Tablet for beverage extraction and method for manufacturing the same

Abstract

Tablets (8; P) for the extraction of beverages, formed by the aggregation of a certain dosage of at least one precursor in granular or powder form, and a method for producing the same are described. The tablet has at least one reference surface (S) with one or more graphic recognition markings (70, 72), and the one or more graphic recognition markings (70, 72) provide protection from wear of the precursor, such as a higher degree of aggregation, in the formation region of the graphic recognition marking compared to the region of the reference surface (S) of the precursor without the graphic recognition marking.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the preparation and delivery of hot beverages by controlled infusion of a dose unit of a precursor containing one or more components, such as coffee, particularly tablets.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a tablet for extracting a beverage and a method for manufacturing the tablet, as described in the preambles of claims 1 and 15 respectively.

Background Art

[0003] Machines for the preparation and dispensing of hot beverages by controlled infusion of a dose unit are known, which classify the dose unit into one of a plurality of predetermined types or classes of dose units, and as a result, control at least the parameters or operating modes of the infusion of the machine according to the recognized type of dose unit, or record items of data relating to the use of the machine and / or transmit them to a remote management system, and include means for automatically identifying the dose unit introduced into the machine.

[0004] Automatic identification can be implemented using machine learning techniques, such as through pattern recognition methods or artificial neural networks based on a predetermined classification system.

[0005] Italian Utility Model No. 274555 of the same applicant describes a machine for preparing beverages, especially coffee, using pods or capsules selected from a plurality of types of pods or capsules having different characteristics, especially the same dimensional characteristics but containing different substances or components, comprising at least one predetermined detectable characteristic or code for identifying the type of pod or capsule introduced into the machine, a detectable detection device, and a processing and control unit to which the detection device is connected, which performs a variable operating cycle of the machine according to a predetermined mode according to the type of pod introduced into the machine and recognized through the detection device, and / or obtains data indicating the user's mode of using the machine, such as the total and / or individual amounts of various types of pods used over a given period and / or the possible use of non-"original" pods without compatibility.

[0006] The detectable feature or code is, for example, a color or barcode, or a so-called RFID tag.

[0007] The automatic identification of the input unit may also be carried out by machine learning techniques such as pattern recognition methods or artificial neural networks based on a predetermined classification method, as taught by International Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 154527.

[0008] International Publication No. 2019 / 154527 describes a machine for preparing and dispensing beverages such as tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cold chocolate, milk, soup, or baby food, comprising a module for recognizing a capsule inserted into the machine at a recognition position, a camera for capturing at least a part of an image of the capsule, and a neural network computing device configured to determine the type of capsule from among a plurality of predetermined capsule types based on at least a part of the image of the capsule captured by the camera.

[0009] The various types of input units include capsules, pods, and tablets (or lozenges). In the case of tablets, granular or powdered precursors are compressed and aggregated to form a homogeneous body of a predetermined shape having a self-supporting structure. Thereby, no external packaging or package is used to contain the substance.

[0010] Italian Patent Application Nos. 102020000021496 and 102020000021499 by the same applicant show, by way of example, respective methodologies and systems for preparing high-quality and more production-efficient tablets (or lozenges).

[0011] Therefore, any identification information regarding the type of tablet, i.e., for example, the components or mixture of components constituting the tablet or the manufacturer, is necessarily reproduced by one or more colors or graphic recognition markings or the like on at least one surface of the tablet.

[0012] Unfortunately, the characteristics of tablets can change over time because tablets are subject to deterioration, for example, as a result of storage or transportation conditions, or exposure to sub-optimal temperature or humidity environmental conditions, or even handling by the user.

[0013] This situation affects the accuracy of the automatic classification that can be performed from the information transmitted by the above-mentioned tablets. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0014] An object of the present invention is to provide a satisfactory solution to this problem, that is, to produce a tablet capable of avoiding possible changes in the information transmitted by the tablet in order to guarantee the accuracy of the automatic recognition and classification of the type of tablet performed by a machine for preparing beverages, particularly coffee, and to provide a manufacturing method thereof.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0015] According to the present invention, this object is achieved by a tablet having the features described in claim 1.

[0016] Certain embodiments form the subject matter of the dependent claims, the content of which should be understood as an integral part of this specification.

[0017] The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a tablet having the features claimed in claim 15.

[0018] In summary, the present invention is based on the principle of producing tablets by agglomerating a certain dosage of at least one precursor in granular or powder form, and the precursor exhibits greater protection from abrasion, such as a greater degree of agglomeration, in one or more graphic recognition markings than in the regions of the surface of the precursor without such graphic markings. Advantageously, creating the graphic markings imparts protection from abrasion to the precursor in the regions where the graphic markings are formed, preferably resulting in a greater degree of agglomeration of the precursor. That is, the operation of "writing" the graphic markings corresponds to a process that provides greater adhesion or abrasion resistance to the precursor.

[0019] In this way, the graphic recognition markings are less likely to deteriorate and, when captured by camera means and automatically classified according to their optical and / or morphological characteristics, ensure their accurate recognition.

[0020] In this way, in particular, the tablet is adapted to be recognized by means of a reading device or an image capture device for scanning recognition markings and machine learning classification techniques, preferably by means of a neural network or a similar determined classification model, integrated into a machine for preparing and dispensing beverages from precursor tablets. The classification represents a plurality of predetermined types or classes of tablets and is based on a set of training images of tablets, including, for example, a plurality of images of tablet samples pre-classified in a monitored manner under a plurality of image acquisition conditions of the tablets.

[0021] The graphic recognition markings are arranged on one or more of at least one surface of the tablet, for example, in the case of a tablet having an overall cylindrical or prismatic shape, the base surface, both opposite base surfaces, the side surfaces, or one or more of the side surfaces, with possible redundancy, that is, with repetition of the graphic markings on two or more surfaces (for example, on both base surfaces or the front / back of the tablet) or on the same surface. The one or more surfaces to which the graphic markings are applied are hereinafter referred to as reference surfaces.

[0022] Advantageously, the graphic recognition markings representing the input unit type include the identification inscription of the product line and additional display markings, enabling a first classification based on the tablet product line and a second classification of the amount of precursor material, the type and / or volume of the beverage, based on the mixture of precursor materials or based on the tablet size.

[0023] The term "graphic markings" A surface (two-dimensional) graphic marking, which can be obtained, for example, by printing or other deposition techniques or coating of a layer of negligible thickness, such as a film, of an additive (such as an edible ink) suitable for consumption or otherwise for food use, hot marking, or application of a local laser beam, and the marking has a color different from the color of the precursor of the input unit or a color contrasting with the color of the precursor, or alternatively has a light intensity or luminance different from the light intensity or luminance of the precursor in response to irradiation of the tablet by a reading or imaging device, or, A raised or deep (three-dimensional) graphic marking, which can be obtained by changing the morphological properties of the surface of the precursor of the tablet, for example, by local deposition or coating of a layer of an additive (such as an edible ink) of non-negligible thickness suitable for consumption or otherwise for food use, or by mechanical and / or thermal imprinting on a predetermined area of the surface of the precursor so as to form a relief or engraving, and it has a color different from the color of the precursor of the input unit or a color contrasting with the color of the precursor, or alternatively has a light intensity or luminance different from the light intensity or luminance of the precursor in response to the tablet being irradiated by a reading or imaging device, or exhibits changed reflection properties and / or shadows when irradiated, is meant. In a combination of techniques, a layer of negligible thickness, such as a film, of an additive (such as an edible ink) suitable for consumption or otherwise for food use can be laid or applied at the bottom of the engraving.

[0024] In all these cases, the additional edible or food-grade substances can generally exhibit strong adhesion properties to the tablet precursors, such that they do not separate from the tablets under any infusion and tablet processing conditions, or they may be separable from the tablets under infusion conditions so as to become part of the beverage composition. In the latter case, the additional edible substances may be, for example, sugar, chocolate, etc., and may appear in the form of a glaze that, for example, dissolves in the extraction process and is mixed with the extract to sweeten the beverage or add flavor to the beverage.

[0025] In one embodiment, the automatic recognition of the tablet (or lozenge) can be achieved by identifying graphic recognition markings in the acquired image, determining a comparison index representing the degree of similarity between the graphic recognition markings (or a part thereof) of the acquired image and the graphic recognition markings (or a part thereof) of a set of training images of the tablet (or lozenge) or the images of the class of reference tablets (or lozenges). The above similarity is preferably defined by one or more comparison thresholds that can be dynamically changed during the life cycle of the machine for coffee preparation and extraction.

[0026] More generally, several techniques can be employed for the identification of graphic recognition markings.

[0027] As a result of a decrease in classification accuracy, or a decrease in similarity in the comparison between the graphic recognition markings of the acquired image and the set of graphic recognition markings of the image of the training tablet (or troche) or the image of the reference tablet (or troche) class, or further based on the elapsed operating time of the machine or the number of beverages dispensed, it is also possible to provide automatic recognition of the tablet (or troche) that is carried out following the image correction process of the acquired image. The image correction process may be carried out by applying a predetermined correction model of the classification model or updating the characteristic parameters according to instructions received from an external management system temporarily connected to the control system of the machine via a local wired connection or a remote wireless connection.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] Further features and advantages of the present invention and its applications are presented in more detail in the following detailed description given as a non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, a machine for preparing a beverage, particularly coffee, from a compressed tablet or lozenge containing one or more ingredients, particularly coffee powder, is shown generally as 1.

[0030] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the machine 1 comprises a machine body 2 having an operating area 4. The machine 1 has a lever 6 for pushing a tablet 8 through an introduction opening 10 into the area 4, a closing device 20 operating on the tablet 8 to enclose the tablet 8 within an infusion chamber bounded by two opposing cooperating elements 22, 24, and a circulation system 26 for circulating a flow of hot water and / or pressurized steam through the tablet into the infusion chamber.

[0031] The tablet 8 is formed by the agglomeration of a dosage of at least one precursor substance in granular or powder form, such as coffee or other substances intended for infusion to produce a hot beverage, whereby the tablet 8 exhibits a self-supporting structure that does not require an outer casing.

[0032] The lever 6 is rotatable about a fulcrum 28 and is adapted to push the tablet 8 through the opening 10 towards the operating area 4.

[0033] In the illustrated example, the closing device 20 includes a contact element 22, a thrust element 24 movable relative to the contact element 22, and a clamp assembly 30 operative on the element 24 to move the thrust element along a sliding direction.

[0034] The element 24 comprises a cup-shaped body defining an injection chamber adapted to receive the tablet 8 in a manner known per se.

[0035] The circulation system 26 is also of a type essentially already known and comprises a water tank 40, a boiler 42, and a hydraulic circuit 44 including a circulation pump 46 between the boiler 42 and the inlet conduit of the contact element 22. A conduit 48 connects the outlet manifold of the movable thrust element 24 to the beverage dispensing nozzle 50.

[0036] The machine 1 further comprises a prechamber 60 for the tablet 8 passing between the introduction opening 10 and the operating area 4.

[0037] The machine 1 is preferably intended to be used with tablets having one or more predetermined graphic recognition markings identifying the class to which each tablet belongs, in particular the type of ingredients or substances contained therein and the type of beverage they enable to be made, or the product line. These recognition marks are of an optically detectable type and can be seen on the reference surface of the tablet and include, for example, one or more images having a product name and display markings.

[0038] Figures 2a to 2c show, by way of example, some possible solutions for such a tablet 8 to be provided with (at least) an inscription on its outer surface and, in relation thereto, graphic recognition markings including display markings.

[0039] In particular, FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 2c each show a tablet 8 having from 0, 1, or 2 display markings 72 formed by an inscription 70 identifying the product line, such as a cartridge, and, in an exemplary case, a simple symbol (e.g., a circle, a square) identifying the mixture of precursor materials, attached to the corner of the cartridge. In the case of coffee powder, the mixture of precursor materials has a brown color that varies in intensity depending on the composition of the mixture or its storage conditions, but the inscriptions and display markings produced by printing additional food substances or other applications, hot marking, or the application of a local laser beam or embossing / engraving are in a contrasting color, such as dark brown or black. Of course, a similar recognition effect can be achieved by creating a graphic marking in a contrasting color that is lighter than the background color of the mixture of precursor materials, or else by having a light intensity or luminance different from that of the precursor substances in response to irradiation of the tablet. In certain embodiments, the visibility of the graphic marking contrasting with the background of the precursor materials can occur at an observation wavelength (reading by scanning or image acquisition of the recognition marking) different from the irradiation wavelength or the spectrum of wavelengths visible to the human eye.

[0040] Such a tablet 8 can advantageously be used in a machine of the type shown in FIG. 1, where a detector device (reader) 62 is arranged, for example, on one side of the prechamber 60, along the path of the tablet between the introduction opening 10 and the operating area 4.

[0041] The machine 1 comprises an electronic processing and control unit 64 to which a code detector device 62 is connected. The said electronic processing and control unit classifies the tablets and implements the operating cycle of the machine for managing the tablets, which varies in a predetermined manner according to the class of the tablets 8 introduced into the machine, and / or through which the image of the tablets is acquired, and / or is configured to acquire data indicating the mode of use of the machine 1 by the user, such as the type of preferred beverage.

[0042] The processing and control unit 64 can be configured to vary, for example, depending on the type of the tablet and thus the beverage, the duration of the infusion, and / or the amount and / or temperature and / or pressure of the water and / or steam passing through the tablet.

[0043] Figures 3a to 3d show, by way of example, different embodiments of graphic recognition markings corresponding to different techniques for producing the above graphic markings in the cross-section of the tablet of Figure 2a along line III-III.

[0044] Figures 3a and 3b show respective tablets provided with two-dimensional graphic recognition markings.

[0045] Figure 3a shows a tablet P on which a film F of additional edible substance of negligible thickness with respect to the thickness of the tablet is selectively applied on a reference surface S.

[0046] Figure 3b shows a tablet P on which a track T of additional edible substance of negligible thickness compared to the thickness of the tablet is selectively produced on a reference surface S. The track T can be produced using hot marking techniques or the application of a local laser beam.

[0047] Figures 3c and 3d show respective tablets provided with three-dimensional graphic recognition markings.

[0048] Figure 3c shows a tablet P on which a raised formation R is selectively formed on a reference surface S. The raised formation R can be formed by the deposition of a layer of additional edible substance such as glaze.

[0049] Figure 3d shows a tablet P on which a carving or recess N is selectively produced on a reference surface S. The carving or recess N can be produced by mechanical and / or thermal imprinting or by simple removal of the material.

[0050] As a result of each of the foregoing techniques, the graphic recognition marking exhibits at least one of a color different from the color of the reference surface, a color contrasting with the color of the reference surface, or a light intensity or luminance different from the light intensity or luminance of the reference surface in response to irradiation of the reference surface.

[0051] In particular, the graphic recognition marking produced by the relief forming portion R or the engraving N exhibits reflection characteristics and / or shadows that are changed in response to irradiation of the reference surface.

[0052] Figures 4a and 4b show, as an example, a series of operations for producing a two-dimensional graphic recognition marking by applying a film F of an additional food substance to a reference surface S of a tablet. The applicator member is shown at A and has a film F that is adhered to the area on the reference surface S of the tablet P where the graphic marking is to be formed on one of its lower surfaces in the figure, for example, on a die having the shape of the graphic symbol to be reproduced in relief (Figure 4a). The transfer of the film F occurs by contact between the applicator member A and the tablet P (Figure 4b).

[0053] Figures 5a and 5b show, as an example, a series of operations for producing a two-dimensional graphic recognition marking by hot marking on a reference surface S of a tablet. The applicator member is shown at A and has a die on one of its lower surfaces in the figure, in which the shape of the graphic symbol to be reproduced is embossed and is appropriately heated (Figure 5a). Due to the contact between the applicator member A and the tablet P, sintering of the granular precursor of the tablet occurs in the area where the graphic mark on the reference surface S of the tablet P is to be formed (Figure 5b).

[0054] Figures 6a and 6b show, by way of example, a series of operations for creating a two-dimensional graphic recognition marking by applying a local laser beam B onto a reference surface S of a tablet. The laser processing head is shown at H and is moved relative to the reference surface S of the tablet P along an orbital pattern configured to represent the shape of the graphic marking to be reproduced (Figure 6a). The laser beam focused with a first predetermined output onto the reference surface S of the tablet P sinters the granular precursor of the tablet in the region where the graphic marking on the reference surface S of the tablet P is to be formed (Figure 6b).

[0055] Figures 7a and 7b show, by way of example, a series of operations for creating a three-dimensional graphic recognition marking by applying a layer L of additional edible substance onto a reference surface S of a tablet. The applicator member is shown at Z and has a nozzle for the outlet of the edible substance E that is adhered to the region on the reference surface S of the tablet P where the graphic marking is to be formed (Figure 7a). The applicator member Z is moved relative to the reference surface S of the tablet P along an orbital pattern configured to represent the shape of the graphic marking to be reproduced (Figure 7b).

[0056] Figures 8a and 8b show, by way of example, a series of operations for creating a three-dimensional recognition graphic marking by imprinting onto a reference surface S of a tablet. The imprinting member is shown at C and has, on one of its lower surfaces in the figure, a die with the shape of the graphic marking to be reproduced embossed thereon (Figure 8a). Due to the pressure between the imprinting member C and the tablet P on the reference surface S, mechanical compression of the granular precursor of the tablet occurs in the region on the reference surface S of the tablet P corresponding to the recess N where the graphic marking is to be formed (Figure 8b).

[0057] Figures 9a and 9b show, by way of example, a series of operations for creating a three-dimensional graphic recognition marking by applying a local laser beam B onto a reference surface S of a tablet. The laser processing head is indicated by H and is moved relative to the reference surface of the tablet P according to an orbital pattern configured to represent the shape of the graphic marking to be reproduced (Figure 9a). The laser beam focused onto the reference surface of the tablet P with a variable output that is at least initially greater than a first predetermined output causes engraving of an area on the reference surface of the tablet P corresponding to the recess N and sintering of the granular precursor of the tablet around the area where the graphic marking is formed (Figure 9b).

[0058] Advantageously, the cohesive force of the food substance forming the applied film or layer is greater than the cohesive force of the precursor of the tablet, and as a result of the adhesion of the food substance to the particles under the precursor (the precursor is no longer exposed on the surface and is thus not exposed to the environment or subjected to contact resulting from the handling of the tablet), the graphic marking thus formed increases the degree of cohesion of the precursor in the area where it is formed compared to the area of the reference surface of the precursor without any graphic marking.

[0059] Similarly advantageously, as a result of mechanical compression or sintering of the precursor of the tablet in the area where the graphic marking is formed (which results in greater adhesion between the grains of the precursor), the graphic marking thus formed has a greater degree of cohesion of the precursor in the area where it is formed compared to the area of the reference surface of the precursor without any graphic marking.

[0060] In the case of an engraving obtained by simple removal of material from the reference surface, the exposure of the surface friction of the precursor of the tablet nevertheless decreases at the engraving site and has an effect completely equivalent to an increase in cohesion.

[0061] An exemplary control system for the machine of FIG. 1 is shown in more detail by the block diagram of FIG. 10.

[0062] Tablet 8 is shown between a pair of devices 80 and 82 configured to detect its presence, such as by interruption of an infrared signal transmitted from emitter device 80 to receiver device 82 (in prechamber 60). Image recognition and classification microcontroller unit 84 communicates with devices 80 and 82 to coordinate detection of the introduction of the tablet into the prechamber and is coupled to one or more illumination modules 86 configured to at least temporarily illuminate the prechamber to enable acquisition of at least one image of at least one reference surface of the tablet. Advantageously, illumination module 86 may be assumed to include means for adjusting the intensity and / or color (or, more generally, wavelength) of a particular illumination light beam.

[0063] Generally, the illumination light beam may be in the visible spectrum of one or more selected wavelength bands, which is also variable, or another spectrum such as infrared or ultraviolet, having a predetermined illumination angle which is also variable.

[0064] Reference numeral 88 denotes an image acquisition module including, for example, an RGB camera or a CCD sensor using LED corona illumination, which is used to acquire the aforementioned image of the tablet under the control of the microcontroller unit 84. The microcontroller unit is configured to trigger the taking of one or more images of the tablet introduced into the machine during the transfer of the tablet to the injection chamber by controlling the irradiation module, and to perform recognition and classification of the images. The microcontroller unit 84 is coupled to the image acquisition module 88 via an adapter module 90 configured to transfer image data to the microcontroller unit 84. The microcontroller unit 84 is programmed to classify the detected images according to a predetermined classification and recognition method. It is governed by a computer program stored in an associated permanent memory module that can optionally be rewritten as a result of the connection between the microcontroller unit and the update module (for example, a wired connection to a local update module or a wireless connection to a remote update module via, for example, a local or wide area communication network), for example, for the purpose of updating the classification and recognition model for a new class of tablets or at different points in the operating life of the machine.

[0065] The image acquisition module 88 can operate at at least a predetermined acquisition angle, which is not necessarily frontal and can even be variable, in the visible spectrum of one or more selected wavelength bands or in another spectrum such as, for example, infrared or ultraviolet.

[0066] The microcontroller unit 84 is configured to communicate with a separate control means (not shown) of a machine configured to control at least one parameter or operation management mode of the tablet. Its purpose is, for example, according to the relevant data transmitted by the adapter module 90, according to the recognized tablet class, during the pre-injection stage and / or during the injection stage, according to a certain profile or according to a predetermined control curve, to control tablet compression, the squeezing of the tablet after injection to remove residual water, the automatic removal of the used tablet from the injection chamber after injection to the collection compartment for used tablets, or to communicate with a remote management system set to record machine usage data, for example, to count the number of beverages dispensed for statistical purposes and to predict possible wear of the image capture means.

[0067] Advantageously, the results of the method for classifying the tablets introduced into the machine during its operating life can be communicated over time to an external management system temporarily associated via a local wired link or a remote wireless link, such as by a local or wide communication network, from where the microcontroller unit can receive programming instructions such as to update the characteristic parameters of the classification model.

[0068] In the pre-chamber communicating with the injection chamber, there may be vapor from the injection chamber, represented in the image by the emoji shown as V. Therefore, the pre-chamber is preferably associated with fan means 92 for cleaning the detector device 62 integrated into the image acquisition and recognition module 88, for example, for the suction of vapor or suspended precursor material particles generated by a previous injection operation and for the subsequent cleaning of the optical system of the imaging device. These fan means 92 are controlled by the associated electronic control module 94.

[0069] Finally, the reference numeral 96 indicates a module for managing the power supply to the system components.

[0070] Of course, without detracting from the principles of the present invention, embodiments and implementation details can vary widely for what has been described and illustrated merely as non-limiting examples, without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A tablet (8; P) for extracting a beverage, formed by the aggregation of a certain amount of at least one precursor in granular or powder form, The tablet (8; P) has at least one reference surface (S) having one or more graphic recognition markings (70, 72), A tablet characterized in that the one or more graphic recognition markings (70, 72) provide protection from wear of the precursor material in the region where the graphic recognition markings (70, 72) are formed, compared to the region of the reference surface (S) of the precursor material where the graphic recognition markings are absent.

2. The tablet (8; P) according to claim 1, wherein the one or more graphic recognition markings (70, 72) that provide protection from wear of the precursor material determine a greater degree of cohesion of the precursor material in the region where the graphic recognition markings (70, 72) are formed, compared to the region of the reference surface (S) of the precursor material where the graphic recognition markings are absent.

3. The tablet (8; P) according to claim 1, wherein the graphic recognition markings (70, 72) include two-dimensional graphic recognition markings.

4. The tablet (8; P) according to claim 3, wherein the two-dimensional graphic recognition marking includes a track of deposits of an edible or additional food substance (F) on the reference surface (S).

5. The tablet (8; P) according to claim 3, wherein the two-dimensional graphic recognition marking includes a hot marking track (T) on the reference surface (S).

6. The tablet (8; P) according to claim 3, wherein the two-dimensional graphic recognition marking includes a track (T) of the application of a localized laser beam (B) on the reference surface (S).

7. The tablet (8; P) according to claim 1, wherein the graphic recognition markings (70, 72) include three-dimensional graphic recognition markings.

8. The tablet (8;P) according to claim 7, wherein the three-dimensional graphic recognition marking includes a raised graphic recognition marking (R;L) on the reference surface (S) of the tablet (8;P).

9. The tablet (8; P) according to claim 8, wherein the raised graphic recognition marking includes a deposit track (L) for an additional edible or food-grade substance (E) on the reference surface (S).

10. The tablet (8;P) according to claim 7, wherein the three-dimensional graphic recognition marking includes a graphic recognition marking engraved on the reference surface (S) of the tablet (8;P).

11. The tablet (8;P) according to claim 10, wherein the graphic recognition marking engraved on the reference surface (S) of the tablet (8;P) includes a track (N) that can be obtained by mechanical and / or thermal engraving on a predetermined area of ​​the reference surface (S).

12. The tablet (8; P) according to claim 1, wherein the graphic recognition marking (70, 72) exhibits at least one of the following: a color different from the color of the reference surface (S), a color contrasting with the color of the reference surface (S), and a light intensity or brightness different from the light intensity or brightness of the reference surface (S) in response to illumination of the reference surface (S).

13. The tablet (8; P) according to claim 8 or 10, wherein the graphic recognition markings (70, 72) exhibit reflective properties and / or shadows that are modified in response to illumination of the reference surface (S).

14. The tablet (8;P) according to claim 4 or 9, wherein the edible or food-grade additional substances (F, E) are separated from the precursor of the tablet (8;P) under injection conditions for incorporation into the beverage composition.

15. A method for producing a tablet (8;P) for extracting a beverage, wherein the tablet (8;P) is formed from a certain amount of at least one precursor in granular or powder form, and the method is The steps include forming the main body of the tablet (8; P) having a self-supporting structure, A step of creating graphic recognition markings (70, 72) on a reference surface (S) of the tablet body (8; P), wherein the graphic recognition markings provide protection from wear of the precursor material in the area of ​​the reference surface (S) where the graphic recognition markings (70, 72) are formed, compared to the area of ​​the reference surface (S) of the precursor material where the graphic recognition markings are not formed. A method characterized by including

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of creating the graphic recognition markings (70, 72) that provide protection from wear of the precursor material includes creating graphic recognition markings (70, 72) that define a greater degree of cohesion of the precursor material in the region where the graphic recognition markings (70, 72) are formed, compared to the region of the reference surface (S) of the precursor material where the graphic recognition markings are absent.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16 (8; P), wherein the step of producing the graphic recognition markings (70, 72) includes producing a two-dimensional graphic recognition marking.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the production of a two-dimensional graphic recognition marking includes depositing a track of an edible or food-grade additional substance (F) on the reference surface (S).

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein the production of the two-dimensional graphic recognition marking includes hot marking the two-dimensional graphic recognition marking on the reference surface (S).

20. The method according to claim 17, wherein the production of a two-dimensional graphic recognition marking includes applying a localized laser beam (B) to the reference surface (S).

21. The method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the step of producing the graphic recognition markings (70, 72) includes producing a three-dimensional graphic recognition marking.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the production of a three-dimensional graphic recognition marking includes producing a raised graphic recognition marking (R;L) on the reference surface (S) of the tablet (8;P).

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the creation of a raised graphic recognition marking includes depositing a track (L) of an edible or food-grade additional substance (E) on the reference surface (S).

24. The method according to claim 21, wherein the production of the three-dimensional graphic recognition marking includes engraving the graphic recognition marking on the reference surface (S) of the tablet (8; P).

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein engraving the graphic recognition marking on the reference surface (S) of the tablet (8; P) includes mechanically and / or thermally imprinting a track (N) on a predetermined area of ​​the reference surface (S).

26. The method according to claim 15 or 16, comprising creating a graphic recognition marking (70, 72) that exhibits at least one of the following: a color different from the color of the reference surface (S), a color contrasting with the color of the reference surface (S), and a light intensity or brightness different from the light intensity or brightness of the reference surface (S) in response to illumination of the reference surface (S).

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