Beverage preparation machine arranged to share capsule image and machines operation data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage preparation machines face challenges in determining capsule characteristics and tracking usage, as they need to decode machine-readable codes on capsules, which can be complex and require significant processing capabilities, and there is a need for efficient capsule replenishment notifications based on usage patterns.
Innovation Solution
The system captures images of capsule indicia using an imaging device and transmits undecoded image data to a remote computer, which processes the data to determine capsule characteristics and track usage, allowing for automatic capsule replenishment notifications when the supply falls below a threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the beverage preparation machine decodes capsule information locally, then capsule characteristics can be determined, but the machine's processing complexity and requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the decoding and processing functions from the beverage preparation machine and relocates them to a remote server. The machine only captures images of capsule indicia and transmits them for remote processing, thereby reducing local processing complexity while maintaining accurate capsule characteristic determination through sophisticated remote analysis capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary remote server that acts as a mediator between the beverage preparation machine and the capsule database. The server receives image data, performs the complex decoding and analysis, and returns capsule characteristics to the machine, thereby offloading processing requirements from the machine while maintaining measurement precision
2Reliability
If the beverage preparation machine tracks and analyzes usage patterns locally, then capsule replenishment can be monitored, but the machine's memory and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the usage tracking and analysis functions from the beverage preparation machine and relocates them to a remote server. The machine only transmits usage data (such as beverage preparation timestamps and capsule identifiers) for remote analysis, thereby reducing local memory requirements while maintaining reliable capsule replenishment notification through comprehensive remote usage pattern analysis
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution relieves the beverage preparation machine from decoding capsule information, enabling efficient tracking of usage and timely capsule replenishment notifications, improving user convenience and reducing manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging device arranged to capture an image of a portion of the capsule in the capsule holder having a machine readable code
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus and method for sharing capsule image data and beverage preparation parameters, from one or more beverage preparation machines with a remote computer system via a network, such as the Internet, is disclosed. The remote computer system may process the capsule image data to determine characteristics of the capsule (e.g., a type of capsule, such as a brand, or beverage ingredients in the capsule), thereby relieving the beverage preparation from having to determine information about the capsule. The remote computer may track a user's consumption of capsules, may compare this value to the user's past capsule purchase history, and may determine if the user's supply of capsules is below a threshold value (e.g., below a week's worth of capsules).