Method for a user-controlled determination of the degree of roasting of coffee beans for preparing a coffee beverage by means of a coffee machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coffee machines allow users to select coffee bean roasting degrees without linking them to more user-friendly parameters like preferred bean type or desired flavor, making it difficult to estimate the required roasting for the desired coffee properties.
Innovation Solution
A method using a list of questions with predefined answer choices linked to specific roasting degrees, allowing users to select the optimal roasting based on their preferences, which is then transmitted to the coffee machine for precise bean preparation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users select from predefined roasting degrees in conventional coffee machines, then the coffee preparation process is simplified and faster, but the user cannot precisely control or estimate the required roasting degree to achieve desired coffee properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the roasting degree selection from discrete predefined options to a continuous parameter controlled by user input. Users can specify exact roasting parameters (such as temperature and time combinations) that directly correspond to desired coffee properties, enabling both ease of selection and precise control simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical selection interface (physical buttons or dials for roasting degrees) with an electronic control system that processes user inputs about desired coffee properties and automatically determines the optimal roasting parameters, substituting physical interaction with intelligent computational selection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users are provided with multiple preparation parameters in conventional coffee machines, then more coffee properties can be controlled, but the parameters are not linked to user-friendly preferences making operation more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary translation layer between user preferences (flavor profiles, bean types, desired coffee characteristics) and technical preparation parameters (roasting temperature, time, grind size). This intermediary system automatically converts user-friendly inputs into precise machine control parameters, maintaining versatility while simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal control interface where a single user input about desired coffee properties automatically determines multiple preparation parameters (roasting degree, grind settings, water temperature, infusion time). This multi-functional approach allows users to control all coffee properties through a single preference selection rather than adjusting multiple independent parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for a user-controlled operation of a coffee machine for preparing a coffee beverage from coffee beans. By answering multiple questions relating to the coffee beans to be used by way of a user interaction, a degree of roasting is selected from at least two specified reference degrees of roasting and is transmitted to the coffee machine. In response thereto, coffee beans with the selected degree of roasting are used by the coffee machine in the course of the preparation of the coffee beverage.