Rotating Capsule Code Support for Reliable Beverage ID 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 low data capacity and reliability issues with traditional barcode readers.
Innovation Solution
A capsule with a code support featuring distinct preamble sequences and data sequences, allowing for sequential reading of symbols during rotation, enhancing data capacity and reliability, and using error-detecting/correcting codes to improve reading accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional barcode reader is used in a centrifugal beverage machine, then the reading process can be performed with simple device structure, but the data capacity is limited and reading reliability is low due to harsh environment and limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The code support is segmented into distinct functional parts: a preamble sequence for synchronization and identification, and separate data sequences for information storage. This segmentation allows the reading arrangement to reliably identify the start of data and process information sequentially during capsule rotation, improving reading reliability without requiring complex positioning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The preamble sequence is placed before the data sequences to perform preliminary actions: establishing synchronization, identifying code type, and preparing the reading arrangement for data acquisition. This preliminary action enables the system to adapt to different code formats and ensures reliable reading even when the capsule's initial position is unknown.
2Loss of information
If the code support uses distinct preamble sequences and data sequences for sequential reading during rotation, then the data capacity increases to over 100 bits, but the code structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The code structure transitions from static 2D barcodes to a temporal dimension by arranging code elements sequentially along the rotation path. This allows data to be read over time as the capsule rotates, dramatically increasing data capacity from typical barcode limits to over 100 bits while using simple optical sensors and code patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The code support uses variable parameters including different symbol types (light/dark, reflective/non-reflective), different sequence lengths, and configurable data field structures. These parameter variations enable flexible data encoding schemes that can accommodate over 100 bits of information while maintaining compatibility with simple optical reading arrangements.
3Measurement precision
If error-detecting and correcting codes are implemented in the code support, then reading accuracy improves in harsh environments, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Error-detecting and correcting codes provide feedback mechanisms within the data structure. Checksum fields and redundancy bits allow the reading arrangement to verify data integrity and correct errors automatically, ensuring high reading accuracy in harsh centrifugal environments with vibration, moisture, and variable lighting conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Redundant data bits and error correction codes are embedded beforehand in the code structure to cushion against potential reading errors. This preemptive approach ensures that even if some symbols are misread due to environmental factors, the original information can be recovered without requiring re-reading.
4Ease of operation
If the code is arranged for sequential reading during capsule rotation, then the reading can be performed without knowing capsule position or orientation, but the reading time increases due to rotation requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The code reading process is integrated with the continuous rotation of the capsule during normal machine operation. Rather than requiring a separate positioning and reading step, the code is read continuously as the capsule rotates into position, utilizing the existing motion to perform the identification function without adding time to the beverage preparation process.
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 reading of capsule information without knowing the position or orientation, increasing data capacity to over 100 bits and improving reading reliability in harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
Barcode readers or barcode scanners are electronic devices comprising a light source, a lens and a light sensor translating optical impulses into electrical ones
Implementation Method 2
a light sensor translating optical impulses into electrical ones
Implementation Method 3
Certain beverage preparation machines are arranged to prepare beverages by using a centrifugation extraction process... rotating the receptacle at elevated speed to ensure interaction of liquid with powder while creating a gradient of pressure of liquid in the receptacle; such pressure increasing gradually from the centre towards the periphery
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The invention relates to a code support (60a,60b) to be associated with or part of a capsule intended for delivering a beverage in a beverage producing device by centrifugation of the capsule. The support comprises a code formed by at least a first sequence of symbols and a second sequence of symbols. The code is represented on the support so that each symbol is sequentially readable by a reading arrangement (100) of an external reading device while the capsule is driven in rotation along an axis of rotation (Z). The first sequence comprises at least one first preamble sequence of symbols, and at least one first data sequence of symbols. The second sequence comprises at least one second preamble sequence of symbols and at least one second data sequence of symbols. The first preamble sequence is distinct from the second preamble sequence.