Code and container of system for preparing a beverage or foodstuff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage and foodstuff preparation systems face limitations in encoding density and visibility of codes on containers, which restrict the amount of preparation information that can be encoded, are aesthetically displeasing, and are costly to produce and read.
Innovation Solution
A container with a code comprising a reference portion and a data portion, where the data portion encodes preparation information in a continuous manner along an encoding line intersecting the reference line, allowing for high encoding density and reduced visibility, and can be efficiently read by a cost-effective code reader.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a periphery code is used on the container, then the code can be read by the preparation machine, but the encoding density is limited and the code is highly visible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a 1D periphery code arrangement to a 2D matrix code structure. The code is arranged in a two-dimensional grid pattern on the container surface, allowing significantly more data to be encoded in a compact area. This dimensional change enables high encoding density while keeping the code size small and less visually obtrusive.
2Loss of information
If a 2D barcode is used, then the encoding density increases, but the code still has limited encoding capacity and requires complex reading equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the code structure by using variable-length encoding where data units can occupy different continuous distances along encoding lines. This parameter variation allows the code to encode multiple preparation parameters efficiently. The code uses a reference line with reference units and data units positioned at variable distances, enabling compact representation of multiple parameters without requiring complex reading equipment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more preparation information is encoded on the container, then the preparation process can be optimized, but the code becomes more complex and costly to produce and read
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the code into distinct functional segments: a reference portion with reference units defining a reference line, and a data portion with multiple data units. Each data unit encodes a specific preparation parameter by its position and distance along encoding lines. This segmentation allows the code to systematically organize multiple preparation parameters (temperature, time, pressure, etc.) in a structured manner that is easy to produce and read.
Data Source
AI summary
A container for a foodstuff or beverage preparation machine, the container for containing beverage or foodstuff preparation material and comprising on a surface thereof a code encoding preparation information, the code comprising a reference portion and a data portion: the reference portion comprising a linear arrangement of at least two reference units defining a reference line r, the data portion having an encoding area comprising at least one data unit, wherein said data unit is arranged on an encoding line D that intersects the reference line r, the data unit occupies any continuous distance d along the encoding line D within the bounds of the encoding area as a variable to at least partially encode a parameter of the preparation information, whereby said encoding line D is linear and arranged orthogonal to the reference line r.