Beverage Container Circular Code for Dense, Low-Visibility Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing codes for beverage or foodstuff preparation machines have limited encoding density, are aesthetically displeasing, and are costly to produce and read, with a need for a more efficient and less visible encoding solution.
Innovation Solution
A container with a code comprising a reference portion and a data portion, where the data unit is arranged on an encoding line that intersects the reference line, allowing for high encoding density using a Polar coordinate system, and can be conveniently processed by a cost-effective image processor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional linear barcodes are used on the container, then the code can be easily printed and read, but the encoding density is limited and the code is highly visible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by arranging the code elements along a circular path instead of a linear arrangement. The code consists of multiple groups of symbols positioned at different angular positions around a circle, with each symbol's radial distance from the center encoding different information. This circular arrangement increases encoding density while maintaining readability by standard barcode scanners.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional linear barcode to a two-dimensional circular code structure. By utilizing both angular position and radial distance as encoding dimensions, the system can encode more information within the same physical space. Each symbol group's angular position provides one dimension of information, while the radial distance of symbols within each group provides another dimension, significantly increasing encoding capacity.
2Loss of information
If the code is made more dense to encode more preparation information, then more information can be stored, but the code becomes more visible and aesthetically displeasing
Solution Approach 1:
The circular arrangement distributes code elements around the container's periphery, spreading the visual impact over a larger area. This curvature-based layout allows more information to be encoded without concentrating symbols in one location, thereby reducing the visual bulk and improving aesthetic appearance while maintaining high encoding density.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple linear code is used, then the code is easy to produce and read, but the encoding density and information capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a radial dimension to the traditional angular arrangement of barcode symbols. By varying the radial distance of symbols from the center in addition to their angular positions, the system encodes multiple layers of information. This dimensional enhancement allows standard printing processes to produce high-density codes without requiring complex manufacturing, as the additional encoding capacity comes from the geometric arrangement rather than manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3B~4
AI summary
A container for a foodstuff or beverage preparation machine, the container for containing beverage or foodstuff preparation material and comprising on a surface thereof a code encoding preparation information, the code comprising a reference portion and a data portion: the reference portion comprising a linear arrangement of at least two reference units defining a reference line r, the data portion comprising at least one data unit, wherein said data unit is arranged on an encoding line D that intersects the reference line r, the data unit occupies any continuous distance d along the encoding line D 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.