Beverage Capsule Code Layout for Dense Polar Parameter Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage and foodstuff preparation systems face limitations in encoding preparation information on containers due to low encoding density, visibility, and aesthetic concerns, as well as the need for complex and costly code processing subsystems.
Innovation Solution
A container with a code comprising a reference portion and a data portion, using a Polar coordinate system for encoding, where the data units are arranged on a semi- or fully circular encoding line intersecting a linear reference line, allowing for high encoding density and efficient image processing, and enabling the encoding of various preparation parameters without requiring complex alignment or additional reference units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a periphery code is used on the container, then the code can be read by the machine, but the encoding density is limited and the code is highly visible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a linear periphery code arrangement to a two-dimensional matrix code structure. The code is arranged in a grid pattern with multiple rows and columns of code elements, allowing significantly more information to be encoded in a compact area on the container surface, thereby increasing encoding density while reducing visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a circular or curved arrangement of code elements rather than a straight linear periphery code. The code elements are positioned along a curved path or in a circular pattern on the container, which increases the available encoding space and allows for higher encoding density while maintaining aesthetic appearance.
2Loss of information
If more code elements are added to increase encoding capacity, then more preparation information can be encoded, but the code becomes more complex and costly to process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a standardized matrix code structure where code elements are arranged in a regular grid pattern with defined rows and columns. This standardized format allows the machine to use established decoding algorithms and image processing techniques, keeping the processing subsystem relatively simple while still achieving high encoding capacity through the two-dimensional arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent varies parameters such as the number of rows and columns, the size of individual code elements, and the spacing between elements to optimize the balance between encoding capacity and processing complexity. By adjusting these parameters, the system can encode more information without proportionally increasing the complexity of the processing subsystem.
3Device complexity
If a linear code arrangement is used, then the code structure is simple, but the encoding density is low and cannot encode parameters with wide numerical range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a two-dimensional matrix arrangement of code elements with multiple rows and columns, transforming the code structure from one-dimensional linear to two-dimensional spatial organization. This dimensional change dramatically increases the number of possible code element positions and combinations, enabling high encoding density while maintaining a relatively simple and systematic code structure that can be easily decoded.
Data Source
AI summary
A container for a beverage or foodstuff preparation machine, the container for containing beverage or foodstuff material and comprising a code encoding preparation information, the code comprising a reference portion and a data portion: the reference portion comprising reference units defining a reference line r; the data portion comprising a data unit, wherein said data unit is arranged on an encoding line D that intersects the reference line r, the data unit is arranged a distance d from said intersection as a variable to at least partially encode a parameter of the preparation information, whereby said encoding line D is circular and is arranged with a tangent thereto orthogonal the reference line r at said intersection point, wherein the reference units are arranged with a configuration defining a reference point from which the reference line r extends.