Transparent Cup Detection Using Trough-Based Light Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage preparation machines face challenges in accurately detecting the presence and positioning of transparent cups, as traditional break-beam approaches are inadequate for transparent materials like glass, leading to potential misalignment and spills during high-pressure brewing.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a trough-detection approach using multiple light sources and receivers, which analyzes the rate of change in light levels to differentiate between opaque and transparent cups, ensuring precise insertion and height detection, combined with a break-beam method for opaque cups, prevents improper dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a break-beam detection approach is used, then the detection system is simple and reliable for opaque objects, but it fails to detect transparent cups properly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from simple beam interruption (binary detection) to analyzing the rate of change of light levels over time. By measuring how quickly light levels change as the cup enters the detection zone, the system can distinguish between transparent and opaque materials, enabling reliable detection of transparent cups while maintaining simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If a trough-detection approach with multiple light sources and receivers is implemented, then transparent cups can be detected accurately, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent light sources and receivers positioned at different locations. Each sensor pair provides independent measurements of light level changes, and the controller analyzes these segmented signals to determine cup presence and positioning. This segmentation enables accurate detection of transparent cups while allowing the system to process information in manageable segments.
3Productivity
If the cup positioning is not accurately detected, then the machine operation is simple, but spills and misalignment occur during beverage dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring light level changes and using this information to determine whether a cup is properly positioned before allowing beverage dispensing. The controller receives real-time feedback from the light sensors and adjusts or prevents operation based on cup detection accuracy, ensuring safe dispensing while maintaining efficient operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reliably detects the presence and positioning of transparent cups, preventing spills and ensuring safe, effective beverage dispensing by distinguishing between opaque and transparent cups through unique light patterns, enhancing user safety and machine efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A light source transmits a light across a cup holding region of the machine and a light receiver receives the light and identifies a trough that indicates that the transparent cup has been sufficiently inserted into the cup holding region
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
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AI summary
According to one embodiment, a beverage preparation machine (100) includes a beverage dispenser (202), a cup holding region (110) located below the beverage dispenser (202), a light source (104) configured to transmit light across a portion of the cup holding region (110), and a receiver (108) configured to receive at least a portion the light transmitted by the light source (104). A processor (240) determines whether a transparent cup (220) has been sufficiently inserted into the cup holding region (110) or is at a desired height by detecting either a trough in a light level of the portion of the light received at the receiver (108), or an inverted trough in a light level of the light transmitted by the light source (104). Upon making the determination that the transparent cup (220) is not sufficiently inserted or at the desired height, the processor (240) prevents the beverage dispenser (202) from dispensing a beverage.