Container and code of system for preparing a beverage or foodstuff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage and foodstuff preparation machines require complex processing to decode preparation information encoded on containers, which is aesthetically displeasing, occupies significant space, and is not adaptable to different container geometries, making it costly and prone to errors, especially when soiled.
Innovation Solution
A container with a 1-dimensional code featuring variable position marker locations and a distinct locator marker for easy location, allowing for simpler decoding and adaptation to different encoding densities, using markers that are easily readable by inductive sensors and resistant to contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a code with start and stop sequences is used to encode preparation information on the container, then the code can be located and decoded, but notable processing is required to locate the sequences and they occupy significant space on the container
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the locator marker from the data sequence and positions it separately at a known location (e.g., at the beginning or end of the code). This separation allows the reading device to quickly locate the start of the data sequence without having to process the entire code to find it, thereby reducing processing complexity while maintaining reliable decoding.
Solution Approach 2:
The locator marker is placed in advance at a predetermined position on the container, allowing the reading device to immediately identify the start of the data sequence without complex searching. This preliminary positioning simplifies the decoding process while ensuring reliable code recognition.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed-size bar segments are used in the code, then the code structure is simple, but the code size cannot be adapted for different encoding densities or container geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces variable spacing between bar segments, allowing the code to dynamically adjust its density. The distance between adjacent segments can vary to accommodate different amounts of information or different container sizes, while the overall structure remains simple and manufacturable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of bar segment spacing from fixed to variable. By allowing the spacing between segments to vary, the code can be adapted to different encoding densities and container geometries while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of a consistent bar segment design.
3Loss of information
If a large code area is used on the container, then more information can be encoded, but the code becomes aesthetically displeasing and reduces advertising space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses variable spacing between bar segments to encode information more efficiently. By optimizing the spacing, the code can fit more information into a smaller area, reducing the overall code footprint on the container while maintaining high encoding capacity. This allows adequate space for both information and advertising.
4Measurement precision
If complex decoding processing is required, then accurate preparation information can be obtained, but the process becomes costly and prone to errors especially when soiled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the locator marker from the data sequence and positions it separately, allowing the reading device to quickly identify the start of the code without complex searching. This reduces processing complexity and makes the decoding more robust to contamination, while still obtaining accurate preparation information.
Solution Approach 2:
The locator marker serves as a self-identifying feature that automatically guides the reading device to the correct starting position. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for complex processing algorithms and makes the system more reliable in the presence of soil or contamination.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2~3A
AI summary
A container for a foodstuffor beverage preparation machine, the container for containing beverage or foodstuff preparation material and comprising a code encoding preparation information, the code comprising: a data sequence having a plurality of marker locations, where by said marker locations either comprise or do not comprise a marker as a variable to at least partially encode the preparation information therein, with adjacent marker locations separated by a distance of ∆x;at least one locator marker to enable location of the data sequence of the code, the locator marker having a read distance X2,which is distinct from a read distance X1 of the data markers to enable a locator marker to be identified.