Beverage Container Code Layout for Dense Polar Data Encoding
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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 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, where the data portion includes a data unit on an encoding line intersecting a reference line, allowing for high encoding density and efficient image processing using a Polar coordinate system, enabling the encoding of various preparation parameters with a wide numerical range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional barcodes or binary codes are used on containers, then the code can be read by the machine, but the encoding density is limited and the amount of preparation information that can be encoded is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from linear barcode structures to a two-dimensional coordinate-based system. Data units are positioned at intersections of radial lines and circular arcs, enabling encoding in both radial and angular dimensions. This dimensional expansion dramatically increases encoding density while maintaining systematic organization through the coordinate framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs circular arcs instead of straight lines to define encoding positions. Data units are placed at intersections of radial lines with circular arcs of different radii, creating a polar coordinate system that naturally accommodates curved geometries. This curved approach maximizes space utilization and enables higher encoding density compared to linear arrangements.
2Loss of information
If more data units are added to increase encoding capacity, then more preparation information can be encoded, but the code becomes more visible and aesthetically displeasing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent distributes data units sparsely across the container surface at strategically positioned intersections of radial lines and circular arcs. Rather than concentrating many units in a small area, the coordinate system spreads them out locally, reducing visual density in any single region while maintaining high overall encoding capacity through the extended spatial distribution.
3Loss of information
If a complex code structure is used to increase encoding density, then more information can be encoded, but the code processing becomes more difficult and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the code into distinct functional components: radial lines defining angular positions, circular arcs defining radial distances, and data units at their intersections. This segmentation allows the processing system to detect and interpret each element separately, simplifying the overall decoding process despite the high encoding density achieved through their combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The polar coordinate system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it defines the position of data units, establishes the encoding grid structure, and provides a natural framework for image processing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate processing steps and algorithms, making the system more efficient despite its sophisticated structure.
4Loss of information
If conventional linear codes are used, then the code can be produced cost-effectively, but the encoding density remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical barcode printing with an image-based code structure that can be captured by an image sensor. The code consists of visual elements (data units at coordinate intersections) that are naturally suited for optical detection and digital image processing, enabling cost-effective production through standard imaging technologies rather than specialized decoding hardware.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~3A
Figure 3B~4A
AI summary
A container for a beverage preparation machine 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 an arrangement of at least two reference units defining a virtual reference line r; the data portion comprising: a data unit arranged on a virtual encoding line D which intersects the virtual reference line r at a virtual intersection point, the data unit being arranged at any continuous distance d from said virtual intersection point along the virtual encoding line D, said distance d along said virtual encoding line D continuously encoding a value of a parameter of the preparation information as a function of said distance d, whereby the virtual encoding line D is circular or comprises a segment of a circle and is arranged with a tangent thereto orthogonal the virtual reference line r at the virtual intersection point; and a one or more of discrete positions arranged on said virtual encoding line D at known locations with respect to the arrangement of said data unit along said virtual encoding line D, whereby said discrete positions either comprise or do not comprise a further data unit as a variable to at least partially encode a parameter of the preparation information, wherein at least one of the discrete positions comprises a further data unit.