Beverage Container Code Layout for Dense Circular Parameter Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage and foodstuff preparation systems face limitations in encoding density, visibility, and cost-effectiveness of codes on containers, which restrict the amount of preparation information that can be encoded and processed efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A container with a code comprising a reference portion and a data portion, utilizing a circular encoding line with adjacent sectors to encode preparation information, allowing for high encoding density and efficient image processing using a Polar coordinate system, and enabling reliable reading and processing by a cost-effective code processing subsystem.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a periphery code is used on the container, then the code can be printed during manufacture, 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 comprises multiple code elements arranged in rows and columns within a defined code area, allowing information to be encoded both across different positions and through the pattern arrangement, significantly increasing encoding density while maintaining a compact visual footprint.
2Loss of information
If a 2D barcode is used on the container, then the encoding density is higher, but the code still has limited encoding capacity and requires complex processing
Solution Approach 1:
The code is segmented into multiple code elements arranged in a matrix structure, where each element represents a discrete unit of information. The code area is divided into rows and columns, with each position containing a code element that can be independently detected. This segmentation allows the processing system to read the code in a systematic manner, reducing complexity while maintaining high encoding density.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses variations in code element parameters such as position, arrangement pattern, and visual characteristics to encode different preparation information. By changing these parameters systematically across the matrix structure, the code can represent a wide range of numerical values for various preparation parameters without requiring complex encoding schemes.
3Loss of information
If more code symbols are used to increase encoding capacity, then more preparation information can be encoded, but the code becomes more visible and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The matrix code structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it encodes preparation information, provides error correction capability, and maintains a compact visual appearance. The same code elements that provide high encoding density also enable the code to be read from different angles and orientations, reducing the need for complex alignment mechanisms while maximizing information capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
A container for a foodstuff or beverage 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 an arrangement of at least two reference units defining a reference line r, the data portion comprising: a plurality of adjacent sectors arranged on an encoding line D, whereby each sector is bounded by a first circumferential position and a second circumferential position on the encoding line D and each sector comprises a data unit arranged on the encoding line D between said first and second circumferential position, the data unit arranged a distance d extending from the first circumferential position as a variable to at least partially encode a parameter of the preparation information, whereby the encoding line D is circular and is arranged with a tangent thereto orthogonal the reference line r at an intersection point.