Beverage Cartridge Recognition Code for Parallel Decoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current beverage preparation machines require complex and expensive control processing to identify cartridges due to sequential sensing of pegs, leading to potential incorrect decoding and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge with a shape-encoded recognition code arranged along an encoding line, allowing parallel decoding by the beverage preparation machine, which simplifies the decoding process and eliminates the need for complex processing algorithms, enabling direct reading of the cartridge type without relying on insertion speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sequential sensing of pegs is used for cartridge identification, then the cartridge can be identified by the beverage preparation machine, but the decoding process becomes complex and expensive requiring complicated control processing algorithms
Solution Approach 1:
The recognition code is segmented into multiple encoding positions arranged along an encoding line, where each position can be independently sensed. This segmentation allows the decoder means to read multiple encoding positions simultaneously in parallel, eliminating the need for complex sequential processing algorithms while maintaining reliable cartridge identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the sequential mechanical sensing system with a parallel decoding system. Instead of using a single sensing arm that sequentially detects pegs based on cartridge conveying speed, the decoder means directly reads multiple encoding positions in parallel, substituting complex mechanical control processing with a simpler parallel reading mechanism.
2Measurement precision
If sequential sensing by a single sensing arm is used, then the presence or absence of pegs can be sensed, but the sensing can only occur within a small time slot depending on conveying speed, leading to potential incorrect decoding
Solution Approach 1:
The encoding information is divided into multiple discrete encoding positions arranged along an encoding line. This segmentation allows each position to be independently and simultaneously sensed by the decoder means, eliminating the timing-dependent limitations of sequential sensing and ensuring accurate decoding regardless of cartridge conveying speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The encoding positions are pre-arranged in a specific geometric configuration along an encoding line before the cartridge is inserted. This preliminary arrangement ensures that all encoding positions are naturally aligned for parallel sensing by the decoder means, eliminating the need for speed-dependent timing adjustments and ensuring reliable decoding.
3Productivity
If parallel decoding of encoding positions is enabled, then the cartridge type can be directly read without extensive processing, but the encoding positions must be arranged in a specific configuration along an encoding line
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from sequential one-dimensional sensing along the conveying direction to two-dimensional parallel sensing by arranging encoding positions along an encoding line that is perpendicular to the conveying direction. This dimensional change enables all encoding positions to be simultaneously accessed by the decoder means, achieving fast parallel decoding while maintaining a simple linear arrangement.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a cartridge (16) for preparing beverages, comprising a container (18) for containing at least one beverage ingredient, wherein the cartridge (16) is adapted to be inserted into a beverage preparation machine (10) in an insertion direction (36) and provided with a shape-encoded recognition code (32) comprising at least two encoding positions (34). The encoding positions (34) are arranged along an encoding line (38), wherein the insertion direction (36) and the encoding line (38) are nonparallel. Moreover the present invention provides a beverage preparation machine (10) comprising decoder means (24) for decoding a shape-encoded recognition code (32) off a cartridge (16) for supplying ingredients for preparing beverages, wherein the recognition code (32) comprises at least two encoding positions, wherein the decoder means (24) are adapted to decode the at least two encoding positions (34) in parallel. Further the present invention provides a beverage preparation system comprising such a cartridge (16) and such a beverage preparation machine (10). Due to the interaction of the cartridge (16) and the beverage preparation machine (10) a parallel encoding of the code provided at the cartridge (16) can be conducted, which enables a simple encoding.