Rotating Capsule Code Support for Reliable Centrifugal Brewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal beverage machines face challenges in reliably reading capsule codes due to harsh environments and limited space, leading to inefficiencies in identifying capsule types and adjusting brewing parameters, especially with traditional barcode readers that require direct visibility and are prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A code support on the capsule with distinct preamble sequences allows for sequential reading of symbols during rotation, enabling robust detection and decoding of information, including brewing parameters and manufacturing details, without requiring knowledge of the code's position or orientation, using a system with error-detecting and error-correcting mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional barcode readers are used in centrifugal beverage machines, then direct visibility of the code is required, but the harsh environment and limited space make reliable reading difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The code is divided into multiple segments arranged sequentially around the capsule's circumference. Each segment contains a portion of the coded information and can be read sequentially as the capsule rotates, eliminating the need for direct visibility of the entire code at once and removing the requirement for precise positioning knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
The reading system is designed to read the code dynamically during capsule rotation rather than requiring the capsule to be stationary. The sequential reading approach adapts to the rotating motion, allowing the code to be read in segments as different portions pass by the reader during the rotation cycle.
2Loss of information
If a code is printed on a small area of the capsule, then space is saved, but the volume of coded information is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The code is arranged in a sequential pattern around the circumference of the capsule, utilizing the rotational dimension. This transforms a two-dimensional space constraint into a three-dimensional solution where the code wraps around the capsule, effectively increasing the available coding area without requiring additional capsule surface area.
Solution Approach 2:
Error-detecting and error-correcting codes are incorporated into the code structure in advance. This preliminary encoding ensures that even if some segments are misread or damaged during rotation, the complete information can still be reliably reconstructed, maximizing the effective information storage capacity.
3Measurement precision
If the code reading system requires knowledge of code position and orientation, then reading accuracy improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the reading system to know the code's position and orientation, the code is designed to be readable without such knowledge. The sequential segmented structure allows the reader to capture code segments in any order during rotation and reconstruct the complete information, inverting the traditional approach where the reader must locate and orient to the code.
Solution Approach 2:
Error-detecting and error-correcting mechanisms provide feedback to verify successful reading of code segments. This feedback system ensures reading precision without requiring complex positioning systems, as the error correction algorithms can identify and compensate for reading errors that occur during rotation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If sequential reading during rotation is implemented, then code reading becomes possible without position knowledge, but error detection and correction mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
Error-detecting and error-correcting codes are built into the code structure in advance, before the reading process begins. This preliminary encoding allows the system to handle reading errors that may occur during rotation without requiring complex real-time error handling mechanisms, as the correction capability is already embedded in the code itself.
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 enhances the reliability and volume of coded information, allowing for precise control of beverage preparation and improved error handling, even in harsh conditions, by using a code structure that can be read during capsule rotation within the machine.
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
The principle mainly consists in providing beverage ingredient in a container of the capsule, feeding liquid in the receptacle and 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 of the receptacle.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of storing information related to a capsule on a code support adapted 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 of an external reading device while the capsule is driven in rotation along an axis of rotation. 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.