Beverage or food preparation system

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a system (2) comprising a container (6) and a machine (4) for preparing a beverage and / or food product, the container (6) comprising: a body portion (62) having a storage portion (58) comprising a cavity extending in a depth direction for containing a precursor material; a closure member (56) to close the storage portion (58); a machine-readable code (44) storing preparation information, said code (44) being arranged on the closure member (56), the machine (4) comprising: a code reading system (18) to read the code (44) of the container (6); a processing unit (14) for processing the precursor material of the container (6); and electrical circuitry (16) to control the processing unit (14) based on the preparation information read from the code (44) wherein the code reading system (18) comprises a code reader (46) and a positioning mechanism (110) to deform the body portion (62) of the container (6) from an undeformed configuration to a deformed configuration, wherein the positioning mechanism (110) is adapted to deform the body portion (62) in the deformed configuration to effect subsequent deformation of the closure member (56) such that the closure member presents a relatively more uniform surface for reading the code (44).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to an electrically operated beverage or food preparation system by which a beverage or food is prepared from pre-portioned capsules. Background Art

[0002] A system for preparing a beverage comprises a beverage preparation machine and a capsule. The capsule comprises a single serving of a beverage forming precursor material, such as ground coffee or tea. The beverage preparation machine is arranged to perform a beverage preparation process on the capsule, typically by exposing pressurized, heated water to the precursor material. Processing the capsule in this manner causes the precursor material to be at least partially extracted from the capsule as a beverage.

[0003] This configuration of beverage preparation machines is increasingly popular due to: 1) enhanced user convenience compared to conventional beverage preparation machines (e.g., compared to manually operated stovetop espresso machines), and 2) enhanced beverage preparation processes, wherein: preparation information encoded by a code on a capsule is read by the machine to define a recipe; and the recipe is used by the machine to optimize the preparation process in a capsule-specific manner. Specifically, the encoded preparation information may include operating parameters selected in the beverage preparation process, including: fluid temperature; fluid pressure; preparation duration; and fluid volume.

[0004] EP 2594171 A1 discloses a machine that reads a code from the underside of the flange of a capsule. A disadvantage is that the code cannot be applied to more flexible parts of the capsule (e.g., a membrane) because the code can only be read from a rigid support. Furthermore, for the same reason, the code cannot be applied to alternative capsules where the body of the capsule is made of a different, more flexible material (e.g., a recyclable material including paper or wood pulp).

[0005] Thus, despite the effort that has been put into developing the described systems, further improvements are needed. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present disclosure provides a system comprising a container and a machine for preparing beverages and / or food products.

[0007] The container includes a main body portion having a storage portion for accommodating precursor materials and a closing member for closing the storage portion; and a machine-readable code, which stores preparation information. As used herein, the indexing of "code" may include one or more repetitions of the code. In an embodiment, the code is arranged on the central area of ​​the closing member. The storage portion includes a cavity extending from the closing member in the depth direction. The container may have a maximum depth less than its diameter, which may be measured at the opening of the storage portion. In an embodiment, the code is an optically readable code.

[0008] In an embodiment, the body portion includes a flange portion connecting the storage portion and the closure member. The cavity of the storage portion extends from the flange portion in the depth direction. The flange portion presents a peripheral edge of a substantially planar surface for receiving the closure member. In an embodiment, the flange portion is planar. As used herein, the term "planar" with respect to the flange portion may refer to the flange portion being arranged to extend completely in the transverse direction and the longitudinal direction, or extending substantially in said directions (e.g., having a major component in these directions opposite to the depth direction).

[0009] The machine includes a code reading system having a code reader for reading a code of a container; a processing unit for processing the precursor material of the container; and an electrical circuit system for controlling the processing unit based on the preparation information read from the code. As used herein, the term "based on" with respect to the preparation information may refer to a direct relationship (e.g., the values ​​of the parameters of the recipe are directly encoded on the code) or to using rules via a stored relationship to look up one or more of the values ​​using the preparation information as an identifier. The code reader may include an image capture unit (e.g., a camera), a lens, and an outermost aperture (e.g., a reading window). The outermost portion of the code reader may be referred to as a reading head.

[0010] In an embodiment, the machine includes a positioning mechanism configured to position the container in a holding position or a reading position where the code can be read by the code reading system.

[0011] In an embodiment, the positioning mechanism is adapted to deform the main body portion of the container from an undeformed configuration to a deformed configuration in which the code is readable by a code reader. In the undeformed position, the code may not be readable by the code reader (including not being reliably readable by the code reader), for example due to wrinkles or other uneven shaping of the closure member.

[0012] In an embodiment, the positioning mechanism is adapted to deform the body portion in a deformed configuration to achieve subsequent deformation of the closure member so that the closure member presents a relatively more uniform surface for reading the code. The deformation of the body portion can be achieved by applying a 3-point bend and / or a bending moment to the body of the container in a transverse direction. The deformation can be applied directly to the body portion and indirectly to the closure member so that the positioning mechanism does not directly contact the closure member (which can exclude a portion of the closure member that overlaps the flange portion).

[0013] By implementing a positioning mechanism that deforms the body portion to achieve a specific deformation of the closure member to improve reading, the closure member can be manipulated without the positioning mechanism directly applying a load to directly deform the closure member. Such an implementation can be advantageous because damage to the closure member due to direct contact with the positioning mechanism can be avoided. Such an implementation can enable a range of materials to be implemented for the storage portion, such as flexible materials including paper or wood pulp compared to relatively rigid materials such as aluminum.

[0014] As used herein, the term "uniform" may refer to a relatively more uniform spatial arrangement relative to an undeformed configuration, such as more planar and absent, which may include the absence or reduction of folds, wrinkles, or other spatial discontinuities that would otherwise interfere with code reading.

[0015] In an embodiment, in the deformed configuration, the tension of the closure member is increased compared to the undeformed configuration.

[0016] By implementing a detent mechanism to deform a main body portion of the container to increase tension in the closure member (eg, in-plane film tension as opposed to through-thickness tension), the code of the closure member may be more accurately read because the closure member is more evenly presented for reading.

[0017] As used herein, the term "deformation" with respect to the main body portion may refer to elastic or plastic deformation of the storage portion and / or flange portion, including fully or partially reversible deformation.

[0018] As used herein, the term "holding position" may refer to a position in which a container is held before being subjected to loading, for example to cause it to shift and / or deform into a reading position. In suitable embodiments, the container in the holding position is arranged in an undeformed configuration. In the holding position, the code may not be readable by a code reader, for example, the code may be positioned too far from a code reader of a code reading system or otherwise not readable by a code reader of a code reading system, for example, due to flickering of the code.

[0019] As used herein, the term "reading position" may refer to a position where a load is applied to one or more portions of a container to deform the container to improve the readability of the code on the container. In a suitable embodiment, the container in the reading position is arranged in a deformed configuration. The reading position may be defined by a series of positions that have exceeded the loading criteria or a single condition that achieves the loading condition. The reading position may be defined as a position where a code reader (e.g., a reading head thereof) contacts (including presses into) the code and can be readable to extract preparation information from the code.

[0020] In an embodiment, in the deformed configuration, the flange portion is deformed to achieve a change in curvature along the transverse direction (e.g., an overall global curvature, rather than a local curvature due to wrinkles, etc.) compared to the undeformed configuration. The curvature can be defined as a deviation from a straight line in the transverse direction (e.g., a straight line that the flange position would normally assume in the undeformed configuration) bridging the left and right sides of the container when viewed from a plane defined by the longitudinal direction and the depth direction.

[0021] By implementing a positioning mechanism to change the curvature across the flange portion (e.g., to increase the curvature), the path that the closure member extends can be increased or otherwise adjusted to conveniently provide tensioning for improved readability. The degree of curvature can be defined by the magnitude of the first spatial derivatives in the depth and lateral directions.

[0022] In an embodiment, in the deformed configuration, a central region of the closure member produces a smaller curvature than peripheral regions of the closure member (eg, at the left and right sides).

[0023] A smaller curvature at the central area on the closure member where the code is read (eg, the turning point in the derivatives in the depth and lateral directions) may improve readability.

[0024] In an embodiment, the code is arranged on a central region of the closure member, and in the deformed configuration, the central region of the closure member is displaced in the reverse depth direction (eg relative to the flange portion or its spatial position prior to deformation).

[0025] By realizing the central area of ​​the closure member comprising the code as displaced forwards, ie in the reverse depth direction, a substantially planar central area can be realized which is more reliably readable than in an undeformed position.

[0026] As used herein, the term "central region" refers to a region of a closed member that includes at least the geometric center. The central region may include an area adjacent to the center, for example having a radius of less than 10% or 20% or 30%. It may also include only the geometric center, i.e., a point. The central region may refer to a region of a closed member that is separated (e.g., away) from a peripheral region.

[0027] As used herein, the term "peripheral region" refers to an area of ​​a closed member that includes an edge. The peripheral region may include an area adjacent to the periphery, for example having a radius greater than 90% or 80% or 70%. It may also include only the periphery, i.e., the periphery edge. The peripheral region may refer to an area of ​​a closed member that is separated from (e.g., away from) a central region.

[0028] In an embodiment, in a modified configuration, the closure member is arranged to physically contact the code reader (e.g., its reading head). By arranging the code reader to be pressed into the closure member, it can be ensured that the contacted portion of the closure member is aligned with the code reader and at a precise distance from the code reader, which can improve reading accuracy. It can also ensure that the central area is more uniform.

[0029] In an embodiment, the read head of the code reader is shaped to correspond in shape to the shape of the closure member (e.g., the outer surface of the central region) when the container is in a deformed configuration. For example, the head of the reader can be flat and / or curved to correspond in shape to the shape of the closure member when the container is in a deformed configuration. A flat or slightly curved head can provide easier code reading due to less distortion of the optics. By arranging the read head to correspond to the closure member, the read head can be pressed into the closure member or rest on the closure member, which can ensure a more uniform closure member for reading.

[0030] In an embodiment, the storage portion is hermetically sealed and the positioning mechanism is arranged to reduce the internal volume of the storage portion in the deformed configuration compared to the deformed configuration. By reducing the internal volume, the pressure acting on the closing member can be increased, which can provide a more uniform surface for reading.

[0031] In an embodiment, in a deformed configuration, the positioning mechanism is arranged to displace the precursor material into the closed member to achieve displacement of the closed member when transitioning from the undeformed configuration to the deformed configuration. By moving the precursor material into the closed member, the pressure acting on the closed member by the precursor material can be increased, which can provide a more uniform surface for reading. However, the force applied to the precursor material can be adjusted to below a threshold to prevent excessive compaction of the precursor material, which may otherwise not be satisfactorily processed. It should be understood that sufficient precursor material is stored by the storage portion so that as the volume of the storage portion decreases under deformation, the increased volume of precursor material can be pushed into the closed member.

[0032] In an embodiment, when the container is transformed from the undeformed configuration to the deformed configuration, the central area is displaced in the reverse depth direction toward the code reader, which can be stationary relative to the machine. By displacing the container so that the central area of ​​the closure member advances toward the code reader, improved code reading can be achieved.

[0033] In an embodiment, the positioning mechanism includes a support for supporting the container at the flange portion and applying a pressing force to the base of the storage portion of the container via a pressing element. It has been found that applying a compressive force in this way enables the container to deform appropriately to improve the reading of the code. The support can, for example, be integrated into the guide portion.

[0034] In an embodiment, the shape of (at least a portion of) the support corresponds in shape to the container in the deformed configuration. By implementing the profile of the adjacent portion of the support to have the same (including substantially the same) shape as the container when deformed, the support can appropriately guide the container into the deformed portion and effectively hold the container in said position. In particular, if the container is plastically deformed, it can still be conveniently passed through the support because at least a portion of the support is arranged to correspond to the deformed shape.

[0035] In an embodiment, the machine includes a guide portion, which is arranged to guide the container inserted into the guide portion from the insertion position to the pre-read holding position via gravity. In an embodiment, the guide portion is arranged to guide the container from the holding position to the processing unit via gravity. A gravity feed system can be easily implemented (e.g., the guide portion is vertically aligned or tilted to the vertical direction). In an embodiment, the support is integrated into the guide portion. In an embodiment, the positioning mechanism is arranged to act on the container when in the guide portion, so at least a portion of the positioning mechanism is arranged in the guide portion. In an embodiment, the guide portion is arranged as a closed channel, which has an entrance for inserting the container and an exit for transferring the container to the processing unit, wherein the positioning mechanism is located between the entrance and the exit.

[0036] In an embodiment, the top engaging portion of the guide portion of the container support corresponds in shape to the shape of the top surface of the flange in the deformed configuration. In an embodiment, the bottom engaging portion of the guide portion of the container support corresponds in shape to the shape of the bottom surface of the flange in the undeformed configuration. By implementing the guide portion as corresponding in shape to the flange portion in both the deformed configuration and the undeformed configuration, the container can be conveniently passed through the guide portion so that it can support two positions.

[0037] In an embodiment, when the container is transformed from the undeformed configuration to the deformed configuration, the entire container is translated in the reverse depth direction toward the code reader of the code reading system. By enabling the container to be displaced as well as deformed, it can be more conveniently positioned for reading. In addition, the container can be more conveniently inserted into the machine because less precision is required.

[0038] In an embodiment, the code reading system is arranged to read the container before the container is processed by the processing unit, and the container is transferred from the code reading system (e.g., a holding position) to the processing unit by gravity. By enabling gravity feeding of the container from the code reading system to the processing unit, a cost-effective loading system can be achieved. In addition, by deforming the container and / or pressing the container into the reading head, the disadvantage of vapor from the container handling system obscuring the code from the code reader can be minimized.

[0039] In an embodiment, the positioning mechanism is arranged to translate (e.g., slidably move) the container and the code reader relative to each other along an axis from a holding position, in which the container is separated from a reading head of the code reader and the code is aligned with the code reader along the axis, to a reading position, in which the code of the container is in contact with the reading head.

[0040] As used herein, the term "axis" or "code reading axis" may refer to the axis along which the positioning mechanism translates the capsule. The axis may be arranged perpendicular to and through the reading direction of the reading head (the reading direction is the direction in which the code reader obtains an image of the code).

[0041] As used herein, the term "translation" with respect to the capsule may mean that the capsule is translating in a direction corresponding to the axis. In addition to said translation, a smaller level of rotation may also be included, which may for example occur if the container is located in the guide portion at an angle in the holding position, rather than aligned with the face of the guide portion opposite the code reader.

[0042] As used herein, the term "aligned" with respect to a code and an axis may refer to an axis that is protruded by one or more repetitions of a code so that only an axial distance along the axis (which is typically a depth distance) needs to be closed when transitioning from a holding position to a code reading position. As used herein, the term "separated" with respect to a holding position may refer to, for example, a geometric distance in the depth direction between a code and a code reader.

[0043] By implementing a positioning mechanism to translate the container from an aligned disengaged position to an engaged position, the container can be conveniently loaded into the machine and can be accurately read. For example, by implementing a disengaged holding position, the container can slide into an aligned state (e.g., by gravity) without interference from a code reader. A simple mechanism can thereafter be implemented to translate the container into contact with the code reader. Direct contact between the code reader and the code can displace any debris (e.g., steam or precursor material) from the processing unit that is present on the code and would otherwise interfere with the code reading. It can also be ensured that the code is more uniform when being read. In addition, by having a translational contact, the code reader can retreat from the entrance of the processing unit, which can enable the code reader to be positioned away from debris from the processing unit that may leave via the entrance.

[0044] In an embodiment, the detent mechanism is configured such that in the reading position, the closure member presents a relatively more uniform surface for reading the code than in the retaining position.

[0045] In an embodiment, the processing unit comprises a container holding part and a closing part, which can be moved between a container receiving position and a container processing position in a depth direction. The direction of movement can be perpendicular to (including substantially perpendicular to) the conveying direction of the guide part.

[0046] In an embodiment, the readhead is arranged relative to the guide portion so that the container can travel through the guide portion to the holding position and / or from the holding position to the processing unit without contacting the readhead. With such an arrangement, the container can slide through the guide portion without being interrupted by the readhead (and only contact the readhead when reading a code in the code reading position or other loading position). Such an arrangement can reduce sticking of the container in the guide portion.

[0047] In an embodiment, the positioning mechanism is configured to translate the container from the holding position to the reading position when the code reader is stationary (e.g., relative to the rest of the machine). By enabling the container to be shifted to the code reader, the code reader can be fixed in a position that does not interfere with the conveyance of the container through the guide portion, wherein the container is shifted to the code reader when in the guide portion.

[0048] In an embodiment, the container is translated by a pressing force applied to the base of the storage portion of the container via a pressing element, which can be actuated independently of the guide portion. By actuating the pressing element through the guide portion, the guide can remain stationary when the container translates / deforms.

[0049] In an embodiment, the guide portion of the machine is arranged to guide the flange portion by interconnecting the storage portion of the container and the flange portion of the closure member. The guide portion may include a front engaging portion for engaging the front side of the flange (including a portion of the closure member that may overlap with the flange portion) and a back engaging portion for engaging the back side of the flange, the front engaging portion and the back engaging portion being separated by a gap greater than the thickness of the flange, so that: the container can pass through the guide portion from the insertion position to the holding position and into the processing unit; and translate from the holding position to the reading position.

[0050] By configuring the guide portion to accommodate the translation distance along said code reading axis, the container may conveniently be retained in the guide portion while translating, which may enable it to be conveniently guided through the machine.

[0051] In an embodiment, in the reading position, the front engaging portion is adjacent to the front of the flange portion, and the back engaging portion is separated from the back of the flange portion. With such an arrangement, the front engaging portion is usually pressed into full abutment with the front of the flange portion so that all parts of the front face contact the flange portion. By making the front portion fully abut the front of the flange, the code can be stably read.

[0052] In an embodiment, in the holding position, the front engaging portion is at least partially separated from the front of the flange portion. Utilize this type of arrangement, because the guide portion loosely accommodates the flange, so in the holding position, the container can occupy a range of positions (e.g., depending on how it falls through the guide portion).

[0053] In an embodiment, the guide portion remains stationary relative to the code reader when the container moves between the holding position and the reading position. By implementing the guide portion to remain in a fixed position relative to the code reader, it can support the container in two positions while being operable to transport the container through the machine.

[0054] In an embodiment, the positioning mechanism is configured to return the container from the reading position to a holding position (which may be the same holding position or an equivalent holding position as before the code was read), and the guide portion is arranged to transfer the container to the processing unit via gravity from the holding position. By returning the read container to its holding position separated from the code reader, the container can then enter the processing unit without restriction.

[0055] In an embodiment, the positioning mechanism comprises a holding member which can be arranged in a closed position to hold the capsule in the holding position and can be arranged in a transfer position to enable transfer of the capsule to the processing unit. By implementing the holding member with said position, the inserted container can be initially held in the holding position before being transferred to the processing unit for subsequent reading.

[0056] In an embodiment, the holding member and the pressing element are connected together so that they can be actuated independently. By joining the holding member and the pressing element together, a common actuator can be implemented to actuate both, rather than separate actuation systems.

[0057] In an embodiment, the closing member is a flexible film and is arranged to deform to correspond in shape to a read head of a code reader in a reading position. By arranging the portion of the closing member comprising the code to deform around the read head, it can be ensured that the code is presented evenly to the code reader, which can ensure better reading of the code. Furthermore, any debris (e.g. vapor or precursor material) from the processing unit that is present on the code and would otherwise interfere with the reading of the code can be enabled to be displaced.

[0058] In an embodiment, the code is arranged on the central area of ​​the closure member. By implementing the code in the central area, it can be ensured that the code is on the most flexible part of the closure member, which can improve the reading accuracy by enhancing the aforementioned effect.

[0059] In an embodiment, the central region of the closure member is arranged to displace 2mm to 6mm when subjected to a compressive force applied by the readhead of 15N to 120N or 40N to 70N. It has been found that such a displacement range presents a uniform reading surface free of debris when subjected to such forces.

[0060] In an embodiment, the positioning mechanism is configured to apply a loading condition to the container, and the code reading system includes a detection system for detecting a reading position when a predetermined condition for reading the code is met, and when the condition is met, the electrical circuit system is configured to process / read the code to extract the preparation information at the reading position.

[0061] By implementing a detection system to determine whether a predetermined condition is met for which the code is arranged in a reading position where it is properly positioned for extraction, it can be ensured that reading only occurs when accurate extraction of the information is possible. Such a specific implementation can, for example, avoid extracting erroneous preparation information which would enable erroneous control of the processing unit.

[0062] As used herein, the term "detection" may refer to electrical circuitry of a detection system repeatedly or continuously monitoring a variable during a loading condition and determining whether a threshold has been exceeded. Detection by the detection system may be triggered by initiation of a loading condition.

[0063] As used herein, the term "loading condition" may refer to applying a load (e.g., force and / or displacement) to a container (e.g., to one or more of a storage portion, a flange portion, and a closure member) to achieve deformation and / or translation of the container. The loading condition may not be applied in a holding position. The application of a loading condition may specify the initiation of a loading position, for which the load may be increased and / or reduced. The loading condition may refer to a load cycle, which may include a combination of a load increase phase and, optionally, a load reduction phase. The load increase phase may include increasing the load until a predetermined condition for reading the code is met or a threshold maximum load of the positioning mechanism is exceeded. The load may increase with various loading curves, including linear, curved, or stepped or a combination thereof. The load reduction phase may include reducing the load to return the container to the holding position.

[0064] As used, the term "suitably positioned for extraction" may refer to an arrangement between a code and a code reader such that the preparation information can be completely and / or accurately (e.g., without reading errors) extracted. It may also avoid computationally intensive error correction procedures to correct reading errors.

[0065] As used herein, the term "extraction" with respect to preparation information may refer to reading the data portion of a code to decode the preparation information stored therein. Extraction may be part of the code reading process. However, a code may be read, for example to identify portions of the code without extraction, for example, the code may be arranged with sufficient accuracy so that its position and the positions of the portions forming the code (e.g., including the finder portion and the data portion) can be located, however the code may not be arranged for subsequent accurate / complete extraction of preparation information.

[0066] In an embodiment, a loading condition is applied to transfer the container from a holding position to a reading position. A loading position may be defined as any position where a loading condition is applied, which may therefore include a reading position.

[0067] In an embodiment, the loading condition is variable (e.g., the condition may include applying a varying force and / or displacement to the container) to selectively deform the body portion of the container. By implementing variable loading conditions, a wide range of different containers can be processed to the reading position. For example, the displacement and / or force history can be adapted to a particular container. The positioning mechanism can automatically adjust the variable loading conditions of the container.

[0068] In an embodiment, the loading conditions may vary based on the geometric dimensions of the container. The geometric dimension may be, for example, the depth of the main body portion from the closing member. The depth may represent large, medium and small sized containers, so by adapting the loading conditions to the depth, beverages and / or foods of different sizes may be provided by the machine. For example, for a container with a smaller depth, the same force may be applied as for a container with a larger depth, but within a shorter displacement range.

[0069] In an embodiment, the loading conditions may vary based on the stiffness of the container. By adapting the loading conditions to the stiffness, different container materials can be processed.

[0070] In an embodiment, the predetermined conditions for reading the code include satisfying a first condition and optionally satisfying a different second condition. By implementing the first condition and the second condition, multiple conditions can be considered to provide increased accuracy.

[0071] In an embodiment, the first condition is based on the force applied to the container by the positioning mechanism having exceeded a threshold or being at a target force threshold.By achieving a force threshold, it can be ensured that the precursor material is not over-compacted.

[0072] As used herein, the term "based on a force applied to a container" may refer to an actual measurement of the force, such as via a load cell or via a quantity that represents the force.

[0073] In an embodiment, the force applied is based on the current applied to the drive system for the positioning mechanism.By basing the force on the current applied to the drive system (including any electrical quantity associated with or derived from it, such as electrical power), a convenient measurement of force can be provided without a dedicated sensor.

[0074] In an embodiment, the second condition is based on the displacement applied to the container by the positioning mechanism having exceeded a threshold value. By implementing a threshold value associated with the displacement, it can be ensured that the container will not be over-deformed. Such specific implementations can be advantageous for highly flexible containers or relatively short containers in the depth direction, because these containers are substantially deformed under low forces, and therefore are unlikely to exceed the force threshold, but the displacement threshold is more appropriate.

[0075] As used herein, the term "based on the displacement applied to the container" may refer to any displacement-related quantity, which may include the actual displacement or the first or second derivative (derivative) of the displacement. In one embodiment, a first derivative that falls below a threshold is achieved. By achieving a first derivative of the displacement, the threshold may be exceeded when there is minimal further change in displacement for a given time and an initial large displacement for a given time has passed. Such specific implementations allow for consideration of the same condition for containers of different depths, where having a preset displacement quantity would not be applicable.

[0076] In an embodiment, the predetermined condition is determined from a digital image of the code.Such an arrangement may avoid the need for complex dedicated detection systems.

[0077] In an embodiment, the electrical circuit system implements a smoothing system to reduce fluctuations in the determined applied force and / or displacement. By implementing a smoothing system (e.g., as signal processing), non-representative fluctuations in the determined applied force or displacement can prevent erroneous triggering of displacement or force thresholds.

[0078] In an embodiment, the positioning mechanism is arranged to apply the loading condition as the magnitude increases (e.g., as the load increases phase of the load cycle), and the detection system is arranged to determine the predetermined condition during the application of the loading condition of increasing magnitude. The magnitude may be increased until one of the associated thresholds is exceeded by gradually increasing the force and / or displacement applied to the container and repeatedly blocking if the predetermined condition is met.

[0079] In an embodiment, the electrical circuit system is configured to maintain the same (including substantially the same) load condition as when the predetermined condition is met, and read the code while the container is subjected to the maintained load condition. By keeping the container under the predetermined condition when reading the container, accurate reading of the code can be provided.

[0080] In an embodiment, the electrical circuit system is configured to control the positioning mechanism to reapply the variable loading condition in the event that the predetermined condition for reading the code is not met. In an embodiment, the electrical circuit system is configured to control the positioning mechanism to reapply the loading condition in the event that the code is determined to be unreadable when it is processed (e.g., using the code processing circuit system). By enabling the container to be at least partially moved from the reading position to the undeformed configuration and / or the holding position (e.g., as the load reduction phase of the load cycle follows the load increase phase) and then returned to the reading position, the reading accuracy can be improved.

[0081] In an embodiment, the code reading system includes a code reader for obtaining a digital image of the code, and the code reading system includes an electrical circuit system for determining whether the container is in a reading position from the digital image of the code based on a predetermined condition (e.g., a predetermined condition of the digital image of the code), and when the condition is met, the electrical circuit system is configured to process / read the code to extract the preparation information at the reading position.

[0082] By determining whether a code is properly spatially positioned for reading one or more features in a digital image of the code based on predetermined conditions, other more complex components (e.g., mechanical sensors or actuators) for determining whether a code is properly positioned can be avoided. In addition, for codes that are not properly positioned, unnecessary processing of the code to extract preparation information is avoided.

[0083] In an embodiment, the predetermined condition may be determined from the digital image of the code by a different, separate process that is not part of processing the code to extract the manufacturing information.

[0084] In an embodiment, the predetermined condition is based on a geometric property of the code. As used herein, the term "geometric property" with respect to a code may refer to a size, angle, or other property defined by one or more cells forming the code and / or the surround on which the code is arranged. By using the geometric property, it can be determined whether the code is properly arranged as a first step, and if a more computationally intensive step is passed, a process for extracting preparation information is performed, so the suitability of the arrangement of the code can be determined with minimal additional processing.

[0085] It will be appreciated that since the code reader implements a fixed lens and image sensor position, the geometric properties are related to the distance of the code from the code reader, so if the code is too far away, more deformation of the container may be required to achieve a reliable code read.

[0086] In an embodiment, the geometric attribute is based on the size of one or more cells forming the code that exceeds a threshold size. In an embodiment, the geometric attribute is based on the number of cells forming the code arranged in a predetermined area across the threshold. In an embodiment, the geometric attribute is based on a geometric pattern of the code, such as a geometric pattern of a finder portion of the code. In an embodiment, the code is formed of cells of 50 μm to 200 μm and arranged in an area of ​​600 μm to 1600 μm.

[0087] In an embodiment, determining whether a predetermined condition for reading a code is met is based on the optical properties of the code forming the units of the code (e.g., the units of the code and / or the surroundings). By using the optical properties, it can be determined whether the code is properly arranged before any processing of the code, thereby avoiding unnecessary processing steps of the code. Specifically, the brightness of the surroundings can be determined. Since the code reader incorporates a light source for reading, for light-colored surroundings and relatively dark-colored code units, as the code is farther away from the code reader, the brightness of the observed surroundings can be close to the brightness of the code units, so when the surroundings are relatively light in color, the condition of the code being in contact or in close proximity with the code reader can be determined.

[0088] As used herein, the term "optical property" may refer to characteristics of light reflected or emitted from or passing through a code and / or surroundings, which may include brightness (e.g., within a given solid angle) absorption or other optical properties.

[0089] In an embodiment, the code reading system includes a positioning mechanism for applying a loading condition to transfer the container to a reading position, and a digital image is obtained at the reading position. In an embodiment, the positioning mechanism is arranged to apply the loading condition as the magnitude increases, and the detection system is arranged to determine the predetermined condition during the application of the load condition of the magnitude increase. By repeatedly determining whether the predetermined condition is met when the load condition increases, loading can be suspended without applying too much load to the container when the condition is met. In an embodiment, the electrical circuit system is configured to maintain the same load condition as when the predetermined condition is met, and read the code when the container is subjected to the maintained load condition. In an embodiment, the electrical circuit system is configured to control the positioning mechanism to reposition the container in the reading position when the predetermined condition for reading the code is not met and / or when it is determined that it cannot be read when processing the code.

[0090] The present disclosure provides a machine for preparing beverages and / or food from a container, the machine comprising: a code reading system for reading a code of the container; a processing unit for processing a precursor material of the container; and an electrical circuit system for controlling the processing unit based on preparation information read from the code, wherein the code reading system comprises a code reader; and a positioning mechanism. In an embodiment, the code is read from a central area of ​​a closing member of the container.

[0091] In an embodiment, the positioning mechanism is arranged to deform the main body portion of the container from an undeformed configuration to a deformed configuration, wherein the positioning mechanism is adapted to deform the main body portion in the deformed configuration to achieve subsequent deformation of the closing member so that the closing member presents a relatively more uniform surface for reading the code.

[0092] In an embodiment, the positioning mechanism is arranged to translate the container and the code reader relative to each other along an axis from a holding position, in which the container is separated from the reading head of the code reader and the code is aligned with the code reader along the axis, to a reading position, in which the code of the container is in contact with the reading head.

[0093] In an embodiment, the code reading system includes a positioning mechanism for applying a loading condition to the container, and the code reading system includes a detection system for detecting a reading position, and when a predetermined condition for reading the code is met, and when the condition based on the force and / or displacement applied to the container is met, the electrical circuit system is configured to process / read the code to extract the preparation information at the reading position.

[0094] In an embodiment, the code reading system includes a code reader for obtaining a digital image of the code, and the code reading system includes an electrical circuit system for determining from the digital image of the code whether the container is in a reading position based on a predetermined condition, and if the condition is met, the electrical circuit system is configured to process the code to extract the preparation information at the reading position.

[0095] The present disclosure provides a container that can be used with a machine of any of the aforementioned embodiments or another embodiment disclosed herein, wherein the container includes: a main body portion, the main body portion having a storage portion including a cavity, the cavity extending in the depth direction for accommodating a precursor material, and the main body portion having a flange portion connecting the storage portion and a closing member; a closing member, the closing member being used to close the storage portion; and a machine-readable code, the machine-readable code storing preparation information, the code being arranged on a central area of ​​the closing member, wherein the container can be deformed by the machine from an undeformed configuration to a deformed configuration in which the code can be read by a code reader, wherein in the deformed configuration, when the container is subjected to three-point bending in the lateral direction, the central area of ​​the closing member is displaced by 2 mm to 6 mm in the reverse depth direction (for example, in a reading position relative to an unloaded holding position), which includes: supporting the container at the left side and both sides of the flange portion, and applying a force of 15N to 120N between the left side and the two sides of the container in the reverse depth direction at the base of the storage portion.

[0096] It has been found that such force ranges and displacements are sufficient to remove any wrinkles or folds or other discontinuities from the closure member, which can improve code reading accuracy without excessive compaction of the precursor material.

[0097] In an embodiment, the central region of the closure member is arranged to displace 2mm to 6mm when subjected to a compressive force of 15N to 120N applied by the read head of the code reader. It has been found that such a displacement range presents a uniform reading surface free of debris when subjected to such forces.

[0098] In an embodiment, the closing member is arranged as a flexible film. The film may be arranged as a laminate of multiple layers. The laminate may include layers of paper material and polymer-based material.

[0099] In an embodiment, the material of the closure member has a total thickness (eg, combined thickness of all layers) of 0.15 mm ± 10, 20 or 30%. Such thickness ranges have been found to provide adequate structural support while remaining conveniently penetrable by a syringe or puncturable by a machine.

[0100] In an embodiment, the material of the main body portion has a total thickness (e.g., the combined thickness of all layers) of 0.2 mm ± 10, 20, 30%, or 40%. It has been found that such a thickness range provides sufficient structural support while remaining conveniently penetrable by a syringe. In an embodiment, the storage portion is cylindrical with a diameter of 4 cm to 7 cm and / or a depth of 5 mm to 25 mm.

[0101] In an embodiment, the system includes a plurality of containers having storage portions of varying depths, and the positioning mechanism is configured to transfer the containers from a holding position to a reading position and read a code of each container.

[0102] The present disclosure provides use of a container of any preceding embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein for a machine for preparing beverages and / or food.

[0103] The present disclosure provides a method for reading a code of a container, the container being used to contain precursor materials for preparing beverages and / or food. The method can be implemented as part of a process for preparing beverages and / or food.

[0104] In an embodiment, the method comprises: deforming a body portion of the container to effectuate subsequent deformation of a closure member of the container; and reading a code from the closure member.

[0105] In an embodiment, the method includes translating the container relative to a code reader from a holding position, wherein the container is separated from the code reader and the code is aligned with the code reader, to a reading position, wherein the code of the container is in contact with the code reader; and reading the code.

[0106] In an embodiment, the method includes: applying a loading condition to the container; determining a reading position if a predetermined condition for reading the code is met; and processing the code to extract the preparation information at the reading position if the predetermined condition is met.

[0107] In an embodiment, the method comprises: obtaining a digital image of the code; determining from the digital image of the code whether predetermined conditions for reading the code are met; and if met, reading / processing the code to extract the preparation information.

[0108] The present disclosure provides an electrical circuit system to implement the method of the aforementioned embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein.

[0109] The present disclosure provides a computer-readable medium including a program code for implementing a method of the aforementioned embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein.

[0110] The present disclosure provides a kit of parts, which includes a machine according to any of the preceding embodiments or another embodiment disclosed herein and a plurality of containers according to any of the preceding embodiments or another embodiment disclosed herein, wherein the containers have storage portions of different depths and are suitable for use with the machine.

[0111] In order to have a basic understanding of the many aspects of the subject matter described herein, the above provides a summary of the invention for summarizing some embodiments. Therefore, the above features are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope or essence of the subject matter described herein in any way. In addition, the above and / or the foregoing embodiments can be combined by any suitable combination to provide other embodiments. According to the following specific embodiments, the accompanying drawings and the claims, other features, aspects and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0112] Various aspects, features, and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals represent like elements.

[0113] Figure 1 is a system block diagram illustrating an embodiment system for preparing a beverage or food.

[0114] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A system block diagram of a machine for implementing the system.

[0115] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a fluid conditioning system of an embodiment of a machine.

[0116] Figure 4 and Figure 5 It is shown Figure 2 Schematic diagram of an embodiment of a machine container handling system in an open position and a closed position.

[0117] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 2 A block diagram of an electrical circuit system for controlling an embodiment of a machine.

[0118] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an embodiment container of a system.

[0119] Figure 8 It is shown by Figure 1 A flowchart of a process for preparing an implementation scheme of a system for execution.

[0120] Fig. 9 It is shown Figure 1 A floor plan of the embodiment code of the container of the system.

[0121] Fig.10 and Fig.11 is shown for Fig. 9 Flowchart of the implementation process of code extraction preparation information.

[0122] Figure 12 to Figure 14 It is shown Figure 1 An implementation scheme of the system is shown in Figure 1. A floor plan of the code reading system.

[0123] Fig.15 and Fig.16 It is shown Figure 12 to Figure 14 Schematic diagram of the code reading system.

[0124] Fig.17 and Fig.18 It is shown Figure 1 An implementation scheme of the system is shown in Figure 1. A floor plan of the code reading system.

[0125] Fig.19 is shown for Fig. 9 Flowchart of the implementation process of code extraction preparation information.

[0126] Fig. 20 is shown applied to Figure 1 A diagram of the forces and displacements of a system's container.

[0127] Figure 21 to Figure 23 It is shown Fig. 9 A code and a floor plan of the predetermined conditions determined therefrom. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0128] Before describing several embodiments of the system, it should be understood that the system is not limited to the details of the construction or process steps mentioned in the following detailed description. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure that the system can adopt other embodiments and can be practiced or implemented in a variety of ways.

[0129] The present disclosure may be better understood in light of the following explanations:

[0130] As used herein, the term "machine" may refer to an electrically operated device that can: prepare beverages and / or foods from precursor materials, or; can prepare precursor materials from pre-precursor materials, which can subsequently be prepared into beverages and / or foods. For convenience, a machine for preparing beverages and / or foods may also refer to the preparation of precursors for beverages and / or foods prepared from precursor materials. The machine may achieve the preparation by one or more of the following processes: dilution; heating; cooling; mixing; whipping; dissolving; soaking; impregnation; extraction; conditioning; brewing; grinding; and other similar processes. The machine may be sized for use on a workbench, for example, the length, width, and height of the machine may be less than 70 cm. As used herein, the term "preparation" for beverages and / or foods may refer to preparing at least a portion of a beverage and / or food (e.g., a beverage is fully prepared by the machine, or partially prepared, and the end user may manually add additional fluids, including milk and / or water, to the beverage before consumption).

[0131] As used herein, the term "container" may refer to any configuration for containing a precursor material (e.g., as a single, pre-portioned amount). The container may have a maximum capacity such that the container can only hold a single portion of the precursor material. The container may be single-use, for example, the container is physically altered after a preparation process that may include one or more of the following: perforation to supply a fluid to the precursor material; perforation to supply a beverage / food from the container; opening by a user to extract the precursor material. The container may be configured to operate with a container handling unit of the machine, for example, the container may include a flange for aligning and guiding the container through the unit or arranged on the unit. The container may include a rupture portion that is arranged to rupture when subjected to a specific pressure to deliver the beverage / food. The container may have a membrane for closing the container. The container may have various forms, including one or more of the following: a truncated cone; a cylinder; a disk; a hemispherical; a pouch; other similar forms. The container may be formed of various materials, such as metal or plastic or a combination thereof. The material may be selected such that the material is: food safe; the material can withstand the pressure and / or temperature of the preparation process; and the material is biodegradable. The container may be defined as a capsule, wherein the capsule may have an internal volume of 20ml to 100ml. The capsule includes a coffee capsule, for example, or Capsules (including Classic, Professional, Vertuo, Dolce Gusto or other capsules). The container may be defined as a receptacle, wherein the receptacle may have an internal volume of 150ml to 350ml. The receptacle is typically for an end user to eat from, and includes a pot for eating via a utensil including a spoon and a cup for drinking from. The container may be defined as a pouch, wherein the pouch is formed of a flexible material including plastic or foil. The pouch may have an internal volume of 150ml to 350ml, or 200ml to 300ml, or 50ml to 150ml.

[0132] As used herein, the term "external device" or "external electronic device" or "peripheral device" may include electronic components external to the machine, such as those co-located with the machine or remote from the machine, which communicate with the machine via a computer network. The external device may include a communication interface for communicating with the machine and / or server system. The external device may include devices including: a smart phone; a PDA; a video game controller; a tablet computer; a laptop; or other similar devices.

[0133] As used herein, the term "server system" may refer to electronic components external to the machine, such as those arranged at a location remote from the machine, which communicate with the machine through a computer network. The server system may include a communication interface for communicating with the machine and / or external devices. The server system may include: a network-based computer (e.g., a remote server); a cloud-based computer; or any other server system.

[0134] As used herein, the term "system" or "beverage or food preparation system" may refer to a combination of two or more of the following: a beverage or food preparation machine; a container; a server system; and peripheral devices.

[0135] As used herein, the term "beverage" may refer to any substance that can be processed into a substance suitable for drinking, which may be iced or hot. A beverage may be one or more of the following: solid (e.g., a solid suspended in a liquid); liquid; gel; paste. A beverage may include one or a combination of the following: tea; coffee; hot chocolate; milk; liqueur; vitamin composition; herbal tea / infusion; infusion / flavored water; and other substances. As used herein, the term "food" may refer to any substance that can be processed into a nutrient for eating, which may be iced or hot. A food may be one or more of the following: solid; liquid; gel; paste. A food may include: yogurt; mousse; parfait; soup; ice cream; sorbet; custard; smoothie; other substances. It should be understood that there is a degree of overlap between the definitions of beverages and foods, for example, a beverage may also be a food, and therefore the machine for preparing a beverage or food does not exclude the preparation of both.

[0136] As used herein, the term "precursor material" may refer to any material that can be processed to form part or all of a beverage or food. The precursor material may be one or more of the following: powder; crystals; liquid; gel; solid; and others. Examples of precursor materials that form beverages include: ground coffee; milk powder; tea leaves; cocoa powder; vitamin compositions; herbs, such as for forming herbal / infused teas; flavorings; and other similar materials. Examples of precursor materials that form foods include: dried vegetables or broth, as anhydrous soup powders; powdered milk; flour-based powders, including custard; powdered yogurt or ice cream; and other similar materials. Precursor materials may also refer to any pre-precursor material that can be processed into a precursor material as defined above, i.e., any precursor material that can be subsequently processed into a beverage and / or food. In an example, the pre-precursor material includes coffee beans that can be ground and / or heated (e.g., roasted) into a precursor material.

[0137] As used herein, the term "fluid" (for a fluid supplied by a fluid conditioning system) may include one or more of the following: water; milk; other. As used herein, the term "conditioning" for a fluid may refer to changing the physical properties of the fluid and may include one or more of the following: heating or cooling; stirring (including frothing via whipping to introduce bubbles, and mixing to introduce turbulence); portioning into single serving amounts suitable for use with single serving containers; pressurizing to, for example, brewing pressure; carbonation; skimming / purging; and other conditioning processes.

[0138] As used herein, the term "processing unit" may refer to an arrangement in which a precursor material may be processed into a beverage or a food product. The term "processing unit" may refer to an arrangement in which a pre-precursor material may be processed into a precursor material.

[0139] As used herein, the term "container processing unit" may refer to an arrangement that can process a container to obtain an associated beverage or food from a precursor material. The container processing unit may be arranged to process the precursor material by one or more of the following: dilution; heating; cooling; mixing; whipping; dissolving; soaking; infusion; extraction; conditioning; pressurization; brewing; and other processing steps. Therefore, the container processing unit may implement a series of units according to the processing steps, and the series of units may include: an extraction unit (which can implement pressurization and / or heat, such as heating or cooling, brewing process); a mixing unit, which mixes the beverage or food in a container, which is then used for consumption by an end user; a distribution and dissolution unit (which extracts a portion of the precursor material from a reservoir, processes it by dissolution and distributes the portion into a container), and other similar units.

[0140] As used herein, the term "electrical circuit system" or "circuit system" or "control electrical circuit system" may refer to one or more hardware and / or software components, examples of which may include: an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC); electronic / electrical components (which may include a combination of transistors, resistors, capacitors, inductors, etc.); one or more processors; non-volatile memory (e.g., implemented by one or more memory devices) that may store one or more software or firmware programs; combinational logic circuits; the interconnections of the foregoing. The electrical circuit system may be located entirely at the machine, or distributed between one or more of the following: the machine; an external device; a server system.

[0141] As used herein, the term "processor" or "processing resource" may refer to one or more units for processing, examples of which include ASICs, microprocessors, FPGAs, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), state machines, or other suitable components. The processor may be configured to execute a computer program, for example, which may be in the form of machine-readable instructions that may be stored in non-volatile memory and / or programmable logic. The processor may have various arrangements corresponding to those discussed for the circuit system (e.g., an onboard machine) or distributed as part of a system. As used herein, any machine-executable instructions or computer-readable media may be configured to cause the disclosed method to be performed, for example, by a machine or system disclosed herein, and may therefore be used synonymously with the term method or with each other.

[0142] As used herein, the term "computer-readable medium / medium" or "data storage device" may include any medium capable of storing a computer program, and may take the form of any conventional non-transitory memory, such as one or more of the following: random access memory (RAM); CD; hard drive; solid state drive; memory card; DVD. The memory may have various arrangements corresponding to those discussed for the circuit system.

[0143] As used herein, the term "communication resource" or "communication interface" may refer to hardware and / or firmware used for electronic information transfer. Communication resources / interfaces may be configured for wired communication ("wired communication resources / interfaces") or wireless communication ("wireless communication resources / interfaces"). Wireless communication resources may include hardware for transmitting and receiving signals over the air, and may include various protocol implementations, such as the 802.11 standard described in the Institute of Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the Bluetooth SIG from the Kirkland, Wash., Bluetooth Technology Alliance. TM ; Universal Serial Bus (USB); High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) or other protocol implementations. The machine may include communication resources for wired or wireless communication with external devices and / or server systems.

[0144] As used herein, the term "network" or "computer network" may refer to a system for electronic information transfer between multiple devices / apparatuses. A network may, for example, include one or more networks of any type, which may include: a public land mobile 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.

[0145] As used herein, the term "code" may refer to a storage medium that encodes preparation information. The code may be an optically readable code, such as a barcode. The code may be arranged as a bit code (e.g., a binary sequence of 0 and 1 encoded by the presence or absence of an element). The code may be formed by a plurality of units, which may be referred to as an element or a tag. These elements may implement a finder portion and a data portion, wherein the finder portion encodes a predefined reserved bit string, which is identifiable when processing a code from the data portion, so that the data portion encoding the preparation information can be located. The code may be arranged as a one-dimensional code, which is read by relative motion between the code and a code reader. The code reader may provide a bit stream signal or a high signal and a low signal for processing by extracting preparation information. The code may be arranged as a two-dimensional code, which is processed via a digital image obtained from a camera of a code reader. It should be understood that the code may therefore exclude a pure surface finish or trademark on a container, which is not configured in any way for information storage.

[0146] As used herein, the term "preparation information" may refer to one or more of parameters as defined herein; a recipe as defined herein; an identifier; and other information related to the operation of the machine.

[0147] As used herein, the term "parameter" may refer to a variable used as an input for a control (e.g., RPM) and / or a property of a beverage / food or a precursor thereof (e.g., fluid target temperature or volume) during a preparation process and / or controlled by a processing unit. Depending on the specific implementation of the processing unit, the parameter may vary. Examples include: volume of a particular component of the beverage and / or food; fluid temperature; fluid flow rate; operating parameters of the processing unit, such as the RPM of a centrifugation-based extraction unit or the closing force for a hydraulic brewing unit; order of dispensing of ingredients of the beverage and / or food; agitation (e.g., degree of foaming); any of the foregoing defined for one or more stages, wherein the preparation process consists of a series of continuous, discrete stages. The parameter may have a value, which may be numerical and may vary in predetermined increments between predetermined limits, such as the water temperature may vary in 5 degree increments between 60 degrees and 90 degrees.

[0148] As used herein, the term "recipe" or "control data set" may refer to a combination of parameters used by a processing unit to prepare a specific beverage and / or food product, such as a full set or a partial set as input.

[0149] As used herein, the term "preparation process" may refer to the preparation of a beverage or food from a precursor material or the preparation of a pre-precursor material from a precursor material. The preparation process may refer to a process executed by an electrical circuit system to control a processing unit to process the precursor or pre-precursor material.

[0150] As used herein, the term "code reading process" may refer to the process of reading a code to extract preparation information (which may include identifiers and / or parameters). The process may include one or more of the following steps: obtaining a digital image of a code or a code signal; extracting a bit sequence from the code; identifying a finder portion of the code in the sequence; using the finder portion to locate a data portion; and extracting the preparation information from the data portion.

[0151] [General system description]

[0152] refer to Figure 1 , the system 2 includes a machine 4, a container 6, a server system 8, and a peripheral device 10. The server system 8 communicates with the machine 4 via a computer network 12. The peripheral device 10 communicates with the machine 4 via the computer network 12.

[0153] In a variant implementation not illustrated: the peripheral devices and / or the server system are omitted.

[0154] Although computer network 12 is illustrated as being the same between machine 4, server system 8, and peripheral device 10, other configurations are possible, including: different computer networks for intercommunication between each device; server system communicating with machine via peripheral device (rather than directly). In a specific example: peripheral device communicates via a wireless interface (e.g., using Bluetooth TM protocol) to communicate with the machine; and the server system communicates with the machine via a wireless interface (e.g., using the IEE 802.11 standard) and also via the Internet.

[0155] [machine]

[0156] refer to Figure 2 The machine 4 includes: a processing unit 14 for processing a precursor material; an electrical circuit system 16; and a code reading system 18.

[0157] The electrical circuit system 16 controls the code reading system 18 to read the code from the container 6 (at Figure 2 The electrical circuit system 16 uses the preparation information to control the processing unit 14 to perform a preparation process in which the precursor material is processed into a beverage or a food or a precursor of a beverage and / or a food.

[0158] [First Example of Processing Unit]

[0159] refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 In a first example of a processing unit 14 , the unit includes a container processing unit 20 and a fluid conditioning system 22 .

[0160] The container processing unit 20 is arranged to process the container 6 to obtain a beverage or food from a precursor material (not illustrated) therein. The fluid conditioning system 22 conditions the fluid supplied to the container processing unit 20. The electrical circuit system 16 uses the preparation information read from the container 6 to control the container processing unit 20 and the fluid conditioning system 22 to perform the preparation process.

[0161] [Fluid conditioning system]

[0162] refer to Figure 3 , the fluid conditioning system 22 includes a reservoir 24; a pump 26; a heat exchanger 28; and an outlet 30 for conditioning the fluid. The reservoir 24 contains a fluid that is typically sufficient for multiple preparation processes. The pump 26 displaces 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 the fluid, including: a reciprocating engine; a rotary pump; other suitable arrangements. The heat exchanger 28 is implemented to heat the fluid and may include: an in-line thermal block type heater; a heating element for directly heating the fluid in the reservoir; other suitable arrangements.

[0163] In variant embodiments not illustrated: the pump is omitted, for example, the fluid is fed to the container processing unit by gravity, or is pressurized by a mains water supply; the reservoir is omitted, for example, the water is supplied by a mains water supply; the heat exchanger is arranged to cool the fluid, for example, the heat exchanger may include a refrigeration-type circulating heat pump; the heat exchanger is omitted, for example, the mains water supply supplies water at a desired temperature; the fluid conditioning system includes a filtration / purification system, such as a UV light system, the degree of which the filtration / purification system is applied to the fluid is controllable; the carbonation system controls the degree of carbonation of the fluid.

[0164] [Container handling unit]

[0165] The container handling unit 20 can be implemented using a series of configurations, as illustrated in Examples 1 to 6 below: Typically, in examples where the machine 2 includes a guide portion, the container is inserted into the guide portion and is guided to the container handling unit 20 by gravity (e.g., under its own weight), and the container handling unit 20 is arranged together with a container holding portion and a closing portion, which are movable between a container receiving position and a container handling position in a depth direction, and the depth direction is perpendicular to (including substantially perpendicular to) the conveying direction of the guide portion.

[0166] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5A first example of a container handling unit 20 is for handling containers arranged as capsules 6 (a suitable example of a capsule is shown in Figure 7 The container handling unit 20 is configured as an extraction unit 32 to extract the beverage from the capsule 6. The extraction unit 32 includes a capsule holding portion 34 and a closing portion 36. The extraction unit 32 can be moved to a capsule receiving position ( Figure 4 ), in which the capsule receiving position, the capsule holding portion 34 and the closing portion 36 are arranged to receive the capsule 6 therebetween. The extraction unit 32 can be moved to the capsule extraction position ( Figure 5 ), in which capsule extraction position the capsule holding portion 34 and the closing portion 36 form a seal around the capsule 6 and beverage can be extracted from the capsule 6. The extraction unit 32 may be actuator driven or manually movable between said positions.

[0167] The outlet 30 of the fluid conditioning system 22 is arranged as an injection head 38 on the capsule holding part 34 to inject the conditioned fluid into the capsule 6 (usually under high pressure) at the capsule extraction position. The beverage outlet 40 on the closing part 36 is arranged to capture the extracted beverage and convey the extracted beverage from the extraction unit 32.

[0168] The extraction unit 32 is arranged to prepare a beverage by applying a pressurized (e.g., 10 to 20 bar), heated (e.g., 50 to 98 degrees Celsius) fluid to the precursor material within the capsule 6. The pressure increases over a predetermined amount of time until it exceeds the rupture portion of the capsule 6 (at Figure 4 and Figure 5 This causes the portion to rupture and dispense the beverage into the beverage outlet 40.

[0169] In a variant embodiment not shown, although the injection head and the beverage outlet are shown as being arranged on the capsule holding part and the closing part, respectively, they may be arranged alternatively, including: the injection head and the beverage outlet are arranged on the closing part capsule holding part and; or both are arranged on the same part. In addition, the extraction unit may include two parts arranged as the capsule holding part, for example for a capsule symmetrical around a flange, including Professional capsules. Examples of suitable extraction units are provided in EP 1472156 A1 and in EP 1784344 A1 and provide hydraulically sealed extraction units.

[0170] In a second example of a container handling unit (not illustrated), an extraction unit similar to the first example is provided, however, the extraction unit operates at a lower pressure and by centrifugation. Examples of suitable capsules are Vertuo capsules. A suitable example is provided in EP 2594171 A1. In such an example (or indeed other examples), the guide portion may be omitted and the container manually loaded into the extraction unit.

[0171] In a third example (not illustrated), the capsule processing unit operates by dissolving a beverage precursor selected to dissolve under high pressure and temperature fluid. The extraction unit is arranged similarly to the first and second examples, however, the pressure is lower and therefore a sealed extraction unit is not required. Specifically, the fluid may be injected into the cover of the capsule and the rupture portion is located in the base of the storage portion of the capsule. Examples of suitable capsules are Dolce Gusto capsules. Examples of suitable extraction units are disclosed in EP 1472156 A1 and in EP 1784344 A1.

[0172] In a fourth example (not illustrated) in which the container is arranged as a sac, the container handling unit implements an extraction unit operable to receive the sac and inject a fluid from the fluid conditioning system at an inlet of the sac. The injected fluid is mixed with a precursor material within the sac to at least partially prepare a beverage, which leaves the sac via an outlet of the sac. Examples of such arrangements are provided in WO2014125123A1 or in WO2022023578A1.

[0173] In a fifth example (not illustrated), the container processing unit is arranged as a mixing unit to prepare a beverage or food precursor stored in a container, which is a container for consumption from an end user. The mixing unit includes an agitator (e.g., a planetary mixer; a spiral mixer; a vertical cutting mixer) to mix the beverage or food precursor in the container; and a heat exchanger to heat / cool the beverage or food precursor. The fluid supply system can also supply fluid to the container. An example of such an arrangement is provided in WO2014067987A1.

[0174] In (unillustrated) the sixth example, the container handling unit is arranged as a distribution and dissolving unit. The distribution and dissolving unit is arranged to extract a single portion of a beverage or food precursor from the storage portion of the machine (which may include any multi-portioned container, which includes a pouch or box). The distribution and dissolving unit is arranged to mix the extracted single portion with the conditioned fluid from the fluid conditioning system, and the beverage or food is distributed in a container. The example of this type of arrangement is provided in EP14167344A.

[0175] [Code reading system]

[0176] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5The code reading system 18 is arranged to read a code 44 arranged on the cover of the container 6. The code reading system 18 is integrated with the extraction unit 32 of the first example of the container handling unit 20. The code 44 is read by the extraction unit 32 at the capsule extraction position (e.g. Figure 4 shown).

[0177] The code reading system 18 includes a code reader 46 having an image capture unit and a read head housing the image capture unit for capturing a digital image of the code 44. Examples of suitable image capture units include the Sonix SN9S102; the Snap Sensor S2 imager; an oversampled binary image sensor; other similar systems.

[0178] The electrical circuitry 18 includes image processing circuitry (not illustrated) to identify codes in digital images and extract preparation information. An example of image processing circuitry is a Texas InstrumentsTMS320C5517 processor running a code processing program.

[0179] In a variant embodiment not illustrated, the code reading system is separated from the container handling unit, including: the code reading system is arranged in a channel in which a user places a container and conveys the container to the container handling unit; the code reading system is arranged to read a code on a container positioned to receive a beverage from a beverage outlet of the dispensing and dissolving unit. In another variant embodiment not illustrated, the code reading system is arranged to read a code at a different position of the container (e.g., on a flange of a restraining portion). In another variant embodiment not illustrated, the code is a one-dimensional code and is read by relative movement between a code reader and the code to generate a code signal.

[0180] [Control electrical circuit system]

[0181] refer to Figure 6 , the electrical circuit system 16 is implemented to control the electrical circuit system 48 to control the processing unit 14 to perform the preparation process. Figure 6 In the embodiment of the present invention, for illustrative purposes, the processing unit 14 is illustrated as a first example, and the processing unit includes a container processing unit 20 and a fluid supply unit 22.

[0182] The electrical circuit systems 16, 48 at least partially implement (e.g., in combination with hardware): an input unit 50 for receiving input from a user confirming that the machine 4 will perform a preparation process; a processor 52 for receiving input from the input unit 50 and providing a control output to the processing unit 14; and a feedback system 54 for providing feedback from the processing unit 54 during the preparation process, which feedback can be used to control the preparation process.

[0183] The input unit 50 is implemented as a user interface, which may include one or more of the following: a button, such as a joystick button or a push button; a joystick; an LED; a graphic or character LDC; a graphic screen with touch sensing and / or screen edge buttons; other similar devices; a sensor for determining whether a container has been supplied to the machine by a user.

[0184] The feedback system 54 may implement one or more of the following or other feedback control-based operations:

[0185] A flow sensor is used to determine the outlet 30 (at Figure 3 Flow rate / volume of the fluid (shown in ), which can be used to meter the correct amount of fluid to the container 6 and thus adjust the power to the pump 26;

[0186] a temperature sensor to determine the temperature of the fluid to the outlet 30 of the fluid supply unit 22, which temperature sensor may be used to ensure that the temperature of the fluid to the container 6 is correct and to regulate the power to the heat exchanger 28 accordingly);

[0187] a level sensor to determine whether the level of fluid in the reservoir 24 is sufficient for the preparation process;

[0188] A position sensor, the position sensor is used to determine the position of the extraction unit 32 (eg, a capsule extraction position or a capsule receiving position).

[0189] It will be appreciated that the electrical circuit system 16, 44 is suitably adapted to other examples of the processing unit 14, such as for the second example of a container processing system, where the feedback system may be used to control the rotational speed of the capsule.

[0190] [container]

[0191] refer to Figure 7 A first example of a container 6 for use with a first example of a processing unit 14 includes a container 6 arranged as a capsule 6. The capsule 6 includes a closure member 56 and a body portion 62 including a storage portion 58 and a flange portion 60.

[0192] The storage portion 58 includes a cavity (not shown) for storing the precursor material. The cavity of the storage portion extends from the flange portion 60 in the depth direction 106. Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the storage portion 56 is perforated by the injection head 38 to supply the conditioned fluid into the capsule.

[0193] The storage portion 58 is formed of a paper material. The storage portion 58 has a thickness of 0.2 mm. The closing member 56 is formed of a paper material. The closing member 58 has a thickness of 0.15 mm.

[0194] As used herein, "paper" may refer to a sheet material formed at least in part from a sheet material produced by mechanically or chemically treating cellulose fibers derived from one or more of: wood; rags; grass; or other plant sources in water; draining the water through a fine mesh, leaving the fibers evenly distributed on the surface; followed by pressing and drying.

[0195] The closing member 56 closes and can hermetically seal the storage portion 58, and includes a flexible film. Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the closing member 56 is perforated to eject the beverage / food.

[0196] The flange portion 60 is formed integrally with the storage portion. The flange portion 60 is disposed at the junction of the storage portion 58 and the closure member 56 and comprises a planar extension of the storage portion 58 that overlaps a portion of the closure member secured thereto to hermetically seal the precursor material. The flange portion 60 extends in a plane defined by the transverse direction 102 and the longitudinal direction 100. Thus, the closure member is planar in said plane.

[0197] The capsule 6 is of circular cross-section so that it is rotationally symmetrical about the axis 108. In this way, the user can present the capsule to the machine 2 in any orientation about the axis 108. The capsule 6 has a diameter of 53 mm, which is measured across the outer periphery or inner periphery of the flange portion 60 in the plane of the flange portion 60. The capsule 6 can be configured to have different sizes, which are characterized by different depths, for example: 7 mm; 12 mm; 15 mm; 18 mm; and 21 mm. Each size of the capsule 6 is compatible with the first example and the second example of the code reading system 18, as will be discussed.

[0198] In a variant embodiment not illustrated, the closing member may be arranged to be convex or concave relative to the storage portion. For example, for a convex arrangement, the center of the closing member may extend into the storage portion by up to 1 mm ± 10% or 20% in the depth direction. The minimum depression may be 0.2 mm. For example, for a concave arrangement, the center of the closing member may extend away from the storage portion by up to 4 mm ± 10% or 20% in the reverse depth direction. The minimum depression may be 0.5 mm.

[0199] In non-illustrated variant embodiments: the main body portion includes a flange portion that is not integrally formed with the storage portion and connected to the storage portion; the main body portion includes an omitted flange portion, for example, the closing member is wrapped around the storage portion; the container can be a non-rotationally symmetrical shape, such as a square cross-section or other shape; the capsule is alternatively sized to include an outer circumference or inner circumference across the flange portion of 40mm to 70mm or 53mm±10% or 20%, and a depth of any of the described depths±10% or 20%; the thickness of the storage portion may have a thickness of 0.1mm to 0.4mm or 0.2±20% or 30%; the thickness of the closing member may have a thickness of 0.05mm to 0.3mm or 0.15±20% or 30%; and the storage portion and / or the closing member may be made of or include different materials, for example, including plastic or aluminum-based materials.

[0200] [Code layout]

[0201] refer to Figure 7 The code 44 may be arranged on the outer surface of the container 6 in any suitable position such that the code can be read by the code reading system 18 .

[0202] In a first example, the code 44 is arranged at a central area of ​​the closure member 56. Thus, the code can be read by any code reader aligned with the center of the container. In a second example, the code is replicated throughout the closure member so that it can be read from any external location on the closure member 56. With such an arrangement, the closure member does not require any specific alignment with the storage portion, which simplifies the cutting and assembly process of the container 6.

[0203] In a variant embodiment not illustrated, the code may be arranged on the flange portion 60 (including on either side) and on the storage portion 58. The code may also be arranged on the closing member, but not on the intermediate area.

[0204] [Process for preparing beverages]

[0205] refer to Figure 8 , illustrating a process for preparing a beverage / food from a precursor material:

[0206] Box 70 : The user supplies the container 6 to the machine 4 .

[0207] Box 72: The electrical circuit system 16 (eg, the input unit 50 thereof) receives a user instruction to prepare a beverage / foodstuff from a precursor, and the electrical circuit system 16 (eg, the processor 52) initiates the process.

[0208] Box 74: The electrical circuit system 16 controls the processing unit 14 to process the container (eg, in the first example of the container processing unit 20, the extraction unit 32 receives the capsule from the location ( Figure 4 )Move to the capsule extraction position ( Figure 5 )).

[0209] Box 76: The electrical circuit system 16 controls the code reading system 18 to provide a digital image of the code 6 of the container.

[0210] Block 78: The code processing circuitry of the electrical circuitry 16 processes the digital image to extract the preparation information.

[0211] Box 80: The electrical circuit system 16 executes the preparation process based on the preparation information by controlling the processing unit 14. In the first example of a processing unit, this includes controlling the fluid conditioning system 22 to supply fluid to the container processing unit 20 at the temperature, pressure and duration specified in the preparation information.

[0212] The electrical circuit system 16 then controls the container handling unit 20 to move from the capsule extraction portion through the capsule ejection position to eject the container 6 and back to the capsule receiving position.

[0213] In alternative embodiments not shown: the above-mentioned frames may be executed in a different order, for example, frame 72 may be executed before frame 70 or frame 76 may be executed before frame 74; a frame may be omitted, for example, frame 70 may be omitted when the machine stores capsule boxes.

[0214] Box 76 and box 78 may refer to code reading and processing. Box 80 may be referred to as a preparation process. Electrical circuit system 16 includes instructions for the preparation process (or multiple preparation processes), for example as program code. In an embodiment, processor 52 implements instructions stored on a memory (not shown).

[0215] As part of the preparation process, electrical circuit system 16 may obtain additional preparation information from server system 8 and / or peripheral device 10 via computer network 12 using a communication interface (not illustrated) of the machine.

[0216] [General description of code]

[0217] refer to Fig. 9 , the code 44 is formed by a plurality of circular cells 80 arranged on a surround 82. The cells 80 are dark in color (e.g., one of the following colors: black, dark blue, purple, dark green), and the surround 82 is a relatively light color (e.g., one of the following colors: white, light blue, yellow, light green), so that the contrast is sufficient for the image capture unit 46 to distinguish them.

[0218] The shape of the cell 80 is circular. As used herein, the term "shape" with respect to a cell may refer to an exact shape or an approximation of the actual shape, which may occur due to printing or other manufacturing precision variations.

[0219] In variant embodiments not illustrated: the unit is light-colored, while the surround is dark-colored; the unit has different shapes, including one or a combination of the following shapes: triangle, polygon, in particular quadrilateral such as square or parallelogram; other suitable shapes.

[0220] The cell 80 typically has a cell length of 50 μm to 200 μm. As used herein, the term "cell length" for the cell 80 may refer to a suitably defined distance of the cell 80, such as: for a circular shape, the diameter; for a square, the side length; for a polygon, the distance between opposite or adjacent vertices; for a triangle, the hypotenuse. The cell 80 is cut with an accuracy of about 1 μm.

[0221] The unit 80 is formed by printing (e.g., by means of an inkjet printer). As an example of printing, the ink may be a conventional printer ink, and the substrate may be: polyethylene terephthalate (PET); aluminum coated with lacquer (as present on Nespresso Classic capsules) or other suitable substrates.

[0222] In variant embodiments not illustrated: the cells are alternatively formed, including by embossing, imprinting or other suitable means, and are alternatively dimensioned, for example, to a cell length of 80 μm to 120 μm.

[0223] [Code Commons]

[0224] Further references Fig. 9 , the unit 80 is organized into a reference portion R (also referred to as reference portion) for locating and determining the orientation of the code 44 and a data portion D for storing preparation information.

[0225] The cells 80 of the code 44 arranged as the reference portion R include three reference cells 84. The reference cells 84 have a unique spatial arrangement in the code 44 to allow the reference portion R to be recognized by the electrical circuit system 16 in the digital image (e.g., having a stored relationship on its memory). The unique spatial arrangement includes the reference cells 84 arranged at three of the vertices of the virtual rectangle around the origin O at the center of the rectangle, with specific distances between the reference cells 84.

[0226] In variant embodiments not illustrated, the reference portion is alternatively implemented to include: different arrangements of reference cells, such as rectangles that are circles or other shapes; different numbers of reference cells, such as 4 or 5; and the reference cells may have a unique shape that can be identified from the shapes of other cells that form the code.

[0227] The arrangement of the reference cells 84 enables a single reference line r to be defined at a particular vector relative to the cells 84. The reference line r is virtual and is determined by the electrical circuitry 16 (eg, having a stored relationship on its memory).

[0228] In this particular example, the reference cells 84 define a first imaginary line (not shown) and a second imaginary line (not shown) using the right-hand rule, where: the thumb represents the first imaginary line intersecting the centers of two of the reference cells 84; the index finger represents the second imaginary line intersecting the centers of two of the reference cells, one of which is common to the first imaginary line; and the second finger enters the plane of the page of the code 44. The reference line r extends from the origin O and is parallel to the first imaginary line and orthogonal to the second imaginary line.

[0229] In variant embodiments not illustrated, the reference line may be alternatively defined: the reference line may comprise an actual line drawn on the code; the reference line may have an alternative geometrical arrangement relative to the reference cell.

[0230] The unit 80 of the code 44 arranged as the data portion D includes a data unit 86. The data unit 86 is arranged on an encoding line E intersecting with a reference line r. The encoding line E is virtual and is determined by the electrical circuit system 16, (e.g., the encoding line has a predetermined radius stored on its memory). The center of the circle of the encoding line E is arranged at the origin O of the reference portion R. Therefore, the reference line r intersects the encoding line E, and the tangent of the encoding line is orthogonal to the reference line r. There are two encoding lines E1, E2, each encoding line having a data unit 86.

[0231] In variant embodiments not illustrated: other numbers of encoding lines are implemented, including 3, 4 or 5; the encoding lines can have non-circular shapes, including rectangular or triangular; the encoding lines include actual lines drawn on the code.

[0232] The encoding line E includes one or more individual data portions, each of which includes a starting position 88 and a data unit 86, which is arranged along the encoding line E at a certain distance d from the starting position 88 as a variable encoding a parameter of the preparation information. The starting position 88 is virtually defined and can be determined by the electrical circuit system 16 (for example, the starting position can be stored in its memory).

[0233] For the first encoding line E1, the data portion includes two separate data portions: for the first separate data portion, the distance d can be any continuous distance from the starting position 88 at the reference line r to the first data unit 86 clockwise from the reference line r; for the second separate data portion, the distance d can be any continuous distance from the starting position 88 at the data unit 86 of the first separate data portion (therefore, the starting position is a variable) to the midpoint m between the subsequent two data units 86 in the clockwise direction.

[0234] For the second encoding line E2, the data portion includes a single data portion for which the distance d can be any one of a plurality of discrete distances, which are illustrated as discrete positions 90 from the starting position 88 at the reference line r, each position being associated with a value of a parameter. In the example, there are 10 discrete positions 90.

[0235] In variant embodiments not illustrated: the starting position may be arranged at any position on the coding line, including being spaced apart from a reference line; there may be multiple starting positions on the coding line, each starting position having an associated data unit; the starting position may be formed as a unit as part of the code rather than being virtually defined; the coding line may include a combination of parameters encoded by continuous distances and discrete positions; more than one or two data units on the coding line may define a parameter, which may be determined as an average of the positions; and the data portion may include any appropriate number of separate data portions.

[0236] The code 44 includes an outer perimeter 92 within which the cells 80 are arranged. The outer perimeter 92 is rectangular in shape and has a size of 600 μm to 1600 μm, or about 1100 μm. The code 44 may be repeated so that multiple repetitions of the code 44 are arranged within a single digital image so that one or several best captured repetitions of the code may be selected for processing.

[0237] In alternative embodiments not illustrated: the outer perimeter may be alternatively shaped, including circular; the outer perimeter may have alternative sizes, including larger or smaller than the exemplary range.

[0238] In variant embodiments not illustrated, the data portion alternatively encodes the value of the parameter, including as alphanumeric symbols or other arrangements.

[0239] refer to Fig.10 , relative to Fig. 9 The code processing process for extracting the preparation information performed by the electrical circuit system 16 (or its code processing circuit system) includes:

[0240] Step 1 - Identify the location of the code unit

[0241] Box 100 : A digital image of the code 44 is obtained via the code reading system 118 .

[0242] Block 102 : Allocate pixels to dark areas in the digital image that may represent the unit 80 .

[0243] Box 104: If several cells are close to each other, it is determined that the cell 80 exists.

[0244] Block 106: For each determined cell, determine the center of the pixel grouping by, for example, a feature extraction rule to determine the coordinates of the center of the cell.

[0245] In unmodified embodiments not illustrated, alternative processing techniques for determining cells and coordinates may be implemented, including other techniques for locating the center of a cell or identifying a cell as present, for example, a magnification level may be implemented such that a single pixel is determined to be a cell, and the center of a cell may be determined to be the center of a pixel.

[0246] Step 2 - Locate the reference part of the code and the reading angle

[0247] refer to Fig.11 , relative to Fig. 9 The code for code 44 includes:

[0248] Block 108: Locate reference portion R by searching the coordinates of cells 80 of code 44 to identify a unique separation and geometric arrangement of reference cells 84. This may be accomplished by geometric rules including Pythagoras and trigonometry or other suitable rules. The separation and geometric arrangement may be stored on electrical circuit system 16 and accessed during the search.

[0249] Block 110: Using the stored relationships, define the positions of the origin O and reference line r for the located reference portion R. The arrangement of the origin and reference line may be stored on the electrical circuitry 16 and mapped to the coordinates of the located reference portion.

[0250] Block 112: For each cell (except cells of the reference portion), determine which encoding line E the cell belongs to based on the distance from the origin O. The electrical circuit system 16 may store a radius range for each encoding line E and use geometric rules to determine the distance of each cell from the origin O and within which radius range it falls.

[0251] Box 114: For each cell (except the cells of the reference part), determine the angle α1, α2 relative to the reference line r. It should be noted that this angle represents the circumferential distance and can be used interchangeably. The angle can be calculated via the known geometric relationship between the coordinates of the reference line r and the virtual line extending from the origin O and passing through the associated cell.

[0252] Step 3 - Determine the values ​​of the parameters for the preparation information .

[0253] refer to Fig.11 , relative to Fig. 9 The code for code 44 includes:

[0254] Block 116: Determine the encoding distance d for each individual data portion. This is accomplished by a set of rules for determining the encoding distance d stored by the electrical circuit system 16. This may include one or more of the following: the number of individual data portions on each encoding line; the starting position 88 of each data portion; whether a single cell or multiple cells represent a data unit 86; and other suitable relationships.

[0255] For example, refer to Fig. 9 , the rule for determining the encoding distance d of the encoding line E1 includes: two separate data parts; the starting position 88 of the first separate data part is at the intersection between the reference line r and the encoding line E1; the starting position 88 of the second separate data part is at the data unit 86 of the first separate data part; the data unit 86 of the first separate data part is represented as a single unit of the code 44; the data unit 86 of the second separate data part is represented as two units of the code 44.

[0256] For example, refer to Fig. 9 , the rules for determining the encoding distance d of the encoding line E2 include: a single separate data portion; the starting position 88 is at the intersection between the reference line r and the encoding line E2; the data unit 86 of the first separate data portion is represented as a single unit of the code 44.

[0257] Box 118 : Convert the encoded distance d for each data portion into a value of the parameter This is achieved by implementing a set of rules for converting distances of values ​​stored by the electrical circuit system 16 .

[0258] For example, for the encoded line E1: the first separate data portion can encode the water volume of the brewing process, where the distance d is any continuous value linearly related to the water volume; and the second separate data portion can encode the time of the brewing process, where the encoded distance d is any continuous value related to the time index.

[0259] For example, for encoded line E2: a single separate data portion may encode the water temperature of the brewing process, where the encoded distance d is a discrete value that changes incrementally by 5 degrees Celsius for each discrete position 90, and the rule specifies which 5 degree increment is closest to the determined encoded distance d.

[0260] In variant embodiments not illustrated, other rules may be implemented, including: other mathematical functions relating the encoding distance to parameter values; and whether the encoding distance is an average of distances of several separate data portions, and other suitable relationships.

[0261] [First Example of Code Reading System]

[0262] refer to Figure 12 to Figure 14 , a first example of system 2 includes a container 6 and a code reading system 18. The container 6 is combined with Figure 7 The embodiment discussed above and includes a code 44 arranged as a plurality of repetitions on a central portion (not shown) of the closure member 56. The central portion includes a geometric center bisected by the axis of rotation 108 and extends to a peripheral region defined by a radius less than 10%, 20%, or 30% of the total radius of the closure member 56.

[0263] Although the code 44 is described as being arranged as a repeat on the central portion, such an arrangement may include the formation of the code 44 only on the central region or a repeat on the entire closure member. Formation on the entire closure member may include formation on the central region and the peripheral region (the peripheral region is defined as the region including the periphery of the closure member and adjacent to the central region). Forming the code on the entire closure member is advantageous because the sheet forming the closure member may have the code printed on the entire sheet, and the portion forming the closure member may be cut from anywhere in the sheet, as opposed to requiring specific alignment of the central portion and the periphery. Thus, container manufacturing is simplified.

[0264] The code reading system 18 of the machine 4 comprises a positioning mechanism 110 arranged to position the container 6 in a holding position (e.g. Fig.12 and Fig.14 ) and read position (as shown in Fig.13 shown).

[0265] In the holding position ( Fig.12 ), the container 6 is separated from the code reader 46 by a distance D extending in the depth direction 106. In the holding position, it is not possible to accurately read the code based on the configuration of the image capture unit (e.g., because the lens of the camera system cannot focus at such a distance) or due to the arrangement of the container (e.g., the outer surface of the closure member including the code 44 may be uneven so that the code 44 cannot be located). The repeated central area including the code 44 is aligned with the code reader 46 in the longitudinal direction 100 and the transverse direction 102, so that in order to enable reading, only the closure depth distance D is required when transitioning from the holding position to the code reading position.

[0266] In the reading position, the code 44 of the container 6 can be read by the code reader 46. In a first example, the container 6 in the reading position is arranged in a deformed configuration by a specific loading condition of three-point bending, as will be discussed.

[0267] The positioning mechanism 110 is arranged to apply a mechanical force to deform the container 6 from an undeformed configuration (in the holding position) to a deformed configuration (in the reading position). In the first example, portions of the storage portion 56, the closure member 58 and the flange portion 60 are all deformed, so the entire container can be considered to be deformed.

[0268] Specifically: a central region of the closing member 56 is displaced a distance D in the reverse depth direction (e.g., relative to a suitable reference, which may be relative to its previous position and / or the peripheral edge of the flange portion or other generally stationary point on a container or machine, etc.) such that the central region has a smaller curvature than the peripheral region of the closing member; the flange portion 60 is bent at the left and right sides (as will be discussed); and the storage portion 58 is compressed in the depth direction and is bent near the left and right sides of the flange portion 60.

[0269] It should be understood that in the deformed configuration, the positioning mechanism 110 applies a specific load to the main body portion 62 of the container 6 (specifically, to both the flange portion 60 and the storage portion 56) so that subsequent deformation of the closing member 58 is achieved through these portions so that it presents a relatively more uniform surface for reading the code 44.

[0270] In variant embodiments not illustrated: the container is deformed in other ways in the reading position, such as by a pure compressive force without three-point bending to push the base of the storage portion into or toward the closing member; the container is configured in other ways, such as without a flange portion and with the closing member attached directly to the storage portion; and the code is arranged somewhere other than in the center area.

[0271] By realizing the central area of ​​the closing member 56 as a displacement distance D, the code reader 46 can be moved away from the entrance to the processing unit 14 in the holding position ( Fig.12 and Fig.14 1 (not shown) is positioned, rather than directly above the inlet. In this way, steam condensing on the code reader from the processing unit 14 can be minimized, otherwise the steam will interfere with the code reading process.

[0272] refer to Figure 12 to Figure 14 The positioning mechanism 110 includes: a guide portion 112, which supports the container 6 at the flange portion 60; and a pressing element 114, which applies a pressing force F to the base of the storage portion 56 of the container 6 in the reverse depth direction 106 to achieve a three-point bending condition above the container 6 along the transverse direction 102.

[0273] The guide portion 112 includes a left side 116 and a right side 118, which are interconnected by an interconnection portion 120 extending transversely around the storage portion 58. The guide portion 112 extends in the longitudinal direction 100 as a channel to slidably transport the container 6 to the processing unit 14 ( Figure 12 to Figure 14 not shown).

[0274] In the deformed position, the left and right sides of the flange portion 60 are supported substantially in the depth direction 106 by the corresponding left and right sides 116 and 118 of the guide portion 112 (as will be discussed) and are slidably supported in the lateral direction 102 so that the support can ideally serve as a sliding support.

[0275] The pressing element 114 is translatable in the reverse depth direction 100 through the hole in the interconnection part 120 to apply the pressing force F.

[0276] refer to Fig.15 and Fig.16 The pressing element 114 is driven in the depth direction 106 by a drive unit 140 of the positioning system 110, which includes an electric motor and a drive assembly arranged as a linear actuator. The detection system 150 of the positioning system 110 provides feedback of the position and force applied by the pressing element 114 (and thus the arrangement of the container 6 in the holding position or the reading position) to the electrical circuit system 16, as will be discussed.

[0277] In alternative embodiments not illustrated, the drive system is alternatively implemented to include: solenoids; and other linear actuators, such as hydraulic systems.

[0278] refer to Figure 12 to Figure 14 The left side 116 and the right side 118 of the guide portion 112 have a front surface 122 that engages the front surface 124 of the flange portion 60. The front surface 122 is formed to correspond to the shape of the container 6 in the deformed configuration (eg, Fig.13 Specifically, the front surface 122 is angled as the distance from the periphery of the flange portion 60 toward the center of the container 6 in the reverse depth direction 106 increases. Fig.14 , the angle ∝ is 10 to 30 degrees with the transverse direction 102. In this way, a specific shape in a deformed configuration can be promoted and better supported. In addition, the support condition can account for a portion of the distance D that the closing member 58 of the container 6 is displaced, thereby increasing the possible displacement distance.

[0279] In a variant embodiment not illustrated, the profile of the front surface alternatively comprises: being curved; and being aligned in a transverse direction.

[0280] The left side 116 and the right side 118 of the guide portion 112 have rear surfaces 126 that engage the rear surface 128 of the flange portion 60 (engagement is not shown in the figure). The rear surface 126 is shaped to correspond to the shape of the container 6 in the undeformed configuration (such as Fig.14 In this way, if the container returns to the undeformed configuration, it can slide to the processing unit 14 via guidance from the rear surface 126 and / or the front surface 124.

[0281] In variant embodiments not illustrated: the guide portion is alternatively implemented to include: no interconnecting portion; being arranged laterally so that it has a conveying mechanism to transfer containers rather than conveying containers by gravity; and for examples of containers that do not include a flange portion, the guide portion may also be omitted.

[0282] refer to Fig.14 , the front surface 122 and the rear surface 126 of the guide portion 112 are separated by a distance E in the depth direction 106, which is defined as the minimum distance between the front surface 122 and the rear surface 126 in the depth direction 106. Since the front surface 122 is angled toward the center of the container 6 in the reverse depth direction, the distance E is arranged at the periphery of the flange portion 60 of the container 6. The distance E is greater than the thickness t of the flange portion 60. In this example, E>1.5t, and in a specific example, E=t+1 to 2mm.

[0283] In this way, the container 6 in the undeformed configuration (or the deformed configuration) can slide unhindered within the guide portion 112 to the processing unit 14 .

[0284] In addition, when the Fig.12 and Fig.14 ) transition to the read position ( Fig.13 ), the container 6 may be translated (in addition to the distance achieved by deformation) by a distance g, where g=Et. This translation is along a reading axis A, which is orthogonal to and passes through the reading direction of the reading head of the code reader 46.

[0285] It should be noted that Fig.12 and Fig.14 , the container 6 is shown to be arranged so that the front face 124 of the flange portion 60 abuts the front surface 122 of the guide portion. Therefore, in this example, with such an arrangement, the translation distance g will be minimal. However, the container 6 can also be arranged so that the back face 128 of the flange portion 60 abuts the rear face 126 of the guide portion 112 (not shown). Therefore, the container 6 will be translated Fig.14The total distance g shown. Other arrangements of the container in the guide portion in the holding position (not shown) are also possible, for example the container may be angled between the two positions described above, in which case the distance g may be between these two amounts. It will be appreciated that a particular position of the container in the holding position will be prevented by how it falls through the guide portion.

[0286] It should be understood that for the first example of the code reading system 18, the positioning mechanism 110 is arranged to translate the container 6 relative to the code reader 46 along the axis A from a holding position to a reading position, in which the container 6 is separated from the reading head of the code reader 46 and the code 44 is aligned with the code reader 46 along the axis A, and in the reading position, the code 44 of the container 6 is in contact with the reading head.

[0287] In this way, the container 6 can be kept away from the code reader 46 when sliding through the guide portion 112, which may otherwise cause the container 6 to stick in the guide portion 112 or damage the reading window (not shown) of the code reader 46 after multiple repetitions. In addition, the distance between the code reader 46 and the container 6 can be closed to improve reading.

[0288] The angled surface 122 also contributes to the amount of effective translation of the container 6, however this is in conjunction with deformation of the container 6 as previously discussed.

[0289] In a variant embodiment not illustrated, the distance E is set to t so that the container can slide through the guide portion without deep translation. With such an arrangement, it should be understood that when transferring from the holding position to the reading position, the container deforms and does not translate.

[0290] At the read position ( Fig.14 ), a central region of a closure member 58 of the container 6 is arranged in physical contact with the code reader 46. The closure member 58 is flexible and deforms around the read head of the code reader 46. The read head of the code reader 46 that is directly adjacent to the closure member 58 is shaped to correspond to the shape of the closure member 58 when the container 6 is in the deformed configuration. In this example, the generally flat shape of the read head is achieved because the central region in the deformed configuration has less curvature than the peripheral regions and / or the central region when not deformed (usually due to wrinkling).

[0291] The code reader 46 can be positioned to displace the closure member in the deformed configuration in the depth direction 106. In this way, there is a pressing force applied by the code reader to the closure member. Alternatively, the code reader 46 can be positioned to just abut the surface of the closure member without displacing it.

[0292] In the deformed configuration, the central area of ​​the closure member 58 is displaced 2 mm to 6 mm in the reverse depth direction 106 relative to the plane of the flange portion 60 before it is deformed when the container is subjected to three-point bending in the transverse direction. The three-point bending includes: sliding support of the container 6 at the left and right edges of the flange portion 60 as discussed herein; and a force of 15 N to 120 N applied at the base of the storage portion centered between the left and right edges of the container 6 in the reverse depth direction.

[0293] Various capsules (including those as previously defined by variable depth and / or concave / convex / planar closure members) may all deform 4 mm in the reverse depth direction of the closure member when subjected to 15N to 120N.

[0294] If compared Fig.12 and Fig.13 As can be observed when the three-point bending reduces the internal volume of the storage portion in the deformed configuration compared to the deformed configuration. In this way, since the container 6 is hermetically sealed, the internal pressure acting on the closing member 58 is increased, which can provide a more uniform surface for reading. In addition, since the depth of the container 6 is reduced in the deformed configuration, the precursor material can be displaced into the closing member 58 for a sufficiently full container 6. This can also provide a more uniform surface for reading.

[0295] refer to Fig.15 , the container 6 is inserted into the machine 24 through the housing 132 of the machine 2 via the inlet 130. The inlet 130 is opened and closed by a user-actuated closing member 134, which is actuated between an open position (as shown) and a closed position (not shown). The container 6 is directly inserted into the guide portion 112, which transfers the container 6 in the longitudinal direction 100 to the holding position ( Fig.12 ).

[0296] The positioning mechanism 110 includes a transfer mechanism 136, which includes a holding member 138 and a drive unit 140. The holding member 138 can be arranged in a closed position (eg, Fig.15 ) to transfer the container to the reading position (as shown) Fig.12 138) before the container is held in the holding position (rather than enabling it to travel to the processing unit 114 via the guide portion 112). In the closed position, at least a portion of the guide portion 112 is unblocked by the retaining member 138 to prevent the transfer.

[0297] The user then inputs instructions via the user interface / input unit 50 to read the code / prepare the beverage / video from the container 6 (eg Figure 8), and the positioning mechanism 110 transfers the container 6 to the reading position ( Fig.13 ), in which the code 44 is read. The holding member 138 is integrated with the pressing element 114 so that the holding member moves together with the pressing element 114 and remains in the closed position to prevent the container 6 from being transferred to the processing unit 114 via the guide portion 112.

[0298] After successfully reading the code 44, the positioning mechanism 110 then automatically returns the container 6 to the holding position ( Fig.12 The holding member 138 moves to the transfer position ( Fig.16 ) so that the container can advance to the processing unit 114 via the guide portion 112. In the transfer position, a sufficient amount of the guide portion 112 is opened and unblocked by the retaining member 138 to allow the transfer.

[0299] In a variant embodiment not illustrated, the closing member may be actuated by a dedicated drive unit or may be omitted; the transfer mechanism may have a dedicated drive unit so that the transfer mechanism moves independently of the pressing element.

[0300] [Second Example of Code Reading System]

[0301] refer to Fig.17 and Fig.18 The second example of system 2 implements the code reading system 18 of the first example, but has a positioning mechanism 110 to achieve a different reading position (eg, Fig.18 For the sake of brevity, the features and variations of the second example are the same as those of the first example where not discussed.

[0302] In a second example, the positioning mechanism 110 is arranged to move the container 6 and the code reader 46 relative to each other from a holding position (eg, Fig.17 4. As shown in FIG. 4 , the container 6 is moved to a reading position in which the container 6 is separated from the reading head of the code reader 46 and the code 44 is aligned with the code reader 46 along the axis A; in the reading position (as shown in FIG. 4 ), the container 6 is moved to a reading position in which the container 6 is separated from the reading head of the code reader 46 and the code 44 is aligned with the code reader 46 along the axis A. Fig.18 ), wherein the code 44 of the container 6 comes into contact with the reading head of the code reader 46.

[0303] In the reading position, the body portion 62 of the container 6 is generally undeformed (particularly when compared to the first example), however the closure member 58 is deformed and in contact with the code reader 46, as will be discussed.

[0304] The guide portion 112 is arranged with a front surface 122 and a rear surface 126 parallel to the lateral direction 102. The front surface 122 and the rear surface 126 are separated by a distance E in the depth direction 106. The distance E is greater than the thickness t of the flange portion 60. In this example, E>1.5t, and in a specific example, E=t+1 to 5mm.

[0305] Since the storage portion 56 and the flange portion 60 of the container 6 are not substantially deformed in the reading position, the pressing member of the first example may be omitted.

[0306] In the second example, the guide portion 112 remains stationary relative to the machine 2 and the code reader 46 is translated along the axis A to press into the closure member 58. In the reading position ( Fig.18 ), the code reader 46 presses the rear surface 128 of the flange portion 60 of the container 6 into the rear surface 126 of the guide portion 112.

[0307] The closing member 58 is flexible and arranged to deform to correspond in shape to the reading head of the code reader 46 in the reading position. The code 44 is arranged on the central area of ​​the closing member 58. The central area of ​​the closing member is arranged to be displaced by 2 mm to 6 mm when subjected to a pressing force of 15 N to 120 N from the code reader 46.

[0308] In variant embodiments not illustrated: the second example is alternatively configured so that the code reader remains stationary and the guide portion translates to transport the container to the code reader; or the pressing element can be implemented as in the first example to translate the container within the fixed guide portion to the fixed code reader.

[0309] [Detection system]

[0310] refer to Fig.15 and Fig.16 The first example or the second example of the code reading system 18 (including the variant embodiments discussed in connection therewith) comprises detecting a reading position ( Fig.13 and Fig.18 ) detection system 150, and if the conditions are met, the electrical circuit system 16 is configured to process the code 44 to extract the preparation information at the reading position.

[0311] refer to Fig.19 The process of determining whether the predetermined condition 44 for reading the code is met includes:

[0312] Box 120: Implementing the positioning mechanism 110 to move the container 6 from the holding position ( Fig.12 , Fig.14 and Fig.17The loading position can be designated as the point from when the positioning mechanism 110 begins to apply (or substantially apply) the loading condition to when the container 6 achieves its deformation and / or translation so as to read the code 44.

[0313] In the loaded position, the positioning mechanism 110 applies a load increasing phase of a load cycle (an example of which will be discussed) to the container 6, which may include applying a force and / or a displacement to the container 6. Typically, the force is gradually increased to a constant value or gradually increased, and a variable displacement is applied.

[0314] Block 122: If the predetermined conditions for reading the code 44 are met, the electrical circuit system 16 uses the input from the detection system 150 (eg, as a signal or digital information) to determine the read location ( Fig.13 and Fig.18 ) (as will be discussed). When the predetermined condition is met, a positive determination under block 122 is triggered, and block 124 is executed.

[0315] Block 124: Read preparation information from the code (as previously described in conjunction with Fig.10 and Fig.11 At block 124, the electrical circuit system 16 is configured to maintain the same (including substantially the same) load condition as when the predetermined condition was met at block 122, such that the code is read under the load condition.

[0316] Block 126: If the preparation information is successfully read at block 124, a preparation process is performed under the control of the preparation unit 14 based on the extracted preparation information.

[0317] If the full load increase phase of the load cycle is applied (eg, enabling the positioning mechanism 110 to apply a maximum load / displacement) and the predetermined conditions for reading the code are not met, a negative determination at block 122 is triggered and blocks 128 and 130 are subsequently executed.

[0318] Box 128: In the event that a predetermined number (e.g., 2 or 3) of repetitions of boxes 120 and 122 have been performed (e.g., container 6 has been repositioned multiple times and the predetermined condition is still not met), box 124 is executed and the preparation information is attempted to be extracted, otherwise boxes 120, 122 and 130 are repeated.

[0319] Box 130: In the event that the predetermined condition is not determined to be satisfied, the electrical circuit system 16 is configured to control the positioning mechanism 110 to initiate repositioning of the container 6 by transitioning the container 6 to the holding position. This is initiated by applying the load reduction phase of the load cycle. Boxes 120 and 122 are then repeated.

[0320] Box 132: In case the preparation information is not successfully extracted at box 122, default preparation information is obtained from the electronic storage (not shown) of the system 2. And at box 124, the preparation process is performed under the control of the preparation unit 14 based on the default preparation information.

[0321] In a variant embodiment not illustrated: at block 130, instead of transferring the container to the holding position, the load of the load increase phase still held in the loading position may be partially reduced and then increased again at block 120; in the case where the preparation information cannot be extracted at block 124, an error message may be returned to the user via the user interface; block 128 may be omitted so that the container 6 is not repositioned in the case where the predetermined condition is not determined; and at block 124, in the case where the code 44 cannot be read, blocks 128 and 130 may be performed in the same manner as discussed for block 122. In an example where a variable load is not applied to the position mechanism of the container (e.g., a fixed container reading position is set), it will be understood that block 122 may be omitted.

[0322] Block 122 includes sub-blocks 122A and 122B (not shown) as a first condition; and a different second condition, where both the first condition and the second condition are required to be satisfied as a predetermined condition for block 120 (hence AND logic).

[0323] In variant embodiments not illustrated: there are other numbers of conditions, such as only the first condition or an additional third condition, etc.; and other logic may be implemented between the conditions, such as "OR", so that only one condition needs to be triggered.

[0324] refer to Fig. 20 , shows the loading phase of a loading cycle for a container in a loaded position. In this example, displacements and forces are initially applied to a container having a linear profile that changes when subjected to increasing resistance from the container. The load can be increased with a variety of loading curves, including linear, curved, or stepped, or a combination thereof.

[0325] The first condition is based on the force F applied by the positioning mechanism to the container being maintained at a target force, ie equal to or below a threshold force Fth. The force F is measured by the current applied to the electric motor of the drive unit 140, which current is representative of the applied force.

[0326] In variant embodiments not illustrated; force is alternatively measured, for example via a load sensor; there is no target force and only a threshold force, which, if exceeded, satisfies the predetermined condition; and another electrical quantity of the drive unit / associated circuitry (including its derivative) may be used instead of the current representing force (such as power) (although it should be understood that since power is based on current, the measure of power is also based on current).

[0327] A smoothing system (not shown) is implemented to reduce fluctuations in force. By implementing a smoothing system (e.g., as signal processing or via electrical components such as resistors and capacitors), non-representative fluctuations in force can prevent erroneous triggering of force thresholds or can allow target forces to be more easily maintained. A smoothing system can also be implemented for the second condition.

[0328] The second condition is based on the displacement D applied to the container by the positioning mechanism 110 exceeding a threshold value. Specifically, it is based on the first time derivative D' of the displacement applied to the container decreasing from an amount to below the threshold value Dth.

[0329] By considering changes in the displacement rate that decrease below a threshold, it can be determined when there is relatively little further displacement at a given force, ie the container has ceased to displace.

[0330] The displacement D is based on encoder counts generated from an encoder connected to the drive unit 140, so the number of encoder counts in a given time gives the first derivative of the displacement.

[0331] In a variant embodiment not illustrated; the displacement is alternatively measured, for example via a displacement sensor; for the second condition the displacement is used instead of its first-order time derivative, for example the number of counts exceeding a threshold value may be used; other orders of derivatives of the displacement may also be used.

[0332] By implementing both displacement and force criteria, a range of container geometries and flexibility can be arranged in deformed configurations / reading positions suitable for reading codes:

[0333] For relatively thin, not particularly stiff containers in the depth direction, the rate of change in displacement provides an accurate estimate of when the container is sufficiently deformed, while the current target prevents the application of excessive force, which would otherwise result in compaction of the precursor material, rendering it unprocessable.

[0334] For relatively thicker containers, they may produce a relatively linear rate of displacement compared to thinner containers, such that sufficient displacement can only be determined once the rate of change in displacement begins to decrease below a threshold, and the current target prevents excessive force from being applied at any point.

[0335] The thresholds may be calibrated based on experimental data, ie, testing the range of force and displacement conditions that provide adequate code readings.

[0336] In variant embodiments, the predetermined condition is based on a digital image of the code or other variable as will be discussed.

[0337] In the above example, the loading condition is variable because the first derivative of the displacement threshold is considered (rather than the displacement threshold) when the vessel is subjected to a constant force (maintaining the force below or at the threshold force). Thus, for vessels having body portions of different depths, different total displacements are automatically applied, whereas the first derivative of the displacement threshold can be maintained at the same amount. Thus, the loading condition is automatically adapted to different vessel geometries.

[0338] Furthermore, for containers that are stiffer due to different materials and / or different thicknesses, a different total displacement is applied in a similar manner, however the first derivative of the displacement threshold may remain the same amount.

[0339] In variant embodiments: a fixed displacement and / or force may be applied; a fixed displacement and a variable force may be applied; the loading conditions may be adjusted in other ways.

[0340] Fig.19 and Fig. 20 The process can be Figure 8 The entire process of preparing a beverage is shown integrated as part of an alternative block 74 (where the code reading system 18 is separate from the processing unit 14), which alternative block optionally includes the operation of the positioning mechanism 110 to transfer the container from the holding position to the reading position. In a variant embodiment, the code reading system (including the detection system) is optionally implemented as part of the processing unit, such as in combination with Figure 4 and Figure 5 As in the embodiment discussed, closing and opening of the handling unit also moves the container from the holding position to the reading position.

[0341] [Conditions of digital images based on codes]

[0342] refer to Figure 21 to Figure 23 , the code reading system 118 includes a code reader for obtaining a digital image of the code 44, and the code reading system 118 includes an electrical circuit system 16 for determining whether the container is in a reading position based on a predetermined condition from the digital image of the code, and if the condition is met, the electrical circuit system is configured to process the code to extract the preparation information at the reading position.

[0343] The predetermined condition based on the digital image of code 44 can be used as Fig.19 The predetermined conditions at block 122 discussed in connection therewith or as part of an alternative implementation that does not include the positioning mechanism 118 are incorporated into the previous process. Fig.19 The disclosure associated with the detection system is incorporated into this example, and for the sake of brevity, the example is not repeated.

[0344] refer to Fig.21, the predetermined conditions in the example are based on the geometric properties of the code:

[0345] In a first example, a property is determined based on a diameter of one or more of cells 80 of one or more of the codes in the image 44 being greater than a predetermined amount. Such an example may test whether the code 44 is within an appropriate distance range of a code reader for reading.

[0346] In a second example, a property is determined based on the number of cells 80 forming code 44 arranged within a predetermined size window W being greater than a predetermined amount. Such an example may test whether code 44 is within an appropriate distance range of a code reader for reading.

[0347] In a third example (not shown), the geometric attribute is based on a geometric pattern of the code, such as a geometric pattern of a finder portion of the code and a specific angle / distance between reference cells of the finder portion, the reference cells being in fixed positions relative to each other. Such an example can test the integrity of the code 44, for example, if the code is distorted due to wrinkles or other interruptions in a closure member disposed thereon.

[0348] refer to Fig. 22 and Fig.23 , in a further example, the predetermined condition is alternatively based on an optical property of the code:

[0349] Fig. 22 The code 44 is shown arranged adjacent to (ie in contact with or in close proximity to) the code reader. It can be observed that the surround 82 is white, while the encoding cells 80 can be clearly distinguished as black.

[0350] Fig.23 A code 44 is shown that is arranged too far from the code reader 46 to be properly read. It can be observed that the surround 82 is partially white and returns in some areas, and the code elements 80 are not clearly distinguishable.

[0351] Therefore, the code 44 arranged at the appropriate location can be determined by one or more of the following: the average grayscale exceeding the threshold; the proportion of a specific amount of grayscale exceeding the threshold; the average brightness; and other related characteristics.

[0352] It should be understood that any disclosed method (or corresponding apparatus, program, data carrier, etc.) can be executed by a host or a client, depending on the specific implementation (i.e., the disclosed method / apparatus is a form of one or more communications and can therefore be executed from any "point of view" (i.e., a manner corresponding to each other)). In addition, it should be understood that the terms "receiving" and "transmitting" encompass "input" and "output" and are not limited to an RF environment of transmitting and receiving radio waves. Thus, for example, a chip or other device or component for implementing an embodiment may generate data for output to another chip, device or component, or have input data from another chip, device or component, and such output or input may be referred to as "transmitting" and "receiving", including the gerund form, i.e., "transmitting" and "receiving" and such "transmitting" and "receiving" in an RF environment.

[0353] As used in this specification, any statements in the style "at least one of A, B, or C" and the statement "at least one of A, B, and C" use a disjunctive "or" and a disjunctive "and" such that these statements include any and all combinations of A, B, C, and several permutations, i.e., 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. In such statements, more or less than three features may be used.

[0354] In the claims, any reference marks placed between brackets shall not be interpreted as limiting the claims. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps other than those listed in the claims. In addition, as used herein, the term "one" or "a kind" is defined as one (kind) or more than one (kind). In addition, when introductory phrases such as "at least one" and "one or more" are used in the claims, it should not be understood that any other claim element introduced with the indefinite article "one" or "a kind" will limit the claim element containing such introduction to containing only one such element, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "one" or "a kind". The same is true for the use of definite articles. Unless otherwise specified, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to arbitrarily distinguish the elements described by such terms. Therefore, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate the time or other priority of such elements. The mere fact of stating certain measures in mutually different claims does not mean that the combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously.

[0355] Unless otherwise expressly indicated as incompatible, or physical or other aspects of the embodiments, examples or claims prevent such combinations, the features of the foregoing embodiments and examples and the following claims may be combined in any suitable arrangement, especially where there is a beneficial effect to do so. This is not limited to any particular beneficial effect, but may come from an "after-the-fact" beneficial effect. That is, the combination of features is not limited by the form described, especially by the form (e.g., number) of one or more examples, one or more embodiments or one or more dependent claims. In addition, this also applies to phrases "in one embodiment", "according to one embodiment", etc., which are merely wording styles and should not be understood as limiting the following features to a single embodiment, but to all other cases of the same or similar wording. That is, reference to "one", "a kind" or "some" embodiments may be a reference to any one or more and / or all embodiments disclosed or a combination thereof. Similarly, similarly, reference to "the" embodiment may not be limited to the previous embodiment.

[0356] As used herein, any machine-executable instructions or computer-readable media can perform the methods disclosed herein, and thus can be used synonymously with or in conjunction with the term method.

[0357] The above description of one or more specific implementations provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of various specific implementations of the present disclosure.

[0358] Tag List

[0359] 2 System

[0360] 4 Machines

[0361] 14 processing units

[0362] 20 Container handling unit (first example)

[0363] 32 Extraction Units

[0364] 34 capsule holding portion 36 closing portion

[0365] 38 injection head

[0366] 40 Beverage outlets

[0367] 22 Fluid conditioning system

[0368] 24 Storage

[0369] 26 Pumps

[0370] 28Heat exchanger

[0371] 30Exit

[0372] 16Electrical circuit system

[0373] 48 Control electrical circuit system

[0374] 50 input units

[0375] 52 processors

[0376] 54 Feedback system

[0377] 18 Code reading system

[0378] 46 Image Capture Unit

[0379] 130 Entrance

[0380] 132 Shell

[0381] 134 Closing components

[0382] 136 Transfer Agency

[0383] 138 Transfer Components

[0384] 110 positioning mechanism

[0385] 112 Boot Section

[0386] 116 Left side

[0387] 118 right side

[0388] 122 front surface

[0389] 126 rear surface

[0390] 120 interconnection parts

[0391] 114 Pressing element

[0392] 140 drive unit

[0393] 150 detection system

[0394] 6 Containers

[0395] 56 Closing member

[0396] 44 code

[0397] Unit 80

[0398] R Reference Section

[0399] 84 reference units

[0400] r Reference Line

[0401] O origin

[0402] D data part

[0403] 86 data units

[0404] E-coded line

[0405] d distance

[0406] 88 Starting position 90 Discrete position I Code identification part

[0407] 94 discrete locations

[0408] 96 recognition units

[0409] 82 Surrounding

[0410] 92 Outer perimeter

[0411] 62 Main part

[0412] 58 Storage Section

[0413] 60 flange part

[0414] 124 front surface

[0415] 128 rear surface

[0416] 8 Server System

[0417] 10 Peripheral devices

[0418] 12Computer Network

Claims

1. A system comprising a container and a machine for preparing beverages and / or food, The container comprises: a main body portion having a storage portion including a cavity extending in a depth direction for accommodating a precursor material; a closing member, the closing member being used to close the storage portion; a machine readable code storing preparation information and disposed on the closure member, The machine comprises: a code reading system, the code reading system being used to read the code of the container; a processing unit for processing the precursor material of the container; and an electrical circuit system for controlling the processing unit based on the preparation information read from the code, wherein the code reading system comprises a code reader and a positioning mechanism for deforming the main body portion of the container from an undeformed configuration to a deformed configuration, Wherein the detent mechanism is adapted to deform the body portion in the deformed configuration to effect subsequent deformation of the closure member such that the closure member presents a relatively more uniform surface for reading the code.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the body portion of the container includes a flange portion connecting the storage portion and the closure member, and the code is disposed on a central region of the closure member, and in the deformed configuration, the flange portion is deformed to achieve a change in curvature in a transverse direction compared to the undeformed configuration, and in the deformed configuration, the central region of the closure member has a smaller curvature than the peripheral region of the closure member as compared to the undeformed configuration, The central region refers to a region of the closing member that includes at least the geometric center and is separated from the peripheral region that includes the periphery.

3. The system according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the code is arranged on a central area of ​​the closure member and, in the deformed configuration, the central area of ​​the closure member is displaced in a reverse depth direction compared to the undeformed configuration, The central region refers to a region of the closing member that at least includes a geometric center and is separated from a peripheral region that includes a periphery.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein in the deformed configuration, the closure member is arranged to physically contact the code reader, and a read head of the code reader is shaped to correspond in shape to a shape of the closure member in the deformed configuration.

5. The system according to any one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the container is configured such that when the container is subjected to three-point bending in the transverse direction, the central area of ​​the closure member in the deformed configuration is displaced by 2 mm to 6 mm in the reverse depth direction relative to the undeformed configuration, comprising: supporting the container at left and right sides of a flange portion connecting the storage portion and the closing member; And a force of 15N to 120N is applied between the left and right sides of the container in the reverse depth direction at the base of the storage portion.

6. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage portion is hermetically sealed and the positioning mechanism is arranged to reduce the internal volume of the storage portion in the deformed configuration compared to the deformed configuration.

7. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the positioning mechanism is arranged to: when transitioning from the undeformed configuration to the deformed configuration, cause the precursor material to be displaced into the closing member to achieve displacement of the closing member.

8. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the positioning mechanism comprises a support to support the container at a flange portion and to apply a pressing force to a base of the storage portion of the container via a pressing element.

9. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the machine comprises a guide portion arranged to guide the container inserted into the guide portion from an insertion position to a holding position and to the processing unit via gravity, wherein the container is in the undeformed configuration.

10. A system according to any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of containers having storage portions of different depths, the positioning mechanism being configured to transfer the containers from the undeformed configuration to the deformed configuration and to read the code of each container.

11. A machine for preparing a beverage and / or a food product from a container, the machine comprising: a code reading system, the code reading system being used to read the code of the container; a processing unit, the processing unit being used to process the precursor material in the container; and an electrical circuit system for controlling the processing unit based on the preparation information read from the code, wherein the code reading system comprises a code reader and a positioning mechanism for deforming the main body portion of the container from an undeformed configuration to a deformed configuration, Wherein the detent mechanism is adapted to deform the body portion in the deformed configuration to effect subsequent deformation of the closure member such that the closure member presents a relatively more uniform surface for reading the code.

12. A container for use with the machine of claim 11, wherein the container comprises: a body portion having a storage portion including a cavity extending in a depth direction for accommodating a precursor material, and having a flange portion connecting the storage portion and a closing member; a closing member, the closing member being used to close the storage portion; and a machine-readable code storing preparation information and arranged on a central region of the closure member, wherein the container is deformable by the machine from an undeformed configuration to a deformed configuration in which the code is readable by the code reader, wherein in the deformed configuration, when the container is subjected to three-point bending in the transverse direction, the central region of the closure member is displaced by 2 mm to 6 mm in the reverse depth direction, comprising: supporting the container at the left and right sides of the flange portion, and applying a force of 15N to 120N between the left and right sides of the container in the reverse depth direction at the base of the storage portion, The central region refers to a region of the closing member that at least includes a geometric center and is separated from a peripheral region that includes a periphery.

13. The container of claim 12, wherein the storage portion is cylindrical, has a diameter of 4 cm to 7 cm and a depth of 5 mm to 25 mm, and has a total thickness of material thickness of 0.2 mm ± 10, 20 or 30%.

14. Use of a container according to claim 13 for a machine according to claim 11.

15. A method of reading a code of a container for containing precursor materials for preparing beverages and / or food, the method comprising: deforming a body portion of the container to effect subsequent deformation of a closure member of the container; as well as A code is read from the closure member.

16. A kit of parts comprising the machine of claim 11 and a plurality of containers of claim 12, wherein the containers have storage portions of different depths and are adapted for use with the machine.

Images