CN1373640A

CN1373640A - Method and apparatus for selection of coffee

Info

Publication number: CN1373640A
Application number: CN00812766A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 罗伯特·D·皮翁特罗斯基; 托德·E·克里尼
Original assignee: Procter and Gamble Ltd
Current assignee: Procter and Gamble Ltd; Procter and Gamble Co
Priority date: 1999-08-19
Filing date: 2000-08-18
Publication date: 2002-10-09
Also published as: AU6789600A; BR0013431A; MXPA02001758A; EP1204356A2; WO2001012041A2; CA2380895A1; WO2001012041A3; JP2003532942A

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for the selection of coffee products by a consumer from a plurality of available options is disclosed. The method includes an information request step, a coffee selection step, and an information display step. In the information request step, information is requested from a consumer regarding the consumer's taste preferences. Such preferences may include coffee roast character and food flavor intensity preferences. In the coffee selection step, the information collected is used to select a particular classification of coffee products from a group of two or more available classifications. Each of the available classifications is adapted to correspond to a predetermined range of taste preferences. In the information display step, information identifying the coffee products which make up the selected classification is provided to the consumer, thereby allowing the consumer to purchase the selected coffee products. The methods may be accomplished through the use of a point-of-purchase display case with a coffee selection advisor. A wide variety of coffee products may be offered and reliably placed with the disclosed method.

Description

The method and apparatus of selection of coffee

Technical field:

Relate generally to of the present invention is used for being selected in multiple choices by the consumer method and apparatus of one or more F﹠B products.More specifically, the present invention relates to a kind of method and apparatus of information of wherein asking certain taste hobby of relevant this consumer to the consumer.Collected information is used for selecting from one group two kinds or more getable classification a kind of food or beverage products of particular category.Show food or beverage products or multiple product in this selected classification to this consumer then, to allow the consumer to determine and to buy a kind of in the multiple product forthwith.Select these products with consumer self from identical available selection and compare, the product that utilizes the method and apparatus originally select food or beverage products to select voluntarily from same available selection than the consumer on selected product produces the satisfied property of higher actual measurement significantly.

Background technology:

On market, can access at present the various F﹠B products that process.These products that process comprise two kinds of characteristic attributes, for example taste and color at least.The further feature attribute includes but not limited to: consumption temperature, fragrance, outward appearance, texture, denseness (that is, thick, oily etc.), additive (for example fruit) or the like.For any given food or beverage products, all these characteristic attributes are combined to give this food or beverage products one specific character.This example that has the F﹠B product of characteristic includes but not limited to: fruit juice, milk, cheese, sour milk and other dairy produce, seasoning coating, baste, condiment, filler, macaroni, tealeaves, cocoa power or the like.

Method and apparatus of the present invention is specially adapted to help the selection of coffee product, especially senior coffee product.Such as used herein, term " coffee product " is defined as any consumer and can be used for towards whole or ground coffee of the peculiar type of a cup of Java.This coffee product can comprise the coffee from any amount of coffee place of production and/or the sub-place of production.In addition, this coffee product can be by constituting from the coffee bean in single area or from the mixing of the coffee bean in any amount area.For example, certain given coffee product can be made of the coffee bean of growing in a specific geographical area entirely, perhaps can be made of the mixing from the coffee bean in the different coffee places of production.Alternatively, this coffee product can be the mixing such as the coffee bean of coffee seed, thick shape coffee etc.Any given coffee product has many characteristic attributes, comprising but be not limited to: fragrance, bake color, acidity, bitter degree, body, milk interpolation product (for example butterfat) or the like.

In recent years, the coffee product that can buy on the market constantly increases.In addition, popular the greatly increasing of " top grade " coffee.No matter it is be to sell, that these " top grade " coffee products are tending towards having bought compared with other or " non-top grade " coffee product is more expensive by whole beans product or by ground product.Prop up and pay heavy price in order to enjoy the coffee that adapts to their taste preference more or to provide the coffee of more various selection, many consumers to be willing to mean these expensive goods compared with the non-high-grade coffee product that the typical case can buy.

Yet because the increase of price, many consumers may find that with finding them to want the coffee product of type relevant experience or trial most be unsatisfactory.How many consumers can not understand the various selections that can obtain on coffee product and they are liked other taste of being familiar with type of food product more and be mapped.Can make situation complicated more for buying and have tens kinds of coffee products in the shop.

The high price of high-grade coffee also provides the ability of selecting selection widely to produce impact to businessman to the public of no specific objective.For high-grade coffee in demand must satisfy highest standard on fresh.Thereby the peculiar product that provides can not be delivered to the consumer that probably can accept them reliably, thereby consumer's approval may be low.This can produce uneconomic waste to the product that can not sell in required time.What especially be concerned about is, if help the consumer to select specific products that they may like then these products will be sold.

The consumer is what to describe with " approval " of product to the plus or minus reaction of a specific coffee product.Whether " approval " given coffee product is the problem of taste to one given consumer, and certainly, taste is a subjectivity.However, experience shows that everyone has " taste curve ", " taste curve " be can survey and can be used to predict the approval of each individual to a given coffee product.In addition, can quantize the degree of recognition among the representative consumer group by data sampling and other statistical method.

Thereby, a kind of method and apparatus need be provided, it allows the consumer to discern one or more from taste preference position and compares the consumer can have bigger approval probability on statistics coffee product with other commercially available coffee product.

Summary of the invention:

The present invention relates to a kind of novelty be used for make the consumer select the method and apparatus that a class or multiclass have food or beverage products, the especially coffee product of special characteristic from multiple choices.An object of the present invention is, can make the consumer more effectively select the food or the beverage products of hobby according to the individual taste preference that he provided.The present invention relates to a kind of method of information of taste preference of asking relevant this consumer to the consumer in one embodiment.This information request is finished by using coffee to select consultant's device.This coffee is selected consultant and select a kind of coffee product classification from least two kinds of available classification, and wherein every kind comprises the coffee product that one or more are different.Every kind of corresponding one group of taste preference of available classification.

This method comprises that also selecting consultant's device from this coffee passes to consumer's step to the information of the various coffee products of sign the described selected classification, thereby allows this consumer's identification and buy in the described product one or more.In another embodiment of the present invention, this coffee is selected consultant's device and is directly selected the coffee product that one or more will send this consumer to according to the consumer data of asking.

It can be long-range for the coffee product that will buy perhaps near containing every kind of displaying case that can obtain at least a coffee product in the classification that this coffee is selected consultant's device.

In one embodiment, can select consultant's device to this coffee is fixedly mounted on the posture display unit.This coffee is selected consultant's device can have several different designs, comprising but be not limited to: the slipstick formula parts of modified form, printing table or printing matrix, flip-chart, one or more rolling discs, the tubular type rotatable parts, or the like.On wide significance, needed is these parts except showing that certain selects according to the information of asking the method for suitable coffee classification and/or coffee product, just can also show in information requested and shows suitable coffee classification and/or coffee product.The appropriate mode of using this coffee to select consultant's device preferably is perfectly clear or this equipment has the use indication.

In another embodiment, this coffee is selected consultant's device and is made of interactive computer.These parts can be individual components, the taste preference information that it can requesting consumption person, select at least a suitable coffee classification and/or product and show coffee classification and/or the product that this is suitable to this consumer.Perhaps selectively, this interactive mode coffee is selected the part that consultant's device can be a bigger network, some of them partly be positioned at coffee product to be bought near, it is long-range and other parts are positioned at.

In another embodiment of the present invention, this method comprises the step of asking the information of relevant other people taste preference to the consumer.This method also comprises the step of selecting the coffee product of a kind from least two kinds of getable classifications.Every kind comprises the coffee product that one or more are different, and wherein every kind of available classification is corresponding to the preset range of taste preference.This method also comprises the step of the information of the various coffee products in the consumer provides the selected classification of sign, thereby allows consumer's identification and buy one or more described products.In this embodiment of the present invention, these classifications comprise the first category and second classification at least, and wherein first category comprises the coffee product of Hunter color greater than about 15L, and second classification comprises the coffee product of Hunter color less than about 15L.Provide step preferably to realize to the consumer by the mark of encapsulation about the information of each product of selected classification.In a preferred embodiment, the quantity of available classification comprises 3 and 8 between 3 and 8, gets 6 better.Multiple different coffee product in a kind of available classification can be packaged in the shared bag.

In another embodiment of the present invention, this method comprises to the consumer asks relevant his step of information of taste preference.Preferably according to making the consumer be easy to use, answer by the prompting consumer and to be no more than four its objective is and to draw the problem of taste preference information and finish this information request step.But should be understood that use allows more than four problem.This method also comprises the step of selecting a kind among at least two kinds of available coffee product classifications.Every kind comprises one or more coffee product, and every kind of available classification is corresponding to the taste preference of preset range.This method also comprises the step of the information of the various coffee products in the consumer provides the selected classification of sign, thereby allow consumer's identification and buy one or more described products, preferably at least one in these problems is relevant with the taste preference to the food that is different from coffee.

In another embodiment of method of the present invention, this method comprises from the consumer collects relevant its step to the information of the preference of coffee baking property.This method also comprises from this consumer collects its step to the information of the preference of food flavor concentration.This method also comprises the step of selecting a kind among at least two kinds of available coffee product classifications, and wherein every kind comprises one or more coffee product, and every kind of available classification is corresponding to the taste preference of preset range.This method also comprises the step of the information of the various coffee products in the consumer provides the selected classification of sign, thereby allows consumer's identification and buy one or more products.These classifications comprise the first category and second classification at least, and wherein first category comprises the coffee product of Hunter color greater than about 15L, and second classification comprises the coffee product of Hunter color less than about 15L.First category preferably has the coffee product that a kind of Hunter color is higher than about 17L, and it is better to be higher than about 18L, and second classification preferably has the coffee product that a kind of Hunter color is lower than about 13L, and it is better to be lower than about 11L.

In an embodiment more of the present invention, provide a kind of interactive coffee to select consultant's device equipment.This interactive mode coffee is selected consultant's device equipment and is asked relevant its information to the preference of coffee baking property to the consumer.This coffee is selected consultant's device equipment and is also asked its information to food flavor concentration to this consumer.This coffee is selected consultant's device equipment and is come solicited message by using an interactive component, wherein these parts allow the consumer to indicate preference on the scale that has six kinds of selections at least, and this coffee is selected consultant's device equipment and also selected a kind according to the information of asking among at least two kinds of available coffee product classifications.Every kind comprises the coffee product that one or more are different, and wherein every kind of available classification is corresponding to the taste preference of preset range.This coffee is selected the also information of the various coffee products in the consumer provides the selected classification of sign of consultant's device equipment, thereby allows consumer's identification and buy one or more described products.Alternatively, this interactive mode coffee is selected consultant's device equipment near a print member, thereby the consumer can keep portion to be convenient to discern and to buy once more the intersection record of the coffee product of having discerned.In this embodiment, this mutual coffee is selected consultant's device equipment permission consumer and indicate preference on the scale with 11 kinds of selections.

Description of drawings:

Although this instructions ends to specifically note and clear requirement constitutes claims of theme of the present invention, can understand the present invention better from the following explanation of carrying out with reference to the accompanying drawings, accompanying drawing is:

Fig. 1-3 illustrates the specific embodiment of method of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a kind of modification of modular display case, and it can randomly have and is used to realize that the coffee of the inventive method selects consultant's device;

Fig. 5 a-12b illustrates several and can be used for realizing that the coffee of method of the present invention selects the embodiment of consultant's device equipment;

Figure 13 illustrates and a kind ofly can be used to realize that the interactive coffee of method of the present invention selects the embodiment of consultant's device equipment;

Figure 14 illustrates the embodiment that wherein coffee of the present invention is selected a kind of device that consultant's device is connected with network.

Embodiment:

The present invention relates to a kind of method and apparatus that is used for selecting one or more Foods or drinks product, especially coffee products from multiple choices.A kind of method of the present invention comprises three basic steps: the information of asking relevant its taste preference to the consumer, from one group two kinds or more kinds of available coffee product classification, select a kind of suitable product category, and constitute the product of selected classification, so that this consumer's identification and optionally buy product in this selected classification to this consumer's explicit identification.

Term used herein " coffee product " refers to a kind of coffee product for sale of particular type.A plurality of samples of same coffee species are regarded a kind of coffee product as.After referring to and bake, " coffee " used herein or " coffee product " be in the coffee bean itself that grinds and be washed into the coffee beverage state by the consumer.In addition, term " coffee " or " coffee product " also may refer to the ready-made consumer that supplies who has ground and be washed into the powder of coffee beverage.In the implication of this explanation, do not need in fact the ready-made beans that grind be washed into for beverage or coffee bean and be prepared to towards powder just as being " coffee ".

Since the bottoming beans blends in performance difference, since bake in difference or since this two aspect on difference, coffee product differs from one another.For example, the coffee of being made up of 100% Sumatera beans is a kind of different coffee product for the coffee of being made up of the mixing of the inferior Supermo beans of 50% taxi driver brother's rival and Costa Rica Hard beans of 50%.No matter whether these beans are subjected to the identical or different disposition that bakes all is like this.Similarly, first coffee product can be made up of the given mixing of several beans of the Hunter color that bakes into generation 17L (according to the Hunter tintmeter method that illustrates later).Second kind of coffee product can by same ratio but form according to the beans that the Hunter tintmeter method that illustrates later bakes into the Hunter color of 14L.Certainly, might change to the bottoming beans selection and bake parameter the two to produce various coffee products.

During research the present invention, have been found that and to utilize relevant specifically some critical information of consumer's taste preference to help consumer's selection of coffee product from available product family.When such help is provided, have been found that on statistics the approval of such product approval greater than consumer oneself selection of coffee product from identical available product family.Method of the present invention is the center with the given consumer's of correct identification taste preference scope and the ability of these preferences and suitable coffee product coupling.

Term used herein " taste preference " refers to each individual to the fixing, sensation of the characteristic attribute of Food ﹠ Drink and/or liking of observing with detest.But requested taste preference information can also comprise not the directly information relevant with the characteristic attribute of food and beverage, but can serve as the information of the representative of these attributes.For example, requested taste preference information can comprise with consumer's life style interest (for example, hobby and other preference activity), nearest shopping characteristics (for example, Food ﹠ Drink preparation machine), television-viewing preference relevant information such as (for example, the programs of hobby).This requested information can be served as various Food ﹠ Drink characteristic attributes, for example fragrance, fragrance concentration etc., representative.As an example, one often participate in such as mountain bike and marine single stroke of activity and like taking a trip to the consumer in South America (for example to have similar population statistical nature with another one, age, ethnic group, education, income), but often watch on the TV sports cast and and the consumer that dislikes travelling compare and have significantly different taste preference.

In addition, can be used to discern the taste preference of this consumer with the relevant requested taste preference information of characteristic attribute of one type Foods or drinks to the correlated characteristic attribute of a kind of different food or beverage products.For example, requesting consumption person provides relevant its pungent of being liked to be transferred the preference information of the food fragrance concentration of juice in one embodiment of this invention.Utilize the food fragrance concentration of this consumer of this information prediction then to some coffee character attribute (that is, acidity and bitter degree) preference.

The taste preference of recognizing everyone for a long time be differ from one another and be subjectivity.In other words, to a kind of given taste, someone's reaction may be quite to like, and another person may be to squaring one's shoulders with a kind of taste.Yet what make that the people feels surprised is to have been found that for given its taste preference of people it is that trend is consistent on dissimilar Food ﹠ Drink.In other words, like the people of certain taste also to tend to the taste of correspondence for the Food ﹠ Drink of other type for one type Foods or drinks trend.In addition, although each individual taste is a subjectivity, can utilize the measuring technique of standard to measure " the taste curve " that the people is specific.One aspect of the present invention is the contact in the taste preference of recognizing on the dissimilar Food ﹠ Drink product, these contacts make and can utilize other food be familiar with more and drink as selecting F﹠B product, especially coffee product with reference to helping the consumer.

Term used herein " classification " refers to one or more by similar taste parameter or feature, for example bakes feature and fragrance concentration feature, relevant coffee product.Baking feature is mainly determined by the process that bakes that in fact mixing of beans or beans is subjected to.Baking feature is commonly referred to as the result of the degree that bakes of coffee and is delivered to fragrance on the coffee product.Preferably the color measuring that bakes by concrete coffee product bakes feature.The color that Hunter color " L " scaling system is commonly used to define coffee bean with and the degree that baked.Hnuter color " L " scale value is the unit of light reflection measurement, and high more its color of this value is shallow more, because light-colored material reflection more rays.Thereby in measurement degree of baking, " L " scale value is more little, and the degree that bakes is big more, because the degree that bakes is big more, the color of the beans after baking is dark more.Usually after final coffee product is worn into or be pressed into to coffee bean, measure this and bake color.

Can be at R.S.Hunter " Photoelectric Color Difference Meter " J.ofthe Optical Soc.of Amer., 48, obtain complete skill explanation in 985-95 (1958) one literary compositions to this system.Hunter tintmeter (D25 DP9000 series) is used for measuring powder, comprises the brightness/darkness of coffee.Optical sensor light from quartzy halogen cycle lamp is pressed and vertical line angle directive sample at 45.Then collect reflected light by the receiver of this sample top that becomes 0 ° of angle with vertical line.Catoptrical total amount is used for determining the brightness that usefulness above-mentioned " L " scale of this sample is represented.Usually, Hunter color " L " scale value is the unit of optical reflectance measurements, and the big more color of the value of being somebody's turn to do is shallow more, because the more shallow material of color reflects more light.Particularly, in the Hunter color system, " L " scale contains the unit of 100 five equilibriums; Be positioned at the bottom (L=0) of this scale and be positioned at its top (L=100) definitely in vain absolute deceiving.Thereby, baking on the degree in measurement, the more for a short time degree that bakes of " L " scale value is big more, because the degree that bakes is big more, the color that is baked beans is dark more.The L scale is the brightness measurement of being come out by the Hunter laboratory study and be based in the world approval.The computing formula of L value is:

L = 100 \sqrt{Y}

Wherein Y is the luminance function of CIE three look XYZ values.CIE is an International Commission on Illumination.(Hunter tintmeter D25 DP-9000 series of user handbook, handbook version in April, 1.4,1993, Hunter Associates Labovatory, Reston, VA.)

The fragrance that term used herein " fragrance concentration " refers to certain food or beverage produces the characteristic attribute of strong or weak effect, is attractive at coffee in this especially.Fragrance concentration be not directly or sample plot measure, but among the occurrences in human life in the field of business for the food of which classification being identified as usually the unanimity that exists high effect and that the food of which classification is identified as usually low effect.Having been found that during the research of the present invention that everyone is tending towards being consistent the preference to high effect or low effect taste on various food type.For example, like the consumer of light peppery baste (low effect taste) generally on coffee product, can like low effect taste usually.Accordingly, like the consumer of peppery baste (high effect taste) generally on coffee product, can like efficient fruit flavor usually.

For the coffee product that bakes paler colour (be about 15L and more than), the fragrance concentration of a certain concrete coffee product depends primarily on the mixing that the beans of its bottoming are formed.This be because coffee a little less than bake and cause the fresh taste that the people is rouse oneself usually, the natural acidity that this taste can demonstrate coffee with and produce the special marking in state and/or producing region.Bake the darker coffee of color (approximately 15L and following) and introduce the fragrant bitter sweet taste of more cigarette usually.Bake deeply typically introduce leading total fragrance bake fragrance (rather than the product state of green coffee bean and/or the peat-reek in producing region).Thereby darker baking typically always has altitude effect fragrance concentration, because its degree of depth that bakes is tending towards and the composition of the beans that feel secure is irrespectively dominated fragrance.

Thereby a given coffee product " classification " can comprise the given combination that bakes feature and fragrance concentration range.For example, a kind of coffee product classification can comprise multiple with the light product that to bake look and high effect taste be feature.Another classification can comprise the multiple medium coffee product that bakes the fragrance concentration of color and low effect.Every kind of coffee product in classification family is selected to most possibly by the consumer acceptance in a kind of preset range of taste preference feature.Have been found that in research many consumers typically compare the product in preference one kind more strongly with the product in other available classification in the process of the present invention.Thereby energy of the present invention is determined and the method for selecting the coffee product in the classification of buying is more likely recommended the more coffee product of preference to the consumer.

Have been found that in research some critical information that can utilize in the information relevant with a people's taste preference help this persons to select the coffee product of the kind that the true taste preference with this consumer particularly adapts in the process of the present invention.Self-selection is not compared under the present invention helps, but uses the coffee product meeting geodetic in this suitable classification to improve the approval of consumer to these products.

In one embodiment of this invention, there are six kinds of corresponding available coffee product classifications of predetermined and specific taste preference scope.The scope of each taste preference feature has being particularly suitable for by the consumer acceptance's of this scope coffee product classification of a kind of correspondence at least.According to the information of collecting each consumer is placed in the suitable scope from the consumer.

Table 1 illustrates six kinds of possible coffee product classifications can using in an embodiment who realizes the inventive method.Table 1 bakes feature preferences

	Light baking (0-4)	In bake (5-6)	In dark (7-8)	(9-10) deeply
	Light baking (0-4)	In bake (5-6)	In dark (7-8)	(9-10) deeply	High effect (6+)	Classification 2	Classification 4	Classification 5	Classification 6
Low effect (0-5)	Classification 1	Classification 3			High effect (6+)	Classification 2	Classification 4	Classification 5	Classification 6

Fragrance concentration preference

As shown in table 1, the message subject of collecting from the consumer is relevant with consumer's taste preference.The information that the preference of suiting one's taste is collected is preferably relevant with the feature preferences scope that bakes and two aspects of fragrance concentration preference of consumer.In table 1, fragrance concentration preference scope is being shown on " Y " axle and on " X " axle, is illustrating and bake feature preferences.Typical typical value under given 11 scales of numerical value in the bracket (promptly 0 to 10) wherein can obtain border of all categories by these values.

As shown in table 1, become 6 different classifications or category according to the taste preference scope division that bakes two aspects of feature and taste concentration.In any suitable manner (for example, by in the table of answer printing or the problem on the interactive screen) prompting consumer with provide enough can by shown in each taste preference theme (promptly baking feature and fragrance concentration) consumer is placed on information in a kind of scope.For example, in order to determine certain particular consumer with respect to the suitable category that bakes feature, can require the consumer to select a scale from 0 to 10 to represent its degree of depth that bakes to the coffee product preference, wherein 0 for the most shallow 10 for the darkest.Directly determine in this embodiment about baking the taste preference of feature.Have been found that the consumer is good at exactly determining the degree of depth that bakes that they are had a preference for usually on coffee.

Yet, in the various modification of this embodiment, can collect the consumer indirectly for the taste preference that bakes feature.In other words, replace directly pointing out the consumer directly to determine the degree of depth that bakes of preference, can be by other taste information indicating consumer relevant with baking feature preferences be come acquisition of information.For example can inquire the consumer that they like pure flavor on the coffee product still to like cigarette fragrance on the coffee product usually.More pure taste preference bakes category (light and in) corresponding to lighter shown in the table 1.Similarly, reflect that darker shown in usually also can preference table 1 of consumer that they have a preference for cigarette fragrance bakes feature classification (in dark and dark).In addition, the taste preference on the non-coffee food product usually and that coffee is baked the taste preference of feature is similar.An example is that the consumer is to baking the preference of the degree of depth.When carrying out method of the present invention, the darker preference that bakes can be used as the darker indication that bakes the feature taste preference.

Because the consumer can both judge exactly that usually they bake the preference of feature to coffee, in specific embodiments more of the present invention, directly collecting this information to the consumer in the project.Preferably making them by the prompting consumer on 11 scales of selecting likes coffee to bake how dark indication collecting this information (wherein 10 for the darkest zero for the most shallow).In the modification of this embodiment, can use and select less scale.Yet, have been found that in the process of the present invention when being used for selecting scale to the preference that bakes feature to have at least 6 or more during subregion in research, reach more excellent result.It is believed that the consumer exists when answering the problem that proposes with " more options " form attempts to avoid two extreme trend.If provide the scale that has only 3 or 4 selections (for example, light, in, dark), the answer of disproportionate quantity be concentrated in " in " go up to avoid two ends.Thereby this method can tend to the classification in the middle of the component selections, even in fact those have a preference for lighter bake or the darker consumer who bakes also can be like this.

As shown in table 1, first scope that bakes feature preferences can classify as with 11 option scales on " light the baking " of 0-4 scope correspondence.Similarly, second scope that bakes feature preferences can be classified into 11 option scales on 5 to 6 correspondences " in "." in dark " can represent 7 to 8 the 3rd scope, and " deeply " can represent the 4th scope of 9 to 10 on this 11 option scale.

Except baking feature preferences, preferably also collect the out of Memory of relevant consumer's taste preference as the part of method of the present invention.In a preferred embodiment, this information comprises the information about consumer's fragrance concentration preference.As shown in table 1, for the category or the classification of most preference scope, fragrance concentration preference and to bake feature preferences irrelevant.

It is accurate like that to have been found that in the process of the present invention on many consumers are determining determining the preference that bakes feature not as them on they are to the preference of fragrance concentration in research.This may because some consumers be unfamiliar with will the taste of which type as and hang down the opposite high effect of effect (at least for coffee product) and cause.In addition, for many consumers, use high effect of term and low effect (perhaps dense, not light or similar terms) itself may hint a kind of selection meeting select than another kind more satisfactory.Thereby, directly use and judge that such as the term of high effect and low effect fragrance concentration preference usually causes the result who twists.Thereby in specific embodiments more of the present invention, the information of collecting relevant fragrance concentration preference from the consumer is desirable indirectly.

Measurement to a kind of special effective and efficient manner in the preference of the fragrance concentration of coffee product be to the consumer ask relevant to non-coffee food and/or the information of the taste preference of the fragrance concentration of beverage.A kind of mechanism of preferably drawing consumer's fragrance concentration preference is that the prompting consumer points out that how peppery they like peppery baste under any suitable mode.This indication is preferably made under the scale of scope from 0 to 10.The answer of the 0-5 on this scale that the prompting of the type is made is regarded as and is expressed low effect taste preference.6 or bigger answer on this kind scale that the prompting relevant with the preference of peppery baste made are regarded as the high effect taste preference of expression.

The consumer is unexpected relevant to the preference of the fragrance concentration of coffee with the consumer well to the preference of degree peppery in the peppery baste.Have been found that the fragrance concentration preference relevant with other non-coffee product also provides good indication to the fragrance concentration preference on the coffee.For example, can point out the consumer to point out to compare the preference of dark chocolate bar with milk chocolate.Be preferably in and make this indication on the scale with 11 options, wherein milk chocolate is definitely liked in an end of this scale (for example zero) expression, and dark chocolate bar is definitely liked in the other end of this scale (for example 10) expression.In this example, efficient fruit preferably and 4 or bigger answer correspondence, and the answer of 0-3 is corresponding to poor efficiency fruital flavor concentration preference.

How the 3rd example of drawing the information of relevant thick flavor degree preference from the consumer is that the prompting user points out the preference to the Italianism salad-dressing.On the scale of above-mentioned 11 point types, efficient fruital flavor concentration preference can corresponding 7 or bigger answer, and the answer of 0-6 is corresponding to poor efficiency fruital flavor concentration preference.

Some other examples that the expression consumer has a preference for the coffee product of efficient fruital flavor concentration probably are preference japanese food, like pungent beverage to surpass calm beverage and like new food to surpass the food of being familiar with.Can compare the Food ﹠ Drink of the food of various higher efficacy and/or beverage and low effect to draw fragrance concentration preference information.In addition, needn't directly compare.Can inquire simply that the consumer is to being the approval of the Foods or drinks of high effect on the fragrance concentration.The example about the Italianism salad-dressing that provides previously is an example of this type method.It is to accompany or follow the mode that the consumer draws fragrance concentration preference information to change that the Must Significant Bit of delimiting the border between high effect preference and the low effect preference is put.

With reference to table 1, the consumer represents that the light fragrance concentration that bakes feature and low effect of preference belongs to six kinds of classifications 1 that can obtain in the classification.For example, inquiry on the 11 option scales bake feature preferences (wherein 0 for the lightest and 10 for the darkest) time answer for " 2 " and the relevant pungent degree of wanting on inquiry 11 option scales (wherein 0 for the lightest and 10 for the pepperyyest) time consumer that answers to " 3 " should select classification 1 by the inventive method.

When six classifications shown in the table 1 are available classification, can select classification 1 by drink coffee among the crowd about 28% people of method of the present invention expection.Classification 1 preferably includes the various colors that bake and is about 15.8L or higher and be the coffee product of poor efficiency fruital flavor concentration, a kind of preferred example of suitable coffee product bakes into color and is about 17.5L in this classification, the melange of being made up of Guatemala's Hard beans of the inferior Excelso beans of 33% taxi driver brother's rival, Mexico's High Grown beans of 33% and 33%.Can be from the Procter ﹠amp of the city of Cincinnati, Ohio; Product under this classification that Gamble company has bought comprises: under the MILLSTONE brand gently bake coffee, roadside coffee-house coffee, breakfast mixed coffee, breakfast mixed coffee and the tradition under the FOLGERS brand with caffeine do not bake coffee, breakfast mixed coffee.Fragrance coffee product such as the milk of the Kahlua vanilla under MILLSTONE brand coffee, vanilla almond coffee, chocolate broken nut coffee, southern hickory nut coffee, the chocolate almond coffee of Switzerland, fibert coffee with cream etc. also can be included in this classification.

In table 1 with second classification of classification 2 marks taste preference corresponding to light baking (preferably being about 15.8L or bigger) and efficient fruital flavor concentration, when the crowd of drinking coffee selects these six kinds can obtain one of classification the time as shown in table 1 by method of the present invention, estimate that wherein about 12% likes this classification.A kind of example of suitable coffee product is to bake into the Guatemala Antigua bean coffee that color is about 15.8L in this classification.Can be from Procter ﹠amp; Such other product that Gamble company has bought comprises: the super Colombian coffee under the Kona mixed coffee under the MILLSTONE brand, Guatemala Antigua coffee and the FOLGERS brand.Fragrance coffee product such as the danish pastry coffee under the MILLSTONE brand, Cinnamomum fibert coffee, rasp berry and coffee with cream, Italian bitter apricot coffee, Israel's coffee with cream, the bright nurse coffee of butter, chocolate Rubus corchorifolius coffee, peppermint Chocolate Coffee, candy rod coffee etc. also can be included in this classification.

In table 1 with the 3rd classification of classification 3 marks corresponding in bake and than the taste preference of poor efficiency fruital flavor concentration.In bake best corresponding to the color gamut that bakes from about 15.7L to about 14L.When the various classification that can obtain shown in the table 1, about 18% among the crowd that drink coffee can select classification 3 by method of the present invention expection.The example of such other a kind of suitable coffee product is to bake the inferior superfine bean coffee of the color taxi driver brother's rival that is about 14.3L.Such other another kind of suitable coffee product is to bake color to be about the melange that the Guatemala's Hard beans by the inferior Excelso beans of 33% taxi driver brother's rival, Costa Rica Hard beans of 33% and 33% of 14.1L are formed.Can be from Procter ﹠amp; This type of other coffee product that Gamble company has bought comprises: the Foglifter coffee under the MILLSTONE brand, Colombian coffee, millennium mixed coffee, normal coffee and not with the Colombian coffee of caffeine.

In table 1 with the 4th classification of classification 4 marks corresponding in bake and the taste preference of efficient fruital flavor concentration.In bake best corresponding to the color gamut that bakes from about 15.7L to about 14L.When the various classification that can get shown in the table 1, can select classification 4 by drink coffee among the crowd about 14% people of method of the present invention expection.The example of such other a kind of suitable coffee product is to bake the Sumatera bean coffee that color is about 14.7L, and such other another kind of suitable coffee product is to bake Ethiopia Yirgacheffe bean coffee that color is about 15L.The 3rd example of such other suitable coffee product is to bake color to be about the melange that the Indonesia's Java beans by the inferior Excelso beans of 37% taxi driver brother's rival, Ethiopia's Harar Longberry beans of 31.5% and 31.5% of 15.6L are formed.Can be from Procter ﹠amp; Gamble company has bought the coffee product that can be included in this classification and has comprised: the Mexico Sierra Madre Organic coffee under the MILLSTONE brand, Sumatera coffee, Ethiopia Yirgacheffe coffee and the solemn Java of breathing out.

In table 1 with the 5th classification of classification 5 marks corresponding in bake deeply and the taste preference of efficient fruital flavor concentration.As previously mentioned, the kaffeeklatsch that bakes deeply in the great majority is tending towards showing efficient fruital flavor concentration feature naturally.In bake deeply best corresponding to the color gamut that bakes from about 13.9L to about 12.5L.In the time obtaining various classification shown in the table 1, about 20% among the crowd that drink coffee can select classification 5 by method of the present invention expection.The example of such other a kind of suitable coffee product is to bake the melange that the Indonesia's Java beans by the inferior Excelso beans of 35% taxi driver brother's rival, Guatemala's Strictly Hard beans of 35% and 30% that are about the 13.1L color are formed.The example of another the suitable coffee product in this classification is to bake to be about the melange that the 13L color is made up of Guatemala's Strictly Hard beans of the inferior Excelso beans of 42.5% taxi driver brother's rival, 36.5% Indonesia Sumatra beans and 21%, can be from Procter; This type of other product that belongs to that Gamble company has bought is: the black Colombian coffee under the MILLSTONE brand, northwest espresso, sleep preceding and the special-purpose weak coffee of breakfast mixed coffee, restaurant, noncaffeinly sleep preceding and breakfast coffee, half espresso, noncaffein half espresso.

In table 1 with the 6th classification of classification 6 marks corresponding to baking deeply and the taste preference of efficient fruital flavor concentration.As previously mentioned, the kaffeeklatsch that bakes deeply in the great majority is tending towards showing efficient fruital flavor concentration feature naturally.Bake best deeply corresponding to about 12.4L and the lower color gamut that bakes.When the various classification that can obtain shown in the table 1, drink coffee among the crowd by method of the present invention expection and about 8% can select classification 6.The example of such other a kind of suitable coffee product is to bake color to be about 11.8L, the melange that the Mexico High Grown beans by 33%, Guatemala's Strictly Hard beans of 33% and Honduras's Strictly Hard beans of 33% are formed.Can be from Procter ﹠amp; The coffee product that is included in this classification that Gamble company has bought comprises: the special-purpose coffee of the coffee-house coffee at midnight under the MILLSTONE brand, the European coffee of coffee-house, restaurant, French bakes coffee and noncaffein French bakes coffee.French vanilla coffee under the MILLSTONE brand be a kind of can be from Procter ﹠amp; The fragrance coffee product that Gamble company has bought, it also can be returned in this classification.

In each preferred embodiment of the present invention, these available classifications cover the taste preference scope as far as possible widely.In other words, this method preferably includes these classifications, promptly they not only comprise may by the coffee product of the light class scope of some consumer preference but also comprise may be by the coffee product of the dark class scope of some consumer preference.On taste preference, can obtain various selections and improve the likelihood that given consumer obtains the product of its approval.The trial of consumption guidance person's selection of coffee product in past provides all baking all similar product on feature and/or the fragrance concentration to the consumer.By selecting the darker product of paler colour and color, this method may successfully be used by the whole colony that drinks coffee.

In an embodiment who helps to illustrate by table 1 of the present invention, can obtain six kinds altogether.Although 3 to 8 kinds are better altogether, the quantity of classification is variable.Complicacy and manageability that high categorical measure is tending towards too cutting apart this colony and may increases this system of use under not obvious raising consumer's approval.If available categorical measure very little, then can not reach enough difference, thereby cause reducing total approval this method.By merging the classification shown in some or the classification shown in some being divided into two or more, can reduce or expansion table 1 shown in classification.When classification is merged together, preferably merge the classification that those estimate to represent the less crowd that drinks coffee of number percent.Similarly, those estimate that the classification of the whole crowd's of drinking coffee of representative big number percent is the potential candidate's body that increases section.

In one embodiment, method of the present invention comprises following basic step: the information of asking relevant its taste preference to the consumer, from two or more available coffee product classification group, select a suitable product category, and constitute the information of each product of this selected classification so that consumer's identification and buy product in this selected classification with wish ground to consumer's explicit identification.In certain embodiments of the present invention, in continuous, mutual basically process, finish to the consumer and ask the information of relevant its taste preference and select these two basic steps of suitable coffee product classification.For example, select consultant's device by using suitable coffee, for example interactive shop display can be from consumer and selected classification solicited message.Such display can equipped and point out the user to answer a question, follow the tracks of the interactive computer of answering and selecting suitable system according to these answers described above.In the embodiment that substitutes, can be by the mutual site on the use WWW, by using menu-drive interactive telephony system or the like from consumer's acquisition of information.Can figure, the table or other image is used as to consumer's solicited message and make the consumer select the means of process by coffee described above.These charts or image can be positioned on the display in shop or on the in-store advertising.Similarly, chart or image can be announced on the publication such as newspaper or magazine, can post to the potential user, can pass through email distribution, can on network, announce such as WWW, or the like.Also might the distribution of information of relevant the method according to this invention selection of coffee product to the restaurant, coffee shop, businessman or other may get involved the individual and/or the place of the retail of coffee product.What in these cases, can occur illustrating among the application between the personnel of consumer and waiter, businessman or other intervention coffee product sale be mutual.

When provide according to this invention be used for wish the easy to learn as far as possible and easy use of this method and apparatus during the method and apparatus of selection of coffee product.In addition, preferably as far as possible simply and as soon as possible finish execution of the present invention.When for when retailer (for example supermarket or other provisions shop) sales to consumers coffee product uses this method, especially need a coffee that is used for information gathering procedure of the present invention to select consultant's device.Preferably such coffee being selected consultant's device is placed near the displaying case that contains every kind of one or more coffee products in the available classification.

Fig. 1 summarizes a kind of method of the present invention.As shown in frame 100, coffee is selected the information of the relevant consumer's of consultant's device request taste preference.The mode of request taste preference information depends on that employed coffee selects the type of consultant's device.In one embodiment of this invention, use by being used for requesting consumption person's the data output section part of taste preference information and consumer and can be used to import the interactive coffee that the data input part part of the data of being asked forms and select consultant's device.The parts that are suitable for include but not limited to: touch screen displays, lcd screen, LED screen, CRT monitor, television screen, projector, loudspeaker, microphone, keyboard, graphical user interface (GUI) are given directions device (promptly, mouse, graphic tablet), scanner, printer (promptly, dot matrix, laser type, ink jet type, heat sublimation type), or the like.In this embodiment should interactive mode coffee select equipment and also comprise a data memory unit (promptly, the optical storage parts, magnetic memory component, RAM, ROM, EPROM, or the like), be used for selecting a kind of suitable coffee-type and else select criterion to store one group according to the requested taste preference data of consumer input.The information that belongs to which coffee classification correspondence can randomly be stored and which coffee product is defined as to this data storage part.This interactive mode coffee is selected consultant's device also can comprise a processor, the requested taste preference data of this processor comparison consumer input and select criterion, perhaps direct at least a suitable coffee product of demonstration alternatively to select and to show at least a suitable coffee classification.

In another embodiment of the present invention, example as shown in table 1 is such, and it is a chart of showing two-dimentional pre-printed matrix that coffee is selected consultant's device.Represent various coffee classifications by each grid of this matrix, perhaps alternatively represent various coffee products.Printing request along an axle of this matrix to consumer's taste preference information (that is, preference bake color).Along this matrix another the axle printing to consumer's taste preference information (that is the fragrance concentration of preference) second the request.In this embodiment, import requested information by answering suitable problem consumer.

In case ask taste preference information and import (frame 102) by the consumer, coffee is selected consultant's device and is selected a kind of suitable coffee classification (frame 104).Select other mode of suitable coffee-type and depend on that employed coffee selects the type of consultant's device.In one embodiment of this invention, use one group of coffee classification selection criterion matching request of a kind of contrast to the interactive coffee of taste preference information select consultant's device.

It can be a decision tree that the coffee classification is selected criterion, is one group of look-up table for choosing ground perhaps.Decision tree typically comprises one group of answer/feature/category, can contrast consumer's taste preference data and they.For example, decision tree can comprise various possible consumer taste preference data combinations.Then taste preference and this decision tree are relatively mated branch to obtain one, and this coupling branch provides the instruction that will further carry out as matching result.This decision tree preferably includes may the making up of various consumer taste preference datas that this system is the Application Design wanted, thereby can set up and coffee classification of wanting to supply and/or the relevant suitable operation conditions optimization of product.This decision tree preferably converts various mathematical algorithms to, then these algorithms handle electronically decision tree relatively or " judgements " so that be the beverage formulations that beverage server system is concluded suitable optimization apace.

So that can revise rightly or " mutation ", one embodiment of the invention contain decision tree or the algorithm that the coffee that is upgraded by neural network is selected consultant's device in order to upgrade optimizing process.In this embodiment, this neural network can assess various consumer taste preference datas applicatory and feedback from search data memory to data, thereby judge for convenient or optimize the decision process of determining suitable coffee classification and/or product and whether need digital algorithm or dialog script are made any change.For example, neural network can be incorporated into the decision process that is similar to artificial intelligence or " intelligence " logic and the decision making algorithm of constantly upgrading it by user's input is for example fed back.According to Haykin, S. (1994), Neural Networks:A ComprehensiveFoundation, NY:Macmillan, p.2, neural network is a processor that has the storage experimental knowledge and make the whole parallel distributed of the propensity that this knowledge can use.It is similar with brain on aspect two: 1) network is by the learning process acquire knowledge; And 2) utilize strength of joint stored knowledge between the nerve that is called cynapse weighting (synaptic weight).Analysis of neural network data trend, feedback data, consumer taste preference data and other additional data are to derive and to improve the algorithm that is used for making a strategic decision.In one embodiment, neural network changes decision tree or the algorithm that coffee is selected consultant's device automatically according to the consumer preference and the user feedback data storehouse that constantly enlarge.

In another embodiment of the present invention, example as shown in table 1 is such, and it is a chart of showing two-dimensional matrix that coffee is selected consultant's device.Select suitable coffee classification and be according to the consumer to the answer of requested taste preference information and when designing this matrix the employed criterion of selecting predesignate.For example, suppose that the preference that the consumer answers her is efficient fruit beverage (for example, answering 8 under 11 scales of selecting) and bakes coffee (for example, answering 10 under these 11 scales) deeply that then coffee is selected consultant's device and can be selected coffee classification six (6).

In case pick out suitable coffee classification, coffee is selected the coffee classification identifier (frame 106) of the coffee classification correspondence that consultant's device shows and should be selected.This coffee classification identifier is made up of one or more marker elements, for example class name or other speech of writing or phrase, and one or set of diagrams symbol, a kind of color, a kind of pattern, a kind of sound, a kind of fragrance, perhaps any combination, or the like.Desired just each coffee classification identifier is unique with respect to other identifier of other coffee-type.Certainly, the insider will appreciate that the uniqueness of coffee classification identifier can be constituted by the unique of other generic marker element.

At last, coffee is selected the coffee product identifier (frame 108) of one of consultant's device demonstration and this selected coffee classification correspondence.As top coffee classification identifier, the coffee product identifier must be unique and can be made of one or more marker elements.

Term used herein " demonstration " means anyly can make the consumer perceive the behavior that coffee is selected the information that consultant's device provided.The dried term " demonstration " that will appreciate that of people can include but not limited to the visual representation of the data on one of TV, CRT, LED, LCD or projection screen, all types of printers or the like in the industry.Yet, should also be understood that and use term " demonstration " to mean to comprise those that parts of the information that can be discovered by any consciousness (for example, sound sensation, the sense of taste, sense of smell, sense of touch and vision) are provided.Use text or other visual cue are converted to the display unit of voice and use the generation parts (that is, Braille machine) that visual cue converted to sense of touch, especially be considered to be within the scope of the invention.

Fig. 2 summarizes other method of the present invention, in step 200 to consumer requesting consumption person taste preference information.Then import requested taste preference information by the compatible mode of type of selecting consultant's device with employed coffee step 202 consumer.In step 204 and 206, coffee select consultant's device contrast one group of coffee product select criterion relatively and coupling from the taste preference information of consumer's request.These coffee products are selected the particular type of criterion and are realized depending on that employed coffee among the given embodiment of the present invention selects the type of consultant's device.

Then select consultant's device and show the coffee product identifier that is used at least a coffee product, forms by one or more marker elements in the compatible mode of particular type of selecting consultant's device with employed coffee at this coffee of step 208.

How Fig. 3 general introduction further improves and renewal coffee classification is selected the detailed process that criterion and/or coffee product are selected criterion.In step 300, to consumer requesting consumption person taste preference information.Then import requested taste preference information by the compatible mode of type of selecting consultant's device with employed coffee step 302 consumer.This coffee select consultant's device step 304 analysis request to taste preference information and improve the suitable criterion of selecting in step 306.In the step 308 for choosing, this coffee is selected consultant's device and is selected criterion for inspection and later use after the selecting criterion or can store improvement after the application enhancements again.

Fig. 4 illustrates a typical in-store display case 400, and it contains in many displaying boxes 402 by whole beans and mixes the multiple different coffee product that constitutes with whole beans.Showing that case 400 also comprises is used to place between the good multiple coffee product 404 of the prepackage that grinds built on stilts.

It is the example that the coffee of form is selected consultant's device 500 that Fig. 5 a illustrates with movable " barber shop rotation signboard " parts, and this rotatable part can be used to the consumer is inquired the various problems that are designed to collect the information relevant with the taste preference that illustrates previously.As shown in Fig. 5 a, this coffee is selected consultant's device and preferably is fixed on the displaying case 400.In other embodiments, can select consultant's device to this coffee and can be installed in with pulling down and show on the case, perhaps near but needn't be attached to showing on the case.In one example of back, with the chart be the coffee of form select consultant's device can be near a pallet display unit but needn't be directly installed on this display unit.

Coffee shown in Fig. 5 a and Fig. 5 b is selected consultant's device 500 and is " modified form slipstick " formula parts, and this is the part of this interface to be moved to and import the position of requested consumer taste preference information correspondence and then can read 500 information that show that this coffee is selected consultant's device because its working method is the consumer.

Any suitable mechanism all can be used for asking taste preference information to the consumer.Fig. 6-12b illustrates the various embodiment that coffee is selected consultant's device 500.It is that the coffee of form is selected consultant's device that Fig. 6 illustrates with printed chart, and it may be similar to the chart that occurs as table 1.It is that the coffee of form is selected consultant's device 500 that Fig. 7 a-7c illustrates horizontal circle cylinder with the heart 700 that has motionless shell 702 and rotate.On these two members, show requested taste preference information and corresponding coffee classification and/or coffee product.The position input taste preference information that is relative to each other by these two members and select and show suitable classification and/or product.Fig. 8 is the rotor wheel example for the design of coffee consultant device.

In a kind of modification shown in Figure 10, coffee is selected consultant's device can have " bullet is thrown (flip up) " part of carrying out this exchange method.Coffee shown in Figure 11 a and the 11b is selected three parts that consultant's device comprises a rotation, wherein shows taste preference information and coffee classification and/or coffee product data on the part of these three faces.Figure 12 a and 12b illustrate the coffee that is made of drum member 1200 and select consultant's device 500, wherein show requested taste preference information and corresponding coffee classification and/or coffee product data on this drum member 1200.

Figure 13 illustrates the example that interactive coffee is selected consultant's device 500.The request of preference information of suiting one's taste be presented on the LED screen 512 and by the consumer by keypad 510 inputs.Then processor 514 is selected criterion to the coffee classification of storage in consumer taste preference information of asking and the data storage part 516 and/or coffee product and is compared.On LED screen 512, show suitable coffee classification and/or coffee product, perhaps selectively print to produce coffee and select suggestion card 550 by print member 518.

A kind of model coffee by the client/server network design that can use in realizing one embodiment of the invention of Figure 14 illustrative is selected consultant's device 500.As occurrences in human life were understood easily in the industry, client/server network was one type a network, various other configurations, and for example peer-to-peer network connects, and also is the network that can consider.In client/server network, thus each node of a plurality of node interconnection right/send and/or reception information from another node.As shown in this Fig, server node 558 utilizes connection 551 and the interconnection of a plurality of network structure, wherein this connection 551 for example is: token ring, Ethernet, telephone modem connection, radio or microwave connection, parallel cable, serial cable, coaxial cable, telephone wire, USB (universal serial bus) " USB ", " live wire ", " bluetooth ", optical fiber, infrared " IR ", radio frequency " RF " or other radio communication, or the like, perhaps combination wherein.

Show that case 400 is near LCD display 552 and input block 554.In addition, print member 556 is also near showing case 400, so that generate the printout that coffee is selected processing.Display 552 is connected with server 558 with input block 554.This server 558 is carried out coffees and is selected the function of consultant's device and visit data memory unit 560 to obtain suitable criterion, identifier and the marker element selected.

It can be form with the software code of entirely or partly carrying out on the generic computing machine 562 that links to each other with WWW that coffee is selected consultant's device 500.The consumer can be on the net receives these software codes from server 558 or from software memory unit 575, and wherein this software memory unit 575 contains all essential being used for and connects the code that coffee is selected the generic computing machine 562 in consultant's device 500.

In one embodiment of this invention, coffee is selected consultant's device 500 show the taste preference information of asking on the display unit of the generic computing machine 562 that is connected with WWW.Coffee is selected consultant's device 500 after receiving requested taste preference data and having selected suitable coffee classification and/or coffee product, then allows the consumer to buy selected coffee product.Can on the e-commerce transaction server of encrypting or do not encrypt, buy, can directly send the coffee product of being bought then to the consumer.

At the taste preference of asking relevant this consumer to the consumer, after contrasting this information and selecting criterion and selected a kind of coffee product classification among two or the more available classification, method of the present invention requires to form to consumer's explicit identification the information of such other each product, thereby allows the consumer to buy such product.This information provides and can finish by the mark that uses encapsulation.For example, exist therein in the preferred embodiment of six kinds of coffee product classifications that can get, every kind has the unique number related with it, color, symbol or their certain combination.The product of forming the every kind in six kinds then can be encapsulated in the bag that indicates corresponding unique number, color or symbol.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the multiple coffee product of forming a given classification is encapsulated in the shared bag together.This makes the consumer form with " model bag " buy whole classification under the situation that needn't be collected in required product together.

Although illustrate and illustrated various specific embodiment of the present invention, the insider is clear can to make various other changes and modification not breaking away under the spirit and scope of the present invention.Can be independently or with any suitable be used in combination that the present invention learnt provide any aspect in the each side of various advantages to prior art, with obtain disclosed herein more of the present invention or benefited.

Claims

1. a consumer selects the method for one type coffee from multiple choices, and described method comprises step:

Ask the information of relevant described consumer's taste preference to described consumer, described information gathering is finished by using coffee to select consultant's device;

Described coffee is selected consultant's device and select a kind among at least two kinds of available coffee product classification, and every kind of described classification comprises the coffee product that one or more are different, and wherein every kind of described available classification is corresponding to the taste preference of preset range; And

Select the information of the coffee product of consultant's device to the described selected classification of described consumer's explicit identification from described coffee, thereby the consumer can be discerned and optionally buy one or more described products; Wherein

Described coffee is selected consultant's device near the displaying case that is comprising at least a coffee product in every kind of described available classification.

2. the method for claim 1, wherein said coffee are selected consultant's device and are fixedly mounted on the frame on the display unit.

3. the method for claim 1, wherein said coffee is selected consultant's device and is comprised modified form slipstick formula parts.

4. the method for claim 1, wherein said coffee are selected the use indication that consultant's device comprises the chart of printing and follows.

5. the method for claim 1, wherein said coffee is selected consultant's device and is comprised interactive computer.

6. the method for claim 1, wherein said taste preference information comprise that relevant described consumer bakes the information of feature preferences to coffee.

7. the method for claim 1, wherein said taste preference information comprise the information of relevant described consumer to food flavor concentration preference.

8. method as claimed in claim 7, wherein said relevant described consumer is by collect relevant this consumer from described consumer the information of the preference of peppery baste to be drawn to the information of food flavor concentration preference.

9. the method for claim 1, the quantity of wherein said available classification is between 4 and 6.

10. a consumer selects the method for one type coffee from multiple choices, and described method comprises step:

Ask the information of relevant described consumer's taste preference to described consumer;

Select a kind among at least two kinds of available coffee product classifications, every kind of described classification comprises the coffee product that one or more are different, and wherein every kind of described available classification is corresponding to the taste preference of preset range; And

The information of the coffee product in the described selected classification of described consumer's explicit identification, thus the consumer can be discerned and optionally buy one or more described products; Wherein

Described classification group comprises the first category and second classification at least, and wherein said first category comprises the coffee product of a kind of Hunter color greater than about 15L, and described second classification comprises the coffee product of a kind of Hunter color less than about 15L.

11. method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the step of the information of the product in the consumer shows described relevant described selected classification is to finish by the mark that uses encapsulation.

12. method as claimed in claim 10, the quantity of wherein said available classification comprise 3 and 8 between 3 and 8.

13. method as claimed in claim 12, the quantity of wherein said available classification are 6.

14. method as claimed in claim 10, wherein a kind of described multiple different coffee product that obtains in the classification of packing in a shared bag.

15. method as claimed in claim 10, wherein said first category comprise the coffee product of a kind of Hunter color greater than about 17L, and described second classification comprises the coffee product of a kind of Hunter color less than about 13L.

16. method as claimed in claim 15, wherein said first category comprise the coffee product of a kind of Hunter color greater than about 18L, and described second classification comprises the coffee product of a kind of Hunter color less than about 11L.

17. a consumer selects the method for one type coffee from multiple choices, described method comprises step:

Ask the information of relevant described consumer's taste preference to described consumer, wherein by the prompting consumer answer be no more than four carry out described information request step for drawing the problem that described taste preference information designs;

The information of the coffee product in the described selected classification of described consumer's explicit identification, thus make this consumer can discern and buy one or more described products.

18. method as claimed in claim 17, at least one in the wherein said problem is with relevant to the taste preference of the Food ﹠ Drink except that coffee.

19. a consumer selects the method for one type coffee from multiple choices, described method comprises step:

Ask relevant described consumer coffee to be baked the information of the preference of feature to described consumer;

Ask the information of relevant described consumer to described consumer to the preference of food flavor concentration;

The information of the coffee product in the described selected classification of described consumer's explicit identification, thus this consumer can be discerned and optionally buy one or more described products; Wherein

20. a consumer selects the method for one type coffee from multiple choices, described method comprises step:

(a) ask relevant described consumer coffee to be baked the information of the preference of feature to described consumer;

(b) ask the information of relevant described consumer to described consumer to the preference of food flavor concentration;

(c) select a kind among at least two kinds of available coffee product classifications, every kind of described classification comprises the coffee product that one or more are different, and wherein every kind of described available classification is corresponding to the taste preference of preset range; And

(d) provide the information of the coffee product of sign in the described selected classification to described consumer, thereby this consumer can be discerned and optionally buy one or more coffee products; Wherein

By using interactive parts to carry out step (a) and (b), described parts make described consumer can indicate described preference on the scale that contains six options at least.

21. method as claimed in claim 20, wherein by using interactive parts to carry out step (a) and (b), described parts make described consumer can indicate described preference on the scale that has 11 options.