Capsule, method for recognising the capsule and method for making a beverage with the capsule
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current capsule recognition systems for beverage-making apparatuses struggle to accurately identify graphical codes on capsules without a predetermined orientation, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs, as they require complex solutions that compromise aesthetics and production costs.
Innovation Solution
A method that recognizes capsules with graphical codes positioned off-center and at arbitrary angles using an asymmetrical graphical element as a reference to determine the code's position and orientation, allowing for efficient recognition regardless of capsule rotation, utilizing an optical recognition device to capture and process images of the capsule's surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a graphical code is positioned at the central zone of the capsule, then the recognition system can identify the code by determining its angular position, but this compromises the aesthetic appearance of the capsule lid where logos and brands should be displayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the graphical code in an asymmetric, off-center location on the capsule lid rather than at the central zone. This allows the code to be placed in a less visually critical area, preserving the aesthetic appearance of the capsule lid while still enabling recognition through the optical device by detecting the code's position and orientation relative to the capsule's central axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the graphical code along a ring coaxial to the capsule's rotation axis, transforming it from a simple linear code into a circular or annular code structure. This dimensional change allows the code to be read from multiple angular positions and maintains recognizability even when the capsule is rotated, while the code can be positioned in less visually critical areas of the lid.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a bar code is extended along a ring coaxial to the axis of rotation, then the code can be recognized from any orientation, but this increases the complexity and cost of the recognition system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an asymmetrical graphical element alongside the graphical code that serves as a reference marker. This preliminary visual reference allows the optical recognition device to quickly determine the angular position and orientation of the code before reading it, simplifying the recognition process and reducing the computational complexity required compared to systems that must analyze the code structure itself to determine orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The asymmetrical graphical element acts as an intermediary reference that facilitates the recognition process. By providing a clear angular reference point, it mediates between the capsule's arbitrary orientation and the code reading process, allowing the system to determine code orientation without requiring complex image analysis algorithms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If various graphical code solutions are implemented to enable recognition without predetermined orientation, then capsule recognition becomes possible from any angle, but these solutions negatively impact the aesthetics of the capsule and increase production costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the graphical code to serve multiple functions: it provides the identification information needed for capsule recognition, and when extended along a ring coaxial to the rotation axis, it also serves as an orientation reference. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate reference markers and simplifies the overall design, potentially reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining recognition capability from any orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the graphical code in specific localized areas of the capsule lid that are less visually critical, allowing different regions of the lid to have different qualities - some areas prioritize aesthetics (logos and brands) while others prioritize recognition functionality. This localized approach allows the code to be placed in off-center positions without significantly impacting the overall aesthetic appearance.
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
Enables reliable recognition of capsules with off-center graphical codes, reducing production costs and maintaining aesthetic appeal, while ensuring low-cost implementation and efficient beverage preparation.
Implementation Method 1
an optical recognition device capable of acquiring an electronic image of a portion of the capsule
Data Source
AI summary
A method for recognising a capsule in an apparatus that uses capsules for making beverages, comprising the steps of:acquiring an electronic image which shows a part of the outer surface of the capsule lid and in which an asymmetrical graphical element and a graphical code are present;identifying in the image the asymmetrical graphical element or parts of it, identifying its position in the image and saving it as a reference position; andstarting from the reference position and using a predetermined position of the graphical code relative to the asymmetrical element, identifying in the image a position in which the graphical code is located and a graphical code reading orientation;reading the graphical code taking into account the position and orientation previously identified in the image, obtaining a code in electronic format; andconsidering the capsule recognised when the code in electronic format has been obtained.