Beverage or food preparation system

Abstract

A system comprising: a container for containing a precursor material, the container for use with a machine for preparing a beverage and / or a food product or a precursor thereof, the container comprising a plurality of machine-readable codes, each code storing preparation information for use with a preparation process performed by the machine, each code comprising a plurality of units, a plurality of cells defining a data portion arranged at a predetermined position relative to a reference portion, the reference portion of an adjacent code being arranged to define a vertex of a quadrangle having at least two equilateral sides; a machine for preparing a beverage and / or food product or a precursor thereof, the machine comprising: a processing unit for processing a precursor material of the container; and electrical circuitry to control the processing unit based on preparation information read from the code; and a code reading system for reading the code of the container by obtaining a digital image of the code in the shape of an equiangular quadrangle with an image capture device; wherein the container and the code reading system are configured to obtain a digital image of the quadrilateral shape, the digital image of the quadrilateral shape being arranged obliquely to the quadrilateral defined by the adjacent code having the digital image to include at least two reference portions of the code.

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] WO2016173737A1, refer to Figure 4 A and Figure 4 B, discloses a specific implementation of a plurality of codes for encoding prepared information. It is desirable to maximize the number of codes captured in a digital image so that an average of the codes can be taken and / or so that more than one code can be used as a reference to accurately locate data encoded by one of the codes. In addition, it is also desirable to maximize the size of the codes captured in the digital image so that they can be read as accurately as possible. However, these two conditions are contradictory and it is not possible to maximize one condition without maximizing the other.

[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 a beverage and / or a food product or a precursor thereof.

[0007] In an embodiment, a container for containing precursor material is used for use with a machine for preparing beverages and / or foods or precursors thereof, the container comprising machine-readable codes, each code storing preparation information (which may be the same) for use with a preparation process performed by the machine.

[0008] In an embodiment, the container includes a main body portion having a storage portion for accommodating a precursor material and a closing member for closing the storage portion. In an embodiment, the code is arranged on the closing member. In an embodiment, 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 can be measured at the opening of the storage portion. In an embodiment, the main body portion includes a flange portion connecting the storage portion and the closing member. In an embodiment, the cavity of the storage portion extends from the flange portion in the depth direction. The flange portion may present a peripheral edge of a substantially plane for receiving the closing 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 the directions (e.g., having a main component in these directions opposite to the depth direction). In an embodiment, the container is alternatively implemented as a pouch. In an embodiment, the main body portion is formed by a wall joined and / or folded at a seam (e.g., for a container arranged as a pouch).

[0009] In an embodiment, the machine includes: a code reading system for reading 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. The code reader may include an image capture device (e.g., a camera) 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, each code includes a plurality of cells defining a data portion arranged at a predetermined position relative to a reference portion, the reference portion of an adjacent code being arranged to define vertices of a quadrilateral having at least two equilateral sides. In an embodiment, the code reading system is configured to read the code of the container by obtaining a digital image of the code in the shape of an equiangular quadrilateral using an image capture device. In an embodiment, the container and the code reading system are configured to obtain a digital image of a quadrilateral shape, the digital image of the quadrilateral shape being arranged to be inclined to the quadrilateral defined by the adjacent code having the digital image to include at least two reference portions of the code.

[0011] By arranging the quadrilateral shape (e.g., square or rectangle) defined by the code as viewed within the quadrilateral shape (e.g., square or rectangle) of the digital image to be inclined to the quadrilateral shape of the digital image (e.g., at an angle to it rather than aligned with it), it is ensured that while arranging the code to be as large as possible in the digital image, at least two or at least three reference positions of the code are always (e.g., independent of the position at which the digital image is acquired in an array repeating the code arrangement) completely within the boundaries of the quadrilateral shape of the digital image, which can avoid the situation where only one reference position is arranged in the quadrilateral of the image, which may occur if the quadrilaterals are aligned. In this way, two or more reference positions can both (or all) be used to locate the data portion, thereby enabling a more accurate reading of the data portion. It is therefore possible to avoid the situation where only a single reference portion can be used to locate the data portion.

[0012] In an embodiment, the plurality of codes are arranged as a series of repeating patterns, for example over all or a substantial portion (eg at least 80 or 90%) of the surface of the container.

[0013] As used herein, an "equirectangular quadrilateral" shape may refer to a quadrilateral that is either a square or rectangular shape.

[0014] As used herein, the term "tilted" may refer to angles other than aligned, including 45 degrees or angles between 20 and 70 degrees.

[0015] As used herein, the term "alignment" with respect to the alignment between the quadrilateral shape of the digital image and the quadrilateral shape defined by the reference portion of the code may refer to the angle between the sides, including the main sides (i.e., the longest sides). In the case where all sides are of equal length, it may refer to the angle between the nearest sides. In the case where the quadrilateral is equiangular, it may refer to the angle between the nearest sides. Alignment may be considered with respect to the plane in which the image is acquired, for example, it may be assumed that the code is arranged on a plane perpendicular to the central direction of the projection of the camera, for example, is flat in the image, including substantially flat.

[0016] As used herein, the term "quadrilateral" with respect to a digital image may include the shape of a digital image resulting from any one or more of the following: a quadrilateral shaped image sensor; a quadrilateral shaped lens; a quadrilateral shaped window, such as in combination with lenses of other shapes; and other similar arrangements that produce a quadrilateral shaped image for processing.

[0017] As used herein, a reference portion of a code that defines a "vertices" of a quadrilateral may refer to vertices that are virtually positioned at a suitable reference point of the reference portion that is the same for each of the reference portions, such as the geometric center of the reference portion or the geometric center of the code, with the reference portion positioned above or around that geometric center, or elsewhere.

[0018] As used herein, a “digital image comprising at least two reference portions of a code” may refer to two or more reference portions that are completely contained within the boundaries of the quadrilateral shape of the digital image.

[0019] In an embodiment, the side length of the quadrilateral shape defined by the code is less than the sliding length of the quadrilateral of the digital image. By implementing the side length (e.g., the main length or two side lengths) of the quadrilateral of the code to be less than the side length (e.g., the main length or two side lengths) of the quadrilateral of the digital image, the code can be (e.g., completely) adapted within the digital image so that it can be completely read.

[0020] In an embodiment, each code is arranged in a square plane and the codes are arranged adjacent to each other. By arranging the codes in a square and adjacent (including directly adjacent so that the codes are closely connected to each other), the codes are compactly arranged (e.g., in a mosaic manner) so that more than one code can be read in a digital image. Reading more than one code can improve accuracy because an average of the encoded information can be obtained from the two codes.

[0021] In an embodiment, a vertex of a code is adjacent to three or two other codes.By arranging the codes in the form of a grid or offset grid, the codes are arranged compactly (eg in a mosaic manner) so that more than one code can be read in a digital image.

[0022] In an embodiment, the side length of the quadrilateral shape of the digital image is at least twice the side length of the code. By implementing the side length (e.g., main length) of the quadrilateral of the digital image as at least twice the side length (e.g., main length) of the code, at least two codes can be adapted in the digital image.

[0023] In an embodiment, the oblique arrangement includes a quadrilateral defined by the code arranged at 45 degrees (including substantially 45 degrees, which may include ±5% or ±10%) to the quadrilateral shape of the digital image. By achieving a quadrilateral of the digital image arranged at 45 degrees to the code, it can be ensured that at least two reference portions of the code are located within the digital image.

[0024] In an embodiment, the electrical circuit system is configured to locate at least one data portion using at least two reference portions. By using together the reference portion of the code whose data portion is read and at least one reference portion of an adjacent code in the quadrilateral shape of the digital image, the data portion being read can be located and thus read with high accuracy.

[0025] In an embodiment, the quadrilateral of the digital image and the quadrilateral defined by the code are configured such that if aligned with each other (i.e. not tilted), only a single reference portion can be arranged in the digital image. By implementing the size of the quadrilateral of the digital image to be large enough so that if the quadrilaterals are alternately aligned with each other (e.g. at least one side of one quadrilateral is parallel to the adjacent side of another quadrilateral), only a single complete reference portion can be captured, which is not the case when they are tilted, because the size of the code in the digital image can be maximized, this can improve reading accuracy.

[0026] In an embodiment, the quadrilateral defined by adjacent codes is arranged to be inclined to an edge of a container (e.g., an edge of a pouch) with which the code reading system is configured to align when obtaining a digital image. By arranging the code to be inclined to an aligned edge of the container (e.g., a peripheral edge with which the container is aligned when read by the code reading system), it is ensured that the code is inclined to the digital image.

[0027] As used herein, the term "based on" with respect to the control of the preparation information and the processing unit 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. As used herein, the term rule may refer to the relationship between the encoded distance and the value of the parameter. Specifically, it may refer to a numerical equation, rather than a parameter for input into the numerical equation. For example, a rule may be whether a relationship is linear or nonlinear, rather than just a parameter defining linearity.

[0028] In an embodiment, the data portion is arranged at a predetermined position relative to a reference portion (for example, it is stored on an electronic memory), wherein the data portion (including at least a portion) is arranged on a coding line D, and the data unit is arranged along the coding line D at a certain distance d from the starting position as a variable used to at least partially encode the parameter value of the preparation information.

[0029] In an embodiment, the distance (d) may be any continuous distance from the starting position or as a discrete predefined position.In an embodiment, there are multiple encoding lines and the data portion is arranged as one or more separate data portions on each of the multiple encoding lines.

[0030] In an embodiment, the reference portions are arranged to define a linear reference line (L), and the encoding lines are circular and arranged to intersect the reference line (L). By implementing circular encoding lines, the data portions can be compactly arranged, including having varying priorities depending on the radial position of the encoding line on which they are positioned, for example, larger radial positions can have greater encoding accuracy due to greater circumferential distance.

[0031] Using circular coding lines, the geometric distance for encoding the value of the parameter of the prepared information can be: the actual distance, such as the circumferential distance from the starting part to the data unit; the angular distance defined by the angle between the starting position and the data unit; another geometric quantity related to any of the above.

[0032] In an embodiment, the electrical circuit system is configured to obtain a parameter value from at least two different codes and determine the parameter value as an average thereof. By determining the parameter value based on more than one code, any errors that may have occurred when obtaining any parameter value from each of the codes can be reduced. The electrical circuit system can be configured to perform this step before correcting the parameter value using stored preparation information.

[0033] The present disclosure provides a machine for preparing a beverage and / or a food product or a precursor thereof from a container of any preceding embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein.

[0034] In an embodiment, the machine includes: a code reading system for reading a code of a 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.

[0035] In an embodiment, the processing unit comprises a container processing unit and a fluid processing system, and the electrical circuit system is arranged to: control the container processing unit and the fluid processing system based on the preparation information read from the code.

[0036] In an embodiment, the processing unit is arranged as a bulk material processing unit and the electrical circuit system is arranged to: control the bulk material processing unit to process bulk precursor material dispensed from or arranged in the container based on the preparation information read from the code.

[0037] In an embodiment, the electrical circuit system of the machine includes an electronic memory to store corresponding preparation information based on one or more previous readings of the corresponding code of the container. In an embodiment, the electrical circuit system of the machine implements a method of reading preparation information from a code as disclosed herein.

[0038] The present disclosure provides a container for containing precursor materials, the container is used with a machine for preparing beverages and / or foods or precursors thereof, the container comprising a plurality of machine-readable codes (which may be formed directly on the container or on an attachment device / substrate for attachment to the container), each code storing preparation information for use with a preparation process performed by the machine, each code comprising a plurality of cells defining data portions arranged at predetermined positions relative to a reference portion, the reference portions of adjacent codes being arranged to define vertices of a quadrilateral having at least two equal sides. In an embodiment, the quadrilateral defined by adjacent codes is arranged to be inclined to an edge of the container.

[0039] The present disclosure provides a substrate for attachment to: a container for containing a precursor material, the container being used for use with a machine for preparing beverages and / or foods or their precursors, or; for attachment to a machine for preparing beverages and / or foods. The substrate comprises a code comprising any of the features of the code of the foregoing embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein. The substrate may be configured for attachment to a container, wherein the quadrilateral defined by adjacent codes is arranged to be inclined to the edge of the container, for example, the substrate may have an edge that, when aligned with the edge of the container, provides the inclined arrangement. The substrate may be configured for attachment to a machine, wherein the quadrilateral defined by adjacent codes is arranged to be inclined to the aligned edge of the machine, for example, the substrate may have an edge that, when aligned with the edge of the machine, provides the inclined arrangement.

[0040] The present disclosure provides use of a container of any preceding embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein for a machine for preparing a beverage and / or a food product or a precursor thereof according to any preceding embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein.

[0041] The present disclosure provides a method for reading preparation information from a code for use in a preparation process, wherein a machine is controlled based on the preparation information to prepare a beverage and / or food or a precursor thereof. The method may implement the features of any of the foregoing embodiments or another embodiment disclosed herein.

[0042] In an embodiment, the method includes arranging a code of a container, the code encoding preparation information using a reference portion for locating a data portion, the data portion being arranged to define vertices of a quadrilateral having at least two equilateral sides; obtaining a digital image of the code, the digital image being in the shape of an equiangular quadrilateral and being arranged to be inclined to the quadrilateral defined by the code; identifying at least two reference portions in the digital image; locating at least one data portion using at least two or three reference portions; and reading data from at least one located data portion.

[0043] The present disclosure provides an electrical circuit system to implement the method of the aforementioned embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein.

[0044] The present disclosure provides a computer-readable medium including a program code, which can be executed on one or more processors to implement the method of the aforementioned embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein.

[0045] 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

[0046] 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.

[0047] Figure 1 is a system block diagram illustrating an embodiment system for preparing a beverage or food.

[0048] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A system block diagram of a machine for implementing the system.

[0049] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a fluid conditioning system of an embodiment of a machine.

[0050] 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.

[0051] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 2 Schematic diagram of an embodiment machine including a bulk material handling unit.

[0052] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 2 A block diagram of an electrical circuit system for controlling an embodiment of a machine.

[0053] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 It is shown Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an embodiment container of a system.

[0054] Fig.10 It is shown by Figure 1 A flowchart of a process for preparing an implementation scheme of a system for execution.

[0055] Fig.11 It is shown Figure 1 A floor plan of the embodiment code of the container of the system.

[0056] Fig.12 and Fig.13 is shown for Fig.11 Flowchart of the implementation process of code extraction preparation information.

[0057] Fig.14 and Fig.15 It is shown Fig.11 A floor plan layout of an implementation scheme of the code.

[0058] Fig.16 It is shown Fig. 9 A plan view of a container including an implementation scheme of the code in the figure.

[0059] Fig.17 and Fig.18 is a digital image superimposed on it. Fig.11 A floor plan layout of an implementation scheme of the code. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] 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.

[0061] The present disclosure may be better understood in light of the following explanations:

[0062] As used herein, the term "machine" may refer to an electrically operated device that can: prepare a beverage and / or food from a precursor material, or; can prepare a precursor material from a pre-precursor material, which can subsequently be prepared into a beverage and / or food. The machine can 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 can be sized for use on a workbench, for example, the length, width and height of the machine can be less than 70 cm. As used herein, the term "preparation" for beverages and / or foods can refer to preparing at least a portion of the beverage and / or food (e.g., the beverage is fully prepared by the machine, or partially prepared, and the end user can manually add additional fluids to the beverage, including milk and / or water, before consumption).

[0063] As used herein, the term "container" may refer to any configuration for containing a precursor material (e.g., as a single, pre-portioned amount). A container may have a maximum capacity such that the container can only hold a single portion of the precursor material. A 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. A container may be configured for operation with a container handling unit of a machine, for example, the container may include a flange for aligning and guiding the container through the unit or arranged on the unit. A container may include a rupture portion that is arranged to rupture when subjected to a specific pressure to deliver a beverage / food. A container may have a membrane for closing the container. A 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. A container may be formed of various materials, such as metal or plastic or paper or a combination thereof. The material may be selected such that the material is one or more of: 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 consumption from the end user and includes a pot for consumption via a utensil including a spoon and a cup for drinking from it. 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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; any other server system.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] Precursor material 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 comprises coffee beans that can be ground and / or heated (e.g., roasted) into a precursor material.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] As used herein, the term "bulk material processing unit" may refer to an arrangement that can process bulk material of a pre-precursor material into a precursor material. The bulk material processing unit may be arranged to process the pre-precursor material by one or more of the following: heating; cooling; grinding; mixing; soaking; conditioning; other processing steps. The bulk material processing unit may supply bulk material to a container from which it is extracted and processed.

[0074] 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 container processing unit to process the precursor or pre-precursor material.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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 standard from the Bluetooth Technology Alliance of Kirkland, Wash. 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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 movement between the code and the 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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 RPM for a centrifugation-based extraction unit or 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. Parameters that may be associated with a container processing unit, including a bulk material processing unit, may include one or more of the following: grinding parameters, including intensity; heating temperature. The parameter may have a value, which may be numerical and may vary in predetermined increments between predetermined limits, such as water temperature may vary in 5 degree increments between 60 degrees and 90 degrees.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] As used herein, the term "code reading process" may refer to a 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.

[0086] [General system description]

[0087] 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.

[0088] In a variant implementation not illustrated: the peripheral devices and / or the server system are omitted.

[0089] 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.

[0090] [machine]

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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 food or a beverage and / or food or a precursor thereof.

[0093] [First Example of Processing Unit]

[0094] 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 .

[0095] 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.

[0096] [Fluid conditioning system]

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] [Container handling unit]

[0100] 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.

[0101] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 A 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.

[0102] 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 conditioning 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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 or Dolce Gusto capsules. Examples of suitable extraction units are disclosed in EP 1472156 A1 and in EP 1784344 A1.

[0107] 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 WO2014125123 A1 or in WO2022023578A1.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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-portion 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.

[0110] [Second Example of Processing Unit]

[0111] refer to Figure 6 In a second example of a processing unit 14 , the unit comprises a bulk material processing unit 42 .

[0112] The bulk material handling unit 42 is arranged to receive bulk pre-precursor material from the container 6 (suitable examples are discussed in detail below). Figure 8 The electrical circuit system 16 uses the preparation information read from the container 6 to control the bulk material processing unit 42 to perform the preparation process.

[0113] The user manually resents the container 6 to the code reading system 18 of the machine 4 to read the code (as will be discussed). The user then opens the container 6 and dispenses the pre-precursor material (not illustrated) disposed therein into the bulk material processing unit 42. The bulk material processing unit 42 processes the bulk pre-precursor material into a precursor material.

[0114] In a specific example, the precursor material is coffee beans, and the bulk material processing unit 42 is arranged to roast and / or grind the coffee beans to provide the precursor material.

[0115] In a variant embodiment not illustrated, the loose material processing unit is alternatively configured to include: utilizing a dispensing system to open and dispense the pre-precursor from the capsule for subsequent processing (for example, it may include a cutting tool to cut open the container and an extractor (such as a scoop) to extract the pre-precursor material); the pre-precursor material can be processed in the container and dispensed from the container or provided to the user in the container through the aforementioned examples.

[0116] [Code reading system]

[0117] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The 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).

[0118] 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.

[0119] The electrical circuitry 18 includes image processing circuitry (not illustrated) to recognize codes in digital images and extract preparation information. An example of image processing circuitry is a Texas InstrumentsTMS320C5517 processor running a code processing program.

[0120] 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.

[0121] [Control electrical circuit system]

[0122] refer to Figure 7 , 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 7 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] The input unit 50 is implemented as a user interface, which may include one or more of the following: buttons, such as joystick buttons or push buttons; joystick; LEDs; graphic or character LDCs; graphic screens with touch sensing and / or screen edge buttons; other similar devices; sensors for determining whether a container has been supplied to the machine by a user.

[0125] The feedback system 54 may implement one or more of the following or other feedback control-based operations:

[0126] 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;

[0127] 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);

[0128] a level sensor to determine whether the level of fluid in the reservoir 24 is sufficient for the preparation process;

[0129] 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).

[0130] 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.

[0131] [container]

[0132] refer to Figure 8 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.

[0133] 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 104. Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the storage portion 56 is perforated by the injection head 38 to supply the conditioned fluid into the capsule.

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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.

[0136] 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.

[0137] 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.

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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.

[0141] refer to Fig. 9A second example of a container 6 for use with a second example of a processing unit 14 includes a container 6 arranged as a pouch and includes: an arrangement of sheet material 62 joined at a peripheral seam 64 to define an internal volume for storing a precursor material (not illustrated), and an opening 66 that a user opens to dispense the precursor material into a loose material processing unit 42.

[0142] [Code layout]

[0143] refer to Figure 8 The code 44 may be arranged on the outer surface of the container 6 at any suitable location such that the code can be read by the code reading system 18 .

[0144] 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.

[0145] 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.

[0146] exist Fig. 9 In the second example shown, the code 44 is disposed at various locations on the sheet material 62 , including distally of the seam 64 .

[0147] [Preparation process]

[0148] refer to Fig.10 , illustrating a process for preparing a beverage / food from a precursor material:

[0149] Box 70 : The user supplies the container 6 to the machine 4 .

[0150] 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.

[0151] 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 )).

[0152] 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.

[0153] Block 78: The code processing circuitry of the electrical circuitry 16 processes the digital image to extract the preparation information.

[0154] 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.

[0155] 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.

[0156] 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.

[0157] 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).

[0158] 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.

[0159] [General description of code]

[0160] refer to Fig.11 , the code 44 is formed of a plurality of circular cells 80 arranged on a surround 82. The cells 80 are dark (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. The cells 80 of the code can be configured to be read in the infrared and / or visible bands.

[0161] 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.

[0162] 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.

[0163] 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.

[0164] 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.

[0165] 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.

[0166] Further references Fig.11 , the unit 80 is organized into: a reference part R, which is used to locate and determine the orientation of the code 44; and a data part D, which is used to store preparation information.

[0167] 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.

[0168] In alternative 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.

[0169] 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 circuit system 16 (eg, having a stored relationship on its memory).

[0170] In this particular example, the reference cells 84 define a first imaginary line (not illustrated) and a second imaginary line (not illustrated) 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.

[0171] 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.

[0172] 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 the encoding line E intersecting with the reference line r. The encoding line E is virtual and is determined by the electrical circuit system 16, (for example, 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 of which has a data unit 86.

[0173] In variant embodiments not illustrated: other numbers of encoding lines are implemented, including 3, 4 or 5; the encoding lines may have non-circular shapes, including rectangular or triangular; the encoding lines comprise actual lines drawn on the code.

[0174] 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 for encoding the parameters 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). The individual data portion may also include an end position (not illustrated), which defines the maximum allowable distance d of the data unit 80 from the starting position 88 along the encoding line E. Both the starting position and the end position are virtually formed.

[0175] 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.

[0176] 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.

[0177] The incremental distance may be defined as the distance between the starting position 88 and the ending position divided by the total number of positions in the data portion D that a data unit 86 may occupy (which is 10 for E2).

[0178] 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.

[0179] 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.

[0180] In non-illustrated variant embodiments: the outer periphery can be alternatively shaped, including circular; the outer periphery can have alternative sizes, including larger or smaller than the exemplary range. In non-illustrated variant embodiments, the data portion alternatively encodes the value of the parameter, including as alphanumeric symbols or other arrangements.

[0181] refer to Fig.12 , relative to Fig.11 The code processing process for extracting the preparation information performed by the electrical circuit system 16 (or its code processing circuit system) includes:

[0182] Step 1 - Identify the location of the code unit

[0183] Box 100 : A digital image of the code 44 is obtained via the code reading system 118 .

[0184] Block 102 : Allocate pixels to dark areas in the digital image that may represent the cell 80 .

[0185] Box 104: If several pixels are grouped close to each other, it is determined that cell 80 exists.

[0186] 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.

[0187] 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 as the center of a pixel.

[0188] Step 2 - Locate the reference part of the code and the reading angle

[0189] refer to Fig.13 , relative to Fig.11 The processing of code 44 includes:

[0190] 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.

[0191] Block 110: Using stored relationships to define the positions of origin O and reference line r for the located reference portion R. The arrangement of origin and reference line may be stored on the electrical circuitry 16 and mapped to the coordinates of the located reference portion.

[0192] 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.

[0193] 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.

[0194] Step 3 - Determine the values ​​of the parameters for the preparation information .

[0195] refer to Fig.13 , relative to Fig.11 The processing of code 44 includes:

[0196] 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.

[0197] 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.

[0198] For example, refer to Fig.11 , the rules for determining the encoding distance d of the encoding line E2 include: a single individual 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 individual data portion is represented as a single unit of the code 44.

[0199] 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 .

[0200] 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.

[0201] For example, for encoding line E2: a single separate data portion may encode the water temperature of the brewing process, where the encoding 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 encoding distance d.

[0202] 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.

[0203] [Code processing]

[0204] refer to Fig.14 In the first example, the codes 44 are arranged so that their outer perimeters 92 are directly adjacent to each other. The codes 44 are arranged in aligned columns C extending in the local transverse direction 122 and rows r extending in the local longitudinal direction 120. Therefore, the vertices of the outer perimeter of a single code 44 are adjacent to 3 other vertices of an adjacent code 44. The codes 44 are aligned with each other in a grid. Therefore, the reference portion R of the code 44 is arranged to define the vertices of a quadrilateral 94 having at least two equal sides. In the first example, the codes 44 are configured and arranged so that the quadrilateral 94 is equiangular and equilateral (square).

[0205] exist Figures 14 to 18 In , the aforementioned cells 84 forming the reference portion R are ideally centered as a square in the code 44, i.e., they are contained within the square. The vertices of the quadrilateral 94 are located at the origin O of the reference portion R (and the code 44), but it should be understood that other suitable implementations may be used.

[0206] refer to Fig.15 In the second example, the codes 44 are arranged so that their outer perimeters 92 are directly adjacent to each other. The codes 44 are arranged in aligned rows r extending in the local longitudinal direction 120. These rows are alternately offset by half the length of the side of the code in the local longitudinal direction 120. Therefore, the vertices of the outer perimeter of a single code 44 are adjacent to one other vertex of an adjacent code 44. The codes 44 are aligned with each other in an offset grid. The reference portion R of the code 44 is arranged to define the vertices of a quadrilateral 94 having at least two equilateral sides. In the second example, the code 44 is configured and arranged so that the quadrilateral 94 is equilateral rather than equiangular (rhombus or diamond-shaped).

[0207] In variant embodiments, other arrangements of the codes are implemented, including: gaps between directly adjacent codes; in a second example, other offsets are implemented instead of half the code side length; other numbers of codes other than 3×5 can be implemented, for example a container can be completely covered by the disclosed code repetitions, which are repeated in the same repetition arrangement.

[0208] refer to Fig.16 , the code 44 having the arrangement described in the first example is arranged such that the local longitudinal direction 120 is arranged at an angle α inclined by 45 degrees to the overall longitudinal direction 100 of the container 6. The container 6 is arranged as in combination Fig. 9 The pouch in question, wherein the longitudinal edge 130 is aligned with the overall longitudinal direction 100 and the transverse edge 132 is aligned with the overall transverse direction 102. It should be noted that the code 44 is illustratively arranged on a container and may be replicated in different sizes.

[0209] In non-illustrated variant embodiments, other arrangements of the code on the container are implemented, including: the inclination angle can be 20 degrees to 70 degrees or 45 degrees ±5% or ±10%; the second example code arrangement discussed here or other variations are implemented on the container; the local longitudinal direction of the code is aligned with the overall longitudinal direction, and a digital image is obtained by arranging it to be inclined to the overall longitudinal direction.

[0210] In variant embodiments not shown, the exemplary arrangement is arranged on other containers, for example Figure 8 Capsules shown.

[0211] The code reading system 18 is configured to use the longitudinal edge 130 and / or the transverse edge 132 for alignment when acquiring a digital image. For example, the code reading system 18 includes a container holder (not illustrated) that engages with the edges after the container 6 is received by the machine 2 at the code reading (image acquisition) position. In a variant embodiment, the container holder is integrated as part of the processing unit.

[0212] [Digital Image]

[0213] The code reading system 18 includes the previously discussed code reader 46 having an image capture unit for capturing a digital image of the code 44 .

[0214] refer to Fig.17 , the image capture unit (not illustrated) of the code reading system 18 is configured to provide a digital image 96 of the code 44 that is in the shape of an equilateral quadrilateral having equal side lengths (e.g., a square). Fig.17In the figure, the boundaries of the digital image 96 are shown for schematic illustration. When viewed on the container 6 in this manner, the digital image 96 is 5 mm x 5 mm. Further reference to the size and shape of the digital image 96 is based on it being idealized to be located on the container 6 in its manner.

[0215] The image capture device comprises a lens and an image sensor. The lens is circular and is used to provide an image to the image sensor. The image sensor is an equiangular quadrilateral and is used to provide the shape of the digital image 96 in question.

[0216] In a variant embodiment, the image capture device uses a square lens or a square viewing window to provide the described shape of the digital image.

[0217] In variant embodiments not illustrated, the shapes of the digital image are different, including: a shape that is an equilateral quadrilateral and has two sides of equal length (eg, a rectangle); and shapes with different sizes.

[0218] The quadrilateral of the digital image 96 is arranged to be inclined at an angle α to the quadrilateral 94 defined by the code 44. Specifically, the quadrilateral of the digital image 96 has a side length aligned with the overall longitudinal direction 100 (which is aligned with the longitudinal edge 130). Since the code 44 is arranged so that the local longitudinal direction 120 is at 45 degrees to the overall longitudinal direction 100, the quadrilateral 94 is also at 45 degrees to the overall longitudinal direction.

[0219] The side length of quadrilateral 94 defined by code 44 is less than the sliding length of the quadrilateral of digital image 96, which enables it to fit completely within digital image 96 (although this is not illustrated for quadrilaterals 94 and 96). The side length of the quadrilateral of digital image 96 is twice the side length of a single code 44.

[0220] In a variant embodiment not illustrated, the length of the side of the quadrilateral of the digital image is an amount other than twice, including three times, the length of the side of the single code.

[0221] With such an arrangement, at most five reference portions R1-R5 are completely located in the digital image 96 (i.e., the idealized square in the reference portion is completely located in the image, as shown in the figure). Completely located may mean that all cells 84 including the reference portion R are located in the digital image 96. In addition, if the digital images are positioned alternately, then for the digital image 98, at least two reference portions R1, R2 are completely located in the digital image 96.

[0222] Thus, a range of 2 to 5 reference portions R can always be used to locate the data portion of one of the codes 44 depending on the location at which the digital images 96, 98 were acquired. That is, the digital image 94 can be moved relative to the code 44 in any overall longitudinal direction 100 or transverse direction 102, and 2 to 5 reference portions R can always be achieved.

[0223] refer to Fig.18 If the quadrilateral of the digital image 96 and the quadrilateral 94 defined by the code 44 are alternately aligned with each other (eg at least two or all edges are aligned as shown), there is a situation where only a single reference portion R1 is completely arranged in the digital image 96 .

[0224] For the combination Fig.16 and Fig.17 The embodiment discussed, the tilted angles of the quadrilaterals relative to each other avoid such a situation. Advantageously, more than one reference portion R may be used to more accurately locate the data portion D of one of the codes 44 .

[0225] In a variant embodiment not illustrated, the code is aligned with the overall longitudinal direction on the container and the digital image is oriented obliquely to said direction.

[0226] As described above, the electrical circuit system 16 is configured to locate at least one data portion D of the code 44 using the 2 to 5 reference portions R. By using the reference portion R of the code 44 whose data portion D is read together with at least one reference portion R of an adjacent code 44, the data portion D being read can be located and thus read with high accuracy.

[0227] exist Fig.17 In the example shown: for digital image 96, 5 reference parts R1 to R5 are positioned (they are located at known positions relative to each other in a grid structure), and a single data part D associated with the most central reference part R1 in digital image 96 is read from these reference parts; for digital image 98, 2 reference parts R1 and R2 are positioned (they are located at known positions relative to each other in a grid structure), and two data parts D associated with reference parts R6 and R7 positioned in digital image 98 are read from these reference parts.

[0228] The electrical circuit system 16 can implement various techniques for improving accuracy using multiple reference portions R, for example: for three reference portions in a straight line, a best fit line can be implemented, assuming that the reference portions are placed along the best fit line; for three reference portions forming a quadrilateral 94, and for a square quadrilateral, etc., the angles can be corrected to 90 degrees.

[0229] It should be understood that Fig.11As discussed in the code 44, since the value of the parameter is encoded as a distance d from the starting position, the exact position of the starting position relative to the reference portion R affects the value of the parameter. Therefore, the implementation of more than one reference portion R for locating the data portion D can have a beneficial effect on the value of the parameter.

[0230] Although the or each code is illustrated herein as being arranged on a container, it will be appreciated that the code may be formed integrally on the container or on a separate substrate (not illustrated) which may be attached to the container, or; attached to a machine, for example as a tab for arrangement between the container and a code reader so that an existing code reading arrangement may be used, or; other components, for example a handheld component including a code reader arranged for presentation to the machine by a user, which code reader may be appropriately arranged for manual code reading.

[0231] 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 implementation scheme 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.

[0232] 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.

[0233] In the claims, any reference marks placed between brackets should 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 as implying that any specific claim containing such introduced claim elements introduced with the indefinite article "one" or "a kind" is limited to the present invention 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 case of using 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 represent the time or other priority of such elements. The pure fact of stating certain measures in mutually different claims does not mean that the combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously.

[0234] Unless otherwise expressly indicated as incompatible, or the physics 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 integrated 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 reference to any one or more and / or all embodiments disclosed or combinations thereof. Similarly, similarly, reference to "the" embodiment may not be limited to the previous embodiment.

[0235] 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.

[0236] 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.

[0237] Tag List

[0238] 2 System

[0239] 4 Machines

[0240] 14 processing units

[0241] 20 Container handling unit (first example)

[0242] 32 Extraction Units

[0243] 34 capsule holding part

[0244] 36 closed part

[0245] 38 injection head

[0246] 40 Beverage outlets

[0247] 22 Fluid conditioning system

[0248] 24 Storage

[0249] 26 Pumps

[0250] 28Heat exchanger

[0251] 30Exit

[0252] 42 Loose material handling unit (second example)

[0253] 16Electrical circuit system

[0254] 48 Control electrical circuit system

[0255] 50 input units

[0256] 52 processors

[0257] 54 Feedback system

[0258] 18 Code reading system

[0259] 46 Image Capture Unit

[0260] 6 Containers

[0261] Capsule - Example 1

[0262] 56 Capping part

[0263] 44 code

[0264] Unit 80

[0265] R Reference Section

[0266] 84 reference units

[0267] r Reference Line

[0268] O origin

[0269] D data part

[0270] 86 data units

[0271] E-coded line

[0272] d distance

[0273] 88 Starting Position

[0274] 90 discrete positions

[0275] I-code identification part

[0276] 94 discrete locations

[0277] 96 recognition units

[0278] 82 Surrounding

[0279] 92 Outer perimeter

[0280] 58 Constraints

[0281] 60 flange part

[0282] Capsule - Example 2

[0283] 62 Sheet Materials

[0284] 64 seams

[0285] 68 openings

[0286] 8 Server System

[0287] 10 Peripheral devices

[0288] 12Computer Network

Claims

1. A system, comprising: a container for containing a precursor material, the container being intended for use with a machine for preparing a beverage and / or a food product or a precursor thereof, the container comprising a plurality of machine-readable codes, each code storing preparation information for use with a preparation process performed by the machine, Each code comprises a plurality of cells defining data portions arranged at predetermined positions relative to reference portions, the reference portions of adjacent codes being arranged to define vertices of an equiangular quadrilateral having at least two equilateral sides; Machine for preparing a beverage and / or a food product or a precursor thereof, the machine comprising: 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; and a code reading system for reading the code of the container by obtaining a digital image of the code in the shape of an equiangular quadrilateral using an image capture device; wherein the container and the code reading system are configured to obtain a digital image of the quadrilateral shape, the digital image of the quadrilateral shape being arranged to be inclined to the quadrilateral defined by the adjacent code having the digital image to include at least two reference portions of the code, and the sides of the digital image of the quadrilateral shape forming angles with the four sides defined by the adjacent code.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein a side length of the quadrilateral defined by the code is less than a slide length of the quadrilateral shape of the digital image.

3. The system according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein each of the codes is arranged in a square plane and the codes are arranged adjacent to each other.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein a vertex of a code is adjacent to three or two other codes.

5. The system according to any one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the length of the sides of the quadrilateral shape of the digital image is at least twice the length of the sides of the code.

6. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the oblique arrangement comprises the quadrilateral defined by the code arranged at 45 degrees to the quadrilateral shape of the digital image.

7. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the electrical circuit system is configured to locate at least one data portion in the digital image using the at least two reference portions.

8. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the quadrilateral of the digital image and the quadrilateral defined by the code are configured such that if aligned with each other, only a single reference portion can be arranged in the digital image.

9. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the quadrilateral defined by the adjacent codes is arranged obliquely to an edge of the container, wherein the code reading system is configured for alignment when obtaining the digital image.

10. A machine for preparing a beverage and / or a food product or a precursor thereof, the machine comprising: A code reading system, the code reading system is 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 each code comprises a plurality of cells defining data portions arranged at predetermined positions relative to a reference portion, the reference portions of adjacent codes being arranged to define vertices of an equiangular quadrilateral having at least two equilateral sides; a code reading system for reading the code of the container by obtaining a digital image of the code in the shape of an equiangular quadrilateral using an image capture device; wherein the container and the code reading system are configured to obtain a digital image of the quadrilateral shape, the digital image of the quadrilateral shape being arranged to be inclined to the quadrilateral defined by the adjacent code having the digital image to include at least two reference portions of the code, and the sides of the digital image of the quadrilateral shape forming angles with the four sides defined by the adjacent code.

11. A container for containing a precursor material, the container being intended for use with a machine for preparing a beverage and / or a food product or a precursor thereof, the container comprising a plurality of machine-readable codes, each code storing preparation information for use with a preparation process performed by the machine, each code comprising a plurality of cells defining data portions arranged at predetermined positions relative to a reference portion, the reference portions of adjacent codes being arranged to define vertices of an equiangular quadrilateral having at least two equilateral sides, The quadrilateral defined by the adjacent codes is arranged to be inclined to an edge of the container.

12. Use of a container comprising a code for a machine according to claim 10.

13. A method of determining preparation information for a beverage or food preparation process, the method comprising: arranging a code on the container, the code encoding preparation information and having a reference portion for locating a data portion, the data portion being arranged to define vertices of an equiangular quadrilateral having at least two equilateral sides; obtaining a digital image of the code, the digital image being in the shape of an equiangular quadrilateral and arranged to be inclined to the quadrilateral defined by the code, wherein sides of the digital image in the shape of a quadrilateral form angles with the four sides defined by the adjacent code; identifying at least two reference portions in the digital image; locating at least one data portion using the at least two reference portions; as well as The data is read from the at least one located data portion.

14. Electrical circuit system for implementing the method according to claim 13.

15. A computer-readable medium comprising a program code, wherein the program code is executable on one or more processors to implement the method according to claim 13.

Images