WO2017074208A1

WO2017074208A1 - Packaging recognisable on the basis of symbols, system and method for preparing edible products on the basis of said recognisable packaging

Info

Publication number: WO2017074208A1
Application number: PCT/PT2016/000012
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fernando Manuel DE JESUS PIEDADE; Paulo Alexandre RODRIGUES CHAVES FERREIRA; Paulo Alexandre TEIXEIRA E SILVA CARDOSO
Original assignee: Alva Alta, Lda
Priority date: 2015-10-25
Filing date: 2016-10-18
Publication date: 2017-05-04

Abstract

The present invention relates to packaging (1) designed for containing an edible substance and suitable for preparing a corresponding edible product, such as a beverage, comprising at least one outer surface (2) provided with non-concentric symbols (3), at least two of the symbols (31, 32) being arranged at different distances from the perimeter of the surface and differing by virtue of at least one image parameter and/or at least one dimensional parameter associated with a geometric shape defined by the distribution of at least some of the symbols (3); in a preferred embodiment, corresponding incremental variations are also provided, such that they can be recognised by automatic image processing means. The present invention further relates to a system for distributing edible products, comprising at least two types of recognisable packaging (1, 1') for individual doses, and to at least one type of machine (1) suitable for preparing edible products on the basis of said types of packaging (1, 1') for individual doses. The present invention further relates to a method for distributing edible products on the basis of said recognisable packaging (1, 1').

Description

DESCRIPTION

SYMBOLS RECOGNIZABLE PACKAGING, SYSTEM AND PROCESS FOR PREPARING EDIBLE PRODUCTS BASED ON THE RECOGNIZABLE PACKAGES

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to recognizable optically packaged containers for collecting edible substances adapted for the preparation of edible products, such as capsules, tablets or beverage preparation sachets.

The present invention further relates to a system comprising at least two optically recognizable packaging types, and at least one type of machine adapted for preparing at least one edible product based on at least one of said packaging types, and to a process of distributing edible products based on said optically recognizable packaging.

Background of the invention

The prior art includes different individual dose packaging solutions, provided for example in the form of tablets or capsules, adapted for the preparation of beverages on their machines, including by extracting an aromatic substance such as espresso coffee and others

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REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) types of drinks. A particularly relevant aspect is that a coffee machine can recognize a particular type of capsule, in particular with a view to adjusting operating parameters, such as fluid injection pressure and temperature, according to the ingredients contained in said type. of capsule.

The prior art includes a variety of approaches, including the use of optical recognition means adapted to recognize a symbol associated with a respective capsule. However, most solutions concern the recognition of a so-called 2D code recogniton, such as a bar code or the like, for example by means of a laser device. Using an image comprising several optical parameters has several advantages over an RFID tag. Moreover, the costs associated with the respective means of recognition are relatively high. Examples of such a solution are disclosed in WO 02/28241 A1, EP 1440640 BI, EP 1786303 BI.

Another approach proposes optical recognition of zones of different color. Examples are disclosed in EP 2266446 A1 and EP 2227120 BI.

In the case of optical recognition of an image including symbols ("optical character recognition") the use of recognition camera-type means is required, and the technical characteristics of these means can substantially increase costs depending on the requirements associated with certain technical parameters. .

Another particularly relevant aspect is the arrangement of optical recognition means within a beverage preparation machine, in particular within an extraction device adapted for

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REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) extraction of edible substance contained within a capsule. Indeed, in the case of image recognition cameras, the smallness of space often constrains the direction of observation.

The prior art includes a number of solutions which disclose a placement of the recognition means in an extraction device corresponding to a peripheral zone of a top side of the package (eg, WO 02/28241 A1), to a sidewall zone ( eg, WO 2012/010317 A1) and both top side and side wall (eg, EP 2227120 BI). However, the arrangement of recognition means in a peripheral zone presents a number of constructive constraints, including in terms of tightness of said recognition means within a respective extraction device.

In addition, in the case of an individual dose packet of circular cross-section and adapted for use in a coffee machine or the like, a user may introduce said packet in an angular position which does not correspond to the direction of observation by the recognition device thereof. embarrassing the respective operation.

One type of solution to this problem is by arranging the symbol in the center of a reading surface, or repeating a given code sequence in an angular direction. Examples are disclosed in WO 2011/089048 Al, WO 2011/141532 Al and WO 2011/141535 Al.

EP 1379153 B1 discloses a capsule having a bar code concentricly disposed in an intermediate zone on an outlet or inlet side of an individual dose package. This solution proposes the use of a laser device for bar code recognition.

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REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) There is therefore a need to provide edible product preparation systems which, alternatively to known codes, such as barcodes and the like, provide more reliable and user-friendly recognition of their recognizable packaging with less processing needs.

General Description of the Invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a suitably adapted package that can be optically recognized by simpler and more reliable automatic image processing means, and which provides a means of communication with consumers, preferably including such that can also be at least partially interpreted by consumers. In addition, the recognizable package should also provide a code that can be processed by automatic image recognition means more simply and reliably and with less image processing needs, adapted to provide a plurality of information variables as well. how to be preferably also interpretable by consumers.

The above objective is solved according to the present invention by means of a package according to claim 1.

In particular, the above objective is solved by a package comprising at least one outer surface having at least two, preferably at least three non-concentric provided symbols, at least two of said symbols being arranged at a different distance. from at

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REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) least one of center and surface perimeter, and at least two symbols have at least one other than at least one of:

- an image parameter associated with said symbols, and

- a dimensional parameter associated with at least one geometric shape of the configuration defined by the distribution of said symbols, in particular the vertices of said geometric shape being defined by said symbols.

The captured image includes at least one image parameter in at least the visible, infrared and ultraviolet range, said symbols being provided such that they can be optically recognized by at least one, preferably at least two image parameters. image within at least one of said optical ranges with respect to a respective bottom surface, preferably also with respect to the surface perimeter of said outer surface.

It is preferred when at least part of said symbols is provided so that it can be optically recognizable at different from said optical ranges.

It is preferred when at least most of said symbols have a similar shape.

It is preferred when at least most of said symbols correspond to one of alphanumeric symbols and regular geometric shapes.

It is preferred when at least part of said symbols is provided in an ungrouped arrangement, at least one of said visible symbols having a distance to a visible neighbor symbol, which

5th

REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) is greater than, preferably greater than twice, the largest extent of the smallest of said symbols.

It is preferred when at least part of said symbols is distributed at vertices of at least one of regular or irregular configuration, preferably of polygon type.

It is preferred when said symbols are arranged in a mesh type distribution and only part of said symbols is provided visible.

It is preferred when at least two, preferably at least three visible symbols, and at most ten, preferably at most fifteen visible symbols are provided, and the other symbols are preferably provided invisible.

It is preferred when said outer packaging surface is circular in shape and corresponds to a top portion of the package adapted for injection of a pressurized fluid flow, or in a polygonal shape, at least one of which is preferably at least one. most of said symbols are provided on at least one of a central zone and an intermediate zone of said outer surface.

It is preferred when said package comprises at least one constructive element enclosing an interior space, said outer surface being provided by at least one of a constructive element, for example of the packaging wall, a surface element, for example of the type. label, or other element directly or indirectly associated with said package, such as a label, or corresponds to a second package configured to store a plurality of individual packages.

Said pack is preferably configured to collect an individual dose of a

6th

REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) edible substance, and adapted so that it can be used in the preparation of edible products such as beverages, including aromatic beverages such as espresso, tea and the like, including in the form of sachets, tablets, rigid or flexible capsules, both by introducing said recognizable packaging as its contents into a machine or container for preparing edible products, such as by direct ingestion of the edible substance by consumers.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a edible product delivery system comprising at least two types of packages of similar size and shape containing edible substances which differ in their composition or other product parameter, said system providing recognizing each type of package based on the image of at least two symbols, provided by at least one of said outer surfaces, more reliably and efficiently by automatic image processing means, and preferably also at least partially by human means.

The above object is solved according to the present invention through a system according to claim 13.

Said system preferably comprises at least two types of packages having respective inlet and outlet passage arrangements provided at opposite ends, and at least one type of edible product preparation machine, such as beverages, comprising at least one collection device adapted for collecting

7th

REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) at least one of said pack types or a dose of edible substance initially contained in one of said pack types, and for injecting a fluid and discharging an edible product.

It is preferred in a system according to the invention when at least one of said symbols has at least one of relative position and similar relative orientation on the outer surfaces of said at least two types of packages, and at least one of the other symbols has at least one. of different relative position, including at least one of a different distance to the surface perimeter and a different angular distance to the neighboring symbol, on the outer surfaces of said at least two types of packaging.

It is preferred when said system further comprises at least one of:

- at least one type of edible product preparation machine and comprising at least one type of collection device provided so that it can collect a dose of edible substance, or a package thereof, and discharge a resulting edible product,

- at least one type of communication device, such as a mobile phone, in particular a communication device provided such that it can communicate with a control device of at least one type of machine,

wherein at least one of said types of machine and communication device comprises an image capture device, a processing device provided so that it can operate image processing software, adapted to provide for the understanding of at least one parameter.

8th

REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) associated with said symbols and the distribution of said symbols on an outer surface of said types of packages.

It is preferred when said image capture device is provided in at least one of:

- an interior part of said machine, preferably associated with said collecting device,

- an outer part of said machine, and

- an outer part of said communications device,

said image capture device comprising an optical sensor, preferably a camera, preferably a digital camera, preferably also a lens and preferably a lighting device adapted to provide at least one predefined level of illumination of said outer surface, including as a function of its ambient light level.

Another object of the present invention is to disclose a process for preparing an edible product that provides reliable recognition of different types of packaging.

The above object is solved according to the present invention by a process according to claim 14.

It is preferred when analyzing the captured image includes comparing at least one, preferably at least two image parameters associated with said symbols, with a respective comparative reference, said comparative reference including at least one of:

9th

REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) - an image parameter associated with said symbols;

- a dimensional parameter and its incremental type variation associated with the geometric shape configured by the distribution of symbols at respective vertices thereof;

at least one, optionally a plurality of predefined images associated with at least one outer surface of said individual dose packet types;

said comparative references being previously recorded, preferably in said image processing device, or provided by means of communication with other data means.

It is preferred when the process further includes the step of associating the result of said captured image analysis with at least one of:

- a product information parameter associated with a respective individual dose packet type;

a predefined set of operating parameters of a machine adapted for operation with said individual dose package;

- an alphanumeric symbol corresponding to a given increment of dimensional variation relative to a previously defined reference;

- at least one human recognizable expression, symbol or image, said expression being presented to a user of said machine through a display device provided on the machine or through said communication device such as a mobile phone or similar.

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REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) It is preferred when the method further includes the step of recording the image analysis result captured on data media provided on said machine so that it can be communicated to remote data media.

It is further preferred when said image capture by said image capture device is performed before or after closure of said package collection device and prior to fluid delivery to said individual dose package.

It is further preferred when the process is part of at least one of:

an information process on characteristics of an edible substance provided in an individual dose package and / or its edible product;

A process for preparing an edible product, such as an aromatic beverage through a single dose packet of tablet, capsule, or the like.

Description of the Figures

The present invention will now be explained in greater detail based on preferred embodiments and the accompanying Figures.

The Figures show, in simplified schematic representations:

Figure 1: Side elevational view (left side) and top view (right side) of a first embodiment of a package (1) according to the present invention;

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REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) Figure 2: Side elevational view (left side) and top view (right side) of a second embodiment of a package (1 ') according to the present invention;

Figure 3: Side elevational view (left side) and top view (right side) of a third embodiment of a package (1) according to the present invention;

Figure 4: Side elevational view (left side) and top view (right side) of a fourth embodiment of a package (1 ') according to the present invention;

Figure 5: Top views of the outer surface of two types of packaging (1,1 '') in a first embodiment of an edible product system according to the present invention; top views of the outer surface of two types of packages (1,1 ') in a second embodiment of an edible product system according to the present invention;

Figure 7: top views of the outer surface of two types of packaging (1,1 '') in a third embodiment of an edible product system according to the present invention;

Figure 8: Top views of the outer surface of two types of packaging (1,1 '') in a fourth embodiment of an edible product system according to the present invention;

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REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) Figure 9: top views of the outer surface of two types of packaging (1,1 '') in a fifth embodiment of an edible product system according to the present invention;

Figure 10: Top views of the outer surface of two types of packaging (1,1 ') in a sixth embodiment of an edible product system according to the present invention; elevational view of a first embodiment of an edible product system according to the invention including an edible product preparation machine (10); elevational view of a second embodiment of an edible product system according to the invention including an edible product preparation machine (10).

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

Figure 1 shows a side elevation (left side) and a top elevation of a first embodiment of a package (1) according to the present invention. In the present case, it is a pack (1) adapted to contain an individual dose of an edible substance and to be used in a

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REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) beverage preparation, such as coffee, tea and the like.

Said package (1) has an outer surface (2), preferably on a top portion adapted for injection of a pressurized fluid flow, having a first non-concentric symbol (31) and a second symbol (32) thereon. Case with similar shapes and colors.

According to a first inventive aspect, said symbols (3) have different distances to the surface perimeter, said symbols (3) being provided such that they can be individually recognized, preferably also the image presented by least part of said outer surface (2) by automatic image processing means.

Individual image recognition of symbols (31, 32) provides information associated with the number of symbols, their geometric shape, color, size and distance from each symbol (31, 32) to the surface perimeter of said outer surface (2). that this information may be related to different parameters associated with product information of said package (1).

According to a preferred embodiment, said symbols (3) have a greater extent of dimension greater than 2 mm and are distributed at a greater distance from each other, preferably greater than twice their largest extent. This provides a code that is easily recognizable, ie more reliable, and more resistant to wear resulting from prolonged handling and storage.

14th

REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of a package (1) 'according to the present invention in similar views to that of Figure 1, with package (1') shown in Figure 2 having similar shape and dimensions to the package. (1) shown in Figure 1.

As shown, the outer surface (2) in this case has two symbols (31, 32) which in addition to a different distance from the surface perimeter of the outer surface (2), also have different geometric shapes and different relative positions, thereby configuring a different distribution on said outer surface (2) with respect to the symbols (31, 32) provided on the package (1) shown in Figure 1.

According to a preferred embodiment, each of said symbols (3) is provided in different observation reference quadrants (A, B) by an image capture device (31), so that a lower resolution is required. and less processing power for recognizing said symbols (3).

Figure 3 represents a third embodiment of a package (1) according to the present invention.

As shown, the outer surface (2) in this case has a first symbol (31) corresponding to a one-letter glyph, or a logo-like characteristic mark, as well as a second (32) and a third (33) symbols which have a simple geometric shape.

Figure 4 represents a fourth embodiment of a package (1 ') according to the present invention.

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REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) As shown, said outer surface (2) in this case still has a fourth symbol (34) provided on the perimeter of a first symbol (31).

Indeed, according to another preferred embodiment, at least one of said symbols (34) is provided at least partially within another symbol (31) or corresponds to a point variation in the perimeter of another symbol (31). ), so that further information coding options are provided by simple symbol arrangements (3), easily recognizable by human means and by automatic image processing means.

The other two symbols (32, 33) may in this case provide relative position references, including relative angular position, i.e. the rotation of the image provided by the outer surface (2) relative to a reference position, so as to simplify the process. recognition of symbols 31 and 34 by automatic image processing means.

Figure 5 is a top view of two types of packages (1,1 ') similar to those shown in the previous figures and being part of an edible product system according to the present invention, including for example an aromatic beverage preparation system. and the like by extracting the precursor substance contained in the packages (1, 1 ') in a respective machine as will be described below.

In the case of this embodiment, the packages (1, 1 ') have the same number of symbols (3) distributed so that at least one symbol (33) has a different relative position with respect to the center or surface perimeter of the package. referred

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REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) outer surface (2), so that they together configure a polygon of similar shape but different size.

In particular, according to a preferred embodiment at least one of said symbols (31) has a similar relative position on the outer surfaces (2, 2 ') of said package types (1, 1'), and at least one of the other symbols (33) has a different relative position, including a distance to the surface perimeter and a different angular position with respect to central axes, on the outer surfaces (2, 2 ') of said at least two types of packages (1, 1') ·

In particular, in the case of the embodiment shown, symbol 33 has a different radial distance corresponding to a similar angular position relative to at least one of the other symbols 31.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, each increment of a predefined size unit of said symbols (3) and / or said polygonal shape corresponds to a particular letter or number, so that a code can thus be provided. simple and reliable based on a relatively small number of symbols.

In the case of the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the difference between the two types of packages (1, 1 ') is provided by at least a different relative position of at least one of the symbols (3), including a different angular position and distance from the center or surface perimeter of the outer surface (2, 2 '). The symbols (3) thus configure a different polygonal shape that

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REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) can be recognized by automatic means of image processing.

According to another preferred embodiment, at least one of the symbols (3) may further have a geometric shape contained within to provide further differentiation between said types of packages (1,1 ').

In the case shown, the first symbol of a first package (1) has only a shape outline, whereas in the case of a second package (1 ') it also has a fill color different from the surface background color exterior (2 ').

Figure 7 represents an embodiment wherein at least one of said symbols (32) varies in size by at least one direction, in this case the radial direction.

The shape of the two symbols (31, 32) and distance from the surface perimeter of the respective outer surface (2, 2 ') can be recognized by automatic image processing means as characteristic of a particular type of packaging (1, 1). ') ·

Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, each of said symbols (31, 32) may be previously associated with a particular information parameter. In particular, according to another preferred embodiment, the size change is predefined incrementally, so that each incremental change corresponds to a certain value for a given information parameter.

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REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) Figure 8 is an embodiment wherein said symbols (3) are provided substantially adjacent and along a radial direction, at least two of which have different contrasts and / or color. Each of the symbols 31, 32, 32 is in this case recognized for its shape and relative position relative to the others.

According to a preferred embodiment, each symbol (31, 32, 33) is previously associated with a particular information parameter. The contrast and / or color variation is predefined incrementally and / or quantitatively, so that each incremental variation corresponds to a certain value for a given information parameter.

In the case of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, symbols (3) are alphanumeric symbols and the difference between the two types of packages (1,1 ') is provided by at least the different number of symbols (3).

According to a preferred embodiment, the image difference provided by the outer surfaces (2, 2 ') is further provided by the different relative position of the symbols (3) of different color relative to the outer surface surface perimeter (2, 2). ') and its first symbol (31).

In the case of the embodiment shown in Figure 10, symbols (3) are also alphanumeric symbols and the difference between the two types of packages (1,1 ') is provided by at least the different number of symbols (3) having a fill color different from the remaining background color of its outer surface (2, 2 ').

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REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) Furthermore, the difference in image recognized by automatic image processing means is further provided by at least one different alphanumeric symbol comprised in said symbols (3).

Figures 11 and 12 represent preferred embodiments of edible product preparation systems, in particular aromatic beverages such as espresso coffee and the like, and comprising at least one type of edible product preparation machine (10) comprising at least at least one type of collection device (11) adapted to collect the types of packages (1, 1 '), at least one type of communication device (20) such as a mobile phone, in particular a communication device (20) provided so that it can communicate with a control device of at least one type of machine (10), automatic image processing means comprising an image capture device (41), an image processing device (42) provided so that image processing software (not shown) can be operated, adapted so as to provide recognition of at least one image parameter at least one of the visible, infrared and ultraviolet spectra associated with said symbols (3) and the distribution of said symbols (3) on an outer surface (2, 2 ') of said types of packages (1, 1').

According to a preferred embodiment, said image capture device (41) comprises a camera, preferably a digital camera, a lens and preferably a lighting device adapted to illuminate the camera. said outer surface (2, 2 ').

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REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) In the case of the embodiment shown in Figure 11, said image capture device (41) is provided associated with said package collection device (11) so that the types of packages (1, 1 ') are recognized when while in the case of the embodiment shown in Figure 12, said image capture device (41) is provided associated with an exterior part of the machine (10), such that the different types of packaging ( 1 ') can be recognized outside said machine (10).

Lisbon, October 17th, 2016

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REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26)

Claims

o su su su ce s acce es as ovem er 2017/074208 PCT / PT2016 / 000012 CLAIMS

1. Packaging (1) configured to collect a substance

edible, and comprising at least one outer surface (2) bounded by a respective surface perimeter and having a plurality of symbols

(3),

characterized

wherein at least two of said symbols (31, 32) are provided different in at least one image parameter and in the distance from the respective centers to the surface center of said outer surface (2), are distributed in a non-centered configuration with respect to said outer surface

(2), and be adapted such that said differences can be optically recognized by automatic image processing means.

Packaging (1) according to claim 1,

characterized in that said symbols (3) differ by at least one image parameter, preferably by at least two image parameters, recognizable by at least one of the visible, infrared and ultraviolet ranges, in particular from the group of image parameters. including shape, dimension, contrast, reflection, color, and

at least part of said symbols (3) are configured as regular shapes, including circular, polygonal type, and the like, and optionally some symbols (3) are provided

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REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) o o su su su ce s acce s in ovem er 2017/074208 PCT / PT2016 / 000012 as at least one of an alphanumeric symbol, glyph, artistic design, or the like, and

said symbols (3) are adapted such that a predefined variation of an image parameter associated with a particular symbol (3), for example a certain amount of unit or property of that parameter, may be optically recognized by said means. image processing and associated with an information parameter previously associated with said symbol.

Packaging according to claims 1 to 2,

characterized

at least part of said symbols (3) is distributed unevenly and / or irregularly, at similar and / or different distances, including straight or curved, polygonal, mesh or similarly, said configuration thereby preferably having at least one of asymmetrical position and asymmetrical shape with respect to the surface perimeter of said outer surface (2), and

said symbol distribution (3) is adapted such that a variation, for example of a predefined unit or property, of a given dimensional parameter associated with said configuration, including at least one of shape, size, relative position and orientation of said configuration of said symbols (3) with respect to said outer surface (2), can be optically recognized by said automatic image processing means and associated with an information parameter previously associated with said configuration.

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REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) o su su su ce s acce ed in ovem er 2017/074208 PCT / PT2016 / 000012

4. Packing according to any of the above

Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least three of said symbols (31, 32, 33) are provided in intersecting directions and at a different distance from each other such that they define a polygonal type configuration or the like.

Packaging (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least two, preferably most of said adjacent symbols (3), or group of symbols (3) are provided in at least one. one of:

- at an angular distance in any direction

at least 80 °, preferably at least 120 °,

- provided to define an area

corresponding to a maximum of 50%, preferably a maximum of 40% of the total area of said outer surface (2),

so that less image processing capacity is required by said automatic image recognition means.

Packaging according to claims 1 to 5,

characterized in that said symbols (3) are distributed in at least one of

- spaced at a linear distance from each other by the

at least 50% larger, preferably 100% larger than the largest dimension of the smallest symbol (3);

- adjacent, preferably according to at least

radial direction, preferably in at least two radial directions, relative to the

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REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) The area and surface area of the surface area of said outer surface (2).

Packaging according to claims 1 to 6,

characterized in that said distribution configuration is provided by at least two, preferably by at least three symbols (3), and by up to ten, preferably by up to fifteen symbols (3).

8. Packing according to any of the above

1 to 7, characterized in that at least one of said symbols (32) is provided at least partially within another symbol (31) or at least one of said symbols (32) corresponds to a point variation in the perimeter of a another symbol (31).

9. Packing according to any of the above

Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said symbols (3) have a different color contour and shape fill, at least one of which has a color contrast ratio of at least 100: 1, in a way of at least 200: 1 relative to a respective background color of said outer surface (2).

10. Packing (1) according to any of

Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least one first symbol (31) has a larger dimension, preferably at least 20% larger, particularly preferably at least 40% larger than at least a second symbol (32). preferably also a third symbol (33).

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11. Packaging (1) according to any of the following

Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that said symbols (3) have a shape that is symmetrical with respect to a respective central axis, preferably to two respective central axes.

12. Packing (1) of single dose according to

any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that said symbols (3) are provided in at least one of said central zone (21) and said intermediate zone (22), preferably not provided in a peripheral zone (23). ) of a respective outer surface

(2), such that the outer surface fraction (2) whose image is to be recognized is less than 90%, preferably less than 80% of the total area of said outer surface (2).

13. System for distribution of edible products

including at least two types of packages (1,1 ') according to any one of claims 1 to 12,

featured

said pack types (1, 1 ') differ by at least one, preferably by at least two of:

- image parameter including shape, dimension,

contrast, color, reflection and relative position of at least one of the respective symbols (31, 32);

- dimensional parameter of a defined configuration

by distributing at least part of said symbols (3), including shape, size, relative position and relative orientation,

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- at least one of type number of symbols (3) which

define said distribution configuration.

14. Distribution process of an edible product,

provided in a package (1,1 ''), in particular a package (1,1 '') according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and which is part of a system for distributing edible products, in particular a system according to claim 13,

said process being characterized by including the steps:

- provide an individual dose pack (1,

1 ') so that a respective outer surface

(2, 2 ') results in the field of observation of an image capture device (41);

- capture, by means of said

41, an image of said outer surface (2, 2 ') including a plurality of symbols (3), preferably at least the image of at least one of central zone (21) and intermediate zone ( 22) of said outer surface (2);

- analysis of the captured image, preferably

through an image processing device

(42),

wherein said analysis of the captured image includes the characterization of at least one of:

- at least one image parameter associated with the

said symbols (3), preferably also with a background thereof,

- at least one dimensional parameter associated with a

configuration defined by the distribution of at least part of said symbols (3).

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Process according to claim 14,

characterized in that said captured image corresponds to the area fraction of said outer surface (2, 2 ') including said symbols (3), said area fraction being less than 60%, preferably less than 40%. %, particularly preferably less than 30% of the total outer surface area (2, 2 ').

Lisbon, October 17th, 2016

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REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26)