WO2024100097A1 - Système de préparation d'une boisson ou d'un produit alimentaire - Google Patents

Système de préparation d'une boisson ou d'un produit alimentaire Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024100097A1
WO2024100097A1 PCT/EP2023/081112 EP2023081112W WO2024100097A1 WO 2024100097 A1 WO2024100097 A1 WO 2024100097A1 EP 2023081112 W EP2023081112 W EP 2023081112W WO 2024100097 A1 WO2024100097 A1 WO 2024100097A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
code
container
data unit
data
machine
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2023/081112
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
André Noth
Original Assignee
Société des Produits Nestlé S.A.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GBGB2216917.1A external-priority patent/GB202216917D0/en
Application filed by Société des Produits Nestlé S.A. filed Critical Société des Produits Nestlé S.A.
Publication of WO2024100097A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024100097A1/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
    • B65D85/70—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for
    • B65D85/804—Disposable containers or packages with contents which are mixed, infused or dissolved in situ, i.e. without having been previously removed from the package
    • B65D85/8043—Packages adapted to allow liquid to pass through the contents

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates generally to electrically operated beverage or foodstuff preparation systems, with which a beverage or foodstuff is prepared from a pre-portioned capsule.
  • Systems for the preparation of a beverage comprise a beverage preparation machine and a capsule.
  • the capsule comprises a single-serving of a beverage forming precursor material, e.g. ground coffee or tea.
  • the beverage preparation machine is arranged to execute a beverage preparation process on the capsule, typically by the exposure of pressurized, heated water to said precursor material. Processing of the capsule in this manner causes the at least partial extraction of the precursor material from the capsule as the beverage.
  • This configuration of beverage preparation machine has increased popularity due to 1) enhanced user convenience compared to a conventional beverage preparation machines (e.g. compared to a manually operated stove-top espresso maker) and 2) an enhanced beverage preparation process, wherein: preparation information encoded by a code on the capsule is read by the machine to define a recipe, and; the recipe is used by the machine to optimise the preparation process in a manner specific to the capsule.
  • the encoded preparation information may comprise operating parameters selected in the beverage preparation process, including: fluid temperature; fluid pressure; preparation duration, and; fluid volume.
  • EP 2594171 A1 discloses a machine that reads a code from an underside of a flange of a capsule.
  • a drawback of such a code is that its encoding density is limited, i.e. the amount of preparation information that it can encode is limited.
  • a further drawback is that the code is highly visible and may be considered aesthetically displeasing.
  • a yet further drawback is that the code may not be adapted as the machine is developed to provide enhanced user experience.
  • the present disclosure provides a container for containing a precursor material for use with a machine for preparing a beverage or foodstuff or a precursor thereof, the container including a machine-readable code storing preparation information for use with a preparation process performed by said machine, in which the machine is controlled based on the preparation information to prepare said beverage and/or foodstuff or precursor thereof.
  • a “code” may include one or more repetitions of the code.
  • the container includes a body portion that has a storage portion for containing the precursor material and a closing member to close the storage portion.
  • the code is arranged on the closing member.
  • the storage portion includes a cavity that extends in a depth direction from the closing member.
  • the container may have a maximum depth that is less than its diameter, which can be measured at the opening of the storage portion.
  • the body portion includes a flange portion that connects the storage portion to the closing member.
  • the cavity of the storage portion extends in a depth direction from the flange portion.
  • the flange portion may present a generally planar peripheral rim for receiving the closing member. In embodiments, the flange portion is planar.
  • the term “planar” in respect of the flange portion may refer to the flange portion arranged to extend entirely with the lateral and longitudinal directions, or substantially with said directions (e.g. with major components in these directions as opposed to a depth direction).
  • the container is alternatively implements as a packet.
  • the code comprises: a reference portion (R) to locate the code; a data portion (D) to store the preparation information, wherein data portion includes first and second partially overlapping predetermined positions, which encode (e.g. one of) three conditions as: an absence of a data unit at both positions; a presence of a data unit at the first position and an absence of a data unit at the second position, and; a presence of a data unit at the second position and an absence of a data unit at the first position, such that the conditions which are encoded are compactly positioned.
  • R reference portion
  • D data portion
  • data portion includes first and second partially overlapping predetermined positions, which encode (e.g. one of) three conditions as: an absence of a data unit at both positions; a presence of a data unit at the first position and an absence of a data unit at the second position, and; a presence of a data unit at the second position and an absence of a data unit at the first position, such that the conditions which are encoded are compactly positioned.
  • the three conditions which are encoded are compactly positioned compared to the alternative of having two separated predetermined positions (that would for example require sufficient separation to identify one position from the other and also so that the data units are sufficiently separated to enable their centres to be identified as separate coordinates).
  • the data units are arranged to be located by their centres, such that an instance of both the first and second predetermined positions comprising partially overlapping data units is prevented from encoding a fourth condition, e.g. since a centre of an object comprising two of the overlapping data units is not at a centre of one of the predetermined positions. Since the data units are located by their centres, a central position for an object comprising two partially overlapping units would have a position not assigned to either centre of the predetermined positions, and hence a subsequent condition can not be encoded for which both data units are present.
  • the absence or presence of a data unit at a predetermined position can encode a logical 0 or a 1 respectively (or the converse), e.g. as binary information of the preparation information.
  • the first and second predetermined position can encode two bits in length as 1 , 0 or 0, 1 or 0, 0 but may not encode 1 , 1.
  • the three conditions may each be assigned a different feature of the preparation process (e.g. they may be considered preparation information).
  • the data units and predetermined positions are equally sized (e.g. so that a unit fully fills/extends up to a boundary of a predetermined position).
  • their presence (or absence) may be conveniently determined by the same algorithm coding.
  • the first and second partially overlapping predetermined positions overlap by less than half an area of a data unit/ of the predetermined position (e.g. less than half of the area of the first predetermined position is common to the area of the second predetermined position).
  • Such a restriction may enable a data unit at the first or second predetermined position to be conveniently identified (e.g. by its centre being at the centre of the first or second predetermined position.
  • the first and second partially overlapping predetermined positions overlap by greater than 5% or 10% or 20% an area of the predetermined position. Such a minimum overlap may ensure a compact arrangement of the first and second predetermined positions.
  • the first and second partially overlapping predetermined positions are arranged on an encoding line E, e.g. so that the encoding line extends through their centres.
  • Such an arrangement may permit convenient location of the first and second predetermined position so that it may be determined whether they are present or absent a data unit.
  • the encoding line E is at a known position with respect to the reference portion R, and in particular the centre of the first and second overlapping positions are at a known angular distance (or other distance) with respect to the reference line r defined by the reference portion.
  • the data portion comprises at least one data unit arranged an encoding distance d from a start position along a virtual encoding line E as a variable to at least partially encode a value of a parameter of the preparation information.
  • the encoding line(s) is circular and the distance(s) d is an angular distance.
  • at least one data unit is arranged any continuous encoding distance d from the start position along the virtual encoding line E.
  • the conditions encoded by the overlapping predetermined positions are a condition associated with a parameter encoded by the encoding distance.
  • the condition may be one of three temperatures, or; if the parameter encoded by the encoding distance is time of operation of a pump, the condition may be one of three conditions for whether the fluid pumped either bypasses or travels through the container.
  • the present disclosure provides a substrate for attachment to a container for containing a precursor material for use with a machine for preparing a beverage and/or foodstuff or a precursor thereof, or; for attachment to a machine for preparing a beverage and/or foodstuff, the substrate comprising a code comprising any feature of the code of the preceding embodiments or another embodiment disclosed herein.
  • substrate may refer to any suitable carrier for the code that can be used to connect the code to a container or directly to a machine, examples of which include: a sticker; a cardboard member to receive an adhesive strip, and; other suitable arrangements.
  • the present disclosure provides a code for a container for containing a precursor material for use with a machine for preparing a beverage and/or foodstuff or a precursor thereof, the container including a machine-readable code.
  • the code may comprise any feature of the code of the preceding embodiments, or another embodiment disclosed herein.
  • the code may be arranged on a substrate for attachment to: a container as defined herein, or; a machine as defined herein, or; or other component, e.g. including a hand held component that is arranged for a user to present to a code reader of the machine.
  • the code may be formed on a closing member of the container.
  • the present disclosure provides a machine 4repareparing a beverage and/or foodstuff or a precursor thereof from the container of any preceding embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein.
  • the machine comprises: a code reading system to read a code of a container; a processing unit for processing precursor material of the container, and; electrical circuitry to control the processing unit based on preparation information read from the code.
  • the term “based on” in respect of the preparation information may refer to a direct relationship (e.g. a value of a parameter of a recipe is encoded directly on the code) or a rule is used via a stored relationship to look up one or more of said values using the preparation information as an identifier.
  • the code reader may include an image capturing unit (e.g. a camera) a lens and an outermost aperture (e.g. a reading window). An outermost portion of the code reader may be referred to as a reading head.
  • the processing unit includes a container processing unit and a fluid processing system, and; the electrical circuitry is arranged to control the container processing unit and fluid processing system based on the preparation information read from the code.
  • the processing unit is arranged as a loose material processing unit, and; the electrical circuitry is arranged to control the loose material processing unit to process loose precursor material dispensed from the container or arranged in the container based on the preparation information read from the code.
  • the electrical circuitry is implemented as one or more processors, which are configured to implement the disclosed steps performed by the code reading system (e.g., including determining said validity condition) and/or the steps performed by the processing unit for processing precursor material of the container.
  • the processors may execute program code stored on electronic memory and/or may execute programable logic, e.g., as a logic array, gate array, structured array etc.
  • the electrical circuitry of the machine implements a method of reading preparation information from a code as disclosed herein.
  • the electrical circuitry is configured to convert the encoding distance(s) (d) to a value of the parameter using a rule stored on electronic memory of the electrical circuitry.
  • the present disclosure provides a system comprising the container of any preceding embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein and a machine for preparing a beverage and/or foodstuff or a precursor thereof according to any preceding embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein.
  • the present disclosure provides use of the container of any preceding embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein for a machine for preparing a beverage and/or foodstuff or a precursor thereof according to any preceding embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein.
  • the present disclosure provides a method of encoding preparation information with a code, which may be arranged on a container.
  • the method may implement the features of any preceding embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein.
  • the method comprises: arranging a data portion of the code relative to a reference portion of the code, and; arranging first and second partially overlapping predetermined positions of the data portion, to encode (e.g. one of) three conditions as: an absence of a data unit at both positions; a presence of a data unit at the first position and an absence of a data unit at the second position, and; a presence of a data unit at the second position and an absence of a data unit at the first position, such that the conditions which are encoded are compactly positioned.
  • the present disclosure provides a method of reading preparation information from a code for use in a preparation process, in which a machine is controlled based on the preparation information to prepare a beverage and/or foodstuff or precursor thereof.
  • the method may implement the features of any preceding embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein.
  • the method comprises: locating a reference portion (R) of the code; reading a data portion (D) of the code, which is arranged relative the located reference portion; reading (e.g. to determine one of the three conditions) first and second partially overlapping predetermined positions of the data portion, which encode three conditions as: an absence of a data unit at both positions; a presence of a data unit at the first position and an absence of a data unit at the second position, and; a presence of a data unit at the second position and an absence of a data unit at the first position.
  • the method may comprise determining whether a unit is based at a predetermined position by determining if a centre of a unit is located at (including close proximity to) a centre of a predetermined position.
  • the method may determine that for two data units at both the first and second predetermined positions, no data units are located at the predetermined positions, since a centre of an object formed by the two data units is not located at a centre of a predetermined position.
  • the method may be implemented as part of a method of preparing a beverage or foodstuff or a precursor thereof, in which a processing unit is controlled based on the preparation information to execute a preparation process on the precursor material.
  • the present disclosure provides electrical circuitry to implement the method of the preceding embodiments or another embodiment disclosed herein.
  • the present disclosure provides a computer readable medium comprising program code, which may be executable on one or more processors, to implement the method of the preceding embodiments or another embodiment disclosed herein.
  • Figure 1 is a block system diagram showing an embodiment system for preparation of a beverage or foodstuff.
  • Figure 2 is a block system diagram showing an embodiment machine of the system of figure 1 .
  • Figure 3 is an illustrative diagram showing an embodiment fluid conditioning system of the machine of figure 2.
  • Figures 4 and 5 are illustrative diagrams showing an embodiment container processing system of the machine of figure 2 on open and closed positions.
  • Figure 6 is an illustrative diagram showing an embodiment machine of figure 2, which comprises a loose material processing unit.
  • Figure 7 is a block diagram showing embodiment control electrical circuitry of the machine of figure 2.
  • Figures 8 and 9 are illustrative diagrams showing embodiment containers of the system of figure 1.
  • Figure 10 is flow diagram showing an embodiment preparation process, which is performed by the system of figure 1 .
  • Figure 11 is a plan view showing an embodiment code of the containers of the system of figure 1.
  • Figures 12 and 13 are flow diagrams showing embodiment processes for extracting preparation information from the code of figure 11 .
  • Figures 14 is a plan view showing an embodiment of the code of figure 11.
  • the term “machine” may referto an electrically operated device that: can prepare, from a precursor material, a beverage and/or foodstuff, or; can prepare, from a pre-precursor material, a precursor material that can be subsequently prepared into a beverage and/or foodstuff.
  • the machine may implement said preparation by one or more of the following processes: dilution; heating; cooling; mixing; whisking; dissolution; soaking; steeping; extraction; conditioning; infusion; grinding, and; other like process.
  • the machine may be dimensioned for use on a work top, e.g. it may be less than 70 cm in length, width and height.
  • the term “prepare” in respect of a beverage and/or foodstuff may refer to the preparation of at least part of the beverage and/or foodstuff (e.g. a beverage is prepared by said machine in its entirety or part prepared to which the end-user may manually add extra fluid prior to consumption, including milk and/or water).
  • the term “container” may refer to any configuration to contain the precursor material, e.g. as a single-serving, pre-portioned amount.
  • the container may have a maximum capacity such that it can only contain a single-serving of precursor material.
  • the container may be single use, e.g.
  • the container may be configured for operation with a container processing unit of the machine, e.g. it may include a flange for alignment and directing the container through or arrangement on said unit.
  • the container may include a rupturing portion, which is arranged to rupture when subject to a particular pressure to deliver the beverage/foodstuff.
  • the container may have a membrane for closing the container.
  • the container may have various forms, including one or more of: frustoconical; cylindrical; disk; hemispherical; packet; other like form.
  • the container may be formed from various materials, such as metal or plastic or paper or a combination thereof.
  • the material may be selected such that it is one or more of: food-safe; it can withstand the pressure and/or temperature of a preparation process, and; it is biodegradable.
  • the container may be defined as a capsule, wherein a capsule may have an internal volume of 20 - 100 ml.
  • the capsule includes a coffee capsule, e.g. a Nespresso® or Nescafe® capsule (including a Classic, Professional, Vertuo, Dolce Gusto or other capsule).
  • the container may be defined as a receptacle, wherein a receptacle may have an internal volume of 150 - 350 ml.
  • the receptacle is typically for end user consumption therefrom, and includes a pot, for consumption via an implement including a spoon, and a cup for drinking from.
  • the container may be defined as a packet, wherein the packet is formed from a flexible material, including plastic or foil.
  • a packet may have an internal volume of 150 - 350 ml or 200 - 300 ml or 50 - 150 ml.
  • the term “external device” or “external electronic device” or “peripheral device” may include electronic components external to the machine, e.g. those arranged at a same location as the machine or those remote from the machine, which communicate with the machine over a computer network.
  • the external device may comprise a communication interface for communication with the machine and/or a server system.
  • the external device may comprise devices including: a smartphone; a PDA; a video game controller; a tablet; a laptop; or other like device.
  • server system may refer to electronic components external to the machine, e.g. those arranged at a remote location from the machine, which communicate with the machine over a computer network.
  • the server system may comprise a communication interface for communication with the machine and/or the external device.
  • the server system can include: a networked-based computer (e.g. a remote server); a cloud-based computer; any other server system.
  • system or “beverage or foodstuff preparation system” may refer to the combination of any two of more of: the beverage or foodstuff preparation machine; the container; the server system, and; the peripheral device.
  • the term "beverage” may refer to any substance capable of being processed to a potable substance, which may be chilled or hot.
  • the beverage may be one or more of: a solid (e.g. a solid suspended in a liquid); a liquid; a gel; a paste.
  • the beverage may include one or a combination of: tea; coffee; hot chocolate; milk; cordial; vitamin composition; herbal tea/infusion; infused/flavoured water, and; other substance.
  • the term "foodstuff may refer to any substance capable of being processed to a nutriment for eating, which may be chilled or hot.
  • the foodstuff may be one or more of: a solid; a liquid; a gel; a paste.
  • the foodstuff may include: yoghurt; mousse; parfait; soup; ice cream; sorbet; custard; smoothies; other substance. It will be appreciated that there is a degree of overlap between the definitions of a beverage and foodstuff, e.g. a beverage can also be a foodstuff and thus a machine that is said to prepare a beverage or foodstuff does not preclude the preparation of both.
  • the term "precursor material” may refer to any material capable of being processed to form part or all of the beverage or foodstuff.
  • the precursor material can be one or more of a: powder; crystalline; liquid; gel; solid, and; other.
  • a beverage forming precursor material include: ground coffee; milk powder; tea leaves; coco powder; vitamin composition; herbs, e.g. for forming a herbal/infusion tea; a flavouring, and; other like material.
  • Examples of a foodstuff forming precursor material include: dried vegetables or stock as anhydrous soup powder; powdered milk; flour based powders including custard; powdered yoghurt or ice-cream, and; other like material.
  • a precursor material may also refer to any preprecursor material capable of being processed to a precursor material as defined above, i.e. any precursor material that can subsequently be processed to a beverage and/or foodstuff.
  • the pre-precursor material includes coffee beans which can be ground and/or heated (e.g. roasted) to the precursor material.
  • a precursor material may also refer to any pre-precursor material capable of being processed to a precursor material as defined above, i.e. any precursor material that can subsequently be processed to a beverage and/or foodstuff.
  • the pre-precursor material includes coffee beans which can be ground and/or heated (e.g. roasted) to the precursor material.
  • fluid in respect of fluid supplied by a fluid conditioning system
  • fluid conditioning in respect of a fluid may refer to to change a physical property thereof and can include one or more of the following: heating or cooling; agitation (including frothing via whipping to introduce bubbles and mixing to introduce turbulence); portioning to a single-serving amount suitable for use with a single serving container; pressurisation e.g. to a brewing pressure; carbonating; fliting/purifying, and; other conditioning process.
  • processing unit may refer to an arrangement that can process precursor material to a beverage or foodstuff. It may refer to an arrangement that can process a pre-precursor material to a precursor material.
  • the term "container processing unit” may refer to an arrangement that can process a container to derive an associated beverage or foodstuff from a precursor material.
  • the container processing unit may be arranged to process the precursor material by one of more of the following: dilution; heating; cooling; mixing; whisking; dissolution; soaking; steeping; extraction; conditioning; pressurisation; infusion, and: other processing step.
  • the container processing unit may therefore implement a range of units depending on the processing step, which can include: an extraction unit (which may implement a pressurised and/or a thermal, e.g.
  • loose material processing unit may refer to an arrangement that can process loose material of a pre-precursor material to a precursor material.
  • the loose material processing unit may be arranged to process the pre-precursor material by one of more of the following: heating; cooling; grinding; mixing; soaking; conditioning; other processing step.
  • the loose material may be supplied to the loose material processing unit in a container, from which it is extracted and processed.
  • preparation process may refer to a process to prepare a beverage or foodstuff from a precursor material or to prepare a pre-precursor material from precursor material.
  • a preparation process may refer to the processes electrical circuitry executes to control the container processing unit to process said precursor or pre-precursor material.
  • the term "electrical circuitry” or “circuitry” or “control electrical circuitry” may refer to one or more hardware and/or software components, examples of which may include: onr or more of an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or other programable logic; electronic/electrical componentry (which may include combinations of transistors, resistors, capacitors, inductors etc); one or more processors (e.g. circuitry structure of the processor); a non-transitory memory (e.g. implemented by one or more memory devices), that may store one or more software or firmware programs; a combinational logic circuit; interconnection of the aforesaid.
  • the electrical circuitry may be located entirely at the machine, or distributed between one or more of: the machine; external devices; a server system.
  • processor or “processing resource” may refer to one or more units for processing, examples of which include an ASIC, microcontroller, FPGA, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), state machine or other suitable component.
  • a processor may be configured to execute a computer program, e.g. which may take the form of machine readable instructions, which may be stored on a non-transitory memory and/or programmable logic.
  • the processor may have various arrangements corresponding to those discussed for the circuitry, e.g. on-board machine or distributed as part of the system.
  • any machine executable instructions, or computer readable media may be configured to cause a disclosed method to be carried out, e.g. by the machine or system as disclosed herein, and may therefore be used synonymously with the term method, or each other.
  • the term "computer readable medium/media” or “data storage” may include any medium capable of storing a computer program, and may take the form of any conventional non-transitory memory, for example one or more of: random access memory (RAM); a CD; a hard drive; a solid state drive; a memory card; a DVD.
  • RAM random access memory
  • CD compact disc-read only memory
  • hard drive a hard drive
  • solid state drive a solid state drive
  • the memory may have various arrangements corresponding to those discussed for the circuitry.
  • the term "communication resources” or “communication interface” may refer to hardware and/or firmware for electronic information transfer.
  • the communication resources/interface may be configured for wired communication (“wired communication resources/interface”) or wireless communication (“wireless communication resources/interface”).
  • Wireless communication resources may include hardware to transmit and receive signals by radio and may include various protocol implementations e.g. the 802.11 standard described in the Institute of Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and BluetoothTM from the Bluetooth Special Interest Group of Kirkland Wash.
  • Wired communication resources may include; Universal Serial Bus (USB); High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) or other protocol implementations.
  • the machine may include communication resources for wired or wireless communication with an external device and/or server system.
  • the term "network” or “computer network” may refer to a system for electronic information transfer between a plurality of apparatuses/devices.
  • the network may, for example, include one or more networks of any type, which may include: a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN); a telephone network (e.g. a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and/or a wireless network); a local area network (LAN); a metropolitan area network (MAN); a wide area network (WAN); an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network; a private network; the Internet; an intranet.
  • PLMN Public Land Mobile Network
  • PSTN Public Switched Telephone Network
  • LAN local area network
  • MAN metropolitan area network
  • WAN wide area network
  • IMS Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem
  • the term "code” may refer to a storage medium that encodes preparation information.
  • the code may be an optically readable code, e.g. a bar code.
  • the code may be arranged as a bit code (e.g. a binary sequence of Os and 1 s encoded by the absence or presence of an element).
  • the code may be formed of a plurality of units, which can be referred to as elements or markers.
  • the elements may implement a finder portion and a data portion, wherein the finder portion encodes a predefined reserved string of bits that is identifiable when processing the code from the data portion, to enable location of the data portion, which encodes the preparation information.
  • the code may be arranged as a one dimensional code, which is read by relative movement between the code and a code reader.
  • the code reader may provide a bit stream signal or a high and low signal for processing by preparation information extraction.
  • the code may be arranged as a two dimensional code, which is processed via a digital image obtained from a camera of the code reader. It will be understood that a code may therefore exclude a mere surface finish or branding on a container, which is not configured in any way for information storage.
  • preparation information may refer to one of more of: parameters as defined herein; a recipe as defined herein; an identifier, and; other information related to the operation of the machine.
  • the term “parameter” may refer to a variable that is used as an input for controlling (e.g. RPM) and/or or a property of the beverage/foodstuff or a precursor thereof that is controlled by the processing unit (e.g. a fluid target temperature or volume) during the preparation process.
  • the processing unit e.g. a fluid target temperature or volume
  • said parameter may vary. Examples include: volume of a particular component of the beverage and/or foodstuff; fluid temperature; fluid flow rate; operational parameters of the processing unit, e.g. RPM of an extraction unit based on centrifugation or closing force for a hydraulic brewing unit; an order of dispensing of components of the beverage and/or foodstuff; agitation (e.g.
  • the parameters that may be associated container processing unit that comprises a loose material processing unit can include one or more of: grinding parameters, including intensity; heating temperature.
  • the parameter may have a value, which may be numerical and can vary in predetermined increments between predetermined limits, e.g. a temperature of the water may vary between 60 - 90 degrees in 5 degree increments.
  • control data set may refer to a combination of said parameters, e.g. as a full or partial set of inputs, that are used by the processing unit to prepare a particular beverage and/or food stuff.
  • preparation process may refer to a process to prepare a beverage or foodstuff from a precursor material or to prepare a pre-precursor material from precursor material.
  • a preparation process may refer to the processes electrical circuitry executes to control the processing unit to process said precursor or pre-precursor material.
  • code reading process may refer to the process of reading the code to extract the preparation information (which can include the identifier and/or parameters).
  • the process may include one or more of the following steps: obtaining a digital image of the code or a code signal; extracting a sequence of bits from the code; identifying a finder portion of the code in the sequence; locating a data portion using the finder portion, and; extracting the preparation information from the data portion.
  • the system 2 comprises a machine 4, a container 6, server system 8 and a peripheral device 10.
  • the server system 8 is in communication with the machine 4 via a computer network 12.
  • the peripheral device 10 is in communication with the machine 4 via the computer network 12.
  • the peripheral device and/or server system is omitted.
  • the computer network 12 is illustrated as the same between the machine 4, server system 8 and peripheral device 10, other configurations are possible, including: a different computer network for intercommunication between each device: the server system communicates with the machine via the peripheral device rather than directly.
  • the peripheral device communicates with the machine via a wireless interface, e.g. with a BluetoothTM protocol, and; the server system communicates with the machine via a via a wireless interface, e.g. with a IEE 802.11 standard, and also via the internet.
  • the machine 4 comprises: a processing unit 14 for processing the precursor material; electrical circuitry 16, and; a code reading system 18.
  • the electrical circuitry 16 controls the code reading system 18 to read a code (not illustrated in figure 2) from the container 6 and determine preparation information therefrom.
  • the electrical circuitry 16 uses the preparation information to control the processing unit 14 to execute a preparation process, in which the precursor material is process to a beverage or foodstuff or a precursor thereof.
  • said unit comprises a container processing unit 20 and a fluid conditioning system 22.
  • the container processing unit 20 is arranged to process the container 6 to derive a beverage or foodstuff from precursor material (not illustrated) therein.
  • the fluid conditioning system 22 conditions fluid supplied to the container processing unit 20.
  • the electrical circuitry 16 uses the preparation information read from the container 6 to control the container processing unit 20 and the fluid conditioning system 22 to execute the preparation process.
  • the fluid conditioning system 22 includes a reservoir 24; pump 26; heat exchanger 28, and; an outlet 30 for the conditioned fluid.
  • the reservoir 24 contains fluid, typically sufficient for multiple preparation processes.
  • the pump 26 displaces fluid from the reservoir 24, through the heat exchanger 26 and to the outlet 30 (which is connected to the container processing unit 20).
  • the pump 26 can be implement as any suitable device to drive fluid, including: a reciprocating; a rotary pump; other suitable arrangement.
  • the heat exchanger 28 is implemented to heat the fluid, and can include: an in-line, thermo block type heater; a heating element to heat the fluid directly in the reservoir; other suitable arrangement.
  • the pump is omitted, e.g. the fluid is fed by gravity to the container processing unit or is pressurised by a mains water supply;
  • the reservoir is omitted, e.g. water is supplied by a mains water supply;
  • the heat exchanger is arranged to cool the fluid, e.g. it may include a refrigeration-type cycle heat pump;
  • the heat exchanger is omitted, e.g. a mains water supply supplies the water at the desired temperature;
  • the fluid conditioning system includes a filtering/purification system, e.g. a UV light system, a degree of which that is applied to the fluid is controllable; a carbonation system that controls a degree to which the fluid is carbonated.
  • the container processing unit 20 can be implemented with a range of configurations, as illustrated in examples 1 - 6 below.
  • the container processing unit 20 is arranged with a container holding portion and a closing portion, which are movable between a container receiving position and a container processing position in a depth direction, which is perpendicular (including substantially perpendicular) to a direction of transmission of the guide portion.
  • a first example of the container processing unit 20 is for processing of a container arranged as a capsule 6 (a suitable example of a capsule is provided in figure 7, which will be discussed) to prepare a beverage.
  • the container processing unit 20 is configured as an extraction unit 32 to extract the beverage from the capsule 6.
  • the extraction unit 32 includes a capsule holding portion 34 and a closing portion 36.
  • the extraction unit 32 is movable to a capsule receiving position (figure 4), in which capsule holding portion 34 and a closing portion 36 are arrange to receive a capsule 6 therebetween.
  • the extraction unit 32 is movable to a capsule extraction position (figure 5), in which the capsule holding portion 34 and a closing portion 36 form a seal around a capsule 6, and the beverage can be extracted from the capsule 6.
  • the extraction unit 32 can be actuator driven or manually movable between said positions.
  • the outlet 30 of the fluid conditioning system 22 is arranged as an injection head 38 on the capsule holding portion 34 to inject the conditioned fluid into the capsule 6 in the capsule extraction position, typically under high pressure.
  • a beverage outlet 40 on the closing portion 36 is arranged to capture the extracted beverage and convey it from the extraction unit 32.
  • the extraction unit 32 is arranged to prepare a beverage by the application of pressurised (e.g. at 10 - 20 Bar), heated (e.g. at 50 - 98 degrees C) fluid to the precursor material within the capsule 6.
  • pressurised e.g. at 10 - 20 Bar
  • heated e.g. at 50 - 98 degrees C
  • the pressure is increased over a predetermined amount of time until a pressure of a rupturing portion (not illustrated in figures 4 and 5) of the capsule 6 is exceeded, which causes rupture of said portion and the beverage to be dispensed to the beverage outlet 40.
  • the injection head and beverage outlet are illustrated as arranged respectively on the capsule holding portion and closing portion, they may be alternatively arranged, including: the injection head and beverage outlet are arranged respectively on the closing portion capsule holding portion and; or both on the same portion.
  • the extraction unit may include both parts arranged as a capsule holding portion, e.g. for capsules that are symmetrical about the flange, including a Nespresso® Professional capsule. Examples of suitable extraction units are provided in EP 1472156 A1 and in EP 1784344 A1 and provide a hydraulically sealed extraction unit.
  • a similar extraction unit to the first example is provided, however the extraction unit operates at a lower pressure and by centrifugation.
  • An example of a suitable capsule is a Nespresso® Vertuo capsule.
  • a suitable example is provided in EP 2594171 A1. With such an example (or indeed the other examples) a guide portion may be obviated and the container manually loaded into the extraction unit.
  • the capsule processing unit operates by dissolution of a beverage precursor that is selected to dissolve under high pressure and temperature fluid.
  • the arrangement is similar to the extraction unit of the first and second example, however the pressure is lower and therefore a sealed extraction unit is not required.
  • fluid can be injected into a lid of the capsule and a rupturing portion is located in a base of a storage portion of the capsule.
  • An example of a suitable capsule is a or Nescafe® Dolce Gusto capsule. Examples of suitable extraction units are disclosed in EP 1472156 A1 and in EP 1784344 A1.
  • the container processing unit implements an extraction unit operable to receive the packet and to inject, at an inlet thereof, fluid from the fluid conditioning system.
  • the injected fluid mixes with precursor material within the packet to at least partially prepare the beverage, which exits the packet via an outlet thereof.
  • An example of such an arrangement is provided in WO2014125123 A1 or in WO2022023578A1 .
  • the container processing unit is arranged as a mixing unit to prepare a beverage or foodstuff precursor that is stored in a container that is a receptacle, which is for end user consumption therefrom.
  • the mixing unit comprises an agitator (e.g. planetary mixer; spiral mixer; vertical cut mixer) to mix and a heat exchanger to heat/cool the beverage or foodstuff precursor in the receptacle.
  • a fluid supply system may also supply fluid to the receptacle. An example of such an arrangement is provided in WO 2014067987 A1.
  • the container processing unit is arranged as a dispensing and dissolution unit.
  • the dispensing and dissolution unit is arranged to extract a single serving portion of beverage or foodstuff precursor from a storage portion of the machine (which can include any multi-portioned container including a packet or box).
  • the dispensing and dissolution unit is arranged to mix the extracted single serving portion with the conditioned fluid from the fluid conditioning system, and to dispense the beverage or foodstuff into a receptacle.
  • An example of such an arrangement is provided in EP14167344A.
  • said unit comprises a comprises a loose material processing unit 42.
  • the loose material processing unit 42 is arranged to receive loose pre-precursor material from a container 6 (a suitable example is provided in figure 8 as will be discussed) and to process the pre-precursor material to derive the precursor material.
  • the electrical circuitry 16 uses the preparation information read from the container 6 to control the loose material processing unit 42 to execute the preparation process.
  • a user resents manually the container 6 to a code reading system 18, of the machine 4, to read the code (as will be discussed).
  • the user then opens the container 6 and dispenses the preprecursor material (not illustrated) arranged therein into the loose material processing unit 42.
  • the loose material processing unit 42 processes the loose pre-precursor material to the precursor material.
  • the pre-precursor material is coffee beans, and the loose material processing unit 42 is arranged to roast and/or grind the coffee beans to provide a precursor material.
  • the loose material processing unit is alternatively configured, including: with a dispensing system to open and dispense the preprecursor from the capsule for subsequent processing (e.g. it may include a cutting tool to cut open the container and an extractor such as a scop to extract the pre-precursor material); the preprecursor material may be processed in the container and either dispensed from the container by the aforedescribed example or provided to a user in the container.
  • a dispensing system to open and dispense the preprecursor from the capsule for subsequent processing
  • the preprecursor material may be processed in the container and either dispensed from the container by the aforedescribed example or provided to a user in the container.
  • the code reading system 18 is arranged to read a code 44 arranged on a lid of the container 6.
  • the code reading system 18 is integrated with the extraction unit 32 of first example of the container processing unit 20.
  • the code 44 is read with the extraction unit 32 in the capsule extraction position (as shown in figure 4).
  • the code reading system 18 includes a code reader 46 with an image capturing unit and a reading head housing the image capturing unit to capture a digital image of the code 44.
  • a suitable image capturing unit include a Sonix SN9S102; Snap Sensor S2 imager; an oversampled binary image sensor; other like system.
  • the electrical circuitry 18 includes image processing circuitry (not illustrated) to identify the code in the digital image and extract preparation information.
  • image processing circuitry is a Texas Instruments TMS320C5517 processor running a code processing program.
  • the code reading system is separate from the container processing unit including: it is arranged in a channel that the user places the container in and that conveys the container to the container processing unit; it is arranged to read a code on a receptacle, which is positioned to receive a beverage from an beverage outlet of a dispensing and dissolution unit.
  • the code reading system is arranged to read a code at a different location of the container, e.g. on a flange or containment portion.
  • the code is a one dimensional code and is read by relative movement between the code reader and the code to produce a code signal.
  • the electrical circuitry 16 is implemented as control electrical circuitry 48 to control the processing unit 14 to execute a preparation process.
  • the processing unit 14 is exemplified as the first example, which comprises a container processing unit 20 and a fluid supply unit 22.
  • the electrical circuitry 16, 48 at least partially implements (e.g. in combination with hardware) an: input unit 50 to receive an input from a user confirming that the machine 4 is to execute a preparation process; a processor 52 to receive the input from the input unit 50 and to provide a control output to the processing unit 14, and; a feedback system 54 to provide feedback from the processing unit 54 during the preparation process, which may be used to control the preparation process.
  • the input unit 50 is implemented as a user interface, which can include one or more of: buttons, e.g. a joystick button or press button; joystick; LEDs; graphic or character LDCs; graphical screen with touch sensing and/or screen edge buttons; other like device; a sensor to determine whether a container has been supplied to the machine by a user.
  • buttons e.g. a joystick button or press button; joystick; LEDs; graphic or character LDCs; graphical screen with touch sensing and/or screen edge buttons; other like device; a sensor to determine whether a container has been supplied to the machine by a user.
  • the feedback system 54 can implement one or more of the following or other feedback control based operations: a flow sensor to determine a flow rate/volume of the fluid to the outlet 30 (shown in figure 3) of the fluid supply system 22, which may be used to meter the correct amount of fluid to the container 6 and thus regulate the power to the pump 26; a temperature sensor to determine a temperature of the fluid to the outlet 30 of the fluid supply unit 22, which may be used to ensure the temperature of fluid to the container 6 is correct and thus regulate the power to the heat exchanger 28); a level sensor to determine a level of fluid in the reservoir 24 as being sufficient for a preparation process; a position sensor to determine a position of the extraction unit 32 (e.g. a capsule extraction position or a capsule receiving position).
  • the electrical circuitry 16, 44 is suitably adapted for the other examples of the processing unit 14, e.g.: for the second example of the container processing system the feedback system may be used to control speed of rotation of the capsule.
  • a first example of a container 6, that is for use with the first example of the processing unit 14 comprises the container 6 arranged as a capsule 6.
  • the capsule 6 includes a closing member 56 and a body portion 62, which comprises a storage portion 58, and a flange portion 60.
  • the storage portion 58 includes a cavity for storage of the precursor material (not illustrated).
  • the cavity of the storage portion extends in a depth direction 106 from the flange portion 60.
  • the storage portion 56 is perforated by the injection head 38 to supply conditioned fluid into the capsule.
  • the storage portion 58 is formed from a paper based material.
  • the storage portion 58 has a thickness of 0.2 mm.
  • the closing member 56 is formed from a paper based material.
  • the closing member 58 has a thickness of 0.15 mm.
  • paper based may refer to as being formed at least partially from a thin sheet material produced by mechanically or chemically processing cellulose fibres derived from one or more of: wood; rags; grasses, or; other vegetable sources, in water, draining the water through fine mesh leaving the fibre evenly distributed on the surface, followed by pressing and drying.
  • the closing member 56 closes and may hermitically seal the storage portion 58 and comprises a flexible membrane. Referring to figures 4 and 5, the closing member 56 is perorated to eject the beverage/foodstuff.
  • the flange portion 60 is formed integrally with the storage portion.
  • the flange portion 60 is arranged at the junction of the storage portion 58 and closing member 56 and comprise a planar extension of the storage portion 58 that is overlapped by a portion of the closing member that is fixed thereto to hermetically seal the precursor material.
  • the flange portion 60 extends in a plane defined by a lateral direction 102 and a longitudinal direction 100. Hence the closing member is planar in said plane.
  • the capsule 6 is circular cross sections such that it is rotationally symmetric about axis 108. In this way a user can present the capsule to the machine 2 with any orientation about the axis 108.
  • the capsule 6 has a diameter of 53 mm, which is measured across an outer or inner periphery of the flange portion 60 in said plane of the flange portion 60.
  • the capsule 6 can be configured with different sizes, which are characterised by different depths e.g.: 7 mm; 12 mm; 15 mm; 18 mm, and; 21 mm.
  • the capsule 6 in each size is compatible with the first and second examples of the code reading system 18 as will be discussed.
  • the closing member may be arranged as convex or concave with respect to the storage portion.
  • a centre of the closing member may extend into the storage portion in the depth direction by up to 1 mm ⁇ 10% or 20%.
  • a minimum concavity maybe 0.2 mm.
  • a centre of the closing member may extend away from the storage portion in the counter depth direction by up to 4 mm ⁇ 10% or 20%.
  • a minimum concavity maybe 0.5 mm.
  • the body portion comprises the flange portion formed non-integrally with the storage portion and connected thereto; the body portion comprises the flange portion omitted, e.g. the closing member is wrapped around the storage portion; the container may be a non-rotationally symmetric shape, e.g.
  • the capsule is alternatively dimensioned, including across an outer or inner periphery of the flange portion is 40 - 70 mm or 53 mm ⁇ 10% or 20% and the depth is any of the described depths ⁇ 10% or 20%;
  • the thickness of the storage portion may have a thickness of 0.1 to 0.4 mm or 0.2 ⁇ 20% or 30%;
  • the thickness of the closing member may have a thickness of 0.05 to 0.3mm or 0.15 ⁇ 20% or 30%, and;
  • the storage portion and/or closing member may be made out of or include a different material, e.g. including a plastics or aluminium based material.
  • a second example of a container 6 that is for use with the second example of the processing unit 14 comprises the container 6 arranged as a packet and includes: an arrangement of sheet material 62 joined at peripheral seams 64 defining an internal volume for the storage of the precursor material (not illustrated), and; an opening 66, that a user opens to dispense the precursor material into the loose material processing unit 42.
  • the code 44 code may be arranged on an exterior surface of the container 6 in any suitable position such that it can be read by the code reading system 18.
  • the code 44 is arranged at a central region of the closing member 56.
  • the code can therefore be read by any code reader that is aligned to the centre of the container.
  • the code is reproduced over the entire closing member so that it can be read from any exterior position on the closing member 56. With such an arrangement the closing member does not require any specific alignment with the storage portion, which simplifies cutting and assembly processes for the container 6.
  • the code can be arranged on the flange portion 60 (including on either side) and on the storage portion 58.
  • the code may also be arranged on the closing member but not on the central region.
  • the code 44 is arranged at various positions on the sheet material 62, including distal the seams 64.
  • Block 70 a user supplies a container 6 to the machine 4.
  • Block 72 the electrical circuitry 16 (e.g. the input unit 50 thereof) receives a user instruction to prepare a beverage/foodstuff from precursor, and the electrical circuitry 16 (e.g. the processor 52) initiates the process.
  • the electrical circuitry 16 e.g. the input unit 50 thereof
  • Block 74 the electrical circuitry 16 controls the processing unit 14 to process the container (e.g. in the first example of the container processing unit 20, the extraction unit 32 is moved from the capsule receiving position (figure 4) to the capsule extraction position (figure 5)).
  • Block 76 the electrical circuitry 16 controls the code reading system 18 to provide a digital image of the code 6 of the container.
  • Block 78 the code processing circuitry of the electrical circuitry 16 processes the digital image to extract the preparation information.
  • Block 80 the electrical circuitry 16, based on the preparation information, executes the preparation process by controlling the processing unit 14.
  • this comprises: controlling the fluid conditioning system 22 to supply fluid at a temperature, pressure, and time duration specified in the preparation information to the container processing unit 20.
  • the electrical circuitry 16 subsequently controls the container processing unit 20 to move from the capsule extraction portion through the capsule ejection position to eject the container 6 and back to the capsule receiving position.
  • the above blocks can be executed in a different order, e.g. block 72 before block 70 or block 76 before block 74; some block can be omitted, e.g. where a machine stores a magazine of capsules block 70 can be omitted.
  • Blocks 76 and 78 may be referred to a code reading and processing process.
  • Block 80 may be referred to as the preparation process.
  • the electrical circuitry 16, includes instructions, e.g. as program code, for the preparation process (or a plurality thereof).
  • the processor 52 implements the instructions stored on a memory (not illustrated).
  • the electrical circuitry 16 can obtain additional preparation information via the computer network 12 from the server system 8 and/or peripheral device 10 using a communication interface (not illustrated) of the machine.
  • the code 44 is formed of a plurality of circular units 80 arranged on a surround 82.
  • the units 80 are a dark colour (e.g. including one of the following: black, dark blue, purple, dark green) and the surround 82 is a comparatively light colour (e.g. including one of the following: white, light blue, yellow, light green) such that there is sufficient contrast for the image capturing unit 46 to distinguish therebetween.
  • the units 80 of the code may be configured to be read in the infra red and/or visible wavebands.
  • the units 80 are circular in shape.
  • shape in respect of the units may refer to an exact shape or an approximation of the actual shape, which can occur to a printing or other manufacturing variations in precision.
  • the units are a light colour and the surround is a dark colour; the units have a different shape including one or a combination of the following shapes, triangular, polygon, in particular a quadrilateral such as square or parallelogram; other suitable shape.
  • the units 80 typically have a unit length of 50 - 200 pm.
  • unit length in respect of a unit 80 may refer to a suitably defined distance of the unit 80, e.g.: for a circular shape the diameter; for a square a side length; for a polygon a distance between opposing or adjacent vertices; for a triangle a hypotenuse.
  • the units 80 are arranged with a precision of about 1 pm.
  • the units 80 are formed by printing e.g. by means of an ink printer.
  • the ink may be conventional printer ink and the substrate may be: polyethylene terephthalate (PET); aluminium coated with a lacquer (as found on Nespresso Classic capsules) or other suitable substrate.
  • PET polyethylene terephthalate
  • lacquer as found on Nespresso Classic capsules
  • the units are alternatively formed, including by embossing, engraving or other suitable means, and; the units are alternatively dimensioned, e.g. a unit length of 80 - 120 pm.
  • the units 80 are organised into: a reference portion R to locate and determine an orientation of the code 44, and; a data portion D to store the preparation information.
  • the units 80 of the code 44 which are arranged as the reference portion R, comprise three reference units 84.
  • the reference units 84 have a unique spatial arrangement in the code 44 to allow the reference portion R to be identified by the electrical circuitry 16 (e.g. with a stored relationship on a memory thereof) in the digital image.
  • the unique spatial arrangement comprises the reference units 84 arrange at three of the vertices of a virtual rectangle (not illustrated), about an origin O at the centre of the rectangle, with specific distances between the reference units 84.
  • the reference portion is alternatively implemented, including: as a different arrangement of reference units, e.g. including as a circle or other shape of rectangle; with a different number of reference units, e.g. including as 4 or 5, and; the reference units may have a unique shape that is identifiable from the shape of the other units forming the code.
  • the arrangement of the reference units 84 enables the definition of a single reference line r at a specific vector relative to said units 84.
  • the reference line r is virtual, and is determined by the electrical circuitry 16 (e.g. with a stored relationship on a memory thereof).
  • the reference units 84 define, using the right hand rule, a first virtual line (not illustrated) and a second virtual line (not illustrated), wherein: the thumb represents the first virtual line which intersects the centres of two of the refence units 84; the index finger represents the second virtual line which intersects the centres of two of the refence units, one of which being the common to the first virtual line; the second finger is into the plane of the page of the code 44.
  • the reference line r extends from the origin O and is parallel to the first virtual line and is orthogonal to the second virtual line.
  • the reference line may be alternatively defined: it may comprise an actual line drawn on the code; it may have an alternative geometric arrangement with respect to the reference units.
  • Units 80 of the code 44 which are arranged as the data portion D, comprise data units 86.
  • the data units 86 are arranged on an encoding line E that intersects the reference line r.
  • the encoding line E is virtual and is determined by electrical circuitry 16, (e.g. the encoding lines have predefined radii, which are stored on a memory thereof).
  • the centre of the circle of the encoding line E is arranged at the origin O of the reference portion R.
  • the reference line r therefore intersects the encoding line E with a tangent thereto orthogonal to the reference line r.
  • other numbers of encoding lines are implemented including 3, 4, or 5; the encoding lines may have non-circular shapes, including rectangular or triangular; the encoding line comprises an actual line drawn on the code.
  • the encoding line E includes one or more individual data portions, each of which includes a start position 88 and a data unit 86, which is arranged at a distance d along the encoding line E from the start position 88 as a variable to encode a parameter of the preparation information.
  • the start positions 88 are defined virtually and may be determined by electrical circuitry 16 (e.g. the start positions may be stored on a memory thereof).
  • the individual data portions may also include an end position (not illustrated), which defines a maximum allowable distance d of the data unit 80 along the encoding line E from the start position 88. Both the start and end positions are formed virtually.
  • the data portion includes two individual data portions: for the first individual data portion the distance d can be any continuous distance from the start position 88 at the reference line r to the first data unit 86 clockwise from the reference line r; for the second individual data portion the distance d can be any continuous distance from the start position 88 at the data unit 86 of the first individual data portion (hence the start position is variable) to the mid-point m between the subsequent two data units 86 in the clockwise direction.
  • the data portion includes one individual data portion, for which the distance d can be any one of a plurality of discrete distances, which are illustrated as discrete positions 90 from the start position 88 at the reference line r, with each position associated with a value of the parameter. In the example there are 10 discrete positions 90.
  • a incremented distance can be defined as the distance between the start position 88 and an end position divided by the total number of positions (which is 10 for E2) in the data portion D that the data unit 86 may occupy.
  • a start position can be arranged at any position on the encoding line, including spaced away from the reference line; there may be multiple start positions on an encoding line, each with an associated data unit; the start position may be formed as part of the code as a unit rather than defined virtually; an encoding line may comprise combinations of parameters encoded by the continuous distance and the discreet positions; more than one or two data units on the encoding line may define the parameter, which can be determined as an average of the positions, and; the data portion can include any suitable number of individual data portions.
  • the code 44 includes an outer periphery 92 that the units 80 are arranged within.
  • the outer periphery 92 is rectangular in shape and has a dimension of 600 - 1600 pm, or about 1100 pm.
  • the code 44 may be repeated such that multiple repetitions of the code 44 are arranged within a single digital image, such that one or several best captured repetitions of the code can be selected for processing.
  • the outer periphery may be alternatively shaped, including circular; the outer periphery may have alternative sizes, including greater or smaller than the example range.
  • the data portion alternatively encodes the value of said parameter, including as alphanumeric symbols or other arrangement.
  • a code processing process which is executed by the electrical circuitry 16 (or the code processing circuitry thereof) for extraction of the preparation information includes:
  • Step 1 Identify locations of units of code
  • Block 100 obtain digital image of code 44 via the code reading system 118.
  • Block 102 assign pixels to dark areas in digital image that could represent units 80.
  • Block 104 if several pixels grouped in proximity of each other then determine a unit 80 as present.
  • Block 106 for each determined unit determine a centre of pixel grouping by a rule, e.g. feature extraction, to determine a coordinate of a centre of the unit.
  • a rule e.g. feature extraction
  • alternative processing techniques for determining units and there coordinates may be implemented, including other techniques for locating a centre of a unit or identifying a unit as present, e.g. a level of magnification may be implemented so that a single pixel is determined as a unit, and a centre of a unit may be determined as the centre of a pixel.
  • Step 2 Locate Reference portion and read angles of code
  • processing of the code 44 includes:
  • Block 108 locate reference portion R by searching coordinates of units 80 of code 44 to identify the unique separation and geometric arrangement of reference units 84. This may be implemented by geometric rules including Pythagoras and trigonometry or other suitable rule. Said separation and geometric arrangement can be stored on the electrical circuitry 16 and accessed during searching.
  • Block 110 for the located reference portion R, define the origin O and the position of reference line r using a stored relationship.
  • the arrangement of the origin and reference line can be stored on the electrical circuitry 16 and mapped onto the coordinates of the located reference portion.
  • Block 112 for each unit (other than the units of the reference portion) determine based on distance from the origin O which encoding line E the units belong to.
  • the electrical circuitry 16 can store a radii range for each encoding line E and using geometric rules determine the distance of each unit from the origin O and which radii range it falls in.
  • Block 114 for each unit (other than the units of the reference portion) determine the angle a1 , a2 with respect to the reference line r. It is to be noted that the angle is representative of the circumferential distance, and either could be used interchangeably. The angle can be calculated via know geometric relations between the coordinates of the reference line r and a virtual line extending from the origin O and through the associated unit.
  • Step 3 Determine values of parameters of preparation information.
  • processing of the code 44 includes:
  • Block 116 the encoding distance d is determined for each individual data portion. This is achieved by implementing a set of rules for determining the encoding distance d which are stored by the electrical circuitry 16. This can include the one or more of: the number of individual data portions on each encoding line; the start positions 88 of the individual data portions; if a single unit or multiple units represent a data unit 86, and; other suitable relationships.
  • the rules for determining the encoding distances d of encoding line E1 include that there are: two individual data portions; the start position 88 of the first individual data portion is at the intersection between the reference line r and the encoding line E1 ; the start position 88 of the second individual data portion is at the data unit 86 of the first individual data portion; the data unit 86 is of the first individual data portion is represented as a single unit of the code 44; the data unit 86 is of the second individual data portion is represented as a two units of the code 44.
  • the rules for determining the encoding distance d of encoding line E2 include that there is: a single individual data portion; the start position 88 is at the intersection between the reference line r and the encoding line E2; the data unit 86 is of the first individual data portion is represented as a single unit of the code 44.
  • Block 118 the encoding distances d for each data portion are converted into a value of a parameter. This is achieved by implementing a set of rules for converting the distance of a value which are stored by the electrical circuitry 16.
  • the first individual data portion may encode a water volume of a brewing process wherein the distance d is any continuous value which is linearly related to the water volume, and; the second individual data portion may encode a time of a brewing process wherein the encoding distance d is any continuous value which is exponentially related to the time.
  • the single individual data portion may encode a water temperature of a brewing process wherein the encoding distance d is a discrete value which incrementally changes by 5 degrees C for each discrete position 90, and the rule specifies which 5 degree increment is closest to the determined encoding distance d.
  • other rules can be implemented, including: other mathematical functions relating the encoding distance to the value of the parameter, and; if an encoding distance is the average of the distance several individual data portions, and other suitable relationships.
  • the code 44 includes the features (and associated variants) as discuss with the embodiments in association with figures 11 - 13.
  • the data portion D includes a first predetermined position 94 and a second predetermined position 96.
  • the first and second predetermined position 94, 96 partially but not fully overlap each other. In particular, they are both arranged on the encoding line E2, with the encoding line E2 to pass through their centres, but are offset from each other in the circumferential direction.
  • the first and second predetermined position 94, 96 encode three conditions as:
  • condition 1) is shown.
  • the predetermined positions 94, 96 are located at a known angular distance from the reference line r. As discussed for the previous embodiments, the encoding line E2 is arranged at a known radii from the origin O as defined by the reference portion R. The predetermined positions 94, 96 can therefore be read by locating their centres relative the reference line r and origin O and it be determined whether they comprise a data unit 86 or are absent a data unit according to one of the conditions 1) - 3) above.
  • the locations of the units 86 can be determined by their centres (as discussed above) and if a centre of a unit matches that of a centre of the predetermined positions 94, 96 (including is in close proximity thereto) then it is determined that a data unit is located at the relevant predetermined position 94, 96.
  • a reading mode it will be understood that if both the first and second predetermined positions 94, 96 comprise partially overlapping data units, an object that is formed by two partially overlapping units would have a position not assigned to either of the predetermined positions 94, 96, instead a centre of the object would be between the two predetermined positions 94, 96, and hence this would be equal to condition 1).
  • the algorithm for locating the centres of the data units may be configured to return an error for such an regular shaped object and condition 1) may be determined. Where only three conditions are required to be encoded, not having a forth condition encoded is not an issue.
  • a further condition may be determined by an alternative algorithm that is able to identify both units as present as a fourth condition, e.g. by finding the two centres of two data units from the previously described object. With such an example the overlapping predetermined positions still provides the advantage of more compact encoding.
  • the data units 86 of the predetermined positions 94, 96 and the predetermined positions 94, 96, themselves are equally sized (e.g. so that a unit fully fills/extends up to a boundary of a predetermined position).
  • the data units and the predetermined positions may be differently sized, e.g. the data units are smaller than the predetermined positions; they may have shapes other than circular, e.g. square.
  • the first and second predetermined positions 94, 96 overlap each other by less than half an area of a data unit 86 (or a predetermined position since they are the same size).
  • the offset between the centres of the predetermined positions is less than a diameter of a predetermined position but greater than a radii of a predetermined position. Such a restriction may enable a data unit at the first or second predetermined position to be conveniently identified.
  • the first and second predetermined positions 94, 96 have a minimum overlap of greater than 5% or 10% or 20% an area of the predetermined position.
  • the same encoding line E2 or a different encoding line E1 can encode other parameters of the preparation information, examples of which were previously discussed in association with the embodiment of figure 11.
  • the conditions encoded by the overlapping predetermined positions 94, 96 are a condition associated with a parameter encoded by the encoding distance d for a separate data unit.
  • the conditions are one of three magnitudes of operation, including temperature of the heat exchanger or flow rate of the pump and the data encoded by the encoding distance d maybe a time of operation of said component.
  • the conditions may also be one of three flow settings that define a degree of flow (from the fluid conditioning system) either through the container or to bypass the container and the data encoded by the encoding distance d maybe a time of operating that flow setting.
  • the degree of flow may be controlled with an electrically operated valve arranged to change the flow path through or around the container processing unit to the outlet.
  • predetermined positions 94, 96 are illustrated on the second encoding line E2 it will be understood that they could be arranged on any encoding line and that there may be any number of encoding lines, e.g. 2, 3 or 4 etc.
  • the code Whilst the code is illustrated herein as being arranged on the container, it will be appreciated that the code can be formed integrally on the container or formed on a separate substrate (not illustrated) which can be attached to the container.
  • the substrate may alternatively be arranged as a bracket or clip for attachment to the machine so that it sits between the code reader and a container and the code on it is read instead of a code on the container, or; other component, e.g. including a hand held component that is arranged for a user to present to a code reader of the machine, which may be suitably arranged for manual code reading.
  • any of the disclosed methods may be carried out by either a host or client, depending on the specific implementation (i.e. the disclosed methods/apparatuses are a form of communication(s), and as such, may be carried out from either ‘point of view’, i.e. in corresponding to each other fashion).
  • the terms “receiving” and “transmitting” encompass “inputting” and “outputting” and are not limited to an RF context of transmitting and receiving radio waves.
  • a chip or other device or component for realizing embodiments could generate data for output to another chip, device or component, or have as an input data from another chip, device or component, and such an output or input could be referred to as “transmit” and “receive” including gerund forms, that is, “transmitting” and “receiving”, as well as such “transmitting” and “receiving” within an RF context.
  • any formulation used of the style “at least one of A, B or C”, and the formulation “at least one of A, B and C” use a disjunctive “or” and a disjunctive “and” such that those formulations comprise any and all joint and several permutations of A, B, C, that is, A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B in any order, A and C in any order, B and C in any order and A, B, C in any order. There may be more or less than three features used in such formulations.
  • any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim.
  • the word ‘comprising’ does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps then those listed in a claim.
  • the terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one.
  • Container processing unit (first example)

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Making Beverages (AREA)

Abstract

Récipient destiné à contenir un matériau précurseur destiné à être utilisé avec une machine pour préparer une boisson et/ou un produit alimentaire ou un précurseur de celui-ci, le récipient comprenant un code lisible par machine stockant des informations de préparation destinées à être utilisées avec un processus de préparation effectué par ladite machine, le code comprenant : une partie de référence (R) pour localiser le code ; une partie de données (D) pour stocker les informations de préparation, la partie de données comprenant des première et seconde positions prédéterminées se chevauchant partiellement, qui codent trois conditions comme : une absence d'une unité de données aux deux positions ; une présence d'une unité de données à la première position et une absence d'une unité de données à la seconde position ; et une présence d'une unité de données à la seconde position ainsi qu'une absence d'une unité de données dans la première position.
PCT/EP2023/081112 2022-11-13 2023-11-08 Système de préparation d'une boisson ou d'un produit alimentaire WO2024100097A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2216917.1 2022-11-13
GBGB2216917.1A GB202216917D0 (en) 2022-11-13 2022-11-13 Beverage or foodstuff preparation system
EP22208384 2022-11-18
EP22208384.2 2022-11-18

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2024100097A1 true WO2024100097A1 (fr) 2024-05-16

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Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1472156A2 (fr) 2002-01-16 2004-11-03 Societe Des Produits Nestle S.A. Capsule fermee pourvue d'un moyen d'ouverture
EP1784344A2 (fr) 2004-08-23 2007-05-16 Nestec S.A. Capsule pour preparer et distribuer une boisson, par injection d'un fluide sous pression dans ladite capsule
WO2011152296A1 (fr) * 2010-06-03 2011-12-08 Nishizaki Tsutao Procédé d'expression d'informations, article sur lequel est formé un motif d'expression d'informations, dispositif de sortie d'informations, et dispositif d'expression d'informations
EP2594171A1 (fr) 2011-11-16 2013-05-22 Nestec S.A. Support et capsule pour préparer une boisson par centrifugation, système et procédé pour préparer une boisson par centrifugation
WO2014067987A1 (fr) 2012-10-30 2014-05-08 Nestec S.A. Machine, contenant, système et procédé de préparation de crème glacée ou de desserts réfrigérés sur demande
WO2014096405A1 (fr) * 2012-12-21 2014-06-26 Nestec S.A. Système de production de boissons ou d'aliments
WO2014125123A1 (fr) 2013-02-18 2014-08-21 Nestec S.A. Sacs pour préparer des boissons
WO2017144582A1 (fr) * 2016-02-23 2017-08-31 Nestec Sa Code et contenant d'un système pour préparer une boisson ou un produit alimentaire
WO2017144581A1 (fr) * 2016-02-23 2017-08-31 Nestec Sa Code et contenant de système de préparation d'une boisson ou d'un produit alimentaire
WO2022023578A1 (fr) 2020-07-30 2022-02-03 Société des Produits Nestlé S.A. Système de préparation de boissons

Patent Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1472156A2 (fr) 2002-01-16 2004-11-03 Societe Des Produits Nestle S.A. Capsule fermee pourvue d'un moyen d'ouverture
EP1784344A2 (fr) 2004-08-23 2007-05-16 Nestec S.A. Capsule pour preparer et distribuer une boisson, par injection d'un fluide sous pression dans ladite capsule
WO2011152296A1 (fr) * 2010-06-03 2011-12-08 Nishizaki Tsutao Procédé d'expression d'informations, article sur lequel est formé un motif d'expression d'informations, dispositif de sortie d'informations, et dispositif d'expression d'informations
EP2594171A1 (fr) 2011-11-16 2013-05-22 Nestec S.A. Support et capsule pour préparer une boisson par centrifugation, système et procédé pour préparer une boisson par centrifugation
WO2014067987A1 (fr) 2012-10-30 2014-05-08 Nestec S.A. Machine, contenant, système et procédé de préparation de crème glacée ou de desserts réfrigérés sur demande
WO2014096405A1 (fr) * 2012-12-21 2014-06-26 Nestec S.A. Système de production de boissons ou d'aliments
WO2014125123A1 (fr) 2013-02-18 2014-08-21 Nestec S.A. Sacs pour préparer des boissons
WO2017144582A1 (fr) * 2016-02-23 2017-08-31 Nestec Sa Code et contenant d'un système pour préparer une boisson ou un produit alimentaire
WO2017144581A1 (fr) * 2016-02-23 2017-08-31 Nestec Sa Code et contenant de système de préparation d'une boisson ou d'un produit alimentaire
WO2022023578A1 (fr) 2020-07-30 2022-02-03 Société des Produits Nestlé S.A. Système de préparation de boissons

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