EP4346453A1 - Adaptive apparatus for roasting coffee beans - Google Patents

Adaptive apparatus for roasting coffee beans

Info

Publication number
EP4346453A1
EP4346453A1 EP22730475.5A EP22730475A EP4346453A1 EP 4346453 A1 EP4346453 A1 EP 4346453A1 EP 22730475 A EP22730475 A EP 22730475A EP 4346453 A1 EP4346453 A1 EP 4346453A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
roasting
profile
coffee beans
coffee
sub
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP22730475.5A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Grégory SAVIOZ
Rosa BONET
Youcef Ait Bouziad
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Societe des Produits Nestle SA
Nestle SA
Original Assignee
Societe des Produits Nestle SA
Nestle SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Societe des Produits Nestle SA, Nestle SA filed Critical Societe des Produits Nestle SA
Publication of EP4346453A1 publication Critical patent/EP4346453A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23N—MACHINES OR APPARATUS FOR TREATING HARVESTED FRUIT, VEGETABLES OR FLOWER BULBS IN BULK, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; PEELING VEGETABLES OR FRUIT IN BULK; APPARATUS FOR PREPARING ANIMAL FEEDING- STUFFS
    • A23N12/00—Machines for cleaning, blanching, drying or roasting fruits or vegetables, e.g. coffee, cocoa, nuts
    • A23N12/08—Machines for cleaning, blanching, drying or roasting fruits or vegetables, e.g. coffee, cocoa, nuts for drying or roasting
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23F—COFFEE; TEA; THEIR SUBSTITUTES; MANUFACTURE, PREPARATION, OR INFUSION THEREOF
    • A23F5/00—Coffee; Coffee substitutes; Preparations thereof
    • A23F5/04—Methods of roasting coffee
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23N—MACHINES OR APPARATUS FOR TREATING HARVESTED FRUIT, VEGETABLES OR FLOWER BULBS IN BULK, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; PEELING VEGETABLES OR FRUIT IN BULK; APPARATUS FOR PREPARING ANIMAL FEEDING- STUFFS
    • A23N12/00—Machines for cleaning, blanching, drying or roasting fruits or vegetables, e.g. coffee, cocoa, nuts
    • A23N12/08—Machines for cleaning, blanching, drying or roasting fruits or vegetables, e.g. coffee, cocoa, nuts for drying or roasting
    • A23N12/12—Auxiliary devices for roasting machines
    • A23N12/125—Accessories or details

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an apparatus for roasting coffee beans and to an associated method for roasting coffee beans.
  • Coffee beverage preparation is the process of turning coffee beans into a beverage. While the particular steps vary with the type of coffee and with the raw materials, the process includes essential steps such as roasting, grinding and extraction.
  • Roasting coffee beans transforms unroasted coffee beans into roasted coffee beans.
  • the unroasted coffee beans are typically green, partially roasted and/or dried coffee beans, and the roasted coffee beans particularly contribute to the flavor of the coffee beverage, which is prepared from the (grinded) roasted coffee beans. Indeed, a single coffee origin/blend can be roasted in so many different ways that the final taste and sensory information will greatly vary.
  • roasting parameters are not a possibility offered to consumers.
  • this possibility it happens that the preparation time of the roasted coffee beans is too long and also the consumer, when adjusting the parameters for the roasting does not set correct parameters, resulting in a low quality final result, not satisfactory.
  • Mastering coffee roasting requires also to know the product as well as the coffee extraction method behind.
  • the beans must be roasted specifically to best match the desired extraction method for the best in cup quality results.
  • Most popular coffee extraction methods are filter and espresso. Coffee beans may be roasted to best match the espresso or filter extraction methods.
  • Coffee beans are roasted a little longer and a little hotter to best match the espresso extraction method compared to a roasting adapted to best match the filter extraction method in order to increase the body and the acidity of the coffee for example.
  • Most roasters on the market do not link the roasting process to the coffee extraction method and are only able to provide a single coffee extraction method which is adapted to the type of bean.
  • the coffee extraction method recommended for the given product/additional roasting profiles is often either set in the product information or simply neglected.
  • the beans are not roasted specifically to best match the preferred coffee extraction method of the user. For example, a consumer will be forced to roast a certain product for a certain coffee extraction method and at a certain level without possibility of changing it.
  • roasters on the market require the user to master the process and to adapt manually from one roast to the other. It represents a challenge for most consumers which are not coffee experts but who would like to roast coffee beans matching to their preferred coffee extraction method.
  • document WO2015110337 is known in the state of the art, disclosing a roasting method of roasting partially roasted coffee beans comprises obtaining a roast level of the partially roasted coffee beans, determining a roasting profile for roasting based on the roast level of the partially roasted coffee beans prior to roasting; and roasting the partially roasted coffee beans according to the determined roasting profile.
  • this method does not comprise a step for adapting the roasting to a selected coffee extraction method.
  • WO2018007690 disclosing a roasting system which is provided with hoppers, a roasting unit, and a packaging unit.
  • a data gathering device gathers user related data and delivers the data to a controlling computer.
  • the controlling computer receives the user related data for producing personalized roasted coffee, forms of controlling parameters based on the user related data and controls the operations of either one roasting device of roasting system by the controlling parameters to produce personalized coffee. It also discloses a method for producing personalized roasted coffee from coffee beans. However, this document does not disclose an adaptative roasting of coffee beans according to a coffee extraction method.
  • document GB2485073 is known in the state of the art, disclosing an apparatus for roasting coffee beans comprising process profiles comprising variation in the rate at which hot air is to be driven into the chamber over time.
  • the roasting profile is not used to adapt the roasting process according to a coffee extraction method.
  • an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method which overcome the afore-mentioned drawbacks. That is, it is in particular an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method, which adapt the roasting of coffee beans to best match the preferred coffee extraction method of the user for the best in cup quality results.
  • the main goal of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for roasting coffee beans which can adapt the roasting process according to a selection of a preferred coffee extraction method by the user of the apparatus.
  • the goal of the invention is to provide an apparatus for roasting coffee beans that can adapt the roasting process of the coffee beans according to the coffee extraction method selected by the user.
  • an apparatus for roasting coffee beans that may be green beans and/or partially roasted beans
  • the apparatus comprising a roasting chamber in which coffee beans can be received from a container for roasting, a roasting device for roasting coffee beans received in the chamber, a control unit for controlling the roasting device, a code processing system to read a code of a container comprising an encoded roasting profile for the coffee beans dispensed into the roasting chamber, process the encoded roasting profile to decode and transmit the decoded roasting profile to a control unit of the apparatus.
  • the apparatus further comprises a user interface configured to enable a selection of a coffee extraction method so the coffee beans are roasted accordingly for further extraction.
  • the decoded roasting profile comprises at least two sub-profiles, such that each of the at least two sub-profiles corresponds to one of the coffee extraction methods for the coffee beans.
  • the control unit is further configured to retrieve the sub-profile corresponding to the selected coffee extraction method for the coffee beans from the decoded roasting profile and control the roasting device according to the retrieved sub-profile or the retrieved sub-profile and an additional sub-profile corresponding to the selected coffee extraction method for the coffee beans stored in a memory unit of the apparatus.
  • said retrieved sub-profile comprises at least one parameter that is multiple of a parameter of one other sub-profile of the decoded roasting profile (16).
  • the multiple is a non-integer multiple, such as 1 ,5 or 2,5 or an integer multiple such as 2 or 3.
  • said retrieved and/or additional sub-profile comprises one or a plurality of the following data: coffee beans type, coffee beans origin, batch volume, recommended roasting level or levels methods and additional roasting profiles, such as temperature, time, air flow, fan speed for each of the coffee extraction.
  • the user interface may comprise one or more control elements, in the form of one or more buttons or touch sensitive elements.
  • the user interface is preferably arranged on a front side of the apparatus 1, i.e. a user side of the apparatus 1.
  • the coffee beans are green beans and/or partially roasted beans.
  • the code processing system comprises a code reading device operable to read a code of a container containing the coffee beans dispensed into the roasting chamber to obtain the encoded roasting profile for the coffee beans, a code processing device operatively connected to the code reading device and operable to process the encoded roasting profile provided by the code reading device to decode and an output device operatively connected to the code processing device and operable to transmit the decoded roasting profile to a control unit of the apparatus.
  • the code of the container may be optical such as a barcode, 01 D and/ora QR code, and/or electromagnetical such as RFID tag.
  • the apparatus further comprises a networking subsystem comprising a network interface for communication with an external electronic device over a network, wherein the network interface is for example wireless, a BluetoothTM or a near field communication interface.
  • the external electronic device further comprises an executable computer program.
  • the apparatus is further configured to transmit over the network information comprising the type of coffee beans to be roasted to the external electronic device (13).
  • the apparatus (1) is configured for communicating with a remote resource (14) such as an external server or cloud directly or via the external electronic device (13).
  • a remote resource (14) such as an external server or cloud directly or via the external electronic device (13).
  • a method for roasting coffee beans using an apparatus comprising the following steps: reading a code of a container containing the coffee beans to obtain an encoded roasting profile by a code processing system; receiving coffee beans in a roasting chamber; processing the encoded roasting profile to decode by the code processing system, transmitting the decoded roasting profile to a control unit from the code processing system; enabling the user of the apparatus to select a coffee extraction method from a user interface so the coffee beans are roasted accordingly for the further coffee extraction; transmitting the selection of the coffee extraction method from the user interface to the control unit, wherein the decoded roasting profile comprises at least two sub-profiles, such that each of the at least two sub-profiles corresponds to one of the coffee extraction methods for the coffee beans available to the user via the user interface, the method comprising the following further steps: retrieving the sub- profile corresponding to the selected coffee extraction method from the decoded roasting profile and controlling the roasting device according to the retrieved sub-
  • Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an apparatus and a coffee beans container according to an embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 2 shows a further perspective view of the bottom part of the apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an apparatus in a coffee beans reception position according to an embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an apparatus during the reading of a code of a coffee beans container according to an embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 5 shows a block diagram of different elements of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 6-7 show a decoded roasting profile with at least two sub-profiles for the apparatus of figure 1-5;
  • Figure 8 shows information flow between different elements of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 9 shows information flow between different elements according to an embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 10 showtime-temperature curves for different coffee extraction methods to be used by an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 11 shows a schematic view of the apparatus of figure 1-5, an electronic device and a remote resource.
  • the apparatus 1 is adapted for roasting coffee beans. More specifically, the apparatus 1 is adapted to transform unroasted coffee beans, for example in the form of green, partially roasted and/or dried coffee beans, into roasted coffee beans. More specifically, the roasting of the coffee beans transforms the chemical and physical properties of the unroasted coffee beans in order to produce the characteristic flavor of the roasted coffee beans and, thus, of the coffee beverage, which is prepared from the so roasted coffee beans. That is, the roasting of the coffee beans effects the specific taste of roasted coffee beans, for example, by a Maillard reaction and other chemical reactions.
  • the process of roasting the coffee beans therefore precedes other processes required for preparing the coffee beverage, such as coffee grinding and/or coffee brewing, e.g. coffee extraction.
  • the apparatus 1 which exemplarily shown in figures 1-4, is adapted for small-scale coffee roasting (i.e. on-site coffee roasting) and is thus in particular not a large-scale (industrial) roasting apparatus or machine.
  • the apparatus 1 is thus particularly suitable for being used on the side of the business to business (e.g. a coffee shop) and/or of the business to consumer, which is typically the consumer of the coffee beverage. Therefore, the apparatus 1 is preferably a home appliance apparatus.
  • the apparatus 1 may be used in a household or kitchen, in particular on a tabletop, e.g. next to or (functionally) integrated with a coffee grinder and/or a beverage preparation machine.
  • the apparatus 1 therefore preferably has a size and weight for being transportable by a single person, in particular without the need of a dedicated transport mechanism.
  • Roasting chamber i.
  • the apparatus 1 comprises a roasting chamber 33, in which coffee beans can be received for roasting.
  • the roasting chamber 33 is preferably detachably arranged.
  • the roasting chamber 33 comprises a top opening 12. This top opening 12 is particularly used to introduce coffee beans to be roasted inside the roasting chamber 33.
  • the roasting chamber 33 is configured to receive and hold coffee beans introduced through its top opening 32.
  • the roasting chamber 33 is movable with respect to a movement axis into (at least two, preferably at least three) different positions, wherein these positions comprise (or are, i.e. consist of) a roasting position, preferably a bean reception position, and a bean discharge position.
  • a roasting position preferably a bean reception position
  • a bean discharge position the roasting position
  • the device is arranged to roast the coffee beans received in the roasting chamber 33; in the bean reception position, the chamber is arranged to receive, via the opening, coffee beans for subsequent roasting in the roasting position; in the bean discharge position, the roasting chamber 33 is arranged such that the coffee beans can be discharged via the opening from the roasting chamber 33.
  • a code 5 is provided on a container 6 comprising the coffee beans to be roasted.
  • the container 6 may be a pouch comprising the code 5.
  • the user can dispense coffee beans through the opening 32 into the roasting chamber 33.
  • the container 6 when in pouch form, as shown in figure 1 generally comprises a sheet material formed from various materials, such as metal foil or plastic or a combination thereof.
  • the apparatus 1 makes the roasting of the green beans, partially roasted coffee beans, and then delivers the roasted coffee beans into a beans container (not illustrated).
  • User interface
  • the apparatus 1 comprises a user interface 15, which is preferably functionally connected to the control unit 10.
  • the user interface 15 may comprise one or more (e.g. only two) control elements 16, e.g. in the form of one or more buttons or other touch sensitive elements (touchscreen, etc.), for controlling the apparatus 1.
  • the one or more control elements 16 comprise an element for selection a coffee extraction method (e.g. filter/espresso).
  • the user interface 15 may be mechanical and/or digital.
  • the user interface 15 is configured to enable the selection of the coffee extraction method.
  • the user interface 15 may comprise a selection means for selecting a desired kind of coffee extraction method such as espresso or filter. Thereby, for the coffee beans dispensed into the roasting chamber 33, different extraction methods can be used according to the selection of the user.
  • buttons 1 and 2 An example of the user interface 15 in the form of one or more buttons is shown in figures 1 and 2.
  • the choice can be made possible amongst at least two selectable coffee extraction methods (e.g. espresso, filter) by using a sliding button as illustrated in figure 2.
  • the parameters of the roasting process can eventually be further adjusted via the user interface 15.
  • the user interface 15 may comprise one or more control elements 16 to adjust the parameters.
  • the user of the apparatus 1 can adjust the parameters by pressing button.
  • the one or more control elements 16 may comprise an element for starting the roasting process and for stopping or terminating the roasting process.
  • the control elements 16 may also comprise a control element for powering up (and turning off) the apparatus 1 (e.g. an on/off control element). Stopping of the roasting process may be also automatically carried out by a control unit 10, e.g. after a predetermined (roasting) time has lapsed.
  • the user interface 15, when digital, can provide the name and/or visual properties corresponding to the coffee beans and also the selected coffee extraction method. Different other types of services steps can be triggered from the user interface 15 such as promotions, advertising, automatic re-ordering of the coffee beans.
  • the hardware of the user interface 15 may comprise any suitable device, for example, the hardware comprises one or more of the following : buttons, such as a joystick button, knob or press button, LEDs, graphic or character LDCs, graphical screen with touch sensing and/or screen edge buttons.
  • buttons such as a joystick button, knob or press button, LEDs, graphic or character LDCs, graphical screen with touch sensing and/or screen edge buttons.
  • the user interface 15 can be formed as one unit or plurality of discrete units.
  • the user interface 15 is preferably arranged on a front side of the apparatus 1 as illustrated in figures 1 and 2, i.e. a user side of the apparatus according to a preferred embodiment, as shown in figures 1 and 2, the plurality of selection buttons of the user interface are arranged on a front side of the apparatus 1, i.e. a user side of the apparatus. More preferably, the plurality of selection buttons of the user interface are positioned on the front face according to at least two horizontal lines, the buttons being distributed equally in each horizontal line.
  • the apparatus 1 further comprises a roasting device 34 for roasting the coffee beans dispensed into the roasting chamber 33 according to the roasting instructions received from a control unit 10 of the apparatus 1.
  • Code processing system for roasting the coffee beans dispensed into the roasting chamber 33 according to the roasting instructions received from a control unit 10 of the apparatus 1.
  • the apparatus further comprises a code processing system 20 operable to: read a code 5 of a container 6 comprising coffee beans to obtain a roasting profile, process the encoded roasting profile to decode and transmit a decoded roasting profile 16 to the control unit (10).
  • the code processing system 20 comprises a: code reading device 24; code processing device 26; output device 28, which are described sequentially.
  • the code 5 of the container 6 can encode a roasting profile which comprises information related to the roasting process of the coffee beans in the container 6.
  • the code reading device 24 is able to read the encoded roasting profile from a container 6 comprising coffee beans: these coffee beans can be green or partially roasted.
  • the code reading device 24 is arranged on a side of the apparatus 1, so that the user can approach the apparatus and scan the code 5 of the container 6.
  • the code 5 is preferably arranged on an exterior surface of the container 6 in any suitable position such that it can be processed by the code reading device 24.
  • the code 5 can also be arranged in any exterior surface thereof, e.g. either or both sides of the container 6.
  • the code reading device 24 is operable to read the code 5 of the container 6 comprising coffee beans to obtain an encoded roasting profile and transmit the encoded roasting profile to the code processing device 26.
  • the code reading device 24 may comprise various readers, which are selected in accordance with the particular formation of the code 5 on the container 6 and the reading configuration. For example: for a code 5 that is embossed or engraved as conductive portions on the container 6 the reader may be an inductive sensor; for a code 5 that is printed on the container 6 the reader may be an optical sensor or RFID.
  • the code processing device 26 is operatively connected to the code reading device 24 and is operable to process the encoded roasting profile obtained by the code reading device 24 to decode.
  • the code processing device 26 may comprise a processor such as a microcontroller or an ASIC.
  • the code processing device 26 typically comprises a code processing program, which comprises program code for the processing.
  • the output device 28 is operatively connected to the code processing device 26 and is operable to transmit the decoded roasting profile 16 received from the code processing device 26 to the control unit 10, e.g. by means of a serial interface.
  • the apparatus 1 further comprises a power supply (not illustrated) which is operable to supply electrical energy to the components of the apparatus 1.
  • the power supply may comprise various means, such as a battery or a unit to receive and condition a main electrical supply.
  • the power supply 21 may be operatively linked to part of the user interface 15 for powering on or off the apparatus 1.
  • the decoded roasting profile 16 obtained by the code processing system 20 comprises at least two sub-profiles (Pi, P2, ...), such that each of the at least two sub-profiles (Pi, P2, ...) corresponds to one of the coffee extraction methods (Ei, E2,%) for the coffee beans.
  • Pi may correspond to filter coffee extraction method and P2 to espresso coffee extraction method.
  • Control unit 10 is configured to first identify the type of coffee beans and then determine the roasting process to be applied according to the selected coffee extraction method (E x ) and the decoded roasting profile 16 for the coffee beans.
  • the determination of the roasting process for the coffee beans corresponding to the selected coffee extraction method (E x ) comprises transfer of information between several elements of the apparatus 1.
  • Figure 8 shows the information flow between the different elements of the apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.
  • the code reading device 24 reads the code 5 of the container 6.
  • the encoded code is then decoded by the code processing device 26 and transmitted to the control unit 10 via the output device 28.
  • the user interface 15 transmits the selection of the coffee extraction method to the control unit 10.
  • the control unit 10 retrieves the sub-profile (P x ) corresponding to the selected coffee extraction method (E x ) using the decoded roasting profile 16 and the selected coffee extraction method (E x ).
  • the control unit 10 controls the roasting device 34 according to this retrieved sub-profile (P x ) by transmitting roasting instructions to the roasting device 34.
  • An advantage of using sub-profiles is that the apparatus 1 can adapt the roasting process according to the selected coffee extraction method in a simple way.
  • the control unit 10 comprises a clock for timing of the preparation process (and for execution of roasting instructions).
  • the apparatus 1 further comprises a memory unit 40 for storing additional sub-profiles (Pi, P 2 , ...) for the coffee beans.
  • the memory 40 unit typically comprises: a non-volatile memory e.g. EPFROM, EEPROM or FLASH for program code and operating parameter storage; volatile memory (RAM) for data storage.
  • the memory 40 unit may comprise separate and/or integrated (e.g. on a die of the processor) memory.
  • An advantage is that the control unit 10 can use further information in addition to the decoded roasting profile 16 to control the roasting device 34.
  • Figure 9 shows the information flow between the different elements of the apparatus 1 according to a second embodiment.
  • the code reading device 24 reads the code 5 of the container 6.
  • the encoded code is then decoded by the code processing device 26 and transmitted to the control unit 10 via the output device 28.
  • the user interface 15 transmits the selection of the coffee extraction method and the memory unit 40 transmits the additional sub-profile for the coffee beans corresponding to the selected coffee extraction method (E x ) to the control unit (10).
  • the control unit 10 retrieves the sub-profile (P x ) corresponding to the selected coffee extraction method (E x ) by using the decoded roasting profile 16 received from the code processing system 26 and the selection of the coffee extraction method received from the user interface 15.
  • the control unit 10 controls the roasting device 34 according to this retrieved sub-profile (P x ) and the additional sub-profile stored in the memory unit 40 by transmitting roasting instructions to the roasting device 34.
  • the information required by the control unit for sending appropriate roasting instructions to the roasting device 34 may be encoded on the code 5 but also stored in the memory unit 40.
  • the choice of storing additional information in the memory unit 40 or not depends to the amount of information required for the control unit 10 to control the roasting device 33 and the amount of information that can be encoded on the container 6.
  • the memory unit 40 may for example be used if there is not enough space to encode all the required information on the code 5 of the container 6.
  • Said sub-profiles (Pi, P2, ...) encoded on the code 5 or stored in the memory unit 40 comprises one or a plurality of the following information: coffee beans type, coffee beans origin, batch volume, recommended roasting level or levels methods and additional information, such as temperature, time, air flow, fan speed for each of the coffee extraction method.
  • the multiple may be any suitable integer numerical value, e.g. 2, 3, 4, 5 - 8. Alternatively, the multiple may be a non-integer amount, e.g. 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2.25, 2.25 and so on.
  • the roasting time-temperature curves for each of the sub profiles may be represented as a multiple of each other.
  • the two curves are independent from each other.
  • the second and third examples illustrated in figure 10 show two roasting time-temperature curves, each corresponding to a coffee extraction method.
  • the two curves are dependent to each other such that one is a multiple of the other.
  • control unit may first need to calculate the dependent value by doing the multiplication as explained above before the retrieval of the sub-profile corresponding to the selected coffee extraction method.
  • the decoded roasting profile 16 may also comprise a unique identifier corresponding to the type of coffee beans dispensed into the roasting chamber 33.
  • the unique identifier of the decoded roasting profile 16 can be used for identifying the type of coffee beans by the code reading device 24.
  • the identifier 0 shown in figure 7 is unique to the roasting profile for the coffee beans dispensed into the roasting chamber 33. Hence, the identifier 0 can be used by the control unit 10 to identify the type of the coffee beans dispensed into the roasting chamber 33.
  • Each of the sub-profiles may also comprise a unique identifier corresponding to one of the coffee extraction methods for the coffee beans dispensed into the roasting chamber 33.
  • the unique identifier can be used for identifying in a simple way the correct sub-profile corresponding to the coffee extraction method selected by the user.
  • the identifier 1 shown in figure 7 is unique to the sub-profile corresponding to the coffee extraction method A.
  • the identifier 1 can be used by the control unit for retrieving the appropriate sub-profile corresponding to the selected coffee extraction method.
  • the identifier 2 shown in figure 7 is unique to the sub-profile corresponding to the coffee extraction method B.
  • the identifier 2 can be used by the control unit 10 for retrieving the appropriate sub-profile corresponding to the selected coffee extraction method.
  • the identifiers may be any suitable identifier, e.g. a numeric or alpha numeric identifier. It may also be encrypted by a know ecryption algorithm, e.g. RSA, AES or otherwise.
  • the identifier may comprise a digital signature made by a private key of the coffee beans dispensed into the roasting chamber 33 or other suitable means for identifying the coffee beans.
  • the apparatus 1 further comprises a networking subsystem, operatively connected to the control unit 10, for communication with an external electronic device 13 over a network as shown in figure 11.
  • the networking subsystem may comprise a network interface for communicating with the external electronic device 13. The communication between the apparatus 1 and external electronic device 13 can be done through the networking subsystem.
  • the network interface of the networking subsystem is configured to communicate with an external electronic device 13 over a network.
  • the network interface is for data transfer, preferably bi-directional data transfer.
  • the network interface preferably may comprise a wireless interface which is generally operable to transmit and receive wireless signals by a radio; optional further wireless interface is a Bluetooth or near field interface such that the apparatus 1 is operable to communicate only in local proximity with an external electronic device 13.
  • a wireless interface which is generally operable to transmit and receive wireless signals by a radio
  • optional further wireless interface is a Bluetooth or near field interface such that the apparatus 1 is operable to communicate only in local proximity with an external electronic device 13.
  • An advantage is that the resources of a user’s home network, e.g. a Lan connection, are not utilized.
  • the network interface may comprise a wired interface.
  • the external electronic device 13 may comprise (or can be included in) at least one selected from a group consisting of: a smartphone, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a cellular telephone or a tablet computer.
  • the external electronic device 13 preferably comprises an executable computer program configured (e.g. comprising program instructions).
  • the computer program may as part of its execution be configured to automatically obtain a network connection between the external electronic device 13 and the networking subsystem of the apparatus 1.
  • the apparatus 1 may as well be configured for communicating with a remote resource 14, either indirectly, i.e. via the external electronic device 13 or directly, i.e. by means of a wired or wireless connection of the networking subsystem of the apparatus 1 with the remote resource 14. i8
  • the executable computer program may be configured to obtain information from a remote resource 14 via a network.
  • the communication between the computer program of the external electronic device 13 and the remote resource 14 may be a wireless network such as a cellular network (e.g. UMTS, LTE, etc.) or a WLAN connection.
  • the remote resource 14 is a server system (e.g. embodied as hardware and/or software), a peer to peer network or other distributed system.
  • the remote resource 14 is arranged at a different location to the apparatus 1. Communication may for example be over the cellular network and/or the internet.
  • the direction of the transfer of the information may also be from the control unit 10 to the external electronic device 13.
  • the information transmitted from the control unit to the external electronic device 13 may comprise information related to the type of coffee beans to be roasted.
  • the external electronic device 13 may then transmit this information to the remote resource 14 through the computer program 17 where usage reports can be created and/or updated.
  • the computer program can request authentication of user credentials, e.g. via the transmission of the credentials to the remote resource 14 and authentication thereon.
  • There credentials may comprise a user account identifier and/or password.
  • the identifier may comprise a digital signature made by a private key of the external electronic device 13 or other suitable means for authentication of the external electronic device 13 by the remote resource 14.

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  • Tea And Coffee (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for roasting coffee beans comprising:a roasting chamber (33) in which coffee beans can be received from a coffee beans container (5), a roasting device (34) for roasting the coffee beans received in the roasting chamber (33),a control unit (10) for controlling the roasting device (34), a code processing system (20) operable to: read a code of the coffee beans container (5) comprising an encoded roasting profile for the coffee beans, process the encoded roasting profile to decode and transmit the decoded roasting profile (16) to the control unit (10) and a user interface (15) configured to enable a selection of a coffee extraction method and transmit the selected coffee extraction method to the control unit (10) so the received coffee beans are roasted accordingly for the further coffee extraction.The decoded roasting profile (16) comprises at least two sub-profiles, such that each of the at least two sub-profiles corresponds to one of the coffee extraction methods for the coffee beans, the control unit (10) is configured to: retrieve the sub-profile corresponding to the selected coffee extraction method for the coffee beans from the decoded roasting profile (16) andcontrol the roasting device according to: the retrieved sub-profile or the retrieved sub-profile and an additional sub-profile stored in a memory unit (40) of the apparatus (1) corresponding to the selected coffee extraction method for the coffee beans.

Description

Adaptive apparatus for roasting coffee beans
1. Field of the invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus for roasting coffee beans and to an associated method for roasting coffee beans.
2. Technical background
Coffee beverage preparation is the process of turning coffee beans into a beverage. While the particular steps vary with the type of coffee and with the raw materials, the process includes essential steps such as roasting, grinding and extraction.
Roasting coffee beans transforms unroasted coffee beans into roasted coffee beans. The unroasted coffee beans are typically green, partially roasted and/or dried coffee beans, and the roasted coffee beans particularly contribute to the flavor of the coffee beverage, which is prepared from the (grinded) roasted coffee beans. Indeed, a single coffee origin/blend can be roasted in so many different ways that the final taste and sensory information will greatly vary.
Currently available home roasters usually pre-set the parameters of the roasting, therefore adjusting roasting parameters is not a possibility offered to consumers. When this possibility is offered, it happens that the preparation time of the roasted coffee beans is too long and also the consumer, when adjusting the parameters for the roasting does not set correct parameters, resulting in a low quality final result, not satisfactory.
Mastering coffee roasting requires also to know the product as well as the coffee extraction method behind. The beans must be roasted specifically to best match the desired extraction method for the best in cup quality results. Most popular coffee extraction methods are filter and espresso. Coffee beans may be roasted to best match the espresso or filter extraction methods.
The same coffee can taste very different with small changes in the roasting process. Processing parameters used in the roasting differs depending to the extraction method for the same type of coffee bean. Coffee beans are roasted a little longer and a little hotter to best match the espresso extraction method compared to a roasting adapted to best match the filter extraction method in order to increase the body and the acidity of the coffee for example. For roasters, it becomes more and more important to be able to adapt the roasting process to the user preferences, especially to best match the preferred coffee extraction method of the user. Most roasters on the market do not link the roasting process to the coffee extraction method and are only able to provide a single coffee extraction method which is adapted to the type of bean. Also, the coffee extraction method recommended for the given product/additional roasting profiles is often either set in the product information or simply neglected. In that case, the beans are not roasted specifically to best match the preferred coffee extraction method of the user. For example, a consumer will be forced to roast a certain product for a certain coffee extraction method and at a certain level without possibility of changing it.
Other roasters on the market require the user to master the process and to adapt manually from one roast to the other. It represents a challenge for most consumers which are not coffee experts but who would like to roast coffee beans matching to their preferred coffee extraction method.
For example, document WO2015110337 is known in the state of the art, disclosing a roasting method of roasting partially roasted coffee beans comprises obtaining a roast level of the partially roasted coffee beans, determining a roasting profile for roasting based on the roast level of the partially roasted coffee beans prior to roasting; and roasting the partially roasted coffee beans according to the determined roasting profile. However, this method does not comprise a step for adapting the roasting to a selected coffee extraction method.
Another example in the prior art is document WO2018007690 disclosing a roasting system which is provided with hoppers, a roasting unit, and a packaging unit. A data gathering device gathers user related data and delivers the data to a controlling computer. The controlling computer receives the user related data for producing personalized roasted coffee, forms of controlling parameters based on the user related data and controls the operations of either one roasting device of roasting system by the controlling parameters to produce personalized coffee. It also discloses a method for producing personalized roasted coffee from coffee beans. However, this document does not disclose an adaptative roasting of coffee beans according to a coffee extraction method.
For example, document GB2485073 is known in the state of the art, disclosing an apparatus for roasting coffee beans comprising process profiles comprising variation in the rate at which hot air is to be driven into the chamber over time. However, in this document, the roasting profile is not used to adapt the roasting process according to a coffee extraction method.
Another example in the prior art is document US2008089986 disclosing a coffee roaster wherein a bar code scanner is electronically coupled to the control unit to thereby deliver bar code information from bean packing materials to the coffee roaster, and wherein the control unit is further configured to adjust roasting parameters according to the bar code information. However, this document does not disclose any link between the coffee extraction method and the roasting process.
It would be advantageous to provide such an apparatus for roasting coffee beans that can adapt itself to different coffee extraction methods.
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method which overcome the afore-mentioned drawbacks. That is, it is in particular an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method, which adapt the roasting of coffee beans to best match the preferred coffee extraction method of the user for the best in cup quality results.
The main goal of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for roasting coffee beans which can adapt the roasting process according to a selection of a preferred coffee extraction method by the user of the apparatus. The goal of the invention, as it will be explained in more details in what follows, is to provide an apparatus for roasting coffee beans that can adapt the roasting process of the coffee beans according to the coffee extraction method selected by the user.
These and other objects which become apparent upon reading the following description, are solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims refer to preferred embodiments of the invention.
3. Summary of the invention
These aims and other advantages are achieved by an apparatus for roasting coffee beans that may be green beans and/or partially roasted beans, the apparatus comprising a roasting chamber in which coffee beans can be received from a container for roasting, a roasting device for roasting coffee beans received in the chamber, a control unit for controlling the roasting device, a code processing system to read a code of a container comprising an encoded roasting profile for the coffee beans dispensed into the roasting chamber, process the encoded roasting profile to decode and transmit the decoded roasting profile to a control unit of the apparatus. The apparatus further comprises a user interface configured to enable a selection of a coffee extraction method so the coffee beans are roasted accordingly for further extraction. The decoded roasting profile comprises at least two sub-profiles, such that each of the at least two sub-profiles corresponds to one of the coffee extraction methods for the coffee beans. The control unit is further configured to retrieve the sub-profile corresponding to the selected coffee extraction method for the coffee beans from the decoded roasting profile and control the roasting device according to the retrieved sub-profile or the retrieved sub-profile and an additional sub-profile corresponding to the selected coffee extraction method for the coffee beans stored in a memory unit of the apparatus.
In embodiments, said retrieved sub-profile comprises at least one parameter that is multiple of a parameter of one other sub-profile of the decoded roasting profile (16). Preferably, the multiple is a non-integer multiple, such as 1 ,5 or 2,5 or an integer multiple such as 2 or 3.
In embodiments, said retrieved and/or additional sub-profile comprises one or a plurality of the following data: coffee beans type, coffee beans origin, batch volume, recommended roasting level or levels methods and additional roasting profiles, such as temperature, time, air flow, fan speed for each of the coffee extraction.
In embodiments, the user interface may comprise one or more control elements, in the form of one or more buttons or touch sensitive elements.
Preferably, the user interface is preferably arranged on a front side of the apparatus 1, i.e. a user side of the apparatus 1. In embodiments, the coffee beans are green beans and/or partially roasted beans.
Preferably, the code processing system comprises a code reading device operable to read a code of a container containing the coffee beans dispensed into the roasting chamber to obtain the encoded roasting profile for the coffee beans, a code processing device operatively connected to the code reading device and operable to process the encoded roasting profile provided by the code reading device to decode and an output device operatively connected to the code processing device and operable to transmit the decoded roasting profile to a control unit of the apparatus.
Preferably, the code of the container may be optical such as a barcode, 01 D and/ora QR code, and/or electromagnetical such as RFID tag. In embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a networking subsystem comprising a network interface for communication with an external electronic device over a network, wherein the network interface is for example wireless, a BluetoothTM or a near field communication interface.
Preferably, the external electronic device further comprises an executable computer program. In embodiments, the apparatus is further configured to transmit over the network information comprising the type of coffee beans to be roasted to the external electronic device (13).
Alternatively, the apparatus (1) is configured for communicating with a remote resource (14) such as an external server or cloud directly or via the external electronic device (13).
These aims and other advantages are also achieved by a method for roasting coffee beans using an apparatus as the one described, the method comprising the following steps: reading a code of a container containing the coffee beans to obtain an encoded roasting profile by a code processing system; receiving coffee beans in a roasting chamber; processing the encoded roasting profile to decode by the code processing system, transmitting the decoded roasting profile to a control unit from the code processing system; enabling the user of the apparatus to select a coffee extraction method from a user interface so the coffee beans are roasted accordingly for the further coffee extraction; transmitting the selection of the coffee extraction method from the user interface to the control unit, wherein the decoded roasting profile comprises at least two sub-profiles, such that each of the at least two sub-profiles corresponds to one of the coffee extraction methods for the coffee beans available to the user via the user interface, the method comprising the following further steps: retrieving the sub- profile corresponding to the selected coffee extraction method from the decoded roasting profile and controlling the roasting device according to the retrieved sub-profile or the retrieved sub-profile and an additional sub-profile for the coffee beans corresponding to the selected coffee extraction method stored in a memory unit of the apparatus. 4. Brief description of the drawings
For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an apparatus and a coffee beans container according to an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 shows a further perspective view of the bottom part of the apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an apparatus in a coffee beans reception position according to an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an apparatus during the reading of a code of a coffee beans container according to an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 5 shows a block diagram of different elements of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 6-7 show a decoded roasting profile with at least two sub-profiles for the apparatus of figure 1-5;
Figure 8 shows information flow between different elements of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 9 shows information flow between different elements according to an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 10 showtime-temperature curves for different coffee extraction methods to be used by an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 11 shows a schematic view of the apparatus of figure 1-5, an electronic device and a remote resource.
5. Detailed description of exemplary embodiments
As illustrated in figures 1-4, a preferred embodiment of an apparatus 1 is exemplarily shown The apparatus 1 is adapted for roasting coffee beans. More specifically, the apparatus 1 is adapted to transform unroasted coffee beans, for example in the form of green, partially roasted and/or dried coffee beans, into roasted coffee beans. More specifically, the roasting of the coffee beans transforms the chemical and physical properties of the unroasted coffee beans in order to produce the characteristic flavor of the roasted coffee beans and, thus, of the coffee beverage, which is prepared from the so roasted coffee beans. That is, the roasting of the coffee beans effects the specific taste of roasted coffee beans, for example, by a Maillard reaction and other chemical reactions. The process of roasting the coffee beans therefore precedes other processes required for preparing the coffee beverage, such as coffee grinding and/or coffee brewing, e.g. coffee extraction. The apparatus 1 , which exemplarily shown in figures 1-4, is adapted for small-scale coffee roasting (i.e. on-site coffee roasting) and is thus in particular not a large-scale (industrial) roasting apparatus or machine. The apparatus 1 is thus particularly suitable for being used on the side of the business to business (e.g. a coffee shop) and/or of the business to consumer, which is typically the consumer of the coffee beverage. Therefore, the apparatus 1 is preferably a home appliance apparatus. As such, the apparatus 1 may be used in a household or kitchen, in particular on a tabletop, e.g. next to or (functionally) integrated with a coffee grinder and/or a beverage preparation machine. The apparatus 1 therefore preferably has a size and weight for being transportable by a single person, in particular without the need of a dedicated transport mechanism. Roasting chamber
As illustrated in figure 1, the apparatus 1 comprises a roasting chamber 33, in which coffee beans can be received for roasting. The roasting chamber 33 is preferably detachably arranged.
As illustrated in figure 3, the roasting chamber 33 comprises a top opening 12. This top opening 12 is particularly used to introduce coffee beans to be roasted inside the roasting chamber 33. The roasting chamber 33 is configured to receive and hold coffee beans introduced through its top opening 32.
The roasting chamber 33 is movable with respect to a movement axis into (at least two, preferably at least three) different positions, wherein these positions comprise (or are, i.e. consist of) a roasting position, preferably a bean reception position, and a bean discharge position. In the roasting position, the device is arranged to roast the coffee beans received in the roasting chamber 33; in the bean reception position, the chamber is arranged to receive, via the opening, coffee beans for subsequent roasting in the roasting position; in the bean discharge position, the roasting chamber 33 is arranged such that the coffee beans can be discharged via the opening from the roasting chamber 33.
Code and container
As shown in figure 1 , a code 5 is provided on a container 6 comprising the coffee beans to be roasted. The container 6 may be a pouch comprising the code 5. The user can dispense coffee beans through the opening 32 into the roasting chamber 33. The container 6 when in pouch form, as shown in figure 1 , generally comprises a sheet material formed from various materials, such as metal foil or plastic or a combination thereof.
The apparatus 1 makes the roasting of the green beans, partially roasted coffee beans, and then delivers the roasted coffee beans into a beans container (not illustrated). User interface
Referring to figures 1 and 2, the apparatus 1 comprises a user interface 15, which is preferably functionally connected to the control unit 10. The user interface 15 may comprise one or more (e.g. only two) control elements 16, e.g. in the form of one or more buttons or other touch sensitive elements (touchscreen, etc.), for controlling the apparatus 1. For example, the one or more control elements 16 comprise an element for selection a coffee extraction method (e.g. filter/espresso). The user interface 15 may be mechanical and/or digital.
The user interface 15 is configured to enable the selection of the coffee extraction method. The user interface 15 may comprise a selection means for selecting a desired kind of coffee extraction method such as espresso or filter. Thereby, for the coffee beans dispensed into the roasting chamber 33, different extraction methods can be used according to the selection of the user.
An example of the user interface 15 in the form of one or more buttons is shown in figures 1 and 2. The choice can be made possible amongst at least two selectable coffee extraction methods (e.g. espresso, filter) by using a sliding button as illustrated in figure 2. Furthermore, the parameters of the roasting process can eventually be further adjusted via the user interface 15. As shown in figure 1 , the user interface 15 may comprise one or more control elements 16 to adjust the parameters. The user of the apparatus 1 can adjust the parameters by pressing button.
In a preferred embodiment, the one or more control elements 16 may comprise an element for starting the roasting process and for stopping or terminating the roasting process. lO
The control elements 16 may also comprise a control element for powering up (and turning off) the apparatus 1 (e.g. an on/off control element). Stopping of the roasting process may be also automatically carried out by a control unit 10, e.g. after a predetermined (roasting) time has lapsed. In an alternate example (not illustrated), the user interface 15, when digital, can provide the name and/or visual properties corresponding to the coffee beans and also the selected coffee extraction method. Different other types of services steps can be triggered from the user interface 15 such as promotions, advertising, automatic re-ordering of the coffee beans.
The hardware of the user interface 15 may comprise any suitable device, for example, the hardware comprises one or more of the following : buttons, such as a joystick button, knob or press button, LEDs, graphic or character LDCs, graphical screen with touch sensing and/or screen edge buttons. The user interface 15 can be formed as one unit or plurality of discrete units.
The user interface 15 is preferably arranged on a front side of the apparatus 1 as illustrated in figures 1 and 2, i.e. a user side of the apparatus according to a preferred embodiment, as shown in figures 1 and 2, the plurality of selection buttons of the user interface are arranged on a front side of the apparatus 1, i.e. a user side of the apparatus. More preferably, the plurality of selection buttons of the user interface are positioned on the front face according to at least two horizontal lines, the buttons being distributed equally in each horizontal line. Roasting device
Referring to figure 5, the apparatus 1 further comprises a roasting device 34 for roasting the coffee beans dispensed into the roasting chamber 33 according to the roasting instructions received from a control unit 10 of the apparatus 1. Code processing system
Referring to figure 5, the apparatus further comprises a code processing system 20 operable to: read a code 5 of a container 6 comprising coffee beans to obtain a roasting profile, process the encoded roasting profile to decode and transmit a decoded roasting profile 16 to the control unit (10). The code processing system 20 comprises a: code reading device 24; code processing device 26; output device 28, which are described sequentially.
The code 5 of the container 6 can encode a roasting profile which comprises information related to the roasting process of the coffee beans in the container 6. The code reading device 24 is able to read the encoded roasting profile from a container 6 comprising coffee beans: these coffee beans can be green or partially roasted.
As illustrated in figure 4, the code reading device 24 is arranged on a side of the apparatus 1, so that the user can approach the apparatus and scan the code 5 of the container 6.
As shown in figure 1 , the code 5 is preferably arranged on an exterior surface of the container 6 in any suitable position such that it can be processed by the code reading device 24. The code 5 can also be arranged in any exterior surface thereof, e.g. either or both sides of the container 6.
The code reading device 24 is operable to read the code 5 of the container 6 comprising coffee beans to obtain an encoded roasting profile and transmit the encoded roasting profile to the code processing device 26. The code reading device 24 may comprise various readers, which are selected in accordance with the particular formation of the code 5 on the container 6 and the reading configuration. For example: for a code 5 that is embossed or engraved as conductive portions on the container 6 the reader may be an inductive sensor; for a code 5 that is printed on the container 6 the reader may be an optical sensor or RFID.
The code processing device 26 is operatively connected to the code reading device 24 and is operable to process the encoded roasting profile obtained by the code reading device 24 to decode. The code processing device 26 may comprise a processor such as a microcontroller or an ASIC. The code processing device 26 typically comprises a code processing program, which comprises program code for the processing.
The output device 28 is operatively connected to the code processing device 26 and is operable to transmit the decoded roasting profile 16 received from the code processing device 26 to the control unit 10, e.g. by means of a serial interface.
Power supply
The apparatus 1 further comprises a power supply (not illustrated) which is operable to supply electrical energy to the components of the apparatus 1. The power supply may comprise various means, such as a battery or a unit to receive and condition a main electrical supply. The power supply 21 may be operatively linked to part of the user interface 15 for powering on or off the apparatus 1.
Decoded roasting profile
As illustrated in figure 6, the decoded roasting profile 16 obtained by the code processing system 20 comprises at least two sub-profiles (Pi, P2, ...), such that each of the at least two sub-profiles (Pi, P2, ...) corresponds to one of the coffee extraction methods (Ei, E2,...) for the coffee beans. For example, Pi may correspond to filter coffee extraction method and P2 to espresso coffee extraction method.
Control unit The control unit 10 is configured to first identify the type of coffee beans and then determine the roasting process to be applied according to the selected coffee extraction method (Ex) and the decoded roasting profile 16 for the coffee beans.
According to the first embodiment of the apparatus 1, an example of which is illustrated in the in figure 8, the determination of the roasting process for the coffee beans corresponding to the selected coffee extraction method (Ex) comprises transfer of information between several elements of the apparatus 1.
Figure 8 shows the information flow between the different elements of the apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. As a first step, the code reading device 24 reads the code 5 of the container 6. The encoded code is then decoded by the code processing device 26 and transmitted to the control unit 10 via the output device 28. In parallel, the user interface 15 transmits the selection of the coffee extraction method to the control unit 10.
The control unit 10 retrieves the sub-profile (Px) corresponding to the selected coffee extraction method (Ex) using the decoded roasting profile 16 and the selected coffee extraction method (Ex).
Once the correct sub-profile (Px) is retrieved, the control unit 10 controls the roasting device 34 according to this retrieved sub-profile (Px) by transmitting roasting instructions to the roasting device 34. An advantage of using sub-profiles is that the apparatus 1 can adapt the roasting process according to the selected coffee extraction method in a simple way. Typically, the control unit 10 comprises a clock for timing of the preparation process (and for execution of roasting instructions).
Memory unit
According to a second embodiment of the apparatus 1, an example of which is illustrated in figure 9, the apparatus 1 further comprises a memory unit 40 for storing additional sub-profiles (Pi, P2, ...) for the coffee beans. The memory 40 unit typically comprises: a non-volatile memory e.g. EPFROM, EEPROM or FLASH for program code and operating parameter storage; volatile memory (RAM) for data storage. The memory 40 unit may comprise separate and/or integrated (e.g. on a die of the processor) memory. An advantage is that the control unit 10 can use further information in addition to the decoded roasting profile 16 to control the roasting device 34. Figure 9 shows the information flow between the different elements of the apparatus 1 according to a second embodiment. As a first step, the code reading device 24 reads the code 5 of the container 6. The encoded code is then decoded by the code processing device 26 and transmitted to the control unit 10 via the output device 28. In parallel, the user interface 15 transmits the selection of the coffee extraction method and the memory unit 40 transmits the additional sub-profile for the coffee beans corresponding to the selected coffee extraction method (Ex) to the control unit (10).
The control unit 10 retrieves the sub-profile (Px) corresponding to the selected coffee extraction method (Ex) by using the decoded roasting profile 16 received from the code processing system 26 and the selection of the coffee extraction method received from the user interface 15.
In that particular embodiment, once the correct sub-profile (Px) is retrieved, the control unit 10 controls the roasting device 34 according to this retrieved sub-profile (Px) and the additional sub-profile stored in the memory unit 40 by transmitting roasting instructions to the roasting device 34.
Hence, the information required by the control unit for sending appropriate roasting instructions to the roasting device 34 may be encoded on the code 5 but also stored in the memory unit 40.
The choice of storing additional information in the memory unit 40 or not depends to the amount of information required for the control unit 10 to control the roasting device 33 and the amount of information that can be encoded on the container 6. The memory unit 40 may for example be used if there is not enough space to encode all the required information on the code 5 of the container 6.
Said sub-profiles (Pi, P2, ...) encoded on the code 5 or stored in the memory unit 40 comprises one or a plurality of the following information: coffee beans type, coffee beans origin, batch volume, recommended roasting level or levels methods and additional information, such as temperature, time, air flow, fan speed for each of the coffee extraction method.
Sub-profiles
Referring now to figure 10, each of the sub-profiles may comprise parameters that may be defined as a mathematical function of at least one parameter of at least one other sub-profile for same coffee beans, such as y = /( a.x); “x” may be the parameter of the first coffee extraction method (Ei), “y” may be the parameter of the second coffee extraction (E2) method and a is a multiple. The multiple may be any suitable integer numerical value, e.g. 2, 3, 4, 5 - 8. Alternatively, the multiple may be a non-integer amount, e.g. 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2.25, 2.25 and so on.
For example, as shown in figure 10, the roasting time-temperature curves for each of the sub profiles may be represented as a multiple of each other. In the first example illustrated in figure 6, the two curves are independent from each other. The second and third examples illustrated in figure 10 show two roasting time-temperature curves, each corresponding to a coffee extraction method. In the second and third examples, the two curves are dependent to each other such that one is a multiple of the other.
In that particular embodiment, the control unit may first need to calculate the dependent value by doing the multiplication as explained above before the retrieval of the sub-profile corresponding to the selected coffee extraction method. An advantage of using dependent parameters is to save space on the code so that more information can be encoded on the container.
Unique identifiers
As illustrated in figure 7 , the decoded roasting profile 16 may also comprise a unique identifier corresponding to the type of coffee beans dispensed into the roasting chamber 33. The unique identifier of the decoded roasting profile 16 can be used for identifying the type of coffee beans by the code reading device 24.
The identifier 0 shown in figure 7 is unique to the roasting profile for the coffee beans dispensed into the roasting chamber 33. Hence, the identifier 0 can be used by the control unit 10 to identify the type of the coffee beans dispensed into the roasting chamber 33.
Each of the sub-profiles may also comprise a unique identifier corresponding to one of the coffee extraction methods for the coffee beans dispensed into the roasting chamber 33. The unique identifier can be used for identifying in a simple way the correct sub-profile corresponding to the coffee extraction method selected by the user. The identifier 1 shown in figure 7 is unique to the sub-profile corresponding to the coffee extraction method A. The identifier 1 can be used by the control unit for retrieving the appropriate sub-profile corresponding to the selected coffee extraction method.
The identifier 2 shown in figure 7 is unique to the sub-profile corresponding to the coffee extraction method B. The identifier 2 can be used by the control unit 10 for retrieving the appropriate sub-profile corresponding to the selected coffee extraction method.
The identifiers may be any suitable identifier, e.g. a numeric or alpha numeric identifier. It may also be encrypted by a know ecryption algorithm, e.g. RSA, AES or otherwise. The identifier may comprise a digital signature made by a private key of the coffee beans dispensed into the roasting chamber 33 or other suitable means for identifying the coffee beans. Networking subsystem
According to another embodiment, the apparatus 1 further comprises a networking subsystem, operatively connected to the control unit 10, for communication with an external electronic device 13 over a network as shown in figure 11. The networking subsystem may comprise a network interface for communicating with the external electronic device 13. The communication between the apparatus 1 and external electronic device 13 can be done through the networking subsystem.
The network interface of the networking subsystem is configured to communicate with an external electronic device 13 over a network. The network interface is for data transfer, preferably bi-directional data transfer.
The network interface preferably may comprise a wireless interface which is generally operable to transmit and receive wireless signals by a radio; optional further wireless interface is a Bluetooth or near field interface such that the apparatus 1 is operable to communicate only in local proximity with an external electronic device 13. An advantage is that the resources of a user’s home network, e.g. a Lan connection, are not utilized. Alternatively, the network interface may comprise a wired interface.
For example, the external electronic device 13 may comprise (or can be included in) at least one selected from a group consisting of: a smartphone, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a cellular telephone or a tablet computer.
Computer program
The external electronic device 13 preferably comprises an executable computer program configured (e.g. comprising program instructions). The computer program may as part of its execution be configured to automatically obtain a network connection between the external electronic device 13 and the networking subsystem of the apparatus 1.
As show in figure 11, the apparatus 1 may as well be configured for communicating with a remote resource 14, either indirectly, i.e. via the external electronic device 13 or directly, i.e. by means of a wired or wireless connection of the networking subsystem of the apparatus 1 with the remote resource 14. i8
The executable computer program may be configured to obtain information from a remote resource 14 via a network. The communication between the computer program of the external electronic device 13 and the remote resource 14 may be a wireless network such as a cellular network (e.g. UMTS, LTE, etc.) or a WLAN connection. Typically, the remote resource 14 is a server system (e.g. embodied as hardware and/or software), a peer to peer network or other distributed system. The remote resource 14 is arranged at a different location to the apparatus 1. Communication may for example be over the cellular network and/or the internet.
In an alternate example, the direction of the transfer of the information may also be from the control unit 10 to the external electronic device 13. The information transmitted from the control unit to the external electronic device 13 may comprise information related to the type of coffee beans to be roasted. The external electronic device 13 may then transmit this information to the remote resource 14 through the computer program 17 where usage reports can be created and/or updated. Alternatively, the computer program can request authentication of user credentials, e.g. via the transmission of the credentials to the remote resource 14 and authentication thereon. There credentials may comprise a user account identifier and/or password. The identifier may comprise a digital signature made by a private key of the external electronic device 13 or other suitable means for authentication of the external electronic device 13 by the remote resource 14.

Claims

Claims
1. An apparatus (1) for roasting coffee beans, the apparatus (1) comprising: a roasting chamber (33) in which coffee beans can be received from a coffee beans container (5), a roasting device (34) for roasting the coffee beans received in the roasting chamber (33), a control unit (10) for controlling the roasting device (34), a code processing system (20) operable to:
- read a code of the coffee beans container (5) comprising an encoded roasting profile for the coffee beans,
- process the encoded roasting profile to decode and
- transmit the decoded roasting profile (16) to the control unit (10), a user interface (15) configured to enable a selection of a coffee extraction method and transmit the selected coffee extraction method to the control unit (10) so the coffee beans are roasted accordingly for the further coffee extraction, characterised in that the decoded roasting profile (16) comprises at least two sub profiles, such that each of the at least two sub-profiles corresponds to one of the coffee extraction methods for the coffee beans, the control unit (10) is further configured to:
- retrieve the sub-profile corresponding to the selected coffee extraction method for the coffee beans from the decoded roasting profile (16) and
- control the roasting device according to: the retrieved sub-profile or the retrieved sub-profile and an additional sub-profile corresponding to the selected coffee extraction method for the coffee beans stored in a memory unit (40) of the apparatus (1).
2. An apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said retrieved sub profile comprises at least one parameter that is multiple of a parameter of one other sub-profile of the decoded roasting profile (16).
3. An apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said multiple is a non integer multiple, such as 1.5 or 2.5 or an integer multiple, such as 2 or 3.
4. An apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said retrieved and/or stored sub-profile comprise one or a plurality of the following data: coffee beans type, coffee beans origin, batch volume, recommended roasting level or levels methods and additional roasting profiles, such as temperature, time, air flow, fan speed for each of the coffee extraction.
5. An apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the user interface (15) may comprise one or more control elements (16), in the form of one or more buttons or touch sensitive elements.
6. An apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the one or more control elements (16) comprise an element for selection of a coffee extraction method.
7. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the user interface (15) is preferably arranged on a front side of the apparatus 1, i.e. a user side of the apparatus (1).
8. An apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the coffee beans are green beans and/or partially roasted beans.
9. An apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the code processing system (20) comprises:
- a code reading device (24) operable to read a code (5) of a container (6) containing the coffee beans dispensed into the roasting chamber (33) to obtain the encoded roasting profile for the coffee beans,
- a code processing device (26) operatively connected to the code reading device (24) and operable to process the encoded roasting profile provided by the code reading device (24) to decode and
- an output device (28) operatively connected to the code processing device (26) and operable to output the decoded roasting profile (16) to a control unit (10) of the apparatus (1) for example by means of a serial interface.
10. An apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the code (5) of the container (6) may be optical such as a barcode, OID and/or a QR code, and/or electromagnetical such as RFID tag.
11. An apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims wherein it further comprises a networking subsystem comprising a network interface for communication with an external electronic device (13) over a network, wherein the network interface is for example wireless, a BluetoothTM or a near field communication interface.
12. An apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the external electronic device (13) further comprises an executable computer program.
13. An apparatus (1) according to any of claims 11-12, wherein the apparatus (1) is further configured to transmit over the network information comprising the type of the coffee beans to the external electronic device (13).
14. An apparatus (1) according to any of claims 11-13, wherein the apparatus (1) is configured for communicating with a remote resource (14) such as an external server or cloud directly or via the external electronic device (13).
15. A method of roasting coffee beans using an apparatus (1) for roasting coffee beans according to any of the preceding claims, the method comprising the following steps: reading a code (5) of a coffee beans container (6) to obtain an encoded roasting profile by a code processing system (20), receiving coffee beans of the container in a roasting chamber (33), processing the encoded roasting profile to decode by the code processing system
(20), transmitting the decoded roasting profile (16) to a control unit (10) from the code processing system (20), enabling the user of the apparatus (1) to select a coffee extraction method from a user interface (15) so the coffee beans are roasted accordingly for the further coffee extraction, transmitting the selection of the coffee extraction method from the user interface (15) to the control unit (10), characterised in that the decoded roasting profile (16) comprises at least two sub profiles, such that each of the at least two sub-profiles corresponds to one of the coffee extraction methods, the method comprising the following further steps: retrieving the sub-profile corresponding to the selected coffee extraction method from the decoded roasting profile (16) and controlling the roasting device according to:
- the retrieved sub-profile or - the retrieved sub-profile and an additional sub-profile for the coffee beans corresponding to the selected coffee extraction method stored in a memory unit (40) of the apparatus (1).
EP22730475.5A 2021-05-27 2022-05-25 Adaptive apparatus for roasting coffee beans Pending EP4346453A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP21176230 2021-05-27
PCT/EP2022/064155 WO2022248530A1 (en) 2021-05-27 2022-05-25 Adaptive apparatus for roasting coffee beans

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EP4346453A1 true EP4346453A1 (en) 2024-04-10

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EP22730475.5A Pending EP4346453A1 (en) 2021-05-27 2022-05-25 Adaptive apparatus for roasting coffee beans

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Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR100887985B1 (en) 2006-10-13 2009-03-09 송유진 Coffee roaster and its control method
GB2484983A (en) 2010-11-01 2012-05-02 Ikawa Ltd Apparatus for roasting coffee beans
CN105939643B (en) 2014-01-23 2020-02-18 皇家飞利浦有限公司 Method and apparatus for roasting partially roasted coffee beans
FI20165573A7 (en) 2016-07-08 2018-01-09 Oy Gustav Paulig Ab Method and arrangement for producing personalized coffee
PT3897219T (en) * 2018-12-21 2024-08-12 Nestle Sa APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ROASTING COFFEE BEANS

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