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 algorithms and designs that compromise aesthetics and production costs.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses an asymmetrical graphical element on the capsule lid to determine the position and orientation of a graphical code, allowing for recognition regardless of the capsule's rotational position, utilizing a bar code with a consistent size and structure to ensure accurate identification and minimize production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a graphical code is positioned at the central zone of the capsule to enable recognition without predetermined orientation, then the recognition capability is improved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to the need for large central codes that obscure logos and branding
Solution Approach 1:
The graphical code is segmented into multiple sections arranged radially around the central axis. Each sector contains a portion of the code elements, allowing the code to be distributed across the lid surface rather than concentrated in the center, thus preserving aesthetic appearance while maintaining recognition capability
Solution Approach 2:
The graphical code is arranged in a radial pattern around the central axis, utilizing the angular dimension. Code elements are positioned at different angular positions rather than linearly, enabling recognition from any rotational orientation while using minimal central space
2Reliability
If concentric rings or extended bar codes are used to enable recognition from any orientation, then the recognition capability is improved, but the device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
An asymmetrical graphical element is positioned at the central zone to serve as a reference marker. This asymmetrical feature provides a fixed reference point that simplifies the determination of code orientation and position, reducing the complexity of recognition algorithms compared to fully symmetrical patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The asymmetrical graphical element acts as an intermediary reference that mediates between the capsule's rotational position and the graphical code's orientation. By providing a fixed central reference, it simplifies the relationship between capsule orientation and code reading, reducing computational complexity
3Reliability
If a large graphical code is placed in the central zone to ensure recognition, then the recognition capability is improved, but the area available for aesthetic branding deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The graphical code is divided into multiple radial sectors, with code elements distributed around the periphery rather than concentrated centrally. This segmentation allows branding space to be preserved in the central zone while code elements occupy annular regions at different radii
Solution Approach 2:
Different zones of the lid surface are assigned different functions: the central zone is reserved for aesthetic branding and logos, while annular zones at specific radii contain the graphical code elements. This local differentiation optimizes both aesthetic appearance and recognition capability
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for recognising a capsule (1) in an apparatus (2) that uses capsules (1) for making beverages, comprising the operating steps of: acquiring an image in electronic format which shows at least one part of the outer surface (5) of the disk-shaped lid (4) of the capsule (1) and in which both an asymmetrical graphical element (6) and a graphical code (7) are present; identifying in the electronic image the asymmetrical graphical element (6) or one or more parts of it, identifying its position in the image and saving that position as a reference position; and starting from the reference position and using a known predetermined position of the graphical code (7) relative to the asymmetrical graphical element (6), identifying in the electronic image both a position in which the graphical code (7) is located and a graphical code (7) reading orientation; reading the graphical code (7) taking into account the position and the orientation previously identified in the electronic image, obtaining a code in electronic format; and considering the capsule (1) recognised when the code in electronic format has been obtained.