METHOD FOR ROASTING COFFEE BEANS

Abstract

The invention concerns a method to determine the recipe Rym for roasting a quantity m of a type Cy coffee beans in a particular type of roasting apparatus, said recipe Rym providing setpoints (Tym@ti; ti), wherein the method comprises the steps of:—getting access to: ⋅a rule to calculate the roasting recipe adapted to the roasting of a quantity of beans, said quantity being comprised in a list of pre-determined quantities (M, M±Δx), from any pre-existing roasting recipe adapted to the roasting of another quantity of beans in said particular type of roasting apparatus, said another quantity being comprised in the list of pre-determined quantities (M, M±Δx), and to at least one pre-determined original roasting recipe RyMoriginal adapted to the roasting of one original pre-determined quantity Moriginal of the type Cy coffee beans, and—based on the comparison between m, the accessible original pre-determined quantity Moriginal and the accessible pre-determined quantities of the list (M, M±Δx), determining the roasting recipe Rym to be applied on said quantity m of coffee beans.

Claims

1. A method to determine the recipe Rym for roasting a quantity m of a type C.sub.y of coffee beans in a particular type of roasting apparatus, said recipe R.sub.ym providing setpoints (T.sub.ym@ti; ti) of temperatures T.sub.ym@t.sub.2, T.sub.ym@t.sub.2, . . . to be applied at discrete successive times t.sub.1, t.sub.2, . . . , respectively, wherein the method comprises the steps of: getting access: to a rule to calculate the roasting recipe adapted to the roasting of a quantity of beans, said quantity being comprised in a list of pre-determined quantities (M, M+Δx), from any pre-existing roasting recipe adapted to the roasting of another quantity of beans in said particular type of roasting apparatus, said another quantity being comprised in the list of pre-determined quantities (M, M+Δx), and to the list of said pre-determined quantities (M, M+Δx), and to at least one pre-determined original roasting recipe R.sub.yMoriginal, said roasting recipe R.sub.yMoriginal being adapted to the roasting of one original pre-determined quantity M.sub.original of beans of type C.sub.y in said particular type of roasting apparatus, said pre-determined original roasting recipe R.sub.yMoriginal providing setpoints (T.sub.yMoriginal@ti; ti) of temperatures T.sub.yMoriginal.sub.@.sub.t.sub.1, T.sub.yMoriginal.sub.@.sub.t.sub.2, . . . to be applied at discrete successive times t.sub.1, t.sub.2, . . . , respectively, and to said original pre-determined quantity M.sub.original of beans, and based on: the comparison between m and the accessible original pre-determined quantity M.sub.original, and the comparison between M.sub.original and the accessible pre-determined quantities of the list (M, M+Δx), and the comparison between m and the accessible pre-determined quantities of the list (M, M±Δx) determining the roasting recipe R.sub.ym to be applied on said quantity m of coffee beans as follows: if m is equal to the accessible original pre-determined quantity M.sub.original, then the roasting recipe R.sub.ym corresponds to the accessible original roasting recipe R.sub.yMoriginal, if m is different from the accessible original pre-determined quantity M.sub.original, and if the accessible original pre-determined quantity M.sub.original is equal to one of the accessible pre-determined quantities of the list (M, M+Δx), and if m is equal to one of the other accessible pre-determined quantities (M, M+Δx) of the list, then the roasting recipe R.sub.ym is calculated by applying the rule to the accessible pre-determined original roasting recipe R.sub.yMoriginal, if m is different from the accessible pre-determined quantities (M, M+Δx) of the list, then the roasting recipe R.sub.ym is deduced from the accessible pre-determined original roasting recipe R.sub.yMoriginal, and/or at least one of the roasting recipes R.sub.yM, R.sub.yM±Δx able to be calculated by applying the rule to the accessible pre-determined roasting recipe R.sub.yMoriginal, if M.sub.original is different from any of the accessible pre-determined quantities of the list (M, M+Δx), then identifying, in said list, the quantity M.sub.closest presenting the smallest difference with M.sub.original and deducing the corresponding roasting recipe R.sub.yMclosest from the accessible pre-determined roasting recipe R.sub.yMoriginal, and then: if m is equal to said quantity M.sub.closest presenting the smallest difference with M.sub.original, then the roasting recipe R.sub.ym corresponds to said deduced roasting recipe R.sub.yMclosest, if m is different from M.sub.closest but equal to one of the other accessible pre-determined quantities (M, M+Δx) of the list, then the roasting recipe R.sub.ym is calculated by applying the rule to the deduced roasting recipe R.sub.yMclosest, if m is different from any of the accessible pre-determined quantities (M, M+Δx) of the list, then the roasting recipe R.sub.ym is deduced from the accessible original roasting recipe R.sub.yMoriginal, and/or at least one of the roasting recipes R.sub.yM, R.sub.yM±Δx able to be calculated by applying the rule to the deduced roasting recipe R.sub.yMclosest.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the rule is a mathematical function, such as a polynomial, logarithmic or exponential function, applied to the temperatures T.sub.@ti of the setpoints of the pre-existing roasting recipe adapted to the roasting of another quantity of beans comprised in the list of pre-determined quantities (M, M+Δx).

3. A method according to claim 2, wherein the rule to calculate from one pre-existing roasting recipe R.sub.M (TM.sub.@ti; t.sub.i) adapted to the roasting of a pre-determined quantity M of beans at least one roasting recipe R.sub.M±Δx (T.sub.M+Δx@ti; ti) adapted to the roasting of a pre-determined quantity M±Δx of beans is a linear function, said rule being defined by at least one couple of pre-determined coefficients (a.sub.(M;M+Δx); b.sub.(M;M+Δx)), said coefficients being specific to the difference of quantity ±Δx, and said rule being applied to the temperatures T.sub.yM@ti provided by the pre-determined original roasting recipe R.sub.M as follows:
T.sub.yM±Δx@ti=a.sub.(M;M±Δx)T.sub.yM@ti+b.sub.(M;M±Δx).

4. A method according to the claim 3, wherein said polynomial rule is defined by at least two couples of pre-determined coefficients (a.sub.(M;M±Δx); b.sub.(M;M±Δx)), each of said couple being applied during a specific range of time Δti of the pre-determined roasting recipe R.sub.yM.

5. A method according to claim 2, wherein the accessible original pre-determined quantity M.sub.original is equal to one of the accessible pre-determined quantities of the list (M, M±Δx) of the rule.

6. A method according to claim 5, wherein, if m is different from the accessible original pre-determined quantity M and from any of the accessible pre-determined quantities M±Δx, then the roasting recipe R.sub.ym to be applied on said obtained quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel is deduced from one or two of the accessible roasting recipe R.sub.yM and/or the calculable roasting recipes R.sub.yM±Δx, each of said one or two recipes being adapted to the roasting of one pre-determined quantity of beans respectively and said pre-determined quantity or quantities of beans presenting the smallest difference(s) of quantity with the obtained quantity m.

7. A method according to claim 6, wherein the roasting recipe R.sub.ym to be applied on said obtained quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel is deduced by selecting in the list of the accessible original roasting recipe R.sub.yM and/or the calculable roasting recipes R.sub.yM±Δx, the roasting recipe adapted to the roasting of one pre-determined quantity of beans presenting the smallest difference of quantity with the obtained quantity m.

8. A method according to claim 6, wherein the roasting recipe R.sub.ym to be applied on said obtained quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel is deduced by: identifying in the list of the accessible pre-determined quantities M and M±Δx, the two successive pre-determined quantities M.sub.m−1 and M.sub.m+1 presenting the smallest differences with m, wherein M.sub.m−1 is inferior to M.sub.m+1, for said two identified quantities M.sub.m−1 and M.sub.m+1, obtaining the corresponding roasting recipe R.sub.Mm−1 and R.sub.Mm+1 respectively, said recipes being determined as follows: if one of the identified quantities M.sub.m−1 or M.sub.m+1 is equal to the original pre-determined quantity M, then getting access to the pre-determined original roasting recipe R.sub.yM adapted to the roasting of said pre-determined quantity M of beans, if one or two of said identified quantities M.sub.m−1 and/or M.sub.m+1 differ(s) from the original pre-determined quantity M, then calculating the corresponding roasting recipes R.sub.Mm−1 and/or R.sub.Mm+1 by applying the rule to the accessible original roasting recipe R.sub.yM, from the obtained roasting recipes R.sub.Mm−1 and R.sub.Mm+1, said recipes providing the temperatures T.sub.Mm−1@t1, T.sub.Mm−1 @t2, . . . , . . . and T.sub.Mm+1@t1, T.sub.Mm+1@t2, . . . respectively applied at discrete successive times t.sub.1, t.sub.2, . . . , determining the temperature T.sub.m@t1, T.sub.m@t2, . . . to be applied to the obtained quantity m of beans at each of said discrete successive times ti.sub.1 t.sub.2, . . . as follows:
T.sub.m@t1=T.sub.Mm−1@ti+[(T.sub.Mm+1@ti−T.sub.Mm−1@ti).Math.K.Math.(m−M.sub.m−1)/(M.sub.m+1−M.sub.m−1)] with K≤1.

9. A method according to claim 6, wherein the roasting recipe R.sub.ym to be applied on said obtained quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel is deduced by: identifying in the list of the accessible pre-determined quantities M and M+Δx, the two successive pre-determined quantities M.sub.m−1 and M.sub.m+1 presenting the smallest differences with m, for said two identified quantities M.sub.m−1 and M.sub.m+1 obtaining the corresponding roasting recipe R.sub.Mm−1 and R.sub.Mm+1 respectively, said recipes being determined as follows: if one of the identified quantities M.sub.m−1 or M.sub.m+1 is equal to the pre-determined quantity M, then getting access to the pre-determined original roasting recipe R.sub.yM adapted to the roasting of said pre-determined quantity M of beans, if one or two of said identified quantities M.sub.m−1 and/or M.sub.m+1 differ(s) from the original pre-determined quantity M, then calculating the corresponding roasting recipes R.sub.Mm−1 and/or R.sub.Mm+1 by applying the rule to the accessible original roasting recipe R.sub.yM, from the obtained roasting recipes R.sub.Mm−1 and R.sub.Mm+1, said recipes providing the temperatures T.sub.Mm−1@t1, T.sub.Mm−1@t2, . . . and T.sub.Mm+1@t1, T.sub.Mm+1@t2, . . . respectively applied at discrete successive times t.sub.1, t.sub.2, . . . , determining the temperature T.sub.m@t1, T.sub.m@t2, . . . to be applied to the obtained quantity m of beans at each of said discrete successive times t.sub.1, t.sub.2, . . . as follows: if m is closer to M.sub.m−1, then:
T.sub.m@t1=T.sub.Mm−1@ti+[(T.sub.Mm+1@ti−T.sub.Mm−1@ti).Math.K.Math.(m−M.sub.m−1)/(M.sub.m+1−M.sub.m−1)] if m is closer to M.sub.m+1, then:
T.sub.m@t1=T.sub.Mm−1@ti−[(T.sub.Mm+1@ti−T.sub.Mm−1@ti).Math.K.Math.(M.sub.m+1−m)/(M.sub.m+1−M.sub.m−1)] with K≤1.

10. A method according to claim 6, wherein the roasting recipe R.sub.ym to be applied on said obtained quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel is deduced by: identifying in the list of the accessible original pre-determined quantities M and M+Δx, the two successive pre-determined quantities M.sub.m−1 and M.sub.m+1 presenting the smallest differences with m, wherein M.sub.m−1 is inferior to M.sub.m+1, for said two identified quantities M.sub.m−1 and M.sub.m+1, obtaining the corresponding at least one couple of pre-determined coefficients (a.sub.(M;Mm−1);b.sub.(M;Mm−1)) and (a.sub.(M;Mm+1);b.sub.(M;Mm+1)), wherein if one said two identified quantities M.sub.m−1 and M.sub.m+1 is equal to M, then the corresponding couple of pre-determined coefficients is (1;1), from said obtained couples of pre-determined coefficients (a.sub.(M;Mm−1);b.sub.(M;Mm−1)) and (a.sub.(M;Mm+1);b.sub.(M;Mm+1)), determining at least one couple of coefficients a.sub.(M;m) as follows:
a.sub.(M;m)=a.sub.(M;Mm−1)+[(a.sub.(M;Mm+1)−a.sub.(M;Mm−1)).Math.K.Math.(m−M.sub.m−1)(M.sub.m+1−M.sub.m−1)] with K≤1, from said determined at least one couple of coefficients a.sub.(M;m) and from the pre-determined original roasting recipe R.sub.yM (T.sub.yM@ti; ti), calculating the roasting recipe R.sub.ym providing the temperature T.sub.m@t1, T.sub.m@t2, . . . to be applied to the obtained quantity m of beans at each of said discrete successive times t.sub.1, t.sub.2, . . . as follows:
T.sub.ym@ti=a.sub.(M;m)T.sub.yM@ti+b.sub.(M;m).

11. A method according to claim 1 wherein said method is applied in a specific roasting apparatus comprising an air flow driver, wherein said method enables the determination of an additional roasting recipe R.sub.flow-ym for roasting a quantity m of a type C.sub.y coffee beans in a roasting apparatus said additional roasting recipe providing setpoints (F.sub.ym@ti; ti) of an air flow F.sub.@t1, F.sub.@t2, . . . to be applied at discrete successive times ti.sub.1 t.sub.2, wherein the method comprises the steps of: getting access: to a rule to calculate the roasting recipe adapted to the roasting of a quantity of beans, said quantity being comprised in a list of pre-determined quantities (M, M+Δx), from any pre-existing roasting recipe adapted to the roasting of another quantity of beans in said particular type of roasting apparatus, said another quantity being comprised in the list of pre-determined quantities (M, M+Δx), and to the list of the pre-determined quantities (M, M+Δx), and to at least one pre-determined original roasting recipe R.sub.flow-yMoriginal, said roasting recipe R.sub.flow-yMoriginal being adapted to the roasting of one original pre-determined quantity M.sub.original of beans of type C.sub.y in said particular type of roasting apparatus, and to said original pre-determined quantity M.sub.original of beans, and based on: the comparison between m and the accessible original pre-determined quantity M.sub.original and on the comparison between m and the accessible pre-determined quantities of the list (M, M±Δx) and the comparison between M.sub.original and the accessible pre-determined quantities of the list (M, M+Δx) determining the roasting recipe R.sub.flow-ym to be applied on said quantity m of coffee beans as follows: if m is equal to the accessible original pre-determined quantity M.sub.original, then the roasting recipe R.sub.flow ym corresponds to the accessible original roasting recipe R.sub.flow-yMoriginal, if m is different from the accessible original pre-determined quantity M.sub.original, and if the accessible original pre-determined quantity M.sub.original is equal to one of the accessible pre-determined quantities of the list (M, M+Δx), and if m is equal to one of the other accessible pre-determined quantities (M, M+Δx) of the list, then the roasting recipe R.sub.flow ym is calculated by applying the rule to the accessible pre-determined original roasting recipe R.sub.flow-yMoriginal, if m is different from the accessible pre-determined quantities (M, M+Δx) of the list, then the roasting recipe R.sub.flow-ym is deduced from the accessible original roasting recipe R.sub.flow-yMoriginal, and/or at least one of the roasting recipes R.sub.flow-yM, R.sub.flow yM±Δx able to be calculated by applying the rule to the accessible roasting recipe R.sub.flow-yMoriginal, if M.sub.original is different from any of the accessible pre-determined quantities of the list (M, M±Δx), then identifying, in said list, the quantity M.sub.closest presenting the smallest difference with M.sub.original and deducing the corresponding roasting recipe R.sub.flow-yMclosest from the accessible roasting recipe R.sub.flow-yMoriginal, and then: if m is equal to said quantity M.sub.closest presenting the smallest difference with M.sub.original, then the roasting recipe R.sub.flow-ym corresponds to deduced roasting recipe R.sub.flow-yMclosest, if m is different from M.sub.closest but equal to one of the other accessible pre-determined quantities (M, M±Δx) of the list, then the roasting recipe R.sub.flow-ym is calculated by applying the rule to the deduced roasting recipe R.sub.flow-yMclosest, if m is different from any of the accessible pre-determined quantities (M, M±Δx) of the list, then the roasting recipe R.sub.flow-ym is deduced from the accessible original roasting recipe R.sub.flow-yMoriginal, and/or at least one of the roasting recipes R.sub.flow-yM, R.sub.flow-yM±Δx able to be calculated by applying the rule to the deduced roasting recipe R.sub.flow-yMclosest.

12. Method according to claim 1, wherein the rule to calculate from one pre-determined roasting recipe R.sub.flow-yM (F.sub.yM.sub.@ti; ti) adapted to the roasting of a pre-determined quantity M of beans at least one roasting recipe R.sub.flow-yM±Δx (F.sub.yM±Δx @ti; ti) adapted to the roasting of a pre-determined quantity M+Δx of beans is a polynomial function, said rule being defined by a couple of pre-determined coefficients (c.sub.(M;M+Δx); d.sub.(M;M+Δx)) and being applied to the air flow provided by the pre-determined roasting recipe R.sub.fnlow-M as follows:
F.sub.yM±Δx@ti=c.sub.(M;M±Δx)F.sub.yM@ti+d.sub.(M;M±Δx)

13. (canceled)

14. A method to determine the recipe R.sub.blend for roasting a customised blend of coffee beans C.sub.A, C.sub.B, . . . with respective quantities mA, mB, . . . of said coffee beans in a particular type of roasting apparatus, said recipe R.sub.blend providing setpoints (T.sub.blend@ti; ti) of temperatures T.sub.blend@t1, T.sub.blend@t2, . . . to be applied at discrete successive times t.sub.1, t.sub.2, . . . , respectively, wherein the method comprises the steps of: for each type of coffee beans C.sub.y part of the blend, determining the roasting recipe R.sub.ym to be applied on said quantity my of coffee beans, getting access to temperature adaptation factors X.sub.y of said different types of coffee beans C.sub.y respectively of the customised blend, from said determined roasting recipes R.sub.ym and from said accessible temperature adaptation factors X.sub.y, and based on the quantities my of beans of type C.sub.y, determining the temperature T.sub.blend@t1, T.sub.blend@t2, . . . , to be applied to the customised blend of beans at each of discrete successive times t.sub.1, t.sub.2, . . . respectively according to following formula (I): $\begin{matrix} T_{blend @ t_{i}} = \underset{y}{.Math.} f_{y} .Math. X_{y} .Math. T_{m_{y} @ t_{i}} & (I) \end{matrix}$ wherein y corresponds to all the types of coffee beans present in the blend and f.sub.y represents the fraction in weight of coffee beans of type C.sub.y in the blend of coffee beans.

15. A method to determine the recipe R.sub.blend for roasting a customised blend of coffee beans of different types C.sub.y with respective quantities my of said coffee beans in a particular type of roasting apparatus, said recipe R.sub.blend providing setpoints (T.sub.blend@ti; ti) of temperatures T.sub.blend@t1, T.sub.blend@t2, . . . to be applied at discrete successive times t.sub.1, t.sub.2, respectively, wherein the method comprises the steps of: getting access: for each types of coffee beans C.sub.y comprised in the blend, to at least one pre-determined original roasting recipes R.sub.yMoriginal respectively, each recipe R.sub.yMoriginal (T.sub.yMoriginal.sub.@ti; t.sub.i) being adapted to the roasting of one original pre-determined quantity Moriginal of beans of type C.sub.y in said particular type of roasting apparatus, to said original pre-determined quantity M.sub.original of beans, and to a rule to calculate from one pre-determined original roasting recipe R.sub.yMoriginal (T.sub.yMoriginal@ti; t.sub.i) at least one roasting recipe R.sub.Moriginal+Δx adapted to the roasting of a pre-determined quantity M.sub.original±Δx of beans in said particular type of roasting apparatus, said rule being a linear function, and said being defined by at least one couple of pre-determined coefficients (a(M.sub.original;M.sub.original+Δx); b(M.sub.original; M.sub.original +Δx)), said coefficients being specific to the difference of quantity ±Δx, and said rule being applied to the temperatures T.sub.Moriginal@ti provided by one pre-determined original roasting recipe R.sub.Moriginal as follows:
T.sub.Moriginal±Δx@ti=a.sub.(Moriginal;Moriginal±@x)T.sub.Moriginal@ti+b.sub.(Moriginal;Moriginal±Δx) and to said at least one pre-determined quantity M.sub.original+Δx, and to temperature adaptation factors X.sub.y of said different types of coffee beans C.sub.y respectively, and for each type of coffee beans C.sub.y part of the blend, identifying in the list of pre-determined quantities M.sub.original and M.sub.original+Δx the quantity M.sub.closest presenting the smallest difference with my and deducing the corresponding couple of coefficients (a.sub.y:b.sub.y) as follows:
a.sub.y=a.sub.(Moriginal;Mclosest);
b.sub.y=b.sub.(Moriginal;Mclosest), calculating the corresponding couple of coefficients of the blend as follows: $a_{b l e n d} = \underset{y}{.Math.} f_{y} .Math. a_{y}$ $b_{blend} = \underset{y}{.Math.} f_{y} .Math. b_{y}$ wherein y corresponds to all the types of coffee beans present in the blend and f.sub.y represents the fraction in weight of coffee beans of type C.sub.y in the blend of coffee beans, determining the temperature T.sub.blend@t1, T.sub.blend@t2, . . . , to be applied to the customised blend of beans at each of discrete successive times t.sub.1, t.sub.2, . . . respectively according to following formula (II): $\begin{matrix} T_{blend @ t_{i}} = a_{blend} (\underset{y}{.Math.} f_{y} .Math. X_{y} .Math. T_{yMoriginal @ ti}) + b_{blend} & (II) \end{matrix}$ wherein y corresponds to all the types of coffee beans present in the blend and f.sub.y represents the fraction in weight of coffee beans of type C.sub.y in the blend of coffee beans.

16-22. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0265] Specific embodiments of the invention are now described further, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings in which:

[0266] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a general roasting apparatus enabling the implementation of the method of the present invention,

[0267] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a control system of the general apparatus according to FIG. 1,

[0268] FIGS. 3 to 5 illustrates the calculation of a new recipe for a new quantity from a pre-determined original recipe,

[0269] FIG. 6 illustrates the implementation of the method according to the invention,

[0270] FIGS. 7a to 7d schematically illustrate different embodiments of the system according to the present invention,

[0271] FIGS. 8 and 9 represent schematically methods to use systems according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0272] Roasting Apparatus

[0273] FIG. 1 shows an illustrative view part of a roasting apparatus 1. Functionally, the roasting apparatus 1 is operable to roast coffee beans hold in a vessel 11 by means of a flow of hot air introduced inside this vessel. At a first level, the apparatus comprises: a housing 15, a roasting unit 10 and a control system 180. These components will now be sequentially described.

[0274] Housing of Roasting Apparatus

[0275] The housing 15 houses and supports the aforementioned components and comprises a base 151 and a body 152. The base 151 being for abutment with a support surface, preferably through feet 154 that provide a gap between the base and the support surface. The body 152 is for mounting thereto the components.

[0276] Roasting Unit of Roasting Apparatus

[0277] The roasting unit 10 is operable to receive and roast coffee beans.

[0278] The roasting unit 10 typically comprises at a second level of the roasting apparatus 1: a vessel 11 and a heating device 12, which are sequentially described.

[0279] The vessel 11 is configured to receive and hold the coffee beans introduced by the operator.

[0280] A removable cover 17 enables the introduction and removal of beans. The bottom of the vessel is configured to enable air to pass through, specifically it can be a perforated plate 14 on which the beans can lie and through which air can flow upwardly.

[0281] A chaff collector 16 is in flow communication with the vessel 1 to receive chaffs that progressively separate from the beans and due to their light density are blown off to the chaff collector.

[0282] The vessel 11 comprises a handle 112 in order to enable the user to remove the vessel from the housing 15 and get the roasted beans.

[0283] In the illustrated embodiment the vessel 1 is at least partially transparent and comprises an upper level line 111b and a lower level line 111a designed on the vessel. Once the beans have been introduced inside the vessel 1, the user is able to check the quantity of beans introduced by reference to these levels 111a, 111b. In particular, the operator is able to check if the quantity is inferior to the lower level, between the lower and upper levels or above the upper level.

[0284] In an alternative embodiment of the roaster, illustrated in FIGS. 7b to 7d, the roasting unit can comprise a device to automatically detect the quantity of beans introduced inside the vessel 1, like a weight scale or a level sensor (capacitive or optical) inside the vessel.

[0285] In another embodiment of the roaster, not represented, the roasting unit can comprise a set of different vessels, each vessel being configured to hold a specific quantity of coffee beans. The roasting unit can comprise a vessel recognition device.

[0286] The heating device 12 comprises an air flow driver 121 and a heater 122.

[0287] The air flow driver 121 is operable to generate a flow of air in direction of the bottom of the vessel. The generated flow is configured to heat the beans and to agitate and lift the beans. As a result the beans are homogenously heated. Specifically, the air flow driver can be a fan powered by a motor 13. Air inlets 153 can be provided inside the base 151 of the housing in order to feed air inside the housing, the air flow driver blowing this air in direction of the vessel 11 as illustrated by doted lines arrows.

[0288] The heater 122 is operable to heat the flow of air generated by the air flow driver 121. In the specific illustrated embodiment, the heater is an electrical resistance being positioned between the fan and the perforated plate 14 with the result that the flow of air is heated before it enters the vessel 11 to heat and to lift the beans.

[0289] The heater 122 and/or the air flow driver 121 is/are operable to apply a roasting profile to the beans, this roasting profile being defined as a curve of temperature against time.

[0290] Although the invention is described with a roaster implementing a fluidized bed of hot air, the invention not limited to this specific type of roasting apparatus. Drum roasters and other kinds of roasters can be used.

[0291] The roasting apparatus 10 usually comprises a user interface 20 enabling the display and the input of information.

[0292] The roasting apparatus can comprise a code reader to read a code associated to a type of coffee beans, for example present on the package of coffee beans. Preferably, this code reader is positioned in the apparatus so that the operator is able to easily position a code in front of it. It is preferably positioned at the front face of the apparatus, for example close to a user interface 20 of the apparatus. Accordingly, information provided by the code can be immediately displayed through the display of the user interface 20 positioned aside.

[0293] Control System of Roasting Apparatus

[0294] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the control system 180 will now be considered: the control system 180 is operable to control the components of the roasting unit to roast coffee beans. The control system 180 typically comprises at a second level of roasting apparatus: a user interface 20, a processing unit 18, sensors 23, a power supply 21, a memory 19, optionally a communication interface 24 for remote connection, optionally a code reader 3, optionally a measuring device 4, optionally a database 25.

[0295] The user interface 20 comprises hardware to enable a user to interface with the processing unit 1, by means of user interface signal. More particularly, the user interface receives commands from a user, the user interface signal transfers the said commands to the processing unit 18 as an input. The commands may, for example, be an instruction to execute a roasting process and/or to adjust an operational parameter of the roasting apparatus 1 and/or to power on or off the roasting apparatus 1. The processing unit 18 may also output feedback to the user interface 20 as part of the roasting process, e.g. to indicate the roasting process has been initiated or that a parameter associated with the process has been selected or to indicate the evolution of a parameter during the process or to create an alarm.

[0296] In a particular embodiment, the user interface can be used: [0297] to provide the quantity m of the coffee beans introduced inside the vessel by manual input. [0298] to provide identification C.sub.y of the coffee beans introduced inside the vessel by manual input such as selection of an identification type in a list of pre-selected coffee beans or by entering a digital reference of the coffee, for example read from a coffee beans package. [0299] to provide the further use u.sub.z of the beans introduced and to be roasted inside the vessel by manual input such as selection of the use in a list of pre-determined uses (uα, uβ, . . . ). [0300] to provide the desired level of roasting of the beans introduced and to be roasted inside the vessel by manual input such as selection of the level in a list of pre-determined level (light, medium, dark).

[0301] The hardware of the user interface may comprise any suitable device(s), for example, the hardware comprises one or more of the following: buttons, such as a joystick button, knob or press button, joystick, LEDs, graphic or character LDCs, graphical screen with touch sensing and/or screen edge buttons. The user interface 20 can be formed as one unit or a plurality of discrete units.

[0302] A part of the user interface can also be on a mobile app when the apparatus is provided with a communication interface 24 as described below. In that case the input and output can be transmitted to the mobile device through the communication interface 24.

[0303] The sensors 23 are operable to provide an input signal to the processing unit 18 for monitoring of the roasting process and/or a status of the roasting apparatus. The input signal can be an analogue or digital signal. The sensors 23 typically comprise at least one temperature sensor 231 and optionally one or more of the following sensors: level sensor associated with the vessel 1, air flow rate sensor, position sensor associated with the vessel and/or the chaff collector.

[0304] If the apparatus or the system comprises a measuring device 24, this device is operable to provide the input 22 that is the quantity of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel 11. This input 22 can be the weight of the beans measured by a scale or a volume of beans or a level measured by a level sensor associated with the vessel 11.

[0305] A code reader 3 can be provided and operable to read a code on coffee beans package and automatically provide an input that is the identification of the coffee beans introduced in the measuring device 4 or in the vessel 11, and optionally the quantity provided by the package if the whole quantity is introduced in inside the vessel of the roasting apparatus.

[0306] The processing unit 18 generally comprise memory, input and output system components arranged as an integrated circuit, typically as a microprocessor or a microcontroller. The processing unit 18 may comprises other suitable integrated circuits, such as: an ASIC, a programmable logic device such as a PAL, CPLD, FPGA, PSoC, a system on a chip (SoC), an analogue integrated circuit, such as a controller. For such devices, where appropriate, the aforementioned program code can be considered programmed logic or to additionally comprise programmed logic. The processing unit 18 may also comprise one or more of the aforementioned integrated circuits. An example of the later is several integrated circuits is arranged in communication with each other in a modular fashion e.g.: a slave integrated circuit to control the user interface 20 in communication with a master integrated circuit to control the roasting unit 10.

[0307] The power supply 21 is operable to supply electrical energy to the said controlled components and the processing unit 18. The power supply 21 may comprise various means, such as a battery or a unit to receive and condition a main electrical supply. The power supply 21 may be operatively linked to part of the user interface 20 for powering on or off the roasting apparatus

[0308] The processing unit 18 generally comprises a memory unit 19 for storage of instructions as program code and optionally data. To this end the memory unit typically comprises: a non-volatile memory e.g. EPROM, EEPROM or Flash for the storage of program code and operating parameters as instructions, volatile memory (RAM) for temporary data storage. The memory unit may comprise separate and/or integrated (e.g. on a die of the semiconductor) memory. For programmable logic devices the instructions can be stored as programmed logic. The instructions stored on the memory unit 19 can be idealised as comprising a coffee beans roasting program.

[0309] The control system 180 is operable to apply this coffee beans roasting program by controlling the heating device 12—that is, in the particular illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the air flow driver 121 and/or the heater 122—usually using signal of the temperature probe 231.

[0310] The coffee beans roasting program can effect control of the said components using extraction information encoded on a code and/or other information that may be stored as data on the memory unit 19 or from a remote source through the communication interface and/or input via the user interface 20 and/or signal of the sensors 23.

[0311] In particular, the control system is configured to apply a roasting recipe R providing the temperature T.sub.@ti, T.sub.@t2, T.sub.@tfinal to be applied at discrete successive times t.sub.1, t.sub.2, t.sub.final respectively.

[0312] With that aim, the processing unit 18 is operable to: [0313] receive an input of the temperature sensor 231, [0314] process the input according to roasting recipe R, [0315] provide an output, which is the roasting recipe R. More specifically the output comprises the operation of at least the heater 122 and the air flow driver 121.

[0316] The temperature measured by the temperature sensor 231 is used to adapt the power of the heater 122 and/or the power of the motor 13 of the air driver 121 in a feedback loop in order to apply the roasting recipe R to the beans.

[0317] Depending on the type of control applied in the roaster, the heater 122 can be powered at one pre-determined power, meaning its temperature is constant, and in that case the power of the motor 13 of the air driver 121 can be controlled based on the temperature monitored at the sensor 231 in order to vary the time of contact of the flow air through the heater during its movement.

[0318] Alternatively, the motor 13 of the air driver 121 can be powered at one pre-determined power, meaning the flow rate of air is constant, and in that case the power of the heater 122 can be controlled based on the temperature monitored at the sensor 231 in order to heat more or less air during its passage through the heating device.

[0319] In a last alternative, both heater 122 and motor 13 can be controlled based on the monitoring of the temperature by sensor 231.

[0320] In addition the control system can be configured to control the motor (13) of the air driver to apply a roasting recipe R.sub.flow providing setpoints (F.sub.@ti; ti) of air flow F.sub.@t1, F.sub.@t2, . . . to be applied at discrete successive times t.sub.1, t.sub.2, . . . , respectively.

[0321] Depending on the type of roasting apparatus and the air driver it comprises, the air flow can be controlled through the speed of the fan when the air driver comprises a fan with adjustable speed. Alternatively, the speed of the fan can be fixed and the flow of air can be controlled with a diaphragm or any means to control the size of air in a conduit.

[0322] The processing unit can comprise a communication interface 24 for data communication of the roasting apparatus 1 with another device and/or system, such as a server system, a mobile device and/or a physically separated measuring apparatus 2. The communication interface 24 can be used to supply and/or receive information related to the coffee beans roasting process, such as roasting process information, type of the beans, quantity of beans, further use of the beans, desired level of roasting. The communication interface 24 may comprise a first and second communication interface for data communication with several devices at once or communication via different media.

[0323] The communication interface 24 can be configured for cabled media or wireless media or a combination thereof, e.g.: a wired connection, such as RS-232, USB, 120, Ethernet define by IEEE 802.3, a wireless connection, such as wireless LAN (e.g. IEEE 802.11) or near field communication (NFC) or a cellular system such as GPRS or GSM. The communication interface 24 interfaces with the processing unit 18, by means of a communication interface signal. Generally the communication interface comprises a separate processing unit (examples of which are provided above) to control communication hardware (e.g. an antenna) to interface with the master processing unit 18. However, less complex configurations can be used e.g. a simple wired connection for serial communication directly with the processing unit 18.

[0324] The processing unit 18 enables access to: [0325] pre-determined original roasting recipe R.sub.yMonginal adapted to the roasting of one pre-determined quantity M.sub.original of beans of type N.sub.y in the particular type of roasting apparatus corresponding to apparatus 1, and [0326] this pre-determined quantity M.sub.original of beans, [0327] to a rule to calculate from one roasting recipe R.sub.M adapted to the roasting of one pre-determined quantity M of beans at least one roasting recipe R.sub.M±Δx adapted to the roasting of at least one corresponding pre-determined quantity M±Δx of beans in the particular type of roasting apparatus corresponding to apparatus 1, and vice versa [0328] to said at least one pre-determined quantities M and M±Δx.

[0329] These recipes, the rule and the pre-determined quantities can be stored in a memory 19 of the processing unit 18. Alternatively, these data can be stored in a remote server and the processing unit 18 can be supplied with access to this remote server through the communication interface 24, directly or indirectly through a mobile device establishing connection between the remote server and the processing unit.

[0330] These recipes and quantities can be part of a database 25 stored in the memory unit 19 or remotely as mentioned above.

[0331] In one alternative embodiment, the control system can be provided with the pre-determined original roasting recipe R.sub.yM and their associated pre-determined quantities M, during a code reading operation, these pieces of information being encoded inside the code and decoded by the control system.

[0332] The code can either contain information that are directly used or can be a trigger that is can contain only an identification means which enables the control system to establish link with some parameters stored in a memory (of the roaster, of the internet cloud, of a tablet, of a smartphone app, . . . ).

[0333] The pre-determined original roasting recipe R.sub.yMonginal adapted to the roasting of one pre-determined quantity M.sub.original of beans of type C.sub.y in the particular type of roasting apparatus corresponding to apparatus 1 provides the temperature profile to be applied to said quantity M.sub.original of beans C.sub.y. These temperature profiles are usually defined by experimentation by defining the optimal profile for a pre-determined quantity of beans.

[0334] The type of coffee beans C.sub.y can relate to specific features such as: [0335] the origin of the beans (Arabica, Robusta, . . . ) or a particular mixture of beans of different origins. This mixture can be defined as the blend of beans of different specific origins and by the ratio of these beans of different specific origins, [0336] the level of pre-roasting of the beans. The coffee beans to be roasted can be green beans or can be partially pre-roasted beans that is beans having been obtained by heating green coffee beans and stopping said heating process before the end of the first crack. These partially pre-roasted beans can be pre-roasted at different levels with a direct impact on the subsequent roasting. [0337] the moisture of the beans, [0338] the size of the beans.

[0339] The pre-determined original roasting recipe R.sub.yMoriginal roasting recipes can be adapted for a specific level of roasting like light, medium or dark. Accordingly, for one type of beans C.sub.y, three different pre-determined original roasting recipes R.sub.yMoriginal-light, R.sub.yMoriginal-medium, R.sub.yMoriginal-dark, can be accessible.

[0340] In a particular embodiment, the pre-determined original roasting recipes can be adapted for a specific further use of a quantity M of the roasted beans C.sub.y. Depending on the desired use of the final roasted beans that is the way to extract a coffee beverage from the roasted beans the sensory profile of the roasted coffee beans can be adapted to this subsequent preparation.

[0341] This further use can be: [0342] preparation of an espresso coffee with pressurised hot water, [0343] preparation of coffee with a French press, [0344] preparation of coffee with a drip filter, [0345] preparation of coffee by cold brew method, [0346] preparation of a coffee whatever the extraction with the final aim to prepare a white cup that is mixing extracted coffee with a white component such as milk, creamer, . . . , These temperature profiles are usually defined by experimentation by defining the optimal profile for the pre-determined quantity M.sub.original of the specific type C.sub.y of beans and for each specific further use.

[0347] The rule enables, from one first roasting recipe R.sub.M adapted for a pre-determined quantity M, the calculation of another roasting recipe R.sub.M±Δx adapted to the roasting of a different pre-determined quantity M±Δx.

[0348] For illustration, Table 1 below illustrates how a rule enables such a calculation. Starting from one first roasting recipe R.sub.M−Δ1, R.sub.M or R.sub.M+Δ1, representing for example the recipes for roasting the quantities M−Δ1, M or M+Δ1 (such as 50, 150 and 250 g) respectively, of the same beans C.sub.y, the table provides the rules to calculate roasting recipes for other quantities of beans.

[0349] For example, starting from the first roasting recipe R.sub.M, the table provides the rule “rule(R.sub.M;R.sub.M+R.sub.M+Δ1)” to calculate the recipe R.sub.M+Δ1.

[0350] The rule is configured to provide the calculation in one direction from one first quantity to a second quantity. Another rule is applied to calculate the recipe for the first quantity starting from the recipe for the second quantity.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Quantity of beans in roasting recipe to be calculated custom-character M − Δ1 M M + Δ1 Quantity of beans M − Δ1 rule(R.sub.M−Δ1; R.sub.M) rule(R.sub.M−Δ1; R.sub.M+Δ1) in first roasting M rule(R.sub.M; R.sub.M−Δ1) rule(R.sub.M; R.sub.M + Δ1) recipe M + Δ1 rule(R.sub.M+Δ1; R.sub.M−Δ1) rule(R.sub.M+Δ1; R.sub.M)

[0351] The rule is defined by experimentation on one type of roasting apparatus, usually the master apparatus on which the original roasting recipes are pre-determined.

[0352] By roasting different quantities M−Δ1, M and M+Δ1 of beans of the same type in order to get the same final roasted beans, original roasting recipes have been determined for each quantity of said beans by a coffee expert. Then each of the roasting recipes adapted for one quantity was compared to each of the other roasting recipes adapted for other quantities and relationship between each couple of roasting recipes was established via for example well-known mathematical regression methods establishing finally the rule.

[0353] Different types of rules can be applied depending on the relationship between the recipes for different weights. The complexity of the relationship can depend on: the type of roasting apparatus such as specific construction, specific shape of the chamber, particular control rule or algorithm to control the heater (e.g. more complex if there are two degrees of control on air flow driver and heater) providing for example a more sensitive control.

[0354] The rule can also depend on the family of coffee (as mentioned below), on the level of roasting of the beans (light, medium dark) and on the further use of the roasted coffee beans (espresso, filter, . . . ).

[0355] The relation is usually determined though regression analysis and implemented by means of a regression analysis software using well-known analysis models such as linear regression, multiple regression, non-linear regression, polynomial regression, . . . .

[0356] Usually the type of rule (polynomial (e.g. linear or quadratic), logarithmic or exponential function) is the same for all the couples of original roasting recipes, but the rule itself (coefficients, sense of operations) differs from one couple to another.

[0357] Once the rules have been defined for each couple of recipes with different pre-determined weights of the same type of beans C.sub.y, it has been observed that the rules are the same when the operation is repeated on the same type of apparatus with other types of beans C.sub.y. Consequently, the rules defined in Table 1 applies for calculating new roasting recipes for one quantity M−Δ1, M or M+Δ1 for any type of beans roasted in the same type of roasting apparatus as the apparatus on which the rule was defined and in which the first roasting recipe was pre-determined for one of the quantity M−Δ1, M or M+Δ1.

[0358] In one embodiment, the control unit of the roasting apparatus can get access to different rules defined for different big families of beans, in particular different botanical varieties of the beans, e.g. Arabica or Robusta. Depending on the obtained type C.sub.y of the beans and if this type corresponds to Arabica or Robusta variety, the corresponding rule can be accessed to.

[0359] In one particular embodiment, the type of rule is a linear function and the specific rules for calculating from one first roasting recipe R.sub.M adapted for a pre-determined quantity M at least one roasting recipe R.sub.M±Δx adapted to the roasting of a corresponding pre-determined quantity M±Δx of beans are specific linear functions, each of them being characterised by a corresponding couples of coefficients as illustrated in Table 2 below.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Quantity of beans in roasting recipe to be calculated custom-character M − Δ1 M M + Δ1 Quantity of beans M − Δ1 a(M − Δ1; M) a(M − Δ1; M + Δ1) in pre-existing b(M − Δ1; M) b(M − Δ1; M + Δ1) roasting recipe M a(M; M − Δ1) a(M; M + Δ1) b(M; M − Δ1) b(M; M + Δ1) M + Δ1 a(M + Δ1; M − Δ1) a(M + Δ1; M) b(M + Δ1; M − Δ1) b(M + Δ1; M)

[0360] With such a rule, the roasting recipe R.sub.M+Δ1 to be applied on the quantity M+Δ1 of coffee beans is calculated from the first roasting recipe R.sub.M applied on the pre-determined quantity M of the same type of coffee beans by using the couple of coefficients a(M;M+Δ1) and b(M;M+Δ1) and applying these coefficients to the temperatures T.sub.M@ti of the roasting recipe R.sub.M as follows:

T.sub.M+Δ1@ti=a(M;M+Δ1)T.sub.m@t1+b(M;M+Δ1)

[0361] For example, the above table was constructed with one specific master roasting apparatus in order to establish relationships between the recipes of three different weights of coffee beans: 50, 150 and 250 g. The coefficients for calculating the recipe of 250 g of coffee beans from a a first recipe set for 150 g of the same coffee beans are:

a(150;250)=0.95

b(150;250)=3

FIG. 3 illustrates the first roasting recipe R.sub.150 for 150 g of the coffee beans pre-determined by a coffee expert on the roasting apparatus and the calculated roasting recipe R.sub.250 derived from R.sub.150 as follows:

T.sub.250@ti=0.95T.sub.250@ti+3

[0362] When the rule is linear, usually, correspondence exists between the couples of coefficients as follows:

[00004] $a (M - Δ x; M) = \frac{1}{a (M; M - Δ x)} and$ $b (M - Δ x; M) = - \frac{b (M; M - Δ x)}{a (M; M - Δ x)}$

[0363] It must be noticed that, in the preferred embodiment of the method, for all the different types C.sub.y of coffee beans, it is preferred to get access to respective pre-determined original roasting recipes R.sub.yMonginal adapted to the roasting of: [0364] the same quantity M.sub.onginal of beans, said quantity M.sub.onginal being equal to one of the quantities of the list of pre-determined quantities (M, M±Δx) of the rule. [0365] or to different quantities M.sub.onginal of beans, said quantities M.sub.onginal being equal to at least one of the quantities of the list of pre-determined quantities (M, M±Δx) of the rule.

[0366] Actually since the rule provides the way to calculate a recipe in two directions: [0367] from recipe R.sub.yM to recipe R.sub.yM+Δx or R.sub.yM−Δx, or [0368] from recipe R.sub.yM+Δx or R.sub.yM−Δx to recipe R.sub.yM, using different quantities M.sub.onginal selected from the list of pre-determined quantities (M, M±Δx) is equivalent.

[0369] In one preferred embodiment, different couples of coefficients can be defined for different ranges of time of the roasting recipe. In that embodiment, the polynomial rule is defined by at least two couples of pre-determined coefficients (a.sub.(M;M±Δx); b.sub.(M;M±Δx)), each of said couple being applied during a specific range of time Δti of the roasting recipe R.sub.yM.

[0370] Table 3 below illustrates this particular embodiment where different coefficients are provided depending if the temperature of the roasting recipe R.sub.yM±Δx is calculated for a pre-defined time t superior or inferior to td.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Calculated roasting recipe custom-character M − Δ1 M M + Δ1 Pre- M − Δ1 For t < td For t ≥ td For t < td For t ≥ td existing a(<td)(−Δ1; M) a(≥td)(−Δ1; M) a(<td) (−Δ1; +Δ1) a(≥td) (−Δ1; +Δ1) roasting b(<td)(−Δ1; M) b(≥td)(−Δ1; M) b(<td) (−Δ1; +Δ1) b(≥td) (−Δ1; +Δ1) recipe M For t < td For t ≥ td For t < td For t ≥ td a(<td)(M; −Δ1) a(≥td)(M; −Δ1) a(<td) (M; +Δ1) a(≥td) (M; +Δ1) b(<td)(M; −Δ1) b(≥td)(M; −Δ1) b(<td) (M; +Δ1) b(≥td) (M; +Δ1) M + Δ1 For t < td For t ≥ td For t < td For t ≥ td a(<td)(+Δ1; −Δ1) a(≥td)(+Δ1; −Δ1) a(<td)(+Δ1; M) a(≥td)(+Δ1; M) b(<td)(+Δ1; −Δ1) b(≥td)(+Δ1; −Δ1) b(<td)(+Δ1; M) b(≥td)(+Δ1, M)

[0371] In the above example, the coefficients a.sub.t<100(150; 250)=0.95 and b.sub.t<100(150; 250)=3 can be set fora range of time of the roasting recipe comprised between 0 and 100 seconds. Then, above 100 seconds, the values of these coefficients become:

a.sub.t<100(150;250)=0.90 and b.sub.t<100(150;250)=5.

[0372] FIG. 4 illustrates the original roasting recipe R.sub.250 obtained with this new rule.

[0373] As already mentioned, the rule can be extrapolated to other types of beans roasted in the same type of roasting apparatus. Consequently, it is sufficient to determine the rule between the recipes of one specific type of beans. Then this rule can be applied directly with other types of beans. It becomes sufficient to pre-determine only one original roasting recipe for one specific quantity of the new type of beans to be able to calculate all the roasting recipes for other quantities of said new type of beans by extrapolation.

[0374] It means that it is not necessary to pre-determine and store many original recipes for each types of beans in each roasting apparatus. Only the rule and one original roasting recipe per type of beans are sufficient.

[0375] When a customised quantity m of coffee beans is introduced inside the vessel 11 in order to be roasted, the processing unit 18 of the apparatus of the present invention is configured to implement several steps.

[0376] First, the processing unit 18 of the apparatus of the present invention is configured to obtain for beans introduced inside the vessel the quantity m of said type of coffee beans and the type C.sub.y of said coffee beans.

[0377] Optionally, the processing unit is configured to obtain the desired level of roasting (light, medium, dark) and/or the future use u.sub.z of the coffee beans.

[0378] As mentioned earlier, these pieces of information about identification, quantity, roasting level and use can be provided through the user interface 20 of the roasting apparatus, the display of the user interface guiding the user to enter information for each types of coffee.

[0379] Alternatively, for the identification of the coffee type, information can be obtained by means of a code reader 3, the user being able or incited to scan the code of the different beans in front of the code reader.

[0380] Alternatively, for the quantity of beans, the quantity can be measured and automatically communicated to the control system 180, for example by the use of a measuring device 4 directly connected to the apparatus or indirectly through the communication interface, as illustrated in FIG. 7 or 8.

[0381] Then, in a further step, the control system of the roasting apparatus is configured to get access to information related to the roasting of said coffee beans: [0382] based on the obtained type C.sub.y of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel, the control system is configured to get one pre-determined original roasting recipe R.sub.yMonginal adapted to the roasting of one original pre-determined quantity M.sub.onginal of said beans C.sub.y in said particular type of roasting apparatus, and [0383] to said original pre-determined quantity M.sub.onginal of beans, and [0384] to the rule to calculate the roasting recipe R.sub.M or other roasting recipe(s) R.sub.M±Δx adapted to the roasting of a quantity of beans comprised in a list of pre-determined quantities (M, M±Δx), from any pre-existing roasting recipe R.sub.M or R.sub.M±Δx adapted to the roasting of another quantity of beans in said particular type of roasting apparatus, said another quantity being comprised in the list of pre-determined quantities (M, M±Δx), and [0385] to the list of said pre-determined quantities (M, M±Δx).

[0386] In a further step, the control system is configured to determine the roasting recipe R.sub.ym to be applied on said obtained customised quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel. With that aim, the control system of the roasting is configured to compare: [0387] m and the accessible original pre-determined quantity M.sub.onginal.

[0388] and if necessary: [0389] M.sub.onginal and the accessible pre-determined quantities of the list (M, M±Δx), and [0390] m and the accessible pre-determined quantities of the list (M, M±Δx).

[0391] to pursue the determination of the roasting recipe R.sub.ym.

[0392] First, if m is equal to the accessible original pre-determined quantity M.sub.original, then the roasting recipe R.sub.ym is determined as the accessible original roasting recipe R.sub.yMoriginal

[0393] Then, if m is not equal to the accessible original pre-determined quantity M.sub.original, M.sub.original is compared to the accessible pre-determined quantities of the list (M, M±Δx). Two situations can happen.

[0394] In one first case, the accessible original pre-determined quantity M.sub.original can be equal to one of the accessible pre-determined quantities of the list (M, M±Δx). Then. [0395] if the quantity m introduced in the apparatus is equal to one of the other accessible pre-determined quantities (M, M±Δx) of the list, then the roasting recipe R.sub.ym is calculated by applying the rule to the accessible pre-determined original roasting recipe R.sub.yMoriginal, as explained above in relation with Table 1. [0396] if m is different from the accessible pre-determined quantities (M, M±Δx) of the list, then the roasting recipe R.sub.ym is deduced from the accessible original roasting recipe R.sub.yMoriginal, and/or at least one of the roasting recipes R.sub.yM, R.sub.yM±Δx able to be calculated by applying the rule to the accessible roasting recipe R.sub.yMoriginal.

[0397] In one second case, the accessible original pre-determined quantity M.sub.original is not equal to one of the accessible pre-determined quantities of the list (M, M±Δx), then the control system is configured to identify, in said list, the quantity M.sub.closest presenting the smallest difference with M.sub.original and deducing the corresponding roasting recipe R.sub.yMclosest from the accessible roasting recipe R.sub.yMoriginal.

[0398] Then, if m is different from M.sub.closest but equal to one of the other accessible pre-determined quantities (M, M±Δx) of the list, the control system is configured to calculate the roasting recipe for said quantity by applying the rule to the deduced roasting recipe R.sub.yMclosest. The resulting calculated recipe determines R.sub.ym.

[0399] And, if m is different from any of the accessible pre-determined quantities (M, M±Δx) of the list, then the control system is configured to deduce the roasting recipe R.sub.ym from the accessible original roasting recipe R.sub.yMoriginal, and/or at least one of the roasting recipes R.sub.yM, R.sub.yM±Δx able to be calculated by applying the rule to the deduced roasting recipe R.sub.yMclosest.

[0400] In the first case, where the accessible original pre-determined quantity M.sub.onginal is equal to one of the accessible pre-determined quantities of the list (M, M±Δx), different manners to deduce this roasting recipe R.sub.ym from the pre-determined roasting recipe R.sub.yM and/or the calculable roasting recipes R.sub.yM±Δx can be implemented as explained below.

[0401] In one simplest first mode, the processing unit is operable to select one roasting recipe in the list of the pre-determined roasting recipe R.sub.yM and the calculable roasting recipes R.sub.yM±Δx. The selection consists in identifying the roasting recipe adapted to the roasting of a pre-determined quantity of beans, in the list of M and the quantities M±Δx, that presents the smallest difference of quantity with the obtained quantity m.

[0402] For illustration, based on the above example of Table 2 with three pre-determined weights 50, 150 and 250 g, enabling the calculation of R.sub.50 and R.sub.250 from a pre-determined original roasting recipe R.sub.150, if the customised quantity m equals 60 g, then the roasting recipe to be applied is the calculable roasting recipe R.sub.50 adapted to a weight of 50 g of beans that is the closest weight to the customised weight of 60 g.

[0403] In one second mode, the processing unit 18 is operable to calculate a specific roasting recipe R.sub.ym to be applied on said specific quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel from the pre-determined roasting recipe R.sub.yM and/or the calculable roasting recipes R.sub.yM±Δx. In a first step of determination of the roasting recipe R.sub.ym, the processing unit identifies in the list of the accessible pre-determined quantities M and M±Δx, the two successive pre-determined quantities M.sub.m−1 and M.sub.m+1 presenting the smallest differences with m, wherein M.sub.m−1 is inferior to M.sub.m+1 (meaning Mm−1<m<M.sub.m+1). For illustration, based on the above example of Table 2 with three pre-determined weights 50, 150 and 250 g, enabling the calculation of R.sub.50 and R.sub.250 from a pre-determined original roasting recipe R.sub.150, if the customised quantity m equals 175 g, then the processing unit identifies the two successive weight 150 and 250 g with Mm−1=150 g and M.sub.m+1=250 g.

[0404] In a further step, the processing unit obtains for said two identified quantities M.sub.m−1 and M.sub.m+1 the corresponding roasting recipes R.sub.Mm−1 and R.sub.Mm+1 respectively.

[0405] If one of the quantity M.sub.m−1 or M.sub.m+1 equals the pre-determined quantity M, then the corresponding roasting recipe R.sub.yM is directly accessible by the processing unit.

[0406] If one or two of the quantities M.sub.m−1 or M.sub.m+1 differ(s) from M, then one or two of said quantity equal(s) one or two of the accessible pre-determined quantities M±Δx, and then the corresponding roasting recipes R.sub.Mm−1 and/or R.sub.Mm+1 can be calculated by the rule from the accessible roasting recipe R.sub.yM,

[0407] Based on the above example of Table 2, the roasting recipe for M.sub.m−1=150 g corresponds to the pre-determined original roasting recipe R.sub.150 and the roasting recipe R.sub.250 for M.sub.m+1=250 g can be calculated with the rule of Table 2 from the pre-determined original roasting recipe R.sub.150 as mentioned above and illustrated in FIG. 4 and in FIG. 5.

[0408] In a further step, at discrete successive times t.sub.1, t.sub.2, . . . , t.sub.6, the temperature T.sub.m to be applied to the obtained quantity m of beans at each of said discrete successive times t.sub.1, t.sub.2, . . . t.sub.6 is calculated from the obtained roasting recipes R.sub.Mm−1 and R.sub.Mm+1 as follows:

T.sub.m@t1=T.sub.Mm−@ti+[(T.sub.Mm+1@ti−T.sub.Mm−1@ti).Math.K.Math.(m−M.sub.m−1)/(M.sub.m+1−M.sub.m−1)]

[0409] with K≤1.

[0410] With the illustration of FIG. 5, at time 200 seconds, the temperature T.sub.175@200 to be applied is:

T.sub.175@200=T.sub.150@200+[(T.sub.250@200−T.sub.150@200).Math.K.Math.(175-150)/250-150)]

[0411] The calculation is reproduced at each time t to determine the full roasting recipe R for the quantity m (175 g) of beans.

[0412] In the above formula, the coefficient K is usually fixed experimentally and can vary depending on the roaster specifications (power, vessel size, type of heater, . . . ), the type of the beans and/or the future use of the roasted beans.

[0413] In one embodiment, the coefficient K can be set according to the roaster specifications only. In another embodiment, the coefficient K can be set according to the type of beans. In that case, coefficient K can be set: [0414] generally at a high level of definition of the beans such as the botanical variety of the beans, e.g. Arabica or Robusta providing a coefficient KA when Arabica beans are roasted and a coefficient KR when Robusta beans are roasted, [0415] or more precisely for each type of beans C.sub.y by reference to coefficient K.sub.y adapted to specific type of beans C.sub.y with more precise criteria than the two general origins.

[0416] In these cases, the control system is configured to obtain the type of beans (Arabica, Robusta or C.sub.y) introduced in the vessel and then to get access to the coefficient KA, KR or K.sub.y corresponding to that type of beans.

[0417] Preferably, the coefficient K is set according to the roaster specifications and the type of beans. In a particular embodiment, the coefficient K can be set according to the further use of the beans. In that embodiment, the coefficient K is preferably set according to the roaster specifications too and in addition, even more preferably, according to the type of beans.

[0418] In absence of information about the roaster or the type of beans or the further use, by default, the coefficient K equals 1.

[0419] In one third mode, the processing unit 18 is operable to calculate a specific roasting recipe R.sub.ym to be applied on said specific quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel from the pre-determined roasting recipe R.sub.yM and/or the calculable roasting recipes R.sub.yM±Δx in a similar way as in the second mode, except that in the step of determination of the roasting recipe R.sub.ym, the temperature T.sub.m to be applied to the obtained quantity m of beans at each of said discrete successive times t.sub.1, t.sub.2, . . . is calculated from the obtained roasting recipes R.sub.Mm-1 and R.sub.Mm+1 as follows: [0420] if m is closer to M.sub.m−1, then:

T.sub.m@t1=T.sub.Mm−@ti+[(T.sub.Mm+1@ti−T.sub.Mm−1@ti).Math.K.Math.(m−M.sub.m−1)/(M.sub.m+1−M.sub.m−1)] [0421] if m is closer to M.sub.m+1, then:

T.sub.m@t1=T.sub.Mm+@ti−[(T.sub.Mm+1@ti−T.sub.Mm−1@ti).Math.K.Math.(M.sub.m+1−m)/(M.sub.m+1−M.sub.m−1)]

[0422] As a result, it means that if the quantity m is 175 g, m is closer to 150 g and the temperature to be applied at t=200 seconds is:

T.sub.175@200=T.sub.150@200+[(T.sub.250@200−T.sub.150@200).Math.K.Math.(175-150)/100]

[0423] But, if the quantity m is 225 g, m is closer to 250 g and the temperature to be applied at t=200 seconds is:

T.sub.250@200=T.sub.250@200+[(T.sub.250@200−T.sub.150@200).Math.K.Math.(250-225)/100]

[0424] In general, the quantity used in the method is the weight of beans.

[0425] If the quantity provided by the measuring device is a volume and not a weight, the weight can be deduced indirectly from an average density of coffee beans or more preferably, the identification of the nature of the beans provides access to the exact density of said beans enabling the calculation of the weight of beans introduced in the vessel.

[0426] In the step of processing the output, the processing unit 18 operates the heating device 12 usually in a closed-loop control using the input signal from the temperature sensor 231 as feedback to apply the temperature versus time profile to the coffee beans corresponding to the determined roasting recipe R.sub.ym.

[0427] FIG. 6 illustrates the different steps of the method according to the invention and that can be implemented by the control system of a roasting apparatus in order to determine the roasting recipe R.sub.ym to be applied for a customised quantity m of coffee beans of type C.sub.y introduced inside the apparatus.

[0428] First, in step 100, the control system is configured to obtain the quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel and the type C.sub.y of these coffee beans.

[0429] In further step 200, the control system is configured to get access: [0430] to a rule to calculate the roasting recipe adapted to the roasting of a quantity of beans, said quantity being comprised in a list of pre-determined quantities (M, M±Δx), from any pre-existing roasting recipe adapted to the roasting of another quantity of beans in said particular type of roasting apparatus, said another quantity being comprised in the list of pre-determined quantities (M, M±Δx), and to the list of said pre-determined quantities (M, M±Δx). As mentioned above, this rule can depend on the type of beans C.sub.y obtained in step 100, for example depending on the family of beans the type C.sub.y belongs to. Optionally, this rule can depend on the desired level of roasting and the further use of the beans; in that cases, the desired level and the further use can be obtained at step 100 too in order to get the corresponding rule for these criteria at step 200. [0431] to one pre-determined original roasting recipe R.sub.yMoriginal, said roasting recipe R.sub.yMoriginal being adapted to the roasting of one original pre-determined quantity M.sub.original of beans of type C.sub.y in said particular type of roasting apparatus, and to said original pre-determined quantity M.sub.original of beans.

[0432] In further step 300, the control system is configured to compare m and the accessible original pre-determined quantity M.sub.original.

[0433] If they are equal then the roasting recipe is the obtained pre-determined original roasting recipe R.sub.yMoriginal. It must be noticed, that in this step of comparing the two quantities and checking if they are equal, the accuracy of the roasting apparatus is taken into account. In fact, for each roasting apparatus, one roasting recipe adapted to the roasting of one particular quantity M is generally adapted to the roasting of slightly different quantities, for example adapted to the roasting of quantities that are weights differing by plus or minus 1 g from the particularly adapted quantity M. In this example, it is considered that the term “equal” means “equal ±1 g”. Accordingly, in the present application, the term “equal a specific amount” can mean “equal more or less a specific amount” depending on the accuracy of the roasting apparatus.

[0434] Alternatively, in step 400, the control system is configured to compare the accessible original pre-determined quantity M.sub.original and the accessible pre-determined quantities of the list (M, M±Δx).

[0435] If it is the case, then it means that the rule can be directly applied to R.sub.yMoriginal in order to calculate the roasting recipes for the other pre-determined quantities (M, M±Δx) that are different from M.sub.original. Then, in step 500, the quantity m is compared to the pre-determined quantities (M, M±Δx) of the list: if m is equal to one of said pre-determined quantities (M, M±Δx), then, in step 600, the roasting recipe R.sub.ym can be directly calculated by applying the rule to R.sub.yMoriginal.

[0436] Alternatively, if m is not equal to any of said pre-determined quantities (M, M±Δx), then, in step 700, the roasting recipe R.sub.ym can be deduced from the original roasting recipe R.sub.yMoriginal, and/or at least one of the roasting recipes R.sub.yM, R.sub.yM±Δx able to be calculated by applying the rule to the accessible roasting recipe R.sub.yMoriginal.

[0437] As illustrated in dotted lines in FIG. 6, the above steps 100 to 700 corresponds to the preferred method wherein the control system is configured to get access to one original roasting recipe R.sub.yMoriginal adapted to roast one original pre-determined quantity M.sub.original that is equal to one of the other pre-determined quantities (M, M±Δx) of the list.

[0438] In a more complex method, it is possible that the original pre-determined quantity M.sub.original is not equal to one of the other pre-determined quantities (M, M±Δx) of the list. In that case, step 800 follows step 400, where the control system is configured to identify in the list of accessible pre-determined quantities (M, M±Δx), the quantity M.sub.closest presenting the smallest difference with M.sub.original.

[0439] Then, in step 900, the corresponding roasting recipe R.sub.yMclosest can be deduced from the roasting recipe R.sub.yMoriginal. Deduction can consist in: [0440] using R.sub.yMoriginal as the roasting recipe R.sub.yMclosest, or [0441] applying a method to deduce the roasting recipe from an accessible roasting recipe such as described in WO 2020/127673. By applying this method to the current process, the roasting recipe R.sub.yMclosest providing the temperature T.sub.Mclosest to be applied to the quantity M.sub.closest of beans at each successive times t.sub.1, t.sub.2, . . . is deduced as follows: [0442] if M.sub.closest>M.sub.original, then:

T.sub.Mclosest@ti=T.sub.Moriginal@ti+[T.sub.Moriginal@ti.Math.C.Math.(M.sub.closest−M.sub.original)/M.sub.original] [0443] if M.sub.closest<M.sub.original, then:

T.sub.Mclosest@ti=T.sub.Moriginal@ti+[T.sub.Moriginal@ti.Math.C.Math.(M.sub.original−M.sub.closest)/M.sub.original]

[0444] with C≤1, and, by default, C equals 1.

[0445] This step 900 provides the approximate roasting recipe for one of the pre-determined quantities (M, M±Δx) of the list of the rule.

[0446] Then, in step 1000, the quantity m is compared to this quantity M.sub.closest presenting the smallest difference with M.sub.original. If m equals M.sub.closest then the roasting recipe R.sub.ym corresponds to said deduced roasting recipe R.sub.yMclosest,

[0447] If not, then, in step 1100, the quantity m is compared to the other pre-determined quantities (M, M±Δx) of the list: if m is equal to one of said other pre-determined quantities (M, M±Δx), then, in step 1200, the roasting recipe R.sub.ym can be directly calculated by applying the rule to R.sub.yMclosest.

[0448] Alternatively, if m is not equal to any of said pre-determined quantities (M, M±Δx), then, in step 1300, the roasting recipe R.sub.ym can be deduced from the accessible original roasting recipe R.sub.yMoriginal, and/or at least one of the roasting recipes R.sub.yM, R.sub.yM±Δx able to be calculated by applying the rule to the deduced roasting recipe R.sub.yMclosest.

[0449] System

[0450] FIG. 7A illustrates a system 10 of a roasting apparatus 1 and a measuring device 4, preferably a scale. The roasting apparatus comprises a vessel 11 configured for holding beans during the roasting operation. The measuring device 2 is configured to measure the quantity of coffee beans and to communicate the measured quantity input 22 through a communication interface to the control system 180 of the roasting apparatus.

[0451] FIG. 7B illustrates an alternative system 10 of a roasting apparatus 1 and a measuring device 4, preferably a scale. The measuring device 2 is part of the roasting apparatus, precisely it is integrated in the same frame as the roasting apparatus, aside from the roasting apparatus. The measuring device 2 is configured to measure the quantity of coffee beans and to communicate the measured quantity input 22 to the control system 180 of the roasting apparatus.

[0452] FIG. 7C illustrates an alternative system 10 of a roasting apparatus 1 and a measuring device 4. The measuring device 4 is part of the roasting apparatus. In one mode, the measuring device can be a scale, and, in its roasting position, the vessel 11 can be suspended to the scale. In that mode, the vessel is weighted before the vessel is completely locked in the roasting apparatus to apply roasting.

[0453] In another mode, the measuring device can be a level sensor, and, in its roasting position, the level of beans can be measured. The measuring device 2 is configured to communicate the measured quantity as an input 22 to the control system 180 of the roasting apparatus.

[0454] FIG. 7D illustrates an alternative system 10 of a roasting apparatus 1 and a measuring device 4. The measuring device 4 is a scale that is part of the roasting apparatus. Precisely in its roasting position, the vessel 11 lays on the scale. The scale 4 is configured to weight coffee beans and to communicate the measured weight as an input 22 to the control system 180 of the roasting apparatus. Then the vessel is locked inside the roasting apparatus and roasting can be applied.

[0455] FIG. 8 illustrates a system 100 where the roasting apparatus 10 and the measuring apparatus 4 are physically separated. In this system, the coffee beans 5 are introduced and measured in an intermediate container 6 before being introduced inside the vessel 11 of the roasting apparatus 1.

[0456] This system is particularly useful when the vessel is not removable form the roaster, for example in case of drum roasters.

[0457] The measuring device 6 is connected through a cable (USB, Serial) to the roasting apparatus and is able to supply the control system of the roasting apparatus with the measured quantity of beans 22. Alternatively, the connection can be established through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

[0458] FIG. 9 provides an alternative embodiment of the system of FIG. 6 where the vessel 11 is removable from the roasting apparatus and can be placed on the measuring apparatus 4 in filling and measuring position before being positioned back on the roasting apparatus in a roasting position. Preferably the measuring apparatus 4 comprises a receiving area configured for holding the vessel 11 of a roasting apparatus so that it is securely hold during filling and measuring. For example, the measuring device can present an interface matching with the bottom of the vessel. Preferably, the measuring device is configured to automatically provide the weight of beans without the tare weight of the vessel.

[0459] The roasting apparatus of the present invention presents the advantage of providing the operator with flexibility in terms of quantity of beans to be roasted while guaranteeing a constant quality of roasting.

[0460] The roasting apparatus of the present invention presents the advantage of enabling the consistent reproduceable roasting of the same coffee beans in different apparatuses of the same type.

[0461] Although the invention has been described with reference to the above illustrated embodiments, it will be appreciated that the invention as claimed is not limited in any way by these illustrated embodiments.

[0462] Variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, where known equivalents exist to specific features, such equivalents are incorporated as if specifically referred in this specification.

[0463] As used in this specification, the words “comprises”, “comprising”, and similar words, are not to be interpreted in an exclusive or exhaustive sense. In other words, they are intended to mean “including, but not limited to”.

[0464] List of Abbreviations: [0465] C.sub.y type of coffee beans [0466] R.sub.ym roasting recipe (temperature) adapted to the roasting of a customised quantity m of beans of type C.sub.y and defined by setpoints (T.sub.ym@ti; ti) [0467] R.sub.yMoriginal pre-determined original roasting recipe (temperature) adapted to the roasting of one pre-determined quantity M.sub.original of beans of type C.sub.y [0468] M.sub.original original pre-determined quantity [0469] M, M±Δx pre-determined quantities [0470] R.sub.yM±Δx calculated roasting recipe (temperature) adapted to the roasting of one pre-determined quantity M±Δx of beans of type C.sub.y [0471] M.sub.closest quantity from the list of M and M±Δx and presenting the smallest difference with M.sub.original [0472] R.sub.yMclosest deduced roasting recipe adapted to the roasting of the quantity M.sub.closest [0473] M.sub.m−1 quantity from the list of M and M±Δx, inferior to m and presenting the smallest difference with m [0474] M.sub.m+1 quantity from the list of M and M±Δx, superior to m and presenting the smallest difference with m [0475] R.sub.Mm−1 roasting recipe (temperature) adapted to the roasting of the quantity M.sub.m−1 [0476] R.sub.Mm+1 roasting recipe (temperature) adapted to the roasting of the quantity M.sub.m+1 [0477] R.sub.flow-ym roasting recipe (fan speed) adapted to the roasting of a customised quantity m of beans of type C.sub.y and defined by setpoints (S.sub.ym@ti; ti) [0478] R.sub.flow-yM pre-determined original roasting recipe (fan speed) adapted to the roasting of one pre-determined quantity M of beans of type C.sub.y [0479] R.sub.flow-yM±Δx calculated roasting recipe (fan speed) adapted to the roasting of one pre-determined quantity M±Δx of beans of type C.sub.y

LIST OF REFERENCES IN THE DRAWINGS

[0480] roaster 1 [0481] roasting unit 10 [0482] vessel 11 [0483] levels 111a, 111b [0484] handle 112 [0485] heating device 12 [0486] air flow driver 121 [0487] heater 122 [0488] motor 13 [0489] perforated plate 14 [0490] housing 15 [0491] base 151 [0492] body 152 [0493] air inlet 153 [0494] feet 154 [0495] chaff collector 16 [0496] cover 17 [0497] processing unit 18 [0498] control system 180 [0499] memory 19 [0500] user interface 20 [0501] power supply 21 [0502] measured quantity input 22 [0503] sensor 23 [0504] temperature sensor 231 [0505] communication interface 24 [0506] database 25 [0507] measuring device 2 [0508] measured quantity input 22 [0509] code reader 3 [0510] measuring device 4 [0511] coffee beans 5 [0512] intermediate container 6 [0513] system 100

METHOD FOR ROASTING COFFEE BEANS

Inventors

Cpc classification

Classification Explorer

A23N12/08

HUMAN NECESSITIES

Classification Explorer

A23N12/125

HUMAN NECESSITIES

Classification Explorer

A23F5/04

HUMAN NECESSITIES

Classification Explorer

A23F5/046

HUMAN NECESSITIES

International classification

Classification Explorer

A23F5/04

HUMAN NECESSITIES

Classification Explorer

A23N12/12

HUMAN NECESSITIES

Abstract

Claims

Description