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 code transitions from a traditional 2D barcode format to a 1D linear code format. This dimensional reduction allows the code to be arranged in a line along the periphery of the container flange, significantly reducing its visual footprint while maintaining encoding capacity for preparation information.
Solution Approach 2:
The code is strategically positioned in a specific local area of the container - along the periphery of the flange - rather than being distributed across the entire container surface. This localized placement minimizes the code's visual impact on the overall aesthetic appearance while ensuring it remains accessible for machine reading.
2Loss of information
If a code with higher encoding density is used, then more preparation information can be encoded, but the code becomes more complex and visually prominent
Solution Approach 1:
The code is segmented into distinct functional components: a reference portion with reference configurations that define virtual reference lines, and a data portion with data configurations along virtual encoding lines. This segmentation organizes the encoding structure to achieve high density while maintaining systematic complexity management.
Solution Approach 2:
The code utilizes virtual encoding lines that extend beyond the physical code boundary, allowing data units to be positioned at calculated distances from reference points. This dimensional approach enables efficient packing of preparation information including sequences of operations, temperatures, volumes, and times within a compact linear format.
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.