JP7572042B2 - Coffee Bean Grinding Machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a coffee bean grinder for grinding coffee beans.

Coffee beverage manufacturing devices that manufacture coffee beverages have been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1). The coffee beverage manufacturing device proposed in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a coffee bean grinder and a coffee beverage extractor. There are also devices that are equipped with only a coffee bean grinder.

JP 2019-30433 A

Conventional coffee bean grinders are expected to produce ground beans of more consistent quality and higher quality.

The present invention aims to provide a coffee bean grinder that can produce ground beans of more consistent quality and higher quality ground beans.

The first coffee bean grinder for achieving the above object is as follows:
A coffee bean grinding means for grinding coffee beans;
A control means for controlling the coffee bean grinding means;
A storage means for storing a recipe for grinding coffee beans;
A coffee bean grinder comprising:
The control means controls the coffee bean grinding means based on the recipe stored in the storage means,
The storage means stores, as information on the grain size of coffee beans,
particle size distribution information including a first particle size and a second particle size;
information on which of the first and second grind sizes is to be ground first by the coffee bean grinding means;
is capable of storing registered recipes,
The control means is capable of controlling the production of ground coffee beans while changing the set particle size of the coffee bean grinding means in accordance with information on the particle size of the coffee beans registered in the recipe.
It is characterized by:
The second coffee bean grinder for achieving the above object is as follows:
A coffee bean grinding means for grinding coffee beans;
A control means for controlling the coffee bean grinding means;
A storage means for storing a recipe for grinding coffee beans;
A coffee bean grinder comprising:
The control means controls the coffee bean grinding means based on the recipe stored in the storage means,
The storage means stores, as information on the grain size of coffee beans,
information of a plurality of granularities including a first granularity and a second granularity;
information on which of the first and second grind sizes is to be ground first by the coffee bean grinding means;
A first recipe is stored in the first recipe memory.
the control means is capable of controlling the production of ground coffee beans while changing the set particle size of the coffee bean grinding means in accordance with information on the particle size of the coffee beans registered in the first recipe when the first recipe is selected;
It is characterized by:

The coffee bean grinder of the present invention allows for more consistent quality ground beans and higher quality ground beans to be obtained.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a coffee bean grinder. FIG. FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view and a partially enlarged view of the forming unit of FIG. 4 . Comparative explanatory diagram of cross-sectional areas. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control device for the coffee bean grinder of FIG. 1 . 4 is a flowchart showing an example of control executed by the control device. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in a server. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an information display device 12 on which a recipe list is displayed. FIG. 12 shows a screen that is displayed when the "Daito Blend" recipe Re1 on the left side of the display screen shown in FIG. 11 is tapped. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an information display device 12 on which a list of recipe management applications is displayed. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a start-up screen of a tour recipe management application. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an explanatory screen for setting a first-stage extraction method. FIG. 13 shows a screen for inputting the grind size of beans, which is one of the parameters for grinding. A figure showing a screen for inputting bean information in the second stage. A figure showing a screen for selecting bean information in the second stage. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a screen for inputting varistor information in the third stage. 20(A) is a flowchart showing a method for creating a recipe on the screen for inputting varistor information shown in FIG. 19, and (B) is a schematic diagram showing an overview of the recipe creation program. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a screen for selecting varistor information at the third stage. FIG. 13 shows a start screen for creating a recipe card in the fourth step. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an input screen for a recipe card. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a confirmation screen for the registered contents. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a detailed display screen that is displayed by tapping the bean information icon Ci2 shown in FIG. 24. FIG. 13 illustrates a recipe registration completion screen. 13A is a flowchart showing a characteristic recipe creation method in a tour, and FIG. 13B is a schematic diagram showing an overview of a recipe creation program. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing parameter names that can be input when creating a recipe by an expert. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display screen on which five recipes are displayed in ranking order. FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a display screen that is displayed when the simplified display 1806d of the third ranked "August Recommendation #1" shown in FIG. 29 is tapped. This figure shows the display screen that appears when the first main hot water supply amount icon I5 is tapped. 13 is a diagram showing data for managing restrictions on recipes, stored in a storage unit 1303 of a server 1201. FIG. FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a display screen that is displayed when the simplified display 1805d of the second ranked “original recipe 004” shown in FIG. 29 is tapped. This figure shows the screen that appears when you tap icon I5 for the first main hot water supply amount for a recipe that has restrictions that prohibit modifications. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing how menu items are expanded by tapping the menu button 120m provided in the upper right corner of the display screen shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 13 shows a display screen for modifying parameters of the pneumatic delivery pressure from compressor 70. 3A is a diagram showing an example of a state in which a comment is displayed on the recipe display screen shown in FIG. 30 , and FIG. 3B is a diagram showing an example of a state in which a comment is displayed on the recipe display screen shown in FIG. 33 . 3A is a diagram showing an example of a state in which a portion of a comment is displayed on the recipe display screen shown in FIG. 30 , and FIG. 3B is a diagram showing an example of a state in which a portion of a comment is displayed on the recipe display screen shown in FIG. 33 . FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state when order information is input. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state when order information is input. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state when order information is input. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state when order information is changed. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of control parameters of a grinder 5B for an order. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display during execution of a grind process. 1 is a flow chart showing a method for grinding coffee beans.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

1. Coffee bean grinder
The coffee bean grinder 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the coffee bean grinder 1. The coffee bean grinder 1 includes a storage device 4, a grinding device 5, a control device 11 (not shown in Fig. 1) that controls them, and an information display device 12. The information display device 12 is provided in the hopper 40 of the storage device 4. The information display device 12 is connected to the control device 11 and is a touch panel type display for performing various controls of the coffee bean grinder 1, and is capable of displaying various information as well as receiving input from an administrator or a beverage consumer. The information display device 12 is also provided with a camera 1230.

<1-1. Storage device>
The storage device 4 includes a hopper 40 in which the roasted coffee beans are stored. Although one hopper 40 is provided in this embodiment, a configuration in which multiple hoppers 40 are provided may be used. When multiple hoppers 40 are provided, roasted coffee beans of different types or roast degrees may be stored separately. The hopper 40 is provided with a delivery mechanism (not shown) that delivers the roasted coffee beans downstream, and the roasted coffee beans are supplied to the grinding device 5 by this delivery mechanism.

<1-2. Crushing equipment>
The grinding device 5 will be described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2. Fig. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the grinding device 5. The grinding device 5 includes grinders 5A and 5B, and a separation device 6. The grinders 5A and 5B are mechanisms for grinding the roasted coffee beans supplied from the storage device 4. The grinder 5A is a grinder for crushing the coffee beans to a certain size (for example, about 1/4) in order to make it easier to separate unnecessary substances attached to the coffee beans. The grinder 5B is a grinder for turning the coffee beans crushed by the grinder 5A into ground coffee beans of a desired particle size. For this reason, the grinders 5A and 5B have different particle sizes for grinding the beans, and the grinder 5B is a grinder with a finer particle size than the grinder 5A. The particle size of the ground beans in the grinder 5B can be adjusted by adjusting the distance between the rotary blade 58b and the fixed blade 57b, although there may be an error (about ±5 μm).

<1-2-1. Grinder>
The grinder 5A includes a motor 52a (see FIG. 1) and a main body 53a. The motor 52a is a drive source for the grinder 5A. The main body 53a is a unit that houses a cutter, and has a built-in rotating shaft 54a as shown in FIG. 2. A gear 55a is provided on the rotating shaft 54a, and the driving force of the motor 52a is transmitted to the rotating shaft 54a via the gear 55a.

As shown in FIG. 2, the rotating shaft 54a is provided with a rotating blade 58a, which is a cutter. In addition, a fixed blade 57a, which is a cutter, is provided around the rotating blade 58a. The inside of the main body 53a is connected to the inlet 50a (see FIG. 2) and the outlet 51a (see FIG. 1). The roasted coffee beans supplied from the storage device 4 enter the main body 53a from the inlet 50a formed on the side of the main body 53a, and are crushed by being sandwiched between the rotating blade 58a and the fixed blade 57a shown in FIG. 2. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, a suppression plate 56a is provided above the rotating blade 58a of the rotating shaft 54a, and the suppression plate 56a suppresses the roasted coffee beans from escaping to the upper side. In the grinder 5A, the roasted coffee beans are crushed to about 1/4, for example. The crushed ground beans are discharged from the outlet 51a to the separation device 6.

The roasted coffee beans supplied to the inlet 50a may be supplied at a height that hits the side of the rotary blade 58a, rather than from above. In that case, the rotary blade 58a prevents the roasted coffee beans from escaping upwards, so there is no need to provide the suppression plate 56a.

The grinder 5A may vary the size of the roasted coffee beans discharged after grinding by changing the rotation speed of the rotary blade 58a. It may also be varied by manually adjusting the distance between the rotary blade 58a and the fixed blade 57a.

The separator 6 is a mechanism that separates unwanted materials from ground beans. The separator 6 is disposed between the grinders 5A and 5B. That is, in the case of this embodiment, the roasted coffee beans supplied from the storage device 4 are first coarsely ground by the grinder 5A, and unwanted materials are separated from the coarsely ground beans by the separator 6. The coarsely ground beans from which the unwanted materials have been separated are then finely ground by the grinder 5B. The unwanted materials separated by the separator 6 are typically chaff and fine powder. These may degrade the taste of the coffee beverage. The separator 6 is a mechanism that separates unwanted materials by the suction force of air, and details of this will be described later.

The grinder 5B includes a motor 52b (see FIG. 1) and a main body 53b. The motor 52b is the driving source of the grinder 5B. The main body 53b is a unit that houses a cutter, and has a built-in rotating shaft 54b as shown in FIG. 2. A pulley 55b is provided on the rotating shaft 54b, and the driving force of the motor 52b is transmitted to the rotating shaft 54b via a belt 59b and the pulley 55b.

As shown in FIG. 2, the rotating shaft 54b is also provided with a rotating blade 58b, and a fixed blade 57b is provided above the rotating blade 58b. The inside of the main body 53b is connected to the inlet 50b and the outlet 51b (see FIG. 1). The ground beans that fall from the separation device 6 enter the main body 53b from the inlet 50b and are further crushed by being sandwiched between the rotating blade 58b and the fixed blade 57b. The ground beans that have been crushed into powder are discharged from the outlet 51b. The grain size of the ground beans in the grinder 5B can be adjusted by adjusting the distance between the rotating blade 58b and the fixed blade 57b.

The roasted coffee beans may be ground using one grinder (single-stage grinding). However, in this embodiment, two-stage grinding using two grinders 5A and 5B makes it easier to make the ground beans uniform in particle size, and the degree of extraction of the coffee liquid can be made constant. When grinding the beans, heat may be generated due to friction between the cutter and the beans. By using two-stage grinding, heat generation due to friction during grinding can be suppressed, and deterioration of the ground beans (e.g. loss of flavor) can also be prevented.

In addition, by going through the stages of coarse grinding → separation of unwanted materials → fine grinding, the mass difference between the unwanted materials and the ground beans (the necessary part) can be increased when separating unwanted materials such as chaff. This not only increases the efficiency of separating the unwanted materials, but also prevents the ground beans (the necessary part) from being separated as unwanted materials. In addition, by using air suction to separate the unwanted materials between the coarse grinding and the fine grinding, heat generation from the ground beans can be suppressed by air cooling. This also prevents deterioration of the ground beans (for example, loss of flavor).

<1-2-2. Separation device>
Next, the separating device 6 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 3 is a partially cutaway perspective view of the separating device 6. The separating device 6 includes a suction unit 6A and a forming unit 6B. The unit 6B is a hollow body that forms a separation chamber SC (see FIG. 2) through which the ground beans that are falling freely from the grinder 5A pass. The suction unit 6A is configured to be suctioned in the direction in which the ground beans pass (in this embodiment, The unit communicates with the separation chamber SC in a direction intersecting the vertical direction (in this embodiment, the horizontal direction) and sucks in the air in the separation chamber SC. Light objects such as chaff and fines are sucked in, which helps separate the unwanted material from the ground beans.

The suction unit 6A is a centrifugal separation mechanism. The suction unit 6A includes a blower unit 60A and a collection container 60B. In this embodiment, the blower unit 60A is a fan motor, and exhausts the air in the collection container 60B upward.

The collection container 60B includes an upper portion 61 and a lower portion 62 that can be detachably engaged. The lower portion 62 is a cylindrical shape with an open top and a bottom, forming a space for accumulating waste materials. The upper portion 61 constitutes a lid that is attached to the opening of the lower portion 62. As shown in FIG. 3, the upper portion 61 includes a cylindrical outer peripheral wall 61a and an exhaust tube 61b formed coaxially therewith. The blower unit 60A is fixed to the upper portion 61 above the exhaust tube 61b so as to suck air from the exhaust tube 61b. The upper portion 61 also includes a cylindrical connecting portion 61c that extends radially. The connecting portion 61c is connected to the forming unit 6B, and communicates the separation chamber SC with the collection container 60B. The connecting portion 61c opens to the side of the exhaust tube 61b.

Driving the blower unit 60A generates air currents as indicated by arrows d1 to d3 in FIG. 3. These air currents suck air containing waste from the separation chamber SC through the connection 61c into the collection container 60B. Because the connection 61c opens to the side of the exhaust tube 61b, the air containing waste swirls around the exhaust tube 61b. The waste D in the air falls due to its own weight and is collected in a part of the collection container 60B (accumulating on the bottom surface of the lower part 62). The air passes through the inside of the exhaust tube 61b and is exhausted upward.

A number of fins 61d are integrally formed on the circumferential surface of the exhaust tube 61b. The fins 61d are arranged in the circumferential direction of the exhaust tube 61b. Each fin 61d is inclined obliquely with respect to the axial direction of the exhaust tube 61b. The provision of such fins 61 promotes the circulation of air containing unwanted matter D around the exhaust tube 61b. The fins 61 also promote the separation of unwanted matter D. As a result, the vertical length of the suction unit 6A can be reduced, contributing to the miniaturization of the device.

In addition, in this embodiment, the forming unit 6B is placed in the path along which the ground beans fall using the grinders 5A and 5B, while the suction unit 6A of the centrifugal separation type is placed to the side of the path. Centrifugal separation type mechanisms tend to be long in the vertical direction, but by shifting the suction unit 6A away from the path and placing it to the side, the suction unit 6A can be placed side by side with the grinders 5A and 5B. This helps to reduce the vertical length of the device. In particular, when performing two-stage grinding using two grinders 5A and 5B as in this embodiment, the vertical length of the device tends to be long, so placing the suction unit 6A in this way is effective in making the device more compact.

The forming unit 6B will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. Figure 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the forming unit 6B. Figure 5 is a perspective view and a partially enlarged view of the forming unit 6B. Figure 6 is a plan view of the forming unit 6B, illustrating the comparative cross-sectional areas.

In this embodiment, the forming unit 6B is formed by joining two parts that are split into upper and lower halves. The forming unit 6B includes a tube section 63 and a separation chamber forming section 64, and has a spoon shape in a plan view. The tube section 63 is a cylinder that forms a communication passage 63a with the suction unit 6A, and extends in the horizontal direction (the direction intersecting the center line CL described below). The separation chamber forming section 64 is connected to the tube section 63 and is a hollow ring-shaped body with a center that is open in the vertical direction and forms the separation chamber SC.

In this embodiment, in order to separate the unwanted materials from the ground beans, a method is used in which lateral wind pressure is applied to the ground beans falling from the grinder 5A to suck up the unwanted materials. This has the advantage that the vertical length can be made shorter than with the centrifugal separation method.

The separation chamber forming section 64 includes a cylindrical section 65 extending in the vertical direction. The cylindrical section 65 protrudes into the separation chamber SC from its vertical center to its lower part. The cylindrical section 65 has an opening 65a at one end on the upper side, which forms an inlet for ground beans that communicates with the separation chamber SC. The opening 65a is located outside the separation chamber SC and is connected to the discharge port 51a (see FIG. 2) of the grinder 5A. This allows the ground beans that fall from the discharge port 51a to be introduced into the separation chamber forming section 64 without leakage. The cylindrical section 65 has an opening 65b at the other end on the lower side. The opening 65b is located inside the separation chamber SC. Since the opening 65b faces the separation chamber SC, the ground beans that fall from the discharge port 51a are introduced into the separation chamber SC without leakage.

In this embodiment, the tubular portion 65 has a cylindrical shape, and the openings 65a and 65b have concentric circular shapes located on the center line CL. This makes it easier for the ground beans falling from the discharge port 51a to pass through the tubular portion 65. The tubular portion 65 has a tapered shape in which the cross-sectional area of the internal space gradually decreases from the opening 65a side to the opening 65b side. Since the inner wall of the tubular portion 65 is shaped like a mortar, the falling ground beans are more likely to collide with the inner wall. The ground beans falling from the grinder 5A may fall in clumps with the grains sticking together. If the ground beans are in a clumped state, the separation efficiency of the unwanted material may decrease. In this embodiment, the clumped ground beans collide with the inner wall of the tubular portion 65, breaking up the clumps and making it easier to separate the unwanted material.

In terms of breaking down the lumps of ground beans, the inner wall of the cylindrical portion 65 is not limited to a mortar shape. If there is a portion in the middle of the cylindrical portion 65 where the cross-sectional area of the internal space is smaller than the opening 65a, and there is an inner wall that is inclined (not horizontal) with respect to the center line CL, the ground beans can be smoothly dropped while promoting collision with the lumps. In addition, the cylindrical portion 65 does not need to protrude into the separation chamber SC, and may only have a portion that protrudes upward from the outer surface of the separation chamber forming portion 64. However, by having the cylindrical portion 65 protrude into the separation chamber SC, the wind speed around the cylindrical portion 65 can be improved. Therefore, the effect of separating unnecessary materials by wind pressure can be improved in the region R1 that is relatively far from the pipe portion 63.

The separation chamber forming section 64 has a discharge port 66 that communicates with the separation chamber SC, through which the ground beans are discharged after the unnecessary materials have been separated. In this embodiment, the discharge port 66 is located below the opening 65b, and the ground beans that have passed through the cylindrical section 65 pass through the separation chamber SC and fall freely from the discharge port 66. In this embodiment, the discharge port 66 is a circular opening located on the center line CL, and is an opening concentric with the openings 65a and 65b. This makes it easier for the ground beans to pass through the separation chamber forming section 64 by free fall, and prevents the ground beans from accumulating in the separation chamber forming section 64.

As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, the cross-sectional area SC2 of the exhaust port 66 is larger than the cross-sectional area SC1 of the opening 65b. In this embodiment, the opening 65b and the exhaust port 66 overlap each other when viewed in the vertical direction. Therefore, when the opening 65b is projected in the vertical direction relative to the exhaust port 66, the opening 65b fits inside the exhaust port 66. In other words, the opening 65b fits within a region obtained by extending the exhaust port 66 in the vertical direction. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the opening 65b and the exhaust port 66 overlap but are not on the same center line, or a configuration in which at least one of the openings is not circular but overlaps.

The ratio of the cross-sectional area SC1 to the cross-sectional area SC2 is, for example, 95% or less, or 85% or less, or, for example, 60% or more, or 70% or more. The opening 65b and the discharge port 66 are concentric circles, so they overlap each other when viewed in the direction of the center line CL. This makes it easier for the ground beans that fall freely from the opening 65b to be discharged from the discharge port 66. In addition, the falling ground beans are prevented from colliding with the edge of the discharge port 66 and bouncing toward the tube portion 63, and the necessary ground beans are prevented from being sucked into the suction unit 6A. Although the opening area of the one end opening (e.g., 65a) has been illustrated as being smaller than the opening area of the discharge port (e.g., 66), the opening area of the discharge port (e.g., 66) and the opening area of the one end opening (e.g., 65a) may be the same, or the opening area of the one end opening (e.g., 65a) may be larger than the opening area of the discharge port (e.g., 66). Although the opening area of the other end opening (e.g., 65b) has been illustrated as being smaller than the opening area of the exhaust port (e.g., 66), the opening area of the exhaust port (e.g., 66) and the opening area of the other end opening (e.g., 65b) may be the same, or the opening area of the other end opening (e.g., 65b) may be larger than the opening area of the exhaust port (e.g., 66). Although the suction unit (e.g., 6A) has been illustrated as sucking air from the exhaust port 66 and the inlet (e.g., 65a, 65a'), the amount of air sucked from the exhaust port 66 may be greater than the amount of air sucked from the inlet (e.g., 65a, 65a'). This may be achieved by having the other end opening (e.g., 65b) protruding into the separation chamber, or by having the cross-sectional area of the exhaust port 66 larger than the opening area of the one end opening (e.g., 65a), or by having the cross-sectional area of the exhaust port 66 larger than the opening area of the other end opening (e.g., 65b), or by having the distance from the exhaust port 66 to the separation chamber closer than the distance from the one end opening (e.g., 65a) to the separation chamber, or by having the distance from the exhaust port 66 to the exhaust stack 61b closer than the distance from the one end opening (e.g., 65a) to the exhaust stack 61b, or by having the distance from the exhaust port 66 to the blower unit 60A closer than the distance from the one end opening (e.g., 65a) to the blower unit 60A. The forming unit 6B or any of the inner wall parts of the members (63-65) constituting the separation chamber SC, the cylindrical part 65, or the other end opening (e.g., 65b) may be configured to be in direct or indirect contact with the grinder (at least one of 5A and 5B) via another member, and to vibrate due to the vibration caused by the rotation of the grinder. For example, in the case of the coffee bean grinder 1 in the embodiment, since they are in direct or indirect contact with each other, during the operation of the grinder, any of the inner wall parts of the members (63-65) constituting the forming unit 6B or the separation chamber SC, the cylindrical part 65, or the other end opening (e.g., 65b) vibrates, and the turbulent air generated in the separation chamber SC by the vibration brakes the light unwanted matter entering the separation chamber SC from the other end opening (e.g., 65b), making it easier for the suction unit (e.g., 6A) to suck up the unwanted matter. In particular, as in the coffee bean grinder 1 in the embodiment, the forming unit 6B is in direct contact with the grinder 5A out of the grinders 5A and 5B, but by making it in direct contact with one of the grinders in this way, it is possible to give the forming unit 6B an appropriate vibration, making it easier to suck up light unwanted matter.

In this embodiment, the air sucked by the suction unit 6A is mainly sucked from the outlet 66. For this reason, a gap is provided between the outlet 66 and the inlet 50b of the grinder 5B to promote the suction of air. Arrow d4 shows the direction of the airflow of the air sucked by the suction unit 6A. By sucking air from the outlet 66, it becomes difficult for unwanted matter to be discharged from the outlet 66, and the separation performance between the ground beans and the unwanted matter can be improved. The air sucked by the suction unit 6A is also sucked from the opening 65a.

A turbulence promoter 67 is formed on the surrounding wall that defines the exhaust port 66. The turbulence promoter 67 generates turbulence in the air drawn into the separation chamber SC from the exhaust port 66. By forming the turbulence promoter 67, turbulence is more likely to occur, particularly in the region R2 between the opening 65b and the exhaust port 66. In addition, in the case of this embodiment, the wind speed increases around the cylindrical portion 65, which synergistically promotes the generation of turbulence in the region R2.

The ground beans fed into the inlet 65a are agitated by the turbulent flow as they pass through region R2. In the case of this embodiment, the cross-sectional area SC2 of the outlet 66 is greater than the cross-sectional area SC1 of the opening 65b as described above, so the ground beans always pass through region R2. The turbulent flow makes it easier for unwanted materials such as chaff and fine powder to be separated from the ground beans. This improves the separation efficiency of unwanted materials even if the separation chamber SC is a small space, and in particular contributes to reducing the vertical length of the separation chamber SC, which is advantageous for miniaturizing the device when performing two-stage grinding using two grinders 5A and 5B as in this embodiment.

In this embodiment, the turbulence promotion section 67 includes a number of turbulence promotion elements 67a. The turbulence promotion elements 67a are protrusions that protrude downward in the up-down direction. The turbulence promotion elements 67a may protrude in any direction, but a direction within the range from the downward direction to the radially inward direction is preferred in terms of making it easier to generate turbulence in the separation chamber SC. If the protruding direction is downward, as in this embodiment, it is more preferred because the falling ground beans will not get caught.

The cross-sectional shape of the turbulence promotion element 67a is a trapezoidal rectangular prism arranged with the upper base of the cross section facing the center line CL, and has a chamfered edge 67b on the inside of the tip. The shape of the turbulence promotion element 67a is not limited to the shape of this embodiment, but a shape that makes the shape of the outlet 66 three-dimensionally complex is preferable.

In this embodiment, the turbulence promotion elements 67a are repeatedly formed in the circumferential direction d5 of the exhaust port 66. This allows air to be blown into the region R2 from multiple directions, promoting the generation of turbulence. The pitch of adjacent turbulence promotion elements 67a may be different, but in this embodiment, the pitch is equal. Although 12 turbulence promotion elements 67a are formed, the number of turbulence promotion elements 67a can be any number.

<1-2-3. Other configuration examples>
Another example of the configuration of the separation chamber forming portion 64 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The turbulence promoting element 67a may be a protrusion, a notch or a hole. The example EX1 in Fig. 7 illustrates an example in which the turbulence promoting element 67a is a through hole formed in the peripheral wall of the discharge port 66. Such a hole can also promote the generation of turbulence in the region R2.

The example EX2 in FIG. 7 shows an example in which the cylindrical portion 65 is not provided. Even in this case, it is preferable to configure the cross-sectional area SC2 of the discharge port 66 to be larger than the cross-sectional area SC1' of the inlet 65a'.

The opening 65b of the cylindrical portion 65 does not have to be an opening on a horizontal plane, but may be an opening on an inclined plane. In the example of EX3 in FIG. 7, the lower end of the cylindrical portion 65 on the tube portion 63 side protrudes downward further than the lower end on the opposite side. In this way, the ground beans are more easily guided toward the region R1 side, and the residence time of the ground beans in the separation chamber SC can be increased, improving the separation effect.

2. Control Device
The control device 11 of the coffee bean grinder 1 will be described with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a block diagram of the control device 11.

The control device 11 controls the entire coffee bean grinder 1. The control device 11 includes a processing unit 11a, a memory unit 11b, and an I/F (interface) unit 11c. The processing unit 11a is, for example, a processor such as a CPU. The memory unit 11b is, for example, a RAM or a ROM. A recipe is stored in the memory unit 11b. The recipe includes information on various conditions for grinding coffee beans, bean information, recipe creator information, comments from the recipe creator, and the like. The I/F unit 11c includes an input/output interface that inputs and outputs signals between an external device and the processing unit 11a. The I/F unit 11c also includes a communication interface that can communicate data with a server 16 and a mobile terminal 17 via a communication network 15 such as the Internet. The server 16 can communicate with a mobile terminal 17 such as a smartphone via the communication network 15, and can receive information such as reservations for coffee grind production and impressions from the consumer's mobile terminal 17, for example. The coffee bean grinding system GS for grinding coffee beans includes the coffee bean grinder 1, the server 16, and the mobile terminal 17.

The processing unit 11a executes a program stored in the memory unit 11b and controls the storage device 4 and the crushing device 5 according to a recipe. More specifically, the processing unit 11a controls the actuator group 14 according to a recipe, and controls the actuator group 14 based on instructions from the information display device 12, detection results from the sensor group 13, or instructions from the server 16. The sensor group 13 is various sensors (e.g., sensors that detect the operating position of a mechanism) provided in the storage device 4 and the crushing device 5. The actuator group 14 is various actuators (e.g., motors) provided in the storage device 4 and the crushing device 5.

<3. Operation control example>
An example of the control process of the coffee bean grinder 1 executed by the processing unit 11a will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 shows an example of the control process for producing ground coffee beans. Note that this process is an example of the case where the grinding process is executed according to order information from outside the coffee bean grinder 1 (for example, the server 16 or the mobile terminal 17).

In step S1, it is determined whether or not order information for ground coffee beans has been received. If no order information has been received, step S1 is repeated. If order information has been received, the process proceeds to step S2. The specific contents of the order information will be described later.

In step S2, the received order information is displayed on the information display device 12, and the process proceeds to step S3.

In step S3, it is determined whether or not an operation to start grinding coffee beans has been received. If an operation to start grinding has not been received, the process proceeds to step S4. If an operation to start grinding has been received, the process proceeds to step S6.

In step S4, it is determined whether or not an operation to change the order information has been accepted. If an operation to change the order information has been accepted, the process proceeds to step S5; if an operation to change the order information has not been accepted, the process returns to step S3.

In step S5, the received order information is updated according to the change operation of the order information, and the process returns to step S3.

Between the time when the order information is accepted and the time when the grind start operation is accepted, the accepted order information can be changed in steps S4 and S5. The grind start operation and the operation to change the order information can be accepted not only by operation of the information display device 12 but also by operation from the mobile terminal 17, and the transmission path of this operation information can be any path as long as it is transmitted to the coffee bean grinder 1.

In step S6, the grinding process of the coffee beans is performed. First, the amount of roasted coffee beans based on the recipe or the amount directly specified in the order information is supplied from the storage device 4 to the grinder 5A. The coffee beans crushed in the grinder 5A are separated from the unnecessary materials by the separator 6, and then supplied to the grinder 5B. In this grinder 5B, the coffee beans are ground while changing the distance between the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b at a predetermined interval (for example, in 50 μm increments) according to the bean grinding grain size included in the recipe. Alternatively, the coffee beans are ground while changing the distance between the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b at a predetermined interval (for example, in 50 μm increments) according to the bean grinding grain size directly specified in the order information, and the ground coffee beans are discharged from the discharge port 51b. When this grinding process is completed, the manufacturing process of the ground coffee beans is completed.

In the above example, the grinding process is performed according to order information from outside the coffee bean grinder 1, but the order information may be input directly to the coffee bean grinder 1 using the information display device 12. In this case, steps S2, S4, and S5 in FIG. 9 may be deleted.

In the above example, the order information can be changed between when the order information is accepted and when the grind start operation is accepted, but it is also possible to have the grind process start as soon as the order information is accepted without providing an opportunity for such changes.

<4. Recipe>
The recipes are described in detail below. There are two types of recipes: a grind recipe that contains only grind information for grinding coffee beans, and a beverage brewing recipe that contains information on various conditions for producing a coffee beverage, such as the extraction conditions for the coffee beverage, in addition to the grind information. With the coffee bean grinder 1, the grinding process S6 shown in Fig. 9 can be executed if there is a grind recipe, but if the beverage brewing recipe is displayed on the information display device 12, it may be possible to modify the grinding conditions in consideration of the conditions for the extraction process for the coffee beverage executed after the grinding process, and a better quality coffee beverage may be obtained.

The storage unit 11b shown in FIG. 8 may continue to store the recipe, or may obtain the recipe from the server 16 before starting the grinding process S6 and store it only while the grinding process S6 is being performed, and erase the recipe from the storage unit 11b after the grinding process S6 is completed. Alternatively, the storage unit 11b may store only a portion of the recipe information (e.g., bean information and recipe creator information), and obtain the remaining information of the recipe (e.g., information on various conditions for grinding coffee beans) from the server 16 before starting the grinding process, and erase the remaining information from the storage unit 11b after the grinding process is completed. Note that the recipe stored in the storage unit 11b is encrypted.

The recipes are also stored in a database on server 16.

Figures 10(A) to 10(C) are diagrams showing an example of data stored in server 16. Figure 10(A) is data 1500 stored in the beverage information database. Data 1500 includes recipe ID 1501, creator information 1502 indicating the creator of the recipe, production count information 1503 indicating the number of times the beverage information has been selected and produced by users in the past, raw material information, production method, and type 1512, 1513. Raw material information includes bean information 1504 indicating the type of beans, production area information 1505 indicating the production area of the beans, and roast level information 1506 indicating the roast level of the beans. In addition, production method includes amount of beans used in one extraction 1507, bean grind size 1508, amount of steaming water 1509, steaming time 1510, and amount of extraction water 1511. Of these pieces of information, the most important piece of information for grinding process S6 is the grind size 1508, but other pieces of information may also be necessary when considering the grind size 1508. Type 1512 is type information indicating whether the beverage is a hot beverage or an iced beverage, and type 1513 is type information indicating the flavor of the beverage. Note that in this embodiment, the production count information 1503 is described as the number of times a beverage corresponding to the production count information 1503 has been produced by multiple beverage production devices, but the production count information 1503 may be stored for each beverage production device.

Figure 10 (B) is exemplary data 1520 of the user information database. The user may be a store, a store clerk, or a customer of the store. The data 1520 includes ID information 1521 indicating a user identifier, name information 1522 indicating the user's name, age information 1523 indicating the user's age, and gender information 1524 indicating the user's gender. In one example, the data 1520 may further include information corresponding to the user's address, the user's nickname information, and the user's photo data.

FIG. 10(C) is exemplary data 1530 of the grind history database. The data 1530 includes user information 1531 relating to the user who instructed the grinding, date and time information 1532 relating to the grinding date and time, a recipe ID 1533 used in the grinding process S6, a machine ID 1534 corresponding to the coffee bean grinder 1 that performed the grinding process S6, and a store ID 1535 corresponding to the store in which the coffee bean grinder 1 is installed. In one example, the data 1530 may further include price information corresponding to the price of the ground beans of the ground coffee. A production history database of coffee beverages may also be stored similarly to the grind history database.

The data 1500, 1510, and 1530 described above may also be stored in the memory unit 11b of the control device 11 in the coffee bean grinder 1.

The following explanation uses a beverage brewing recipe as an example. In the following explanation, when we simply say recipe, we mean a beverage brewing recipe.

Figure 11 shows an information display device 12 on which a list of recipes is displayed.

A list of recipes is displayed on the display unit of the information display device 12 shown in FIG. 11. The display screen of this list of recipes may be the home screen of the display unit of the information display device 12, or may be a selection screen that is selected from a menu item that is expanded when the menu button 120m displayed in the upper right corner is tapped.

Three recipes are displayed in a simplified form in the recipe list shown in FIG. 11. Tapping the previous page icon 120b displayed on the left side displays the three recipes on the previous page in a simplified form, and tapping the next page icon 120f displayed on the right side displays the three recipes on the next page in a simplified form. In FIG. 11, recipe Re1 with the recipe name "Daito Blend" is displayed in a simplified form on the left side, recipe Re2 with the recipe name "Pacamala Morning" is displayed in a simplified form in the center, and recipe Re3 with the recipe name "G Shop Original" is displayed in a simplified form on the right side. All three of these recipes Re1, Re2, and Re3 have been created recently, and the word "NEW" is displayed in the upper right corner to indicate that they are new recipes.

Here, we will explain recipes again, although some of the explanations will overlap with those given so far. A recipe includes information on the various production conditions for producing a beverage, bean information, information on the recipe creator, etc. In other words, a recipe is used for some or all of the processes in producing a beverage.

The bean information and creator information contained in the recipe are displayed when the user selects a beverage. The production condition information is the parameters (setting values) used for some or all of the processes in the production of the beverage.

In each of the recipes Re1, Re2, and Re3, a place of origin display Rm indicating the place of origin of the beans is displayed in the upper left corner. Below the place of origin display Rm, a name display Rb indicating the name of the beans is displayed. Below the name display Rb, a roasting degree display Rr indicating the roasting degree of the beans is displayed in graphic form. Furthermore, below that, icons Rih and Ric indicating type 1 (whether the beverage is a hot beverage or an iced beverage) described with reference to FIG. 10 are displayed. Note that an icon indicating type 2 (type information indicating the flavor of the beverage) described with reference to FIG. 10 may also be displayed. In each of the recipes Re1, Re2, and Re3 shown in FIG. 11, the hot beverage icon Rih is lit, and the iced beverage icon Ric is grayed out. In the vertical center of the recipe, a recipe name display Rn is displayed, and below that, an image Im is displayed together with the name of the recipe creator. This image Im is an image taken of the recipe creator (the creator in FIG. 15(A)). In recipe Re1 for "Daito Blend" on the left, an image Im of a face is displayed along with the name of the barista, "M. FFFFFF." In recipe Re2 for "Pacamala Morning" in the center, an image Im of a face is displayed along with the name of the barista, "S. VVVV." In recipe Re3 for "G Shop Original" on the right, an image Im of a face is displayed along with the name of the G Shop manager, "Koda Taro." And at the very bottom, the price Pr of the coffee beans used in the recipe is displayed.

Tap on a displayed recipe to view details about it.

Figure 12 shows the screen that appears when you tap the "Daito Blend" recipe Re1 on the left side of the display screen shown in Figure 11.

The display unit of the information display device 12 shown in FIG. 12 displays recipe information based on a recipe card (see FIG. 23) described later. Here, recipe information for "Daito Blend" is displayed. Compared to the simplified recipe Re1 shown in FIG. 11, details of the taste, such as the bitterness indication Ra1 and the sourness indication Ra2, are displayed graphically. In addition, the recipe creator's comments Rc are also displayed. Furthermore, this screen displays an introduction Rh of the recipe creator along with the image Im. The image Im in FIG. 12 is an image of the creator of this recipe. In addition, a paid icon Rip is also displayed in the upper right corner, indicating that this recipe is a paid recipe. The paid icon Rip shown in FIG. 12 indicates that a fee has been charged. The recipe for "Daito Blend" is a paid recipe that has been made public as a paid recipe with production restrictions that cannot be used to make coffee drinks unless a fee is charged. The public release here means, for example, that the recipe information shown in FIG. 12 is automatically transmitted to information display devices 12 located all over the world via the server 16 shown in FIG. 8 and displayed on the screen of each information display device 12 (the same applies below). However, all the parameters required for production are not made public. The information may be displayed only on the information display device 12 of the coffee bean grinder 1 for store management. Instead of being automatically transmitted, the recipe information made public on the server 16 may be viewable from each store (the same applies below). Paid recipes are displayed on the recipe list display screen shown in FIG. 11 only when the store or the like has paid and lifted the production restriction. For recipes with lifted production restrictions, a paid icon Rip is displayed on the recipe information display screen in FIG. 12 to indicate to customers that the recipe is a paid recipe, and a premium feel can be appealed to customers. Paid recipes with unlifted production restrictions may be displayed on the recipe list display screen shown in FIG. 11, but in this case, the recipe information display screen is not displayed, or even if it is displayed, the grind icon 120e described later is not displayed, and the grind process S6 shown in FIG. 9 is not executed.

In addition, a menu button 120m is provided at the top right of the screen, and a back icon 120r1 and a grind icon 120e are provided at the bottom of the screen. Tapping the back icon 120r1 returns to the recipe list screen shown in FIG. 11. The grind icon 120e displays the price of the coffee beans used in this recipe. The price of the coffee beans may be included in the recipe itself, or may be stored separately from the recipe. For example, the price may be stored in the storage unit 11b in association with the recipe. The price of the coffee drink may also be stored in the storage unit 11b in association with the recipe. Tapping the grind icon 120e sends accounting information to a point of sale (POS) system (not shown), and the POS system executes accounting processing. In addition, the grind processing S6 shown in FIG. 9 is started in the coffee bean grinder 1.

Next, we will explain how to create a recipe. Recipes are created using a recipe management application installed on the information display device 12.

Figure 13 shows an information display device 12 on which a list of recipe management apps is displayed.

A list of recipe management apps is displayed on the display unit of the information display device 12 shown in FIG. 13. The display screen for this list of recipe management apps is a screen selected from the menu items that are displayed when the menu button 120m displayed on the information display device 12 shown in FIG. 11 is tapped (see FIG. 35). Note that when the back icon 120r2 displayed in the upper right corner is tapped, the screen returns to the screen showing the list of recipes shown in FIG. 11.

Three recipe management applications, Expert, Tour, and Standard, are installed on the information display device 12, and these recipe management applications are executed by the processing unit 11a shown in FIG. 8. An expert icon 120ei, a tour icon 120ti, and a standard icon 120si are displayed on the display screen of the information display device 12 shown in FIG. 13. The expert and standard recipe management applications will be described later, and here, the creation of a new recipe using the tour recipe management application will be described. To launch the tour recipe management application, tap the tour icon 120ti displayed in the center.

Figure 14 shows the start-up screen of the tour recipe management application.

In the recipe management application for the tour, a recipe is created by proceeding in an interactive format. Hereinafter, the creation of a new recipe is referred to as a tour, after the name of the application. The start-up screen displayed on the display unit of the information display device 12 shown in FIG. 14 indicates that the recipe creation can be interrupted even during the tour, and that the completed recipe is saved in the database constructed in the server 16 shown in FIG. 8 or the memory unit 11b of the control device 11 in the coffee bean grinder 1. In addition, two new creation icons 120ni and a paused icon 120si are displayed at the bottom of this start-up screen. When the paused icon 120si shown in FIG. 14 is tapped, the tour that was paused due to input or selection of bean information is resumed. When the new creation icon 120ni is tapped, the tour is started. Note that when the back icon 120r3 displayed in the upper right corner is tapped, the screen returns to the screen showing the list of recipe management applications shown in FIG. 13.

The tour consists of five stages, with the fifth and final stage marking the completion of the tour, i.e., the creation of a new recipe. The first stage involves setting the production method, which involves setting parameters relating to the production method as shown in FIG. 10(A). The second stage involves inputting or selecting bean information, which involves setting parameters relating to ingredient information as shown in FIG. 10(A). The third stage involves inputting or selecting barista information, which involves setting parameters to be saved in the user information database as shown in FIG. 10(B). The fourth stage involves creating a recipe card.

Figure 15 shows an explanatory screen for setting the first stage of the manufacturing method.

The display unit of the information display device 12 shown in FIG. 15 displays a display screen displaying the settings of the manufacturing method and text. A progress chart PC is displayed on this display screen so that the progress of the tour can be seen. From the progress chart PC shown in FIG. 15, it can be seen at a glance that the current stage is the first stage. In addition, "Settings from grinding to extraction" is displayed as an explanation of the settings of the manufacturing method for the first stage. This explanation is written so that the user can easily understand it, and it is the setting of various parameters related to the manufacturing method.

On the explanatory screen shown in FIG. 15, tapping the pause icon Si1 located in the upper right corner will interrupt the tour. On the other hand, tapping the next icon Nx1 located at the bottom will move to a screen for inputting parameters related to the manufacturing method.

Figure 16 shows the screen for entering the grind size, which is one of the parameters for grinding.

The input of parameters for the manufacturing method in the tour is divided into six steps, namely grinding, steaming, main hot water supply, pressurization, stirring, and cup delivery. In the input of parameters for grinding, the amount of beans (g), the grinding grain size (μm), and the chaff removal strength (chaff removal rate) (%) are input. On the display unit of the information display device 12 shown in FIG. 16, the color of the grind icon Gi is changed to indicate that parameters for grinding are currently being input. In addition, on the left side of this screen, an animation AM is displayed that shows a schematic diagram of a coffee beverage manufacturing device having a coffee bean grinder 1 and a coffee extraction device. In this animation AM, a schematic diagram 5M of the grinders 5A and 5B and a schematic diagram 6M of the separation device 6 shown in FIG. 1 are shown, and below them, a schematic diagram 9M of the extraction container and a schematic diagram CM of the coffee cup are displayed. In the screen shown in FIG. 16, the grinding of coffee beans is displayed in a schematic diagram 5M of the grinding device 5, and the animation AM also notifies the user that parameters for grinding are being input. In addition, in the display unit of the information display device 12 shown in FIG. 16, the input of the amount of beans is completed, and the grind size of the beans is being input. On the right side of the screen, it is displayed that the input range of grind size is 250 μm or more and 500 μm or less, and below that, a minus icon Mi and a plus icon Pi are displayed with the parameter display PP, which is the current input value, in between. When the minus icon Mi is tapped once, the parameter display PP becomes a value that is subtracted by 1, and when the plus icon Pi is tapped once, the parameter display PP becomes a value that is added by 1. The user taps the minus icon Mi or the plus icon Pi to input the desired value for the grind size parameter within the input range.

Note that the screen shown in FIG. 16 for accepting parameter input does not display an explanation of the parameter, but a description such as "This is the grain size of the ground beans in the grinding device" may be displayed.

In the parameter input screen, an interrupt icon Si2 is located in the upper right corner, and an end icon EN1 and a save icon NX2 are located below. When the interrupt icon Si2 is tapped, the tour is interrupted, and the parameters input or selected on the displayed screen are saved in a database constructed in the server 16 shown in FIG. 8 or the memory unit 11b of the control device 11 in the coffee bean grinder 1 (the same applies in the following explanation). On the other hand, when the end icon EN1 is tapped, the tour can be ended without saving the parameters input or selected on the displayed screen in the database (the same applies in the following explanation). When the save icon NX2 is tapped, the parameters input or selected on the displayed screen are saved in the database as setting values, and the screen moves to the next screen (the same applies in the following explanation). The next screen after the screen shown in FIG. 16 is a screen for inputting parameters for steaming. When inputting parameters for steaming, the amount of steaming water (g) and the steaming time (seconds) for steaming the beans are input.

The input screen for parameters after the steaming stage will not be described, but the input of parameters for the main hot water supply includes the total amount of hot water (amount of hot water poured in) (g), the amount of hot water supplied for the first time (g), and the waiting time after the first main hot water supply (seconds). The input of parameters for pressurization includes the extraction pressure (bar), extraction time (seconds), the first pressure reduction (bar), and the waiting time after the first pressure reduction (seconds). The input of parameters for stirring includes the rest time before rotation (seconds), the shaking pattern, and the rest time after rotation (seconds). The input of parameters for cup delivery includes the delivery pressure (bar). There are other parameters related to the manufacturing method, and in the tour, fewer parameters are input than when creating a new recipe using the expert recipe management application described later. On the other hand, in the tour, more parameters are input than when creating a new recipe using the standard recipe management application described later. In the tour, the same number of parameters as when creating a new recipe using the standard recipe management application may be input, or fewer parameters may be input.

Once the manufacturing method setting is complete, a response message saying "Manufacturing method setting has been completed" may be displayed on the display unit of the information display device 12.

Figure 17 shows the screen for inputting bean information in the second stage.

The display unit of the information display device 12 shown in FIG. 17 displays a display screen displaying bean information and text. A progress chart PC is also displayed on this display screen, and it is clear at a glance that the current stage is the second stage. In addition, "This is the information on the beans you want to use." is displayed as an explanation for inputting or selecting bean information for the second stage. Again, this is written so that the user can easily understand, but the "information on the beans you want to use" is determined by various parameters related to the ingredient information. A recipe includes various parameters related to ingredient information, and the collection of various parameters related to ingredient information ("ingredient information" shown in FIG. 10(A)) corresponds to the parameters that make up the recipe. Therefore, the explanation for inputting or selecting bean information, "This is the information on the beans you want to use.", also corresponds to an explanation of the parameters.

In addition, in the screen shown in FIG. 17, a new creation icon Ni1 and a selection icon Se1 are arranged on the left side. The color of the new creation icon Ni1 shown in FIG. 17 has changed, indicating that the new creation icon Ni1 has been tapped. When the new icon Ni1 is tapped, new bean information is created. In the screen shown in FIG. 17, an input field B1 for inputting the name of the beans, an input field B2 for inputting the country of origin of the beans, an input field B3 for inputting the farm where the beans were harvested, an input field B4 for inputting the altitude where the beans were harvested, an input field B5 for inputting the variety of the beans, and an input field B6 for inputting the refining method of the beans are displayed. In FIG. 17, all of these input fields B1 to B6 have been completed. When inputting, when any of the input fields to be inputted is tapped, a software keyboard (screen keyboard) appears on the display screen (see FIG. 25), and character input becomes possible. Below the input field, there is a roast level display B7, where multiple cells are arranged in a horizontal row, with the leftmost cell indicating a lighter roast and the rightmost cell indicating a darker roast, and the position of the tapped cell indicates the degree of roast of the beans.

As described above, the screen shown in FIG. 17 displays a parameter explanation such as "This is information about the beans you want to use," together with an input field B1-B6 for inputting bean information and an input display for accepting parameter input such as the roast level display B7. Note that the parameter explanation display for the production method such as "This is the setting from grinding to extraction" shown in FIG. 15 and the input display for the production method parameters in FIG. 16 are displayed on separate screens (displayed at different times), but they may be displayed on the same screen (displayed simultaneously) as in the screen shown in FIG. 17. Also, the parameter explanation display shown in FIG. 17 and the input display for the parameters related to raw material information may be displayed on separate screens (displayed at different times).

In the screen shown in FIG. 17, the interrupt icon Si2 is located in the upper right corner, and the end icon EN1 and save icon NX2 are located below.

Figure 18 shows the screen for selecting bean information in the second stage.

The progress chart PC is also displayed on the display unit of the information display device 12 shown in FIG. 18, and it is clear at a glance that the current stage is the second stage. In addition, an explanatory display of the parameter, such as "This is the information on the beans you want to use," is also displayed. In the screen shown in FIG. 18, the color of the selection icon Se1 out of the new creation icon Ni1 and the selection icon Se1 has changed, indicating that the selection icon Se1 has been tapped. When the selection icon Se1 is tapped, selection is made from existing data regarding the bean information. The existing data is data including each parameter such as the name of the bean, the country of origin of the bean, the farm where the bean was harvested, the altitude where the bean was harvested, the variety of the bean, the refining method of the bean, and the roasting degree of the bean. In the screen shown in FIG. 18, an existing data display B8 is displayed in which the existing data is displayed line by line. In the existing data display B8 in FIG. 18, the color of the second existing data from the top (existing data with the bean name "αβγ Geisha") has changed, indicating that this existing data has been selected. When you tap the save icon NX2 shown in Figure 18, each parameter included in the existing data selected on the displayed screen is saved as a setting value in the database, and you are taken to the third screen for inputting or selecting barista information.

Figure 19 shows the screen for entering varistor information in the third step.

The display unit of the information display device 12 shown in FIG. 19 displays a display screen with the text "Barista Information." A progress chart PC is also displayed on this display screen, and it is clear at a glance that the barista is currently at the third stage. In addition, "Information about the recipe creator" is displayed as an explanation for inputting or selecting barista information for the third stage. A recipe includes various parameters related to the recipe creator, and a collection of various parameters related to the recipe creator (one of which is "creator" shown in FIG. 10(A)) corresponds to the parameters that make up the recipe. Therefore, "Information about the recipe creator," which is an explanation for inputting or selecting barista information, also corresponds to an explanation of a parameter.

19 also has a new creation icon Ni2 and a selection icon Se2 on the left side. The new creation icon Ni2 in FIG. 19 has changed color, indicating that the new creation icon Ni2 has been tapped. Tapping the new icon Ni2 creates new barista information. The screen shown in FIG. 19 displays a character input field H1 for inputting the name of the recipe creator and a character input field H2 for inputting the comments of the recipe creator. In FIG. 19, these character input fields H1 and H2 are empty. When inputting, as with the input of bean information described above, when any of the input fields to be inputted is tapped, a software keyboard (screen keyboard) appears on the display screen (see FIG. 25), allowing character input. Furthermore, an image captured by the camera 1230 provided on the information display device 12 is displayed in the image input field H3. A sentence is displayed next to the image input field H3, encouraging the user to tap the shutter button Shu to take a photo and confirm the captured image.

As explained above, the screen shown in FIG. 19 displays an explanatory display of the parameters, such as "Information about the recipe creator," together with displays that accept input of parameters, such as text input fields H1 and H2 and an image input field H3, for inputting barista information.

In the screen shown in FIG. 19, an interrupt icon Si2 is also located in the upper right corner, and an end icon EN1 and a save icon NX2 are located below. When the save icon NX2 shown in FIG. 19 is tapped, the name of the recipe creator, as well as the comments of the recipe creator and the captured image entered in the image input field H3 and confirmed by tapping the shutter button Shu, are saved in the database as parameter setting values and included in the recipe. Note that the captured image may be saved separately from the recipe, but even in this case it is saved in association with the recipe.

Figure 20 (A) is a flowchart showing how to create a recipe on the screen for inputting barista information shown in Figure 19.

The recipe creation method here first executes a start step (step SH1) in which a screen for inputting barista information shown in FIG. 19 is displayed on the display unit of the information display device 12. As described above, the screen for inputting barista information shown in FIG. 19 corresponds to the recipe creation display screen used when creating the recipe, including input of parameters such as the name of the recipe creator and the recipe creator's comments.

Next, while the screen for inputting barista information shown in FIG. 19 is displayed, a photographing step (step SH2) is executed in which an image is taken by the camera 1230. That is, while an image taken by the camera 1230 is displayed in the image input field H3 provided on the screen shown in FIG. 19, the shutter button Shu is tapped to confirm the captured image. In FIG. 19, the recipe creator is photographed, but instead of the recipe creator, the introducer of the recipe may be photographed, or the person who drank the beverage of the recipe may be photographed. In addition, objects (e.g., coffee beans in the bean information of this recipe) may be photographed in addition to people. Furthermore, by pressing and holding the shutter button Shu, it may be possible to capture not only still images but also videos. For example, the captured image may be a video explaining the farm of the coffee beans in the bean information of this recipe.

Next, the save step (step SH3) is executed by tapping the save icon NX2. In this save step (step SH3), the image captured in the capture step (step SH2) is associated with parameters such as the name of the recipe creator and the comments of the recipe creator, and stored in the server 16 shown in FIG. 8 or in the memory unit 11b of the control device 11 in the coffee bean grinder 1. The recipe creation technique described above can also be used as software.

Figure 20 (B) is a schematic diagram showing an overview of the recipe creation program.

The recipe creation program RP1 shown in FIG. 20(B) is executed within a system that combines a control device 11 having a processing unit 11a that executes the program, a camera 1230 that takes images, and an information display device 12 equipped with a display screen, and is a recipe creation program that operates the system as a recipe creation device, and is a program that constructs on the system an acquisition means RP11 that acquires recipes to be used for some or all of the processes of beverage production, a display control means RP12 that displays some or all of the recipes acquired by the acquisition means RP11 on the display screen, and a storage control means RP13 that associates the images captured by the camera 1230 with the recipes and stores them.

The storage control means RP13 associates the images captured by the camera 1230 with the recipes and stores them in the server 16 shown in FIG. 8 or in the memory unit 11b in this system.

In the above description,
"An acquisition means for acquiring recipes to be used for some or all of the processes of beverage production [e.g., an information display device 12 and a control device 11];
a processing means (e.g., a processing unit 11a) that executes processing (e.g., processing for controlling the rotary blades in the grinding device 5, etc.) by referring to parameters (e.g., amount of beans, grinding size of beans, amount of steaming water, steaming time, amount of extracted water (amount of injected water), amount of first main hot water supply, amount of second main hot water supply, amount of pressurized hot water supply, extraction pressure, extraction time, stationary time before rotation, stationary time after rotation, delivery time, delivery pressure, name of beans, country of origin of beans, roasting level of beans, name of recipe creator, etc.) included in the recipe acquired by the acquisition means;
an adjustment means (for example, the actuator group 14 (the grinding device 5 or the extraction device) shown in FIG. 8) that operates according to the process executed by the processing means and performs adjustment using coffee beans;
An image capturing means (e.g., a camera 1230) for capturing an image;
A coffee machine comprising (for example, a coffee bean grinder 1, a coffee extraction device, a coffee machine equipped with the coffee bean grinder 1 and the coffee extraction device),
The image captured by the photographing means can be stored in association with the recipe (for example, in the server 16 shown in FIG. 8 or in the memory unit 11 b of the control device 11 in the coffee bean grinder 1).
A coffee machine characterized by the above.
He explained:

The term "preparation" refers to grinding the coffee beans and extracting a coffee beverage from the ground coffee beans.

Furthermore, there may be multiple types of adjustment means and the recipe may include parameters for each of the multiple types of adjustment means, or one adjustment means may have multiple types of parameters and the recipe may include multiple types of parameters for one adjustment means.

The recipe may also be one that has been downloaded from a server via a communication network. In this case, the restriction may be that downloading is prohibited.

The coffee machine may also include an acquisition unit [e.g., I/F unit 11c] that acquires a recipe including parameters, an adjustment means that performs adjustments using coffee beans [e.g., actuator group 14 (grinding device 5 or extraction device) shown in FIG. 8], and a control unit [e.g., control device 11 or processing unit 11a] that controls the adjustment means according to the parameters included in the recipe acquired by the acquisition unit.

The image stored in association with the recipe may be a still image or a video. For example, the image may be a video explaining the beverage (more specifically, a video explaining the farm where the coffee beans that are the raw material for the beverage are grown).

Additionally, the image stored in association with the recipe may be an image of a person or an image of an object (e.g., coffee beans).

Also,
"A display means for displaying a part or all of the recipe [for example, a display unit of the information display device 12] is provided,
The display means, while displaying a part or the whole of the recipe, also displays an image stored in association with the recipe (for example, displaying an image Im in the recipe information shown in FIG. 12, or displaying an image Im in the simply displayed recipes Re1, Re2, and Re3 shown in FIG. 11).
A coffee machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Also,
"A display unit (e.g., a display unit of the information display device 12) is provided that displays a selection display (e.g., a display of a recipe list shown in FIG. 11) for selecting one beverage from a plurality of beverages,
The processing means executes processing by referring to parameters included in the recipe of the beverage selected in the selection display (e.g., the beverage for which the display of recipe information shown in FIG. 12 is displayed) (e.g., by tapping the grind icon 120e shown in FIG. 12 );
The display means displays an image stored in association with the recipe of each beverage in the selection display (for example, displays an image Im in the simplified recipes Re1, Re2, and Re3 shown in FIG. 11 ).
A coffee machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

The display means may display, for each beverage in the selection display, an image stored in association with the recipe for that beverage as the introducer of the recipe, or as the person who has drunk that beverage.

Also,
"The display means displays, for each beverage in the selection display, an image stored in association with the recipe of the beverage as the creator of the recipe [for example, in the simplified display of recipes Re1, Re2, and Re3 shown in FIG. 11, an image Im is displayed together with the name of the barista].
A coffee machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Also,
"The adjustment means is a device for processing the extraction target (e.g., a coffee bean grinder 1, a coffee extraction device),
The recipe includes information to be extracted (e.g., bean information),
The display means also displays, for each beverage in the selection display, information on the extraction target included in the recipe of the beverage [e.g., origin indication Rm, name indication Rb, roast level indication Rr].
A coffee machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Also,
"The adjusting means is a coffee bean grinder,
The recipe includes information about coffee beans,
The display means also displays, for each beverage in the selection display, information on coffee beans included in the recipe for the beverage (e.g., origin indication Rm, name indication Rb, roast level indication Rr).
A coffee machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Also,
"The display means displays the price of each of the selected objects in the selection display [e.g., the price Pr of coffee beans].
A coffee machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

The price of the coffee beans may be included in the recipe, or may be stored in the storage unit separately from the recipe.

Also,
"The display means displays a recipe creation display used when creating the recipe [for example, a new recipe creation display by a recipe management application for a tour (FIGS. 13 to 26)],
The photographing means photographs the display means while the display means is displaying the recipe creation display (for example, while displaying the barista information input screen shown in FIG. 19 ),
The image captured by the image capturing means while the display means is displaying the recipe creation display can be stored in association with the recipe completed using the recipe creation display (for example, can be stored in the server 16 or the storage unit 11b shown in FIG. 8).
A coffee machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Also,
"A storage means (e.g., a storage unit 11b) is provided that stores the recipe,
The acquisition means (e.g., the processing unit 11a) acquires the recipe from the storage means.
A coffee machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

The coffee machine described above includes:
a processing means for executing a process by referring to parameters included in the recipe acquired by the acquisition means;
a preparation means for performing preparation using coffee beans, the preparation means being operated by the process executed by the processing means;
An image capturing means for capturing an image;
A coffee machine comprising:
The image captured by the image capturing means can be stored together with the recipe.
The present invention may be a coffee machine characterized by the above-mentioned, and the features of the coffee machine described above can be applied to this coffee machine.

The coffee machine described above may also be "a device equipped with an acquisition means for acquiring a recipe to be used in some or all of the steps of beverage production, and an image capture means for capturing images, characterized in that the images captured by the image capture means can be stored in association with the recipe," and the features of the coffee machine described above can be applied to this device.

In addition, in the above description,
"A method for creating a recipe including parameters (e.g., amount of beans, bean grinding size, amount of steaming water, steaming time, amount of extracted water (amount of water poured), amount of main hot water supplied for the first time, amount of main hot water supplied for the second time, amount of pressurized hot water supplied, extraction pressure, extraction time, stationary time before rotation, stationary time after rotation, delivery time, delivery pressure, name of beans, country of origin of beans, roast level of beans, name of recipe creator, etc.) for making adjustments using coffee beans in a coffee machine (e.g., coffee bean grinder 1, coffee extraction device, coffee beverage production device equipped with coffee bean grinder 1 and coffee extraction device) equipped with a display means (e.g., a display unit of information display device 12) and an image capture means (e.g., a camera 1230),
a start step (e.g., step SH1 shown in FIG. 20 ) of starting, on the display means, a recipe creation display used in creating the recipe, including input of the parameters;
an image capturing step (e.g., step SH2 shown in FIG. 20) of capturing an image by the image capturing means while the recipe creation display is displayed on the display means;
a storage step (e.g., step SH3 shown in FIG. 20) of storing the image captured in the capturing step in a storage means in association with the completed recipe using the recipe creation display;
A recipe creation method characterized by having the following (for example, the recipe creation method shown in FIG. 20)
He also explained:

The photographing in the photographing step may be performed by displaying a message instructing the user to take a photograph within the recipe creation display [for example, a text message such as "A photo will be taken. Please look at the camera above. If you wish to take a photograph, please tap the shutter button." displayed on the barista information input screen shown in FIG. 19 ].

The photographing step may involve photographing a person or an object. When photographing a person, the person may be someone related to the recipe currently being created, such as the creator of the recipe or the person introducing the recipe. When photographing an object, the object may be an ingredient of the beverage for the recipe currently being created (e.g., coffee beans).

The storage means in the saving step may be a storage means in the coffee machine or a server connected via a communication network.

Also, "a recipe creation program that is executed in an apparatus (e.g., a system combining a control device 11 and an information display device 12) that includes a processing unit (e.g., the processing unit 11a) that executes a program and an image capturing means (e.g., the camera 1230) that captures an image, and that causes the apparatus to operate as a recipe creation apparatus,
On the device,
An acquisition means (e.g., acquisition means RP11 shown in FIG. 20B ) for acquiring a recipe to be used for some or all of the steps of producing a beverage;
and a storage control means for storing an image captured by the imaging means in association with the recipe, for example, a storage control means RP13 shown in FIG. 20(B) . A recipe creation program (for example, a recipe creation program RP1 shown in FIG. 20(B) ) may be constructed.

The device also includes a display unit (e.g., a display unit of the information display device 12),
On the device,
A recipe creation program that constructs a display control means (e.g., a display control means RP12 shown in FIG. 20B) that displays a part or all of the recipe acquired by the acquisition means on the display means.

In addition, in the above explanation, any constituent element expressed as "means" can be replaced with "part."

Figure 21 shows the screen for selecting varistor information at the third stage.

The progress chart PC is also displayed on the display unit of the information display device 12 shown in FIG. 21, and it is clear at a glance that the current stage is the third stage. In addition, a parameter explanation display such as "Information on the recipe creator" is also displayed. In the screen shown in FIG. 21, the color of the selection icon Se2 out of the new creation icon Ni2 and the selection icon Se2 has changed, indicating that the selection icon Se2 has been tapped. When the selection icon Se2 is tapped, the barista information is selected from existing data. The existing data is data that includes parameters such as the name of the recipe creator, the comments of the recipe creator, and the photographed image. In the screen shown in FIG. 21, an existing data display H4 is displayed in which the existing data is displayed line by line. In the existing data display H4 in FIG. 21, the color of the second existing data from the top (existing data with the recipe creator name "B.VVVV") has changed, indicating that this existing data has been selected. In the screen shown in FIG. 21, the photographed image is not displayed in the existing data display H4, but if a swipe operation is performed to the right, a photographed image is displayed line by line. When you tap the save icon NX2 shown in Figure 21, each parameter included in the existing data selected on the displayed screen is saved as a setting value in the database, and the screen moves to the fourth step of creating a recipe card.

Figure 22 shows the start screen for creating a recipe card in the fourth step.

The display unit of the information display device 12 shown in FIG. 22 displays a display screen with the text "Create a recipe card." A progress chart PC is also displayed on this display screen, and it is clear at a glance that the user has reached the fourth stage. The screen shown in FIG. 22 is the start screen that explains that a recipe card will now be created. On this start screen, tapping the interrupt icon Si1 located in the upper right corner interrupts the tour. On the other hand, tapping the next icon Nx1 located at the bottom transitions to the recipe card input screen.

Figure 23 shows the recipe card input screen.

The recipe card is the source of the recipe information described with reference to FIG. 12. The recipe card displays some of the parameters that have been input so far, and also displays an input field for parameters that can be input on this input screen. Below the text display on the recipe card, there is a recipe name input field R1 for inputting the recipe name. The recipe name is a parameter that is input on the input screen of this recipe card. Below the recipe name input field R1, there is a bitterness display section R2 that graphically displays the bitterness of the coffee drink produced according to this recipe, and a sourness display section R3 that graphically displays the sourness. Both the bitterness display section R2 and the sourness display section R3 display bitterness or sourness on five levels using five cells R2s, R3s arranged on the circumference, and when any cell is tapped, the number of levels corresponding to the position of the tapped cell is displayed in the center. In addition, the display mode of each cell changes clockwise up to the tapped cell.

In the upper right corner, two icons Rih and Ric are displayed, which indicate type 1 (whether the beverage is a hot beverage or an iced beverage) described with reference to FIG. 10. When either icon is tapped, it lights up, and the other icon is grayed out. In FIG. 23, the icon Rih indicating a hot beverage is tapped and lights up, and the icon Ric indicating an iced beverage is grayed out. Furthermore, a paid icon Rip is also displayed on the right edge, which indicates that this recipe is a paid recipe. When the paid icon Rip is tapped, it lights up, when it is tapped again it becomes grayed out, when it is tapped again it changes to a prohibited icon, and when it is tapped again it lights up. When the recipe creator wants to make the recipe available to the public as a paid recipe with production restrictions that cannot be used to make coffee beverages unless a fee is paid, the paid icon Rip is turned on. The paid icon Rip shown in FIG. 23 is turned on. On the other hand, when the recipe creator wants to make the recipe available to the public as a free recipe so that it can be enjoyed widely in any store, the paid icon Rip is turned off. When the recipe creator does not want the recipe to be used to make coffee beverages even if a fee is paid, the prohibited icon is displayed.

Below these icons are displayed some of the parameters of the bean information that have been set by inputting or selecting the bean information described with reference to Figures 17 and 18. That is, a bean producing country display section R4, a bean name display section R5, and a roast level display section R6 are provided and each is displayed.

Further below that, a comment display field R7 is provided. This comment display field R7 displays the comments of the recipe creator that have been set by inputting or selecting the barista information described with reference to Figures 19 and 21.

In addition, an image display section R8 is provided below the bitterness display section R2, and a recipe creator name display section R9 is provided next to it. The image display section R8 displays the captured image that has been set by inputting or selecting the barista information described with reference to Figures 19 and 21, and the recipe creator name display section R9 displays the name of the recipe creator that has also been set by inputting or selecting the barista information.

Below the recipe creator name display field R9 is a recipe creator introduction input field R10. The recipe creator introduction is a parameter that is entered on the recipe card input screen. Whether entering text into the recipe name input field R1 described above or into the introduction input field R10, tapping the input field causes a software keyboard (screen keyboard) to appear on the display screen (see Figure 25), allowing text input.

As explained above, the parameters that are input for the first time on the recipe card input screen shown in FIG. 23 are the recipe name in the recipe name input field R1, an introduction to the recipe creator in the introduction input field R10, the bitterness of the coffee drink in the bitterness display field R2, the sourness of the coffee drink in the sourness display field R3, Type 1 indicated by the hot drink icon Rih and the iced drink icon Ric and whether the recipe is paid or not indicated by the paid icon Rip, or whether it is prohibited from being made public by the prohibited from being made public icon. Note that Type 2 (type information indicating the flavor of the drink) described using FIG. 10 may also be input on this input screen. The size of the coffee drink may also be input.

In the input screen shown in FIG. 23, an interrupt icon Si2 is also located in the upper right corner, and an end icon EN1 and a save icon NX2 are located below. When the save icon NX2 shown in FIG. 23 is tapped, the recipe name and an introduction to the recipe creator are saved in the database as parameter settings and included in the recipe. In addition, the bitterness and sourness of the coffee drink are saved in the database as type 3 following type 2 shown in FIG. 10(A), the distinction between hot and iced drinks is saved in the database as type 1, and whether the recipe is paid or not and the prohibition of disclosure are saved in the database as type 4, each of which is included in the recipe. Then, the screen moves to a confirmation screen for the registered contents.

Figure 24 shows the confirmation screen for the registration details.

The display unit of the information display device 12 shown in FIG. 24 displays a manufacturing method icon Ci1, a bean information icon Ci2, a barista information icon Ci3, and a recipe name icon Ci4, which correspond to the first to fourth stages of the tour. Next to the manufacturing method icon Ci1, the bean amount and grind size values entered in the manufacturing method setting described with reference to FIG. 16 and set in the database are displayed. Next to the bean information icon Ci2, the name of the beans set in the database by inputting or selecting the bean information described with reference to FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 is displayed. It is also displayed whether the bean information is newly created or selected from existing data, and in FIG. 24, "New" is displayed, indicating that the information is newly created. Next to the barista icon Ci3, the name of the recipe creator set in the database by inputting or selecting the barista information described with reference to FIG. 19 and FIG. 21 is displayed. It is also displayed here whether the barista information is newly created or selected from existing data, and in FIG. 24, "New" is displayed, indicating that the information is newly created. The recipe name entered on the recipe card input screen described with reference to FIG. 23 is displayed next to the recipe name icon Ci4. As also displayed on the confirmation screen shown in FIG. 24, tapping the production method icon Ci1, bean information icon Ci2, barista information icon Ci3, and recipe name icon Ci4 switches to a detailed display.

Figure 25 shows the detailed display screen that is displayed by tapping the bean information icon Ci2 shown in Figure 24.

The detailed display screen shown in FIG. 25 displays the same displays as those displayed on the bean information input screen shown in FIG. 17, which accept input of parameters such as input fields B1 to B6 for inputting bean information and roast level display B7. In FIG. 25, by tapping input field B6 for inputting the bean refining method, a software keyboard (screen keyboard) SKB appears, allowing character input. By tapping the edit icon MOi at the bottom, the edited content on this detailed display screen is overwritten and saved in the database. On the other hand, if confirmation is completed and no edits are to be made, by tapping the close icon CLi at the top right, the detailed display screen shown in FIG. 25 returns to the registration content confirmation screen shown in FIG. 24.

The confirmation screen shown in FIG. 24 also has an interrupt icon Si2 in the upper right corner. Also, an OK icon OKi is located at the bottom. Tapping this OK icon OKi transitions to a recipe registration completion screen.

Figure 26 shows the recipe registration completion screen.

The display unit of the information display device 12 shown in FIG. 26 displays a display screen displaying the text "Recipe registration completed." This display screen also displays a progress chart PC, making it clear at a glance that the fifth stage of the tour has been completed. A jump icon JPi is located at the bottom of the recipe registration completion screen. Tapping this jump icon JPi transitions to a screen displaying a list of recipe management apps as shown in FIG. 13.

The distinctive features of the recipe creation method in the tour described above can be summarized as shown in Figure 27 (A).

Figure 27 (A) is a flowchart showing a characteristic recipe creation method for a tour.

In the recipe creation method shown in FIG. 27(A), first, a first step St11 is executed. In this first step St11, an explanation of parameters such as the manufacturing method shown in FIG. 10(A) is given on the display unit of the information display device 12. Specifically, text such as "Settings from grinding to extraction" is displayed on the explanatory screen shown in FIG. 15. Next, input is accepted for various parameters of the manufacturing method. Specifically, a screen for accepting input of parameters such as the grind size of the beans is displayed, as shown in FIG. 16. In this first step St11, the explanation of the parameters and the acceptance of parameter input are performed on different screens.

Next, the second step St12 is executed. This second step St12 is a step related to bean information. The bean information corresponds to the raw material information shown in FIG. 10(A). In the second step St12, an input screen for bean information as shown in FIG. 17 is displayed. On this input screen, a parameter explanation display such as "This is the information on the beans you want to use" and a display for accepting parameter input such as input fields B1 to B6 for inputting bean information and a roast level display section B7 are displayed on the same screen.

Finally, the third step St13 is executed. This third step St13 is a step related to barista information. Barista information corresponds to the information of the creator, etc., shown in FIG. 10 (A). In the third step St13, an input screen for barista information, as shown in FIG. 19, is displayed. On this input screen, a parameter explanation display such as "Information on the recipe creator" and a display for accepting input of parameters such as character input fields H1, H2 and image input field H3 for inputting barista information are displayed on the same screen.

In the recipe creation method described above, the input of parameters is accepted, and the accepted parameters are saved when moving to the next step. In the recipe creation method here, only a portion of the parameters that can be input in the expert recipe creation described later are input and saved. For parameters other than those input here, the processing unit 11a automatically inputs values according to the input parameter values or standard values, and the recipe is completed. For example, in the input of parameters for the manufacturing method in the second step St12 shown in FIG. 27(A), only the extraction hot water volume (amount of hot water poured), which is the total amount of hot water, and the first main hot water supply volume are input, and the second main hot water supply volume, etc. are not input, but the processing unit 11a calculates the second main hot water supply volume from the input extraction hot water volume and first main hot water supply volume, and stores it in the server 16 or the memory unit 11b of the control device 11 in the coffee bean grinder 1.

The recipe creation techniques described above can also be used as software.

Figure 27 (B) is a schematic diagram showing an overview of the recipe creation program.

The recipe creation program RP2 shown in FIG. 27(B) is executed in a system that combines a control device 11 having a processing unit 11a that executes the program and an information display device 12 equipped with a display screen, and is a recipe creation program that operates the system as a recipe creation device. In the system, an acquisition means RP21 that acquires a recipe to be used for some or all of the processes of beverage production, a reception means RP22 that receives input of parameters included in the recipe on the display screen, and a display control means RP23 that displays some or all of the recipe acquired by the acquisition means RP21 on the display screen, and causes the information display device 12 to execute a recipe creation operation that explains a first parameter included in the recipe on the display screen and receives input of the first parameter by the reception means, and then explains a second parameter included in the recipe by the display means and receives input of the second parameter by the reception means.

In the above description,
"An acquisition means (e.g., an information display device 12 or a processing unit 11a) for acquiring a recipe to be used for some or all of the processes of beverage production;
a processing means (e.g., a control device 11 or a processing unit 11a) for executing a process (e.g., a process for controlling the rotary blades in the grinding device 5, etc.) by referring to parameters (e.g., amount of beans, grinding size of beans, amount of steaming water, steaming time, amount of extracted water (amount of injected water), amount of first main hot water supply, amount of second main hot water supply, amount of pressurized hot water supply, extraction pressure, extraction time, stationary time before rotation, stationary time after rotation, delivery time, delivery pressure, name of beans, country of origin of beans, roasting level of beans, name of recipe creator, etc.) included in the recipe acquired by the acquisition means;
an adjustment means (for example, the actuator group 14 (the grinding device 5 or the extraction device) shown in FIG. 8) that operates according to the process executed by the processing means and performs adjustment using coffee beans;
A reception unit (e.g., a display unit (touch panel display) of the information display device 12) for receiving input of parameters included in the recipe;
A display means capable of displaying information (e.g., a display unit of the information display device 12);
A coffee machine comprising:
a recipe creation operation (e.g., creation of a new recipe using a tour recipe management application) can be executed in which the display means explains a first parameter (e.g., a parameter related to the manufacturing method shown in FIG. 10(A)) included in a recipe and the reception means inputs the first parameter (e.g., input on the screen shown in FIG. 16) and then the display means explains a second parameter (e.g., a parameter related to raw material information shown in FIG. 10(A)) included in a recipe and the reception means inputs the second parameter (e.g., input on the screen shown in FIG. 17);
A coffee machine characterized by the above.
He explained:

The term "preparation" refers to grinding the coffee beans and extracting a coffee beverage from the ground coffee beans.

Furthermore, there may be multiple types of adjustment means and the recipe may include parameters for each of the multiple types of adjustment means, or one adjustment means may have multiple types of parameters and the recipe may include multiple types of parameters for one adjustment means.

The recipe may also be one that has been downloaded from a server via a communication network. In this case, the restriction may be that downloading is prohibited.

The coffee machine may also include an acquisition unit [e.g., I/F unit 11c] that acquires a recipe including parameters, an adjustment means that performs adjustments using coffee beans [e.g., actuator group 14 (grinding device 5 or extraction device) shown in FIG. 8], and a control unit [e.g., control device 11 or processing unit 11a] that controls the adjustment means according to the parameters included in the recipe acquired by the acquisition unit.

Also,
"When the reception means receives the input of the parameter, the display means displays a display indicating that the input of the parameter has been received [for example, a display PP of the parameter which is the current input value shown in FIG. 16].
A coffee machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

The display indicating that the input of the parameter has been accepted may be the input value of the parameter, or a display such as "Input accepted."

Also,
"The display of the explanation of the first parameter by the display means and the display indicating that the input of the first parameter has been accepted by the display means may be displayed simultaneously (for example, on the same screen as in the screen shown in FIG. 17).
A coffee machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Also,
"The display of the explanation of the first parameter by the display means and the display indicating that the input of the first parameter has been accepted by the display means may be displayed at different times (for example, the display of the explanation of parameters related to the manufacturing method shown in FIG. 15 and the display for accepting input of parameters related to the manufacturing method in FIG. 16 may be displayed on separate screens).
A coffee machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

The explanation of the first parameter may be displayed first, followed by a display indicating that the input of the first parameter has been accepted. Alternatively, conversely, the display indicating that the input of the first parameter has been accepted may be displayed first, followed by a display of the explanation of the first parameter.

The display of the explanation of the second parameter by the display means and the display indicating that the input of the second parameter has been accepted by the display means may be displayed simultaneously or at different times. Also, the display of the explanation of the first parameter and the display indicating that the input of the first parameter has been accepted may be displayed simultaneously, while the display of the explanation of the second parameter and the display indicating that the input of the second parameter has been accepted may be displayed at different times.

Also,
"The recipe creation operation is an operation executed from the start of creation of the recipe through multiple stages (e.g., five stages) to the completion of the recipe,
The display means displays a progress level indicating which stage the user has progressed to among the multiple stages (for example, displays a progress level chart PC shown in FIG. 17, etc.).
A coffee machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

The recipe creation operation may be an operation performed within one of the multiple stages, or may be an operation performed across two of the multiple stages.

The coffee machine described above may also be "a device that includes an acquisition means for acquiring a recipe used for all or some of the steps of beverage production, a reception means for receiving input of parameters included in the recipe, and a display means capable of displaying information, characterized in that after the display means explains a first parameter included in the recipe and the reception means receives the input of the first parameter, the display means explains a second parameter included in the recipe and the reception means receives the input of the second parameter," and the features of the coffee machine described above can be applied to this device.

In addition, in the above description,
"A recipe creation method including processing [e.g., processing for controlling the rotary blades in a grinding device 5, etc.] with reference to parameters [e.g., amount of beans, grinding size of beans, amount of steaming water, steaming time, amount of extracted hot water (amount of poured hot water), amount of first main hot water supply, amount of second main hot water supply, amount of pressurized hot water supply, extraction pressure, extraction time, stationary time before rotation, stationary time after rotation, delivery time, delivery pressure, name of beans, country of origin of beans, roast level of beans, name of recipe creator, etc.] for producing a beverage in a coffee machine equipped with a receiving means [e.g., a display unit (touch panel type display) of an information display device 12] and a display means [e.g., a display unit of an information display device 12],
A first step (for example, a first step St11 shown in FIG. 27) of displaying an explanation of a first parameter included in the recipe (for example, a parameter related to the manufacturing method shown in FIG. 10A) by the display means (for example, displaying an explanation such as "Settings from grinding to extraction" displayed on the screen shown in FIG. 15) and receiving an input of the first parameter by the receiving means (for example, receiving an input on the screen shown in FIG. 16);
A second step (for example, a second step St12 shown in FIG. 27) of displaying an explanation of a second parameter (for example, a parameter related to raw material information shown in FIG. 10A) included in the recipe by the display means (for example, displaying an explanation such as "This is information on the beans you want to use" displayed on the screen shown in FIG. 17) and receiving an input of the second parameter (for example, receiving an input on the screen shown in FIG. 17) by the receiving means;
A recipe creation method comprising the steps of:
He also explained:

Also,
"The first step is a step in which, when the receiving means receives the input of the first parameter, the display means displays a display indicating that the input of the first parameter has been received [for example, a display PP of the parameter which is the current input value shown in FIG. 16],
The second step is a step in which, when the receiving means receives the input of the second parameter, the display means displays a message indicating that the input of the second parameter has been received (for example, the display of the input fields B1 to B6 and the roasting degree display section B7 shown in FIG. 17).
A recipe creation method characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Also,
At least one of the first step and the second step is a step in which, while an explanation of a parameter is being displayed, the input of the parameter is accepted [for example, the explanation and the input are displayed on the same screen as in the screen shown in FIG. 17 ].
A recipe creation method characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Also,
"At least one of the first step and the second step is a step in which an explanation of a parameter is displayed first, and after the display of the explanation of the parameter is completed, an input of the parameter is accepted (for example, a display of an explanation of a parameter related to the manufacturing method shown in FIG. 15 is displayed, and after the display of the explanation is completed, a display for accepting an input of a parameter related to the manufacturing method in FIG. 16 is displayed)"
A recipe creation method characterized by the above.
He also explained:

For example, the first step may be a step in which the input of the first parameter is accepted while the explanatory display of the first parameter is being executed, and the second step may be a step in which the input of the second parameter is accepted while the explanatory display of the second parameter is being executed. The first step may be a step in which the explanatory display of the first parameter is executed first and the input of the first parameter is accepted after the explanatory display of the first parameter is finished, and the second step may be a step in which the explanatory display of the second parameter is executed first and the input of the second parameter is accepted after the explanatory display of the second parameter is finished. The first step may be a step in which the input of the first parameter is accepted while the explanatory display of the first parameter is being executed, and the second step may be a step in which the explanatory display of the second parameter is executed first and the input of the second parameter is accepted after the explanatory display of the second parameter is finished. The first step may be a step in which the explanatory display of the first parameter is first executed, and then the input of the first parameter is accepted after the explanatory display of the first parameter is completed, and the second step may be a step in which the input of the second parameter is accepted while the explanatory display of the second parameter is being executed.

Also, "a recipe creation program that is executed in an apparatus (e.g., a system combining a control apparatus 11 and an information display apparatus 12) that includes a processing section (e.g., the processing section 11a) that executes a program and a display section (e.g., the display section of the information display apparatus 12) and causes the apparatus to operate as a recipe creation apparatus,
On the device,
An acquisition means (e.g., acquisition means RP21 shown in FIG. 27(B)) for acquiring a recipe to be used for some or all of the steps of producing a beverage;
A reception unit (e.g., reception unit RP22 shown in FIG. 27B) that receives input of parameters included in a recipe;
and a display control means [for example, display control means RP23 shown in FIG. 27(B)] for displaying a part or all of the recipe acquired by the acquisition means on the display means, and causing the apparatus to execute a recipe creation operation of explaining a first parameter included in the recipe by the display means and accepting an input of the first parameter by the acceptance means, and then explaining a second parameter included in the recipe by the display means and accepting an input of the second parameter by the acceptance means [for example, recipe creation program RP2 shown in FIG. 27(B)].

In the above explanation, any constituent element expressed as "means" can be replaced with "part."

Next, the expert recipe management application will be described. When the expert icon 120ei shown in FIG. 13 is tapped, a table showing parameter names and their setting values in one row each, and a software keyboard (screen keyboard) SKB shown in FIG. 25 are displayed on the display unit of the information display device 12.

Figure 28 shows the parameter names that can be entered when creating an expert recipe.

When creating a recipe using the expert recipe management application, it becomes possible to input parameters that could not be input when creating a recipe using the tour recipe management application. The parameter names shown in FIG. 28 are examples of parameter names that can be input when creating a recipe in the expert, and it may be possible to input even more parameters.

When creating a recipe in an expert, each parameter except for the parameter of the image of the creator is directly input by operating the screen keyboard SKB. The image of the creator is an image captured by the camera 1230 provided on the information display device 12. Note that the input is not limited to direct input by operating the screen keyboard SKB, and selection input from a pull-down list may also be used.

When creating recipes in the expert, an assist function that can be switched on and off is provided. If this assist function is turned off, the recipe will not be completed unless all of the parameters shown in FIG. 28 are entered. On the other hand, if the assist function is turned on, once the required parameters are entered, the remaining parameters are automatically entered by the processing unit 11a according to the values of the entered parameters or standard values, and the recipe is completed.

In Type 4 shown in FIG. 28, information regarding recipe restrictions is set. In Type 4, paid recipe information and publication prohibition information, which are represented by the paid icon Rip described above, are set, but in addition, display restricted recipe information, copy prohibition recipe information, and modification prohibition recipe information, which will be described in detail later, are also set. Once the information regarding recipe restrictions set in Type 4 is set, the setting contents cannot be changed unless the change conditions are satisfied. On the other hand, if the change conditions are satisfied, the setting contents may be changed automatically, or the setting contents may be changed by the user's operation.

Next, we'll explain the recipe restrictions.

Figure 29 shows a display screen showing five recipes ranked.

The display screen shown in FIG. 29 displays recipes in a ranking display format. Here, the ranking display refers to displaying a predetermined number of recipes in order of the number of times they have been selected by users in the past. For example, recipe 1804 corresponds to the beverage information of recipe ID 1 in FIG. 10 (A), and other information such as creator information 1502, bean information 1504, type 1512, and type 1513 are also displayed. In the first place of the ranking, a simplified display 1804d of "Bean A's recommended recipe" is displayed, and in the second place, a simplified display 1805d of "Original recipe 004" is displayed. In addition, in the third place, a simplified display 1806d of "August recommendation #1" is displayed. In each simplified display, an image Im taken by the camera 1230 provided in the information display device 12 when creating the recipe is displayed. Note that this image Im may be an image taken by a camera other than the camera 1230 provided in the information display device 12, and is not limited to an image taken when creating the recipe. In the simplified display 1804d of "Bean A's Recommended Recipe," an image of the recipe creator (an individual) named AAA AAAAAAAAA is displayed. On the other hand, in the simplified display 1806d of "August Recommendation #1," the recipe creator is XX Company (a corporation), and an image of coffee beans is displayed.

In the display screen shown in FIG. 29, the simplified display 1804d of the first place "Bean A Recommended Recipe" is displayed in a grayed-out display mode, and text display LM such as "Please pay" is added. Also, the simplified display 1805d of the second place "Original Recipe 004" is not displayed in a grayed-out display mode, but text display LD such as "Display restrictions apply" is added.

Figure 30 shows the display screen that appears when the simplified display 1806d of the third-ranked "August Recommendation #1" shown in Figure 29 is tapped.

In the display unit of the information display device 12 shown in FIG. 30, a simplified display 1806d of "Recommendations for August #1" is displayed at the top, and icons representing multiple parameters are displayed below it. In the display screen shown in FIG. 30, 12 icons I1 to I12 are displayed in two rows, one above the other. When the next page icon Inx displayed at the bottom center of the display screen is tapped, the next page in which icons representing multiple parameters are displayed is displayed. That is, icons representing parameters from the 13th parameter onwards can be displayed. For each icon, the parameter name is displayed above a figure that symbolizes the content of the parameter in an easy-to-understand manner, and the parameter (set value) is displayed below the figure. Of these icons, the icon I8 for the additional hot water supply amount is displayed in a grayed-out display mode, and a specific value is not displayed. An icon displayed in a grayed-out display mode indicates that the parameter is not set. Note that instead of the icon displayed in a grayed-out display mode, an icon in which another parameter is set may be displayed. In the display screen shown in FIG. 30, the details of the recipe content are displayed by displaying 11 icons. However, only part of the recipe content is displayed, not all of it. The display screen shown in FIG. 30 has a different display format than the display screen shown in FIG. 12.

At the bottom of the display screen shown in FIG. 30, a back icon Ir and a grind icon Id are provided. Tapping the back icon Ir returns to the display screen showing the rankings shown in FIG. 29. Tapping the grind icon Id switches to an accounting screen showing the price of coffee beans (ground beans), and accounting information is sent to a Point of Sale (POS) system (not shown), which then executes accounting processing. Additionally, the coffee bean grinder 1 starts the grinding process S6 shown in FIG. 9.

On the other hand, if you tap on the icon representing the 11 parameters, an input window will appear and you can change the parameters (setting values).

Figure 31 shows the display screen that appears when you tap the first main hot water supply icon I5.

In the display unit of the information display device 12 shown in FIG. 31, an input window IW1 is displayed so as to overlap with icons I1 to I12 representing 12 parameters. In this input window IW1, the maximum value (MAX 60) and the minimum value (MIN 10) of the modifiable range are displayed, and a number sequence W1 in which the numerical values between the maximum value and the minimum value are arranged at intervals of one is displayed. An input frame W2 is arranged in the center of the number sequence W1, and in the input window IW1 shown in FIG. 31, 42 is located in the input frame W2. The number sequence W1 can be moved by a swipe operation, and the numerical value in the input frame W2 can be changed. When the decision icon W3 prepared at the bottom is tapped, the numerical value located in the input frame W2 is stored in the database as a parameter (setting value), and the input window IW1 disappears. In this way, the parameters stored in the database up to that point are overwritten with the new parameters, and the parameter modification is completed. When the grind size of the coffee beans is changed, it may become necessary to modify the extraction conditions of the coffee beverage as well.

As described above, the operation of making the input window IW1 appear from the screen on which icons representing a plurality of parameters are arranged and displayed, and inputting parameters (setting values) was an operation for correcting parameters, but it is the same for creating a new recipe. That is, in creating a new recipe by the standard recipe management application, which is started by tapping the standard icon 120si shown in FIG. 13, parameters (setting values) are input and stored in the database by the same operation. In the creation screen of the new recipe in the standard, for example, icons I1 to I12 representing 12 parameters shown in FIG. 30 are displayed. Here, icons for which no parameters are set are displayed in a grayed-out display mode, such as the icon I8 for the amount of additional hot water supply shown in FIG. 30, and no specific value is displayed. In inputting parameters, when an icon is tapped, an input window IW1 as shown in FIG. 31 appears, and the parameters can be changed by swiping. When the decision icon W3 is tapped with the parameter desired by the recipe creator positioned in the input frame W2, the numerical value positioned in the input frame W2 is stored in the database as the parameter (setting value), and the input window IW1 disappears. This is how new parameters are set.

By tapping the next page icon Inx displayed at the bottom center of the display screen shown in FIG. 30, the thirteenth and subsequent parameters can be input. For example, the next page icon Inx can be tapped once or multiple times to display an icon with the image of the recipe creator as a parameter. The input window IW1 of this icon may be configured to display the image input field H3 shown in FIG. 19. When creating a new recipe in Standard, it is necessary to input the 12 parameters displayed on the display screen corresponding to the first page shown in FIG. 30, but it is optional to input the parameters displayed on the display screens of the second and subsequent pages. For parameters that have not been input on the display screens of the second and subsequent pages, the processing unit 11a automatically inputs values according to the input parameters or standard values, and the recipe is completed. The completed recipe is stored in the server 16 shown in FIG. 8 or in the storage unit 11b of the control device 11 in the coffee bean grinder 1.

Next, a case where the simplified display 1804d of the first ranked "Bean A Recommended Recipe" displayed in a grayed-out display mode as shown in FIG. 29 is tapped will be described. When the simplified display 1804d of the "Bean A Recommended Recipe" displayed in a grayed-out display mode is tapped, no change occurs on the display screen. In other words, the screen does not switch to a screen displaying the details of the recipe as shown in FIG. 30, and the tap operation is not accepted. The recipe of the first ranked "Bean A Recommended Recipe" shown in FIG. 29 is a recipe with a production restriction that cannot be used to grind coffee beans or produce coffee drinks unless a fee is paid. This production restriction can protect the profits of the creator of this recipe. Note that the tap operation is accepted, and this recipe is a paid recipe that cannot be used unless a fee is paid. The display screen may be switched to one that displays an explanation to that effect. The text display LM such as "Please pay" shown in FIG. 29 corresponds to a display that notifies the user of the conditions for removing the restriction.

It should be noted that the production restrictions may be lifted in multiple stages. For example, there may be a full restriction that restricts both the use of ground coffee beans and the use of brewed coffee beverages, a partial restriction that allows the use of ground coffee beans but restricts the use of brewed coffee beverages, and a full lift that allows both the use of ground coffee beans and the use of brewed coffee beverages. The full restriction, partial restriction, and full lift may be determined based on the level of the charge.

When the menu button 120m provided at the top right of the display screen shown in FIG. 11 is tapped, a menu item is displayed in which a billing screen (not shown) is prepared (see FIG. 35). On this billing screen, billing for the recipe "Bean A Recommended Recipe" can be performed. As a specific example, billing is performed by credit card settlement, and the fact that billing has been performed is transmitted to the server 16 shown in FIG. 8. Recipe restrictions are managed in a recipe management database constructed in the server 16.

Figure 32 shows data stored on server 16 that manages recipe restrictions.

As mentioned above, information about paid recipes is recorded in Type 4 for each recipe. Each recipe is stored in a database. In the database, the recipe ID, user ID, and machine ID are each managed.

The server 16 manages the machine IDs held by each user ID, and periodically checks whether communication is possible with the coffee bean grinder 1 or coffee beverage production device of each machine ID. The data shown in FIG. 32 records that communication was not possible with the coffee bean grinder 1 with machine ID 4 (hereinafter referred to as machine ID4) held by a person with user ID 2 (hereinafter referred to as person ID2), and therefore a serviceman from the operating company that operates the server 16 contacted person ID2 and is currently investigating the reason for the inability to communicate.

Furthermore, the server 16 manages usable and unusable recipes by recipe ID for each machine ID. For example, recipes with recipe IDs 1 to 20 are recipes that have been stored in each coffee bean grinder 1 since its initial sale. In the coffee bean grinder 1, the recipes are encrypted and stored in the memory unit 11b of the control device 11. Among the recipes with recipe IDs 1 to 20, recipes with recipe IDs 1 to 15 are usable recipes with no restrictions. On the other hand, recipes with recipe IDs 16 to 20 are recipes with production restrictions that cannot be used to grind coffee beans or produce coffee beverages unless a fee is paid. Even if a recipe with production restrictions is stored in the coffee bean grinder 1, it cannot be used to grind coffee beans unless a production restriction release code is entered. Also, even if a recipe with production restrictions is stored in the coffee beverage production device, it cannot be used to produce coffee beverages unless a production restriction release code is entered. The production restriction release code is a code that is generated for each machine ID, and is invalid if entered into a coffee bean grinder 1 or coffee beverage production device with a different machine ID.

For example, if a person with user ID 1 (hereinafter referred to as ID1 person) performs billing processing for recipe ID 16 using coffee bean grinder 1 with machine ID 2 (hereinafter referred to as ID2 machine), a message is sent to server 16 indicating that billing processing for recipe ID 16 has been performed using ID2 machine. Upon receiving this, server 16 deletes recipe ID 16 from the recipe IDs that cannot be produced by ID2 machine, and adds recipe ID 16 to the recipe IDs that can be produced by ID2 machine. Server 16 then transmits a production restriction release code for the recipe with recipe ID 16 to ID2 machine, and upon receiving this, ID2 machine inputs the production restriction release code, enabling grinding processing S6 using the recipe with recipe ID 16.

For recipes with production restrictions, only data that can be displayed in a simplified manner as shown in FIG. 29 is stored in the coffee bean grinder 1 or coffee beverage production device, and when the billing process is performed, the server 16 transmits the entire recipe data instead of a production restriction release code, allowing grinding process S6 and the production of a coffee beverage according to the recipe.

To further supplement the data shown in FIG. 32, the ID1 person creates recipe ID32 with machine ID2. When creating the recipe, the recipe ID32 is registered as a recipe with production restrictions that cannot be used to grind coffee beans or produce coffee drinks unless a fee is paid. Since the recipe ID32 is a recipe created with the machine, the ID2 machine can grind coffee beans and produce coffee drinks using this recipe, and is registered as a recipe ID that can be produced in the server 16. However, even in other machines of the ID1 person (coffee bean grinder 1 with machine ID1 and coffee drink production device with machine ID3), the recipe ID32 is not registered as a recipe ID that can be produced. Note that the recipe data of recipe ID32 may be transmitted via the server 16 to other machines with the same user ID, enabling grinding coffee beans and producing coffee drinks. The recipe ID32 created by the ID1 person is made public as a recipe with production restrictions. For example, the recipe ID32 is made public as data that can be displayed simply as shown in FIG. 29 or as recipe information as shown in FIG. 12, but not all of the parameters necessary for producing coffee drinks are made public. A person with user ID 3 (hereafter referred to as ID3) sees the public release of the recipe with recipe ID 32, and performs the billing process for recipe ID 32 using coffee bean grinder 1 with machine ID 5 (hereafter referred to as machine ID5), which enables grinding coffee beans using the recipe with recipe ID 32 in machine ID5.

Person ID2 creates recipe ID23 using machine ID4. When creating the recipe, recipe ID23 is registered as a recipe with no production restrictions. This recipe ID23 is also made public, and person ID3 can download recipe ID23 free of charge from server 16 to each of the two machines he owns (machine ID5 and coffee bean grinder 1 with machine ID6), and use this recipe to grind coffee beans.

Even if the recipe allows grinding coffee beans and producing a coffee drink, the grinding of coffee beans and the production of a coffee drink may be prevented unless the communication confirmation code is input at regular intervals. Alternatively, the grinding process S6 of the coffee bean grinder 1 itself may be prevented from being executed unless the communication confirmation code is input at regular intervals. The communication confirmation code is transmitted from the server 16 when the server 16 periodically checks whether communication with the coffee bean grinder 1 or the coffee drink production device of each machine ID is possible. In this way, even if the coffee bean grinder 1 or the coffee drink production device is lost together with the user, the value of the coffee bean grinder 1 and the coffee drink production device and the value of the recipe can be protected. In the above example, a configuration has been described in which the recipe information is downloaded to the coffee bean grinder 1 or the coffee drink production device and is restricted so that grinding of coffee beans and the production of a coffee drink cannot be performed. However, for example, the recipe information required for producing a coffee drink may be completely prevented from being downloaded, or the information may be deleted after being downloaded, thereby preventing the production of a coffee drink.

In the above example, the configuration in which the production limit is lifted by charging has been described, but the conditions for lifting the production limit may be other than charging, and the production limit may be lifted when any of these conditions are met, or when multiple conditions are met. For example, while the production limit may be lifted by charging, the production limit may be lifted without charging if the number of days the recipe has been published has passed a set number of days, passed a set date and time, or is within a set period. Also, the production limit may be lifted by charging only when the number of days the recipe has been published has passed a set number of days, passed a set date and time, or is within a set period. Also, a state in which no production limit is imposed may be changed to a state in which a production limit is imposed depending on a condition. For example, a production limit may be imposed when the number of times the recipe is produced reaches a set number, passed a set date and time, or is within a set period.

Next, we will explain what happens when you tap the simplified display 1805d of the second-ranked "Original Recipe 004" shown in Figure 29.

Figure 33 shows the display screen that appears when the simplified display 1805d of the second-ranked "Original Recipe 004" shown in Figure 29 is tapped.

The display unit of the information display device 12 shown in FIG. 33 displays a simplified display 1805d of "Original Recipe 004" at the top, with icons representing multiple parameters displayed in a row below that. The display screen shown in FIG. 33 displays 12 icons I1 to I12 arranged in two rows, one above the other. Note that the next page icon Inx displayed at the bottom center of the display screen can be tapped to display the next page, on which icons representing the 13th and subsequent parameters are displayed.

In the simplified display 1805d of the second-ranked "original recipe 004" shown in FIG. 29, a text display LD such as "display restriction exists" was added. In the display screen shown in FIG. 33, the parameters (setting values) of the icons I4 to I7 of the parameters related to the amount of hot water are hidden. The text display LD such as "display restriction exists" on the ranking display screen in FIG. 29 suggests that there is a restriction that the parameters related to the amount of hot water are not displayed. Even if the user tries to check the parameters related to the amount of hot water in other display modes, the parameters related to the amount of hot water are not displayed in any display mode. The display restriction here is a restriction to protect the secrecy of the recipe, especially the secrecy of the manufacturing conditions, and the recipe can be used. That is, when the grind icon Id shown in FIG. 29 is tapped, the screen switches to an accounting screen displaying the price of coffee beans (ground beans), and the accounting information is sent to a Point of Sale (POS) system (not shown), and the POS system executes accounting processing. In addition, the grinding process S6 shown in FIG. 9 is started in the coffee bean grinder 1. Note that the display restriction here applies to some of the parameters that make up the recipe, but it may apply to all of the parameters. Also, the display restriction may apply to all of the parameters for the manufacturing method shown in FIG. 10(A).

The display restriction of some or all of the parameters of a recipe can be set by the recipe creator when creating the recipe. Information on a recipe with a display restriction is set to Type 4. It is possible to set a display restriction on a recipe with a production restriction that cannot be used to produce a coffee drink unless a fee is charged, even if a fee is charged. In addition, the display restriction on parameters for recipes that can be used to grind coffee beans or produce coffee drinks may be lifted by charging. In addition to charging, the display restriction may be lifted when the number of productions reaches a set value, for example. As an example of a display restriction, parameters for the amount of beans and the amount of hot water supplied may be displayed, and other parameters may not be displayed. As another example, only the bean grinding size may not be displayed, and other parameters may be displayed. In other words, displayable parameters may be set (parameters that are not set cannot be displayed), or non-displayable parameters may be set (parameters that are not set can be displayed). In addition, when creating a new recipe by copying a recipe, the display restriction may be set in the same way as when creating a normal recipe. In this case, for example, the range of display restrictions that can be set when duplicating may be set when the original recipe is created, such that the same restrictions are imposed when duplicating as in the original recipe.

In addition to the production and display restrictions described above, there are also restrictions on recipes, such as modification restrictions, which limit the range of modifications that can be made, and copy restrictions, which limit the range of copies that can be made. Modification and copy restrictions can also be set by the recipe creator when creating the recipe. Information on recipes with modification restrictions and copy restrictions is set to Type 4. Note that even if a recipe has a production restriction that means it cannot be used to grind coffee beans or make coffee drinks without a fee, it is possible to impose modification and copy restrictions. Also, various restrictions may be lifted by charging a fee. Furthermore, in addition to charging, various restrictions may be lifted when, for example, the number of productions reaches a set value.

Even when displaying the contents of a recipe that has modification restrictions, icons I1 to I12 representing multiple parameters, as shown in Figure 30, will be displayed.

Figure 34 shows the screen that appears when you tap icon I5 for the first main hot water supply amount for a recipe that is prohibited from being modified due to modification restrictions.

The display unit of the information display device 12 shown in FIG. 34 does not display the input window IW1, and instead, a change prohibition window RW appears. In this change prohibition window RW, the number sequence W1 shown in FIG. 31 is not displayed, and only the parameter value already set (40 in this case) is displayed, and it cannot be changed. A text display such as the following is displayed. After the change prohibition window RW is displayed for a predetermined time, it automatically disappears, and the display unit of the information display device 12 returns to the display screen shown in FIG. 29. The modification restriction here is intended to ensure that the recipe of the recipe creator is faithfully reproduced. For example, if a recipe created by a world-famous barista is modified without the barista's permission and coffee beans or coffee drinks are sold, the coffee beans or coffee drinks will no longer be what the world-famous barista intended, and the taste and aroma may be different, which may damage the reputation of the barista. The modification restriction is also intended to prevent such a thing from happening.

The modification restriction here may be applied to some of the parameters constituting the recipe, or to all of the parameters. The modification restriction may be applied to some or all of the parameters for the manufacturing method shown in FIG. 10(A). As an example, the parameters for the amount of beans and the amount of hot water may not be changed, while the other parameters may be changed. As another example, only the amount of beans may be changed, while the other parameters may not be changed. That is, it may be possible to set changeable parameters (parameters that are not set cannot be changed), or to set unchangeable parameters (parameters that are not set can be changed). For example, in the example of FIG. 30, the amount of additional hot water is grayed out, but it may be possible to change the valid/invalid state of the parameters in the initial state of the recipe, such as by setting a numerical value for this parameter. The modification restriction may not be limited to a configuration that allows or prohibits modification of the entire range of parameters, but may be limited to a range in which the parameters can be changed. In addition, when a recipe is copied, the same restrictions as those of the original recipe may be imposed, and the range of modification restrictions that can be set at the time of copying may be set when the original recipe is created.

Figure 35 shows how menu items are expanded by tapping the menu button 120m located in the upper right corner of the display screen shown in Figure 12.

The menu items ME displayed on the display unit of the information display device 12 shown in FIG. 35 include an item ME1 for returning to the home screen (for example, the display screen of the recipe list shown in FIG. 11), an item ME2 for displaying a ranking display, an item ME3 for displaying a list of recipe management applications shown in FIG. 13, an item ME4 for displaying the above-mentioned billing screen, a recipe copy item ME5 for copying the recipe of the currently displayed recipe information (here, the recipe of "Daito Blend"), and other items ME6. Among these items, the recipe copy item ME5 is displayed in a grayed-out display mode, and even if the item of the recipe copy item ME5 is tapped, the value of the parameter included in the recipe of "Daito Blend" cannot be copied. In other words, the recipe of "Daito Blend" is prohibited from being copied due to the copy restriction. Copying a recipe is used when creating a new recipe with reference to a copied recipe. For example, it is convenient to be able to copy a recipe when you want to make modifications to a recipe you created previously while leaving the recipe as it is. However, just like modifying a recipe, if creating a new recipe based on someone else's recipe, especially one created by a famous barista, is considered to be recipe theft, this behavior should be prohibited. Copy restrictions can be used as a means to prohibit this behavior.

As explained using FIG. 34, some recipes have restrictions on modification, but some parameters may actively encourage modification. For example, depending on the environment in which the coffee bean grinder 1 is installed or the environment in which the coffee beverage production device is installed, it may be better to modify the parameters. For example, in a coffee beverage production device, the air pressure in the extraction container is controlled according to a recipe, but since the air pressure in the extraction container varies depending on the altitude of the location where the coffee beverage production device is installed, the desired pressure may not be achieved. For this reason, a pressure sensor is provided in the coffee beverage production device, and the pressure of the pressurized fluid supplied to the extraction container is modified according to the sensor signal from the pressure sensor.

Figure 36 shows the display screen for modifying the parameters of the air pressure delivered by the compressor.

When the icon I12 of the delivery pressure shown in FIG. 30 is tapped, the input window IW2 shown in FIG. 36 appears on the display unit of the information display device 12. In the input window IW2 shown in FIG. 36, the maximum value (MAX 3.0) and the minimum value (MIN 1.2) of the correctable range are displayed, as in the input window IW1 shown in FIG. 31, and a sequence W4 in which the numerical values between the maximum value and the minimum value are arranged at intervals of 0.1 is displayed. The input frame W2 is arranged in the center of the sequence W4, and in the input window IW2 shown in FIG. 36, 2.0 is located in the input frame W2. The user can move the sequence W4 by a swipe operation, and can change the numerical value of the input frame W2 to a desired value within the correctable range. Furthermore, in the input window IW2 shown in FIG. 36, an air pressure correction icon W5 is prepared in the lower right. When the air pressure correction icon W5 is tapped, air pressure correction is performed according to the altitude of the place where the coffee bean grinder 1 and the coffee beverage production device are installed. Since the atmospheric pressure decreases the higher the altitude of the installation location, for example, if the pressure management of a coffee beverage production device is based on the atmospheric pressure at an altitude of 0 m, the atmospheric pressure correction will also lower the parameter value the higher the altitude of the installation location of the coffee beverage production device is above 0 m. Conversely, the parameter value will be increased the lower the altitude of the installation location of the coffee beverage production device is below 0 m.

The temperature and humidity of the installation environment of the coffee bean grinder 1 and the coffee beverage manufacturing device may also affect the taste and aroma of the coffee beans and the coffee beverage. The grind size of the beans, the amount of steaming water, the steaming time, the hot water tank temperature, etc. may be corrected according to the temperature of the installation environment. The grind size of the beans, the amount of steaming water, the steaming time, etc. may also be corrected according to the humidity of the installation environment. Furthermore, the installation environment also includes the hardness and pH of the water in the area where the device is installed. The amount of beans, grind size of the beans, amount of hot water injected, etc. may be corrected according to the hardness and pH of the water.

In the above description,
"An acquisition means for acquiring recipes to be used for some or all of the processes of beverage production [e.g., an information display device 12 and a control device 11];
a processing means (e.g., a processing unit 11a) that executes processing (e.g., processing for controlling the rotary blades in the grinding device 5, etc.) by referring to parameters (e.g., amount of beans, grinding size of beans, amount of steaming water, steaming time, amount of extracted water (amount of injected water), amount of first main hot water supply, amount of second main hot water supply, amount of pressurized hot water supply, extraction pressure, extraction time, stationary time before rotation, stationary time after rotation, delivery time, delivery pressure, name of beans, country of origin of beans, roasting level of beans, name of recipe creator, etc.) included in the recipe acquired by the acquisition means;
an adjustment means (for example, the actuator group 14 (the grinding device 5 or the extraction device) shown in FIG. 8) that operates according to the process executed by the processing means and performs adjustment using coffee beans;
A coffee machine (e.g., a coffee bean grinder 1, a coffee extraction device, a coffee machine equipped with the coffee bean grinder 1 and the coffee extraction device),
The acquisition means is capable of acquiring recipes with restrictions (e.g., restrictions on grinding coffee beans or making coffee drinks, restrictions on displaying a part or all of the recipe, restrictions on modification, restrictions on copying, etc.).
A coffee machine characterized by the above.
He explained:

The term "preparation" refers to grinding the coffee beans and extracting a coffee beverage from the ground coffee beans.

Furthermore, there may be multiple types of adjustment means and the recipe may include parameters for each of the multiple types of adjustment means, or one adjustment means may have multiple types of parameters and the recipe may include multiple types of parameters for one adjustment means.

The restricted recipe may be one that has been downloaded from a server via a communication network. In this case, the restriction may be that downloading is prohibited.

The coffee machine may also include an acquisition unit [e.g., I/F unit 11c] that acquires a recipe including parameters, an adjustment means that performs adjustments using coffee beans [e.g., actuator group 14 (grinding device 5 or extraction device) shown in FIG. 8], and a control unit [e.g., control device 11 or processing unit 11a] that controls the adjustment means according to the parameters included in the recipe acquired by the acquisition unit.

Also,
"A storage means [e.g., a storage unit 11b] is provided that stores the recipe with the restriction,
The acquisition means (e.g., the processing unit 11a) acquires the recipe with the restriction from the storage means.
A coffee machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Also,
"The restriction means that it is not possible to produce a beverage using the recipe [for example, a usage restriction that means that the recipe cannot be used without paying a fee] [for example, a simplified display 1804d of the No. 1 "Recommended Recipe for Bean A" displayed in a grayed-out display mode as shown in FIG. 29 and with a text display LM such as "Please pay" added],
A coffee machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Also,
" Equipped with a display means [e.g., a display unit of the information display device 12],
The restriction means that a part of the information representing the recipe [for example, a parameter related to the amount of hot water] or all of the information is not displayed on the display means [for example, the parameters (setting values) of the icons I4 to I7 of the parameters related to the amount of hot water shown in FIG. 33 are not displayed].
A coffee machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Also,
"The restriction means prohibiting the creation of a copy of the recipe (for example, the recipe copy item ME5 shown in FIG. 35 in a grayed-out display mode)."
A coffee machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Also,
"The recipe with the restriction can be made into a recipe without the restriction by paying a fee [for example, the recipe with recipe ID 32 that can be used on the coffee machine with machine ID 5 owned by the user with user ID 3 in FIG. 32].
A coffee machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Also,
"The restriction means prohibiting modification of the contents of the recipe, in whole or in part, (for example, by displaying a modification prohibition window RW shown in FIG. 34 and displaying text such as "Modifications not permitted").
A coffee machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Also,
"The parameters are adjustable according to the installation environment of the coffee machine [e.g., altitude] [e.g., correction by tapping the air pressure correction icon W5 shown in FIG. 36],
A coffee machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

The installation environment also includes temperature, humidity, and the hardness and pH of the water in the area where the device is installed.
"The recipe is encrypted [for example, the recipe stored in the memory unit 11b is encrypted],
A coffee machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

The coffee machine described above may also be "a device equipped with an acquisition means for acquiring a recipe used in some or all of the steps of beverage production, characterized in that the acquisition means is capable of acquiring a recipe with restrictions." The features of the coffee machine described above can be applied to this device. This device may be a coffee machine such as a coffee maker with a hot water supply function. Alternatively, it may be an electronic device (e.g., a mobile terminal) that does not have a production function. It may also be a grinding device 5.

In addition, in the above explanation, any constituent element expressed as "means" can be replaced with "part."

Next, we will explain an example in which comments are set for the parameters in the recipe described above.

Figure 37 (A) is a diagram showing an example of a state in which comments are displayed on the recipe display screen shown in Figure 30. In this example, the recipe information includes comment information for parameters, and the comment information is displayed by double-tapping the icon corresponding to the parameter. Figure 37 (A) shows a state in which the corresponding comment information is displayed by double-tapping the steaming water volume icon I4 from the state shown in Figure 30. Specifically, from a state in which icons I1 to I12 representing 12 parameters are displayed on the display unit of the information display device 12, a comment window CW is displayed so as to overlap part of the display. Note that this comment information is not limited to a configuration in which it can be input by the recipe creator, but may also be a configuration in which it can be input by the user who has downloaded the recipe information.

In this comment window CW, a comment on the amount of steaming water is displayed, saying, "2020/1/15: Revised from 35cc after tasting by barista "L. HHH." In this way, by using comments on a recipe, it is possible to deepen understanding of the recipe or display information for adjusting parameters to suit preferences. If there is more to the comment, it is possible to scroll and display the rest by swiping. Also, the comment window CW can be closed by tapping it. For parameters that do not contain comment information, nothing is displayed even if the icon is double-tapped, but it is also possible to display "No comment."

In the example of FIG. 33, the parameters (setting values) of the hot water volume parameter icons I4 to I7 are set to hidden, but when the parameters are set to hidden, the corresponding comments are not displayed even when these icons are double-tapped. However, as shown in FIG. 37(B), even when the parameters are set to hidden, the corresponding comments may be displayed when these icons are double-tapped. FIG. 37(B) shows a state in which the comment window CW is displayed as in FIG. 37(A) by double-tapping the steaming hot water volume icon I4, whose parameter is set to hidden, from the state shown in FIG. 33. By displaying the corresponding comments even when the parameters are set to hidden, it may be possible to arouse the interest of users who see the comments in the parameter setting values and encourage them to pay a fee to cancel the hidden setting.

As in the examples of Fig. 37(A) and Fig. 37(B), the comment corresponding to the parameter may be set according to whether the parameter is displayed or not, or may be set separately from whether the parameter is displayed or not. In addition, when displaying the comment, the content to be displayed may be restricted so that only a part of the comment is displayed. For example, in Fig. 37(A), an example in which both the parameter and the comment corresponding to the parameter are displayed is described, but Fig. 38(A) shows an example in which the content to be displayed for the comment is restricted. In the example of Fig. 38(A), the comment window CW is displayed similarly to Fig. 37(A), but only a part of the comment described in Fig. 37(A) is displayed. In Fig. 37(B), an example in which the comment corresponding to the parameter is displayed when the parameter is not displayed is described, but Fig. 38(B) shows an example in which the content to be displayed for the comment is restricted. In the example of Fig. 38(B), the comment window CW is displayed similarly to Fig. 37(B), but only a part of the comment described in Fig. 37(B) is displayed. It should be noted that it may be possible to cancel the hiding of comments and restrictions on the content displayed by paying a fee, allowing comments to be displayed again.

The parameters to which the above-described comments are to be added are not particularly limited. For example, comments may be added only to specific parameters (e.g., grain size, amount of water, whether or not steaming is performed), or conversely, comments may not be added only to specific parameters. For example, only a part of the comment may be displayed only for a specific parameter, or conversely, only a part of the comment may not be displayed only for a specific parameter. When multiple comments are added to the same parameter, each comment may be set to be displayed, hidden, or partially displayed. Furthermore, comments that are displayed or hidden depending on the contents of the parameter may be set, for example, a comment that is displayed only when the parameter is equal to or lower than a specific value. When creating a new recipe by duplicating a recipe, the configuration may be such that it is possible to set whether comments can be added or not, and the range of restrictions on the display of comments, as when creating a normal recipe. In this case, for example, the same restrictions as those of the original recipe may be imposed when duplicating, and the settings of the comments at the time of duplication may be set when creating the original recipe.

In addition, in the above example, a configuration was described in which recipe information includes comment information for parameters, but for example, comment information may be stored separately from recipe information, and the method and storage area for comment information are not limited to the above example. Note that by managing recipe information and comment information on the same device, management of this information can be made easier.

In the above description,
"A coffee machine (e.g., a coffee bean grinder 1, a coffee extraction device, a coffee machine equipped with the coffee bean grinder 1 and the coffee extraction device) that acquires recipe information used for some or all of the steps of coffee production and performs adjustments using coffee beans by referring to parameters included in the recipe information,
A memory unit (memory unit 11b) is provided in which comments regarding the parameters are stored.
A coffee machine characterized by the above.
He explained:

Also,
"The display range of the comments stored in the storage unit can be set (for example, FIG. 37 and FIG. 38 ).
A coffee machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Also,
"The recipe information is acquired from the storage unit.
A coffee machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Also,
The recipe information may have restrictions on its use (see, for example, FIG. 29).
A coffee machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Also,
"Regarding the recipe information that has a restriction that prohibits grinding coffee beans, the recipe information cannot be used to grind coffee beans (for example, FIG. 32).
A coffee machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Also,
"Regarding the recipe information that has a restriction that prohibits the production of a coffee drink, the recipe information cannot be used to produce a coffee drink (for example, FIG. 32).
A coffee machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Also,
"For recipe information for which restrictions are set for the display content, the display of information that exceeds the range of the restrictions is restricted (for example, FIG. 33).
A coffee machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Also,
"Regarding the recipe information for which restrictions are set for duplication, information that exceeds the scope of the restrictions cannot be duplicated (for example, FIG. 35).
A coffee machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Also,
"For recipe information for which restrictions are set for changes, the recipe information cannot be changed beyond the scope of the restrictions (for example, FIG. 34).
A coffee machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Also,
"It is possible to remove restrictions on the recipe information by paying a fee.
A coffee machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Also,
"The parameters can be adjusted according to the installation environment (for example, FIG. 36).
A coffee machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Also,
"The recipe information is encrypted.
A coffee machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Also,
"A coffee making system (e.g., FIG. 8) equipped with an external device (e.g., a server 16, a mobile terminal 17) capable of communicating with the coffee machine."
He also explained:

Also,
"A recipe acquisition step for acquiring recipe information to be used for a part or all of the processes of preparation using coffee beans;
and performing an adjustment using coffee beans by referring to parameters included in the recipe information.
A method for preparing a beverage (e.g., a method for grinding coffee beans or a method for producing a beverage in a coffee machine)
He also explained:

Also,
"A recipe display step for displaying the recipe information is provided between the recipe acquisition step and the adjustment step,
The adjustment method is characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Also,
"In the recipe display step, comments regarding the parameters may be displayed (for example, FIG. 37 and FIG. 38).
The adjustment method is characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Also,
The recipe information may have restrictions on its use (see, for example, FIG. 29).
The adjustment method is characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Also,
"Regarding the recipe information that has a restriction that prohibits grinding coffee beans, the recipe information cannot be used to grind coffee beans (for example, FIG. 32).
The adjustment method is characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Also,
"Regarding the recipe information that has a restriction that prohibits the production of a coffee drink, the recipe information cannot be used to produce a coffee drink (for example, FIG. 32).
The adjustment method is characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Also,
"For the recipe information in which restrictions are set for the display content, the display of information exceeding the range of the restrictions is restricted in the recipe display step (for example, FIG. 33).
The adjustment method is characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Also,
"A recipe creation step for creating the recipe information before the recipe acquisition step,
In the recipe creation step, it is possible to create new recipe information by duplicating the recipe information,
Regarding the recipe information for which a restriction is set for duplication, information exceeding the range of the restriction cannot be duplicated in the recipe creation step (for example, FIG. 35).
The adjustment method is characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Also,
"A recipe change step for changing the recipe information is provided between the recipe acquisition step and the beverage production step,
For the recipe information for which a restriction is set for change, the recipe information cannot be changed beyond the range of the restriction in the recipe change step (for example, FIG. 34 ).
The adjustment method is characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Also,
"By paying a fee, the restrictions on the recipe information will be lifted.
The adjustment method is characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Also,
"A parameter adjustment step (e.g., FIG. 36) capable of adjusting the parameters according to the installation environment is provided between the recipe acquisition step and the beverage production step.
The adjustment method is characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Also,
"The recipe information is encrypted.
The adjustment method is characterized by the above.
He also explained:

<5. Order information, grind recipes and operation examples>
Below, examples of operations for order information will be described with reference to Figs. 39 to 44, while referring to the flow of control processing explained with reference to Fig. 9. Figs. 39 to 41 are diagrams showing how order information is entered. Fig. 42 is a diagram showing how order information is changed. Fig. 43 is a diagram showing an example of control parameters for the grinder 5B for an order. Fig. 44 is a diagram showing an example of a display during execution of grind processing.

In this example, it is assumed that an application for sending order information about ground coffee beans is installed on the mobile terminal 17. FIG. 39 shows an example of an input screen for order information using this application. This input screen displays an order title input field 171, an input table 172 for specifying the ratio of the grind size of the coffee beans when they are ground, a fine to coarse grind button 173a for instructing how to grind from fine to coarse, a coarse to fine grind button 173b for instructing how to grind from coarse to fine, a graph area 174 for displaying the contents entered in the input table 172 in a graph, a send button 175 for sending the order information, and a recipe registration button 176 for registering the order information as a grind recipe.

Figure 40 shows an example of an input screen with order information entered. In this input screen, the characters "Geisha for French Press" are entered in the title input field 171. In the input table 172, "40" indicating the percentage of 200 μm grain size and "60" indicating the percentage of 800 μm grain size are entered, and the total percentage is shown to be "100". In addition, it is shown that comments corresponding to the grain size of 200 μm, the grain size of 800 μm, and the total have been entered. In addition, the coarse to fine grind button 173b has been selected. In the graph area 174, the contents entered in the input table 172 are displayed in a graph. In this graph, two peaks are shown, of which the left peak indicates that the grain size of 200 μm is 40% and the right peak indicates that the grain size of 800 μm is 60%.

In the graph area 174, the contents input to the input table 172 can be indirectly changed by dragging a part of the graph. FIG. 41 shows an example in which the right-hand peak of the two peaks in the graph area 174 shown in FIG. 40 is moved to the left. This operation changes the "60" indicating the proportion of the 800 μm particle size input in the input table 172 to "0", and the "0" indicating the proportion of the 600 μm particle size to "60". Such an input method by dragging the graph is not limited to changing the particle size, and may also change the proportion. For example, it may be possible to increase or decrease the proportion of the corresponding particle size by dragging a part of the graph up or down.

In the example of FIG. 41, after a value is input to input table 172, the value input to input table 172 is changed by dragging a part of the graph. This configuration is not limited to the above, and it is also possible to display an initial state graph (a flat straight line, shown by a thick line in FIG. 39) in graph area 174 from the state before a value is input to input table 172 (initial state), and drag this graph to set the value of input table 172.

By using a graph as an input method like the one above, users can set the granularity ratio more intuitively.

Also, by increasing or decreasing the magnitude of one peak, the magnitudes of other peaks may be increased or decreased relatively, such that increasing the magnitude of one peak causes the magnitudes of other peaks to be decreased relatively. In cases where the size of the graph area 174 is limited, the graph area 174 can be used more effectively.

After setting the title, the grain size ratio, the grinding method (fine to coarse, coarse to fine), and the amount of coffee beans (not shown in Figures 39 to 41), tapping the send button 175 sends the order information to the control device 11 of the coffee bean grinder 1 via the communication network 15. Note that the order information may be sent to the server 16 once, and then sent to the coffee bean grinder 1 via the server 16 and the communication network 15.

Here, the order information such as the title, the grain size ratio, the grinding method (fine to coarse, coarse to fine), and the amount of coffee beans are set, but it is also possible to save this order information and use it as a grind recipe. In this case, by tapping the recipe registration button 176, the order information is sent to the server 16 via the communication network 15. The server 16 also manages the grind recipe in a database, and a grind recipe ID is assigned to the order information sent here and stored. When sending to the server 16, it is also possible to set restrictions on the recipe. For example, a screen for selecting various restrictions such as prohibition of production (grinding), prohibition of display, prohibition of download, prohibition of copying, and prohibition of modification may be displayed on the mobile terminal 17. In addition, on the above screen, it is also possible to set the method of releasing these restrictions (charge, lapse of a period, use more than a certain number of times due to charging, etc.). In addition, the creator's comments entered are also stored as part of the grind recipe, and the comments can also be displayed when the recipe is displayed.

Furthermore, the chaff removal strength (chaff removal rate) (%) may be set as order information and grind recipe.

When the order information is received, the information display device 12 displays the contents of the received order information (Yes in step S1 of FIG. 9, step S2). FIG. 42(A) shows an example in which the control device 11 receives the order information transmitted with the contents shown in FIG. 41, and the contents are displayed on the information display device 12. Specifically, the title entered in the title input field 171 of FIG. 41 and the contents of the input table 172, excluding the lines of the grain size with a ratio of 0 and a blank comment field (lines of grain sizes 400 μm and 1000 μm in FIG. 41), are displayed in the reception table 121. Furthermore, the grind instruction field 122 shows that the grind method for changing from coarse to fine grind has been instructed by selecting the coarse to fine grind button 173b in FIG. 41. The bean amount field 123 shows the amount of beans received (60 g in this example). The amount of beans may be set separately by the store.

When the grind start button 124 is tapped in this state, the coffee beans are ground (details will be described later), but before the grind start button 124 is tapped, the order information can be changed (No in step S3, Yes in step S4, step S5 in FIG. 9). If the order information is changed, the coffee beans are ground in accordance with this information. Depending on the temperature and humidity during grinding, the coffee beans may end up being ground fine (or coarse), but this can be adjusted by changing the order information on the store side.

For example, suppose that the order information shown in FIG. 42(A) is received, but the humidity is low, resulting in the coffee grounds being too fine. In this case, as shown in FIG. 42(B), the "40" indicating the percentage of 200 μm grounds is changed to "45", and the "60" indicating the percentage of 600 μm grounds is changed to "55" in the reception table 121, thereby adjusting the coffee grounds to a coarse size and the desired grind size. In the example shown in FIG. 42(B), the comment "low humidity → percentage increase" is added to the comment field, and such a comment may convey information such as the reason for the correction. As described above, the order information (here, the grind size) can be adjusted according to the installation environment of the coffee bean grinder 1.

The display screen of the information display device 12 also has a recipe registration button 125, so that the order information can be registered as a grind recipe in the server 16 from the information display device 12 (coffee bean grinder 1). The grind recipe, including parameters modified according to the installation environment of the coffee bean grinder 1, can be saved in the server 16 with comments. The grind recipe may also include environmental information (temperature, humidity, air pressure, etc.) at the time of creating the order information (recipe). A temperature and humidity sensor and an air pressure sensor may be provided in the coffee bean grinder 1, and when the recipe registration button 125 is tapped, the environmental information acquired by these sensors may be automatically added to the grind recipe. Furthermore, when transmitting from the coffee bean grinder 1 to the server 16, a selection screen may be displayed on the display screen of the information display device 12, allowing the user to set restrictions on the recipe. The selection screen may also allow the user to set a method for releasing these restrictions.

In addition, the order information may be encrypted and stored as a grind recipe in the memory unit 11b of the control device 11 in the coffee bean grinder 1. The order information may also be encrypted and stored as a grind recipe in the memory unit 11b from the mobile terminal 17.

The grind recipe registered in this way can also be used in a coffee beverage manufacturing device equipped with a coffee bean grinder 1 and a coffee extraction device.

Next, the operation after tapping the grind start button 124 will be described using as an example the case where the grind start button 124 is tapped in the state shown in FIG. 42(B). When the grind start button 124 is tapped, the grinding process of the coffee beans is executed according to the order information (Yes in step S3 of FIG. 9, step S6). FIG. 43(A) shows the grind size and its ratio specified in FIG. 42(B).

In this grinding process, the grinder 5B is controlled to grind the coffee beans while changing the blade spacing (the spacing between the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b) at a predetermined interval (for example, in 50 μm increments) so that the particle size distribution of the ground coffee beans produced spreads to a certain range (in this embodiment, a range of ±100 to 150 μm) relative to the particle size of the ground coffee beans specified in the order information. For example, FIG. 43(B) shows that the operating time is set for operating the grinder 5B while changing the blade spacing in the range of 50 to 350 μm for the particle size of 200 μm specified in FIG. 43(A). Also, FIG. 43(B) shows that the operating time is set for operating the grinder 5B while changing the blade spacing in the range of 450 to 700 μm for the particle size of 600 μm specified in FIG. 43(A). Furthermore, Fig. 43(D) shows a graph of the operating time for each blade spacing of the grinder 5B shown in Fig. 43(B). Note that the blade spacing of the grinder 5B and its operating time set here correspond to the particle size distribution of the ground coffee beans to be produced, so it can also be said that the particle size distribution is set.

In the above example, it is assumed that it takes a total of 30 seconds to produce 60 g of ground coffee beans as specified in the order information. 45% (13.5 seconds) of this operation time is allocated to operation for a particle size of 200 μm. In the above example, the blade spacing of grinder 5B is changed in the range of 50 to 350 μm for a specified particle size of 200 μm, so 13.5 seconds of operation time is allocated to grinding operation in this range. In addition, in FIG. 43 (B), the total operation time of the grinder in the range of 50 to 350 μm is 13.5 seconds. In addition, 55% (16.5 seconds) of the total operation time of 30 seconds is allocated to operation for a particle size of 600 μm. In the above example, the blade spacing of grinder 5B is changed in the range of 450 to 700 μm for a specified particle size of 600 μm, so 16.5 seconds of operation time is allocated to grinding operation in this range. In FIG. 43(B), the total operating time of the grinder in the 450 to 700 μm interval range is 16.5 seconds. As explained above, the operating time shown in FIG. 43(B) is derived from the time required to produce ground coffee beans. In FIG. 43(B), an example is shown in which the ranges of the blade intervals of grinder 5B for the two specified grind sizes do not overlap, but if these ranges overlap, the operating time for that portion is added.

As explained in the example of FIG. 43(B), the particle size of the ground coffee beans can be dispersed by producing ground coffee beans while changing the blade spacing of the grinder 5B. Coffee extracted from ground coffee beans with dispersed particle sizes can have a variety of flavors compared to coffee extracted from ground coffee beans without dispersed particle sizes. For people who do not like such flavors, the operating time may be set as shown in FIG. 43(C), for example. In FIG. 43(C), the operating time of the grinder 5B is set only for operation with the blade spacing equal to the particle size specified in the order information, corresponding to a particle size distribution with reduced particle size dispersion. These configurations are just examples, and it is also possible to specify the range of particle size distribution when specifying the particle size.

In the example of FIG. 43(B), the operating time is longest when the blade spacing is the same as the particle size specified in the order information, and the operating time becomes shorter as the difference between the specified particle size and the blade spacing of the grinder 5B increases. However, for example, the operating time may be set to the same value for operations with blade spacing of the grinder 5B of ±50 μm for the specified particle size, or multiple particle size distribution patterns may be provided to allow a selection from among them.

In addition, it may be possible to input operation time information such as that shown in FIG. 43(B) when creating order information, and if the order information includes operation time information, the grinding process may be performed according to this information.

Furthermore, the operating time information shown in Figures 43(B) and 43(c) (pattern of changing the spacing between the blades of grinder 5B) may also be stored in server 16 or memory unit 11b as part of the grind recipe.

Note that, although two types of granularity values are set in FIG. 43(A), the number of types of granularity for which values are specified may be one type rather than multiple types. For example, if one type of granularity value is set, the operating time is set based on this value.

In this embodiment, there are two types of grinding methods in the grinder 5B: one is to change from a fine grind state to a coarse grind state, and the other is to change from a coarse grind state to a fine grind state. Either grinding method is specified using the fine to coarse grind button 173a and the coarse to fine grind button 173b described in Figures 40 to 41. When the grinding method from a fine grind state to a coarse grind state is specified, the grinder 5B is operated for the operation time set for each interval while widening the interval between the blades of the grinder 5B from 50 μm to 1000 μm. On the other hand, when the grinding method from a coarse grind state to a fine grind state is specified, the grinder 5B is operated for the operation time set for each interval while narrowing the interval between the blades of the grinder 5B from 1000 μm to 50 μm. Depending on the grinding method, subtle differences may occur in the particle size distribution of the ground coffee beans produced, which may result in differences in taste, so this embodiment employs a configuration that allows these grinding methods to be set.

In FIG. 42(B), the grinding method from coarse to fine is specified, so the grinder 5B is operated for the operation time set for each interval while narrowing the interval between the blades of the grinder 5B from 1000 μm to 50 μm. At this time, the graph shown in FIG. 43(D) is displayed on the information display device 12, and the color of the area in the graph changes according to the progress of the operation. FIG. 44(A) shows the state when 12.6 seconds have passed since the start of grinding. At this time, the interval between the blades of the grinder 5B is set to 550 μm, and in FIG. 44(A), the color of the area on the right side has changed at the boundary of 550 μm is shown by hatching. This hatching is an example showing that the grinding process of the corresponding area has ended. Also, FIG. 44(B) shows the state when 30 seconds have passed since the start of grinding and the grinding process has ended. In FIG. 44(B), all areas are hatched, which is an example showing that all grind processing has been completed. By displaying the progress of the grind processing as in the examples of FIG. 44(A) and (B), it may be possible to work more efficiently, such as preventing customers from getting bored while waiting and allowing store staff to do other tasks during that time.

In the example of Figures 44(A) and (B), we have explained a display example in which the hatching spreads from the right side of the graph when a grinding method that changes from a coarse grind to a fine grind is specified. However, when a grinding method that changes from a fine grind to a coarse grind is specified, the display will differ from the example of Figures 44(A) and (B) in that the hatching spreads from the left side of the graph.

In addition, in the above example, a configuration was described in which the progress of the grinding process is displayed on the information display device 12, but the progress of the grinding process may also be displayed on the mobile terminal 17 that sent the order information.

<6. Other configurations>
In the coffee bean grinder 1 described above, the grinding device 5 is configured to grind the coffee beans in two stages using grinders 5A and 5B. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and a configuration using one grinder is also possible, and the mechanism of the grinder is not limited to the mechanism described above.

Furthermore, the coffee bean grinder 1 may be a standalone device or may be installed together with a coffee beverage extractor in a coffee beverage production device.

As described with reference to FIG. 43, when dispersing the particle size of ground coffee beans, for example, two grinders may be provided, one for handling the particle size range of 50 μm or more and less than 500 μm, and the other for handling the particle size range of 500 μm or more and 1000 μm, and these may be switched or used simultaneously depending on the order information. In other words, multiple grinders may be switched or used simultaneously. Furthermore, the multiple grinders are not limited to being configured to handle different ranges of ground coffee bean particle size, and may have overlapping ranges or the same ranges.

In the above example, the information display device 12 is used to display ground coffee bean order information and to perform the grind start operation. However, these functions can also be performed by an external device such as a mobile terminal 17 or a server 16, and a ground coffee bean system is formed that includes the coffee bean grinder 1 and the server 16 or the mobile terminal 17.

Figure 45 is a flowchart showing how to grind coffee beans.

The coffee bean grinding method shown in FIG. 45 includes a creation step SG10, a storage step SG11, and a coffee bean grinding step SG12.

Creation step SG10 is a step for creating a grind recipe. The grind recipe includes at least information on the grain size of the coffee beans.

Storage step SG11 is a step for storing the recipe created in creation step SG10. The storage location here may be the storage unit 1603 of the server 16, the storage unit 11b of the control device 11, or the storage unit of the information display device 12.

The coffee bean grinding step SG12 is a step in which the coffee beans are ground using the coffee bean grinder 1 based on the recipe stored in the storage step SG11.

In the above embodiment,
A grinder for grinding coffee beans (e.g., Grinder 5B);
A control device (e.g., control device 11) that controls the grinder;
A coffee bean grinder (for example, coffee bean grinder 1) comprising:
The control device is capable of controlling the grinder according to a set particle size distribution (for example, FIG. 43(B) ).
A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above features has been described.

The above-described coffee bean grinder further comprises:
The control device is capable of setting the particle size distribution based on order information from a user (e.g., FIG. 9, FIG. 43(A), FIG. 43(B)),
A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above features has been described.

The above-described coffee bean grinder further comprises:
A receiving device (e.g., an I/F unit 11c) capable of receiving the order information via a network,
A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above features has been described.

The above-described coffee bean grinder further comprises:
The control device has a plurality of types of particle size distribution patterns that can be set for one of the order information.
A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above features has been described.

The above-described coffee bean grinder further comprises:
The control device is capable of setting which of the first particle size and the second particle size is to be ground first by the grinder when the particle size distribution including the first particle size and the second particle size is set (for example, the fine → coarse grind button 173a and the coarse → fine grind button 173b in FIG. 40 ).
A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above features has been described.

The above-described coffee bean grinder further comprises:
The grinder has a plurality of selectable grind sizes for producing ground coffee beans,
The control device controls the production of ground coffee beans while changing the set grain size of the grinder (for example, FIG. 43(B)).
A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above features has been described.

We also described a coffee bean grinding system that includes an external device (e.g., a server 16, a mobile terminal 17) that can communicate with the coffee bean grinder.

Also,
A particle size distribution setting step of setting a particle size distribution;
A coffee bean grinding step of grinding the coffee beans according to a set particle size distribution.
We have described a method for grinding coffee beans (e.g., FIG. 43(B)) that is characterized by the above.

The above-described coffee bean grinding method further comprises the steps of:
The particle size distribution setting step is a step of setting the particle size distribution based on order information from a user (for example, FIG. 9, FIG. 43(A), and FIG. 43(B)).
A method for grinding coffee beans has been described.

The above-described coffee bean grinding method further comprises the steps of:
and an order receiving step of receiving the order information via a network.
A method for grinding coffee beans has been described.

The above-described coffee bean grinding method further comprises the steps of:
The particle size distribution setting step has a plurality of types of particle size distribution patterns that can be set for one of the order information.
A method for grinding coffee beans has been described.

The above-described coffee bean grinding method further comprises the steps of:
When the particle size distribution including the first particle size and the second particle size is set, a grinding setting step (for example, a fine → coarse grind button 173a or a coarse → fine grind button 173b in FIG. 40) is set to set which of the first particle size and the second particle size is to be ground first.
A method for grinding coffee beans has been described.

The above-described coffee bean grinding method further comprises the steps of:
The coffee bean grinding step is a step of grinding coffee beans while changing a set grain size of a grinder having a plurality of settable grain sizes for producing ground coffee beans (for example, FIG. 43(B) ).
A method for grinding coffee beans has been described.

In the above embodiment,
A grinder for grinding coffee beans (e.g., Grinder 5B);
A control device (e.g., control device 11) that controls the grinder;
A coffee bean grinder (for example, coffee bean grinder 1) comprising:
The grinder has a plurality of selectable grind sizes for producing ground coffee beans,
The control device controls the grinding of the coffee beans while changing the set particle size of the grinder in accordance with a plurality of set particle sizes (for example, FIG. 43(B)).
A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above features has been described.

The above-described coffee bean grinder further comprises:
The control device is capable of setting the plurality of granularities based on order information from a user (e.g., FIG. 9, FIG. 43(A), FIG. 43(B)),
A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above features has been described.

The above-described coffee bean grinder further comprises:
A receiving device (e.g., an I/F unit 11c) capable of receiving the order information via a network,
A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above features has been described.

The above-described coffee bean grinder further comprises:
the control device has a plurality of types of granularity patterns that can be set for one of the order information;
A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above features has been described.

The above-described coffee bean grinder further comprises:
When the plurality of grain sizes including a first grain size and a second grain size are set, the control device can set which of the first grain size and the second grain size is to be ground first by the grinder (for example, the fine to coarse grind button 173a and the coarse to fine grind button 173b in FIG. 40 ).
A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above features has been described.

The above-described coffee bean grinder further comprises:
The control device controls the grinder to set a grind size according to the set grind size to produce ground coffee beans.
A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above features has been described.

We also described a coffee bean grinding system that includes an external device (e.g., a server 16, a mobile terminal 17) that can communicate with the coffee bean grinder.

Also,
A particle size distribution setting step of setting a particle size distribution;
A coffee bean grinding step of grinding the coffee beans according to a set particle size distribution,
The coffee bean grinding step is a step of grinding coffee beans while changing a set grain size of a grinder having a plurality of settable grain sizes for producing ground coffee beans (for example, FIG. 43(B) ).
A method for grinding coffee beans has been described.

The above-described coffee bean grinding method further comprises the steps of:
The particle size distribution setting step is a step of setting the plurality of particle sizes based on order information from a user (e.g., FIG. 9, FIG. 43(A), FIG. 43(B)),
A method for grinding coffee beans has been described.

The above-described coffee bean grinding method further comprises the steps of:
and an order receiving step of receiving the order information via a network.
A method for grinding coffee beans has been described.

The above-described coffee bean grinding method further comprises the steps of:
The particle size distribution setting step has a plurality of types of patterns of the plurality of particle sizes that can be set for one of the order information.
A method for grinding coffee beans has been described.

The above-described coffee bean grinding method further comprises the steps of:
When the plurality of grain sizes including the first grain size and the second grain size are set, a grinding setting step (for example, a fine to coarse grind button 173a or a coarse to fine grind button 173b in FIG. 40) is included for setting which of the first grain size and the second grain size is to be ground first.
A method for grinding coffee beans has been described.

The above-described coffee bean grinding method further comprises the steps of:
The coffee bean grinding step is a step in which the grinding size of the grinder can be set according to a set grinding size to produce ground coffee beans.
A method for grinding coffee beans has been described.

According to the above description,
" A coffee bean grinding means [e.g., a grinding device 5] for grinding coffee beans;
A control means (e.g., a processing unit 11a) for controlling the coffee bean grinding means;
A storage means (e.g., a storage unit 11b) for storing recipes for grinding coffee beans (e.g., grinding recipes, beverage production recipes);
A coffee bean grinder comprising:
The control means controls the coffee bean grinding means based on the recipe stored in the storage means (e.g., coffee bean grinding particle size, particle size ratio, grinding method (fine to coarse, coarse to fine), amount of coffee beans, chaff removal strength (chaff removal rate) (%), information on operation time shown in Figure 43 (B) and Figure 43 (c) (changing pattern of the blade interval of grinder 5B)),
A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above feature (for example, the coffee bean grinder 1 shown in FIG. 1).
He explained:

This coffee bean grinder uses the recipe, so it is possible to obtain ground beans of more consistent quality. Furthermore, by improving the recipe, it is possible to obtain ground beans of even higher quality.

Also,
"The recipe includes information on the grind size of the coffee beans [for example, the grind size of the coffee beans, the ratio of grind sizes, the grinding method (fine to coarse, coarse to fine), and information on the operation time shown in Figure 43 (B) and Figure 43 (c) (changing pattern of the blade interval of the grinder 5B)].
A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Also,
"The recipe includes environmental information at the time of recipe creation [e.g., humidity, temperature, air pressure, water hardness and water pH],
A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above.
He also explained:

The environmental information may be at least one of the temperature, humidity, air pressure, water hardness, and water pH at the time the recipe was created.

Also,
"The recipe includes the creator's comments [e.g., the comments shown in Figures 40 to 42],
A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Also,
"The recipe may contain information that is subject to restrictions on use (e.g., restrictions such as no grinding, no display, no downloading, no copying, no modification, etc.)
A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above.
He also explained:

moreover,
"A coffee bean grinding system (e.g., the coffee bean grinding system GS shown in FIG. 8) equipped with an external device (e.g., a server 16, a mobile terminal 17) capable of communicating with the coffee bean grinder.
He also explained:

More specifically,
"A coffee bean grinding system including a coffee bean grinder and a server,
the server and the coffee bean grinder are capable of communicating with each other;
The server stores a recipe for grinding coffee beans,
The coffee bean grinder comprises:
A coffee bean grinding means for grinding coffee beans;
a control means for controlling the coffee bean grinding means based on the recipe stored in the server;
The present invention is provided with:
A coffee bean grinding system characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Also,
" The coffee bean grinding system,
A communication terminal capable of communicating with the server,
The communication terminal is capable of creating the recipe,
The server is capable of storing the recipe created by the communication terminal.
A coffee bean grinding system characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Also,
" The coffee bean grinding system,
the communication terminal is also capable of communicating with the coffee bean grinding means,
The control means is capable of controlling the coffee bean grinding means based on the recipe created by the communication terminal.
A coffee bean grinding system characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Also,
" The coffee bean grinding system,
The communication terminal is capable of creating a recipe including information on the grain size of coffee beans.
A coffee bean grinding system characterized by the above.
He also explained:

moreover,
" A memorization step for memorizing the recipe for grinding coffee beans,
a coffee bean grinding step of grinding coffee beans based on the recipe stored in the storing step;
A method for grinding coffee beans, comprising the steps of:
He explained:

Also,
"The coffee bean grinding method,
A creation step of creating the recipe,
The storing step is a step of storing the recipe created in the creating step.
A method for grinding coffee beans, characterized by the above.
He explained:

Also,
"The coffee bean grinding method,
The creating step is a step of creating a recipe including information on the grain size of coffee beans.
A method for grinding coffee beans, characterized by the above.
He also explained:

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and examples, and the contents of these may be combined with each other without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and may be partially modified depending on the purpose, etc. Furthermore, the individual terms described in this specification are used only for the purpose of explaining the present invention, and it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the strict meaning of the terms, and may also include equivalents. For example, expressions such as "device" and "section" may be replaced with "unit" and "module", etc.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Coffee bean grinder 4 Storage device 5 Grinding device 5A, 5B Grinder 6 Separation device 11 Control device 11a Processing unit 11b Memory unit 12 Information display device 16 Server 17 Mobile terminal

Claims (3)

A coffee bean grinding means for grinding coffee beans;
A control means for controlling the coffee bean grinding means;
A storage means for storing a recipe for grinding coffee beans;
A coffee bean grinder comprising:
The control means controls the coffee bean grinding means based on the recipe stored in the storage means,
The storage means stores, as information on the grain size of coffee beans,
particle size distribution information including a first particle size and a second particle size;
information on which of the first and second grind sizes is to be ground first by the coffee bean grinding means;
is capable of storing registered recipes,
The control means is capable of controlling the production of ground coffee beans while changing the set particle size of the coffee bean grinding means in accordance with information on the particle size of the coffee beans registered in the recipe.
A coffee bean grinder characterized by: A coffee bean grinding means for grinding coffee beans;
A control means for controlling the coffee bean grinding means;
A storage means for storing a recipe for grinding coffee beans;
A coffee bean grinder comprising:
The control means controls the coffee bean grinding means based on the recipe stored in the storage means,
The storage means stores, as information on the grain size of coffee beans,
information of a plurality of granularities including a first granularity and a second granularity;
information on which of the first and second grind sizes is to be ground first by the coffee bean grinding means;
A first recipe is stored in the first recipe memory.
the control means is capable of controlling the production of ground coffee beans while changing the set particle size of the coffee bean grinding means in accordance with information on the particle size of the coffee beans registered in the first recipe when the first recipe is selected;
A coffee bean grinder characterized by: Coffee bean grinding machine according to claim 2 ,
the storage means is capable of storing a second recipe in which information on a first grain size is registered as information on the grain size of the coffee beans,
The control means is also capable of controlling the production of ground coffee beans by setting the particle size of the coffee bean grinding means in accordance with information on one particle size registered in the second recipe when the second recipe is selected.
A coffee bean grinder characterized by:

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