KR20200136031A - Beverage supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

As a beverage supply device for supplying the beverage produced by the beverage generating unit 11 to the container C disposed in the beverage supply unit 22, the container C is imaged by the image capturing unit 25 and the container C The image information acquisition means 25 and 30 for acquiring the image information of are provided, and the imaging unit 25 is provided at a portion lower than the height level of the upper surface opening C1 of the container C. In addition, a cover mechanism 28 is provided that covers the imaging surface 25a of the imaging unit 25 in the normal state, while exposing the imaging surface 25a when the image information acquisition means acquires image information of the container C. It is desirable to do.

Description

Beverage supply device

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, a beverage supply device such as a coffee machine is installed in stores such as convenience stores. The beverage supply device produces beverage by performing processing such as grinding and dripping extraction processing of coffee beans, and supplies beverage to a cup serving as a container.

In such a beverage supplying apparatus, it is proposed to include an image pickup unit such as a camera that photographs the arranged cups, and to determine the type of the container from image information acquired by imaging with such an image pickup unit and information about the container stored in the memory. It is made (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2017-159941

By the way, in the beverage supply apparatus proposed in the said patent document 1, the imaging part was provided in a part above the height level of the upper surface opening of the arrange|positioned cup. Therefore, in the case of supplying a beverage to a cup, there is a fear that the cup cannot be imaged by the imaging unit due to steam generated from the beverage or the like.

In addition, in the beverage supply device proposed in Patent Document 1, the type of the container is determined from image information by image pickup by an image pickup unit, but the size of the cup in the image information acquired according to the position of the cup changes. In addition, there was a risk of misjudgment that would make the judgment of the type of container wrong.

The first object of the present invention is to provide a beverage supply device capable of satisfactory imaging by an imaging unit in view of the above-described circumstances.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a beverage supply device capable of improving the accuracy of container type determination in view of the above circumstances.

In order to achieve the above object, a beverage supply device according to the present invention is a beverage supply device for supplying a beverage generated by a beverage generating unit to a container disposed in the beverage supply unit, and the container is imaged by an image capturing unit. And an image information acquisition means for acquiring image information of, and the imaging unit is provided at a portion lower than a height level of an upper surface opening of the container.

Further, in the beverage supply apparatus, the present invention provides a cover mechanism for covering the imaging surface of the imaging unit in a normal state, and exposing the imaging surface when the image information acquisition means acquires image information of the container. It characterized in that it is provided with.

In addition, the present invention provides a container detecting means for detecting that the container is disposed in the beverage supply unit in the beverage supply unit, and the cover mechanism includes, when the container detecting means detects the disposition of the container, It is characterized in that the imaging surface is exposed.

In the beverage supplying apparatus, the present invention includes an opening/closing door for opening and closing the entrance of the beverage supplying unit, and a door opening/closing detection unit detecting opening/closing of the entrance by the opening/closing door, and the cover mechanism comprises: the door It is characterized in that the image pickup surface is exposed on the condition that the inlet is closed by the opening/closing detection unit.

Further, in the beverage supply apparatus, the image information acquisition means captures the container by the imaging unit through an imaging opening formed in the beverage supply unit to acquire image information of the container. It is characterized in that a sunshade is provided on the upper part of the dragon opening.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that in the beverage supply apparatus, the image information acquisition means acquires image information of the container by taking an image of the container projected on a mirror surface by the imaging unit.

In addition, the beverage supply device according to the present invention is a beverage supply device for supplying a beverage generated by a beverage generating unit to a container disposed in the beverage supply unit, and an image information acquisition means for acquiring image information of the container; A container determination means for determining the type of the container from image information acquired by the image information acquisition means, wherein the container determination means is a ratio of a maximum width of an upper surface opening of the container in the image information and a height of the container It characterized in that it determines based on.

Further, in the beverage supply apparatus, the beverage supply device includes a container detection unit that detects that the container is disposed in the beverage supply unit, and the container determination means includes the container detection unit when the container detection unit detects the arrangement of the container. It is characterized in that the type of container is determined.

In the beverage supply device, the present invention includes an opening/closing door for opening and closing an entrance of the beverage supply unit, and a door opening/closing detection unit detecting opening/closing of the entrance by the opening/closing door, and the container determining means comprises: It is characterized in that the type of the container is determined on the condition that the entrance is closed by the door opening/closing detection unit.

According to the present invention, since the image information acquisition means acquires image information of the container by imaging the container by the imaging unit, and the imaging unit is provided at a portion lower than the height level of the top opening of the container, it is supplied to the container. There is no fear of being affected by steam generated from beverages, etc., and an effect of satisfactory imaging by the imaging unit is exhibited.

Further, according to the present invention, an image information acquisition means for acquiring image information of a container, and a 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 in the image information Because the determination is made based on the ratio of the maximum width of the top opening of the container to the height of the container, it is not affected by the change in the container size in the image information depending on the location of the container, and the accuracy of the container type determination is improved. It shows the effect of being able to plan.

1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a beverage supply device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
2 is a block diagram schematically showing a control system of a beverage supply device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a cross-sectional view of a main part in a state in which the opening and closing 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 illustrate the cover mechanisms of FIGS. 4A and 4B, respectively. It is a perspective view shown.
5 is an explanatory diagram showing a positional relationship between an imaging unit and a light source unit.
6 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the beverage supply control processing performed by the control unit shown in FIG. 2.
7 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the container type determination process in FIG. 6.
8 is an explanatory diagram showing a main part of a modified example of the beverage supply device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a beverage supply device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a block diagram schematically showing a control system of a beverage supply device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the contents of the beverage supply control processing performed by the control unit shown in FIG. 10;
12 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the container type determination process in FIG. 11.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining elements used in the determination in the determination process of the container type shown in FIG. 12.
14 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the contamination determination processing of the imaging unit performed by the control unit shown in FIG. 10.

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

<Embodiment 1>

1 and 2 are each showing 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. The beverage supply device illustrated here is, for example, a coffee machine installed in a store such as a convenience store, and is to supply a beverage such as coffee to, for example, a container C such as a cup by performing an extraction process of grinding and dripping coffee beans. . This beverage supply device is provided with an apparatus body 1.

The device body 1 has a body cabinet 10 and a front door 20. The main body cabinet 10 has a substantially rectangular shape with an open front surface. A beverage generating unit 11 for generating beverage (eg, coffee) is provided inside the main cabinet 10.

The front door 20 is a door body having a size sufficient to close the front opening of the main body cabinet 10. This front door 20 is installed at one edge of the front side of the main body cabinet 10 so as to be able to swing around a central axis of an unillustrated shaft portion extending along the vertical direction, and the main body cabinet 10 It is possible to open and close the front opening of the.

The front door 20 has a front surface constituting a customer service surface, and includes a display unit 21, a beverage supply unit 22, and an opening/closing door 23. The display unit 21 is constituted by, for example, a liquid crystal touch panel, and has an input unit 21a capable of displaying various types of information and capable of input operation such as a touch operation.

The beverage supply unit 22 is provided below the display unit 21 and has a nozzle 22a and a stage 22b. The nozzle 22a discharges the beverage generated by the beverage generating unit 11 downward. The stage 22b is provided in the lower region of the nozzle 22a. This stage 22b arranges the container C, and an arc-shaped stopper 22c is provided. The stopper 22c has a predetermined information acquisition possible area S in which the beverage discharged from the nozzle 22a can be satisfactorily accommodated, and the imaging unit 25 to be described later can satisfactorily read image information. To construct.

The opening/closing door 23 is configured by processing to reduce the transmission of light to a material such as resin, for example, and has a size sufficient to cover the entrance 22d of the beverage supply unit 22. Here, as a process for reducing the transmittance of light, coloring or embossing the material formed of a resin or the like may be mentioned. Alternatively, the opening/closing door 23 may be viewed from the outside to the inside, but may be reflected from the inside to the outside and not be seen, and may be processed such as a so-called magic mirror.

Such an opening/closing door 23 has its left end pivotally supported by the front door 20 and is capable of swinging along the front-rear direction. That is, the opening/closing door 23 is capable of swinging along the front-rear direction in a manner close to and spaced apart from the beverage supply part 22, and when it swings backward in a manner close to the beverage supply part 22, the beverage supply part 22 The inlet 22d can be closed, and the inlet 22d of the beverage supply portion 22 can be opened when it swings forward in a manner that is isolated from the beverage supply portion 22.

This opening/closing door 23 has a guide member 23b. The guide member 23b is provided at a lower end portion of the inner surface of the door body 23a that is curved in a manner protruding outward, and protrudes so as to follow the shape of the door body 23a. That is, the tip portion of the guide member 23b is curved. Such a guide member 23b abuts against the bottom of the container C when the opening and closing door 23 swings rearward (closed direction) while the container C is disposed on the stage 22b. It guides the container C to the information acquisition possible area S. In addition, the guide member 23b is the bottom of the container C between the stopper 22c and the stopper 22c as shown in Fig. 3 when the opening and closing door 23 closes the inlet 22d of the beverage supply unit 22 It is to sandwich the call.

As shown in Fig. 2, the beverage supply device includes a container detection unit 24, an image pickup unit 25, a door open/close detection unit 26, a door open/close lock mechanism 27, a cover mechanism 28, and a light source unit 29. And a control unit 30.

The container detection unit 24 is configured by, for example, an optical sensor, and detects whether the container C is disposed in the beverage supply unit 22, that is, whether the container C is disposed on the stage 22b. . The container detection unit 24 provides a result of detection of the presence or 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. This imaging unit 25 captures the container C disposed on the stage 22b through an imaging opening 22e formed on the wall of the beverage supply unit 22 to generate image information of the container C. will be. The image pickup unit 25 provides the generated image information to the control unit 30.

Although such an imaging opening 22e, as shown in Fig. 4(a) and (b), it is formed below the height level of the upper surface opening C1 of the container C disposed on the stage 22b. have. Accordingly, the imaging unit 25 is also provided at a portion lower than the height level of the upper surface opening C1 of the container C disposed on the stage 22b.

The door opening/closing detection unit 26 is provided in the vicinity of the entrance 22d of the beverage supply unit 22, and is constituted by, for example, an optical sensor. The door opening/closing detection unit 26 detects the opening and closing of the entrance 22d by the opening/closing door 23, and more specifically, whether the entrance 22d is closed, that is, whether the opening/closing door 23 is closed. Is to detect. The door opening/closing detection unit 26 provides the control unit 30 with a detection result of whether the opening/closing door 23 is closed.

The door opening/closing lock mechanism 27 is provided in the vicinity of the inlet 22d of the beverage supply unit 22. The door opening/closing lock mechanism 27 maintains a state in which the opening/closing door 23 closing the entrance 22d is closed, thereby restricting the swinging of the opening/closing door 23 toward the front; and It is possible to alternatively switch between the unlocked states allowing the opening and closing door 23 to swing forward. Switching of the door opening/closing lock mechanism 27 is performed in accordance with an instruction given from the control unit 30.

The cover mechanism 28 has a cover body portion 28a and an actuator 28b. The cover body portion 28a is a box-shaped body forming a U-shape when viewed from the side, as shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D, and is imaged by the upper wall portion 281 and the lower wall portion 282 It is arranged in such a way that the parts 25 are sandwiched between them. Such a cover body portion 28a is provided so as to be rotatable around the rotation shaft L in FIG. 4. Such a cover body portion 28a is pressed against a cover spring (not shown), and in a normal state, covers the imaging surface 25a of the imaging portion 25 as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4C. have. The actuator 28b is composed of, for example, a solenoid, and when being driven, the cover body portion 28a is rotated against the pressing force of the cover spring, as shown in FIGS. 4B and 4D. As described above, the imaging surface 25a of the imaging unit 25 is exposed.

The light source unit 29 is provided in the beverage supply unit 22 and incorporates an LED 29a as a light source member. The light source unit 29 illuminates the inside of the beverage supply unit 22 through an opening 22f for a light source formed in the wall portion of the beverage supply unit 22 when the LED 29a is lit.

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 site other than the irradiation direction m of the LED 29a constituting the light source unit 29.

The control unit 30 includes the beverage generating 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, and a cover mechanism ( 28) and the light source unit 29, and control the operation of each of these units according to programs and data stored in the storage unit 31 that are similarly electrically connected. This control unit 30 has a container determination processing unit (container determination means) 30a that determines the type of the container C in the container type determination processing described later.

In addition, the control unit 30 may be implemented by hardware such as an IC (Integrated Circuit) to execute a program in a processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), that is, by software. , Software and hardware may be used in combination.

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

6 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the beverage supply control process performed by the control unit 30 shown in FIG. 2. The operation of the beverage supply device will be described while explaining the contents of the beverage supply control processing.

In this beverage supply control process, the control unit 30 determines whether 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 disposed on the stage 22b. When it is detected that there is a container C (step S110: YES), the control unit 30 determines whether 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 exists (step S110: No), the control unit 30 repeats the determination process of step S110.

If the opening/closing door 23 is not closed in step S120 (step S120: No), the control unit 30 repeats the determination process in step S120. On the other hand, when the opening and closing door 23 is closed (step S120: YES), the control unit 30 locks the opening and closing door 23 in a closed state by using the door opening and closing locking mechanism 27 (step S130). , Container type determination processing is performed (step S140).

7 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the container type determination process in FIG. 6. In this 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 (step S141, step S142). . Accordingly, the inside of the beverage supply unit 22 is irradiated to the LED 29a, and the cover body 28a rotates against the pressing force of the cover spring to expose the imaging surface 25a of the imaging unit 25. Let it. That is, the image pickup unit 25 can capture an image through the image pickup opening 22e. The control unit 30 acquires image information generated by reading through the imaging unit 25 (step S143).

Then, the control unit 30 reads out the correspondence table 31a from the storage unit 31 through the container determination processing unit 30a (step S144), and uses the image information and the correspondence table 31a to determine the type of container C. Is determined (step S145). More specifically, it is judged whether the shape of the container C in the digitized information digitized from the image information and the digitized information in the correspondence table 31a match, and the type of the matched container C is determined. do.

The control unit 30 that has determined the type of the container C in this way makes the actuator 28b stop driving and turns off the LED 29a (step S146, step S147). Accordingly, the cover body portion 28a rotates only by the pushing force of the cover spring to cover the imaging surface 25a of the imaging portion 25, and irradiation of the beverage supply portion 22 is terminated. Then, the control unit 30 returns the procedure after that, and ends the present container type determination process.

In this way, the control unit 30, which has performed the container type determination process, displays, with respect to the display unit 21, a beverage corresponding to the type of container C determined in step S140, that is, a beverage to be supplied, and confirms A guide display for guiding the touch of the input unit 21a on which the phrase is displayed is performed (step S150).

After that, the control unit 30 determines whether 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 unit 21a is touched (step S160: Yes), the control unit 30 causes the beverage generation unit 11 to generate and supply a beverage to be supplied (step S170). After that, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the beverage supply by the beverage generating unit 11 has ended (step S180). If the beverage supply is not finished (step S180: No), the control unit 30 returns to step S170 to continue the beverage generation and supply process. On the other hand, when the beverage supply is terminated (step S180: YES), the control unit 30 releases the lock in the closed state of the opening and closing door 23 by the door opening/closing lock mechanism 27 (step S190), and Subsequently, the procedure is returned to end the current beverage supply control process.

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

And according to the beverage supply device, since the imaging unit 25 is provided at a portion lower than the height level of the upper surface opening C1 of the container C disposed on the stage 22b, the container C from the nozzle 22a There is no fear of being affected by steam generated from the beverage discharged to ), and image pickup by the imaging unit 25 can be performed satisfactorily.

According to the beverage supply device, since the cover mechanism 28 covers the image pickup surface 25a of the image pickup unit 25 in a normal state, and exposes the image pickup surface 25a when the image pickup unit 25 captures an image. , It is possible to suppress the image pickup surface 25a from becoming dirty due to beverages, etc., and thereby, the image pickup by the image pickup unit 25 can also be performed satisfactorily.

According to the beverage supply device, since the opening and closing door 23 for opening and closing the entrance 22d of the beverage supply unit is configured to reduce the transmission of light, the container C is imaged by the image capturing unit 25. When acquiring the image information of, it is possible to suppress the influence of external light sources such as lighting of the store, to prevent the occurrence of erroneous determination, and to improve the accuracy of the determination of the type of the container (C).

According to the beverage supply device, since the opening and closing door 23 is closed and the inlet 22d of the beverage supply unit 22 is closed, the LED 29a lights up to irradiate the interior of the beverage supply unit 22, By preventing the occurrence of an erroneous determination by making it possible to obtain good image information by the unit 25, it is possible to improve the accuracy of determination of the type of the container C.

According to the beverage supply device, since the imaging unit 25 is disposed at a portion other than the irradiation direction m of the LED 29a constituting the light source unit 29, the container C is formed of a transparent material. When the container (C) is made of a transparent material, while the container (C) is formed of a transparent material, the part to be shadowed by the container (C) can be imaged. Can't. That is, the type of the container C can be determined by the presence or absence of a shadow in the range to be imaged, and the accuracy of the determination can be improved.

According to the beverage supply device, the guide member 23b of the opening/closing door 23 contacts the bottom of the container C when the opening/closing door 23 swings rearward, and information about the container C. When guiding to the obtainable area S, and when the opening and closing door 23 closes the inlet 22d of the beverage supply unit 22, the bottom of the container C is sandwiched between the stopper 22c and the information obtainable area ( Since it is arranged in S), good image information can be obtained, and by preventing erroneous determination from occurring, it is possible to improve the accuracy of determination of the type of the container C.

According to the beverage supply device, since the opening and closing door 23 is locked while the beverage is being supplied by the beverage generating unit 11, it is possible to prevent the user from getting burned.

As mentioned above, although preferred Embodiment 1 of this invention was demonstrated, this invention is not limited to this, and various changes can be made.

In the first embodiment described above, image information of the container C was acquired and the type of the container C was determined. However, if necessary, information such as height information, temperature information, color information, etc. of the container through various sensors, etc. You may obtain and judge the type of container.

In the first embodiment described above, the image pickup unit 25 captured the container C through the image pickup opening 22e, but in the present invention, as shown in FIG. 8, a shade above the image pickup opening 22e You may put (35). According to this, when the beverage is supplied to the container C, it can be avoided that the image pickup surface 25a of the image pickup unit 25 becomes dirty due to scattering of the beverage. Alternatively, a member such as a wiper may be provided for periodically wiping the imaging surface 25a of the imaging unit 25.

In the first embodiment described above, the container C is imaged by the image capturing unit 25, but in the present invention, image information of the container may be obtained by capturing the container illuminated on the mirror surface by the image capturing unit.

In the above-described embodiment 1, when the opening and closing door 23 closes the inlet 22d of the beverage supply unit 22, the guide member 23b fits the bottom of the container C between the stopper 22c. Although it was arranged in the information acquisition area S, in the present invention, it is not necessary for the guide member to sandwich the stopper and the container, and when the opening and closing door swings in the closed direction, it abuts against the bottom of the container, It is good to just guide the container to the information acquisition area.

<Embodiment 2>

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. The beverage supply device illustrated here is, for example, a coffee machine installed in a store such as a convenience store, and for example, grinding and dripping coffee beans is performed to supply beverages such as coffee to a container D such as a cup. . This beverage supply device has an apparatus body 2.

The device body 2 has a body cabinet 40 and a front door 50. The main body cabinet 40 has a substantially rectangular shape with an open front surface. In the interior of the main body cabinet 40, a beverage generating unit 41 for generating beverage (eg, coffee) is provided.

The front door 50 is a door body having a size sufficient to close the front opening of the main body cabinet 40. This front door 50 is installed at one edge portion of the front side of the main cabinet 40 so as to be able to swing around a central axis of a shaft portion not shown extending in the vertical direction. It is possible to open and close the front opening of ).

In such a front door 50, the front surface constitutes a reception surface, and a display portion 51, a beverage supply portion 52, and an opening/closing door 53 are provided. The display unit 51 is constituted by, for example, a liquid crystal touch panel, and has a selection unit 51a capable of selecting a beverage by displaying various types of information and performing input operations such as a touch operation. This selection unit 51a is provided according to the type of beverage.

The beverage supply unit 52 is provided below the display unit 51 and has a nozzle 52a and a stage 52b. The nozzle 52a discharges the beverage generated by the beverage generating unit 41 downward. The stage 52b is provided in a region below the nozzle 52a. This stage 52b arranges the container D, and an arc-shaped stopper 52c is formed.

The opening/closing door 53 is made of, for example, a transparent material such as a transparent resin, and has a size sufficient to cover the inlet 52d of the beverage supply unit 52. This opening/closing door 53 is pivotally supported by the front door 50 at its left end, and is capable of swinging along the front-rear direction. That is, the opening/closing door 53 is capable of swinging along the front-rear direction in a manner close to and spaced apart from the beverage supply unit 52, and when it swings backward in a manner close to the beverage supply unit 52, the beverage supply unit 52 The inlet 52d can be closed, and the inlet 52d of the beverage supply unit 52 can be opened when it swings forward in a manner that is isolated 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 unit 54 is configured by, for example, an optical sensor, and detects whether the container D is disposed in the beverage supply unit 52, that is, whether the container D is disposed on the stage 52b. . The container detection unit 54 provides a result of detecting the presence or absence of the container D to the control unit 60.

The imaging unit 55 is provided in the beverage supply unit 52 and, for example, is equipped with a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor or the like. This image pickup unit 55 captures an image of the container D disposed on the stage 52b and generates image information of the container D. The image pickup unit 55 provides the generated image information to the control unit 60.

The door opening/closing detection unit 56 is provided in the vicinity of the entrance 52d of the beverage supply unit 52, and is composed of, for example, an optical sensor. The door opening/closing detection unit 56 detects the opening and closing of the entrance 52d by the opening/closing door 53, and more specifically, whether the entrance 52d is closed, that is, whether the opening/closing door 53 is closed. It is to detect. The door opening/closing detection unit 56 provides the control unit 60 with a detection result of whether the opening/closing door 53 is closed.

The door opening/closing lock mechanism 57 is provided in the vicinity of the entrance 52d of the beverage supply unit 52. The door opening/closing lock mechanism 57 maintains a state in which the opening/closing door 53 closing the entrance 52d is closed, thereby restricting the swinging of the opening/closing door 53 toward the front; and It is possible to alternately switch between the unlocked states allowing the opening and closing door 53 to swing forward. Switching of the door opening/closing lock mechanism 57 is performed in accordance with an instruction given from the control unit 60.

The control unit 60 is electrically connected to the beverage generating 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 described above. In the same way, the operation of each of these units is collectively controlled according to programs and data stored in the storage unit 58 electrically connected. This control unit 60 has a container determination processing unit (container determination means) 60a that determines the type of the container D in the container type determination processing described later.

In addition, the control unit 60 may be implemented by, for example, executing a program in a processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), that is, by software, or by hardware such as an IC (Integrated Circuit). , Software and hardware may be used in combination.

Further, the storage unit 58 stores the correspondence table 58a and the 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 the image pickup unit contamination determination processing to be described later, and is a numerical image of image information captured by the initial beverage supply unit 52, and displays a line or shape formed on the beverage supply unit 52. It includes.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the contents of a beverage supply control process performed by the control unit 60 shown in FIG. 10. The operation of the beverage supply device will be described while explaining the contents of the beverage supply control processing.

In this beverage supply control process, the control unit 60 determines whether 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 disposed on the stage 52b. When it is detected that there is a container D (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.

12 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the container type determination process in FIG. 11. In this container type determination process, the container determination processing unit 60a of the control unit 60 acquires image information generated by reading through the imaging unit 55 (step S221).

Then, 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 converted from image information, the ratio between the diameter (maximum width (a)) and height (b) of the upper surface opening D1 of the container D as shown in FIG. 13 corresponds to It is judged whether or not it matches each ratio of the numerical information in the table 58a, and the type of the matched container D is judged. The control unit 60 that has performed the determination of the type of the container D then returns the procedure to end the current container type determination process.

The control unit 60 that has performed the container type determination processing in this way 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 opening/closing 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 controller 60 locks the opening/closing door 53 in a closed state using the door opening/closing lock mechanism 57 (step S240). .

Then, the control unit 60 enters a standby state waiting for the selection unit 51a of the display unit 51 to be selected by being touched by the user (step S250). When the selection unit 51a is selected (step S250: Yes), the control unit 60 determines whether the beverage associated with the container D determined in step S220 and the beverage selected in the selection unit 51a match ( Step S260).

If they do not match (step S260: No), the control unit 60 makes a display to the display unit 51 to prompt the selection again (step S270), and returns to the processing of step S250.

On the other hand, if they match (step S260: YES), the control unit 60 causes the beverage generating unit 41 to generate and supply the beverage to be supplied (step S280). After that, the control unit 60 determines whether the supply of the beverage by the beverage generating unit 41 has ended (step S290). When the beverage supply is not finished (step S290: NO), the control unit 60 returns to step S280 to continue the beverage generation and supply process. On the other hand, when the beverage supply is terminated (step S290: YES), the control unit 60 releases the lock in the closed state of the opening and closing door 53 by the door opening/closing lock mechanism 57 (step S300), and Subsequently, the procedure is returned to end the current beverage supply control process.

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

In such a beverage supplying apparatus, irrespective of supply of beverages, the following imaging unit contamination determination processing is performed according to a predetermined time schedule.

14 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the imaging unit contamination determination processing performed by the control unit 60 shown in FIG. 10.

In this imaging unit contamination determination process, the control unit 60 acquires image information generated by reading 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 and the reference information 58b to determine whether or not a display (feature part) included in the reference information 58b is in the image information (step S313).

If it is determined that there is a feature part (step S313: YES), the control unit 60 determines that the imaging unit 55 is free of contamination (step S314), and then returns the procedure to end this process.

On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no feature part (step S313: No), the control unit 60 determines that the imaging unit 55 is contaminated (step S315). In this way, the control unit 60, which has determined that the image pickup unit 55 is contaminated, displays on the display unit 51 to prompt cleaning of the image pickup unit 55 (step S316), and then returns the procedure. To finish this process.

As described above, according to the beverage supply device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 60 includes the beverage selected by the selection unit 51a for selecting the beverage and the container determined through the container determination processing unit 60a. Compare the beverages associated with (D), and if they match, the beverage generation unit 41 generates a beverage to start supplying the beverage to the container D, while when they do not match, the selection unit 51a Since the beverage is selected again, it is possible to display the intention to the user in the process of supplying the beverage, so that the beverage requested by the user can be supplied compared to the case where only beverages associated with the determined container as in the prior art can be selected.

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

In addition, according to the beverage supply device, the control unit 60 compares the image information of a predetermined area of the beverage supply unit 52 and the reference information 58b stored in the storage unit 58 to be acquired according to a predetermined time schedule. Thus, the contamination of the imaging unit 55 is determined, and when it is determined that the imaging unit 55 is dirty, a display indicating that the cleaning of the imaging unit 55 is urged on the display unit 51 is displayed and notified. , It is possible to urge managers such as store clerks to clean the imaging unit 55 to reduce the chance of an erroneous determination, thereby improving the accuracy of the container D type determination.

Moreover, according to the beverage supply device, since the container D is determined by the container detection unit 54 to be in the beverage supply unit 52 and then the type of the container D is determined, the timing for making the determination is unique. It is fixed, and erroneous judgment can be prevented.

In addition, before the opening door 53 is closed, that is, before the inlet 52d of the beverage supply unit 52 is closed, the type of the container D is determined, thereby reducing the time required for supplying the beverage. I can.

Further, according to the beverage supply device, since the opening and closing door 53 is locked while the beverage is being supplied by the beverage generating unit 41, it is possible to prevent the user from getting burned.

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

In the second embodiment described above, the image information of the container D was acquired and the container type determination process was performed, but information such as height information, temperature information, color information, etc. of the container D through various sensors as necessary. You may acquire and perform container type determination processing.

In the second embodiment described above, the container D is determined by the container detection unit 54 to be in the beverage supply unit 52, and then the type of the container D is determined, but in the present invention, the open/close door 53 is closed. After it is judged as, the type of container D may be determined.

In the above-described embodiment 2, in the beverage supply control processing, when the beverage associated with the container D determined in the container type determination processing and the beverage selected in the selection unit 51a do not match ( Step S260: No), the display to the effect of prompting the selection again is displayed on the display unit 51 to return to the process of step S250. However, in the present invention, the control unit 60 determines the container D in the container type determination process. If the beverage associated with) 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 determining unit do not match, the control unit causes the information acquisition unit to newly acquire information on the container and determines the type of the container to the container determination unit. It is also possible to make a decision so that the selection unit selects a beverage again.

According to this, not only can the user express the intention in the beverage supply process, but also the user can select the beverage after the determination of the container type is made again, and the image information acquired at the beginning is insufficient and the determination is Even if there is a mistake, the determination can be made again, and the beverage originally sought by the user can be supplied.

In the above-described embodiment 2, after the determination of the type of the container D was made, the selection was made in the selection unit 51a, but after the determination of the type of the container D, the same beverage as the beverage associated with the determined container D It is also possible to make it possible to select different beverages of different prices in the selection unit 51a. According to this, the user can select a beverage again within the same price range, and thus, the beverage originally sought by the user can be supplied.

Although not described in the above-described embodiment 2, when the type of container D could not be determined, the control unit 60 generates the beverage selected by the selection unit 51a without making the determination in step S260, and the container ( It may be supplied to D).

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

Although not described in the second embodiment described above, the imaging units 55 may be provided in plural rather than singular. In this case, the control unit 60 adopts the image information captured by the plurality of imaging units 55 according to a predetermined priority, and compares it with the corresponding table 58a to determine the type of the container D. You may do it.

Although not described in the above-described embodiment 2, when there is a plurality of image information generated and acquired by the imaging unit 55, the type of container D is matched a predetermined number of times in comparison with the correspondence table 58a May be determined.

In the second embodiment described above, in step S290, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the beverage supply by the beverage generating unit 41 has ended, but this determination is performed by image information captured by the image capturing unit 55 and acquired. You may judge using.

Although not described in the above-described embodiment 2, in the container type determination processing, the container determination processing unit 60a of the control unit 60 is provided to the container D from the image information acquired through the imaging unit 55. A judgment may be made when the service provider-specific identification information (eg, a store-specific logo mark, etc.) is detected. According to this, it is possible to avoid supplying beverages to containers other than the service provider (containers brought by users from outside the store).

1: device main body, 10: main body cabinet, 11: beverage generating unit, 20: front door, 21: display unit, 21a: input unit, 22: beverage supply unit, 22a: nozzle, 22b: stage, 22c: stopper, 22d: entrance, 23: opening door, 24: container detection unit, 25: imaging unit, 26: door opening/closing detection unit, 27: door opening/closing lock mechanism, 28: cover mechanism, 28a: cover body portion, 28b: actuator, 29: light source unit, 29a: LED, 30: control unit, 30a: container determination processing unit, 31: storage unit, 31a: correspondence table, C: container, S: information acquisition possible area.

Claims (9)

A beverage supply device for supplying a beverage produced by a beverage generating unit to a container disposed in the beverage supply unit,
Image information acquisition means for acquiring image information of the container by imaging the container by an imaging unit
And,
The beverage supply device, wherein the imaging unit is provided at a portion lower than the height level of the upper surface opening of the container. The method of claim 1,
In a normal state, a cover mechanism that covers the imaging surface of the imaging unit and exposes the imaging surface when the image information acquisition means acquires image information of the container
A beverage supply device comprising: a. The method of claim 2,
Container detection means for detecting that the container is disposed in the beverage supply unit
And,
Wherein the cover mechanism exposes the imaging surface when the container detecting means detects the placement of the container. The method of claim 2,
An opening and closing door for opening and closing the entrance of the beverage supply unit,
Door opening/closing detection unit detecting opening/closing of the entrance by the opening/closing door
And,
Wherein the cover mechanism exposes the imaging surface on condition that the door opening/closing detection unit detects that the entrance is closed. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image information acquisition means acquires image information of the container by imaging the container by the imaging unit through an imaging opening formed in the beverage supply unit,
A beverage supply device, characterized in that a sunshade is provided above the opening for imaging. The beverage supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image information acquisition means acquires image information of the container by imaging the container projected on a mirror surface by the image capturing unit. A beverage supply device for supplying a beverage produced by a beverage generating unit to a container disposed in the beverage supply unit,
Image information acquisition means for acquiring image information of the container;
Container determination means for determining the type of the container from the image information acquired by the image information acquisition means
And,
The container determining means makes a determination based on a ratio of a maximum width of an upper surface opening of the container and a height of the container in the image information. The method of claim 7,
Container detection unit for detecting that the container is disposed in the beverage supply unit
And,
The container determining means determines the type of the container when the container detecting unit detects the arrangement of the container. The method of claim 7,
An opening and closing door for opening and closing the entrance of the beverage supply unit,
Door opening/closing detection unit detecting opening/closing of the entrance by the opening/closing door
And,
The container determining means determines the type of the container on the condition that the door opening/closing detection unit detects that the entrance is closed.

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