Beverage or food preparation systems

Abstract

A system (2) comprising a container (6) and a machine (4) for preparing beverages and / or food, wherein the container comprises a body portion (62) having a storage portion (58) with a depth-extending cavity for containing precursor material, a closure member (56) for closing the storage portion, and a machine-readable code (44) storing preparation information, the code being disposed on the closure member, the machine comprising a code reading system (18) for reading the code on the container, a processing unit (14) for processing the precursor material in the container, and an electrical circuit (16) for controlling the processing unit based on the preparation information read from the code, the code reading system comprising a code reader (46) and a positioning mechanism (110) for deforming the body portion of the container from an undeformed configuration to a deformed configuration, the positioning mechanism being adapted to deform the body portion in the deformed configuration and subsequent deformation of the closure member such that the closure member presents a more uniform surface for reading the code.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A system for preparing a beverage includes a beverage preparation machine and capsules. The capsules contain a single-serving beverage-forming precursor material, such as ground coffee or tea. The beverage preparation machine is typically configured to perform a beverage preparation process on the capsules by exposing the precursor material to pressurized and heated water. By treating the capsules in this way, the precursor material is at least partially extracted from the capsules as a beverage.

[0003] This configuration of the beverage preparation machine has become popular due to 1) improved user convenience compared to conventional beverage preparation machines (e.g., compared to a manually operated direct-fire espresso maker), and 2) an improved beverage preparation process in which preparation information encoded by a code on the 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 way specific to that capsule. In particular, the encoded preparation information may include operating parameters selected in the beverage preparation process, and the operating parameters include fluid temperature, fluid pressure, duration of preparation, and fluid volume.

[0004] European Patent Application Publication No. 2594171 (A1) discloses a machine that reads a code from under the flange of a capsule. The drawback is that the code can only be read from a rigid support, so it cannot be applied to more flexible capsule parts, such as a membrane. Further, for the same reason, the code cannot be applied to alternative capsules in which the capsule body is made from another more flexible material, such as a recyclable material including paper or wood pulp.

[0005] Therefore, although efforts have already been expended in the development of the system, further improvements are desired. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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

[0007] The container includes a body portion having a storage portion for containing a precursor material, a closure member for closing the storage portion, and a machine-readable code storing preparation information. As used herein, reference to a "code" may include one or more repetitions of the code. In an embodiment, the code is disposed in a central region of the closure member. The storage portion has a cavity extending in a depth direction from the closure member. The container may have a maximum depth that is less than the diameter, which can be measured at the opening of the storage portion. In an embodiment, the code is an optically readable code.

[0008] In an embodiment, the body portion includes a flange portion connecting the storage portion to the closure member. The cavity of the storage portion extends in a depth direction from the flange portion. The flange portion presents a generally flat peripheral rim for receiving the closure member. In an embodiment, the flange portion is flat. As used herein, the term "flat" with respect to the flange portion may refer to the flange portion being arranged so as to extend completely in the lateral and longitudinal directions, or substantially in those directions (e.g., such that the main components are in those directions rather than in the depth direction).

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

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

[0011] In an embodiment, the positioning mechanism is adapted to deform the body portion of the container from a non-deformed configuration to a deformed configuration in which the code is readable by the code reader. In the non-deformed position, the code may not be readable by the code reader, including due to wrinkles in the closure member or other non-uniform shapes that prevent reliable reading.

[0012] In an embodiment, the positioning mechanism is adapted to deform the body portion in the deformed configuration to effect subsequent deformation of the closure member such that the closure member presents a more uniform surface for reading the code. The deformation of the body portion may be by applying a three-point bend and / or a lateral bending moment to the body of the container. The deformation may be applied directly to the body portion and indirectly to the closure member so that the positioning mechanism does not directly contact the closure member (which may be the closure portion excluding the portion overlapping the flange portion).

[0013] By implementing the positioning mechanism to deform the body portion to result in a specific deformation of the closure member to improve the reading, the closure member may be manipulated without the positioning mechanism directly applying a load to deform the closure member. Such an implementation may be advantageous because damage to the closure member due to direct contact with the positioning mechanism may be avoided. Such an implementation may allow the storage portion to be implemented with a variety of materials, such as materials including paper or wood pulp, which are flexible compared to relatively rigid materials such as aluminum.

[0014] As used herein, the term "uniform" may refer to a spatial arrangement that is uniform, e.g., flatter, and free of folds, creases, or other spatial discontinuities that interfere with reading of the code, as compared to the non-deformed configuration, and "free" may include absence or reduction.

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

[0016] By implementing a positioning mechanism to deform the body portion of the container to increase tension in the closure member (e.g., in-plane membrane tension rather than through-thickness tension), the closure member is presented more uniformly for reading, allowing for a more accurate reading of the code on the closure member.

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

[0018] As used herein, the term "holding position" may refer to the position where the container is held before it is loaded, for example, to cause displacement and / or deformation of the container to a reading position. In a preferred embodiment, the container in the holding position is arranged in a non-deformed configuration. In the holding position, the code may not be readable by the code reader of the code reading system, for example, the position of the code is too far from the code reader of the code reading system, or it is impossible to be read by the code reader of the code reading system due to, for example, code flickering.

[0019] As used herein, the term "reading position" may refer to the position where a load is applied to one or more parts of the container so as to deform the container to improve the readability of the code on the container. In a preferred embodiment, the container in the reading position is arranged in a deformed configuration. The reading position may be defined by various positions exceeding a certain load criterion or by a single state in which a certain load condition is achieved. The reading position may be defined as a position where the code reader (for example, its reading head) is in contact with the code and can be read to extract the prepared information from the code, and the contact includes being pressed.

[0020] In an embodiment, in the deformed configuration, the flange portion is deformed to effect a change in the curvature along the lateral direction (for example, a global curvature across the whole rather than a local curvature due to a fold or the like) as compared to the non-deformed configuration. The curvature can be defined as the deviation from a straight line in the lateral direction (for example, the direction generally assumed by the flange position in the non-deformed configuration) that bridges the left and right sides of the container when viewed from the plane defined by the longitudinal and depth directions.

[0021] By implementing a positioning mechanism to vary the curvature (for example, increase the curvature) across the flange portion, the path along which the closure member extends can be extended or otherwise adjusted to advantageously provide tension for improving readability. The degree of curvature can be defined by the magnitude of the first-order spatial derivatives in the depth and lateral directions.

[0022] In an embodiment, in the deformed configuration, the central region of the closure member undergoes slightly more curvature than the peripheral regions (e.g., left and right sides) of the closure member.

[0023] The smaller the curvature (e.g., inflection points in depth and lateral derivatives) in the central region of the closure member where the code is read, the more the readability can be improved.

[0024] In an embodiment, the code is disposed in the central region of the closure member, and in the deformed configuration, the central region of the closure member is displaced in a direction opposite to the depth direction (e.g., relative to the flange portion or its spatial position before deformation).

[0025] By displacing the central region of the closure member containing the code forward, i.e., in a direction opposite to the depth direction, a generally flat central region with higher readability reliability than when in the undeformed position can be achieved.

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

[0027] As used herein, the term "peripheral region" refers to a region of the closure member that includes an edge. The peripheral region may include a region adjacent to the periphery having a radius, for example, greater than 90%, 80%, or 70%. The peripheral region may also include only the periphery, i.e., the edge of the periphery. The peripheral region may refer to a region of the closure member that is different from the central region, for example, distal.

[0028] In an embodiment, in the deformed configuration, the closure member is configured to physically contact the code reader (e.g., its reading head). By arranging the code reader to press against the closure member, the contacted portion of the closure member can be reliably positioned at an accurate distance relative to the code reader, thereby improving the reading accuracy. Also, thereby, the central region can be reliably made more uniform.

[0029] In an embodiment, the reading head of the code reader is shaped to correspond to the shape of the closure member (e.g., the outer surface of the central region) when the container is in the deformed configuration. For example, the head of the reader may be flat and / or curved so as to correspond to the shape of the closure member when the container is in the deformed configuration. A flat or slightly curved head can facilitate code reading because there is less distortion of the optical element. By arranging the reading head to correspond to the closure member, the reading head can be pressed against or placed on the closure member, thereby ensuring a more uniform closure member for reading.

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

[0031] In an embodiment, in the deformed configuration, the positioning mechanism is configured to displace the precursor material into the closing member to effect displacement of the closing member when transitioning from the non-deformed configuration to the deformed configuration. By moving the precursor material into the closing member, the pressure acting on the closing member through the precursor material can increase, thereby providing a more uniform surface for reading. However, the force applied to the precursor material may be adjusted to be below a threshold value so that the precursor material is not overly compressed and satisfactory processing is not impaired. Since sufficient precursor material is stored by the storage portion, it will be understood that as the volume of the storage portion decreases under deformation, the volume of the precursor material increases and is pushed into the closing member.

[0032] In an embodiment, when the container transitions from the non-deformed configuration to the deformed configuration, the central region is displaced in a direction opposite to the depth direction toward a code reader that can be stationary with respect to the machine. By displacing the container such that the central region of the closing member advances toward the code reader, improvement in code reading can be achieved.

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

[0034] In an embodiment, the shape of the support (at least a part thereof) corresponds to the shape of the container in the deformed configuration. By implementing the contour of the contact portion of the support to have the same shape as the container when deformed, including being substantially the same, the support can appropriately guide the container into the deformed portion and efficiently hold the container in place. In particular, when the container is plastically deformed, at least a part of the support is configured to correspond to the deformed shape, so that the container can still pass through the support advantageously.

[0035] In an embodiment, the machine includes a guide portion configured to guide a container inserted into the guide portion from an insertion position to a holding position before reading by gravity. In an embodiment, the guide portion is configured to guide the container from the holding position to the processing unit by gravity. A system supplied by gravity can be advantageous in implementation (for example, the guide portion is vertically aligned or tilted with respect to the vertical). In an embodiment, the support is integrated as the guide portion. In an embodiment, the positioning mechanism is arranged to act on the container when it is within the guide portion, and thus at least a part of the positioning mechanism is arranged within the guide portion. In an embodiment, the guide portion is configured as an enclosed channel having an inlet for insertion of the container, an outlet for transfer of the container to the processing unit, and a positioning mechanism arranged therebetween.

[0036] In an embodiment, the top engagement portion of the guide portion of the container support corresponds to the shape of the top surface of the flange in the deformed configuration. In an embodiment, the bottom engagement portion of the guide portion of the container support corresponds to the shape of the bottom surface of the flange in the non-deformed configuration. By implementing the guide portion to correspond to the shape of the flange portion in both the deformed and non-deformed configurations, both positions can be supported, so that the container can conveniently pass through the guide portion.

[0037] In an embodiment, when the container transitions from the non-deformed configuration to the deformed configuration, the entire container is moved in a direction opposite to the depth direction towards the code reader of the code reading system. By allowing the container to be not only displaced but also deformed, the container can be more conveniently positioned for reading. Further, since less accuracy is required, the container can be more conveniently inserted into the machine.

[0038] In an embodiment, the code reading system reads the container before the container is processed by the processing unit and is configured such that the container is transferred from the code reading system (e.g., a holding position) to the processing unit by gravity. By implementing the container so that it is supplied by gravity from the code reading system to the processing unit, a cost-effective loading system can be implemented. Further, by implementing the container such that it is deformed and / or pressed against the reading head, the drawback that the code becomes difficult to see from the code reader due to the steam exiting the container processing system can be maximized.

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

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

[0041] As used herein, the term "translate" with respect to a capsule may refer to the capsule being moved in a direction corresponding to the axis. In addition to that movement, it may include a slight degree of rotation, which may occur, for example, when the container is not aligned with the surface of the guiding portion facing the code reader in the holding position but is seated at an angle within the guiding portion.

[0042] As used herein, the term "aligned" with respect to a code and an axis may refer to the axis being projected through one or more repetitions of the code such that the distance that needs to be approached when transitioning from a holding position to a code reading position is only an axial distance (typically a depth distance) along the axis. As used herein, the term "separated" with respect to a holding position may refer to a geometric distance, such as a depthwise distance, between the code and the code reader.

[0043] By implementing a positioning mechanism to move the container from an aligned non-contact position to a contact position, the container can be conveniently loaded into the machine and accurately read. For example, by implementing a non-contact holding position, the container can be slid (e.g., by gravity) into an aligned state without being obstructed by the code reader. Thereafter, a simple mechanism can be implemented to move the container to contact the code reader. Direct contact between the code reader and the code can enable the removal of debris (e.g., vapor or precursor material) from the processing unit that is present on the code and would otherwise interfere with code reading. Thereby, the code can also be made more consistent and reliable during reading. Further, by having a moving contact portion, the code reader can be retracted from the entrance to the processing unit, thereby enabling the code reader to be positioned away from debris from the processing unit that may come out through the entrance.

[0044] In an embodiment, the positioning mechanism is configured such that, at the reading position, the closure member presents a more uniform surface for reading the code as compared to the holding position.

[0045] In an embodiment, the processing unit includes a container holding portion and a closure portion that are movable in the depth direction between a container receiving position and a container processing position. The direction of that movement may be perpendicular (including substantially perpendicular) to the transmission direction of the guide portion.

[0046] In embodiments, the read head is positioned relative to the guide portion such that the container can move through the guide portion to the holding position and / or from the holding position to the processing unit without contacting the read head. In such an arrangement, the container can slide through the guide portion without being obstructed by the read head (and only contacts the read head when reading a code at a code reading position or other loading position). Such an arrangement may reduce sticking of the container in the guide portion.

[0047] In an embodiment, the positioning mechanism is configured to move the container from the holding position to the reading position while the code reader remains stationary (e.g., relative to the rest of the machine). By implementing the container so that it is displaced up to the code reader when the container is within the guide portion, the code reader can be secured in a position that does not interfere with transmission of the container through the guide portion.

[0048] In embodiments, the container is moved by a pressing force applied to the base of the storage portion of the container via a pressing element, which is actuatable independently of the guide portion. By actuating the pressing element through the guide portion, the guide can remain stationary as the container is moved / deformed.

[0049] In an embodiment, the container has a flange portion interconnecting the storage portion and the closure member, and the guide portion of the machine is configured to guide the flange portion, the guide portion having a front engagement portion for engaging a front surface of the flange (including a portion of the closure member that may overlap the flange portion) and a rear engagement portion for engaging a rear surface of the flange, the front engagement portion and the rear engagement portion being separated by a gap that is greater than the thickness of the flange so that the container can pass through the guide portion from an insertion position to a holding position, into the processing unit, and from the holding position to a reading position.

[0050] By configuring the guide portion to adapt to the travel distance along the code reading axis, the container can be favorably retained within the guide portion while being moved, whereby the container can be favorably guided through the machine.

[0051] In an embodiment, at the reading position, the front engaging portion abuts against the front surface of the flange portion, and the rear engaging portion is separated from the rear surface of the flange portion. In such an arrangement, the front engaging portion is pressed as a whole until it completely abuts against the front surface of the flange portion, such that all parts of the front surface come into contact with the flange portion. By the front portion completely abutting against the front surface of the flange, the code can be stably read.

[0052] In an embodiment, at the holding position, the front engaging portion is at least partially separated from the front surface of the flange portion. In such an arrangement, the guide portion loosely accommodates the flange, so that at the holding position, the container can occupy various positions (e.g., depending on how the container drops through the guide portion).

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

[0054] In an embodiment, the positioning mechanism is configured to return the container from the reading position to the holding position (which may be the same holding position as before the code was read, or an equivalent holding position), and the guide portion is configured to gravitationally transfer the container from its holding position to the processing unit. By returning the read container to the holding position where the container is separated from the code reader, the container can be passed into the processing unit without being obstructed.

[0055] In an embodiment, the positioning mechanism includes a holding member that can be arranged in a closed position to hold the capsule in a holding position and in a transfer position to enable the capsule to be transferred to a processing unit. By implementing a holding member having those positions, the inserted container is first held in the holding position and then read before being sent to the processing unit.

[0056] In an embodiment, the holding member and the pressing element are connected together such that they can be operatively actuated dependently. By joining the holding member and the pressing element to each other, a common actuator can be implemented instead of separate actuation systems to actuate both.

[0057] In an embodiment, the closing member is a flexible membrane that is configured to deform at the reading position to conform to the shape of the reading head of the code reader. By arranging the portion of the closing member containing the code to deform around the reading head, the code can be reliably and uniformly presented to the code reader, thereby enabling better reading of the code. Further, this can make it possible to exclude debris (e.g., vapor or precursor material) from the processing unit that is present on the code and would otherwise interfere with the reading of the code.

[0058] In an embodiment, the code is arranged in a central region of the closing member. By implementing the code in the central region, the code can be ensured to be on the most flexible part of the closing member, thereby improving the reading accuracy by enhancing the above-described effects.

[0059] In an embodiment, the central region of the closing member is configured to displace by 2 - 6 mm when subjected to a pressing force of 15 - 120 N or 40 - 70 N by the reading head. It has been found that in such a displacement range when subjected to the above forces, a uniform reading surface without debris is presented.

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

[0061] By implementing a detection system that determines whether a predetermined condition is satisfied, namely that the code is arranged at the reading position and properly positioned there for extraction, reading can be ensured to occur only when accurate extraction of information is possible. Such an implementation can avoid extraction of incorrect preparation information that would otherwise be carried out by inaccurate control of the processing unit.

[0062] As used herein, the term "detect" can refer to the electric circuit of the detection system repeatedly or continuously monitoring a variable during the loading condition to determine whether a threshold has been exceeded. Detection by the detection system can be triggered by the start of the loading condition.

[0063] As used herein, the term "loading condition" can refer to the application of a load (e.g., force and / or displacement) to the container (e.g., to one or more of the storage portion, flange portion, and closure member) to cause deformation and / or movement of the container. The loading condition may not be applied at the holding position. Applying the loading condition can instruct the start of a loading position for which the load amount can be increased and / or decreased for that purpose. The loading condition can refer to a loading cycle, and the loading cycle can include a combination of a load increase stage and optionally a load decrease stage. The load increase stage can include increasing the load until a predetermined condition for reading the code is satisfied or until the maximum load threshold of the positioning mechanism is exceeded. The load can be increased in various load profiles including linear, curved, or stepped, or combinations thereof. The load decrease stage can include decreasing the load to return the container to the holding position.

[0064] When used, the term "properly positioned for extraction" may refer to the arrangement between the code and the code reader such that the preparation information can be extracted completely and / or accurately (e.g., without read errors). This may also obviate the need for computationally intensive error correction programs to correct read errors.

[0065] As used herein, the term "extracting" with respect to preparation information may refer to reading the data portion of the code to decode the preparation information stored by the code. Extraction may be part of the code reading process. However, the code may be read to identify portions of the code without, for example, extracting, and for example, the code may be positioned accurately enough to enable the localization of the code and the localization of the multiple parts (e.g., including a finder portion and a data portion) forming the code, but the code may not be arranged to accurately / fully extract the preparation information thereafter.

[0066] In an embodiment, loading conditions are applied to transfer the container from a holding position to a reading position. The loading position may be defined as any position to which the loading conditions are applied, and thus, the loading position may include the reading position.

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

[0068] In an embodiment, the loading condition is variable based on the geometric dimensions of the container. The geometric dimensions may be the depth, for example, the depth of the body portion from the closure member. The depth may indicate large, medium, and small sized containers, and thus, by adapting the loading condition to the depth, different sizes of beverages and / or foods may be provided by the machine. For example, for a container having a smaller depth, the same force as that having a larger depth may be applied, but over a shorter displacement range.

[0069] In an embodiment, the loading condition is variable based on the rigidity of the container. By adapting the loading condition to the rigidity, different container materials can be processed.

[0070] In an embodiment, the predetermined conditions for reading the code include that a first condition and optionally another second condition are satisfied. By implementing the first and second conditions, the accuracy can be improved by considering a plurality of conditions.

[0071] In an embodiment, the first condition is based on that the force applied to the container by the positioning mechanism exceeds a threshold value or is at a target force threshold value. By implementing the force threshold value, it can be surely avoided that the precursor material is overly compressed.

[0072] As used herein, the term "based on the force applied to the container" may refer to an actual measurement of the force, for example, by a load cell or by an amount representing the force.

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

[0074] In an embodiment, the second condition is based on the displacement applied to the container by the positioning mechanism exceeding a threshold value. By implementing a threshold value for displacement, it can be ensured that the container is not overly deformed. Such an implementation can be advantageous for containers that are very flexible or relatively short in the depth direction. The reason is that these substantially deform under a small force and thus have a low likelihood of exceeding a force threshold, and a displacement threshold is more appropriate.

[0075] As used herein, the term "based on the displacement applied to the container" can refer to any quantity related to displacement and can include the actual displacement or the first or second derivative (one derivative) of the displacement. In one embodiment, a first derivative below a threshold value is implemented. By implementing the first derivative of the displacement, the threshold value can be exceeded when there is a further minimal change in displacement over a given time and when an initial large displacement over a given time has ended. Such an implementation allows the same conditions to be considered for containers of various depths when it is not appropriate to preset the amount of displacement.

[0076] In an embodiment, the predetermined condition is determined from a digital image of the code. Such a configuration can eliminate the need for a complex dedicated detection system.

[0077] In an embodiment, the electrical circuit implements a smoothing system to reduce fluctuations in the applied, determined force and / or displacement. By implementing the smoothing system (e.g., as signal processing), fluctuations in the applied, determined force or displacement are not represented, thereby preventing the displacement or force threshold from being erroneously triggered.

[0078] In an embodiment, the positioning mechanism is configured to apply this load condition so that the magnitude increases (e.g., as a load increasing stage of a load cycle), and the detection system is configured to determine a predetermined condition while applying a load condition whose magnitude increases. By gradually increasing the force and / or displacement applied to the container and repeating to suppress when this predetermined condition is satisfied, this quantity can be increased until it exceeds one of the associated threshold values.

[0079] In an embodiment, the electrical circuit is configured to maintain the same (including substantially the same) load condition as when a predetermined condition is satisfied and read the code while the container is in the maintained load condition. By maintaining the container in a predetermined state while it is being read, accurate reading of the code can be provided.

[0080] In an embodiment, the electrical circuit is configured to control the positioning mechanism to reapply a variable load condition when a predetermined condition for reading the code is not satisfied. In an embodiment, the electrical circuit is configured to control the positioning mechanism to reapply the load condition when it is determined that the code cannot be read when processing the code (e.g., using a code processing circuit). By moving the container at least partially from the reading position to a non-deformed configuration and / or a holding position (e.g., as a load decreasing stage following a load increasing stage of a load cycle) and then returning it to the reading position, the reading accuracy can be improved.

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

[0082] By making a predetermined condition for determining whether the code is properly spatially arranged for reading dependent on one or more features within a digital image of the code, other more complex means (e.g., mechanical sensors or actuators) for determining whether the code is properly arranged may be rendered unnecessary. Further, unnecessary code processing, such as extracting preparatory information for improperly arranged code, is avoided.

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

[0084] In an embodiment, the predetermined condition is based on geometric characteristics of the code. As used herein, the term "geometric characteristics" with respect to the code can refer to dimensions, angles, or other characteristics defined by one or more units forming the code and / or the margins within which the code is disposed. By using geometric characteristics, it can be determined as a first step whether the code is properly arranged, and if it passes that, a more computationally intensive step process for extracting preparatory information is performed, so the adequacy of the code arrangement can be determined with minimal additional processing.

[0085] Since the code reader implements a fixed lens and image sensor position, the geometric characteristics are related to the distance of the code from the code reader, and thus it will be understood that if the code is too far away, more deformation of the container is required to enable reliable code reading.

[0086] In an embodiment, the geometric characteristic is based on that the size of one or more units forming the code exceeds a threshold size. In an embodiment, the geometric characteristic is based on that the number of units forming the code arranged within a predetermined region exceeds a threshold. In an embodiment, the geometric characteristic is based on the geometric pattern of the code, for example, the geometric pattern of the finder portion of the code. In an embodiment, the code is formed of units of 50 to 200 μm and is arranged within a region of 600 to 1600 μm.

[0087] In an embodiment, the determination of whether a predetermined condition for reading the code is satisfied is based on the optical characteristics of the units forming the code, such as, for example, the units of the code and / or the border. By using the optical characteristics, it is possible to determine whether the code is properly arranged before processing the code, and thus unnecessary code processing steps are avoided. Specifically, the luminance of the border may be determined. The code reader incorporates a light source for reading, and for a bright-colored border and a relatively dark-colored code unit, the observed luminance of the border may approach the luminance of the code unit as the code moves away from the code reader, and thus, when the border appears to be a relatively bright color, the contact or proximity state between the code and the code reader can be determined.

[0088] As used herein, the term "optical characteristics" may refer to light reflected or emitted from, or passing through, the code and / or the border, and may include luminance (e.g., within a given solid angle), absorbance, or other optical characteristics.

[0089] In an embodiment, the code reading system includes a positioning mechanism for applying a loading condition to transfer a container to a reading position, and a digital image is acquired at the reading position. In an embodiment, the positioning mechanism is configured to apply this loading condition so that the magnitude increases, and the detection system is configured to determine a predetermined condition while applying a loading condition with an increasing magnitude. By repeatedly determining whether the predetermined condition is satisfied as the loading condition increases, when this condition is satisfied, the loading can be temporarily stopped without applying an excessive load to the container. In an embodiment, the electrical circuit is configured to maintain the same loading condition as when the predetermined condition is satisfied and read the code with the container in the maintained loading condition. In an embodiment, the electrical circuit controls the positioning mechanism to reposition the container to the reading position when a predetermined condition for reading the code is not satisfied and / or when it is determined that the code cannot be read when processing the code.

[0090] The present disclosure is a machine for preparing beverages and / or foods from a container, comprising a code reading system for reading a code of the container, a processing unit for processing a precursor material of the container, and an electrical circuit for controlling the processing unit based on preparation information read from the code, wherein the code reading system includes a code reader and a positioning mechanism. In an embodiment, the code is read from a central region of a closure member of the container.

[0091] In an embodiment, the positioning mechanism is configured to deform a body portion of the container from a non-deformed configuration to a deformed configuration, and the positioning mechanism is adapted to deform the body portion in the deformed configuration to bring about subsequent deformation of the closure member so that the closure member presents a more uniform surface for reading the code.

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

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

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

[0095] The present disclosure provides a container, which may be for use with a machine of any of the foregoing embodiments or another embodiment disclosed herein. The container has a body portion having a storage portion that is a main body portion and includes a cavity extending in a depth direction for accommodating a precursor material, and a flange portion connecting the storage portion and a closing member. The container also includes a closing member for closing the storage portion, and a machine-readable code storing preparation information, which may be disposed in a central region of the closing member. The container is deformable by a machine from a non-deformed configuration to a deformed configuration in which the code is readable by a code reader. In the deformed configuration, when the container is subjected to three-point bending in the lateral direction, a central region of the closing member is displaced 2 to 6 mm in a direction opposite to the depth direction (e.g., at a reading position as compared to an unloaded holding position). The three-point bending includes supporting the container on the left and right sides of the flange portion and applying a force of 15 to 120 N in a direction opposite to the depth direction between the left and right sides of the container at a base of the storage portion.

[0096] Such a force range and displacement have been found to be sufficient to remove wrinkles, folds, or other discontinuities from the closing member and improve code reading accuracy without overcompressing the precursor material.

[0097] In an embodiment, the central region of the closing member is configured to be displaced 2 to 6 mm when subjected to a pressing force of 15 to 120 N by a reading head of a code reader. Such a displacement range has been found to present a uniform reading surface free of debris when subjected to a force.

[0098] In an embodiment, the closing member is configured as a flexible membrane. The membrane may be configured as a multi-layer laminate. The laminate may include layers made of a paper-based material and a polymer-based material.

[0099] In an embodiment, the material of the closure member has a total thickness of 0.15 mm ± 10, 20, or 30% (e.g., the thickness of all layers combined). Such a thickness range has been found to be penetrable conveniently by an injector or pierceable by a machine while providing adequate structural support.

[0100] In an embodiment, the material of the body portion has a total thickness of 0.2 mm ± 10, 20, 30%, or 40% (e.g., the thickness of all layers combined). Such a thickness range has been found to be penetrable conveniently by an injector. In an embodiment, the storage portion is cylindrical with a diameter of 4 cm to 7 cm and / or a depth of 5 mm to 25 mm.

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

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

[0103] The present disclosure provides a method of reading a code of a container for containing a precursor material for preparing beverages and / or foods. This method may be implemented as part of a process for preparing beverages and / or foods.

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

[0105] In an embodiment, the method comprises moving a container from a holding position to a reading position relative to a code reader, where at the holding position the container is separated from the code reader and the code is aligned with the code reader, and at the reading position the code of the container contacts the code reader, and reading the code.

[0106] In an embodiment, the method comprises applying a loading condition to the container, determining a reading position when a predetermined condition for reading the code is satisfied, and processing the code to extract preparation information at the reading position when the condition is satisfied.

[0107] In an embodiment, the method comprises obtaining a digital image of the code, determining from the digital image of the code whether a predetermined condition for reading the code is satisfied, and performing reading / processing of the code to extract preparation information when the condition is satisfied.

[0108] The present disclosure provides an electric circuit for implementing the method of the foregoing embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein.

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

[0110] The present disclosure provides a parts kit including a machine of any of the foregoing embodiments or another embodiment disclosed herein and a plurality of containers of any of the foregoing embodiments or another embodiment disclosed herein, the containers having storage portions with different depths and being suitable for use with the machine.

[0111] The foregoing summary is provided for the purpose of summarizing some embodiments in order to provide a basic understanding of aspects of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, the above features are merely examples and should in no way be construed as limiting the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein. Further, the above and / or preceding embodiments may be combined in any suitable combination to provide further embodiments. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments, the brief description of the drawings, and the claims.

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

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0113]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0114] Before describing some embodiments of the system, it should be understood that the system is not limited to the details of the configurations or method steps described in the following description. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure that the system is capable of other embodiments and can be implemented or executed in various ways.

[0115] This disclosure may be better understood in consideration of the following description.

[0116] As used herein, the term "machine" may refer to an electrically operated device that can prepare beverages and / or foods from precursor materials, or can prepare precursor materials from pre-precursor materials that can then be prepared into beverages and / or foods. For convenience, a machine that prepares beverages and / or foods may also refer to the preparation of precursors for beverages and / or foods prepared from pre-precursor materials. The machine may perform such preparation by one or more of the processes, namely, dilution, heating, cooling, mixing, foaming, dissolving, soaking, immersing, extracting, adjusting, brewing, grinding, and other similar processes. The machine may be dimensioned for use on a countertop, for example, the preparation machine may have a length, width, and height of less than 70 cm. As used herein, the term "prepare" with respect to beverages and / or foods may refer to the preparation of at least a portion of the beverage and / or food (e.g., the beverage may be prepared in whole or in part by the machine, and the end user may manually add additional fluids, including milk and / or water, prior to consumption).

[0117] As used herein, the term "container" can refer to any configuration for containing a precursor material, for example, in a pre-portioned amount for one serving. The container may have a maximum capacity such that it can contain only one serving of the precursor material. The container may be single-use and may include, for example, one or more of perforations for physically altering the container after the preparation process to supply fluid to the precursor material, perforations for supplying beverage / food from the container, and opening by the user for extracting the precursor material. The container may be configured to operate with a container processing unit of a machine and may include, for example, a flange for alignment and for passing the container through or placing it on the unit. The container may include a rupture portion configured to rupture when subjected to a specific pressure to deliver a beverage / food. The container may have a membrane for closing the container. The container may have various forms including one or more of a cone, cylinder, disk, hemisphere, packet; and other similar forms. The container may be formed from various materials such as metal, plastic, or combinations thereof. The material can be selected to be safe for food and withstand the pressure and / or temperature of the preparation process and be biodegradable. The container may be defined as a capsule, and the capsule may have an internal volume of 20 to 100 mL. The capsules include coffee capsules such as, for example, Nespresso® or Nescafe® capsules (including Classic, Professional, Vertuo, Dolce Gusto, or other capsules). The container may be defined as a receptacle, and the receptacle may have an internal volume of 150 to 350 mL. The receptacle is typically for consumption by an end user and includes a pot for consumption via an instrument including a spoon and a cup for drinking therefrom. The container may be defined as a packet, and the packet is formed from a flexible material including plastic or foil. The packet may have an internal volume of 150 to 350 mL, or 200 to 300 mL, or 50 to 150 mL.

[0118] As used herein, the terms "external device" or "external electronic device" or "peripheral device" can include electronic components external to a machine, such as electronic components located in the same location as the machine or electronic components remote from the machine that communicate with the machine via a computer network. An external device can comprise a communication interface for communicating with the machine and / or server system. An external device can include devices including smartphones, PDAs, video game controllers, tablets, laptops, or other similar devices.

[0119] As used herein, the term "server system" can refer to an electronic component external to a machine, such as an electronic component located at a remote location from the machine that communicates with the machine via a computer network. A server system can comprise a communication interface for communicating with the machine and / or external device. A server system can include network-based computers (e.g., remote servers), cloud-based computers, any other server system, etc.

[0120] As used herein, the terms "system" or "beverage or food preparation system" can refer to any combination of two or more of a beverage or food preparation machine, a container, a server system, and a peripheral device.

[0121] As used herein, the term "beverage" can refer to any substance that can be processed into an ingestible substance that can be chilled or hot. A beverage can be one or more of a solid (e.g., a solid suspended in a liquid), a liquid, a gel, or a paste. Beverages can include tea, coffee, hot chocolate, milk, juice, vitamin compositions, herbal tea / infusions, brewed / flavored water, and other substances. As used herein, the term "food" can refer to any substance that can be processed into nutrients for eating that can be chilled or hot. A food can be one or more of a solid, a liquid, a gel, or a paste. Foods can include yogurt, mousse, parfait, soup, ice cream, sherbet, custard, smoothie, and other substances. There is some overlap between the definitions of beverages and foods; for example, a beverage can be a food, and thus it will be understood that a machine said to prepare a beverage or a food does not exclude the preparation of both.

[0122] As used herein, the term "precursor material" can refer to any material that can be processed to form part or all of a beverage or a food. Precursor materials can include one or more of a powder, a crystal, a liquid, a gel, a solid, and others. Examples of beverage-forming precursor materials include ground coffee, milk powder, tea leaves, cocoa powder, vitamin compositions, herbs for forming, e.g., herbal tea / infusions, flavorings, and other similar materials. Examples of food-forming precursor materials include dried vegetables or stocks as dehydrated soup powders, powdered milk, wheat flour-based powders containing custard, powdered yogurt or ice cream, and other similar materials. Precursor material can 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 later be processed into a beverage and / or a food. In one example, the pre-precursor material includes coffee beans that can be ground and / or heated (e.g., roasted) to form a precursor material.

[0123] As used herein, the term "fluid" may include one or more of water, milk, and others (with respect to the fluid supplied by the fluid conditioning system). As used herein, the term "conditioning" with respect to a fluid may refer to changing its physical properties and may include heating or cooling; agitation (including frothing by whipping to introduce bubbles and mixing to introduce turbulent flow), dispensing into single-serving amounts suitable for use with a single-serving container, for example pressurizing up to an overflow pressure, carbonating, filtering / purifying, and other conditioning processes.

[0124] As used herein, the term "processing unit" may refer to a configuration capable of processing a precursor material into a beverage or food product. This may refer to a configuration capable of processing a pre-precursor material into a precursor material.

[0125] As used herein, the term "container processing unit" may refer to a configuration capable of processing a container to derive a related beverage or food product from a precursor material. The container processing unit may be configured to process the precursor material by one or more of dilution, heating, cooling, mixing, frothing, dissolving, soaking, dipping, extracting, conditioning, pressurizing, brewing, and other processing steps. Thus, the container processing unit may implement various units depending on the processing steps, and those units may include an extraction unit (capable of performing a pressurization and / or heat, e.g., heating or cooling, overflow process), a mixing unit (mixing the beverage or food product in the container for consumption by the end user); a dispensing and dissolving unit (extracting a portion of the precursor material from a reservoir, processing it by dissolving, and dispensing it into the container), and other similar units.

[0126] As used herein, the terms "electrical circuit", "circuit", or "control electrical circuit" may refer to one or more hardware and / or software components, examples of which may include application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electronic / electrical components (which may include combinations such as transistors, resistors, capacitors, inductors, etc.), one or more processors, non-transitory 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 described above. The electrical circuit may be disposed entirely within a machine or may be distributed among one or more of a machine, an external device, a server system.

[0127] As used herein, the terms "processor" or "processing resource" may refer to one or more units for processing, examples of which may include ASICs, microcontrollers, FPGAs, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), state machines, or other suitable components. The processor may be configured to execute a computer program and may take the form of machine-readable instructions that may be stored, for example, in non-transitory memory and / or programmable logic. The processor may have various configurations corresponding to the configurations described for circuits, for example, may be implemented within a machine or may be distributed as part of a system. As used herein, any machine-executable instructions or computer-readable media may be configured to cause a machine or system, such as those disclosed herein, to perform the disclosed methods and may thus be used synonymously with or interchangeably with the term method.

[0128] As used herein, the term "computer-readable medium (s)" or "data storage" may include any medium capable of storing a computer program, and may take one or more forms of any conventional non-transitory memory, such as random access memory (RAM), CD, hard drive, solid state drive, memory card, DVD. The memory may have various configurations corresponding to the configurations described for the circuit.

[0129] As used herein, the term "communication resource" or "communication interface" may refer to hardware and / or firmware for electronic information transmission. The communication resource / interface may be configured for wired communication ("wired communication resource / interface") or wireless communication ("wireless communication resource / interface"). The wireless communication resource includes hardware for wirelessly transmitting and receiving signals, and may include, for example, various protocol implementations of the 802.11 standard described by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and Bluetooth (trademark) sold by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group of Kirkland, Washington. Examples of wired communication resources include Universal Serial Bus (USB), High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI (registered trademark)), or other protocol implementations. The machine may include communication resources for wired or wireless communication with external devices and / or server systems.

[0130] As used herein, the term "network" or "computer network" may refer to a system for electronic information transmission between multiple devices. The network may include, for example, one or more networks of any kind, 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.

[0131] As used herein, the term "code" may refer to a storage medium that encodes preparatory information. The code may be an optically readable code, such as a barcode, for example. The code may be configured as a bit code (e.g., a binary sequence of 0s and 1s encoded by the presence or absence of elements). The code may be formed from multiple units, which may also be referred to as elements or markers. An element may implement a finder section and a data section, and the finder section encodes a predefined reserved string of bits that can be identified when processing the code from the data section to enable the location identification of the data portion that encodes the preparatory information. The code may be configured as a one-dimensional code that is read by relative movement between the code and a code reader. The code reader may provide a bitstream signal or high and low signals for processing by preparatory information extraction. The code may also be configured as a two-dimensional code and processed via a digital image acquired from the camera of the code reader. Thus, it will be understood that the code may exclude mere surface finishes or imprints on a container that are not configured in any form for information storage.

[0132] As used herein, the term "preparatory information" may refer to one or more of the parameters defined herein, the recipes defined herein, identifiers, and other information related to the operation of the machine.

[0133] As used herein, the term "parameter" can refer to a variable used as an input (e.g., RPM) and / or a characteristic (e.g., fluid target temperature or volume) for the control of a beverage / food or a precursor thereof that is controlled by a processing unit during a preparation process. Depending on the implementation of the processing unit, the parameter can vary. By way of example, the volume of a particular ingredient of a beverage and / or food, the fluid temperature, the flow rate of the fluid, the operating parameters of the processing unit, e.g., the RPM of an overflow unit based on centrifugal action, the closing force of a hydraulic overflow unit, the order of distribution of the ingredients of the beverage and / or food, agitation (e.g., degree of foaming), any of the foregoing defined for one or more stages where the preparation process consists of a series of consecutive discrete stages, may be mentioned. The parameter may be a numerical value or may have a value that can vary in predetermined increments between predetermined limits. For example, the temperature of water can vary between 60 and 90 °C in 5 °C increments.

[0134] As used herein, the term "recipe" or "control dataset" can refer to a combination of such parameters used by a processing unit to prepare a particular beverage and / or food, e.g., as a complete or partial set of inputs.

[0135] As used herein, the term "preparation process" can refer to a process for preparing a beverage or food from a precursor material, or a process for preparing a pre-precursor material from a precursor material. The preparation process can refer to a process executed by an electrical circuit to control a processing unit to process the precursor material or pre-precursor material.

[0136] As used herein, the term "code reading process" may refer to a process of reading a code to extract preparation information (which may include identifiers and / or parameters). The process may include one or more of the steps of: obtaining a digital image of the code or code signal, extracting a sequence of bits from the code, identifying a finder portion of the code within the sequence, locating a data portion using the finder portion, and extracting the preparation information from the data portion.

[0137] [Overview of the System] Referring to FIG. 1, 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.

[0138] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the peripheral device and / or the server system may be omitted.

[0139] The computer network 12 is shown as the same between the machine 4, the server system 8, and the peripheral device 10, but other configurations are possible, including different computer networks for mutual communication between each device, i.e., the server system communicates with the machine via the peripheral device rather than directly. In a specific example, the peripheral device communicates with the machine via a wireless interface, for example, using the Bluetooth (trademark) protocol, and the server system communicates with the machine via a wireless interface such as the IEEE802.11 standard and also via the Internet.

[0140] [Machine] Referring to FIG. 2, the machine 4 includes a processing unit 14 for processing a precursor material, an electrical circuit 16, and a code reading system 18.

[0141] The electrical circuit 16 controls the code reading system 18 to read a code (not shown in FIG. 2) from the container 6 and determine preparation information therefrom. The electrical circuit 16 uses the preparation information to control the processing unit 14 to execute a preparation process in which a precursor material is processed into a beverage or food or a precursor of a beverage or food.

[0142] [First example of a processing unit] Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, in a first example of the processing unit 14, the unit includes a container processing unit 20 and a fluid adjustment system 22.

[0143] The container processing unit 20 is configured to process the container 6 to derive a beverage or food from a precursor material (not shown) therein. The fluid adjustment system 22 adjusts 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 adjustment system 22 and execute the preparation process.

[0144] [Fluid adjustment system] Referring to FIG. 3, the fluid adjustment system 22 includes a reservoir 24, a pump 26, a heat exchanger 28, and an outlet 30 for the adjusted fluid. The reservoir 24 typically contains sufficient fluid for a plurality of preparation processes. The pump 26 displaces the fluid from the reservoir 24, through the heat exchanger 26, 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, and any suitable device can include a reciprocating pump, a rotary pump, and other suitable configurations. The heat exchanger 28 is implemented to heat the fluid and can include an in-line thermoblock type heater, a heating element for directly heating the fluid in the reservoir, and other suitable configurations.

[0145] In a modified embodiment not shown, the pump is omitted, for example, the fluid is supplied to the container processing unit by gravity or pressurized by the main water supply, the reservoir is omitted, for example, water is supplied by the main water supply, the heat exchanger is configured to cool the fluid and may include, for example, a refrigeration cycle heat pump, the heat exchanger is omitted, for example, the main water supply supplies water at a desired temperature, and the fluid conditioning system includes a filtration / purification system, for example, a UV light system whose application degree to the fluid is controllable, and a carbonation system that controls the degree to which the fluid is carbonated.

[0146] [Container processing unit] As shown in Examples 1 to 6 below, the container processing unit 20 can be implemented in various configurations. Generally, in an example where the machine 2 includes a guide portion into which the container is inserted and guided to the container processing unit 20 by gravity (e.g., under its own weight), the container processing unit 20 is configured to include a container holding portion and a closing portion, and these portions are movable in a depth direction perpendicular (including substantially perpendicular) to the transmission direction of the guide portion between the container receiving position and the container processing position.

[0147] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a first example of the container processing unit 20 is for processing a container configured as a capsule 6 (an exemplary capsule is shown in FIG. 7 and will be described later) to prepare a beverage. The container processing unit 20 is configured as an extraction unit 32 for extracting a beverage from the capsule 6. The extraction unit 32 includes a capsule holding portion 34 and a closing portion 36. The extraction unit 32 is movable to a capsule receiving position (FIG. 4), at which position the capsule holding portion 34 and the closing portion 36 are arranged to receive the capsule 6 therebetween. The extraction unit 32 is movable to a capsule extraction position (FIG. 5), at which position the capsule holding portion 34 and the closing portion 36 form a seal around the capsule 6 and the beverage can be extracted from the capsule 6. The extraction unit 32 may be actuator-driven or manually movable between the positions.

[0148] The outlet 30 of the fluid adjustment system 22 is arranged as an injection head 38 in a capsule holding part 34 for injecting the adjusted fluid, typically under high pressure, into the capsule 6 at the capsule extraction position. A beverage outlet 40 is configured to capture the extracted beverage and convey it from the extraction unit 32 to a closure member 36.

[0149] The extraction unit 32 is configured to prepare a beverage by applying a fluid that is pressurized (e.g., at 10 - 20 bar) and heated (e.g., at 50 - 98 °C) to a precursor material within the capsule 6. The pressure is increased over a predetermined amount of time until it exceeds the pressure of a rupture part of the capsule 6 (not shown in FIGS. 4 and 5), thereby causing the rupture of that part and the beverage to be delivered to the beverage outlet 40.

[0150] In a variant embodiment not shown, the injection head and the beverage outlet are shown as being arranged in a capsule holding part and a closure part, respectively, but may alternatively be arranged, including where the injection head and the beverage outlet are arranged in a closure part and a capsule holding part, respectively, or both are arranged in the same part. Further, the extraction unit may include both parts arranged as a capsule holding part for capsules that are symmetric with respect to a flange, including, for example, Nespresso® Professional capsules. Examples of suitable extraction units are provided in European Patent Application Publication No. 1472156 (A1) and European Patent Application Publication No. 1784344 (A1), which provide a hydraulically sealed extraction unit.

[0151] In a second example of a container processing unit (not shown), an extraction unit similar to the first example is provided, but the extraction unit operates by centrifugal action at a lower pressure. An example of a suitable capsule is a Nespresso® Vertuo capsule. A suitable extraction system is disclosed in European Patent Application Publication No. 2594171 (A1). In such an example (or actually other examples), a guide part may not be necessary and the container is manually loaded into the extraction unit.

[0152] In a third example (not shown), the capsule processing unit operates by dissolving a beverage precursor selected to dissolve under high-pressure and high-temperature fluid. This configuration is similar to the extraction units of the first and second examples, but since the pressure is lower, a sealed extraction unit is not required. In particular, the fluid can be injected into the lid of the capsule, and the rupture part is arranged at the base of the storage part of the capsule. An example of a suitable capsule is the Nespresso® Dolce Gusto capsule. Examples of suitable extraction units are disclosed in European Patent Application Publication No. 1472156 (A1) and European Patent Application Publication No. 1784344 (A1).

[0153] In a fourth example (not shown) where the container is configured as a packet, the container processing unit implements an extraction unit that can receive the packet and operate to inject fluid from a fluid conditioning system at its inlet. The injected fluid mixes with the precursor material in the packet to at least partially prepare a beverage, and the prepared beverage exits through the outlet of the packet. Examples of such configurations are provided in International Publication No. 2014125123 (A1) or International Publication No. 2022023578 (A1).

[0154] In a fifth example (not shown), the container processing unit is arranged as a mixing unit for preparing a beverage or food precursor stored in a container that is a receptacle for the end user to consume therefrom. The mixing unit includes a stirrer (e.g., a planetary mixer, a helical mixer, and a vertical cutting mixer) for mixing the beverage or food precursor in the receptacle, and a heat exchanger for heating / cooling the beverage or food precursor in the receptacle. The fluid supply system can also supply fluid to the receptacle. Examples of such codes are provided in European Patent Application Publication No. 2014067987 (A1).

[0155] In a sixth example (not shown), the container processing unit is arranged as a dispensing and dissolving unit. The dispensing and dissolving unit is arranged to extract a single serving of a beverage or food precursor from a storage part of the machine (which can include any plurality of individually packaged containers, such as packets or boxes). The dispensing and dissolving unit is configured to mix the extracted single serving with conditioned fluid from a fluid conditioning system and dispense the beverage or food into a receptacle. An example of such a configuration is provided in European Patent Application Publication No. 14167344 (A).

[0156] [Code Reading System] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the code reading system 18 is arranged to read a code 44 disposed on the lid of the container 6. The code reading system 18 is integrated with the extraction unit 32 of the first example of the container processing unit 20. The code 44 is read with the extraction unit 32 in the capsule extraction position (as shown in FIG. 4).

[0157] The code reading system 18 includes a code reader 46 having an image capture unit and a reading head that houses 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 imaging device, an oversampled binary image sensor, and other similar systems.

[0158] The electrical circuit 18 includes an image processing circuit (not shown) for identifying the code in the digital image and extracting preparation information. An example of the image processing circuit is a Texas Instruments TMS320C5517 processor that executes a code processing program.

[0159] In a variant embodiment not shown, the code reading system is separate from the container processing unit, the code reading system being arranged in a channel in which the user places the container and conveys the container to the container processing unit, and the code reading system being configured to read a code on a receptacle arranged to receive a beverage from the beverage outlet of the dispensing and dissolving unit. In a further variant embodiment not shown, the code reading system is configured to read codes at different locations on the container, such as, for example, a flange or a receiving portion. In a further variant embodiment not shown, 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.

[0160] [Control electric circuit] Referring to FIG. 6, the electric circuit 16 is implemented as a control electric circuit 48 for controlling the processing unit 14 to execute a preparation process. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, for purposes of illustration, the processing unit 14 is shown as a first example and includes a container processing unit 20 and a fluid supply unit 22.

[0161] The electric circuits 16, 48 at least partially implement (e.g., in combination with hardware), an input unit 50 for receiving from the user an input that determines that the machine 4 executes a preparation process, a processor 52 for receiving the input from the input unit 50 and providing a control output to the processing unit 14, and a feedback system 54 for providing, during the preparation process, feedback from the processing unit 54 that can be used to control the preparation process.

[0162] The input unit 50 is implemented as a user interface and can include one or more of buttons such as joystick buttons or push buttons, a joystick, an LED, a graphic LDC or a character LDC, a graphical screen with touch sensing buttons and / or screen edge buttons, other similar devices, and a sensor for determining whether a container has been supplied to the machine by the user.

[0163] The feedback system 54 includes a flow sensor for determining the flow rate / volume of fluid to the outlet 30 (shown in FIG. 3) of the fluid supply system 22, which can be used to measure the exact amount of fluid to the container 6 and thereby adjust the power to the pump 26, a temperature sensor for determining the temperature of the fluid to the outlet 30 of the fluid supply unit 22, which can be used to ensure that the temperature of the fluid to the container 6 is accurate and thereby adjust the power to the heat exchanger 28, a level sensor for determining that the level of fluid in the reservoir 24 is sufficient for the preparation process, and one or more of a position sensor for determining the position of the extraction unit 32 (e.g., the capsule extraction position or the capsule receiving position), or one or more of other feedback control-based operations can be implemented.

[0164] The electrical circuits 16, 44 will be understood to be suitably adapted to other examples of the processing unit 14, for example, a second example of a container processing system where the feedback system can be used to control the rotational speed of the capsule.

[0165] [Container] Referring to FIG. 7, a first example of a container 6 for use with the first example of the processing unit 14 includes a container 6 configured as a capsule 6. The capsule 6 includes a closure member 56, a body portion 62 having a storage portion 58, and a flange portion 60. <C

[0166] <C The storage portion 58 includes a cavity for storing a precursor material (not shown). The cavity of the storage portion extends in the depth direction 106 from the flange portion 60. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the storage portion 56 is pierced by an injection head 38 to supply the conditioned fluid into the capsule.

[0167] The storage portion 58 is formed from a paper-based material. The thickness of the storage portion 58 is 0.2 mm. The closing member 56 is formed from a paper-based material. The thickness of the closing member 58 is 0.15 mm.

[0168] As used herein, "paper-based" may refer to being formed at least in part from a thin sheet material, where the sheet is made by mechanically or chemically treating cellulose fibers derived from one or more of wood, old cloth, grass, or other vegetable raw materials in water, draining the water through a fine mesh, leaving the fibers uniformly distributed on the surface, and subsequently pressing and drying.

[0169] The closing member 56 may close and hermetically seal the storage portion 58 and includes a flexible membrane. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the closing member 56 is perforated to discharge the beverage / food.

[0170] The flange portion 60 is integrally formed with the storage portion. The flange portion 60 is disposed at the joint between the storage portion 58 and the closing member 56 and includes a flat extension of the storage portion 58, and a part of the closing member fixed thereto overlaps on this extension to hermetically seal the precursor material. The flange portion 60 extends in a plane defined by the lateral direction 102 and the longitudinal direction 100. Thus, the closing member is flat in the corresponding plane.

[0171] The capsule 6 has a circular cross-section so as to be rotationally symmetric 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 or inner circumference of the flange portion 60 in the corresponding plane of the flange portion 60. The capsule 6 can be configured in different sizes with different depths, such as 7 mm, 12 mm, 15 mm, 18 mm, 21 mm, etc. Each size of the capsule 6 is adapted to the first and second examples of the code reading system 18, as will be described later.

[0172] In a modified embodiment not shown, the closing member may be arranged convex or concave with respect to the storage portion. For example, in the convex arrangement, the center of the closing member may extend into the storage portion in the depth direction by 1 mm ± 10% or 20%. The minimum recess may be 0.2 mm. For example, in the concave arrangement, the center of the closing member may extend away from the storage portion in the direction opposite to the depth direction by 4 mm ± 10% or 20%. The minimum recess may be 0.5 mm.

[0173] In a modified embodiment not shown, the body portion includes a flange portion connected to the storage portion without being integrally formed with the storage portion; the body portion has the flange portion omitted, for example, when the closing member is wound around the storage portion; the container may not have a rotationally symmetric shape, for example, having a square cross-section or other shape; the capsule is alternatively dimensioned, including that the diameter across the outer or inner circumference of the flange portion is 40 - 70 mm or 53 mm ± 10% or 20%, and the depth is either the described depth ± 10% or 20%; the thickness of the storage portion may have a thickness of 0.1 - 0.4 mm or 0.2 ± 20% or 30%; the thickness of the closing member may have a thickness of 0.05 - 0.3 mm or 0.15 ± 20% or 30%; the storage portion and / or the closing member may be made of or include another material, for example, a plastic-based or aluminum-based material.

[0174] [Arrangement of the code] Referring to FIG. 7, the code 44 may be arranged at any suitable position on the outer surface of the container 6 so as to be readable by the code reading system 18.

[0175] In the first example, the code 44 is arranged in the central region of the closure member 56. Therefore, if the code reader is aligned with the center of the container, the code can be read. In the second example, the code is duplicated across the entire closure member and can be read from any position outside the closure member 56. In such a configuration, the closure member does not require a specific alignment with the storage portion, thereby simplifying the process of cutting and assembling the container 6.

[0176] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the code can be arranged on the flange portion 60 (including both sides) and the storage portion 58. The code may also be arranged on the closure member, but not in the central region.

[0177] [Process for preparing a beverage] Referring to FIG. 8, a process for preparing a beverage / food from a precursor material is shown.

[0178] Block 70: The user supplies the container 6 to the machine 4.

[0179] Block 72: The electrical circuit 16 (e.g., its input unit 50) receives a user command to prepare a beverage / food from the precursor, and the electrical circuit 16 (e.g., the processor 52) starts the process.

[0180] Block 74: The electrical circuit 16 controls the processing unit 14 to process the container (e.g., in the first example of the container processing unit 20, the extraction unit 32 is moved from the capsule receiving position (FIG. 4) to the capsule extraction position (FIG. 5)).

[0181] Block 76: The electrical circuit 16 controls the code reading system 18 to provide a digital image of the code 6 of the container.

[0182] Block 78: The code processing circuit of the electrical circuit 16 processes the digital image to extract preparation information.

[0183] Block 80: The electrical circuit 16 executes a preparation process by controlling the processing unit 14 based on the preparation information. In a first example of the processing unit, this preparation process includes controlling the fluid adjustment system 22 to supply fluid to the container processing unit 20 at the temperature, pressure, and duration specified by the preparation information.

[0184] Subsequently, the electrical circuit 16 controls the container processing unit 20 to move from the capsule extraction position through the capsule discharge position, discharge the container 6, and return to the capsule receiving position.

[0185] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the above blocks can be executed in a different order, for example, block 72 before block 70, or block 76 before block 74; some blocks can be omitted, for example, block 70 can be omitted if the machine stores a magazine of capsules.

[0186] Blocks 76 and 78 can be referred to as a code reading and processing process. Block 80 can be referred to as a preparation process. The electrical circuit 16 includes instructions for a preparation process (or multiple preparation processes), for example, as program code. In one embodiment, the processor 52 executes instructions stored in a memory (not shown).

[0187] As part of the preparation process, the electrical circuit 16 can obtain additional preparation information from the server system 8 and / or the peripheral device 10 via the computer network 12 using a communication interface (not shown) of the machine.

[0188] [Summary of the code] Referring to FIG. 9, the code 44 is formed from a plurality of circular units 80 disposed in the border 82. Since the units 80 are in a dark color (including, for example, one of black, dark blue, purple, dark green), and the border 82 is in a relatively light color (including, for example, one of white, light blue, yellow, light green), there is sufficient contrast for the image capture unit 46 to distinguish them.

[0189] The unit 80 is circular in shape. As used herein, the term "shape" with respect to a unit may refer to an exact shape or an approximation of the actual shape, which may be due to variations in printing or other manufacturing precision.

[0190] In alternative embodiments not shown, the units are in a light color and the borders are in a dark color. In alternative embodiments not shown, the units have another shape, which includes one or a combination of triangles, polygons, especially quadrilaterals such as squares or parallelograms; and other suitable shapes.

[0191] The unit 80 typically has a unit length of 50 to 200 μm. As used herein, the term "unit length" with respect to the unit 80 may refer to a suitably defined distance of the unit 80. For example, in a circular shape, it may refer to the diameter; in a square, it may refer to the side length; in a polygon, it may refer to the distance between opposite or adjacent vertices; and in a triangle, it may refer to the hypotenuse. The unit 80 is arranged with an accuracy of about 1 μm.

[0192] The unit 80 is formed by printing, for example, an ink 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 seen in Nespresso Classic capsules), or other suitable substrates.

[0193] In a modified embodiment not shown, the unit is alternatively formed, including embossing, engraving, or other suitable means; the unit is alternatively dimensioned, for example, with a unit length of 80 to 120 μm.

[0194] [General configuration of the code] Referring further to FIG. 9, these units 80 are arranged into a reference portion R (also called the s-reference portion) for identifying the position of the code 44 and determining the orientation, and a data portion D for storing the preparation information.

[0195] The unit 80 arranged as the reference portion R of the code 44 includes three reference units 84. These reference units 84 have a unique spatial arrangement within the code 44 so that the reference portion R can be identified within the digital image by the electric circuit 16 (for example, using the relationship stored in the memory of the circuit). The unique spatial arrangement includes the reference units 84 arranged at three of the vertices of a certain virtual rectangle (not shown), with the origin O of the center of the rectangle as the center, and having a specific distance between the reference units 84.

[0196] In a modified embodiment not shown, the reference portion is alternatively implemented, including different arrangements of the reference units, such as making the reference units circular or rectangular with other shapes; having a different number of reference units, such as including four or five; and the reference units may have a unique shape that can be specified from the shape of other units forming the code.

[0197] This arrangement of the reference units 84 enables the definition of a single reference line r in a specific vector with respect to these units 84. The reference line r is a virtual line and is determined by the electric circuit 16 (for example, using the relationship stored in the memory of the circuit).

[0198] In a particular example, the reference unit 84 defines a first virtual line (not shown) and a second virtual line (not shown) using the right-hand rule, where the thumb represents the first virtual line that intersects the centers of the two reference units 84, the index finger represents the second virtual line that intersects the centers of the two reference (refence) units, one of which is common with the first virtual line, and the middle finger points towards the plane of the page of the code 44. The reference line r extends from the origin O, is parallel to the first virtual line, and is perpendicular to the second virtual line.

[0199] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the reference line may be alternatively defined, for example, it may include an actual line drawn on the code; it may have an alternative geometric arrangement with respect to the reference unit.

[0200] The unit 80 arranged as the data part D of the code 44 includes a plurality of data units 86. The data units 86 are arranged on the encoded line E that intersects the reference line r. The encoded line E is a virtual line and is determined by the electric circuit 16 (for example, the encoded line has a predetermined radius stored in the memory of the circuit). The center of the circle of the encoded line E is arranged at the origin O of the reference part R. Thus, the reference line r intersects the encoded line E such that the tangent is perpendicular to the reference line r. There are two encoded lines E1, E2, each having a plurality of data units 86.

[0201] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), other numbers of encoded lines are implemented, including three, four, or five; the encoded lines may have a non-circular shape, including a rectangle or a triangle; the encoded lines may include an actual line drawn on the code.

[0202] The encoded line E includes one or more individual data parts, each of which includes a start position 88 and one data unit 86, and this data unit is arranged as a variable for encoding the parameter of the preparation information at a distance d along the encoded line E from the start position 88. The start position 88 is defined virtually and may be determined by the electric circuit 16 (for example, the start position may be stored in the memory of the circuit).

[0203] In the first encoding line E1, the data part includes two individual data parts. In the first individual data part, the distance d can be any continuous distance from the starting position 88 on the reference line r clockwise to the first data unit 86 along the reference line r; in the second individual data part, the distance d can be any continuous distance from the starting position 88 of the data unit 86 in the first individual data part (therefore, the starting position is variable) clockwise to the midpoint m between two subsequent data units 86.

[0204] In the second encoding line E2, the data part includes one individual data part, and the distance d can be any one of a plurality of separate distances, which is shown as discrete positions 90 from the starting position 88 on the reference line r, and each position is associated with a parameter value. In this example, there are 10 discrete positions 90.

[0205] In a modified embodiment not shown, the starting position can be arranged at any position on the encoding line, including positions spaced from the reference line; there can be multiple starting positions on the encoding line, each 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 encoding line may include a combination of parameters encoded by continuous distances and a plurality of discrete positions; one or more than two data units on the encoding line may define a parameter that can be determined as the average of multiple positions; the data part can also include any suitable number of individual data parts.

[0206] The code 44 includes an outer periphery 92 with a plurality of units 80 arranged inside. The outer periphery 92 is rectangular and has dimensions of 600 - 1600 μm, or approximately 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 multiple repetitions of the best captured code can be selected for processing.

[0207] In a modified embodiment not shown, the outer periphery may have an alternative shape, including circular; the outer periphery may have an alternative size, including being larger or smaller than the scope of this example.

[0208] In a modified embodiment not shown, the data portion alternatively encodes the values of the above parameters, including alphanumeric symbols or other configurations.

[0209] Referring to FIG. 10 while referring to the code of FIG. 9, the code processing process executed by the electric circuit 16 (or the code processing circuit of the electric circuit) for extracting the preparation information includes the following.

[0210] Step 1 Identification of the position of the code unit Block 100: Obtain a digital image of the code 44 via the code reading system 118.

[0211] Block 102: Assign pixels to the dark areas in the digital image that would represent the unit 80.

[0212] Block 104: If several units are close to each other, determine that the unit 80 is present.

[0213] Block 106: For each determined unit, determine the center of the pixel group according to rules such as feature extraction, etc., to determine the coordinates of the center of the unit.

[0214] In a modified embodiment not shown, alternative processing techniques for determining the unit and its coordinates may be implemented, including other techniques for locating the center of the unit or identifying the presence of the unit. For example, a certain degree of magnification may be implemented so that a single pixel is determined as the unit and the center of the unit is determined as the center of the pixel.

[0215] Step 2 Location of the reference portion of the code and the reading angle Referring to FIG. 11 while referring to the code of FIG. 9, the processing of code 44 includes the following.

[0216] Block 108: Locate the reference portion R by searching for the coordinates of the plurality of units 80 of code 44 and identifying the unique separation pattern and geometric arrangement of the reference unit 84. This can be performed by geometric rules, including the Pythagorean theorem and trigonometry or other suitable rules. The separation pattern and geometric arrangement are stored in the electric circuit 16 and can be accessed during the search.

[0217] Block 110: For the located reference portion R, define the positions of the origin O and the reference line r using the stored relationships. The arrangement of the origin and the reference line is stored in the electric circuit 16 and can be mapped to the coordinates of the located reference portion.

[0218] Block 112: For each unit (other than the unit of the reference portion), determine which encoded line E the unit belongs to based on the distance from the origin O. The electric circuit 16 can store the radius range of each encoded line E and can use geometric rules to determine the distance of each unit from the origin O and which radius range it falls into.

[0219] Block 114: For each unit (other than the unit of the reference portion), determine the angles α1 and α2 with respect to the reference line r. Note that the angles represent the circumferential distance and both can be used in the same sense. The angles can be calculated through the known geometric relationship between the coordinates of the reference line r and the virtual line extending through the associated unit from the origin O.

[0220] Step 3: Determination of the parameter values of the preparation information Referring to FIG. 11 while referring to the code of FIG. 9, the processing of code 44 includes the following.

[0221] Block 116: The encoding distance d is determined for each individual data portion. This is achieved by implementing a set of rules stored in the electric circuit 16 for determining the encoding distance d. This can include the number of individual data portions on each encoding line; the start position 88 of the individual data portion; whether the data unit 86 is represented by a single unit or multiple units; and other suitable relationships.

[0222] For example, referring to FIG. 9, the rules for determining the encoding distance d of the encoding line E1 include that there are two individual data portions; the start position 88 of the first individual data portion is at the intersection of the reference line r and the encoding line E1; the start position 88 of the second individual data portion is in the data unit 86 of the first individual data portion; the data unit 86 of the first individual data portion is represented as a single unit of code 44; the data unit 86 of the second individual data portion is represented as two units of code 44.

[0223] For example, referring to FIG. 9, the rules for determining the encoding distance d of the encoding line E2 include that there is a single individual data portion; the start position 88 is at the intersection of 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 code 44.

[0224] Block 118: The encoding distance d of each data portion is converted into a value of a parameter. This is achieved by implementing a set of rules stored in the electric circuit 16 for converting the distance of values.

[0225] For example, in the encoding line E1, the first individual data portion encodes the water volume of the flooding process, and the distance d can be any continuous value linearly related to the water volume; the second individual data portion encodes the time of the flooding process, and the encoding distance d can be any continuous value exponentially related to the time.

[0226] For example, in the encoded line E2, a single individual data portion encodes the water temperature of the overflow process, the encoded distance d is a discrete value that changes incrementally by 5°C for each discrete position 90, and the rule may specify which 5-degree increment is closest to the determined encoded distance d.

[0227] In a modified embodiment not shown, other rules can be implemented, including other mathematical functions that associate the encoded distance with the value of a parameter, whether the encoded distance is the average of the distances of a plurality of individual data portions, and other suitable relationships.

[0228] [First Example of a Code Reading System] Referring to FIGS. 12 to 14, a first example of the system 2 includes a container 6 and a code reading system 18. The container 6 is as described in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 7 and includes a code 44 arranged as a plurality of repetitions in the central portion (not shown) of the closing member 56. The central portion includes the geometric center where the axis of rotation 108 crosses and extends to a peripheral region defined by a radius less than 10% or 20% or 30% of the total radius of the closing member 56.

[0229] Although the code 44 is described as being repeatedly arranged across the central portion, this arrangement can include forming the code 44 only in the central region or repeatedly forming it across the entire closing member. Forming it across the entire closing member can include forming it in the central region and the peripheral region (the peripheral region includes the periphery of the closing member and is defined as the region adjacent to the central region). When the code is formed across the entire closing member, the sheet material forming the closing member can have the code printed across the entire sheet, and it is advantageous because the portion forming the closing member can be cut out from anywhere on the sheet without the need for a specific alignment between the central portion and the periphery. Thus, the manufacture of the container is simplified.

[0230] The code reading system 18 of the machine 4 includes a positioning mechanism 110 configured to position the container 6 at a holding position (shown in FIGS. 12 and 14) and a reading position (shown in FIG. 13).

[0231] At the holding position (FIG. 12), the container 6 is separated from the code reader 46 by a distance D extending in the depth direction 106. At the holding position, due to the configuration of the image capture unit (e.g., because the lens of the camera system is not operable to focus over such a distance), or due to the arrangement of the container (e.g., the outer surface of the closure member with the code 44 may be non-uniform and the code 44 cannot be located), it may not be possible to accurately read the code. The central region including the repetition of the code 44 is aligned with the code reader 46 in the longitudinal direction 100 and the transverse direction 102, and thus, when transitioning from the holding position to the code reading position to enable reading, it is necessary to approach by the depth distance D.

[0232] At the reading position, the code 44 of the container 6 is readable by the code reader 46. In a first example, the container 6 at the reading position is arranged in a deformed configuration by specific load conditions of three-point bending, as will be described later.

[0233] The positioning mechanism 110 is configured to apply a mechanical force to deform the container 6 from a non-deformed configuration (at the holding position) to a deformed configuration (at the reading position). In a first example, since all the components of the storage portion 56, the closure member 58, and the flange portion 60 are deformed, the entire container may be considered to be deformed.

[0234] Specifically, the central region of the closing member 56 is displaced by a distance D in a direction opposite to the depth direction (e.g., relative to a suitable reference which may be the previous position and / or the peripheral edge of the flange portion or another generally stationary point such as a container or a machine) so that the central region undergoes slightly less curvature than the peripheral region of the closing member; the flange portion 60 is curved on both left and right sides (as will be described later); the storage portion 58 is compressed in the depth direction and curved in the vicinity of both left and right sides of the flange portion 60.

[0235] In a modified configuration, it will be appreciated that the positioning mechanism 110 applies a specific load to the body portion 62 of the container 6 (specifically, to both the flange portion 60 and the storage portion 56), and through these portions, subsequent deformation of the closing member 58 is achieved so as to present a more uniform surface for reading the code 44.

[0236] In a modified embodiment not shown, the container is deformed at the reading position by a pure compressive force without the three-point bending, for example, for pushing the base of the storage portion into or towards the closing member; the container is configured otherwise, for example, without a flange portion, such that the closing member is directly attached to the storage portion; and the code is arranged at a location other than the central region.

[0237] By implementing the central region of the closing member 56 to be displaced by the distance D, the code reader 46 can be positioned away from, rather than directly above, the entrance (not shown in FIGS. 12 and 14) to the processing unit 14 in the holding position. In this way, condensation of vapor from the processing unit 14 on the code reader, which may interfere with the code reading process, can be minimized.

[0238] Referring to FIGS. 12 to 14, the positioning mechanism 110 includes a guide portion 112 that supports the container 6 at the flange portion 60, and a pressing element 114 that applies a pressing force F in a direction 106 opposite to the depth direction to the base of the storage portion 56 of the container 6 to realize a state of three-point bending in the lateral direction 102 across the container 6.

[0239] The guide portion 112 includes a left side 116 and a right side 118, which are interconnected by an interconnecting portion 120 that extends laterally around the storage portion 58. The guide portion 112 extends in the longitudinal direction 100 as a channel for slidably transporting the container 6 to a processing unit 14 (not shown in FIGS. 12 and 14).

[0240] In the deformed position, the left and right sides of the flange portion 60 are substantially supported in the depth direction 106 (as will be described later) by the left side 116 and the right side 118 of the guide portion 112, respectively, and are slidably supported in the lateral direction 102, so this support can be idealized as a sliding support.

[0241] The pressing element 114 is movable in the direction opposite to the depth direction 100 through an opening in the interconnecting portion 120 to apply a pressing force F.

[0242] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the pressing element 114 is driven in the depth direction 106 by a drive unit 140 of the positioning system 110, and the drive unit includes an electric motor and a drive assembly configured as a linear actuator. The detection system 150 of the positioning system 110 provides feedback of the position and the force applied by the pressing element 114 to the electric circuit 16 (thus, the container 6 is disposed in the holding position or the reading position), as will be described later.

[0243] In a modified embodiment not shown, the drive system may alternatively be implemented, and examples thereof include implementation as a solenoid and as other linear actuators such as a hydraulic system.

[0244] Referring to FIGS. 12 to 14, the left side 116 and the right side 118 of the guide portion 112 have a front surface 122 that engages with the front surface 124 of the flange portion 60. The front surface 122 is shaped to correspond to the shape of the container 6 in the deformed configuration (as shown in FIG. 13). Specifically, the front surface 122 is inclined such that the distance increases in the direction opposite to the depth direction 106 from the periphery of the flange portion 60 towards the center of the container 6. Referring to FIG. 14, the angle α is 10 to 30 degrees with respect to the lateral direction 102. In this way, a specific shape in the deformed configuration can be promoted and better supported. Further, in the support state, the ratio of the distance D by which the closing member 58 of the container 6 is displaced can be taken into account, and thus the distance of possible displacement increases.

[0245] In a deformation embodiment not shown, the front surface can have an alternative contour, which includes being curved and being laterally aligned.

[0246] The left side surface 116 and the right side surface 118 of the guide portion 112 have a rear surface 126 that engages with the rear surface 128 of the flange portion 60 (the engagement is not shown). The rear surface 126 is shaped to correspond to the shape of the container 6 in the non-deformed configuration (as shown in FIG. 14). In this way, when the container returns to the non-deformed configuration, the container can slide to the processing unit 14 via the guidance from the rear surface 126 and / or the front surface 124.

[0247] In a deformation embodiment not shown, the guide portion is alternatively implemented, which includes not including an interconnecting portion; being arranged laterally so as to have a conveyor mechanism for transporting the container instead of by gravity; and in the example of a container not including a flange portion, the guide portion can be omitted.

[0248] Referring to FIG. 14, the front surface 122 and the rear surface 126 of the guide portion 112 are separated by a distance E in the depth direction 106, and this distance is defined as the minimum distance in the depth direction 106 between the front surface 122 and the rear surface 126. Since the front surface 122 is inclined in the direction opposite to the depth direction towards the center of the container 6, the distance E is arranged around the flange portion 60 of the container 6. The distance E is greater than the corresponding thickness t of the flange portion 60. In this example, E>1.5t, and in a specific example, E = t + 1 to 2 mm.

[0249] In this way, the container 6 in the non-deformed configuration (or deformed configuration) can slide into the processing unit 14 within the guide portion 112 without being hindered.

[0250] Furthermore, when shifting from the holding position (FIGS. 12 and 14) to the reading position (FIG. 13), the container 6 can be moved by a distance g (in addition to the distance achieved by deformation), where g = E - t. This movement is along the reading axis A, which is perpendicular and passes through the reading direction of the reading head of the code reader 46.

[0251] It should be noted that in FIGS. 12 and 14, the container 6 is shown arranged such that the front surface 124 of the flange portion 60 abuts against the front surface 122 of the guide portion. Thus, in this example, with such a configuration, the movement distance g is minimized. However, the container 6 may also be arranged such that the rear surface 128 of the flange portion 60 abuts against the rear surface 126 of the guide portion 112 (not shown). Thus, the container 6 will be moved by the full distance g shown in FIG. 14. Other arrangements of the container within the guide portion in the holding position (not shown) are also conceivable. For example, the container may be inclined between the two aforementioned positions, in which case the distance g may be between those two amounts. It will be understood that the specific position of the container in the holding position is determined by how the container falls through the guide portion.

[0252] In a first example of the code reading system 18, it will be appreciated that the positioning mechanism 110 is configured to move the container 6 along the axis A relative to the code reader 46 from a holding position where the container 6 is separated from the reading head of the code reader 46 and the code 44 is aligned with the code reader 46 along the axis A to a reading position where the code 44 of the container 6 contacts the reading head.

[0253] In this way, the container 6 can be held separated from the code reader 46 when sliding through the guide portion 112, otherwise it may cause the container 6 to stick within the guide portion 112 or damage the reading window (not shown) of the code reader 46 after multiple repetitions. Further, the distance between the code reader 46 and the container 6 can be reduced to improve reading.

[0254] The inclined surface 122 also contributes to the amount by which the container 6 actually moves, which, as described above, is due to a combination with the deformation of the container 6.

[0255] In a modified embodiment not shown, the distance E is set to t, and as a result, the container can slide through the guide portion without moving in the depth direction. In such a configuration, it will be understood that the container is deformed when transferred from the holding position to the reading position but cannot be moved.

[0256] At the reading position (FIG. 14), the central region of the closing member 58 of the container 6 is arranged in physical contact with the code reader 46. The closing member 58 is flexible and deforms around the reading head of the code reader 46. The reading head of the code reader 46 that directly abuts against the closing member 58 is shaped to correspond to the shape of the closing member 58 in a state where the container 6 is in a deformed configuration. In this example, since the central region in the deformed configuration undergoes a slight curvature that is less than the curvature (typically caused by wrinkling) that the peripheral region and / or the central region when not deformed undergo, a generally flat-shaped reading head is implemented.

[0257] The code reader 46 can be positioned to displace a closing member in a deformed configuration in the depth direction 106. In this way, there is a pressing force applied to the closing member by the code reader. Alternatively, the code reader 46 can be positioned to just abut against the surface of the closing member without displacing the closing member.

[0258] In the deformed configuration, the central region of the closing member 58 is displaced 2 to 6 mm in a direction opposite to the depth direction 106 with respect to the plane of the flange portion 60 before deformation when the container is subjected to three-point bending in the lateral direction. The three-point bending includes, as described herein, the sliding support of the container 6 at the left and right edges of the flange portion 60; and a force of 15 to 120 N applied in a direction opposite to the depth direction at the base of the storage portion at the center between the left and right edges of the container 6.

[0259] All various capsules, including those defined by the variable depth and / or concave / convex / flattened closing member described above, can be deformed 4 mm in a direction opposite to the depth direction of the closing member when subjected to 15 to 120 N.

[0260] As can be seen by comparing FIGS. 12 and 13, the three-point bending reduces the internal volume of the storage portion in the deformed configuration as compared to the deformed configuration. Thus, since the container 6 is hermetically sealed, the internal pressure acting on the closing member 58 increases, and a more uniform surface can be provided for the reading surface. Further, in the deformed configuration, since the depth of the container 6 is reduced, in a sufficiently filled container 6, the precursor material can be displaced into the closing member 58. This can also provide a more uniform surface for reading.

[0261] Referring to FIG. 15, the container 6 is inserted into the machine 24 through the housing 132 of the machine 2 via the inlet 130. The inlet 130 is opened and closed by a user-operated closing member 134 that operates between an open position (shown) and a closed position (not shown). The container 6 is inserted directly into the guide portion 112, and the guide portion transfers the container 6 to the holding position in the longitudinal direction 100 by gravity acting on its own mass (FIG. 12).

[0262] The positioning mechanism 110 includes a transfer mechanism 136 including a holding member 138 and a drive unit 140. The holding member 138 can be arranged in a closed position (shown in FIG. 15) to hold the container in the holding position (not to advance it to the processing unit 114 via the guide portion 112) before transfer to the reading position (shown in FIG. 12). In the closed position, at least a part of the guide portion 112 is not blocked by the holding member 138 to prevent such transmission.

[0263] Thereafter, the user inputs a command to read the code / prepare a beverage / food from the container 6 via the user interface / input unit 50 (as described in block 72 of FIG. 8), and the positioning mechanism 110 moves the container 6 to the reading position (FIG. 13) based on that command, where the code 44 is read. The holding member 138 is integrated with the pressing element 114, moves together with the pressing element 114, and is maintained in the closed position to prevent the container 6 from moving to the processing unit 114 via the guide portion 112.

[0264] When the reading of the code 44 is successful, the positioning mechanism 110 then automatically returns the container 6 to the holding position (FIG. 12). The holding member 138 is moved to the transfer position (FIG. 16) to advance the container through the guide portion 112 to the processing unit 114. In the transfer position, a sufficient amount of the guide portion 112 that enables such transmission is open and not blocked by the holding member 138.

[0265] In a modified embodiment not shown, the closing member may be actuated by a dedicated drive unit or may be omitted; the transfer mechanism may have a dedicated drive unit so as to move independently of the pressing element.

[0266] [Second Example of Code Reading System] Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, a second example of the system 2 implements the code reading system 18 of the first example, but includes a positioning mechanism 110 for implementing a different reading position (shown in FIG. 18). Where not otherwise considered, for the sake of brevity, the features and variations of the second example are the same as those of the first example.

[0267] In the second example, the positioning mechanism 110 moves the container 6 and the code reader 46 relative to each other along the reading axis A (in the direction opposite to the depth direction 106) from a holding position (shown in FIG. 17) where the container 6 is separated from the reading head of the code reader 46 and the code 44 is aligned with the code reader 46 along the axis A to a reading position (shown in FIG. 18) where the code 44 of the container 6 contacts the reading head of the code reader 46.

[0268] In the reading position, the body portion 62 of the container 6 is not deformed overall (especially when compared with the first example), but the closing member 58 is deformed and is in contact with the code reader 46 as described below.

[0269] The guide portion 112 is arranged with a front surface 122 and a rear surface 126 parallel to the lateral direction 102. The front surface 122 and the rear surface 126 are separated by a distance E in the depth direction 106. The distance E is greater than the corresponding thickness t of the flange portion 60. In this example, E>1.5t, and in a specific example, E = t + 1 to 5 mm.

[0270] Since the storage portion 56 and the flange portion 60 of the container 6 do not substantially deform in the reading position, the pressing element of the first example can be omitted.

[0271] In a second example, the guide portion 112 remains stationary relative to the machine 2, and the code reader 46 is moved along axis A and pressed against the closure member 58. At the reading position (FIG. 18), the code reader 46 presses the rear face 128 of the flange portion 60 of the container 6 against the rear face 126 of the guide portion 112.

[0272] The closure member 58 is flexible and is configured to deform at the reading position to conform to the shape of the reading head of the code reader 46. The code 44 is disposed in the central region of the closure member 58. The central region of the closure member is configured to displace by 2 to 6 mm when subjected to a pressing force of 15 to 120 N by the code reader 46.

[0273] In a variant embodiment not shown, the second example alternatively may be configured such that the code reader remains stationary and the guide portion is translated to carry the container to the code reader; or a pressing element may be implemented as in the first example to move the container within the stationary guide portion to the stationary code reader.

[0274] [Detection system] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the first or second example of the code reading system 18 (including the variant embodiments considered in relation thereto) includes a detection system 150 for detecting the reading position (FIGS. 13 and 18) when a predetermined condition for reading the code 44 is satisfied, and when that condition is satisfied, the electrical circuit 16 is configured to process the code 44 and extract the prepared information at the reading position.

[0275] Referring to FIG. 19, the process for determining whether a predetermined condition for reading the code 44 is satisfied includes the following.

[0276] Block 120: Implement the positioning mechanism 110 to move the container 6 from the holding position (Figs. 12, 14, and 17) to the loading position. The loading position may be indicated as starting (or substantially starting) the application of the loading conditions by the positioning mechanism 110 for the purpose of deforming and / or moving the container 6 to read the code 44.

[0277] At the loading position, the positioning mechanism 110 applies a load increase stage of a load cycle (examined later for examples thereof) to the container 6, which may include the application of force and / or displacement to the container 6. Typically, the force is increased to a constant value or increased and a variable displacement is applied.

[0278] Block 122: When a predetermined condition for reading the code 44 is satisfied, the electric circuit 16 determines the reading position using an input (e.g., as a signal or digital information) from the detection system 150 (Figs. 13 and 18). When the predetermined condition is satisfied, an affirmative decision at block 122 is triggered and block 124 is executed.

[0279] Block 124: Preparation information is read from the code (as described above in relation to Figs. 10 and 11). In block 124, the electric circuit 16 is configured to maintain the same (including substantially the same) loading conditions as when the predetermined condition was satisfied in block 122 and to have the code read under those loading conditions.

[0280] Block 126: If the reading of the preparation information in block 124 is successful, control the preparation unit 14 based on the extracted preparation information to execute a preparation process.

[0281] If the complete load increase stage of the load cycle is applied (e.g., such that the maximum load / displacement possible for the positioning mechanism 110 is applied) and a predetermined condition for reading the code is not satisfied, a negative decision at block 122 is triggered and blocks 128 and 130 are subsequently executed.

[0282] Block 128: If it is determined that a predetermined number of repetitions (e.g., two or three times) of Blocks 120 and 122 have already been executed (e.g., when the container 6 has been repositioned a plurality of times and the predetermined conditions have not yet been satisfied), Block 124 is executed and an attempt is made to extract the preparation information. If it is not so determined, Blocks 120, 122, and 130 are repeated.

[0283] Block 130: If it is not determined that the predetermined conditions are satisfied, the electric circuit 16 is configured to start repositioning the container 6 by controlling the positioning mechanism 110 to move the container 6 to the holding position. This is started by applying the load reduction phase of the load cycle. Then, Blocks 120 and 122 are subsequently repeated.

[0284] Block 132: If the extraction of the preparation information fails in Block 122, default preparation information is obtained from the electronic memory (not shown) of the system 2. Then, in Block 124, the preparation unit 14 is controlled based on the default preparation information to execute the preparation process.

[0285] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), in Block 130, as an alternative to moving the container to the holding position, it may remain at the load position and the load of the load increase phase may be partially reduced and then increased again in Block 120; if the preparation information cannot be extracted in Block 124, an error message can be returned to the user via the user interface; Block 128 may be omitted so that the container 6 is not repositioned when the predetermined conditions are not determined; in Block 124, if the code 44 cannot be read, Blocks 128 and 130 can be executed in the same manner as described for Block 122. In the example of a positioning mechanism that does not apply a variable load to the container (e.g., a fixed container reading position is set), as will be understood, Block 122 may be omitted.

[0286] Block 122 includes sub-block 122A and block 122B (not shown), which are the first conditions, and different second conditions. It is required that both the first and second conditions be satisfied as the predetermined conditions of block 120 (therefore, AND logic).

[0287] In a modified embodiment not shown, for example, other numbers of conditions exist, such as only the first condition or an additional third condition. Other logics, such as OR, may be implemented between the conditions, for example, so that only one of the conditions requires a trigger.

[0288] Referring to FIG. 20, the load stage of the load cycle is shown for the container at the load position. In this example, the displacement and force are initially applied to the container in a linear profile and change as they receive an increase in resistance from the container. The load may be increased with various load profiles, including linear, curved, or stepped, or combinations thereof.

[0289] The first condition is based on the force F applied to the container by the positioning mechanism being maintained below the target force, i.e., the threshold force Fth. The force F is measured by the current applied to the electric motor of the drive unit 140, and this current represents the applied force.

[0290] In a modified embodiment not shown, the force is alternatively measured, for example, via a load cell; there is no target force, and only a threshold force that satisfies a predetermined condition when exceeded exists; another electrical quantity of the drive unit / associated circuit that represents the force, such as power (including its derivative), may be used instead of the current (however, it should be understood that since power is based on current, the measured value of power is also based on current).

[0291] A smoothing system (not shown) for reducing force fluctuations is implemented. By implementing the smoothing system (e.g., as signal processing or through electrical components such as resistors and capacitors), fluctuations in the force are not expressed, thus preventing the force threshold from being accidentally triggered or enabling easier maintenance of the target force. The smoothing system may also be implemented for a second condition.

[0292] The second condition is based on the displacement D applied to the container by the positioning mechanism 110 exceeding a threshold value. Specifically, it is based on the first-order time derivative D’ of the displacement applied to the container from a certain amount down to below the threshold value Dth.

[0293] By considering the rate of change of the displacement below the threshold value, it is possible to determine when, under a given force, further displacement is relatively small, i.e., when the container has stopped displacing.

[0294] The displacement D is based on encoder counts generated from an encoder connected to the drive unit 140. Thus, the number of encoder counts within a given time gives the first-order derivative of the displacement.

[0295] In a modified embodiment not shown, the displacement is alternatively measured, for example, via a displacement sensor; instead of the first-order time derivative of the displacement, the displacement is used for the second condition, for example, the number of counts exceeding a threshold value may be used; other-order derivatives of the displacement can also be used.

[0296] By implementing both displacement criteria and force criteria, various geometries and flexibilities of the container can be arranged in a deformed configuration / read position suitable for reading the code.

[0297] In the case of a container that is relatively thin in the depth direction and not particularly rigid, the rate of change of the displacement provides an accurate estimate of when the container is sufficiently deformed, while the current target prevents excessive force from being applied that could cause compression of the precursor material and render it unprocessable.

[0298] In the case of relatively thick containers, they may experience a relatively linear displacement rate compared to thinner containers. As a result, it can be determined that there is sufficient displacement only when the rate of change of displacement begins to fall below a threshold value, and the current target prevents excessive force from being applied at any point.

[0299] The threshold value can be calibrated based on experimental data, i.e., tests of various force and displacement conditions where suitable code readings were obtained.

[0300] In an alternative embodiment, the predetermined conditions are based on a digital image of the code, as described below, or on other variables.

[0301] In the above example, since the first derivative of the displacement threshold (rather than the displacement threshold) is considered when the container is under a constant force (maintaining the force below the threshold force), the loading conditions are variable. As a result, different overall displacements are automatically applied to containers with different depths of the body portion, but the first derivative of the displacement threshold can be maintained at the same amount. Thus, the loading conditions are automatically adapted to different container shapes.

[0302] Furthermore, different overall displacements are similarly applied to stiffer containers due to different materials and / or different thicknesses, but the first derivative of the displacement threshold can be maintained at the same amount.

[0303] In an alternative embodiment, a fixed displacement and / or force may be applied; a fixed displacement and a variable force may be applied; or the loading conditions can be adapted differently.

[0304] The processes of FIGS. 19 and 20 can be integrated into the overall process for preparing a beverage shown in FIG. 8 as part of an alternative block 74 that alternatively includes the operation of a positioning mechanism 110 for transferring a container from a holding position to a reading position (the code reading system 18 is separate from the processing unit 14). In a variant embodiment, the code reading system (including the detection system) is alternatively implemented as part of the processing unit, similar to the embodiments described in connection with FIGS. 4 and 5, and the opening and closing of the processing unit also moves the container from the holding position to the reading position.

[0305] [Conditions Based on the Digital Image of the Code] Referring to FIGS. 21-23, the code reading system 118 includes a code reader for acquiring a digital image of the code 44, and the code reading system 118 includes an electrical circuit 16 for determining whether the container is in the reading position from the digital image of the code based on a predetermined condition. When the condition is satisfied, the electrical circuit is configured to process the code and extract preparation information at the reading position.

[0306] The predetermined condition based on the digital image of the code 44 can be integrated into the previous process as the predetermined condition in block 122 described in connection with FIG. 19, or as part of an alternative embodiment that does not include the positioning mechanism 118. Accordingly, it will be understood that the disclosure associated with the detection system referred to in FIG. 19 is incorporated into this example and not repeated for brevity.

[0307] Referring to FIG. 21, in one example, the predetermined condition is based on the geometric characteristics of the code.

[0308] In a first example, the geometric characteristic is determined based on the diameter of one or more of the units 80 of one or more of the plurality of codes 44 in the image being greater than a predetermined amount. Such an example can test whether the code 44 is within a suitable distance range of the code reader for reading.

[0309] In a second example, the geometric characteristic is determined based on the fact that the number of units 80 forming the code 44 arranged within a window W of a predetermined size is greater than a predetermined amount. Such an example can test whether the code 44 is within a suitable distance range for a code reader for reading.

[0310] In a third example (not shown), the geometric characteristic is based on the geometric pattern of the code, for example, on the geometric pattern of the finder portion of the code and on the specific angles / distances between reference units that are in fixed positions relative to each other in the finder portion. Such an example can test the integrity of the code 44, for example, whether the code is distorted due to folds or other discontinuities in the closure member on which the code is arranged.

[0311] Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, the predetermined condition in a further example is alternatively based on the optical characteristic of the code.

[0312] FIG. 22 shows a code 44 arranged adjacent to (i.e., in contact with or close to) a code reader. It can be seen that the border 82 is white and the code units 80 are clearly distinguishable as black.

[0313] FIG. 23 shows a code 44 arranged too far away from the code reader 46 for suitable reading. It can be observed that the border 82 is partially white and in some regions is in the background, and the code units 80 cannot be clearly distinguished.

[0314] Therefore, whether the code 44 is arranged in a suitable position can be determined by one or more of an average gray scale exceeding a threshold, a ratio of a specific amount of gray scale exceeding the threshold, an average luminance, and other related features.

[0315] Any of the disclosed methods (or corresponding devices, programs, data carriers, etc.) may be executed by either a host or a client, depending on the particular implementation (i.e., the disclosed method / device is in the form of communication(s), and thus can be executed from either "perspective", i.e., corresponding to each other). Further, it will be understood that the terms "receiving" and "transmitting" include "inputting" and "outputting", and are not limited to the RF context of transmitting and receiving radio waves. Thus, for example, a chip, other device or component for implementing an embodiment can generate output data for another chip, device or component, or can have input data from another chip, device or component, and such output or input can be referred to as "transmitting" and "receiving", including the gerunds, i.e., "transmitting" and "receiving", and "transmitting" and "receiving" within the RF context.

[0316] As used herein, any expression used in the phrase "at least one of A, B, or C", as well as the expression "at least one of A, B, and C", uses the disjunctive "or" and the disjunctive "and" selectively, such that these expressions include any or all combinations of A, B, C, and some permutations, i.e., A only, B only, C only, A and B in any order, A and C in any order, B and C in any order, A, B, C in any order. There may be more or fewer than three features present in such expressions.

[0317] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claims. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in a claim. Further, as used herein, the terms "a" or "an" are defined as one or more than one. Also, the use of introductory phrases such as "at least one" and "one or more" in the claims shall not be construed to limit a particular claim to inventions that contain only one such element introduced by the indefinite article "a" or "an" even when the same claim contains the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an". The same holds true for the use of definite articles. Unless otherwise stated, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to arbitrarily distinguish between elements described by such terms. Accordingly, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate a temporal or other precedence of such elements. The mere fact that particular measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously.

[0318] Unless explicitly stated otherwise as being non-interchangeable, or unless the physical nature or others of the embodiments, examples, or claims prevent such combinations, the features of the foregoing embodiments, examples, and the appended claims can be integrated together in any suitable configuration, particularly in those that are beneficial in doing so. This is not limited to any particular benefit, but instead may result from "after-the-fact" benefits. This means that the combination of features is not limited by the form in which they are described, particularly by the dependency of the example(s), embodiment(s), or claim(s). Further, this also applies to phrases such as "in one embodiment", "according to one embodiment", etc., which are merely a style of language and should not be construed as limiting the following features to a separate embodiment from all other examples of the same or similar language. This means that references to "an", "one", or "some" embodiment(s) can be references to one or more, and / or all, of the disclosed embodiments, or combinations (singular or plural) thereof. Also, similarly, references to "the" embodiment may not be limited to the immediately preceding embodiment.

[0319] As used herein, any machine-executable instructions, or computer-readable media, can execute the disclosed method and, thus, can be used synonymously with the term method, or used interchangeably with each other.

[0320] The foregoing description of one or more implementations provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the invention to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings, or may be acquired from experience with the various implementations of this disclosure.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0321] 2 System 4 Machine 14 Processing Unit 20 Container Processing Unit (First Example) 32 Extraction unit 34 Capsule holding part 36 Closing part 38 Injection head 40 Beverage outlet 22 Fluid adjustment system 24 Reservoir 26 Pump 28 Heat exchanger 30 Outlet 16 Electric circuit 48 Control electric circuit 50 Input unit 52 Processor 54 Feedback system 18 Code reading system 46 Image capture unit 130 Inlet 132 Housing 134 Closing member 136 Transfer mechanism 138 Transfer member 110 Positioning mechanism 112 Guide part 116 Left side 118 Right side 122 Front side 126 Rear side 120 Interconnection part 114 Pressing element 140 Driving unit 150 Detection system 6 Container 56 Closing member 44 Code 80 Unit R reference part 84 Reference unit r reference line O Origin D Data part 86 Data unit E Encoding line d Distance 88 Starting position 90 Discrete positions I Code identification part 94 Discrete positions 96 Identification unit 82 Framing 92 Outer periphery 62 Body part 58 Storage part 60 Flange part 124 Front surface 128 Rear surface 8 Server system 10 Peripheral device 12 Computer network

Claims

1. A system comprising a container and a machine for preparing a beverage and / or food, wherein the container has a body portion having a storage portion with a cavity extending in a depth direction for containing a precursor material, a closure member for closing the storage portion, a machine-readable code storing preparation information, the code being disposed on the closure member, the machine has a code reading system for reading the code of the container, a processing unit for processing the precursor material of the container, an electric circuit for controlling the processing unit based on the preparation information read from the code, the code reading system includes a code reader and a positioning mechanism for deforming the body portion of the container from a non-deformed configuration to a deformed configuration, the positioning mechanism is adapted to deform the body portion in the deformed configuration to cause subsequent deformation of the closure member so that the closure member presents a more uniform surface for reading the code, a system.

2. The body portion of the container has a flange portion connecting the storage portion and the closure member, the code is disposed in a central region of the closure member, in the deformed configuration, the flange portion is deformed to achieve a change in curvature along a lateral direction as compared with the non-deformed configuration, in the deformed configuration, the central region of the closure member undergoes a slight curvature as compared with the non-deformed configuration, relative to a peripheral region of the closure member, the central region refers to a region of the closure member that includes at least the geometric center and is different from the peripheral region including the periphery, The system according to claim 1.

3. The code is disposed in a central region of the closure member, and in the deformed configuration, the central region of the closure member is displaced in a direction opposite to the depth direction as compared with the non-deformed configuration, The central region refers to a region of the closure member that includes at least the geometric center and is different from the peripheral region including the periphery. The system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. In the deformed configuration, the closure member is configured to physically contact the code reader, and a reading head of the code reader is shaped to correspond to the shape of the closure member in the deformed configuration. The system according to claim 3.

5. The container is configured such that when the container is subjected to three-point bending in the lateral direction, the central region of the closing member is displaced 2 to 6 mm in a direction opposite to the depth direction with respect to the non-deformed configuration in the deformed configuration, and the three-point bending is supporting the container on the left and right sides of a flange portion connecting the storage portion and the closing member, and applying a force of 15 to 120 N in a direction opposite to the depth direction between the left and right sides of the container at the base of the storage portion, the system according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The storage portion is hermetically sealed, and the positioning mechanism is configured to reduce the internal volume of the storage portion in the deformed configuration as compared to the deformed configuration, the system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The positioning mechanism is configured to displace the precursor material to the closing member when transitioning from the non-deformed configuration to the deformed configuration, resulting in displacement of the closing member, the system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The positioning mechanism includes a support for supporting the container at the flange portion and applying a pressing force to the base of the storage portion of the container via a pressing element, the system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The machine includes a guide portion, and the guide portion is configured to guide the container inserted into the guide portion from the insertion position by gravity to a holding position where the container is in the non-deformed configuration and to the processing unit, the system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Comprising a plurality of containers having storage portions with different depths, the positioning mechanism is configured to transfer the containers from the non-deformed configuration to the deformed configuration and read the codes of each container, the system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A machine for preparing beverages and / or foods from a container, a code reading system for reading the code of the container, a processing unit for processing the precursor material of the container, and an electric circuit for controlling the processing unit based on preparation information read from the code, comprising the code reading system includes a code reader and a positioning mechanism for deforming the body portion of the container from a non-deformed configuration to a deformed configuration The positioning mechanism is adapted to cause subsequent deformation of the closing member by deforming the body portion in the deformed configuration so that the closing member presents a more uniform surface for reading the code. Machine.

12. A container for use with the machine according to claim 11, a body portion having a storage portion with a cavity extending in the depth direction for receiving a precursor material, and a flange portion connecting the storage portion and the closing member; a closing member for closing the storage portion; a machine-readable code storing preparation information, the code being disposed in a central region of the closing member; the container being deformable by the machine from a non-deformed configuration to a deformed configuration in which the code is readable by the code reader; in the deformed configuration, when the container is subjected to three-point bending in the lateral direction, the central region of the closing member is displaced 2 to 6 mm in a direction opposite to the depth direction, and the three-point bending includes supporting the container on the left and right sides of the flange portion and applying a force of 15 to 120 N in a direction opposite to the depth direction between the left and right sides of the container at the base of the storage portion; the central region refers to a region of the closing member that includes at least the geometric center and is different from a peripheral region including the periphery; Container.

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

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

15. A method of reading a code of a container for containing a precursor material for preparing a beverage and / or food, comprising deforming a body portion of the container to cause subsequent deformation of a closing member of the container; and reading the code from the closing member. Method.

16. A kit of parts comprising the machine according to claim 11 and a plurality of containers according to claim 12, the containers having storage portions of different depths and being suitable for use with the machine.

Images