Beverage Container Code Layout for Dense Recipe Encoding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage and foodstuff preparation systems face limitations in encoding density, visibility, complexity, and cost-effectiveness of codes on containers, which restrict their ability to efficiently process and encode a wide range of preparation parameters.
Innovation Solution
A container with a code comprising a reference portion and a data portion, where the data portion is arranged on an encoding line that intersects the reference line, allowing for high encoding density and efficient processing using a Polar coordinate system, enabling the encoding of various preparation parameters such as temperature, torque, and fluid volume without being visibly complex.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional linear barcodes are used on containers, then the code is simple to read, but the encoding density is limited and the code is highly visible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from linear 1D barcode encoding to circular 2D encoding by arranging data units along a circular encoding line. This dimensional change allows significantly higher encoding density within the same physical space while maintaining readability through radial scanning patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a circular encoding line with data units arranged along the circumference, replacing traditional linear arrangements. This curved geometry enables more efficient space utilization and higher encoding capacity while the circular pattern remains optically readable by scanning devices.
2Loss of information
If more data units are added to increase encoding capacity, then the encoding density improves, but the code becomes more visible and complex
Solution Approach 1:
By organizing data units in a circular arrangement rather than linearly, the patent packs more encoding information into a compact area. The radial distribution of data units along the circular path maximizes space utilization, increasing encoding capacity without proportionally increasing the code's visual footprint.
3Loss of information
If a circular encoding line is used to increase encoding density, then more preparation parameters can be encoded, but the code processing becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an asymmetric reference unit configuration that defines a reference line intersecting the circular encoding line at a specific point. This asymmetric reference structure provides a consistent starting point for decoding, simplifying the processing of circularly arranged data units by establishing a fixed orientation and scan origin.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference line acts as an intermediary element that bridges the circular encoding geometry and linear decoding processes. By defining data unit positions relative to the reference line, the system translates complex circular coordinates into simpler relative position calculations, reducing processing complexity.
4Measurement precision
If high encoding density is achieved through circular codes, then preparation parameters are accurately encoded, but the manufacturing and reading cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circular encoding design serves multiple functions: it provides high encoding density, maintains optical readability with standard scanners, and uses simple geometric elements (circles, lines, dots) that are easy to print and manufacture. This multi-functionality achieves precision without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~3A
Figure 3B~4A
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.