Beverage Container Coding With Calibration Markers for Flexible Decoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage and foodstuff preparation machines require complex processing to read and decode preparation information encoded on containers, which is aesthetically displeasing, reduces advertising space, and cannot be adapted for different container geometries or encoding densities.
Innovation Solution
A container with a code comprising variable position marker locations, where the distance between markers is related to a calibration sequence, allowing for adaptable encoding density and simplified processing, and a machine with a code processing system to read and decode this information efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a code with fixed predetermined bar positions and sizes is used, then the code structure is simple, but the code cannot be adapted for different container geometries or encoding densities
Solution Approach 1:
The code structure transitions from fixed predetermined positions to variable positions determined by a calibration sequence. The marker locations are no longer static but are dynamically determined by the distance measurements from the calibration sequence, allowing the same code structure to adapt to different container geometries and encoding densities.
Solution Approach 2:
The code uses variable parameters (distances between markers) instead of fixed parameters. The calibration sequence establishes reference distances that define the positions of subsequent markers, allowing the code to scale and adapt to different container sizes and geometries while maintaining the same underlying structure.
2Reliability
If a code with start and stop sequences is used, then the code can be located and decoded, but notable processing is required and a relatively large amount of space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The separate start and stop sequence concepts are extracted and replaced by a continuous calibration sequence that serves multiple purposes. The calibration sequence both locates the code and establishes the measurement reference, eliminating the need for separate localization and measurement phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration sequence performs multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as a location marker, establishes the measurement scale, and provides reference points for decoding. This multi-functional approach reduces both the space required and the processing complexity compared to separate start/stop sequences.
3Ease of manufacture
If predetermined bar positions and sizes are used, then the code is easy to manufacture, but the size of the code is fixed and cannot be adapted for different encoding densities
Solution Approach 1:
The code manufacturing process becomes dynamic rather than static. Instead of positioning bars at fixed predetermined locations, the system measures distances from the calibration sequence to determine marker positions, allowing the same manufacturing process to produce codes with different effective sizes and encoding densities on containers of various geometries.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a code with fixed size is used, then the code structure is simple, but it cannot be adapted to suit different geometry containers
Solution Approach 1:
The code system uses variable parameters (distances measured from calibration sequence) rather than fixed dimensions. This allows the code to be applied to containers of different geometries by simply measuring the actual distances during the coding process, without requiring different code designs for different container types.
Data Source
AI summary
Container for a foodstuff or beverage preparation machine are disclosed that contain beverage or foodstuff preparation material and include a code encoding preparation information. Beverage or foodstuff preparation machines and systems that can be utilized with the container are also disclosed. Methods of producing and using the containers, machines, and systems are also disclosed.