activated state 1406.

[0087] Figure 15C illustrates an example pouring angle range 1510 (and a corresponding nonpouring angle range 1520), in accordance with an embodiment. The example pouring angle range is bounded by the tilt angle of 140 degrees (referenced by 1504a) and the tilt angle 220 (referenced by 1504b).

[0088] A pouring angle range may be symmetrical around the vertical axis 1502. Alternatively, and particularly if the container has a non-symmetrical shape, the pouring angle range may not be symmetrical around the vertical axis.

[0089] In some embodiments, the tilt angle satisfying the pouring angle means that the tilt angle equals the pouring angle. In some embodiments, the tilt angle satisfying the pouring angle means that the tilt angle is within a pouring angle range.Tilt stability

[0090] In some embodiments, determining the readiness of the device comprises the controller 120 considering the stability of the tilt of the container. If a container moves quickly between a pouring angle and a non-pouring angle, the container may not be sufficiently stable to be considered activated to dispense liquid.

[0091] Considering the stability of the tilt of the container may comprise determining that the container has maintained a specific pouring angle, or a tilt angle within a pouring angle range, for a preferred period of time (herein referred to as a ‘stability period’). For example, considering the stability of the tilt of the container may comprise determining that the container has maintained a tilt angle between the pouring range of 140 and 220 degrees for at least the stability period of 500 milliseconds.Acceleration stability

[0092] In some embodiments, determining the readiness of the device comprises the controller considering the stability of acceleration of the container. If the container is moving quickly (e.g.rapidly inverted or shaken), the container may not be sufficiently stable to be considered activated to dispense liquid.Pressure stability

[0093] In some embodiments, the pressure measured by the pressure sensor may take a period of time to stabilise in response to the container being tilted. Accordingly, the stability period may encompass a period of time for the pressure measurement to stabilise in response to the container being tilted.

[0094] Figure 17A is a graph illustrating pressure measurements over time in response to a container containing 750mL of liquid being tilted to a tilt angle of 180 degrees, in accordance with an embodiment. Figure 17B is a graph illustrating pressure measurements over time in response to a container containing 200mL of liquid being tilted to a tilt angle of 180 degrees, in accordance with an embodiment. The graphs indicate that the pressure measurement stabilises within 0.5 -1 seconds when a bottle is inverted 180 degrees and is both close to full or close to empty.Inverted container

[0095] Figure 15D illustrates a container 1530 in which the dispensing aperture of the container is located below the liquid contained in the container, in accordance with an embodiment. The container 1530 may comprise an inverted container (e.g. a container that has been tilted 180 degrees). Alternatively, the container 1530 may be positioned, intentionally in use, in a position in which the the dispensing aperture of the container is located below the liquid contained in the container. For example, the container may comprise a wall-mounted container. The container may be fixedly mounted, such that it is, in use, permanently at a tilt angle of 180 degrees. The container 1530 may comprise a receiving aperture 1540 position at or near the top of the container, via which liquid is poured into the container.

[0096] In the Idle state 1404, the controller may be configured to determine, without consideration of a tilt angle of the container, that the liquid dispensing device is activated. Accordingly, in the Idle state, the controller may be configured to omit a determination of the tilt angle (that is, the controller may be configured not to receive a tilt angle measurement from the tilt sensor). In some embodiments, the liquid dispensing device may not comprise a tilt sensor. In some embodiments, the liquid dispensing device may be configured to determine a target pour time without consideration of a tilt angle, or in consideration of a pre-set tilt angle. The pre-set tilt angle for the container of Figure 15B may be 180 degrees. The calibrationparameters may define whether the controller is to consider the tilt angle in determining whether the liquid dispensing device is activated.Detecting liquid

[0097] In some embodiments, the liquid dispensing device may be considered to be activated if there is liquid present in the conduit 106. Accordingly, in some embodiments, instead of determining whether the container is at a pouring angle, or in conjunction with determining whether the container is at a pouring angle, the controller may be configured to determine whether the conduit 106 of the liquid dispensing device contains liquid.

[0098] The device may comprise a liquid sensor, configured to sense whether the conduit 106 of the liquid dispensing device contains liquid. The liquid sensor may be configured to sense whether the conduit is filled (or at least partially filled) with liquid.

[0099] In some embodiments, in response to the controller 120 deducing the presence of liquid in the conduit 106, the controller 120 determines that the device is activated. Accordingly, in response to the controller 120 deducing the presence of liquid in the conduit 106, the controller 120 transitions the device from the Idle state 1404 to the Device Activated state 1406.

[0100] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to activate the device in response to considering the liquid sensor and the tilt sensor.User activation of the device

[0101] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to activate the device (e.g., transition to the Device Activated state 1406) in response to receiving an activation input via a user interface. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to activate the device in response to receiving an activation instruction via the wireless communication interface.Activating the actuator

[0102] In the Device Activated state 1406, the controller is activated and may be therefore ready to activate the actuator to dispense the liquid via the conduit.

[0103] In some embodiments, the controller may activate the actuator in response to a user pushing the button 132 for a short period of time (e.g. a short button push). Alternatively, in some embodiments, the controller may activate the actuator in response to a user activating a designated ‘pour’ button / switch on the device (not shown). In some embodiments, the controller activates the actuator in response to receiving a signal via the wireless communication interface 180. In some embodiments, the controller activates the actuator in response to receiving inputvia a proximity sensor, indicating the presence of a receptacle for receiving the poured liquid (e.g. receptacle 170).

[0104] In some embodiments, the controller may activate the actuator in response to movement (e.g., translational or rotational) of the device.

[0105] In some embodiments, the controller activates the actuator in response to transitioning to the Device Activated 1406 state. In some embodiments, the controller performs one or more checks in a Pre-pouring state, before transitioning to the Pouring state 1410, in which the controller activate the actuator. Accordingly, in some embodiments, in response to being activated, the controller transitions the device from the Device Activated state 1406 to the Prepouring state 1408.Pre-pouring

[0106] In some embodiments, the controller comprises a pre-pouring state 1408 in which the controller determines the positional stability of the liquid dispensing device (and by inference, the container) before the pouring (e.g. the dispensing) commences.

[0107] The controller may determine the positional stability of the device by determining that the tilt angle of the container remains within a pouring stability angle range for a preferred length of time (e.g. a stability period). For example, controller may determine that the positional stability of the device by determining that the tilt angle of the container remains within 140 and 150 for 500 milliseconds.

[0108] The controller may determine positional stability of the device by determining that the acceleration of the device remains within a pouring stability range for a preferred length of time. The controller may determine pressure stability of the device by determining that the pressure at the conduit or other location of the device remains within a pouring stability range for a preferred length of time.

[0109] In response to the controller determining that the liquid dispensing device (and by inference, the container) does not have positional stability, the controller may abort the pouring process by transitioning to the Pouring Failed state 1414. From the Pouring Failed state, the controller transitions back to the Idle state after a timeout period.

[0110] In response to the controller determining that the liquid dispensing device (and by inference, the container) has positional stability, the controller transitions to the Pouring state 1410.Pouring

[0111] In response to transitioning to the Pouring state 1410, the controller determines a target pour time, as described herein. Additionally, in response to transitioning to the Pouring state, the controller activates the actuator 138, which allows the liquid to dispense from the dispensing aperture 118 of the device 100, in accordance with gravitational flow. Additionally, in response to transitioning to the pouring state the controller determines an elapsed pour time from the time at which the controller activates the actuator 138.

[0112] In response to the elapsed pour time satisfying the target pour time, the controller deactivates the actuator 138, which stops dispensing liquid from the dispensing aperture 118 of the device 100.

[0113] In some embodiments, the elapsed pour time satisfying the target pour time means that the elapsed pour time equals the target pour time. In some embodiments, the elapsed pour time satisfying the target pour time means that the elapsed pour time exceeds the target pour time.

[0114] In response to deactivating the actuator, the controller transitions from the Pouring state 1410 to the Post Pouring state 1412, in which the controller waits for a keepout timeout before transitioning back to the Device Activated state 1406. The keepout time may be configured to be quite brief, to allow for successive pours in quick succession.

[0115] Advantageously, the liquid dispensing device is capable of dispensing successive volumes of the liquid, without re-inversion of the container. Accordingly, a user can quickly fill a line of receptacles (e.g. shot glasses) with liquid, whilst maintaining the container at a pouring tilt angle, or within a pouring tilt angle range. The controller may adjust the pouring tilt angle, and / or the pouring tilt angle range, in response to liquid being dispensed from the container.Manual pour

[0116] In some embodiments, the liquid dispensing device is configured to provide the option of manually dispensing the liquid from the container. Advantageously, a user-desired amount of liquid may be dispensed from the container via a manual pour, rather than the preconfigured target volume.

[0117] In some embodiments, in response to detecting the user pushing the button 132 (e.g. a double button push, or a long push), the controller activates the actuator 138, which allows the liquid to dispense from the dispensing aperture 118 of the device 100. In response to detectingthe user pushing the button 132 again (e.g. another double button push, or another long push), the controller deactivates the actuator 138, which prevents the liquid from dispensing from the dispensing aperture, and the controller transitions back to the Idle state 1404.Wireless communication interface

[0118] To enable communications between the liquid dispensing device and an external control application 190, the liquid dispensing device may comprise a wireless communication interface 180. The wireless communication interface 180 may comprise a wireless transceiver in communication with machine-readable code executing on a processor of the controller 120. One or more desired wireless communication protocols may be employed, but it may be convenient to employ technologies such as near field communications (NFC), Bluetooth® including Bluetooth® low energy (BLE) and the like. It will be understood, however, that other communications modes are possible, including the use of cellular technologies, Wi-Fi technologies.

[0119] The controller may be configured to communicate, via the wireless communication interface 180, with an external control application 190 (e.g. a mobile application or a server). In embodiments, the controller may transceive calibration information via the wireless communication interface 180, as described herein. In embodiments, the controller may receive software updates via the wireless communication interface 180, In embodiments, the controller may transmit status information and / or log information via the wireless communication interface 180, as described herein.Calibration parameters

[0120] In some embodiments, the device 100 receives calibration information, defining values for calibration parameters, via the wireless communication interface 180. The controller is configured to retain the calibration parameters in system memory.

[0121] The calibration parameters may comprise one or more of: target volume; a pouring angle; a pouring angle range; a non-pouring angle range; a pouring stability angle range; a stability period; a timeout period; a keepout timeout period; a target pour time; a table / list of target pour times corresponding to various pressure measurements; and coefficients for a target pour time equation.

[0122] The values of the calibration parameters may depend on one or more of: the shape of the container; the volume of liquid in the container; the type of liquid in the container; the viscosity of the liquid in the container; user preferences; or other factors.

[0123] The device may be pre-configured with one or more of the calibration parameters. The device may undergo a calibration process to be configured with one or more of the calibration parameters.

[0124] The controller may be configured with a plurality of sets of calibration parameters, wherein each set of calibration parameters corresponds to a different dispensing scenario (e.g. for different liquids, different bottle sizes and shapes, different target volumes).Calibration process

[0125] In response to receiving a calibration initiation signal via the wireless communication interface 180 (e.g. the Bluetooth LE interface), the controller transitions to the Calibration Process state 1420, and performs the calibration process. The calibration process seeks to determine one or more coefficients for a target pour time equation.

[0126] In some embodiments, the calibration process comprises collecting data using the calibration firmware executed by the liquid dispensing device. The calibration firmware contains an ‘initial guess’ of coefficients (e.g., a baseline calibration of Co to ). Prior to a calibration pour, the firmware takes a measurement of pressure and angle. After the valve is opened for the duration determined by the baseline calibration, the user measures the output volume. A corrected pour time is then generated based on the pour volume error relative to a target pour volume. This corrected pour time is recorded, along with the pressure and angle measured prior to the pour.

[0127] The calibration process may be repeated until a few containers have been emptied. The datasets may be fed into a multivariable linear regression fit algorithm to generate the new values for the coefficients, of the target pour time equation, which best fit input pressure and angle values to corrected pour time.

[0128] Figure 16 illustrates a calibration process for determining a coefficients of the target pour time equation, in accordance with an embodiment. The calibration process of Figure 16 is performed by the liquid dispensing device 100, the control application 190 and a user, in accordance with an embodiment. In other embodiments, the calibration process may be automated, and be performed by the device in conjunction with a control application.

[0129] The calibration process is performed to determine equation coefficients for a target pour time equation for a target volume (V target) of liquid to be dispensed. The control application 190 may provide the target volume to the device. The calibration initiation signalmay comprise an indication of a target volume, for which the device is to be calibrated to dispense. Alternatively, the target volume may be preconfigured into the device.

[0130] The controller starts the calibration process 1600 in the calibration mode idle state 1602. The device may indicate that it is in the calibration mode via the LEDs 134.

[0131] In response to the user pressing the button 132, the controller performs operation 1604, in which the controller activates the actuator and begins dispensing liquid from the dispensing aperture 118 for a period of time referred to as the calibration pour time (t_pour_calib). The calibration pour time may be provided by the control application 190, or may be preconfigured into the device. The calibration pour time is an estimation of the pour time for dispensing the target volume of the liquid.

[0132] During the pour, the controller determines the tilt angle of the device from the tilt sensor 110, and the pressure measurement from the pressure sensor 108.

[0133] In response to the calibration pour time elapsing, the controller deactivates the actuator to cease dispensing the liquid, and transmits the 1606 the tilt angle and pressure measurement to the control application 190.

[0134] In operation 1608, the user determines the actual volume (V meas) of the liquid dispensed by the device during operation 1604. The actual volume may differ from the target volume. The user enters the actual volume measurement in the control application. In some embodiments, a measuring device determines the actual volume (V meas) and communicates the actual volume to the device (e.g. via the wireless communication interface).

[0135] In operation 1610, the control application determines the target pour time (t_pour_corrected) by applying Equation (3): t pour corrected = V target / (V meets / 1 pour calib) (3)

[0136] In operation 1612, the control application transmits the target pour time to the controller 120, which updates the calibration pour time (t_pour_calib) with the newly calculated target pour time (t_pour_corrected).

[0137] Operations 1602, 1604, 1606, 1608, 1610 and 1612 may be repeated a plurality of times to obtain a plurality of data points (each comprising a tilt angle, a pressure measurement and an actual measured volume).

[0138] In operation 1616, an analyser application applies the plurality of data points to determine a target pour time equation. In some embodiments, the control application 190comprises the analyser application. In some embodiments the controller 120 comprises the analyser application.

[0139] In some embodiments, the analyser application is configured to apply linear regression to determine the target pour time equation. In some embodiments, the control application is configured to apply linear regression to determine one or more coefficients of the target pour time equation. The linear regression may comprise multivariate linear regression.

[0140] Figure 21 illustrates regression results as determined by the analyser application, in accordance with an embodiment. The coefficients, const, xi, X2, X3, X4, and xs, correlate to Co, Ci, C2, C3, C4, and C5, respectively, of a target pour time equation. A p-value, which is the statistical significance of the model, is illustrated as ‘Prob (F-statistic)’. Typically, a p < 0.05 means the model has a significant relationship between the predictors (pressure, angle) and the target variable (pour time). P-values for each parameter, which is the statistical significance of each variable contributing to the model is illustrated as ‘P >|t|’. A higher p-value threshold for individual variables is utilised in this example, as any parameter possibly contributing to improve pour time predictions is helpful to the algorithm. An adjusted R-squared, which is the correlation coefficient is illustrated. An R-squared value >= 0.900 denotes a good regression fit, in this example.

[0141] In operation 1618, the analyser application provides the details of the target pour time equation (e.g., the coefficients) to the controller 120. Then, the controller 120 transitions back to Idle state 1404.

[0142] The calibration process may be performed a plurality of times, each for a different dispensing scenario (e.g. for different liquids, different bottle sizes and shapes). The calibration process may be performed each time the liquid dispensing device is attached to a different container. Alternatively, the liquid dispensing device may be configured with a plurality of settings, wherein each setting corresponds to a different dispensing scenario, and each setting corresponds to a different target pour time equation.

[0143] The user may select, using the user interface 130 of the device, a setting of the device. In this way, the device may be moved from different containers, potentially containing different liquids, and apply an appropriate target pour time equation based on the setting corresponding to the container.User interface

[0144] The user interface of the liquid dispensing device illustrated in Figures 1 to 11 comprises a single button 132. In other embodiments, the user interface may comprise a plurality of button or other means for the user to interact with the device. For example, the user interface may comprise a volume input, wherein the user selects a target volume. For example, the user interface may comprise a liquor input, wherein the user selects the liquor type contained by the container. The user interface may comprise means to indicate status and mode to the user, such as a haptic feedback, vibration and tones.Charging

[0145] In some embodiments, the battery 144 comprises a rechargeable battery (e.g. a lithium ion battery), and the device 100 comprises a means to recharge the battery.

[0146] Figures 18A and 18B illustrate a charge port on a liquid dispensing device 1800, in accordance with an embodiment. The charge port 1802 is configured to receive a charging plug 1804 of charging cable 1806. The charging plug and charging port may be magnetically attracted. In some embodiments, the device may comprise a wireless battery charger, configured to wireless receive charge for the rechargeable battery.

[0147] The device 1800 may signal, to the user, low battery charge via one or more LEDs 134. In some embodiments, when not in use, the device may transition to a low-power mode to conserve battery life, with the actuator in the close position. For example, in response to the bottle being returned to its upright position and remaining in this position for a preset period, the device transitions to a low-power mode. The device may wakes from low-power mode via the accelerometer that detects when the device (and the container to which it is attached) is picked up.Adapters

[0148] The liquid dispensing device is configured to attach, at least temporarily, to a dispensing aperture of a container. Containers vary with regard to aperture dimensions (diameter, depth, perimeter width) and can vary with regard to attachment means. In order for a liquid dispensing device to be able to securely attach to containers with different dispensing apertures, an adapter may be attached to the liquid dispensing device.

[0149] In examples in which the container comprises a screw-top attachment means, the liquid dispensing device is configured to attach securely to the container in a similar manner as a lid,or cap of the container. In some examples, the device attaches via an interchangeable screw adaptor 140. A plurality of adaptors may be configured to compensate for various bottle shapes and liquid types. The adaptor may comprise a gasket 141 to provide leak-free attachment.

[0150] Figure 19 illustrates a plurality of adapters, in accordance with embodiments. Each adapter is configured to attach to the liquid dispensing device 100, and is configured to attach to a different container.Data log

[0151] In some embodiments, the controller of the liquid dispensing device 100 may be configured to record operational data in a data log. The data log may be transmitted, via the wireless communication interface 180, to an external control application. In some embodiments, the liquid dispensing device may be configured to receive an indication of a user (e.g. a user identification) and the device may record operational data in association with the indicated user.

[0152] The operation data may comprise one or more of: dispense times and / or dates; dispensing scenarios; dispensed volumes; user logs; battery charge status; firmware versions; and error logs.

[0153] To avoid obscuring the inventive subject matter with unnecessary detail, various functional components (e.g., modules, devices, databases, etc.) that are not germane to conveying an understanding of the inventive subject matter have been omitted from the figures. However, a skilled artisan will readily recognize that various additional functional components may be supported by the liquid dispensing device to facilitate additional functionality that is not specifically described herein.

[0154] Figures 14 and 16 illustrate operations performed in an illustrative method, and may not recite the complete process, all the steps of the method, or all states of operation. It is to be understood that the steps / states need not necessarily all be performed, and in some cases may be performed simultaneously or in a different order than the order shown.

[0155] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and / or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that embodiments disclosed herein can be combined with one or more other embodiment disclosed herein, without departing from the broad general scope of the presentdisclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

[0156] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that any suitable distribution of functionality between different functional units may be used without detracting from the invention. For example, functionality illustrated to be performed by separate computing devices may be performed by the same computing device. Likewise, functionality illustrated to be performed by a single computing device may be distributed amongst several computing devices. Hence, references to specific functional units are only to be seen as references to suitable means for providing the described functionality, rather than indicative of a strict logical or physical structure or organization.

[0157] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that, for processes and methods disclosed herein, the operations performed in the processes and methods may be implemented in differing order. Furthermore, the outlined steps and operations are only provided as examples, and some of the steps and operations can be optional, combined into fewer steps and operations, or expanded into additional steps and operations without detracting from the essence of the disclosed embodiments.

[0158] References herein to software, firmware or executable instructions are to be understood as referring to executable instructions stored in volatile or non-volatile memory. The memory can include any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a processor. Examples of memory include read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), magnetic tape, optical data storage device, flash storage devices, or any other suitable storage devices.

[0159] Throughout this specification the word ‘comprise’, or variations such as ‘comprises’ or ‘comprising’, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

[0160] As used herein, any reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Similarly, use of “a” or “an” preceding an element or component is done merelyfor convenience. This description should be understood to mean that one or more of the element or component is present unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

[0161] Unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0162] Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A device for dispensing a volume of a liquid from a container containing the liquid, the device comprising: a housing configured to seal an opening of the container; the housing comprising: a receiving aperture; a conduit, configured to receive at least a portion of the liquid from the container via the receiving aperture; a pressure sensor, configured to measure a pressure measurement of the liquid; a dispensing aperture, configured to dispense the liquid from the container via the conduit; an actuator, configured to, in response to being activated, dispense the liquid from the container, via the dispensing aperture; and a computer-implemented controller, configured to, in response to the device being activated: process the pressure measurement to determine a target pour time; activate the actuator; and in response to the actuator being activated: measure an elapsed time period; and in response to the elapse time period satisfying the target pour time, deactivate the actuator to cease dispensing the liquid.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the conduit is configured to receive the at least a portion of the liquid from the container via the receiving aperture, in response to the container being tilted.

3. The device of any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising a tilt sensor, configured to determine a tilt angle of the device.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the controller is configured to activate the device in response to determining the tilt angle of the device satisfies a pouring angle.

5. The device of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the controller is configured to activate the device in response to detecting liquid in the conduit.

6. The device of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the controller is configured to activate the device in response to receiving an activation input via a user interface.

7. The device of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the device comprises a wireless communication interface, and the controller is configured to activate the device in response to receiving an activation instruction via the wireless communication interface.

8. The device of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the controller is configured to activate the actuator in response to receiving user input via a user interface.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the user interface comprises a button, and the controller is configured to activate the actuator in response to the button being pressed.

10. The device of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the controller is configured to activate the actuator in response to receiving user input via a wireless communication interface.

11. The device of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the controller is configured to activate the actuator in response to receiving input from a proximity sensor.

12. The device of any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the controller is configured to determine a positional stability of the liquid dispensing device before activating the actuator.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein determining the positional stability of the liquid dispensing device comprises determining that the device has maintained a tilt angle within a pouring angle range for a stability period of time.

14. The device of any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the pressure sensor is located in a wall of the conduit.

15. The device of any of claims 1 to 14, wherein the pressure measurement comprises a measurement of pressure of the liquid in the conduit.

16. The device of any of claims 1 to 15, wherein processing the pressure measurement to determine a target pour time comprises processing the tilt angle and the pressure measurement to determine the target pour time.

17. The device of any of claims 1 to 16, wherein processing the pressure measurement to determine the target pour time comprises applying the pressure measurement to an equation derived by linear regression.

18. The device of any of claims 1 to 17, wherein the conduit comprises a tube and the actuator comprises a pinch valve, configured to pinch the tube to cease dispensing the liquid.

19. The device of any of claims 1 to 18, further comprising an air equalisation tube, configured to allow air into the container.

20. The device of any of claims 1 to 19, further comprising a power management system, wherein the power management system is configured to: in response to the tilt sensor indicating that the container is upright, reduce or cease power supply from a battery to one or more of: the pressure sensor; and the controller; and in response to the tilt sensor indicating that the container is being tilted, reinstate or increase power supply from the battery to one or more of: the pressure sensor; and the controller.

21. The device of any of claims 1 to 20, wherein the housing further comprises an adaptor for securely attaching the device to the container, the adaptor comprising a threaded surface configured to engage with a threaded surface of an opening of the container.

22. A method for dispensing a volume of a liquid from a container containing the liquid, the method performed by a device attached to an aperture of the container, the device comprising an actuator, configured to dispense the liquid from the container, the method comprising: receiving, in the device, at least a portion of the liquid; in response to the device being activated: measuring a pressure measurement of the liquid; processing the pressure measurement to determine a target pour time; activating the actuator; and in response activating the actuator: dispensing the liquid from the container; while dispensing the liquid, measuring an elapsed time period; and in response to the elapse time period satisfying the target pour time, deactivating the actuator to cease dispensing the liquid.

23. A machine-readable storage medium storing instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, individually or in combination, cause the one or more processors to perform the method of claim 22.

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