Beverage production module and method for operating a beverage production module

0001The present invention generally relates to the production of beverages or liquid comestibles (soup, etc.). Preferably, the invention relates to production devices which are designed to produce a beverage on the basis of ingredients which are contained in a capsule. The capsule is inserted in the beverage production module which is provided with means to introduce a liquid into the interior of the capsule. The interaction of the introduced liquid with the ingredients produces a beverage which can then be obtained from the beverage production module.

0002As an illustrative example, such devices are already used, among others, in the field of coffee machines. Especially regarding coffee machines there is a wide range between relatively simple "one button" machines on one end of the range, and highly complex machines with integrated additional functions, such as for example producing steam, prewarming cups and/or ensuring a "flow stop" function, etc., at the higher end of the range.

0003The different machines of the range offer different buttons, control panels, interfaces or other input means for enabling the user to operate the machine.

0004<patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="WO2007014584A1"><text>WO 2007/014584 A1</text></patcit> discloses a control panel for an automatic machine for preparing hot beverages. The panel comprises a main input element, a display element, a control unit in data communication with the main input element and the display element. The main input element comprises a sense element adapted to detect a motion thereon of a touch of the user and the main input element and display element are in data communication through the control unit so that motion determines a scrolling through the plurality of input identifiers on the display element thereby selecting at least one formulation of the plurality of formulations or at least one operation parameter of a plurality of operation parameters.

0005<patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="WO2007003062A1"><text>WO 2007/003062 A1</text></patcit> discloses an operator's device for automatic hot beverage dispensers that are configured for preparing and dispensing several different beverages. The operator's device is embodied as touch screen. A first selecting mechanism is provided by displaying symbols on the touch screen enabling the selection of a beverage or a mixed beverage. After having selected a beverage, a second selecting means is provided by displaying further key symbols that enable the user to select different settings for the previously selected beverage.

0006<patcit id="pcit0003" dnum="EP1676509A1"><text>EP 1 676 509 A1</text></patcit> discloses a process and apparatus for controlling the preparation of brewed beverages, such as for example coffee beverages. Thereby, since the coffee quality depends on the coffee brewed per time unit, this document discloses means for controlling the flow rate of hot water to a beverage brewing chamber when a brewed beverage is delivered from the machine. More specifically, this document discloses an internal control loop for constantly checking the flow rate, comparing the flow rate with a predefined parameter and adjusting the flow rate in case of a deviation.

0007It is the object of the present invention to propose a beverage production module as well as a method for operating a beverage production module which is simplified in construction and more intuitive to use.

0008According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a beverage production module comprising a pump for delivering a beverage via a beverage delivery outlet from the beverage production module to a receptacle, a sensing means for sensing the amount of beverage delivered by the pump and an output means being in data communication with the sensing means is adapted for providing real time information on the actual volume of beverage delivered by the pump, wherein the output means is a graphical or optical device.

0009Further features, advantages and objects of the present invention will become evident by means of the figures of the enclosed drawings as well as by the following detailed explanation of illustrative - only embodiments of the present invention. <ul id="ul0001" list-style="none"><li><figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> shows a beverage production module according to a first embodiment of the present invention,</li><li><figref idref="f0002">Fig. 2a</figref> shows a schematic block diagram of the main elements of a beverage production module according to the general idea underlying the present invention,</li><li><figref idref="f0003">Fig. 2b</figref> shows a schematic block diagram of the main elements of a beverage production module according to a first embodiment of the present invention,</li><li><figref idref="f0004">Fig. 3</figref> shows a flow chart illustrating the process steps according to a method for operating a beverage production module.</li><li><figref idref="f0005 f0007">Figs. 4a-c</figref> show a sequence of initializing a beverage production module according to the present invention,</li><li><figref idref="f0008 f0009">Fig. 5a-b</figref> show a sequence of different display modes of a beverage production module according to the present invention,</li><li><figref idref="f0010 f0012">Figs. 6a-c</figref> show the sequence of choosing different parameters related to the delivery of a beverage from the beverage production module according to the present invention,</li><li><figref idref="f0013 f0020">Figs. 7a-h</figref> show a sequence of delivering a beverage from the beverage production module and at the same time enabling the user to change the parameters previously input in the sequence as shown in <figref idref="f0010 f0011 f0012">Figs. 6a to 6c</figref>,</li><li><figref idref="f0021 f0022">Figs. 8a-b</figref> show the sequence of ending the delivery of a beverage from the beverage production module according to the present invention and</li><li><figref idref="f0024">Fig. 9</figref> shows a beverage production module according to a second embodiment of the present invention.</li></ul>

0010<figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> shows a beverage production module according to a first embodiment of the present invention, generally designated with reference numeral 1, which comprises a casing 17 which houses further components or to which further components are attached.

0011The beverage production module 1 comprises a beverage delivery outlet 8 via which a beverage produced by the beverage production module 1 and delivered to the beverage delivery outlet 8 by a pump 24 can be obtained.

0012On the rear side of the casing 17 a water supply reservoir or water container 16 can be provided.

0013On the front side of the beverage production module 1 a base part can be provided. The base part can essentially have a shape of a half cylindrical platform. The base part can comprise a drip tray 14 and the upper surface of the base part can serve as a cup support 15 in the region which is essentially arranged vertically below the beverage delivery outlet 8. The drip tray 14 can serve for collecting liquid dripping from the beverage delivery outlet 8.

0014The beverage production module can comprise further a catchment tank 13 for collecting capsules which have been used and which dropped internally after the beverage has been delivered.

0015The base part comprising the drip tray 14 and the cup support 15 can be removably attached to the casing 17. Alternatively, the entire component consisting of the drip tray 14, the cup support 15 and the catchment tank 13 can be attached removably to the casing 17 in order to rinse or empty the drip tray 14 and to empty the catchment tank 13.

0016Inside the casing 17 the beverage production module 1 can comprise a water pump 24, a water heating unit 25 such as for example a thermo block or a boiler as well as an extraction chamber. Thus the beverage production module 1 is capable of producing a heated, preferably pressurized liquid and then to feed it into a chamber in order to prepare a beverage in a cup or glass.

0017The pump 24 and the heater 25 as well as further components housed in the casing are not visible from the outside and are therefore showed with dashed lines in the Figures.

0018The extraction chamber can be designed to house a beverage ingredient containing pouch or capsule, which can be inserted through a capsule insertion slot 12 on the top surface of the casing 17 when lifting or opening a lever or lid arranged at the top surface of the casing 17. The lever or lid functions also as activator 11 for mechanically or automatically clamping the capsule and starting the preparation process. Heated water, preferably under pressure, will then be injected into the capsule in order to interact with the ingredients contained therein.

0019The beverage production module 1 can furthermore be provided with a graphical interface 2 such as for example a display, a touchpad or the like in order to allow the control of the operation of the beverage production module.

0020In addition the beverage production module 1 can comprise further user interfaces, such as for example switches or buttons 10 and so on to further control the operation of the module 1.

0021With reference to <figref idref="f0002">figure 2a</figref> the main components of a beverage production module 1 according to the present invention will be explained in relation to the block diagram. It is to be noted that the beverage production module comprises further elements and components necessary for carrying out the functionalities, such as e.g. a power source and the like, which are not shown in the figure for the sake of clarity.

0022The beverage production module 1 comprises a control means 7 being connected to and being in data communication with other elements of the beverage production module 1 in order to control the operations of the beverage production module, to receive process, store and transfer data and/or information.

0023The beverage production module further comprises a water container 16, a heater 25 and a pump 24 connected to the heater 25 and the water container 16. For preparing a beverage water is pumped from the water container 16 into the heater 25 and then pumped by the pump 24 into the extraction chamber. The beverage then leaves the casing 17 via a beverage delivery outlet 8 through which it is pumped by the pump 24.

0024The beverage production module 1 further comprises a sensing means 9 connected to the pump 24 for sensing the amount of beverage delivered from the pump 24 via the beverage delivery outlet 8. The sensing means 9 may comprise a flow meter of other components for measuring the amount of beverage passing the beverage delivery outlet 8. Alternatively, the sensing means 9 may comprise components for measuring the actual filling level within a receptacle 18 placed below the beverage delivery outlet 8.

0025The beverage production module 1 further comprises a human interface 26 adapted to be operated by a user. The human interface 26 herefore comprises a selection means 27 and an output means 28.

0026The selection means 27 is adapted to allow the user to input filling level instructions, i.e. to select the amount of beverage the user wants to receive from the beverage production module. The selection means 27 represents in an optical or graphical way the possible filling levels that can be chosen. The selection means 27 may comprise electronic and /or mechanical components, e.g. a display, LEDs, a slider and so on.

0027The output means 28 is in data communication with the sensing means 9 or in data communication with control means 7 which in turn is in data communication with the sensing means 9. The output means 28 is adapted to output information of the actual filling level within the receptacle 18. The information is hereby provided in real time in correspondence with the amount of beverage sensed by the sensing means 9. The output means 28 as well may comprise electronic and/or mechanical components.

0028The beverage production module may comprise further input means 10, e.g. buttons or the like for enabling the user to operate the beverage production module 1.

0029The human interface 26, the sensing means 9, the input means 10, the heater 25 and the pump 24 are all connected to and in data communication with the control means 7.

0030With reference to <figref idref="f0003">Fig. 2b</figref> a first embodiment of the present invention will now be explained. Hereby, the control means 7, the input means 10, the pump 24, the heater 25, the water container 16, the beverage delivery outlet 8 and the sensing means 9 correspond to the components explained with reference to <figref idref="f0002">Fig. 2a</figref>. The beverage production module 1 further comprises a graphical interface 2 for showing data and/or information to a user and for receiving data and/or information from a user.

0031The graphical interface 2 particularly comprises a display 3 for displaying pictures, information or the like. The graphical interface 2 further comprises a touchpad 5 for enabling a user to input information by touching the touchpad 5. In the graphical interface 2 further a pointing means 4 and an output identifier 6 are provided.

0032The graphical interface 2 provides the user with the possibility to intuitively choose the filling level. The graphical interface 2 herefore provides several means in order to display a virtual image of the receptacle, which is to be filled, and at least one virtual filling level within the virtual receptacle. By a touch input on the virtual image the user can choose or change the filling lever by touching the graphical interface and/or by sliding over the graphical interface 2.

0033In addition, when beverage is delivered from the beverage production outlet 8, the graphical interfaced provides the user with information on the actual filling level by displaying a virtual actual filling level within the virtual receptacle. Hereby, the chosen desired filling level and the actual filling level is graphically set into a direct relation, so that the user can simply decide, whether to change his choice of the desired filling level.

0034Alternatively or additionally to the filling level the user may be able to choose the amount of beverage.

0035Specifically the pointing means 4 indicates a possible amount of beverage that can be delivered from the beverage production module 1 or indicates a possible filling level of beverage within a receptacle 18. The pointing means 4 further enables by a touch input to select the amount of beverage to be delivered or to select the desired filling level within the receptacle 18.

0036The graphical interface 2 comprises an output identifier 6 which provides the user with information on the actual amount of beverage delivered from the pump 4 or on the actual filling level within the receptacle 18. The output identifier 6 hereby provides this information in accordance with the amount of beverage sensed by the sensing means 9.

0037The graphical interface 2, the sensing means 9, the input means 10 and the beverage delivery outlet 8 are all connected to and in data communication with the control means 7.

0038With reference to <figref idref="f0007 f0008 f0009 f0010 f0011 f0012 f0013 f0014 f0015 f0016 f0017 f0018 f0019 f0020 f0021 f0022 f0023">figures 4 to 8</figref> the first embodiment according to the present invention will be further explained.

0039<figref idref="f0005 f0007">Figures 4a-c</figref> show the initialization phase of a beverage production module 1. Specifically, <figref idref="f0005">figure 4a</figref> shows a beverage production module comprising a graphical interface 2 and an input means 10, which in the example of <figref idref="f0005">figure 4a</figref> is a switch.

0040<figref idref="f0006">Figure 4b</figref> shows the state in which the user approaches the beverage production module 1 and by operating the input means 10, specifically as shown in <figref idref="f0006">figure 4b</figref> by operating button can initialize the beverage production module 1. The graphical interface 2 then displays information to the user that a beverage production module is in the initialization phase. During the initialization phase the heater 25 and other components may be prepared.

0041In <figref idref="f0007">figure 4c</figref> the initialization phase has been completed and on a graphical interface 2 information may be displaced which shows the user that the beverage production module 1 can now be operated.

0042<figref idref="f0008 f0009">Figures 5a to 5b</figref> show detailed and enlarged front views of the beverage production module 1 according to the present invention. In <figref idref="f0008">figure 5a</figref> again the graphical interface 2 shows that the beverage production module 1 has been initialized. Further, the pump 24 and the heater 25 within the casing are shown with dashed lines. The pump 24 is further connected directly or indirectly to the beverage delivery outlet 8.

0043According to <figref idref="f0009">figure 5b</figref> in the next state the graphical interface 2 provides the user with information of the different sizes of receptacles that can be chosen. In the present example on the graphical interface by using the display 3 two receptacles 19a and 19b are shown, whereby 19b is a small receptacle and 19a is a large receptacle.

0044<figref idref="f0010 f0011 f0012">Figure 6a to 6c</figref> show the sequence where the user is enabled to choose the size of the receptacle and the desired amount of beverage that shall be delivered from the pump 24 via the beverage delivery outlet 8.

0045As shown in <figref idref="f0010">Figure 6a</figref> a real receptacle 18 has been placed on the cup support 15 in vertical alignment with the beverage delivery outlet 8.

0046On the display 3 of the graphical interface 2 the virtual images of a small receptacle 19b and a large receptacle 19a are provided.

0047As already explained the graphical interface 2 comprises a touchpad 5 enabling the user to operate the beverage production module 1 by touching the touchpad 5.

0048In the example as shown in <figref idref="f0011">Figure 6b</figref> the user can choose the small receptacle 19b by touching the picture shown on the display 3 of the graphical interface 2. The touchpad 5 will then provide respective information regarding the size of the receptacle to the control means 7.

0049After choosing the size of the receptacle the user is further enabled to input information regarding the desired amount of beverage delivered from the pump 24 via the beverage delivery outlet 8 or regarding the desired filling level within the receptacle 18. As shown in <figref idref="f0012">Figure 6c</figref> a virtual picture of a receptacle 19b is shown on the display 3 of the graphical interface 2. By touching a point of the virtual receptacle 19b shown on the display 3 the user can choose the filling level within the receptacle 19b, that is the touched point within the virtual receptacle is processed a chosen filling level.

0050When touching the touchpad 5 of the graphical interface 2 a pointing means 4 provides information regarding the possible filling level and regarding the actual chosen filling level. The pointing means 4 hereby may either be a virtual filling level shown within the receptacle 19b on the display, the pointing means 4 may further comprise a bar, an arrow and/or a tip for graphically indicating filling level information on the graphical interface 2.

0051After choosing the size of the receptacle as well as the desired amount of beverage or the desired filling level, the pointing means 4 and/or the graphical interface 2 provides information regarding the selected amount of the selected filling level to the control unit which in turn controls the delivery of beverage from the pump 24.

0052With reference to <figref idref="f0013 f0014 f0015 f0016 f0017 f0018 f0019 f0020">Figure 7a to 7h</figref> a sequence of delivering the beverage and further a sequence of changing the filling level information or the amount information during the delivery will be explained.

0053<figref idref="f0013">Figure 7a</figref> shows the state of the beverage production module 1 after the user has chosen the size of the receptacle as well as the amount of beverage and before the start of delivering a beverage from the pump 24 via the beverage delivery outlet 8. In this state an enlarged view of a virtual receptacle 19 is shown on the display 3 of the graphical interface 2. The pointing means 4 of the graphical interface 2 further indicates the chosen desired filling level 20. According to <figref idref="f0013">figure 7a</figref> the desired filling level is shown as a virtual filling level within the virtual receptacle 19, but other methods of showing the desired filling level 20 are possible, e.g. a bar, an arrow, a tip or the like.

0054<figref idref="f0014">Figure 7b</figref> shows the start of the delivery of the beverage 23 from the pump 24 via the beverage delivery outlet 8. The beverage 23 is delivered into the receptacle 18 placed below the beverage delivery outlet 8.

0055The display 3 of the graphical interface 2 shows the virtual receptacle 19 and the pointing means 4 indicates the chosen desired filling level 20. In addition to the types of pointing means 4 previously described the pointing means 4 may further comprise a text which indicates the amount or the desired filling level 20, for example as shown in <figref idref="f0014">Figure 7b</figref> the pointing means 4 of the graphical interface 2 indicates that a volume of beverage 23 has been chosen which corresponds to 45 ml.

0056The user is enabled to simply and intuitively input the desired amount or the desired filling level within the receptacle 18. Specifically, the pointing means 4 provides the possibility of a touch input and at the same time provides information on the filling level that can be chosen.

0057Further, the graphical interface 2 of the beverage production module 1 allows a simple correction and/or calibration of the desired filling level 20.

0058<figref idref="f0015">Figure 7c</figref> shows the state where some beverage 23 has already been delivered from the pump 24 via the beverage delivery outlet 8 and filled into the receptacle 18 placed in vertical alignment below the beverage delivery outlet 8.

0059The output identifier 6 of the graphical interface 2 provides information on the actual filling level 21. Therefor, the sensing means 9 senses the amount of beverage 23 delivered from the pump 24 via the beverage delivery outlet 8, submits this information to the control means 7 which in turn submits the data to the graphical interface 2.

0060The output identifier 6 indicates the actual filling level 21. Hereby, the output identifier 6 may comprise a representation of a virtual filling level within the virtual receptacle 19 displayed by the display 3 of the graphical interface. Alternatively or additionally the output identifier 6 may comprise a bar, an arrow, a tip or a text output for informing the user on the actual filling level as sensed by the sensing means 9. In the example as shown in <figref idref="f0015">Fig. 7c</figref> the output identifier 6 outputs a text message, that the actual filling level corresponds to an amount of delivered beverage 23 of 5 ml.

0061As shown in <figref idref="f0016">Figure 7d</figref> during the delivery of the beverage 23 from the beverage delivery outlet into the receptacle 18 the user may approach the graphical interface for changing the desired amount of beverage or the desired filling level. By touching the pointing means 4 of the graphical interface which actually provides information about the chosen desired filling level, the user can change the amount of beverage or the desired filling level. As shown in <figref idref="f0016 f0017">figure 7d to 7e</figref> the user can drag the pointing means 4 to a different position within the virtual receptacle 19 for choosing a new desired filling level 22. When sliding over the touchpad 5 of the graphical interface, the pointing means 4 of the graphical interface 2 provides information to which amount of beverage or to which desired filling level the actual touch position would correspond. In the example as shown in <figref idref="f0017">figure 7e</figref> the user has displaced the pointing means 4 from the previous desired filling level corresponding to an amount of 45 ml to a smaller amount of beverage and a lower desired filling level corresponding to an amount of beverage delivered of 40 ml.

0062At the same time beverage 23 is continuously delivered from the pump 24 via the beverage delivery outlet 8 into the receptacle 18. The actual filling level 21 is constantly measured by the sensing means 9 and the output identifier 6 of the graphical interface 2 constantly of at time intervals outputs information regarding the actual filling level 21.

0063As shown in <figref idref="f0018">figure 7f</figref> the user can further drag the pointing means 4 by moving over the touchpad 5 of the graphical interface 2. As on the graphical interface 2 a pointing means 4 is provided which indicates possible filling level information and at the same time an output identifier 6 provides information on the actual filling level 21 the user can easily calibrate the desired filling level.

0064When observing the beverage 23 being filled into the receptacle 18 the user may come to the conclusion that the amount of beverage or the desired filling level was too large or too small. In this case he can easily change the amount or the desired filling level by simply touching the graphical interface 2 and choosing a new filling level in the same way as choosing the previously filling level. As the graphical interface 2 sets the desired filling level and the actual filling graphically into relation, the user can always observe the relation between the actual filling level and the possible desired filling level and thereby simply and intuitively choose the new desired filling level.

0065<figref idref="f0019">Figure 7g</figref> shows the state where the user has definitely decided which new desired filling level 22 he wants to choose. After having dragged the pointing means 4 of the graphical interface 2 to a different position, the pointing means 4 provides the information regarding the new desired filling level 22 to the control means 7.

0066<figref idref="f0020">Figure 7h</figref> shows the state where the touch input of the new desired filling level is processed by the control means 7 of the beverage production module 1. The control means 7 controls the beverage delivery outlet 8 in accordance with the new desired filling level 22 so that the amount of beverage 23 delivered from the pump 24 via the beverage delivery outlet 8 corresponds to the new amount or the new desired filling level 22.

0067<figref idref="f0021 f0022 f0023">Figures 8a to 8c</figref> show the final state of the beverage production module 1 after having delivered a beverage 23 into a receptacle 18.

0068<figref idref="f0021">Figure 8a</figref> shows the state where the delivery of beverage 23 by the pump has been terminated. As soon as the actual filling level 21 reaches the desired filling level 20 or the new desired filling level 22 the control means 7 of the beverage production module 1 controls the pump 24 in order to stop the delivery of the beverage into the receptacle 18.

0069In this state the information of the pointing means 4 regarding the desired filling level and the information provided by the output identifier 6 regarding the actual filling level 21 correspond to each other.

0070<figref idref="f0022">Figure 8b</figref> shows the state after having finished the delivery in which the graphical interface 2 provides the user again with the possibility to start with a new beverage thereby providing the user with the graphical representation of a virtual small reptacle 19b and a virtual large receptacle 19a in order to enable the user to choose the size of the receptacle. The user is hereby enabled to operate the beverage production module 1 in order to prepare a further beverage.

0071If the user does not start the delivery of a beverage again, the beverage delivery module as shown in <figref idref="f0023">Figure 8c</figref> can go into a state of standby and showing a corresponding message and/or symbol on the display 3 of the graphical interface 2.

0072<figref idref="f0024">Fig. 9</figref> shows a second embodiment of a beverage production module according to the present invention. Hereby, a human interface 26 is provided comprising an output means 28 which in the example of <figref idref="f0024">Fig. 9</figref> are light emitting diodes (LEDs). The human interface 26 further comprises a selection means 27, which in the example of <figref idref="f0024">Fig. 9</figref> consists of a slider 30 attached to a slot 29 and movably along the slot 29.

0073The length of the slot 29 hereby represents the range of filling levels within the receptacle 18. By moving the slider 30 along the slot 29, the user can select the desired filling level and thereby input filling level instructions which are submitted to the control means 7 and used to control the pump 24 accordingly.

0074In addition, the actual filling level as sensed by the sensing means 9 may be shown by the output means 28. The LEDs are hereby placed in vertical alignment and the length of the row of LEDs represents the height of the receptacle 18. The number of illuminated LEDs can thereby represent the actual filling level.

0075It is to be noted that the present invention is not limited to the explained embodiments but may comprises any type of selection means 27 and output means 28 enabling an intuitive an easy operation of the beverage production module 1.

0076In the following a method of operating a beverage production module will be explained in more detail in relation to <figref idref="f0004">figure 3</figref> which shows a flow chart.

0077The process starts with step S0 for example with switching on the beverage production module 1. In the next step S1 the user is enabled to choose the size of the receptacle by either touching the touchpad 5 of the graphical interface 2 or by operating the input means 10 and by choosing the small receptacle 19b or the large receptacle 19a. The touchpad 5 of the graphical interface 2 or the input means 10 delivers the input to the control means 7 of the beverage production module which hereby accepts the choice of a size of a receptacle.

0078In the next step S2 as previously described the user can choose a desired filling level 20. The beverage production module will accept and process the choice of the desired filling level 20 accordingly.

0079In step S3 the beverage production module 1 starts filling the receptacle 18 by delivering a beverage 23 from the pump 24 via the beverage delivery outlet 8. In step S4 the sensing means 9 senses the amount of beverage 23 delivered from the pump 24 via the beverage delivery outlet 8. It is to be noted that the steps S3 and S4 can be accomplished at the same time or at different times. Alternatively, the sensing may start even before starting the filling.

0080In accordance with the amount of beverage 23 delivered from the pump 24 via the beverage delivery outlet 8 and of the information provided by the sensing means 9 in step S4 the output identifier 6 or the output means 28 shows the actual filling level 21 on the display 3 of the graphical interface 2 or on the human interface 26 in step S5.

0081In the next step S6 it is checked whether the desired filling level has been changed. Hereby it is possible that the control means 7 of the beverage production module regularly checks whether a new filling level instruction has been provided or alternatively as soon as a user provides new filling level instruction respective information is transmitted to the control means 7. If in step S6 it is decided that the desired filling level 20 has not been changed, the beverage production module continuous in step S7 to deliver a beverage 23 from the pump 24 via the beverage delivery outlet 8 and to fill the beverage 23 into the receptacle 18. As already explained the sensing means 9 in step S8 continuous to sense the amount of beverage 23 delivered from the pump 24 via the beverage delivery outlet 8 and the output identifier 6 or the output means 28 in step S9 shows the actual filling level 21. In the next step S10 it is checked by the control means whether the desired filling level 20 has been reached. If in steps S10 it is decided that the desired filling level 20 has been reached, i.e. the actual filling level 21 corresponds to the desired filling level 20, a message in step S11 can be output to the user indicating that the desired filling level 20 has been reached. Otherwise, if in step S10 it is decided that the desired filling level 20 has not yet been reached, the process goes back to step S6 where it is checked the desired if filling level 20 has been changed.

0082If in step S6 it is decided that the desired filling level 20 has been changed, then in the next step S13 it is checked if the new desired filling level 22 is below the actual filling level 21. If this is not the case, then in the next step S14 the choice of the new desired filling level 22 is accepted by the beverage production module 1 and the process continuous with step S7 with the filling of the receptacle 18.

0083Otherwise, if in step S13 it is decided that the new desired filling level 22 is below the actual filling level 21, then in a further step S15 the control means 7 checks which parameters are set for this case, e.g. the control means 7 checks whether an immediate stop is provided. If the control means 7 of the beverage production module decides that an immediate stop is provided, then in a further step S18 the filling of the receptacle 18 is stopped, i.e. the delivery of beverage 23 from the pump 24 via the beverage delivery outlet 8 is immediately stopped. The process may then continue with step S11 where a message is output indicating that a delivery of beverage 23 has been terminated.

0084Otherwise if in step S15 the control means 7 decides that a stop is not provided, in a next step S16 the control means 7 will refuse the choice of the new desired filling level. In a further step S17 a corresponding message can be output or an acoustic signal may be provided alternatively or additionally. When refusing the choice of the new desired filling level, the control means 7 will still operate with the previously chosen desired filling level 20 in the process and therefore continues with step S7 with the filling of the receptacle.

0085In any case the process comes to the point where the delivery of beverage 23 from the pump 24 via the beverage delivery outlet 8 is terminated either when the actual filling level 21 has reached the desired filling level 20 or in case that the filling is immediately stopped. Then a message can be output in step S11 and the process ends in step S12 for example with switching off the beverage production module 1.

0086To summarize, the present invention on one hand provides a simple and intuitive way to operate a beverage production module. In addition the present invention provides a simple and intuitive way to calibrate the chosen desired filling level by providing information on the desired filling level and the actual filling level, both information being set into a graphical or optical relation thereby enabling the user to easily check on the chosen desired filling level.

Reference Signs

0087<dl id="dl0001" compact="compact"><dt>(1)</dt><dd>Beverage production module</dd><dt>(2)</dt><dd>Graphical interface</dd><dt>(3)</dt><dd>Display</dd><dt>(4)</dt><dd>Pointing means</dd><dt>(5)</dt><dd>Touchpad</dd><dt>(6)</dt><dd>Output identifier</dd><dt>(7)</dt><dd>Control means</dd><dt>(8)</dt><dd>Beverage delivery outlet</dd><dt>(9)</dt><dd>Sensing means</dd><dt>(10)</dt><dd>Input means</dd><dt>(11)</dt><dd>Actuator</dd><dt>(12)</dt><dd>Capsule insertion slot</dd><dt>(13)</dt><dd>Catchment tank</dd><dt>(14)</dt><dd>Drip tray</dd><dt>(15)</dt><dd>Cup support</dd><dt>(16)</dt><dd>Water container</dd><dt>(17)</dt><dd>Casing</dd><dt>(18)</dt><dd>Receptacle</dd><dt>(19)</dt><dd>Virtual receptacle</dd><dt>(19a)</dt><dd>Large receptacle</dd><dt>(19b)</dt><dd>Small receptacle</dd><dt>(20)</dt><dd>Desired filling level</dd><dt>(21)</dt><dd>Actual filling level</dd><dt>(22)</dt><dd>New desired filling level</dd><dt>(23)</dt><dd>Beverage</dd><dt>(24)</dt><dd>Pump</dd><dt>(25)</dt><dd>Heater</dd><dt>(26)</dt><dd>Human interface</dd><dt>(27)</dt><dd>Selection means</dd><dt>(28)</dt><dd>Output means</dd><dt>(29)</dt><dd>Slot</dd><dt>(30)</dt><dd>Slider</dd></dl>