Beverage preparation device and method for preparing a beverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage preparation devices complicate user control with numerous parameters and lack intuitive selection methods, leading to potential erroneous selections and material wastage, especially when starting the preparation process.
Innovation Solution
A beverage preparation device and method that utilize a graphical user interface with a two-dimensional or multi-dimensional selection space where parameter values are dependent on position in a monotonic manner, allowing users to intuitively control beverage composition through drag-and-drop selection and visual feedback, eliminating the need for exact parameter specification at each step.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the device provides numerous controllable parameters for beverage composition, then the user can achieve precise control over beverage formulation, but the operation complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the control interface from traditional one-dimensional parameter adjustment to a two-dimensional selection space where the horizontal axis represents ingredient type and the vertical axis represents ingredient amount. This dimensional transformation allows users to control multiple parameters simultaneously through position selection rather than navigating through multiple separate controls, thereby maintaining high adaptability while reducing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a graphical user interface with visual indicators (such as colored bars representing different ingredients) as an intermediary between the user and the complex parameter controls. This visual mediator translates complex formulation parameters into intuitive visual representations, allowing users to understand and adjust beverage composition without directly managing numerous technical parameters
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device allows extensive parameter adjustment options, then the user can customize beverage composition, but the risk of erroneous selections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements visual feedback mechanisms where the graphical user interface dynamically updates to reflect the current selection position and corresponding beverage formulation. As users move the selection indicator within the two-dimensional space, the system provides real-time visual feedback showing the resulting ingredient ratios and beverage composition, allowing users to verify their selections before finalizing, thereby reducing erroneous choices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows users to visually preview and adjust the beverage formulation in the graphical interface before the actual brewing process begins. The system prepares the selected parameters in advance and provides confirmation opportunities, enabling users to correct erroneous selections before material is consumed, thus improving selection reliability
3Loss of substance
If the beverage preparation process can be interrupted or adjusted, then material wastage can be reduced, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables users to finalize all parameter selections and confirm the beverage formulation through the graphical user interface before the brewing process commences. This preliminary confirmation step ensures that only verified, correct selections are executed, preventing erroneous brewing that would lead to material wastage, while maintaining simple process control through clear confirmation protocols
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A beverage preparation device (1) is provided comprising a preparation unit (6) for preparing a beverage. The preparation unit is arranged for controllably blending a plurality of ingredients incorporable in the beverage The device further comprises a control unit (2) for enabling a user to control the preparation unit and that comprises a graphical user interface and a processing unit. The graphical user interface has an operational mode enabling the user to indicate a position in an at least two-dimensional space (7). Therein a respective value of said at least a first and a second parameter (pi, p2) is set in accordance with respective components (x,y) of the indicated position in respective directions in said space, the respective value of said at least a first and second parameter being dependent on the components of said position in said respective directions in a monotonic manner. Subsequently the processing unit drives the preparation unit in accordance with the formulation specified by the user.