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 machine-readable code storing preparation information for use with a preparation process performed by the machine, wherein the code comprises a reference portion for locating a data portion, where the data portion comprises at least one data unit arranged at an encoding distance (d) from the starting position along a virtual encoding line (D) as a variable to at least partially encode a value of a parameter of the preparation information; and a machine for preparing a beverage and / or food product or a precursor thereof, the machine comprising: a code reading system to read the code of the container; a processing unit for processing the precursor material of the container; and an electrical circuit to control the processing unit based on the preparation information read from the code, where the electrical circuit is configured to: read one or more of the coded distances (d) from the code; it is determined whether a validity condition associated with the or each data unit's location is satisfied based on one or more of the following: 1) identifying a predetermined number of data units on a portion of the encoding line; 2) the part of the coding line has no data unit or comprises a single data unit; and 3) a distance between the data units on the encoding line along the encoding line is greater than or less than a predetermined amount; converting the or each coded distance (d) into one or more values of the parameter; and control the processing unit based on the value of the parameter.

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] WO2016173735 A1 discloses a code arranged on a capsule. The code includes a circular coding line on which data is encoded as data units arranged at a coding distance from a starting position on the coding line. The reading of the code may introduce coding distance errors, for example: when the surface forming the code has discontinuities due to processing, or; when debris on the surface forming the code is incorrectly interpreted as a unit of the code.

[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, which includes a container for accommodating precursor materials and a machine for preparing beverages or food or its precursor, and the container is used for use with the machine. The container includes a machine-readable code, and the machine-readable code stores preparation information for use with the preparation process performed by the machine, and in the preparation process, the machine is controlled based on the preparation information to prepare the beverage and / or food or its precursor. As used herein, the indexing of "code" may include one or more repetitions of the code. In an embodiment, the code includes a reference portion for locating a data portion, wherein the data portion includes at least one data unit, and the at least one data unit is arranged at a coding distance (d) from a starting position along a virtual coding line (E), as a variable that encodes the value of a parameter of the preparation information at least in part.

[0007] In an embodiment, the container includes a main body portion having a storage portion for accommodating a precursor material and a closure member for closing the storage portion (e.g., for a container arranged as a capsule). In an embodiment, the code is arranged on the closure member. In an embodiment, the storage portion includes a cavity extending from the closure 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 closure 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 planar surface for receiving the closure member. In an embodiment, the flange portion is planar. As used herein, the term "planar" with respect to the flange portion may refer to the flange portion being arranged to extend completely in the transverse direction and the longitudinal direction, or extending substantially in the directions (e.g., having a main component in these directions opposite to the depth direction). In an embodiment, the main body portion is formed by walls joined and / or folded at the seam (e.g., for a container arranged as a pouch).

[0008] 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 for controlling the processing unit based on the preparation information read from the code.

[0009] In an embodiment, the electrical circuit is configured to:

[0010] Determine the position of data units of the code (for example, based on a digital image of the code obtained by a code reading system), including by determining the coordinates of one or more coding distances and / or units from the coding distances d of the code; determine whether a validity condition associated with the position of the or each data unit is satisfied based on one or more of the following: 1) a predetermined number of data units are identified on a portion of the coding line (the portion includes a specific portion or all of the line, and for each coding distance encoded on the coding line, one data unit out of a plurality of data units (for example, any of 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 data units) may need to be present); 2) no data units are present on the portion of the coding line (which may require no data units between adjacent end positions and start positions of different coding distances (including completely between them) , for example between two data units at a coding distance (d) from a starting position), or optionally including a single data unit (the presence or absence of a data unit rather than, for example, two data units within the bounds of a predetermined position may be necessary for binary information encoded by the absence or presence of a data unit at the predetermined position); and 3) the distance between the data units on the coding line along the coding line is greater than or less than a predetermined amount (for example, data units for adjacent coding distances may have a minimum distance that requires them to be separated, or two data units encoding a single value may need to have a threshold separation distance); converting the coding distance or each coding distance d into one or more values ​​of a parameter (for example, using a rule stored on an electronic memory of the electrical circuit, the rule comprising values ​​as a function of the distance d); and controlling the processing unit based on the value of the parameter.

[0011] By implementing electrical circuitry to determine whether a code is valid based on the location or absence of a data unit at a location on one or more encoding lines, the code can be conveniently analyzed before fully processing the code to extract the computational cost of the value (e.g., by implementing an algorithm to convert the encoding distance to the value of the parameter). In addition, the likelihood of erroneous values ​​can be reduced.

[0012] In an embodiment, the electrical circuit is implemented as one or more processors configured to implement the disclosed steps (e.g., including determining the validity condition) performed by the code reading system and / or the steps performed by the processing unit for processing the precursor material of the container. The processor can execute program code stored on an electronic memory and / or can execute programmable logic, for example as a logic array, a gate array, a structured array, etc. In an embodiment, if the validity condition is not met, the electrical circuit is configured not to perform the following operations: convert the encoding distance or each encoding distance (d) into one or more values ​​of a parameter, and (not); control the processing unit based on the value of the parameter. By not implementing a complete processing of the code to extract the value of the invalid code, erroneous values ​​can be avoided. In an embodiment, if the validity condition is met, the electrical circuit is configured to: convert the encoding distance or each encoding distance d into one or more values ​​of the parameter; and control the processing unit based on the value of the parameter.

[0013] In an embodiment, there are multiple codes on the container (e.g., in a digital image), and if the validity condition is not met (e.g., for one of the codes), the electrical circuit is configured to: determine a partial read condition, which is based on one or more of the following (e.g., AND-OR logic): a predetermined number (e.g., 2 or 3) of reference portions of the code are identified (e.g., in a digital image, the reference portion of the code may include three or other number of reference cells having a unique arrangement as disclosed herein); a predetermined number of cells are identified (e.g., in a digital image, the predetermined number of cells may be less than the number of cells (including reference cells and / or data cells) in a single code, but above a threshold, which may indicate a high probability of successful reading when the code is read again - for example, one or two or other number of cells are missing); if the partial read condition is met, the code reading system may be configured to read the code again (which may include obtaining a subsequent digital image of the code and determining the above-mentioned validity condition for the code in the subsequent digital image).

[0014] By implementing the determination of the partial read condition, a code which could have been successfully read a second time can be reprocessed.The partial read condition can also be determined before or instead of determining the validity condition.

[0015] In an embodiment, if the partial read condition is not met, the electrical circuit is configured not to: convert the or each code distance d into one or more values ​​of a parameter; and control the processing unit based on the value of the parameter. By not performing full processing of the code to extract a value for a partially read code, erroneous values ​​can be avoided.

[0016] In an embodiment, the code reading system reads the code by processing a digital image of the code, and re-reading the code includes instructing a camera system of the code reading system to obtain a subsequent digital image of the code (and re-reading the code from the subsequent digital image). In an embodiment, the electrical circuit is configured to reposition the container using a container positioning system (e.g., a system including an arm that positions the container's code relative to the camera system) to obtain a digital image of the code (including the subsequent digital image).

[0017] In an embodiment, the coding line is circular, and the distance d is an angular distance (e.g., in radians). In an embodiment, and there are multiple coding lines. In an embodiment, the data unit or each data unit is arranged at any continuous coding distance d from the starting position along the virtual coding line D. In an embodiment, the electrical circuit is configured to convert the coding distance d into the value of the parameter using a rule stored on an electronic memory of the electrical circuit.

[0018] In an embodiment, the machine comprises: 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 for controlling the processing unit based on the preparation information read from the code. The electrical circuit is configured to: read one or more of the coded distances d from the code (e.g., from a digital image of the code obtained by the code reading system); convert the coded distance or each coded distance d to one or more values ​​of a parameter (e.g., using a rule stored on an electronic memory of the electrical circuit, the rule comprising a value as a function of the distance d); wherein the electrical circuit is configured to determine whether a coherence condition associated with the value or each value of the parameter (e.g., the magnitude of the value) is satisfied; and if the coherence condition is satisfied, control the processing unit based on the value of the parameter.

[0019] By implementing electrical circuitry (e.g., one or more processors and electronic memory on a machine or distributed in a system) to determine whether a coherence condition associated with a numerical value of a parameter has been satisfied, the system has components that improve the likelihood of excluding incoherent values ​​that may be caused by read errors from being used to control a processing unit.

[0020] As used herein, the term "determining whether a condition is associated with the value or each value" may refer to the value itself used to determine the condition, or a numerical quantity including a coding distance related to the value, or another numerical quantity calculated from or used to calculate the value or the coding distance.

[0021] In an embodiment, the coherence condition associated with the parameter includes determining whether the value of the parameter is within a threshold of allowable values ​​(e.g., if within the condition, it may be considered satisfied, otherwise it may not be considered satisfied). In an embodiment, the electrical circuit is configured to determine whether the parameter is within the threshold of allowable values ​​by determining whether the value is above a lower limit value (e.g., a minimum value). In an embodiment, the electrical circuit is configured to determine whether the parameter is within the threshold of allowable values ​​by determining whether the value is below an upper limit value (e.g., a maximum value greater than a minimum value).

[0022] By determining whether the value (including the numerical quantities associated therewith as discussed above) is above a certain minimum allowable value and / or below a certain maximum value, erroneous values ​​may be identified in a computationally efficient manner.

[0023] In an embodiment, the coherence condition associated with two or more parameters includes determining whether the first value has exceeded a first threshold and whether the second value is within a second threshold, wherein the second threshold may be dependent on the first threshold. By selecting the second threshold to be dependent on the first threshold, the durability of the method may be improved.

[0024] For example, if a first parameter of pump flow rate exceeds a minimum first threshold value identified as low, a second minimum threshold value for low pumping time may be triggered, which, if exceeded, returns an error due to low total volume of fluid. However, the second threshold will only be activated if the first threshold value is exceeded, and may be exceeded in other ways, so these thresholds are interdependent.

[0025] In an embodiment, both the first value and the second value have an upper threshold and a lower threshold, and the second threshold depends on the first threshold, so that: if the lower threshold of the first value is exceeded, the condition is determined whether the lower threshold of the second value is not exceeded, and / or; if the upper threshold of the first value is exceeded, the condition is determined whether the upper threshold of the second value is not exceeded.

[0026] In an embodiment, a coherence condition is associated with two or more parameters and includes determining whether the result of a mathematical function of two or more values ​​of the parameters is within a threshold value (e.g., if within the threshold value, the condition may be considered to be satisfied, otherwise the condition may not be considered to be satisfied). By calculating the result (e.g., a numerical value) as the output of a mathematical function having two or more values ​​as inputs, the combination of the values ​​may be considered when evaluating whether a threshold value has been exceeded, which may improve the durability of the method. For example, if a first parameter of the pump flow rate is low and a second parameter of the pump on time is also low, then since the total volume of the fluid of the beverage is below a volume threshold value (which may be calculated as the result of the function), the coherence condition may not be considered to be satisfied. However, if one of the values ​​is high and the other is low (or both values ​​are high), the result of the function may be above the volume threshold value, so that the coherence condition may be satisfied.

[0027] In an embodiment, the threshold associated with the coherence condition is variable and stored on an electronic memory of the electrical circuit and associated with an identifier encoded by a code. By using the identifier encoded by the code (e.g., as a numeric or alphanumeric string), a threshold specific to the container can be looked up, which can improve the identification of incoherent values. For example, for a large volume capsule, the minimum threshold for the amount of fluid supplied to the capsule can be greater than the minimum threshold for a small capsule.

[0028] In an embodiment, if the condition is not met, the electrical circuit is configured to not implement the one or more values ​​to control the processing unit. By preventing values ​​that do not meet the coherence condition from being implemented to control the processing unit, erroneous control of the machine can be avoided.

[0029] In this case, the electrical circuit can be configured to enable another reading of the code or a reading of a different code (e.g., to obtain a new one or more code distances d and repeat the process again). Subsequent reading of the code can be performed up to a predetermined number of times (e.g., 2 or 3 times), and if the predetermined number is exceeded, the electrical circuit can be configured to provide a notification to the user interface that the code of the container cannot be read. Alternatively, no subsequent reading is provided, and the notification is provided.

[0030] In an embodiment, one or more of the data units are arranged at any continuous encoding distance d from the starting position along the virtual encoding line D. By implementing continuous encoding, rather than allowing data units to occupy only predetermined discrete positions along the encoding line, a wider range of values ​​can be achieved, and the check for the value of the coherence condition may be particularly important.

[0031] In an embodiment, the electrical circuit is configured to convert the encoding distance d into a value of the parameter using a rule stored on an electronic memory of the electrical circuit. Rules including exponential and / or nonlinear relationships may exacerbate errors in the value, and checking the value for the condition may be particularly important.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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 for controlling the processing unit based on the preparation information read from the code. The code reading system may include an image capture unit (e.g., a camera system).

[0034] As used herein, the term "based on" with respect to preparation information may refer to a direct relationship (e.g., the values ​​of parameters of a recipe are encoded directly on the code as coded distances that can be converted to values ​​using rules) or via a stored relationship using rules to look up one or more of the values ​​using the preparation information as an identifier.

[0035] In an embodiment, the processing unit comprises a container processing unit and a fluid processing system, and the electrical circuit is arranged to control the container processing unit and the fluid processing system based on the preparation information read from the code. In an embodiment, the processing unit is arranged as a bulk material processing unit, and the electrical circuit is arranged to: control the bulk material processing unit to process the bulk precursor material dispensed from the container or arranged in the container based on the preparation information read from the code.

[0036] In an embodiment, the electrical circuitry of the machine implements any of the methods of reading preparation information from a code as disclosed herein.

[0037] The present disclosure provides for use of a container or code arranged on a substrate of any preceding embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein for a machine for preparing beverages and / or foods or precursors thereof according to any preceding embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein.

[0038] As used herein, the term "substrate" may refer to any suitable carrier for a code that can be used to connect a code to a container or machine at a location where the code is suitable for reading as if the suitable carrier were attached to the container, examples of which include: stickers; cardboard components that are used to receive adhesive strips, and; other suitable arrangements.

[0039] 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.

[0040] In an embodiment, the method includes: determining the position of a data unit of a code for a container containing a precursor material using one or more coding distances (d) from a starting position to the data unit along a virtual coding line (E); determining whether a validity condition associated with the position of the data unit or each data unit is met based on one or more of the following: 1) a predetermined number of data units are identified on a portion of the coding line; 2) no data units exist on the portion of the coding line or include a single data unit; and 3) the distance between data units on the coding line along the coding line is greater than or less than a predetermined amount; converting the coding distance or each coding distance (d) into one or more values ​​of a parameter of preparation information; and if the conditions are met, providing the value of the parameter for controlling the processing unit.

[0041] In an embodiment, the method includes: reading one or more coded distances d from a code of a container for containing a precursor material; converting the coded distance or each coded distance d into one or more values ​​of a parameter for preparing information; determining whether a coherence condition associated with the magnitude of the value or each value of the parameter is met; and if the coherence condition is met, providing the value of the parameter for controlling the processing unit (for example as an output).

[0042] The method may comprise controlling the processing unit based on the value of the parameter if the condition is met.

[0043] The method may be implemented as part of a method for preparing a beverage or a food or a precursor of a beverage and / or a food, wherein a processing unit is controlled based on the preparation information to perform a preparation process on the precursor material.

[0044] The present disclosure provides an electrical circuit for implementing a method of any one of the aforementioned embodiments or another embodiment disclosed herein.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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

[0047] 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.

[0048] Figure 1 is a system block diagram illustrating an embodiment system for preparing a beverage or food.

[0049] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A system block diagram of a machine for implementing the system.

[0050] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a fluid conditioning system of an embodiment of a machine.

[0051] 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.

[0052] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 2 Schematic diagram of an embodiment machine including a bulk material handling unit.

[0053] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 2 A block diagram of an electrical control circuit for an embodiment of a machine.

[0054] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 It is shown Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an embodiment container of a system.

[0055] Fig.10 It is shown by Figure 1 A flowchart of a process for preparing an implementation scheme of a system for execution.

[0056] Fig.11 It is shown Figure 1 A floor plan of the embodiment code of the container of the system.

[0057] Fig.12 and Fig.13 is shown for Fig.11 Flowchart of the implementation process of code extraction preparation information.

[0058] Fig.14 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment process for checking the coherence of preparation information.

[0059] Fig.15 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment process for checking the validity of 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 (for example, the beverage is fully prepared by the machine, or partially prepared, and the end user can manually add additional fluids to the beverage before consumption, including milk and / or water).

[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; or 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 for forming 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 for forming 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 to control a container processing unit to process the precursor or pre-precursor material.

[0075] As used herein, the term "electrical circuit" or "circuit" or "control electrical circuit" may refer to one or more hardware and / or software components, examples of which may include one or more of the following: an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or other programmable logic; electronic / electrical components (which may include a combination of transistors, resistors, capacitors, inductors, etc.); one or more processors (e.g., the circuit structure of a processor); 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 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, 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 (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.

[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 SIG from the Kirkland, Wash., Bluetooth Technology Alliance. TM; Universal Serial Bus (USB); High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) or other protocol implementations. The machine may include communication resources for wired or wireless communication with external devices and / or server systems.

[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 formed of a plurality of units, which may be referred to as elements or indicia. These elements may implement a reference portion and a data portion, wherein the reference portion enables the location of the data portion that encodes the preparation information. The code may be arranged as a two-dimensional code that 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 branding on a container that is not configured in any way for information storage.

[0081] As used herein, the term "preparation information" may refer to one or more of: a parameter having a value as defined herein; a recipe as defined herein; an identifier for looking up one or more parameters, all of which may be used to control a processing unit or other component for processing a precursor material. The identifier may be encoded as binary information, where the absence or presence of a unit at a position specifies a logical 1 or 0.

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

[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 comprises: a processing unit 14 for processing the precursor material; an electrical circuit 16; and a code reading system 18.

[0092] The electrical circuit 16 controls the code reading system 18 to read the code from the container 6 (at Figure 2 The electrical circuit 16 uses the preparation information to control the processing unit 14 to perform a preparation process in which the precursor material is processed into a beverage or a food or a precursor of a beverage and / or a food.

[0093] [First embodiment of the processing unit]

[0094] refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 In a first embodiment of the processing unit 14 , the unit comprises 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 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 embodiments 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 in a depth direction between a container receiving position and a container handling position, and the depth direction is perpendicular (including substantially perpendicular) to the conveying direction of the guide portion.

[0101] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 A first embodiment of the container handling unit 20 is for handling containers arranged as capsules 6 (a suitable embodiment of the capsule is 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 conditioned fluid into the capsule 6 (usually under high pressure) at the capsule extraction position. The beverage outlet 40 on the closing part 36 is arranged to capture the extracted beverage and convey the extracted beverage from the extraction unit 32.

[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 embodiment of the container handling unit (not illustrated), an extraction unit similar to the first embodiment 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 embodiment (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 embodiments, however, the pressure is lower and therefore a sealed extraction unit is not required. In particular, 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 DolceGusto capsules. Examples of suitable extraction units are disclosed in EP 1472156 A1 and in EP 1784344 A1.

[0107] In a fourth embodiment (not illustrated) in which the container is arranged as a sac, the container handling unit implements an extraction unit operable to receive a sac and inject a fluid from a fluid conditioning system at an inlet of the sac. The injected fluid is mixed with a precursor material within the sac to at least partially prepare a beverage, which leaves the sac via an outlet of the sac. Examples of such arrangements are provided in WO2014125123A1 or in WO2022023578A1.

[0108] In a fifth embodiment (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) sixth embodiment, container handling unit is arranged as distribution and dissolving unit. Distribution and dissolving unit is arranged to extract single portion of beverage or food precursor from the storage part of machine (it can comprise any multi-portion container, and this any multi-portion container comprises pouch or box). Distribution and dissolving unit is arranged to mix the extracted single portion with the conditioned fluid from fluid conditioning system, and beverage or food are distributed in container. The example of this type of arrangement is provided in EP14167344A.

[0110] [Second Embodiment of Processing Unit]

[0111] refer to Figure 6 In a second embodiment of the 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 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 embodiment 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 circuit 18 includes image processing circuitry (not illustrated) to identify codes in the digital image and extract the preparation information. An example of an image processing circuit is a Texas Instruments TMS320C5517 processor running a code processing program.

[0120] In a variant embodiment not illustrated, the code reading system is separated from the container handling unit, comprising: 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 a further 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 the restraining portion). In a further variant embodiment not illustrated, the code is a one-dimensional code and is read by relative movement between the code reader and the code to generate a code signal.

[0121] [Control electrical circuit]

[0122] refer to Figure 7 , the electrical circuit 16 is implemented to control the electrical circuit 48 to control the processing unit 14 to perform the preparation process. Figure 7 In the embodiment, for illustrative purposes, the processing unit 14 is illustrated as a first embodiment, and the processing unit includes a container processing unit 20 and a fluid supply unit 22.

[0123] The electrical circuits 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: a button, such as a joystick button or a push button; a joystick; an LED; a graphic or character LDC; a graphic screen with touch sensing and / or screen edge buttons; other similar devices; a sensor for determining whether a container has been supplied to the machine by a user.

[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 16, 44 is suitably adapted to other examples of the processing unit 14, for example, for use with the second embodiment of the 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 embodiment of a container 6 for use with a first embodiment of a processing unit 14 comprises a container 6 arranged as a capsule 6. The capsule 6 comprises a closure member 56 and a body portion 62 comprising 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 106. Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the storage portion 56 is perforated by the injection head 38 to supply the conditioned fluid into the capsule.

[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 embodiment and the second embodiment 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 embodiment of a container 6 for use with a second embodiment 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 can be arranged at any suitable position on the outer surface of the container 6 so that the code can be read by the code reading system 18.

[0144] In a first embodiment, 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 embodiment, the code is replicated throughout the closure member so that it can be read from any external position 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 illustrated embodiment, 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 , illustrates 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 16 (eg, the input unit 50 thereof) receives a user instruction to prepare a beverage / foodstuff from a precursor, and the electrical circuit 16 (eg, the processor 52) initiates the process.

[0151] Box 74: The electrical circuit 16 controls the processing unit 14 to process the container (eg, in the first embodiment of the container processing unit 20, the extraction unit 32 receives the capsule from the capsule receiving position ( Figure 4 )Move to the capsule extraction position ( Figure 5 )).

[0152] Box 76: The electrical circuit 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 16 performs the preparation process based on the preparation information by controlling the processing unit 14. In the first embodiment of the 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 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. The electrical circuit 16 includes instructions for the preparation process (or multiple preparation processes), for example as program code. In an embodiment, the processor 52 implements instructions stored on a memory (not shown).

[0158] As part of the preparation process, electrical circuitry 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 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 variant embodiments not illustrated, the reference portion is alternatively implemented to include: different arrangements of reference cells, such as rectangles that are circles or other shapes; different numbers of reference cells, such as 4 or 5; and the reference cells may have a unique shape that can be identified from the shapes of other cells that form the code.

[0169] The arrangement of the reference cells 84 enables a single reference line r to be defined at a specific vector relative to said cells 84. The reference line r is virtual and is determined by the electrical circuit 16 (eg having a stored relationship on its memory).

[0170] In this particular example, the reference cells 84 define a first imaginary line (not shown) and a second imaginary line (not shown) using the right-hand rule, where: the thumb represents the first imaginary line intersecting the centers of two of the reference cells 84; the index finger represents the second imaginary line intersecting the centers of two of the reference cells, one of which is common to the first imaginary line; and the second finger enters the plane of the page of the code 44. The reference line r extends from the origin O and is parallel to the first imaginary line and orthogonal to the second imaginary line.

[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 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 can have non-circular shapes, including rectangular or triangular; the encoding lines include 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 16 (for example, the starting position can be stored in its memory). The individual data portion may also include an end position (not illustrated) that 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 alternative embodiments not shown: the outer periphery may alternatively be shaped, including circular; the outer periphery may have alternative sizes, including larger or smaller than the exemplary range. In alternative embodiments not shown, 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 16 (or its code processing circuit) 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 unit 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 coordinates of the center of the pixel grouping by a rule (eg, feature extraction) 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 to be 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 16 and accessed during the search.

[0191] Block 110: Using the stored relationships, define the positions of the origin O and reference line r for the located reference portion R. The arrangement of the origin and reference line may be stored on the electrical circuit 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 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 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 stored by the electrical circuit 16 for converting distances into values.

[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] [Check the coherence of the values ​​of the preparation information]

[0204] refer to Fig.14 , as Fig.10 and Fig.13 As part of the process, the electrical circuit 16 is configured to check the coherence of the values ​​of the parameters of the preparation information obtained from the code 44. Fig.14 The process can be Fig.13 After box 118 and Fig.10 The block 80 is implemented before.

[0205] The coherence check comprises an electrical circuit 16 arranged to perform the following steps:

[0206] Block 120: Read one or more coded distances d from the code from the digital image of the code obtained by the code reading system 18 (e.g., Fig.10 Box 78 and Fig.13 116 of FIG. 117 );

[0207] Box 122: Convert the or each coded distance d into one or more values ​​of a parameter (e.g., Fig.13 118 of FIG. 117 );

[0208] Block 124: determining whether a coherence condition associated with the or each value of the parameter is satisfied, said condition being associated with coherence of magnitude of the values ​​(an example of which will be provided);

[0209] Box 126: If the condition is met, the electrical circuit 16 implements control of the processing unit 14 based on the value of the parameter (e.g., Fig.10 80 of ); and

[0210] Block 128 : If the condition is not met, the electrical circuit is configured to not implement the one or more values ​​to control the processing unit 14 .

[0211] At block 124, the term "determining whether a coherence condition is associated with the value or each value" may refer to the value itself used to determine the condition, or a numerical quantity including a coding distance associated with the value, or another numerical quantity calculated from or used to calculate the value or the coding distance. It should therefore be understood that while execution of block 122 is required to execute block 126, its execution is not a necessary requirement for block 124.

[0212] [Example 1 - Coherence by comparison with a threshold value set for a value]

[0213] In a first embodiment, the coherence condition is satisfied if the value of the parameter is within a threshold of allowable values ​​at block 126. Values ​​outside the threshold may be excluded values ​​that do not satisfy the condition.

[0214] Typically, there is a limiting minimum value that defines the lower limit of the threshold and / or there is a limiting maximum value that defines the upper limit of the threshold. However, in other examples, the values ​​outside the threshold may include a band of unacceptable values, with acceptable values ​​of the threshold on either side of the band, or there are other such threshold changes.

[0215] As an example, a parameter being the fluid volume of the beverage may have a lower limit defining a threshold of a minimum cup volume and an upper limit defining a threshold of a maximum cup volume, such that the threshold satisfying the coherence condition is between said maximum and minimum cup volumes.

[0216] [Example 2 - Coherence by comparison with a correlation threshold set for the value]

[0217] In a second embodiment, at block 126 , as a development of the first embodiment, a condition is satisfied if two or more parameters are within associated thresholds, where one threshold is dependent on another threshold.

[0218] For example: if the first value has exceeded the first threshold, the second value must also be within the second threshold to meet the condition; and if the first value has exceeded the third threshold (which is different from the first threshold), the second value must be within the fourth threshold (which is different from the second threshold) to meet the condition, and so on.

[0219] As an example, if the first value is the temperature of the heat exchanger and the second value is the flow rate of the fluid through the heat exchanger. The first threshold value may be the maximum temperature and the second threshold value may be the maximum flow rate, below which there may be a risk of overheating the heat exchanger. Therefore, the permissible values ​​that satisfy the coherence condition are that for the first threshold value (i.e. the maximum temperature) to be exceeded, the second threshold value (i.e. the maximum flow rate) must also be exceeded. Similarly, if the first value is the medium temperature of the heat exchanger, the lower limit of the permissible second value of the flow rate will be lower.

[0220] [Example 3 - Coherence of numerical functions by value]

[0221] In a third embodiment, at block 126, as a development of the first and second embodiments, the condition is associated with two or more values ​​of different parameters and includes if the two or more values ​​of the parameter (v 1 、v 2 ...) is within the threshold, then it is determined that the coherence condition is met. The result outside the threshold can be an exclusion result that does not meet the condition:

[0222] r=f(v 1 ,v 2 …)

[0223] Typically, there is a minimum result value that defines the lower limit of the threshold and / or there is a maximum result value that defines the upper limit of the threshold. However, in other examples, the result values ​​outside the threshold can include an unacceptable result value band, wherein the acceptable result values ​​of the threshold are on either side of the band, or there are other such threshold changes.

[0224] As an example, the first parameter is the pump flow rate v 1 (in ml / s) and the second parameter is the pump on time v 2 (in seconds). The result r of the function f is the volume of the beverage (or the numerical amount it represents), which is the product of two parameters:

[0225] r=f(v 1 xv 2 )

[0226] The threshold value may include a lower limit value of the result, below which the condition is considered not to be met due to the amount of beverage being too low. The threshold value may include an upper limit value of the result, above which the condition is considered not to be met due to the amount of beverage being too large. Thus, if the result is within the upper and lower limits, the coherence condition is considered to be met.

[0227] [Variable Threshold]

[0228] In an embodiment, the threshold value of the coherence condition is variable and stored on the electronic memory of the electrical circuit 16. The specific threshold value of the parameter can be retrieved by using an identifier encoded by a code. The identifier may include a digital string that can be encoded as binary information by the absence or presence of a cell at a predetermined position).

[0229] For example, for a large volume capsule, the minimum threshold for the amount of fluid supplied to the capsule may be greater than the minimum threshold for a small capsule.

[0230] [Other coherence checks]

[0231] Other coherency checks can also be performed:

[0232] In a fourth embodiment, it may be determined whether a correct number of data cells are identified to be present on one or more of the encoding lines, for example by comparing to a predetermined number of expected cells or by checking whether said number of cells is within a threshold.

[0233] Two or more of the coherence checks as discussed for Embodiments 1 to 3 may be implemented for the same value to improve the accuracy of the coherence check. Alternatively, different checks may be applied for different parameters.

[0234] For combinations of embodiments, AND or OR logic may be implemented, such that for an overall condition to be considered satisfied, all embodiments must satisfy the condition or at least one embodiment must satisfy the condition.

[0235] [Determination of incoherent values]

[0236] At block 128, (i.e., having determined that one or more values ​​of the parameters of the code do not satisfy the condition), the electrical circuit 16 implements reading of the code 44 at least once more (e.g., to repeat blocks 120 to 124). This may include one or more of: obtaining a new digital image of the code; reading a different code 44 in the digital image; and reading the same code in the digital image again.

[0237] Subsequent reads 44 may be performed and conditions checked a predetermined number of times (e.g., 2 or 3 times), and if the predetermined number is exceeded, the electrical circuit 16 is configured to provide a notification that the container's code could not be read to the user interface 50. Alternatively, no subsequent reads are provided, and the notification is provided immediately.

[0238] [Check the validity of the code]

[0239] refer to Fig.15 , as Fig.10 and Fig.13 As part of the process, the electrical circuit 16 is configured to check the validity of the code 44 . Fig.15 The validity check can be done in Fig.14 The validity check may be performed before (or instead of, or omitted in some embodiments that perform a coherence check). Fig.13 After or before box 116 and before Fig.10 The block 80 is implemented before.

[0240] The validity check comprises an electrical circuit 16 arranged to perform the following steps:

[0241] Block 150: Determine the location of data unit 86 on encoding line E (refer to Fig.11This is achieved by determining the coding distance d and / or the coordinates of the cell, as previously described with respect to Fig.12 process discussed.

[0242] for Fig.11 The example shown:

[0243] For the first encoded line E1, the positions of three data units 86 are determined from the starting position. A first encoded distance d is encoded with a single data unit 86 and a second encoded distance is encoded with two data units as the midpoint m of their distances from the starting position.

[0244] For the second encoding line E2, the position of the single data unit 86 is determined (which is at a third predetermined position 90 from the reference line).

[0245] Block 152: Determining, based on the position or absence of a data unit at a location on one or more encoding lines E, whether a validity condition associated with the position of the or each data unit 86 is satisfied.

[0246] Embodiments may include one or more of the following or other conditions, which may be performed for all or only one or more of the encoding lines. The validity check may require all conditions required to be met for the validity condition, or only one or more conditions (i.e., AND, OR logic, or a combination of both).

[0247] 1) A predetermined number of data units are identified on a portion of the coding line (including a specific portion or the entirety of the line), in particular, for each coding distance d encoded on the coding line, one or more data units may need to exist.

[0248] exist Fig.11 In the example:

[0249] For the encoding line E1 , the predetermined number of cells is 3, since there are two encoding distances d encoding two values: a first encoding distance d is encoded with a single data 86 cell and a second encoding distance m is encoded with two data cells 86 .

[0250] For encoding line E2 , the predetermined number of cells is 1 because there is a single value encoded with the data cell 86 arranged at the encoding distance d associated with the third of the ten predetermined positions 90 .

[0251] In both embodiments, a portion of the encoding line may be considered to be the entire circumference.

[0252] In another embodiment of the first condition, for the encoding line E1, for the first encoding distance d, a portion of the encoding line can be considered to be between the starting position 88 of the first data unit 86 from the reference line r (at the reference line r) and the ending position (not illustrated, but this is considered to be the position of the first data unit 86). For this portion, the predetermined number of units is 1, because a single value is encoded with the first data unit 86. This principle can be extended for the second encoding distance m, however the predetermined number of units is 2.

[0253] 2) Portions of the coded line contain no data units or a single data unit.

[0254] The condition may include the absence of data units between adjacent end positions and the start position 88 of different encoding distances (where the encoding distances are separated).

[0255] Although in Fig.11 , but in a variation of the first encoding line E1, there is a gap between the end position of the first encoding distance d encoded by the first data 86 unit (which is the position of the first data unit 86) and the start position 88 of the second encoding distance d encoded by the two data units 86: this portion may need to have a defined distance and no data units. The defined distance can be implemented to ensure the separation of the data units, for example, for the second encoding distance d, one of the two data units 86 will be separated at the start position 86.

[0256] The condition may include the absence or presence of a data unit (other than, for example, two data units) within the boundaries of the predetermined location 90 .

[0257] exist Fig.11 In the embodiment, for the encoding line E2: that is, the portion of the encoding line E2 that does not fall within the predetermined position 90 does not have a data unit.

[0258] It may also include the absence of data units at the predetermined positions 90 (as shown for 9 of the predetermined positions 90) or the presence of a single data unit 86 as shown for the third predetermined position 90 clockwise from the reference line r (e.g., two data units are not located at the predetermined positions).

[0259] 3) Along a coding line, the distance between data units on the coding line is greater or less than a predetermined amount.

[0260] It may include data units for adjacent encoding distances having a minimum distance that requires them to be separated, or two data units encoding a single value may need to have a threshold separation distance.

[0261] exist Fig.11In the embodiment of , for the first encoding line E1, the distance of this condition can be used for two data units 86 encoding the second encoding distance d. It may be required that these distances are above a certain minimum distance and below another maximum distance.

[0262] The distance used for this condition can also be used for the previously described non-illustrated embodiment under the above condition 2), where the distance between the data unit for the first encoding distance (which is at the end position) and the data unit for the second encoding distance is arranged at the starting position.

[0263] Since Code 44 is not limited to Fig.11 While the arrangement is shown, it should be understood that the conditions described apply to a range of other code configurations.

[0264] Box 154: If the validity condition of box 152 is met, the or each encoded distance (d) is converted into one or more values ​​of a parameter (for example, using a rule stored on an electronic memory of the electrical circuit, the rule including the value as a function of the distance d); and the processing unit 20 is controlled based on the value of the parameter.

[0265] Block 156: If the validity condition of block 152 is also not met, a partial read condition is determined, the partial read condition being based on one or more of the following conditions (eg, AND or logic):

[0266] 1) A predetermined number (eg, 2 or 3) of reference portions R of the code 44 are identified in the digital image.

[0267] In particular, the digital image includes multiple repetitions of the same code 44, in such a way that precise positioning of the container 6 relative to the camera system is not required. In addition, the codes may be arranged in a regularly repeating structure so that the reference portion R of one or more adjacent codes can be used to improve the accuracy of positioning the data portion D of the read code.

[0268] exist Fig.11 In the embodiment of , the reference portion R consists of three reference cells 84 having a reserved shape that does not appear elsewhere in the code 44. The predetermined number of reference portions R to be identified in the repetition of this code 44 in the digital image is two.

[0269] In a variant embodiment, the digital image of the code may comprise only a single repetition of the code 44 , in which case the predetermined number of reference portions R (for example 2 or 3) is 1.

[0270] 2) A predetermined number of cells are identified in the digital image.

[0271] The predetermined number of cells may be less than the predetermined number of cells (including reference cells and / or data cells) in a single code 44, but above a threshold value that may indicate a high probability of a successful read if the code is read again.

[0272] exist Fig.11 In the embodiment of FIG. 4 , the code 44 has a total of 7 cells 84 , 86 , the predetermined number of cells may be at least 5 or 6.

[0273] In variant embodiments, the predetermined number of cells may be greater than the predetermined number of cells present in a single code.

[0274] Box 158 : If the partial read condition of box 156 is met, the code reading system 18 is configured to read the code 44 again.

[0275] This includes obtaining a subsequent digital image of the code 44 using the camera system of the image capture device 46 (as previously discussed). Fig.15 As indicated by the loop above, the process of validity check and partial reading condition check is performed again on the subsequent digital images.

[0276] The electrical circuit 16 is configured to reposition the container 6 using a container positioning system (not illustrated). This includes a mechanical system that displaces the container 6 relative to the camera system in order to read the code 44 on the container 6.

[0277] As an example, the positioning system may comprise the following as an example: an arm or holder in the container insertion channel, which arm or holder supplies the container 6 to the container handling unit 20, wherein the arm holder or is arranged to hold the container and displace the container 6 towards the camera system; Figure 4 and Figure 5 The extraction unit is shown (the extraction unit opens and closes for repositioning).

[0278] Repositioning container 6 in this manner provides a different digital image, which may increase the likelihood of achieving block 154 .

[0279] In a variant embodiment: there is no positioning system and the digital image is retaken with the camera system; instead of obtaining a different digital image, an alternative code in the same digital image is processed.

[0280] The loop of block 158 may be executed a single time or another predetermined number of times before executing block 160 directly from block 152 without executing block 156 .

[0281] Box 160: If the partial read condition is not met, the electrical circuit is configured not to: convert the or each coded distance (d) into one or more values ​​of a parameter; and control the processing unit based on the value of the parameter. Instead, the electrical circuit provides a notification to the user interface 50 that the code of the container cannot be read.

[0282] In a variant embodiment not illustrated: although a digital image has been illustrated, it should be understood that other inputs for reading the code may be implemented, for example, the units of the code are inductive or capacitive, and the code reader is a suitable inductive sensor or capacitive sensor; at box 156, instead of performing a partial read condition check, box 160 may be executed directly; box 160 may also be omitted so that the machine 2 is only in an inactive state.

[0283] Although the code is illustrated herein as being disposed on a container, it will be appreciated that the code may be integrally formed on the container or formed on a separate substrate, such as an attachment (not illustrated) which may be attached to the container, for example, by adhesive or other means.

[0284] The attachment may alternatively be configured for attachment to a machine, such as via a clip or bracket, so that the same code is read independently of the container being read. The attachment may position the code (or codes) between the container and the code reader so that the machine reads the code as if the code were positioned on the container.

[0285] 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.

[0286] 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.

[0287] In the claims, any reference marks placed between brackets shall not be interpreted as limiting the claims. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps other than those listed in the claims. In addition, as used herein, the term "one" or "a kind" is defined as one (kind) or more than one (kind). In addition, when introductory phrases such as "at least one" and "one or more" are used in the claims, it should not be understood that any other claim element introduced with the indefinite article "one" or "a kind" will limit the claim element containing such introduction to containing only one such element, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "one" or "a kind". The same is true for the use of definite articles. Unless otherwise specified, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to arbitrarily distinguish the elements described by such terms. Therefore, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate the time or other priority of such elements. The mere fact of stating certain measures in mutually different claims does not mean that the combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously.

[0288] Unless otherwise expressly indicated as incompatible, or physical or other aspects of the embodiments, examples or claims prevent such combinations, the features of the foregoing embodiments and examples and the following claims may be combined in any suitable arrangement, especially where there is a beneficial effect to do so. This is not limited to any particular beneficial effect, but may come from an "after-the-fact" beneficial effect. That is, the combination of features is not limited by the form described, especially by the form (e.g., number) of one or more examples, one or more embodiments or one or more dependent claims. In addition, this also applies to phrases "in one embodiment", "according to one embodiment", etc., which are merely wording styles and should not be understood as limiting the following features to a single embodiment, but to all other cases of the same or similar wording. That is, reference to "one", "a kind" or "some" embodiments may be a reference to any one or more and / or all embodiments disclosed or a combination thereof. Similarly, similarly, reference to "the" embodiment may not be limited to the previous embodiment.

[0289] 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.

[0290] 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.

[0291] Tag List

[0292] 2 System

[0293] 4 Machines

[0294] 14 processing units

[0295] 20 Container Processing Unit (First Embodiment)

[0296] 32 Extraction Units

[0297] 34 capsule holding part

[0298] 36 closed part

[0299] 38 injection head

[0300] 40 Beverage outlet

[0301] 22 Fluid conditioning system

[0302] 24 Storage

[0303] 26 Pumps

[0304] 28Heat exchanger

[0305] 30Exit

[0306] 42 Loose material handling unit (second embodiment)

[0307] 16 Electrical Circuits

[0308] 48 Control electrical circuit

[0309] 50 input units

[0310] 52 processors

[0311] 54 Feedback system

[0312] 18Code reading system

[0313] 46 Image Capture Unit

[0314] 6 Containers

[0315] Capsules - Example 1

[0316] 56 Capping part

[0317] 44 code

[0318] Unit 80

[0319] R Reference Section

[0320] 84 reference units

[0321] r Reference Line

[0322] O origin

[0323] D data part

[0324] 86 data units

[0325] E-coded line

[0326] d distance

[0327] 88 Starting Position

[0328] 90 discrete positions

[0329] 82 Surrounding

[0330] 92 Outer perimeter

[0331] 58 Constraints

[0332] 60 flange part

[0333] Pouch - Example 2

[0334] 62 Sheet Materials

[0335] 64 seams

[0336] 68 openings

[0337] 8 Server System

[0338] 10 Peripheral devices

[0339] 12Computer Network

Claims

1. A machine for preparing a beverage and / or a food or a precursor thereof, said machine include: a code reading system for reading a code of a container, the code comprising a reference portion (R) for locating a data portion (D), wherein the data portion comprises at least one data element arranged at a coding distance (d) from a starting position along a virtual coding line (E) as a variable encoding at least partially a value of a parameter of the preparation information; a processing unit, the processing unit being used to process the precursor material in the container; and an electrical circuit for controlling the processing unit based on the preparation information read from the code, wherein the electrical circuit is configured to: determining a location of said data unit of said code; determining whether a validity condition associated with the position of the or each data unit is satisfied based on one or more of the following: 1) identifying a predetermined number of data units on a portion of the encoding line; 2) a portion of the coding line has no data unit, wherein the portion is located between adjacent end positions and start positions of different coding distances; and 3) the distance between the data units on the encoding line along the encoding line is greater than or less than a predetermined amount; and if the validity condition is not met, the electrical circuit is configured not to convert the or each encoding distance (d) into one or more values ​​of the parameter, And if the validity condition is met, the electrical circuit is configured to: convert the or each encoding distance (d) into one or more values ​​of the parameter; and control the processing unit based on the value of the parameter.

2. A machine according to any preceding claim, wherein there is a plurality of codes on the container and if the validity condition is not met, the electrical circuit is configured to: determining a partial read condition, the partial read condition being based on one or more of the following; identifying a predetermined number of reference portions of the code; a predetermined number of cells in which the code is identified; If the partial reading condition is met, the code reading system is configured to read the code again.

3. A machine according to claim 2, wherein if the partial read condition is not met, the electrical circuit is configured not to: convert the or each encoding distance (d) into one or more values ​​of the parameter; and control the processing unit based on the value of the parameter.

4. A machine according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the code reading system reads the code by processing a digital image of the code, and reading the code again includes instructing a camera system of the code reading system to obtain a subsequent digital image of the code.

5. The machine of claim 4, wherein the electrical circuit is configured to reposition the container using a container positioning system to obtain the subsequent digital image of the code.

6. A machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the encoding line is circular and the distance (d) is an angular distance, and there are a plurality of encoding lines.

7. A machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each data unit is arranged at any consecutive encoding distance (d) from the starting position along the virtual encoding line D.

8. A machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the electrical circuit is configured to convert the encoded distance (d) into the value of the parameter using a rule stored on an electronic memory of the electrical circuit.

9. A system, wherein the system include: 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 machine-readable code storing preparation information for use with a preparation process performed by the machine, And a machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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

11. A method for determining preparation information for a beverage or food preparation process, the method include: determining a location of a data unit of a code for a container containing a precursor material using one or more code distances (d) from a starting location to the data unit along a virtual code line (E); determining whether a validity condition associated with the position of the or each data unit is satisfied based on one or more of: 1) a predetermined number of data units are identified on a portion of the coding line; 2) a portion of the coding line is free of data units or comprises a single data unit, wherein the portion is between adjacent end and start positions of different coding distances; and 3) a distance between data units on the coding line along the coding line is greater than or less than a predetermined amount; converting the or each encoding distance (d) into one or more values ​​of a parameter of the preparation information if the validity condition is met; and providing said values ​​of said parameters for controlling a processing unit; as well as If the validity condition is not met, the or each encoding distance (d) is not converted into one or more values ​​of the parameter.

12. An electrical circuit configured to implement the method according to claim 11.

13. A computer-readable medium comprising a program code executable on one or more processors to cause a machine for preparing a beverage and / or a food product or a precursor thereof to implement the method according to claim 11.

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