Beverage Capsule Barcode Reading on a Flat Sealing Membrane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage capsule systems face challenges in reliable and efficient communication with devices and users, limited information capacity, and complex image processing, particularly due to convex surfaces and the need for precise capsule orientation for code reading.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a two-dimensional barcode on the capsule, which can be read statically without moving the capsule or device, allowing for improved orientation flexibility and increased information capacity, and includes a digital camera for image capture and display of decoded information, enabling direct user interaction and access to web-based information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a code is printed on the convex surface of the capsule, then the code can be applied on the capsule surface, but the code becomes distorted and reading is negatively affected
Solution Approach 1:
The code is transferred from the convex outer surface of the capsule to the flat inner surface of the sealing membrane, changing the dimensional context from external convex to internal flat surface, thereby eliminating distortion while maintaining capsule compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing membrane serves as an intermediary surface between the capsule content and the external environment, providing a flat code-bearing surface that mediates between the convex capsule shape and the requirement for flat code printing
2Measurement precision
If mechanical elements are used to flatten the capsule surface for code reading, then the code can be read more accurately, but the capsule may rupture and mechanical friction occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The flat inner surface of the sealing membrane acts as an intermediary that provides code reading accuracy without requiring mechanical flattening of the capsule, thus preserving capsule integrity and avoiding mechanical friction
Solution Approach 2:
The optical code reading system reads the code directly from the flat inner surface of the sealing membrane without mechanical contact or flattening, replacing the need for mechanical surface modification with a non-contact optical reading method
3Productivity
If a one-dimensional barcode is used on the capsule, then the code can be read, but the information capacity is too limited
Solution Approach 1:
The code transitions from one-dimensional linear bars to two-dimensional matrix pattern, utilizing both horizontal and vertical dimensions to encode significantly more information within the same physical space on the sealing membrane
4Reliability
If the capsule must be moved over a large path for code reading, then the code can be read reliably, but the reading process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule itself provides the flat code-bearing surface through its sealing membrane, eliminating the need for external mechanical flattening devices or complex movement mechanisms, thereby simplifying the reading system while maintaining reliability
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 enhances communication during and outside beverage preparation, simplifies the reading process, reduces mechanical stress on capsules, and allows for high-throughput automation in beverage production, while maintaining compactness and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
capturing at least one image of the barcode via a digital camera
Data Source
AI summary
Method for providing information to a user from a capsule for the preparation of a beverage in a beverage producing device (20) comprising a capsule with a two-dimensional barcode (7) thereon, capturing at least one image of the barcode via a digital camera (42) and displaying decode information from said image on a display (41).