Method for user-controlled determination of a brewing parameter for coffee beans for preparing a coffee beverage using a coffee machine

Abstract

Method for user-controlled determination of a brewing parameter (P) for coffee beans (3) for preparing a coffee beverage using a coffee machine (1) which has at least one container (2) for storing one type of coffee bean (3); wherein types of coffee beans (3) are each assigned to a group (G) and at least one associated brewing parameter (P) is stored for the respective group (G); wherein the user is offered a selection of the type of coffee beans (3) stored in the container (2) or containers (2); wherein, after the user has selected the type of coffee beans (3), at least one brewing parameter (P) belonging to the associated group (G) is communicated to the user and the coffee beverage is prepared with coffee powder produced from the selected type of coffee beans (3).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for user-controlled determination of a brewing parameter for coffee beans for preparing a coffee beverage using a coffee machine. The invention further relates to a coffee machine operated in this manner and a corresponding computer program.

[0002] From EP 2 279 683 A1, a method for the user-controlled production of a food product, particularly a liquid, is known, in which gustatory, olfactory, and / or haptic substances are extracted from a precursor product by an automated system and transferred into the food product. The extraction of these substances is influenced by a user-controlled setting of at least two technical parameters of the automated system in order to achieve a desired quality of the food product. The necessary technical parameters are set by a user-controlled electronic translation circuit, which, based on user-selected values ​​for human sensory attributes and a pre-determined sensory profile of the precursor product, controls the technical parameters during production.This should allow for more precise adjustment of the desired taste, smell, or texture of the food product.

[0003] From WO 2022 / 003743 A1, an automatic coffee machine for preparing coffee drinks by pouring coffee powder is known, which has a control and monitoring device configured to adjust at least one operating parameter of a pre-infusion step and selects it from: a throughput of the pre-infusion water, a quantity of the pre-infusion water and a duration of the pause at the end of the pre-infusion step, depending on a granulometry of the coffee powder.

[0004] Other coffee machines for preparing coffee drinks and similar processes are known, for example, from US 2006 / 0 201 339 A1 and DE 10 2019 200 788 A1.

[0005] It is conceivable to offer a user a selection of different brewing parameters in a coffee machine, as is known, for example, from DE 10 2019 204 912 A1. This allows the user to adjust the brewing parameters through experimentation and / or manual adjustment. Setting the desired and / or optimal brewing parameters generally requires several attempts in a trial-and-error manner. Furthermore, the user is required to repeat the trial-and-error process when manually adjusting the desired brewing parameters if the type of coffee beans used changes.

[0006] The present invention addresses the objective of providing improved or at least alternative embodiments of a method for user-controlled determination of at least one brewing parameter for coffee beans, as well as of a coffee machine operated in this manner, which in particular eliminate disadvantages of the prior art. Specifically, the present invention addresses the objective of providing improved or at least alternative embodiments of the method and of the coffee machine, which are characterized by improved and reproducible preparation of coffee beverages with an enhanced taste experience for the user.

[0007] This problem is solved according to the invention by the method and the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0008] The present invention is therefore based on the general idea of ​​providing a user with optimized brewing parameters depending on the type of coffee beans selected by the user. This eliminates the need for the user to determine optimized brewing parameters through experimentation and to repeat these experiments when using different types of coffee. Consequently, the user experiences increased convenience with a predictable preparation of the desired coffee beverage using the selected type of coffee beans. Furthermore, providing the user with the brewing parameters allows them to better understand the brewing process and thus the preparation of the coffee beverage, resulting in an enhanced taste experience. In particular, the user's perception of said aromas and flavor notes can be amplified and intensified by associating brewing parameters with specific aromas and flavors.

[0009] According to the inventive concept, in the method for user-controlled determination of a brewing parameter for coffee beans for preparing a coffee beverage using a coffee machine, the user is first offered a selection of coffee bean varieties. For this purpose, the coffee machine preferably has at least one container in which a variety of coffee beans can be stored. This means that the user is offered a selection of the coffee beans stored in the at least one container. Prior to this, varieties of coffee beans are assigned to a group. Different varieties of coffee beans can therefore be assigned to different groups. At least one associated brewing parameter, preferably two or more associated brewing parameters, is stored for each group.After the user selects a type of coffee bean, at least one brewing parameter belonging to the corresponding group is communicated to the user, and the coffee beverage is prepared using coffee grounds produced from the selected type of coffee bean. In other words, if the user selects a type of coffee bean, at least one brewing parameter from the group belonging to the selected type of coffee bean is communicated to the user, and the coffee beverage is prepared using coffee grounds produced from the selected type of coffee bean.

[0010] The inventive idea assigns different types of coffee beans to a group. Optimized brewing parameters are stored for each group. After selecting the corresponding type of coffee bean, the user is shown at least one brewing parameter from the group to which that type of coffee bean is assigned.

[0011] Preferably, two or more brewing parameters are stored for each group.

[0012] Preferably, the user is informed of two or more brewing parameters from the relevant group.

[0013] In principle, at least one of the brewing parameters can depend solely on the type of coffee beans.

[0014] Ideally, the brewing parameters should also depend on the specific coffee beverage being prepared. This means that different brewing parameters can be stored and communicated to the user for the same type of coffee bean and for different coffee beverages.

[0015] The communication of at least one brewing parameter to the user can be used in any way to prepare the coffee beverage.

[0016] Offering a selection of coffee bean varieties can be done in any way.

[0017] For example, the customer may be offered the choice of a type of coffee bean from a list of different types of coffee beans.

[0018] The coffee machine can only have one container.

[0019] It is also conceivable that the coffee machine has two or more containers, each holding a different type of coffee bean. Advantageously, the coffee varieties stored in the containers would be offered to the user for selection.

[0020] Advantageously, at least one of the brewing parameters is communicated to the user and offered for manual selection, and the coffee beverage is then prepared using this manually selected parameter. The user thus has the option to manually select and / or adjust at least one brewing parameter, with the communication of the brewing parameter being a recommendation that the user can follow. The coffee beverage is then prepared using the corresponding brewing parameter selected manually by the user.

[0021] Advantageously, either alternatively or additionally, at least one of the brewing parameters is communicated to the user, and the coffee beverage is prepared using that parameter. In this variant, the user is informed about the brewing parameter, and the coffee beverage is prepared using that parameter.

[0022] In advantageous versions, at least one of the communicated brewing parameters is used to inform the user about the optimized aroma and / or flavor profile achieved by that parameter. This means the user is informed that the communicated brewing parameter, for example, produces a fruity note, a chocolate note, a caramel note, and so on. This enhances the user's taste experience. Furthermore, this enables the user to improve their understanding of the relationship between brewing parameters and the corresponding aromas and flavors.

[0023] The respective at least one brewing parameter can be of any kind, the modification of which during the brewing process leads to different results for the coffee beverage, especially with regard to taste and aromas.

[0024] In preferred embodiments, a coffee strength corresponding to the coffee beverage is used as a brewing parameter. The coffee strength is the amount of ground coffee used in the brewing process for the coffee beverage. Changing the coffee strength leads, in particular, to a change in the intensity of aromas and / or flavor notes.

[0025] Advantageously, a beverage quantity associated with the coffee drink is used as a brewing parameter. The beverage quantity is the target amount of the brewed and thus prepared coffee drink. Changing the beverage quantity leads, in particular, to a corresponding change in the intensity of aromas and / or flavor notes.

[0026] Design features in which the grind size of the coffee beans is used as a brewing parameter are considered advantageous. The grind size indicates the proportion of fine coffee particles in the coffee powder. A variation in the grind size, particularly the proportion of fine particles, leads to a change in the grind size distribution and thus to different aromas and / or flavor notes in the prepared coffee beverage.

[0027] Advantageously, the contact time between the water used to prepare the coffee beverage and the coffee grounds is used as a brewing parameter. Varying the contact time leads to a corresponding change in the interaction between the water and the coffee grounds, and thus, in particular, to a variation in the aromas and / or flavor notes of the prepared coffee beverage. The contact time can be adjusted, in particular, by changing the water flow rate.

[0028] Advantageous designs are those in which the brewing temperature of the water used to prepare the coffee beverage is used as a brewing parameter. The brewing temperature is the target temperature of the water during the brewing process.

[0029] Different varieties of coffee beans differ primarily in terms of the bean type, that is, in particular, in their composition. Advantageous designs are those in which coffee beans are assigned to a group based on their composition. The composition of coffee beans includes, for example, their molecular composition and can depend on factors such as the bean variety, the growing region, and the processing of the raw beans.

[0030] A key advantage of different coffee bean varieties is their roast level. This means that, depending on the roast level, coffee beans are categorized into groups based on their quality. Examples include light roasts and dark roasts.

[0031] It is advisable to store the corresponding coffee bean varieties before preparing the coffee beverage and offering the choice of coffee beans. This can also be done user-controlled, for example, using a questionnaire.

[0032] The method according to the invention is expediently implemented in a coffee machine. It is understood that a corresponding coffee machine is also included in the scope of this invention.

[0033] The coffee machine preferably includes at least one container for storing one type of coffee bean at a time. Furthermore, the coffee machine includes a control unit designed to carry out the process.

[0034] It is conceivable that the coffee machine has two or more containers for storing one type of coffee bean each.

[0035] The information regarding at least one brewing parameter can be displayed directly on the coffee machine. For this purpose, the coffee machine advantageously has a display device, for example, a screen, on which the at least one brewing parameter, and preferably also the optimized aroma and / or flavor profile achieved with that brewing parameter, are shown. The user can also make the respective selection via the display device. For this purpose, the display device can be touch-sensitive.

[0036] It is also possible to communicate the brewing parameters and / or the respective selection via a mobile device, such as a mobile phone. In this case, the coffee machine and the mobile device form an arrangement in which they are connected and communicate with each other for data transmission.

[0037] It is conceivable to ask the user various questions about their selected type of coffee beans and, based on the answers, to use appropriate brewing parameters to prepare the coffee beverage, in particular to communicate and / or offer them for selection.

[0038] Further important features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the drawings and the associated description of the figures based on the drawings.

[0039] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without leaving the scope of the present invention.

[0040] A preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings and is explained in more detail in the following description.

[0041] They show, schematically: Fig. 1. A highly simplified, circuit diagram-like representation of a coffee machine, Fig. 2 a table to explain the method according to the invention, Fig. 3 a flowchart of the method according to the invention.

[0042] A in Fig. The coffee machine 1 shown as an example comprises at least one container 2 for storing coffee beans 3. In the illustrated embodiments, the coffee machine 1 has two such containers 2. Different types of coffee beans 3 can be stored in at least two of the containers 2. The containers 2 are each refillable. In the illustrated embodiment, the coffee machine 2 has, purely by way of example, two containers 2, namely a first container 2, 2a and a second container 2, 2b. A first type of coffee beans 3, 3a is stored in the first container 2, 2a, and a second type of coffee beans 3, 3b is stored in the second container 2, 2b. The coffee machine 1 further comprises a display device 4, which in the illustrated embodiment is designed as a touch-sensitive display 5.In the illustrated embodiment, the coffee machine 1 further comprises a control unit 6, which is configured to carry out the method described below. The coffee machine 1 prepares a coffee beverage from the stored coffee beans 2. For this purpose, coffee powder (not shown) is produced from the coffee beans 2, and the coffee powder is then brewed to prepare the coffee beverage. The coffee machine 1 can prepare different coffee beverages from the coffee beans 2.

[0043] The types of coffee beans 3 stored in containers 2 are known, in particular stored. This can be done user-controlled. The different types of coffee beans 2 are each assigned to a group G. In the illustrated embodiment, the first type of coffee beans 3, 3a is assigned to a first group Ga and the second type of coffee beans 3, 3b to a second group Gb. Furthermore, at least one brewing parameter P is stored for each group G. In the illustrated embodiments, five brewing parameters P are stored for each group G by way of example: a first brewing parameter P1, a second brewing parameter P2, a third parameter P3, a fourth brewing parameter P4, and a fifth parameter P5.Thus, for the first group Ga, a corresponding first brewing parameter P1a, a corresponding second brewing parameter P2a, a corresponding third brewing parameter P3a, a corresponding fourth brewing parameter P4a, and a corresponding fifth brewing parameter P5a are defined. Similarly, for the second group Gb, a corresponding first brewing parameter P1b, a corresponding second brewing parameter P2b, a corresponding third brewing parameter P3b, a corresponding fourth brewing parameter P4b, and a corresponding fifth brewing parameter P5b are defined.In the illustrated embodiments, the first brewing parameter P1 is the coffee strength, i.e., the amount of coffee powder used; the second brewing parameter P2 is the beverage quantity, i.e., the target quantity of the prepared coffee beverage; the third brewing parameter P3 is the grind size, i.e., the proportion of fine coffee particles in the coffee powder; the fourth parameter P4 is the contact time, i.e., the duration that the water used for brewing is in contact with the coffee powder; and the fifth parameter P5 is the brewing temperature, i.e., the target temperature of the water during the brewing process.

[0044] According to the flowchart of the Fig. In the method described in Figure 3 for user-controlled determination of a brewing parameter P, a user (not shown) is offered a selection of coffee bean varieties 3 in a process step 50. This is done, for example, by means of the display device 4. This step 50 is hereinafter also referred to as the selection step 50. The user now has the option of selecting a variety of coffee beans 3 from the offered varieties. This is also done, for example, by means of the display device 4. Once the user has made the selection of coffee beans 3, at least one brewing parameter P is retrieved in a subsequent process step 51 from the group G to which the variety of coffee beans 3 is assigned (see Figure 3). Fig. 2) and communicated to the user in a subsequent procedure 52. Procedure 51 is hereinafter also referred to as group procedure 51 and procedure 52 as communication procedure 52. Communication procedure 52 may include visually highlighting the brewing parameters P, thus making it clear that the brewing parameters P are recommended. Subsequently, the coffee beverage is prepared in a procedure 53. Procedure 53 is hereinafter also referred to as preparation procedure 53. As in Fig. As indicated by dashed lines in Figure 3, two different preparation measures 53 can be carried out based on the communication measure 53: a first preparation measure 53a and a second preparation measure 53b. In the first preparation measure 53a, the communicated brewing parameters P are offered to the user for manual selection and, if necessary, modification, and the coffee beverage is prepared with the manually selected brewing parameters P. In the first preparation measure 53a, the brewing parameters P are recommended to the user. The user can select and thus accept all of the recommended brewing parameters P. Alternatively, the user can reject or modify at least one of the brewing parameters. In the second preparation measure 53b, the brewing parameters P are communicated for informational purposes only, so the coffee beverage is prepared with the brewing parameters P communicated to the user.In the first preparation step 53a, the user therefore selects at least one brewing parameter manually and actively, whereas in the second preparation step 53b, the user is not offered such a selection.

[0045] In a simplified example, it is assumed that the three coffee beans differ in their roast levels. For instance, the first type of coffee beans, 3, 3a, has a light roast, and the second type, 3, 3b, has a dark roast. To achieve optimal preparation and thus extraction of the coffee beverage with the first type of coffee beans, 3, 3a, which has a lighter roast, the brewing process should be intensified. This can be achieved, for example, by using a higher brewing temperature and / or a longer contact time. To achieve optimal preparation and thus extraction of the coffee beverage with the second type of coffee beans, 3, 3b, which has a darker roast, the brewing process should be less intense. This can be achieved, for example, by using a lower brewing temperature and / or a shorter contact time.

[0046] As in Fig.As shown in Figure 1, the brewing parameters P can be communicated to the user and / or the respective selection by the user can be made via a mobile phone 7. This is preferably done via a touch-sensitive display 5 of the mobile phone 7. The mobile phone 7 and the coffee machine 1 are part of an arrangement 0 in which the mobile phone 7 and the coffee machine 1 exchange data with each other, as indicated by a double arrow.

[0047] The user can be asked questions about the selected type of coffee beans 3, in particular by means of the display device 4 or the display 5, and appropriate brewing parameters P can be communicated based on the user's answers. Reference sign 1 coffee machine 2, 2a, 2b Containers 3, 3a, 3b Coffee beans 4 Display unit 5 Display 6 Control unit 7 Mobile phone 50 selection measure 51 Group measure 52 Notification measure 53, 53a, 53b Preparation measure G, Ga, Gb Group P, P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P1a, P2a, P3a, P4a, P5a, P1b, P2b, P3b, P4b, P5b brewing parameters

Claims

[1] Method for user-controlled determination of a brewing parameter (P) for coffee beans (3) for preparing a coffee beverage using a coffee machine (1) which has at least one container (2) for storing one type of coffee bean (3); wherein types of coffee beans (3) are each assigned to a group (G) and at least one associated brewing parameter (P) is stored for the respective group (G); wherein the user is offered a selection of the type of coffee beans (3) stored in the container (2) or containers (2); wherein, after the user has selected the type of coffee beans (3), at least one brewing parameter (P) belonging to the associated group (G) is communicated to the user and the coffee beverage is prepared with coffee powder produced from the selected type of coffee beans (3). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by, that at least one of the brewing parameters (P) is offered to the user for manual selection and the coffee beverage is prepared with the at least one manually selected brewing parameter (P). [3] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that at least one of the brewing parameters (P) is communicated to the user and the coffee beverage is prepared with the at least one communicated brewing parameter (P). [4] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that a coffee strength corresponding to the coffee beverage is used as a brewing parameter (P). [5] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that a quantity of beverage belonging to the coffee beverage is used as a brewing parameter (P). [6] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that a grind size of the coffee powder is used as a brewing parameter (P). [7] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that a contact time of the water used to prepare the coffee beverage with the coffee powder is used as a brewing parameter (P). [8] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that a brewing parameter (P) is used, namely the brewing temperature of the water used to prepare the coffee beverage. [9] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the coffee beans (3) are assigned to a group (G) depending on their composition and / or depending on their degree of roasting. [10] Coffee machine (1) for preparing coffee drinks with coffee beans (3), wherein the coffee machine (1) has at least one container (2) for storing one type of coffee beans (3), and wherein the coffee machine (1) has a control device (6) which is configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9. [11] Computer program product comprising commands that cause the coffee machine (1) according to claim 10 to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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