Polar Coordinate Code on Beverage Container for High-Density Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage and foodstuff preparation systems face limitations in encoding preparation information due to low encoding density, visibility, and aesthetic concerns of existing codes on containers, which restrict their ability to efficiently process a wide range of parameters and recipes without reprogramming the machine.
Innovation Solution
A container with a code comprising a reference portion and a data portion, utilizing a polar coordinate system with a semi- or fully circular encoding line intersecting a linear reference line, allowing for high encoding density and reduced visibility, enabling efficient encoding and decoding of preparation information without requiring complex alignment or reprogramming of the machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a linear code sequence is printed on the capsule flange, then the code can be read by the machine, but the encoding density is limited and the code is highly visible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a linear one-dimensional code arrangement to a two-dimensional polar coordinate system. The code is arranged with data units positioned at different radial distances and angular positions around a reference point, enabling much higher encoding density within the same physical space while maintaining machine readability through systematic geometric encoding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a circular encoding line arranged at a tangent orthogonal to a reference line, creating a polar coordinate system. This curved, radial arrangement allows data units to be positioned along a circular path, maximizing the use of available space on the capsule surface and enabling compact high-density encoding that is less visually apparent than linear sequences.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more preparation information is encoded to cover wide numerical ranges, then the encoding capacity increases, but the code becomes more complex with more symbols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the continuous spatial parameters of the polar coordinate system—specifically the radial distance from the reference point and the angular position along the circular encoding line—to encode numerical values. This allows wide numerical ranges to be represented by varying the position of data units in continuous space rather than using discrete symbols, thereby increasing encoding capacity while maintaining code simplicity.
3Loss of information
If a high encoding density code is implemented, then more information can be stored, but the code may require more complex processing subsystems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the code into distinct functional components: a reference portion with reference units defining a reference point and reference line, and a data portion with data units positioned on a circular encoding line. This segmentation allows the processing subsystem to systematically locate the reference point first, then interpret data unit positions relative to that reference, simplifying the decoding process despite the high encoding density.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference portion of the code is designed to be recognized first, establishing the reference point and orientation before data interpretation begins. This preliminary action of locating and orienting to the reference configuration enables the processing subsystem to efficiently decode the high-density data portion without requiring complex real-time calculations, as the spatial relationships are predetermined by the reference structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A container for a beverage or foodstuff preparation machine, the container for containing beverage or foodstuff material and comprising a code encoding preparation information, the code comprising a reference portion and a data portion: the reference portion comprising reference units defining a reference line r; the data portion comprising a data unit, wherein said data unit is arranged on an encoding line D that intersects the reference line r, the data unit is arranged a distance d from said intersection as a variable to at least partially encode a parameter of the preparation information, whereby said encoding line D is circular and is arranged with a tangent thereto orthogonal the reference line r at said intersection point, wherein the reference units are arranged with a configuration defining a reference point from which the reference line r extends.