Beverage Container Polar Code for Dense Recipe Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage and foodstuff preparation systems face limitations in encoding density, visibility, and aesthetic appeal 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 polar coordinate system for high encoding density, where the data unit is arranged on an encoding line extending from a reference point at an angle, allowing for compact and efficient data encoding and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a traditional linear code is used on the container, then the code is simple to read and process, but the encoding density is limited and the code is highly visible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a linear one-dimensional code arrangement to a two-dimensional polar coordinate system. The code is arranged radially around a central reference point, with data units positioned at different radii and angular positions. This dimensional change dramatically increases encoding density while maintaining readability through systematic angular segmentation (e.g., 72 degrees per segment for 5 segments).
Solution Approach 2:
The code is divided into multiple angular segments radiating from a central reference point. Each segment can independently encode data, and the radial arrangement allows for systematic organization of information. This segmentation enables higher encoding density while maintaining structured processing through defined angular boundaries.
2Loss of information
If more data units are added to increase encoding capacity, then the encoding density increases, but the code becomes more visible and aesthetically displeasing
Solution Approach 1:
The polar coordinate system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a compact encoding structure, defines angular segments for systematic data organization, establishes radial distance for data unit positioning, and creates aesthetic symmetry. This multi-functionality allows high encoding capacity within a visually balanced design rather than simply adding more visible elements.
3Loss of information
If a complex code structure is used to achieve high encoding density, then the information capacity increases, but the processing and decoding complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the coordinate system parameters from Cartesian to polar coordinates, defining data unit positions by radial distance and angular position relative to a reference point. This parameter transformation enables systematic decoding through mathematical relationships (radius and angle calculations) rather than complex pattern recognition, maintaining processing efficiency while increasing encoding capacity.
4Loss of information
If traditional binary codes are used, then the code structure is simple, but the encoding density is limited and cannot encode parameters with wide numerical ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a radial dimension to the traditional angular code structure. Data units can be positioned at different radii from the reference point, creating a two-dimensional polar coordinate system (radius, angle). This allows encoding of parameters with wide numerical ranges by varying both radial position and angular position, rather than requiring multiple binary symbols.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~3A
Figure 3B
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 point and a reference line r extending from said point; the data portion comprising a data unit arranged on an encoding line D, the encoding line D extending from the reference point and arranged at an angle a to the reference line r, the data unit arranged a distance d from the reference point as a variable to at least partially encode a parameter of the preparation information.