Beverage or food preparation system

Abstract

A container configured to contain precursor material for use by a machine for preparing a beverage and / or food product, the container comprising a reservoir, a closure member, a flange connecting the reservoir and the closure member, and a machine-readable code storing preparation information for use by a preparation process carried out by the machine, the code comprising a plurality of elements, the elements of the code extending from a first position on the reservoir to a second position on the flange such that the code is readable from the flange or the reservoir, the elements being configured to be read about the axis of rotation of the capsule.

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 comprises a beverage preparation machine and a capsule. The capsule contains a single serving of 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 capsule by exposing pressurized and heated water to the precursor material. By processing the capsule in this manner, the precursor material is at least partially extracted from the capsule as a beverage.

[0003] This configuration of beverage preparation machine has gained popularity due to 1) improved user convenience compared to conventional beverage preparation machines (for example, compared to manually operated moka pots), and 2) an improved beverage preparation process in which preparation information encoded by a code on the capsule is read by the machine, and the preparation information is used by the machine to optimize the preparation process in a capsule-specific manner. In particular, the encoded preparation information may include operating parameters selected in the beverage preparation process, including: fluid temperature; fluid pressure; preparation duration; and fluid volume.

[0004] Various codes have been developed, and European Patent Application Publication No. 2594171 A1 presents an example where the code is arranged on the lower side of the flange of the capsule. A disadvantage of such a code is that it can only be read from a limited number of positions, which may impose restrictions on the specifications of the machine.

[0005] Therefore, although efforts have already been made in the development of this system, further improvements are desired.

Summary of Invention

[0006] This disclosure provides a container for containing precursor material for use by a machine for preparing beverages or food or precursors thereof, the container comprising machine-readable code for storing preparation information for use by a preparation process performed by the machine, the machine being controlled based on the preparation information for preparing beverages and / or food or precursors thereof.

[0007] In this embodiment, the container includes a storage section for storing precursor material, a closing member (e.g., a membrane) for closing the storage section, and a flange connecting the storage section and the closing member.

[0008] Examples of suitable closure members can be derived from the teachings disclosed herein, as well as from the examples relating to containers and / or closure members. Details of suitable structures and / or operations are disclosed, for example, in European Patent No. 2569230.

[0009] In this embodiment, the code comprises multiple elements, each element encoding a data portion that stores preparation information and a finder sequence for locating the data portion.

[0010] In the embodiment, the elements (e.g., some or all of the elements forming the code) extend from a first position on the storage section to a second position on the flange so that the code is readable from the flange or storage section (e.g., so that all the information of the code is fully readable so that it is encoded at that position), and the elements are arranged so that they are readable around the rotation axis of the container.

[0011] By arranging the elements forming the code on both the flange and the storage section, and implementing them so as to extend (including being continuous without gaps) between the first and second positions, the code can be read conveniently from various positions while being readable around the axis of rotational symmetry. For example, older machines may be able to read the code from the underside of the flange, while newer machines may be able to read the code from the storage section side. Thus, the code can accommodate a range of machines.

[0012] In this embodiment, the container is rotationally symmetric with respect to the axis of rotation, and the code is centrally located along a virtual circular line whose center lies on the axis of rotation. By centralizing the code along the axis of rotation, the code can be conveniently read.

[0013] In this embodiment, the first position is located in the base region of the storage cavity.

[0014] As used herein, the term “base region” may refer to the region of the storage cavity at its maximum depth, with the depth direction extending from the flange. The base region can be defined as any region having a depth greater than 70%, 80%, or 90% of the maximum depth, particularly in the case of a hemispherical container. The base region may have a center facing (including substantially facing) the axial direction, and the center may lie on the axis of rotational symmetry.

[0015] In the embodiment, the first position is on the rotation axis of the container (including being directly on it or proximal to it with a small gap). By positioning the first position on the rotation axis, the elements of the code extend and converge to a common point on the rotation axis, and the code can also be read proximal to the rotation axis.

[0016] In the embodiment, the second position is located on the proximal or outer rim of the flange. By positioning the code to extend to or beyond the rim of the flange, the code can be read on the underside of the flange or on the rim of the flange.

[0017] In the embodiment, the code element has a centerline that extends radially aligned from a first position to a second position. By implementing the code so that it extends outward from the axis of rotation in the direction in which the code is radially aligned, the code can be reliably read at a range of positions. As used herein, the term “centerline” may refer to a line that extends along the code element through an intermediate distance of the element’s circumference.

[0018] In the embodiment, the code elements extend such that their circumferential width increases with radial distance. By arranging the code elements such that their circumferential width (e.g., the short dimension, where the long dimension is radially aligned) increases as they move away from the axis of rotation, it can be ensured that the same information is accurately encoded regardless of where the code is read from. In the embodiment, the code elements may have circumferential widths that increase proportionally with radial distance, such that their relative circumferential ratio does not change with radial distance. The relative circumferential ratio means the ratio of the circumferential width to the entire circumference at the location where the width is measured.

[0019] In this embodiment, the code elements extend continuously between a first position and a second position. By arranging the elements to extend continuously, the code can be read at any position between the first and second positions without being separated or bifurcated, for example, by the features of the container.

[0020] In the embodiment, elements (e.g., some or all elements forming a code) extend over the storage portion from a first position to a second position, the first position being in the base region of the storage portion (including the center which may directly or near the center of the storage portion which can be aligned with a rotational axis of symmetry), and the second position being in the flange (including directly or near the joint between the flange and the storage portion), and the elements are arranged so as to be read around the rotational axis of the container. In the embodiment, the second position on the storage portion in the flange includes the storage portion arranged to face radially, for example, the storage portion intersects the flange portion at 90 degrees (including substantially 90 degrees) with respect to the plane of the flange, and the plane of the flange is defined by the transverse and longitudinal directions and may be radial.

[0021] By arranging the elements forming the code across a substantial portion of the storage section between the first and second positions, and by implementing them to extend (including continuously without gaps) between these positions, the code can be read conveniently from various positions while being readable around the axis of rotational symmetry. For example, older machines may read the code from the lower position of the storage section, and newer machines may read the code from the upper position of the storage section. Thus, the code can accommodate a range of machines. Furthermore, the code can be read aligned with the axis of rotational symmetry, or at 90 degrees (at the base of the storage section), or at 90 degrees (at the intersection with the flange).

[0022] In this embodiment, the elements are arranged on a virtual line extending in the circumferential direction. By arranging the elements so as to intersect the virtual line, the elements can be read when the code reader rotates relative to the line.

[0023] This disclosure provides a substrate for mounting on a container for housing precursor material for use by a machine for preparing beverages and / or food or precursors thereof, the substrate comprising a code that includes any feature of the above embodiments or other embodiments disclosed herein.

[0024] As used herein, the term "base material" may refer to any suitable carrier for a cord that can be used to connect the cord to a container, examples of which include stickers, cardboard members for receiving adhesive strips, and other suitable configurations.

[0025] The present disclosure provides a system comprising the container of any of the foregoing or another embodiment disclosed herein, and a machine for preparing a beverage and / or food product or a precursor thereof.

[0026] In an embodiment, the machine includes a code reading system for reading the code of the container, a processing unit for processing a precursor material in the container, and an electric circuit for controlling the processing unit based on preparation information read from the code. In an embodiment, the processing unit includes a container processing unit and a fluid processing system, and the electric circuit is configured to control the container processing unit and the fluid processing system based on preparation information read from the code. In an embodiment, the processing unit is configured as a bulk material processing unit, and the electric circuit is configured to control the bulk material processing unit to process a bulk precursor material dispensed from or arranged in the container based on preparation information read from the code.

[0027] In an embodiment, the code reading system is configured to read the code when the container is rotated about a rotation axis, and the processing unit is configured to process the precursor material when the container is rotated about the rotation axis. Code reading and precursor material processing can be performed simultaneously or sequentially.

[0028] The present disclosure provides use of the container of any of the foregoing embodiments or another embodiment disclosed herein for a machine for preparing a beverage and / or food product or precursors thereof.

[0029] The present disclosure provides a method for reading preparation information for use in a preparation process, wherein a machine is controlled based on the preparation information to prepare a beverage and / or food product or a precursor thereof, the method comprising reading preparation information from a code of a container according to the foregoing embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein. The method may comprise reading the code from a first position and / or a second position on the container, for example using a code reader appropriately inclined relative to one of said positions.

[0030] The method may be implemented as part of a method for preparing a beverage or food product or a precursor thereof, wherein a processing unit is controlled based on the preparation information to perform a preparation process on a precursor material.

[0031] The method may implement the features of any of the foregoing embodiments, or another embodiment disclosed herein.

[0032] The present disclosure provides an electrical circuit for carrying out the method of the foregoing embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein.

[0033] The present disclosure provides a computer readable medium comprising program code for carrying out the method of the foregoing embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein.

[0034] The present disclosure provides a method for encoding preparation information using a code, the method comprising arranging elements of the code to extend from a first position on a reservoir of a container to a second position on a flange of the container, such that the code is readable from the flange or the reservoir, wherein the elements are arranged to be read about a rotational axis of the container.

[0035] This disclosure provides a method for encoding preparation information using a code, the method comprising arranging elements of the code to extend from a first position on the storage portion of the container to a second position on the storage portion of the container, the first position being in the base region of the storage portion, and the second position on the storage portion being near the flange, and the elements being arranged to be read around the rotation axis of the container.

[0036] The above summary is provided for the purpose of summarizing several embodiments in order to provide a basic understanding of the aspects of the subject matter described herein. Therefore, the above features are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, 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, brief description of the drawings, and claims. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0037] Aspects, features, and advantages of the embodiments of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings in which the same number indicates the same element. [Figure 1] This is a block system diagram showing an embodiment of a system for preparing beverages or food products or their precursors. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a block system diagram showing an embodiment of the machine of the system. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of the fluid control system of the machine. [Figure 4A] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of the container processing system of the machine. [Figure 4B] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of the container processing system of the machine. [Figure 5] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of the container processing system of the machine. [Figure 6]This is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of the machine in Figure 2, which is equipped with a bulk material processing unit. [Figure 7] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the control electrical circuit of the machine. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of the electrical circuit of the system in Figure 1. [Figure 9] Figure 1 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the preparation process performed by the system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 10] Figure 8 is an enlarged view showing the code for the container. [Figure 11] Figure 8 is a side view showing an example of a container. [Figure 12] This is a plan view of the container shown in Figure 11. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0038] Before describing some embodiments of the system, it should be understood that the system is not limited to the configuration or method step details described below. Those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure will see that other embodiments of the system are possible and can be implemented or performed in a variety of ways.

[0039] This disclosure may be better understood in consideration of the following explanation.

[0040] As used herein, the term “machine” may refer to an electric device capable of preparing beverages and / or food from a precursor material, or preparing a precursor material from a pre-precursor material that can subsequently be prepared into beverages and / or food. The machine may carry out the above preparations by one or more of the following processes: dilution; heating; cooling; mixing; frothing; dissolving; immersion; soaking; extraction; adjustment; decoction; grinding; and other similar processes. The machine 4 may be sized for use on a countertop; for example, this preparation machine 4 has a length, width, and height of less than 70 cm. As used herein, the term “preparation” with respect to beverages and / or food may refer to the preparation of at least a portion of a beverage and / or food (for example, a beverage is prepared in whole or in part by the machine, and the end user may manually add additional fluids, including milk and / or water, before consumption).

[0041] As used herein, the term “container” may refer to any configuration for containing a precursor material in pre-portioned amounts, for example, one serving. A container may have a maximum capacity such that it can contain only one serving of the precursor material. A container may be single-use and may be physically modified after the preparation process, and may include, for example, one or more of the following: perforations for supplying fluid to the precursor material, perforations for supplying beverage / food from the container, and user opening for extracting the precursor material. A container may be configured to operate with a container processing unit of a machine, and may include, for example, flanges for aligning and orienting the container through or on the unit. A container may include a rupture section configured to burst and deliver beverage / food when subjected to a certain pressure. A container may have a closure member, such as a membrane, for closing the container. A container may have a variety of forms, including one or more of the following: cone; cylinder; disk; hemisphere; packet; and other similar forms. A container may be formed from a variety of materials, such as metal, plastic, or a combination thereof. The materials may be selected to be food-safe and able to withstand the pressure and / or temperature of the preparation process. The container may be defined as a capsule, which may have an internal volume of 20–100 mL. The capsules include coffee capsules, e.g., Nespresso® capsules (including Classic, Professional, Vertuo, Dolce Gusto, or other capsules). The container may be defined as a container, which may have an internal volume of 150–350 mL. The container is typically for the end user to consume from, and includes a pot for consumption via an utensil including a spoon, and a cup for drinking from it. The container may be defined as a packet, which is formed from a flexible material including plastic or foil. The packet may have an internal volume of 150–350 mL, or 200–300 mL, or 50–150 mL, depending on the application.

[0042] As used herein, the terms “external device,” “external electronic device,” or “peripheral device” may include electronic components located outside the machine, such as electronic components located in the same location as the machine or electronic components located away from the machine that communicate with the machine via a computer network. External devices may have communication interfaces for communicating with the machine and / or server systems. External devices may include devices such as smartphones, PDAs, video game controllers, tablets, laptops, or other similar devices.

[0043] As used herein, the term “server system” may refer to an electronic component outside of a machine, for example, an electronic component located remotely from the machine and communicating with the machine via a computer network. A server system may include communication interfaces for communicating with the machine and / or external devices. A server system may include a network-based computer (e.g., a remote server), a cloud-based computer, or any other server system.

[0044] As used herein, the terms “system” or “beverage or food preparation system” may refer to beverage or food preparation machines, containers, server systems, and peripheral devices.

[0045] As used herein, the term “beverage” may refer to any substance that can be processed into a drinkable substance that may be refrigerated or heated. A beverage may be one or more of a solid, liquid, gel, or paste. A beverage may be one or a combination of the following: tea; coffee; hot chocolate; milk; juice; vitamin composition; herbal tea / decoction; brewed / flavored water; and other substances. As used herein, the term “food” may refer to any substance that can be processed into nutrients for consumption that may be refrigerated or heated. A food may be one or more of a solid, liquid, gel, or paste. A food may include yogurt, mousse, parfait, soup, ice cream, sherbet, custard, smoothie, and other substances. There is some overlap between the definitions of beverage and food; for example, a beverage may also be food, and therefore a machine said to prepare beverages or food does not exclude the preparation of both.

[0046] As used herein, the term “precursor material” may refer to any material that can be processed to form part or all of a beverage or food. A precursor material may be one or more of the following: powder; crystal; liquid; gel; solid; and others. Examples of beverage-forming precursor materials include ground coffee; milk powder; tea leaves; cocoa powder; vitamin compositions; herbs for forming herbal tea / infusion, for example; flavorings; and other similar materials. Examples of food-forming precursor materials include dried vegetables or stocks as anhydrous soup powder; powdered milk; flour-based powders including custard; powdered yogurt or ice cream; and other similar materials. A precursor material may also refer to any pre-precursor material that can be processed into a precursor material as defined above, i.e., any precursor material that can subsequently be processed into a beverage and / or food. In one example, a pre-precursor material includes coffee beans that can be ground and / or heated (e.g., roasted) to become a precursor material.

[0047] As used herein, the term “fluid” may include one or more of water, milk, and others (with respect to fluids supplied by a fluid conditioning system). As used herein, the term “conditioning” with respect to a fluid may mean altering its physical properties and may include one or more of the following: heating or cooling; stirring (including frothing by whisking to introduce foam and mixing to introduce turbulence); dispensing into single-serving amounts suitable for use with single-serving containers; pressurizing to, for example, brewing pressure; carbonation; filtration / purification; and other conditioning processes.

[0048] As used herein, the term “processing unit” may refer to a configuration capable of processing a precursor material into a beverage or food. It may also refer to a configuration capable of processing a pre-precursor material into a precursor material. A processing unit may have any preferred implementation, including a container processing unit or a bulk material processing unit.

[0049] As used herein, the term “container processing unit” may refer to a configuration capable of processing a container to obtain a related beverage or food from a precursor material. A container processing unit may be configured to process the precursor material by one or more of the following: heating; cooling; mixing; frothing; dissolving; immersion; soaking; extraction; adjustment; pressurizing; decoction; and other processing steps. Thus, a container processing unit may implement various units depending on the processing steps, and these units may include an extraction unit (which can perform pressurizing and / or heating, e.g., heating or cooling, to perform the brewing process), a mixing unit (which mixes the beverage or food in the container for consumption by the end user), a distribution and dissolution unit (which extracts a portion of the precursor material from storage, processes it by dissolution, and distributes it into the container), and other similar units.

[0050] As used herein, the term “bulk material processing unit” may refer to a configuration capable of processing bulk material of a pre-precursor material into a precursor material. A bulk material processing unit may be configured to process the pre-precursor material by one or more of the following: heating; cooling; grinding; mixing; immersion; conditioning; or other processing steps. The bulk material may be supplied to the bulk material processing unit in a container, from which it is extracted and processed.

[0051] As used herein, the term “preparation process” may 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. A preparation process may refer to a process performed by an electrical circuit to control a container processing unit to process the precursor or pre-precursor material.

[0052] As used herein, the terms “electrical circuit,” “circuit,” or “controlling electrical circuit” may refer to one or more hardware and / or software components, examples of which include application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electronic / electrical components (which may include combinations of transistors, resistors, capacitors, inductors, etc.), one or more processors, non-temporary memory (for example, implemented by one or more memory devices) capable of storing one or more software or firmware programs, combinational logic circuits, and the interconnections described above. The electrical circuit may be located entirely within a machine, or distributed among one or more of the machines, external devices, and server systems.

[0053] As used herein, the terms “processor” or “processing resource” may refer to one or more units for processing, examples of which include ASICs, microcontrollers, FPGAs, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), state machines, or other suitable components. A processor may be configured to execute computer programs, for example, in the form of machine-readable instructions that can be stored in non-temporary memory and / or programmable logic. A processor may have various configurations corresponding to the configurations described for circuits, for example, it may be implemented in a machine or distributed as part of a system. As used herein, any machine-executable instruction or computer-readable medium may be configured to cause a machine or system, for example, as disclosed herein, to execute a disclosed method, and thus may be used synonymously or interchangeably with the term “method.”

[0054] As used herein, the terms “computer-readable medium” or “data storage” may include any medium capable of storing computer programs and may take the form of any conventional non-temporary memory, such as one or more of the following: random-access memory (RAM); CD; hard drive; solid-state drive; memory card; and DVD. Memory may have various configurations corresponding to the circuit configurations described herein.

[0055] As used herein, the terms “communication resource” or “communication interface” may refer to hardware and / or firmware for electronic information transmission. A communication resource / interface may consist of wired communication ("wired communication resource / interface") or wireless communication ("wireless communication resource / interface"). Wireless communication resources include hardware that transmits and receives signals wirelessly and may include, for example, the 802.11 standard described by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and various Bluetooth® protocol implementations sold by the Bluetooth® Special Interest Group in Kirkland, Washington. Wired communication resources may include Universal Serial Bus (USB), High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI®), or other protocol implementations. A machine may include communication resources for wired or wireless communication with external devices and / or server systems.

[0056] As used herein, the terms “network” or “computer network” may refer to a system for the transfer of electronic information between multiple devices. A network may include, for example, one or more networks of any type, including public land mobile networks (PLMN); telephone networks (e.g., public switched telephone networks (PSTN) and / or wireless networks); local area networks (LANs); metropolitan area networks (MANs); wide area networks (WANs); Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) networks; private networks; the Internet; and intranets.

[0057] As used herein, the term “code” may refer to a storage medium that encodes preparation information. The code may be an optically readable code, such as a barcode. The code may be formed from a plurality of units that can be called elements or markers.

[0058] As used herein, the term “preparation information” may refer to information relating to the preparation process. This information may vary depending on the implementation of the processing unit. Parameters that may be associated with a container processing unit equipped with a fluid processing system may include one or more of the following: fluid pressure; fluid temperature; mass flow rate / volume flow rate; fluid volume; fluid filtration / purification; and the carbonation parameter of the fluid. Parameters that may be associated with a container processing unit equipped with a bulk material processing unit may include one or more of the following: grinding parameters, including intensity; and heating temperature. More general parameters may include geometric parameters of the container, such as shape or volume; type of precursor; stage identifiers when the preparation process is divided into a series of stages, where each stage may include one or more of the following: stage identifiers, including one or more of the aforementioned parameters; stage durations, including stage durations (e.g., durations for applying the stage parameters or generally any of the aforementioned parameters); container identifiers, which may be used to monitor container consumption for the purpose of container reordering or retrieving information from a server system; expiration dates; and recipe identifiers, which may be used to retrieve recipes stored in the machine's memory for use with the containers.

[0059] [System Overview] Referring to Figure 1, System 2 comprises a machine 4, a container 6, a server system 8, and peripheral devices 10. The server system 8 communicates with machine 4 via a computer network 12. The peripheral devices 10 communicate with machine 4 via the computer network 12.

[0060] In modified embodiments not shown, peripheral devices and / or server systems are omitted.

[0061] Although the computer network 12 is shown as the same between the machine 4, the server system 8, and the peripheral devices 10, other configurations are possible, including different computer networks for communication between each device, i.e., the server system communicating with the machine not directly but via the peripheral devices. In a particular example, the peripheral devices communicate with the machine via a wireless interface, for example using the Bluetooth® protocol. The server system communicates with the machine via a wireless interface, for example, the IEEE 802.11 standard, and also via the internet.

[0062] [Machine] Referring to Figure 2, machine 4 comprises a processing unit 14 for processing precursor material, an electrical circuit 16, and a code reading system 18.

[0063] The electrical circuit 16 controls the code reading system 18 to read a code (not shown in Figure 2) from the container 6 and determine preparation information from it. The electrical circuit 16 uses the preparation information to control the processing unit 14 to execute the preparation process, in which the precursor material is processed into a beverage or food or a precursor thereof.

[0064] [First example of a processing unit] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, in the first example of the processing unit 14, the unit comprises a container processing unit 20 and a fluid adjustment system 22.

[0065] The container processing unit 20 is configured to process the container 6 to obtain a beverage or food from the precursor material (not shown) inside it. 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 to execute the preparation process.

[0066] [Fluid control system] Referring to Figure 3, the fluid conditioning system 22 includes a reservoir 24, a pump 26, a heat exchanger 28, and an outlet 30 for the conditioned fluid. The reservoir 24 typically contains enough fluid for multiple conditioning processes. The pump 26 moves the fluid from the reservoir 24 through the heat exchanger 26 to the outlet 30 (connected to the container processing unit 20). The pump 26 can be implemented as any suitable device for driving the fluid, including: a reciprocating pump; a rotary pump; and other suitable configurations. The heat exchanger 28 is implemented to heat the fluid and may include an in-line thermoblock heater, a heating element for directly heating the fluid in the reservoir, and other suitable configurations.

[0067] In modified embodiments not shown, the pump is omitted, and the fluid is supplied to the container processing unit by gravity or pressurized by a main feedwater. The reservoir is omitted, and water is supplied, for example, by a main feedwater. A heat exchanger is configured to cool the fluid and may include, for example, a refrigerated cycle heat pump. The heat exchanger is omitted, and, for example, a main feedwater supply water at a desired temperature. The fluid conditioning system includes a filtration / purification system, for example, a UV light system whose application to the fluid is controllable, and a carbonation system that controls the degree to which the fluid is carbonated.

[0068] [Container Processing Unit] The container processing unit 20 can be implemented in various configurations, as shown in the following Examples 1 to 6.

[0069] Referring to Figures 4A and 4B, a first example of the container processing unit 20 is for processing a container configured as a capsule 6 (a suitable example of a capsule is shown in Figure 7 and will be described later) for preparing a beverage. The container processing unit 20 is configured as an extraction unit 32 for extracting the beverage from the capsule 6. The extraction unit 32 includes a capsule holder 34 and a closure 36. The extraction unit 32 is movable to a capsule receiving position (Figure 4A) in which the capsule holder 34 and closure 36 are positioned to receive the capsule 6. The extraction unit 32 is also movable to a capsule extraction position (Figure 4B) in which the capsule holder 34 and closure 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 may be manually moved between these positions.

[0070] The outlet 30 of the fluid adjustment system 22 is typically positioned as an injection head 38 for injecting the adjusted fluid into the capsule 6 at the capsule extraction position, under high pressure. The beverage outlet 40 is configured to capture the extracted beverage and transport it from the extraction unit 32.

[0071] The extraction unit 32 is configured to prepare the beverage by applying a pressurized (e.g., 10-20 bar) and heated (e.g., 50-98°C) fluid to the precursor material inside the capsule 6. The pressure is increased over a predetermined amount of time until it exceeds the pressure at the rupture point of the capsule 6 (not shown in Figures 4A and 4B), thereby causing the rupture of that point and distributing the beverage to the beverage outlet 40.

[0072] In modified embodiments not shown, the infusion head and beverage outlet are shown as being located on the closure and capsule holder, respectively, but they may be arranged in alternative ways, including being located on the capsule holder and closure, respectively, or both being located on the same part. Furthermore, the extraction unit may include both parts arranged as a capsule holder for a capsule that is symmetrical with respect to the flange, for example, a Nespresso® Professional capsule.

[0073] Examples of suitable extraction units are provided in European Patent No. 1472156(A1) and European Patent No. 1784344(A1), which are incorporated herein by reference, and provide hydraulically sealed extraction units.

[0074] Referring to Figure 5, in the second example of the container processing unit 20, the extraction unit 32 is as described in the first example, but the extraction unit 32 operates by centrifugal force at a lower fluid pressure. Specifically, the extraction unit 32 includes a rotating mechanism 33 which includes a capsule holding section 34 for holding the capsule 6 and a drive system 37 for rotating the capsule holder 35.

[0075] The outlet 30 of the fluid conditioning system 22 is positioned on the closure 36 as an injection head 38 for injecting the conditioned fluid into the center of the capsule 6 through the closure member of the capsule 6, as described later. The rotation mechanism 33 rotates the capsule to deliver the conditioned fluid radially outward through the precursor material within the capsule 6 and outward through puncture points (not shown) located around the periphery within the closure member. An example of a suitable capsule is the Nespresso® Vertuo capsule. A suitable example is presented in European Patent No. 2594171(A1), which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0076] 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 in the first and second examples, but the lower pressure eliminates the need for a sealed extraction unit. In particular, the fluid can be injected into the capsule lid, and the rupture point is located at the base of the capsule's housing. An example of a suitable capsule is the Nespresso® Dolce Gusto capsule. Examples of suitable extraction units are disclosed in European Patent No. 1472156(A1) and European Patent No. 1784344(A1), which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0077] In a fifth example (not shown), the container processing unit is configured as a mixing unit for preparing a beverage or food precursor to be stored in a container, which is a container from which an end user will consume. The mixing unit comprises a stirrer (e.g., a planetary mixer, a helical mixer, and a vertical cutting mixer) for mixing the beverage or food precursor in the container, and a heat exchanger for heating / cooling the beverage or food precursor in the container. A fluid supply system may also supply fluid to the container. An example of such a configuration is disclosed in International Publication No. 2014067987(A1), which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0078] In a sixth example (not shown), the container processing unit is configured as a dispensing and dissolving unit. The dispensing and dissolving unit is configured to extract a single serving of beverage or food precursor from the machine's storage section (which may include any multiple subdivided containers, including packets or boxes). The dispensing and dissolving unit is configured to mix the extracted single serving with a prepared fluid from a fluid preparation system and dispense the beverage or food into containers.

[0079] [Second example of a processing unit] Referring to Figure 6, in the second example of the processing unit 14, the unit includes a bulk material processing unit 42.

[0080] The bulk material processing unit 42 is configured to receive bulk pre-precursor material from the container 6 and process the pre-precursor material to obtain precursor material. The electrical circuit 16 controls the bulk material processing unit 42 to execute the preparation process using preparation information read from the container 6.

[0081] The user manually presents container 6 to the code reading system 18 of machine 4 for reading the code. The user then opens container 6 and distributes the pre-precursor material (not shown) placed inside the container into the bulk material processing unit 42. The bulk material processing unit 42 processes the bulk pre-precursor material into the precursor material.

[0082] In a particular example, the pre-precursor material is coffee beans, and the bulk material processing unit 42 is configured to roast and / or grind the coffee beans in order to provide the precursor material.

[0083] In modified embodiments not shown, the bulk material processing unit may alternatively include a dispensing system for opening capsules for subsequent processing and dispensing pre-precursors from capsules (for example, including a cutting tool for cutting open a container and an extractor such as a shovel for extracting pre-precursor material). The pre-precursor material may be processed in a container and then dispensed from the container as described above, or provided to the user in a container.

[0084] [Code reading system] Referring to Figures 4A and 4B, the code reading system 18 is positioned to read the code 44 located on the closing member 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 when the extraction unit 32 is in the capsule extraction position (as shown in Figure 4B).

[0085] The code reading system 18 includes an image acquisition unit 46 that captures a digital image of the code 44. Examples of preferred image acquisition units 46 include the Sonix SN9S102, Snap Sensor S2 imaging device, oversampling binary image sensor, and other similar systems.

[0086] The electrical circuit 16 includes an image processing circuit (not shown) for identifying codes in the digital image and extracting adjustment information. An example of an image processing circuit is a Texas Instruments TMS320C5517 processor that executes a code processing program.

[0087] Referring to Figure 5, the code reading system 18 is configured to read the code 44 from the underside of the flange of the container 6. The code 44 is read based on the rotation of the code 44 relative to the code reader 46 of the code reading system 18. The code 44 is read when the extraction unit 32 is in the capsule extraction position (as shown in Figure 5) and the rotation mechanism 33 is rotating the container 6.

[0088] The code reading system 18 includes a code reader 46 that captures the code signal of code 44. Examples of suitable image code readers 46 include photodiodes or other electrical components capable of distinguishing between dark and bright elements of the code. In modified embodiments not shown, the code reader may be implemented as an image acquisition unit or using another suitable reading system, as described above.

[0089] In a modified embodiment not shown, the code reading system is separate from the container processing unit and is located within a channel through which the user places containers and transports them to the container processing unit, and is configured to read codes on containers positioned to receive beverages from the beverage outlet of the dispensing and dissolving unit. In a further modified embodiment not shown, the code reading system is implemented alternatively, for example, located on the machine to read codes on containers that the user manually presents to an image acquisition device. In a further modified embodiment not shown, the code reading system is configured to read codes at different locations on the container, for example, on the storage section.

[0090] [Control Electrical Circuits] Referring to Figure 7, the electrical circuit 16 is implemented as a control electrical circuit 48 for controlling the processing unit 14 to perform the preparation process. In the embodiment of Figure 7, for illustrative purposes, a processing unit 14 comprising a container processing unit 20 and a fluid supply unit 22 is illustrated as a first example.

[0091] The electrical circuits 16 and 48 at least partially implement (for example, in combination with hardware) an input unit 50 for receiving input from a user to confirm that machine 4 should perform a preparation process, a processor 52 for receiving input from input unit 46 and providing a control output to processing unit 14, and a feedback system 54 for providing feedback from processing unit 54 during the preparation process that can be used to control the preparation process.

[0092] The input unit 50 is implemented as a user interface and may include one or more of the following: buttons such as joystick buttons or push buttons; joysticks; LEDs; graphic LCDs or character LCDs; graphical screens with touch-sensitive buttons and / or screen edge buttons; other similar devices; and sensors for determining whether a container has been supplied to the machine by the user.

[0093] The feedback system 54 performs one or more of the following actions or actions based on other feedback control: A flow sensor for determining the flow rate / volume of fluid to the outlet 30 (shown in Figure 3) of a fluid supply system 22, which can be used to measure the precise amount of fluid into the container 6 and thereby adjust the power to the pump 26; A temperature sensor for determining the temperature of the fluid supplied to the outlet 30 of a fluid supply unit 22, which can be used to ensure that the temperature of the fluid supplied to the container 6 is accurate and thereby to regulate the power supplied to the heat exchanger 28; A level sensor for determining whether the fluid level in reservoir 24 is sufficient for the preparation process; and A position sensor can be implemented to determine the position of the extraction unit 32 (for example, the capsule extraction position or the capsule receiving position).

[0094] It will be understood that the electrical circuits 16 and 44 are well adapted to other examples of the following processing units 14: for example, a second example of a container processing system in which the feedback system may be used to control the rotational speed of the capsule; and a bulk material processing unit in which the feedback system may be used to carry out control of the grinding speed and / or heating temperature.

[0095] [container] Referring to Figure 8, an example of a container 6 for use with the first or second example of the processing unit 14 is a container 6 configured as a capsule. The capsule includes a closing member 56, a storage section 58, and a flange section 60.

[0096] The storage section 58 includes a cavity for storing precursor material (not shown). A closing member 56 closes the storage section 58 and is provided with a flexible membrane. A flange 60 is integrally positioned with the storage section 58 and has a flat surface for connecting the closing member 56 to the storage section 58 to hermetically seal the precursor material. The capsule 6 has a diameter of 2 to 5 cm and an axial length of 2 to 4 cm.

[0097] In modified embodiments not shown, the container may have a variety of shapes, including: hemisphere; curved; rectangular cross-section; frustoconical; and other similar shapes. The closure member may be configured as a rigid member rather than a membrane. The container may be formed from two similar or identical storage sections connected by a flange, and therefore the closure member can be omitted. The flange may be connected to the storage section and therefore a separate component. The closure member may be connected to the storage section, and therefore the flange can be omitted.

[0098] Suitable examples of containers and / or closures in terms of shape, dimensions, and / or material are known from any of the cartridges, capsules, and pods used by Nespresso® (Original Line, Professional Line, Vertuo Line), Nestle Dolce Gusto®, and Nestle Special-T® for portioned flavoring ingredients. Therefore, materials may include metals such as aluminum, plastics, and / or paper. Materials are preferably biodegradable and / or recyclable. Suitable uses, e.g., extraction, methods, and systems are also known from Nespresso®, Nestle Dolce Gusto®, or Nestle Special-T®.

[0099] Details of the structure, manufacture, and / or (beverage) extraction of the container and / or closure member are disclosed, for example, in European Patent Nos. 2155021, 2316310, 2152608, 2378932, 2470053, 2509473, 2667757, and 2528485.

[0100] [Array of Codes] Referring to Figure 8, the code 44 is positioned on the outer surface of the container 6 at any preferred location so that it can be read by the code reading system 18.

[0101] Referring to Figure 8, code 44 (not shown in Figure 8) may be located in one or more of the following positions: the closing member 56; the lower surface of the flange portion 60 facing the opposite side of the closing member 56; and the storage portion 58.

[0102] [Preparation Process] Referring to Figure 9, the execution of the process for preparing beverages / foods from precursor materials is shown. Block 70: The user supplies container 6 to machine 4. Block 72: The electrical circuit 16 (e.g., its input unit 50) receives a user instruction to prepare a beverage / food from a precursor, and the electrical circuit 16 (e.g., processor 52) starts the process. Block 74: The electrical circuit 16 controls the processing unit 14 to process the container (for example, in the first or second example of the container processing unit 20, the extraction unit 32 is moved from the capsule receiving position (Figure 4A) to the capsule extraction position (Figures 4B, 5)). Block 76: The electrical circuit 16 reads the code 44 on the container 6 and controls the code reading system 18 to provide a digital image of the code or a code signal associated with the code. Block 78: The code processing circuit of electrical circuit 16 processes a digital image or code signal to extract adjustment information. Block 80: The electrical circuit 16 executes the preparation process by controlling the processing unit 14 based on the preparation information. In the first example of the processing unit, this preparation process includes controlling the fluid adjustment system 22 to supply the fluid to the container processing unit 20 at the temperature, pressure, and duration specified in the preparation information. Next, the electrical circuit 16 controls the container processing unit 20 to move the container 6 from the capsule extraction position through the capsule discharge position, discharge the container 6, and return it to the capsule receiving position.

[0103] In modified embodiments not shown, the blocks described above 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. Alternatively, in blocks 70-76, the user presents the code of the container to the code reading system, and after the code is read, opens the container and distributes the pre-precursor material to the processing unit. Furthermore, the container processing unit may be manually moved between the extraction position and the capsule receiving position.

[0104] Blocks 76 and 78 may be referred to as the code reading and processing process. Block 80 may be referred to as the preparation process. The electrical circuit 16 includes instructions for the preparation process (or a set of preparation processes), for example, as program code. In one embodiment, the processor 52 executes instructions stored in memory (not shown).

[0105] As part of the preparation process, the electrical circuit 16 can use the machine's communication interface (not shown) to obtain additional preparation information from the server system 8 and / or peripheral devices 10 via the computer network 12.

[0106] [Code Overview] Referring to Figure 10, code 44 consists of multiple elements 80. The elements 80 are placed on a border 82. The elements 80 are dark in color (e.g., one of black, dark blue, purple, or dark green), and the border 82 is relatively light in color (e.g., one of white, light blue, yellow, or light green), so that there is sufficient contrast for the image acquisition unit 46 to distinguish them. In a modified embodiment not shown, the elements are light in color and the border is dark in color.

[0107] Element 80 is formed, for example, by printing with an ink printer. As an example of printing, the ink may be conventional printer ink, and the substrate may be the outer surface of a container including one of the closing member, flange, or storage section, or a separate substrate connected to the container. In modified embodiments not shown, the element may be formed by alternative means including embossing, engraving, or other suitable means.

[0108] Element 80 has various shapes, as described below. As used herein, the term “shape” with respect to an element may refer to the exact shape or an approximation of the actual shape, which may result from variations in printing or other manufacturing precision.

[0109] Element 80 is positioned so that it can be read sequentially as the container rotates around the axis of rotation 100 (as shown in Figure 5). Element 80 of code 44 is positioned on a virtual line L that extends in the circumferential direction.

[0110] [Code Encoding] Element 80 encodes a data section for storing preparation information and encodes a finder sequence for finding the data section. Element 80 is encoded as a bit code, and the presence or absence of the element encodes a logical 1 or 0.

[0111] The finder sequence (not shown) includes a predefined reserved sequence of logical 1s and / or 0s that can be identified when processing the code. The data sequence is placed in a known position relative to the finder sequence, for example, immediately after the finder sequence or distributed within the finder sequence. Thus, with the finder sequence in place, the data sequence can be placed, read, and decoded. The data sequence is machine 4 The code can be decoded based on rules stored on the electrical circuit 16 (for example, via electronic memory). Specific examples of such codes are provided in European Patent No. 2594171(A1).

[0112] [Code Placement] Referring to Figures 11 and 12, more detailed examples are shown that implement the features described in relation to the embodiments in Figures 8 and 10. Each element 80 of the code 44 extends from a first position 82 to a second position 84, spanning a substantial portion of the storage section 58 and the flange 60. The first position 82 is located on the storage section 58. The second position 84 is located on the flange 60. In this way, the code 44 can be read from various positions on both the storage section 58 and the flange 60.

[0113] Element 80 converges to the rotation axis 100 of the container 6. In this way, the code 44 can be read from any position between the first position 82 and the second position 84 as the container is rotated about the axis 100. The first position 82 is on the rotation axis 100. The second position is the junction between the outer rim 62 and the lower surface 64 of the flange 60 (the upper surface 66 of the flange 60 is defined as the surface on which the membrane 56 extends). Thus, element 80 extends across the entire storage section 58, to the inner edge 68 of the flange 60 adjacent to the storage section 58, and across the entire lower surface 64 of the flange 60.

[0114] Element 80 is positioned such that its centerline 86, passing through a section extending circumferentially, is aligned with the radial direction R. Element 80 extends with increasing circumferential distance, so as to occupy the same circumferential portion of its entire circumference, regardless of the radial distance. Element 80 extends continuously between the first position 82 and the second position 84, rather than, for example, in discrete, separate portions. In this way, the code can be read equally at any position between the first and second positions.

[0115] In a modified version, the elements of the code can alternatively be positioned such that the centerline is not radially aligned; for example, the elements may be positioned in front of and / or behind the radial line containing the spiral. The outer rim of the flange may also include the code. The first position may be located proximal to the rotation axis, rather than on the rotation axis, including the base region of the storage section, and the elements may extend as a series of distinct positions between the first and second positions.

[0116] The “base region” of the storage section can be defined as the region that includes the base (i.e., the lowest point) of the cavity of the storage section 58. The base region may also include a region having a depth D greater than 70%, 80%, or 90% of the maximum depth, where the maximum depth is at the lowest point of the cavity and the depth direction extends from the flange.

[0117] In modified embodiments not shown, both the first and second positions are located on the storage unit (not on the flange, for example) so that the code can be read at various locations on the storage unit. Specifically, the first position can be located on the axis of rotation, or more generally in the base region as defined above. The second position can be located on the inner edge of the flange adjacent to the storage unit, or proximal to the inner edge.

[0118] A method of encoding preparation information using code 44 includes arranging elements 80 of code 44 so as to extend from a first position 82 to a second position 84, where the first position is located on the storage unit and the second is position The storage unit 58 or flange 60 is positioned on the storage unit 58 or flange 60. The method for reading the code 44 includes reading the code at any position between the first position 82 and the second position 84, so that the code 44 can correspond to various machines 4 and the code reading system 18 can have various orientations.

[0119] It will be understood that any of the disclosed methods (or corresponding devices, programs, data carriers, etc.) may be performed by either a host or a client, depending on the particular implementation (i.e., the disclosed methods / devices are forms of communication and therefore can be performed from any "perspective," i.e., corresponding to each other). Furthermore, it will be understood that the terms "receiving" and "transmitting" encompass "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 may generate output data to another chip, device or component, or have input data from another chip, device or component, and such output or input may be referred to as "transmitting" and "receiving," including the gerunds "transmitting" and "receiving," and "transmitting" and "receiving" within the RF context.

[0120] As used herein, any expression used in the style “at least one of A, B, or C,” and the expression “at least one of A, B, and C,” use disjunctively “or” and disjunctively “and,” and as a result these expressions include any or all combinations and substitutions of A, B, and C, namely A only, B only, C only, A and B in any order, A and C in any order, B and C in any order, and A, B, and C in any order. There may be more or fewer than three features used in such expressions.

[0121] In the claims, any reference numerals placed between parentheses should not be construed as limiting the claims. The word “comprising” does not exclude the existence of elements or processes other than those enumerated in the claims. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “a” or “an” are defined as one or more. Also, the use of introductory phrases such as “at least one” and “one or more” in a claim should not be construed as meaning that the introduction of another claim element by the indefinite article “a” or “an” limits a particular claim containing such introduced claim element to an invention containing only one such element, even if the same claim contains the introductory phrase “one or more” or “at least one” and an indefinite article such as “a” or “an”. The same applies to the use of definite articles. Unless otherwise stated, terms such as “first” and “second” are used to arbitrarily distinguish between elements that such terms describe. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate a temporal or other priority of such elements. The mere fact that certain treatments are enumerated in different claims does not indicate that combinations of these treatments cannot be used advantageously.

[0122] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, or unless the physical properties or otherwise of the embodiments, examples, or claims prevent such combination, the features of the aforementioned embodiments, examples, and appended claims can be combined in any suitable configuration, particularly in which such combination has beneficial effects. This is not limited to any particular benefit, but may instead arise from “subsequent” benefits. This means that combinations of features are not limited by the described forms, in particular by the form of the example(s), embodiments(s), or claims(s). Furthermore, this also applies to phrases such as “in one embodiment” or “by one embodiment,” which are merely stylistic choices and should not be interpreted as limiting the following features to a separate embodiment to all other examples of the same or similar wording. This means that a reference to “an,” “one,” or “several” embodiments(s) may refer to one or more, and / or all, of the disclosed embodiments, or any combination thereof. Similarly, a reference to “that” embodiment may not be limited to the immediately preceding embodiment.

[0123] As used herein, any machine-executable instruction or computer-readable medium can perform the disclosed method and may therefore be used synonymously with or interchangeably with the term "method."

[0124] The foregoing descriptions of one or more implementations are illustrative and descriptive, but are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the invention to the exact forms disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the foregoing teachings or may be derived from experience with various implementations of the present disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0125] 2 Systems 4 Machines 14 Processing Units 20 Container Processing Unit (Examples 1 / 2) 32 extraction units 34 Capsule holding section 36 Closing part 38 injection heads 40 Beverage outlet 33 Rotation mechanism 37 Drive System 22 Fluid regulation system 24 Reservoir 26 pumps 28 Heat exchanger 30 exit 42. Bulk material processing unit 16 Electrical Circuits 48 Control Electrical Circuits 50 Input Units 52 processors 54 Feedback System 18 Code Reading System 46 Image acquisition unit 6. Container (capsule) 56 Closure member (membrane) 64 Bottom surface 66 Top surface 58 Storage section 60 Flange section 62 rim 64 Bottom surface 66 Top 68 Common-law marriage 44 Code 80 elements 82 First position 84 Second position 86 Center line L virtual line 82 Border 100 axis R Radial direction 8 Server System 10 Peripheral Devices 12 Computer Networks

Claims

1. A container configured to contain precursor materials for use by a machine for preparing beverages and / or food, Storage section, Closing member and A flange connecting the storage section and the closing member, It comprises machine-readable code with multiple elements, A container in which the plurality of elements of the code extend from a first position on the storage section to a second position on the flange, the code is readable from the flange or the storage section, and the plurality of elements are arranged to be readable around the rotation axis of the container.

2. The container according to claim 1, wherein the container is rotationally symmetric with respect to the axis of rotation, and the code is arranged along a virtual circular line having its center on the axis of rotation.

3. The container according to claim 1, wherein the first position is located in the base region of the cavity of the storage section.

4. The container according to claim 1, wherein the first position is on the rotation axis of the container.

5. The container according to claim 1, wherein the second position is located near or on the outer rim of the flange.

6. The container according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of elements of the code have linear centerlines that extend radially aligned from the first position to the second position.

7. The container according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of elements of the code extend such that the circumferential width increases with increasing radial distance, such that the relative circumferential ratio of the plurality of elements does not change with radial distance.

8. The container according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of elements of the code extend continuously between the first position and the second position.

9. A container configured to contain precursor materials for use by a machine for preparing beverages and / or food, Storage section, Closing member and A flange connecting the storage section and the closing member, It comprises machine-readable code with multiple elements, The plurality of elements of the code extend from a first position to a second position on the storage unit, A container in which the first position is located at the center of the base region of the storage section, the second position is located at the joint between the storage section and the flange, and the plurality of elements are arranged so as to be read around the rotation axis of the container.

10. A substrate for attachment to a container for containing precursor material for use by a machine for preparing beverages and / or food, comprising the code described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A system comprising a container according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and a machine for preparing beverages and / or food, wherein the machine is A code reading system for reading the code on the container, A processing unit for processing the precursor material in the container, A system including an electrical circuit for controlling the processing unit based on preparation information read from the code.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the code reading system is configured to read the code when the container is rotated about a rotation axis, and the processing unit is configured to process the precursor material when the container is rotated about the rotation axis.

13. Use of a container according to any one of claims 1 to 9 for a machine for preparing beverages and / or food or precursors thereof, wherein the machine is A code reading system for reading the code on the container, A processing unit for processing the precursor material in the container, Use includes an electrical circuit for controlling the processing unit based on preparation information read from the code.

14. A method for encoding preparation information using a code, A method comprising the step of arranging a plurality of elements of the code so as to extend from a first position on the storage portion of the container to a second position on the flange of the container, so that the code is readable from the flange or the storage portion, wherein the plurality of elements are arranged so as to be readable around the rotation axis of the container.

15. A method for encoding preparation information using a code, A method comprising the step of arranging a plurality of elements of the code so as to extend from a first position on the storage portion of the container to a second position on the storage portion of the container, wherein the first position is at the center of the base region of the storage portion, the second position on the storage portion is near the flange of the container, and the plurality of elements are arranged so as to be read around the rotation axis of the container.

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