CODE SUPPORT, CAPSULE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREPARING A DRINK BY CENTRIFUGATION

专利摘要:
code holder, capsule, method system for preparing a drink by centrifugation. the invention relates to a code carrier to be associated with or be part of a capsule intended to deliver a beverage in a beverage production device by centrifugation of the capsule. the carrier comprises a code formed by at least a first sequence of symbols. the code is represented on a holder so that each symbol is sequentially readable by a reading arrangement of an external reading device while the capsule is driven in rotation along an axis of rotation. the first string comprises at least a first data string formed by at least two substrings of symbols. each of said at least two subsequences further comprises at least one error checking symbol to enable validity checking of the symbols of said subsequence.
公开号:BR112016006300B1
申请号:R112016006300-7
申请日:2014-09-29
公开日:2021-07-20
发明作者:Stefan Kaeser
申请人:Société des Produits Nestlé S.A.；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The invention relates to the field of preparation of beverages, in particular with the use of capsules containing an ingredient for the preparation of a beverage in a beverage preparation machine. The present invention relates in particular to optically readable codes, adapted to store information relating to a capsule, the capsules being associated with or integrating a code carrier comprising the code, reading and processing methods, and the arrangement for reading and use this information to prepare a drink. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] For the purpose of the present description, a "beverage" is intended to include any liquid substance consumable by humans, such as coffee, tea, hot or cold chocolate, milk, soup, baby food or the like. A "capsule" is intended to include any pre-portioned beverage ingredient or combination of ingredients (hereafter referred to as an "ingredient") within a sealed package of any suitable material such as plastic, aluminum, a recyclable and/or biodegradable material and combinations thereof, including a soft bag or a hard cartridge containing the ingredient.
[003] Certain beverage preparation machines use capsules that contain an ingredient that is extracted or dissolved, and/or an ingredient that is stored and metered automatically in the machine or elsewhere and added at the time of preparation of the beverage. Some beverage machines have liquid filling means that include a pump for the liquid, usually water, which pumps the liquid from a water source that is cold or actually heated by means of heating means, for example, a thermoblock, or similar. Certain beverage brewing machines are designed to prepare beverages using a centrifugal extraction process. The principle consists mainly of supplying a liquid ingredient in a capsule container, feeding the liquid into the receptacle and rotating it at a high speed to ensure the interaction of the liquid with the powder while creating a pressure gradient of the liquid in the receptacle, being that such pressure gradually increases from the center towards the periphery of the receptacle. As the liquid passes through the coffee layer, extraction of compounds from the coffee takes place and a liquid extract is obtained that flows outward from the periphery of the receptacle.
[004] Typically, it is suitable to offer the user a range of capsules of different types containing different ingredients (eg different coffee blends) with specific flavor characteristics, to prepare a variety of different beverages (eg different types of coffee ) with the same machine. The characteristics of the beverages can be modified by changing the capsule content (eg the weight of the coffee, different blends, etc.) and adjusting the key machine parameters such as the volume or temperature of the liquid supplied, the speed of rotation or the pressure pump. Therefore, there is a need to identify the type of capsule inserted in the beverage machine to enable the adjustment of the preparation parameters to the type inserted. In addition, it may also be desirable for capsules to contain additional information, for example safety information such as expiration date, or production date such as lot numbers.
[005] The document WO2010/026053 refers to a device for the controlled production of beverages with the use of centrifugal forces. The capsule can comprise a barcode provided on an outer face of the capsule and which makes it possible to detect the type of capsule and/or the nature of the ingredients supplied inside the capsule in order to apply a predefined extraction profile of the beverage to be prepared.
[006] It is known from the art, for example, in document EP1764015A1, to locally print an identifier bar code on a small area of the circular crown of a coffee pod for use with coffee brewing systems without the need for conventional centrifuges. Said systems comprise a barcode reader for reading the identifying barcode on the capsule. Barcode readers or barcode scanners are electronic devices that comprise a light source, a lens and a light sensor that transform optical impulses into electrical impulses. They usually comprise a laser/light emitting diode or a camera-type sensor. Barcode scanners on beverage brewing machines are adapted to read the barcode by moving the sensing element across the bars (moving/changing the light source beam orientation to scan the entire code) or by scanning an image of the entire code at once with a light sensitive matrix.
[007] The use of such barcode readers is not adapted to be used in the context of a centrifugal extraction based system that has a rotary preparation unit. The use of bar code readers that have moving parts as a scanning element can raise several reliability concerns as they are likely to be exposed to an adverse environment, with cyclic vibrations and hot vapors when placed in immediate vicinity. of the rotating preparation unit. The barcode reader with camera sensor must be positioned so as to be able to take an image of the entire barcode. As a consequence, all code must be directly visible to the reader. If the free space available in a rotary staging unit dedicated to a barcode reader is very limited, it is usually not possible to satisfy this visibility requirement.
[008] Regardless of the type of barcode reader used, the geometric configuration of the rotating preparation units in systems based on centrifugal extraction prevents the barcode reader from reading a code spread over a large section of the capsule; as a consequence, bar code dimensions are strictly limited, leading to a low amount of coded information for a certain level of reliability of readings, typically only about 20 bits. Also, barcode scanners are quite expensive.
[009] A barcode reliably printed on a capsule while said capsule is positioned in a rotating preparation unit implies the reliable recognition of the sequences of symbols that make up said code, in particular in the harsh environment of the rotating preparation unit . In addition, the code must also be legible without the barcode knowing the position and/or orientation in which the capsule was inserted in its holder. Traditional bar codes and other optical coding elements known in the art for a capsule fail to meet these requirements.
[0010] Pending international patent application PCT/EP11/057670 refers to a holder adapted to be associated with or be part of a capsule for the preparation of a beverage. The holder comprises a section in which at least one of the sequence symbols is represented, so that each symbol is sequentially readable by a reading arrangement of an external device, while the capsule is driven in rotation around an axis of rotation, each sequence code being a set of capsule-related information. Such an invention makes it possible to make a large volume of encoded information available, such as about 100 bits of redundant or non-redundant information, without using bar code readers that have moving parts as a scanning element, which can raise several concerns in terms of reliability. Another advantage is also being able to read the code holder by rotating the capsule while it is in place, in a position ready for preparation on the rotating capsule holder. However, the structure of the sequence code.
[0011] However, there is still a need to improve the pattern and/or structure of the code represented in the support to optimize the reliability of the readings, under the specific conditions found in a centrifugal beverage machine with the use of capsules for the preparation of the beverage . There is still a need to provide a capsule with a code reliably readable by a code reader without knowledge of the position and/or orientation of said code when the capsule is positioned in the swivel capsule holder of a system based on centrifugal extraction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0012] An object of the invention is to provide means to store, read and process information related to a capsule, more particularly, information to identify said capsule within a production machine and to retrieve or read information to adjust the working parameters of the machine and/or to control the parameters of preparation of a drink with said capsule. Another goal is to provide a capsule that integrates such media.
[0013] Yet another objective is to control the conditions for preparing a drink.
[0014] And a final objective is to provide a solution to reliably read information related to a capsule with a sensor disposed in the machine. In particular, the sensor can be arranged in a processing module/preparation unit of the machine, the available space being limited and the environment being harmful for such a reading; for example, the environment may comprise trace ingredients, vapors and/or liquids from the preparation.
[0015] One or more of these objectives are satisfied by a capsule, a holder, a device or a method according to the independent claim(s). Dependent claims provide solutions to these goals and/or additional benefits.
[0016] More particularly, according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a code carrier to be associated with or be part of a capsule intended to deliver a beverage in a beverage production device by centrifuging the capsule. The support comprises a code formed by at least a first sequence of symbols. Said code is represented on a holder so that each symbol is sequentially readable by a reading arrangement of an external reading device while the capsule is driven in rotation around an axis of rotation. The first string comprises at least a first data string formed by at least two symbol substrings. Each of said at least two subsequences further comprises at least one error checking symbol to enable validity checking of the symbols of said subsequence.
[0017] By providing sequentially readable symbols while the capsule is driven in rotation, the amount of encoded data can be increased and/or the area covered by each symbol can be enlarged, improving the overall reliability of the readings. By the term "sequentially" it is to be understood that one or a limited number of symbols (minus the number of symbols comprised in each sequence) is read at a given time; for example, each symbol can be read separately. As a consequence, at least one readout of all symbols in all sequences on the holder can be performed by the readout arrangement after a 360 degree rotation of the capsule about its rotation axis.
[0018] The structure of the first sequence allows a more reliable reading. More particularly, by dividing the first sequence into subsequences, each provided with an error-checking symbol, it is possible to perform a more reliable validity check, not just for the first sequence globally, but for each subsequence. This allows you to identify specific sections of code that are not read correctly. For example, it is also possible, having identified which substrings are not correct, to use only valid substrings and not reject the entire string. Furthermore, said structure allows a more reliable reading of the code, when repetitions of the same sequence are used.
[0019] In particular, the information encoded by each subsequence may comprise information for recognizing a type associated with the capsule and/or one or more combinations of items from the following list: • information related to parameters for preparing a drink with the capsule, such as the best rotational speeds, the temperatures of the water entering the capsule, the temperatures of the beverage collector outside the capsule, the flow rates of the water entering the capsule, the sequence of operations during the process of preparation, etc.; • information for retrieving the parameters of preparing a drink with the capsule locally and/or remotely, for example an identifier that allows recognition of a type for the capsule; • information related to the manufacture of the capsule, such as a production lot identifier, a production date, a recommended consumption date, an expiration date, etc.; • information to retrieve information related to the manufacture of the capsule locally or remotely.
[0020] Symbols arranged in sequences are used to represent the data that transmit the set of information related to the capsule. For example, each string can represent an integer number of bits. Each symbol can encode one or several binary bits. Data can also be represented by transitions between symbols. Symbols can be arranged in sequence using a modulation scheme, for example a line encoding such as Manchester encoding.
[0021] Each symbol can be represented in the section by an entity that has a measurable characteristic, readable by the measurement arrangement, the measurable characteristic varying according to the value transmitted by said symbol. Each symbol can be printed and/or embossed. The shape of the symbols can be chosen from the following non-exhaustive list: arc-shaped segments, segments that are individually straight but extend along at least a part of the section, points, polygons or geometric shapes. The symbols can be readable by an optical sensor included in the reading arrangement, and the color and/or shape of each symbol chosen in accordance with the value of said symbol. Symbols can be printed by an ink that is not visible to human eyes under natural light, eg ink visible under UV. Symbols can be printed or embossed by a pattern that has surfaces that have different reflective and/or light-absorbing properties. The pattern can have first surfaces that have slanted mirroring or light absorbing properties, and second surfaces that have flat mirroring or flat light reflective properties. Other variable physical characteristics can be chosen to distinguish each symbol, for example, color, reflectivity, opacity, light absorption level, magnetic field, induced magnetic field, resistivity, capacitance, etc.
[0022] Each substring of symbols within the first string is used to encode distinct information related to the capsule. For example, the first string may comprise four substrings of symbols. The first subsequence can be used to encode information related to a recipe for preparing a beverage with the capsule and also comprises an error checking symbol PR used to encode a parity bit related to the symbols of the first subsequence. The second subsequence can be used to encode information related to a capsule type and comprises an error checking symbol PT used to encode a parity bit related to the symbols of the second subsequence. The third subsequence can be used to encode information related to a prewet cycle during the capsule preparation process and also comprises an error checking symbol PP used to encode a parity bit related to the symbols of the third subsequence. The fourth subsequence can be used to encode information related to the ingredients stored in the capsule and comprises an error checking symbol PPr used to encode a parity bit related to the symbols of the fourth subsequence.
[0023] The at least one error checking symbol of each of said at least two subsequences can be used to encode at least one parity bit, obtained by performing a checksum of the symbols included in the corresponding subsequence. The at least one error checking symbol may comprise error detection or error correction information, in particular related to data. Information for detecting errors may include repetition codes, parity bits (such as odd or even parity bits, or a combination thereof), checksums, cyclic redundancy checks, cryptographic hash function data, etc. Error correction information may comprise error correction codes, early error correction codes, and in particular convolutional codes or block codes.
Preferably, the code carrier comprises at least a second sequence of symbols, the second sequence comprising at least a second data sequence identical to the first data sequence of the first sequence. Particularly, the code carrier may further comprise an integer n of symbol sequences, each of the sequence(s) n comprising at least one data sequence identical to the first data sequence of the first sequence, the number n being greater. or equal to 3. In this way, error checking can be performed by comparing the different subsequences of each repeated sequence. For example, code substrings affected by errors can be processed properly. This improves the probability of a proper reading of the code, in case some parts of the sequence are unreadable. In one embodiment, the integer n is an odd number. This allows a reading algorithm to more easily determine the correct value of a symbol by limiting the number of situations where, having read the values of a symbol in all data strings, there are as many readings equal to 0 as readings equal to 1 for said symbol.
[0025] In one embodiment, each sequence further comprises at least one preamble sequence of symbols, and the first sequence and at least one other sequence have their distinct preamble sequences. The distinct preamble sequences allow to determine which symbols belong to which sequences, without any knowledge of the angular configuration of the code holder when it is positioned in the beverage machine. Furthermore, a more robust detection of said essential information for decoding is obtained thanks to the use of distinct preamble sequences. For example, the first sequence of the preamble may comprise a first sequence PA = '10101010' 6 bits long, the second sequence PB = '010101' 6 bits long. The first sequence can start with the first sequence PA, and then a first block D1 which comprises an F1 data block having n1 bits and with parity check bits. A second sequence may start with the second sequence PB, and then a second block D2 which comprises a data block F2 having n2 bits and with parity check bits. The position of the first sequence and the second sequence can then be determined by using an algorithm to identify the pattern PA - X1 - PB - X2, where X1 represents any sequence of n1 bits, X2 represents any sequence of n2 bits. For example, a NEB (Number of Equal Bits) filter can be used. In one embodiment, each preamble symbol sequence is formed by a plurality of preamble substrings, said plurality of preamble substrings being distributed according to a pattern among the sequence. The first sequence can start with the first sequence PA, and then a first block D1 which comprises a data block F1 having n1 bits and with parity check bits. A second sequence may start with the second sequence PB, and then a second block D2 which comprises a data block F2 having n2 bits and with parity check bits. The position of the first sequence and the second sequence can then be determined by using an algorithm to identify the pattern PA - X1 - PB - X2, where X1 represents any sequence of n1 bits, X2 represents any sequence of n2 bits. For example, a NEB (Number of Equal Bits) filter can be used.
[0026] Advantageously, the first sequence of the preamble symbols and the second sequence of the preamble symbols can be chosen/configured to minimize the number of serially equal bits in the code.
[0027] The code preferably comprises at least 100 symbols.
[0028] The code may be arranged along at least one eighth of the circumference, and preferably along the entire circumference of the support.
[0029] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a beveled capsule for delivering a beverage in a beverage production device by centrifugation comprising a flange similar to a flange comprising a code holder according to the first aspect.
[0030] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a system for preparing a beverage from a capsule according to the second aspect, further comprising a beverage preparation device having a support means of capsule for holding the capsule and a rotary drive means for driving the support means and the capsule in rotation about said axis of rotation. The beverage preparation devices further comprise a reading arrangement configured to decode the code represented on the code holder: • by separately reading each symbol of the code, while driving the rotary drive means so that the capsule performs at least one complete revolution; and • by checking the validity of the read symbols and then determining a value for each subsequence of the sequence(s), using the error checking symbols of each subsequence of each sequence.
[0031] According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a method that reads a code in a capsule according to the second aspect, in a beverage preparation device comprising a capsule holder means for holding the capsule and a rotary drive means for driving the support means and the capsule in rotation about said axis of rotation, the beverage preparation devices further comprising a reading arrangement. The method comprises the following steps: • read separately, with the read arrangement, each symbol of the code, while driving the rotary drive means so that the capsule performs at least one complete revolution; and • verifying the validity of the symbols read and then determining a value for each subsequence of the sequence(s), using the error checking symbols of each subsequence of each sequence.
[0032] A system for reading and processing a code from a capsule according to the second aspect is disclosed and is according to a fifth aspect of the invention. The system comprises a beverage preparation device. The beverage preparation device comprises a capsule holder means, a rotary drive means to drive the holder means and the capsule in rotation around said axis of rotation, and an arrangement configured to obtain data by reading the code on the capsule during said rotation. The data comprises symbols read from a plurality of identical sub-strings in the capsule. The beverage preparation device further comprises a processing unit for receiving said data and is configured to process said data in order to perform a step of validating one or more of the symbols of the read identical subsequences, the step comprising verifying the validity of symbols read from identical substrings to produce a validity symbol.
[0033] The step of validating one or more of the symbols may comprise checking the symbol value in a first subsequence of a first sequence, with the corresponding symbol value in a first subsequence of one or more additional sequences.
[0034] The step of validating one or more of the symbols may comprise determining a value of each of the identical subsequences and comparing it to a value of a specific subsequence error checking symbol, checking the symbol value in a first substring of a first string, with the corresponding symbol value in a first substring of one or more additional strings.
Identical substrings in the data can be derived by reading a substring of the data string from the first string into the capsule a plurality of times. For example, the capsule code comprises a single repetition of the subsequence of the first data sequence of the first symbol sequence, the subsequence being read during each rotation of the capsule.
Identical subsequences in the data can be derived by reading a subsequence of the data sequence from the first sequence in the capsule and by reading an identical subsequence of a data sequence from one or more additional sequences. For example, the capsule code comprises a single repetition of a subsequence of the first data sequence of the first sequence of symbols and a single repetition of a subsequence of the first data sequence of a second sequence of symbols. from the capsule, the substrings are read once. In another example, there may be n sequences, with each sequence comprising a data sequence having an identical subsequence, so that for each read of the code, there are "n" identical subsequences read.
[0037] It will be understood that although the relevant substrings may be encoded with identical corresponding symbols in the capsule, they may be incorrectly read or identified so that there are errors in the data. For example, they may be misread by the read array and/or misidentified when locating the preamble in an embodiment in which the code comprises a preamble. Therefore, identical substrings read from the data can be processed according to a fifth aspect to produce, from the identical substrings read, a single validated substring comprising one or more validated symbols.
[0038] It is preferred that each subsequence is read a plurality of times, for example, by repeating the subsequence in the code and/or by multiple reads of the same subsequence, which can be achieved by multiple rotations of the capsule. Consequently, the capsule is preferably rotated more than once while reading the code. In this way, the data set of read identical substrings is larger, thus increasing the chance of obtaining a validated string.
[0039] Validation steps can be performed for one or more of the substrings in the string dataset. For example, validation steps are performed on the first identical substrings to validate the first substrings, and validation steps are performed on the second identical substrings to validate the second substrings.
[0040] The step of validating the one or more symbols read may comprise determining whether all corresponding symbols in the read identical sub-strings have the same value and then producing a validated symbol based on the same value.
[0041] The step of validating the one or more symbols read can comprise determining if the majority of the corresponding symbols in the read identical substrings have the same value and then producing a validated symbol based on the majority value.
[0042] The step of validating the symbols may comprise, for each read identical subsequence, calculating a checksum (checksum) of the symbols of the data included in the subsequence. A checksum value can be compared to that of the read substring error checksum. If the checksum value is not equivalent to that of the error-check symbol, then the specific substring can be discarded from the data when determining the validated symbol. The error checking symbol can encode a parity bit, which can be odd or even.
[0043] The step of performing the checksum and comparing it to the error-check symbol can be performed if the step of determining whether all corresponding symbols in the read identical sub-strings have the same value determines that one or more corresponding symbols (Sn) have a different value.
[0044] The validated symbol can be produced only if the majority of identical substrings comprise a checksum value that is equivalent to that of the error checksum symbol.
The validated symbol can be produced if, of the substrings with a checksum value that is equivalent to that of the error check symbol, all corresponding symbols of the substrings have the same value. In that case, a validated symbol can be produced based on the same value.
The validated symbol can be produced if, of the substrings with a checksum value that is equivalent to that of the error check symbol, the corresponding symbols of the substrings have a majority value. In that case, a validated symbol can be produced based on the majority value.
[0047] In other cases, a validated symbol may not be produced.
[0048] The system according to the fifth aspect may further comprise a capsule according to the second aspect.
[0049] A method of reading and processing a code of a capsule according to the second aspect by means of a beverage preparation device is disclosed herein and is in accordance with a sixth aspect of the invention, the device being of preparing drinks comprises: a capsule support means for holding the capsule, a rotary drive means for driving the support means and the capsule in rotation about said axis of rotation and a reading arrangement. The method comprises obtaining data by using the read array (100) to read the code in the capsule during rotation of the capsule, the data comprising symbols (Sn) read from and included in a plurality of identical subsequences (SSEQ) in the capsule code, processing said data by means of a processing unit, the data being processed to perform a validation step of one or more of the symbols (Sn) of the read identical subsequences (SSEQ), where the The step comprises checking the validity of the symbols read (Sn) of the identical subsequences (SSEQ) to produce a validated symbol.
[0050] The sixth aspect method may further include one or more of the steps of the fifth aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0051] The present invention will be better understood with reference to the detailed description and attached drawings, which are provided as non-limiting examples of embodiments of the invention, in which:
[0052] Figure 1 illustrates the basic principle of centrifugal extraction;
[0053] Figures 2a and 2b show an embodiment of the centrifugal cell with a capsule holder;
[0054] Figures 3a, 3b and 3c show an embodiment of a set of capsules according to the invention;
[0055] Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a code carrier according to the invention;
[0056] Figure 5 shows an alternative position of the sequence in the capsule, particularly when placed on the underside of the capsule flap, and the capsule fitted to a capsule holder of the extraction device;
[0057] Figure 6 shows a graphical representation of an example of the NEB filter results in a code with a common preamble used by the entire code sequence;
[0058] Figure 7 shows a graphical representation of an example of the NEB filter results in a code according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0059] Figure 8 shows a graphical representation of the number of equal bits in series for a code according to an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0060] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a beverage preparation system 1 in which a capsule according to an aspect of the invention can be used, aspects of system 1 being described in more detail in WO2010/026053, which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0061] The beverage preparation system 1 comprises a centrifugal unit 2 comprising a centrifugal cell 3 to exert centrifugal forces on the beverage ingredient and on the liquid within the capsule. Cell 3 may comprise a capsule holder for receiving the capsule therein. The centrifugal unit is connected to a drive means 5 such as a rotary motor. The centrifugal unit comprises a collecting piece and an outlet 35. A receptacle 48 can be arranged below the outlet to collect the extracted beverage. The system further comprises a liquid supply means such as a water reservoir 6 and a fluid circuit 4. A heating means 31 may also be provided in the reservoir or along the fluid circuit. The liquid supply means may further comprise a pump 7 connected to the reservoir. A flow restricting means 19 may be provided to create a restriction on the flow of the centrifuged liquid leaving the capsule. The system may further comprise a flow meter, such as a flow meter turbine 8, to provide a control of the flow rate of water supplied in the cell 3. A meter 11 may be connected to the flow meter turbine 8 to enable a analysis of the generated impulse data 10. The analyzed data can be transferred to a processor unit 12. Consequently, the exact actual flow rate of the liquid within the liquid circuit 4 can be calculated in real time. A user interface 13 can be provided to allow the user to input information which is transmitted to the control unit 9. Additional features of the system can be found in document WO2010/026053.
[0062] Figures 3a, 3b and 3c refer to an embodiment of a set of capsules 2A, 2B, 2C. The capsules preferably comprise a body 22, a flap 23 and a top wall element, respectively a lid 24. The lid 24 can be a pierceable membrane or an opening wall. Thereby, the lid 24 and the body 22 form a container that provides a compartment of ingredients 26. As shown in the figures, the lid 24 is preferably connected over an inner annular portion R of the flap 23 which preferably has between 1 and 5 mm.
[0063] It will be understood that the flap may be arranged perpendicular with respect to a rotational axis of the capsule (as shown in the figures) or it may alternatively be arranged; for example, it can be slanted or comprise a slanted portion. The flap 23 of the capsules preferably extends outwardly in an essentially perpendicular direction (as shown) or inclined with respect to the axis of rotation Z of the capsule. Thus, the axis of rotation Z represents the axis of rotation during centrifugation of the capsule in the preparation device, and, in particular, it coincides with the axis of rotation Z of the capsule holder 32 during centrifugation of the capsule in the device of preparation. It should be understood that the embodiment shown is an exemplary embodiment only and that the capsules, particularly the capsule body 22, may have several different modalities.
[0064] The body 22 of the respective capsule has a single convex portion 25a, 25b, 25c of variable depth, respectively, d1, d2, d3. Thus, the portion 25a, 25b, 25c can also be a truncated or partially cylindrical portion.
[0065] Therefore, the capsules 2A, 2B, 2C may comprise different volumes, but preferably they have an equal insertion diameter D. The capsule of Figure 3a shows a small volume capsule 2A, while the capsules of Figures 3b and 3c show a larger volume capsule 2B and 2C, respectively. The insert diameter D is thus determined at the line of intersection between the lower surface of the tab 23 and the upper portion of the body 22. However, it will be understood that the insert diameter D may be another reference diameter of the capsule.
[0066] The small volume capsule 2A preferably contains an amount of extracting ingredient, eg ground coffee, less than the amount for the large volume capsules 2B, 2C. Thus, the small capsule 2A is intended to provide a small coffee of between 10 ml and 60 ml, with a quantity of ground coffee comprised between 4 and 8 grams. The larger 2B capsules are intended to deliver a medium sized coffee, for example between 60ml and 120ml, and the larger capsule is intended to deliver a full size coffee, between 120ml and 500ml. Furthermore, the medium size coffee capsule 2B may contain an amount of ground coffee comprised between 6 and 15 grams, and the large size coffee capsule 2C may contain an amount of ground coffee between 8 and 30 grams.
[0067] Additionally, the capsules in the set according to the invention may contain different blends of roasted and ground coffee or coffees of different origins and/or that have different roasting and grinding characteristics.
[0068] The capsule is designed to rotate around the Z axis. The Z axis crosses the center of the cap perpendicularly, which, in the example, is disk-shaped; however, it will be understood that other shapes are possible, for example the cap may be concave or convex, such as body 22. The Z axis extends from the center of the bottom of the body. The Z axis will help define the notion of "circumference" which is a circular path located on the capsule and which has the Z axis as a reference axis. The circumference can be defined as being over the cap or over the body part, such as over the flange similar to a flange. The cap may be liquid impermeable prior to insertion into the device or it may be liquid permeable via small openings or pores provided in the center and/or periphery of the cap.
[0069] Hereinafter, the lower surface of the flap 23 refers to the section of the flap 23 which is situated outside the compartment formed by the body and the cap, and is visible when the capsule is oriented on the side where its body is visible .
[0070] Additional features of the capsules or capsule assembly can be found in WO 2011/0069830, WO 2010/0066705 or WO2011/0092301, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0071] An embodiment of the centrifugal cell 3 with a capsule holder 32 is illustrated by Figures 2a and 2b. The capsule holder 32 generally forms a cavity in a broadly cylindrical or conical shape provided with an opening for inserting the capsule and a lower base which closes the receptacle. The opening is slightly larger in diameter than the body 22 of the capsule. The contour of the opening fits the contour of the flap 23 of the capsule. In this way, the capsule is configured to be supported by an edge of the opening when the capsule is inserted. As a result, the flap 23 of the capsule rests at least partially on a receiving part 34 of the capsule holder 32. The lower base of the cavity is provided with a cylindrical rod 33 fixed perpendicularly to the center of the outer face of the base. Capsule holder 32 rotates around the central Z axis of rod 33.
[0072] An optical readable arrangement 100 is also shown in Figures 2a and 2b. The optical readout arrangement 100 is configured to provide an output signal comprising information relating to a level of reflectivity of a surface of the lower surface of the flap 23 of a capsule supported by the receiving portion 34 of the capsule holder 32. The readout arrangement Optical is configured to perform optical measurements of the surface of the lower surface of the flap 23 by means of the capsule holder 32, more particularly, by means of a side wall of the capsule holder in a broadly cylindrical or conical shape 32. Alternatively, the output signal may contain differential information, eg reflectivity differences over time or contrast information. The output signal can be analog, for example a voltage signal that varies with measured information over time. Alternatively, the output signal can be digital, for example a binary signal comprising numerical data of information measured over time.
[0073] In the embodiment of Figures 2a and 2b, the reading arrangement 100 comprises a light emitter 103 for emitting a light source beam 105a and a light receiver 102 for receiving a reflected light beam 105b.
[0074] Typically, the light emitter 103 is a light emitting diode or a laser diode that preferably emits light with a wavelength within the infrared wavelength range and more preferably light with a 850 nm wavelength. Typically, the light receiver 103 is a photodiode, adapted to convert a received light beam into a current or voltage signal.
[0075] The reading arrangement 100 may additionally comprise or be in communication with a processing unit 106. The processing unit may include a printed circuit board integrating a processor or integrated circuits, a sensor signal amplifier, filters and a circuitry for coupling said processing unit 106 to the light emitter 103, the light receiver 102 and the control unit 9 of the machine. The processing unit is preferably configured to process the read code to produce a validated code according to the process described below.
[0076] The light emitter 103, the light receiver 102 and the processing unit 106 are held in a fixed position by a support 101, fixed rigidly and relative to the machine frame. The read array 100 is constrained to a fixed position during an extraction process and is not driven in rotation, unlike the capsule holder 32.
[0077] In particular, the light emitter 103, like the light source beam 105a, is generally oriented along a line L that crosses at a fixed point F a plane P, which comprises a receiving part 34 of the capsule holder 32, said plane P having a normal line N passing through point F. Fixed point F determines an absolute position in space where light source beams 105a are intended to reach a reflective surface: the position of fixed point F remains unchanged when the capsule holder is rotated. The reading arrangement may comprise a focusing means 104, which may, in an example, comprise: holes, lenses and/or prisms, configured to cause the light source beam 105 to more efficiently converge to the fixed point F of the lower surface of the cap of a capsule positioned on the capsule holder 32. In particular, the light source beam 105 can be focused so as to illuminate a disk centered substantially at the fixed point F and having a diameter D.
[0078] The reading arrangement 100 is configured so that the angle θE between the line L and the normal line N is comprised between 2° and 10° and, in particular, between 4° and 5°, as shown in Figure 2a . As a consequence, when a reflecting surface is arranged at point F, the reflected light beam 105b is generally oriented along a line L', which crosses the fixed point F, the angle θR between the line L' and the normal line N being comprised between 2° and 10° and, in particular, between 4° and 5°, as shown in Figure 2a. The light receiver 102 is arranged on the support 101 to at least partially join the reflected light beam 105b, generally oriented along the line L'. The focusing means 104 can also be arranged to cause the reflected light beam 105b to focus more effectively on the receiver 102. In an embodiment illustrated in Figures 2a, 2b, point F, line L and line L' are coplanars. In another modality, point F, line L and line L’ are not coplanar; for example, the plane passing through the F point and the L line and the plane passing through the F point and the L' line are positioned at a roughly 90° angle, eliminating direct reflection and allowing for a more accurate reading system. robust with less noise.
[0079] The capsule holder 32 is adapted to allow partial transmission of the light source beam 105a along line L to point F. For example, the sidewall forming the largely cylindrical or conical shaped cavity of the Capsule holder is configured to be non-opaque to infrared light. Said sidewall can be produced from a plastic based on a material that is translucent to infrared, having entrance surfaces that allow infrared light to enter.
[0080] As a consequence, when a capsule is positioned on the capsule holder 32, the light beam 105a hits the underside of the flap of said capsule at point F, before forming the reflected light beam 105b. In this embodiment, the reflected light beam 105b passes through the wall of the capsule holder to the receiver 102.
[0081] The lower surface section of the flap 23 of a capsule positioned within the capsule holder 32, illuminated at point F by the light source beam 105, changes over time only when the capsule holder 32 is driven in rotation. Then, a complete revolution of the capsule holder 32 is needed for the light source beam 105 to illuminate the entire annular section of the lower surface of the flap.
[0082] The output signal can be computed or generated by measuring the intensity of the reflected light beam over time, and possibly comparing its intensity to that of the light source beam. The output signal can be computed or generated by determining the variation in the intensity of the reflected light beam over time.
[0083] It will be understood that the reading arrangement and the code in the capsule may comprise alternative arrangements. For example, in an embodiment in which the capsule does not necessarily comprise a tab, the code may be printed on one side of the convex portion of the body with the optically readable arrangement being arranged to perform optical measurements on the side of the capsule.
[0084] The capsule according to the invention comprises at least one optically readable code carrier. The code holder may, in the present example, be part of the flange similar to a flange. Code symbols are represented on the optical code carrier.
[0085] The symbols are arranged in at least one sequence, said sequence encoding a set of information related to the capsule. Each symbol is used to encode a specific value.
[0086] In particular, the information set of at least one of the sequences may comprise information to recognize a type associated with the capsule and/or an item or a combination of items from the following list or other relevant information such as machine operating parameters of drinks. • information related to parameters for preparing a beverage with the capsule, such as the best rotational speed, the temperature of the water entering the capsule, the temperature of the beverage collector outside the capsule, the flow rates of the water entering the capsule , the sequence of operations during the preparation process, etc.; • information for retrieving the parameters of preparing a drink with the capsule locally and/or remotely, for example an identifier that allows recognition of a type for the capsule; • information related to the manufacture of the capsule, such as the production batch identifier, production date, a recommended consumption date, an expiration date, etc.; • information to retrieve information related to the manufacture of the capsule locally or remotely.
[0087] The above sequence comprises a plurality of subsequences, with each subsequence comprising the information as defined above. An example of a suitable SEQ1 sequence is described below in Table 1:

In that example, the SEQ1 sequence comprises 4 sub-sequences of symbols SSEQ1, SSEQ2, SSEQ3 and SSEQ4. Substrings can comprise various information as exemplified below. The first subsequence SSEQ1 can be used to encode information related to ingredients stored in the capsule, using 5 symbols S1..S5. The first subsequence SSEQ1 also comprises an error check symbol PR used to encode a parity bit related to the 5 symbols S1..S5. The second subsequence SSEQ2 can be used to encode information related to the capsule type, using 3 symbols S7..S9. The second subsequence SSEQ2 also comprises an error check symbol PT used to encode a parity bit related to the 3 symbols S7...S9. The third subsequence SSEQ3 can be used to encode information related to a pre-wet cycle during the capsule preparation process, using 3 symbols S11..S14. The third subsequence SSEQ3 also comprises an error checking symbol PP used to encode a parity bit related to the 3 symbols S11...S14. The fourth subsequence SSEQ4 can be used to encode recipe-related information for preparing a drink with the capsule, using 5 symbols S16..S21. The fourth subsequence SSEQ4 also comprises an error checking symbol PPr used to encode a parity bit related to the 5 symbols S16...S21. In that example, each subsequence comprises an error checking symbol for identifying symbol read errors of said subsequence. For example, the error check symbol can be a parity bit with an even parity or an odd parity, depending on the sub-strings, obtained by performing the checksum of the symbols included in the corresponding sub-strings.
[0089] The symbols can be distributed over at least 1/8 of the circumference of the annular support, but preferably around the entire circumference of the annular support. The code can comprise successive arc-shaped segments. Symbols may also comprise successive segments that are individually straight, but extend along at least a part of the circumference.
[0090] The sequence is preferably repeated along the circumference in order to ensure a reliable reading. The sequence is repeated at least twice on the circle. Preferably, the sequence is repeated three to six times around the circumference. Sequence repetition means that the same sequence is duplicated and that successive sequences are positioned in series along the circumference, so that by 360 degree rotation of the capsule, the same sequence can be detected or read more than once.
[0091] Referring to Figure 4, an embodiment 60a of a code carrier is illustrated. The code holder 60a occupies a defined width of the flap 23 of the capsule. The flap 23 of the capsule may essentially comprise an inner annular portion forming the holder 60a and an outer curled (non-coded) portion. However, it may be that the full width of the flap is taken up by the support 60a, in particular if the lower surface of the flap can be made substantially flat. This location is particularly advantageous as it offers a large area for the symbols to be arranged and is less prone to damage caused by the processing module and, in particular, the pyramid plate to the projections of ingredients. As a result, the amount of coded information and the reliability of readings are optimized. In this embodiment, code carrier 60a comprises 160 symbols, each symbol encoding 1 bit of information. If symbols are contiguous, each symbol has a linear arc length of 2.25°.
[0092] Referring to Figure 5, an embodiment 60b of a code carrier is illustrated in plan view. Code holder 60b is adapted to be associated with or be part of a capsule so as to be driven in rotation when the capsule is rotated around its Z axis by centrifugal unit 2. The capsule receiving section is the lower surface of the tab 23 of the capsule. As shown in Figure 5, the code carrier may comprise a ring having a circumferential portion on which the at least one symbol sequence is represented; in this way, the user can position it on the circumference of the capsule before inserting it into the preparation unit of the beverage machine. Consequently, the capsule without the integrated means for storing information can be modified by mounting such a support to add that information. When the holder is a separate part, it can simply be added over the capsule without additional fastening means, the user must ensure that the holder is correctly positioned when entering the brewing unit, or the shape and dimensions of the holder will avoid that it moves relative to the capsule when mounted. Code holder 30b may also comprise additional securing means for rigidly securing said member to the capsule receiving section, such as glue or mechanical means, to help the holder remain secured relative to the capsule when assembled. As already mentioned, code support 60b can also be a part of the tab itself, for example it is integrated as part of the capsule structure.
[0093] Each symbol is adapted to be measured by the reading arrangement 100 when the capsule is positioned within the capsule holder and when said symbol is aligned with the light source beam 105a at point F. More particularly, each symbol is different shows a reflectivity level of the light source beam 105a that varies with the value of said symbol. Each different symbol has different reflective and/or absorbent properties than the light source beam 105a.
[0094] Since the reading arrangement 100 is adapted to measure only the characteristics of the illuminated section of the encoding holder, the capsule has to be rotated by the drive means until the light source beam has illuminated all the symbols comprised in the code. Typically, the speed for reading the code can be comprised between 0.1 and 4000 rpm. In a preferred example it is about 3000 rpm.
[0095] In a preferred example, the code comprises a preamble to enable the determination of the location of specific subsequences in the read code. Examples of suitable preambles are described below when the preamble comprises sequences that are 6 bits long.
[0096] It will be understood, however, that other suitable preamble sequence lengths may be used, for example the preamble may be 8, 10 or 12 bits long. In a preferred example, the preamble comprises a string that is 8 bits long.
[0097] Furthermore, the preamble may comprise any suitable number of sequences. For example, there may be four different preamble sequences in the examples below. Furthermore, the same preamble sequence can be repeated within the data set. For example, in the example of a preamble sequence set of 8 bits in length, there may be four different preamble sequences, with one of the preamble sequences repeated to provide a sequence of five preambles.
[0098] Alternatively, instead of the preamble, part of the capsule may comprise a marker which, during insertion of the capsule into the receptacle 48, must be aligned with a corresponding marker of the beverage preparation system 1, the marker being arranged to so that the read array 100 initially reads a specific portion of the code when the capsule is rotated, e.g., the specific portion may be the first symbol in the sequence. Example 1 - preamble for optical code support which has four sequences, read in rotation
[0099] A suitable preamble P is shown below. The preamble P is spread over the sequences represented on the optical code carrier. For example, the preamble P comprises a first sequence PA = '101010' 6 bits long, a second sequence PB = '010101' 6 bits long, a third sequence PC = '011001' 6 bits long, and a fourth string PD = '100110' 6 bits long.
[00100] A first S1 sequence starts with the first PA sequence and then a first D1 block comprising three data blocks F11, F12, F13, each with parity check bits. The second sequence S2 starts with the second sequence PB and then a second block D2 which comprises three data blocks F21, F22, F23, each with parity check bits. The third sequence S3 starts with the third sequence PC and then a third block D3 which comprises the three data blocks F11, F12, F13, each with parity check bits. The fourth sequence S4 starts with the fourth sequence PD and then a fourth block D4 which comprises the three data blocks F21, F22, F23 each with parity check bits. Consequently, the code carrier code represents the following sequence: PA - F11 - F12 - F13 - PB - F21 - F22 - F23 - PC - F11 - F12 - F13 - PD - F21 - F22 - F23. The first D1 block, respectively, the second D2 block, the third D3 block and the fourth D4 block comprise a number n1, respectively, n2, n3 and n4 of bits.
[00101] To read all symbols of each sequence, preferably at least one full rotation of the optical code carrier is required. Although it will be understood that in the example where the code is laid out over a portion of the circle, for example an eighth of the circle, then less than one complete revolution is required for the complete reading of the sequence.
[00102] The position of the first block D1, the second block D2, the third block D3 and the fourth block D4 is determined by looking for the pattern PA - X1 - PB - X2 - PC - X3 - PD - X4 in the bit stream read by optical reader, where X1 represents any sequence of n1 bits, X2 represents any sequence of n2 bits, X3 represents any sequence of n3 bits, and X4 represents any sequence of n4 bits. Therefore, not only the bit sequence that corresponds to that preamble sequence is searched, but the relative positions of PA, PB, PC, PD are taken into account, enabling a more robust and reliable identification of the beginning of each data block.
[00103] For example, an NEB (Number of Equal Bits) filter can be applied to the bits read, using the following equivalence pattern: ‘101010xxxxxxxxx010101xxxxxxxxx011001xxxxxxxxx100110xxxxxxxxx’,
[00104] where x corresponds to any bit and with n1 = n2 = n3 = n4 = 9 bits.
[00105] The filter is applied to the bits read, changing the start position of the rolling filter window from the first bit read to the last bit read. It is likely that the position of the filter window that corresponds to the maximum value of the NEB filter corresponds to the beginning of the first sequence S1. Figure 7 shows an example of the results of an NEB filter in such a code structure.
[00106] It is also possible to calculate the contrast between the NEB filter value for each window position in relation to the NEB filter value at the following window position: it is likely then that the window position that corresponds to the maximum contrast value NEB corresponds to the beginning of the first sequence S1. Example 2 - preamble for optical code support that has four sequences, read in rotation
[00107] A suitable preamble P' is shown below. Preamble P' is spread over the sequences represented on the optical code carrier. For example, the preamble P' comprises a first sequence PA = '101010' 6 bits long, a second sequence PB = '010101' 6 bits long, a third sequence PC = '011001' 6 bits long and a fourth string PD = '100110' 6 bits long.
[00108] The first PA sequence comprises three subsequences PA1=’10’, PA2=’10’, PA3=’10’. The second PB sequence comprises three subsequences PB1=’01’, PB2=’01’, PB3=’01’. The third PC sequence comprises three subsequences PC1=’01’, PC2=’10’, PC3=’01’. The fourth PD sequence comprises three subsequences PD1=’10’, PD2=’01’, PD3=’10’.
[00109] A first sequence S1 is formed by subsequence PA1, then by a block of data F1 with a parity check bit, by subsequence PA2, then by a block of data F2 with a parity check bit, by subsequence PA3 and then by an F3 data block with a parity check bit. A second sequence S2 is formed by subsequence PB1, then data block F1 with a parity check bit, subsequence PB2, then data block F2 with a parity check bit, then subsequence PB3 and then , by the F3 data block with a parity check bit. A third sequence S3 is formed by subsequence PC1, then data block F1 with a parity check bit, subsequence PC2, then data block F2 with a parity check bit, then subsequence PC3 and then , by the F3 data block with a parity check bit. A fourth sequence S4 is formed by subsequence PD1, then by data block F1 with a parity check bit, by subsequence PD2, then by data block F2 with a parity check bit, by subsequence PD3 and then by the F3 data block with a parity check bit. Consequently, the code support code represents the following sequence:

[00110] The F1 data block, respectively, the second F2 block, the F3 data block and the D4 data comprise a number n1, respectively, n2, n3 and n4 of bits.
[00111] To read all the symbols of each sequence, it is then necessary at least one complete rotation of the optical code holder. Although it will be understood that in the example where the code is laid out over a portion of the circle, for example, and an eighth of the circle, then less than one complete revolution is required for the complete reading of the sequence.
[00112] The position of the F1 data block, of the second F2 block, of the third F3 block in each of the sequences S1, S2, S3, S4 is determined by searching for the pattern:

[00113] in the sequence of bits read by the optical reader, where X1 represents any sequence of n1 bits, X2 represents any sequence of n2 bits, X3 represents any sequence of n3 bits.
[00114] Therefore, not only the bit sequence that corresponds to that preamble sequence is searched, but the relative positions of each subsequence of PA, PB, Pc, PD are taken into account, enabling a more robust and reliable identification of the beginning of each block of data. Furthermore, by dividing and spreading the preambles into smaller substrings, it is possible to optimize the encoding of information by minimizing the number of equal bits in series (BIS). Figure 8 shows the number of equal bits in series for this code structure.
[00115] For example, an NEB (Number of Equal Bits) filter can be applied to the bits read, using the following equivalence pattern: ‘10xxx10xxx10xxx10xxx01xxx01xxx01xxx01xxx01xxx10xxx01xxx10xxx01xxx 10xxx’,
[00116] where x corresponds to any bit and with n1 = n2 = n3 = 3 bits.
[00117] The filter is applied to the read bits, changing the starting position of the rolling filter window from the first bit read to the last bit read. It is likely that the position of the filter window that corresponds to the maximum value of the NEB filter corresponds to the beginning of the first sequence S1.
[00118] It is also possible to calculate the contrast between the NEB filter value for each window position in relation to the NEB filter value at the following window position: it is likely then that the window position that corresponds to the maximum contrast value NEB corresponds to the beginning of the first sequence S1.
[00119] Although the above examples show a preamble comprising sequences of six bits, it will be understood that other word length sequences may be used, for example the sequence may comprise sequences of eight, ten or twelve bits. Furthermore, the strings can comprise a combination of suitable word lengths. Example 3 - Use of Code Features to Detect Reading Errors from Optical Code Holder That Has Five Repeated Sequences, Read in Rotation
[00120] In this example, the code comprises 5 sequences SEQ1, SEQ2, SEQ3, SEQ4, SEQ5, each sequence having the same structure shown in Table 2e below:

[00121] Each of the 5 sequences SEQ1, SEQ2, SEQ3, SEQ4, SEQ5 comprises 4 subsequences of symbols SSEQ1, SSEQ2, SSEQ3 and SSEQ4. Consequently, for each complete code read, there are five reads of each subsequence. The first subsequence SSEQ1 can be used to encode information related to a product contained in the capsule and can comprise 5 symbols S1..S5. The first subsequence SSEQ1 also comprises an error check symbol PR used to encode a parity bit related to the 5 symbols S1..S5. The second subsequence SSEQ2 can be used to encode information related to capsule type and can comprise 3 symbols S7...S9. The second subsequence SSEQ2 also comprises an error check symbol PT used to encode a parity bit related to the 3 symbols S7...S9. The third subsequence SSEQ3 can be used to encode information related to a pre-wet cycle during the capsule preparation process and can comprise 3 symbols S11..S14. The third subsequence SSEQ3 also comprises an error checking symbol PP used to encode a parity bit related to the 3 symbols S11...S14. The fourth subsequence SSEQ4 can be used to encode product related information in the capsule and can comprise 5 symbols S16..S21. The fourth subsequence SSEQ4 also comprises an error checking symbol PPr used to encode a parity bit related to the 5 symbols S16...S21.
[00122] It will be understood that in other examples, there may be one or more SEQ sequences. Furthermore, the one or more sequences may each comprise two or more SSEQ subsequences, each SSEQ subsequence may comprise a number of symbols S according to the information contained therein; for example, there can be from 2 to 8 symbols, with each substring comprising an error checking symbol. The error checking symbol preferably encodes a parity bit, which can be odd or even. In an advantageous example, the parity bit is a mixture of odd and even. In this way, data string variation is maximized so that it is easier to discriminate when it is processed.
[00123] Again with reference to the example, for each substring, the individual bits related to the Sn symbols can be checked using various processes. An exemplary process is provided below for the SSEQ2 subsequence only. It will be understood that other suitable processes can be performed. In addition, the process can be performed for the other subsequences in the sequences. In the exemplary process, this subsequence is read five times, since there are five sequences (SEQ). More readings can be obtained by increasing the number of revolutions of the capsule. Consequently, in this example, the symbols S7..S9 refers to the capsule type and the error check symbol PT is used to encode a parity bit related to the 3 symbols S7..S9 (which are read for each of the five sequences SEQ1, SEQ2, SEQ3, SEQ4, SEQ5 repeated). Table 3 illustrates the result of the reading:

[00124] Each symbol S7...S9 included in subsequence SSEQ2 can be checked individually using the method described below just for symbol S7.
[00125] In a first step, it is determined whether symbol S7 is identical in each of the five sequences, ie, b11=b21=b31=b41=b51. If the first condition is satisfied, then it is assumed that S7 symbols are read correctly and a validated S7 receives a value of b11=b21=b31=b41=b51. Table 4 illustrates this scenario (symbol S7 = 1). Otherwise, a second step can be performed.

[00126] In a second step, if the first condition is not satisfied, then the validity of the error check symbol PT can be considered. In this example, the error-checking symbol is considered for each of the five sequences. If there is a majority (ie a value above 50%, such as 60%, 70% or 80%) of read S7 symbols associated with a valid PT error checking symbol, and if all said read S7 symbols are associated with a valid PT error-check symbol are all identical, then the second condition can be considered satisfied. If the second condition is satisfied, then S7 is considered to be read correctly and a validated S7 receives a value equal to the read symbols S7 associated with a valid PT error check symbol. Table 5 illustrates this scenario (symbol S7 = 1). Otherwise, a third step can be performed.

[00127] In the above example, the error checking symbol comprises an odd parity bit, although it will be understood that an even parity bit or effectively another type of error checking symbol can be used. For each SSEQ subsequence (SSEQ2 in the example above), a checksum of the number of 1s in the symbols read (S7 to S9 in the example above) is performed. If the number of 1s is even, then since an odd parity bit is used, the checksum gets a 1, while if the number of 1s is odd then the checksum receives a 0. The checksum is then compared to the read parity bit PT; similarly, the PT parity bit gets either a 0 or a 1, depending on how many 1s there are in the actual substring versus how many were read. If the checksum value and the read parity bit PT are equivalent, then the error check symbol is considered OK; otherwise, the error checking symbol is considered not OK.
[00128] In a third step, if the second condition is not satisfied, then the third condition can be checked. In this example, the third step comprises determining whether there is a majority (ie, a value above 50%, such as 60%, 70%, or 80%) of read S7 symbols associated with a valid PT error check symbol, and whether , out of said majority of read S7 symbols associated with a valid PT error checking symbol, a majority (that is, a value above 50%, such as 60%, 70% or 80%) has the same value, then the third condition can be considered satisfied. If the third condition is satisfied, then the symbol S7 is considered to have been read correctly and a validated S7 receives a value that is equal to the majority value of the symbols read that have a valid PT error check symbol. Table 5 illustrates this scenario (symbol S7 = 1). Otherwise, a fourth step can be performed.

[00129] In a fourth step, if the third condition is not satisfied, then the symbol S7 can be considered invalid and a valid S7 is not determined. Alternatively, the fourth step can apply to all conditions other than those that result in a symbol read correctly in the previous steps. For example, S7 can be determined to be invalid if there is not a majority of read symbols associated with a valid error-checking symbol, and within that non-majority set there is a majority or non-majority of identical symbols.
[00130] It will be understood that in other examples, the symbols in the read sequence can be verified by another combination of one or more of the steps above. For example, the third step can be omitted.

权利要求:
Claims (14)
[0001]
1. Code holder (60a, 60b) to be associated with or being part of a capsule designed to deliver a beverage in a beverage production device by centrifugation of the capsule, the holder comprises a code formed by at least a first sequence of symbols, said code being represented on the holder so that each symbol is sequentially readable by a reading arrangement of an external reading device while the capsule is driven in rotation around an axis of rotation, the first sequence comprising the at least a first data sequence formed by at least two sub-strings of symbols, characterized in that each of said at least two sub-strings further comprises at least one error checking symbol to enable the validity check of the symbols of said subsequence in which each subsequence of symbols within the first sequence is used to encode distinct information related to the capsule.
[0002]
2. Code support, according to claim 1, characterized in that each distinct information comprises a selected from a group consisting of: information related to a recipe for preparing a drink with a capsule; code information related to the type of capsule; information relating to ingredients stored in the capsule; information relating to parameters for preparing a drink with the capsule; information for locally and/or remotely receiving parameters for preparing a beverage with the capsule; information related to capsule production; and information to receive locally and/or remotely information related to the production of the capsule.
[0003]
3. Code support, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one error checking symbol of each of said at least two subsequences encodes at least one parity bit, the bit of parity is obtained by performing a checksum of the symbols included in the sub-matching substring.
[0004]
4. Code carrier according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it additionally comprises at least a second sequence of symbols, the second sequence comprising at least a second data sequence identical to the first data sequence of the first sequence.
[0005]
5. Code carrier according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it additionally comprises an integer n of symbol sequences, each of the n sequence(s) comprising at least one data string identical to the first data string of the first string, the number n being greater than or equal to 3.
[0006]
6. Code support according to claim 5, characterized in that the integer n is an odd number.
[0007]
7. Code support according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that each sequence additionally comprises at least one sequence of the preamble of symbols, the first sequence and at least one other sequence having their sequences of the distinct preamble.
[0008]
8. Code carrier according to claim 7, characterized in that each preamble symbol sequence is formed by a plurality of preamble subsequences, said plurality of preamble subsequences being distributed by the sequence according to a pattern between the corresponding string.
[0009]
9. Code support, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least 100 symbols.
[0010]
10. Code support, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is arranged along at least one eighth of the circle.
[0011]
11. Code support, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is arranged along the entire circumference.
[0012]
12. Beveled capsule for supplying a beverage in a beverage production device by centrifugation, characterized in that it comprises a code holder as defined in any one of the preceding claims.
[0013]
13. System for preparing a beverage from a capsule as defined in claim 12, characterized in that the system comprises said capsule and a beverage preparation device, said device comprising: a capsule support means (32 ) to hold the capsule and a rotary drive means (5) to drive the support means and a capsule in rotation about said axis of rotation; the beverage preparation device further comprising, a reading arrangement (100) configured to decode the code represented on the code holder: - by separately reading each code symbol, while driving the rotary drive means (5) so that the capsule perform at least one full revolution; and - by checking the validity of each distinct information of the symbols read and then determining a value for each distinct information of the subsequence of sequence(s), using error checking symbols of each subsequence of each sequence.
[0014]
A method of reading a code of a capsule as defined in claim 12, comprising a beverage preparation device, the beverage preparation device comprising capsule holder means (32) for holding the capsule and a rotary drive means (5) for driving the support means and the capsule in rotation about said axis of rotation; the beverage preparation device further comprises a reading arrangement (100), characterized in that the method comprises: - separate reading, with the use of the reading arrangement (100), of each code symbol, during the activation of the rotary drive means so that the capsule performs at least one complete revolution; and - checking the validity of each distinct information of the symbols read and then determining a value for each distinct information of the subsequence of sequence(s), using error checking symbols of each subsequence of each sequence.

类似技术:

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公开号 | 公开日 | 专利标题

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BR112016006300B1|2021-07-20|CODE SUPPORT, CAPSULE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREPARING A DRINK BY CENTRIFUGATION

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US9582699B2|2017-02-28|Support and capsule for preparing a beverage by centrifugation, system and method for preparing a beverage by centrifugation

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BR112012028873B1|2019-08-20|CAPSULE FOR PREPARING A DRINK FROM A CAPSULE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREPARING A DRINK

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NZ623524B2|2016-07-01|Support and capsule for preparing a beverage by centrifugation, system and method for preparing a beverage by centrifugation

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MX2016001885A|2016-05-24|

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CA2919747A1|2015-04-02|

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RU2016117231A|2017-11-13|

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PL2853182T3|2017-05-31|

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CN113303670A|2021-08-27|

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KR20160064120A|2016-06-07|

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RU2016117231A3|2018-06-18|

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KR102272541B1|2021-07-06|

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法律状态:
2019-11-05| B25A| Requested transfer of rights approved|Owner name: SOCIETE DES PRODUITS NESTLE S.A. (CH) |

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2019-12-24| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|

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2021-05-11| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|

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2021-07-20| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted [chapter 16.1 patent gazette]|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 29/09/2014, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |

优先权:

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申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

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EP13186568|2013-09-30|

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EP13186568.5|2013-09-30|

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EP14155808.0A|EP2853182B1|2013-09-30|2014-02-19|Code support and capsule for preparing a beverage by centrifugation, system and method for preparing a beverage by centrifugation|

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EP14155808.0|2014-02-19|

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PCT/EP2014/070724|WO2015044400A1|2013-09-30|2014-09-29|Code support and capsule for preparing a beverage by centrifugation, system and method for preparing a beverage by centrifugation|

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