Circular Code Structure for High-Density Beverage Container Encoding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage and foodstuff preparation systems face limitations in encoding density and aesthetics of codes on containers, which restrict the amount of preparation information that can be encoded and are often visually unappealing.

Innovation Solution

A container with a code comprising a reference portion and a data portion, utilizing a circular encoding line that intersects a reference line, allowing for high encoding density and reduced visibility, enabling efficient image processing and cost-effective production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a periphery code is used on the container, then the code can be read by the machine, but the encoding density is limited and the code is highly visible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveencoding densityVSAvoidvisibility of code

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The code transitions from a linear periphery arrangement to a two-dimensional matrix structure with rows and columns, enabling significantly higher encoding density within the same container surface area while maintaining machine readability through structured symbol positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The code is arranged in a circular pattern following the curvature of the container surface, with symbols positioned along concentric circles or radial lines, allowing the code to conform to the container shape while achieving compact high-density encoding and reduced visual prominence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Loss of information

If a 2D barcode is used on the container, then the encoding density is higher, but the production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveencoding densityVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The code uses variable parameters such as symbol size, spacing, and positional arrangement that can be adjusted during printing to optimize encoding density while maintaining compatibility with standard printing processes, thereby reducing production costs compared to fixed-structure 2D barcodes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The code is divided into modular symbols arranged in a grid or circular pattern, where each symbol represents a discrete unit of information. This segmentation allows the code to be printed using conventional methods while achieving high encoding density through systematic arrangement of multiple small symbols rather than requiring complex single-symbol 2D structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10827875B2Code and container of system for preparing a beverage or foodstuff

Publication Date: 2020.11.10 SOCIETE DES PRODUITS NESTLE SA

AI summary

Disclosed are containers for beverage or foodstuff preparation machines, the containers for containing beverage or foodstuff material and comprising a code encoding preparation information, wherein the code includes a reference portion and a data portion. Beverage or foodstuff preparation systems including these containers are also disclosed, along with attachments configured for attachment to an element of the system. Further disclosed is a computer program and non-transitory computer readable medium for use therewith. Also disclosed are methods of producing and using the above devices and apparatus.