JP2003506182A - Methods and systems for using delayed dilution to provide customized beverages on demand - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] An improved system for providing prepared beverages in a wide variety of types and concentrations according to consumer demands. The brewing system is useful for making relatively freshly brewed coffee beverages of a particular type and / or strength selected by the consumer immediately prior to consumption. The system is easy to use and requires very little personal attention. This brewing system is particularly useful for providing coffee in large, commercial or institutional quantities, depending on individual consumer choice. A beverage preparation system that provides selective dilution (based on individual consumer preferences) of the extracted beverage concentrate as soon as the concentrate can be extracted. A system for making and delivering a customized beverage product to a consumer, wherein the system is in communication with a user interface (102), a customized data store (106) and a user interface (102), and is adapted for a user. A customization director (104) including executable instructions for determining a recipe, and a beverage delivery system (109) communicable with the customization director (104) and including executable instructions for providing a customized beverage product. And a system comprising: A method of providing a customized beverage product to an individual, the method comprising: obtaining consumer preference data; determining a consumer beverage formulation corresponding to the consumer preference data; and providing a customized beverage formulation. Providing the corresponding customized beverage to the consumer.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to large quantities of ready-to-drink beverages for consumers (at home or at home), especially freshly prepared coffee and tea, and coffee and tea beverages (latte, cappuccino, Method and system for supplying charity, etc.). The consumer can customize the type of beverage selection and its various characteristics based on his taste preferences, and the full ready-to-drink beverage is provided to the consumer.

More particularly, the present invention is directed to a system for collecting information from a consumer about type, quantity, taste and concentration preferences of the consumer. The information collected is used to customize one or more beverage products tailored to each consumer. Means for customizing the dilution or concentration of the beverage can be linked to this information system and the (eg, prepared) extract / concentrate can be diluted according to the concentration to be customized and adjusted to the consumer's preferred concentration.

Using the “delayed dilution” aspect of the present invention, different types of tea or coffee (roasted) can be used in a brewing system with multiple types of specific types of beverages (eg, coffee and / or multiple selections of tea). Utilizing roasting time, choice of grind, plant and / or bean type) can be tailored to individual taste preferences. The “delayed dilution” aspect can also be used to provide multiple beverage options, which use undiluted concentrates / extracts to mix / dissolve other beverage compounds or flavors. And then by making the tea, cappuccino, latte, etc. with minimal dilution of the final beverage.

By providing a high volume system for containing ready-to-drink beverages and dispensing individual, individually customized beverages in succession, the present invention particularly seeks for a restaurant (especially fast food restaurant) environment, as well as a wide waiting area. It is also desired in a residential and industrial environment with a place (office building, workshop, hospital, etc.).

The present invention is also used in a domestic setting where it is desired to make a number of different types of beverage products to the taste preferences of a number of families. Many of these variations can be made in the early stages of the first half of a cup or multiple cups, so provide each person with a variation of the same type of beverage (eg coffee, tea) immediately when selected. You can

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Much research has been done on the best way to brew beverages such as coffee or tea, and even premium coffee or tea is practically suitable for consumption due to inadequate preparation methods. I know it can be a fake. Beverages, such as coffee or tea, that are of high quality and satisfy the drinker are generally obtained only if they have a good aroma, a delicate flavor, a rich body, and a warmth and stimulating property.

[0007] Many consumers have also come to welcome more options for coffee products (eg different strengths, types, cream strengths, flavors), and coffee options ( It is also important that the range of latte, espresso, cappuccino, etc.) and tea options (regular tea, creamy tea, and green tea) are widespread. However, especially in commercial / industrial settings (eg, restaurants, fast food industries, workplaces, hospitals), difficulties to overcome (eg, space, difficulty, etc.), especially when serving coffee to taste to a wide range of consumers on demand. , Time, and inconvenience).

Furthermore, most individuals' households consist of family members with different taste preferences, and it has traditionally been cumbersome and cumbersome to optimally address individual preferences, and to accommodate different beverages. Many cycles were required and different containers were needed to mix different fractions and types of material. In a domestic environment, it may be desirable to use one (or at least the minimum number) of extracts on a single counter to efficiently meet various taste preferences on demand.

One of the preferred embodiments of the present invention is a coffee beverage. A coffee drink is a water-soluble (and sometimes insoluble) component dissolved in water, which is obtained by roasting and rinsing Rubiaceae beans. There are many varieties of this tree, but the most commercially important is
Caffee arabica and "Caffeea cane"
Fora (Robusta species) ".

Devices for containing beverages such as coffee or tea are typically of the “single station” type. That is, an empty carafe or pot above the heating element at the bottom of a container or brewing funnel containing a metered amount of dry material for making a beverage, such as roasted and ground coffee beans or tea leaves. Put. Hot water is then passed through the material to extract the essential oils, flavors and richness that make up the beverage, and then drained from the funnel opening into the lower pot or carafe. Second
If a pot or carafe beverage is required, the first pot or carafe must be transferred to another heating element or plate.

While such earlier beverage brewers perform well in making relatively small volumes of beverages, restaurants and other commercial or industrial establishments can produce large volumes of prepared beverages, and There is always a need for equipment that can respond instantly to the taste preferences of various consumers. In addition, the device should be easy to use and relatively automatic in operation, requiring less human attention when filling the beverage. Demands in restaurants, establishments, and other commercial establishments are particularly related to appliances for holding cups of coffee that are acceptable to individual consumers, given space, caution, and time constraints.

[0012] In some of the beverage brewing devices currently available, basically hot water is provided momentarily to make a beverage in a short time. Typically, such devices have a container for hot water, which holds a fixed amount of hot water at a predetermined temperature. Inside this vessel is attached a tube for injecting water from another water vessel or a shallow vessel placed above the heated vessel, one end of which extends close to the bottom of the hot water vessel. There is no contact with the bottom. One end of the tube for discharging hot water is inside the hot water container,
It is generally located near the upper release zone. The other end of the discharge tube delivers the hot water carried by the tube to the beverage extract material, creating a beverage concentrate.

To make a beverage with the beverage brewing device as described above, water is poured into a shallow container. Water flows through the water injection tube and accumulates at the bottom of the hot water container due to the temperature difference between the water and the hot water. The hot water replaces water, moves toward the upper part of the hot water container sealed by the lid, and is discharged through the hot water discharge tube. When hot water is supplied into the beverage extract,
Beverage concentrates are made from hot water and beverage extractants (a typical example of a hot water instant beverage extractor is US Pat. No. 3,385,201 by Martin, An.
Son, US Pat. No. 4,920,871, and both Brewer US Pat. No. 5,025,714 and US Pat. No. 5,113,752).

Dilution of the extract / concentrate made is necessary to prevent the extract / concentrate made from becoming too thick and to eliminate further manual dilution steps after making the extract / concentrate. It is said that Dilution of the concentrate made can either be done by feeding water from a shallow container into a preparation funnel and passing it through the ground beans / tea leaves, or between the inner and outer extraction funnels. Achieved by supplying water to the area.

There is a need to provide a device that requires minimal maintenance by employees. A sufficient amount of beverage to meet the customer's requirements, in an appropriate amount that can be replenished in a reasonable amount of time with minimal care by the employee without overproduction.
It is important to provide equipment for making). Moreover, it is preferred that the device be compact.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide a beverage preparation system that allows consumers to customize their favorite beverage type from a virtually limitless number of possible options. The system of the present invention provides an individualized beverage that is served at a desired temperature and is ready to drink.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, a general object of the present invention is an improvement for providing consumers with a wide variety and strength of individually customized, ready-to-drink beverages. To provide a type system.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a variety of prepared beverages, specifically tailored to the desired type, richness, nature and / or strength, according to each consumer's choices made shortly before consumption. It is to provide a preparation system for making relatively large quantities.
The system described above can be easily used by consumers and others (eg restaurant waiters) to obtain personalized beverages. Moreover, this device requires very little personal attention by the device owner / operator to perform maintenance.

A general object of the present invention is to provide a beverage preparation system that utilizes “delayed dilution” of concentrated extracts, which system allows the preparation of extracts and When retained as a dilute extract, the freshly brewed coffee extract is selectively diluted (based on individual consumer choice) (as selected by the consumer). A general object of the present invention is also to utilize undiluted extracts to mix and dissolve other beverage ingredients to produce flavor coffee and tea, cappuccino, latte, creamy coffee and tea, chai tea, green tea, etc. Is to make.

[0020] A general object of the invention is also to provide a delivery system for prepared beverages, whereby the consumer can choose from different categories of beverages and customize the choice according to his preferences. It is to provide a delivery system for a prepared beverage that enables

One aspect of the present invention is a method of providing a personalized beverage product to a consumer. An exemplary method includes obtaining data from a consumer regarding its preferences, determining a beverage formulation corresponding to the consumer preference data, and providing the consumer with a customized beverage product corresponding to the beverage formulation. And providing steps.

Another aspect of the invention is an interactive system for providing consumers with personalized beverage products. In one embodiment, the system comprises a user interface and a customize director in communication with the customized data store, the customize director including executable instructions for determining a tailored formulation for the user. A beverage delivery system in communication with the director includes executable instructions for providing a personalized beverage product.

Yet another aspect is a computer-readable medium that includes instructions for controlling a beverage delivery system to make a personalized beverage product. In one embodiment, the instructions correspond to obtaining consumer preference data, determining a consumer beverage formulation corresponding to the consumer preference data, and consumer beverage formulation. Providing the consumer with a personalized beverage.

Other objects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description. This description is for purposes of illustration only and various ways of carrying out the invention are contemplated. As will be appreciated, the invention is capable of various other obvious aspects without departing from it. Accordingly, the drawings and description are exemplary in nature and not limiting. These and other objects of the invention will be more clearly and fully described in the detailed description below.

The specification concludes with the claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the invention, the content of which will also be understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Think

System 100 includes one or more out-of-home customized beverage delivery systems 502, one or more in-home customized beverage delivery systems 504, and one or more remote beverage programming stations 506. Equipped with. The out-of-home system 502 can be located in a restaurant, work place, convenience store, grocery store, or the like. The remote programming station 506 may be in the same physical location as the home system 504 and the out-of-home system 502, or in other remote physical locations.

The components of the system 100 are connected to the network 507 by the network connector 509. The network connector 509 can be any network connector known in the art, including token ring, Ethernet, telephone line, fiber optic, cellular, coaxial cable, universal serial bus, parallel cable, serial cable, IEEE 1394
Includes, but is not limited to, firewire, bluetooth, infrared (IR), radio frequency (RF), laser, etc., or combinations thereof. The network connector 509 is connected to various components via the network connection device 508. Network connection devices include, but are not limited to, telephone modems, cable modems, DSL modems, peripheral ports (eg serial, parallel, USB, IR), etc., and combinations thereof. Network 507 is a peer
Two peer network, client server network, Internet,
It may be an intranet or a combination thereof.

In one embodiment of the invention, out-of-home system 502 and in-home system 504.
Both include a customization director 104, a beverage delivery system 109, a data display device 510, a data input device 512, a data storage device 106, and a network connection device 508. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the data display device 510 and the data input device 512 may both be the same device (as in the case of a touch screen) or separate devices (eg, keyboard and LCD display screen). Further, the data input device and the display device (512 and 510) are
It will also be appreciated that it may be any such device known or used in the art. The devices include, but are not limited to, devices that operate by sight, sound, magnetism, light, electrical signals, etc., or combinations thereof. The customize director 104 is connected to the network and other components of the system 100 via the network connection device 508. Customized Director 1
04 is also connected to a data input device 512, a data display device 510, a beverage delivery system 109, and a data storage device 106. Data storage device 106 may comprise one or more of the data storage devices commonly known and used in the art. The data storage device 106 can include data such as beverage formulations, user identification, user preferences, and the like.

The remote programming station 506 is a network connection device 508.
The network connection device 508 is connected to the customization director 104, the data display device 510, the data input device 512, and the data storage device 106. The remote programming station 506 may be a stand-alone dedicated computing device such as a workstation. Alternatively, station 506 may be a combination of general purpose computing devices that execute software programs that allow a user to create a personalized beverage formulation and store that information in data storage device 106. Suitable programs are Java (registered trademark), CGI script, HTML, and XTM.
It can be constructed using a programming language such as L or SHTML.

With respect to the system 100 depicted in FIG. 5, it is understood that the design and construction of a system that shares system resources and reduces system component redundancy is within the skill of those in the art. See. In such a system, a single data storage device 106 may be used, for example in the network 507, which storage device may also be physically located in close proximity to the system components at which the user is currently located. You don't have to leave it. Furthermore, in the system 100, all the devices are connected via the network 507 to a single data director 104.
Can be used.

The customizable beverage system 100 is contained within a housing 608. The touch screen display 602 located on the housing 608 serves as both an input device for collecting data from the system user and an output device for displaying information regarding the beverage selection by the user. The touch screen 602 displays a series of graphical user interfaces (GUI) 603, which
It facilitates the collection and display of information between the user and the customized beverage system 100. The information is a card reader 6 that reads the information stored in the identification card 607.
04 can also be used to allow system 100 to collect electronically. For visually impaired system users, or simply to facilitate the exchange of information,
A microphone (606) is used to send a voice (verbal) command to the system 10.
0 can be entered and the speaker 609 can be utilized to convey the selection and other information to the user. The voice command via the microphone 606 is
Customized Director 104 (not shown) using voice recognition software
Translate into a command that can be interpreted by.

With reference to the embodiments described herein, when a user approaches the system 100, a standard welcome GUI 603 is presented. The information displayed on a standard welcome GUI can be a still image, a movie, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment of the invention, a standard welcome GUI 603 displays current news, weather and sports information, as well as information describing the types of customizable beverages that the system 100 can provide. The standard welcome GUI 603 may also display instructions for using the system.

The user then touches the touch screen 60 with the standard welcome GUI 603 displayed.
The system 100 is activated by touching 2 or inserting his or her identification card 607 into the card reader 604 or by verbally saying a session start command picked up by the microphone 606. After starting the system, the system 100
Displays the touch screen display 602 as a standard welcome GUI 603.
To the beverage selection GUI 700.

The beverage selection GUI 700 includes a personalized greeting area 702 in which information about the current user is displayed. This information may include usernames, account information such as balances, beverage selection suggestions based on previous consumption patterns and / or anticipated beverage selection preferences. The beverage selection GUI 700 also includes a separate data display area 704 in which various information that may or may not be associated with the current user can be displayed. For example, the other data display area 704 includes updates to the user's financial portfolio, email account information (ie, new message status, message sender, subject, or full text of message), latest weather information. ,
The main news items, sports scores, etc. can be displayed. The information content displayed may be by the user, or with past and / or current experience with the user (
The selection may be made by the system 100, or a combination of both based on demographic criteria, beverage selection, etc.). Advertising or other advertising information may be displayed in the other data display area 704.

The beverage selection GUI 700 also includes a predetermined beverage selection icon and a label 706 corresponding to a standard beverage formulation. This standard beverage recipe may be displayed to all users regardless of the time of activation, or may be modified by system 100 according to time, season, weather, etc. Alternatively, the predetermined beverage selection icon and label 706 may be, for example, a selection of afternoon beverages that the current user likes.
It may correspond to the beverage formulation currently stored by the user. The stored beverage formulation may be set on a user identification card and accessed from the card, stored on a local data storage device, or set on a remote data storage device accessed by system 100. The beverage selection GUI 700 also displays a customize option icon and a label 708. When the user selects this, the customize GUI 800 is started and displayed.

The beverage customization GUI 800 optionally includes a personalized greeting area 7
02 and / or another data display area 704. Primarily, the beverage customization GUI 800 displays a display 802 of one or more customizable beverage properties. This corresponds to a given beverage characteristic that the system 100 can prepare according to system user-specified preferences. The customizable beverage characterizations 802 convey the total range of possible variations in the characteristics of a given customizable beverage (ie roast shade, beverage strength, beverage temperature, additional flavor, etc.). Includes a scale 804 and a customizable beverage characteristic position marker 805 corresponding to the current level of customizable beverage characteristic on the customizable beverage characteristic scale 804. For touch screens,
The system user touches the portion of the customizable beverage characteristic scale 804 that represents the desired level for a given customizable beverage characteristic. Then, the beverage customize GUI 800 is updated, and the customizable beverage characteristic display 802 displays the customizable beverage characteristic position marker 805 on the corresponding portion of the customizable beverage characteristic scale 804 to reflect the user's preference. When the user has finished formulating the customized beverage, he or she may select the save icon 806 to save the customized beverage formulation or select the dispense icon 808 to cause the system 100 to dispense the beverage. Upon selection of the save icon 806, the system 100 can transfer the programmed beverage formulation to any device capable of storing customized beverage information. Optionally, the user can also select the return icon 810 to return to the previous GUI. The return icon instructs the system to display an earlier GUI, such as the beverage selection GUI 700.

The system 100 can provide both customized and non-customized prescription beverages. Beverage types are indicated by a beverage type display icon 902, which displays information regarding a given beverage selection. If a given beverage type display icon 902 corresponds to a selection of beverages that can be customized, one or more customizable beverage characteristics display 802 is placed in close proximity to allow the user to customize the beverage. In one embodiment of the invention, the customizable beverage characterizations 802 include two or more individual customizable beverage characterizations 908, which include the characteristics of the customizable beverage (ie roast shade, beverage strength, Beverage temperature, additional flavors, etc.). The system 100 also allows the user to select beverages that cannot be customized. When the user selects a desired beverage and the selection of the beverage corresponds to a beverage that can be customized, when the beverage is customized, the supply button 906 can be pressed to supply the beverage.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the invention. Various embodiments thereof are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to corresponding elements throughout.

[0039] The present invention is directed to a system for providing individualized ready-to-drink, prepared beverage product customizations for multiple consumers and a customized, ready-to-drink beverage after consumer input. The method of the present invention comprises three basic steps. That is, the step of collecting from the consumer information about the consumer's wishes about the type and characteristics of the beverage that the consumer desires at the time of consumption, and the system selects the consumer's product selection and extract / concentrate aliquots. Linking to a beverage delivery system comprising, and optionally linking to an area in the beverage delivery system corresponding to one or more aspects of delayed dilution. The system of the present invention can optionally further utilize "delayed dilution" to further enhance the beverage options that can be served on demand to individual consumers based on their individual preferences. .

A. Definitions The terms "prepared beverage product" and "freshly brewed beverage product" as used herein relate to coffee and tea.

As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the terms “extract” and “concentrate” are used interchangeably. Within the context of the present invention, ie, providing individually customized beverages to consumers on demand, either extract or concentrate may be used. The “fresh” extract is certainly within the acceptable range, but not always required.

Additional types of beverage products can be made, but when the “customized on-demand type” aspect of the invention is used (delayed dilution), the extract and concentrate as starting materials. Both can be provided with a customized beverage product for use. The terms "extract", "concentrate", "extract / concentrate" and "concentrate / extract" include "extract", concentrate, "Toddy", exudate and the like.

As used herein, the term “freshly extracted” refers to a beverage concentrate / extract that has been extracted and held for a “holding time” of at least about 5 minutes. This time is
Desirably at least about 15 minutes, and most preferably at least about 30 minutes. Also, this time is within about 48 hours, preferably within about 24 hours,
More preferably within about 12 hours, and most preferably within about 6 hours.

As used herein, “coffee beverage” means cappuccino, espresso, latte,
Flavored coffee drinks, creamy coffee drinks, and other derivatives and / or above
Or a variant coffee-based beverage.

As used herein, “tea beverage” includes tea, green tea, herbal tea, flavor tea, tea, creamy tea, and other tea-based beverages that are derivatives and / or variations of the above.

As used herein, the terms “ready-to-use beverage” and “ready-to-drink beverage” refer to a ready-to-use, consumable form of a beverage product, and its aforementioned derivatives and / or Or used interchangeably to mean a coffee and / or tea based beverage which is a variant. They are made from coffee or tea extracts and can also include a wide variety of formulations, dry mixes, powders, liquids, extracts, concentrates and emulsions.

The temperature at which the extract exits the extractor is above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, preferably above 120 degrees Fahrenheit, more preferably above 150 degrees Fahrenheit, and most preferably above about 170 degrees Fahrenheit. The solid content of the extract is less than about 6%, preferably less than about 5%, more preferably less than about 4%.

[0048]   As used herein, the term "beverage type" means coffee and tea.

The term “classification” as used herein refers to certain properties or attributes of a beverage, such as temperature, concentration, body (full body or light body), roast (color or degree). ), Sourness, sweetness, bitterness, and / or mouthfeel.

The term “species” refers to the country of origin (in a given species or species within a genus (
Cultivation) and / or specific areas (eg, varieties) cultivated are meant to include harvesting and post-harvesting techniques. The roughness of grinding affects not only the degree (amount) of extraction but also its flavor (quality). Coffee beans useful in the present invention can be made from a single bean or a single grade of beans, or can be made from a blend of different types and grades of beans, and can be decaffeinated or not. Alternatively, it may be decaffeinated. These highland beans are commonly referred to as premium coffee. Suitable high-quality coffee with a strong sour taste is "rich", "
There are Arabic and Colombian coffees that are “sour”, “fragrant”, “aromatic” and sometimes “chocolate-flavored”. A typical example of high quality coffee is synonymous with high quality Arabic coffee, often referred to as "mild", as well as Colombia, Mexican, other strict hard bean Costa Rica, Kenya A and Kenya B, strict hard bean Guatemala, etc. Includes wash type mild.

The term “retention period” means the period that begins at the beginning of the preparation of the extract and ends when dispensed to the consumer.

As used herein, the term “comprising” means that various coffees, other ingredients, or steps can be combined and used in the practice of the present invention. Thus, the term "comprising" is intended to encompass the more restrictive terms "consisting essentially of" and "consisting of."

All ratios and percentages herein are by weight unless otherwise specified.

B. Beverage Extract / Concentrate Preparation One particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention involves the use of a prepared coffee extract. Almost universally, the extract is prepared by contacting roast and ground coffee with hot water at a temperature slightly lower than the boiling point to slightly higher than the boiling point for a predetermined preparation period, and the extract (containing solute ) Is separated from the insoluble matter and the resulting beverage is consumed. Any commonly available extract / concentrate can be used in practicing the system of the present invention. In one embodiment, roast and ground coffee is packaged in pods or sachets and inserted into the brewing chamber. An example of this type of pod is the "K-Cup" from Keurig, which is disclosed in US Pat. Nos. 5,325,765 and 5,840,189, which are incorporated herein by reference. ..

Preparation methods are generally classified into the following three categories. (1) Roasted and ground coffee beans, some of which act as filters of their own, are filtered through hot water or under pressure, then filtered through a strainer of metal, paper, or cloth Single-pass leaching, (2) Percolation that reuses the extract that has been passed through one or more cups of ground beans continuously in parallel or countercurrent before the extract is squeezed to the required concentration. Method, (3) mixing a certain amount of coffee with a certain amount of water in a brewing container and immersing it with or without stirring, then filtering with a filter to remove the extract or mechanically It is a batch slurry method of separating into.

The system for delivering the prepared beverage, in particular coffee or tea, was generally of the “single station” type. In this type, an empty carafe or pot is placed on top of a heating part, under a container or brewing funnel containing a weighed, dry beverage making material, for example ground coffee or tea leaves. Hot water is then passed through the ingredients to extract the volatiles, flavors and richness that make up the beverage, and then drained downward through the funnel opening into a pot or carafe. If a second pot or carafe of beverage is required, the first pot or carafe needs to be moved towards a separate heating component or plate. While such conventional beverage brewers work satisfactorily for making relatively small volumes of beverages, restaurants and other commercial and industrial establishments do not require undue human attention during the preparation period. There remains a need for such a device that is easy to use and relatively automatic to produce large volumes of beverages.

A suitable method of making a tea extract useful in the system of the present invention is 198.
Issued June 19, 8 and incorporated herein by reference (Genera
Robbins US Pat. No. 4,757,75 (assigned to Foods, Inc.)
No. 2 is disclosed.

Commonly available extracts / concentrates can be used in the system of the present invention,
A particularly preferred method of providing a prepared beverage is to provide an extract and combine the extract with the "delayed dilution" aspect of the system of the present invention.

While some embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended to limit the invention thereby. Rather, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, all those variations and modifications that are within the scope of the present invention are intended to include the above claims.

C. Delayed Dilution The system of the present invention preferably provides customized beverage beverages based on consumer preferences. This is optionally provided utilizing the delayed dilution of beverage coffee extract.

As used herein, the term “delayed dilution” refers to freshly extracted coffee extract,
Although it refers to a mode of holding for at least about 5 minutes, this time is preferably at least about 15 minutes, more preferably at least about 30 minutes. In a preferred manner, "delayed dilution" also refers to the mode in which the extract is held for up to about 48 hours, preferably up to about 24 hours, more preferably up to about 12 hours, and most preferably up to about 6 hours.

Importantly, according to the main aspect of the preferred embodiment of the invention, shortly before feeding,
It is to recognize that you will be able to choose your favorite beverage type and classification. It does not predetermine properties or densities, as found in many automated systems. According to the "delayed dilution" mode, a minimum number of extraction cycles, preferably 1
In a single cycle, it is possible to make multiple drinks, each with the same drink type individually combined. Furthermore, if desired, these individualized beverages (servin)
gs) can be supplied on demand.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention said dilution ratio is about zero (no dilution).
To a ratio of coffee / water of about 1:15, and upon receipt of consumer selection input for strength, it can be easily changed using currently available methods. The temperature of the dilution water can also be varied to suit the individual consumer's preference for temperature when consumed. That is, there are several methods by which this can be easily achieved, but one preferred method is for hot water (170-200 degrees Fahrenheit) and water (40-Fahrenheit).
There are two dilution lines (80 degrees), the ratio and flow of which are adjusted to dispense coffee individually to each consumer at the preferred temperature.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the weight ratio of water to roast and ground dry coffee beans in the extraction portion is from about 5: 1 to about 24: 1, preferably from about 8: 1 to about 13. : 1. When this amount of water is used for (drip) extraction, a relatively thick (ie concentrated but not bitter) filtered coffee extract is obtained. Generally, the extract will have a soluble solids content of greater than about 1.2% by weight, preferably greater than 1.5%. The relatively concentrated filtered coffee extract is then diluted with a sufficient quantity of filtered water to the desired beverage concentration.

Clearly, this aspect of the system of the present invention yields a final coffee beverage that is more delicious to the consumer by providing many benefits to freshly brewed liquor. For example, delayed filtration of extracted coffee eliminates the need to keep the coffee in a "ready to consume" or "ready to drink" state (eg, diluted at the preferred temperature). In the undiluted state, coffee has less water and degrades more slowly. Further, the need for heating or cooling during the holding period is also minimized.

Moreover, the undiluted extract occupies less space and can be boiled more easily in a given physical form. A further advantage of the smaller space is that the device (station) can be more efficiently sealed against oxygen. Depending on the concentration of the extract, the extract has less oxygen dissolved in the dissolved coffee solids, which will delay the oxidation reaction (less aqueous solution relative to coffee solids).

By using the "delayed dilution" aspect of the present invention, a finished cup of coffee provides many advantages. This ultimately results in less serving of "too old" or "musty" coffee or tea. The rate of chemical changes that occur during the retention period is minimized by delayed dilution. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the prepared extract is at a temperature below 170 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is preferably cooled to below 160 degrees Fahrenheit, more preferably below 140 degrees Fahrenheit, most preferably between 30 degrees Fahrenheit and 50 degrees Fahrenheit and stored refrigerated during the retention period of the extract. Further reduce the changes that occur. To implement this system, heating and warming the hot water requires less energy and space than keeping the prepared hot beverage ready for dispensing. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that cooling and refrigerating the extract further extends the maximum retention time that can maintain the desired flavor attributes.

D. System Interfaces Potential purchase costs, human time investment, and anxiety about negative experiences have led consumers to try and “try and error” in finding the most desirable type of beverage product. Can be unacceptable or unpleasant. Many consumers find the various options available for beverage products
I don't understand how I respond to my own personal taste preferences. This situation is compounded by the fact that literally many options for beverage products may be available for consumption at a given location.

Therefore, one or more beverage products may be statistically more likely to be accepted and enjoyed by one consumer than other available beverage products in terms of taste preferences. It is desirable to provide a method by which the Ideally, such a system would be easy to learn and use.

The method of the invention comprises three basic steps. That is, regarding the type of beverage that the consumer desires at the time of consumption, a step of collecting information about the consumer's desire from the consumer,
And process put the consumer-selected beverage product in water with a step that links the holding area with a certain amount of freshly extracted liquid, in line with the consumer's choice regarding the strength and type of beverage. Linking with the area where the beverage is diluted in proportion to all beverage extracts.

Definitions As used herein, the term “type producing system / device” refers to a device and process that is capable of converting one or more input ingredients into multiple types of beverages. Such systems and devices include means / systems for delayed dilution, means / systems for delayed filtration, means / systems for delayed mixing.

As used herein, the term “customized interface” refers to an unpersonalized that carries information between a consumer and a beverage delivery system (eg, consumer information, customized information, and suggestions regarding customization). Vehicle (vehicle)
). This interface can be implemented in many ways, allowing consumers to access the customized interface from a remote location.

As used herein, the term “beverage delivery system” refers to a station, device, device, instrument, or series thereof linked to a customize interface, optionally a means / system of delayed dilution. Including, "system / device for creating types".

As used herein, the term “customized choice identification” means that the customized interface or beverage delivery system recognizes the consumer and presents the customized beverage to the consumer (in the case of a beverage delivery system). Alternatively, it refers to a process that can order supply (in the case of a customized interface), and means for doing so. Suitable methods for identifying consumers include keypads,
Touch screen, matrix card, retina scanner, thumb fingerprint reader,
Or includes a personal identification number (PIN) that is communicated to the system via a radio frequency identification tag (RFID).

As used herein, the term “consumer identification” means that a customize director or ID device recognizes applicable consumer preferences and accordingly produces and determines a properly customized beverage. Process, and means for doing so. Suitable methods for identifying applicable consumer preferences include keypads, touch screens, matrix cards, retina scanners, thumb fingerprint readers, magnetic card readers, bar codes, or radio frequency identification tags (RFIDs). Such as, but not limited to, a personal identification number (PIN), user name, passcode, etc., that can be communicated to the system via an input device or process such as.

As used herein, the term “consumer” refers to any system user who interacts with a customization director to enter beverage options, customize information, customize suggestions, or receive beverage products. This is a chef, a clerk,
Customers, waiters, waiters, etc. The consumer can access the user interface from a remote location, such as by telephone, internet, wireless connection, etc.

As used herein, the term “beverage formulation” is information that is determined by the Customize Director and may be for an individual consumer or consumer preference (multiple beverage drinkers,
A customized selection that corresponds to the selected product, option, characteristic, or beverage product that the Customized Director has processed in relation to multiple preferences if there is a large order).

As used herein, the term “customized information” is information carried by a customized interface or beverage delivery system that is processed by the customized interface to be relevant to an individual consumer, product, option,
Provides a personal selection of customized information about a property or beverage product.

As used herein, the term “customization proposal” is information that is determined by a customization director and that has been processed by the customization director in relation to an individual consumer or consumer preference, Providing personalized suggestions for options, properties or beverage products. In one embodiment, the customization suggestions are based on past dialogue. In another embodiment, the customization suggestions may include promotional and / or seasonal selections.

The system of the present invention also allows individual consumers to communicate with the system and have the beverage delivery system accept their personalized choices. There are many ways to develop individual systems to achieve this aspect of the invention. The embodiments discussed herein are representative only, and not limiting. Suitable methods for communicating with consumers include, but are not limited to, voice, keyboard, internet, touch screens, and conventional means such as selectors, slide bars, buttons, switches. The system can provide the tastes and needs of consumers by grasping individual consumer preferences through specific key questions, tastings, or direct questions about preferences.

Individual wishes are ever-changing, such as time of day, day of the week, date, season, various occasions, environment, work / entertainment, mood, physical condition, mental state, etc. over time and / or events. Experience can change. Moreover, the hope is an experiment,
Changes based on experience, education, knowledge, lifestyle changes, and age. The customization interface can include such personal or historical information in processing consumer information, and demographic trends, characteristics, and general experience in processing consumer information. Can also be incorporated. In another embodiment, the customization suggestions may include promotional and / or seasonal selections. For example, one can choose to add nutritional supplements to the customized beverage according to his or her age (eg post-menopausal women wishing to add calcium). Beverage delivery systems may have special additives (
Health food stores and health clubs, for example, may want to add new product lines like powdered vitamins and minerals as a sample) to increase retail sales, while health clubs are dehydrated. You may want to provide a post-workout product to support recovery from.

Further, the customize interface continuously incorporates the available data (
Associates) to increase the likelihood of customization and current proposals. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the system of the present invention, this type of information and input is continuously monitored, updated, and refined to change and anticipate options tailored to individual consumers. This aspect of information processing is the global assimilator customization system.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the system uses information about a consumer's taste preferences to suggest a particular retail beverage that the consumer may try. In one version of this aspect, the consumer can use the beverage system to try out different retail brands. Conversely, various retail brands may inform, or otherwise associate with, a particular flavor or beverage delivery system of their choice in the beverage delivery system.

The system of the present invention must have sufficient and appropriate memory capabilities to accommodate both consumers and menu items. This includes product usage, incidence, consumer choice, and response. While there are many ways to develop individual systems to accommodate this aspect of the invention, the embodiments discussed herein are merely representative thereof and not limiting. Suitable embodiments of the memory function of the system of the present invention include a central database, a system database,
Includes but is not limited to portable databases.

The system of the present invention may have a customized interface means for identifying, or recognizing, individual consumers. This allows an individual consumer to go to and return to the physical location of the system (customized interface or beverage delivery system) and to select the desired beverage selection into the system without repeating step-by-step continuous selection programming. It becomes possible to convey. These individual preferences may also include time and location based adjustments determined by past system usage history. While there are many ways to develop an individual system to accommodate this aspect of the invention, the embodiments discussed herein are merely representative thereof and not limiting. Suitable methods for consumer identification include keypads,
Touch screen, matrix card, retina scanner, thumb fingerprint reader,
Alternatively, it includes but is not limited to a personal identification number (PIN) that is communicated to the system via a radio frequency identification tag (RFID). In addition, the system can be pre-programmed, periodically programmed, and / or networked to provide universal recognition of individual consumer identification and associated preferences in all such systems. You may

One aspect of the present invention, represented schematically in FIG. 1, can be seen from a system 100 for providing a customized beverage product to a consumer.
Reference numeral 0 denotes a user interface 102, a customize director 104 in a state in which it can communicate with the user interface 102, a data store 106 in a state in which it can communicate with the customize director 104, and a customize director 104.
A beverage delivery system 109 in communication with the beverage delivery system 109. In another embodiment of the present invention, the system further comprises an identification device 108 in communication with the customization director 104 and a consumer identification means 11.
Equipped with 0.

The customization director 104 includes a set of executable instructions in the form of software, routines, programs, algorithms, code, logic, etc., which facilitate, among other things, formulation decisions for the beverage to be customized.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the customize director 104 is a token ring, Ethernet, telephone modem connection, wireless or microwave connection, parallel cable, serial cable, telephone line, universal serial bus (US).
B), FireWire, Bluetooth, Fiber Optic, Infrared (IR), Radio Frequency (RF), etc., or a combination thereof, and is provided in communication with the data store 106 and the user interface 102. The customize director 104 can be incorporated into the beverage dispenser or, in an alternative embodiment, located or housed in a remote device. Remote devices include other consumer products, personal computers, or external servers located anywhere on the Internet.

In another embodiment of the invention, the user interface 102 is a computer,
It may include personal digital assistants (PDAs), kiosks, and devices with wireless application protocol programs (WAP) such as cell phones, automated computers or PDAs, interactive televisions, or Internet devices. The user interface 102 allows a user to interact with the interactive system 100 and, as will be appreciated, is capable of taking on virtually any infinite number of alternative audio, visual and / or other forms of communication. You can In an exemplary embodiment, the user interface 104 can include a computer system with a CPU, memory, visual display device, and input means. Preferred input means may include a keyboard / keypad, a mouse, or other input means such as an input microphone with a voice recognition input device, a touch screen input device, and / or visual input utilizing a video camera. In the illustrated embodiment, the user interface 104 is a computer connected to the Internet via a communication link 120, such as the Internet Ex from Microsoft.
Net from Prolorer or Netscape Communications
It may include a computer running a web browser, such as ascape Navigator. An example of consumer input provided by the consumer includes the desired temperature of the beverage to be prepared, eg, hot, warm, cold, or in alternative embodiments, this input may require the actual temperature to be input. it can. Other input ranges further include additives such as beverage strength (ie varying degrees of blackness), beverage size (ie container size), cream, sugar, milk, artificial sweeteners, flavors and the like.

Beverage delivery system 109 in this example may be a standard beverage delivery system known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Examples include single pass injection systems, percolation systems, and batch slurry systems. In one embodiment of the present invention, interactive system 100 is incorporated into beverage delivery system 109. In another embodiment, the interactive system 100 is separate from the beverage delivery system 109.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a consumer who desires a customized beverage may identify, such as an identification card, password, or number, including any available identification device or protocol known to those of skill in the art. Means 110 are provided. This identification can be configured by arbitrarily combining a bar code, a radio frequency identification tag, data, a chip, a smart card and the like. Various identification / identification device combinations are known to those of skill in the art and can be used in various embodiments of the present invention.

In another embodiment of the invention, the identification device 108 comprises a bar code scanner.
Various barcode scanners are known to those skilled in the art and include (1) pen-type readers and laser scanners, (2) CCD readers, (3) camera-based readers. A pen-type reader includes a light source and a photodiode arranged side by side at the tip of a pen or wand. To read the bar code, the user moves the tip of the pen across the bar. The photodiode then measures the intensity of the light reflected from the light source and produces a waveform that is used to measure the width of the bars and spaces in the barcode. Since the black bars in the barcode absorb light and the white spaces reflect light, the voltage waveform generated by the photodiode is an exact copy of the bar and space pattern in the barcode. This waveform is decoded by the scanner. A laser scanner operates in the same manner as a pen-type reader, but differs from the pen-type in that it uses a laser beam as a light source, and typically uses a reciprocating motion to scan the laser beam in the lateral direction of a barcode. A mirror or a rotating prism is used. Similar to a pen-type reader, a photodiode is used to measure the intensity of light reflected from the barcode. In both pen and laser scanners, the light emitted by the reader is tuned to a specific frequency and the photodiode is designed to detect only this same frequency light. Pen-type readers and laser scanners can be purchased with different resolutions to read barcodes of different sizes. The resolution of the scanner is measured by the dot size of the light emitted by the reader. CCD (charge coupled device) readers use an array of hundreds of tiny photosensors lined up at the tip of the reader. Each sensor can be thought of as a single photodiode that measures the intensity of the light immediately in front of it. The individual photosensors in the CCD reader are very small, and by arranging hundreds of sensors in a row, by continuously measuring the voltage across each sensor in a row, the same voltage as the bar code pattern is measured. The pattern is generated in the reader. The main difference between a CCD reader and a pen or laser scanner is that the CCD reader measures the ambient light emitted by the bar code, whereas the pen or laser scanner emits reflected light of a particular frequency emitted by the scanner itself. Is the point to measure. The latest type of bar code reader available today is a camera-based reader that uses a small video camera to capture the bar code image. The reader then uses precision digital image processing techniques to decode the barcode. Video cameras use the same CCD technology as CCD bar code readers, but instead of having a single row of sensors, they have hundreds of rows of sensors arranged in a two-dimensional array so that they can produce an image. .

In another embodiment of the invention, the identification device 108 comprises a radio frequency scanning device. Radio frequency identification (RFID) uses radio frequency communication to
Alternatively, animals are automatically identified, tracked, and managed. A low frequency, passive, magnetically coupled RFID system consists of two parts: a reader and a tag. Tags are typically attached to objects or animals that require a unique identification number. The tag contains the electronic circuit (transponder) and the tuned antenna capacitor circuit. Tags are small, precise wireless transmitters and receivers. These are powered by the RF electromagnetic field generated by the reader. When energized, the tag continuously transmits its data by attenuating the incoming RF field. The RFID reader has three main functions: energization, demodulation, and decoding. The reader uses a tuned antenna capacitor circuit to emit a low frequency radio field. This is used to power the tag. The information transmitted by the tag must be demodulated. The encoded information is decoded by the microcontroller mounted on the reader. This information can then be used by the control processor. Antennas, whether readers or tags, can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The small size of the tags allows them to be shaped to fit almost any situation. Since no contact or display is required, the RFID system allows the tag to be moved and placed very freely, and the reader is less of a concern.

In one embodiment of the present invention, an administrative user may utilize the administrative interface 130 to access the customize director 104 and the data store 106 to utilize, analyze, and customize the customized data and consumer feedback data.
Alternatively, it may be applied in other ways to develop or improve a company's product and also to develop or improve the components of a beverage preparation system. These consumer insights also provide very valuable information for future product and system research, development, marketing, and improvement. It can also be envisaged that the enterprise will make the results of its interactive data store and the analysis of that data available to others. This requires allowing others to access the data via the Internet, printed reports, interactive software on computers, periodic data subscription services, and so on.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the system further comprises a retail interface 18
Equipped with 0. The retail interface is with the Customize Director 104
It can be adapted to communicate purchasing data and consumer data. For example, a consumer may purchase a beverage at a cashier checkout, but the beverage system may not be directly accessible from the checkout. The retail interface 180 sends data to the customize director 104, which interacts with the buyer to make the beverage. In another embodiment, the retail interface 180 communicates with the customization director 104 to ensure that the consumer is entitled to the beverage product. For example, a consumer may purchase a beverage from a remote location and enter a special access code at the user interface, which provides the beverage to the consumer.

There are several ways to determine the formulation of the relevant customized preparation of a beverage delivery system. In one embodiment, the consumer is instructed to enter data regarding the consumer's preferences through the user interface. This data can then be stored for later use in the beverage delivery system. In one example, consumer preference data entered through a user interface or retrieved from a data store can be matched to one or more decision trees. A decision tree typically comprises a set of responses / features / categories against which data about consumer preferences can be compared. For example, a decision tree can include any combination of data about possible consumer preferences. The preference data is then compared to the decision tree for a matching branch, which in turn provides the instructions to execute as a result of the matching. Such a decision tree preferably contains a possible combination of consumer preference data designed according to the intended application of the system so that the optimized and appropriate operation of the customized beverage to be dispensed. Conditions can be established. The decision tree is preferably transformed into a mathematical algorithm that electronically processes the decision tree comparisons or “decisions” to quickly find the optimal, optimized beverage formulation for the beverage delivery system. It is preferable.

In order to update the optimization process to allow for proper modification or “morphing”, one embodiment of the present invention comprises a decision tree or algorithm for customize director 104 that is updated by neural network 111. .. In the example of customized beverage delivery, the neural network 111
Is a mathematical algorithm or dialog script to access various applicable consumer preferences retrieved from the data store, and feedback data to facilitate or optimize the decision-making process that determines the formulation of the beverage to be customized. To determine if any changes are required. Neural networks, for example, provide user input, such as feedback, to artificial intelligence or "smart".
By incorporating in a decision making process similar to logic, the decision making algorithm can be continuously updated. Haykin, S .; By "Neural
Networks: A Comprehensive Foundation "
1994, NY: Macmillan, p. According to 2, a neural network is a widely distributed parallel processor with the essential property of storing empirical knowledge and making it available for use. Neural networks are similar to the brain in two ways. (1) This network acquires knowledge through the learning process. (2) Memorize knowledge using the strength of interneuron connections known as synaptic weights. The neural network analyzes the data store 106 for trends, feedback data, consumer preference data, and other data to develop and refine decision-making algorithms. In one embodiment, the neural network automatically modifies the customization tree's decision tree or algorithm based on increasing consumer preference data and user feedback data. A description of an example of such a suitable neural network is given in R. August 19, 1999.
obert P. Shown in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60 / 149,857, filed under the name Piotroski et al. This application is incorporated herein by reference.

Another embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 2 includes a method of providing a customized beverage product to a customer. The method comprises the steps of obtaining consumer preference data corresponding to a customer (step 200) and determining a consumer beverage formulation corresponding to the consumer preference data (step 204). Providing the consumer with a customized beverage that corresponds to the beverage formulation for the consumer (step 206).

The system of the present invention also allows individual customers to communicate with the beverage delivery system and have the beverage delivery system accept their personalized choices.
While there are many ways to develop an individual system to achieve this aspect of the invention, the embodiments discussed herein are merely representative and not limiting. Suitable schemes for communicating with consumers include, but are not limited to, voice, keyboard, internet, touch screens, and conventional means such as selectors, slide bars, buttons, and switches. The system can provide consumers with tastes and needs by understanding the individual consumer's wishes through specific key questions, tastings, or direct taste questions. Customer preferences are constantly changing, such as time of day, day of the week, date, season, various occasions, environment, work /
It may change over time and / or events and experiences, such as entertainment, mood, physical condition, and mental state. The customer's wishes are also about experimentation, experience, education, mood,
Changes based on health status, knowledge, lifestyle changes, and age.
The customization interface may include personal or historical information such as those described above when processing consumer information, and may also include demographic trends and nature and general information when processing consumer information. You can also incorporate experience. In addition, the customization interface can continually incorporate available data to increase customization possibilities and current offers. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the system of the present invention, this type of information and input is continuously monitored, updated, and refined to change or anticipate options tailored to individual consumers. This aspect of information processing can be accomplished by neural networks or other techniques known to those skilled in the art.

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of an example client / server network 300 that may be used to implement an embodiment of the present invention. As will be readily appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, a client / server network is just one type of network and various other configurations, such as peer-to-peer connections, are also available. Conceivable. In a client / server network, multiple nodes are interconnected so that the various nodes send and / or receive information from each other.
Or receive. As shown, the server node 302 is a token ring, Ethernet (registered trademark), telephone modem connection, wireless or microwave connection, parallel cable, serial cable, telephone line, universal serial bus (USB).
, FireWire, Bluetooth, Optical Fiber, Infrared (IR), Radio Frequency (RF), or other wireless communication, etc., or a combination thereof, etc. 3
16 are used to interconnect multiple client nodes 314.

Computer readable media, shown as CD ROM (318) in the figure, holds computer readable information such as programs, data, logic, files, and the like. As will be readily understood, computer readable media can take various forms, including magnetic storage devices (hard disk drives, floppy diskettes, etc.), optical storage devices (laser disks, compact discs). , DVD, etc., electronic storage devices (random access memory (RAM),
Read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), etc. are included.

One embodiment of the present invention includes a method of providing a customized beverage product to a consumer. An exemplary embodiment is shown in the flow chart of FIG. In this example, the consumer has already registered with the beverage system and an RFID key tag has been issued to use the system. The consumer swipes the RFID key tag through the ID device area of the system (step 400). The ID device activates the RFID tag and receives the customer identifier stored in the tag (step 402). The customer identifier is then passed to the customize director (step 404) and the customize director searches the data store for consumer data corresponding to the consumer identifier (step 406). Once the consumer data is retrieved, the customization director analyzes the data (step 408) and presents the consumer with one or more customization options (step 410). In one embodiment, the customization director is
The consumer can also be instructed to enter feedback data about previous interactions and beverage delivery by the system. In another embodiment, the customization director may present the consumer with one or more promotional and / or seasonal options. Customized options include, but are not limited to, strength, flavor, bean (coffee) type, temperature, and finishing options (cream, milk, etc.). The Customize Director can also display the rush formula, in which case the consumer selects the rush formula and all other decisions are automatically completed by the system. In one embodiment,
Consumers can manually create and save customized options as a rush formula, saving time later in dispensing beverages and reducing formulation errors. When the consumer enters his or her customization options (step 412
), The Customize Director analyzes the option (step 414) and sends the corresponding command to the beverage delivery system (step 416).
Further, the customization director preferably stores the selected customization option in the record corresponding to its consumer identifier in the data store.

In one embodiment, the customizer directs the consumer during subsequent interaction to enter feedback data corresponding to the previous beverage formulation. For example, the customization director can instruct the consumer to enter a rating of 1 to 10 for the beverage product that was customized the last time it was used. In another embodiment, the consumer may choose to talk to a customer service representative, and the customize director establishes a connection between the consumer and the customer service representative.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, the Customized Director displays previous beverage purchases associated with the consumer's identity and prompts the consumer to enter feedback data or answer a survey regarding previous beverage purchases. Give instructions. For complete feedback data, consumers can get rewards (ie coins, discounts, etc.).

In another embodiment of the invention, the consumer accesses the user interface and
You can pre-select your beverage preferences from a remote location. For example, the system can be equipped with multiple customization options to customize the desired formulation before the actual purchase to save time. In the exemplary embodiment,
A website can be installed on a network such as a wide area network, a local area network, the Internet, etc., and consumers can access the site through some communication device. The web browser contacts the web server and requests data information in the form of a uniform resource locator (URL). This data information comprises the user interface of the interactive system of the present invention. Typically, the URL address is typed into the browser to access the web page. The URL address is also embedded within the page itself, providing a hypertext link to another page. The hypertext link allows the user to click on the link and be redirected to the website corresponding to the URL address of the hypertext link. World Wide
There are many browsers for accessing the Web, Netscape C
Netscape Navigator made by ommunications,
There is an Internet Explorer manufactured by Microsoft Corporation. Similarly, there are many web servers for providing contents to the World Wide Web, for example, Apache and Micro manufactured by Apache Group.
Internet Information Server, I, from Soft
BM's Lotus Domino Go Webserver, Netsca
Netscape Enterpr made by pe Communications
"ise Server" and "Oracle Web Ap" by Oracle
There is a Application Server. By utilizing such a browser and web server, the present invention can be accessed from virtually any device that has web access.

In another embodiment of the invention, the system is configured to communicate with a remote data store. This capability allows the Customize Director to identify individual customers who have never interacted with the system at that location and retrieve the centrally stored profile of that consumer. This allows an individual consumer to go to various physical locations in the system and send desired beverage selections to the system without having to repeat successive selection programming steps by step. The consumer's individual preferences may include adjustments based on time and location, as determined by previous system usage history. Although there are many ways to develop an individual system to accommodate this aspect of the invention, the embodiments discussed herein are representative only and not limiting. Suitable methods for identifying a consumer include a personal identification number (keypad, touch screen, matrix card, retina scanner, thumb fingerprint reader, or personal identification number that is communicated to the system via a radio frequency identification tag (RFID). PIN), but is not limited to this. In addition, the system can be pre-programmed, periodically programmed, and / or networked to identify individual consumer identities and their associated preferences broadly in all such systems. You can

EXAMPLES Example 1 A consumer establishes a personal profile over the Internet or on a system and answers a few simple questions regarding beverages and related preferences. This question may help to serve a product with the correct profile and may allow the user to make appropriate suggestions and / or recipe changes in a current or future transaction. This profile is maintained in a central database accessed by the system by wireless, local area network (LAN), or telephony device, wherever that consumer may be. The consumer is identified via a radio frequency identification tag RFID, a matrix card, or a personal identification number (PIN) stored on the consumer's credit card. Consumers can get their own designed drinks or choose from a variety of drinks that are similar to their given drinks within their tolerance.

Consumers can choose from a variety of attribute flavor profiles when making their own drinks. This can be done with a slide bar and selector, or a multi-dimensional space that represents the taste region of the beverage, including concentration, sweetness, creaminess, and flavor.

The user selects his preferred coffee characteristics at various times through the consumer interface window.

The consumer establishes a personal profile over the Internet or on the system, which may need to answer some questions regarding beverage preferences. The responses to those questions are analyzed by the Customize Director to formulate and serve the product with the correct profile. Consumers are presented with the opportunity to customize their own beverage, or to choose from a variety of preconfigured beverages that closely match their personal profile.

In one embodiment of the present invention, an administrative user can access the customize director 104 and the data store 106 by utilizing the administrative interface 130 to utilize, analyze, and customize the customized data and consumer feedback data. Alternatively, it may be applied in other ways to develop or improve a company's products and components of a beverage preparation system. This insight from consumers can also provide very valuable information for future research and development, marketing, and improvement of products and systems. Also, a company may analyze the results of its interactive data store and its data with other companies.
Can be made available. This requires other companies to access such data through the Internet, printed reports, interactive software on their computers, regular data subscription services, and so on.

In another embodiment of the invention, the system further comprises a retail interface 180. The retail interface may be adapted to communicate purchasing and consumer data to and from the customization director 104. For example,
Consumers can purchase beverages at the cashier checkout, but the beverage system may not be directly accessible from the cashier. The retail interface 180 sends the data to the customize director 104, which then interacts with the buyer to prepare the beverage. In another embodiment, the retail interface 180 is a customization director 104.
Communicate with to ensure that the consumer is authorized to receive the beverage. For example, a consumer may purchase a beverage from a remote location and enter a special access code at the user interface, which provides the beverage to the consumer.

(Example 2) A) The extract is an industrial coffee extraction column train (column tra).
in), by extracting roasted and ground coffee beans of 100% Arabica variety. Coffee has a final extract content of 30% solids and an extraction yield of 3
Extract to 8%. The coffee is then cooled and packaged in freezeable containers. After that, the container is frozen and shipped to various places. B) The coffee extract is then received frozen at each location and kept frozen until needed. Sixteen days after extraction, the extract is warmed to 45 degrees Fahrenheit and placed in a chilled dispenser. The dispenser has a variable dilution system, 0.2 to 2.0% extracted solids coffee strength, and 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Beverages can be delivered at a delivery temperature of ~ 190 degrees. The extract can then be kept in the refrigerator dispenser for up to 20 days. C) The consumer sets up a personal profile on the system and answers a few simple questions about preferences. This question will help you customize the product with the correct profile. Profiles are maintained in a central database accessed by the system via telephony devices, regardless of where the consumer is. Consumers are recognized through a matrix card or their respective credit card. Consumers can get their own drinks or choose from several drinks that are within acceptable limits and close to their pre-determined customized drinks. D) The product is provided to the consumer via a system that mixes the retained extract with water at various temperatures. The ratio of water to extract determines the final strength of the brew. Usage history table. Coffee extracts were mixed as described below and then diluted to the specified solids level. "Time" is the time that the extract is held in the refrigerator dispenser.

[0113]

[Table 1]

Example 3 A) The extract is made in a system that uses a piston and a perforated metal filter mesh screen to extract Colombian coffee one cup at a time for 60 seconds. The resulting extract may be fed "as is", diluted and / or used to dissolve the instant cappuccino powder. The final extract can have varying levels of extracted solids and powders. B) Coffee extract is used immediately after brewing to produce the desired finished beverage. C) The consumer sets a personal profile over the internet or in the system and answers a few simple questions about preferences. This question will help you customize the product with the correct profile. Profiles are maintained in a central database accessed by the system via wireless, local area network (LAN), or telephony devices regardless of where the consumer is.
The consumer is identified by a radio frequency identification tag (RFID), matrix card, or personal identification number (PIN) stored on each credit card. Consumers can get their own drinks or choose from several drinks that are within acceptable limits and are close to their own drinks. D) Usage history table. The coffee extract was mixed as described below and then diluted at the specified ratio.

[0115]

[Table 2]

Example 4 A) Extracts are made by extracting very deeply roasted, ground 100% Arabica coffee beans in an industrial coffee extraction column train. The coffee is extracted so that the final extract has a solid content of 29%, an extraction yield of 34%, and an outlet temperature from the extractor of 84 degrees Fahrenheit. The coffee is then cooled and bottled. The container is then refrigerated and shipped to various locations. B) Coffee extract is received refrigerated at each location and kept refrigerated until needed. Five days after extraction, place the extract in a refrigerated dispenser. The dispenser has a variable dilution system and the extracted solid content is 0.2
Beverages can be delivered at a coffee strength of -2.0% and a feed temperature of 50-190 degrees Fahrenheit. The extract can then be kept in the refrigerator dispenser for up to 15 days. C) The consumer sets a personal profile in the system and answers a few simple questions about preferences. This question will help you customize the product with the correct profile. Profiles are maintained in a central database accessed by the system via telephony devices, regardless of where the consumer is. Consumers are recognized through a matrix card or their respective credit card. Consumers
You can get your own drink or choose from several drinks that are close to yours and are within acceptable limits. D) The product is provided to the consumer via a system that mixes the retained extract with water at various temperatures. The ratio of water to extract determines the final strength of the brew. Usage history table. Coffee extracts were mixed as described below and then diluted to the specified solids level. "Time" is the time the extract is held in the refrigerator dispenser.

[0117]

[Table 3]

(Example 5) A) The extract of Example 1 and the extract of Example 3 are extracted as described above, individually packed in a container, frozen, and shipped. B) Coffee extract is received frozen at each location and kept frozen until needed. Ten days after extraction, the extract is warmed to 45 degrees Fahrenheit and placed in a refrigerated dispenser. The two kinds of fractions can be mixed in any ratio and can be diluted with water. The extract can then be kept in the refrigerator dispenser for up to 20 days. C) Consumers select their favorite coffee characteristics at various times through the consumer interface window. D) Usage history table. The coffee extract was mixed as follows and then diluted to the specified extract solids. "Time" is the time the extract is held in the refrigerator dispenser.

[0119]

[Table 4]

Example 6 This example describes an exemplary interaction with a Customize Director. The consumer Frank approaches the user interface and swipes his beverage card through a card reader forming part of the user interface. Frank has already applied for the beverage card and has since been sent a unique beverage card. F
The rank's beverage card contains a unique identification number that the customizer uses to retrieve the Frank's profile. In this example,
Frank has already chosen a password / pass number to protect his beverage card from being used illegally. When the Frank card is passed through the card reader, the customize director displays the Frank via the user interface.
Prompt k for the password. Frank enters his password via the touch screen display of the user interface. The Customize Director sends them to the data store to determine if their identification number and password match existing records. Once a match is confirmed, the Customize Director receives Frank's Customize Profile,
The profile is analyzed to determine the beverage options to display for Frank. The Customizer directs Frank to
View temperature, concentration, finishing options, as well as a number of customized options such as the last purchased coffee as some of the faster options, our special beverage recommendations this month. Frank then enters a selection of this month's specials. The Customize Director receives the Frank selection and determines the corresponding command to send to the beverage delivery system. The beverage delivery system receives the command and serves the selected beverage to Frank. The Customization Director records Frank's beverage purchases in the data store.

Example 7 This example describes another exemplary interaction with a Customize Director. Alice, a typical consumer, approaches the user interface to customize the purchase of a beverage. Alice has no experience with this customization system and has not pre-registered her preference. The user interface will enter the user identification number in Alice, or "new" for new consumers.
Encourage you to choose. Alice selects "New" on the touch screen of the user interface. The Customize Director receives the "new" selection and decides which selection option to present to Alice. The Customize Director presents various customization options to Alice via the user interface. Some options include express offers, formulation options and registration options. Registration options include various input areas for consumers to enter their preferred data. The Customize option then creates a new record for the consumer in the data store and associates the record with the new user identification (number, password, etc.). This new identification is then presented to the user and preferably sent to him by another means. In this embodiment, A
Rice is asked to select a recipe option and a bean type. Al
Once ice has selected the desired bean type, the Customize Director then prompts to enter the desired temperature range for the beverage. Alice then selects some finishing options such as adding cream or sugar to the formula. The customize director then determines the corresponding command for the beverage delivery system to enter the customized beverage. The Customizer sends the command to the beverage delivery system to record the customized recipe in the data store. The beverage delivery system receives the command and makes a customized beverage for Alice.

[Brief description of drawings]

[Figure 1]   FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary interactive system for conducting business according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a method of providing a personalized beverage product to a consumer according to the present invention.

[Figure 3]   1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary server / client network according to the present invention.

[Figure 4]   4 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of providing a personalized beverage to a consumer.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the invention in which the various components of the customizable beverage delivery system 100 are located and / or duplicated in different physical locations.

[Figure 6]   It is a figure showing another embodiment of this invention.

[Figure 7]   It is a figure of GUI700 for a drink selection.

FIG. 8 displays information corresponding to customized beverage settings,
FIG. 8 is a detailed view of a beverage customize GUI 800.

[Figure 9]   It is a figure showing another embodiment of this invention.

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (81) Designated countries EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, I T, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE), OA (BF, BJ , CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, K E, LS, MW, MZ, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG , ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AE, AG, AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, BZ, C A, CH, CN, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM , DZ, EE, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, K E, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS , LT, LU, LV, MA, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, MZ, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, R U, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM , TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, UZ, VN, YU, ZA, ZW (72) Inventor Christopher Ward Connor             United States 45231 Shi Ohio             Nationality Meredith Drive             1063 F-term (reference) 4B004 AA01 BA22 BA34 CA01 CA21 [Continued summary] A beverage delivery system (109) including enabling instructions, System with. Customized beverage products for individuals How to get the data of consumer preference Steps and consumer drinks corresponding to consumer preference data Of formulating ingredients and customized beverages Providing consumers with customized beverages that match the formulation A method consisting of steps.

Claims (54)

[Claims] 1. A system comprising making a customized beverage product by delaying the dilution of the beverage extract for at least about 5 minutes after starting the preparation of the extract. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the customized coffee beverage product is made by delaying the dilution of the beverage extract for at least about 15 minutes after the extract preparation is initiated. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the customized beverage product is made by delaying the dilution of the beverage extract for at least about 30 minutes after starting the preparation of the extract. 4. A system comprising making a customized beverage product by delaying the dilution of the beverage extract for up to about 48 hours after initiating the extract preparation. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the customized beverage product is made by delaying the dilution of the beverage extract for a maximum of about 24 hours after initiating the extract preparation. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the customized beverage product is made by delaying the dilution of the beverage extract for up to about 12 hours after initiating the extract preparation. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the extract / water dilution ratio is 0 to about 1:15. 8. The system of claim 4, wherein the extract / water dilution ratio is from 0 to about 1:15. 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the beverage extract has an extracted solids content of less than about 10%. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the beverage extract has an extracted solids content of less than about 5%. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the beverage extract has an extracted solids content of less than about 4%. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the beverage extract has an extracted solids content of less than about 3.5%. 13. The system of claim 4, wherein the beverage extract has a minimum extracted solids content of greater than about 1.2%. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the beverage extract has a minimum extracted solids content of greater than about 1.5%. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the beverage extract has a minimum extracted solids content of greater than about 2.0%. 16. A method for serving an individually customized beverage product to an individual consumer, comprising: a) a customizing interface (consumer interface) obtaining information about the consumer's preferences; and b). The customizing interface processing the information; c) the customizing interface communicating with a beverage delivery system; and d) the beverage individually customized beverage based on the information processed by the customizing interface. Providing the beverage delivery system with a step of delaying the dilution of the beverage extract for at least about 5 minutes after the start of the preparation of the extract. 17. A method for providing an individually customized beverage product to an individual consumer, the method comprising: a) a customizing interface (consumer interface) obtaining information about the consumer's preferences; and b). Said customizing interface processing said information; and c) said customizing interface providing a consumer with a personalized offer for use by the consumer in selecting an appropriate beverage option from a beverage delivery system. Communicating with the beverage delivery system,
Delaying the dilution of the beverage extract for at least about 5 minutes after initiating the preparation of the extract. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein a consumer enters the offer into a beverage delivery system. 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the customized beverage is served by a beverage delivery system. 20. A method for providing an individually customized beverage product to an individual consumer, comprising: a) a customizing interface (consumer interface) obtaining information about the consumer's preferences; and b). Said customizing interface processing said information; c) said customizing interface consuming to provide an individually customized selection identification for use by a consumer in selecting an appropriate beverage option from a beverage delivery system. Communicating to the person, the beverage delivery system delaying the dilution of the brewing liquid for at least about 5 minutes after starting the brewing liquid preparation. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein a consumer enters the identification into a beverage delivery system. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the customized beverage is served by a beverage delivery system. 23. A method for providing an individual consumer with individually customized information regarding a beverage product option, the method comprising: a) a customizing interface (consumer interface) obtaining information about the consumer's preferences. B) the customize interface processes the information, and c) the customize interface provides the individual consumer with the customized information, after the beverage delivery system has begun to prepare the extract. Delaying the dilution of the extract for a minimum of about 5 minutes. 24. A method for presenting an individual customized offer to a beverage product option to an individual consumer, the method comprising: a) a customizing interface (consumer interface) obtaining information about the consumer's preferences. B) the customized interface processing the information, and c) the customized interface individually customized proposals,
Subjecting the consumer to use for selecting the appropriate beverage option from the beverage delivery system by the consumer, said beverage delivery system diluting the juice at a minimum after starting the preparation of the juice. A method characterized by delaying for about 5 minutes. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein a consumer enters the offer into a beverage supply system. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the customized beverage is served by a beverage supply system. 27. A method for providing an individual consumer with an individually customized selection identification for a beverage product, the method comprising: a) a customizing interface (consumer interface) obtaining information about the consumer's preferences; b. ) The customized interface includes processing the information, the customized interface providing an individually customized selection identification for use by a consumer in selecting an appropriate beverage option from a beverage delivery system. The method of communicating with a consumer according to claim 1, wherein the beverage delivery system delays the dilution of the beverage extract for at least about 5 minutes after starting the preparation of the extract. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the consumer enters the identification into a beverage delivery system. 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the customized beverage is served by a beverage delivery system. 30. The method of claim 27, wherein the consumer is provided with an identification mechanism for future use in a beverage delivery system. 31. The method of claim 16, wherein the customization interface uses a global assimilation customization system. 32. The method of claim 23, wherein the customization interface uses a global assimilation customization system. 33. The method of claim 24, wherein the customize interface uses a global assimilation customization system. 34. The method of claim 27, wherein the customize interface uses a global assimilation customization system. 35. A method for providing a customized beverage product to a consumer, comprising: a) obtaining consumer preference data; and b) consumer beverage corresponding to the consumer preference data. A step of determining a formulation, and c) a step of supplying a consumer with a customized beverage corresponding to the customized beverage formulation, wherein a customized beverage is prepared based on the prepared concentrated extract. A method comprising. 36. The step of obtaining consumer preference data comprises: a) collecting a user identity from the consumer, and b) retrieving the consumer preference data from a data store corresponding to the user identity. 36. The method of claim 35, including. 37. The method of claim 35, wherein the step of determining a consumer beverage formulation comprises performing a mathematical algorithm. 38. The method of claim 37, further comprising: a) obtaining consumer feedback data regarding the customized beverage from the consumer, and b) incorporating the consumer feedback data into a mathematical algorithm. The method described. 39. An interactive system for providing a customized beverage product to a consumer, comprising: a) a user interface, and b) a customized director in communication with a customized data store and a user interface, the personalized user. And a beverage delivery system in communication with the customized director containing executable instructions for providing the customized beverage product, and d) a customized beverage product. A system characterized by including. 40. The system of claim 39, wherein the customize director includes executable instructions for providing a customized beverage product made from the prepared concentrated extract. 41. A computer readable medium comprising instructions for controlling a beverage delivery system for containing a customized beverage product, the method comprising: a) obtaining consumer preferred data; and b) the consumer's preference data. A computer readable medium comprising the steps of: determining a consumer beverage formulation corresponding to the preference data; and c) providing a consumer with a customized beverage corresponding to the consumer beverage formulation. 42. A program product comprising a signal storage medium implementing a program of machine-readable instructions executable by a digital processing device to perform the steps of claim 41. 43. A method for providing a consumer with a suggestion for a retail beverage product, comprising the steps of: a) obtaining consumer preference data; and b) the consumer preference data. Determining corresponding one or more retail consumer beverage products, and c) one corresponding to one or more retail consumer beverage products suitable for the consumer based on the consumer's preferences. Or providing the consumer with a plurality of suggested retail beverage products. 44. The step of obtaining consumer preference data comprises: a) collecting a user identity from the consumer, and b) retrieving the consumer preference data from a data store corresponding to the user identity. 44. The method of claim 43, comprising: 45. The step of obtaining consumer preference data comprises allowing a consumer to taste one or more consumer end products for sale in a retail environment. 44. The method of claim 43, wherein 46. The method of claim 43, wherein determining the consumer beverage product comprises performing a mathematical algorithm. 47. An interactive system for creating consumer suggestions for customized beverage products in a retail environment, comprising: a) a user interface, and b) a customized data store and a customized director. An interactive system comprising executable instructions for determining a user's customized recipe. 48. The interactive system of claim 47, further comprising a beverage delivery system in communication with a customization director that includes executable instructions for providing a customized beverage product. 49. A method for providing a customized beverage product to a consumer, comprising: a) obtaining consumer preference data; and b) consumer beverage corresponding to the consumer preference data. Comprising the steps of determining the formulation, and c) supplying the consumer with a customized beverage corresponding to the customized beverage formulation, wherein the customized beverage is made from the prepared extract. A method characterized by the following. 50. After the customized beverage is provided to the consumer, the consumer is provided with a suggestion of another end product suitable for the consumer based on the data of the consumer's preference. 50. The method of claim 49, wherein 51. The method of claim 50, wherein the consumer preference data entered in a consumer offer is combined with seasonal or promotional offers. 52. The method of claim 50, wherein the consumer offer includes information about one or more retail products. 53. The method of claim 50, wherein consumer preference data comprises data generated from a sample of products sold in a retail environment. 54. The consumer preference data comprises data generated from previously served customized beverages or samples thereof.
The method described in 0.