The invention relates to a device and method for preparing a mixture in a container.

The invention also relates to a container for this purpose.

In the preparation of non-alcoholic or alcoholic mixed drinks (cocktails) use will be made of a cocktail shaker. A cocktail shaker comprises a container, for instance a beaker of high-grade steel, in which the ingredients of the mixture are combined. Numerous variants of such cocktail shakers are known. An example of such a cocktail shaker is described in the American patent US 2 036 407.

A drawback of the known cocktail shakers is that the quality of the mixed drink depends greatly on the knowledge and skill of the person using the cocktail shaker. Some cocktails require great skill of the user and/or require an extensive description to make it clear to the user how the cocktail should be prepared. This skill is often lacking. The user will moreover often wish to conceal from those around him/her the fact that instructions are being used to prepare the cocktail. The preparation of the cocktail does after all often involve an element of show, and the show should not be interrupted by the user having to read instructions clearly visible to those around him/her.

Automatic devices for preparing mixtures, particularly mixed drinks, are also known. Use is made here of tubes, pumps, electronic controls and the like to prepare mixed drinks, particularly the cocktail. Although the quality of a mixed drink prepared in such a manner is often good, the element of show is lost. Such automatic devices are moreover complex and expensive and thereby less suitable for domestic use.

It is an object of the invention to provide a device and method of the type stated in the preamble in which a correct mixture of a recipe can be prepared in simple manner.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a device and method in which the user is assisted in the preparation of the mixture, preferably without this being immediately apparent to those around him/her.

According to a first aspect of the invention, at least one of the above stated objects is achieved in a device for preparing a mixture in a container, the device comprising:

- a housing provided with a placing surface for the container; - a sensor system for determining an electrical sensor signal representative of the volume and/or the mass of one or more ingredients arranged in the container for the purpose of preparing the mixture;

- indicator means for providing information from an information signal, wherein the information is representative of at least one ingredient for arranging and/or arranged in the container;

- an electrical processing unit connected to the sensor system and the indicator means, wherein the processing unit is embodied for the purpose of determining the information signal subject to the sensor signal and transmitting the information signal to the indicator means. , _r % ^{■ '} ;

The indicator means assist the user in the preparation of the mixture by giving feedback subject to the weight and/or volume determined. The feedback comprises for instance of making visible, making tactile and/or making audible information useful for the preparation of the mixture.

In embodiments of the invention the indicator means comprise visual display means for showing said information from the information signal. The processing unit is embodied here for the purpose of determining the information signal subject to the sensor signal and transmitting the information signal to the visual display means.

In an embodiment the visual display means comprise a screen, for instance an LCD display arranged in the housing. The information on the screen can comprise instructions on how the mixed drink must be prepared. The information comprises for instance an indication of the mixing steps which have to be successively performed by the user, such as which ingredient to add next and/or how much of a determined ingredient has already been added. In other embodiments the visual display means comprise a lighting unit instead of a screen or in addition to a screen. Said information is made available in embodiments only by the lighting unit or, in other embodiments, by both the lighting unit and the screen. The lighting unit can for instance show the information by means of a varying illumination of the container.

In other embodiments the indicator means comprise audio means and/or tactile means for generating respectively an audio signal and/or tactile signals. This type of indicator signals can also assist the user in the preparation of the mixture by providing feedback subject to the weight and/or volume determined. In determined embodiments the container can be illuminated with an illumination characteristic from a set of predetermined illumination characteristics. Information about these illumination characteristics can for instance be prestored on an electrical storage medium, for instance an electronic memory. The illumination characteristic can be selected on the basis of at least the sensor signal, for instance by selecting, subject to the sensor signal, a determined characteristic stored on the storage medium. Examples of such illumination characteristics are colour, light intensity, time duration, position on the placing surface and a stationary or moving lighting pattern. The processing unit can further be configured to control the lighting unit such that the variation in the illumination characteristics is representative of the ingredients for arranging and/or arranged in the container.

As already described above, in a further embodiment the device can comprise an electrical storage medium which is or can be coupled to the processing unit. Preparation information such as the name, quantity and sequence of the ingredients to be used, the manner of mixing and so on can be stored on this storage medium. The processing unit is configured to periodically determine, subject to the preparation information and subject to the electrical sensor signal, which ingredient has yet to be added to the container. In determined embodiments it is additionally possible to determine how much of a determined ingredient has yet to be added to the container. The processing unit can also be configured to show information representative of the result of the periodic determination by means of the visual display means. The preparation of the mixed drink can thus be indicated ingredient by ingredient by the visual display means. This preparation

information can be prestored on the storage medium, for instance by temporarily connecting an external storage medium (for instance a USB memory) to the device and transferring the preparation information stored thereon to the storage medium of the device. In other embodiments the preparation information can be retrieved substantially in real time by the device, for instance via a smart phone connected on the one hand to the internet and on the other to the device. The preparation information can then be stored temporarily on the storage medium of the device for later processing by the processing unit. In other embodiments no storage takes place on the storage medium and the preparation information received by the device is processed immediately by the processing unit. In embodiments of the invention the sensor system comprises a weight measuring unit for measuring the weight of the container in combination with the one or more ingredients arranged in the container when the container is disposed on the placing surface. On the basis of the weight and preparation information optionally stored on the storage medium the processing unit can determine whether a sufficient quantity of a determined ingredient has been added.

In a further embodiment the device comprises a temperature measuring unit for determining the temperature of the mixture once it has been arranged in the container. The heating time (for instance boiling time) of mixtures for heating can for instance thus be determined on the basis of a periodic determination of the temperature of the mixture, and it is thus possible to indicate at the correct moment that the mixture has been sufficiently heated. The heating of the mixture can for instance be performed by heating elements which are provided in or under the placing surface and with which heat can be generated (for instance by means of electrical resistance, induction or the like).

In a further embodiment the device comprises a time interval determining unit for determining the length of the time interval for which one or more ingredients are arranged in the container. The heating time (for instance boiling time) of a mixture for heating can for instance thus be determined on the basis of the time elapsed since a determined ingredient was added to the container.

In determined embodiments the placing surface takes a displaceable form relative to the rest of the housing. The weight is measured subject to the extent of displacement of the placing surface relative to the housing.

In embodiments of the invention the sensor system comprises a volume measuring unit with which the volume of the one or more ingredients arranged in the container can be determined. The sensor system can also comprise a capacitive liquid level detector. In further embodiments the sensor system comprises an optical and/or acoustic sensor for determining an optical and/or acoustic property, for instance the colour, of the content of the container and for generating a sensor signal representative of the determined property.

The housing of the device can comprise a special upright edge. The edge is provided around the placing surface and forms a receiving space in which the lower outer end of the container can be disposed. The shape and dimensions of the underside of the container can also be adapted to the shape and dimensions of the receiving space, wherein the lower outer end of the container can preferably be received fittingly in the receiving space. It is in this way possible to ensure that the container always remains placed correctly aligned on the housing.

In embodiments of the invention the processing unit is configured for:

- displaying a first message on the screen with instructions about a first ingredient to be added;

- verifying on the basis of the received sensor signal whether the first ingredient has actually been added;

- displaying a further message on the screen with instructions about a further ingredient to be added once the first ingredient has been added;

- verifying on the basis of the received sensor signal whether the further ingredient has actually been added.

Provided according to another aspect of the invention is a device for preparing a mixture in a container, the device comprising:

- a housing provided with a placing surface for the container;

- a sensor system for determining an electrical sensor signal representative of the volume and/or the mass of one or more ingredients arranged in the container for preparation of the mixture;

- a lighting unit disposed at the position of the placing surface and embodied to illuminate the container;

- an electrical processing unit connected to the sensor element and the lighting system, wherein the processing unit is embodied for the purpose of adjusting the illumination of the container subject to the sensor signal.

The lighting unit can be configured to transmit light from the container bottom into an upright container wall when a container is disposed on the placing surface. Depending on the type of (glass) container, it is then for instance possible to realize the light being guided through the container such that it can leave the container only at the upper edge. This means that the upper edge is illuminated.

The lighting unit, in particular each of the individual LED elements thereof, can for instance be controlled subject to the received sensor signal and/or the determined information signal. The lighting unit can for instance be positioned under the placing surface. When the placing surface takes a wholly or partially transparent form, the light can then still reach the container, while the placing surface can take a completely flat form so that the container can rest in stable manner thereon.

According to embodiments of the invention the device comprises an operating element for operating the processing unit (and thereby the screen, sensor system and/or the lighting unit). The operating element can be combined with the visual display means, for instance in a touch screen. In determined embodiments the device can also be programmed using the operating element. Preferably provided however are communication means which are connected to the processing unit and which enable communication back and forth between the device and an external communication device, for instance a computer, handheld device, tablet and the like. The device can hereby be programmed in simple manner, for instance by storing preparation information in accordance with a number of different recipes on the storage medium.

The device defined herein can be a cocktail mixer for preparing a mixed drink (cocktail). The ingredients are formed here by the liquids (such as beverage) and solids (such as sugar, pieces of fruit) from which the cocktail has to be made. In other

embodiments the device forms part of a cooking hob which is used to prepare a mixture of liquid and/or solid ingredients, for instance solid or liquid food. Other applications of the device according to the invention are also possible.

The invention also relates to an assembly of a container and the device described herein, and to the container defined herein. The container can preferably be placed with the lower outer end fittingly in the receiving space of the base element. The container is manufactured from transparent material, for instance a glass or perspex container.

According to a further aspect, the invention comprises a method for preparing a mixture of ingredients in a container, the method comprising of:

- placing a container on the placing surface of a housing;

- showing with visual display means information representative of a first ingredient to be arranged in the container;

- periodically determining with a sensor system the volume and/or the mass of the first ingredient arranged in the container;

- showing with the visual display means information representative of a further ingredient to be arranged in the container once a prestored first volume and/or mass has been reached; - periodically determining with the sensor system the volume and/or the mass of the further ingredient arranged in the container;

The method can further show with the visual display means information

representative of yet another ingredient to be arranged in the container once a prestored second volume and/or mass has been reached. The steps of periodically determining the mass and/or the volume and showing information about still further ingredients to be arranged are repeated until all ingredients have been added in the correct quantities. As soon as all ingredients have been added in the correct quantities, the visual display means can show that the preparation has been completed.

Further advantages, features and details of the present invention will be elucidated on the basis of the following description of several embodiments thereof. Reference is made in the description to the accompanying figures, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a device for preparing a cocktail; and

Figure 2 is a partly cut-away perspective view of the embodiment of figure 1.

Figure 1 shows a mixed drink preparation device 1 assembled from, among other parts, a housing 2 provided with a flat underside, with which the housing can be placed on a surface, and with a placing surface 4 arranged in upper side 3 of the housing and taking a partially transparent form. In the shown embodiment the placing surface 4 lies at a slightly lower level than upper side 3 of the housing so that an upright edge 7 is formed between placing surface 4 and the rest of upper side 3. In another embodiment a protrusion can be provided on which the glass fits precisely because it has a recess at that position.

The upright edge has a shape and dimensions such that it can serve as support for a container 8 to be placed on placing surface 4. In the shown embodiment container 8 is constructed from bottom 10 and an upright peripheral wall 11. Bottom 10 of container 8 is embodied such that it can be placed just fitting within edge 7 of placing surface 4.

The placing surface, more particularly the peripheral edge thereof, takes a transparent form. A number of light-emitting elements 13, for instance LED lamps of the same or different colour (in the shown embodiment twelve, although this number can of course be greater or smaller in other embodiments), is arranged under this transparent part

12 of the placing surface. When a light-emitting element 13 is switched on, it emits light via the associated transparent part 12 in upward direction toward the container. Container 8 is further manufactured from transparent material so that light travels straight upward via bottom 10 into the container from transparent part 12. The light-emitting elements are preferably provided precisely under upright wall 11. The light then preferably exits again only at upper edge 17. In this embodiment the light is not obstructed by the contents of the glass, or hardly so, and the user can be presented with the desired preparation information on the basis of the illumination of the edge of the container (the upward displacing light is designated schematically with reference numeral 20). A desired light effect can be achieved in the container, more particularly in foot 10 and upright wall 11 thereof, by correct switching on and off of light-emitting elements 13.

In the embodiment shown in figures 1-2 the placing surface 4 is connected fixedly to the rest of the upper side 3 of housing 2. In order to nevertheless enable measurement of the mass of an object disposed on placing surface 4, in particular container 8 with contents, one or more feet 15 provided with a weight measuring sensor are provided on the underside of housing 2. Using these feet 15 it is possible to detect whether a downward force is being exerted on placing surface 4. The one or more sensors 16 of the feet are connected to a control unit or processing unit 18. Unit 18 is configured to receive the electronic sensor signals from the sensor which are representative of the mass of the container with the ingredients optionally arranged therein.

A screen 9 is further arranged in the housing. This screen 9 is connected to the control unit (processing unit) 18 and can display information from an electronic

information signal received from control unit 18. In a determined embodiment control unit 18 comprises a storage medium in the form of a memory 19 on which can be stored data representative of the mass of the ingredients to be added for the preparation of a

determined beverage. These data can be used by control unit 18 to generate and transmit an information signal to screen 9 so as to display instructions thereon for the preparation of a determined mixed drink. These instructions are preferably given step by step. Only after the step has been performed and it has been verified that this has indeed taken place is it possible to continue with the next step.

The operation of the device is as follows. The control unit is switched on and a menu is shown via screen 9. The menu for instance shows (S10) the names of different mixed drink recipes stored in memory 19 of control unit 18. The user then selects one of the given recipes. The selection can for instance take place by operating a control button 21 provided in the wall of housing 2. In embodiments in which screen 9 is embodied as a touchscreen a menu item can alternatively or additionally also be selected by touching an appropriate part of screen 9.

Once the device has received the selection of the recipe of the mixed drink to be prepared (S20), control unit 18 searches (S30) memory 19 for a first instruction for preparation thereof. This instruction is displayed (S40) on screen 9 via transmission of an information signal from control unit 18 and can be read by the user. Container 8 is then arranged on placing surface 4. Control unit 18 subsequently measures (S50) the weight (representative of the mass) of the housing with the container 8 placed thereon. This weight is used as starting point in the further preparation of the mixed drink. The user then performs the instruction on screen 9. The instruction may for instance be: "Add 100 ml alcoholic beverage".

Control unit 18 then verifies in periodic manner (S60), for instance once per millisecond, whether the instruction has been followed properly. In the example of the addition of 100 ml alcoholic beverage of a determined type, it is possible to determine on the basis of information prestored on memory 19 and the weight measured by sensors 16 whether sufficient alcohol beverage has been arranged in container 8. If too little or too much beverage has been arranged in the container (N), screen 9 will indicate this (S55). If sufficient beverage has been arranged in the container (Y), a check is made (S60) as to whether more ingredients still have to be added. If this is the case, the processing unit returns and is shown (S40) on the screen. The device then once again measures (S50) the weight of the container and a check is made as to whether sufficient of the second ingredient has been added. This process is repeated for all ingredients. When the final ingredient has been added, the process ends and the control unit (processing unit) transmits (S70) a relevant information signal to the screen.

In the embodiment described up to this point the instructions and the verification of whether the instructions have been performed correctly are both displayed on screen 9. In other embodiments one or more of these functions can be taken on by the lighting unit, more particularly by the one or more light-emitting elements 13 arranged in or under placing surface 4. In determined embodiments control unit 18 is configured such that the light-emitting elements 13 are activated when it is verified on the basis of sensor signal 16 that a determined instruction has been performed correctly. The user then immediately sees, for instance on the basis of container 8 being illuminated as a result of the activation of light-emitting elements 13, that a determined preparation step has been completed correctly and it is possible to continue with a subsequent step.

In addition to simply switching all light-emitting elements 13 on and off when a determined stage in the preparation process is reached, more complex light patterns can also be displayed. In determined embodiments the light-emitting elements 13 are each individually connected to the control unit and these elements are individually controllable thereby. It is for instance possible to indicate by means of determined light effects that a determined stage in the preparation process has been reached, is about to be reached or has already passed.

Instead of or in addition to determining the mass of the one or more ingredients arranged in the container, the volume of such ingredients can be determined via other techniques. In an embodiment a number of conductive elements are for instance arranged on the outer side of the container. At the placing location these are positioned in conductive contact with control unit 18. The liquid level, and thereby the volume of the ingredients arranged in the container, can be determined by measuring capacitance changes between these conductive elements. Such sensors are also referred to as capacitive sensors.

As alternative or in addition to determining the mass (more particularly the weight) and/or determining the volume of the ingredients arranged in the container, use can be made of an optical and/or acoustic sensor. Using the optical sensor it is possible to determine one or more optical properties, such as transparency, colour and so on, of the ingredients in the container. From the value of this optical variable the control unit 18 can determine whether it is likely that the user has correctly performed the instructions on screen 9. One or more acoustic properties can be determined in similar manner on the basis of an acoustic sensor, on the basis of which the control unit can draw determined conclusions, for instance that the user has performed the instructions correctly.

Further shown in figure 2 is that control unit 18 can be further provided with a wireless transmitter and/or receiver 25. This transmitter and/or receiver 25 can for instance be a Bluetooth transmitter/receiver with which information can be transmitted wirelessly from and to the memory 19 of control unit 18. It is for instance possible using

transmitter/receiver 25 to retrieve one or more recipes from an external device, for instance a computer, iPad or smart phone, so that the user can begin to make the relevant mixed drink. When transmitter/receiver 25 is switched on, an indicator lamp 14 is illuminated.

With the same purpose an electrical connector, for instance a USB connector 13, can be arranged in housing 2. This connector is connected to control unit 18 and is configured to transmit data from and to memory 19.

Instead of or in addition to a USB connector, use can be made of Bluetooth infrared, Wi-Fi, NFC or similar communication techniques. Use can further be made of the audio signal of a mobile phone to bring about the desired communication.

In the embodiment described up to this point it is the user who manually receives instructions for making the mixture via a menu displayed on a screen 9. This can however also take place automatically. Control unit 18 can for instance be configured to ensure that the user automatically receives the correct instructions when a determined recipe for a mixed drink is uploaded and/or when a number of mixed drinks to be successively prepared are retrieved.

In a further embodiment use can be made of a scanner of automatically readable codes, such as QR codes. This scanner can be provided in the device itself, can form part of a separate operating element and/or can form part of the above mentioned external device (such as a smart phone). The processing unit can determine and transmit the relevant information signal to the indicator means on the basis of the read code. This processing can result in the automatic selection of a recipe.

In a further embodiment the processing unit is programmed to modify the preparation method during the preparation process. If for instance too little of a determined ingredient is available, the processing unit can modify the preparation method (recipe) to the changed conditions during preparation, for instance on the basis of instructions prestored on the storage medium. It is for instance possible to request addition of one or more other ingredients (for instance vodka instead of whisky) and/or addition of a different quantity of a determined ingredient.

Although some of the embodiments of the device described herein are configured for preparation of a mixed drink such as a cocktail, in other embodiments the device is (also) configured for preparation of other types of mixture, for instance a sauce, a dressing or soup. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments thereof described herein. The rights sought are defined by the following claims, within the scope of which numerous modifications can be envisaged.