Beverage capsule system with code area and code-free area.

Description

1 / 82 Beverage capsule system with code area and code-free area. TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present invention relates to electrically operated beverage or food preparation systems, whereby a beverage or food product is prepared from a pre-dosed capsule comprising a code that encodes preparation information. BACKGROUND

[002] Beverage preparation systems comprise a beverage preparation machine and a capsule. The capsule comprises an individual portion of a beverage-forming precursor material, for example, ground coffee or tea. The beverage preparation machine is arranged to perform a beverage preparation process in the capsule, typically by exposing heated and pressurized water to said precursor material. Processing the capsule in this manner causes at least partial extraction of the precursor material from the capsule as the beverage.

[003] This beverage preparation machine configuration is more popular due to 1) enhanced user convenience compared to conventional beverage preparation machines (e.g., compared to a manually operated countertop espresso machine) and 2) an improved beverage preparation process, whereby: preparation information is encoded by a code on the capsule that is read by the machine; and the preparation information is used by the machine to optimize the preparation process in a way specific to the capsule. In particular, the encoded preparation information may include selected operating parameters in the beverage preparation process, including: fluid temperature; fluid pressure; duration of Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 9 / 113 2 / 82 preparation; and fluid volume.

[004] Several codes have been developed, an example of which is provided in document EP 2594171 A1, in which a periphery of a capsule flange comprises a code arranged therein. A disadvantage of this code is that it requires precise location on the capsule so that it can be read as the capsule is rotated relative to a code reader. An additional code example is provided in document WO 2017144575A1; a disadvantage is that to determine a code orientation, the code requires specific reference units that are arranged at the center and / or on an outer periphery of the circular coding lines, with central points of said reference units being used to define a reference line that is used to identify a code orientation. Another disadvantage is that reading errors may occur when reading these codes.

[005] Therefore, despite the considerable effort already invested in the development of these systems, further improvements are desirable. SUMMARY

[006] The present invention provides a system comprising a container for holding precursor material and a machine for preparing a beverage and / or foodstuff or a precursor thereof from the precursor material.

[007] In embodiments, the container includes a code arrangement comprising a plurality of code repetitions. In embodiments, each code (e.g., each code repetition) encodes a binary sequence to at least partially encode the preparation information. In embodiments, the machine includes a code reading system to read the code repetitions (e.g., by obtaining a digital image and / or reading to Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 10 / 113 3 / 82 long code to provide a signal); a processing unit to process the precursor material from the container; and an electrical circuit to control the processing unit based on the preparation information.

[008] In these modes, the electrical circuit (e.g., the electrical circuit of the machine or distributed in the system) is configured to: read code repetitions to obtain the binary sequence (e.g., by decoding the absence or presence of units in a distinct position) for each code repetition; determine (e.g., by means of a code decoder) a number of bit errors associated with the binary sequence; and determine a recipe based on the binary sequence and / or the number of bit errors.

[009] When implementing the electrical circuit (e.g., a computer program executed by one or more machine processors and / or electrical circuit, e.g., an ASIC) to determine a recipe associated with a binary sequence and also a series of errors associated with recipe determination (e.g., the binary sequence requires the correction of 0 to 3 errors to correlate to the recipe); an imperfect code reading, which is often the case in a beverage machine, and may be caused by damage to the container or by straining conditions, etc., can be corrected to a point that allows the identification of the correct recipe, the number of errors corrected being used to determine a level of accuracy in recipe determination, e.g., absence of errors may indicate a high level of confidence and 3 errors may indicate a lower level of confidence.

[0010] As used herein, the term plurality of code repetitions may refer to more than one code, which may be identical and may be arranged independently of each other, for example, geometrically separated codes. Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, p. 11 / 113 4 / 82

[0011] As used herein, the term binary sequence may refer to a sequence of bits that can be directly encoded by code.

[0012] As used herein, the term based on preparation information may refer to the control of the processing unit using, in some way, the preparation information, for example, as a control parameter or used to calculate a control parameter.

[0013] As used herein, the term code decoder may refer to an algorithm that is set up to process code, for example, for decoding and / or error correction. It may include a linear error-correcting code decoder, for example, a Golay decoder.

[0014] As used here, the term bit error can refer to a numerical error in a single bit.

[0015] As used herein, the term based on the binary sequence and / or the number of bit errors may refer to the use of the binary sequence to look up a recipe.

[0016] As used herein, the term recipe may refer to a set of parameters that are used to control the processing unit.

[0017] In the embodiments, the electrical circuit is implemented as one or more processors, which are configured to implement the disclosed steps executed by the code reading system (for example, including determining said validity condition) and / or the steps executed by the processing unit to process the precursor material of the container. The processors may execute program code stored in electronic memory and / or may execute programmable logic, for example, as a logic array, gate array, structured array, etc. Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 12 / 113 5 / 82

[0018] As used herein, the term encoding at least partially may refer to the preparation information in the code either by directly encoding a value of a parameter of the preparation information, for example, the value may be any numerical quantity between a maximum and a minimum, and / or it may refer to the encoding of the preparation information in the code by means of an identifier associated with one or more parameters, which are consulted in the machine's electronic memory to derive a value for said parameter.

[0019] In the modes, the electrical circuit is configured to implement the code decoder to determine an invalid binary sequence (e.g., an invalid code read from a repeat) if the binary sequence is not associated with a recipe. By returning no valid recipe / an invalid recipe flag if the binary sequence (including an uncorrected or corrected binary sequence) cannot be mapped to a recipe, a default condition, e.g., a default recipe, can be implemented.

[0020] In the modes, the electrical circuit is configured to determine a plurality of recipes, which are associated with the binary sequences, each having an associated number of bit errors. By returning more than one recipe (e.g., one or more for each code repeat), each with an associated number of bit errors, the most suitable recipe can be selected, e.g., based on the one with the fewest bit errors.In these modes, the electrical circuit is configured to determine a recipe (for example, for use in controlling the processing unit) from a plurality of recipes based on the number of bit errors associated with it.

[0021] In the modals, the electrical circuit is configured to determine a recipe (for example, for use in controlling the processing unit) from the plurality of recipes based on a Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 13 / 113 6 / 82 number of occurrences of a specific recipe in the plurality of recipes. By selecting a recipe for use by the processing unit based on the number of occurrences of the recipe in the individual codes, for example, the recipe that occurs most frequently can be selected (or in combination with the fewest errors), the recipe can be determined accurately.

[0022] In the modes, one or more code repetitions are arranged on a line of code. By arranging the code repetitions to repeat continuously along the line of code, the binary sequence can be read at any position on the line of code.

[0023] In the modals, there are multiple coding lines that extend in a longitudinal direction. When multiple coding lines extend longitudinally, multiple codes may be present that do not interfere with each other. In the modals, the coding lines are each displaced laterally by a predetermined amount and are parallel to each other. In the modals, code repetitions on contiguous coding lines are displaced longitudinally from each other. This arrangement may be more reliable, since a portion of damage extending laterally may not render all codes unreadable. In the modals, the longitudinal displacement is a predetermined amount, or the electrical circuit is configured to determine the longitudinal displacement.A predetermined offset can simplify the search for identical binary sequences in contiguous codes, or a variable offset can overcome limitations in code layout.

[0024] In the modalities, the electrical circuit is arranged to determine an orientation of the code repetitions based on the coding line. Examples may include summing color tones through a coding line or by other processing techniques. Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 14 / 113 7 / 82 ​​image processing.

[0025] In embodiments, the container includes a code that encodes a binary sequence to at least partially encode preparation information. In embodiments, the machine includes: a code reading system to read the code; a processing unit to process the container's precursor material; and an electrical circuit to control the processing unit based on the preparation information.

[0026] In the modalities, the electrical circuit (e.g., the electrical circuit of the machine or distributed in the system) is configured to: read the code to obtain the binary sequence; implement an error-correcting code decoder with error correction of the binary sequence to correct single-bit errors in the sequence, identify a recipe that is associated with the binary sequence (e.g., the corrected binary sequence).

[0027] By implementing the code decoder to correct single-bit errors (for example, by redundancy in the code, including a parity bit and / or comparison with other code repetitions or a library of allowed binary sequences), read errors in the binary sequence can be repaired, which can make the binary sequence usable to retrieve a recipe, for example, so that it can be correlated to a recipe identifier.

[0028] As used herein, the term single-bit error may refer to a numerical error in one bit, for example, the wrong binary value in a sequence.

[0029] In the modalities, the electrical circuit is configured with the error correction code decoder to decode (for example, with error correction and / or to determine if it is associated with a recipe) the binary sequence in a first forward order and in a second reverse order to take into account a Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 15 / 113 8 / 82 unknown rotational position of the code.

[0030] By reversing the order in which the code is processed, this can be compensated for if the code is at 0 degrees or 180 degrees, therefore the container does not need to be read with a specific orientation on the machine.

[0031] In the modes, the error-correcting code decoder is configured to correct bit errors through redundancy. In the modes, redundancy comprises one or more of the following: redundant bits in the code; other repetitions of the code; and stored binary sequences (for example, binary sequences, each of which is related, are associated with a recipe, including through a recipe identifier).

[0032] In these modes, the electrical circuit is configured with the error correction code decoder to correct a predetermined number of bit errors (e.g., up to 3), and if the predetermined number of bit errors is exceeded, the binary code / sequence is determined to be erroneous and no recipe is identified. By allowing only a predetermined number of bit errors to be corrected, strongly erroneous binary sequences may not be used to recover a recipe.

[0033] In the modes, one or more codes are arranged on a coding line. In the modes, there are multiple coding lines that extend in a longitudinal direction. In the modes, the coding lines are each displaced laterally by a determined amount and are parallel to each other. In the modes, the codes on contiguous coding lines are displaced longitudinally from each other. In the modes, the displacement is a predetermined amount, or the electrical circuit is configured to determine the longitudinal displacement. In the modes, the electrical circuit is arranged to determine Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, p. 16 / 113 9 / 82 narrate an orientation of the codes based on the coding line.

[0034] In embodiments, the container includes: a code for encoding at least partially preparation information, and the machine includes: a code reading system for reading the code; a processing unit for processing the container's precursor material; and an electrical circuit for controlling the processing unit based on the preparation information.

[0035] In the modalities, the electrical circuit is configured to read the code to obtain a code reading (for example, as a digital image and / or a signal); determine a characteristic of a neighboring non-coded portion, close to a code portion of the code read; correct an associated characteristic of the code portion based on the determined characteristic of the neighboring non-coded portion to take into account variations of the characteristic in the non-coded portion.

[0036] When correcting a feature (for example, an optical property of a digital image or a signal intensity) of a portion (called a code portion) of the read code, which is proximal (for example, directly delimiting or otherwise in operative proximity to ensure representative correctness) to a neighboring uncode portion, with a feature (for example, the same determined feature) of the neighboring uncode portion, local variations in the feature (which may be called a baseline) that extend across the portions may be taken into account to ensure a more representative code read.

[0037] As used herein, the term neighboring uncoded portion may refer to a portion with equal, including similar, longitudinal position along the code to the coded portion. A lateral dimension of the neighboring uncoded portion may be smaller than a width of the code. Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, p. 17 / 113 10 / 82 means, for example, 0.5 or less than the width of the code, or less than 2 times or 4 times the width of the code. A non-code portion may be absent from any units or objects that form the code, which may include other objects that could be interpreted as part of the code, for example, objects related to advertising or manufacturing.

[0038] As used herein, the term code portion may refer to any position / region of the read code, which may have the same longitudinal position, including similar position along the code to the neighboring uncode portion.

[0039] As used herein, the term characteristic may refer to one or more of the following properties: an optical characteristic of a digital image, for example, intensity; color; amount of specular / diffuse reflection, a characteristic of a signal, for example, intensity / amplitude.

[0040] In the modalities, wherein the code is arranged in a coding line and: reading the code comprises reading along the coding line to obtain the code read; determining a feature of a neighboring uncoded portion comprises reading along a contiguous uncoded line (e.g., directly without a gap or with a small gap) to obtain an uncoded line read, and; correcting the associated characterization of the code portion comprises correcting the code read based on the reading of the contiguous uncoded line.

[0041] By reading along the lines, a signal can be produced for the read code, which can be continuously corrected, for example, in multiple code portions, by an unencoded line signal. In this way, the signal of the read code can be corrected in terms of a baseline value.

[0042] In the modalities, with the reading along the line Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 18 / 113 11 / 82 without contiguous encoding involves reading along a first and second contiguous unencoded line, between which the encoding line is interposed. By reading the unencoded lines on both sides of the encoding line and correcting with both, for example, by averaging them, an improved correction can be achieved.

[0043] In the modalities, the uncoded line does not contain objects (for example, units or a coding line or other objects with the same, including similar, formation to said units / coding line, for example, advertising) that form the code. With this arrangement, the uncoded line can be clearly distinguished from the coding line.

[0044] In the embodiments, reading along an encoding line and reading along a contiguous non-encoding line comprise producing an encoding line signal and a non-encoding line signal, and the encoding line signal is offset by the non-encoding line signal. Because it has two signals, the encoding line signal can be conveniently adapted to take into account baseline variations, for example, by subtracting the encoding line signal from the non-encoding line signal.

[0045] In the modes, the encoding line signal and / or the unencoding line signal is filtered and / or smoothed, including before correction. Processing the signals in this way can remove non-representative noise and can improve accuracy.

[0046] In the modalities, the code is formed by distinct positions that are absent or present from a unit to encode binary information, and an absence of a unit has the same formation as the neighboring uncoded portion. With this arrangement, correction can be effective.

[0047] In the modalities, the characteristic that is determined and color Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, p. 19 / 113 12 / 82 rigid is based on an intensity of the code read (e.g., a signal amplitude, which can be obtained from a grayscale image of the code, with scales to represent a degree of specular and diffuse reflection).

[0048] In the modes, there are multiple coding lines that extend in a longitudinal direction and each coding line is corrected based on a contiguous uncoded line. In the modes, the coding lines are each displaced in a lateral direction by a determined amount and are parallel to each other. In the modes, the electrical circuit is arranged to determine an orientation of the codes based on the coding line.

[0049] In the embodiments, the container includes: a machine-readable code that stores preparation information. In the embodiments, the container contains the precursor material.

[0050] In the modalities, the code extends along a coding line, and comprises a series of distinct positions that both comprise and do not comprise a unit to encode at least partially the preparation information.

[0051] In embodiments, the machine includes: a code reading system to obtain a digital image of the code (including the coding line) and to adjust a color model to the digital image; a processing unit to process the container precursor material; and an electrical circuit to control the processing unit based on preparation information read from the code and the code reading system.

[0052] In the modalities, the electrical circuit is configured to: sum the values ​​of the color model along the coding line, including for the code and coding line units; determine a code orientation based on said sum; and read the positions. Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 20 / 113 13 / 82 distinct actions based on the determined orientation of the code in said image.

[0053] By implementing the electrical circuit to determine a positional arrangement (e.g., a rotational angle / orientation of the encoding line in the digital image) of the encoding line by sum values ​​(e.g., numerical values) of the color model with which the digital image is formulated, along the line and also for units that form the code, the encoding line can be precisely located using said sum in comparison with parallel lines without encoding that may have a different sum.

[0054] Since the code units (when present in a distinct position) are arranged on the coding line, said units also contribute to the sum of the values ​​and therefore to the identification of the code orientation. Therefore, the code has high efficiency, unlike separate units only for location. Where a unit is not present in a distinct position, the coding line intersects the distinct position, therefore the coding line in the absence of a unit also contributes to the sum of the values ​​and therefore to the identification of the code orientation.

[0055] Compared with prior art provisions, including those disclosed in WO 2017144575A1, the embodiment code may be more convenient since only the color model values ​​require summation and comparison with a condition, whereas the prior reference technique requires locating individual units that form a reference portion of the code, finding a central point of said units, and fitting a virtual reference line to them.

[0056] In the modalities, the distinct positions encode the preparation information with the Golay code. With this code Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 21 / 113 14 / 82 In order to read the code, the electrical circuit may only require orientation of the encoding line, since Golay encoding does not require a locator or reference portion such as a reserved sequence of bits to identify where repetitions of the code comprising a portion of data begin and end.

[0057] As used herein, the term Golay or Golay coding may refer to a type of binary code, which may have a linear arrangement and error correction. The Golay code may encode a predefined number of unique values. The Golay code may not include a locator or reference portion to locate a portion of data; preferably, the unique values ​​may be arranged as repetitions. The electrical circuit may determine the staging information based on a key-value database paradigm, for example, as a stored electrical memory relation, where the unique value is used as a key to search for the staging information.

[0058] As used herein, the term color model or color system may refer to a mathematical model that describes how colors (including shades of gray and tones with a wavelength in the infrared and ultraviolet regions) can be represented as values. The values ​​may be numerical. Examples of color models include: grayscale; RGB, RYG, CMY color models; other models with values ​​assigned to tones with a wavelength in the infrared and / or ultraviolet region. A set of values ​​may be called a color space or space.

[0059] As used herein, the term based on summation may refer to the calculation of code orientation and / or coding line that includes a summation step of the values, for example, by numerical addition. For example, it may encompass determining whether the sum or a value derived from the sum (e.g., a mean, variance, or Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 22 / 113 15 / 82 another similar quantity) met one or more of the following conditions: exceeded a limit; is the highest in the dataset; is the lowest in the dataset.

[0060] As used herein, the term along a coding line in relation to color model values ​​may refer to the coding line or to an area of ​​a line section that includes the coding line being decomposed into regions, which extend in a longitudinal direction along the coding line, including all (e.g., from the beginning to the end of the coding line in the image) or a substantial portion of said line, for example, at least 80% or 90%. The regions may have a color model value, which is summed.

[0061] As used here, the term based on determined location may refer to code being read using a calculated location of the reference line.

[0062] As used herein, the term digital image may refer to a digital representation of a real-life image (e.g., of code laid out in the container). The digital image may be composed of pixels, each with a finite size and a position identified as a coordinate (e.g., as a pixel's center point) and values ​​of an optional color and intensity model. The digital image may be of the fixed, vector, or raster type.

[0063] In the modalities, the electrical circuit is configured to assign the color model values ​​to the regions, where a region comprises: an individual pixel of the digital image, or; a grouping of a plurality of pixels in the digital image. Regions may have a coordinate assigned to them to designate their spatial position. By implementing regions that comprise a group of pixels (for example, by downscaling) computational efficiency can be improved. Alternatively, the size Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 23 / 113 16 / 82 pixel count can be provided at the desired resolution.

[0064] In the embodiments, the electrical circuit is configured to sum the said color model values ​​for a line section comprising: a lateral dimension of one or more regions, and; a longitudinal dimension of one or more regions to correspond to a longitudinal length that includes a coding area within which the code is arranged. By arranging a line section to extend an entire longitudinal dimension of the coding area, the coding area can be decomposed into several laterally adjacent line sections, each having a summed value, which comprises said sum of the values ​​of the regions comprising the line section. In this way, a digital image can be conveniently idealized by a matrix of summed values ​​for each line section.

[0065] As used herein, the term coding area may refer to an area of ​​the digital image comprising the code. For example, the code (including repetitions of the code) may be disposed in a coding area comprising a circular region of a circular closing member of a Nespresso® Classic capsule. Said circular region may exclude an outer periphery where the closing member is connected to a flange portion.

[0066] In the modalities, a lateral dimension of the coding line is smaller than a lateral dimension of the line section. By arranging a lateral dimension of the coding line (for example, when the coding line is aligned to the longitudinal direction of the line section) to be smaller than a lateral dimension of the line section, the coding line can fit entirely within the line section so that it can substantially influence the values ​​of the regions and therefore influence the sum of said values. In one example, a lateral dimension of the coding line... Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 24 / 113 17 / 82 The shape is less than 20% or 10% of the lateral dimension of the line section.

[0067] In the modalities, the electrical circuit is configured to determine said sum for each of a plurality of line sections adjacent to each other in the lateral direction. By implementing the sum to be calculated for the contiguous line section, the entire digital image or encoding area can be processed and idealized by a matrix of summed values ​​for each line section.

[0068] In the embodiments, the electrical circuit is configured to: determine said sum with the coding line arranged at a plurality of different angles in relation to the geometric reference axis, and; based on said sum determine an aligned orientation in which the coding line is aligned with the geometric reference axis.

[0069] By implementing the electrical circuit to determine said sum (for example, for the line section) with the digital image arranged at a plurality of different angles (for example, increasing the angle of the digital image to the longitudinal direction of the line section through a strip, including between 0 to 180 degrees in increments of 3 or 5 degrees) the digital image can be conveniently rotated until a condition based on a sum of the values ​​is identified, in which the encoding line is identified as being aligned (including substantially aligned) to a longitudinal direction (in which it is aligned to the line section).

[0070] In the modalities, the orientation of the code is determined based on a variance of said sum of values. By implementing the electrical circuit to determine an orientation of the code encoding line based on the variance of the sum of the values ​​(for example, for the line section), the code and the line of Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 25 / 113 18 / 82 encoding can be conveniently distinguished from other unencoded lines (e.g., a line section that does not comprise the code or encoding line) of the digital image.

[0071] For example, with the coding line aligned to a longitudinal direction, when the code and the coding line are within the line section, it has a substantial influence on the sum; the sum is therefore identifiable from a sum of a parallel line section comprising a line without coding. In this way, the variance of the sums is large and can be used to discriminate against the code and the coding line not aligned to the longitudinal direction.

[0072] As used herein, the term based on a variance may refer to a variance being implemented directly or a value related to the variance, for example, a standard deviation, etc., being implemented.

[0073] In the embodiments, a lateral dimension of the coding line is selected to be less than 20% or 10% of a lateral dimension of a code unit. By implementing the coding line to be comparatively thin compared to a code unit, during the distinct position reading step, the presence of a coding line through the distinct position may not be interpreted as a unit being present, but the presence of coding lines ensures an optimal effect on the values ​​when summing said values. Alternatively, the coding line may not be formed through a distinct position when a unit is removed.

[0074] In the modalities, the code is arranged with: a summation of said color model values ​​along the coding line to be within a first value range, and adjacent uncoded lines that are parallel to the coding line for Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 26 / 113 19 / 82 to understand a summation of the color model values ​​to be within a second value range.

[0075] By implementing the sum of the values ​​for a line section comprising the coding line to be within a first range and the sum of the values ​​for a parallel line section that does not comprise the coding line to be within a different second range, the coding lines and the non-coding lines can be conveniently distinguished.

[0076] This can be achieved by having the line sections that do not comprise the coding line free of substantial impressions or formations that produce a value comparable to that of the code and the coding line. For example, the distribution of advertising or other information in the coding area can be controlled to ensure that the code can be discriminated.

[0077] In the embodiments, the code and the coding line are arranged to be either diffusely reflective or specularly reflective, with a contour formed as the other either diffusely reflective or specularly reflective. As used herein, the term contour may refer to an uncoded line, including an area that does not comprise a coding line and a code unit; it may include an area of ​​a distinct code position that does not include a unit.

[0078] In the modalities, the electrical circuit is configured to identify diffusely reflective and specularly reflective regions as values ​​of a color tone. For example, diffusely reflective regions can be assigned a low value with a grayscale color model, and specularly reflective regions can be assigned a high value with a grayscale color model. This arrangement can be advantageous since the visibility of the code may be less apparent than in comparison with the for Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, p. 27 / 113 20 / 82 code and coding line by color printing.

[0079] In the modalities, the code is placed on an external surface of the container. The external surface on which the code is placed is formed from (for example, it has a surface comprising) a first color band.

[0080] In the modalities, the code extends across the outer surface along a linear coding line, and comprises a series of distinct positions that both comprise and do not comprise a unit to encode at least partially the preparation information, the unit and the coding line being formed from a second color band.

[0081] In the embodiments, a summation of color tones along the linear coding line is identifiable by comparison with that of a parallel non-linear coding line (or any other line) extending across said outer surface. In the embodiments, the machine includes: a code reading system to read the container code; a processing unit to process the container precursor material; and an electrical circuit to control the processing unit based on the preparation information read from the code, and the code reading system is configured to determine a code location from an image of said outer surface based on said summation of color tones.

[0082] By implementing the code in a coding line that is of a specific color range compared to other parts of the outer surface image (e.g., uncoded lines), a code position can be conveniently determined, for example, with low processing overhead and / or high accuracy, based on a summation of numerical values ​​of the color tones.

[0083] As used here, the term exterior surface can be re Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 28 / 113 21 / 82 Injuring any surface of the container that can present an image for reading by the code reading system, it may include an exterior surface of a closing member, a storage portion, or a flange portion that interconnects the closing member and the storage portion. Examples of suitable closing members and substrates may be derived from the teachings disclosed herein and examples relating to containers and / or closing members. Suitable construction and / or operational details are, for example, disclosed in EP2569230.

[0084] As used herein, the term first color band may refer to a specific range of color tones, for example, the range may comprise: comparatively dark colors, including black, dark blue, dark green, dark purple; or comparatively light colors, including white, light red, yellow. The range may also be defined by a grayscale (either in actual shades of gray or in colors of said range that are converted to grayscale), for example, for an 8- or 16-bit grayscale, the first 0 to 100 bits may comprise the first color band (which is black dark gray). Similarly, a bit color may be implemented, including 8- or 16-bit.

[0085] The term second color band is defined as for the first color band, but is distinct from it, for example: if the first color band comprises comparatively dark colors, then the second color band comprises comparatively light colors; if the first color band comprises 150 to 255 bits (which is white to light gray on an 8-bit grayscale), then the second color band comprises 0 to 100 bits (which is black to dark gray).

[0086] As used herein, the term distinct position may refer to a reserved and distinct position in a sequence of positions. Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 29 / 113 22 / 82 distinct, which may or may not comprise a unit as a means of encoding information, typically as a bit.

[0087] As used herein, the term summation of color tones along the linear encoding line may refer to the encoding line (or a representative segment encapsulating the encoding line) analyzed as a series of elements, for example, with a pixel or a combination of pixels defining an element, with a representative value of the color tones of each element being determined. The representative value may be a sum of the value of each color tone, or it may be an average value, that is, the sum of the value of each color tone divided by the number of sampled elements. In the example where the encoding line is formed of a second color band comprising an 8-bit grayscale in the range of 0 to 100 bits: each element will be assigned a value from 0 to 100, which is summed across all elements and optionally divided by the number of elements.

[0088] As used herein, the term unencoded line may refer to any line that may extend parallel to the encoding line that does not comprise the encoding line or a unit that forms the code. The unencoded line is typically one or a plurality of lines that join directly to the code.

[0089] As used herein, the term identifiable in comparison with that for an adjacent parallel unencoded line may refer to the summed value as previously described being substantially different for the encoded line when compared with that of the unencoded line, for example, in an 8-bit grayscale example, there may be a difference of at least 50. The summed value may also be identifiable from any other parallel line in the image, for example, an unencoded line. Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 30 / 113 23 / 82 fixation or another in the same way.

[0090] As used herein, the term determining a code location from an image can refer to identifying a position or angular relationship of the coding line in which the code is laid out relative to the image of the code being processed.

[0091] In the modalities, the first color band comprises one of a comparatively light color and the second color band comprises the other of a comparatively light color or a comparatively dark color. By implementing said bands, the portions that form the code can be conveniently identified from those regions that do not form it.

[0092] In the embodiments, the determined location comprises determining a rotational orientation of the code by an angle that the coding line is to a geometric reference axis associated with the image. For example, an image of the code can be assigned to an arbitrary two-dimensional geometric axis and it can be determined that the coding line is at a specific angle relative to the X geometric axis.

[0093] In the embodiments, the code reading system is configured to increment a rotation of said image through a predetermined range, and to select from said range a rotation, wherein the coding line is aligned to the geometric reference axis to update the rotational orientation of the image. For example, a geometric reference axis X may remain in a fixed position and the image of the outer surface may be gradually rotated in increments around a center that includes 2 to 5 degrees until it is determined that the coding line is sufficiently aligned to the geometric axis X.

[0094] In the modalities, the code is read with the said orientation ro Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, p. 31 / 113 24 / 82 directional along the coding line in a first direction, and if an error is detected, then the code is read along the coding line in a second, opposite direction. With this arrangement, a directional code can be conveniently read in the correct direction.

[0095] In the embodiments, a line along the encoding line comprises a greater variance of the first color band and the second color band, due to said absence or presence of a code unit, than a line along said adjacent unencoded line, and the code reading system is configured to determine a code location from said image by identifying the encoding line based on the encoding line that is formed from said greater variance. For example, the area comprising an encoding line and an unencoded line can be idealized as a segment (which is increased in thickness from that of an encoding line to include the code unit width). A segment can be decomposed into elements. In the 8-bit grayscale example, a variance in the color tone values ​​of the element is determined for the segment.Since the coding line includes a substantial amount of code units comprising the second color band or missing units comprising the outer surface and therefore the first color band (the uncoded line in some examples may only comprise the first color band), a line with a higher variance identifies a coding line.

[0096] As used herein, the term based on variance can refer to a numerical quantity that is both the variance and is related to it, including the standard deviation.

[0097] In the modalities, the location of the code determined by the variance comprises a lateral displacement from the geometric axis. Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 32 / 113 25 / 82 reference knitting.

[0098] In the embodiments, a lateral thickness of the coding line is selected to be comparatively narrow (e.g., less than 20 or 10%) compared to that of a code unit. In the embodiments, the code reading system is configured to determine the variance of the coding line at a lower resolution than when determining said color tones. By determining the variance at a lower resolution mode, which is selected so that the comparatively thin coding line does not affect the variance determination, the presence of the coding line may not prevent a high code variance from being determined to locate the code.

[0099] In the modalities, the code is arranged as a repeating unit, which repeats along the coding line. For example, the coding line may include 2 to 4 repetitions of the code, any of which can be read to extract the staging information. This arrangement can be more reliable, since the repetitions can be checked against each other, or if one repetition is damaged, then another can be used.

[00100] In the modes, there are multiple encoding lines, each offset and parallel to the other. By implementing multiple encoding lines, if one encoding line is damaged, then another encoding line can be used.

[00101] In the methods, the determined location involves locating a coding line with the greatest length based on said variance. By identifying the longest coding line, the highest probability of successfully reading the code can be achieved, since the longest coding line contains the greatest number of code repetitions.

[00102] In the modalities, the distinct positions are arranged pa Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 33 / 113 26 / 82 ra being directly contiguous to each other. In the modalities, an end region of a unit that is not contiguous to another unit is curved. It has been found that curving an outer region of a unit provides a more aesthetically pleasing object that appears less code-like.

[00103] In the embodiments, the container comprises: a storage portion, and; a closing member, wherein the outer surface comprising the code and the coding line is disposed on the closing member. The container may comprise a geometric axis of rotational symmetry extending through a center of the closing member. In the embodiments, the coding line extends between the edges of the closing member to bisect the closing member, and the image is of the entire closing member. The image obtained from the closing member may be circular, and the closing member may be circular.

[00104] In the modalities, the uncoded line (which may be directly contiguous to the coding line or arranged separately from it) comprises only the first color band. With this arrangement, the coding line can be conveniently distinguished from the uncoded line.

[00105] In the modalities, the uncoded line (which may be directly contiguous to the coding line or arranged separately from it) comprises the first color band and a portion of the second color band, which may be formed by one or more of the objects that are not related to the code. However, the proportion of the second color band may be selected to be less identifiable (for example, in terms of variance or summation of tone) than that provided by the code and / or the coding line. With this arrangement, the coding line can be conveniently distinguished from the uncoded line during processing, and the line Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 34 / 113 27 / 82 without coding may include other objects, including a logo; a trademark; text; an image, which may provide one or more of the following or other effects: information about the container to a user, for example, a coffee blend; a more aesthetically pleasing exterior surface than one with only code on it; and alternative objects so that the user does not focus on the code.

[00106] In the modalities, the code reading system is configured to read the code based on the determination of a location and to decode the reading code with an algorithm, for example, a Golay algorithm.

[00107] The present invention provides a machine for preparing a beverage and / or foodstuff or a precursor thereof from a container comprising precursor material and a code, wherein the machine includes the machine features of the system of any of the preceding embodiments or other embodiment disclosed in the present invention.

[00108] In the embodiments, the processing unit includes a container processing unit and a fluid processing system; and the electrical circuits are arranged to control the container processing unit and the fluid processing system based on preparation information read from the code. In the embodiments, the processing unit is arranged as a loose material processing unit; and the electrical circuit is arranged to control the loose material processing unit to process the loose precursor material dispensed from the container or disposed in the container based on preparation information read from the code.

[00109] The present invention provides a container for holding a precursor material for use with a machine for preparing a be Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 35 / 113 28 / 82 bida or a foodstuff or a precursor thereof. The machine may conform to any of the foregoing embodiments or any other embodiment disclosed herein.

[00110] In the embodiments, the container includes a machine-readable code that stores preparation information for processing the precursor material. The code may comprise any feature of the previous embodiments or another embodiment disclosed herein.

[00111] In the modalities, the code extends along a coding line, and comprises a series of distinct positions that both comprise and do not comprise a unit to encode at least partially the preparation information.

[00112] In the modalities, a sum of values ​​of the color model fitted to a digital image of the code along the coding line is identifiable in comparison with that of an adjacent parallel uncoded line, for determination of a code orientation based on said sum.

[00113] In embodiments, the container includes an outer surface comprising a machine-readable code comprising any feature of the foregoing embodiments or another embodiment disclosed in the present invention. The code stores preparation information for use with a preparation process performed by said machine, in which the machine is controlled based on the preparation information to prepare the beverage and / or the foodstuff or precursor thereof.

[00114] The present invention provides a substrate for attaching to a container to hold a precursor material for use with a machine for preparing a beverage and / or foodstuff, or a precursor thereof, wherein the substrate includes an outer surface comprising a machine-readable code comprising any feature of the code of prior embodiments or other Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 36 / 113 29 / 82 modality revealed here.

[00115] As used herein, the term substrate may refer to any suitable vehicle for the code that can be used to attach the code to a container, examples of which include: an adhesive; a cardboard member to receive an adhesive strip; a closing member; and other appropriate arrangements.

[00116] The present invention provides the use of a container of any prior embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein for a machine / system of any prior embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein.

[00117] The present invention provides a method for reading / determining preparation information for processing precursor material. The preparation information may be at least partially encoded by a code, including by code repetitions, in a container comprising the precursor material. The method may be implemented to read the code of any prior embodiment or other embodiment disclosed herein. The method may be implemented by a machine to prepare a beverage and / or a foodstuff, or a precursor thereof. The method may be implemented by a processor, for example, an electrical circuit thereof, including machine-executable steps.

[00118] In the embodiments, the method comprises: reading the code repetitions (e.g., with a code reading system) / acquiring (e.g., as information acquired by a processor) a reading of the code repetitions, each of which encodes a binary sequence; determining a number of bit errors associated with the binary sequence; and determining a recipe based on the binary sequence and the number of bit errors.

[00119] In the modalities, the method comprises: reading the code repetitions (for example, with a code reading system) / acquiring Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 37 / 113 30 / 82 (for example, as information acquired by a processor) a reading of the code that encodes a binary sequence; correcting single-bit errors in the sequence by identifying a recipe that is associated with the binary sequence.

[00120] In the embodiments, the method comprises: reading the code (e.g., with a code reading system) / acquiring a code reading (e.g., as information acquired by a processor) to obtain a code reading; determining a feature of a neighboring non-code portion, close to a code portion of the code read; correcting an associated feature of the code portion based on the determined feature of the neighboring non-code portion to account for variations in the feature in the non-code portion.

[00121] In the embodiments, the method comprises: fitting a color model to a digital image of the code; summing values ​​of the color model along a coding line, including for units of the code and the coding line; determining an orientation of the code based on said sum; and reading distinct positions of the code, which may or may not comprise a unit, to encode at least partially the preparation information, based on the determined orientation of the code in said image.

[00122] The present invention provides a method for reading a code on an outer surface of a capsule, wherein the method comprises: generating an image of the outer surface of the capsule, which includes the code, and; reading said code.

[00123] In the modalities, the method comprises obtaining, for lines (for example, segments) that extend through the image, a sum of color tones and locating the code based on said sum of color tones.

[00124] In the modalities, the method comprises obtaining, for lines Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 38 / 113 31 / 82 (for example, a segment) that extends across the image, a variance (including a value related to the variance) of the first color band and the second color band, and; locate the code based on said color tone variance.

[00125] The method can be implemented as part of a preparation method for a beverage or a foodstuff, or a precursor thereof, in which a processing unit is controlled based on preparation information to perform a preparation process on the precursor material.

[00126] The present invention provides electrical circuits for implementing the prior embodiment method or another embodiment disclosed herein.

[00127] The present invention provides a computer-readable medium comprising a program code, which may be executable on one or more machine processors, to implement the method of the foregoing embodiments or another embodiment disclosed herein.

[00128] The preceding summary is provided for the purpose of summarizing some embodiments to provide a basic understanding of aspects of the subject matter described herein. Consequently, the characteristics described above are merely examples and should not be interpreted as restricting the scope or spirit of the matter described herein in any way. Furthermore, the above and / or following embodiments may be combined in any appropriate combination to provide other embodiments. Other characteristics, aspects, and advantages of the matter described herein will become apparent from the detailed description of the embodiments, the brief description of the figures, and the claims that follow. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[00129] Aspects, characteristics and advantages of the modalities of Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 39 / 113 32 / 82 present description will become evident from the description of the following embodiments with reference to the attached drawings, in which similar numerals denote similar elements.

[00130] Figure 1 is a block system diagram showing one embodiment of a system for preparing a beverage or foodstuff or a precursor thereof.

[00131] Figure 2 is a block system diagram showing one machine embodiment of the system in Figure 1.

[00132] Figure 3 is an illustrative diagram of a fluid conditioning system embodiment of the machine in Figure 2.

[00133] Figures 4A and 4B are illustrative diagrams showing one embodiment of the container processing system of the machine in Figure 2.

[00134] Figure 5 is an illustrative diagram showing an embodiment of the machine in Figure 2, which comprises a loose material processing unit.

[00135] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the electrical control circuit layout of the machine in Figure 2.

[00136] Figures 7 and 8 are illustrative diagrams showing the configuration of the containers in the system of Figure 1.

[00137] Figure 9 is a flow diagram showing one mode of the preparation process, which is performed by the system in Figure 1.

[00138] Figure 10 is a view showing an image of a closing member of the container of Figure 7 comprising an outer surface, a code and a coding line.

[00139] Figure 11 is a view showing a close-up photo of a portion of the image in Figure 10 that comprises the code.

[00140] Figure 12 is a view showing a close-up photo of a portion of the image in Figures 10 and 11 that comprises the code. Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 40 / 113 33 / 82

[00141] Figure 13 is a view showing the top and bottom images of Figure 10 in two different rotational positions.

[00142] Figure 14 is a contour plot showing an average color tone for a segment for the rotational position of the image versus the lateral position of the segment.

[00143] Figure 15 is a graphical plot showing the lateral position of the segment versus the standard deviation of the lower image in Figure 13.

[00144] Figures 16 and 17 are flow diagrams showing a modality process for locating and reading the code from Figure 10, which is executed by the system in Figure 1.

[00145] Figures 18 and 19 are flow diagrams showing a modality process for determining a revenue from the code in Figure 10, which is executed by the system in Figure 1.

[00146] Figure 20 is a flow diagram showing a modality process for reading the code from Figure 10, which is executed by the system in Figure 1.

[00147] Figure 21 is a view showing an image of the code during the reading process of Figure 20.

[00148] Figures 22 and 23 are graphic illustrations of code signals obtained during the reading process of Figure 20. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE MODALITIES

[00149] Before describing various embodiments of the system, it must be understood that the system is not limited to the details of the construction steps or process presented in the following description. It will be evident to those skilled in the art, having the benefit of this description, that the system is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or executed in various ways.

[00150] The present invention can be better understood in light of the following explanations: Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 41 / 113 34 / 82

[00151] As used herein, the term machine may refer to an electrically operated device that: can prepare, from a precursor material, a beverage and / or a foodstuff; or can prepare, from a pre-precursor material, a precursor material that can be subsequently prepared into a beverage and / or a foodstuff. The machine may implement said preparation by one or more of the following processes: dilution; heating; cooling; mixing; beating; dissolution; wetting; maceration; extraction; conditioning; infusion; grinding; and other similar processes. In general, the machine may be sized for use on a work surface, for example, it may be less than 70 cm in length, width and height.As used herein, the term "prepare" in relation to a beverage and / or a foodstuff may refer to the preparation of at least part of the beverage and / or foodstuff (for example, a beverage is prepared by said machine in its entirety, or prepared in part, to which the end user may manually add additional fluid before consumption, including milk and / or water).

[00152] As used herein, the term container may refer to any configuration for containing the precursor material, for example, as a single, pre-dosed portion quantity. The container may have a maximum capacity so that it can only hold a single portion of precursor material. The container may be unique, for example, it is physically altered after a preparation process, which may include one or more of the following: perforation to provide fluid to the precursor material; perforation to provide the beverage / food product from the container; opening by a user to extract the precursor material. The container may be configured for operation with a machine container processing unit, for example, it may include a flange for alignment and direction. Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 42 / 113 35 / 82 to the container or arrangement in said unit. The container may include a rupture portion, which is arranged to rupture when subjected to a specific pressure to deliver the beverage / food item. The container may have a membrane to close the container. The container may have various shapes, including one or more of the following: frustoconical; cylindrical; disc; hemispherical; a packet; other similar shape. The container may be formed of various materials, such as metal or plastic or a combination thereof. The material may be selected so that it is food safe; can withstand the pressure and / or temperature of the brewing process. The container may be defined as a capsule, a capsule having an internal volume of 20 to 100 ml. The capsule includes a coffee capsule, for example, a Nespresso® capsule (including a Classic, Professional, Vertuo, Dolce Gusto or other capsule).A container can be defined as a receptacle, which may have an internal volume of 150 to 350 ml. The receptacle is typically for consumption by the end user and includes a pot, for consumption via an implement including a spoon, and a cup from which to drink. A container can also be defined as a package, which is formed from a flexible material, including plastic or metal foil. A package may have an internal volume of 150 to 350 ml, or 200 to 300 ml, or 50 to 150 ml.

[00153] As used herein, the term external device or external electronic device or peripheral device may include electronic components external to the machine, for example, those located in the same place as the machine or those remote from the machine that communicate with the machine through a computer network. The external device may comprise a communication interface for communication with the machine and / or a server system. The external device may comprise devices that include Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 43 / 113 36 / 82 in: a smartphone; a PDA; a video game controller; a tablet; a laptop; or other similar device.

[00154] As used herein, the term server system may refer to electronic components external to the machine, for example, those located in a remote location from the machine, which communicate with the machine via a computer network. The server system may comprise a communication interface for communication with the machine and / or the external device. The server system may include: a network-based computer (e.g., a remote server); a cloud-based computer; any other server system.

[00155] As used herein, the term beverage or food preparation system may refer to the combination of any two or more of the following: the beverage or food preparation machine; the container; the dispensing system; and the peripheral device.

[00156] As used herein, the term beverage may refer to any substance capable of being processed into a potable substance, which may be chilled or heated. The beverage may be one or more of the following: a solid; a liquid; a gel; a paste. The beverage may include one or a combination of: tea; coffee; hot chocolate; milk; fruit syrup; vitamin composition; tea / infusion; infused / flavored water; and another substance. As used herein, the term foodstuff may refer to any substance capable of being processed into an edible nutrient, which may be chilled or heated. The foodstuff may be one or more of the following: a solid; a liquid; a gel; a paste. The foodstuff may include: yogurt; mousse; parfait; soup; ice cream; sorbet; cream; fruit smoothies; another substance. It will be recognized that there is a degree of overlap between the definitions of a beverage and a foodstuff, for Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, p. 44 / 113 37 / 82 For example, a beverage can also be a food item, and therefore a machine that claims to prepare a beverage or a food item does not exclude the preparation of both.

[00157] As used herein, the term precursor material may refer to any material capable of being processed to form part or all of the beverage or foodstuff. The precursor material may be one or more of the following: a powder; a crystal; a liquid; a gel; a solid; and others. Examples of a beverage-forming precursor material include: ground coffee; powdered milk; tea leaves; cocoa powder; vitamin composition; herbs, for example, to form a herbal blend / infusion; a flavoring; and similar material. Examples of a foodstuff-forming precursor material include: dried vegetables or stock such as anhydrous soup powder; powdered milk; flour-based powders including cream; powdered yogurt or ice cream; and similar material.A precursor material may also refer to any pre-precursor material capable of being processed into a precursor material as defined above, that is, any precursor material that can be subsequently processed into a beverage and / or a foodstuff. For example, a pre-precursor material includes coffee beans that can be ground and / or heated (e.g., roasted) into a precursor material.

[00158] As used herein, the term fluid (in relation to the fluid supplied by a fluid conditioning system) may include one or more of the following: water; milk; others. As used herein, the term conditioning in relation to a fluid may refer to altering a physical property of the fluid and may include one or more of the following: heating or cooling; agitation (including foaming by means of beating to introduce bubbles and mixing to introduce turbulence); dividing into a suitable single-serving quantity for use with a single-serving container; pressurization, Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 45 / 113 38 / 82 for example, for a straining pressure; carbonation; flotation / purification; and other conditioning processes.

[00159] As used herein, the term processing unit may refer to an arrangement that can process precursor material into a beverage or a foodstuff. It may refer to an arrangement that can process a pre-precursor material into a precursor material. The processing unit may have any suitable implementation, including a container processing unit or a loose material processing unit.

[00160] As used herein, the term container processing unit may refer to an arrangement that can process a container to derive a beverage or associated foodstuff from a precursor material. The component processing system may be arranged to process the component by one or more of the following: heating; cooling; mixing; churning; dissolving; wetting; maceration; extraction; conditioning; pressurization; infusion and: other processing step.The container processing unit can therefore implement a range of units depending on the processing step, which may include: an extraction unit (which may implement a pressurized and / or thermal process, for example, heating or cooling); a mixing unit (which mixes a beverage or food product in a receptacle for final user consumption); a dispensing and dissolving unit (which extracts a portion of the precursor material from a reservoir, processes it by dissolving and dispensing it into a receptacle); and another similar unit.

[00161] As used herein, the term loose material processing unit may refer to an arrangement that can process loose material from a preprecursor material to a precursor material. Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 46 / 113 39 / 82 sor. The loose material processing unit may be arranged to process the preprecursor material by one or more of the following: heating; cooling; grinding; mixing; wetting; conditioning; other processing step. The loose material may be supplied to the loose material processing unit in a container, from which it is extracted and processed.

[00162] As used herein, the term preparation process may refer to a process for preparing a beverage or a foodstuff from a precursor material or for preparing a pre-precursor material from the precursor material. A preparation process may refer to the electrical processes of processes performed to control the container processing unit for processing said precursor or pre-precursor material.

[00163] As used herein, the term electrical circuit or circuit or control circuit may refer to one or more hardware and / or software components, examples of which may include one or more of the following: an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or other programmable logic; electronic / electrical components (which may include combinations of transistors, resistors, capacitors, inductors, etc.); one or more processors (e.g., processor circuit structure); non-transient memory (e.g., implemented by one or more memory devices), which may store one or more software programs or firmware, a combinational logic circuit; interconnection of the foregoing. Electrical circuits may be located entirely within the machine or distributed among one or more of the following: the machine; external devices; a server system.

[00164] As used herein, the term processor or processing resource may refer to one or more units for processing, examples of which include an ASIC, microcontroller, Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, p. 47 / 113 40 / 82 FPGA, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), state machine, or other suitable component. A processor may be configured to execute a computer program, for example, which may take the form of machine-readable instructions, which may be stored in non-transient memory and / or programmable logic. The processor may have various arrangements corresponding to those discussed for the circuit, for example, integrated or distributed machine as part of the system. As used herein, any machine-executable instructions, or computer-readable media, may be configured to cause a disclosed method to be executed, for example, by the machine or system as disclosed herein, and may therefore be used synonymously with the term method or other.

[00165] As used herein, the term media / computer-readable media or data storage may include any medium capable of storing a computer program and may take the form of any conventional non-transient memory, for example, one or more of: a random access memory (RAM); a CD; a hard disk; a solid-state drive; a memory card; a DVD. Memory may have various arrangements corresponding to those discussed for the circuit.

[00166] As used herein, the term communication resources or communication interface refers to hardware and / or firmware for electronic information transfer. One or more communication resources / interfaces may be configured for wired communication (wired communication resources / interface) or wireless communication (wireless communication resources / interface). Wireless communication resources may include hardware for transmitting and receiving signals by radio and may include various protocol implementations, for example, the 802.11 standard described in the Institute of Engineering. Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 48 / 113 41 / 82 of the Electrical and Electronics Technicians (IEEE) and Bluetooth™ of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group of Kirkland, Washington. Wired communication capabilities may include: Universal Serial Bus (USB); High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) or other protocol implementations. The machine may include communication capabilities for wired or wireless communication with an external device and / or server system.

[00167] As used herein, the term network or computer network may refer to a system for the electronic transfer of information between a plurality of devices. The network may, for example, include one or more networks of any type, which may include: a Public Mobile Terrestrial Network (PLMN); a telephone network (e.g., a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and / or a wireless network); a local area network (LAN); a metropolitan area network (MAN); a wide area network (WAN); an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network; a private network; the Internet; an intranet.

[00168] As used herein, the term code may refer to the storage medium that encodes staging information. The code may be an optically readable code, for example, a barcode. The code may be formed of a plurality of units, which may be called elements or markers.

[00169] As used herein, the term preparation information may refer to information relating to a preparation process. Depending on the implementation of the processing unit, said information may vary. The parameters that may be associated with a processing unit comprising a fluid processing system may include one or more of the following: fluid pressure; fluid temperature; fluid mass / volumetric flow rate; fluid volume; filter / purify parameters for the fluid; parameters Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 49 / 113 42 / 82 carbonation for the fluid. The parameters that may be associated with a container processing unit comprising a loose material processing unit may include one or more of the following: grinding parameters, including intensity and heating temperature.More general parameters may include one or more of the following: container geometric parameters, for example, shape or volume; the precursor type; a phase identifier, for when a brewing process is divided into a series of phases, such that each phase comprises a set of one or more of any of the aforementioned parameters; duration, including the phase duration (for example, the duration of the application of the parameters of a phase or of any of the aforementioned parameters in general); and a container identifier, which may, for example, be used to monitor container consumption for the purpose of reordering or searching for containers from server system information; a recipe identifier, which may be used to search for a recipe stored in the beverage machine's memory for use with the container. [General description of the system]

[00170] With reference to Figure 1, system 2 comprises a machine 4, a container 6, a server system 8, and a peripheral device 10. The server system 8 is in communication with machine 4 through a computer network 12. The peripheral device 10 is in communication with machine 4 through the computer network 12.

[00171] In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated: the peripheral device and / or the server system are omitted.

[00172] Although computer network 12 is illustrated as the same between machine 4, server system 8, and peripheral device 10, other configurations are possible, including: a network of Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 50 / 113 43 / 82 different computer for intercommunication between each device: the server system communicates with the machine through the peripheral device instead of directly. In a specific example: the peripheral device communicates with the machine through a wireless interface, for example, with a Bluetooth™ protocol; and the server system communicates with the machine through a wireless interface, for example, with an IEEE 802.11 standard, and also through the internet. [Machine]

[00173] With reference to Figure 2, machine 4 comprises: a processing unit 14 for processing the precursor material; an electrical circuit 16; and a code reading system 18.

[00174] Electrical circuit 16 controls code reading system 18 to read a code (not shown in Figure 2) from container 6 and determine its preparation information. Electrical circuit 16 uses the preparation information to control processing unit 14 to execute a preparation process, in which the precursor material is a process for a beverage or a foodstuff or a precursor thereof. [First example of the processing unit]

[00175] With reference to Figures 3 and 4, in a first example of processing unit 14, said unit comprises a container processing unit 20 and a fluid conditioning system 22.

[00176] The processing unit for container 20 is arranged to process container 6 to derive a beverage or a foodstuff from the precursor material (not shown) therein. The fluid conditioning system 22 conditions the fluid supplied to the processing unit for container 20. The electrical circuit 16 uses the preparation information read from container 6 to control the Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 51 / 113 44 / 82 container processing unit 20 and fluid conditioning system 22 to perform the preparation process. [Fluid conditioning system]

[00177] With reference to Figure 3, the fluid conditioning system 22 includes a reservoir 24; a pump 26; a heat exchanger 28; and an outlet 30 for the conditioned fluid. The reservoir 24 contains fluid, typically sufficient for multiple preparation processes. The pump 26 moves the fluid from the reservoir 24 through the heat exchanger 26 and to the outlet 30 (which is connected to the container processing unit 20). The pump 26 can be implemented as any suitable device for driving fluid, including: a reciprocating pump; a rotary pump; or another suitable arrangement. The heat exchanger 28 is implemented to heat the fluid and may include: an in-line thermoblock heater; a heating element for heating the fluid directly in the reservoir; or another suitable arrangement.

[00178] In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated: the pump is omitted, for example, the fluid is gravity-fed to the container processing unit or is pressurized by a water supply; the reservoir is omitted, for example, water is supplied by a water supply; the heat exchanger is provided for cooling the fluid, for example, it may include a refrigeration-type cycle heat pump; the heat exchanger is omitted, for example, a main water supply provides the water at the desired temperature; the fluid conditioning system includes a filtration / purification system, for example, a UV light system, the degree of which is applied to the fluid is controllable; a carbonation system that controls the degree to which the fluid is carbonated. [Container processing unit]

[00179] The container processing unit 20 can be im Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 52 / 113 45 / 82 complemented with a range of settings, as illustrated in examples 1 to 6 below:

[00180] With reference to Figures 4A and 4B, a first example of the container processing unit 20 is intended for processing a container arranged as a capsule 6 (a suitable example of a capsule is provided in Figure 7, which will be discussed) to prepare a beverage. The container processing unit 20 is configured as an extraction unit 32 to extract the beverage from the capsule 6. The extraction unit 32 includes a capsule retention portion 34 and a closing member 36. The extraction unit 32 is movable to a capsule receiving position (Figure 4A), in which the capsule retention portion 34 and a closing member 36 are arranged to receive a capsule 6. The extraction unit 32 is movable to a capsule extraction position (Figure 4B), in which the capsule retention portion 34 and a closing member 36 form a seal around a capsule 6, and the beverage can be extracted from the capsule 6.Extraction unit 32 can be actuated by an actuator or manually moved between said positions.

[00181] Outlet 30 of the fluid conditioning system 22 is arranged as an injection head 38 to inject the conditioned fluid into the capsule 6 at the capsule extraction position, typically under high pressure. A beverage outlet 40 is arranged to capture the extracted beverage and transport it from the extraction unit 32.

[00182] The extraction unit 32 is arranged to prepare a beverage by applying pressurized fluid (e.g., 10 to 20 bar), heated (e.g., 50 to 98 degrees Celsius) to the precursor material inside the capsule 6. The pressure is increased for a predetermined period of time until a pressure of a rupture portion, which is the closing member of the capsule 6, is exceeded. Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 53 / 113 46 / 82 of, which causes the rupture of said member and the beverage to be dispensed at the beverage outlet 40.

[00183] In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated, although the injection head and the beverage outlet are illustrated as arranged respectively in the capsule retention portion and the capsule closing portion, they may be arranged alternatively, including: the injection head and the beverage outlet are arranged respectively in the capsule closing member and the storage portion; or both in the same portion. Furthermore, the extraction unit may include both parts arranged as a capsule retention portion, for example, for capsules that are symmetrical around the flange, including a Nespresso® Professional capsule.

[00184] Examples of suitable extraction units are provided in document EP 1472156 A1 and document EP 1784344 A1 and provide a hydraulically sealed extraction unit.

[00185] In a second example (not illustrated) of the container processing unit, an extraction unit similar to the first example is provided; however, the extraction unit operates at a lower pressure and by centrifugation. An example of a suitable capsule is a Nespresso® Vertuo capsule. A suitable example is provided in document EP 2594171 A1.

[00186] In a third example (not illustrated), the capsule processing unit operates by dissolving a beverage precursor that is selected to dissolve under high fluid pressure and temperature. The arrangement is similar to the extraction unit of the first and second examples; however, the pressure is lower, and therefore a sealed extraction unit is not required. In particular, the fluid can be injected into a capsule cap, and a rupture portion is situated at the base of a capsule containment portion. An example of a suitable capsule is a Nespresso® capsule. Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 54 / 113 47 / 82 Dolce Gusto. Examples of extraction units are revealed in document EP 1472156 A1 and document EP 1784344 A1.

[00187] In a fourth example (not illustrated), where the container is arranged as a package, the container processing unit implements an operable extraction unit to receive the package and inject fluid from the fluid conditioning system into an inlet of the package. The injected fluid mixes with the precursor material inside the package to prepare, at least partially, the beverage, which exits the package through an outlet. An example of this arrangement is provided in document WO2014125123 A1.

[00188] In a fifth example (not illustrated), the container processing unit is arranged as a mixing unit for preparing a beverage or food precursor that is stored in a container that is a receptacle, which is for consumption by the end user thereof. The mixing unit comprises an agitator (e.g., planetary mixer; a spiral mixer; a vertical cutting mixer) for mixing and a heat exchanger for heating / cooling the beverage or food precursor in the receptacle. A fluid supply system may also supply fluid to the receptacle. An example of this arrangement is provided in document WO 2014067987 A1.

[00189] In a sixth example (which is not illustrated), the container processing unit is arranged as a dispensing and dissolving unit. The dispensing and dissolving unit is arranged to extract a single-dose portion of the beverage or food precursor from a machine storage portion (which may include any multi-dose container including a packet or box). The dispensing and dissolving unit is arranged to mix the extracted single-dose portion with the Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 55 / 113 48 / 82 Fluid conditioning system for dispensing the beverage or food product into a receptacle. An example of this arrangement is provided in document EP14167344 A. [Second example of the processing unit]

[00190] With reference to Figure 5, in a second example of processing unit 14, said unit comprises a loose material processing unit 42.

[00191] Loose material processing unit 42 is arranged to receive loose preprecursor material from a container 6 (a suitable example is provided in Figure 8 as will be discussed) and process the preprecursor material to derive the precursor material. Electrical circuit 16 uses the preparation information read from container 6 to control loose material processing unit 42 to execute the preparation process.

[00192] A user manually presents container 6 to a code reading system 18, of machine 4, to read the code (as will be discussed). The user then opens container 6 and dispenses the preprecursor material (not shown) contained therein into the loose material processing unit 42. The loose material processing unit 42 processes the loose preprecursor material into precursor material.

[00193] In one specific example, the pre-precursor material consists of coffee beans and the loose material processing unit 42 is arranged to roast and / or grind the coffee beans to provide a precursor material.

[00194] In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated, the loose material processing unit is alternatively configured, including: with a dispensing system for opening and dispensing the capsule preprecursor for subsequent processing (for example, it may include a cutting tool for cutting and opening the Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 56 / 113 49 / 82 container and an extractor such as a spoon to extract the preprecursor material); the preprecursor material can be processed in the container and / or dispensed from the container by the example described above or supplied to a user in the container. [Code reading system]

[00195] With reference to Figures 4A and 4B, the code reading system 18 is arranged to read a code 44 located on a closing member of the container 6. The code reading system 18 is integrated into the extraction unit 32 of the first example of the container processing unit 20. The code 44 is read with the extraction unit 32 in the capsule extraction position (as shown in Figure 4B).

[00196] The code reading system 18 includes an image capture unit 46 for capturing a digital image of the code 44. Examples of a suitable image capture unit 46 include a Sonix SN9S102; a Snap Sensor S2 imager; a binary image sensor with oversampling; another similar system.

[00197] The electrical circuit 18 includes the image processing circuit (not shown) for identifying the code in the digital image and extracting the preparation information. An example of the image processing circuit is a Texas Instruments TMS320C5517 processor running a code processing program.

[00198] In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated, the code reading system is separated from the container processing unit including: it is arranged in a channel in which the user places the container and which transports the container to the container processing unit; it is arranged to read a code on a receptacle, which is positioned to receive a beverage from a beverage outlet of a dispensing and dissolving unit. Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 57 / 113 50 / 82 In further variant embodiments, which are not illustrated, the code reading system is alternatively implemented, for example, the code reading system is arranged in the machine to read a code from a container that a user manually presents to the image capture device. In further variant embodiments, which are not illustrated, the code reading system is arranged to read a code in a location other than the container, for example, on a flange portion or storage portion. [Electrical control circuit]

[00199] With reference to Figure 6, the electrical circuit 16 is implemented as an electrical control circuit 48 to control the processing unit 14 in the execution of a preparation process. In the embodiment of Figure 6, for illustrative purposes, the processing unit 14 is exemplified as the first example, which comprises a container processing unit 20 and a fluid supply unit 22.

[00200] Electrical circuit 16, 48 implements at least partially (e.g., in combination with hardware): an input unit 50 to receive input from a user confirming that machine 4 will execute a preparation process; a processor 52 to receive the command from the command unit 46 and provide a control output to the processing unit 14; and a feedback system 54 to provide feedback from the processing unit 54 during the preparation process, which can be used to control the preparation process.

[00201] The control unit 50 is implemented as a user interface, which may include one or more of the following: buttons, for example, a joystick button or push button; joystick; LEDs; graphic or character LCDs; touch-sensitive graphic screen and / or screen-edge buttons; other similar device; a sensor for Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 58 / 113 51 / 82 determine if a container was supplied to the machine by a user.

[00202] The feedback system 54 can implement one or more of the following feedback-based control operations, or other operations: a flow sensor to determine a fluid flow rate / volume for the outlet 30 (shown in Figure 3) of the fluid supply system 22, which can be used to measure the correct amount of fluid for the container 6 and thus regulate the power to the pump 26; a temperature sensor to determine a fluid temperature up to the outlet 30 of the fluid supply unit 22, which can be used to ensure that the fluid temperature for the container 6 is correct and thus regulate the power to the heat exchanger 28; a level sensor to determine a fluid level in the reservoir 24 as being sufficient for a preparation process; a position sensor to determine a position of the extraction unit 32 (e.g., a capsule extraction position or a capsule receiving position).

[00203] It should be understood that the electrical circuit 16, 48 are suitably adapted for the other examples of the processing unit 14, for example: for the second example of the container processing system, the feedback system can be used to control the rotation speed of the capsule; for the loose material processing unit, the feedback system can be used to implement the control of the grinding rate and / or a heating temperature. [Container]

[00204] With reference to Figure 7, a first example of a container 6, which is for use with the first example of the processing unit 14, comprises the container 6 arranged as a capsule. The capsule includes: a closing member 56; a storage portion 58, and; a flange portion 60. Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 59 / 113 52 / 82

[00205] The storage portion 58 includes a cavity for storing the precursor material (not shown). The closing member 56 closes the storage portion 58 and comprises a flexible membrane. The flange portion 60 is disposed at the junction of the storage portion 58 and the closing member 56 and comprises an overlap of each portion that is fastened together to hermetically seal the precursor material. The capsule 6 has a diameter of 2 to 5 cm and an axial length of 2 to 4 cm. With reference to Figures 4A and 4B, the storage portion 58 is perforated by the injection head 38 to supply conditioned fluid into the capsule.

[00206] Capsule 6 comprises a geometric axis of rotational symmetry 57 that extends through a center 59 of the closing member 56 (although not illustrated in the side view of Figure 7, capsule 6 has a circular cross-section when viewed in the plane of the closing member 56).

[00207] Details of extraction of construction, manufacture and / or extraction (of beverage) of containers and / or closure members are, for example, disclosed in EP 2155021, EP 2316310, EP 2152608, EP2378932, EP2470053, EP2509473, EP2667757 and EP 2528485.

[00208] With reference to Figure 8, a second example of a container 6 intended for use with the second example of the processing unit 14 comprises the container 6 arranged as a package and includes: a laminar material arrangement 62 joined at peripheral junctions 64 defining an internal volume for storing the precursor material (not shown); and an opening 66, which a user opens to dispense the precursor material into the loose material processing unit 42. [Code layout]

[00209] With reference to Figures 7 and 8, code 44 is arranged Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, pages 60 / 113 53 / 82 on an outer surface of the container 6, in any suitable position so that it can be read by the code reading system 18. In the first example shown in Figure 7, the code 44 is arranged on the closing portion 56. In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated, the code may be arranged on the flange portion 60 (including on both sides) and on the containment portion 58. In the second example shown in Figure 8, the code 44 is arranged in various positions on the laminar material 62, including distal to the junctions 64.

[00210] Although the code is described as being arranged on an outer surface of the container, it should be understood that this definition requires the code to be externally legible, for example, there may be a protective lacquer or other at least partially transparent surface arranged over the code. [Preparation process]

[00211] With reference to Figure 9, the execution of a process for preparing a beverage / food product from the precursor material is illustrated:

[00212] Block 70: a user provides container 6 to machine 4.

[00213] Block 72: electrical circuit 16 (e.g., input unit 50 thereof) receives a user instruction to prepare a beverage / food item from the precursor, and electrical circuit 16 (e.g., processor 52) starts the process.

[00214] Block 74: electrical circuit 16 controls processing unit 14 to process the container (for example, in the first example of container processing unit 20, extraction unit 32 is moved from capsule receiving position (Figure 4A) to capsule extraction position (Figure 4B)).

[00215] Block 76: electrical circuit 16 controls code reading system 18 to read code 44 in container 6 and provide a digital image of the code. Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, pp. 61 / 113 54 / 82

[00216] Block 78: the code processing circuit of electrical circuit 16 processes the digital image to extract the preparation information.

[00217] Block 80: Electrical circuit 16, based on the preparation information, executes the preparation process by controlling the processing unit 14. In the first example of the processing unit, this comprises: controlling the fluid conditioning system 22 to supply fluid at a temperature, pressure, and duration of time specified in the preparation information to the container processing unit 20.

[00218] Electrical circuit 16 subsequently controls container processing unit 20 to move from the capsule extraction portion through the capsule ejection position to eject container 6 and back to the capsule receiving position.

[00219] In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated: the above blocks may be executed in a different order, for example, block 72 before block 70 or block 76 before block 74; some block may be omitted, for example, when a machine stores a capsule dispenser block 70 may be omitted; alternatively to blocks 70 to 76 a user presents the container code to the code reading system and after it is read opens said container and dispenses the pre-precursor material into the processing unit.

[00220] Blocks 76 and 78 can be called the code reading and processing process. Block 80 can be called the preparation process. Electrical circuit 16 includes instructions, for example, as program code, for the preparation process (or a plurality thereof). In one embodiment, processor 52 implements the instructions stored in a memory (not shown). Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 62 / 113 55 / 82

[00221] As part of the preparation process, the electrical circuit 16 can obtain additional preparation information through the computer network 12 of the server system 8 and / or peripheral device 10 using a communication interface (not shown) of the machine. [Exterior surface and code description]

[00222] With reference to Figures 10 and 11, the entire outward-facing surface of the closing member 56 comprises an outer surface 70, which includes a code 72 and coding lines 74 extending through the code 72.

[00223] The image of the outer surface 70 is circular. In variant forms, which are not illustrated: other formats can be processed including square. [Exterior surface and features]

[00224] The outer surface 70 is formed from a first color band, which in the example comprises comparatively light colors of an 8-bit grayscale color system, for example, decimal numbers from 200 to 255. Other items formed on the outer surface 70 are formed from a second color band, which in the example comprises comparatively dark colors of the 8-bit grayscale color system, for example, decimal numbers from 0 to 50.

[00225] In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated: other color systems may be implemented including: 1-bit monochrome; 8-bit color; 16-bit grayscale; and 16-bit color.

[00226] The outer surface 70 has uncoded lines 76, 78, 80, 82 formed on it, which can be defined as any line that extends through the outer surface 70 that is parallel to the coded lines 74 and 72, but does not cross either of them.

[00227] The unencoded line 76 extends to join directly Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, p. 63 / 113 56 / 82 directly to code 72. The uncoded line 78 extends distally to code 72. Both uncoded lines 76 and 78 are composed entirely of the first color band.

[00228] The uncoded line 80 extends distally to code 72, and includes an intersecting portion of an object 84, which specifically comprises a trademark / logo 86. The uncoded line 82 extends distally to code 72, and includes an intersecting portion of objects 84, which specifically comprises the trademark / logo 86 and the text 88 that provides information about the type of beverage produced by the precursor material in the container 6. The objects 84 are composed of the second color band. Both uncoded lines 80 and 82 are therefore composed of a composition of the first color band and the second color band. A shape and composition of the objects 84 are selected such that the uncoded lines 76, 78, 80, 82 comprise a composition of the second color band that is identifiably smaller than that of the coded line 74, for example, it may be 20 or 50% smaller.

[00229] In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated: other objects may be formed on the outer surface, including with different orientations.

[00230] Although not explicitly illustrated, it will be recognized that the corresponding uncoded lines can be drawn on all portions of the outer surface 70 that do not comprise the coding lines 74 and code 72. Furthermore, it will be recognized that the uncoded lines are not physically formed on the outer surface 70; instead, they are merely to be considered an idealized virtual line of the outer surface 70 when processing the image, as will be discussed. A thickness of the uncoded lines 76 to 82 can be contemplated, such as that of the line of Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 64 / 113 57 / 82 encoding 74, (or with an enlarged thickness when processing for variance, as will be discussed), since when an image of the outer surface 70 is processed, it is decomposed into a series of adjacent lines, as will be discussed. [Code and coding line]

[00231] With reference to Figures 10 to 12, code 72 extends across the outer surface 70 along the linear encoding line 74 which extends in a longitudinal direction 100. As best seen in Figure 12, code 72 comprises a series of distinct positions 90 which either comprise or do not comprise a unit 92. The units 92 and the encoding line 74 are formed from the second color band. A unit 92 encodes a bit as 0 or 1 based on its absence or presence at a distinct position 90. The distinct positions 90 are arranged at predetermined separate intervals, i.e., one step, along the encoding line 74, which in the example is directly contiguous to one another, so that they can be located and read predictably.

[00232] With reference to Figure 10, code 72 is arranged as a repeating unit 94 that repeats sequentially in the same order along coding line 74. For example, coding line 74 may include 1 to 3 or other numerical repetitions of the code, any of which can be read to extract the staging information.

[00233] In the example, the repetition unit 94 comprises 23 distinct positions 90, therefore, the code 72 is 23 bits long. The 23-bit message encodes, at least partially, the preparation information; for example, it can be used as a key that is associated with a specific set of parameters that defines a recipe with a key-value database paradigm, which is a relationship stored in memory. Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, p. 65 / 113 58 / 82 electronic memory of the electrical circuit 16. Alternatively, the values ​​encoded by one or more bits can be directly associated with a parameter value, for example, bits 0 to 7 encode 1 of 256 magnitudes of a water temperature, which are interpreted and converted into a temperature based on a relationship stored in the electronic memory of the electrical circuit 16.

[00234] In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated: the code is repeated only once, and; the code may comprise any number of distinct positions, for example, 16 or 32; the code may be formulated from different units, therefore, an absence of a unit in a distinct position may be designated by the presence of another unit, instead of an absence of any unit.

[00235] As can be best seen in Figure 10, there are multiple coding lines 74 (four are illustrated), each displaced in a lateral direction 102 and parallel to each other with the same repetitions 94 in the code 72. Therefore, any repetition of any coding line 74 can be read to extract the preparation information. In particular, the repetitions 94 in adjacent coding lines 72 are longitudinally displaced by half a code length, so that if a region of the outer surface 70 is damaged there is an increased probability of there being an undamaged code repetition 94.

[00236] In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated: there may be only a single line of coding, and; repetitions may have other longitudinal offsets, including a quarter of a code length, or there may be no longitudinal offset.

[00237] With reference to Figure 12, for the 92 units of code 72 that are not contiguous to another 92 unit, and the outer end region 96 is formatted with a curved end profile of Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 66 / 113 59 / 82 such that it tapers symmetrically with increasing longitudinal extension around the coding line 74 with narrowing of the lateral thickness to a point. For the 92 units of code 72 that are contiguous on both sides to the other 92 units, so that the end regions are not external, the shape is square.

[00238] As used herein, the term format in relation to units may refer to an exact format or an approximation of the actual format, which may occur due to printing or other precision manufacturing variations.

[00239] In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated: the units have a different shape including one or a combination of the following shapes, triangular, polygon, in particular a quadrilateral, such as a square or parallelogram; other suitable shape.

[00240] In the embodiments, a thickness in the lateral direction 102 of the coding line 74 is selected to be comparatively narrow (e.g., less than 20% or 10%) compared to that of a unit 92 of code 72; it may, for example, be from 0.2 or 0.24 to 0.16 mm or 0.18 mm ± 20 or 30 or 40%. A unit length may be 1.1 mm or 0.89 ± 20 or 30 or 40%.

[00241] Unit 92s typically have a unit length of 1.1 mm or 0.89 mm. As used herein, the term unit length in relation to a unit 92 can refer to a suitably defined distance from the unit 92, for example: for a circular shape, the diameter; for a square, a side length; for a polygon, a distance between opposite or adjacent vertices; for a triangle, a hypotenuse. Unit 92s can be arranged with an accuracy of about 0.05 mm. Since the units are directly contiguous, they have a unit length pitch. Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 67 / 113 60 / 82

[00242] Units 92 and coding line 74 are formed by printing, for example, using an inkjet printer. As an example of printing, the printing ink can be conventional printer ink, and the substrate can be: polyethylene terephthalate (PET); aluminum coated with a lacquer (as found in Nespresso Classic capsules) or another suitable substrate.

[00243] In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated: the units are formed alternatively, including by embossing, engraving or other suitable means; and the units are alternatively dimensioned, for example, a unit length of 0.5 to 2 mm.

[00244] In a specific variant embodiment, the coding units and line are formed (e.g., by chemical etching or etching or by a diffusely reflective ink or other coating on a specular reflector, such as aluminum) to be either diffusely reflective or specularly reflective with the non-coding lines (or areas not comprising the coding units or line) being formed from either diffusely reflective or specularly reflective. This arrangement can be advantageous since in the digital image, specular reflection can appear as a first value range, e.g., light color tones, and diffusely reflective reflection can appear as a second value range, e.g., dark color tones, of the color model. That is, the intensity of the reflection can determine the value of the color model.However, the visibility of the code may be less apparent compared to the formation of value ranges by printing. [Sum of color tone]

[00245] Due to the physical formation of the encoding line 74, it will be recognized that: if the outer surface 70 is divided into regions, which are called pixels (as indicated by the grid in the Figure Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 68 / 113 61 / 82 11, wherein the coding line 74 is approximately two pixels thick), and; if a grayscale tone (as previously discussed) is assigned to each pixel; then a summation of decimal numbers associated with the tones of said pixels along the length and width of coding line 74 is identifiable by comparison with that of an adjacent parallel linear uncoded line 76, 78, 80, 82 as shown in Figure 10 (or any other line) extending across said outer surface 70. This is because these uncoded lines comprise either none or a reduced portion of the second color band.

[00246] The two-pixel-thick region extending between the edges of the outer surface, and in the example encapsulating the coding line, is called a section or a line section. And a pixel forming the segment is called an element or a region.

[00247] In particular, since for line 74 the decimal numbers are all from the second color band (instead of including all or part of the first color band for uncoded lines), the sum of the decimal numbers divided by the number of pixels will be much lower than for an uncoded line. This quantity is called the segment's average color tone or average color tone, where in this example an element is a pixel and the average calculation corresponds to the number of elements in the segment. Therefore, a segment can have a single value for the segment's average color tone.

[00248] In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated: elements or regions other than single pixels may be considered, for example, a single color tone (i.e., a value) may be assigned to an element comprising a group of 4, 6, or 9 pixels arranged in squares or rectangles, said elements may comprise Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, p. 69 / 113 62 / 82 is a total width that is equal to the width of the encoding line 74.

[00249] With reference to Figure 13 (top image) in the modes where the orientation of code 72 is not initially known (and is shown by the dashed local coordinate lines compared to the solid global coordinate lines), the external surface image 70 is divided into longitudinally extending segments 98, which are two pixels wide (as discussed earlier). Although only a single segment 98 is shown, the segments extend across the entire lateral width of the image. For Figure 13 (top image) each segment 98 has the average color tone of the calculated segment.

[00250] Then, the image is rotated around the geometric axis of symmetry 59 (see Figure 7, which is at the center of the circular image) by three degrees and the process for each segment 98 that has the average color tone of the calculated segment is repeated. The process is then repeated until the image has been rotated 180 degrees.

[00251] In variant forms, which are not illustrated: the image is rotated by other amounts, including 2 or 4 degrees.

[00252] Figure 14 shows a two-dimensional contour plot of the segment's midtone colors for the angle of rotation versus the lateral position of a segment. The angle of rotation in Figure 13 (top image) corresponds to column 104 in Figure 14. The angle of rotation in Figure 13 (bottom image), in which the coding line 74 is aligned with the longitudinal direction 100, corresponds to column 106 in Figure 14. Note that for column 106, there are a series of low regions located 108 of the segment's midtone color. This characteristic feature allows the identification of the desired orientation of code 72.

[00253] In variant forms, which are not illustrated: the orientation of the code can be known, for example, by placing the code Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, pp. 70 / 113 63 / 82 to extend along a direction identified by an asymmetrical structural reference formed in the capsule. [Determination of variance]

[00254] With code 72 oriented to align with longitudinal direction 100 as shown in Figure 13 (bottom image), a preferred coding line 74 is selected for processing determining (this time instead of an average color tone of the segment) for each segment 98 the variance (or standard deviation) of the element's color tones.

[00255] With reference to Figure 15, the lateral position of a 98 segment versus the standard deviation for a 98 segment is illustrated. Some optional processing of the raw deviation data was used, which may include baseline removal and top hat transformations. Since there are four 74-coding lines in Figure 13, there are four 110 peaks in the deviation. This is due to the fact that, due to the said absence or presence of a 92-coding unit at isolated positions 90 in a segment that includes the 74-coding line, it comprises a greater variance of the first color band and the second color band than a segment including any of the 76-82 uncoded lines.In particular, due to the fact that the uncoded lines 76, 78 in direct proximity to the coded lines 74 do not comprise any object 84, they have a comparatively low variance, which allows for improved localization of the high variance points caused by their contiguous coded lines 74.

[00256] The highest peak 110 corresponds to the longest encoding line 74, which is subsequently selected for processing, since, due to its length, it has the highest chance of including one or more complete repetitions of code 72.

[00257] It should be noted that, since coding line 74 is a solid line, if this is read directly, the variance will be extreme. Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, pp. 71 / 113 64 / 82 relatively low, therefore, a segment thickness when determining variance is increased in lateral thickness to match that of the 92 units of code 72. Since the coding line 74 is selected to be comparatively thin compared to the lateral thickness of the code units, it does not interfere with the variance. In fact, the midtones of color are therefore sampled at high resolution, and the variance is sampled at a comparatively low resolution.

[00258] To ensure that code 72 maintains a high variance, restrictions can be implemented in the coding pattern: it may be necessary that the code is neither absent nor present in more than a predetermined number of consecutive units, for example, 3 or 4 or 5.

[00259] In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated: the variance (or deviation) as discussed above is also used to determine the correct rotation of the code, for example, the correct rotation is determined for a rotating position in which the segment variance produces the highest peaks. In such an embodiment, the coding line may be omitted. [Code reading and decoding]

[00260] With the orientation and location of the coding line 74 to be read now determined, the units 92 from the distinct positions 90 are read.

[00261] In a first example (not illustrated), the code comprises a starting sequence from a predetermined reserved sequence of 0s and 1s. When reading the code, the code processing program searches this reserved sequence for missing and present units. A data sequence is located at a known position (e.g., stored in the memory of electrical circuit 16) relative to the starting sequence, for example, the sequence of da Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, p. 72 / 113 65 / 82 of the data can be the immediately preceding 8-bit sequence. Therefore, from the determination of the starting sequence location, the data sequence can then be read to extract the data from the code.

[00262] In a second example (not illustrated), a code repetition 94 has a known length, for example, 23 bits, and the units along the encoding line are read and the repetition unit 94 identified based on said numerical repetitions being of said known length. The code processing program implements a Golay decoding decoder to extract the code data.

[00263] In the case of an error that prevents the data from being extracted: in the first example, for instance, the initial sequence cannot be located, or in the second example the Golay decoder returns 4 to 7 bits of error, then the code can be read in reverse, for example, in Figure 13 (bottom image), the image is rotated through 180 degrees and the distinct positions 90 are read again.

[00264] In the case of a data integrity error: in the first example, a parity bit in the data sequence may show an error; or in the second example, the Golay decoder returns 0 to 3 error bits, so the data can be corrected, for example, based on correlation to a nearby known data sequence that is stored in memory.

[00265] The types of errors presented above can also be resolved by selecting a different code repeat from the same coding line 74 or from a different coding line 74. Furthermore, repeats from two different coding lines can be joined, based on a repeat that has a known length. [Code image processing method]

[00266] With reference to Figure 16, a processing method Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, pp. 73 / 113 66 / 82 of the image from code 72 comprises the following steps (which can be considered an expansion of block 78 in Figure 9):

[00267] Block 120: convert the outer surface image 70 into a designated color system (e.g., in the examples this was an 8-bit grayscale).

[00268] Block 122: with reference to Figures 13 and 14, for each incremented rotation, for segments extending in the longitudinal direction 100, the average color tones of the segment are obtained.

[00269] Block 124: determine the angle of the coding lines 74 from the mid-tones of the segment based on the highest proportions of the second color band, and realign the local geometric axis of the coding lines 74 to match the global longitudinal direction 102 as shown in Figure 13 (bottom image).

[00270] Block 126: Identify the coding line 74 to be processed based on the variance of the segments.

[00271] Block 128: read the code repetition from that line.

[00272] Block 130: If errors are detected, then read the code in another direction, and / or if a correctable error is detected, then correct the error in the code. If the error cannot be corrected, a standard set of preparation information may be used in the preparation process.

[00273] Block 132: convert the data encoded by the code into parameter values ​​of preparation information using the rule stored in the memory of electrical circuit 16.

[00274] Although the code is illustrated here as being disposed of in the container, it will be recognized that the code may be formed entirely in the container or formed on a separate substrate (not illustrated) that may be attached to the container. [First example of the processing method]

[00275] With reference to Figure 17, a first description will be given. Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, pp. 74 / 113 67 / 82 example of a method for processing a digital image of the code to extract the preparation information encoded by the code. The first exemplary method that can implement any of the features of the previous embodiments, including the associated described variants, which for brevity are not described in duplicate.

[00276] In block 200, the code 18 reading system obtains a digital image of code 72 with a color model applied to the digital image. In the example, the color model is a grayscale color model.

[00277] In block 202, electrical circuit 16 sums the color model values ​​along the coding line, including for the code and coding line units.

[00278] In block 204, electrical circuit 16 determines an orientation of code 44 based on said sum.

[00279] In block 206, electrical circuit 16 reads the distinct positions 90 to determine whether a unit 92 is present or absent based on the determined orientation of code 72 in said image.

[00280] Considering block 200, the grayscale color model values ​​are adjusted to regions that comprise a single pixel.

[00281] In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated: the regions are resized to comprise a grouping of pixels, for example, 2 x 2 pixels per region; a different color model may be implemented.

[00282] With reference to Figure 10, the exemplary digital image comprises a coding area 140 within which code 72 and coding lines 74 are arranged. Since code 72 is arranged in a circular closing member 56, the digital image comprises the closing member 56 with a ring. Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, pp. 75 / 113 68 / 82 of the flange portion that delineates a circular coding area 140. As previously discussed, there are multiple coding lines 74, each having its ends at points of intersection with the edge of the coding area 140. Each coding line may comprise more than one repetition of the code 72. Due to the coding area being circular, the coding lines 72 have different lengths.

[00283] In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated: there is a single coding line; each of the one or more coding lines comprises only a single repetition in the code; the coding area may have other shapes, for example, square or triangular; the coding lines may all have the same length, for example, for a square coding area; the coding line may have other shapes, for example, circular or square.

[00284] In block 204, with reference to Figure 13, top image, the digital image is decomposed into 98 virtual line sections, which extend with a length in the longitudinal direction 100 and have a width in the lateral direction 102. The 98 line sections have a width that comprises several regions (e.g., 2 to 6) and a length that corresponds to the length of the encoding area 140. Although only a single 98 line section is shown, it will be understood that adjacent parallel line sections are implemented in the lateral direction 102 to decompose the entire encoding area 140. The color system values ​​of the regions for the 98 line section are summed to provide a summed value matrix with one summed value for each 98 line section.

[00285] The average of the summed value can be calculated by dividing said sum by the number of regions. In this way, calculating the average can provide a convenient means for handling sections of Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, pp. 76 / 113 69 / 82 lines with different lengths (or widths). Alternatively, line sections can be selected to have the same size, thus making the average calculation obvious. It will be understood that both implementations are based on a sum of the values.

[00286] The angle of the digital image is rotated around a central geometric axis (e.g., geometric axis 59 as shown in Figure 7, which is at the center of the circular encoding area). A rotational increment of 3 or 5 degrees is applied a total of 60 or 36 times, respectively, until the digital image has been rotated to 180 degrees. For each rotational position, the summed value matrix is ​​calculated. A two-dimensional plot of the summed value versus rotational position is shown for illustrative purposes in Figure 14. The graph shown in Figure 14 can be obtained with various filtering / processing techniques, for example, including a Radon transform with a high-pass filter.

[00287] With reference to Figure 14, for the set of matrix values ​​indicated by column 106, code 72 and coding lines 74 are arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction 100, as shown in the lower image of Figure 13. It can be seen that, for column 106, the summed values ​​vary between low values ​​(indicated by the dark regions) and high values ​​(indicated by the light regions).

[00288] The low values ​​are provided by the row sections 98 that include coding line 74 and code 72. This is due to the influence of the code and coding line units on the sum of the values. The high values ​​are provided by the row sections 98 that do not include coding line 74 and code 72, i.e., the uncoded lines, uncoded lines 76, 78, 80, 82 as previously discussed. Therefore, with code 72 and coding lines 74 arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction 100, the code Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 77 / 113 70 / 82 go is arranged with: a summation of said color model values ​​along the coding line to be within a first value range, and adjacent uncoded lines that are parallel to the coding line to comprise a summation of the color model values ​​to be within a second value range.

[00289] Consequently, the standard deviation or variance of the summed values ​​for the matrix associated with column 106 has the highest deviation value. Thus, the orientation of code 72 is determined based on said sum of values.

[00290] In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated: there may be a single coding line with one or more repetitions of the code. With this example, a single line section may be implemented to capture a coding line that extends through a center of rotation, for example, the line section may be arranged to extend through a center of the digital image. The condition of the coding line being aligned with the longitudinal direction may be determined by the rotational position with the summed value that is smaller in magnitude (or higher, depending on how the color model is implemented).

[00291] In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated, for the same dimensioned line sections discussed previously, the condition of the coding line being aligned with the longitudinal direction can be determined by the summed value for a line section in a rotational position that crosses a boundary, thus avoiding the need to calculate the standard deviation.

[00292] In block 126, with the orientation of code 72 and coding line 74 known, the distinct positions 90 can be read along coding line 74 in the manner previously discussed. Any of the coding lines can be selected to read the code, which are identifiable in the lateral position by the variance. The Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, pp. 78 / 113 71 / 82 code 72 is encoded using Golay encoding, therefore an entire encoding line can be read from beginning to end.

[00293] In variant embodiments: another encoding is implemented, for example, a code with a reserved sequence of bits encoded by the absence or presence of a unit in the distinct position to act as a locator / reference portion that is identified to locate a portion of data; the encoding line may be omitted, the orientation of the code may be determined by the influence of the code units on the values ​​as discussed with the previous methods, or the orientation may be determined by a reference portion as disclosed in document WO 2017144575A1. [Second example of the processing method]

[00294] With reference to Figures 10 and 18, a second example of the method for processing a digital image of the code to extract the preparation information encoded by the code will be described. The second example of the method may implement any of the features of the previous embodiments (e.g., the first example in which the orientation of the code is determined), including the associated variants described, which for the sake of brevity are not described in duplicate.

[00295] In the second example, as illustrated in Figure 10, container 6 includes a code arrangement comprising a plurality of 96 repetitions of code 72, and each code 72 encodes a binary sequence to at least partially encode the preparation information.

[00296] Electrical circuit 16 can be configured to implement the following process, as illustrated in Figure 18, for each of the readable code repetitions:

[00297] In block 300, electrical circuit 16 reads the repetitions of code Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, pp. 79 / 113 72 / 82 I mean 96 to get the binary sequence for each code 72.

[00298] In block 302, electrical circuit 16 implements a code decoder to determine a number of bit errors associated with the binary sequence.

[00299] In block 304, electrical circuit 16 determines a recipe based on the binary sequence and a number of bit errors that were identified.

[00300] In more detail, in block 300, reading the code may include the process from the first example to orient the code to a known position. It may subsequently include reading the distinct positions 90, for example, to determine whether they are absent or present from a unit 92, or another suitable implementation.

[00301] In more detail, in block 302, the code decoder in a first example is implemented as a Golay decoder, which is a linear error correction algorithm. The Golay decoder can be configured with 12 bits of data as the binary sequence, in a 24-bit word so that any 3-bit errors can be corrected. Therefore, the binary sequence referred to here can be the complete sequence (e.g., 24 bits) or part of it (e.g., 12 bits).

[00302] In variant embodiments, in other examples, other error correction algorithms may be implemented, including those for Hamming codes, Reed-Solomon codes, etc. Furthermore, several errors may be identified without the need for their correction. Error correction is typically implemented by redundancy, for example, in the code repetition itself and / or other repetitions, for example, by cross-checking or by comparison with known allowed binary sequences.

[00303] For more details, in block 304, the recipe is searched. Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, pages 80 / 113 73 / 82 through a database, for example, that implements a key-value paradigm, in which a specific binary sequence as a key is associated with a specific recipe identifier. Therefore, the binary sequence is corrected and combined with one of the main binary sequences. A number of corrected bit errors is stored as a numeric value in association with the corrected binary sequence / identified recipe.

[00304] With reference to Figure 19, block 304 may comprise the following steps:

[00305] In block 306, it is determined whether the corrected binary sequence is associated with a recipe. If no valid recipe is associated with the corrected binary sequence, then block 308 can be executed, for which an error message can be returned to user interface 50 and / or a default recipe can be implemented.

[00306] In block 310, if a corrected binary sequence is determined to be associated with a recipe, then the identity of the recipe and the number of errors associated with the corrected binary sequence can be stored in a database.

[00307] In particular, for each code repetition, blocks 300 to 308 can be executed, so that a database is populated, which comprises the number of occurrences of a recipe along with a number of errors corrected.

[00308] In block 312, both of these quantities can be used to determine the recipe used by the processing unit. For example, a score can be determined by multiplying the number of recipe occurrences by the sum of the errors and selecting the recipe with the highest score. Other calculation methods can also be implemented.

[00309] In variant forms, which are not illustrated, a Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, pages 81 / 113 74 / 82 The recipe can be determined alternatively. For example, the number of occurrences of a recipe can be used without the number of errors. The method can also be executed for a single code iteration; in this case, the binary sequence would have error correction, and in block 310 the associated recipe would be implemented. Furthermore, more than one recipe can be returned for each binary sequence, each with its own number of errors, and used in combination with the other recipes to determine the recipe used by the processing unit.

[00310] Since a 72-code line can include more than one 96-repetition of code 72, one or more recipes and the number of errors for each can be extracted from a 47-code line and processed as discussed above.

[00311] For the second example, electrical circuit 16 can be configured with the code decoder to decode each binary sequence in a first forward order and also in a second reverse order to account for an unknown rotational position of the code. For example, when reading the repetition of a code 96, if the code is rotated 180 degrees, then even if it is read correctly, an associated recipe may not be found for the binary sequence. Alternatively, when rotated, the processes of block 304 can be correctly implemented. Therefore, if a negative is determined in block 306, the code can subsequently be read in the reverse direction.

[00312] Although the code is exemplified in Figure 10, the methods can be implemented with other codes that encode a binary sequence, for example, a barcode. Therefore, it will also be understood that code reading does not require obtaining a digital image of the code. [Third example of the processing method] Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, p. 82 / 113 75 / 82

[00313] With reference to Figure 20, a third example of the method for processing a digital image of the code to extract the preparation information encoded by code 72 will be described. The third example of the method can be implemented with any of the features of the previous embodiments (for example, the third example can be implemented subsequent to the first example in which the orientation of the code is determined and before the second example in which the code is read and the recipe determined), including the associated described variants, which, for the sake of brevity, are not described in duplicate.

[00314] In the third example, as illustrated in Figure 10, container 6 includes a code arrangement comprising a plurality of 96 repetitions of code 72, and each code 72 is arranged on a coding line 74. The uncoded lines 76, 78, 80, 82 are arranged to be contiguous to the coding lines 74.

[00315] Electrical circuit 16 can be configured to implement the following process, as illustrated in Figure 20, for each of the coding lines 74.

[00316] In block 400, read code 72 to obtain a code read.

[00317] In block 402, determine a characteristic of an uncoded neighboring portion that is close to a coded portion of the read code;

[00318] In block 404, correct an associated feature of the code portion based on the determined feature of the neighboring uncoded portion to account for variations in the feature in the uncoded portion.

[00319] In more detail, in block 400, to read code 72, the digital image in Figure 10 is read by scanning along a coding line 74, and in block 402, to determine a character Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 83 / 113 76 / 82 characteristic of a neighboring uncoded portion, the digital image in Figure 10 is read by reading along an uncoded line 76.

[00320] With reference to Figure 21, said reading is performed along a line section 406 wide of code 72. This can be achieved by reducing the sampling rate of the digital image, if necessary. The width of line section 408 for the unencoded line 76 is approximately half that of line section 406. The line sections are directly contiguous to each other. In variant embodiments; other line section widths can be implemented, including single-pixel or multi-pixel line widths, with averaging; the line sections may have a gap so that they are proximal but not directly contiguous.

[00321] With reference to Figure 22, said reading produces a 410 encoding line signal and a 412 unencoding line signal, which are represented with the characteristic as signal amplitude (i.e., intensity) versus distance along the code read. Amplitude refers to the degree of grayscale which, in the exemplary code implementation, is represented as light shades for specular reflection (e.g., an absence of a unit 92 at a distinct position 90) and dark shades for diffuse reflection (e.g., the presence of a unit 92 at a distinct position 90).

[00322] Due to a proximity of the 74 encoding line to the 76 unencoding line, a variation in the 412 unencoding line signal represents a baseline variation in intensity for the equivalent longitudinal position in the 410 encoding line signal.However, since the unencoded line 76 is absent from any units 92, the difference between these two lines is representative of the coded line signal 410 compensated for baseline variations.

[00323] The 410 encoding line signal compensated by the sub Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 84 / 113 The 77 / 82 line signal without 412 encoding, and with a degree of filtering / smoothing applied, is shown for the corrected 414 encoding line signal. Said filtering / smoothing can be applied to one or both signals before or after subtraction. Peaks in the corrected 414 encoding line signal can be used to indicate the presence of a 72 unit and, in the absence of a peak, the absence of a 92 unit. Therefore, the corrected 414 encoding line signal can be processed to extract the binary sequences for each 96 repetition of the 72 code.

[00324] In a variant of the above method, and as shown in Figure 21, the encoding line signal is compensated by an average of two unencoding line signals, which are obtained by reading unencoding lines (not illustrated) on either side of the encoding line 74. This variant can improve accuracy, since the average may be less susceptible to local variation in intensity on one side of the encoding line 74.

[00325] In view of the processing techniques above, it will be understood that the 72 code processing method is particularly suitable for 76 unencoded lines that are contiguous to 74 coded lines and that do not contain objects (e.g., 92 units or a 74 coded line or other objects, e.g., advertising).

[00326] It will be understood that the method can be extended to all 74 coding lines that are present in container 6.

[00327] In variations of the third example, the signal may have other representations besides intensity, for example, those based on other formulations of the code units, as previously described; in a specific variation, the code may be magnetically readable, therefore the signal may be the intensity of a magnetic field, in which case it will be understood that a digital image Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 85 / 113 78 / 82 is not necessary.

[00328] In variations of the third example, instead of obtaining a signal, the code can be processed by the characteristic of a neighboring non-code portion, close to a code portion of the code read, for example, distinct points along the code can be sampled in this way.

[00329] It will be recognized that any of the disclosed methods (or corresponding devices, programs, data carriers, etc.) can be executed by a host or client, depending on the specific implementation (i.e., the disclosed methods / devices are a form of communication, and, in that way, can be executed from each point of view, i.e., in forms corresponding to each other). Furthermore, it should be understood that the terms receive and transmit encompass input and output and are not limited to a radio frequency (RF) context of transmitting and receiving radio waves.Therefore, for example, an integrated circuit or other device or component performing modalities could generate output data for another integrated circuit, device, or component, or have as input data another integrated circuit, device, or component, and this output or input could be called transmit and receive, including their gerunds, which are transmitting and receiving, as well as transmission and reception within an RF context.

[00330] As used in this descriptive report, any formulation used of the style at least one of A, B, or C, and the formulation at least one of A, B, and C uses a disjunctive OR and a disjunctive AND, such that those formulations comprise any and all the various permutations of A, B, C, namely, A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B in any order, A and C in any order, B and C in any order, and A, B, C in any order. There may be Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, p. 86 / 113 79 / 82 more or less than three characteristics used in these formulations.

[00331] In claims, any reference signs placed in parentheses should not be interpreted as limiting the claim. The expression "comprises" or "includes" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps beyond those mentioned in a claim. Furthermore, the terms "a" or "an," as used herein, are defined as "one or more than one." Additionally, the use of introductory phrases such as "at least one" and "one or more" in claims should not be interpreted as meaning that the introduction of another claim element by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any specific claim containing that introduced claim element to inventions containing only one of those elements, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an." The same is true with respect to the use of definite articles.Except where otherwise specified, terms such as first and second are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elements described by those terms. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of these elements. The mere fact that certain measures are mentioned in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[00332] Except where explicitly indicated as incompatible, or the physical or otherwise applicable embodiments, examples, or claims preclude such combination, the features of the aforementioned embodiments and examples, and of the following claims, may be integrated together in any suitable arrangement, especially those where there is a beneficial effect in doing so. This is not limited to any specific benefit, and may instead arise from Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 87 / 113 80 / 82 a benefit ex post facto. This means that the combination of features is not limited by the forms described, particularly the form (e.g., numbering) of the example(s), modality(ies), or dependency(ies) of the claim(s). Furthermore, this also applies to the phrase in a modality, according to a modality, and similar expressions, which are merely a form of word style and should not be interpreted as limiting the following features of a separate modality to all other instances of the same or similar expression. That is to say, a reference to one, some, or any modality(ies) may be a reference to any one or more, and / or all, of the modalities, or combination(s) thereof, disclosed. Similarly, a reference to a modality may not be limited to the immediately preceding modality.

[00333] As used herein, any machine-executable instructions, or computer-readable media, can execute a disclosed method, and can therefore be used synonymously with the term method, or with each other.

[00334] The aforementioned description of one or more implementations provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the invention to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from the practice of various implementations of the present description. List of references System Machine Processing unit Container processing unit (first example) Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, pages 88 / 113 81 / 82 Extraction unit Capsule retention portion Closing member Injection cylinder head Drink dispenser Fluid conditioning system Reservoir Pump Heat exchanger Exit Loose material processing unit (second example) Electrical circuits Electrical control circuit Input unit Processor Feedback system Code reading system Image capture unit Container Capsule - Example 1 Closing portion 44, 72 Code Outer surface Distinct positions Unit extremity region Repetition Encoding line 76, 78, 80, 82 Line without encoding Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 89 / 113 82 / 82 Object Trademark / logo Text Containment portion Flange portion Package - Example 2 Laminar material Junctions Opening Server system Peripheral device Computer network 100 Longitudinal direction 102 Lateral direction Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, pages 90 / 113

Claims

1 / 4 CLAIMS 1.A system characterized by comprising a container for holding precursor material and a machine for preparing a beverage and / or a foodstuff or a precursor thereof from said precursor material, wherein the container includes: a code for at least partially encoding preparation information, wherein the machine includes: a code reading system for reading the code; a processing unit for processing the precursor material from the container; and an electrical circuit for controlling the processing unit based on the preparation information, wherein the electrical circuit is configured to: read the code to obtain a code reading; determine a characteristic of a neighboring uncoded portion adjacent to a coded portion of the code read; correct an associated characteristic of the coded portion based on the determined characteristic of the neighboring uncoded portion to take into account variations in the characteristic in the uncoded portion.

2. System, according to claim 1, characterized in that the code is arranged in a coding line and: reading the code comprises reading along the coding line to obtain the code read; determining a feature of a neighboring uncoded portion comprises reading along a contiguous uncoded line to obtain an uncoded line reading; and correcting the associated characterization of the code portion Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, page 91 / 113 2 / 4 comprises correcting the code read based on the reading of the contiguous uncoded line.

3. System, according to claim 2, characterized in that reading along the line without contiguous encoding comprises reading along a first and second contiguous lines without encoding, between which the encoding line is interposed.

4. A system, according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the uncoded line is devoid of objects that form the code.

5. A system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that reading along an encoding line and reading along the contiguous non-encoding line comprise producing an encoding line signal and a non-encoding line signal, and the encoding line signal is offset by the non-encoding line signal.

6. System according to claim 5, characterized in that the encoding line signal and / or the unencoding line signal are filtered and / or smoothed before correction.

7. A system, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the code is formed by distinct positions that are absent or present in a unit for encoding binary information, and an absence of a unit has the same formation as the neighboring uncoded portion.

8. A system, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the characteristic that is determined and corrected is based on an intensity of code reading.

9. System, according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized by having multiple coding lines extending in a longitudinal direction and each coding line being corrected based on a contiguous non-coding line.

10. System according to claim 9, characterized in that the coding lines are each displaced in a lateral direction by a determined amount and are parallel to each other.

11. System, according to any one of claims 2 to 10, characterized in that the electrical circuit is arranged to determine an orientation of the codes based on the coding line.

12. A machine characterized by being intended for the preparation of a beverage and / or a foodstuff, or a precursor thereof, from a container containing precursor material, wherein the container includes: a code that encodes a binary sequence to encode at least partially the preparation information, wherein the machine includes: a code reading system to read the code; a processing unit to process the precursor material from the container; and an electrical circuit to control the processing unit based on the preparation information, wherein the electrical circuit is configured to: read the code to obtain a code reading; determine a characteristic of a neighboring uncoded portion, close to a coded portion of the code read; correct an associated characteristic of the coded portion based on the determined characteristic of the neighboring uncoded portion to take into account variations in the characteristic in the uncoded portion.

13. Use of a container for the system, as defined in Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, p. 93 / 113 4 / 4, any of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the container includes a code repeat that encodes at least partially preparation information for processing precursor material.

14. A method for determining preparation information for processing precursor material, which is at least partially encoded by a code, characterized by comprising: acquiring a code reading to obtain a code reading; determining a feature of a neighboring uncoded portion adjacent to a coded portion of the code read; correcting an associated feature of the coded portion based on the determined feature of the neighboring uncoded portion to account for variations in the feature in the uncoded portion.

15. Electrical circuit characterized by being arranged to implement the method as defined in claim 14. Petition 870250078707, dated 03 / 09 / 2025, p. 94 / 113

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