Capsule Code Support With Distinct Preambles for Centrifugal Reading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation machines with centrifugal extraction systems face challenges in reliably reading optical codes on capsules due to harsh environments and limited space, leading to low data capacity and reliability issues with traditional barcode readers.
Innovation Solution
A capsule with a code support featuring distinct preamble sequences and data sequences, allowing for sequential reading of symbols during rotation, which enhances data capacity and reliability by using a combination of preamble sequences to determine symbol positions and employing error-detecting/correcting codes for robust decoding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional barcode reader is used in a centrifugal beverage preparation machine, then the device can identify capsule types, but the reading reliability is low due to harsh environments and limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The code support is divided into multiple sequences, each with distinct preambles, arranged in different orientations. This segmentation allows the reading device to identify and read at least one valid sequence regardless of the capsule's rotational position, thereby improving reading reliability in harsh environments where precise positioning is difficult.
Solution Approach 2:
The code structure uses distinct preambles for different sequences, allowing the reading device to identify valid sequences by detecting these unique parameter patterns. This parameter differentiation enables reliable code reading even when the capsule orientation is unknown or changes during centrifugal extraction.
2Loss of information
If a small area barcode is printed on the capsule to fit limited space, then the device complexity is reduced, but the data capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The code support utilizes angular/rotational dimension by arranging multiple sequences in different orientations around the capsule. This allows the limited surface area to encode more information by distributing sequences across different angular positions, effectively increasing data capacity without requiring more physical space.
3Productivity
If the capsule is rotated during centrifugal extraction, then beverage preparation is enabled, but the position and orientation of the code becomes unknown making reading difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sequences with distinct preambles are pre-arranged in different orientations on the code support before the capsule is inserted. This preliminary arrangement ensures that regardless of how the capsule rotates during centrifugal extraction, at least one sequence will be in a readable position, eliminating the need for precise position detection.
4Reliability
If multiple sequences with distinct preambles are used on the code support, then data capacity and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The code support contains multiple sequences that are essentially copies of the same data structure (preamble + data portion), but arranged in different orientations with distinct preambles. This copying approach increases reliability through redundancy while maintaining a relatively simple and systematic code structure that is easy to decode.
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
The solution enables reliable reading of capsule information without knowing the position or orientation, improving data capacity and reliability in harsh environments, allowing for optimal beverage preparation parameters adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
Barcode readers or barcode scanners are electronic devices comprising a light source, a lens and a light sensor translating optical impulses into electrical ones
Implementation Method 2
rotating the receptacle at elevated speed to ensure interaction of liquid with powder while creating a gradient of pressure of liquid in the receptacle; such pressure increasing gradually from the centre towards the periphery of the receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a code support (60a, 60b) adapted to be associated with or part of a capsule intended for delivering a beverage in a beverage producing device by centrifugation of the capsule. The support comprises a code formed by at least a first sequence of symbols and a second sequence of symbols. The code is represented on the support so that each symbol is sequentially readable by a reading arrangement (100) of an external reading device while the capsule is driven in rotation along an axis of rotation (Z). The first sequence comprises at least one first preamble sequence of symbols, and at least one first data sequence of symbols. The second sequence comprises at least one second preamble sequence of symbols and at least one second data sequence of symbols. The first preamble sequence is distinct from the second preamble sequence.