Capsule Code Segmentation for Adaptive Beverage Preparation Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation machines face limitations in encoding density and aesthetics of capsule codes, which restrict the amount of preparation information that can be encoded and may not adapt to enhanced user experiences.
Innovation Solution
A container with a machine-readable code that includes a reference portion, data portion, and a code identifying portion, allowing for geometric arrangement and expansion of data encoding, enabling machines to recognize new generations of codes and update encoding via a communication interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a code is placed on the underside of a flange of a capsule, then the code can be read by the machine, but the encoding density is limited and the code is highly visible which may be considered aesthetically displeasing
Solution Approach 1:
The code is moved from a two-dimensional surface (flange underside) to a three-dimensional location (closing member top surface), allowing for increased encoding density through radial and circumferential arrangements while improving aesthetics by positioning the code on the visible top surface where it can be designed to be less obtrusive
Solution Approach 2:
The code is divided into distinct functional portions: a reference portion for location and orientation, a data portion for preparation information, and a code identifying portion for generation identification. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently for its specific function while collectively achieving higher encoding density
2Adaptability or versatility
If the code encoding capacity is increased to provide enhanced user experience, then more preparation information can be stored, but the code structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The code is segmented into three distinct functional portions: reference portion (for location and orientation), data portion (for preparation information), and code identifying portion (for generation identification). This segmentation allows the system to scale encoding capacity by expanding the data portion while maintaining a consistent, manageable structure through the stable reference and identifying portions
Solution Approach 2:
The reference portion serves multiple functions: locating the code, determining orientation, and providing a starting point for data reading. This multi-functionality reduces overall code structure complexity by consolidating multiple reference elements into a single versatile component
3Adaptability or versatility
If the code is made to adapt as the machine is developed, then enhanced user experience can be provided, but the code must be fixed in every version which limits adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The code structure is made dynamic through the code identifying portion that indicates the generation or version of the code. This allows the machine to adapt to different code versions by reading the identifying portion and applying the appropriate decoding algorithm, enabling the system to evolve while maintaining backward compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The version or generation information is extracted as a separate code identifying portion distinct from the main data portion. This extraction allows the adaptive element (version identification) to be separated from the stable element (data structure), enabling independent evolution of the code format without disrupting the overall system
Data Source
AI summary
A container for containing a precursor material for use with a machine for preparing a beverage and/or foodstuff or a precursor thereof, the container including a machine-readable code storing preparation information for use with a preparation process performed by said machine, the code comprising: a reference portion (R) to locate the code; a data portion (D) to store the preparation information, and; a code identifying portion (I), wherein the code identifying portion (I) is separate from the reference portion (R) and wherein code identifying portion encodes information related to a geometric arrangement of the data portion relative the reference portion.