Abstract: A control panel for automatic beverage machines includes a touch screen that visually represents icons saved in a memory unit as the displayed basic setting as a first selector mechanism used for choosing a desired beverage and by which a predetermined preparation process is triggered. The steps of the selected beverage preparation process may be visually represented on the touch screen. Alternatively, the touch screen is used as a second selector mechanism for choosing a desired preparation setting after a beverage is chosen by actuating the first selector mechanism. When a preparation setting is selected, the touch screen displays the icon for the selected beverage in addition to setting key icons that allow an operator to select and save a desired setting.

Abstract: A control panel (10) for automatic beverage machines comprises a touch screen that visually represents icons (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 2g, 2h) saved in a memory unit as the displayed basic setting as a first selector mechanism (2) used for choosing a desired beverage and by means of which a predetermined preparation process is triggered. The steps of the selected beverage preparation process may be visually represented on the touch screen. Alternatively, the touch screen is used as a second selector mechanism (21) for choosing a desired preparation setting after a beverage is chosen by actuating the first selector mechanism (2). When a preparation setting is selected, the touch screen displays the icon (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 2g, 2h) for the selected beverage in addition to setting key icons (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) that allow an operator to select and save a desired setting.