Camera for use with a drink printer

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drink-printing systems lack the ability to accurately distinguish between different types of beverages, such as coffee and beer, and their variations, leading to potential misprinting of images on the wrong type of drink.

Innovation Solution

A drink-printing system equipped with sensors and an ink-jet printer that uses colorant reservoirs specific to each beverage type, along with optical character recognition (OCR) and a mapped drink-code database, to dynamically select the appropriate ink and print images based on the detected beverage type and properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single ink-jet printer is used for multiple beverage types, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inability to distinguish between different beverage types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinter system structureVSAvoidbeverage type identification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces sensors as an intermediary component between the printer and the beverage. These sensors detect beverage properties (color, temperature, composition) and provide information to the control system, enabling the single printer to accurately identify and adapt to different beverage types without requiring multiple specialized printers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time sensor feedback. The control system modifies printing parameters such as ink selection, print head positioning, and printing intensity according to the detected beverage characteristics, allowing a single printer to precisely adapt to various beverage types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If beverage type detection is added to the printing system, then manufacturing precision improves, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control circuitry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeverage type identification accuracyVSAvoidsensor and control system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting beverage presence, identifying beverage type, measuring temperature, and monitoring liquid level. This multi-functional approach allows the system to achieve high manufacturing precision without adding proportionally more components, as each sensor serves multiple detection purposes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically detects beverage properties and adjusts printing parameters without requiring manual intervention. The control circuitry processes sensor data and autonomously selects appropriate printing settings, reducing the need for complex user interfaces and manual configuration systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If dynamic colorant reservoir selection is implemented, then manufacturing precision improves, but loss of substance increases due to multiple colorant reservoirs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolorant selection accuracyVSAvoidcolorant inventory volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The colorant supply system is segmented into multiple specialized reservoirs, each containing colorants optimized for specific beverage types. The control system selectively activates only the reservoirs needed for the current printing task, preventing waste of colorants in unused reservoirs and enabling precise matching of colorant to beverage type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Manufacturing precision

If OCR and database mapping systems are added, then manufacturing precision improves, but device complexity increases due to additional processing components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrink code recognition accuracyVSAvoidOCR and database system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual beverage identification methods with automated optical character recognition (OCR) technology. The OCR system captures images of beverage containers, automatically reads and interprets text and codes, and maps them to the appropriate printing parameters through database lookup, eliminating the need for manual identification processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Ensures accurate and customized printing of images on the correct beverage type by distinguishing between coffee, beer, and their variations, preventing misprinting and ensuring the correct ink is used, thus enhancing user experience and operational efficiency in retail environments.

Implementation Method 1

an ink-jet printer defining a target-location... causing the ink-jet printer to print, on an upper surface of the current drink, a pre-stored digital image

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInk-jet printing:

Data Source

PatentUS11491802B2Camera for use with a drink printer

Publication Date: 2022.11.08 RIPPLES LTD

AI summary

A method and device of providing a customized drink and/or printing on a drink.