WO2019216102A1

WO2019216102A1 - Beverage supply device

Info

Publication number: WO2019216102A1
Application number: PCT/JP2019/015705
Authority: WO
Inventors: ゆう希二野宮; 勇貴徳永; 長島　隆一; 幸秀持田; 永吉　賢也; 西川　洋平
Original assignee: 富士電機株式会社
Priority date: 2018-05-07
Filing date: 2019-04-10
Publication date: 2019-11-14
Also published as: KR20200136031A; CN112105579A

Abstract

Provided is a beverage supply device that supplies a beverage produced by a beverage production unit 11 to a container C arranged in a beverage supply unit 22, the beverage supply device comprising image information acquisition means (25, 30) that capture an image of the container C using an imaging unit 25 and acquire image information about the container C, wherein the imaging unit 25 is installed at a location lower than the height level of an upper surface opening C1 of the container C. The beverage supply device preferably has a cover mechanism 28 which covers an imaging surface 25a of the imaging unit 25 in a normal state, and exposes the imaging surface 25a when the image information acquisition means acquire image information about the container C.

Description

Beverage supply equipment

The present invention relates to a beverage supply device, and more particularly to a beverage supply device such as a coffee machine installed in a store such as a convenience store.

Conventionally, beverage supply devices such as coffee machines have been installed in stores such as convenience stores. A drink supply apparatus produces | generates a drink by performing processes, such as extraction processing of coffee bean grinding and dripping, for example, and supplies a drink with respect to the cup which is a container.

In such a beverage supply device, an imaging unit such as a camera that images the placed cup is provided, and the image information acquired by imaging with the imaging unit and the information on the container stored in the memory are used for the container. A device for determining the type has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2017-159941 A

By the way, in the beverage supply apparatus proposed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the imaging unit is installed at a location above the height level of the upper surface opening of the cup. Therefore, when supplying a drink with respect to a cup, there existed a possibility that the imaging of a cup by an imaging part could not be performed by the steam etc. which arise from a drink.

Moreover, in the drink supply apparatus proposed by the said patent document 1, although the kind of container is determined from the image information acquired by imaging with an imaging part, the cup in the image information acquired by the arrangement | positioning location of a cup As a result, the size of the container may change, and the determination of the type of container may be erroneous.

In view of the above circumstances, a first object of the present invention is to provide a beverage supply device that can satisfactorily perform imaging by an imaging unit.

In view of the above circumstances, a second object of the present invention is to provide a beverage supply device capable of improving the accuracy of determining the type of container.

In order to achieve the above object, a beverage supply device according to the present invention is a beverage supply device that supplies a beverage generated by a beverage generation unit to a container disposed in a beverage supply unit, and images the container. Image information acquisition means for acquiring image information of the container by capturing an image of the container, wherein the imaging unit is installed at a location lower than the height level of the upper surface opening of the container.

In the beverage supply apparatus, the present invention covers the imaging surface of the imaging unit in the normal state, and exposes the imaging surface when the image information acquisition unit acquires image information of the container. It is provided with.

In the beverage supply apparatus, the present invention further includes container detection means for detecting that the container is disposed in the beverage supply unit, and the cover mechanism is configured such that the container detection means detects the placement of the container. Further, the imaging surface is exposed.

Moreover, this invention is the said drink supply apparatus, It is provided with the opening-and-closing door which opens and closes the inlet_port | entrance of the said drink supply part, The door opening / closing detection part which detects opening / closing of the said entrance by the said opening / closing door, The said cover mechanism is the said door. The imaging surface is exposed on the condition that the opening / closing detection unit detects that the entrance is closed.

In the beverage supply apparatus according to the present invention, the image information acquisition unit acquires the image information of the container by imaging the container with the imaging unit through an imaging opening formed in the beverage supply unit. And a ridge is provided on the upper part of the imaging opening.

Also, the present invention is characterized in that, in the beverage supply device, the image information acquisition means acquires the image information of the container by imaging the container projected on a mirror surface with the imaging unit.

Moreover, the drink supply apparatus which concerns on this invention is a drink supply apparatus which supplies the drink produced | generated by the drink production | generation part with respect to the container arrange | positioned at a drink supply part, Comprising: Image information which acquires the image information of the said container Acquisition means, and container determination means for determining the type of the container from the image information acquired by the image information acquisition means, wherein the container determination means includes a maximum width of an upper surface opening of the container in the image information and the container It judges based on the ratio with the height of.

Moreover, this invention is equipped with the container detection part which detects that the said container was arrange | positioned in the said drink supply part in the said drink supply apparatus, The said container determination means detected the arrangement | positioning of the said container by the said container detection part In this case, the type of the container is determined.

Further, the present invention provides the beverage supply apparatus, further comprising: an open / close door that opens and closes an entrance of the beverage supply unit; and a door open / close detection unit that detects opening and closing of the entrance by the open / close door; The type of the container is determined on the condition that the door opening / closing detection unit detects that the entrance is closed.

According to the present invention, the image information acquisition means acquires the image information of the container by imaging the container with the imaging unit, and the imaging unit is installed at a position lower than the height level of the upper surface opening of the container. Therefore, there is no possibility of being affected by steam or the like generated from the beverage supplied to the container, and there is an effect that imaging by the imaging unit can be performed satisfactorily.

According to the invention, the image information acquisition means for acquiring the image information of the container, and the container determination means for determining the type of the container from the image information acquired by the image information acquisition means, the container determination means includes the image information Since the determination is based on the ratio of the maximum width of the upper surface opening of the container and the height of the container, the container type is not affected by the change in the size of the container in the image information, and the determination of the container type There is an effect that the accuracy can be improved.

1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a beverage supply apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing a control system of the beverage supply apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the main part in a state where the open / close door is closed. 4A and 4B are perspective views showing the positional relationship between the imaging unit and the container, and FIGS. 4C and 4D are FIGS. 4A and 4B, respectively. It is a perspective view which shows this cover mechanism. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a positional relationship between the imaging unit and the light source unit. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing content of the beverage supply control process performed by the control unit shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the contents of the container type determination process in FIG. FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing a main part of a modified example of the beverage supply apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a beverage supply apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a block diagram schematically showing a control system of the beverage supply apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing content of the beverage supply control process performed by the control unit shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the container type determination processing in FIG. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for describing elements used in the determination in the container type determination process illustrated in FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the imaging unit contamination determination process performed by the control unit shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a beverage supply device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<Embodiment 1>
1 and 2 each show a beverage supply apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing a control system. FIG. The beverage supply apparatus illustrated here is a coffee machine installed in a store such as a convenience store, for example, and performs a coffee bean grinding and dripping extraction process, for example, and a beverage such as coffee is placed in a container C such as a cup. To supply. Such a beverage supply apparatus includes an apparatus body 1.

The apparatus main body 1 includes a main body cabinet 10 and a front door 20. The main body cabinet 10 has a substantially rectangular shape with an open front surface. Inside the main body cabinet 10, there is provided a beverage generator 11 for generating a beverage (for example, coffee).

The front door 20 is a door body having a size sufficient to close the front opening of the main body cabinet 10. The front door 20 is provided at the front side one side edge of the main body cabinet 10 so as to be swingable around a center axis of a shaft portion (not shown) extending along the vertical direction. It is possible to open and close the opening.

The front door 20 has a front side serving as a customer service surface, and is provided with a display unit 21, a beverage supply unit 22, and an opening / closing door 23. The display unit 21 includes, for example, a liquid crystal touch panel, and includes an input unit 21a that displays various types of information and can perform an input operation such as a touch operation.

The beverage supply unit 22 is provided below the display unit 21, and includes a nozzle 22a and a stage 22b. The nozzle 22a discharges the drink produced | generated in the drink production | generation part 11 toward the downward direction. The stage 22b is provided in the lower area of the nozzle 22a. The stage 22b is for placing the container C, and is provided with an arcuate stopper 22c. The stopper 22c constitutes a predetermined information obtainable area S that can satisfactorily receive the beverage discharged from the nozzle 22a and can be read by the imaging unit 25 described later.

The opening / closing door 23 is configured by processing a material such as a resin to reduce the transmission of light, and has a size sufficient to cover the inlet 22d of the beverage supply unit 22. Here, examples of the process for reducing the light transmission include coloring the resin or the like, or performing a texture process. Alternatively, the door 23 may be processed through a so-called magic mirror that is visible from the outside to the inside but is not reflected from the inside to the outside.

Such an open / close door 23 has a left end pivotally supported by the front door 20 and can swing along the front-rear direction. In other words, the opening / closing door 23 can swing along the front-rear direction in a manner close to and away from the beverage supply unit 22, and when the door 23 swings backward in a manner close to the beverage supply unit 22, the entrance of the beverage supply unit 22. 22d can be closed, and the inlet 22d of the beverage supply unit 22 can be opened when swinging forward in a manner of being separated from the beverage supply unit 22.

The opening / closing door 23 has a guide piece 23b. The guide piece 23b is provided in such a manner that it projects along the shape of the door body 23a at the lower end of the inner surface of the door body 23a that curves in a manner that protrudes outward. That is, the tip portion of the guide piece 23b is curved. Such a guide piece 23b comes into contact with the bottom of the container C to acquire information when the door 23 swings backward (in the closing direction) with the container C placed on the stage 22b. It guides to the possible area S. Further, the guide piece 23b sandwiches the bottom portion of the container C with the stopper 22c as shown in FIG. 3 when the open / close door 23 closes the inlet 22d of the beverage supply unit 22.

2, the beverage supply apparatus includes a container detection unit 24, an imaging unit 25, a door opening / closing detection unit 26, a door opening / closing lock mechanism 27, a cover mechanism 28, a light source unit 29, and a control unit 30.

The container detection part 24 is comprised by an optical sensor etc., for example, and detects the presence or absence of arrangement | positioning of the container C in the drink supply part 22, ie, whether the container C was mounted in the stage 22b. The container detection unit 24 gives a detection result of the presence / absence of the container C to the control unit 30.

The imaging unit 25 is provided in the beverage supply unit 22 and includes, for example, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor. The imaging unit 25 captures an image of the container C placed on the stage 22b through an imaging opening 22e formed in the wall of the beverage supply unit 22, and generates image information of the container C. The imaging unit 25 gives the generated image information to the control unit 30.

The imaging opening 22e is provided below the height level of the upper surface opening C1 of the container C placed on the stage 22b as shown in FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b). Therefore, the imaging unit 25 is also installed at a location lower than the height level of the upper surface opening C1 of the container C placed on the stage 22b.

The door opening / closing detection unit 26 is provided in the vicinity of the inlet 22d of the beverage supply unit 22, and is configured by, for example, an optical sensor. The door opening / closing detection unit 26 detects opening / closing of the entrance 22d by the opening / closing door 23, and more specifically, detects whether the entrance 22d is closed, that is, whether the opening / closing door 23 is closed. is there. The door opening / closing detection unit 26 gives a detection result to the control unit 30 as to whether or not the opening / closing door 23 is closed.

The door opening / closing lock mechanism 27 is provided in the vicinity of the inlet 22 d of the beverage supply unit 22. The door opening / closing lock mechanism 27 maintains a state in which the opening / closing door 23 that closes the inlet 22d is closed and restricts the opening / closing door 23 from swinging forward, and the opening / closing door 23. Is selectively switchable between a release state in which it is allowed to swing forward. The switching of the door opening / closing lock mechanism 27 is performed according to a command given from the control unit 30.

The cover mechanism 28 includes a cover main body 28a and an actuator 28b. As shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D, the cover main body 28 a is a box-shaped body that is U-shaped when viewed from the side, and includes an upper wall portion 281 and a lower wall portion 282. It arrange | positions so that the imaging part 25 may be inserted | pinched. The cover main body 28a is provided so as to be rotatable around the rotation axis L in FIG. Such a cover main body 28a is urged by a cover spring (not shown), and normally covers the imaging surface 25a of the imaging unit 25 as shown in FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (c). Yes. The actuator 28b is composed of, for example, a solenoid or the like, and when driven, rotates the cover main body 28a against the urging force of the cover spring to pick up an image as shown in FIGS. 4B and 4D. The imaging surface 25a of the unit 25 is exposed.

The light source unit 29 is provided in the beverage supply unit 22 and incorporates an LED 29a that is a light source member. This light source unit 29 irradiates the inside of the beverage supply unit 22 through the light source opening 22f formed in the wall portion of the beverage supply unit 22 when the LED 29a is turned on.

Here, the positional relationship between the light source unit 29 and the imaging unit 25 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the imaging unit 25 is disposed at a place other than the irradiation direction m of the LED 29 a constituting the light source unit 29.

The control unit 30 is electrically connected to the beverage generation unit 11, the display unit 21, the container detection unit 24, the imaging unit 25, the door opening / closing detection unit 26, the door opening / closing lock mechanism 27, the cover mechanism 28, and the light source unit 29 described above. The operation of each of these units is comprehensively controlled according to programs and data stored in the storage unit 31 that is also electrically connected. The control unit 30 includes a container determination processing unit (container determination unit) 30a that determines the type of the container C in a container type determination process described later.

For example, the control unit 30 may cause a processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) to execute a program, that is, may be realized by software, or may be realized by hardware such as an IC (Integrated Circuit). Alternatively, software and hardware may be used in combination.

Further, the storage unit 31 stores a correspondence table 31a that stores the relationship between the image information generated by the imaging unit 25 and the type of the container C.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the beverage supply control process performed by the control unit 30 shown in FIG. The operation of the beverage supply device will be described while explaining the processing content of the beverage supply control process.

In this beverage supply control process, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the container detection unit 24 has detected that the container C is in the beverage supply unit 22 (step S110). That is, the container detection unit 24 detects whether or not the container C is placed on the stage 22b. When it is detected that the container C is present (step S110: Yes), the control unit 30 determines whether or not the open / close door 23 is closed based on the detection result of the door open / close detection unit 26 (step S120). ). On the other hand, when it is not detected that the container C is present (step S110: No), the control unit 30 repeats the determination process of step S110.

The control part 30 repeats the judgment process of step S120, when the door 23 is not closed in said step S120 (step S120: No). On the other hand, when the open / close door 23 is closed (step S120: Yes), the control unit 30 locks the open / close door 23 in the closed state by using the door open / close lock mechanism 27 (step S130). A determination process is performed (step S140).

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the container type determination processing in FIG. In the container type determination process, the control unit 30 turns on the LED 29a constituting the light source unit 29 and drives the actuator 28b of the cover mechanism 28 (steps S141 and S142). Thereby, while the inside of the drink supply part 22 is irradiated to LED29a, the cover main-body part 28a rotates against the urging | biasing force of a cover spring, and the imaging surface 25a of the imaging part 25 is exposed. That is, the imaging unit 25 can perform imaging through the imaging opening 22e. The control unit 30 acquires image information read and generated through the imaging unit 25 (step S143).

Then, the control unit 30 reads the correspondence table 31a from the storage unit 31 through the container determination processing unit 30a (step S144), and determines the type of the container C based on the image information and the correspondence table 31a (step S145). More specifically, it is determined whether or not the shape of the container C in the digitized information digitized from the image information matches the digitized information in the correspondence table 31a, and the type of the matched container C is determined.

The controller 30 that has determined the type of the container C in this way stops the driving of the actuator 28b and turns off the LED 29a (steps S146 and S147). Thereby, only the urging | biasing force of a cover spring acts and the cover main-body part 28a rotates and coat | covers the imaging surface 25a of the imaging part 25, and irradiation of the drink supply part 22 is complete | finished. And the control part 30 returns a procedure after that, and complete | finishes the determination process of the kind of this container.

The control unit 30 that has performed the container type determination process in this manner displays, on the display unit 21, the beverage corresponding to the type of container C determined in step S140 described above, that is, the display of the beverage to be supplied. The guidance display for guiding the touch of the input unit 21a on which the confirmation word is displayed is performed (step S150).

Thereafter, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the input unit 21a is touched (step S160). When the input unit 21a is not touched (step S160: No), the control unit 30 repeats the determination process of step S160. On the other hand, when the input part 21a is touched (step S160: Yes), the control part 30 makes the drink production | generation part 11 perform the production | generation and supply process of the drink to supply (step S170). Thereafter, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the beverage supply by the beverage generation unit 11 is completed (step S180). If the beverage supply has not been completed (step S180: No), the control unit 30 returns to step S170 and continues the process of generating and supplying the beverage. On the other hand, when the beverage supply is completed (step S180: Yes), the control unit 30 unlocks the closed state of the open / close door 23 by the door open / close lock mechanism 27 (step S190), and then returns the procedure. Then, the current beverage supply control process is terminated.

As described above, in the beverage supply apparatus, the imaging unit 25 and the control unit 30 constitute information acquisition means for acquiring the image information of the container C.

According to the beverage supply device, since the imaging unit 25 is installed at a position lower than the height level of the upper surface opening C1 of the container C placed on the stage 22b, the beverage discharged from the nozzle 22a to the container C There is no risk of being affected by steam or the like that occurs, and the imaging by the imaging unit 25 can be performed well.

According to the beverage supply device described above, the cover mechanism 28 normally covers the imaging surface 25a of the imaging unit 25, while the imaging surface 25a is exposed when the imaging unit 25 captures an image. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the image pickup unit 25 from picking up images favorably.

According to the beverage supply apparatus, the opening / closing door 23 that opens and closes the beverage supply port inlet 22d is configured to be processed to reduce the transmission of light. Can be prevented from being affected by an external light source such as store lighting, thereby preventing an erroneous determination and improving the accuracy of determining the type of the container C.

According to the beverage supply device, since the LED 29a is lit to irradiate the inside of the beverage supply unit 22 with the opening / closing door 23 closed and the inlet 22d of the beverage supply unit 22 closed, the imaging unit 25 Good image information can be acquired, and it is possible to improve the accuracy of the determination of the type of the container C by preventing erroneous determination.

According to the beverage supply apparatus, since the imaging unit 25 is disposed at a location other than the irradiation direction m of the LED 29a constituting the light source unit 29, when the container C is not formed of a transparent material, the container C While the shadow portion can be imaged, when the container C is formed of a transparent material, the shadow portion cannot be imaged by the container C. That is, it is possible to determine the type of the container C based on the presence or absence of a shadow in the imaging range, and the determination accuracy can be improved.

According to the beverage supply apparatus, when the opening / closing door 23 swings backward, the guide piece 23b of the opening / closing door 23 contacts the bottom of the container C to guide the container C to the information acquisition area S, Further, when the opening / closing door 23 closes the inlet 22d of the beverage supply unit 22, the bottom portion of the container C is sandwiched between the opening 22d and the stopper 22c and is disposed in the information acquisition area S, so that good image information can be acquired. Thus, by preventing the erroneous determination from occurring, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the determination of the type of the container C.

According to the above-described beverage supply device, since the door 23 is locked while the beverage is being supplied by the beverage generation unit 11, the user can be prevented from being burned.

The preferred embodiment 1 of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made.

In the first embodiment described above, the image information of the container C is acquired and the type of the container C is determined. However, the height information, temperature information, color information, and the like of the container can be obtained through various sensors as necessary. Such information may be acquired to determine the type of container.

In the first embodiment described above, the imaging unit 25 images the container C through the imaging opening 22e. However, in the present invention, as shown in FIG. 8, a collar 35 is provided above the imaging opening 22e. Also good. According to this, when supplying a drink to the container C, it can avoid that the imaging surface 25a of the imaging part 25 gets dirty because a drink scatters. Alternatively, a member such as a wiper that periodically wipes the imaging surface 25a of the imaging unit 25 may be provided.

In the first embodiment described above, the container C is imaged by the imaging unit 25. However, in the present invention, even if the image information of the container is acquired by imaging the container projected on the mirror surface by the imaging unit. Good.

In the first embodiment described above, when the opening / closing door 23 closes the inlet 22d of the beverage supply unit 22, the guide piece 23b sandwiches the bottom of the container C between the stopper 22c and enters the information acquisition area S. However, in the present invention, it is not necessary for the guide piece to sandwich the stopper and the container. When the open / close door swings in the closing direction, the guide piece comes into contact with the bottom of the container and the container can acquire information. You just need to guide you.

<Embodiment 2>
FIGS. 9 and 10 each show a beverage supply apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an external configuration, and FIG. 10 is a block diagram schematically showing a control system. FIG. The beverage supply device exemplified here is a coffee machine installed in a store such as a convenience store, for example, and performs a coffee bean grinding and dripping extraction process, for example, and a beverage such as coffee is placed in a container D such as a cup. To supply. Such a beverage supply apparatus includes an apparatus body 2.

The apparatus main body 2 includes a main body cabinet 40 and a front door 50. The main body cabinet 40 has a substantially rectangular shape with an open front surface. Inside the main body cabinet 40, a beverage generation unit 41 for generating a beverage (for example, coffee) is provided.

The front door 50 is a door body that is large enough to close the front opening of the main body cabinet 40. The front door 50 is provided at the front side one side edge of the main body cabinet 40 so as to be swingable around the center axis of a shaft portion (not shown) extending along the vertical direction. It is possible to open and close the opening.

The front door 50 has a front-facing customer service surface, and is provided with a display unit 51, a beverage supply unit 52, and an opening / closing door 53. The display unit 51 includes, for example, a liquid crystal touch panel, and includes a selection unit 51a that can display various information and can select a beverage by performing an input operation such as a touch operation. This selection part 51a is provided according to the kind of drink.

The beverage supply unit 52 is provided below the display unit 51 and includes a nozzle 52a and a stage 52b. The nozzle 52a discharges the drink produced | generated in the drink production | generation part 41 toward the downward direction. The stage 52b is provided in the lower area of the nozzle 52a. The stage 52b is for placing the container D, and is provided with an arc-shaped stopper 52c.

The open / close door 53 is made of a translucent material such as a transparent resin, for example, and has a size sufficient to cover the entrance 52d of the beverage supply unit 52. The open / close door 53 is pivotally supported by the front door 50 at the left end, and can swing along the front-rear direction. That is, the opening / closing door 53 can swing along the front-rear direction in a manner that is close to and away from the beverage supply unit 52, and when the swing door 53 swings backward in a manner that is close to the beverage supply unit 52, the entrance of the beverage supply unit 52 is provided. 52d can be closed, and the inlet 52d of the beverage supply unit 52 can be opened when swinging forward in a manner away from the beverage supply unit 52.

As shown in FIG. 10, the beverage supply device includes a container detection unit 54, an imaging unit 55, a door opening / closing detection unit 56, a door opening / closing lock mechanism 57, and a control unit 60.

The container detection part 54 is comprised by an optical sensor etc., for example, and detects the presence or absence of arrangement | positioning of the container D in the drink supply part 52, ie, whether the container D was mounted in the stage 52b. The container detection unit 54 gives the control unit 60 the detection result of the presence / absence of the container D.

The imaging unit 55 is provided in the beverage supply unit 52 and includes, for example, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor. The imaging unit 55 captures an image of the container D placed on the stage 52b and generates image information of the container D. The imaging unit 55 gives the generated image information to the control unit 60.

The door opening / closing detection unit 56 is provided in the vicinity of the inlet 52d of the beverage supply unit 52, and is configured by, for example, an optical sensor. The door opening / closing detection unit 56 detects opening / closing of the entrance 52d by the opening / closing door 53, and more specifically, detects whether the entrance 52d is closed, that is, whether the opening / closing door 53 is closed. is there. The door opening / closing detection unit 56 gives a detection result to the control unit 60 as to whether or not the opening / closing door 53 is closed.

The door opening / closing lock mechanism 57 is provided in the vicinity of the inlet 52d of the beverage supply unit 52. The door opening / closing lock mechanism 57 maintains a state where the opening / closing door 53 that closes the inlet 52d is closed and restricts the opening / closing door 53 from swinging forward, and the opening / closing door 53. Is selectively switchable between a release state in which it is allowed to swing forward. The switching of the door opening / closing lock mechanism 57 is performed according to a command given from the control unit 60.

The control unit 60 is electrically connected to the beverage generation unit 41, the display unit 51, the container detection unit 54, the imaging unit 55, the door opening / closing detection unit 56, and the door opening / closing lock mechanism 57, and is also electrically connected. In accordance with the programs and data stored in the storage unit 58, the operation of these units is comprehensively controlled. The control unit 60 includes a container determination processing unit (container determination unit) 60a that determines the type of the container D in a container type determination process described later.

For example, the control unit 60 may cause a processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) to execute a program, that is, may be realized by software, or may be realized by hardware such as an IC (Integrated Circuit). Alternatively, software and hardware may be used in combination.

The storage unit 58 stores a correspondence table 58a and reference information 58b. The correspondence table 58a is information used in the container type determination process, and stores the relationship between the image information generated by the imaging unit 55 and the container D type. The reference information 58b is information used in an imaging unit stain determination process described later, and is obtained by digitizing image information obtained by imaging the initial beverage supply unit 52. Lines, patterns, and the like formed in the beverage supply unit 52 It contains the mark of.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing content of the beverage supply control process performed by the control unit 60 shown in FIG. The operation of the beverage supply device will be described while explaining the processing content of the beverage supply control process.

In this beverage supply control process, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the container detection unit 54 has detected that the container D is in the beverage supply unit 52 (step S210). That is, the container detection unit 54 detects whether or not the container D is placed on the stage 52b. When it is detected that the container D is present (step S210: Yes), the control unit 60 performs a container type determination process (step S220). On the other hand, when it is not detected that the container D is present (step S210: No), the control unit 60 repeats the determination process of step S210.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the container type determination processing in FIG. In the container type determination process, the container determination processing unit 60a of the control unit 60 acquires the image information read and generated through the imaging unit 55 (step S221).

The container determination processing unit 60a reads the correspondence table 58a from the storage unit 58 (step S222), and determines the type of the container D based on the image information and the correspondence table 58a (step S223). More specifically, in the digitized information digitized from the image information, as shown in FIG. 13, the ratio between the diameter (maximum width) a and the height b of the upper surface opening D1 of the container D is digitized in the correspondence table 58a. It is determined whether or not it matches each ratio of information, and the type of the container D that matches is determined. The control unit 60 that has determined the type of the container D then returns the procedure, and ends the determination process of the present container type.

The control unit 60 that has performed the container type determination process in this manner determines whether the open / close door 53 is closed based on the detection result of the door open / close detection unit 56 (step S230). If the open / close door 53 is not closed (step S230: No), the determination process of step S230 is repeated. On the other hand, when the opening / closing door 53 is closed (step S230: Yes), the control unit 60 locks the opening / closing door 53 in the closed state using the door opening / closing lock mechanism 57 (step S240).

And the control part 60 will be in the waiting state waiting for selection by the selection part 51a of the display part 51 being touched by a user (step S250). When the selection unit 51a is selected (step S250: Yes), the control unit 60 determines whether or not the beverage associated with the container D determined in step S220 matches the beverage selected by the selection unit 51a. Judgment is made (step S260).

If they do not match (step S260: No), the control unit 60 displays on the display unit 51 a message prompting selection again (step S270), and returns to the process of step S250.

On the other hand, when it corresponds (step S260: Yes), the control part 60 makes the drink production | generation part 41 perform the production | generation and supply process of the drink to supply (step S280). Thereafter, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the beverage supply by the beverage generation unit 41 has been completed (step S290). When the beverage supply has not ended (step S290: No), the control unit 60 returns to step S280 and continues the process of generating and supplying the beverage. On the other hand, when the beverage supply is completed (step S290: Yes), the control unit 60 unlocks the closed state of the open / close door 53 by the door open / close lock mechanism 57 (step S300), and then returns the procedure. Then, the current beverage supply control process is terminated.

As described above, in the beverage supply device, the imaging unit 55 and the control unit 60 constitute information acquisition means for acquiring the image information of the container D.

In such a beverage supply device, the following imaging unit contamination determination process is performed according to a predetermined time schedule regardless of the beverage supply.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the imaging unit contamination determination process performed by the control unit 60 shown in FIG.

In this imaging unit dirt determination process, the control unit 60 acquires the image information read and generated through the imaging unit 55 (step S311), and reads the reference information 58b from the storage unit 58 (step S312).

Then, the control unit 60 compares the image information with the reference information 58b, and determines whether or not the mark (characteristic portion) included in the reference information 58b is included in the image information (step S313).

If it is determined that there is a characteristic part (step S313: Yes), the control unit 60 determines that the imaging unit 55 is not soiled (step S314), and then returns the procedure to end the current process.

On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no feature portion (step S313: No), the control unit 60 determines that the imaging unit 55 is dirty (step S315). The control unit 60 that has determined that the imaging unit 55 is contaminated in this way displays a message on the display unit 51 that prompts the user to clean the imaging unit 55 (step S316), and then returns the procedure to perform the current process. Exit.

As described above, according to the beverage supply device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 60 determines the beverage selected by the selection unit 51a for selecting a beverage and the container determination processing unit 60a. The beverages associated with the container D are compared, and if they match, the beverage generation unit 41 generates the beverage and starts supplying the container D. If they do not match, the selection unit 51a Can be selected again, so that the user can indicate his / her intention during the beverage supply process, and the user seeks compared to the case where only the beverage associated with the container determined as in the past can be selected. Beverages can be supplied.

According to the beverage supply device, the container determination processing unit 60a of the control unit 60 determines whether the container is based on the ratio between the diameter a and the height b of the upper surface opening D1 of the container D in the comparison between the image information and the correspondence table 58a. Since the type of D is determined, the location of the container D is not affected by the change in the size of the container D in the image information, and the accuracy of determining the type of the container D can be improved.

Further, according to the beverage supply device, the control unit 60 compares the image information of the predetermined region of the beverage supply unit 52 acquired according to the predetermined time schedule with the reference information 58b stored in the storage unit 58 and captures the image. When it is determined that the image pickup unit 55 is dirty, the display unit 51 is informed by prompting the image pickup unit 55 to be cleaned. In addition, the cleaning of the imaging unit 55 is urged to reduce the chance of erroneous determination, and the accuracy of determination of the type of the container D can be improved.

Further, according to the beverage supply device, since the type of the container D is determined after the container detection unit 54 determines that the container D is in the beverage supply unit 52, the timing for performing the determination is uniquely determined. Therefore, it is possible to prevent erroneous determination.

In addition, the type of the container D is determined before the opening / closing door 53 is closed, that is, before the inlet 52d of the beverage supply unit 52 is closed, so that the time required for supplying the beverage can be shortened. Can do.

Further, according to the beverage supply device, while the beverage generation unit 41 is supplying the beverage, the open / close door 53 is locked, so that the user can be prevented from being burned.

The preferred embodiment 2 of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various changes can be made.

In the above-described second embodiment, the image information of the container D is acquired and the determination process of the container type is performed. However, the height information, temperature information, and color information of the container D are obtained through various sensors as necessary. Such information may be acquired to determine the type of container.

In Embodiment 2 described above, the type of the container D is determined after the container detection unit 54 determines that the container D is in the beverage supply unit 52. However, in the present invention, the open / close door 53 is determined to be closed. Then, the type of the container D may be determined.

In the second embodiment described above, in the beverage supply control process, the control unit 60 does not match the beverage associated with the container D determined in the container type determination process with the beverage selected by the selection unit 51a. (Step S260: No), the display unit 51 is displayed to prompt selection again, and the process returns to Step S250. However, in the present invention, the control unit 60 performs the determination in the container type determination process. If the beverage associated with the container D and the beverage selected by the selection unit 51a do not match (step S260: No), the process may return to step S220. That is, when the beverage selected by the selection unit and the beverage associated with the container determined by the container determination unit do not match, the control unit causes the information acquisition unit to newly acquire the container information and determine the container. You may make a means determine the kind of container and make a selection part select a drink again.

According to this, not only can the user indicate his / her intention during the beverage supply process, but the user can also select the beverage after determining the type of the container again. Even if the determination is incorrect due to insufficient image information, the determination can be made again, and the beverage originally desired by the user can be supplied.

In the second embodiment described above, the selection unit 51a selects the type of the container D, but after the determination of the type of the container D, it is associated with the determined container D. You may enable it to select other drinks with the same price as the selected drink by the selection part 51a. According to this, the user can reselect the beverage within the same price range, and can supply the beverage originally desired by the user.

Although not described in the above-described second embodiment, if the control unit 60 cannot determine the type of the container D, the beverage selected by the selection unit 51a without performing the determination in step S260. May be generated and supplied to the container D.

Although not described in the above-described second embodiment, the container determination processing unit (container determination unit) 30a of the control unit 60 adds the parameter range of the digitized information in the image information acquired through the imaging unit 55 to the beverage supply history. Correction may be performed accordingly.

Although not described in the above-described second embodiment, a plurality of imaging units 55 may be installed instead of a single one. In this case, the control unit 60 adopts the image information captured by the plurality of imaging units 55 according to a predetermined priority order, and determines the type of the container D compared with the correspondence table 58a. Good.

Although not described in the above-described second embodiment, when there are a plurality of pieces of image information generated and acquired by the imaging unit 55, the type of container D when the number of times coincides with a predetermined number of times in comparison with the correspondence table 58a. May be determined.

In Embodiment 2 described above, in step S290, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the beverage supply by the beverage generation unit 41 has been completed. This determination is based on the image information acquired by capturing with the imaging unit 55. May be used.

Although not described in the above-described second embodiment, in the container type determination process, the container determination processing unit 60a of the control unit 60 provides the service attached to the container D from the image information acquired through the imaging unit 55. A determination may be made when identification information unique to a person (for example, a logo mark unique to a store) is detected. According to this, it can avoid supplying a drink with respect to containers other than a service provider (the container which the user brought from outside the store).

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Apparatus main body, 10 ... Main body cabinet, 11 ... Beverage production | generation part, 20 ... Front door, 21 ... Display part, 21a ... Input part, 22 ... Beverage supply part, 22a ... Nozzle, 22b ... Stage, 22c ... Stopper, 22d ...... Entrance, 23 ... Open / close door, 24 ... Container detection unit, 25 ... Imaging unit, 26 ... Door open / close detection unit, 27 ... Door open / close lock mechanism, 28 ... Cover mechanism, 28a ... Cover body, 28b ... Actuator, 29 ... Light source unit, 29a ... LED, 30 ... control unit, 30a ... container determination processing unit, 31 ... storage unit, 31a ... corresponding table, C ... container, S ... information acquirable area.

Claims

A beverage supply device for supplying a beverage generated by a beverage generation unit to a container disposed in a beverage supply unit,
Image information acquisition means for acquiring the image information of the container by imaging the container with an imaging unit,
The beverage supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging unit is installed at a position lower than a height level of the upper surface opening of the container.
2. A cover mechanism that normally covers the imaging surface of the imaging unit and exposes the imaging surface when the image information acquisition unit acquires image information of the container. The beverage supply device described in 1.
A container detecting means for detecting that the container is arranged in the beverage supply unit
The beverage supply device according to claim 2, wherein the cover mechanism exposes the imaging surface when the container detection unit detects the arrangement of the container.
An opening and closing door for opening and closing the entrance of the beverage supply unit;
A door opening / closing detection unit for detecting opening / closing of the entrance by the opening / closing door,
The beverage supply device according to claim 2, wherein the cover mechanism exposes the imaging surface on condition that the door opening / closing detection unit detects that the entrance is closed.
The image information acquisition means acquires the image information of the container by imaging the container with the imaging unit through an imaging opening formed in the beverage supply unit,
The beverage supply device according to claim 1, wherein a basket is provided on an upper portion of the imaging opening.
2. The beverage supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image information acquisition means acquires the image information of the container by imaging the container projected on a mirror surface with the imaging unit.
A beverage supply device for supplying a beverage generated by a beverage generation unit to a container disposed in a beverage supply unit,
Image information acquisition means for acquiring image information of the container;
A container determination unit for determining the type of the container from the image information acquired by the image information acquisition unit,
The said container determination means determines based on ratio of the maximum width of the upper surface opening of the said container in the said image information, and the height of the said container, The drink supply apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned.
A container detection unit for detecting that the container is disposed in the beverage supply unit;
The beverage supply apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the container determination unit determines the type of the container when the container detection unit detects the arrangement of the container.
An opening and closing door for opening and closing the entrance of the beverage supply unit;
A door opening / closing detection unit for detecting opening / closing of the entrance by the opening / closing door,
The beverage supply device according to claim 7, wherein the container determination unit determines the type of the container on the condition that the door opening / closing detection unit detects that the entrance is closed. .