Method for operating a coffee machine

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for operating a coffee machine (1), in which - Coffee beverage requests of a user when using the coffee machine (1) as well as settings stored or made by the user for this purpose are recorded and transmitted to a computer system (2), - the computer system (2) analyzes the coffee beverage requests and the settings stored or made by the user for this purpose and determines coffee properties corresponding to the coffee beverage requests and the settings stored or made by the user, - the computer setup (2) compares the determined coffee properties with coffee properties stored for different coffee varieties, - the computer system (2) selects a coffee variety in which the determined coffee properties and the stored coffee properties show the greatest possible match, - the computer system (2) suggests to the user, when a subsequent beverage request is made, the type of coffee selected for that beverage request.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating a coffee machine. The invention also relates to a coffee machine with a display or an input device for entering coffee beverage requests and / or for making settings, and a computer device for implementing the method. The invention further relates to a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a coffee machine, cause the coffee machine to execute the method.

[0002] EP 4 123 998 A1 discloses a method for automatically configuring an electrical device, comprising at least the following method steps: deriving habits of a user when using the electrical device on the basis of data input, estimating a configuration for future use, and automatically configuring the electrical device based on the estimate for future use, wherein the automatic configuration comprises displaying a user profile and / or a program stored in the electrical device for carrying out a process for operating the electrical device and, if appropriate, one or more program parameters stored in the electrical device. This is intended to create a method for automatically configuring an electrical device that adapts to the user without the user requiring technical aids for identification.

[0003] Coffee machines are also becoming increasingly popular in the consumer sector. Typically, the optimal settings for different coffee beverages are suggested to the user for a specific brand or type of coffee bean, and these settings may even be automatically applied. This is based on a database containing the coffee types and associated beverage parameters. For example, the coffee machine sets the optimal grind, brewing temperature, strength, and intensity for an espresso for the selected coffee type, allowing the user to select the optimal parameters relatively quickly.

[0004] A disadvantage of the prior art methods, however, is that users must have extremely in-depth knowledge if they want to determine the optimal settings for a particular coffee type themselves. A further challenge is that the user is typically only shown the beverage parameters / settings specific to the particular coffee bean type used or the coffee type in general, or these are already set by the coffee machine itself. However, if the user wants to optimize their favorite coffee beverages by using new coffee types, no assistance is offered in this regard.

[0005] The present invention therefore addresses the problem of providing a method by means of which a user is offered optimization options for his preferred coffee beverages.

[0006] This problem is solved according to the invention by the subject matter of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0007] The present invention is based on the general idea of, for the first time, taking a completely different approach to optimizing coffee beverages compared to the prior art. First, the user's preferred coffee beverages or coffee beverage preferences and the corresponding settings are recorded. Based on these settings, the coffee machine selects an optimal coffee type and proposes it to the user. In concrete terms, this means that if the user, for example, repeatedly enters an espresso as a beverage preference into a coffee machine, the machine determines the coffee type that best satisfies this espresso preference and proposes it to the user for the preparation of subsequent espressos.In the method according to the invention for operating a coffee machine, coffee beverage requests and the settings stored for this purpose or made by the user are first recorded when using the coffee machine and transmitted to a computer device. Recording such a beverage request and the corresponding settings stored for this purpose or made by the user can, for example, be carried out via a corresponding input device or a display on the coffee machine, via which the user enters their coffee request. The computer device then analyses the coffee beverage requests and the settings stored for this purpose or made by the user, and uses these to determine coffee properties corresponding to the coffee beverage requests and the settings stored for this purpose or made by the user.Such coffee properties include, for example, intensity, beverage volume, caffeine content, etc. The computer device then compares the determined coffee properties with the coffee properties stored for different types of coffee. The different types of coffee, along with their respective coffee properties, can be stored, for example, in characteristic maps or tables in a memory device of the computer device and thus used by the computer device. If the computer device has a WLAN module, for example, a continuous, particularly automatic, updating of these characteristic maps or tables with additional coffee types is easily possible, thus granting a user access to new types of coffee.After comparing the determined coffee properties with the coffee properties stored for different coffee types, the computer device selects a coffee type for which the determined coffee properties and the stored coffee properties show the greatest possible correspondence. Here, too, the intensity or caffeine content of the respective coffee types can be compared. The computer device then suggests the coffee type selected for the user's subsequent beverage request. If, for example, the user usually selects an espresso at the coffee machine or at least repeatedly selects an espresso, the computer device can select and suggest a coffee type that best satisfies such an espresso taste perception. If, for example, the user also changes the amount of ground coffee when selecting the espresso in order to achieve a stronger taste, i.e.a higher intensity, the computer device can in this case select and offer a type of coffee that is both suitable for an espresso and has a higher or high intensity. In the same way, coffee properties for a cappuccino or a latte can of course also be taken into account. Thus, with the method according to the invention, a user is for the first time offered a corresponding type of coffee that most closely satisfies the user's taste perception based on the coffee beverage requests entered or the settings stored or made for this purpose. This significantly increases user convenience, as this was previously not possible in any way.

[0008] In an advantageous development of the method according to the invention, the computer device recommends a sales outlet for the selected and suggested coffee variety. In addition to providing information about which coffee variety best satisfies the user's needs, the method according to the invention can thus also provide the user with a possible sales outlet where they can purchase the selected and suggested coffee variety. This represents a further significant increase in convenience for the user, as they do not have to first search the internet for where they can purchase the coffee variety that best satisfies their taste preferences.

[0009] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the user specifies a radius around the coffee machine and / or specific regions or cities in which the sales outlet for the selected and suggested coffee variety should be located. This makes it possible, for example, for the user to enter a distance into the coffee machine that can only be reached on foot, whereby the computer device only offers the user sales outlets for the selected and suggested coffee variety that are within this walking distance. This can, in particular, promote regionality and take environmental considerations into account. In theory, of course, individual sales outlets can also be specified, for example, fair trade shops, so that sustainability considerations can also be taken into account.

[0010] Additionally or alternatively, in a particularly preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the computer device can also recommend an online shop to the user via a WLAN module for the selected and suggested coffee variety. In this case, it is particularly conceivable for the user to be directly suggested a shop via a corresponding app where they can purchase or obtain the type of coffee that best satisfies their taste preferences.

[0011] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method, the computer device processes at least one of the following coffee properties: roast level, acidity, growing region, price, sustainability, caffeine content, oil content, etc. This non-exhaustive list alone gives an idea of ​​the diverse selection options for different coffee properties that can be made available to the computer device, thus enabling the user to experience a significantly improved taste experience. The aforementioned parameters are used both for the determined coffee properties and for the stored coffee properties.

[0012] The present invention is further based on the general idea of ​​providing a coffee machine with an input device or a display for entering a desired beverage and / or for making settings and with a computer device for carrying out the method described in the previous paragraphs. With the coffee machine according to the invention, it is thus possible for the first time to indicate to even inexperienced users a type of coffee that best satisfies their taste requirements for particular coffee beverage preferences, thereby giving the user a completely new selection option for the first time. In addition, the coffee machine according to the invention also enables the user to offer niche products, i.e. less well-known types of coffee, which may, however, satisfy their taste requirements more than common top sellers.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment of the coffee machine according to the invention, it has a WLAN module that communicates with the computer device. Such a WLAN module enables the coffee machine to keep lists of coffee varieties and the coffee properties stored therein up-to-date, as well as to offer selected coffee varieties to the user directly online, for example, via a link to a corresponding shop. Such a WLAN module also easily allows remote operation of the coffee machine.

[0014] The present invention is further based on the general idea of ​​specifying a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a coffee machine or a computer device thereof, cause the coffee machine to carry out the method described in the previous paragraphs. The method is thus preferably carried out by means of a correspondingly designed computer program product which is stored, in particular stored, on a non-volatile data storage device, in particular a memory device. The computer program product is advantageously stored in a part of the computer device or the coffee machine. It is understood that the computer program product as such also falls within the scope of this invention.

[0015] Further important features and advantages of the invention emerge from the subclaims, from the drawings and from the associated description of the figures based on the drawings.

[0016] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the respective combination specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Components mentioned above and those to be mentioned below of a higher-level unit, such as a device, apparatus, or arrangement, which are designated separately, may form separate parts or components of this unit or be integral areas or sections of this unit, even if this is shown differently in the drawings.

[0017] Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar or functionally identical components.

[0018] They show, schematically, Fig. 1 shows a method according to the invention for operating a coffee machine with its method steps, Fig. 2 a coffee machine according to the invention with a computer device for carrying out the method according to the invention.

[0019] According to the Fig. 1 shows a method according to the invention for operating a coffee machine 1 (see Fig.2) comprises at least five method steps A to E. In a first method step A, a coffee beverage request and the settings stored for this purpose or made by a user are recorded when using the coffee machine 1 and transmitted to a computer device 2 of the coffee machine 1. Of course, several coffee beverage requests from the user can also be recorded and transmitted to the computer device 2. In method step B, the computer device 2 analyses the recorded coffee beverage requests or the settings stored or made by the user and uses these to determine coffee properties corresponding to the coffee beverage requests and the settings stored or made by the user.In method step C, the computer device 2 now compares the coffee properties with coffee properties stored for different types of coffee, wherein these different coffee properties of the respective coffee types are stored, for example, in a non-volatile memory 3 in the coffee machine 1. Alternatively, it is of course also conceivable for these types of coffee with the respective associated coffee properties to be stored in a cloud, to which the computer device 2 has access, for example, via a WLAN module 4. In method step D, the computer device 2 now selects a type of coffee for which the stored coffee properties and the coffee properties determined for the respective coffee beverage requests exhibit the greatest possible correspondence. In method step E, the computer device 2 now suggests the coffee type selected for this beverage request to the user for a subsequent beverage request.This makes it possible for the first time to offer a user the optimal type of coffee with optimal coffee properties based on the coffee beverage wishes they have expressed. This was not possible until now, as the user was only informed of the coffee properties of the coffee varieties and could then try out the individual coffee varieties until they found the coffee variety that best satisfied their taste preferences. The method according to the invention now completely revolutionizes this approach for the first time, as the computer device 2 of the coffee machine 1 first records which individual coffee beverage wishes the respective user has and which settings they have made for this. These individual coffee beverage wishes andSettings are assigned corresponding coffee properties. For example, if an espresso is requested, the computer device 2 can assign coffee properties such as a smaller beverage quantity, a higher intensity, and a stronger roast to a coffee type. By comparing the coffee properties determined based on the coffee beverage requests and the coffee properties of the stored coffee types, it is now possible to select and offer the user the type of coffee that best satisfies their taste preferences and thus creates a particularly superior taste experience. The method according to the invention thus makes it possible to achieve a significant increase in convenience for a user of the coffee machine 1.

[0020] The user enters the desired beverage or the settings in the coffee machine 1, for example, via a display 5, which can also show the selected and suggested coffee type to the user. Settings such as a grind size, coffee quantity, water quantity, brewing temperature, etc. can also be made via the display 5, which is designed as an input device.

[0021] In a further development of the method according to the invention, the computer device 2 recommends a sales outlet for the selected and suggested coffee variety. This can further increase convenience for the user, as the user is not only offered the type of coffee that best satisfies their taste preferences, but also a location where they can obtain or purchase this type of coffee.

[0022] It is even possible for the computer device 2 to recommend an online sales outlet, i.e., an online shop, for the selected and suggested coffee variety to the user via the WLAN module 4, or to send the user a corresponding link to this online shop. Theoretically, it is even conceivable that the computer device 2 already identifies an online shop that meets predefined criteria, and the user only has to confirm the purchase by clicking a corresponding button. The predefined criteria could include, for example, proximity, fair trade, price, etc.

[0023] In a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the user specifies a radius around the coffee machine and / or specific regions or cities in which the sales outlet for the selected and suggested coffee variety should be located. This makes it possible to prioritize regional sales outlets, thereby minimizing transport routes and promoting environmentally conscious shopping. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the user to select the radius within which the sales outlet should be located so that they can reach the outlet either on foot or by bike, thus being extremely environmentally friendly.

[0024] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method, the computer device 2 processes at least one of the following coffee properties determined based on the recorded coffee beverage requests: roast level, acidity, growing region, price, sustainability, caffeine content, oil content, etc. Thus, if the user, for example, selects an espresso several times in succession and sets a higher coffee quantity, the computer device 2 can determine from this that the most suitable coffee type for the user is espresso beans with a higher intensity. This non-exhaustive list alone gives an idea of ​​the diverse selection options possible for differentiation and for the precise definition of the method according to the invention.For example, if a beverage with a smooth and supple texture is desired, a higher oil content of the coffee beans is required, so Arabica beans can be used in this case. However, if the user desires a thick and stable crema on their espresso, the computer device 2 can select Robusta coffee beans with a lower oil content between 10 and 12%.

[0025] The method according to the invention is preferably implemented using a computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by the coffee machine 1 or a computer device 2, cause the computer device 1 or these to execute the method. The computer program product can be stored in a non-volatile memory 3 in the coffee machine 1 or stored in a cloud.

[0026] With the method according to the invention and the coffee machine 1 according to the invention, for the first time even an inexperienced or untrained user can be offered a type of coffee that is optimal for his taste requirements without any problem, thereby achieving a considerable increase in comfort for the user and his taste experience. Reference symbol 1 coffee machine 2 Computer setup 3 storage 4 WLAN module 5 Display QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 4 123 998 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Method for operating a coffee machine (1), in which - coffee beverage requests of a user when using the coffee machine (1) as well as settings stored for this purpose or made by the user are recorded and transmitted to a computer device (2), - the computer device (2) analyses the coffee beverage requests and the settings stored therefor or made by the user and determines the coffee properties corresponding to the coffee beverage requests and the settings stored therefor or made by the user, - the computer device (2) compares the determined coffee properties with coffee properties stored for different types of coffee, - the computer device (2) selects a type of coffee for which the determined coffee properties and the stored coffee properties have the greatest possible match, - the computer device (2) suggests to the user, in the case of a subsequent beverage request, the type of coffee selected for this beverage request. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that the computer device (2) recommends a point of sale for the selected and suggested type of coffee. [3] Method according to claim 2, characterized by that the user defines a radius around the coffee machine (1) and / or certain regions in which the point of sale for the selected and suggested type of coffee should be located. [4] Method according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized by that the user specifies cities in which the point of sale for the selected and suggested type of coffee should be located. [5] Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized bythat the computer device (2) processes at least one of the following coffee properties, degree of roasting, acidity, growing area, price, sustainability, caffeine content, oil content, etc. [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the computer device (2) recommends an online shop for the selected and suggested type of coffee to the user via a WLAN module (4). [7] Coffee machine (1) with a display (5) or an input device for entering coffee beverage requests and / or for making settings and a computer device (2) for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims. [8] Coffee machine according to claim 7, characterized by that the coffee machine (1) has a WLAN module (4) communicating with the computer device (2). [9] Computer program product, comprising instructions which, when the computer program product is executed by a coffee machine (1), cause the coffee machine (1) to carry out the method according to one of claims 1 to 6.

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