JP2003506185A - Method and system for using delayed dilution to provide a customized variety of freshly brewed coffee on demand - Google Patents

Abstract

Summary It is therefore a general object of the present invention to provide an improved system for providing freshly brewed coffee on demand by consumers in a wide variety of types and concentrations. In particular, it is a further object of the present invention to provide a preparation system for making relatively large quantities of freshly brewed coffee beverages of the type and / or concentration selected by the consumer shortly before consumption. The system is easy to use and requires only a small amount of manual attention. It is another object of the present invention to provide a brewing machine that is particularly useful for providing coffee in large commercial or industrial quantities, while following the individual consumer's choices. It is a general object of the present invention to provide a beverage preparation device that provides immediate, selective dilution (based on individual consumer choices) of a beverage concentrate prepared after the preparation of the concentrate is authorized. It is. It is a further general object of the present invention to provide a novel instrument of the type described above which is able to achieve the desired proportions of preparation and dilution water amounts and flow rates. It is another object of the present invention to provide a beverage preparation machine that provides for dilution of a concentrate prepared before being placed in a conventional decanter. A customization director for making and delivering a customized beverage product to a consumer, the customization director in communication with a customization data store and a user interface, the executable including instructions for determining a user's customization formula. And a beverage delivery system in communication with the customization director, the beverage delivery system including executable instructions for delivering the customized beverage product. Obtaining consumer preference data; determining a consumer beverage formulation corresponding to the consumer preference data; and providing the consumer with a customized beverage corresponding to the customized beverage formulation. A method for delivering a customized beverage product to an individual, comprising: The following detailed description of two preferred embodiments of the invention, shown and described herein, more clearly and completely describes these and other objects of the invention.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to methods and systems for providing consumers with a large amount of ready-to-drink coffee (either at home or outside). Consumers can customize their coffee selection based on their taste preferences, and the cup of freshly brewed coffee is immediately 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 will be used to customize coffee beverages tailored to each consumer. The means for diluting the coffee extract is such that the recently prepared coffee extract (within the last few minutes, not before 48 hours) is diluted according to the individual consumer's concentration preference.
Linked to the information system. The "delayed dilution" aspect of the present invention is to use a variety of roast and ground coffee types in a brewing system and to add a minimum dilution to the final beverage to remove cappuccino, latte, etc. Used to adapt to individual consumer taste preferences by using undiluted extracts for the purpose of mixing / dissolving other beverage ingredients or flavors to make.

By providing a machine for making large quantities of freshly brewed coffee and dispensing several cups of coffee in succession, the present invention finds particular application in restaurant (especially fast food) environments, as well as consumer and industrial environments. Recommended in environments (office buildings with many seats, workshops, hospitals, etc.). The purpose of the present invention is to make coffee extracts too much and store them in a number of containers, and in the end, put enough quantity to meet the demand without discarding the old deteriorated extract. To prepare and keep all the coffee extract.

The present invention is also used in a home environment where it is desired to make a number of different types of final coffee 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, so they can be offered immediately when each person chooses a variation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Much research has been done on the most satisfactory method of preparing roast and ground coffee, and by improperly brewing an excellent grade of coffee (properly grown). It is true that (optimally roasted) can be completely compromised in consumer value. In general, the highest quality and most satisfying coffee beverages are only obtained when they have a good aroma, a delicate aroma, a rich body, as well as moderate temperature and stimulating properties.

Equally important is that many consumers are now aware of the many different options available for coffee products (eg concentration, variety, creamyness, flavor). The options are wide. However, especially in consumer / industrial environments (eg restaurants, fast food industries, workplaces,
Hospitals), a wide variety of consumers can choose their favorite coffee items,
There are many obstacles (e.g., space, difficulty, time, and / or inconvenience) in delivering, especially on demand. Moreover, many individual households are made up of families with varying taste preferences, and in the past, tailoring to individual tastes has been cumbersome and tedious, generally with many different preparation cycles and mixing. It required many different containers to accommodate. It may be desirable to use one (or at least a minimum of) preparation process at a station on one counter to effectively accommodate various taste preferences in a domestic setting.

[0007] Coffee beverages include an aqueous solution of the water-soluble (sometimes insoluble) components of roasted and ground beans of the Rubiaciae tree. There are many varieties of this tree, but the two commercially most important are Caffee arabica and Caffee.
canephora (robusta).

Almost universally, the extract is prepared by contacting roast and ground coffee beans with water at a temperature slightly below the boiling point to a little above the boiling point for a given preparation period. The extract (including the solute) is separated from the insoluble material and the resulting beverage is consumed.

Preparation methods are generally classified into the following three methods. (1) Roast and ground coffee (some of which acts as its own filter) is filtered through hot water or pressured and then filtered through a strainer of metal, paper or cloth. Single-pass leaching, (2) Reuse the extract that has passed one or more cups of ground beans continuously in parallel or countercurrent before squeezing the extract at the required concentration Percolation 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 and then filtering with a filter to remove the extract or This is a mechanically separated batch slurry method.

Equipment for preparing beverages such as coffee is generally “single station”.
Type, but in this type an empty carafe or pot is above the heating component,
It is placed under a container or brewing funnel that contains weighed dry beverage making ingredients such as roast and ground coffee beans. The hot water then passes through the ingredients to extract the volatile oils, flavors, and body which make up the beverage, and then drain downward through the funnel opening into the pot or carafe. If a second pot or carafe of beverage is required, the first pot or carafe needs to be moved and removed from the heating component or plate.

While such conventional beverage brewers have worked satisfactorily to produce relatively small volumes of beverages, in restaurants and other commercial or industrial establishments, while producing large volumes of coffee, a wide range of consumers can be made. There is a continuous need for equipment that can immediately respond to the taste preferences of the product, and it is easy to use and relatively automatic, requiring no undue human attention during the preparation period. Need to function properly. The needs of restaurants, public institutions and other commercial establishments are particularly concerned with equipment for preparing and making cups of coffee that are within the consumer's tolerance, given space, labor and time constraints. .

Some currently available beverage preparation devices inherently provide hot water for the purpose of containing the beverage in a short time. These devices usually have a water bath for maintaining a fixed amount of water at a predetermined temperature. A water supply pipe is attached to the inside of this water tank, but one end of the water supply pipe should not come into contact with the bottom of the hot water tank, even if it is close to the bottom of the water tank placed on a separate cold water tank or a heated water tank. Is attached to. One end of the hot water discharge pipe is arranged near the water discharge zone in the upper part of the normal hot water tank of the hot water tank. The other end of the discharge pipe delivers hot water through the pipe to the beverage preparation material to produce a concentrate of the prepared beverage.

Water is poured into the basin for filling the beverage with the beverage preparation device as described above. Water flows through the water supply pipe, and fluctuations in the temperature of the water and the hot water cause the water to accumulate at the bottom of the hot water tank. The water pushes up the hot water, and the hot water moves upward toward the upper part of the hot water tank closed by the lid, and passes through the hot water discharge pipe. When dispensed into the beverage preparation, it produces a concentrate of the beverage prepared with hot water and the beverage preparation. (For an example of a typical device for instantly preparing a beverage with hot water, see Martin, US Pat. No. 3,385.
, 201, Anson U.S. Pat. No. 4,920,871, Brewer U.S. Pat. No. 5,025,714 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,113,752).

Dilution of the prepared concentrate is essential to prevent the concentrate from being too thick and to avoid the additional manual step of diluting the concentrate after it has been prepared. is there. Dilution of the prepared concentrate is accomplished by feeding additional water from the basin to the brew funnel, either through the ground coffee beans or through the area between the inner and outer brew funnels. It

It is essential to provide equipment that requires minimal maintenance by employees.
It is important to provide a device that will not make too much, but will be replenished in the proper amount of time with the least amount of care by the employee, and in sufficient volume to make sufficient volume of the formulation to meet customer demand. In addition, it is desirable that the device be small.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide a coffee preparation system that allows the consumer to customize his or her favorite type of coffee from a myriad of possible choices, and the system of the present invention is It provides an individually customized cup of coffee that is delivered hot and ready to drink when requested by.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is also an object of the present invention to provide an improved system for providing individually customized freshly brewed coffee beverages in a wide range of types and concentrations on demand by consumers. It is a general purpose.

[0018] Relatively high amounts of freshly brewed coffee beverages, especially coffee beverages that have been customized for a desired type, body, character and / or concentration, are selected by a plurality of individual consumers shortly before consumption. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a brewing system that is easy to use by consumers or other persons (eg, restaurant servings) seeking to make a customized beverage for making. Furthermore, maintenance of the equipment in question is sufficient with minimal manual consideration by the owner / operator of the equipment.

A general object of the present invention is to allow the preparation of an extract and to retain the extract as a pre-diluted extract before the fresh coffee extract (individual consumer choice The use of "delayed dilution" of concentrated extracts to provide a beverage preparation system that provides (on customer selection) immediate selective dilution (based on. It is also a general object of the present invention to use undiluted extracts to mix and dissolve other beverage ingredients to make flavor coffee, cappuccino, latte and the like.

One aspect of the present invention is a method for delivering an individually customized beverage product to a consumer. An exemplary method includes obtaining consumer preference data from a consumer, determining a beverage formulation that corresponds to the consumer preference data, and providing the consumer with a customized beverage product that corresponds to the beverage formulation. And providing steps.

[0021] Another aspect of the invention is an interactive system for delivering a customized beverage product to a consumer. In one example, the system includes a user interface,
A customization director that communicates with a customization data store, the customization director including executable instructions for determining a user's customized recipe, and the customization director including executable instructions for delivering the customized beverage product. A beverage delivery system in communication with.

Yet another aspect is a computer-readable medium containing instructions for controlling a beverage delivery system for making a customized beverage product. In one embodiment, the instructions include obtaining consumer preference data, determining a consumer beverage formulation that corresponds to the consumer preference data, and a customized beverage corresponding to the consumer beverage formulation. To the consumer.

Further objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which is a variety of merely illustrative forms contemplated for carrying out the invention. Become. As will become apparent later, the invention is capable of other different and obvious aspects without departing from the invention. Therefore, the drawings and description are basically illustrative and not limiting.

These and other objects of the present invention will be more clearly and fully described in the following detailed description.

While the specification concluding with the claims particularly points out and distinctly claims the invention, it will be understood by reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. I can do it.

System 100 includes one or more non-home-customizable beverage delivery systems 502, one or more home-customizable beverage delivery systems 504, and one or more remote beverage programming stations 506. Prepare The non-home system 502 can be located in a restaurant, workplace, convenience store, grocery store, or the like. Remote programming station 506 can be located at the same physical location as home system 504 and non-home system 502, or at another remote physical location.

The components of system 100 are each connected to network 507 by network connector 509. The network connector 509 includes, but is not limited to, token ring, Ethernet (registered trademark), telephone line, optical fiber, cellular, coaxial cable, universal serial bus, parallel cable, serial cable, IEEE 1394 Firewire, Bluetooth, infrared (IR), Any network connector known in the art, including 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 lines, cable modems, DSL modems, peripheral ports (eg serial, parallel, USB, I
R) and the like, and combinations thereof. The network 507 may be a peer-to-peer network, a client / server network, the Internet, an intranet, etc., or a combination thereof.

In one embodiment of the invention, non-home system 502 and home system 50.
4 comprises a customize 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 are 1 (as in the case of a touch screen).
It will be appreciated that there may be one device or separate devices (eg keyboard and LCD display screen). Data entry and display device (51
It will also be appreciated that 2 and 510) may be any device used in the art including, but not limited to, visual, audio, magnetic, optical, 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. The customize director 104 is also connected to the data input device 512, the data display device 510, the beverage delivery system 109, and the data storage device 106. Data storage device 106 may be comprised of one or more data storage devices that are well known and commonly used in the art. The data storage device 106 may include data such as beverage formulation, user identification, user preferences, etc.

The remote programming station 506 includes a network connection device 508.
Is connected to the network 507 via the network connection device 50.
8 is connected to the customization director 104, the data display device 510, the data input device 512, and the data storage device 106. Remote programming station 506 may be stand-alone or a dedicated computing device such as a workstation. Or station 5
06 may be a combination of general purpose computing devices that execute a software program that allows a user to create a customized beverage formulation and store that information in data storage device 106. Java (registered trademark), cgi
A programming language such as script, html, xml, shtml, etc. can be used to construct a suitable program.

With respect to the system 100 as shown in FIG. 5, it is within the skill of those in the art to design and build a system that shares system resources and reduces duplication of system components. It will be understood. In such a system,
For example, network 507 may or may not be a single data storage device 1 physically located in close proximity to the system components at which the user is present.
06 can be used. Further, the system 100 may include a network 507.
It is possible to use a single data director 104 to which all devices are connected via.

The customizable beverage system 100 is housed in a housing 608. A touch screen display 602 housed within housing 608 serves as both an input device for collecting data from the system user and an output device for displaying information regarding the user's beverage selections. The touch screen 602 displays a series of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) 603 that serve to facilitate the collection and display of information between the user and the customized beverage system 100. Information can also be collected electronically by the system 100 using a card reader 604 that reads the information stored on the identification card 607. A microphone 606 for entering voice commands into the system 100 is used for visually impaired system users, or simply to further facilitate information exchange, and loudspeakers are used to convey options and other information to the user. The device 609 can be used. Voice commands via the microphone 606 can be customized using the voice recognition software.
4 can be translated into instructions that can be interpreted (not shown).

With reference to the embodiment just described, the user approaches the system 100 and is presented with a standard welcome GUI 603. The information displayed in the standard welcome GUI may be static, dynamic, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment of the invention, the standard welcome GUI 603 displays information describing the types that the customizable beverage system 100 can deliver, as well as current news, weather information, and sports information. Standard welcome GU
It is also possible to display the procedure for using the system on the I603.

The user then touchscreens 6 displaying a standard welcome GUI 603.
The system 100 is activated by touching 02 and inserting a user identification card 607 into the card reader 604 or by voicing a session start command that the microphone 606 can pick up. Following system activation, system 100 changes the display on touch screen display 602 from standard welcome GUI 603 to beverage selection GUI 700.

The beverage selection GUI 700 includes a personalized greeting area 702 that displays information about the current user. This information may include the user's name, account information such as balance, beverage selection suggestions based on previous consumption patterns, and / or expected beverage selection desires. The beverage selection GUI 700 may display various information that may or may not be relevant to the current user, additional data display area 704.
Also includes. For example, additional data display area 704 may include updates to the user's financial portfolio, email account information (ie, new message status, message sender, subject, or entire message), latest weather forecast, news headlines, sports. The score etc. can be displayed. The exact information content displayed is selected by the user, by the system 100 (eg, demographic criteria, beverage selection, etc.) based on previous and / or current experience of the user, or a combination thereof. can do. The additional data display area 704 can also display advertisements and other promotional information.

The beverage selection GUI 700 also includes predetermined beverage selection icons and labels 706 corresponding to standard beverage formulations. This standard beverage recipe can be displayed to all users regardless of the time of activation, or can be alternated to system 100 by time, season, weather, etc. Alternatively, the predetermined beverage selection icon and label 706 may correspond to a beverage formulation stored by the current user, such as the current user's preferred afternoon beverage options. The stored beverage formulation can be located on and accessed from a user identification card, stored on a local data storage device, or located on a remote data storage device accessed by system 100. Also drink selection GUI7
00 displays a customize option icon and label 708 which, when selected by the user, activates and displays the customize GUI 800.

The beverage customization GUI 800 includes a greeting area 7 that is set individually by an option.
02 and / or additional data display areas 704 may be included. In principle, the beverage customization GUI 800 displays one or more customizable beverage characteristic indicators 802 corresponding to a given beverage characteristic that the system 100 can adjust to the preferences indicated by the system user. The customizable beverage characteristic indicator 802 is provided for a given customizable beverage characteristic (ie,
Customizable to match the overall degree of variation possible in roast color, beverage concentration, beverage temperature, added flavor, etc. and the current level of customizable beverage characteristics on the Customizable Beverage Characteristics Scale 804 Beverage characteristic position marker 805
And a customizable beverage characteristics scale 804 for communicating with. For a touch screen, the system user touches the portion of the customizable beverage characteristic scale 804 that indicates the desired level of a given customizable beverage characteristic.
The beverage customize GUI 800 then displays a customizable beverage characteristic position marker 805 over the appropriate portion of the customizable beverage characteristic scale 804 so that the customizable beverage characteristic indicator 802 reflects the user's preference. Update. When the user finishes the customized beverage formulation, the user can either save the customized beverage formulation by selecting the save icon 806 or by selecting the dispense icon 808.
Beverage can also be dispensed to 00. Selecting save icon 806 allows system 100 to transfer the programmed beverage formulation to any device capable of storing customized beverage information. Optionally, the user can return to the previous GUI by selecting return icon 810, which indicates to the system to display the previous GUI, such as beverage selection GUI 700.

The system 100 can dispense both customized beverages and beverages of a predetermined non-customizable formulation. Beverage types are indicated by beverage type indicator icons 902 that display information about a given beverage choice. When a given beverage type indicator icon 902 corresponds to a customizable beverage choice, one or more customizable beverage characteristic indicators 802 are placed in close proximity to allow the user to customize the beverage. In one embodiment of the invention, the customizable beverage characteristic indicator 802 includes a plurality of distinct customizable beverage characteristic indicators 908 corresponding to the customizable beverage characteristic (ie, roast color, beverage concentration. , Beverage temperature, added flavor, etc.). The system 100 also allows the user to select a beverage that is not customizable. Once the user selects the desired beverage and customizes the beverage, if the desired beverage option corresponds to a customizable beverage, the beverage can be dispensed by pressing the dispense button 906.

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.

The present invention is directed to a system for individually customizing ready-to-drink coffee products to multiple consumers, as well as providing on demand on-demand, customized ready-to-drink coffee. Is. The method of the present invention comprises collecting from the consumer information about the consumer's wishes regarding the type of coffee the consumer desires at the time of consumption, and the system links the consumer's selection of coffee products to a holding area. It involves three basic steps: linking to the area where the coffee is diluted with a ratio of water to freshly brewed coffee extract that is consistent with the consumer's choice of prepared concentration and type.

A. Dilution The terms "ready-to-use beverage" and "ready-to-drink beverage" as used herein are used interchangeably to mean a ready-to-use and consumable beverage product. These are made from freshly brewed coffee extract and can include a wide range of formulations of dry mixes, powders, liquids, extracts, concentrates and emulsions.

As used herein, the term “freshly placed” is extracted and is at least about 5 minutes, preferably at least about 15 minutes, most preferably at least about 30 minutes.
By "retention period" is meant a beverage extract retained for no more than about 48 hours, preferably no more than about 24 hours, more preferably no more than about 12 hours, and most preferably no more than about 6 hours. To do.

The term “holding period” as used herein means a period starting from the start of preparation of an extract and ending at the start of dilution. When a plurality of extracts are stored in one holding tank, the "holding period" is the weighted average of the extracts remaining in the tank.

The temperature at which the preparation is discharged from the extraction device is higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.7 ° C.), preferably higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit (48.8 ° C.), and more preferably 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Higher than 6 degrees Celsius (65.5 ° C.), and most preferably 170 degrees Fahrenheit (76.
6 ° C.) and the prepared solids content is less than about 10%, preferably less than about 5%, more preferably less than about 4%, and most preferably less than about 3.5%.

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 a country of origin within 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. Coffee beans useful in the present invention can be a single bean or a single grade of beans, or can be made from a blend of various types and grades of beans, and can be decaffeinated or It may be decaffeinated. These highland beans are commonly referred to as premium coffee. Suitable high-grade coffees with a strong sour taste include Arabic and Colombian coffees that are "bodied,""sour,""smoky,""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.

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."

B. Beverage Extract / Concentrate Preparation Almost universally, an 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 prescribed preparation period. However, this extract (including solute) is separated from 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 Keur disclosed in US Pat. Nos. 5,325,765 and 5,840,189, which are incorporated herein by reference.
There is a "K cup" made by ig.

Preparation methods are generally classified into the following three categories. (1) Single that roasted and ground coffee beans, some of which act as filters of their own, are filtered through water or passed under pressure and then filtered through a strainer of metal, paper or cloth Path leaching, (2) Percolation method that reuses the extract obtained by passing one or more cups of ground beans continuously in parallel or countercurrent before the extract is squeezed to the required concentration. , (3) Mix a certain amount of coffee with a certain amount of water in the preparation container,
It is a batch slurry method in which it is immersed with or without stirring and then filtered or mechanically separated to remove the extract.

Systems for serving freshly brewed coffee are generally “single station”
It was a type. In this type, an empty carafe or pot is above the heating element,
It is placed under a container or brewing funnel that contains weighed, dry beverage making ingredients such as ground coffee. Hot water is then passed through the ingredients to extract the essential oils, flavors and body which 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 facilities do not require undue human attention during the preparation period. There is still a need for such a device that is easy to use and relatively automatic in volume production of beverages.

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

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 provides for customized fresh coffee based on consumer preference by using delayed dilution of fresh coffee extract.

As used herein, the term “delayed dilution” refers to a mode in which fresh coffee extract is held for a minimum period of about 5 minutes, preferably about 15 minutes, more preferably about 30 minutes. "Delayed dilution" is also meant to hold the extract for a maximum period of up to about 48 hours, preferably up to about 24 hours, more preferably up to about 12 hours, most preferably up to 6 hours. is there.

The fresh brewed liquid has a prepared solids content of less than about 10%, preferably less than about 5%, more preferably less than about 4%, and most preferably less than about 3.5%. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention, the freshly added extract is about 1.
It has a minimum prepared solids content of greater than 2%, preferably greater than about 1.5%, and most preferably greater than about 2%.

It is important to understand that by the basic aspects of the invention, preferred coffee customization is enabled just prior to dispensing. That is, it does not require the presetting of properties or concentrations as in many automated systems. The "delayed dilution" embodiment allows multiple cups of individually combined coffee to be made by one or more minimum brew times, preferably one brew. In addition, these individually tailored servings are distributed on demand.

The dilution ratio is approximately 0 (no dilution) to a coffee / water ratio of approximately 1:15, which is used at that time when the consumer receives a selection input regarding concentration. It can be easily changed by using the method. The temperature of the dilution water can also be modified to suit the individual consumer's preference for the temperature at the time of consumption. That is, there are several methods by which this can be easily accomplished, but one preferred method is for hot water (170-200 degrees Fahrenheit (77-93 ° C.)) and water (40-80 degrees Fahrenheit).
There are two dilution lines (degrees (4 to 27 ° C.)) whose proportions and flows are adjusted to dispense coffee individually to each consumer at the preferred temperature.

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

Clearly, this aspect of the system of the present invention provides a final coffee beverage that is more delicious to the consumer by providing many benefits to freshly brewed liquor. For example, delayed dilution of the brewed 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.

Furthermore, 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. Due to 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 filtration. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the prepared extract is below 170 degrees Fahrenheit (77 ° C.), preferably below 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 ° C.), more preferably 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 ° C.). ), And most preferably 35 degrees Fahrenheit (1.
It is cooled to between 7 ° C) and 50 ° F (10 ° C) or stored refrigerated to further reduce the changes that occur during the retention period of the extract. To run this system,
It requires less energy and space to keep hot water warm by preparing hot coffee than keeping it ready for distribution. 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 purchasing costs, personal time investment, and fear of bitter experiences make consumers unacceptable for experimentation or "trial and error" in finding the type of beverage product they most want. Or feel uncomfortable.
Many consumers do not understand how the various options available for beverage products correspond to their own personal taste preferences. Further complicating this situation is that literally dozens of options for beverage products can be consumed at a given location.

Accordingly, a consumer identifies one or more beverage products that are statistically more likely to be enjoyed and enjoyed by the consumer in terms of taste preferences than other available beverage products. It is desirable to provide a method that can. Ideally, such a system should be easy to remember and use.

The method of the present invention comprises the steps of collecting from the consumer information about the consumer's wishes regarding the type of beverage he / she desires at the time of consumption, and a process in which the consumer makes a large selection of beverage product selections. Linking to a holding area that holds the fresh extract,
Consists of three basic steps in the area where the dilution of the beverage, which is in line with the consumer's choice in terms of preparation concentration and type, is done in the ratio of water to freshly drawn beverage extract.

Definitions As used herein, the term “various production systems / devices” means devices and methods that transform one or more input ingredients into multiple types of beverages. Such systems and devices include delayed dilution means / systems, delayed filtration means / systems, and / or delayed filtration means / systems.

The term “customized interface” as used herein refers to a non-human means of transmitting information (eg, consumer information, customized information, customized suggestions) between a consumer and a beverage delivery system. means. The personalization interface can be implemented in many ways, and consumers can access this interface remotely.

As used herein, the term “beverage delivery system” means a station, device, device, instrument, or combination thereof linked by a customized interface, optionally with a delay filtration means. / Equipped with "type creation system / device" including system.

As used herein, the term “customized selection ID” refers to a consumer interface or beverage delivery system that recognizes a consumer and delivers the customized beverage to that consumer (in the case of a beverage delivery system). Means (in the case of a customized interface) and means by which it can be ordered or ordered to be delivered. Appropriate methods to identify the consumer are communicated to the system via, but not limited to, a keypad, touch screen, matrix card, retina scanner, thumb fingerprint reader, or radio frequency identification tag (RFID). Contains a personal identification number (PIN).

As used herein, the term “consumer ID” recognizes, in a method and by means thereof, a consumer preference to which a customize director or ID device is applicable, and a suitable customized beverage accordingly. Means how to develop and determine. Suitable methods for identifying applicable consumer preferences include, but are not limited to, input devices or methods such as keypads, touch screens, matrix cards, retina scanners, thumb fingerprint readers, magnetic card readers, bar codes, etc. Alternatively, it includes a personal identification number (PIN), a user name, a passcode, etc., which can be transmitted to the system by a high frequency ID tag (RFID) or the like.

As used herein, the term “consumer” means any user of the system that interacts with a customization director for the purpose of entering beverage choices, customization information, customization suggestions, or receiving beverage products. This person may be a chef, a clerk, a customer, a "servant," a caterer, or the like. The consumer can access the user interface from a remote location, such as by telephone, internet, wireless connection, etc.

The term “beverage formulation” as used herein is the information determined by the customizer and is the customized choice, option, characteristic, individual consumer or one that corresponds to the selected product. Or to provide a beverage product that has been processed by a customize director to meet the tastes of multiple consumers (ie, in the case of large orders for multiple drinkers).

As used herein, the term “customized information” is information distributed by a customized interface or beverage delivery system, including products,
It provides a personalized selection of options, characteristics, and customized information about beverage products that have been processed by a customized interface to suit individual consumers.

As used herein, the term “customize proposal” is information determined by the customizer and tailored to the product, options, characteristics, individual consumer or preferences of one or more consumers. To provide personalized customized suggestions for beverage products processed by the Customized Director. In one embodiment, the customization suggestions are based on past dialogue. In another embodiment, the customization offer may include promotional and / or seasonal options.

The system of the present invention also allows individual consumers to communicate with the system. As a result, the beverage delivery system can address the consumer's personalized and customized options. There are many ways to develop a personalized system to achieve this aspect of the invention. The examples described herein are not representative of the invention and are merely representative. Suitable methods for communicating with the consumer also include, but are not limited to, conventional means such as voice, keyboard, internet, touch screens and selectors, slide bars, buttons and switches. By understanding what an individual consumer wants by asking some key questions, tastings or direct taste questions, the system can provide the consumer with a taste and need.

Personal desires are dynamic and can vary over time and / or by events and experiences.
For example, it may change depending on the time of day, day of the week, date, season, occasion, environment, work / entertainment, mood, physical condition, mental state, and the like. Consumer hope can also change with experimentation, experience, education, knowledge, lifestyle changes and age. The customize interface can include this kind of personal or historical information when processing consumer information, and also demographic trends and characteristics, and common experiences when processing consumer information. Can be incorporated. In another embodiment,
Customized offers can include promotional options and / or seasonal options. For example, with age, an individual may choose to add supplements to a customized beverage (postmenopausal women may wish to add calcium). Beverage delivery systems in specific venues can present specific additives as samples to increase retail sales (
For example, as a health food store within a health club wishes to add a new product group (such as vitamin and mineral powders), the health club may offer post-workout hydration.

In addition, the customize interface can improve the customize function and ongoing suggestions by continuing to incorporate available data. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the system of the present invention, this type of information and input is
It is continuously monitored, updated and refined for changes and forecasts of options tailored to individual consumers. This aspect of information processing is the global assimilator customization system.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention described herein, the system uses information about a consumer's taste preferences to suggest a particular retail beverage for the consumer to taste. . In one version of this aspect, the consumer can use the beverage system to taste various retail brands. Conversely,
Various retail brands may reference or otherwise associate with particular flavors or choices within the beverage supply system.

The system of the present invention can be equipped with sufficient and appropriate memory functionality to accommodate both consumers and menu items. This includes product usage, incidence, consumer choice and consumer response. There are many ways in which a personalized system can be developed to address this aspect of the invention. The examples described herein are not representative of the invention and are merely representative thereof. Suitable embodiments of the memory function of the system of the present invention include, but are not limited to:
It can include central database, system database, mobile database.

The system of the present invention can have a means for the customize interface to identify, or recognize, an individual consumer. This allows an individual consumer to traverse one or more physical locations of one or more systems (either customized interfaces or beverage delivery systems).
One or more systems can send their desired beverage selection without repeating the selection programming sequence step by step. These individual preferences may also include time and location based adjustments determined by history using past systems. There are many ways in which a personalized system can be developed to address this aspect of the invention. The embodiments described herein are not limiting and are merely representative. Appropriate methods of identifying consumers include, but are not limited to, keypads, touch screens, matrix cards,
Includes a personal identification number (PIN) transmitted to the system by a retinal scanner, thumb fingerprint reader, or radio frequency identification tag (RFID). In addition, one or more systems may be pre-programmed or regularly programmed to anticipate the identity of an individual consumer and to have associated preferences commonly recognized by all such systems, And / or can be networked.

One aspect of the present invention, illustrated schematically in FIG. 1, can be understood from a system 100 for delivering a customized beverage product to a consumer. The system 100 includes a user interface 102 and a user interface 1
Customizer 104 and Customizer 10 communicating with 02
4 and a beverage delivery system 109 that communicates with the customize director 104. In another embodiment of the invention, the system further comprises an identification device 108 in communication with the customization director 104 and a consumer identifier 110.

The customize director 104 may also comprise a set of executable instructions, in the form of software, routines, programs, algorithms, code, logic, etc., that facilitate determination of specifically customized beverage formulations.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the customize director 104 is the data store 1
Token Ring, Ethernet between 06 and user interface 102
(Registered trademark), telephone modem connection, wireless or microwave connection, parallel cable, serial cable, telephone line, general-purpose serial bus "USB", Firewire, B
Provided for communication via Bluetooth, fiber optics, infrared "IR", radio frequency "RF", etc., or combinations thereof. The Customize Director 104
It can be integrated into the beverage dispensing device, but in alternative embodiments it can also be hosted or housed in a remote device. Remote devices may include other consumer devices, personal computers, or external servers located somewhere on the Internet.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the user interface 102 is a computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a kiosk, a device with a wireless application protocol program (WAP) such as a mobile phone, an automated computer or automated PDA, a dialogue. Equipped with a TV, Internet equipment, etc. The user interface 102 allows a user to interact with and understand the interactive system 100, and can take virtually any number of interactive audiovisual and / or other forms of communication. In the exemplary embodiment, user interface 104 may include a computer system with a CPU, memory, display and input means. Preferred input means may comprise a keyboard / keypad, or a mouse or other input means such as an input microphone with voice recognition input device, a touch screen input device, and / or a visual input using a video cinema. In the illustrated embodiment,
The user interface 104 communicates with Microsoft via the communication link 120.
t Internet Explorer and Netscape Comm
A computer connected to the Internet by executing a web browser such as Netscape Navigator manufactured by Uniations can be provided. One example that the consumer can enter can include the desired temperature of the prepared beverage, e.g. hot, lukewarm or cold, but in alternative embodiments the input requires entering the actual temperature. You can The additional area of input is
Additionally, additives such as beverage concentration (ie, varying levels of black), beverage size (ie, container size), cream, sugar, milk, artificial sweeteners, flavors and the like can be included.

The beverage delivery system 109 in this example may be a standard beverage delivery system well known in the art. Examples include single pass leaching system,
Includes percolation systems, and batch slurry systems. In one embodiment of the invention, interactive system 100 is integrated with 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
An identifier 110 such as an ID card, password or pass number is provided, including any available identification device or protocol well known to those skilled in the art. Such IDs can include any combination of barcodes, radio frequency ID tags, data, chips, smart cards, and the like. Various ID / identification device combinations are well known to those skilled in the art and can be used in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.

In another embodiment of the invention, identification device 108 comprises a bar code scanner. Various bar code scanners are well known to those skilled in the art and include 1) pen-type readers and laser scanners, 2) CCD readers, 3) camera-based readers. Pen-type readers include a light source and a photodiode located adjacent to each other at the tip of a pen or wand. To read the barcode, the user passes the tip of the pen over the bar, and the photodiode is used to measure the intensity of the light reflected back from the light source, the width of the bar and the space of the barcode. Generate a waveform. The dark bar of the barcode absorbs light and the white space reflects light, and the voltage waveform produced by the photodiode is an exact replica of the bar and space pattern of the barcode. This waveform is decoded by the scanner. Laser scanners use a laser beam as the light source and typically function in a similar manner to a pen-type reader except that they use a reciprocating mirror or a rotating prism to scan the bar code back and forth with the laser beam. To do. In pen-type readers, photodiodes are used to measure the intensity of light reflected back from a barcode. Both pen readers and laser scanners are designed so that the light emitted from the reader is tuned to a particular frequency and the photodiode only detects light of this same frequency. Pen-type readers and laser scanners are commercially available in different resolutions so that they can read barcodes of different sizes. The resolution of the scanner is measured by the size of the dots of light emitted by the reader. CCD
Charge-coupled device readers use an array of hundreds of fine photosensors arranged in a line at the tip of the reader. Each sensor can be viewed as a single photodiode, which measures the light intensity directly in front of it. Each photosensor in a CCD reader is very small and hundreds of sensors are arranged in a row, so by continuously measuring the voltage across each sensor arranged in a row, the barcode is read by the reader. The same voltage pattern as the pattern of is generated. The major difference between a CCD reader and a pen or laser scanner is that the CCD reader measures the ambient light from the bar code, whereas the pen or laser scanner measures the reflected light of a specific frequency that is generated by the scanner itself. is there. The latest bar code readers currently available are camera-based readers that use a small video camera to capture the image of the bar code. In this case, the reader uses sophisticated digital image processing technology to decode the barcode. Video cameras use the same CCD technology as CCD barcode readers, except that instead of having a single row of sensors, hundreds of rows of sensors are arranged in a two-dimensional array to produce an image.

In another embodiment of the invention, identification device 108 comprises a radio frequency scanning device. Radio Frequency ID (RF ID) uses radio frequency communication to automatically identify, track, and manage an object, person, or animal. A low frequency, passive, magnetically coupled RF ID system consists of two parts, a reader and a tag. Tags are usually attached to objects or animals that require a unique identification number. The tag includes an electronic circuit (repeater) and a tuned antenna-capacitor circuit. Tags are small smart radio transmitters and receivers. They are powered by the RF field generated by the reader. When powered, the tag transmits its data continuously by suppressing the incoming RF power field. The RF ID reader has three main functions: energizing, demodulating and decoding. The reader uses a tuned antenna-capacitor circuit to generate a low frequency radio field. This is used to activate the tag. The information transmitted by this tag requires demodulation. The encoded information is
It is decoded by the microcontroller mounted on the reader. The control processor can then use this information. The shape and size of the antenna in both the reader and the tag can be determined in various ways. Due to the small size of the tags, the tags can be formed to fit almost any situation. Since no contact or monitoring is required, the RFID system allows a great deal of freedom in tag movement and placement, making the reader a less important issue.

In one embodiment of the present invention, an administrative user uses the administrative interface 130 to access the customize director 104 and the data store 106 for developing or improving a company's products and for a beverage preparation system. Customized data and consumer feedback data can be used, analyzed, or applied to develop or improve components. This foresight from consumers can provide very valuable information for researching, developing, marketing and improving future products and systems. It is also envisioned that a business may provide the results of its interactive data store and analysis of the data to another entity. To this end, such another entity may make such data accessible via the Internet, printed reports, interactive software on a computer, regular data subscription services, etc. Will be needed.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the system further comprises a retail interface 180. The retail interface may be configured to interact with purchase and consumer data with the customization director 104. For example, a consumer may purchase a beverage at a cashier checkout, but the beverage system may not be directly accessible from the cashier. The retail interface 180 sends data to the customizing director 104, and the customizing director 104
The beverage is then prepared for interaction with the purchaser. In another embodiment, the retail interface 180 communicates with the customization director 104 to ensure that the consumer is authorized to receive the beverage product. For example, a consumer may purchase a beverage from a remote location and then enter a special access code in the user interface, which then delivers the beverage to the consumer.

Several methods are possible to determine the appropriate customized formulation of a beverage delivery system. In one embodiment, the consumer is instructed to enter the consumer's preferred data via the user interface. In this case, this data can be stored for retrieval at a later visit to the beverage delivery system. As an example, consumer preference data entered via a user interface or retrieved from a data store can be matched against one or more decision trees. The decision tree typically comprises a set of responses / features / categories with which the consumer's favorite data can be matched.
For example, the decision tree may comprise any possible combination of consumer preference data. The preferred data is then matched against branches that match the decision tree,
The matching branch provides additional instructions to be executed as a result of the matching.
Such a decision tree is a potential for consumer-preferred data that the system is designed for and already designed for the application so that it can establish a properly optimized operating situation for the customized beverage to be delivered. Preferred combinations. The decision tree is transformed into a mathematical algorithm, which preferably then electronically processes the decision tree comparisons or “decisions” to instantly determine a properly optimized beverage formulation for the beverage delivery system. .

In order to update the optimization process to allow for modifications or appropriate “deformation,” one embodiment of the present invention provides a decision tree or algorithm for the customization director 104 that is updated by the neural network 111. Prepare
In a customized beverage delivery embodiment, a neural network 1
11 evaluates various applicable consumer preferences and feedback data retrieved from the data store to simplify or optimize the decision-making process for determining customized beverage formulations. To determine if any changes to the mathematical algorithm or interaction script are necessary. For example, neural networks continually update their decision algorithms by incorporating user inputs such as feedback into a decision process similar to artificial intelligence or "smart" logic. Haykin, S .; (1994), "Ne
ural Networks: A Comprehensive Founda
"Tion" NY: Macmillan, p. According to 2, a neural network is a simultaneous mass distributed processor with the natural property of being able to store and use empirical knowledge. A neural network is a human brain at two points: 1) knowledge is acquired by the network through a learning process and 2) the strength of interneuron connection known as synaptic weight is used to store knowledge. Is similar to. The neural network analyzes the data store 106 for trends, feedback data, consumer preference data, and other additional data to develop and refine algorithms for decisions. In one embodiment, the neural network automatically modifies the decision director's 104 decision tree or algorithm based on ever-accumulating consumer preferences and user feedback data. A description of one such neural network can be found in Rove, incorporated herein by reference.
rt P. It is described in co-pending US patent application Ser. No. 60 / 149,857, filed Aug. 19, 1999 by Biotrowski et al.

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

The system of the present invention also enables an individual customer to communicate with the beverage delivery system to accommodate the individual customer's customized selections to the beverage delivery system. While there are many ways in which individual systems can be developed to implement this aspect of the invention, the embodiments described herein are not intended to be limiting and are representative. Nothing more than. Suitable methods of communicating with a consumer include, but are not limited to, voice, keyboard, internet, touch screens, and conventional means such as selectors, slide bars, buttons, switches. By understanding what an individual consumer wants through a particular key question, tasting or direct taste question, the system can provide the consumer with a taste and need. Consumer preferences are dynamic and can be time-dependent and / or time-of-day, day-of-week, date, season, opportunity, environment, work / entertainment, mood, physical condition, mental state, etc.
Or it may change depending on events or experiences. Consumer hope is an experiment,
It may also change with experience, education, mood, health status, knowledge, lifestyle changes, and aging. The customization interface may include this type of personal or historical information when processing consumer information, and demographic trends and characteristics and common experience when processing consumer information. In addition, the customization interface can continuously incorporate available data to improve customization capabilities and ongoing suggestions. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the system of the present invention, this type of information and input can be continuously monitored, updated and refined to change and 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 schematically illustrates a sample client / server network 300 that can be used to implement an embodiment of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the client / server network is the only type of network and various other configurations such as peer-to-peer connections are also considered networks. In a client / server network, multiple nodes are interconnected so that the various nodes send and / or receive information to another node. As can be seen, the server node 302 is a Token Ring, Ethernet
(Registered trademark), telephone modem connection, wireless connection, or microwave connection, parallel cable, serial cable, telephone line, universal serial bus "USB", FIR
ewire, Bluetooth, optical fiber, infrared “IR”, high frequency “RF
, Or other wireless communication or a combination thereof, etc. is used to interconnect multiple client nodes 314.

Computer readable media, shown herein as CD ROM (318), holds computer readable information such as programs, data, logic, files and the like. As can be easily understood, computer readable media include magnetic storage devices (hard disks, floppy (registered trademark) diskettes, etc.), optical storage devices (laser disks, compact discs, DVDs, etc.), electronic storage devices (random access memory “RAM”).
, Read-only memory "ROM", programmable read-only memory "PR"
OM ", etc.) and the like.

One embodiment of the present invention includes a method for 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 been pre-registered with the beverage system and the RF for using the system.
Has been issued an ID key tag. The consumer passes the RF ID key tag through the ID device area of the system (step 400). ID device is RF ID
Activate the tag and receive the customer ID stored in the tag (step 40).
2). This customer ID is then passed to the customization director (step 40).
4), the customization director searches the data store for consumer data corresponding to the consumer ID (step 406). Consumer data is retrieved,
The customization director analyzes the data (step 408) and then presents the consumer with one or more customization options (step 410).
). In one embodiment, the customizer can also prompt the consumer to enter feedback data when the beverage is delivered by the system as the last interaction. In another embodiment, the customization director may present the consumer with one or more promotional and / or seasonal option options. Customized options include, but are not limited to, concentration, flavor, bean type (coffee), temperature, finishing options (cream, milk, etc.). The Customize Director also allows the consumer to select a fast recipe and may also display the fast recipe where the system automatically completes other decisions. In one embodiment, the consumer can also manually create and save the customize option as a fast formulation to save time and reduce formulation errors in future beverage delivery.
When the consumer enters his customized option (step 412), the customized director analyzes the option (step 414) and sends a corresponding command to the beverage delivery system (step 416). In addition, the customization director preferably stores the selected customization options in the data store in the record corresponding to the consumer identifier.

In one embodiment, the customizer prompts the consumer during subsequent interaction to enter feedback data corresponding to the previous beverage formulation. For example, a Customized Director may have 1
You may be prompted to enter a rating from 1 to 10. In another embodiment, the consumer may choose to speak to a customer service representative and the customize director establishes a connection for the consumer to communicate with the customer service representative. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the customize director may display previous beverage purchases associated with the consumer's ID and enter feedback data for the consumer, or prior beverage purchases. Encourage you to complete the survey on. Consumers may be rewarded (ie, con, discount, etc.) for complete feedback data.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a consumer may access a user interface from a remote location to preselect their beverage preferences.
For example, the system may include a number of customized formulation options, which may save time by customizing the desired formulation prior to actual purchase. In an exemplary embodiment, the website can be hosted on a network such as a wide area network, a local area network or the Internet that consumers can access by some type of communication device. The web browser contacts the web server and uses the uniform resource locator (U
Request data information in the form of RL). This data information includes the user interface of the interactive system of the present invention. Usually, the URL address is entered in the browser to access the web page, and the URL address is embedded in the page itself to provide hypertext links to other pages. The hypertext link allows the user to click on the link and be directed to the website corresponding to the URL address of the hypertext link. Ne made by Netscape Communications
Tscape Navigator or Microsoft's Interne
There are many browsers for accessing the World Wide Web, such as Explorer. Similarly, Apache from Apache Group and M
Internet Information Serv from Microsoft
er, IBM Lotus Domino Go Webserver, Ne
Netscape Ent manufactured by tscape Communications
Oracle Web A from erprise server, oracle
There are also numerous web servers for serving content to the World Wide Web, such as the Application Server. These browsers and web servers can be used to make the present invention accessible from virtually any web accessible device.

In another embodiment of the invention, the system is configured to communicate with a remote data store. This feature allows the customization director to identify individual customers who have not previously interacted with the system at their current location and retrieve the centrally stored profile of that consumer. This allows an individual consumer to move to different physical locations of the system, without having to iterate through a series of selection programming one by one, and the consumer's desired beverage selection for that system. Can be sent. These personal preferences can also include time and location based adjustments determined from past system usage history. There are many ways in which a personalized system can be developed to address this aspect of the invention. The embodiments described herein are not intended to be limiting and are merely representative. Suitable methods of identifying a consumer include, but are not limited to, a keypad, touch screen, matrix card, retina scanner, thumb fingerprint reader, or personal identification number (PIN) transmitted to the system by a radio frequency identification tag (RFID). ) Is included. In addition, one or more systems may be pre-programmed or regularly programmed so that all such systems are broadly aware of individual consumer identities and their associated preferences. And / or may be networked.

In one embodiment of the present invention, an administrative user may utilize, analyze, or apply customized data and consumer feedback data to develop or improve a company's product and identify components of a beverage preparation system. The management interface 130 may be used to access the customize director 104 and the data store 106 for development or improvement. This foresight gained from consumers can also provide very valuable information for researching, developing, marketing, and improving future products and systems. Similarly, a company may provide the results of its interactive data store and an analysis of that data to another entity. For this,
Enable such entities to access such data via the Internet, via printed reports, through interactive software on computers, regular data purchase services, etc. Is required.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the system further comprises a retail interface 180. The retail interface can be configured to interact with purchase and consumer data with the customization director 104. For example, a consumer may purchase a beverage at a cashier checkout, but the beverage system is not directly accessible from the cashier. The retail interface 180 sends the data to the customization director 104, and the customization director 10
4 then prepares the beverage for interaction with the purchaser. In another embodiment, the retail interface 180 communicates with the customize director 104 to ensure that the consumer is authorized to receive the beverage product. For example,
The consumer can purchase the beverage from a remote location, enter a special access code in the user interface, and the user interface can then deliver the beverage to the consumer.

EXAMPLES While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Will be clear.

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. These questions may help deliver the 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 deliver 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.

Example 2 A. 3.) Coffee is brewed by placing 410 grams of whole Arabica roast and ground coffee beans into a 1.5 gallon (5.67 liter) satellite brewer's regular brewing basket / brewing funnel. 4,500 milliliters of water are supplied to the preparation basket at atmospheric pressure. 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93.3 ° C)
Water is supplied at a rate of 10 ml / sec. The preparation liquid was filtered through a specified paper coffee filter, and the preparation solid content of the resulting preparation liquid was 2.8%.
Met. The discharge temperature of the extract was 175 ° F. (79.4 ° C.). B. ) The coffee extract is held at 180 degrees Fahrenheit (82.2 ° C.) for up to 48 hours on a Bunn Softeat® satellite system. C. ) Products are selected based on images and words of density and properties. One push button or stopper delivers coffee of various characteristics.
The consumer tastes various products until he finds the one he likes the most. D. ) The product consists of retained liquor and 170 ° F (76 ° F) for hot beverages.
． Delivered to the consumer through a system that combines water (6 ° C). The water to extract ratio governs the concentration of the resulting preparation.

Example 3 A. 3.) Coffee is made by placing 205 grams of roast and ground decaffeinated coffee beans in an automatic slurry brewer with a metal mesh filter. While the brew basket outlet was closed, an initial 200 ml of 203 ° F. (95 ° C.) hot water was supplied to the closed system and allowed to soak for 200 seconds. The preparation basket is allowed to open and the extract is allowed to drain. An additional 900 milliliters of hot water at 203 degrees Fahrenheit (95 ° C.) is then fed to the coffee at a constant pressure of 5 ml / s. The final prepared solid content of the coffee extract was 7.7%. B. ) The coffee extract is kept warm in a closed tank at 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius). C. The consumer sets his profile over the internet or on the system and answers a few questions about preferences. These questions will help you deliver your product with an accurate profile. Profiles are wireless, local area network (LAN) wherever consumers are
Or maintained in a central database by the system via a telephony communication device. The consumer is identified by a radio frequency identification tag RFID, a matrix card, or a personal identification number (PIN) stored in the consumer's credit card. Consumers can receive their own drinks or choose from a variety of drinks similar to their own drinks that are within their personal tolerance. D. ) The extract is diluted with water to provide various concentrations from 0.1% prepared solids to 7.7% prepared solids.

Example 4 A. ) The coffee is 76.5 grams of roast and ground coffee beans for 1.89 grams.
A liter bottle brewer is placed by placing it in the prescribed preparation basket. 1,860 milliliters of water at 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 degrees Celsius) 12 per second
The preparation basket is fed at atmospheric pressure in milliliters. The preparation was filtered through a regular paper coffee filter and the resulting preparation had a prepared solids content of 1.4%.
Is. The discharge temperature of the extract was 172 ° F. (77.7 ° C.). B. The coffee extract is kept for up to 48 hours in a sealed glass thermos that is kept at 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius). C. ) Consumers are allowed to choose from flavor profiles of various attributes when making their own cup. This is done by a slide bar and selector or a multi-dimensional space that represents the taste region of the beverage, including concentration, sweetness, creaminess and flavor. D. ) The extract is diluted with hot water at an arbitrary ratio from the state of the extract as it is to the state of all water. The extract has a total concentration (0: 1), a half concentration (1: 1, 0.7
% Prepared solids), one-third concentration (2: 1, 0.47 prepared solids), and 4
Diluted at a 1-fold concentration (3: 1, 0.35% prepared solids). The resulting extract was also mixed with 20% cappuccino powder at similar concentrations. The resulting products range from very sweet and creamy cappuccinos to coffee-flavored cappuccinos. The cappuccino was then blended with a solution of 50% standard size ice to produce a slush cappuccino.

Example 5 A. ) The extract of Example 1 and the extract of Example 2 were loaded into one system. B. The user selects his preferred coffee characteristics at various points in time through the consumer interface window. C. ) Usage history table. Coffee extracts were blended as above and then diluted in the indicated ratios.

[0110]

[Table 1]

Example 6 A. 3.) Coffee is made by placing 205 grams of roast and ground decaffeinated coffee beans in an automatic slurry brewer with a metal mesh filter. Initial Fahrenheit 20 while the dispensing basket outlet is closed.
3 degree (95 ° C), 200 ml of hot water is supplied to the closed system, 2
Immersion allowed for 00 seconds. The preparation basket is allowed to open and the extract is allowed to drain. Then another 900 ml of hot water at 203 degrees Fahrenheit (95 ° C)
It is supplied to coffee at a constant pressure of 5 ml / s. The final prepared coffee extract has a solids content of 7.7%. B. ) The coffee extract is kept in a closed tank at 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 ° C)
Is kept warm at. C. The consumer sets his personal profile over the Internet or on the system and answers a few simple questions about his preferences. These questions will help you deliver the product with the correct profile. The consumer may receive a uniquely prescribed beverage or may choose a variety of beverages that are similar to the uniquely prescribed beverage within the personal tolerance profile. D. ) The extract is diluted with water to provide various concentrations from 0.1% prepared solids to 7.7% prepared solids. The diluted extract having a prepared solid content of 2.0% was whipped with a high shear blender to produce a cream. Then 0.05% vanilla flavor and 5% sugar were added to the blend.

The steps A to D in each of the above-described embodiments are performed by, for example, A.D. ) And A. of Example 4. ) Etc. can be substituted for each other.

Example 7 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. The Frank's beverage card contains a unique identification number used by the Customize Director to retrieve the Frank's profile. In this example, Frank has already selected a password / pass number to protect his beverage card from unauthorized use. When the Frank card is passed through the card reader, the customize director displays the F
Prompt the rank to enter 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 found, the Customize Director receives the Frank's customized profile and analyzes the profile to determine which beverage options to display to Frank. The Customizer shows Frank a number of customized options, including coffee bean type, temperature, concentration, finishing options, as well as some of the last purchased coffees as a fast option, and our specialty drinks of the 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 delivers the selected beverage to Frank. The Customization Director records Frank's beverage purchases in the data store.

Example 8 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 prompts Alice to enter the user ID number or, if a new consumer, select "new". 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 ID (number, password, etc.). Then this new ID
Is presented to the user and is preferably sent to the user by another means. In this example, Alice is asked to select a blending option and select the bean type. Once Alice has selected the desired bean type, the Customizer then prompts for 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 Ali
Make a customized beverage for ce.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a method of delivering a customized 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]   3 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of delivering a customized 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 placed and / or reproduced in different physical locations.

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

[Figure 7]   It is a figure which shows drink selection GUI700.

FIG. 8 is a detailed view of a beverage customization GUI 800 displaying information corresponding to a customized beverage design.

[Figure 9]   It is a figure showing other 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) 3E044 AA12 BA04 CA02 CA07 CB05                       CC08 DA06 DB12 FB11                 3E046 BA06 BB20 GA08 [Continued summary] Is Rukoto. Making and consuming customized beverage products User interface and With Tomize data store and user interface It is a customizing director who communicates with the user Includes executable instructions to determine the stoma mix Customized Director and Customized Director A beverage delivery system that communicates, Drinks containing executable instructions for delivering a finished beverage product System having a charge delivery system. Consumer preferences Data acquisition steps and consumer preference data Determining the consumer's beverage mix that corresponds to Customized drinks that correspond to your customized beverage mix Customizing, including providing the fee to the consumer A method for delivering selected beverage products to individuals. In this specification Two preferred embodiments of the invention shown and described In the following detailed description of these and other objects of the invention Explain more clearly and completely.

Claims (54)

[Claims] 1. A system comprising making a customized coffee beverage product by delaying the dilution of the coffee 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 coffee extract for at least about 15 minutes after starting the preparation of the extract. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the customized coffee beverage product is made by delaying the dilution of the coffee extract for at least about 30 minutes after starting the extract preparation. 4. A system comprising making a customized coffee beverage product by delaying the dilution of the coffee extract for up to about 48 hours after initiating the extract preparation. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the customized coffee beverage product is made by delaying the dilution of the coffee extract for up to about 24 hours after starting the extract preparation. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the customized coffee beverage product is made by delaying the dilution of the coffee extract for up to about 12 hours after initiating the extract preparation. 7. The system of claim 1 wherein the dilution ratio of formulation / water is 0 to about 1:15. 8. The system of claim 4, wherein the preparation / water dilution ratio is from 0 to about 1:15. 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the coffee extract has a prepared solids content of less than about 10%. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the coffee extract has a prepared solids content of less than about 5%. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the coffee extract has a prepared solids content of less than about 4%. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the coffee extract has a prepared solids content of less than about 3.5%. 13. The system of claim 4, wherein the coffee extract has a minimum prepared solids content of greater than about 1.2%. 14. The system of claim 13 wherein the coffee extract has a minimum prepared solids content of greater than about 1.5%. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the coffee extract has a minimum prepared solids content greater than about 2.0%. 16. A method for delivering an individually customized coffee beverage product to an individual consumer, comprising: a) a customizing interface (consumer interface) obtaining information about the consumer's preferences; b. ) The customizing interface processes the information, c) the customizing interface communicates with a beverage delivery system, and d) the beverage delivery system individually customized based on the information processed by the customizing interface. Delivering the beverage, wherein the beverage delivery system delays the dilution of the coffee extract for at least about 5 minutes after starting the preparation of the extract. 17. A method for delivering an individually customized coffee beverage product to an individual consumer, comprising: a) a customizing interface (consumer interface) obtaining information about the consumer's preferences; b. ) Said customizing interface processing said information, and c) said customizing interface consuming to provide an individually customized suggestion for the consumer to use in selecting the appropriate beverage option from the beverage delivery system. Communicating to the person, the beverage delivery system delaying the dilution of the coffee extract for at least about 5 minutes after starting 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 coffee beverage is delivered by a beverage delivery system. 20. A method for delivering an individually customized coffee beverage product to an individual consumer, the method comprising: a) a customizing interface (consumer interface) obtaining information about the consumer's preferences; b. ) The customizing interface processing the information, and c) the customizing interface to provide a personalized selection ID to be used by the consumer in selecting an appropriate beverage option from the beverage delivery system. Communicating with the consumer, wherein the beverage delivery system delays the dilution of the coffee extract for at least about 5 minutes after starting the preparation of the extract. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein a consumer enters the ID into a beverage delivery system. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the customized beverage is delivered by a beverage delivery system. 23. A method for delivering individually customized information about a coffee 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 customizing interface processes the information, and c) the customizing interface provides the individual consumer with customized information, wherein the beverage delivery system initiates the preparation of the extract. To delaying the dilution of the coffee extract for a minimum of about 5 minutes. 24. A method for delivering individually customized offers to a coffee beverage product option to an individual consumer, the method comprising: a) a customizing interface (consumer interface) obtaining information about the consumer's preferences. And b) the customizing interface processes the information, and c) the customizing interface uses the individually customized suggestions in selecting a suitable beverage option from the beverage delivery system by the consumer. And delivering to the consumer, wherein the beverage delivery system delays the dilution of the coffee extract for at least about 5 minutes after starting the preparation of the extract. 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 coffee beverage is delivered by a beverage supply system. 27. A method of delivering individually customized selection IDs for 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 customizing interface processing the information, the customizing interface providing an individually customized selection ID for use by a consumer in selecting an appropriate beverage option from a beverage delivery system. A method for communicating with a consumer for use, wherein the beverage delivery system delays the dilution of the coffee extract by a minimum of about 5 minutes after starting the preparation of the extract. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the consumer enters the ID into a coffee beverage delivery system. 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the customized coffee beverage is delivered by a beverage delivery system. 30. For consumer future use in a beverage delivery system I
28. The method of claim 27, wherein a D mechanism is provided. 31. The method of claim 16, wherein the customization interface uses a global assimilation customization system. 32. The method of claim 23, wherein the customize interface uses a global assimilation customize system. 33. The method of claim 24, wherein the customize interface uses a global assimilation customize system. 34. The method of claim 27, wherein the customization interface uses a global assimilation customization system. 35. A method for providing a customized coffee beverage product to a consumer, comprising the steps of: a) obtaining consumer preference data; and b) the consumer corresponding to the consumer preference data. Determining the beverage mix, and c) providing the consumer with a customized drink corresponding to the customized drink mix, the customized being made from the concentrated extract prepared. A method characterized by the following. 36. The step of obtaining consumer favorite data comprises: a) collecting a user ID from the consumer; and b) retrieving the consumer favorite data from a data store corresponding to the user ID. 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 delivering a customized coffee beverage product to a consumer, comprising: a) a user interface, and b) a customization director in communication with a customization data store and a user interface. And a beverage delivery system that communicates with the customized director that includes executable instructions for delivering 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 delivering 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 the 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 a plurality of suggested retail beverage products to a consumer. 44. The step of obtaining consumer favorite data comprises: a) collecting a user ID from the consumer; and b) retrieving the consumer favorite data from a data store corresponding to the user ID. 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 products for sale in a retail environment. The method of claim 43. 46. The method of claim 43, wherein the step of determining a 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 delivering a customized beverage product. 49. A method for providing a customized beverage product to a consumer, comprising the steps of: a) obtaining consumer preference data; and b) consumer beverage corresponding to the consumer preference data. Determining the formulation, and c) providing the consumer with a customized beverage corresponding to the customized beverage formulation, the customized being made from the prepared extract. How to characterize. 50. After the customized beverage is provided to the consumer, the consumer is provided with suggestions for other products suitable for the consumer based on the consumer's preference data. 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 method of claim 50, wherein consumer preference data comprises data generated from previously delivered customized beverages or samples thereof and the like.