Optical recognition system for capsules for the production of hot beverages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for recognizing capsules in hot beverage machines are vulnerable to counterfeit and damage, particularly when identifiers are external and exposed, leading to potential toxicity and machine malfunction, and are costly and complex, making them unsuitable for cheaper machines.
Innovation Solution
A method where a recognition substance inside the capsule emits an optical signal in response to an excitation, allowing for internal verification through a light source and reader, ensuring the identifier is protected and easily integrated into existing machines, enabling recognition of suitable capsules and varying beverage production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external markers are used on capsules, then capsule identification is enabled, but the identifier is vulnerable to counterfeiting, damage, and dirt
Solution Approach 1:
The recognition substance is nested inside the capsule container, specifically placed in the cavity or on the sealing flange interior surface. This internal placement protects the identifier from external damage, dirt, and counterfeiting while maintaining its functionality for optical detection by the machine's reading system
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the identifier on the external surface of the capsule as in conventional systems, the patent inverts the approach by positioning the recognition substance inside the capsule. This reversal protects the identifier from external threats while still enabling machine recognition through the capsule's transparent or translucent wall
2Reliability
If sophisticated marking systems with multiple concentric rings or barcodes are used, then counterfeiting is harder to bypass, but the system cost and complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of identifier placement from external to internal, and uses a single recognition substance with specific optical properties (fluorescent, phosphorescent, or absorbing) rather than complex multi-element marking systems. This simplifies both the marking and reading systems while maintaining counterfeit prevention capability
Solution Approach 2:
The recognition substance is integrated into the disposable capsule itself rather than requiring expensive, reusable marking systems. The identifier is part of the single-use capsule structure, eliminating the need for complex external marking equipment and reducing overall system cost
3Reliability
If external identifiers are used on capsules, then capsule recognition is possible, but the identifier can be accidentally removed, dirtied, or damaged before insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The recognition substance is nested within the capsule structure, either in the cavity or on the interior surface of the sealing flange. This internal positioning protects the identifier from external handling damage while the capsule itself serves as the container and protector
4Ease of manufacture
If simple markers are used on capsules, then the system is easy to implement, but it is extremely easy to fool the system with non-original capsules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical parameters (fluorescence, phosphorescence, or light absorption characteristics) of the recognition substance to enable authentication. By measuring the emitted or absorbed light at specific wavelengths, the system can reliably distinguish authentic capsules from counterfeits while keeping the implementation relatively simple
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
This solution effectively prevents counterfeit capsules, protects the identifier from external damage, and is cost-effective, allowing for versatile and accurate recognition of capsules, ensuring the quality of the beverage and machine operation.
Implementation Method 1
marking the capsule with a recognition substance, said recognition substance arranged to emit an optical signal at a predetermined frequency B for a predetermined time frame K in response to an excitation by an optical signal at a predetermined frequency A
Implementation Method 2
marking the capsule with a recognition substance, said recognition substance arranged to emit an optical signal at a predetermined frequency B for a predetermined time frame K in response to an excitation by an optical signal at a predetermined frequency A
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A method for the optical recognition of capsules (100) for hot beverages machines comprises the steps of introducing a capsule (100) in a machine, stimulating the capsule (100) by an exciting optical signal emitted by a light source (210), reading a feedback optical signal by an optical reader (220), acquisition of the values of the frequency and/or the time frame of the feedback optical signal, determining the fulfillment of predetermined conditions on the values of the frequency and/or the time frame. On the basis of the step of evaluating there is then a step of blocking the normal operation of the machine or a step of pursuing the normal operation of the machine.