Container with a code encoding a sequence of foodstuff or beverage preparation operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage and foodstuff preparation systems using containers with encoded preparation information face limitations in encoding density and aesthetic appeal, with current codes being either too visible or aesthetically displeasing.
Innovation Solution
A container with a code comprising a reference portion and a data portion, featuring a virtual reference line and virtual encoding lines, where the relative position and distance of data units along these lines encode operational sequences and conditions for beverage or foodstuff preparation, allowing for high-density encoding with minimal visual impact.
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 code is highly visible and may be considered aesthetically displeasing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional linear or 2D barcodes to a 3D spatial arrangement of data units on the container surface. The code utilizes the container's curvature and surface geometry, positioning data units in three-dimensional space rather than on a flat plane, thereby encoding information while maintaining aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different properties to different parts of the code structure. Data units are selectively positioned at specific locations on the container surface, with varying densities and arrangements in different zones. This allows optimal encoding capacity in certain areas while maintaining aesthetic appearance in others.
2Loss of information
If a conventional code is used on the container, then preparation information can be encoded, but the encoding density is limited and the amount of preparation information that can be encoded is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs three-dimensional spatial positioning of data units on the container surface, utilizing radial, tangential, and vertical dimensions simultaneously. This multi-dimensional arrangement dramatically increases the number of possible unique configurations, thereby enhancing encoding density and the total amount of preparation information that can be stored.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic code structure where data units can be positioned at variable locations and orientations on the container surface. The code adapts to the container's geometry and can be configured to encode different types and amounts of preparation information by adjusting the spatial arrangement of data units.
3Productivity
If data units are arranged along a virtual encoding line to encode sequences of operations, then efficient encoding of operational sequences is achieved, but the code structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the preparation information into discrete operational sequences, with each sequence encoded by a separate virtual encoding line. Data units are segmented and arranged along multiple encoding lines, where each line represents a specific operational sequence. This segmentation allows efficient encoding of complex preparation processes while maintaining a systematic and manageable code structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Container for a beverage preparation machine or foodstuff preparation machine, the container for containing beverage or foodstuff material comprises a code encoding preparation information, in particular preparation information for a beverage preparation machine or foodstuff preparation machine to prepare a beverage or a foodstuff with beverage or foodstuff material contained in the container, the code comprising a reference portion and a data portion. The reference portion comprises at least one reference configuration defining a virtual reference line. The data portion comprises a virtual encoding line intersecting the virtual reference line at a virtual intersection point and a sequence of data units comprising at least two data units aligned at a distance from each other along the virtual encoding line for encoding a sequence of operations of the preparation information. Each data unit of the sequence of data units encodes an operation of the sequence of operations, wherein a relative position of each data unit in the sequence of data units encodes a nature of the encoded operation and wherein a distance between the data unit and the virtual intersection point and/or a distance between the data unit and another data unit of the sequence of data units or of another sequence of data units encodes a value of a condition for the performance of the encoded operation.