Coffee Machine Code Scanner for Automatic Brewing Parameter Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic coffee machines require users to manually set brewing parameters, which can be complicated and time-consuming, especially when multiple parameters need to be adjusted.
Innovation Solution
A coffee machine equipped with a code scanner that reads machine-readable codes, such as barcodes or QR codes, on coffee beans, allowing the machine to automatically adjust brewing parameters based on the encoded information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If brewing parameters are manually configured by the user based on coffee producer information, then the user can achieve optimal flavor characteristics, but the operation becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The coffee bean itself serves the function of providing brewing parameter information through machine-readable codes printed on its surface. The bean acts as both the material to be processed and the carrier of processing instructions, eliminating the need for separate configuration interfaces or manual input by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses visual information in the form of machine-readable codes (barcodes, QR codes, or other graphical coding systems) printed on the coffee bean surface. These visual patterns encode brewing parameter data that can be automatically read by imaging devices, replacing manual text-based configuration with automated visual recognition.
2Reliability
If multiple brewing parameters are individually adjusted to match coffee bean properties, then the quality of the beverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing parameter information is extracted directly from the coffee bean itself through machine-readable codes printed on its surface. This eliminates the need for complex user interfaces, databases, or configuration systems in the coffee machine, as all necessary information is portably stored on the bean.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine-readable code on the coffee bean serves multiple functions: it identifies the coffee type, stores brewing parameters, and provides all necessary information for optimal brewing in a single universal format that can be read by standard imaging devices.
3Ease of operation
If coffee beans are classified based on external appearance, then the classification process is simple, but the accuracy of brewing parameter determination is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Machine-readable codes printed on the coffee bean surface serve as an intermediary that carries precise brewing parameter information. This intermediary layer bridges the gap between simple visual scanning and accurate parameter determination, allowing the system to read encoded data rather than attempting to interpret complex visual features of the beans.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution simplifies the process of selecting brewing parameters, allowing users to easily achieve optimal flavor characteristics without manual configuration, enhancing user convenience and consistency in brewing quality.
Implementation Method 1
The inner side of the lid or the bean container itself has a code scanner, preferably a barcode scanner, with a reading head directed downwards into the coffee bean container towards the beans
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a coffee machine with a body (1) includes a coffee bean container (2) located in the upper part of the body (1) for storing coffee beans (5) closed from above by a lid (3), a control panel (8) located in the upper part of the body (1), a coffee outlet unit (12) preferably located below the control panel (8), as well as a grinder, a brewing unit, and an actuator module (10) controlling at least one coffee brewing parameter, all placed inside the body (1), and a drip tray (11) located below the coffee outlet unit (12), preferably comprising a drawer for coffee grounds. The bean container (2) or the the lid (3), preferably at its inner side, has a code scanner (4) preferably for scanning a barcode, whose a reading head is directed downwards into the coffee bean container (2), and a computing module (6) next to the code scanner (4) or implemented in the control panel (8), which processes the information obtained via the scanner (4) and communicates via wired or wireless connection with the actuator module (10). The present invention also relates to a process for enabling a coffee bean (5) to support a coffee brewing parameter adjustment at a coffee machine.