Capsule with optical code for preparing a beverage, system and method for preparing a beverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal beverage machines face challenges in reliably reading optical codes on capsules due to harsh environments and limited space, leading to inefficiencies in data transmission and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
An optically readable code support with diffusive surfaces that reflect light in a controlled manner, allowing for reliable symbol measurement even under conditions of rotation and mechanical constraints, enhancing the readability of information embedded on the capsule.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a barcode is printed on a small area of the capsule for identification, then the capsule type can be identified, but the code cannot be reliably read in centrifugal machines due to rotation and limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static 2D barcodes to dynamic temporal coding. The code is distributed across the capsule surface and read sequentially during rotation, adding the time dimension to the coding system. This allows the limited spatial area to convey more information through temporal sequencing of reflected light signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the code reading process dynamic by utilizing the rotational motion of the capsule. Instead of requiring the capsule to be stationary and the reader to move, the system reads the code as the capsule rotates, converting a static coding problem into a dynamic reading process that leverages the existing mechanical motion.
2Loss of information
If a barcode reader with moving sensing elements or image capture is used, then code information can be read, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases in harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical scanning systems with a simple optical detector that remains stationary. The mechanical rotation of the capsule, rather than the reader, provides the sequential exposure to different code portions. This substitution eliminates moving parts in the reader, reducing complexity and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule's own rotation serves the dual purpose of beverage preparation and code reading. The mechanical motion required for centrifugal extraction automatically provides the sequential movement needed to present the distributed code to the stationary optical detector, eliminating the need for separate reading mechanisms.
3Loss of information
If the code is spread over a large section of the capsule, then more information can be encoded, but the code cannot be directly visible to the reader in limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent distributes the code across a larger surface area of the capsule and uses the time dimension (sequential reading during rotation) to access information that cannot be simultaneously visible. This allows high information capacity without requiring a large instantly-visible area, as the code is read over time rather than all at once.
4Reliability
If conventional barcodes are used on capsules, then capsule identification is possible, but reading reliability is poor in centrifugal machines with vibrations and hot vapors
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing mechanical scanning components with a stationary optical detector, the system eliminates sensitive moving parts that would be affected by vibrations. The simple stationary detector is much more robust to environmental disturbances like vibrations and hot vapors while still achieving reliable code reading through the sequential light reflection method.
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 the reliable reading of up to 160 bits of information with improved signal strength and reduced energy loss, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of beverage preparation while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The symbols are at least partly formed of surfaces arranged to reflect mainly diffusively, in any direction forming an angle comprised between 3° and 10°, any incoming beam of light
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The invention relates to an optically readable code support to be associated with or part of a capsule indented for delivering a beverage in a beverage producing device by centrifugation of the capsule. The support comprises at least one sequence of symbols represented on the support so that each symbol is sequentially readable by a reading arrangement of an external reading device while the capsule is driven in rotation along an axis of rotation. The symbols are at least partly formed of surfaces arranged to reflect mainly diffusively, in any direction forming an angle comprised between 3° and 10° with respect to a normal of said surface, any incoming beam of light with an incoming direction forming an angle comprise between 0 and 10° with respect to a normal of said surface.