Code and container of system for preparing a beverage or foodstuff
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, which restrict their ability to efficiently process a wide range of parameters and recipes without reprogramming the machine.
Innovation Solution
A container with a code comprising a reference portion and a data portion, using a Polar coordinate system with a semi- or fully circular encoding line intersecting a linear reference line, allowing for high encoding density and efficient image processing, enabling the encoding of various preparation parameters without requiring specific alignment of the container or complex decoding algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a code is arranged on the container to encode preparation information, then the machine can optimise the preparation process, but the code has limited encoding density and is highly visible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from linear code arrangements to a two-dimensional matrix barcode structure, enabling significantly higher encoding density within the same physical space. This dimensional change allows more preparation parameters to be encoded without increasing the code's visual footprint on the container.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs circular encoding lines with data units positioned at angular intervals around a central reference point. This circular geometry provides rotational symmetry that simplifies image processing and allows the code to be read regardless of the container's orientation, while maintaining compact spacing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more preparation parameters are encoded to cover wide numerical ranges, then the machine can handle complex recipes, but the code becomes more complex with more symbols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent encodes parameters with wide numerical ranges by varying the radial distance of data units from the center along circular encoding lines. This continuous spatial parameter allows representation of extensive numerical ranges without increasing the number of discrete symbols, maintaining code simplicity while enhancing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The matrix barcode structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it encodes various preparation parameters, provides rotational invariance for easy reading, maintains aesthetic appearance, and supports both discrete and continuous parameter ranges within a single unified code format.
3Loss of information
If a code with high encoding density is implemented, then more information can be encoded, but the code may be more difficult to read and process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an asymmetric reference configuration consisting of three reference units arranged in a specific pattern. This asymmetric marker provides a unique orientation reference that simplifies the image processing algorithm's ability to locate and interpret the code, even at high encoding densities, by establishing a clear starting point for reading data units around the circle.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the code is made less visible for aesthetic purposes, then appearance is improved, but the code may be harder to detect and read
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes high-contrast color schemes for the data units and reference configuration, enabling the code to be clearly detected by image sensors while remaining visually subtle on the container. The contrast ensures reliable optical detection without requiring large or prominent markings, thus maintaining aesthetic appearance while ensuring detectability.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~3A
Figure 3B~4A
AI summary
A container for a beverage or foodstuff 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 reference units defining a reference line r; the data portion comprising a data unit, wherein said data unit is arranged on an encoding line D that intersects the reference line r, the data unit is arranged a distance d from said intersection as a variable to at least partially encode a parameter of the preparation information, whereby said encoding line D is circular and is arranged with a tangent thereto orthogonal the reference line r at said intersection point, wherein the reference units are arranged with a configuration defining a reference point from which the reference line r extends.