JP7720110B2 - Electronic device, information processing method and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to electronic devices, and more particularly to electronic devices, information processing methods, and programs used when brewing beverages.

A variety of beverages, including coffee, black tea, and green tea, are consumed all over the world. There are numerous devices (brewing machines) for brewing these beverages, and various devices are still being proposed. For example, there is a coffee dripper for brewing coffee (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-104155

The above-mentioned conventional technology allows users to brew beverages according to their personal preferences using a variety of devices. However, brewing a preferred beverage can require a certain level of skilled technique. Therefore, if a device could be used that could assist the user in brewing a beverage, it would be more convenient and likely increase the enjoyment of brewing a beverage, as it would increase the likelihood of the beverage being well-brewed.

The present invention aims to provide enjoyment related to beverages.

One aspect of the present invention is an electronic device that is positioned above a container placed below a dripper that contains a substance for extracting a beverage, and that performs processing to adjust the supply of liquid from the dripper to the container when the liquid is poured into the dripper and collected in the container. It also provides a processing method for performing this processing and a program for causing a computer to execute this method.

In this configuration, the electronic device may be placed between the dripper and the container and be usable.

In this embodiment, the electronic device may also be provided in the dripper.

In these embodiments, an extraction stop unit may be provided that stops the supply of the liquid from the dripper to the container, and the extraction stop unit may perform the adjustment by stopping the supply when the amount of liquid stored in the container reaches a predetermined amount.

In addition, in these embodiments, a liquid volume detection unit may be provided that detects the amount of liquid accumulated in the container, and the adjustment process may be performed based on the liquid volume detected by the liquid volume detection unit.

In these embodiments, the liquid volume detection unit may also acquire an image of the liquid accumulated in the container and detect the volume of the liquid accumulated in the container based on the acquired image.

In these configurations, a weighing unit may be provided to measure the weight of the substance contained in the dripper and the liquid remaining inside the dripper, and the adjustment process may be performed based on the weight detected by the weighing unit.

In these configurations, a temperature detection unit may be provided to detect the temperature in the liquid flow path from the dripper to the container, and the adjustment process may be performed based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit.

In these embodiments, processing may be performed to determine at least one of the amount of the substance to be used for extraction and the amount of liquid to be stored in the container, using quantity data indicating the relationship between the amount of the substance and the amount of liquid to be stored in the container.

In these embodiments, the device may further include a measuring unit that measures the weight of the substance contained in the dripper and the liquid remaining inside the dripper, and a control unit that controls output of at least one of the liquid volume detected by the liquid volume detection unit and the weight measured by the measuring unit during the period from the start to the end of the liquid dripping as extraction status information indicating the status of the beverage extraction.

In these embodiments, the control unit may also control the output of information that allows for comparison of the extraction status based on extraction history data related to the transition during extraction of the liquid volume detected by the liquid volume detection unit and the weight measured by the measuring unit, and the extraction status information.

In these embodiments, the electronic device may also perform the adjustment process for the extraction using the hand drip method.

Another aspect of the present invention is an electronic device that, when pouring liquid into a dripper containing a substance for extracting a beverage, collects the liquid in a container positioned below the dripper, and outputs support information about the liquid poured into the dripper from an output unit based on measurements of the substance contained in the dripper and the liquid poured into the dripper. The present invention also provides a processing method for performing this processing, and a program for causing a computer to execute this method.

In this embodiment, the support information may be output based on the results of a comparison between the measurement results in predetermined extraction history data relating to the transition of the measurement results at the time of extraction and the measurement results performed during the extraction.

In this embodiment, the device may also include a liquid volume detection unit that detects the volume of liquid accumulated in the container, a weighing unit that measures the weight of the substance contained in the dripper and the liquid remaining inside the dripper, and a control unit that controls the output unit to output the support information as a result of the measurement of at least one of the liquid volume detected by the liquid volume detection unit and the weight measured by the weighing unit.

Another aspect of the present invention is an electronic device that, when liquid poured into a dripper containing a substance for extracting a beverage is collected in a container placed below the dripper, adjusts the extraction rate by restricting the degree of opening in the flow path from the dripper to the container, and closes the flow path when the amount of liquid collected in the container reaches a predetermined amount. Also provided are a processing method for performing this processing and a program for causing a computer to execute this method.

In this embodiment, the device may also include a liquid volume detection unit that detects the amount of liquid accumulated in the container, and a control unit that adjusts the extraction speed during extraction so that the transition in the liquid volume detected by the liquid volume detection unit approaches a reference transition in the amount of liquid accumulated in the container during extraction.

In this embodiment, a control unit may be provided that adjusts the extraction speed during extraction based on a transition that serves as a reference when extracting the degree of opening.

Another aspect of the present invention is an electronic device that, when liquid poured into a dripper containing a substance for extracting a beverage is collected in a container disposed below the dripper, adjusts the supply of the liquid from the dripper to the container based on measurement of the liquid collected in the dripper. It also provides a processing method for performing the processing and a program for causing a computer to execute the method.
Another aspect of the present invention is an electronic device that includes a control unit that displays an input screen on a panel that displays various types of information and accepts user operations, and displays input information based on the user operation on the input screen, wherein the control unit displays, on the input screen, a first operation marker that accepts an operation to discard content input to the input screen and return to a first screen that was displayed immediately before the input screen, and a second operation marker that accepts an operation to save content input to the input screen and return to the first screen, and when an operation of the first operation marker is accepted, discards content input to the input screen, clears the input screen, and displays the first screen, and when an operation of the second operation marker is accepted, saves content input to the input screen in a storage unit, clears the input screen, and displays the first screen. Also provided are a processing method for performing the processing and a program for causing a computer to execute the method.

The present invention has the effect of providing beverage-related enjoyment.

1 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of a coffee extractor 1 to which an electronic device 20 according to a first embodiment is attached; 1 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of a dripper 10, an electronic device 20, and a container 40 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of an external configuration and a cross-sectional view of an electronic device 20 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the electronic device 20 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an operation display screen displayed on the touch panel display 22 when measuring coffee powder in the first embodiment. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an operation display screen different from that shown in FIG. 5 that is displayed on the touch panel display 22 when measuring coffee powder in the first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an extraction status display screen displayed on the touch panel display 22 during coffee extraction in the first embodiment. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of a quantity data list screen and a setting screen displayed on a touch panel display 22 in the first embodiment. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing an example of a list screen and a details screen of extraction history data displayed on a touch panel display 22 in the first embodiment. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a liquid volume detection operation performed by a liquid volume detection unit 270 in the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation when extraction is performed using the electronic device 20 in the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an electronic device 500 according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of communication by a communication unit 510 of an electronic device 500 according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of a coffee extractor 800 to which an electronic device 810 according to a third embodiment is attached. 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of a bottom configuration and a cross-sectional view of an electronic device 810 according to a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an extraction stopper 822 having a plate that changes orientation from vertical to horizontal in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 shows an example of an extraction stopper with a vertically moving plate in the fourth embodiment. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing an example of an extraction stopping part in the fourth embodiment, in which a cylinder with a hole on the side acts as a valve. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of a coffee extractor 1001 to which an electronic device 1100 according to a fifth embodiment is attached. 13A to 13C are diagrams showing an example of a list screen of registered drippers, a selection screen for extraction comparison data, and a screen displayed when measuring coffee powder, which are displayed on the touch panel display 22 in the fifth embodiment. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing an example of an extraction display selection screen and a simple guide display screen displayed on a touch panel display 22 in the fifth embodiment. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing examples of an extraction policy data display screen, a period detail display screen, and a period change screen displayed on a touch panel display 22 in the fifth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen with detailed guide displayed on the touch panel display 22 during coffee extraction in the fifth embodiment. 11 is the first half of a flowchart showing an example of an operation when extraction is performed in a simple guide mode in which a display screen with a simple guide is displayed using electronic device 1100 according to the fifth embodiment. 11 is the second half of a flowchart showing an example of the operation when extraction is performed in a simple guide mode in which a display screen with a simple guide is displayed using electronic device 1100 according to the fifth embodiment. 11 is the second half of a flowchart showing an example of the operation when extraction is performed in a detailed guide mode in which a display screen with a detailed guide is displayed using the electronic device 1100 according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of an extraction stopper in the sixth embodiment, in which a disk-shaped plate rotates around an axis to open and close a flow path. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing an example of an extraction speed control mode selection screen and an extraction status display screen in a user-specified extraction control mode in the sixth embodiment; 13A and 13B are diagrams showing an example of an opening degree control data selection screen, an opening degree control data setting change screen, and an extraction status display screen in a period-based opening degree designation mode in the sixth embodiment. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing examples of an extraction speed control data selection screen, an extraction speed control data setting change screen, and an extraction status display screen in an automatic extraction liquid volume reference mode in the sixth embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation when extraction is performed in a user-specified mode using the electronic device 810 according to the sixth embodiment. 13 is the second half of a flowchart showing an example of an operation when extraction is performed in a period-based opening degree designation mode using the electronic device 810 according to the sixth embodiment. 13 is the second half of a flowchart showing an example of the operation when performing extraction in an automatic mode with reference to the extracted liquid volume using the electronic device 810 according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of an electronic device 1300 according to a seventh embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the inside of a hole 1320 of an electronic device 1300 according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of an electronic device 1300 according to a seventh embodiment. 13 is a first page of a flowchart showing an example of an operation when extraction is performed in a detailed guide mode using the electronic device 1300 according to the seventh embodiment. 23 is a second flowchart showing an example of an operation when extraction is performed in detailed guide mode using the electronic device 1300 according to the seventh embodiment. 13 is a third flowchart showing an example of an operation when extraction is performed in detailed guide mode using the electronic device 1300 according to the seventh embodiment.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First embodiment: Example of stopping extraction when the desired amount of water has accumulated in the container when brewing coffee]
[Example of the external configuration of the coffee extractor and electronic device]
1A and 1B are diagrams showing an example of the external configuration of a coffee extractor 1 to which an electronic device 20 according to a first embodiment is attached. Fig. 1A shows a perspective view of the coffee extractor 1 to which the electronic device 20 is attached, and Fig. 1B shows a side view of the coffee extractor 1 to which the electronic device 20 is attached.

Figure 2 shows an oblique view and a side view of the coffee extractor 1 shown in Figure 1 with the electronic device 20 removed. Figure 2 (1) shows an oblique view of the coffee extractor 1, and Figure 3 (2) shows a side view of the dripper 10.

Figure 3 shows an example of the external configuration and cross-section of the electronic device 20 in the first embodiment. Figure 3 (1) shows a top view of the electronic device 20, and Figure 3 (2) shows a bottom view of the electronic device 20. Figure 3 (3) shows a cross-section of the electronic device 20 when the extract falls into the container, and Figure 3 (4) shows a cross-section of the electronic device 20 when the extract is prevented from falling into the container.

The coffee extractor 1 includes a dripper 10, an electronic device 20, and a container 40. The coffee extractor 1 can also be called a beverage extractor, a beverage filtering device, a beverage preparation device, etc.

The dripper 10 is a coffee dripper that has a housing 11, a flange 12, and legs 13, and is placed in the opening 42 of the container 40 when the electronic device 20 is not in use. In the first embodiment, the description will be given assuming that the electronic device 20 is attached to the lower part of the flange 12.

Storage unit 11 is a container that stores ground coffee beans, and has a hole (a hole that penetrates vertically) at the bottom to allow hot water poured into storage unit 11 to flow down. Storage unit 11 thus has an upper opening for pouring hot water onto the coffee powder (ground coffee beans) from above, and a hole (lower opening, extraction port) for allowing the hot water poured onto the coffee powder to fall into container 40. Storage unit 11 is also a device that pours the hot water poured onto the coffee powder stored inside, via the powder, into container 40 located below storage unit 11. Although not shown in Figure 1, various components such as handles may be provided on the exterior surface of storage unit 11.

For example, the storage section 11 can be formed in a funnel shape and can hold a paper filter that filters the liquid extracted (strained) from the coffee beans. The storage section 11 can also be a metal filter, or a storage section that holds a flannel filter. The storage section 11 can also be shaped in various ways, such as trapezoidal, conical, or basket-shaped.

The flange portion 12 is a disk-shaped flange portion that extends outward from the bottom of the storage portion 11 in the horizontal direction. The flange portion 12 is also provided at the bottom of the storage portion 11, and provides stable support for the storage portion 11 when the storage portion 11 is placed in the opening 42 of the container 40.

The legs 13 are ring-shaped protrusions provided on the underside of the flange 12, and are used to support the dripper 10 when it is placed directly on a part of the container 40 other than the opening 42. The legs 13 correspond to the bottom, thread base, and thread tail of a ceramic piece (e.g., a teacup or bowl). While Figure 2 shows an example in which the legs 13 are ring-shaped protrusions, the legs 13 may also be made up of three or more protrusions (e.g., multiple protrusions arranged around a circle) so that they can support the dripper 10.

The storage section 11, flange section 12, and leg section 13 may be integrally constructed from heat-resistant glass, ceramic, resin, etc., or the storage section 11, flange section 12, and leg section 13 may be constructed separately and then joined together. The leg section 13 may also be omitted.

The container 40 is a container (coffee server) that collects the coffee bean extract that flows from the dripper 10. The container 40 has an opening 42 for receiving the coffee bean extract that flows from the dripper 10, and supports the dripper 10 that is placed in the opening 42. The container 40 can be made of heat-resistant glass. The container 40 may also be made of a material with improved heat retention (for example, a stainless steel server), or it may be made of ceramic. The shape of the container 40 can be various shapes other than the shape shown in Figure 1. Although not shown in Figure 1, various components such as handles may be provided on the outer surface of the container 40.

The electronic device 20 is an electronic device or information processing device that is attached by being sandwiched between the flange portion 12 of the dripper 10 and the opening 42 of the container 40. In other words, the electronic device 20 is an electronic device or information processing device that can be used while being placed between the flange portion 12 of the dripper 10 and the opening 42 of the container 40 (between the dripper 10 and the container 40).

The electronic device 20 can be configured to house each device in a rectangular housing. In the first embodiment, the external shape of the electronic device 20 is assumed to be a rectangular housing, and as shown in Figures 1 to 3, the shape can be similar to that of a typical digital kitchen scale. However, the first embodiment is not limited to this, and other shapes may be used as long as the electronic device can be sandwiched between the flange portion 12 of the dripper 10 and the opening 42 of the container 40 to perform stable extraction. For example, the housing may be cylindrical or square. The electronic device 20 may also be connected to other devices (e.g., display devices or audio output devices) via a predetermined interface (using a wired communication cable or wireless communication) to output information from the other devices.

Furthermore, since the housing that constitutes the electronic device 20 comes into contact with hot water and steam, it is desirable to use heat-resistant materials such as metal, polypropylene, or AS resin.

The top surface of the electronic device 20 (see mainly Figure 3 (1)) is provided with a power button 21, a touch panel display 22, and a weighing platform 24.

The power button 21 is a button that is pressed to turn the power to the electronic device 20 on or off. In the first embodiment, the power button 21 is shown to be located on the top surface of the electronic device 20, but this is not limited to this and the power button 21 may be located on another part of the electronic device 20 (for example, the side or bottom). Also, the power button 21 may be omitted and the power may be turned on by other means. For example, instead of turning on the power by pressing the power button 21, the power may be turned on automatically when weight is applied to the weighing platform 24.

The touch panel display 22 is a device for input and display, and is composed of a touch panel display. That is, it is composed of a display panel and a touch panel overlaid on the display panel. The display panel is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The touch panel is composed of, for example, a capacitive touch panel.

In the first embodiment, the input device and display device of the electronic device 20 are assumed to be a touch panel display 22 provided on the electronic device 20, but this is not limited to this. For example, the input section and output section (display section) may be configured with a display panel without an input device and physical operation members (examples of input devices) such as a confirmation button or directional pad buttons. Furthermore, the input device and display device of the electronic device 20 may be detachable from the electronic device 20, or may be separate devices connected wirelessly to the electronic device 20. Examples in which wireless devices such as smartphones and tablet terminals are used as input devices and display devices will be described in the second and third embodiments.

The weighing platform 24 is used to place the dripper 10, which is the object to be weighed. That is, the electronic device 20 is in contact with the flange portion 12 of the dripper 10 via the weighing platform 24. The weight of the dripper 10 itself, as well as the weight of the coffee powder and liquid placed in the dripper 10, is applied to the weighing platform 24, and these weights are measured.

In the first embodiment, the measuring platform 24 has a circular plate shape with a hole (hole 26) at the center. In this way, the measuring platform 24 has a hole (hole 26) at the center so as not to impede the liquid from the dripper 10 to the container 40.

This hole 26 is not only provided in the weighing platform 24 on the top surface of the electronic device 20, but is also provided as a hole that penetrates all the way to the bottom surface of the electronic device 20. In Figure 2 (1), which shows a perspective view of the electronic device 20, the hole is indicated by a dashed cylinder inside the electronic device 20, and in Figures 3 (3) and 3 (4), which show cross-sectional views of the electronic device 20, it is shown as a hole that penetrates from the top surface to the bottom surface of the electronic device 20.

It is preferable that the hole 26 provided in the weighing platform 24 be narrower than the outer diameter of the flange 12 of the dripper 10 and wider than the outer diameter of the leg 13. This allows the flange 12 to be stably installed on the weighing platform 24, and the protruding leg 13 to be positioned inside the hole 26. In other words, the dripper 10 can be stably installed on the weighing platform 24.

Furthermore, if the holes 26 of the measuring base 24 can be made to various sizes, the electronic device 20 can be made compatible with a variety of drippers, thereby increasing its usability. For example, by preparing measuring bases 24 with holes 26 of various sizes and making the measuring bases 24 removable, the electronic device 20 can be used with a variety of drippers that can be stably installed.

Furthermore, while the weighing platform 24 is assumed to have a circular outer periphery, it is not limited to this and may have other shapes. For example, the outer and inner peripheries may be polygonal (e.g., triangular or rectangular), or the outer and inner peripheries may be different shapes.

The underside of the electronic device 20 (see mainly Figure 3 (2)) is equipped with a drainage container 23, a liquid level detection unit 25, a speaker 28, and four container position fixing units 31a to 31d.

The drain container 23 is a container that collects the extract (drainage) inside the electronic device 20 when the extraction liquid is prevented from falling from the dripper 10 into the container 40. The drain container 23 has an extract inlet and outlet connected to a hole 26 that penetrates from the top to the bottom of the electronic device 20 (see Figures 2 (1), 3 (3), and 3 (4)). The drain container 23 is detachable from the electronic device 20, and the user discards the accumulated liquid so that it does not fill up and overflow from the electronic device 20. To remind the user to discard the liquid, the electronic device 20 may be equipped with a function to check that the drain container 23 is empty before the extraction operation.

The details of how the extraction liquid is prevented from falling inside the electronic device 20 and accumulates in the drainage container 23 will be explained in detail later using Figures 3 (3) and (4), which are cross-sectional views of the electronic device 20, so will not be explained here.

In addition, while the first embodiment describes an example of an electronic device 20 provided with a drainage container 23, this is not limiting. It is sufficient to prevent the extract from falling into the container 40 when its flow from the dripper 10 to the container 40 is obstructed. For example, instead of providing a container for collecting liquid in the electronic device 20, it is possible to have the extract flow into a container such as a cup placed near the electronic device 20. In this case, instead of the drainage container 23, a structure for guiding the extract to the container such as a cup (for example, guiding the extract to the cup via a silicone tube) is provided. It is also possible to provide a space inside the electronic device 20 that serves as a drainage container. An example of this alternative space will be described in the seventh embodiment.

The liquid volume detection unit 25 is used to detect the amount of extract (extraction volume) accumulated in the container 40. In the first embodiment, this liquid volume detection unit 25 is assumed to detect the amount of extract accumulated in the container 40 from an image captured of the inside of the container 40. In Figure 3 (2), two circles are shown on the liquid volume detection unit 25, representing a camera module consisting of an image sensor and a lens, and an LED (Light Emitting Diode) light for illuminating the inside of the container 40 when it is dark.

The camera module and LED light provided as the liquid level detection unit 25 are positioned so that they can capture and illuminate the inside of the container 40, such as the bottom and walls of the container 40 and the surface of the extract collected in the container 40. In the first embodiment, the liquid level detection unit 25 is positioned on the electronic device 20 so that it is inside the opening 42 when the electronic device 20 is placed on the container 40, so that it can accommodate containers 40 made of opaque materials such as stainless steel servers. It is desirable that the lens of the camera module be able to capture as wide an area as possible so that it can capture as much of the wall of the container 40 and the edge of the upper surface (water surface) of the extract. In other words, it is desirable that the lens of the camera module have optical properties that are classified as an ultra-wide-angle lens or a fisheye lens.

In addition, by providing an LED light along with the camera module, bright images can be captured even when using a container 40 made of opaque materials such as a stainless steel server, making it possible to properly detect the liquid level.

The speaker 28 is used to output various types of sound information, such as warning sounds, operation sounds, and voice guidance. For example, when coffee extraction is complete, the speaker 28 outputs a melody to notify the user that the extraction is complete.

The container position fixing units 31a-d are used to fix the relative positions of the electronic device 20 and the container 40. These container position fixing units 31a-d are structures that protrude from the electronic device 20 at positions that lightly contact the outer periphery of the opening 42 of the container 40, and by providing multiple units, the positions of the electronic device 20 and the container 40 are fixed. In the first embodiment, four container position fixing units 31a-d are provided, one on each of the four sides of the electronic device 20. Note that the container position fixing unit 31a on the side of the electronic device 20 where the touch panel display 22 is provided (the left side in Figure 3 (2)) has a triangular notch that corresponds to the shape of the spout of the container 40.

Furthermore, in order to accommodate multiple containers 40 with openings 42 of different sizes, it is desirable that the positions of the container position fixing units 31a-d be adjustable to match the size of the openings 42. In Figure 3 (2), it is assumed that the container position fixing units 31a-d are moved in a sliding manner, and grooves indicating the sliding range are shown by thin rectangles that are perpendicular to the container position fixing units 31a-d.

These container position fixing units 31a-d are designed to prevent the positional relationship between the electronic device 20 and the container 40 from shifting even when the container 40 is removed each time an extraction is performed. Maintaining a constant positional relationship makes it easier for the liquid volume detection unit 25 to detect the liquid volume.

Next, the operation of the electronic device 20 to prevent the extraction liquid from falling (also referred to as the operation of blocking the flow path of the extraction liquid) will be explained using Figures 3(3) and 3(4). Note that Figures 3(3) and 3(4) show a cross section taken along dashed line 99 in Figure 3(1), as viewed in the direction of arrow 97, which is perpendicular to dashed line 99 at the right end of dashed line 99.

Figure 3 (3) shows an example cross-sectional view of the extract dropping from the dripper 10 into the container 40 before the electronic device 20 performs a blocking operation. Figure 3 (4) shows an example cross-sectional view of the extract flowing from the dripper 10 into the drain container 23 after the electronic device 20 performs a blocking operation.

In addition to the housing (case) of the electronic device 20, Figures 3(3) and 3(4) show cross-sectional views of the drainage container 23, measuring platform 24, liquid volume detection unit 25, measuring unit 27, and extraction stop unit 32. Note that the configuration other than the measuring unit 27 and extraction stop unit 32 has already been explained, so explanations will be omitted. Also, the container position fixing units 31a-d are not shown.

The weighing unit 27 measures the weight of a substance placed on the weighing platform 24. In other words, this weighing unit 27 corresponds to a load cell or circuit unit provided in an electronic scale.

The extraction stopper 32 blocks the passage (flow path) of the extracted liquid from the dripper 10 to the container 40 when the extraction is complete, preventing the extracted liquid from falling into the container 40 and stopping the extraction. This extraction stopper 32 is located midway through the hole 26 that penetrates from the top to the bottom of the electronic device 20.

In the first embodiment, the extraction stopper 32 is assumed to be a plate 32b that is stored within the housing of the electronic device 20 around the hole 26 when the blocking operation is not performed (during extraction), and that protrudes into the hole 26 when the blocking operation is performed (after extraction has ended).

As shown in Figures 3 (3) and 3 (4), a plate accommodating section 32a is provided inside the electronic device 20 on the side where the touch panel display 22 is provided (the left side of Figure 3). This plate accommodating section 32a accommodates the plate 32b so that it can slide horizontally, and its length in the sliding direction is longer than the length of the plate 32b in the sliding direction. For example, the plate accommodating section 32a and the plate 32b are realized by rail-structured members that allow the plate 32b to move in the sliding direction and restrict movement of the plate 32b in orthogonal directions (up/down and left/right) perpendicular to the sliding direction.

Plate 32b is a single plate with each side longer than the outer diameter of hole 26 (for example, a rectangular plate with both its short and long sides longer than the outer diameter of hole 26), and is slidably held in plate accommodating section 32a. Plate 32b protrudes toward the side where drainage container 23 is provided (the right side in Figure 3) so as to block hole 26, thereby preventing the extract from falling into container 40. The sliding action that protrudes plate 32b and the retracting action that retracts plate 32b into plate accommodating section 32a are performed, for example, by a driving means (for example, a motor or actuator) provided in the housing.

The dashed lines 98 in Figures 3(3) and 3(4) indicate the difference in the direction of the extracted liquid flow depending on the operation of the extraction stop unit 32. Figure 3(3) shows that the extracted liquid flows from the dripper 10 to the container 40 when the blocking operation is not performed, while Figure 3(4) shows that the extracted liquid flows from the dripper 10 to the drain container 23 when the blocking operation is performed.

In the first embodiment, it is assumed that a single plate 32b is used to prevent the extract from falling into the container 40, but this is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to prevent the extract from falling into the container 40 by using multiple blades (plates) that move to close and open the hole, like the aperture of a camera lens. It is also possible to prevent the extract from falling into the container 40 by changing the orientation of a plate that was oriented vertically inside the hole 26 to a horizontal orientation. Examples of preventing the extract from falling by changing the orientation of a plate that was oriented vertically to a horizontal orientation will be described later in the fourth and fifth embodiments.

Furthermore, with regard to the shape and arrangement of plate 32b, it is possible to provide grooves on the top surface of plate 32b to guide the flow of liquid, or to install plate 32b so that it can slide diagonally to guide the flow of liquid.

In addition, in the first embodiment, an example was described in which the plate 32b, whose sides are longer than the diameter of the hole 26, simply slides horizontally to close the hole 26, but this is not limited to this. For example, simply sliding it horizontally may result in a large amount of extract leaking into the container 40. In this case, it is advisable to have the plate come into contact with a tightly fitting member such as a gasket after moving horizontally.

In addition, when hot water (or boiling water) is poured into the dripper 10 or when the electronic device 20 is removed, it is expected that water or other substances may adhere to the entire electronic device 20 or various parts thereof. Therefore, it is preferable to waterproof the entire electronic device 20 or various parts thereof.

It is also expected that the electronic device 20 will heat up during the extraction process while the hot water is being poured. Therefore, it is preferable that each device built into the electronic device 20 be made of heat-resistant materials, enclosed in insulating materials, or insulated to protect it from the effects of heat. For example, foam-based, felt-based, or other insulating materials may be used, or two or more of these materials may be combined.

Furthermore, when hot water is poured into the dripper 10, steam is generated from the coffee (liquid) collected in the container 40, and it is expected that the lens of the camera module of the liquid level detection unit 25 will fog up. Therefore, it is preferable to apply an anti-fogging treatment to the surface of the lens. Alternatively, the entire lens may be covered with a transparent member that has been treated with an anti-fogging treatment. Furthermore, to prevent steam from accumulating, a ventilation fan may be attached to the electronic device 20 to exhaust steam around the lens from between the container 40 and the electronic device 20. Furthermore, to prevent the effects of heat, it is preferable to apply a heat insulating treatment to the lens itself or the transparent member that has been treated with an anti-fogging treatment.

[Example of functional configuration of electronic device]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the electronic device 20 according to the first embodiment.

The electronic device 20 has an operation unit 210, a display unit 220, a sound output unit 230, a timer 240, a control unit 250, a measuring unit 260, a liquid volume detection unit 270, an extraction stop unit 280, and a memory unit 290. The electronic device 20 may have a built-in or attached battery and use the battery as a power source, or it may not have a built-in battery and use an external power source.

The operation unit 210 accepts operation inputs for operating the electronic device 20 and transmits operation information corresponding to the accepted operation inputs to the control unit 250. In other words, the operation unit 210 corresponds to the power button 21 shown in Figures 1 to 3 and the touch panel that constitutes the touch panel display 22. This operation unit 210 is used, for example, to input the setting of the amount of liquid relative to the amount of coffee powder, to input characters, to input selections from selection boxes, and to input decisions for various operations.

The display unit 220 displays various information under the control of the control unit 250. In other words, the display unit 220 corresponds to the display panel of the touch panel display 22 shown in Figures 1 to 3. This display unit 220 is used, for example, to display the extraction status during extraction, display various menus, display various setting screens, and display warnings.

The sound output unit 230 outputs various types of audio information under the control of the control unit 250. In other words, the sound output unit 230 corresponds to the speaker 28 shown in Figures 1 to 3. This sound output unit 230 is used to output, for example, warning sounds, sounds indicating the completion of extraction, and sounds indicating the input of various operations.

The timer 240 measures time and outputs time information relating to the measured time to the control unit 250. The timer 240 starts measuring time, for example, when the liquid volume detection unit 270 detects that liquid has been poured to steam the coffee grounds.

The control unit 250 controls each part of the electronic device 20 based on a control program stored in the memory unit 290. The control unit 250 is realized, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The CPU is a central processing unit (electronic device) consisting of a control device (control circuit) and an arithmetic device (arithmetic circuit).

The measuring unit 260 measures the weight of the coffee grounds and liquid (hot water) placed on the dripper 10 and outputs the measurement results to the control unit 250. In other words, the measuring unit 260 corresponds to the weighing platform 24 and measuring unit 27 shown in Figures 1 to 3. The measuring unit 260 measures the weight of the coffee grounds, for example, before the extraction operation. This measured weight is displayed on the display unit 220, and the user can adjust the weight (amount) of coffee grounds to be placed on the dripper 10 by looking at this displayed weight. The measuring unit 260 also measures the weight of the coffee grounds and the amount of liquid during extraction. This measured weight during extraction is stored in the memory unit 290 as a transition in the status of the dripper 10 during extraction.

The liquid volume detection unit 270 detects the amount of extract accumulated in the container 40. In other words, the liquid volume detection unit 270 corresponds to the liquid volume detection unit 25 shown in Figures 1 to 3. Under the control of the control unit 250, the liquid volume detection unit 270 captures an image of the container 40 to generate an image (image data), and detects the liquid volume from the captured image. The liquid volume detection using this captured image is performed by acquiring and recording images of the container 40 containing a predetermined amount of liquid in advance for each liquid volume (images are acquired and recorded for different liquid volumes such as 100 ml, 110 ml, 120 ml, etc.). It is preferable that the user be able to acquire the image for each liquid volume in advance so that multiple containers 40 of different manufacturers and shapes can be handled. Information about these multiple containers 40 can be registered in the electronic device 20 by storing it in the memory unit 290.

Furthermore, when multiple containers 40 are registered in the electronic device 20, an image of the container 40 without liquid may be acquired in advance in order to automatically identify the container 40 set in the electronic device 20. This allows automatic identification of which container 40 has been set by acquiring an image before the extraction operation when no liquid has fallen into the container 40 (for example, when adjusting the amount of coffee powder used for extraction) and comparing it with the image acquired in advance.

The liquid volume detection unit 270 is composed of, for example, a lens, an imaging element (image sensor) that receives light from the subject collected by the lens, and an image processing unit that performs predetermined image processing on the image data generated by the imaging element. The imaging element may be, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) imaging element. The lens may also include a zoom lens, focus lens, aperture, etc. While the liquid volume detection unit 270 is assumed to be equipped with one lens and imaging element set (camera module), this is not limited to this and multiple sets may also be equipped.

The extraction stop unit 280, under the control of the control unit 250, blocks the flow path of the extracted liquid from the dripper 10 to the container 40 at the end of extraction, thereby preventing the extracted liquid from falling into the container 40 and stopping the extraction. This extraction stop unit 280 stops the extraction by preventing the extracted liquid from falling into the container 40 when the liquid volume detected by the liquid volume detection unit 270 reaches a predetermined volume (when the desired volume of liquid has been extracted). That is, the extraction stop unit 280 performs a process to prevent the supply of liquid from the dripper 10 to the container 40 when the volume of liquid stored in the container 40 reaches a predetermined volume. This prevention is achieved by blocking the path through which the liquid falls from the dripper 10 to the container 40. This extraction stop unit 280 corresponds to the extraction stop unit 32 shown in Figures 1 to 3. That is, the control unit 250 controls the driving means (e.g., motor, actuator) that performs the sliding action to protrude the plate 32b and the retracting action to retract the plate 32b into the plate retractor 32a. The method for shielding the flow path using plate 32b has already been explained, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

The storage unit 290 is a memory that stores various types of information. For example, the storage unit 290 stores various types of information (e.g., control programs) required for the electronic device 20 to perform various processes. The storage unit 290 also stores information set by the user, information related to the extraction situation, such as changes in the weight measured by the measuring unit 260 and changes in the liquid volume detected by the liquid volume detection unit 270, and the like.

Next, the operation of the electronic device 20 will be explained using Figures 5 to 9 and examples of displays on the touch panel display 22. Note that hereafter, functions that have configurations that correspond to the functional configuration example and the external configuration example will be explained mainly using the reference numerals of the functional configuration example.

First, we will briefly explain the relationship between the coffee extraction procedure and the display examples in each drawing.

To brew coffee, the user first places the electronic device 20 on top of the container 40, then places the dripper 10 on the weighing platform 24 of the electronic device 20, and then turns on the power to the electronic device 20. Next, the user attaches a paper filter to the inside of the dripper 10's housing 11 and places coffee powder into the paper filter.

When adding the coffee powder, the electronic device 20 weighs the coffee powder and assists the user in placing the appropriate amount (weight) of coffee powder in the dripper 10. An example of the screen (coffee powder weighing screen) displayed on the touch panel display 22 at this time will be described in detail later using Figures 5 and 6.

When determining the amount of coffee powder, the amount of liquid extract (liquid volume) calculated based on the amount (weight) of coffee powder is displayed on the touch panel display 22. For this calculation to occur, the relationship between the amount of coffee powder and the amount of liquid extract must be set in advance. The screen for setting this relationship between the amount of coffee powder and the amount of liquid extract will be explained in detail later using Figure 8.

Next, the user pours a small amount of boiled water, which has been cooled to about 90 degrees, onto the coffee grounds placed in the dripper 10 and steeps for about 20 to 30 seconds. During this steeping process, the coffee grounds absorb the poured water, but the small amount that is not absorbed falls into the container 40. When the liquid volume detection unit 270 detects this small amount of water that has fallen, it determines that the extraction operation has begun, and the timer 240 begins measuring time. Note that the first embodiment assumes the case where a small amount of water that has fallen is detected, but the user may also press the start button to start measuring time when extraction begins.

Once the steaming period is over, the user sequentially pours hot water onto the steamed coffee grounds placed in the dripper 10 in the desired amount at the user's preferred timing. As the hot water is poured onto the coffee grounds, the coffee grounds may not be able to absorb all of the hot water, causing the coffee liquid (extract) to drip into the container 40. The liquid volume detection unit 270 continuously detects the amount of extract that has fallen into the container 40. When the control unit 250 determines that the desired amount of extract has been accumulated, the extraction stop unit 280 prevents the extract from dripping into the container 40, thereby stopping extraction into the container 40. During the period from the start of steaming (extraction start) to the end of extraction, the touch panel display 22 displays a screen (extraction status display screen) that shows the user the extraction status, including the elapsed time since extraction started and the amount of extract accumulated in the container 40. An example of the extraction status display screen will be described in detail later using Figure 7.

The amount of extracted liquid detected by the liquid volume detection unit 270 and the transition of weight detected by the weighing unit 260 from the start to the end of extraction are stored in the storage unit 290 as extraction history data. This extraction history data is used for the user's own review of the extraction operation and for reproducing past extractions. Examples of lists and displays of this extraction history data will be explained in detail later using Figures 9(1) and 9(2). Examples of displays for comparison during extraction will be explained in detail later using Figure 7(2).

In this way, the electronic device 20 can assist the user when performing hand-dripping.

[Example of the screen displayed when measuring coffee powder]
5 and 6 are diagrams showing an example of an operation display screen (coffee powder measurement screen) displayed on the touch panel display 22 when measuring coffee powder in the first embodiment.

Figure 5 (1) shows an example of the state in which coffee grounds 14 are set in the dripper 10, and Figure 5 (2) shows an example of the display on the touch panel display 22 when the amount of extract is calculated from the weight of the coffee grounds when the amount data named "Standard" is selected. Figure 5 (3) shows an example of the display on the touch panel display 22 when the amount of extract is calculated from the weight of the coffee grounds when the amount data named "For Dripper A" is selected.

Furthermore, Figure 6 (1) shows an example of the display on the touch panel display 22 when the amount of coffee powder is calculated from the amount of extracted liquid specified by the user when the amount data named "standard" (hereinafter also referred to as "standard" amount data; amount data with other names is also referred to in the same way) is selected. Also, Figure 6 (2) shows an example of the display on the touch panel display 22 when the "Display set amount" button 319 is pressed (touched) on the display screen shown in Figure 5 (2). Furthermore, Figure 6 (3) shows an example of the display on the touch panel display 22 when the "Display set amount" button 319 is pressed (touched) on the display screen shown in Figure 5 (3).

As shown in Figure 5 (1), when coffee grounds 14 are placed on the dripper 10 before the start of extraction, the measuring unit 27 measures the weight of the placed coffee grounds 14. The electronic device 20 then displays the measurement result on the touch panel display 22. At this time, the electronic device 20 performs processing to either calculate the amount of extracted liquid (liquid volume) from the amount (weight) of coffee grounds, or calculate the amount of coffee grounds from the amount of extracted liquid specified by the user.

In order to perform these calculations, information is needed about the relationship between the amount of coffee powder and the amount of liquid extracted. However, the amount of powder required for one cup of coffee often differs depending on the shape of the dripper. Furthermore, the amount of liquid in one cup (cup size) often differs from user to user. Furthermore, it often also differs depending on the coffee powder used and the user's preferences.

It is therefore desirable to allow the user to set this information in addition to pre-set information. In the first embodiment, selecting information regarding the relationship between the amount of coffee powder and the amount of extracted liquid is referred to as selecting amount data, and Figure 5 (2) shows an example in which calculation is performed using "standard" amount data, which is amount data preset in the electronic device 20, while Figure 5 (3) shows an example in which calculation is performed using "for dripper A" amount data, which is amount data set by the user.

In the example displayed on the touch panel display 22 when the "standard" amount data shown in Figure 5 (2) is selected and the amount of extracted liquid is calculated, multiple buttons, the weight of the measured coffee powder (coffee powder weight: 25 g), the calculated extraction amount (extraction stop amount: 360 ml (3 cups)), the dripper (dripper: XXX dripper), and a list of amount data are displayed.

In this example display, the following buttons are shown: "ZERO" button 311, "ml" button 312, "g" button 313, "+" button 314, "-" button 315, "Menu screen" button 316, "Up" button 317, "Down" button 318, and "Display set amount" button 319.

The "ZERO" button 311 is a button that sets the weight of the item placed on the weighing platform 24 to "0" grams (g). In other words, it is equivalent to the ZERO button or TARE button on a typical electronic scale, which subtracts the weight of the container to set the weight to zero. When weighing the weight of coffee powder, by placing the dripper 10 with the paper filter set on the weighing platform 24 and then pressing the "ZERO" button 311, it is possible to measure only the weight of the coffee powder placed on the dripper 10.

The "ml" button 312 and the "g" button 313 are buttons that determine the target for calculation by the electronic device 20. Figure 5 (2) shows the "ml" button 312 surrounded by a double line and the "g" button 313 surrounded by a dashed line. Note that in the first embodiment, the illustration is based on the assumption that the button surrounded by the double line has been pressed and selected.

When the "ml" button 312 is pressed, the amount of extracted liquid (extraction stop amount) is calculated based on the weight of the coffee grounds measured by the measuring unit 260. When the liquid amount detection unit 270 detects that this calculated amount (extraction stop amount) of extracted liquid has accumulated in the container 40 during extraction, the extraction stop unit 280 of the electronic device 20 stops the extraction.

On the other hand, when the "g" button 313 is pressed, the amount (weight) of coffee powder is calculated based on the extraction stop amount entered by the user. The case where the "g" button 313 is pressed will be explained later using Figure 6 (1).

The "+" button 314 and "-" button 315 are buttons for fine-tuning the calculated extraction stop amount. For example, pressing the "+" button 314 increases the extraction stop amount by 10 ml, and pressing the "-" button 315 decreases the extraction stop amount by 10 ml. Figure 5 (2) shows an example in which it is assumed that neither the "+" button 314 nor the "-" button 315 has been pressed even once. If either button is pressed, it is recommended that the extraction stop amount be displayed so that it is clear that it has been pressed. For example, in the case of Figure 5 (2), if the "+" button 314 is pressed once, the ml portion may be displayed as "360 ml + 10 ml."

The "Menu Screen" button 316 is a button for displaying a menu screen for configuring various settings for the electronic device 20. While detailed explanations will be omitted in the first embodiment, the menu screen displayed after pressing this button allows users to configure various settings, create quantity data, display logs of past extractions, and more.

The "Up" button 317 and "Down" button 318 are buttons for changing the quantity data displayed in the quantity data list. If multiple quantity data are set in the electronic device 20, it is difficult to display all of the quantity data at once on the touch panel display 22. By pressing the "Up" button 317 or the "Down" button 318, the quantity data displayed in the quantity data list is changed, allowing the user to select the desired quantity data. The name of the dripper registered (set) for the selected quantity data is displayed to the right of the "Dripper:" notation.

In Figure 5 (2), the measurement data list shows three measurement data items ("Standard," "For Dripper A," and "My Favorite Flavor"), with the selected "Standard" measurement data item surrounded by double lines, and the dripper to be used with this measurement data item is indicated as "XXX Dripper."

The "Display Set Amount" button 319 is a button for displaying the relationship between the amount of coffee powder and the amount of extract registered in the selected amount data. Hereinafter, the relationship (amount relationship) between the amount of coffee powder (g) and the amount of extract (ml) will also be referred to as the "set amount." An example of what happens when the "Display Set Amount" button 319 is pressed will be explained later using Figures 6(2) and 6(3).

The next example, Figure 5 (3), shows a display example when the amount data for "Dripper A" is set and the amount of extracted liquid is calculated. Note that the displayed buttons are the same as those in Figure 5 (2), so the same symbols are used and their explanations are omitted.

In Figure 5 (3), three pieces of measurement data ("For Dripper A," "My Favorite Flavor," and "For Store X Blend Beans") are shown in the measurement data list, with the selected "For Dripper A" indicated by a double line. Also, "Dripper A" is shown as the dripper to be used with the "For Dripper A" measurement data.

Figure 5 (3) shows that the same weight of coffee grounds (25 g) as in Figure 5 (2) was measured, but a different extraction stop amount (250 ml (2.1 cups)) was calculated than in Figure 5 (2). The extraction stop amount in Figure 5 (2) differs from that in Figure 5 (1) because different amount data was set for the relationship (set amount) between the amount of coffee grounds and the amount of extracted liquid. The set amount will be explained later using Figures 6 (2), 6 (3), and 8.

As shown in Figures 5(2) and 5(3), by using the electronic device 20, the amount of extract can be calculated from the measured amount of coffee powder, and the user can be assisted so that extraction is completed when the calculated amount of extract enters the dripper 10.
Next, Fig. 6(1) shows an example of the display on the touch panel display 22 when the "standard" amount data is selected and the amount of coffee grounds is calculated from the amount of extracted liquid specified by the user. That is, the display example shown in Fig. 6(1) shows an example when the "g" button 313 is pressed on the screen shown in Fig. 5(2). It is assumed that the measured amount of coffee grounds is different (24.5 g) from the example shown in Fig. 5(2). Of the multiple buttons displayed in Fig. 6(1), all but the "Up (ml)" button 321, "Down (ml)" button 322, "Up (cup)" button 323, and "Down (cup)" button 324 are the same as those in Fig. 5(2), and therefore are designated by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

In place of the measured weight of ground coffee and the calculated extraction volume shown in Figure 5(2), Figure 6(1) shows the extraction volume entered by the user (extraction stop volume: 360 ml (3 cups)), the weight of ground coffee calculated based on the extraction volume (calculated ground coffee weight: 25 g), and the weight of ground coffee placed in the dripper (measured ground coffee weight: 24.5 g).

The "Up (ml)" button 321 and the "Down (ml)" button 322 are buttons that allow the user to specify the extraction stop amount in ml units. For example, pressing the "Up (ml)" button 321 increases the extraction stop amount by 10 ml, and pressing the "Down (ml)" button 322 decreases the extraction stop amount by 10 ml.

The "Top (cup)" button 323 and the "Bottom (cup)" button 324 are buttons that allow the user to specify the extraction stop amount in cups. For example, pressing the "Top (cup)" button 323 increases the extraction stop amount by one cup, and pressing the "Bottom (cup)" button 324 decreases the extraction stop amount by one cup.

In the case shown in Figure 6 (1) (when calculating the weight of coffee powder), the user first inputs the desired amount of extracted liquid. The electronic device 20 then calculates and displays the amount of coffee powder based on the set amount data. The user then adds coffee powder to the dripper 10 to achieve the calculated amount. The user then starts extraction, and when the liquid volume detection unit 270 detects that the amount of extracted liquid input by the user (extraction stop amount) has accumulated in the container 40, the extraction stop unit 280 stops the extraction.

As shown in Figure 6 (1), by using the electronic device 20, the amount of coffee grounds to be used can be calculated based on the amount of liquid extract desired by the user, and the user can be assisted in adding the calculated amount of coffee grounds to the dripper 10.

Next, we will use Figures 6 (2) and 6 (3) to explain an example of the display that appears when the "Display set amount" button 319 is pressed in the display shown in Figures 5 (2) and 5 (3).

Figure 6 (2) shows an example of the display when the "Display set amount" button 319 is pressed (touched) on the display screen shown in Figure 5 (2), and Figure 6 (3) shows an example of the display when the "Display set amount" button 319 is pressed (touched) on the display screen shown in Figure 5 (3).

As already explained, when the "Display set quantity" button 319 is pressed, the set quantity of the selected quantity data is displayed. In the first embodiment, an example is assumed in which the display related to the quantity data list changes to display the set quantity, and other displays remain unchanged.

In Figures 6 (2) and 6 (3), a "Display quantity data list" button 327 is shown instead of the "Display set quantity" button 319 shown in Figures 5 (2) and 5 (3), and a set quantity list, "Up" button 325, and "Down" button 326 are shown instead of the quantity data list, "Up" button 317, and "Down" button 318. Other than that, the same things are shown as in Figures 5 (2) and 5 (3).

The "Display quantity data list" button 327 is a button for changing the display of the set quantity to a display of a quantity data list. In other words, when pressed while the display is in Figure 6 (2), the display changes to that of Figure 5 (2), and when pressed while the display is in Figure 6 (3), the display changes to that of Figure 5 (3).

The "Up" button 325 and "Down" button 326 are buttons for changing the set amounts displayed in the set amount list. If the set amounts (the relationship between the amount of extracted liquid (cups) and the amount of coffee powder (g)) are large, they cannot all be displayed in the set amount list at once. In this case, pressing the "Up" button 325 or the "Down" button 326 will display the set amount settings that were hidden and could not be displayed in full.

As shown in Figure 6 (2), the "standard" amount data specifies 120 ml per cup, and the amount of ground coffee for brewing 1 to 4 cups is set to 11 g for 1 cup, 18 g for 2 cups, 25 g for 3 cups, and 32 g for 4 cups. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 6 (3), the "for A dripper" amount data specifies 120 ml per cup, and the amount of ground coffee for brewing 1 to 4 cups is set to 12 g for 1 cup, 24 g for 2 cups, 36 g for 3 cups, and 48 g for 4 cups. In other words, because the "standard" amount data and the "for A dripper" amount data are set to different amounts, the calculated extraction stop amount for 25 g of ground coffee is 360 ml (3 cups) for the "standard" amount data and 250 ml (2.1 cups) for the "for A dripper" amount.

In the example of Figure 6 (3), the calculation of 250 ml (2.1 cups) is performed, for example, as follows. 25 g of coffee powder weighs between the 24 g of 2 cups (240 ml) and the 36 g of 3 cups (360 ml) in the amount data for "Dripper A." Therefore, from these two settings, it is calculated that 1 g extracts 10 ml, resulting in the calculation of 250 ml (240 + 10 ml) and 2.1 cups (2 + approximately 0.1 cups).

An example of the screen for setting the set quantity in the quantity data will be explained in detail later using Figure 8.

In addition, the coffee powder measurement screen shown in Figures 5 and 6 is designed to end the coffee powder measurement screen and transition to the brewing screen when it detects that the steaming liquid has dropped, but the coffee powder measurement screen may also be provided with a button (measurement end button) that allows the user to input that the amount of coffee powder has been measured.

Next, we will explain an example of the screen during extraction (extraction status display screen) using Figure 7.

[Example of the screen displayed while coffee is being extracted]
Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen (extraction status display screen) displayed on the touch panel display 22 during coffee extraction in the first embodiment. Two examples are shown in Fig. 7: Fig. 7(1) shows an example in which only the current extraction status is displayed, and Fig. 7(2) shows an example in which the current extraction status is displayed in comparison with past extractions.

In Figure 7 (1), as an example of displaying only the current brewing status, a "Stop midway (obstructed)" button 328, a "Stop midway (unobstructed)" button 329, the brewed amount (100 ml), the amount of brewing stopped (240 ml (3 cups)), and the elapsed time (01:30) are shown.

The "Stop midway (shielded)" button 328 and the "Stop midway (unshielded)" button 329 are buttons for stopping the various operations of the electronic device 20 that are being performed during extraction (such as time measurement by the timer 240, measurement by the measuring unit 260, and liquid volume detection by the liquid volume detection unit 270). When these buttons are pressed, the electronic device 20 will end its operation even if extraction is in progress (even if the amount of extracted liquid equivalent to the amount required to stop extraction has not accumulated in the container 40).

When the "End midway (with shielding)" button 328 is pressed, the extraction stop unit 280 performs a shielding operation to allow the extract to flow into the drainage container 23, and then all operations of the electronic device 20 are terminated. Note that when the "End midway (without shielding)" button 329 is pressed, the extraction stop unit 280 does not perform a shielding operation, and all operations of the electronic device 20 are terminated while the extract remains flowing into the container 40.

If the "Stop midway (shielded)" button 328 or the "Stop midway (unshielded)" button 329 is not pressed, the extraction status display screen will be displayed until extraction is complete. That is, the elapsed time displayed increases in accordance with the time from the start of extraction measured by the timer 240, and the extraction volume displayed increases in accordance with the liquid volume in the container 40 detected by the liquid volume detection unit 270. Then, when the liquid volume (extraction volume) detected by the liquid volume detection unit 270 becomes the same as the extraction stop volume, the extraction stop unit 280 performs a shielding operation, and extraction is completed.

Next, we will use Figure 7 (2) to explain an example of displaying the current extraction status while comparing it with past extractions during extraction.

The display example in Figure 7 (2) shows a "Stop midway (obstructed)" button 328, a "Stop midway (unobstructed)" button 329, extraction volume/extraction stop volume (100/240 ml), elapsed time (01:30), acquisition date and time of the extraction history data set in the extraction comparison data (x month △ day □ hours ○ minutes), user rating of the extraction history data set in the extraction comparison data (sour: 5 bitter: 3 miscellaneous: 2), weight transition graph 331, and liquid volume transition graph 332.

The "Stop midway (obstructed)" button 328 and the "Stop midway (unobstructed)" button 329 are the same as those shown in Figure 7 (1), so their explanation will be omitted. Also, the extraction amount/extraction stop amount is a combined display of the extraction amount and extraction stop amount shown in Figure 7 (1).

The extraction comparison data shows the date and time when the extraction being compared to the currently running extraction was performed. The user rating also shows the rating given by the user to the extraction being compared. Details of the extraction history data used as extraction comparison data will be explained in detail later using Figure 9.

The weight transition graph 331 is a graph showing the transition (change over time) of the weight measured by the measuring unit 260 during extraction. Note that, among the weights measured by the measuring unit 260, the weight of the dripper 10 and the weight of the coffee grounds do not change, so the weight transition shows the transition of the amount of hot water remaining inside the dripper 10.

The liquid volume transition graph 332 is a graph showing the transition (change over time) in the volume of extracted liquid detected by the liquid volume detection unit 270 during extraction. In the first embodiment, the graph shows the period during which extraction begins when the liquid volume detection unit 270 detects the dripping of steaming liquid and the timer 240 starts measuring time, and ends when the liquid volume detection unit 270 detects that a predetermined volume of liquid has accumulated and the extraction stop unit 280 closes.

In these two graphs, the transition of the currently running extraction is shown by a solid line, and the transition of the past extraction (extraction on month, day, and hour) used for comparison is shown by a dashed line. In this way, by storing information about past extractions (extraction history data) in the memory unit 290, it becomes possible to compare the transition of the extraction state during extraction. Note that the extraction history data used for comparison can, for example, allow the user to specify the extraction whose flavor was their favorite, and the electronic device 20 can assist in recreating that favorite flavor.

The comparison shown in Figure 7 (2) is preferably performed when the same amount of coffee powder is used to extract the same amount of liquid. However, when using different amounts of coffee powder, the liquid volume can be compared by plotting a graph using a percentage where the liquid volume at the end of extraction is set to 100 and the volume at the start is set to 0.

As shown in Figures 7(1) and 7(2), the electronic device 20 can assist the user in the extraction process by displaying data indicating the extraction status (time, weight in the dripper 10, and amount of liquid in the container 40) during extraction.

Up to this point, the explanation has focused on the operation of the electronic device 20 from the measurement of the amount of coffee powder to the end of extraction. Next, the explanation will focus on the information that the user stores in the electronic device 20. First, the setting screen for the amount data required to calculate the amount of extracted liquid from the amount of coffee powder will be explained with reference to Figure 8, and then the extraction history data required for comparison and display during extraction will be explained with reference to Figure 9. Furthermore, the detection of liquid volume by the liquid volume detection unit 270 will be explained with reference to Figure 10.

[Example of the screen displayed when setting quantity data]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an amount data list screen and a setting screen displayed on the touch panel display 22 in the first embodiment.

Figure 8 (1) shows an example of a list of quantity data, and Figure 8 (2) shows an example of the display when setting quantity data. When you select to display quantity data on the menu screen, the quantity data will be displayed in a list as shown in Figure 8 (1). When you select to edit existing quantity data or create new quantity data on the screen in Figure 8 (1), a screen for setting quantity data will be displayed as shown in Figure 8 (2).

The example display of a list of quantity data (quantity data list screen) shown in Figure 8 (1) shows an "Up" button 341, a "Down" button 342, a "New" button 343, an "Edit" button 344, a "Return to Menu" button 345, and multiple quantity data. The multiple quantity data include four quantity data (standard, for dripper A, my favorite flavor, and for store X blend beans), with a double-lined frame indicating that my favorite flavor has been selected. The numerical value displayed to the right of the quantity data name is the set amount of ground coffee (g), and shows the amount of ground coffee for cups 1 through 6, with the leftmost being the first cup and the rightmost being the sixth cup. Amounts of ground coffee that have not been set are shown as "--".

The "Up" button 341 and "Down" button 342 are buttons for changing the quantity data displayed in the list of quantity data. If there is a lot of registered quantity data, it may not be possible to display it all at once. In this case, pressing the "Up" button 341 or the "Down" button 342 will hide the displayed quantity data and display the quantity data that could not be displayed.

The "Create New" button 343 is used to create new quantity data. When this "Create New" button 343 is pressed, the screen for creating new quantity data is displayed. Note that the screen for creating new quantity data is a screen in which all input fields are blank, as shown in Figure 8 (2) below.

The "Edit" button 344 is used to change and edit the settings of quantity data that has already been created. Pressing this "Edit" button 344 will take you to a screen for editing the selected quantity data. In Figure 8 (1), "My Favorite Flavor" is selected, and pressing the "Edit" button 344 in this state will take you to the quantity data setting screen shown in Figure 8 (2).

The "Return to Menu" button 345 is used to return to the menu screen. After setting or checking the quantity data, pressing this button will return you to the menu screen, allowing you to perform other operations.

In the example display of the screen for setting the quantity data shown in Figure 8 (2) (quantity data setting screen), a "Discard and return" button 346, a "Save and return" button 347, a "Name" input field 351, a "Cup size" input field 352, "Coffee powder quantity" input fields 353 and 354, a "Comments" input field 355, and a "Dripper" input field 356 are displayed.

The "Discard and Return" button 346 is a button for discarding the information entered in each input field on this quantity data setting screen without saving it, and exiting the quantity data setting screen. For example, if you press the "Create New" button 343 shown in Figure 8 (1) to move to the quantity data setting screen, you will return to the quantity data list screen without creating new quantity data. Also, if you press the "Edit" button 344 shown in Figure 8 (2) to move to the quantity data setting screen, you will return to the quantity data list screen without changing the settings of the selected quantity data (the information entered in the input fields).

The "Save and Return" button 347 is a button for saving the information entered in each input field on this quantity data setting screen and exiting the quantity data setting screen. When the "Create New" button 343 shown in Fig. 8(1) is pressed to move to the quantity data setting screen, new quantity data is created based on the information entered in each input field, and the screen returns to the quantity data list screen. Also, when the "Edit" button 344 shown in Fig. 8(1) is pressed to move to the quantity data setting screen, the information changed by the user this time is reflected in each setting of the selected quantity data, and the screen returns to the quantity data list screen.
In this manner, the control unit 250 of the electronic device 20 displays a quantity data setting screen (shown in FIG. 8(2)) (an example of an input screen) on the touch panel display 22 (an example of a panel), which displays various information and accepts user operations, and executes control to display input information based on the user operation on the quantity data setting screen. The control unit 250 also displays on the quantity data setting screen a “Discard and Return” button 346 (an example of a first operation indicator) that accepts an operation to discard the input content on the quantity data setting screen and return to the quantity data list screen (shown in FIG. 8(1)) (an example of a first screen) that was displayed immediately before the quantity data setting screen, and a “Save and Return” button 347 (an example of a second operation indicator) that accepts an operation to save the input content on the quantity data setting screen and return to the quantity data list screen. Furthermore, when the control unit 250 accepts an operation of the “Discard and Return” button 346, the control unit 250 discards the input content on the quantity data setting screen, clears the quantity data setting screen, and displays the quantity data list screen. On the other hand, when the operation of the "Save and return" button 347 is accepted, the control unit 250 saves the input contents to the amount data setting screen in the storage unit 290, erases the amount data setting screen, and displays the amount data list screen. Note that while this example shows an example of display control of the touch panel display 22 provided in the electronic device 20, the present invention can also be applied to display control of a touch panel display (e.g., see touch panel display 610 in FIG. 13) provided in another electronic device (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a television), or a device serving as an external device (e.g., a display device wirelessly operated by an electronic device).

The "Name" input field 351 is a field for entering the name of the quantity data.

The "Serving Size" input field 352 is a field for entering the amount of extract (ml) per serving.

The "Coffee powder amount" input fields 353 and 354 are fields for entering the amount of coffee powder (quantity) for each cup. If no input is made or "0" is entered, "No setting" is displayed. Figure 8 (2) shows that cups 1 through 3 have been input, but cups 4 through 6 have not been input and are displayed as "No setting." If this amount data is used to measure out coffee powder, and more coffee powder than the 25g for the third cup is placed on the dripper 10 when measuring, an error message will be displayed warning that there is too much. Furthermore, if there is less coffee powder than the 10g for the first cup when measuring, an error message will be displayed warning that at least 10g for one cup must be placed.

The "Comment" input field 355 is a field for entering comments about the quantity data being set.

The "Dripper" input field 356 is a field for entering the name of the dripper to identify the dripper being used.

In this way, by allowing the user to set information (set amount) indicating the relationship between the amount of coffee powder (g) and the amount of extracted liquid (ml) as amount data, the extraction process can be assisted to suit the different preferences of each user. Furthermore, by being able to store multiple amount data with different set amounts, the extraction process can be assisted when using drippers of different shapes or different coffee beans.

[Example of the screen displayed when checking extraction history data]
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a list screen and a details screen of extraction history data displayed on the touch panel display 22 in the first embodiment.

Figure 9 (1) shows an example of a list of extraction history data, and Figure 9 (2) shows an example of detailed extraction history data. When you select to display extraction history data on the menu screen, the extraction history data will be displayed in a list as shown in Figure 9 (1), and when you select to check the details on the screen in Figure 9 (1), a detailed extraction history data screen will be displayed as shown in Figure 9 (2).

The display example of the list of extraction history data shown in Figure 9 (1) (extraction history data list screen) shows a "quantity data" change button 361, an "up" button 362, a "down" button 363, a "set as extracted comparison data" button 364, a "display details" button 365, a "return to menu" button 366, multiple extraction history data, and extraction comparison data. Note that the extraction comparison data is the extraction history data displayed as an extraction to be compared when comparing extraction statuses during extraction as shown in Figure 7 (2), and in the first embodiment, it is assumed that it is selected and set from the extraction history data listed on this extraction history data list screen.

The "Volume Data" change button 361 is a button for changing the volume data settings in order to change the extraction history data displayed in the list for each volume data. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that this extraction history data list screen displays a list of extraction history data extracted using the same volume data. In the display example of Figure 9 (1), "standard" volume data has been selected, and extraction history data for extractions using "standard" volume data is shown in the list. If volume data other than "standard" volume data is selected, extraction history data for extractions using that volume data will be displayed in the list.

In Figure 9 (1), it is assumed that the extraction comparison data is displayed for each quantity data, but this is not limited to this, and it is also possible to display it for each weight of coffee powder.

The "Up" button 362 and "Down" button 363 are buttons for changing the extraction history data displayed in the list of extraction history data. If there is a large amount of registered extraction history data, it may not all be displayed at once. Therefore, by pressing these buttons, the extraction history data displayed in the list is changed and the extraction history data that could not be displayed is displayed. Note that four extraction history data items (month, day, hour, minute, month, day, hour, minute, month, day, hour, minute, month, day, hour, minute, month, day, hour, minute) are displayed as multiple extraction history data items, and a double-lined box indicates that month, day, hour, minute is selected. The numerical values displayed to the right of the extraction history data indicate the amount of coffee powder (g) used in the extraction and the user's taste rating (acidity (acid), bitterness (bitter), imperfections (imperfections)).

The "Set as extracted comparison data" button 364 is a button for setting the extracted history data selected in the extracted history data list as extracted comparison data.

The "Details" button 365 is a button for displaying details of the extraction history data selected in the extraction history data list. When this button is pressed, the screen will transition to the extraction history data details screen shown in Figure 9 (2).

The "Return to Menu" button 366 is a button for returning to the menu screen. After checking the extraction history data or setting the extraction comparison data, pressing this button will return you to the menu screen and allow you to perform other operations.

The example screen for checking the details of extraction history data shown in Figure 9 (2) (extraction history data display screen) displays a "Return to list" button 367, a "rating star" input field 371, a "comments" input field 372, a graph showing changes in weight, a graph showing changes in liquid volume, and basic information about the extraction history data.

The basic information for the extraction history data includes the acquisition date and time (month, day, hour, minute), the amount used (reference), the weight of the coffee grounds used for extraction (coffee grounds: 25 g), the amount of extract collected in the container 40 (extraction amount: 360 ml), and the time from the start to the end of extraction (extraction time: 3 minutes 55 seconds). The amount of extract collected in the container 40 was referred to as the extraction stop amount in Figures 5 to 8, but will be referred to here as the extraction amount.

Furthermore, the graph showing the weight transition and the graph showing the liquid volume transition are the same as the graphs shown in Figure 7 (2) (weight transition graph 331 and liquid volume transition graph 332) except that they only display the extraction history data, so detailed explanations will be omitted here.

The "Return to List" button 367 is a button for closing the extraction history data display screen and returning to the extraction history data list screen. If you enter information in any of the input fields displayed on the extraction history data display screen, the input is saved and you are returned to the extraction history data list screen.

The "rating star count" input field 371 is a field for entering a taste rating for the displayed extraction history data. A user who has drunk coffee extracted using this extraction history data can enter information in this field to assign a taste rating to the extraction history data. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the taste rating is based on three points - sourness, bitterness, and off-flavors - each rated on a five-point scale. The "rating star count" input field 371 displays five stars for each of the three points that can be turned on or off by pressing them, and the user determines the rating by specifying the number of stars to turn on. Figure 9 (2) shows three stars turned on for "sourness," three stars turned on for "bitterness," and one star turned on for "off-flavors."

The "Comment" input field 372 is a field for entering comments about the displayed extraction history data.

As shown in the "rating star" input field 371 and "comment" input field 372 in Figure 9 (2), users can enter ratings and comments into the extraction history data. This allows users to save information to help them decide whether or not to set the data as extracted comparison data along with the extraction history data.

As explained in Figure 9 (2), the extraction history data records the circumstances at the time of extraction, as well as the user's evaluation and comments regarding the extraction. The circumstances at the time of extraction include the date and time of extraction (acquisition date and time), quantity data used, amount of coffee grounds used in the extraction (coffee grounds), amount of liquid at the end of extraction (extraction amount), time at which extraction was completed (extraction time), weight change in the dripper 10 during extraction (weight transition), and change in the amount of liquid in the container 40 during extraction (liquid volume transition).

[Example of liquid level detection]
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the liquid volume detection operation by the liquid volume detection unit 270 in the first embodiment.

Figure 10 (1) shows an example where the amount of extracted liquid (coffee liquid 413) collected in the container 40 is small (a liquid volume equivalent to approximately one-ninth of the height of the container 40), and Figure 10 (2) shows an example where the amount of extracted liquid (coffee liquid 423) collected in the container 40 is medium (a liquid volume equivalent to approximately one-quarter of the height of the container 40).

In Figures 10(1) and 10(2), a side view of the electronic device 20 and container 40 is shown on the left, and examples of captured images (captured images 410 and 420) when the liquid volume detection unit 25 captures the amount of coffee liquid shown on the left are shown on the right.

Note that captured images 410 and 420 focus on the liquid coffee surface as seen when the images are captured, and do not show the side of container 40, bubbles floating on the liquid surface, steam, etc. that are seen when the images are captured. Therefore, captured images 410 and 420 show the liquid coffee surface (liquid surface 412 and liquid surface 422) and the edge of the liquid surface that is in contact with the side of container 40 (liquid surface edge 411 and liquid surface edge 421).

In captured images 410 and 420, the liquid levels 412 and 422 are shown as ellipses with a steep curve on the left side and a gentle curve on the right side in FIG. 10. This reflects the fact that the position of the liquid level detection unit 25 is offset (left side of FIG. 10) from the position of the electronic device 20 corresponding to the center of the container 40. Comparing captured images 410 and 420, due to the shape of the container 40, whose base is wider than its opening, the liquid level 422 shown in captured image 420 has a smaller area than the liquid level 412 shown in captured image 410. Furthermore, the position of the edge 421 of the liquid level shown in captured image 420 is closer to the center of the image than the position of the edge 411 of the liquid level shown in captured image 410. In this way, when the amount of coffee liquid accumulated in the container 40 changes, the area of the liquid level and the position of the edge of the liquid level in the captured image change. Since this varies depending on the amount of liquid, if an image of the container 40 containing a predetermined amount of liquid is acquired in advance for each amount of liquid as described in Figure 4, the electronic device 20 can determine the amount of liquid by comparing it with this image.

For example, if the liquid level and edge of the liquid level in an image of a 100 ml liquid volume among multiple images captured in advance approximately coincide with the liquid level 412 and edge 411 of the liquid level in the captured image 410, the liquid volume at the time the captured image 410 was captured is determined to be 100 ml.

In this way, the electronic device 20 can detect the amount of liquid at the time of extraction by acquiring images of the container 40 containing a specified amount of liquid for each amount of liquid in advance.

[Example of operation of electronic devices]
Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation (extraction process procedure) when performing extraction using the electronic device 20 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 11 shows an example of the operation performed after the electronic device 20 is attached to the container 40 and the power button 21 is pressed to turn on the electronic device 20. Fig. 11 also shows an example of the operation performed without measuring the weight of the contents of the dripper 10 during extraction (the operation of displaying the extraction status display screen as shown in Fig. 7(1)). Note that an example of the operation performed to measure the weight of the contents of the dripper 10 during extraction will be described in the fifth to seventh embodiments, and therefore will not be described here.

First, the liquid level detection unit 270 of the electronic device 20 acquires an image of the container 40 (step S101). Then, based on this acquired image, the control unit 250 determines whether the container 40 is set in the correct position (step S102). Specifically, the control unit 250 makes this determination by comparing it with previously acquired images of the container 40 that do not contain liquid.

If it is determined that the position of the container 40 is incorrect (step S102), a warning to correct the position of the container 40 is displayed on the display unit 220 (step S103), and the process returns to step S101.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the position of the container 40 is correct (step S102), weighing of the object placed on the weighing platform 24 begins, and the weight of the weighing platform 24 is acquired (step S104). The control unit 250 then determines whether the weight of the dripper 10 has been zeroed (a process of subtracting the weight of the dripper 10) (step S105). That is, the control unit 250 determines whether a dripper 10 without coffee powder was placed on the weighing platform 24 and then the user pressed the "ZERO" button 311. If it is determined that the zeroing process has not been performed (step S105), the process returns to step S104.

On the other hand, if it is determined that zero processing has been performed (step S105), the weight of the weighing platform 24 on which zero processing has been performed, i.e., the weight of the coffee grounds, is obtained (step S106). Next, the extraction stop amount or the amount of coffee grounds is calculated based on the set amount of the amount data selected by the user (step S107).

Then, a coffee powder weighing screen reflecting the acquired and calculated weight of the coffee powder is displayed on the display unit 220 (step S108). This allows the user to add the appropriate amount of coffee powder to the dripper 10 depending on the brewing method they wish to perform. Although the start of the coffee powder weighing screen display is not specifically indicated as a step, if the "ZERO" button 311 is displayed on the coffee powder weighing screen as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the coffee powder weighing screen begins to be displayed after it is determined in step S102 that the position of the container 40 is correct. In this case, an alarm such as "Place only the dripper on the weighing platform and press the "ZERO" button" is displayed until the zero processing of the dripper 10 weight is complete. Once it is determined that the zero processing has been completed, the alarm is cleared and the coffee powder can be weighed.

It is also possible to use a separate display to indicate the zeroing of the dripper 10 weight, and to display the coffee powder weighing screen without the "ZERO" button 311 described in Figures 5 and 6 after it is determined in step S105 that the zeroing has been performed.

Then, while the coffee powder measurement screen is displayed, the liquid amount detection unit 270 acquires an image of the container 40 (step S109), and based on this acquired image, the control unit 250 determines whether or not the liquid has fallen into the container 40 (step S110). In the first embodiment, the control unit 250 determines that extraction has started if the steaming liquid has fallen into the container 40 while the coffee powder measurement screen is displayed, and therefore determines that extraction has started in step S110. If it is determined that the steaming liquid has not fallen into the container 40 (step S110), the process returns to step S106.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the steaming liquid has fallen into the container 40 (step S110), it is determined that extraction has begun, and the weight of the coffee powder to be used for extraction and the amount of extract to be stored in the container 40 are determined based on the calculation results based on the amount set on the coffee powder measurement screen, the user's input, and the weight of the coffee powder set in the dripper 10 (step S111). Next, the control unit 250 starts measuring the extraction time using the timer 240 (step S112). At this time, the display unit 220 begins displaying a screen (extraction status display screen) that is displayed during coffee extraction. In other words, the extraction status display screen as shown in FIG. 7 begins to be displayed.

Next, the amount of extract accumulated in the container 40 is detected based on the image acquired by the liquid volume detection unit 270 (step S113). Subsequently, an extraction status display screen reflecting the detected extract and the measured extraction time (time elapsed since the start of extraction) is displayed on the display unit 220 (step S114). This allows the user to properly recognize the current extraction status.

Next, the control unit 250 determines whether the determined amount of extract has accumulated in the container 40 based on the detected liquid volume (step S115). If it is determined that the determined amount of extract has not accumulated in the container 40 (step S115), the process returns to step S113 and extraction continues.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the determined amount of extract has accumulated in the container 40 (step S115), the extraction stop unit 280 blocks the extract from falling into the container 40, thereby ending the extraction (step S116). Then, the control unit 250 causes the sound output unit 230 to output a sound (end notification sound) notifying the user that the extraction has ended, and causes the display unit 220 to display a screen (extraction end screen) notifying the user that the extraction has ended (step S117), and the extraction processing procedure ends.

As such, according to the first embodiment, by equipping the electronic device 20 with a function for storing information indicating the relationship between the amount of coffee powder and the amount of extract, and a function for measuring the amount of coffee powder, the appropriate amount of extract can be calculated simply by measuring the amount of coffee powder. Furthermore, by equipping the electronic device 20 with a function for detecting the amount of extract accumulated in the container 40 and a function for preventing the extract from falling into the container 40, it is possible to easily complete extraction at the desired amount of liquid. In other words, by using an electronic device 20 with these functions, it is possible to assist the user in the coffee extraction process.

Second embodiment: Example with communication function with external devices
In the first embodiment, an example of the electronic device 20 without a communication function is shown. Providing the communication function in the electronic device 20 can increase the convenience of the electronic device 20. Furthermore, by providing the communication function in the electronic device 20 and using an external information processing terminal such as a smartphone to output image information, output sound information, input settings, and the like, the touch panel display 22 and the speaker 28 provided in the electronic device 20 can be omitted. By omitting these functions from the electronic device 20, the manufacturing cost of the electronic device 20 can be reduced.

An example of an electronic device 20 with communication functionality will now be described as electronic device 500 in the second embodiment with reference to Figures 12 and 13. Note that in the second embodiment, an example will be described in which the touch panel display 22 and speaker 28 are not omitted and communication functionality is simply added. In other words, since the external configuration example of electronic device 500 is similar to the external configuration example of electronic device 20, the reference numerals of electronic device 20 will be used and the description will be omitted.

As such, the electronic device 500 in the second embodiment is a modified version of the electronic device 20 in the first embodiment, and therefore a description of the common parts will be omitted.

[Example of functional configuration of electronic device]
FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an electronic device 500 according to the second embodiment.

Electronic device 500 includes a communication unit 510 in addition to the components of electronic device 20 shown in Figure 4. Note that the functions of the components other than communication unit 510 are the same as those described in Figure 4, so the following description will focus on communication unit 510.

The communication unit 510 exchanges various types of information with other devices via wired or wireless circuits under the control of the control unit 250. For example, when exchanging various types of information using wireless communication, the communication unit 510 sends and receives radio waves via an antenna (not shown). For example, the communication unit 510 can perform wireless communication using a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) (e.g., Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity)), NFC (Near Field Communication), Bluetooth (registered trademark), infrared, mobile phone radio waves, etc. The communication unit 510 is realized, for example, by a communication module equipped with an antenna and wireless communication capabilities, or a communication module equipped with wired communication capabilities.

In the second embodiment, since it is assumed that the device will be connected to a network, the description will be given assuming that the communication unit 510 is equipped with a Wi-Fi module.

This communication unit 510 can connect via wireless communication to portable communication devices equipped with touch panel displays and speakers, such as smartphones and tablet devices, and output various information to the user using the touch panel displays and speakers of these communication devices. This example will be described with reference to Figure 13 (1).

Furthermore, by connecting to the Internet, the communication unit 510 can download and upload extraction history data, upload the frequency of use of the electronic device 500, and so on. An example of this will be described with reference to Figure 13 (2).

[Example of using communication functions to link with other devices]
Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of communication by the communication unit 510 of the electronic device 500 in the second embodiment. Fig. 13(1) shows an example in which various information is output to the user using a touch panel display and speaker of a portable communication device (electronic device 600), and Fig. 13(2) shows an example in which convenience is further increased by connecting to the Internet.

The example shown in Figure 13 (1) shows a coffee extractor 1 equipped with an electronic device 500 and an electronic device 600 held by user P1.

Electronic device 600 is provided with a touch panel display 610 and also includes a Wi-Fi module for communication functions. It is assumed that electronic device 600 is a typical smartphone or tablet device. Furthermore, the touch panel display 610 and communication functions of electronic device 600 are similar to the touch panel display 22 and communication unit 510 described above, and therefore will not be described here.

In addition, electronic device 600 is assumed to have installed thereon an application (program) for processing data sent and received from electronic device 500 and providing content to the user.

By communicating between electronic device 500 and electronic device 600, for example, an image displayed on touch panel display 22 of electronic device 500 can be displayed on touch panel display 610 of electronic device 600. This makes it possible to display images using the large displays of smartphones and tablet devices.

The example shown in Figure 13 (2) shows a coffee brewer 1 equipped with an electronic device 500, and a communication system 700 consisting of a network 720 and a server 710. Note that base stations and access points for wireless communication may also be considered as devices constituting the communication system 700, but these are not shown or described here.

The server 710 is a server (information processing device) that manages information sent and received from each of the electronic devices 500. For example, the server 710 stores and manages extraction history data uploaded by users.

Network 720 is a network such as a public line network or the Internet.

For example, extraction history data of other people can be downloaded via communication between the server 710 and the electronic device 500. Extraction history data from extractions by professionals or experts is registered on the server 710, and the user downloads it to the electronic device 500. Then, by using the downloaded extraction history data as extraction comparison data (see Figure 7 (2) and Figure 9) when extracting, it is possible to imitate the extractions of professionals and experts.

As another example, the usage frequency of the electronic device 500 can be uploaded to the server 710 every day, and when the usage frequency changes, a third party can be notified via email or other means. This makes it possible to provide the same kind of safety confirmation service that uses the usage status of already known home appliances.

As such, according to the second embodiment, by using the electronic device 500 equipped with communication functions, it becomes possible to link with other devices and exchange data with a server, thereby providing further assistance to the user.

[Third embodiment: Example of dripper and electronic device integrated]
In the first and second embodiments, an example was shown in which the dripper 10 was placed on the weighing platform 24 provided in the electronic device 20 or 500. Although this would make it impossible to accommodate various drippers, integrating the dripper 10 and the electronic device 20 allows the drainage container 23 to be omitted from the electronic device 20.

An example in which the dripper 10 and electronic device 20 are integrated will be described as electronic device 810 in the third embodiment with reference to Figures 14 and 15. The third embodiment will be described as an example in which the communication function described in the second embodiment is provided, but the touch panel display 22 is omitted.

Note that the dripper 10 and electronic device 20 are integrated and have communication capabilities, but are otherwise similar to the first and second embodiments except for the absence of the touch panel display 22. Therefore, the differences will be explained in Figures 14 and 15.

[Example of the external configuration of the coffee extractor and electronic device]
Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of a coffee extractor 800 to which an electronic device 810 according to the third embodiment is attached. Fig. 14(1) shows a perspective view of the coffee extractor 800 to which the electronic device 810 is attached, and Fig. 14(2) shows a side view of the coffee extractor 800 to which the electronic device 810 is attached.

Figure 15 shows an example of the bottom configuration and cross-sectional view of the electronic device 810 in the third embodiment. Figure 15 (1) shows a bottom view of the electronic device 810, and Figure 15 (2) shows a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 810 when the extraction liquid is prevented from falling into the container.

Note that the functional configuration of the electronic device 810 is similar to that of the electronic device 500 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 12, except that the display unit 220 is omitted, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

The coffee extractor 800 has an electronic device 810 and a container 40.

The electronic device 810 is an electronic device or information processing device that is attached to the opening 42 of the container 40, and is an integrated combination of the electronic device 20 and dripper 10 shown in FIG. 1. Furthermore, the electronic device 810 has communication capabilities and uses external electronic devices to output various information to the user, eliminating the touch panel display 22 of the electronic device 20.

As shown in Figure 14 (1), the top surface of the electronic device 810 is provided with a dripper unit 811 and a power button 812. Note that the power button 812 is the same as the power button 21 in the first embodiment, so its description will be omitted.

In addition, in the third embodiment, the external shape of the electronic device 810 is assumed to be such that the dripper portion is connected to the top surface of a cylindrical housing. Therefore, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, it can also be described as having a shape similar to that of a dripper with a thick flange portion 12. Note that, as with the first embodiment, the external shape of the electronic device 810 is not limited to the shape shown in the figures, and other shapes are acceptable as long as it can be stably placed in the opening 42 of the container 40.

Dripper section 811 corresponds to storage section 11 of dripper 10 shown in Figure 1 and contains a filter such as paper or metal and ground coffee beans. This dripper section 811 is connected to the housing of electronic device 810. Therefore, if the extract is prevented from falling inside electronic device 20, the extract will remain inside dripper section 811. Details of how the extract remains inside dripper section 811 when prevented will be explained in detail later using Figure 15 (2), a cross-sectional view of electronic device 810, and will not be explained here.

The underside of the electronic device 810 (see mainly Figures 14(2) and 15) is provided with a weighing platform 813 and a speaker 816. The underside of the weighing platform 813 is also provided with four container position fixing units 814a-d and a liquid volume detection unit 815. The top surface of the weighing platform 813 is also provided with a weighing unit 819, which is connected to the housing of the electronic device 810 via the weighing unit 819 (see Figure 15(2)).

Note that the speaker 816, the four container position fixing units 814a-d, the liquid volume detection unit 815, and the measuring unit 819 are similar to the speaker 28, the four container position fixing units 31a-d, the liquid volume detection unit 25, and the measuring unit 27 in Figure 1, and therefore detailed explanations will be omitted.

The weighing platform 813 is used to measure the weight of the electronic device 810, which is the object to be measured. The bottom of the weighing platform 813 is placed above the opening 42 of the container 40, and the top is connected to the housing of the electronic device 810 via the weighing unit 819 (see Figure 15 (2)). In other words, by being stably placed on the container 40, the weighing platform 813 serves as a platform for measuring the weight applied to the electronic device 810 placed on the weighing platform 813 via the weighing unit 819. In this way, the weights of the electronic device 810 itself, the coffee powder, and the liquid are applied to the weighing platform 813 in the third embodiment, and these weights are measured by the weighing unit 819.

The underside of this weighing platform 813 is the surface that contacts the opening 42 of the container 40. Therefore, the four container position fixing units 31a-d and liquid level detection unit 25 that were provided on the underside of the electronic device 20 in the first embodiment are provided as four container position fixing units 814a-d and liquid level detection unit 815 on the underside of the measuring unit 819. Also, a hole (hole 817) is provided in the center of the weighing platform 813 so as not to interfere with the flow of the extract passing through the hole (hole 818) that penetrates the housing of the electronic device 810. Note that in the third embodiment, the diameter of hole 817 is assumed to be slightly longer than the diameter of hole 818 so that the extract that falls down the wall of hole 818 does not splash onto the weighing platform 813.

Next, the cross-sectional structure of electronic device 810 will be described using Figure 15 (2). Note that Figure 15 (2) shows a cross section taken along dashed line 899 in Figure 15 (1), and is a cross-sectional view taken in the direction of arrow 897, which is perpendicular to dashed line 899 at the right end of dashed line 899.

This Figure 15 (2) shows an example of a cross-sectional view in which the electronic device 810 prevents the extract from falling (also referred to as blocking the flow path), causing the extract to accumulate in the dripper portion 811. In other words, Figure 15 (2) corresponds to Figure 3 (4) shown in the first embodiment.

In addition to the housing of the electronic device 810 including the dripper unit 811, Figure 15 (2) also shows a measuring platform 813, a liquid volume detection unit 815, a measuring unit 819, and an extraction stop unit 822. Note that the extraction stop unit 822 corresponds to the extraction stop unit 32 shown in Figures 3 (3) and (4).

Figure 15 (2) also shows signal line 831 as a signal line for transmitting a signal (image information) from the liquid level detection unit 815 to the electronic circuitry inside the electronic device 810. Furthermore, a protrusion 821 is provided on the outer periphery of hole 818 on the underside of the housing of electronic device 810 to prevent the extract dripping down the wall of hole 818 from running down the underside of the housing of electronic device 810 and splashing onto the weighing platform 813 or liquid level detection unit 815.

As shown in Figure 15 (2), the housing of electronic device 810 is integrated with dripper unit 811, so hole 818 directly connects from the top surface of the housing of electronic device 810 to the inside of dripper unit 811. Also, in Figure 15 (2), it is assumed that the diameter of hole 818 is the same at the joint between dripper unit 811 and the housing of electronic device 810 as it is at the bottom surface of the housing of electronic device 810.

As shown in Figure 15 (2), when plate 822b of extraction stopper 822 slides to prevent the extract from falling, the extract remains inside dripper 811, as indicated by dashed line 898. In other words, by integrating the housing of electronic device 810 with dripper 811, the extract that has been prevented from falling can be prevented from falling into container 40, even without the drainage container 23 shown in the first embodiment.

In this way, the electronic device 810 of the third embodiment can perform the same operations as the electronic device 20 of the first and second embodiments while omitting the drainage container 23 of the first and second embodiments, because the dripper unit 811 is connected to the electronic device 810.

Note that while the integrated dripper unit 811 is illustrated assuming that it is connected to the housing of the electronic device 810 and cannot be detached, this is not a limitation. As long as the connection does not allow liquid to leak after the prevention operation (for example, a tight-fitting connection like the lid of a bottle or plastic bottle), it is also possible to make the dripper unit 811 detachable from the electronic device 810 and replace it with a dripper unit 811 of a different size.

Furthermore, Figures 14 and 15 do not specifically explain the amount data. If the dripper unit 811 is not replaceable, information and settings related to the dripper in the amount data (the display of the dripper name registered in the amount data in Figures 5 and 6, and the settings in the "Dripper" input field 356 in Figure 8 (2)) are not necessary.

In electronic device 810 of the third embodiment, even if hole 818 is blocked by the blocking operation, the extract remains inside dripper portion 811 until it fills the dripper portion 811 and overflows from the top. In other words, if the flow path (hole 818) is partially opened by extraction stopper 822 during extraction, the amount of extract passing through the flow path (extraction rate) becomes less (slower) than when the flow path is fully open, and the time the extract remains inside dripper portion 811 can be adjusted. An example of adjusting the amount of extract dripping (extraction rate) by partially opening the flow path will be described as a sixth embodiment with reference to Figures 27 to 33.

[Fourth embodiment: modified example of extraction stop section]
In the first to third embodiments, an example of the extraction stop unit (extraction stop unit 32 and 822) in which the plate (plate 32b and 822b) slides horizontally to prevent the extract from falling has been described. However, other methods for preventing the extract from falling are also possible. Some of these other methods will be described as a fourth embodiment with reference to Figures 16 to 18.

Note that the fourth embodiment will be described assuming a modified version of the extraction stop unit 822 of the electronic device 810 shown in the third embodiment. Therefore, the reference numerals of components not shown in the figures will be used in the description using the reference numerals of the third embodiment.

Example of an extraction stop with a plate that changes orientation from vertical to horizontal
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of an extraction stopping unit according to the fourth embodiment, which includes a plate that changes its orientation from vertical to horizontal.

Figure 16 (1) shows an example of the configuration of the inside of hole 911 as viewed from the top of electronic device 810 when plate 914 is oriented vertically (when the plane of plate 914 is parallel to the vertical direction of electronic device 810). Also, Figure 16 (2) shows an example of the configuration of the inside of hole 911 as viewed from the top of electronic device 810 when plate 914 is oriented horizontally (when the plane of plate 914 is parallel to the horizontal direction of electronic device 810).

Figures 16 (3) and (4) show cross-sectional views of electronic device 810 in which plate 914 rotates 90 degrees when shaft 915 is rotated by a motor. Figure 16 (3) shows the case when no shielding operation is performed (when the flow path is fully open), and Figure 16 (4) shows the case when shielding operation is performed (when the flow path is closed).

Furthermore, Figures 16(5) and (6) show cross-sectional views of the electronic device 810 when the plate 914 moves as the rod 916b slides horizontally. Figure 16(5) shows the case when no shielding operation is performed, and Figure 16(6) shows the case when the shielding operation is performed.

The cross-sectional views shown in Figures 16 (3) to (6) show cross-sections taken along dashed line 999 in Figure 16 (1), and are cross-sectional views taken in the direction of arrow 998, which is perpendicular to dashed line 999 at the right end of dashed line 999.

In electronic device 810 shown in Figure 16, the holes penetrating the housing of electronic device 810 change their horizontal cross-sectional shape to match the shape of the plate as they penetrate the interior of electronic device 810 (partway through the flow path). From the top to the bottom of electronic device 810, the shape changes as follows: hole 911 has the same diameter as the hole inside dripper section 811; hole 912 is on the periphery and has four sides slightly longer than the four sides of plate 914; and hole 913 is on the periphery and has four sides slightly shorter than the four sides of plate 914.

Plate 914, which closes the hole during the shielding operation, is provided at the location where the cross-sectional shape changes from hole 912 to hole 913. The location where hole 912 changes to hole 913 is flat in the horizontal direction of electronic device 810, and when the flat surface of plate 914, which is wider than hole 912, comes into contact with hole 912 so as to close it, it is possible to prevent the extract from falling. Plate 914 is connected to the housing of electronic device 810 via a rotating shaft (shaft 915 in Figures 16 (3) and (4) and shaft 917 in Figures 16 (5) and (6)) at the location where hole 912 changes to hole 913.

When the plate 914 is rotated so that its plane is parallel to the vertical direction of the electronic device 810, the hole 913 opens and the extract falls into the container 40. On the other hand, when the plate 914 is rotated so that its plane is parallel to the horizontal direction of the electronic device 810, the hole 913 is blocked, preventing the extract from falling.

That is, when viewed from above and the extraction liquid is not prevented from falling into the container 40, holes 912 and 913 can be seen inside the hole 911, as shown in Figure 16 (1). Furthermore, because the plane of plate 914 is parallel to the vertical direction of the electronic device 810, it appears as a thin plate that is positioned so as to contact the inside of one edge of hole 912 (the left edge shown in Figure 16 (1)).

On the other hand, when the extraction liquid is prevented from falling into the container 40, as shown in Figure 16 (2), the hole 912 and the plane of the plate 914 are visible inside the hole 911 when viewed from above, but the hole 913, which is covered by the plate 914, is not visible.

There are various possible methods for driving the plate 914. As an alternative to the example shown in Figures 16 (3) and (4) in which a driving means such as a motor rotates the shaft 915, Figures 16 (5) and (6) show an example in which a rod 916b stored in the housing of the electronic device 810 slides out from a storage section 916a inside the housing, pushing down the plate 914 and blocking the flow path.

In the example shown in Figures 16 (5) and (6), no driving means is provided on the shaft 917 connecting the plate 914 to the housing of the electronic device 810. Instead, like the extraction stopper 32 of the first embodiment, a member (driving unit 916, storage unit 916a, rod 916b) is provided that protrudes into the hole, and the rod 916b presses down on the plate 914, whose plane is parallel to the vertical direction, thereby blocking the flow path and preventing the extraction liquid from falling. Note that the operation of reorienting the pressed-down plate 914 parallel to the vertical direction (the operation of changing from the state of Figure 16 (6) to the state of Figure 16 (5)) is performed by the user before using the electronic device 810.

In this way, the extraction stopping unit, which is composed of a plate 914 whose plane direction can be changed and a driving means (shaft 915, driving unit 916), can also prevent the extraction liquid from falling.

Next, as another example of an extraction stop, an example of an extraction stop having a vertically moving plate of electronic device 810 will be described with reference to Figure 17.

Example of an extraction stop with a vertically moving plate
FIG. 17 shows an example of an extraction stopper having a vertically moving plate according to the fourth embodiment.

Figure 17 (1) shows an example of the configuration inside the hole 921 as viewed from the top of the electronic device 810. In the electronic device 810 shown in Figure 17, the plate 922 moves vertically relative to the electronic device 810, so the configuration as viewed from the top does not change whether or not the extraction liquid is prevented from falling.

That is, as shown in Figure 17 (1), inside hole 921, plate 922 and plate support portion 923 for connecting plate 922 to the driving means can always be seen. Note that in Figure 17, it is assumed that the planar shape of plate 922 is circular, the same as the cross-sectional shape of hole 921, and that the planar diameter of plate 922 is smaller than the diameter of hole 921.

Figure 17 (2) shows a cross-sectional view of electronic device 810 when no operation to prevent the extraction liquid from falling is being performed, and Figure 17 (3) shows a cross-sectional view of electronic device 810 when a prevention operation is being performed. Note that Figures 17 (2) and (3) show a cross-section taken along dashed line 997 in Figure 17 (1), and are cross-sectional views taken in the direction of arrow 996, which is perpendicular to dashed line 997 at the right end of dashed line 997.

As shown in Figures 17 (2) and (3), the hole penetrating the housing of electronic device 810 changes cross-sectional size as it penetrates the interior of electronic device 810, changing from a hole (hole 921) with a diameter longer than plate 922 to a hole (hole 924) with a diameter shorter than plate 922. Plate 922 is moved vertically by a driving means, and when plate 922 is moved toward the top of electronic device 810 as shown in Figure 17 (2), hole 924 is opened and the extract falls into container 40. On the other hand, when plate 922 is moved toward the bottom of electronic device 810 as shown in Figure 17 (3), plate 922 blocks hole 924, preventing the extract from falling.

Next, we will explain another example of an extraction stopper, in which a cylinder with holes on the side acts as a valve, with reference to Figure 18.

[Example of an extraction stop where a cylinder with holes in the side acts as a valve]
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of an extraction stopping portion in the fourth embodiment, in which a cylinder with a hole on the side acts as a valve.

Figures 18(1) to (4) show an example where the extraction liquid is not prevented from falling (when the flow path is open), while Figures 18(5) to (8) show an example where the extraction liquid is prevented from falling (when the flow path is closed). Note that Figures 18(1) and (5) show an example of the internal configuration of hole 931 as viewed from the top of electronic device 810, and Figures 18(2) and (6) show the orientation of valve body 933. Also, Figures 18(3) and (7) show cross-sectional views taken at the right end of dashed line 995 in Figure 18(1) as viewed in the direction of arrow 994, which is perpendicular to dashed line 995. Finally, Figures 18(4) and (8) show cross-sectional views taken at the top end of dashed line 993 in Figure 18(2) as viewed in the direction of arrow 992, which is perpendicular to dashed line 993.

In the example shown in Figure 18, as shown in Figures 18 (2) and (6), an object having a hole (hole 932) that penetrates straight from side to side of a cylinder is provided as a valve body (valve body 933) in electronic device 810. As shown in Figures 18 (3) and (7), the length of the side of this cylindrical valve body (left-right direction in Figures 18 (2) and (6)) is longer than the diameter of hole 931, and the diameter of the bottom surface is longer than the diameter of hole 931, as shown in Figures 18 (4) and (8).

Furthermore, valve body 933 is positioned so that its sides are approximately parallel to the top and bottom surfaces of the housing of electronic device 810 (the surface to which dripper unit 811 is connected and the surface on which container 40 is disposed). Valve body 933 is positioned midway through hole 931 penetrating electronic device 810 so that when hole 931 and hole 932 are connected, the centerlines of the holes will be in approximately the same position.

The side of this valve body 933 is rotated by a drive means. As shown in Figures 18 (1) to (4), when the rotation stops at a position where the hole 931 of the electronic device 810 and the hole 932 of the valve body 933 are connected, the extract drops from the dripper part 811 into the container 40. Note that, as shown in Figures 18 (5) to (6), when the rotation stops at a position where the hole 931 of the electronic device 810 and the hole 932 of the valve body 933 are not connected, the extract is prevented from dropping.

The valve body 933 can be rotated, for example, by using a motor to rotate a shaft connected to the center of one of the bottom surfaces of the valve body 933, or by providing a gear on the side and a drive mechanism that moves this gear.

In addition, if rotation stops at a position where the hole 931 of the electronic device 810 is partially blocked, leaving the hole slightly connected, the amount of extracted liquid that falls will be reduced, slowing down the extraction speed. This allows the extracted liquid to collect in the dripper part 811, lengthening the time the extracted liquid is in contact with the coffee grounds.

Furthermore, while Figure 18 assumes a cylindrical valve body, this is not limited to this; for example, it is also possible to configure the valve body with a circular shape like a ball bearing.

Fifth embodiment: Example of issuing instructions to a user using monitored extraction status
In the first to fourth embodiments, the extraction stop unit automatically stops the extraction by preventing the extraction liquid from falling when the extraction is complete. However, since the extraction can be completed by simply removing the dripper and the electronic device from the container, some users may not need the extraction stop unit. In such cases, the electronic device can be made smaller by omitting the extraction stop unit.

In addition, while Figure 7 (2) describes an example in which the current extraction status is displayed while being compared with past extractions, it is also possible to consider examples in which the electronic device not only performs a simple comparison but also instructs the user on extraction operations or makes suggestions to the user based on the current extraction status. Note that such operations (user assistance operations) are functions that can be envisioned in the electronic devices of the first to fourth embodiments, but will be described as functions of an electronic device in which the extraction stopping unit of the fifth embodiment has been omitted.

In the first embodiment, an example was described in which the name of the dripper was registered in the amount data. However, an example is also conceivable in which data associating the name of the dripper with its weight is stored in the electronic device. In this case, the dripper can be identified from the dripper weight measurement before weighing the coffee powder on the coffee powder measurement screen, reducing the burden on the user when selecting amount data and extraction comparison data as shown in Figures 5 and 6. In the fifth embodiment, an example is described in which the dripper is identified when the weight of the dripper alone is measured before weighing the coffee powder, making it easier to select extraction comparison data.

[Example of the external configuration of the coffee extractor and electronic device]
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of a coffee extractor 1001 to which an electronic device 1100 according to the fifth embodiment is attached.

The electronic device 1100 shown in Figure 19 is the electronic device 20 of the first embodiment, with the extraction stopper 32 and drainage container 23 removed. The coffee extractor 1001 corresponds to the coffee extractor 1 of Figure 1, and is the same except that the electronic device 1100 is provided instead of the electronic device 20. Therefore, the same components as those in Figure 1 (1) are designated by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted.

By eliminating the extraction stopper 32 and drainage container 23, the electronic device 1100 can shorten the distance between the top surface (the surface on which the weighing platform 24 is provided) and the bottom surface (the surface in contact with the container 40) of the electronic device 1100. In other words, as shown in FIG. 19, by eliminating the device that prevents the extract from falling, it is possible to design an electronic device 1100 that is thin (low in height). Furthermore, compared to the electronic device 810 with an integrated dripper shown in FIG. 14, omitting the extraction stopper makes it easier to reduce the thickness of the electronic device.

The functional configuration of the electronic device 1100 is the same as that shown in Figure 4 except that the extraction stop unit 280 is omitted, so a description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the operation of the electronic device 1100 will be described with reference to example display screens shown in Figures 20 to 23. Note that Figure 20 describes, with reference to example display screens, the operation of identifying a dripper 10 from the weight of the dripper placed on the weighing platform 24, the operation of the user selecting extraction comparison data, and the operation of weighing the coffee grounds after determining the extraction comparison data to be used. Also, with reference to example display screens, Figures 21 to 23 describe the user's assistance actions during the extraction operation.

[Examples of the registered dripper list screen, the selection screen for extraction comparison data, and the screen displayed when measuring coffee powder]
20A and 20B are diagrams showing examples of a list screen of registered drippers, a selection screen for extract comparison data, and a screen (coffee powder measurement screen) displayed when measuring coffee powder, all of which are displayed on the touch panel display 22 in the fifth embodiment. Fig. 20A shows the list screen of drippers, Fig. 20B shows the selection screen for extract comparison data, and Fig. 20C shows the coffee powder measurement screen.

The example display of the dripper list screen (registered dripper list screen) shown in Figure 20 (1) shows an "Up" button 1101, a "Down" button 1102, an "Edit" button 1103, a "Add New" button 1104, a "Return to Menu" button 1105, and four registered dripper weight data.

Here, we will explain the dripper weight data. Dripper weight data is data that associates the name of a dripper with the weight of the dripper. Note that in the fifth embodiment, we will explain the weight of a dripper with a filter attached. By storing this dripper weight data in the electronic device 1100, it is possible to prevent the use of the wrong dripper by checking the weight during the preparation stage for extraction, and it is also possible for the user to easily change the settings of the electronic device 1100 when changing drippers.

This registered dripper list screen is displayed, for example, when you select to change settings for a registered dripper on the menu screen. By performing various operations on this registered dripper list screen, you can register a new dripper or make changes to a registered dripper.

Note that the functions of the buttons displayed here are the same as those of the buttons in Figure 8 (1), except that the object of display and operation is dripper weight data, so detailed explanations will be omitted.

The registered dripper list screen shown in Figure 20 (1) displays weight data for four registered drippers (XXX dripper (paper filter), XXX dripper (metal filter), A dripper (A filter), XXX dripper (up to 6 cups) (6 cups paper)) along with their respective weights (150g, 225g, 320g, 250g). Additionally, A dripper (A filter) is surrounded by a double line to indicate that it is selected.

Pressing the "Edit" button 1103 or the "Add New" button 1104 on this registered dripper list screen displays a display screen (dripper weight registration screen) that includes a name input field, a dripper weight measurement button, the measured dripper weight, a change confirmation button, and a change cancellation button. For example, if the dripper weight registration screen is displayed by pressing the "Add New" button 1104, the dripper weight registration screen is displayed with the name input field and the measured dripper weight field blank. While this screen is displayed, the user can enter a name and then press the dripper weight measurement button to measure the dripper weight. The new dripper weight data is then registered by pressing the change confirmation button to confirm the input. Note that this dripper weight registration screen is not shown in the figure, as it is a simple display screen that simply associates dripper names with weights.

In the first embodiment, an example was described in which dripper weight data was not used, but dripper weight data may also be used in the electronic device 20 of the first embodiment. In this case, the dripper specification for setting the amount data ("Dripper" input field 356 in Figure 8 (2)) is selected from already registered dripper weight data. This reduces the burden on the user when selecting amount data on the coffee powder measurement screen by, for example, displaying only amount data that matches the dripper. It also prevents the selection of amount data that does not match the dripper.

In this way, in the fifth embodiment, dripper weight data, which is data associating the name and weight of a dripper, is stored in the memory unit 290 of the electronic device 1100. This allows the dripper to be identified before measuring the coffee powder, and this identification makes it easier for the user to select extraction comparison data and quantity data.

Figure 20 (2) shows an example of an extraction comparison data selection screen (extraction comparison data selection screen). This extraction comparison data selection screen will be described assuming a display example in which, after placing only the dripper and paper filter on the weighing platform 24 before measuring the coffee powder and measuring the weight, different extraction comparison data from the previous time is selected in order to extract using different extraction comparison data from the previous time.

The extract comparison data selection screen shown in Figure 20 (2) is an example that is displayed when the dripper weight measurement result indicates that the dripper is the same as the previous time, and the same extract comparison data as the previous time is presented, but you choose to use different extract comparison data. This extract comparison data selection screen is also the extract comparison data selection screen that is displayed after the dripper weight measurement result indicates that the dripper is a different dripper, and you select a dripper from a list of drippers with a weight similar to the measured weight.

The extraction comparison data selection screen shown in Figure 20 (2) displays a "Change Dripper" button 1106, a "Check Details" button 1107, a "Confirm" button 1108, an "Up" button 1109, a "Down" button 1110, four extraction strategy data, and the name of the dripper to be used for extraction. The extraction comparison data selection screen also displays the name of the dripper to be used for extraction, XXX dripper equipped with a paper filter (hereinafter also referred to as XXX dripper (paper filter)). Information indicating the extraction strategy data includes the name of the extraction strategy data (Name), amount of powder (Powder), amount to stop extraction (Liquid volume), extraction time (Time), amount data to be used (Amount data), and comments (memo) entered by the user.

Now, we will explain the extraction policy data. The extraction policy data is data that is the target (candidate) for selection as extraction comparison data in the fifth embodiment. Like the extraction history data selected as extraction comparison data in the first embodiment, the extraction policy data contains the history of each extraction, and is data that is referenced during extraction to determine the extraction policy. For this reason, extraction policy data is created for each dripper, extraction amount, and extraction pattern, and is stored in the memory unit 290 of the electronic device 1100.

In the first embodiment, for ease of explanation, an example was described in which extracted comparison data was simply selected from extraction history data. However, since the amount of extraction history data increases the more extractions are performed, it is expected that selection will take time when the amount of extraction history data becomes large. Therefore, by assigning a name that is easy for the user to identify when selecting data to the data to be used as extracted comparison data and storing it as extraction policy data separately from the extraction history data, it is possible to make selection of extracted comparison data easier. For this reason, in this fifth embodiment, the explanation will be based on the assumption that extraction policy data is used to select extracted comparison data from the extraction policy data.

When using the extraction policy data in the electronic device 20 of the first embodiment, the extraction policy data can be created by adding a name for the extraction policy data to the various information included in the extraction history data. When a user creates their own extraction policy data, they can create the extraction policy data by using (copying) the various information from the extraction history data of an extraction that they like and adding an easily identifiable name to this information.

In addition to the various information in the extraction history data and the name of the extraction policy data, the extraction policy data of this fifth embodiment further includes information (period information) that divides the period from the start to the end of extraction (extraction period) into individual actions. This period information is also added to the extraction history data of the fifth embodiment. This period information is explained in detail in Figure 22, so a detailed explanation of it will be omitted here.

In the example of the extraction comparison data selection screen shown in Figure 20 (2), a list of extraction strategy data associated with quantity data using dripper weight data for the XXX dripper (paper filter) is displayed. This is because, before moving to this extraction comparison data selection screen, it was determined that the dripper set on the weighing platform 24 was the XXX dripper (paper filter) based on the weighing results of the weighing unit 260. If a different dripper is determined to be used, a list of extraction strategy data associated with quantity data using the dripper weight data for that dripper is displayed.

Next, we will explain each button displayed on the Extraction Comparison Data Selection screen. The "Change Dripper" button 1106 is a button for changing the dripper determined to be used for extraction (cancel the determination and re-determine). When this "Change Dripper" button 1106 is pressed, the screen transitions to a screen where the dripper is re-weighed and the dripper is determined from the weight obtained from the re-weighing and confirmed by the user. Note that on this transitioned screen, if there are multiple dripper weight data with similar weights, these are displayed and the user is asked which dripper they selected. Once a dripper has been determined, a list of extraction policy data that uses the amount data associated with the dripper weight data of the determined dripper is displayed on this Extraction Comparison Data Selection screen.

The "Check Details" button 1107 is a button for checking detailed information about the selected brewing strategy data. In Figure 20 (2), the brewing strategy data (XXX dripper, 3 cups) surrounded by a double line is the selected brewing strategy data. Pressing the "Check Details" button 1107 in this state transitions to a screen for checking various information about the "XXX dripper, 3 cups" brewing strategy data. On this screen for checking various information, for example, in addition to the brewing strategy data information shown in Figure 20 (2) (name, powder, liquid volume, time, quantity data, notes), you can also check weight transitions during the brewing period, liquid volume transitions, and period information. An example of a screen for checking various information is shown in Figure 22 (1), which will be shown later.

The "Confirm" button 1108 is a button for deciding on the selected extraction strategy data as the extraction comparison data. On the extraction comparison data selection screen shown in Figure 20 (2), the "XXX dripper, 3 cups" extraction strategy data is selected. When the "Confirm" button 1108 is pressed in this state, the "XXX dripper, 3 cups" extraction strategy data is decided as the extraction comparison data, and the screen transitions to the next screen (coffee powder measurement screen).

The "Up" button 1109 and "Down" button 1110 are similar to the "Up" and "Down" buttons shown in the previous display examples, and are used to change the extraction policy data being displayed when there is too much extraction policy data to display all at once.

As explained in Figure 20 (2), by storing dripper weight data in the electronic device 1100 and using it to identify the dripper before measuring the coffee powder, the burden on the user in selecting extraction comparison data can be reduced.

Next, we will refer to Figure 20(3) to explain the coffee powder measurement screen that appears after the extraction comparison data has been selected on the extraction comparison data selection screen shown in Figure 20(2). Note that Figure 20(3) will be explained assuming that the "XXX dripper, 3 cups" extraction strategy data from the extraction strategy data shown in Figure 20(2) has been selected as the extraction comparison data.

Figure 20 (3) shows an example of the coffee powder measurement screen display when user assistance actions are performed during extraction. This coffee powder measurement screen displays the following operation buttons: "Return to extraction comparison data settings" button 1111, "Adjust to calculated extraction end amount and execute" button 1112, and "Execute with recommended extraction end amount" button 1113.

The coffee powder measurement screen also displays the coffee powder weight (recommended: coffee powder weight (25g)) of the extraction comparison data ("XXX dripper, 3 cups" extraction strategy data) and the final extraction amount (recommended: final extraction amount (360ml (3 cups))) of this extraction comparison data. Furthermore, the coffee powder measurement screen also displays the coffee powder weight being measured (measured: coffee powder weight (24.1g)). Furthermore, it displays the final extraction amount (calculated: final extraction amount (343ml (2.9 cups))) calculated from this coffee powder weight (24.1g) based on the set amount of the "standard" amount data (amount data set in the "XXX dripper, 3 cups" extraction strategy data).

The extraction end amount is the same as the extraction stop amount in the first embodiment, and indicates the amount of liquid at which extraction ends. Since the electronic device 1100 of the fifth embodiment does not have an extraction stop unit 280, the electronic device 1100 cannot stop extraction. Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, the extraction end amount is displayed instead of the extraction stop amount.

The "Return to extracted comparison data settings" button 1111 is used to cancel the selection of extracted comparison data and start over from the extraction policy data. When this "Return to extracted comparison data settings" button 1111 is pressed, the screen transitions to a screen for selecting extracted comparison data from the extraction policy data, such as the extracted comparison data selection screen shown in Figure 20 (2).

The "Execute with adjustment to calculated extraction end amount" button 1112 is a button for performing extraction by setting the extraction end amount to the extraction amount (calculated: extraction end amount) calculated from the weight of the coffee grounds placed in the dripper 10 (measured: coffee ground weight). This calculation is based on the set amount of the quantity data in the extraction strategy data selected for the extraction comparison data. The extraction end amount determined by pressing this "Execute with adjustment to calculated extraction end amount" button 1112 differs from the extraction end amount indicated by the extraction comparison data. Therefore, before performing extraction, the weight and liquid volume at each timing indicated by the extraction comparison data are adjusted to match the measured weight of the coffee grounds and the calculated extraction end amount.

For example, in Figure 20 (3), it is assumed that the "XXX, 3 cups" brewing strategy data will be used for the brewing comparison data, so the brewing end volume specified in the brewing comparison data is 360 ml. In contrast, if the 343 ml calculated from the weight of the coffee grounds shown in Figure 20 (3) is used as the brewing end volume, the brewing volume will be approximately 10% less. In this case, the brewing comparison data calculates (adjusts) the amount of liquid at each timing during the brewing process to be 10% less, and then compares it with the brewing in progress. Note that because there is a difference in the weight of the coffee grounds (25 g and 24.1 g), a process is performed to align the standards, such as measuring the weight in the dripper with both weights at the start of the brew set to zero, before comparing it with the brewing in progress.

The "Execute with recommended extraction end amount" button 1113 is a button for performing extraction by setting the extraction end amount to the extraction amount (recommended: extraction end amount) of the extraction strategy data selected in the extraction comparison data. This "Execute with recommended extraction end amount" button 1113 is basically a button for performing extraction as indicated by the extraction comparison data. However, if there is a difference between the weight of the measured coffee grounds and the weight indicated by the extraction comparison data, the criteria explained above are matched before being compared with the extraction currently being performed.

As shown in Figure 20, in the fifth embodiment, the burden on the user in operating the electronic device 1100 can be reduced by using dripper weight data and extraction policy data.

Next, the user's assistance actions during extraction operations using the electronic device 1100 will be described with reference to Figures 21 to 23.

[Example of display selection screen during extraction and display screen with simple guide]
21A and 21B are diagrams showing examples of a screen (extraction display selection screen) for selecting a display during extraction displayed on the touch panel display 22 in the fifth embodiment, and a screen (simple guide display screen) for performing a guide operation (assistance operation) during extraction using the liquid volume in the container 40 as an indicator. Fig. 21(1) shows the extraction display selection screen, and Fig. 21(2) shows the simple guide display screen.

Before the user performs extraction, the electronic device 1100 allows the user to select what information to display during extraction. In this fifth embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the information displayed during extraction can be selected from the menu screen described in Figures 5 and 6. However, this is not limited to this, and it is also possible to select the information when the electronic device 1100 is turned on, or each time extraction is performed after measuring out the coffee powder.

In the example of the display selection screen during extraction shown in Figure 21 (1), a "Display with simple guide" button 1121, a "Display with detailed guide" button 1122, a "Display current state only" button 1123, and a "Display compared with past extraction" button 1124 are shown. Of these four buttons, pressing the "Display current state only" button 1123 displays a screen during extraction that displays only the current extraction status as described in Figure 7 (1). Furthermore, pressing the "Display compared with past extraction" button 1124 displays a screen during extraction that displays a comparison with past extractions as described in Figure 7 (2).

On the other hand, when the "Simple Guide Display" button 1121 is pressed, the extraction status is determined based on the amount of liquid in the container 40 detected by the liquid volume detection unit 270, and a screen (simple guide display screen) containing instructions (guide information) to the user according to this extraction status is displayed during extraction. The guide information may include, for example, advice on the speed at which hot water should be poured.

In addition, when the "Detailed Guide Display" button 1122 is pressed, guide information generated by assessing the brewing situation in more detail than the simplified guide display screen is displayed during brewing. This guide information is displayed during brewing, including guide information based on the weight in the dripper 10 and guide information based on the period information set in the brewing strategy data selected in the brewing comparison data, in addition to guide information based on the amount of liquid in the container 40 on the simplified guide display screen. Guide information based on period information includes the content and start timing of the operation that includes the current time (current operation) and the next operation (next operation), making it easier to reproduce the brew indicated by the brewing comparison data than the guide information on the simplified guide display screen.

The period information required to display this detailed guide display screen will be explained in detail later using Figure 22. The detailed guide display screen will be explained in detail later using Figure 23.

Note that selecting the display during extraction on this display selection screen during extraction is referred to as selecting a display mode, with the mode that displays a display screen with a simple guide being referred to as simple guide mode and the mode that displays a display screen with a detailed guide being referred to as detailed guide mode.

Next, the simple guide display screen will be explained with reference to Figure 21 (2). Figure 21 (2) shows an example of the simple guide display screen that is displayed during extraction when the "Simple Guide Display" button 1121 is pressed and the display mode is set to simple guide mode.

Before explaining the display screen with simple guide, we will first explain the simple guide mode in detail. In simple guide mode, the amount of extract collected in the container 40 indicated by the extraction comparison data is compared with the amount of extract collected in the container 40 during extraction, and guidance information regarding the speed at which hot water should be poured into the dripper 10 is notified to the user at any time. During this comparison, if the amount of extract in the container 40 is greater than the amount of extract in the extraction comparison data, guidance information is notified to the user to pour hot water more slowly into the dripper 10 to slow down the extraction speed.

If the amount is less than the amount of extraction comparison data, the user is notified with guidance information to pour hot water faster to increase the extraction speed, and if the amount is approximately the same as the amount of extraction comparison data, the user is notified with guidance information to maintain the speed at which hot water is poured. In other words, the extraction status is determined based on the amount of extracted liquid indicated by the extraction comparison data, and guidance information is notified to the user based on this determination result. Note that the amount of extracted liquid indicated by the extraction comparison data, which is used as the basis for this determination, will be referred to as the reference extracted amount in the following explanation. On the other hand, the amount of extracted liquid during extraction detected by the liquid amount detection unit 270 will be referred to as the detected extracted amount in the following explanation.

The guide information to be notified is determined, for example, by setting a threshold value for the amount of extract that serves as the criterion for switching guide information based on the reference extraction amount, and comparing the set threshold value with the detected extraction amount.

Here, we will explain in detail how guide information is determined using a threshold. Note that we will assume that the guide information in simple guide mode is one of three types of guide information displayed as text, such as "It's too fast. Please slow it down.", "It's too slow. Please speed up.", and "It can be reproduced in the same way."

In this case, two thresholds are set based on the reference extraction amount: a threshold (TH1) that distinguishes between "quite fast..." and "same...", and a threshold (TH2) that distinguishes between "same..." and "quite slow...". When making the judgment, if the detected extraction amount exceeds the liquid amount of threshold (TH1), the guide information "quite fast..." is displayed; if the liquid amount is between threshold (TH1) and threshold (TH2), the guide information "same..." is displayed; and if it is below threshold (TH2), the guide information "quite slow..." is displayed.

Note that we have assumed that three pieces of guide information are set, but if more detailed guide information such as "A little fast..." or "A little slow..." is set, multiple thresholds will be set according to the number of pieces of guide information, and the detected extraction amount will be compared with these set thresholds.

The threshold value is calculated each time the threshold value during the extraction period is compared with the detected extraction amount. The interval at which the guide information is determined is not particularly considered here, but if, for example, the guide information is determined every 5 or 10 seconds to prevent frequent changes to the guide information, a threshold value is calculated for each of these 5 or 10 seconds. The threshold value may also be calculated each time the amount of extracted liquid or the weight in the dripper is detected (for example, at short intervals of 1 second or less), and this determination interval (timing) is determined and set through various experiments.

The threshold for each timing is calculated by adding or subtracting a specified amount of liquid from the reference extraction amount (for example, if adding by percentage, add 5% of the reference extraction amount, or if adding by volume, add 5 ml). This amount of liquid to be added or subtracted is determined and set in advance through various experiments so that the displayed guide information can be switched appropriately. Note that this amount of liquid may vary depending on the type of dripper, the amount of coffee powder, and the final extraction amount (number of cups), so multiple patterns may be prepared and the pattern considered optimal may be used.

In addition, the threshold conditions for each timing may be gradually tightened as the extraction time passes (for example, the difference between the threshold and the reference extraction amount at the start of extraction is 30 ml, and the interval near the end of extraction is 5 ml) in order to match both the extraction amount and extraction time with the extraction indicated by the extraction comparison data.

Also, patterns with different degrees of difference between the threshold and the reference extraction amount at each timing (for example, "strict" for a small difference, "standard" for a medium difference, and "lenient" for a large difference) may be prepared and the user may be allowed to select one. One possibility is to select "lenient" when you are not familiar with extraction, and then select "strict" once you have become accustomed to it.

In the above example, a threshold value is calculated by adding or subtracting a predetermined amount of liquid to the reference extraction amount. However, this amount of liquid to be added or subtracted may be used as a threshold value, and the value calculated by subtracting the reference extraction amount from the detected extraction amount at the timing of comparison may be compared with this threshold value.

Up to this point, we have assumed that guide information is provided in the form of text information, but this is not limited to this and various other examples are possible. For example, in addition to visual notification using a display screen with a simple guide, it is also possible to provide auditory notification by outputting audio content that is approximately the same as the text information from the speaker 28.

Also, the notification to the user via output from the speaker 28 may be an example of a sound effect. For example, a repeated "beep" sound may be used to notify the user to slow down, a repeated "woosh" sound may be used to notify the user to speed up, and silence may be used if the same reproduction is achieved.

Furthermore, with regard to visual notification methods, in addition to notification using text information as shown in Figure 21 (2), examples of notification using pictures or backlight color (background color) are also possible. For example, in the case of backlight color, the background of the screen could be red to notify the user to slow down, blue to notify the user to speed up, and white if the reproduction is consistent. Regarding color-coded notifications, in addition to changing the background color of the simple guide display screen, examples are also possible in which a notification LED is provided on the electronic device 1100.

Next, the contents of the display screen with simple guide shown in Figure 21 (2) will be explained. The display screen with simple guide shown in Figure 21 (2) shows an example in which the user is notified of guide information to pour hot water more slowly and reduce the extraction speed. The display screen example shown in Figure 21 (2) shows an "Abort" button 1125, a guide information field 1131, a liquid volume transition graph 1132, extraction volume/planned volume (100/80 ml), extraction completion volume (360 ml), extraction completion time (04:00), extraction comparison data (XXX, 3 cups), and elapsed time (01:35).

The extraction amount/planned amount indicates the currently detected extraction amount (extraction amount) during the extraction in progress and the reference extraction amount (planned amount) at the same elapsed time in the extraction comparison data. The extraction end amount indicates the extraction end amount determined, either the recommended or calculated extraction end amount, on the coffee powder measurement screen shown in Figure 20 (3). The extraction end time indicates the extraction time from the start to the end of extraction saved in the extraction comparison data, and the extraction comparison data indicates the name of the extraction strategy data selected in the extraction comparison data.

In Figure 21 (2), it is assumed that the "Execute with recommended extraction end amount" button 1113 has been pressed in the display example of Figure 20 (3), and extraction is being performed in accordance with the extraction end amount (360 ml) and extraction time (04:00) of the "XXX, 3 cups" extraction strategy data.

The "Stop midway" button 1125 corresponds to the "Stop midway (unobstructed)" button 329 shown in Figure 7, and is a button for stopping any operations of the electronic device 1100 that are being performed during extraction.

The guide information column 1131 is a space for displaying guide information on the simplified guide display screen. The simplified guide display screen shown in Figure 21 (2) shows, as an example, the elapsed time (01:30) at which the amount of extract in the container 40 was compared to determine the guide information, and the guide information based on the results of this determination (this is quite fast. Please slow it down).

The liquid volume transition graph 1132 is a graph showing the transition (change over time) of the amount of extracted liquid, similar to the liquid volume transition graph 332 shown in Figure 7 (2).

As shown in the simplified guide display screen in Figure 21 (2), by comparing the amount of extract accumulating in the container 40 with past extractions, the user can be notified of guide information regarding the speed at which to pour hot water. Because the electronic device 1100 is equipped with a weighing unit 260 that measures the weight on the dripper 10, the amount of hot water accumulated in the dripper 10 can also be compared. While the amount of extract accumulating in the container 40 only increases, the weight on the dripper 10 fluctuates depending on the speed and number of times the hot water is poured. Therefore, notification of guide information using a comparison of the weight on the dripper 10 can provide the user with more detailed advice than notification of guide information using a comparison of the amount of extract accumulating in the container 40. Notification of guide information using a comparison of the weight on the dripper 10 will be described in Figure 23 as a detailed guide display.

Note that Figure 21 (2) describes an example in which only the liquid volume transition graph is displayed during extraction, but it is also possible to display the weight transition graph together.

[Example of the screen displayed when checking extraction policy data]
FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of an extraction policy data display screen, a period detail display screen, and a period change screen displayed on the touch panel display 22 in the fifth embodiment.

Figure 22 (1) shows an example of a screen for checking the details of extraction policy data, Figure 22 (2) shows an example of a screen for checking the period details of extraction policy data (period detail display screen), and Figure 22 (3) shows an example of a screen for changing the contents of the period details (period change screen).

In the example display screen (extraction policy data display screen) for checking details of the extraction policy data shown in Figure 22 (1), a "Display accompanying information" button 1141, a "Display period details" button 1142, and a "Return to list" button 1143 are shown. In addition to these buttons, the name of the extraction policy data (Name: XXX, 3 cups (homemade)), the name of the quantity data to be used (Quantity data: Standard), the amount of coffee powder to be used for extraction (Coffee powder: 25g), the amount of extracted liquid to be stored in the container (Extraction volume: 360ml), the time from the start to the end of extraction (Extraction time: 3 minutes 55 seconds), the dripper to be used (Dripper: XXX dripper (paper filter)), weight transition, and liquid volume transition are also shown.

The extraction policy data display screen shown in Figure 22 (1) corresponds to the extraction history data display screen shown in Figure 9 (2), and is displayed, for example, when you select the extraction policy data for which you want to view details from the list screen of extraction policy data that is displayed after selecting to display the extraction policy data on the menu screen. Note that Figure 22 focuses on period information, so the extraction policy data list screen and other images are omitted.

The explanation will be based on the assumption that the "XXX, 3 cups (homemade)" extraction plan data shown in Figure 22 was created from the extraction history data shown in Figure 9 (2) (by copying each piece of data and giving it a name).

The "Display Associated Information" button 1141 is a button for displaying information (associated information) about extraction policy data that is not displayed on the extraction policy data display screen. For example, pressing this "Display Associated Information" button 1141 displays associated information such as comments, user ratings, and information indicating the referenced extraction history data (only if self-created). In this example, the information indicating the referenced extraction history data is the acquisition date and time (x month △ day □ hour ○ minute), but if the extraction history data is managed by a serial number or the like, this serial number could also be used.

The "Display Period Details" button 1142 is used to check the period information of the extraction policy data. Pressing this button will take you to the period details display screen shown in Figure 22 (2).

The "Return to List" button 1143 is the same as the "Return to List" button 367 shown in Figure 9 (2), and when pressed, returns to the extraction policy data list screen.

As shown in Figure 22 (1), the extraction policy data includes the information from the extraction history data described in the first embodiment, plus the name, information on the referenced extraction history data (if self-created), and period information, which will be described in detail in Figures 22 (2) and (3) below. Note that while period information is not required in the fifth embodiment, for convenience (because it makes it easier to create extraction policy data from extraction history data), it is also added to the extraction history data. In this case, a "Display period details" button 1142 is added to the extraction history data display screen shown in Figure 9 (2).

Note that the display example shown in Figure 22 (1) is just one example, and the name of the brewing strategy data, amount of coffee powder, amount of brewed coffee at end, weight transition, liquid volume transition, etc. may be displayed so that they can be changed. Next, the period information will be explained with reference to Figures 22 (2) and (3).

The example of the period details display screen shown in Figure 22 (2) shows an "Up" button 1144, a "Down" button 1145, a "Change" button 1146, an "Add" button 1147, an "Automatic reset" button 1148, a "Return to transition details display" button 1149, multiple set periods, and a weight transition graph.

Four periods are shown (0:00-0:30, 0:30-0:45, 0:45-1:15, 1:15-2:00), and a double-lined frame indicates that the period from 45 seconds after extraction begins to 1 minute 15 seconds (0:45-1:15) is selected. The name of the operation during that period and details about that period are displayed to the right of the numerical value indicating the period. In addition to the solid lines indicating the weight transition, the weight transition graph also displays dashed lines indicating the division of periods and sections shaded in diagonally, indicating the selected period.

The "Up" button 1144 and "Down" button 1145 are buttons for changing the period displayed in the period list. If there are many periods, they cannot all be displayed at once, so pressing these buttons will hide the displayed period and display the periods that could not be displayed.

The "Change" button 1146 is used to change the information set for the selected period. As shown in Figure 22 (2), when the period from 0:45 to 1:15 is selected, pressing the "Change" button 1146 will take you to the period change screen shown in Figure 22 (3), which allows you to change the information for the period from 0:45 to 1:15.

The "Add" button 1147 is used to add a new period immediately after the selected period. For example, if the period from 0:45 to 1:15 shown in Figure 22 (2) is selected, pressing the "Add" button 1147 will take you to the period change screen, where the start time is 1:15 and no other information is set. Note that when the end time of a new period is set, the start time of the next period (1:15 for the period from 1:15 to 2:00 in the example of Figure 22 (2)) is automatically reset to the end time of that new period.

The "Auto Reset" button 1148 is a button for resetting the period set in the extracted history data. When this "Auto Reset" button 1148 is pressed, the electronic device 1100 determines the period based on the weight transition shown in the weight transition graph, and resets the number of periods, the start and end times of the period, the operation names for the period, details of the period, etc.

The "Return to transition details display" button 1149 is a button for returning from the period details display screen to the extraction history data details screen.

Next, examples of information set for each period will be explained with reference to the period change screen shown in Figure 22 (3).

The example display of the period change screen shown in Figure 22 (3) shows a "Discard and return" button 1151, a "Save and return" button 1152, an "Action name" input field 1161, a "Details" input field 1162, a "Start time" field 1163, an "End time" field 1164, a weight transition graph, and a liquid volume transition graph.

The "Discard and return" button 1151 is used to discard the information newly entered in each input field on this period change screen and move to the period details display screen.

The "Save and Return" button 1152 is used to save the newly entered information in each input field on the period change screen and move to the period details display screen.

The "Action Name" input field 1161 is a field for entering a name (action name) that indicates the action for the period being changed or newly created on the period change screen. By selecting the "Action Name" input field 1161 on this period change screen and entering text, the user can change it to the text of their choice.

The "Details" input field 1162 is a field for entering detailed information about the operation for the period being changed or newly created on the period change screen. As with the operation name, the user can change this detail to their preferred text by entering text.

The "Start Time" column 1163 and the "End Time" column 1164 are columns for entering the start time or end time of the period being set. If the values in these columns are changed, the times of the periods adjacent to the period being set will also change accordingly. For example, if the start time is changed from 0:45 to 0:38, the end time of the previous hot water (fast) period (0:30 to 0:45) will change from 0:45 to 0:38.

The weight transition graph and liquid volume transition graph shown in Figure 22 (3) are similar to the weight transition graph and liquid volume transition graph described above, and of the two graphs displayed in Figure 22 (3), the left is the weight transition graph and the right is the liquid volume transition graph. As with Figure 22 (2), these graphs also show solid lines indicating the transition of weight or liquid volume, as well as dashed lines indicating the divisions between periods in the extraction history data and sections shaded with diagonal lines indicating the period being changed on this period change screen.

As shown in Figure 22 (3), the information for each period that makes up the period information includes the start time, end time, action name, and details. When extraction is performed in detailed guide mode, this information is used to generate guide information.

When a period is set using the "Automatic Reset" button 1148, the start and end times of each period are automatically set by the electronic device 1100 based on the weight change in the dripper 10. Then, the name and details of the operation are automatically set according to the weight change within the set period.

In the fifth embodiment, period information such as that described in Figure 23 is saved in the extraction policy data and extraction history data and is used in detailed guide mode.

Note that while we have omitted an explanation of the period information in the extraction history data, the period information for extraction history data extracted using extraction comparison data with period information is set based on the period information of the extraction comparison data used.

Next, we will explain, with reference to Figure 23, how to provide guide information (detailed guide) using both a comparison of the amount of extracted liquid and a comparison of the amount of hot water in the dripper 10.

[Example of a display screen with detailed guide]
Fig. 23 shows an example of a display screen with detailed guides displayed on the touch panel display 22 during coffee extraction in the fifth embodiment. Fig. 23(1) shows an example of a display screen with detailed guides at the timing of steaming in coffee extraction, and Fig. 23(2) shows an example of a display screen with detailed guides at the timing (standby timing) when waiting for the hot water in the dripper 10 to decrease after the first large amount of hot water is poured in coffee extraction.

The detailed guide display screen described in Figure 23 is displayed during brewing when the "Detailed Guide Display" button 1122 is pressed on the brewing display selection screen shown in Figure 21 (1) to select the detailed guide display mode as the display mode. This detailed guide display screen provides the user with more detailed guide information than the simple guide mode, based on the weight transitions in the dripper 10 during brewing, the weight transitions in the brew comparison data, and the period set for the brew comparison data.

The example of the detailed guide display screen for the steaming timing shown in Figure 23 (1) displays a "Stop" button 1179, weight transition graph 1171, guide information column 1172, operation guide column 1173, extraction amount/planned amount (0/0 ml), extraction end amount (360 ml), extraction end time (03:55), extraction comparison data (XXX, 3 cups), and elapsed time (00:20). Note that although the numerical values are different, the display content is the same as that of the simple guide display screen in Figure 21 (2), so a description of the "Stop" button 1179 is also omitted here, as it is the same as the "Stop" button 1125 in Figure 21 (2).

Like the weight transition graphs described above, weight transition graph 1171 is a graph showing the transition of weight within dripper 10. Similar to the weight transition graphs shown in Figures 22 (2) and (3), this weight transition graph 1171 shows the transition of the currently running extraction (solid line), the transition of the extraction of the extraction comparison data (dashed line), dashed lines parallel to the vertical axis indicating the division of the period, and a diagonally shaded section indicating the period (steeping) that includes the current time. Note that this weight transition graph 1171 shows, as an example, that the weight transition is approximately the same during the steeping period indicated by the diagonal lines.

The guide information field 1172 is a space for displaying guide information determined based on the weight measured by the weighing unit 260 and the liquid volume detected by the liquid volume detection unit 270 on the detailed guide display screen. As an example, the guide information field 1172 for the elapsed time (0:20) shown in Figure 23 (1) shows the elapsed time (00:15) at which the guide information was determined, and guide information based on the determination result for this time (as planned), similar to the guide information field 1131 in Figure 21 (2).

The operation guide field 1173 is a space that notifies the user of the current brewing operation and the next brewing operation based on the period information set in the brewing comparison data. As an example, the operation guide field 1173 for the elapsed time (0:20) shown in Figure 23 (1) displays the name of the current operation (steaming), the remaining time of the current operation (5 seconds), and the name of the next operation (hot water supply (fast)).

Figure 23 (2) shows an example of a detailed guide display screen during the waiting period (standby) for the hot water to decrease after the first large pour of hot water, which displays the elapsed time (01:00) 40 seconds after the elapsed time (0:20) shown in Figure 23 (1). Figure 23 (2) shows an example in which the amount of extracted liquid (extracted amount (40 ml)) detected at the elapsed time (01:00) is less than the amount of extracted liquid (planned amount (60 ml)) at the same time in the extraction comparison data.

In addition, the weight transition graph 1174 shows that the weight changes of the currently running brews in the current period (standby) and the previous period (hot water supply (fast)) are significantly shifted in the direction of smaller weight increases compared to the weight changes in the brew comparison data.

In this case, guide information notifying the user that the extraction is slow ("Slow. Pour more hot water.") is displayed in the guide information field 1175. Furthermore, as shown in the operation guide field 1176, the name of the current operation (standby), the remaining time for the current operation (15 seconds), and the name of the next operation (hot water supply (slow)) are displayed as operation guide information.

A user who checks the display screen with detailed guide shown in Figure 23 (2) during extraction will recognize that the extraction speed is slow due to an insufficient amount of hot water at the timing of the first hot water supply, that there are 15 seconds left in the current operation (standby), and that the next operation will be hot water supply (slow). The user then continues extraction while deciding during extraction at what period to pour more hot water. For example, a user who decides to pour more hot water during the hot water supply operation will pour more hot water at the timing of hot water supply according to the operation guide field 1176 and weight transition graph 1174.

In this way, by displaying detailed guide information, it is possible to better assist the user in reproducing the extraction indicated by the extraction comparison data.

The displayed guide information is not limited to that shown in the figure. For example, it is possible to calculate the percentage of times the data was reproduced (reproduction rate) for each period and notify the user of this reproduction rate, thereby informing the user of the quality of the extraction during extraction. It is also possible to determine advice based on the degree of reproduction of the weight transition measured by the weighing unit 260, and display this advice as guide information.

In addition, since the period information indicates the timing for pouring hot water during the extraction period, if there is a discrepancy between the referenced extraction and the extraction currently being performed, it is possible to use guide information to instruct the timing for adjustment. For example, if the actual amount of extraction is small, as shown in Figure 23 (2), an example could be to instruct the user to advance the timing of the next hot water supply.

As with the example shown in simple guide mode, the criteria for determining guide information based on the amount of extracted liquid in the container (liquid volume transition) and the weight in the dripper (weight transition) are determined by setting a threshold for each comparison timing and comparing the results with this set threshold. Note that, since the only weight change in the dripper is due to changes in the amount of hot water remaining in the dripper, it is advisable to calculate the threshold based only on the weight of the hot water, excluding the weight of the coffee grounds from the measured weight in the dripper. Furthermore, the weight transition display (e.g., weight transition graph 1171 and weight transition graph 1174 in Figure 23) may also display the weight transition of only the amount of hot water.

It is also possible to notify the user of details of the extraction operation for a period during extraction by displaying the details set for each period described in Figure 22 on a detailed guide display screen.

In this way, in detailed guide mode, guide information is determined based on the amount of extracted liquid in the container, the weight in the dripper (the amount of hot water in the dripper), and duration information, so the user can be provided with more detailed guidance than in simple guide mode.

[Example of operation of electronic devices]
24 and 25 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation (extraction processing procedure) when performing extraction while displaying a simple guide display screen using the electronic device 1100 according to the fifth embodiment. Fig. 24 shows the first half of the flowchart, and Fig. 25 shows the second half of the flowchart. Note that, like Fig. 11 , this is an example of the operation after the power is turned on. It is also assumed that the simple guide display (simple guide mode) is selected on the selection screen shown in Fig. 21 (1).

The flowcharts shown in Figures 24 and 25 add the steps of displaying guide information based on the amount of extracted liquid, identifying the dripper based on the dripper's weight, and setting the extraction comparison data to the example operation shown in Figure 11. Therefore, steps that are the same as those in Figure 11 are given the same reference numerals and their explanations are omitted, and the explanation will focus on the added steps.

First, if the control unit 250 determines that the position of the container 40 is correct (step S102), a screen (dripper weight measurement screen) that allows the user to weigh the dripper is displayed on the display unit 220 (step S201). Next, the control unit 250 determines whether the dripper has been weighed by the weighing unit 260 (step S202), and if it determines that the dripper has not been weighed, the process returns to step S201. Specifically, a message prompting the user to place the dripper with the filter installed on the weighing platform and a weighing button ("ZERO" button) are displayed on the dripper weight measurement screen (not shown), and the dripper weight measurement screen is displayed until the "ZERO" button is pressed.

If it is determined that the dripper has been weighed (step S202), the control unit 250 determines whether the dripper is the same as the previous one based on the measured weight (step S203). If it is determined that the measured weight is different from the previous one and therefore the dripper is not the same as the previous one (step S203), the process proceeds to step S207.

On the other hand, if the measured weight is the same as the previous time and therefore it is determined that the dripper is the same as the previous time (step S203), information about the extraction strategy data used as extraction comparison data in the previous extraction is displayed on the display unit 220 (step S204). The control unit 250 then determines whether or not to use the previous extraction comparison data this time (step S205). If it is determined that the previous extraction comparison data will not be used, the process proceeds to step S208. Specifically, the extraction strategy data information used as extraction comparison data in the previous extraction, along with a "Change" button and a "Decide" button (not shown), are displayed, prompting the user to determine whether or not to use this extraction strategy data this time. If the user presses the "Change" button, the control unit 250 determines that the previous extraction comparison data will not be used, and if the user presses the "Decide" button, it determines that the previous extraction comparison data will be used.

Next, if it is determined that the previous extracted comparison data should be used (step S205), the control unit 250 sets the previous extracted comparison data as the current extracted comparison data (step S206), and the process proceeds to step S106.

If step S203 determines that the dripper is not the same as the previous one, the control unit 250 identifies the dripper (step S207). Specifically, a list of dripper weight data registered with weights close to the weight measured by the weighing unit 260 is displayed (not shown), and the user selects the appropriate dripper weight data to identify the dripper. Then, a screen (extraction comparison data selection screen) for selecting extraction comparison data from a list of extraction strategy data (e.g., Figure 20 (2)) that uses the selected dripper weight data is displayed on the display unit 220 (step S208). The control unit 250 then sets the extraction strategy data selected by the user from this list as the current extraction comparison data (step S209), and the process proceeds to step S106.

If it is determined in step S205 that the previous extraction comparison data will not be used, a screen (extraction comparison data selection screen) is displayed (step S208) for selecting extraction comparison data from a list of extraction strategy data that uses the dripper weight data of the dripper to be used (the same dripper as last time), and the program proceeds to step S106.

Then, after proceeding to step S108, the control unit 250 determines whether or not to end the measurement of coffee powder (step S211), and if it determines not to end, it returns to step S106. Specifically, the coffee powder measurement screen shown in FIG. 20 (3) is displayed, and it is determined to be ended when the user presses the "Adjust to calculated extraction end amount and execute" button 1112 or the "Execute with recommended extraction end amount" button 1113; it is not determined to be ended until either is pressed.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the metering of coffee powder has been completed (S211), the process proceeds to step S111, where the amount of coffee powder to be used in the extraction and the amount of liquid extract to be stored in the container 40 during the extraction are determined. Then, based on the set conditions (extraction comparison data, degree and pattern of difference between the threshold and the reference extraction amount), the control unit 250 calculates the threshold for the extraction amount for each timing point at which comparison is made during the extraction period (step S212). This threshold is calculated based on the liquid amount at each timing indicated by the extraction comparison data, as explained in Figure 21.

Then, after proceeding to step S113, the control unit 250 compares the detected amount of extract (extraction amount) with a threshold value (step S213). The control unit 250 then determines guide information to be notified to the user based on the comparison results (step S214), and an extraction status display screen (see Figure 21 (2)) reflecting the determined guide information is displayed on the display unit 220 (step S215). The process then proceeds to step S116.

Then, when the extraction completion screen is displayed in step S117, the extraction history data related to the completed extraction (current extraction) is saved in the memory unit 290 (step S216), and the extraction processing procedure ends.

Note that if the interval between comparisons with the threshold value during the extraction period is longer than the interval between detections of the extraction amount (for example, every 5 seconds or 10 seconds), the result of the comparison in step S213 is updated each time the comparison is made, and the guide information is determined based on the updated result. The same applies to the weight inside the dripper in Figure 26.

Next, an example of the operation (extraction processing procedure) when performing extraction in detailed guide mode, which displays a display screen with detailed guide, will be explained with reference to Figure 26. Note that the first half of the flowchart is the same as the flowchart shown in Figure 24, so its explanation will be omitted.

Figure 26 is the latter half of a flowchart showing an example of the operation (extraction processing procedure) of displaying a display screen with detailed guides using the electronic device 1100 in the fifth embodiment. Note that Figure 26 adds the determination of guide information based on the weight in the dripper and the determination of guide information based on period information to the example operation shown in Figure 25. Therefore, steps that are the same as those in Figure 25 are given the same reference numerals and their explanations are omitted, and the explanation focuses on the added steps.

Once the threshold amount of extracted liquid for each timing during the extraction period is calculated in step S212, the control unit 250 calculates the threshold weight of the liquid inside the dripper 10 for each timing during the extraction period based on the set conditions (extraction comparison data, degree and pattern of difference between the threshold and the reference weight) (step S221), just as in step S212. Note that this threshold is calculated based on the weight at each timing indicated by the extraction comparison data.

Then, proceeding to step S213 of the subsequent operation, once the comparison with the extraction amount threshold is complete, the weighing unit 260 detects the weight inside the dripper 10 (step S222). The control unit 250 then compares the weight inside the dripper 10 with the weight threshold (step S223). Next, the control unit 250 acquires information regarding the period to which the detected timing (present) belongs and the next period (step S224), and then the control unit 250 determines guide information based on the comparison result between the extraction amount and the threshold, the comparison result between the weight and the threshold, and information regarding the period (step S225).

Then, the extraction status display screen (see Figure 23) reflecting the determined guide information is displayed on the display unit 220 (step S226), and the process proceeds to step S115. It should be noted that there are various other possible examples of guide information besides the example shown in Figure 23. For example, if the extraction amount is as planned but the weight is outside the allowable range, the user will be notified of guide information such as "The extraction speed is as planned, but the extraction procedure is incorrect." Furthermore, if the extraction amount is less than planned, the weight is also less than planned, the current period is standby, and the next period is hot water supply, the user will be notified of guide information such as "The amount of hot water being poured is low overall. Please increase it at the next hot water supply timing."

In this way, according to the fifth embodiment, by notifying guide information (support information) during extraction, it is possible to facilitate extraction that reproduces the user's preferred flavor.

The function of assisting the user by notifying them of guide information (support information) described in the fifth embodiment can also be performed by an electronic device equipped with an extraction stop unit 280, and by providing both functions, it becomes even easier to reproduce the taste.

So far, we have explained the role of the extraction stop unit (extraction stop unit 32, 822) as being to block the extract path (flow path) (prevent the extract from falling) when the extraction ends. This prevents excess extract from falling into the container. In particular, when extracting using a stainless steel server whose interior is difficult to see, using an electronic device (electronic device 20, 500, 810) equipped with an extraction stop unit makes it easier to achieve the desired extraction.

Furthermore, if the extraction stopper partially blocks the flow path, making it possible to control the amount of extract that falls into the container 40 (extraction speed), the extraction speed can be adjusted regardless of the amount of hot water in the dripper. This broadens the range of extraction operations, allows for further consideration of hand drip conditions, and makes extraction even more enjoyable.

An example of an electronic device in which the extraction stopper controls the extraction speed by partially blocking the flow path will be described as the sixth embodiment with reference to Figures 27 to 33.

Sixth embodiment: Example of controlling extraction speed
Example of an extraction stop with a plate rotating around an axis
FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of an extraction stopper 822 in the sixth embodiment, in which a disk-shaped plate rotates around an axis to open and close the flow path.

In the electronic device of the sixth embodiment, the extraction stopper must have the function of partially blocking the flow path, and must prevent the extract that accumulates in the dripper from leaking when the flow path is blocked. In other words, even if the dripper of the third embodiment prevents the extract from falling inside the electronic device 810 (the flow path for the extract), as in the integrated electronic device (electronic device 810), the extract must not come out from anywhere other than the spout on the top surface of the dripper portion 811 (there must be no other entrances or exits).

The sixth embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals as the dripper-integrated electronic device 810 of the third embodiment, assuming that the external configuration is the same. The functional configuration of the electronic device of the sixth embodiment is the same as that of the third embodiment, except that the extraction stopper partially blocks the flow path, and the display unit 220 of the electronic device 500 of the second embodiment is omitted. Therefore, the functional configuration of the electronic device of the sixth embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals as the electronic device 500 of the second embodiment.

In the third embodiment, an example of an electronic device in which the touch panel display 22 is omitted is described as electronic device 810. This electronic device 810 has a communication unit 510, like electronic device 500 in the second embodiment, and displays an operation screen on the touch panel display 610 of the communicating electronic device 600. The display example of this sixth embodiment will also be described assuming that it is displayed on the touch panel display 610 of electronic device 600.

Although not illustrated or described, an electronic device may be envisioned in which a touch panel display 22 is added to the dripper-integrated electronic device 810 of the third embodiment (for example, a rectangular housing with a touch panel display as shown in Figure 1 instead of the cylindrical housing).

Furthermore, in this sixth embodiment, when extraction comparison data is used during extraction, it is selected from the extraction policy data described in the fifth embodiment. Also, as in the fifth embodiment, the extraction policy data and extraction history data include period information.

Figures 27(1) to (3) show examples of the internal configuration of hole 1203 as viewed from the top of electronic device 810. Figures (4) to (6) show cross-sectional views as viewed in the direction of arrow 1201, which is perpendicular to dashed line 1202 at the top end of dashed line 1202 in Figure 27(1). Note that Figures 27(1) and (4) show an example in which the flow path is completely blocked (closed), Figures 27(2) and (5) show an example in which the flow path is partially closed, and Figures 27(3) and (4) show an example in which the flow path is completely open.

Figures 27 (7) and (8) show an example of the internal configuration of hole 1203 as viewed from above of electronic device 810, which precisely controls the flow rate using four extraction stop sections, as an example of electronic device 810 that can precisely adjust the extraction speed even when the size of hole 1203 is large.

As shown in Figures 27 (4) to (6), the extraction stopper 822 in this sixth embodiment is provided with a shaft 1205 extending parallel to the direction perpendicular to the side of the hole 1203 (the horizontal direction in Figure 27) midway through the hole 1203, and a disc-shaped plate 1204 that rotates within the hole 1203 around this shaft 1205 as a valve body.

As shown in Figures 27(1) and (4), this plate 1204 completely blocks and shields hole 1203 when it stops at a position where its plane is perpendicular to the side of hole 1203. Then, as shown in Figures 27(2) and (5), when the plane of plate 1204 is rotated slightly from a direction perpendicular to the side of hole 1203, hole 1203 becomes partially open. In this case, the gap becomes larger depending on the degree of rotation from the closed state shown in Figures 27(1) and (4), and the larger the gap, the greater the amount of extract that falls through hole 1203 into container 40, resulting in a faster extraction rate.

As shown in Figures 27 (3) and (6), when the plane of plate 1204 is parallel to the side of hole 1203, hole 1203 is fully opened, resulting in the fastest extraction speed. Furthermore, the rotation of plate 1204 shown in Figures 27 (1) to (6) is achieved by the control unit 250 (see Figure 4) controlling the operation of the drive means (motor) that rotates shaft 1205.

In this way, the extraction stop portion 822 in the sixth embodiment is realized with a configuration substantially similar to the valve structure commonly known as a butterfly valve.

Up to this point, Figures 27 (1) to (6) have shown examples in which one extraction stop unit 822 is provided. However, if multiple extraction stop units 822 are provided and the degree of opening and closing is individually controlled, it is believed that the extraction speed can be controlled more precisely.

Figures 27 (7) and (8) show an example of an electronic device 810 in which four smaller holes (holes 1211 to 1214) are provided inside hole 1210, and each of the four holes (holes 1211 to 1214) is provided with an extraction stopper 822. The extracted liquid that flows from dripper unit 811 into hole 1210 flows into container 40 through one of holes 1211 to 1214. By controlling the degree of opening of each of holes 1211 to 1214, it is possible to easily set multiple extraction speeds.

For example, even if the extraction stop parts provided for each of holes 1211 to 1214 only have two operations, fully open and closed, it is possible to set five extraction speed levels (fully open (4), fully open (3) closed (1), fully open (2) closed (2), fully open (1) closed (3), closed (4)). If an extraction stop part that can remain partially open is provided, it is possible to set even more extraction speed levels.

For example, suppose there are four extraction stoppers that open and close in three stages: fully open, shielded, and half open, and they are set to open as evenly as possible, with no mixing of fully open and shielded stages. In this case, nine stages of extraction speed can be set (fully open (4), fully open (3) half open (1), fully open (2) half open (2), fully open (1) half open (3), half open (4), half open (3) shielded (1), half open (2) shielded (2), half open (1) shielded (3), shielded (4)).

Figure 27 (7) shows an example in which two holes (holes 1212 and 1213) are partially open and two more holes (holes 1211 and 1214) are completely closed. Figure 27 (8) shows an example in which all four holes (holes 1211 to 1214) are closed.

In this way, the electronic device 810 of the sixth embodiment is provided with an extraction stopper that can partially block the flow path of the extraction liquid, thereby enabling control of the extraction speed. Note that while the electronic device 810 is assumed to have an extraction stopper of a butterfly valve, any extraction stopper shown in the first to fifth embodiments may also be used as long as the electronic device 810 can control the opening and closing during the extraction period.

Next, an example of extracting coffee while controlling the extraction speed using the electronic device 810 will be described with reference to the example display screens in Figures 28 to 30.

[Example of display screen in extraction speed control mode]
FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of an extraction speed control mode selection screen and an extraction status display screen in the user-specified extraction speed control mode in the sixth embodiment.

Figure 28 (1) shows a screen (extraction speed control mode selection screen) for selecting the extraction speed control method (extraction speed control mode) by the extraction stop unit 280, and Figure 28 (2) shows the extraction status display screen in the user-specified control mode.

The extraction speed control mode selection screen shown in Figure 28 (1) is the same as the extraction in progress display setting screen shown in Figure 21 (1), except that the buttons displayed select different items. Therefore, the following explanation will focus on the four extraction speed control modes that can be selected on the extraction speed control mode selection screen.

The extraction speed control mode selection screen shown in Figure 28 (1) displays four buttons for selecting the extraction speed control mode on this screen: a "Full open mode" button 1221, a "User-specified mode each time" button 1222, a "Period-specific opening degree specified mode" button 1223, and a "Automatic extraction liquid volume reference mode" button 1224.

The "Full Open Mode" button 1221 is a button for selecting a mode (full open mode) in which extraction speed control by partial occlusion by the extraction stop unit 280 is not performed during extraction. In the full open mode selected by this "Full Open Mode" button 1221, the open/closed state of the extraction stop unit 280 is either fully open or occluded. In other words, when the full open mode is set, the extraction operation is the same as that shown in the first to fourth embodiments.

The "User-specified mode" button 1222 is a button for selecting a mode (user-specified mode) in which the user selects the degree of opening (opening degree) of the extraction liquid flow path caused by the opening and closing operation of the extraction stop unit 280 while performing the extraction operation. The operation of the electronic device 810 when the "User-specified mode" button 1222 is pressed and the user-specified mode is selected will be explained in Figure 28 (2), so its explanation will be omitted here.

The "Period-Based Mouth Opening Degree Designation Mode" button 1223 is a button for selecting a mode (period-based mouth opening degree designation mode) in which the mouth opening degree for each period during extraction changes based on information (mouth opening degree control data) directly specified by the user for the mouth opening degree for each period during extraction. Here, mouth opening degree control data is information on the mouth opening degree set by the user for each period during extraction before (in advance of) extraction, and is composed of information on the mouth opening degree for each hour, the period, comments on the mouth opening degree control data itself, and comments for each period. Note that information in the mouth opening degree control data other than the mouth opening degree for each hour is not essential for controlling the mouth opening degree in period-based mouth opening degree designation mode, but is set in case it is needed to support the user, such as for displays during extraction.

The operation of the electronic device 810 when the "Period-Based Opening Degree Designation Mode" button 1223 is pressed and the period-based opening degree designation mode is selected will be explained in Figure 29, so an explanation of this will be omitted here.

The "Extracted Liquid Volume Reference Automatic Mode" button 1224 is a button for selecting a mode (extracted liquid volume reference automatic mode) in which the electronic device 810 determines the appropriate opening degree during extraction based on pre-specified information about the transition in the liquid volume in the container 40 during extraction, and automatically controls the opening degree. The operation of the electronic device 810 when the "Extracted Liquid Volume Reference Automatic Mode" button 1224 is pressed and the extracted liquid volume reference automatic mode is selected will be explained in Figure 30, so its explanation will be omitted here.

Figure 28 (2) shows an example of the extraction status display screen in the user-specified mode.

The extraction status display screen in the user-specified mode shown in Figure 28 (2) is the same as the extraction status display screen shown in Figure 7 (1), except that it has an additional display that allows the user to specify the degree of mouth opening during extraction. Therefore, the following explanation will focus on the display for specifying the degree of mouth opening.

The extraction status display screen in the user-specified mode shown in Figure 28 (2) displays an "up" button 1225, a "down" button 1226, a "stop midway (obstructed)" button 1227, and a "stop midway (unobstructed)" button 1228, as well as an indication of the extraction status. The extraction status indication includes the current amount of extracted liquid (extraction volume 100 ml), the amount of liquid to end extraction (extraction stop volume 240 ml (3 cups)), the time elapsed since the start of extraction (elapsed time 01:30), and the opening degree of the extraction stop section 280 (opening degree (8: fully open, 0: obstructed) 8)).

The "Up" button 1225 and the "Down" button 1226 are buttons that allow the user to specify the degree of opening in the extraction stop section 280 during extraction. Pressing the "Up" button 1225 increases the numerical value indicating the degree of opening, and pressing the "Down" button 1226 decreases the numerical value indicating the degree of opening.

In Figure 28 (2), as an example, the number (8) is shown between the "up" button 1225 and the "down" button 1226, indicating that the window is set to the "ninth" level (fully open) out of nine levels, with "0" representing the closed state, the degree of opening increasing as the number increases, and "8" representing the fully open state.

As shown in Figure 28 (2), when the user-specified mode is set, the user can freely adjust the opening degree during extraction.

Note that the extraction status display screen in the user-specified mode is not limited to the one shown in Figure 28 (2). For example, a display for setting the opening degree may be added to the display screen shown in Figure 7 (2), or may be displayed together with the guide information described in the fifth embodiment.

[Example of display screen in period-based opening degree designation mode]
FIG. 29 shows an example of an opening degree control data selection screen, an opening degree control data setting change screen, and an extraction status display screen in the period-based opening degree designation mode in the sixth embodiment.

Figure 29 (1) shows a screen (opening degree control data selection screen) for selecting the opening degree control data to be used when extracting in the period-based opening degree designation mode, Figure 29 (2) shows a screen (opening degree control data detail display screen) for displaying and changing the details of the contents of the opening degree control data, and Figure 29 (3) shows the extraction status display screen in the period-based opening degree designation mode.

The opening degree control data selection screen shown in Figure 29 (1) displays an "Up" button 1231, a "Down" button 1232, a "Check details/change" button 1233, a "Add new" button 1234, a "Set as used data" button 1235, a "Return to menu" button 1236, a list of opening degree control data, and the used opening degree control data.

The list shows four opening degree control data (high speed in the second half, A beans, coarse grind, 6-minute extraction, 2-minute accumulation extraction, and accumulation after each hot water supply), and a double-lined frame indicates that the opening degree control data named "2-minute accumulation extraction" has been selected. The opening degree control data in use is displayed, from left to right, with the name, extraction time, and comments.

The opening degree control data in use is the opening degree control data used to control the opening degree during extraction. Figure 29 (1) shows that opening degree control data named "fast second half" is set.

The "Up" button 1231 and the "Down" button 1232 are buttons for changing the opening control data displayed in the list, and are similar to the "Up" and "Down" buttons shown in the previous display examples where lists were displayed.

The "Check details/change" button 1233 is a button for checking the details of the selected mouth opening control data indicated by a double-lined frame, or for changing the information contained in the mouth opening control data. When this "Check details/change" button 1233 is pressed, the screen will transition to the mouth opening control data details display screen shown in Figure 29 (2).

The "Add New" button 1234 is used to create new usable opening degree control data and add it to the list of opening degree control data. When this "Add New" button 1234 is pressed, the screen will transition to the opening degree control data details display screen shown in Figure 29 (2) without all of the information that makes up the opening degree control data.

The "Set to Used Data" button 1235 is a button for setting the selected mouth opening control data, indicated by a double-lined frame, as the used mouth opening control data. For example, as shown in Figure 29 (1), if the mouth opening control data "for 2-minute accumulation extraction" is selected and the "Set to Used Data" button 1235 is pressed, the used mouth opening control data will be changed to "for 2-minute accumulation extraction."

The "Return to Menu" button 1236 is a button for changing from the opening degree control data selection screen to the menu screen. In the sixth embodiment, an example will be described in which the opening degree control data selection screen is switched from the menu screen, but this is not limited to this, and the setting may be made before measuring the coffee powder to be used for extraction.

Figure 29 (2) shows the detailed display screen for the opening degree control data. As explained in Figure 28 (1), the opening degree control data consists of information such as the opening degree for each time period, the period, comments on the opening degree control data itself, and comments for each period. On the detailed display screen for the opening degree control data shown here, you can set this information that makes up the opening degree control data.

The opening degree control data detail display screen shown in Figure 29 (2) displays a "Confirm/change comment" button 1241, a "Change extraction policy data" button 1242, a "Discard and return" button 1243, a "Save and return" button 1244, a "Add period" button 1245, a "Name" input field 1251, a "Period number" designation button 1252, a "Opening degree" designation button 1253, a "Period start time" input field 1254, a "Period end time" input field 1255, a weight transition graph 1298, and an opening degree transition graph 1299.

The "Confirm/Change Comment" button 1241 is a button for displaying, confirming, and changing the comments registered in the mouth opening control data ("For 2-minute accumulation extraction" in Figure 29 (2)) displayed on the mouth opening control data details display screen. Pressing this "Confirm/Change Comment" button 1241 will take you to a screen (not shown) where the registered comments are displayed. Comments registered in the mouth opening control data include comments on the mouth opening control data itself (see the "Comment" input field 372 in Figure 9 (2)), as well as comments for each period (see the "Details" input field 1162 in Figure 22 (3)). These comments are used by the user to identify the mouth opening control data (see the display in the list in Figure 29 (1)), and also to recognize the extraction operation when a guide is displayed during extraction.

The "Change Extraction Policy Data" button 1242 is a button for changing the extraction policy data that the user refers to to set the opening degree on this opening degree control data details display screen. In Figure 29 (2), the weight transition information within the dripper unit 811 held by this referenced extraction policy data is shown by a solid line in the weight transition graph 1298. The user refers to this weight transition graph 1298 to set each piece of information in the opening degree control data.

Note that while Figure 29 (2) illustrates an example in which the weight transition within the dripper portion 811 is referenced, an example in which the liquid volume transition within the container 40 is referenced is also conceivable.

Also, if there is no extraction policy data to reference (for example, when considering it for the first time), the user registers each piece of information in the opening degree control data without specifying the extraction policy data to reference. It is also possible to reference extraction history data.

The "Discard and Return" button 1243 and the "Save and Return" button 1244 are similar to the "Discard and Return" button and "Save and Return" button shown in the previous display examples. In other words, if you make changes to the mouth opening control data, these buttons are used to discard or save the changes and return to the mouth opening control data selection screen.

The "Name" input field 1251 is an input field for changing the name of the opening control data being changed.

The "Period Number" designation button 1252 is a button for designating the period to be displayed on the mouth opening control data details display screen. Pressing the "Period Number" designation button 1252 displays a list of numbers indicating the periods set for the displayed mouth opening control data. Pressing one of the numbers from the list displays information for the period corresponding to that number. In other words, when the period to be displayed is changed by pressing the "Period Number" designation button 1252, the mouth opening degree, start time, and end time for the section with the selected number, as well as the shaded area on the mouth opening transition graph 1299 indicating the section with the selected number, are updated to the information for the period with the pressed number.

The "Opening Degree" designation button 1253 is a button for designating the opening degree set for the period designated by the "Period Number" designation button 1252.

The "Period Start Time" input field 1254 and the "Period End Time" input field 1255 are input fields for specifying the start and end timings of the period.

In the example display screen of Figure 29 (2), the first of a total of two periods ("/2" in the figure) is displayed, as indicated by the "1" to the left of the "Period Number" designation button 1252 and the diagonally shaded section on the mouth opening transition graph. Furthermore, the number to the left of the "Mouth Opening Degree" designation button 1253 and the values in the "Period Start Time" input field 1254 and the "Period End Time" input field 1255 indicate that the mouth opening degree for this period is "0" and the start and end times are "0:00" and "2:00".

The "Add Period" button 1245 is a button for adding a new period. For example, when this "Add Period" button 1245 is pressed in the example display screen of Figure 29 (2), the period with period number "2" is moved up to period number "3", and a new period with a start time of "2:00" is added as a new period with period number "2". Note that the start time of the new period with period number "3" is set to, for example, the end time of the new period with period number "2" when the user specifies that time.

In Figure 29 (2), in order to simplify operation, an example of a display screen for setting the degree of opening for each period (an example in which the degree of opening for each time is set once for each period) is shown and explained, but this is not limited to this. For example, a display screen in which the degree of opening is set one by one at 15-second intervals and information related to the period is set separately is also conceivable.

Figure 29 (3) shows the extraction status display screen that is displayed during extraction when extraction is performed in period-based opening degree designation mode.

The extraction status display screen in Figure 29 (3) displays a "Stop (obstructed)" button 1246, a "Stop (unobstructed)" button 1247, extraction volume/planned volume, extraction end volume, elapsed time, extraction end time, weight transition graph, liquid volume transition graph, and opening degree transition graph. The "Stop (obstructed)" button 1246 and the "Stop (unobstructed)" button 1247 are the same as the "Stop (obstructed)" button and "Stop (unobstructed)" button described in previous extraction status display screens, and therefore will not be described here. Furthermore, the extraction volume/planned volume, extraction end volume, elapsed time, and extraction end time are the same as previous extraction status display screens except for the different numerical values, and therefore will not be described individually.

Note that the extraction status display screen in Figure 29 (3) is illustrated assuming that the opening degree control data named "For 2-minute accumulation extraction" shown in Figure 29 (2) is set as the opening degree control data to be used.

In the weight transition graph and liquid volume transition graph, each transition in the extraction strategy data is shown with a dashed line, and each transition in the extraction being performed is shown with a solid line. In addition, the timing of the change in the period set in the opening degree control data is shown with a dashed line parallel to the vertical axis.

The mouth opening degree transition graph shows the transition of the mouth opening degree set in the used mouth opening degree control data with a dashed line, and the transition of the extraction currently being performed with a solid line.

The extraction status display screen in Figure 29 (3) shows that when the elapsed time is "01:30", the opening degree of the extraction stop unit 822, with the flow path closed (blocked state), is "0", and the amount of extracted liquid in the container 40 is "0" ml. The dashed lines in the opening degree transition graph and liquid volume transition graph indicate that after a little more time has passed, the flow path with an opening degree of "8" will be fully open, and the amount of liquid in the container 40 will increase.

In this way, in the period-based opening degree designation mode, extraction is performed while the opening degree is controlled based on the used opening degree control data. Note that the control of the opening degree for each hour during extraction is performed based only on the information on the opening degree for each hour (information on the transition of the opening degree) saved in the used opening degree control data, and other information is used for purposes other than controlling the opening degree. The display example in Figure 29 (3) only shows the timing when the period changes, but it is also possible to display detailed information about the period to which the current time belongs (such as the period number, opening degree, and time remaining until the end shown in Figure 29 (2)) as guide information, or to display the operation for the next period as guide information.

Regarding the display, it is also possible to display guide information as described in the fifth embodiment. One example of such guide information is a notification regarding the excess or deficiency of weight within the dripper unit 811.

In this way, the opening degree control data is composed of information such as the opening degree for each hour, the start and end times of the period, comments on the opening degree control data itself, and comments for each period. By controlling the extraction speed during extraction based on this opening degree control data, the number of hand-drip technique patterns can be expanded, allowing users to enjoy hand-drip even more.

So far, we have explained an example in which the user creates the mouth opening control data themselves, but this is not limited to this. For example, mouth opening control data for a simple extraction operation such as the "2-minute accumulation extraction" shown in Figure 29 (2) could be stored in advance as preset mouth opening control data in the storage unit of the electronic device 810 (see storage unit 290 in Figure 4). Also, as in the second embodiment, mouth opening control data recommended by others could be downloaded from a server and used.

Note that Figure 29 describes an example in which the information held in the extraction comparison data is not included in the opening degree control data, but this is not limited to this. For example, the information in the extraction comparison data may also be included, such as the extraction speed control data described in Figure 30. In this case, it is possible to display an extraction status display screen such as that shown in Figure 29 (3) using only the opening degree control data without referencing the extraction comparison data during extraction, or to notify the user of guide information during extraction using only the opening degree control data.

[Example of display screen in automatic extraction volume reference mode]
FIG. 30 shows an example of an extraction speed control data selection screen, an extraction speed control data setting change screen, and an extraction status display screen in the automatic extraction liquid volume reference mode in the sixth embodiment.

Figure 30 (1) shows a screen (extraction speed control data selection screen) for selecting the extraction speed control data to be used when extracting in the automatic extraction liquid volume reference mode, Figure 30 (2) shows a screen (extraction speed control data setting change screen) for displaying and changing the details of the extraction speed control data, and Figure 30 (3) shows the extraction status display screen in the automatic extraction liquid volume reference mode.

The extraction speed control data selection screen shown in Figure 30 (1) displays an "Up" button 1261, a "Down" button 1262, a "Check details/change" button 1263, a "Add new" button 1264, a "Set as used data" button 1265, a "Return to menu" button 1266, a list of extraction speed control data, and used extraction speed control data.

The extraction speed control data selection screen shown in Figure 30 (1) is a display screen similar to the mouth opening control data selection screen in Figure 29 (1), except for the selection target. In other words, the displayed buttons are the same as the buttons on the mouth opening control data selection screen in Figure 29 (1), except for the selection target being extraction speed control data, so detailed explanations will be omitted here.

The list of brewing speed control data displayed on the brewing speed control data selection screen shows four brewing speed control data (dark roast coarse ground coffee, full; light roast coarse ground coffee, full; dark roast coarse ground coffee, 2-minute distillation, full; medium roast medium ground coffee, high-speed finishing). The brewing speed control data information is shown from left to right, with the name, brewing time, number of brews using the data, and comments. Additionally, the brewing speed control data named "dark roast coarse ground coffee, 2-minute distillation, full" set as the brewing speed control data in use.

Next, we will explain the extraction speed control data with reference to Figure 30 (2).

Figure 30 (2) shows the extraction speed control data setting change screen that is displayed when the "Check details/change" button 1263 and "Add new" button 1264 shown in Figure 30 (1) are pressed. This extraction speed control data setting change screen shows a "Change weight/liquid volume transition" button 1268, a "Confirm/change comments" button 1269, a "Change past trial information" button 1270, a "Discard and return" button 1271, a "Save and return" button 1272, a "Name" input field 1267, an extraction information display field 1281, a weight transition graph 1295, a liquid volume transition graph 1296, and a planned opening degree graph 1294.

Note that the "Discard and return" button 1271, "Save and return" button 1272, and "Name" input field 1267 are the same as those shown in Figure 29 (2), except that the target is extraction speed control data, so their explanation will be omitted here.

The "Change Weight/Liquid Volume Transition" button 1268 is a button for changing the information regarding the planned weight in dripper unit 811 and the planned liquid volume in container 40 for each time (timing), which are stored in the extraction speed control data. When this "Change Weight/Liquid Volume Transition" button 1268 is pressed, a screen (not shown) for changing the planned weight in dripper unit 811 for each time and the planned liquid volume in container 40 is displayed, allowing the user to make changes. If a period is to be set, this is done on this screen for making changes. Furthermore, if the planned weight information in dripper unit 811 for each time and the period information are not used on the extraction status display screen, extraction in the automatic extraction volume reference mode is possible even if they are not set.

The "Confirm/Change Comment" button 1269 is a button for displaying, confirming, and changing comments registered for the currently displayed extraction speed control data (dark roast, coarse grind, 2-minute distillation, full). When this "Confirm/Change Comment" button 1269 is pressed, the screen will transition to a screen (not shown) where the registered comments are displayed. In addition to comments on the extraction speed control data itself, comments for each period, the roast and grind of the coffee beans used, the amount, extraction volume, and extraction time can also be registered or changed on the screen where the comments are displayed.

The "Change Past Trial Information" button 1270 is a button for changing the extraction history data used to calculate the predicted opening rate for each hour set for the displayed extraction speed control data (dark roast coarse ground, 2-minute distillation, full). Note that the extraction history data used for this calculation is the extraction history data of past extractions performed in the automatic extraction volume reference mode using the extraction speed control data named "dark roast coarse ground, 2-minute distillation, full."

In this sixth embodiment, in addition to the various pieces of extraction history data described in the fifth embodiment, the extraction history data also includes information indicating the extraction speed control data used (for example, name and identification number) and data on the actual opening degree over time (transition data). Furthermore, in this sixth embodiment, the extraction speed control data also includes information (name and identification number) indicating the extraction history data for extractions performed in the automatic mode with reference to the extracted liquid volume using this extraction speed control data.

By pressing the "Change Past Trial Information" button 1270, the extraction history data used to calculate the predicted opening degree can be changed, thereby adjusting the expected opening degree. For example, if one of the seven past extraction history data is a failed extraction, the extraction history data for that failed extraction is removed. The expected opening degree is then recalculated based on the six past extraction history data. Note that when calculating the expected opening degree, not only the opening degree information from the past extraction history data is taken into account, but also the rate at which the extract volume in the container 40 increases. For example, if the rate at which the extract volume increases in a specific section of the past extraction history data is greater than the rate at which the liquid volume for that section is specified in the extraction speed control data, it is determined that the opening degree for that extraction history data is too high and should have been reduced, and this determination is taken into account when calculating the expected opening degree.

If the number of previous attempts (trials) is zero, the electronic device 810 will make a rough prediction based on the registered roast level, grind level, amount, extraction volume, extraction time, and liquid volume transition graph, and will control the opening degree during extraction.

In this way, the more attempts (trials) have been made in the past, the more accurate the expected opening degree will be. Furthermore, the more accurate the expected opening degree, the closer the transition in the amount of extracted liquid during execution can be to the transition shown in the liquid volume transition graph 1296.

Here, we will explain the information displayed in the extraction information display field 1281. The extraction information display field 1281 shows that the number of previous attempts (tried) is "7 times," the roast level of the coffee beans (roast) is "dark roast," the grind level of the coffee beans (grind) is "coarse grind," the amount of coffee powder (coffee powder) is "25g," the amount of coffee extracted (extracted amount) is "360ml," and the extraction time (extraction time) is "04:00."

The number of past attempts (trials) is determined by how many pieces of extraction history data are referenced to set the predicted opening degree, but other information is entered by the user on the screen displayed when the "Confirm/Change Comment" button 1269 is pressed.

While this input information (roast level, grind level, coffee powder, extraction volume, extraction time) is not related to the setting of the planned opening degree, it is an important condition that determines whether the planned amount of liquid will flow when the opening and closing operation is performed at the planned opening degree. Therefore, in the automatic extraction volume reference mode of the sixth embodiment, in addition to the amount of coffee powder, the amount of coffee extracted, and the extraction time, the roast level and grind level of the coffee beans are registered in the extraction speed control data, and this information is notified to the user, increasing the likelihood of achieving the planned extraction. Incidentally, if the source of the beans is also written in the comments field (not shown), the likelihood of achieving the planned extraction can be further increased.

This information can be used, for example, to notify (assist) the user when preparing the coffee powder to be used, to prepare the registered weight of coffee powder of the roast and grind level registered in the extraction speed control data in the dripper.

Note that the extraction speed control data includes all of the information contained in the extraction comparison data, so the extraction comparison data is not used in the automatic extraction volume reference mode.

In addition, the information about the weight transitions in the dripper registered in the extraction speed control data is used only as an indicator of the user's extraction actions during this extraction, and is not used to set the planned opening degree. However, because the amount of hot water in the dripper unit 811 has a significant impact on the extraction speed, it is recommended that a weight transition graph be displayed on the extraction in-progress display selection screen, and that the user pour hot water so that the weight transitions during execution approach the weight transitions in the extraction speed control data.

Note that the planned opening degree is determined in advance, so if there is a discrepancy in the amount of extract accumulated in the container 40 during extraction, the opening degree will change accordingly.

As shown in Figure 30 (2), the extraction speed control data is composed of information on the liquid volume (liquid volume transition information) in the container 40 at each time, which is essential for controlling the opening degree, as well as information on weight transitions in the dripper unit 811, which are necessary to reproduce the extraction, period information, information indicating the extraction history data of past extractions using this extraction speed control data, information indicating the extraction history data used to create a schedule for transitions in the opening degree, information on the planned opening degree for each hour, roast level, grind level, amount, extraction amount, and extraction time.

Figure 30 (3) shows the extraction status display screen that is displayed during extraction when extraction is performed in automatic extraction volume reference mode.

The extraction status display screen in Figure 30 (3) displays a "Stop midway (obstructed)" button 1273, a "Stop midway (unobstructed)" button 1274, extraction amount/planned amount, end of extraction amount, elapsed time, end of extraction time, weight transition graph, liquid volume transition graph, and opening degree transition graph. Note that the extraction status display screen shown in Figure 30 (3) is the same as the extraction status display screen for the period-based opening degree designation mode shown in Figure 29 (3), except for the numerical values of each piece of information, the patterns of each transition, and the signs, and therefore a detailed description will be omitted.

Note that Figure 30 (3) shows an example of extraction speed control data (dark roast coarse ground, 2-minute distillation, full) for which the planned opening degree has been calculated, so a thin line indicating the planned opening degree is shown on the opening degree transition graph. If the planned opening degree has not been calculated, such as for extraction speed control data with a past execution (trial count of "0"), only a thick solid line indicating the opening degree during extraction is shown on the opening degree transition graph.

As with Figure 29 (3), the extraction status display screen is not limited to this display example, and may also display guide information as described in the fifth embodiment.

In this way, in the period-specific opening degree specification mode, the opening degree is adjusted based on the transition in the liquid volume (extraction speed) in the container 40 specified by the extraction speed control data, controlling the extraction speed during execution, thereby expanding the number of hand-drip technique patterns and allowing users to enjoy hand-drip even more.

Note that while Figure 30 shows an example of extraction speed control data being generated by the user, as mentioned in the case of the mouth opening control data described in Figure 29, it is also possible to record the data in advance as a preset in the electronic device, or to download it from a server.

So far, we have explained the three extraction operations of the electronic device 810 (user-specified mode each time, period-specific opening degree specified mode, and automatic extraction liquid volume reference mode) with reference to the operation screen of the electronic device 810.

Next, examples of the three extraction operations of the electronic device 810 will be explained using the flowcharts shown in Figures 31 to 33. Note that in Figures 31 to 33, it is assumed that the operation to set the mode has already been completed. Also, in Figures 32 and 33, it is assumed that the opening degree control data and extraction speed control data to be used have already been selected.

[Example of operation of electronic devices]
FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation (extraction process procedure) when extracting in the user-specified mode using the electronic device 810 according to the sixth embodiment.

The flowchart shown in Figure 31 illustrates an example in which an operation capable of changing the opening degree is added to the example operation shown in Figure 11, and the explanation will focus on the added steps. Note that because electronic device 810 does not have a touch panel display, it is assumed that the display will be on touch panel display 610 of the communication partner's electronic device 600. Therefore, with regard to the display-related operations in the example operation, electronic device 810 outputs display screen data from communication unit 510 and displays it on touch panel display 610 of the communication partner's electronic device 600. For such display-related operations that differ from the example operation in Figure 11 only in that the output target is different (whether it is an internal touch panel or an external touch panel), the reference numerals will remain unchanged and explanations will be omitted. Note that this omission of explanation applies not only to Figure 31, but also to Figures 32 and 33.

After extraction has started, the process proceeds to step S112, where time measurement begins. The extraction stop unit 280 then closes the opening according to the opening degree specified (set) by the user (step S301). It is assumed that the opening degree immediately after start is already set before steaming (extraction) begins. For example, after selecting the user-specified mode each time on the extraction speed control mode selection screen shown in Figure 28 (1), the user may be prompted to set the opening degree immediately after extraction begins. It is assumed that the opening degree is fully open until proceeding to step S112, allowing the steaming liquid to easily drip into the container. This fully open assumption is also true for Figures 32 and 33.

After the amount of extracted liquid is detected in step S113, an extraction status display screen notifying the user of the extraction status and opening degree is output by the control unit 250 via the communication unit 510 and displayed on the touch panel display 610 of the electronic device 600 (step S302). Then, the process proceeds to step S115.

As shown in Figure 28 (2), the extraction status display screen in step S302 displays a button that allows the user to change the mouth opening degree during extraction, and the mouth opening degree is changed during extraction by the user's operation via this button. Note that if the user changes the displayed mouth opening degree value while the extraction status display screen (see Figure 28 (2)) is displayed, the mouth opening degree is reset to this changed value in step S301, and the extraction stop unit 280 performs shading according to this reset mouth opening degree.

In this way, in the user-specified mode, the opening degree can be changed by the user during extraction.

Figure 32 is the second half of a flowchart showing an example of the operation (extraction processing procedure) when performing extraction in period-based opening degree designation mode using the electronic device 810 in the sixth embodiment. The flowchart shown in Figure 32 removes the operation related to guide information from the example operation shown in Figure 26, and adds the operation of controlling the opening degree based on opening degree control data. The explanation in Figure 32 will focus on the added steps. Note that the first half of the flowchart is the same as Figure 24, so its explanation will be omitted here.

Once the amount of coffee grounds and the amount of liquid to be extracted this time are determined in step S111, the control unit 250 acquires the opening degree control data to be used in this extraction from the memory unit 290 (step S311). Then, once extraction begins and the process proceeds to step S112 to begin measuring time, the extraction stop unit 280 performs shading according to the opening degree specified by the opening degree control data (step S312).

Then, once the amount of extracted liquid and the weight inside the dripper have been measured in steps S113 and S222, a brewing status display screen (see Figure 29 (3)) notifying the user of the brewing status is output via the communication unit 510 and displayed on the touch panel display 610 of the electronic device 600 (step S313).

In this way, in the period-specific opening degree specification mode, the degree of occlusion is changed during extraction based on opening degree control data prepared in advance.

Figure 33 is the second half of a flowchart showing an example of the operation when performing extraction in the automatic extraction liquid volume reference mode using the electronic device 810 in the sixth embodiment. The flowchart shown in Figure 33 removes the operation related to guide information from the example operation shown in Figure 26, and adds the operation of controlling the opening degree based on the extraction speed control data. The explanation in Figure 33 will focus on the added steps. Note that the first half of the flowchart is the flowchart shown in Figure 24 with the operations related to selecting extraction comparison data (steps S203 to S209) removed. As the rest is the same, explanation will be omitted here.

After step S111 is completed, the control unit 250 obtains the extraction speed control data to be used in this extraction from the memory unit 290 (step S321). Then, when extraction begins and the process proceeds to step S112 to begin measuring time, the control unit 250 determines the opening degree based on the comparison result of the amount of extracted liquid and the expected opening degree (step S322). In this determination, the amount of extracted liquid at the current timing is compared with the amount of extracted liquid at the same timing indicated by the extraction speed control data, and if it is determined that the liquid amounts are the same, the opening degree is determined to be the same as the expected opening degree. On the other hand, if it is determined that the liquid amounts are different, the opening degree is determined to be adjusted from the expected opening degree to correct the discrepancy. Note that the determination of whether the liquid amounts are the same is made using a threshold value, for example, in the same way as the determination of the guide information described in Figure 21.

Next, the extraction stop unit 280 performs closure according to the determined opening degree (step S323). Then, once the amount of extracted liquid and the weight inside the dripper have been measured in steps S113 and S222, an extraction status display screen (see FIG. 30(3)) notifying the user of the extraction status is output via the communication unit 510 and displayed on the touch panel display 610 of the electronic device 600 (step S324).

Then, once the extraction is complete and the extraction history data related to the current extraction has been saved in step S216, the extraction speed control data used in the current extraction is updated by adding data related to the current extraction (step S325), and the extraction processing procedure then ends.

In this way, according to the sixth embodiment, the extraction stopper partially blocks the flow path, allowing the extraction speed to be adjusted. This broadens the range of extraction operations, allows for further consideration of hand-drip conditions, and makes extraction even more enjoyable.

In the first to sixth embodiments described so far, examples have been described in which the temperature during extraction is not particularly considered. It is believed that if it were possible to easily extract coffee at the same temperature as the extraction indicated by the extraction comparison data, it would be easier to reproduce the flavor. Therefore, an electronic device equipped with a temperature sensor will be described as the seventh embodiment with reference to Figures 34 to 39.

[Seventh embodiment: Example of measuring extraction temperature]
[Example of external configuration of electronic device]
Fig. 34 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of an electronic device 1300 according to the seventh embodiment. Fig. 34(1) shows a perspective view of the electronic device 1300, and Fig. 34(2) shows a top view of the electronic device 1300.

The electronic device 1300 described in the seventh embodiment is equipped with a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the extraction liquid, but this temperature sensor is not shown in Figure 34 because it is located in the extraction liquid path inside the electronic device 1300. For this reason, the temperature sensor will be described in detail in Figure 35, and Figure 34 will focus on the differences in external configuration from the electronic devices shown in the first to sixth embodiments.

The external configuration of electronic device 1300 is a modified version of electronic device 20 of the first embodiment, and is the same except for the internal structure of the hole (hole 1320) through which the extract passes and the location where the wastewater is stored. Therefore, the same components as those in electronic device 20 are designated by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

Note that the temperature sensor can also be installed in the electronic devices shown in the first to sixth embodiments to measure the temperature of the extraction liquid or room temperature, but here we show as an example that it is installed in electronic device 1300, which is a modified version of electronic device 20.

In addition, the seventh embodiment will describe an example of a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the extract liquid passing through the electronic device 1300. In addition to this example, an example of measuring the temperature of the extract liquid accumulated in a container (container 40 in Figure 1) is also conceivable. However, the temperature of the extract liquid accumulated in the container 40 is more significantly affected by the temperature of the container 40 and room temperature the smaller the amount of extract liquid, so the measurement results may be unstable. For this reason, the seventh embodiment will describe an example of measuring the temperature of the extract liquid passing through the electronic device 1300. Incidentally, examples of measuring the temperature of the extract liquid accumulated in the container 40 include extending a contact-type temperature sensor from the underside of the electronic device (a temperature sensor that can be folded 90 degrees so that it is in contact with the underside of the electronic device when not in use), or providing a non-contact thermometer (radiation thermometer) on the underside of the electronic device.

As shown in Figures 34 (1) and (2), the electronic device 1300 has a non-removable drainage space 1310 instead of the removable drainage container 23 of the electronic device 20.

The drainage space 1310 is a space (space) provided in the housing of the electronic device 1300, and similar to the drainage container 23 of the electronic device 20, is a space for collecting the extract (drainage) that accumulates inside the electronic device 1300 when the passage of the extract is obstructed. In the example of Figure 34, the drainage space 1310 is open without a wall in the part facing the top surface of the electronic device 1300, and is illustrated assuming that the accumulated extract can be easily discarded from the top surface. Note that this is just one example, and it is also possible to close the top surface of the drainage space 1310 and drill a hole in the side of the drainage space 1310 near the top surface, through which the accumulated extract can be discarded.

Hole 1320 differs from hole 26 of electronic device 20 of the first embodiment in that a temperature sensor is provided inside. This hole 1320 can measure the temperature of the extract using the internal temperature sensor. The interior of hole 1320 is also designed to make it easy to measure the temperature of the extract. The internal structure of hole 1320 and the temperature sensor will be described with reference to Figure 35 below.

[Example of a temperature sensor inside a hole]
FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an example of the inside of a hole 1320 of an electronic device 1300 according to the seventh embodiment.

Figure 35 (1) shows a top view when the extraction liquid flow path is not blocked by the extraction stop units (extraction stop units 1331 and 1332 in Figure 35 (6)), and Figure 35 (2) shows a bottom view in this case. Also, Figure 35 (3) shows a top view when the extraction liquid flow path is blocked by the extraction stop units 1331 and 1332, and Figure 35 (4) shows a bottom view in this case.

Figure 35 (5) shows a top view of the hole 1320 with the drainage space 1310 and water channel added. Figure 35 (6) shows a cross section taken along dashed line 1391 in Figure 35 (5), looking in the direction of arrow 1392, which is perpendicular to dashed line 1391 at the right end of dashed line 1391.

Figures 35(1) to (4) show those of hole 1320, hole 1321, hole 1322, flow path separating section 1323, hole 1324, and temperature sensor 1325 that can be seen from the top or bottom. Figure 35(5) also shows the top view shown in Figure 35(3) with dashed lines indicating the water channel connecting hole 1320 and drainage space 1310, and dashed lines indicating part of drainage space 1310. Figure 35(6) also shows the components shown in Figures 35(1) to (5), as well as the measuring section 27, measuring platform 24, extraction stop section 1331, and extraction stop section 1332. Figures 35(3) to (6) also show plates 1331b and 1332b.

Note that the weighing unit 27 and weighing platform 24 are the same as those in the electronic device 20, and the extraction stop unit 1331 and extraction stop unit 1332 are the same as the extraction stop unit 32 in the electronic device 20 except for the holes in which they are installed, so their explanation will be omitted here. Similarly, the plates 1331b and 1332b are the same as the plate 32b in the electronic device 20, so their explanation will be omitted here.

Inside hole 1320, there is a flow path (hole 1321) that easily fills with extract, and a flow path (hole 1322) through which extract easily flows without pooling. Extract falling from the dripper (dripper 10 in Figure 1) passes through one of the holes and falls into the container (container 40 in Figure 1) (see Figures 35 (2), (4), and (6)). To make it easier for the inside of hole 1321 to fill with extract, a partition (flow path separator 1323) is provided on the top surface of hole 1321 to preferentially direct the extract to hole 1321 (see Figures 35 (1), (3), and (6)).

The flow path separating section 1323 is a funnel-shaped partition provided to collect the extract in the hole 1321 in which the temperature sensor 1325 is provided. The flow path separating section 1323 is configured so that its upper surface (hole 1324) includes the center of the hole 1320 (center 1393 in Figure 35 (1)) and so that the upper surface (hole 1324) occupies most of the area of the hole 1320 (see Figures 35 (1) and (3)). On the other hand, the lower surface of the flow path separating section 1323 is connected to the hole 1321, so that the extract that falls inside the hole 1324 flows preferentially into the hole 1321 (see Figure 35 (6)).

Furthermore, as shown by width 1394 in Figure 35 (6), the upper surface of flow path separation section 1323 is configured so that it is located about width 1394 inside the top surface of electronic device 1300. As a result, if the extractant overflows from the top surface of flow path separation section 1323, the extractant will not overflow onto the top surface of electronic device 1300, but will instead overflow and flow into hole 1322, which is connected to the outside of flow path separation section 1323.

Here, we will explain the size of the interior of the flow path separation section 1323 and the interior of the hole 1321, focusing on the amount of extract that accumulates therein. The amount of extract is preferably an amount that allows the temperature sensor (temperature sensor 1325) installed inside the hole 1321 to be in contact with the extract for as long as possible during the period from the first pour of hot water after steaming to the end of extraction. The rate at which the extract accumulates varies considerably depending on the amount of extract. For example, if the extraction time is the same for one cup and four cups, the extraction speed will differ by nearly four times. It also depends on the amount of hot water remaining inside the dripper 10.

Furthermore, the electronic device 1300 of the seventh embodiment has a function for measuring the temperature of hot water before extraction, which will be described later. When measuring the temperature of this hot water, if the flow path is blocked by the extraction stopper 1331 so that liquid accumulates inside the hole 1321, it is desirable that an amount of hot water be accumulated inside the hole 1321 and the flow path separation portion 1323 so that the temperature of the hot water can be accurately measured when the hot water is poured. In this case, if the amount of accumulated hot water is too small, too much heat will escape into the housing of the electronic device 1300 or into the air, making it impossible to measure accurately. Furthermore, if the flow path is not blocked by the extraction stopper 1331 when measuring the temperature of the hot water, it is desirable to make the hole 1321 small and slow the speed at which the hot water flows so that a small amount of hot water can be used for measurement. The flow path separation portion 1323 and the hole 1321 are set to appropriate sizes that take these factors into consideration and are determined in advance through various experiments.

Next, hole 1322 will be described. Hole 1322 is a hole (flow path) for dropping (flowing) the extract during extraction that has overflowed from flow path separation unit 1323 into container 40. This hole 1322 need only be of a size that allows the extract that has overflowed from flow path separation unit 1323 to drop into container 40 without accumulating inside electronic device 1300, and Figures 35 (1) to (6) show, as an example, an example in which a hole that is significantly larger than hole 1321 is provided. Note that, in the seventh embodiment, it is assumed that there is only one hole (hole 1322) through which the extract that has overflowed from flow path separation unit 1323 passes, but an example in which multiple holes are provided is also conceivable.

Next, the relationship between the drainage space 1310 and the holes 1321 and 1322 will be explained. The drainage space 1310 is connected to the outside of the flow path separation section 1323, which is the flow path for the extract flowing through hole 1322. However, it is not connected to the inside of the flow path separation section 1323 (see Figures 35 (5) and (6)). This allows the extract to accumulate inside the flow path separation section 1323 and hole 1321 during extraction, and furthermore, when the flow path is blocked at the end of extraction, the extract flows from inside hole 1320 to the drainage space 1310.

Next, the temperature sensor 1325 will be described. The temperature sensor 1325 is a contact-type sensor for measuring temperature. In the examples shown in Figures 35 (1) to (6), this temperature sensor 1325 has a temperature-sensing portion (temperature-sensing portion) inside the hole 1321 that protrudes from the wall of the hole 1321 toward the center of the hole 1321. The temperature sensor 1325 may be located in any position that allows it to appropriately measure the temperature of the extract, and may be embedded in the wall of the hole 1321 or placed near the underside of the flow path separation portion 1323.

This temperature sensor 1325 is used to detect the room temperature by measuring the temperature when the electronic device 1300 is turned on. This detected room temperature is saved in the extraction history data after extraction is complete. It is also registered in the extraction policy data and is referenced when the user selects extraction comparison data from the extraction policy data.

In the seventh embodiment, the temperature sensor 1325 is also used to measure the temperature of the hot water before the start of extraction and adjust the temperature of the hot water when dripping begins. This function is not necessary if the hot water temperature is already appropriate using another device, and can be omitted by setting it. For example, it is not necessary for users who use a separate thermometer to measure the temperature of the hot water in the drip pot before starting dripping, or for users who prepare hot water using an electronic kettle that can precisely adjust the hot water temperature.

The temperature of the hot water before the start of extraction is adjusted, for example, using the following procedure. First, after completing the measurement of the coffee powder to be used, the user is asked to remove the dripper 10 from the measuring base 24. Next, the user is asked to pour hot water into the flow path separation unit 1323, and the electronic device 1300 measures the temperature of the poured hot water. Note that in order to reduce the amount of hot water poured, the pouring and measurement operations are performed, for example, every 30 seconds. Note that when the flow path is blocked by the extraction stop unit 1331 and hot water is collected for measurement, once the measurement of the hot water temperature is complete, the flow path is opened and the hot water is discarded into the container 40, and then the flow path is blocked again to move on to the next measurement.

Then, when the hot water temperature reaches the desired temperature, the operation of measuring the hot water temperature is terminated, the hot water that has fallen into the container 40 through the hole 1321 is discarded, and the dripper 10 is placed back on the measuring base 24 to begin extraction. By having the user perform this series of operations, the electronic device 1300 can adjust the hot water temperature to a temperature appropriate for extraction.

The temperature of the hot water at the start of extraction is stored in the extraction history data and extraction policy data, just like the room temperature. If the temperature is adjusted using another device and the hot water temperature is not adjusted using the electronic device 1300, the temperature can be entered by the user and stored in the extraction history data.

The temperature sensor 1325 also measures the temperature during extraction, and the temperature transition of the extracted liquid (temperature transition) is stored in the extraction history data. This temperature transition is also stored in the extraction strategy data and, like the liquid volume transition and weight transition in the first to sixth embodiments, is used to reproduce past extractions (model extractions) and generate guide information.

In this way, by installing the temperature sensor 1325 inside the hole 1320, the electronic device 1300 can perform three operations: measuring the room temperature, adjusting the temperature of the hot water before extraction, and measuring the temperature of the extract during extraction. Furthermore, by storing the room temperature, the temperature of the hot water before extraction, and the temperature transition of the extract during extraction in the extraction history data and extraction policy data, it is possible to reproduce past extractions and generate guide information that takes temperature into consideration.

Although not specifically considered in the explanation so far, it is also desirable to pre-warm the dripper 10 and container 40. For example, after measuring the coffee powder to be used for extraction and before the start of extraction, the coffee powder can be removed along with the filter, and hot water can be poured over the dripper 10 to warm it. The hot water poured over the dripper 10 passes through the electronic device 1300 and falls into the container 40, warming the container 40 as well. By then adjusting the temperature of the hot water, extraction can be performed with the dripper 10, electronic device 1300, and container 40 all warmed, allowing for more temperature-controlled extraction.

It should be noted that various other examples of the internal structure of hole 1320 are possible in addition to the example shown in Figure 35. Although not shown, one example is one in which hot water flows into drain space 1310 when the hot water temperature is adjusted. Specifically, extraction stopper 1332 is positioned below extraction stopper 1331 (on the underside of electronic device 1300) in Figure 35 (6) so as to completely block hole 1320. In this way, when extraction stopper 1332 closes the flow rate, all liquid flows into drain space 1310, and hot water can be prevented from dripping into container 40 even when the hot water temperature is adjusted.

Furthermore, in this electronic device, if the outlet of hole 1321 is narrow and the flow rate of the liquid accumulating inside hole 1321 and flow path separation section 1323 is slow, an example of an electronic device can be considered in which extraction stop section 1331 is not provided, and only extraction stop section 1332 that blocks all liquid flow paths is provided. Specifically, extraction stop section 1331 in Figure 35 (6) is omitted, and extraction stop section 1332 is placed below extraction stop section 1331 (on the underside of electronic device 1300) so as to block the entire hole 1320. Even in such a device, when extraction stop section 1332 closes the flow rate, all liquid flows into drain space 1310, making it possible to adjust the hot water temperature and stop extraction.

[Example of functional configuration of electronic device]
FIG. 36 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an electronic device 1300 according to the seventh embodiment.

The functional configuration of the electronic device 1300 includes a first extraction stop unit 1342 and a second extraction stop unit 1343 instead of the extraction stop unit 280 of the functional configuration of the electronic device 500 of the second embodiment. Furthermore, in addition to the functional configuration of the electronic device 500 other than the extraction stop unit 280, a temperature detection unit 1341 is also included. Here, a description of the functional configuration similar to that shown in Figures 4 and 12 will be omitted.

The temperature detection unit 1341 detects the temperature of the extract passing through the electronic device 1300 and outputs the detection result to the control unit 250. The temperature detection unit 1341 is also used to detect the room temperature and to detect and adjust the temperature of the hot water before the start of extraction. In other words, the temperature detection unit 1341 adjusts the temperature of the hot water before the start of extraction, thereby adjusting the temperature of the extract supplied from the dripper to the container. This temperature detection unit 1341 corresponds to the temperature sensor 1325 shown in Figure 35.

Like the extraction stop unit 280, the first extraction stop unit 1342 and the second extraction stop unit 1343 block the flow path of the extract liquid at the end of extraction based on the control of the control unit 250, preventing the extract liquid from falling into the container 40 and stopping the extraction. The first extraction stop unit 1342 is provided in the flow path through which the extract liquid whose temperature has been measured passes, and the second extraction stop unit 1343 is provided in the other flow path. When adjusting the temperature of the hot water before the start of extraction using the electronic device 1300, the first extraction stop unit 1342 blocks the flow path and collects the hot water to be measured around the temperature sensor. Note that the first extraction stop unit 1342 corresponds to the extraction stop unit 1331 shown in FIG. 35, and the second extraction stop unit 1343 corresponds to the extraction stop unit 1332.

Next, an example of the operation of the electronic device 1300 will be described with reference to Figures 37 to 39. Note that this example of operation is an example in which the functions of measuring room temperature, adjusting the temperature of hot water before brewing, measuring the temperature of the brewed liquid during brewing, and displaying guide information based on temperature have been added to the example of operation of the detailed guide mode described in the fifth embodiment (Figures 24 and 26).

Although not considered in the operational examples so far, when temperature is a key factor in brewing, pre-warming the dripper 10, container 40, and electronic device 1300 before starting brewing allows for more appropriately controlled temperature brewing. In the seventh embodiment, temperature is detected by the temperature sensor 1325 to detect the brewing temperature, and an example is shown in which the dripper 10, container 40, and the inside of the hole 1320 of the electronic device 1300 are pre-warmed before starting brewing.

[Example of operation of electronic devices]
37 to 39 are a series of flowcharts showing an example of the operation (extraction processing procedure) when extracting in detailed guide mode using the electronic device 1300 of the seventh embodiment. Fig. 37 shows an example of the operation up to the end of determining the extraction comparison data, and Fig. 38 shows an example of the operation from the start of measuring the coffee grounds after determining the extraction comparison data to the end of adjusting the hot water temperature. And Fig. 39 shows an example of the operation from the start of extraction to the end of extraction.

Note that Figure 37 is a modified version of Figure 24, and adds an operation to detect room temperature to Figure 24. Also, Figure 38 adds an operation to calculate a threshold for determining guide information based on the temperature of the extract, an operation to pre-warm the device, and an operation to adjust the temperature of the hot water to the operations before the start of extraction in Figure 26. Also, Figure 39 adds a display of guide information based on the temperature of the extract to the operations from the start to the end of extraction in Figure 26. For this reason, explanations of operations common to Figures 24 and 26 will be omitted, and the explanation will focus on the different operations.

First, when the electronic device 1300 starts operating, the room temperature is detected by the temperature detection unit 1341 (step S401). After that, the same operations as in FIGS. 24 and 26 are performed from step S101 to step S221 in FIG. 38.

Then, once the weight thresholds in the dripper for each timing to be compared during the extraction period are calculated in step S221 shown in FIG. 38, the control unit 250 calculates the threshold temperature of the extracted liquid for each timing to be compared (step S402). Next, an instruction screen (not shown) is displayed on the display unit 220 to prompt the user to remove the coffee grounds from the filter inside the dripper 10 and then pour hot water into the dripper 10 to warm up the device (the dripper 10, the container 40, and the interior of the hole 1320 of the electronic device 1300) (step S403). Specifically, an instruction screen including an instruction such as "Please remove the coffee grounds from the filter and then pour hot water into the dripper to warm up the device" and an "Finish" button is displayed, and the user views this instruction screen and performs the action of pre-warming the device. Note that when using a dripper with an integrated filter function made of metal mesh or ceramic, the coffee grounds are removed from the dripper, and only the interior of the hole 1320 of the electronic device 1300 and the container 40 are warmed.

The control unit 250 then determines whether the appliance warming operation has finished (step S404). In this determination, it is determined that the appliance has not been warmed until the "End" button is pressed (step S404), and the process returns to step S403, waiting until the "End" button is pressed and it is determined that the appliance warming has finished.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the water has been heated (step S404), the control unit 250 uses the temperature detection unit 1341 of the electronic device 1300 to determine whether to adjust the temperature of the hot water used for extraction (step S405). Specifically, for example, a screen containing a message such as "Do you want to adjust the hot water temperature now?" and "Yes" and "No" buttons is displayed, and the determination is made based on whether the user presses a button. If it is determined that the temperature will not be adjusted based on the user pressing the "No" button (step S405), the process proceeds to step S410. Note that the user may press the "No" button when adjusting the temperature using a thermometer attached to the drip pot, or when the temperature has already been adjusted by boiling water in an electronic kettle with a temperature adjustment function, etc.

On the other hand, if it is determined that a temperature adjustment operation should be performed (step S405), an instruction screen (not shown) for removing the dripper 10 from the weighing base 24 is displayed on the display unit 220 (step S406). Specifically, for example, the message "Please remove the dripper from the weighing base" is displayed.

Then, the control unit 250 determines whether the dripper 10 has been removed from the weighing platform 24 (step S407). Specifically, for example, the weighing unit 260 measures the weight, and when the user removes the dripper 10 from the weighing platform 24 and the weight of the dripper 10 is reduced, it is determined that the dripper 10 has been removed from the weighing platform 24. However, if it is determined that the dripper 10 has not been removed (step S407), the process returns to step S406 and waits until the dripper 10 is removed from the weighing platform 24.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the dripper 10 has been removed from the measuring platform 24 (step S407), an operation is performed to adjust the temperature of the hot water poured into the flow path separation unit 1323 (step S408). Specifically, an instruction screen (not shown) during adjustment displays, for example, the timing for pouring the hot water (e.g., every 30 seconds), the most recently measured temperature, the temperature to be adjusted (the temperature registered in the extraction comparison data), an "End Adjustment" button, and a "Redo" button. The user then pours hot water into the flow path separation unit 1323 in accordance with this instruction screen, and the hot water temperature is repeatedly measured at each timing. When it is determined that the hot water has cooled to approximately the temperature to be prepared, the hot water temperature adjustment is completed.

The control unit 250 then determines whether or not to terminate the operation of adjusting the hot water temperature (step S409). If it determines not to terminate the operation of adjusting the hot water temperature (step S409), the process returns to step S408, and the hot water temperature adjustment continues. Specifically, for example, if the hot water temperature has not cooled down to the temperature to which it was intended, it is determined not to terminate. It is also determined not to terminate if the user presses the "Redo" button because the hot water temperature has cooled down too much compared to the temperature to which it was intended.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the operation of adjusting the hot water temperature is to be terminated (step S409), a hot water disposal instruction screen (not shown) for disposing of the hot water accumulated inside the container 40 is displayed on the display unit 220 (step S410). This determination is made when the measured hot water temperature is close to the planned adjustment temperature (for example, within ±2°C of the planned adjustment temperature) or when the user presses the "End adjustment" button regardless of the hot water temperature (when the hot water is extracted at a temperature different from the hot water temperature in the extraction comparison data). The hot water disposal instruction screen may display a notification such as, "Please remove the container and discard the accumulated hot water. After discarding, please set the container back in place."

The control unit 250 then determines whether the hot water accumulated inside the container 40 has been discarded (step S411). This determination is made, for example, by analyzing the image acquired by the liquid volume detection unit 270, using the image of the container 40 immediately before the hot water disposal instruction screen began to be displayed and the latest image of the container 40. For example, the liquid level and edge of the hot water to be discarded are detected from the image of the container 40 immediately before the display began, and it is determined that the hot water has been discarded if the liquid level and edge of the hot water have disappeared in the latest image of the container 40. As another example of this determination, a "Done" button may be displayed on the hot water disposal instruction screen, and it may be determined that the hot water has been discarded when the user presses this "Done" button.

If it is determined that the hot water has not been discarded (step S411), the process returns to step S410 and waits until it is determined that the hot water has been discarded.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the hot water has been discarded (step S411), a reset instruction screen (not shown) is displayed on the display unit 220 to prompt the user to reset the dripper 10 and the removed coffee grounds together with the filter on the measuring platform 24. Specifically, a message such as "Please reset the removed dripper and coffee grounds" is displayed.

The control unit 250 then determines whether the coffee grounds and dripper have been reset (step S413). This determination is made, for example, when the weighing unit 260 measures the weight of the weighing platform 24 and determines that the weight measured is substantially the same as the weight before the dripper 10 and coffee grounds were removed from the weighing platform 24.

If it is determined that the setting has not been reset (step S413), the process returns to step S412 and waits until the setting has been reset. On the other hand, if it is determined that the setting has been reset (step S413), the process proceeds to step S109 shown in FIG. 39.

After that, after proceeding to step S224, the temperature of the extract is detected by the temperature detection unit 1341 (step S414). Next, the detected extract temperature is compared with the temperature threshold (step S415). Then, guide information is determined by the control unit 250 based on the results of the comparison between the extract amount and the threshold, the comparison between the weight and the threshold, the comparison between the temperature and the threshold, and information regarding the period (step S416). Then, an extraction status display screen reflecting the determined guide information is displayed on the display unit 220 (step S417).

After that, when the process proceeds to step S117 and the extraction completion screen is displayed, extraction history data related to the completed extraction (current extraction) is saved in the storage unit 290 (step S418). In the electronic device 1300, the room temperature, the temperature of the hot water before extraction, and the temperature change of the extraction liquid during extraction are added to the extraction history data information described in the fifth embodiment and saved as extraction history data. Furthermore, if the hot water temperature was not adjusted using the electronic device 1300 in step S405, the user can input the hot water temperature before extraction and this will be recorded in the extraction history data.

After that, guide information (not shown) summarizing the completed extraction is displayed (step S419), and the extraction processing procedure ends. This guide information summarizes, for example, the results of comparisons of liquid volume transition and weight transition with thresholds, and if there is a large deviation from the standard (transition of extraction comparison data), guide information such as "Check the extraction operation" is displayed. Regarding temperature, guide information is displayed based on a summary of the results of comparisons between the room temperature at the time of extraction and the standard room temperature, the results of comparisons between the hot water temperature at the start of extraction and the standard hot water temperature, and the results of comparisons with the temperature transition threshold. For example, if there is a large difference in room temperature, guide information such as "The standard extraction and room temperature are significantly different, so if the taste is not satisfactory, prepare extraction policy data for the current season." is displayed. If the hot water temperature at the start is roughly the same but the extraction temperature drops during extraction, guide information such as "Increase the amount of hot water prepared to prevent the water from cooling down." is displayed.

As such, according to the seventh embodiment, by providing the electronic device 1300 with a temperature detection unit 1341, it is possible to easily perform extraction that takes into account temperatures related to extraction, such as room temperature, the temperature of the hot water, and the temperature of the extraction liquid. This makes it easier to perform extraction that reproduces the user's preferred taste.

36 to 38 show an example in which the room temperature is detected (step S401) using the temperature detection unit 1341 of the electronic device 1300, but this is not limiting. For example, it is also possible to acquire the room temperature via the communication unit 510 from a thermometer (thermo-hygrometer) with wireless communication capabilities. If the electronic device 1300 is used intermittently several times a day, the temperature detection unit 1341 may be constantly warm. Therefore, for users who use the electronic device 1300 frequently, it is advisable to provide the electronic device 1300 with a function to acquire the room temperature via the communication unit 510. Regarding the temperature of the hot water before the start of extraction, it is also possible to acquire the temperature of the hot water in the drip pot measured by a thermometer with communication capabilities via the communication unit 510.

Although not considered in the seventh embodiment, when different extraction policy data are prepared for each room temperature, an example is conceivable in which the electronic device 1300 automatically selects extraction policy data appropriate for the room temperature at the time of extraction. For example, information (group information) is stored in the memory unit 290, such as extraction policy data A for room temperatures below 10°C, extraction policy data B for room temperatures between 10 and 30°C, and extraction policy data C for room temperatures above 30°C. Then, when selecting extraction policy data at the time of extraction (when extracting), this group information is referenced, and the electronic device 1300 automatically selects extraction policy data whose range includes the room temperature at the time of selection. In this way, the extraction-related temperatures obtained by the electronic device 1300 can be used to assist the user during various extractions.

In this way, the electronic devices shown in the first to seventh embodiments allow the user to adjust the amount and timing of pouring hot water by detecting the weight inside the dripper, the amount of extract in the container, and the temperatures of the room, hot water, extract, etc., thereby adjusting the supply of extract from the dripper to the container.

Note that each control operation shown in the first to seventh embodiments is executed based on a program that causes a computer to execute each processing procedure, and each control operation can also be understood as a method or program invention. For example, the control operations shown in the first and seventh embodiments can be realized by storing a program related to each control operation shown in the first and seventh embodiments in a storage medium of an information processing device such as an electronic device or server, reading the program from the storage medium, and having the information processing device execute the read program. Furthermore, the program may also be stored in an external storage medium (e.g., a CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), memory card) or the like external to the information processing device and used.

The first to seventh embodiments are merely examples of how the invention described in the claims may be realized, and are not limited to these. Various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 800, 1001 Coffee extractor 10 Dripper 11 Storage section 12 Flange section 13 Leg section 20, 500, 600, 810, 1100, 1300 Electronic device 21 Power button 22, 610 Touch panel display 23 Drainage container 24, 813 Measuring platform 25, 270, 815 Liquid volume detection section 27, 260, 819 Measuring section 28, 810 Speaker 31a to 31d Container position fixing section 32, 280, 822, 1331, 1332 Extraction stop section 40 Container 210 Operation section 220 Display section 230 Sound output section 240 Timer 250 Control section 290 Memory section 510 Communication section 700 Communication system 710 Server 720 Network 811 Dripper section 1325 Temperature sensor 1341 Temperature detection section

Claims (5)

An electronic device that performs processing to output support information regarding the liquid poured into a dripper, which contains a substance for extracting a beverage, from an output unit based on measurements of the substance contained in the dripper and the liquid poured into the dripper, when the liquid poured into the dripper is collected in a container located below the dripper. The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the support information is output based on a result of comparing the measurement result in predetermined extraction history data relating to the transition of the measurement result at the time of the extraction with the measurement result performed during the extraction. a liquid amount detection unit that detects the amount of liquid accumulated in the container;
a measuring unit that measures the weight of the substance contained in the dripper and the weight of the liquid remaining inside the dripper;
The electronic device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a control unit that controls the output unit to output the support information as a result of the measurement of at least one of the liquid amount detected by the liquid amount detection unit and the weight measured by the measuring unit. This information processing method causes a computer to execute processing to output, from an output unit, support information regarding the liquid poured into a dripper that contains a substance for extracting a beverage, based on measurements of the substance contained in the dripper and the liquid poured into the dripper, when the liquid poured into the dripper is collected in a container positioned below the dripper. A program that causes a computer to execute processing to output, from an output unit, support information regarding the liquid poured into a dripper that contains a substance for extracting a beverage, based on measurements of the substance contained in the dripper and the liquid poured into the dripper, when the liquid poured into the dripper is collected in a container positioned below the dripper.