DE102016107086B4 - Hot drinks machine with volume and overflow detection - Google Patents

Abstract

Hot drinks machine (1), in particular fully automatic coffee machine, with at least two or more lamps (51 - 54) for illuminating an outlet area (2) in the direction of flow (6) below a drinks outlet (6) of the hot drinks machine (1), the lamps (51 - 54 ) are provided for illuminating the outlet area (2) from different lighting directions (71 - 74), with at least one camera (4) for recording images of a container (3) arranged in the outlet area (2), and with a device control (13), which is set up to control an outlet quantity and/or an outlet composition of a hot beverage as a function of at least two images captured by the camera (4), the outlet area (2) being illuminated with at least one different light source (51 - 54) for each image is.

Description

State of the art

The present invention relates to a hot drinks machine with at least two or more lamps for illuminating an outlet area in the direction of flow below a drinks outlet of the hot drinks machine, and with at least one camera for recording images of a container arranged in the outlet area. The present invention also relates to a method for controlling an outlet quantity of a hot beverage and/or several partial outlet quantities of different beverage additives of the hot beverage when filling a container arranged in an outlet area of a hot beverage machine.

Fully automatic coffee machines are known that store a user profile of a user. For example, a mixing ratio of coffee, water, milk and/or other beverage additives is stored in the user profile. Such a mixing ratio is conventionally stored for a specific cup and is therefore related to the capacity of this cup. Therefore, if the user uses a cup/container with a different capacity, the mixing ratio will no longer be correct.

In addition, the container can overflow if it has a lower capacity and the user does not stop drawing off in good time. On the other hand, if its capacity is smaller than the capacity of the cup used as a reference, the container will not be completely filled.

Hot beverage vending machines are known which detect the container height by lowering a detection means onto the edge of the container and then filling the container accordingly.

However, this method can also cause the cup to overflow during filling if the cup already contains a beverage additive or the cup has a smaller volume than a so-called reference cup.

From the DE 10 2011 075 194 A1 a beverage maker is known which includes a camera in the area where the cup is set up, with a downstream estimation device. The cup volume is determined with the aid of the camera and the estimating device.

From the DE 10 2014 102 490 A1 a vending machine is known which has a camera in the area of the outlet. The camera and the downstream evaluation device are set up to recognize the shape of the cup.

From the WO 2014/169 447 A1 a beverage maker is known which comprises two cameras spaced apart from one another in order to record the container shape and the filling volume during the preparation.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is to create a hot beverage vending machine that fills a container with a predetermined mixing ratio of different beverage additives, and to create a method for controlling an outlet quantity of a hot beverage and/or several outlet quantities of different beverage additives in the hot beverage for the container.

The object is achieved with a hot beverage vending machine having the features of independent claim 1 and with a method for controlling an outlet quantity of a hot beverage and/or several partial outlet quantities of various beverage additives in the hot beverage when filling a container with the features of independent patent claim 6. Advantageous embodiments are the dependent Patent claims can be removed.

A hot drinks machine, in particular a fully automatic coffee machine, is created for this purpose. The fully automatic coffee machine has at least two or more lamps for illuminating an outlet area in the direction of flow below a beverage outlet of the hot beverage machine. The lighting means are provided for illuminating the outlet area from different lighting directions. Furthermore, the hot drinks machine has at least one camera for recording images of a container arranged in the outlet area. The hot beverage machine also has a device controller that is set up to control an outlet quantity and/or a composition of a hot beverage released from the beverage outlet of the hot beverage machine as a function of at least two images captured by the camera. The outlet area is illuminated with one or more illuminants when the images are taken. The hot drinks machine is distinguished by the fact that the outlet area for each image is illuminated with at least one different light source.

Different contours of the container are illuminated by illuminating from different directions. As a result, the contours of different areas of the container can be recorded better in each case. By comparing the bright to dark transitions of the images, the contours of the container can be completed.

The detected contours of the container are preferably the outer contours of the container. However, it is also preferred that the device control is designed to detect a container edge, a container opening and/or a container interior of the container. As a result, the user can be shown whether the container is arranged flush under the beverage outlet. In addition, a filling level of the hot beverage in the container can be monitored in this way.

Alternatively or additionally, the device control is preferably designed to calculate a container volume of the container. The container volume is preferably calculated on the basis of the detected outer contours of the container.

The container volume calculated, in particular on the basis of the outer contour, is preferably an outer volume of the container. The internal volume of the container is preferably calculated on the basis of the external volume, taking into account a conversion constant which is a measure of a container thickness of the container. At this time, a volume corresponding to the container thickness is subtracted from the outer volume to calculate the inner volume.

For this purpose, the hot drinks machine can have a light source in front of, behind, on opposite sides and/or below the outlet area. The light sources are preferably in the form of infrared light sources.

In order to capture very clear light-to-dark transitions, the camera is preferably designed as a CCD camera. It is preferably arranged above the outlet area in the direction of flow. It preferably has an angle of inclination in relation to a drip grid arranged below the outlet area. As a result, the outlet area, in particular below the beverage outlet, can be detected. In a preferred development, a CMOS camera is used, which has improved light sensitivity compared to a CCD camera and is significantly faster.

The object is also achieved with a method for controlling an outlet quantity of a hot beverage and/or several partial outlet quantities of different beverage additives of the hot beverage when filling a container arranged in an outlet area of the hot beverage machine. The partial outlet quantities are preferably calculated based on the composition of the hot beverage.

1. a) zumindest zwei Bilder des Behälters bei wechselnder Beleuchtung des Auslassbereiches mit jeweils zumindest einem anderen Leuchtmittel aufgenommen werden,
2. b) hell zu dunkel Übergänge der Bilder erfasst werden,
3. c) die erfassten hell zu dunkel Übergänge der Bilder miteinander verglichen und/oder überlagert werden, wobei
   • - eine Außenkontur des Behälters,
   • - ein Behälterinnenraum,
   • - eine Behälteröffnung, und/oder
   • - ein Behälterrand erfasst werden, und
4. d) ein Behältervolumen anhand der Außenkontur berechnet wird.

The procedure provides that:

1. a) at least two images of the container are recorded with changing illumination of the outlet area, each with at least one different illuminant,
2. b) light to dark transitions of the images are recorded,
3. c) the recorded light-to-dark transitions of the images are compared with one another and/or superimposed, with
   • - an outer contour of the container,
   • - a container interior,
   • - a container opening, and/or
   • - a container edge are detected, and
4. d) a container volume is calculated based on the outer contour.

The method makes it possible to control an outlet quantity of a hot beverage into a container arranged in the outlet area of a hot beverage machine. The fill level of the hot drink can be monitored. A container volume of the container can be calculated on the basis of the outer contour of the container, and on the basis of this a possible discharge quantity, at which an overflow of the container is avoided. This enables a targeted calculation of the proportions of different beverage additives in a hot beverage of a defined composition.

A camera, in particular a CCD camera or CMOS camera, is preferably used to record the images. In principle, a conventional black/white, color or infrared camera can also be used. However, it has been shown that a very good level of accuracy can be achieved with a camera of the type mentioned.

The camera records at least two or more images of the outlet area, in particular below the beverage outlet, from a fixed perspective. The outlet area for each of the images is illuminated from at least one different illumination direction. For this purpose, the hot drinks machine has lamps that illuminate the outlet area from a different lighting direction. For this purpose, the lighting means are preferably arranged in or near the outlet area at different positions of the hot drinks machine.

In order to detect the light to dark transitions, the hot drinks machine also has a device control. The device controller is designed to control the multiple light sources and the camera. In addition, it is designed to light up to capture dark transitions of the images. Preferably, either the transitions from dark to light or the transitions from light to dark are always recorded. The transitions from light to dark at least approximately reproduce the outer contour of the container.

Since different areas of the container are illuminated due to the different direction of illumination of the lamps, different contour areas of the container can be recorded with each of the images. By overlaying several images, a contour area that may not be fully detectable with a single image is completed.

In addition, the superimposition of the images enables a plausibility check of the recorded outer contour. It is preferred that one or more additional images are recorded from one or more different illumination directions if the outer contour detected is implausible.

A plurality of containers arranged in the outlet area are preferably recognized on the basis of the comparison of the light to dark transitions, in particular as part of the plausibility check. Depending on the lighting directions of the lamps used, a comparison of the light to dark transitions shows whether and if so, which container is arranged below the beverage outlet. The device control is preferably designed such that a container is only filled if it is arranged below the beverage outlet.

When determining the outer contour of the container, a drip grid arranged in the outlet area is preferably recorded as the lower reference edge. The drip grid is recorded, for example, based on its structure. Also preferably, a lighting means can be provided for detecting the drip grid.

To determine the container opening, an ellipse, which encloses the container opening, can be approximately determined on the basis of the light to dark transitions.

Furthermore, transparent containers are preferably recognized on the basis of the comparison of the light to dark transitions. For transparent containers, a change in the fill level can be detected immediately by comparing the light-to-dark transitions taken one after the other, without monitoring the container opening and/or the container interior. A simplified algorithm can therefore be used to determine the filling level.

An outlet quantity of the hot beverage provided for filling the container is preferably calculated on the basis of the internal volume. Furthermore, it is preferred that the partial outlet quantities of a hot beverage containing various beverage additives are calculated in relation to the calculated internal volume. The beverage additives are particularly preferably filled in one after the other. It is particularly preferred that the outlet quantity of the hot beverage is smaller than the internal volume of the container, in particular about 15-25% smaller. A conversion constant that may be too small to take account of the container thickness therefore does not lead to the container overflowing during filling. The approximately 15-25% smaller outlet volume compared to the interior volume of the container also takes into account that a beverage additive may already have been filled into the container.

In addition, images of the container can be continuously recorded during filling, in particular when the lighting in the outlet area changes. It is preferred that a change in the filling level of the hot beverage in the container is detected by comparing the light to dark transitions of the container opening and/or the container interior of several images continuously recorded during the filling.

The beverage outlet is preferably stopped when the filling level reaches a limit value in relation to the edge of the container. The filling is particularly preferably stopped when the hot beverage is grasped approximately 1-2 cm below the edge of the container. This will prevent overflow even if the container already contained a large amount of a beverage additive.

• 1 zeigt einen erfindungsgemäßen Heißgetränkeautomaten.

The invention is based on 1 described. The figure is only an example and does not restrict the general idea of the invention.

• 1 shows a hot drinks machine according to the invention.

1 shows a hot drinks machine 1 according to the invention, here a coffee machine in a sketched view. This is a fully automatic coffee machine. The terms hot drinks machine 1, coffee machine and fully automatic coffee machine are therefore used synonymously in the following. The illustration shows a built-in device. However, the invention can also be used on standing hot beverage machines. All directions and positions refer to the operational set-up position of the machine 1.

The fully automatic coffee machine 1 has a beverage outlet 11 for discharging a hot beverage, for example coffee, milk coffee or cappuccino (not shown). The beverage outlet 11 is arranged in an outlet area 2 of the hot beverage machine 1 . Here it protrudes slightly into the outlet area 2 .

In order to collect the hot beverage, a container 3 can be arranged below the beverage outlet 11 in the flow direction 6 of the hot beverage. A cup is shown here as the container 3 . The container 3 is parked on the installation surface or a drip tray 12 of the hot beverage machine 1 .

In order to be able to fill the container 3 as completely as possible with a hot beverage, in particular a defined composition of various beverage additives, the hot beverage machine 1 shown calculates the internal volume of the container 3 . The outlet quantity of the hot beverage and possibly the partial outlet quantities of the beverage additives of the hot beverage can be calculated on the basis of the internal volume.

For this purpose, the hot beverage machine 1 has a device control 13 which is designed to control an outlet quantity and/or several partial outlet quantities of a hot beverage consisting of a combination of several beverage additives as a function of at least two images captured by a camera 4 . For this purpose, the camera 4 is preferably arranged above the outlet area 2 so that it captures the outlet area 2 arranged below the beverage outlet 11 in the direction of flow 6 . For this purpose, it preferably has an angle of inclination 41 , in particular relative to a drip tray 12 . It is advantageously designed here as a CCD camera or, again, preferably as a CMOS camera.

The drip grid 12 is provided for setting down the container 3 and forms a lower limit of the outlet area 2. It is preferably used as a reference lower edge.

In or near the outlet area 2, a plurality of light sources 51-54 are arranged to the side, behind, above and/or below it. Shown here are a flat light source 53 on one side of the outlet area 2 opposite the camera 4, a flat light source 51 below the outlet area 2 at the rear end of the niche in the lower area or just above the installation surface or the drip grid 12 , a point light source or so-called Spotlights 52 on the side where the camera 4 is mounted and a point lamp 54 above the outlet area 2 to the side of the beverage outlet 11. The lamps 51-54 are designed as infrared lamps. They are arranged behind infrared-permeable walls 14, to the extent that this is advantageous for the appearance of the hot beverage machine 1 . Since the lamps 51 - 54 are arranged at different positions of the outlet area 2, they illuminate the area 2 or the container 3 placed therein from different lighting directions 71 - 74.

It has been shown that the contour of the container 3 cannot be adequately detected by illuminating the outlet area 2 with only a single illuminant 51-54. Therefore, several images are recorded with the camera 4, with at least one different illuminant 51-54 being used for each of the images. This changes the direction of illumination 71-74 in which the container 3 is illuminated. As a result, different areas of the container 3 are illuminated. Since the camera 4 records the images from a fixed perspective, different areas of the container 3 are recorded based on the light-to-dark transitions. These can be superimposed. As a result, the contour of the container 3, in particular its outer contour, can be completed.

In addition, the device control 13 is designed to detect a container edge 31, a container opening 33 and/or a container interior 32. This is also done by comparing the light to dark transitions of the different images. In order to determine the container opening 33, an ellipse which encloses the container opening 33 can be approximately determined on the basis of the light-to-dark transitions.

The superimposition of the images enables a plausibility check of the outer contour. In this way, several containers 3 arranged in the outlet area can be detected. Based on the detected container opening 33 of each container, it can be seen which container is arranged below the beverage outlet 11 . The device control 13 is designed to only fill the container or containers 3 . If none of the containers 3 is arranged below the beverage outlet 11, this is indicated to the operator. For this purpose, the hot drinks machine 1 has a display 15, in particular a display.

A container volume can also be calculated on the basis of the outer contour. First of all, the outer volume of the container is calculated. Then, the container inner volume is calculated from the container outer volume, considering a container thickness by a conversion constant.

Based on the calculated internal volume, the outlet quantity of the hot beverage and/or the partial outlet quantities of the beverage additives can now be calculated.

During the filling, the camera 4 continues to capture images. Here, too, it is preferred that different illuminants 51 - 54 are used in order to change the direction of illumination 71 - 74 and to cover the container 3 as completely as possible by comparing the light to dark transitions.

The filling level of the container is recorded with these images. The dispensing of the hot beverage is stopped when the fill level has reached a limit value in relation to the container edge 31 .

Reference List

1

Hot drinks machine, fully automatic coffee machine

11

beverage outlet

12

drip grid

13

device control

14

Infrared permeable walls / panes of the niche

15

display, display

2

outlet area

3

container

31

container rim

32

container interior

33

container opening

4

camera

41

tilt angle

51 - 54

illuminants, infrared lamps

6

flow direction

71 - 74

lighting directions

Claims (14)

Hot drinks machine (1), in particular fully automatic coffee machine, with at least two or more lamps (51 - 54) for illuminating an outlet area (2) in the direction of flow (6) below a drinks outlet (6) of the hot drinks machine (1), the lamps (51 - 54 ) are provided for illuminating the outlet area (2) from different lighting directions (71 - 74), with at least one camera (4) for recording images of a container (3) arranged in the outlet area (2), and with a device control (13), which is set up to control an outlet quantity and/or an outlet composition of a hot beverage as a function of at least two images captured by the camera (4), the outlet area (2) being illuminated with at least one different light source (51 - 54) for each image is. Hot drinks machine (1) after claim 1 , characterized in that the device control (13) is designed to detect a container edge (31), a container opening (33) and/or a container interior (32) and/or a container volume of the container (3) as a function of the images to calculate. Hot drinks machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a lighting means (51 - 54) in front of, behind, to the side and/or below the outlet area (2). Hot drinks machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lighting means (51 - 54) are infrared lighting means and/or that the camera (4) is a CCD camera or CMOS camera. Hot drinks machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the camera (4) has an angle of inclination (41) relative to a drip grid (12) arranged below the outlet area (2). Method for controlling an outlet quantity of a hot beverage and/or several partial outlet quantities of different beverage additives of the hot beverage when filling a container (3) arranged in an outlet area (2) of a hot beverage machine (1), in which: a) at least two images of the container (3) are recorded with changing illumination of the outlet area (2) each with at least one other lamp (51 - 54), b) light to dark transitions of the images are recorded, c) the detected light-to-dark transitions of the images are compared with one another, where - an outer contour of the container (3), - a container opening (33), - a container interior (32), and/or - a container edge (31) are detected, and d) a container volume is calculated based on the outer contour. procedure after claim 6 , characterized in that in order to determine the container volume, a drip grid (12) arranged in the outlet area (2) is recorded as the lower reference edge. Procedure according to one of Claims 6 - 7 , characterized in that the container volume is an outer volume of the container (3), taking into account the inner volume a conversion constant for a container thickness is calculated based on the external volume. Procedure according to one of Claims 6 - 8th , characterized in that the outlet quantity and/or the partial outlet quantities are calculated on the basis of the internal volume. Procedure according to one of Claims 6 - 9 , characterized in that the outlet quantity is smaller than the internal volume of the container (3), in particular about 15 - 25% smaller. Procedure according to one of Claims 6 - 10 , characterized in that a plurality of containers (3) arranged in the outlet area (2) are recognized on the basis of the comparison of the light-to-dark transitions. Procedure according to one of Claims 6 - 11 , characterized in that on the basis of the comparison of light to dark transitions transparent containers (3) are recognized. Procedure according to one of Claims 6 - 12 , characterized in that images of the container (3) are recorded continuously during the filling process, in particular when the lighting of the outlet area (2) changes, and by comparing the light to dark transitions of the container interior (32) of several continuously recorded images, a change in a fill level of the hot drink in the container (3) is detected. Procedure according to one of Claims 6 - 13 , characterized in that the outlet of the hot beverage is stopped when the filling level reaches a limit value based on the edge of the container.

Images