Coffee brewer and a corresponding network-based method and apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee brewers require complex network setups and technical expertise to connect with external networks, making it difficult for average users to control and maintain, especially when appliances use heat and mechanical actuators.
Innovation Solution
A standalone coffee brewing apparatus equipped with a sensor, processor, and external network interface that allows direct communication with remote resources for data exchange and control, eliminating the need for a multi-appliance local network by using optical code readers, RFID tag readers, or image capture devices to identify coffee pods and facilitate communication via a modem.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a multi-appliance local area network is used to enable remote control of coffee brewers, then remote control capability is achieved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the network communication functionality from the complex multi-appliance local area network setup and integrates it directly into the coffee brewing apparatus. The coffee brewer includes its own network interface card and communication module, allowing it to connect directly to remote devices without requiring a separate server appliance or complex network infrastructure. This extraction simplifies the system by eliminating the need for multiple appliances to work together as a network.
Solution Approach 2:
The coffee brewing apparatus is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a coffee brewer and as a networked control device. The apparatus can receive remote control signals, provide status information, and interact with mobile devices or computers directly. This universal design allows a single device to perform both brewing and network communication functions, eliminating the need for separate network infrastructure appliances.
2Ease of operation
If a multi-appliance local area network is implemented, then remote control capability is provided, but the level of technical expertise required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coffee brewing apparatus performs self-service regarding network communication by including built-in communication modules and automatically managing network connections. The system can independently establish and maintain network communications without requiring the user to configure complex network settings. The apparatus handles authentication, connection management, and data transmission automatically, reducing the technical burden on users.
3Loss of information
If network communication capabilities are added to coffee brewers, then remote monitoring and control are enabled, but maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the network communication functions with the existing coffee brewing control systems. The microprocessor that controls brewing parameters is the same one that manages network communications, and the existing display and input interfaces are used to show network-related information and receive commands. This integration means that maintenance personnel can use familiar brewing system components to also service network functions, rather than requiring separate specialized knowledge for each subsystem.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A coffee brewing apparatus (100) comprises a corresponding coffee brewer (101) as well as a sensor (103) that is configured and arranged to sense food components as used by that means for brewing coffee beverages. This coffee brewing apparatus then further comprises an external network interface (105) that is configured and arranged to facilitate interfacing with a remote resource (107) (or resources). The coffee brewing apparatus can further comprise an end user interface (104) and a processor (102) that is operably coupled to the sensor, the external network interface, and the end user interface and that is configured and arranged to independently use information regarding food components as are used by the means for brewing coffee beverages to facilitate obtaining corresponding responsive information from the remote resource and to then present that information to an end user via the end user interface.