Diffusive Optical Code Support for Centrifugal Capsule Reading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal beverage machines face challenges in reliably reading optical codes on capsules due to harsh environments and limited space, leading to difficulties in decoding information and maintaining reliability.
Innovation Solution
An optically readable code support with diffusive surfaces arranged circumferentially on the capsule, allowing for reliable reading by an external device during rotation, featuring specific reflectivity characteristics to enhance readability in challenging conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a barcode is printed on a small area of the capsule for identification, then the capsule type can be identified, but the code cannot be reliably read in centrifugal machines due to rotation and limited reading space
Solution Approach 1:
The code is arranged circumferentially around the capsule's axis of rotation, transforming a traditional linear or planar code layout into a rotational dimension. This allows the reading device to capture the code during capsule rotation in centrifugal machines, solving the incompatibility between static barcode reading and dynamic rotational environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The code support is designed to rotate with the capsule during centrifugal extraction, transforming the reading process from a static to a dynamic operation. The circumferential arrangement ensures that the code passes continuously under the reading device during rotation, enabling reliable reading in the dynamic centrifugal environment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the code is arranged circumferentially on the capsule, then the code can be read during rotation in centrifugal machines, but the code requires a larger surface area on the capsule
Solution Approach 1:
The flange-like rim structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the capsule, creates the necessary flange for positioning in the brewing unit, and simultaneously serves as the substrate for the circumferential code arrangement. This multi-functionality allows the code to use the existing rim structure rather than requiring additional capsule surface area.
3Device complexity
If standard optical codes are used on capsules, then simple reading devices can be used, but the codes cannot be reliably decoded in harsh environments with vibrations and limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The code uses light-reflecting and light-absorbing surfaces with high optical contrast, creating distinct reflectivity patterns that are easily detectable by simple optical sensors. This high contrast ensures reliable decoding even in harsh environments with vibrations and limited space, while keeping the reading device relatively simple.
4Loss of information
If more information is encoded on the capsule, then more capsule details are available, but the code becomes more complex and harder to read reliably
Solution Approach 1:
The code is divided into multiple discrete circumferential segments arranged around the capsule, with each segment representing a specific bit of information. This segmentation allows for systematic encoding of multiple data elements while maintaining simple, distinct optical patterns that are easy to read reliably during rotation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables reliable decoding of up to 200 bits of information with improved signal strength and resistance to angular deviations, ensuring accurate reading even in harsh environments, thus optimizing beverage preparation.
Implementation Method 1
The symbols are at least partly formed of surfaces arranged to reflect mainly diffusively, in any direction forming an angle comprised between 3° and 10°, any incoming beam of light with respect to an incoming direction forming an angle comprised between 0 and 10° with respect to a normal of the surfaces
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The invention relates to an optically readable code support to be associated with or part of a capsule indented for delivering a beverage in a beverage producing device by centrifugation of the capsule. The support comprises at least one sequence of symbols represented on the support so that each symbol is sequentially readable by a reading arrangement of an external reading device while the capsule is driven in rotation along an axis of rotation. The symbols are at least partly formed of surfaces arranged to reflect mainly diffusively, in any direction forming an angle comprised between 3° and 10° with respect to a normal of said surface, any incoming beam of light with an incoming direction forming an angle comprise between 0 and 10° with respect to a normal of said surface.