Circular Polar Code for High-Density Beverage Container Encoding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage and foodstuff preparation systems face limitations in encoding preparation information due to low encoding density, visibility, and aesthetic concerns of existing codes on containers.
Innovation Solution
A container with a high encoding density code comprising a reference portion and a data portion, where the data portion includes a plurality of adjacent sectors on a circular encoding line, allowing for efficient image processing using a Polar coordinate system, and enabling the encoding of various preparation parameters without being overly visible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a code is arranged on the container to encode preparation information, then the preparation information can be read by the machine to optimise the preparation process, but the encoding density is limited and the code is highly visible which may be considered aesthetically displeasing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from linear/sequential code arrangements to a two-dimensional polar coordinate system. The code is organized with concentric circles representing different parameters and radial lines representing different values, allowing much higher information density in a compact circular area while maintaining aesthetic appeal through symmetric geometric patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a circular encoding layout with concentric circles and radial lines instead of linear arrangements. This curved/geometric organization allows efficient use of space, higher encoding density, and creates an aesthetically pleasing symmetric pattern that is less obtrusive on the container surface.
2Loss of information
If a code with high encoding density is implemented, then more preparation information can be encoded, but the code may become more complex and difficult to produce
Solution Approach 1:
The code is segmented into distinct functional components: concentric circles represent different parameters (temperature, pressure, time, etc.) while radial lines represent different values. Each intersection point encodes specific information. This segmentation allows systematic organization of multiple parameters without creating overall complexity, making the code both high-density and manufacturable.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a code encodes parameters with wide numerical ranges, then more preparation information can be stored, but the code structure becomes more complex requiring more symbols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the position (radial distance from center) and angular position of markers to encode numerical values. By changing the parameters of marker positions rather than using different symbol types or increasing symbol count, the system can represent wide numerical ranges efficiently. The polar coordinate system naturally accommodates continuous or discrete value ranges through positional variation.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~3A
Figure 3B
AI summary
A container for a foodstuff or beverage preparation machine, the container for containing beverage or foodstuff material and comprising a code encoding preparation information, the code comprising a reference portion and a data portion, the reference portion comprising an arrangement of at least two reference units defining a reference line r, the data portion comprising: a plurality of adjacent sectors arranged on an encoding line D, whereby each sector is bounded by a first circumferential position and a second circumferential position on the encoding line D and each sector comprises a data unit arranged on the encoding line D between said first and second circumferential position, the data unit arranged a distance d extending from the first circumferential position as a variable to at least partially encode a parameter of the preparation information, whereby the encoding line D is circular and is arranged with a tangent thereto orthogonal the reference line r at an intersection point.