Container and code of system for preparing a beverage or foodstuff
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage and foodstuff preparation machines require complex processing to read and decode preparation information encoded on containers, which is aesthetically displeasing, reduces advertising space, and cannot be adapted for different container geometries.
Innovation Solution
A container with a code comprising variable marker locations separated by a fixed distance, allowing for adaptable encoding density and simplified processing, using a calibration sequence to determine marker spacing and enable reliable reading by an inductive sensor.
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 information can be located and decoded, but notable processing is required to locate the sequences and they occupy large space on the container
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the start and stop sequences from the code structure, retaining only the essential data sequence. This removal reduces processing complexity while maintaining code functionality through alternative positioning methods.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using start and stop sequences to mark the beginning and end of data, the patent inverts the approach by using a continuous data sequence without explicit delimiters, relying on the machine to read until it encounters the flange edge or predetermined reading length.
2Loss of information
If start and stop sequences are included in the code, then the data sequence can be located, but they occupy relatively large amount of space on the capsule which reduces advertising space and is aesthetically displeasing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the start and stop sequences from the code structure, eliminating the space they occupy on the container surface. This increases the available area for advertising while maintaining code functionality through alternative positioning methods.
3Device complexity
If the code size is fixed by predetermined bar positions and sizes, then the code structure is simple, but it cannot be adapted for different encoding densities or container geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic elements to the code structure by allowing variable bar positions and sizes within the data sequence. The code can be configured with different numbers of bars (e.g., 8, 16, 32) and variable spacing, enabling adaptation to different container geometries and encoding densities while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
4Measurement precision
If complex processing is used to decode the data sequence, then accurate preparation information can be obtained, but the processing is costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical processing with a simpler optical or electromagnetic reading system. The code is designed to be readable by standard optical sensors or cameras, eliminating the need for complex mechanical decoders and reducing both cost and processing time while maintaining accurate reading of preparation information.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2~3A
AI summary
A container for a foodstuff or 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, whereby 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 Δx; a calibration sequence having at least two markers with a distance of X1 therebetween, whereby the distance Δχ between adjacent marker locations of the data sequence is related to the distance X1 of the calibration sequence.