Image-Based Coffee Preparation Control to Eliminate Manual Bean Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee preparation systems require manual entry of coffee bean information, which is prone to errors, or rely on machine-readable tags that necessitate cooperation from bean suppliers, complicating the user's ability to prepare coffee consistently.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that uses image recognition to identify coffee bean packaging and labeling, comparing it to a database of pre-existing data to determine suitable grinding and brewing parameters, eliminating the need for manual input and machine-readable tags.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual entry of coffee bean information is used, then the system can obtain bean characteristics, but the process is prone to errors and user understanding issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical input process with an automated image recognition system. The camera captures images of coffee bean packaging, and image processing algorithms automatically extract bean characteristics, eliminating the need for manual typing and reducing errors associated with user input and understanding.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-identification of coffee bean characteristics through automatic image recognition and processing. The machine autonomously captures packaging images, processes them to extract bean information, and uses this data to optimize brewing parameters without requiring user intervention or understanding of the underlying processes.
2Extent of automation
If machine-readable tags or codes are used on coffee packaging, then the system can automatically detect bean properties, but this requires cooperation from bean suppliers and increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring special machine-readable tags or codes on packaging, the system creates and processes digital copies (images) of the existing packaging. The image recognition technology extracts bean characteristics from standard packaging images, eliminating the need for specialized tags while maintaining automatic detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The image recognition system serves multiple functions: it identifies coffee bean characteristics, verifies packaging authenticity, and provides user guidance. By using a single image-based approach, the system replaces multiple specialized detection methods that would require different tags, codes, or supplier cooperation arrangements.
3Ease of operation
If image recognition is used to identify coffee packaging, then manual input and supplier cooperation are eliminated, but the system requires image processing capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an image processing intermediary layer between the user and the brewing control. The camera captures packaging images, which are then processed by recognition algorithms to extract bean characteristics. This intermediary automatically translates visual packaging information into brewing parameters, simplifying user interaction while managing system complexity through modular processing.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a processing system (5) for controlling a coffee preparation system (1) based on packaging and/or consumer labelling of a given coffee beans-comprising product. The processing system is configured to receive image data obtained by capturing image(s) of the packaging and/or consumer labelling, and to compare the image data to pre-existing image data of packaging and/or consumer labelling of each of a plurality of coffee beans-comprising products. The comparing implemented by the processing system comprises identifying a subset of the plurality of coffee beans-comprising products whose packaging and/or consumer labelling is most similar to that of the given coffee beans-comprising product. The processing system generates, based on the identified subset, at least one output signal for controlling the coffee preparation system. Also provided is a coffee preparation assembly comprising the processing system and the coffee preparation system. Further provided is a method and related computer program for controlling such a coffee preparation system.