Beverage Container Code Layout for Dense, Low-Visibility 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 sectors arranged on it, allowing for high encoding density and efficient image processing, and enabling the encoding of various preparation parameters with a wide numerical range, while being less visible and cost-effective to produce.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a periphery code is used on the container, then the code can be read by the machine, 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 is arranged in a matrix with multiple rows and columns of code elements, allowing significantly higher encoding density within the same container surface area. This dimensional change enables encoding of multiple preparation parameters simultaneously without increasing the code's visual prominence.
Solution Approach 2:
The matrix code structure nests multiple code elements (bits, bytes, or characters) within a compact grid arrangement. Each code element represents a portion of the preparation information, and multiple such elements are nested together to encode complete parameter sets including temperature, volume, time, and other beverage preparation parameters.
2Loss of information
If a code with high encoding density is implemented, then more preparation information can be encoded, but the code becomes more complex and difficult to process
Solution Approach 1:
The code is segmented into distinct functional portions: a first portion encoding a first parameter (e.g., temperature) and a second portion encoding a second parameter (e.g., volume). This segmentation allows the processing system to read and interpret each parameter independently, reducing overall processing complexity while maintaining high encoding density. The matrix structure naturally facilitates this segmentation through its organized grid of code elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent encodes parameters using variable-length coding schemes where different code element patterns represent different parameter types and ranges. This allows efficient encoding of parameters with wide numerical ranges using compact representations, reducing the total number of code elements needed while maintaining high information density.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a code encoding multiple parameters is used, then comprehensive preparation information is available, but the code requires more space and is more visible
Solution Approach 1:
By organizing code elements in a two-dimensional matrix rather than a linear sequence, the patent efficiently packs multiple parameter encodings into a compact area. The matrix structure allows simultaneous encoding of temperature, volume, time, and other parameters without requiring proportional increases in code area, as the two-dimensional arrangement optimizes space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple parameter encodings are merged into a single integrated matrix code structure. Rather than placing separate codes for each parameter at different locations on the container, all parameter information is combined into one unified code element arrangement, reducing the total area required while maintaining comprehensive information encoding.
4Loss of information
If a visible code is placed on the container, then preparation information can be encoded, but it is aesthetically displeasing
Solution Approach 1:
The code elements are rendered using subtle color variations or low-contrast patterns that blend with the container's existing design and color scheme. This allows the code to be machine-readable while remaining aesthetically pleasing and less visually prominent on the container surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The code is positioned in a specific localized area on the container (such as the flange periphery or bottom surface) where it does not interfere with the main visual design elements. The local placement ensures that the code serves its functional purpose while minimizing impact on the overall aesthetic appearance of the container.
Data Source
AI summary
A container for a foodstuff or beverage preparation machine, the container for containing beverage or foodstuff material and including a code encoding preparation information. The code has a reference portion and a data portion, the reference portion including an arrangement of at least two reference units defining a reference line r, the data portion including a plurality of adjacent sectors arranged on an encoding line D. Each sector is bounded by a first circumferential position and a second circumferential position on the encoding line D, and each sector contains a data unit arranged on the encoding line D between the first and second circumferential positions. The data unit is 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.