optically readable code holder, capsule for the preparation of a drink that has such code holder, me

专利摘要:
OPTICALLY LEGIBLE CODE SUPPORT AND CAPSULE FOR THE PREPARATION OF A DRINK WHICH HAS SUCH A CODE SUPPORT PROVIDING A LEGIBLE AND ENHANCED OPTICAL SIGN. The present invention relates to an optically readable code holder (30) to be associated with or be part of a capsule designed to distribute a beverage in a beverage production device, a holder comprising at least one sequence of symbols representing -dos in the support so that each symbol is sequentially readable by reading configuration of an external reading device, while capsule is activated in rotation along a geometric axis of rotation, where symbols are essentially formed by the succession of portions of surface light reflectors (610-615) and portions of light-absorbing surfaces (600-604); said portions of light-absorbing surfaces providing less intense reflecting light than the light-reflecting surface portions, where code support comprises at least one base layer (500) extending continuously at least along the said sequence of symbols, where portions of light-absorbing surfaces are portions of rough surfaces having a greater roughness (Rz) than portions of light-reflecting surfaces.
公开号:BR112014011224B1
申请号:R112014011224-0
申请日:2012-11-14
公开日:2020-11-10
发明作者:Daniel Abegglen；David Nordqvist；Arnaud Gerbaulet；Christian Jarisch
申请人:Société Des Produits Nestlé S.A；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

Field of invention
[001] The present invention relates to the field of beverage preparation, in particular 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 optical code supports adapted to store information related to a capsule, associated capsules or which incorporate code support, reading and processing configurations for reading and using such information for the preparation of a drink. Background of the Invention
[002] For the purpose of describing this, the "drink" 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 beverage ingredient pre-divided into portions or a combination of ingredients (later called "ingredient") within a closure package made of any suitable material such as plastic, aluminum, a material recyclable and / or biodegradable and combinations thereof, which includes a soft base or a rigid cartridge containing the ingredient.
[003] Certain beverage preparation machines use capsules containing an ingredient to be extracted or to be dissolved and / or an ingredient that is stored and dosed automatically in the machine or that is added when preparing the drink. Certain beverage machines comprise liquid supply means which include a liquid pump, usually water, which pumps the liquid from a source of water that is cold or even heated by means of heating, for example, a thermoblock or similar. Certain beverage preparation machines are arranged to prepare drinks using a centrifugal extraction process. The principle is mainly to provide the beverage ingredient in a capsule container, placing liquid in the capsule and rotating the capsule at a high speed to ensure the interaction of the liquid with the powder and at the same time creating a pressure gradient of the liquid in the capsule ; such pressure gradually increasing from the center towards the periphery of the receptacle. As the liquid passes through the base of the coffee, the extraction of the coffee compounds takes place and a liquid extract is obtained, which flows at the periphery of the capsule.
[004] Typically, it is appropriate to offer the user a range of capsules with different types containing different ingredients (for example, different mixtures of coffee) with specific taste characteristics to prepare a variety of different drinks (for example, different types of coffee) with the same machine. The characteristics of the drinks can be varied by varying the contents of the capsule (for example, weight of coffee, different mixtures, etc.) and adjusting the main parameters of the machine such as the volume or temperature of the liquid supplied, the rotational speed, the pump pressure. Therefore, there is a need to check the type of capsule inserted in the beverage machine to enable adjustment of the boiling parameters for the type inserted. In addition, it may also be desirable for the capsules to incorporate additional information, for example, safety information such as expiration date or manufacturing date as batch numbers.
[005] WO2010 / 026053 refers to a controlled beverage production device that uses centrifugal forces. The capsule may comprise a bar code provided on an external face of the capsule, which allows the detection of the type of capsule and / or the nature of the ingredients provided inside the capsule in order to apply a predefined extraction profile for the drink to be ready.
[006] It is known from the technique, for example, in the document EP1764015A1, to print a barcode of local identification on the circular crown of a coffee wafer for use in a conventional coffee preparation machine.
[007] The co-pending international patent application PCT / EP11 / 057670 refers to a support adapted to be associated with or be part of a capsule for the preparation of a drink. The support comprises a section in which at least one sequence of symbols is represented so that each symbol is sequentially readable by an external device reading configuration, while the capsule is driven in rotation along a geometric axis of rotation, each sequence encodes a series of information related to the capsule. Such an invention makes it possible to make available a large volume of decoded information, such as about 100 bits of redundant or non-redundant information without the use of barcode readers with moving parts, such as a scanning element which can cause serious problems in reliability. Another advantage is also being able to read the code holder by rotating the capsule while the capsule is in place, in a position ready for preparation on the capsule's rotating support. However, a disadvantage lies in the fact that these reading conditions remain specifically difficult for different reasons, such as because the incoming and outgoing light rays must pass through the capsule support when the capsule is supported by the capsule support, which causes the loss of a large part of energy and / or because the rays of light can incur significant angular deviations due to the particular mechanical restrictions caused by the rotating assembly of the machine and possibly arising from different sources (for example, vibrations, wear, irregular mass distribution, etc.). In addition, it is not appropriate to compensate for the loss of reflectivity by improving the performance of the machine's emitting and light-detecting devices, as this would make the beverage preparation machine too expensive.
[008] The Dutch patent NL1015029 refers to a code structure comprising a conductor with a bar code arranged therein, in the form of parallel bars, which comprises first bars with a first coefficient of reflection and the second bars with a second reflection coefficient lower than the first reflection coefficient, in which the first bars are made of a substantially retro-reflective material and the second bars are made of a mirror reflective material. This barcode structure is specially designed to be recognized from a greater distance by existing laser scanners, more particularly, through the use of retro-reflective materials, that is, the material on which the peak of the reflection is measured at 180 degrees. However, such a code structure presents a problem for the proper detection of the reflected signals from the first and second bars due to the angular distance between the two reflected signals. Such a solution is therefore detrimental for a compact reading system to be installed in a beverage preparation device.
[009] Therefore, there is a need to provide improved code support, which allows the provision of a reliable reading in the particular conditions found in the centrifugal drink machine that you use capsules for the preparation of a drink.
[0010] The present invention relates to an improved code support and a capsule comprising said support to provide, in particular, an improvement of the optical signal generated from the code support. In particular, a problem faced with an optical code in a capsule is that the light-reflecting and light-absorbing signals can be difficult to discriminate.
[0011] Another problem lies in the fact that the support is relatively complex to be integrated into the packaging structure that forms the capsule itself, and in particular, there are restrictions on packaging manufacture, such as in relation to the proper thickness of the material for a proper metal formation of the capsule.
[0012] The present invention aims to provide solutions that at least partially alleviate these problems. In particular, there is a need to reliably read information on a suitable code carrier that is associated with or part of a capsule, in particular, a carrier capable of generating an enhanced signal in particularly difficult to read conditions found on a centrifugal machine. beverage. There is also a need to provide a support that is adapted for easy integration with a capsule packaging material. Brief Description of the Invention
[0013] The present invention relates to an optically readable code holder to be associated with or to form part of a capsule designed for dispensing a beverage in a beverage production device, the holder comprising at least one sequence of symbols represented on the support so that each symbol is sequentially readable by a reading configuration of an external reading device while the capsule is driven in rotation along a geometric axis of rotation, in which the symbols are essentially formed by a pattern of the portions of light-reflecting surfaces and portions of light-absorbing surfaces; said portions of light-absorbing surfaces providing a lower light-reflecting intensity than light-reflecting surface portions, in which the code holder comprises at least one layer or base structure that extends continuously at least to the along said sequence of symbols, in which the portions of light-absorbing surfaces are portions of rough surfaces that have greater roughness (Rz) than the light-reflecting surface portions.
[0014] In one way, the light-reflecting surface portions are not rough or are mirror-reflective surfaces of the layer or base structure itself. In particular, the light-absorbing surface can be integrally formed in the base layer. The light-absorbing surface can be formed in the base layer or structure using any of the following methods: sandblasting, shot blasting, grinding, chemical attack, laser engraving, metal mold formation and combinations thereof.
[0015] In a possible alternative way, the portions of light absorbing surfaces are formed by one or more portions of layer or deposit of rough material applied on the base layer or structure.
[0016] In another alternative, the light-reflecting surface portions are formed by one or more portions of a layer or deposit of material applied on a rough surface layer or structure. In such a case, the layer or overlapping material may be a metal or paint with metallic pigments or a metallic filler.
[0017] Preferably, the light-absorbing surfaces have a roughness (Rz) of at least 2 microns, preferably between 2 and 100 microns, more preferably about 5 and 10 microns. Preferably, the light-reflecting surfaces have a roughness of less than 2 microns, more preferably 1 micron or less.
[0018] Preferably, the optically readable code holder has an annular configuration so that it can be associated with a capsule, so that it forms part or forms the rim of a capsule designed for the distribution of a beverage production device through centrifugation of the capsule in such a device. The pattern of the light-reflecting surface portions and the light-absorbing surface portions extend totally or partially across a circumference of the support. The optical properties of the holder, as defined by the particular configuration of the invention, are used so that the reading of the code becomes possible while the holder is turned in rotation on the beverage device.
[0019] Preferably, the light-reflecting surface portions and the light-absorbing surface portions are arranged so that a beam of incident light with a certain inclination is reflected, at a maximum level of intensity, since the light beams reflected almost within the same angle of reflection or angles of reflection that differ from each other by less than 90 degrees, preferably differ from each other by less than 45 degrees. In other words, the light-reflecting and light-absorbing surfaces of the code holder are not chosen from the surfaces with a mirror reflective property and the other retroreflective property.
[0020] In the context of the present invention, mirror reflective properties refer to the reflection characteristics that have a maximum location with a reflection angle equal to the normal angle in the direction from which the beam was transmitted. "Retro-reflective" surfaces are generally surfaces that reflect the incident light beam in the opposite direction to the direction from which the beam was transmitted, regardless of the angle of the incident beam relative to the surface.
[0021] The optical properties of the support, as defined by the particular configuration of the invention, are also used so that a more robust reading of the code becomes possible through the transmission of the source light beam and the reflected light beam within a reduced angle range that allows the construction of a reading system within a confined environment as this is the case in a beverage preparation device.
[0022] The invention also relates to a method for the production of the optically readable code holder, in which the light-absorbing surfaces are integrally formed in the base layer and are obtained through any of the methods of: sandblasting , shot blasting, grinding, chemical attack, laser engraving, metal forming in mold and combinations thereof. Preferably, the method comprises injection molding of the code holder from an injectable mold material into an injection mold, in which the mold comprises a preferably annular molding surface; said surface comprising a series of distinct portions of rough surfaces for molding portions of light-absorbing surfaces and a series of distinct portions of reflective surfaces or portions having less roughness than portions of rough surfaces for molding portions light-reflecting surfaces.
[0023] The invention also relates to an injection mold for the production of the optically readable support through the injection molding of an injectable material in mold, in which the mold comprises a molding surface preferably annular; said surface comprising a series of distinct portions of rough surfaces for molding portions of light-absorbing surfaces and a series of distinct portions of reflective surfaces or portions having less roughness than portions of rough surfaces for molding portions light-reflecting surfaces.
[0024] The injection-moldable material is preferably plastic such as polypropylene or polyethylene or composed of P or PE or other polymers or copolymers. The molding surface of the mold can be formed as a continuous mirror surface or a continuous surface with very low roughness (i.e. less than 2 microns, preferably less than 1 micron) and it can be engraved selectively to form distinct portions of rough surfaces. Engraving can be obtained by laser, chemical attack, electrolysis, sandblasting, grinding and the like.
[0025] The invention also relates to an optically readable code holder to be associated with or to be part of a capsule designed for the distribution of a beverage in a beverage production device by centrifuging the capsule, the holder comprising at least at least one sequence of symbols represented on the support so that each symbol is sequentially readable by a reading configuration of an external reading device while the capsule is driven in rotation along a geometric axis of rotation, in which the symbols are essentially formed by light-reflecting surfaces and light-absorbing surfaces, on which the code holder comprises a base structure that extends continuously at least along said sequence of symbols and the distinct light-absorbing portions that are discontinued locally applied or formed on the surface of said base structure; in which the discrete light-absorbing portions that are discontinuous form the light-absorbing surface, and the base structure forms the light-reflecting surfaces outside the surface areas occupied by the different light-absorbing portions; said distinct light absorbing portions are arranged to provide a lower light reflectivity than portions of the base structure outside the surface areas occupied by the distinct light absorbing portions.
[0026] The distinct light-absorbing portions that are discontinuous from the less reflective portions of light refer to portions of surface impactable by light, providing a lower average intensity than the average intensity reflected by the reflecting surfaces formed by the base structure outside of these local areas occupied by said light-absorbing portions. The average intensity is determined when these portions or surfaces are illuminated by a beam of incoming light that forms an angle between 0 and 20 °, at a wavelength between 380 and 780 nm, more preferably at 830-880 nm and these portions or surfaces reflect a beam of output light, in the direction that forms an angle between 0 and 20 °. The identification of these surfaces can be correlated to the peaks up and down that reflect the transitions between the reflecting and absorbing surfaces after filtering the typical signal oscillations and noise. These angles are determined in relation to what is normal for surfaces impacted by light. Therefore, it should be noted that such light-absorbing portions can still provide a certain level of reflected intensity, for example, through the specular and / or diffusion effect, within said defined angle ranges. However, the levels of intensity reflected between the reflecting and absorbing surfaces must be sufficiently distant from each other for a discriminable signal to be possible.
[0027] Surprisingly, the proposed solution allows to improve the reliability of the generated signal. In addition, it can form a structure, which can be easily integrated into a capsule, for example, which can be formed within a three-dimensional retaining element (for example, body and rim).
[0028] In particular, the light-reflecting surfaces are obtained by the base structure of continuous configuration, such as, for example, forming an annular part of the flange-type rim of the capsule. This allows the use of a greater choice of materials with reflective packaging forming a sufficient thickness for sufficiently good reflectivity. The materials for the base structure of the code holder may form part of the capsule and are prone to forming metal or molding into a cup-shaped capsule body, for example. The overlapping configuration of the light-absorbing surfaces on the base structure, through the different portions, allows for the more distinctive production of a signal with less reflectivity compared to the light-reflecting signal, in particular, in an environment where potentially a larger part of light energy is lost during the transfer from the machine to the capsule.
[0029] More particularly, the light reflecting base structure comprises a metal arranged in the structure to provide the light reflecting surfaces. In particular, the light reflecting base structure comprises a monolithic metal support layer and / or a layer of light reflecting particles, preferably metal pigments in a polymeric matrix. When metal is used as part of the base structure, it can advantageously serve to provide both an effective reflective signal and a constituent part of the capsule layer, which can be made within a complex three-dimensional shape and can provide a function reinforcement and / or protection, for example, a gas-proof function. The metal is preferably chosen from the group consisting of: aluminum, silver, iron, tin, gold, copper and combinations thereof. In a more specific way, the light reflecting base structure comprises a support layer of monolithic metal coated with a transparent polymeric primer, in order to form the reflective surfaces. The polymeric primer allows to level the reflective metal surfaces for improved reflectivity and provides an improved bonding surface for the light absorbing portions applied to it. The primer provides formability for the metal layer by reducing wear forces during metal formation. The primer also protects the metal layer from scratches or other deformation that could affect the reflectivity of the surface. The transparency of the primer must be sufficient so that the loss of light intensity under the conditions determined by the layer is not significant. The primer also prevents direct contact between the food and the metal layer. In an alternative, the base structure comprises an internal polymeric layer coated with an external metallic layer (for example, through the vapor metallization of the polymeric layer). Preferably, the non-metallic, transparent polymeric primer has a thickness of less than 5 microns, more preferably the thickness is between 0.1 and 3 microns. The thickness as defined here provides sufficient protection against direct contact of food with metal and maintains, for the purpose of improving reflectivity, the levels of irregularities on the metal surface and provides a shiny effect for the metal surface positioned at the bottom .
[0030] In a different way, the light reflecting base structure comprises a monolithic metal support layer or a polymeric support layer; said layer being coated with a varnish comprising light reflecting particles, preferably metal pigments. The varnish is thicker than a primer so that it can advantageously contain reflective pigments. The varnish preferably has a thickness greater than 3 microns and less than 10 microns, preferably between 5 and 8 microns. The varnish forms a light-reflecting layer that improves the reflectivity of the metal layer positioned at the bottom. The reflectivity is dependent on the proportion of metal pigments in the polymer (in% by weight). The proportion of metal pigment can also be increased by more than 10% by weight for a non-metallic support layer, in order to guarantee sufficient reflectivity properties of the base structure.
[0031] Both the primer and the varnish improve the formability of the metal layer by reducing the wear forces during metal formation (for example, inlay) thus allowing to consider code support as a moldable structure for production of the capsule body. The chemical base of the primer or varnish is preferably chosen from the list of: polyester, isocyanate, epoxy and combinations thereof. The process of applying the primer or varnish to the backing layer depends on the thickness of the polymeric layer and the proportion of pigments in the film, as this proportion influences the viscosity of the polymer. For example, the application of the primer or varnish on the metal layer can be done through solvation, for example, by applying a metal layer with a polymeric layer containing solvent and submitting the layer to a temperature above the point boiling of the solvent to evaporate the solvent and allow the primer or varnish to cure and fix it on the metal layer.
[0032] Preferably, the discontinuous light-absorbing portions are formed by a paint applied on said base structure. The ink preferably has a thickness between 0.25 and 3 microns. Several layers of ink can be applied to form the light-absorbing portions, for example, 1 micron thick to provide several layers of ink printed on a recorder. The ink portions reflect a lower light intensity compared to the reflective surfaces formed by the base structure. For the light-absorbing portions, the ink preferably comprises at least 50% by weight of pigments, more preferably about 60% by weight. Pigments are chosen from those that are essentially light-absorbing with a sensitivity of 830-850 nm of wavelength. Preferred pigments are black or colored (non-metallic) pigments. As an example, the colored pigments used in Pantone color codes: 201C, 468C, 482C, 5743C, 7302C or 8006C, have provided satisfactory results. The application of paint on the base structure to form the light-absorbing portions can be obtained through any suitable process such as stamping, gravure, photogravure, chemical treatment or offset printing.
[0033] In another way, the discontinuous light-absorbing portions form the rough surfaces of the base structure, which have a roughness (Rz) of at least 2 microns, preferably between 2 and 10 microns, more preferably of about 5 microns. On the other hand, light-reflecting surfaces can be obtained through reflective surfaces that have less roughness than the roughness of discontinuous light-absorbing portions. More particularly, the reflecting surfaces of the base structure are below 5 microns, preferably between 0.2 and 2 microns. As known per se, the roughness (Rz) is the arithmetic mean value of the single roughness depths of the consecutive sampling lengths, where Z is the sum of the height of the highest peaks and the smallest depths within a sampling length.
[0034] The portions of rough surfaces can preferably be formed by applying a rough layer of paint on the base structure. The roughness of the paint layer is determined by its roughness (Rz) on the surface of the layer after drying.
[0035] The rough surface of the base structure can also be obtained using any suitable technique such as sandblasting, shot blasting, grinding, laser engraving, forming metal in mold and combinations thereof. For example, roughness can also be obtained by applying a polymeric varnish containing matte pigments to the base structure to provide the desired roughness. The light absorbent varnish can be applied, for example, over the entire surface of the base structure and can be removed locally to discover reflective surfaces formed by the metal layer, for example aluminum, at the bottom, such as by burning with said varnish using a laser or any equivalent means.
[0036] Alternatively, the respective rough surfaces for the absorbent surfaces and the reflective surfaces for the reflective surfaces can be formed by forming metal in the mold. For example, this requires the use of a mold cavity comprising selectively positioned rough surfaces and reflective surfaces forming such a base structure that has such reflective and rough surfaces, such as through injection molding.
[0037] Preferably, the symbol sequence comprises between 100 and 200 sequentially readable symbols on the support. More preferably, it comprises between 140 and 180 symbols, more preferably 160 symbols. Each symbol covers an area that has an arcuate sector along the direction with circumferential extension of the sequence, less than 5o, more preferably between 1.8 ° and 3.6 °, more preferably between 2 and 2, 5th. Each individual symbol can take on a rectangular, trapezoidal or circular shape.
[0038] The present invention relates to a capsule comprising an optically readable code holder as mentioned above.
[0039] The present invention also relates to a capsule for dispensing a beverage in a beverage production device through centrifugation comprising a body, a flange-type rim and an optically readable code holder as mentioned above, in which the code holder is at least an integral part of the capsule rim, in which the body and the capsule rim are obtained by means of metal forming, such as through inlay, a flat or preformed structure comprising said support.
[0040] The present invention also relates to an optically readable code holder according to any of the attached dependent claims. Brief Description of the Figures
[0041] The present invention will be better understood thanks to the detailed description below and the accompanying drawings, which are provided as non-limiting examples of the modalities of the invention, namely:
[0042] Figure 1 illustrates the basic principle of centrifugal extraction,
[0043] Figures 2a, 2b illustrate an embodiment of the centrifuge cell with a capsule holder;
[0044] Figures 3a, 3b, 3c illustrate an embodiment of a series of capsules according to the invention;
[0045] Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of a code holder according to the invention;
[0046] Figure 5 illustrates an alternative position of the sequence on the capsule, in particular, when it is placed on the bottom part of the capsule ring and the capsule is fitted within a capsule support of the extraction device,
[0047] Figure 6 illustrates through a diagram an optical bench used to measure the symbols in a capsule mode according to the invention;
[0048] Figure 7 shows a diagram of the relative diffuse reflectivity of the symbols of a modality of a capsule according to the invention, as a function of the origin and the detector angles;
[0049] Figure 8 shows a diagram of the contrast between the symbols of a modality of a capsule according to the invention, as a function of the origin and the detector angles;
[0050] Figure 9 is a first example of an optically readable coded support along the circumferential cross-sectional view in the radial direction R in the rim of the capsule of figure 4,
[0051] Figure 10 is a second example of an optically encoded support readable along the circumferential cross-sectional view in the radial direction R in the rim of the capsule of figure 4,
[0052] Figure 11 is a third example of an optically encoded support readable in circumferential cross-sectional view in the radial direction R in the rim of the capsule of figure 4,
[0053] - Figures 12 to 14 illustrate graphical representations of the reflectivity measurement in% respectively for the optically readable code supports according to the invention and for another comparative code support. Detailed Description of the Invention
[0054] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a beverage preparation system 1 as described in WO2010 / 026053 for which the capsule of the invention can be used.
[0055] The centrifuge unit 2 comprises a centrifuge cell 3 for exerting centrifugal forces on a beverage ingredient and a liquid within the capsule. Cell 3 may comprise a capsule holder and a capsule received therein. The centrifuge unit is connected to the drive medium 5 such as a rotary motor. The centrifuge unit comprises a collection part 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. The heating means 31 can also be provided in the reservoir or along the fluid circuit. The liquid supply means can also comprise a pump 7 connected to the reservoir. A flow restriction means 19 is provided to create a restriction on the flow of the centrifuged liquid exiting the capsule. The system can also comprise a flow meter such as a flow meter turbine 8 to provide control of the flow rate of the water supplied in cell 3. Counter 11 can be connected to flow meter turbine 8 to enable analysis of the impulse data generated 10. The analyzed data is then transferred to processor 12. Consequently, the exact flow rate of the liquid within the fluid circuit 4 can be calculated in real time. A user interface 13 can be provided to allow the user to record the information that is transmitted to the control unit 9. Other features of the system can be found in WO2010 / 026053.
[0056] Figures 3a, 3b and 3c refer to an embodiment of a series of capsules 2A, 2B, 2C. The capsules preferably comprise a body 22, a rim 23 and an upper wall element, respectively a lid 24. The lid 24 can be a perforable membrane or an opening wall. In this way, the lid 24 and the body 22 delimit a wrapper, respectively an ingredient compartment 26. As shown in the figures, the lid 24 is preferably connected to an internal annular portion R of the rim 23 which is preferably 1 to 5 mm.
[0057] The rim is not necessarily horizontal as shown. It may be slightly bent. The rim 23 of the capsules preferably extends outward in the essentially perpendicular (as shown) or slightly inclined (if folded as mentioned above) direction in relation to the capsule's Z axis of rotation. In this way, the axis of rotation Z represents the axis of rotation during centrifugation of the capsule in the boiling device and in particular is perceptually identical to the axis of rotation Z of the capsule holder 32 during the centrifugation of the capsule in the boiling device .
[0058] It should be understood that the modality shown is only an exemplary modality and that the capsules, in particular the body of the capsule 22 can consider several different modalities.
[0059] The body 22 of the respective capsule has a single convex portion 25a, 25b, 25c with variable depth, respectively, d1, d2, d3. Thus, the portion 25a, 25b, 25c can also be a truncated or partially cylindrical portion.
Consequently, capsules 2A, 2B, 2C preferably comprise different volumes, but preferably, the same insertion diameter 'D'. The capsule of figure 3a shows a capsule with low volume 2A while the capsule of figure 3b and 3c shows a capsule with larger volume 2B respectively 2C. The insertion diameter 'D' is here determined at the intersection line between the lower surface of the rim 23 and the upper portion of the body 22. However, it could be another reference diameter of the capsule in the device.
[0061] The low volume 2A capsule preferably contains a quantity of extraction ingredient, for example, ground coffee, less than the quantity for large volume capsules 2B, 2C. Consequently, the small capsule 2A is designed to serve a small portion of coffee between 10 ml and 60 ml with an amount of ground coffee between 4 and 8 grams. The larger capsule 2B is designed to serve a medium-sized coffee, for example, between 60 and 120 ml and the largest capsule is designed to serve a large-sized coffee, for example, between 120 and 500 ml. In addition, the medium size coffee capsule 2B can contain an amount of ground coffee between 6 and 15 grams and the size coffee capsule 2C can contain an amount of ground coffee between 8 and 30 grams.
[0062] In addition, the capsules in the series according to the invention may contain different mixtures of ground and roasted coffee or coffees with different origins and / or with different roasting and / or grinding characteristics.
[0063] The capsule is designed to rotate around the geometric axis Z. This geometric axis Z crosses perpendicularly the center of the lid, which is shaped like a disk. This geometric axis Z ends at the center of the bottom of the body. This geometric axis Z will help to define the notion of "circumference", which is a circular path located in the capsule and which has the geometric axis Z as the reference geometric axis. This circumference can be found on the cover, for example, on the cover or body part such as on the flange-type rim. The lid can be sealed against liquid prior to its insertion in the device or it can be made permeable to liquid through small openings or pores provided in the center and / or in the periphery of the lid.
[0064] Subsequently, the bottom surface of the rim 23 refers to the section of the rim 23 that is located outside the casing formed by the body and the cover and is visible when the capsule is oriented towards the side where its body is visible.
[0065] Other characteristics of the capsules or the series of capsules can be found in WO 2011/0069830, WO 2010/0066705 or WO2011 / 0092301.
[0066] One embodiment of the centrifuge cell 3 with a capsule holder 32 is illustrated by figures 2a and 2b. The support of the capsule 32 generally forms a cylindrical or conical cavity with a wide width provided with an upper opening for the insertion of the capsule and a smaller bottom that delimits the receptacle. The opening is slightly larger in diameter than the diameter of the body 22 of the capsule. The contour of the opening fits the contour of the rim 23 of the capsule configured to rest on the edge of the opening when the capsule is inserted. As a consequence, the rim 23 of the capsule rests at least partially on a receiving part 34 of the capsule support 32. The minor bottom is provided with a cylindrical axis 33 fixed perpendicularly to the center of the outer face of the bottom. Capsule support 32 rotates about the central geometric axis Z of axis 33.
[0067] An optical reading configuration 100 is also shown in figures 2a and 2b. The optical reading configuration 100 is configured to distribute an output signal comprising information regarding the reflectivity level of a surface of the lower surface of the rim 23 of a capsule that rests on the receiving part 34 of the capsule holder 32. The configuration Reading optics are configured to perform optical measurements of a surface of the lower surface of the rim 23 through the capsule holder 32, more particularly through a side wall of the capsule holder in a cylindrical or conical shape 32. Alternatively, the The output may contain differential information, for example differences in reflectivity over time or contrast information. The output signal can be analogous, for example, a voltage signal that varies according to the information measured over time. The output signal can be digital, for example, a binary signal that comprises numerical data of the information measured over time.
[0068] In the embodiment of figures 2a and 2b, the reading configuration 100 comprises a light emitter 103 for emitting a source light beam 105a and a light receiver 102 for receiving a reflected light beam 105b.
[0069] Typically, the light emitter 103 is a light emitting diode or laser diode that emits an infrared light and more particularly, a light with a wavelength of 850nm. Typically, light receiver 103 is a photodiode adapted to convert a received light beam into a current or voltage signal.
[0070] Reading configuration 100 also comprises a processing medium 106 which includes a printed circuit board that has a built-in processor, sensor signal amplifier, signal filters and a circuit for coupling said processing medium 106 to the emitter light 103, light receiver 102 and machine control unit 9.
[0071] The light emitter 103, the light receiver 102 and the processing medium 106 are held in a fixed position by a support 101 rigidly fixed in relation to the frame of the machine. The reading configuration 100 remains in position during an extraction process and is not driven to rotate, unlike the capsule holder 32.
[0072] In particular, the light emitter 103 is arranged so that the original light beam 105a is generally oriented along a line L that crosses at a fixed point F the plane P comprising the receiving part 34 of the support of the capsule 32, said plane P having a normal line N passing through point F. The fixed point F determines an absolute position in the space where the original light beams 105a are designed to reach the reflecting surfaces: the position of the fixed point F remaining unchanged when the capsule holder is rotated. The reading configuration may comprise a focusing means 104 that uses, for example, holes, lenses and / or prisms to make the original light beam 105 more efficiently converge at the fixed point F of the smaller surface of a capsule cap positioned within the capsule holder 32. In particular, the original light beam 105 can be focused to illuminate a disc perceptibly centered at the fixed point F and having a diameter d.
[0073] The reading configuration 100 is configured so that the angle 9E between line L and normal line N is 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 beam of light 105b is generally oriented along a line L 'crossing the fixed point F, the angle 9R between line L' and the normal line N that is comprised between 2nd and 10th and in particular between 4th and 5th as shown in figure 2a. The light receiver 102 is arranged on the support 101 to at least partially gather the reflected light beam 105b, generally oriented along the line L '. The focusing means 104 can also be arranged to make the reflected light beam 105b concentrate more efficiently on the receiver 102. In the embodiment illustrated in figure 2a, 2b, point F, line L and line L 'are coplanar. In another modality, point F, line L and line L 'are not coplanar: for example, the plane passing through point F and line F and the plane passing through point F and line L' are positioned at an angle of perceptually 90 °, which eliminates direct reflection and allows for a more robust reading system with less noise.
[0074] The capsule support 32 is adapted to allow partial transmission of the original beam of light 105a along line L to point F. For example, the side wall that forms the cavity of the support of the wide, cylindrical or conical is configured to be non-opaque to infrared lights. Said side wall can be made of a material based on plastic, which is translucent to infrared light and has entrance surfaces that allow the passage of infrared light.
[0075] As a consequence, when a capsule is positioned in the capsule holder 32, the beam of light 105a reaches the bottom of the rim of said capsule at point F, before forming the reflected beam of light 105b. In this embodiment, the reflected light beam 105b passes through the wall of the capsule holder to the receiver 102.
[0076] The section of the lower surface of the rim 23 of a capsule positioned inside the capsule holder 32 illuminated at point F by the original light beam 105, changes over time only when the capsule holder 34 is driven to rotate . Therefore, a complete revolution of the support of the capsule 32 is necessary so that the original light beam 105 illuminates the entire annular section of the lower surface of the rim.
[0077] The output signal can be computed or generated by measuring the intensity of the reflected light beam over time and possibly comparing its intensity with the intensity of the original light beam. The output signal can be computed or generated by determining the variation over time in the intensity of the reflected light beam.
[0078] The capsule according to the invention comprises at least one optically readable code holder. The code holder can be, in the present part of the flange-type rim. The symbols are represented on the optical code holder. The symbols are arranged in at least one sequence, said sequence encoding a series of information regarding the capsule. Typically, each symbol corresponds to a specific binary value: a first symbol can represent a binary value of '0', while a second symbol can represent a binary value of '1'.
[0079] In particular, the series of information from at least one of the strings may comprise information to recognize a type associated with the capsule, and / or an item or combination of items from the following list: information regarding the parameters for preparing a beverage with a capsule, such as ideal rotational speeds, temperatures of water entering the capsule, temperatures of the drink collector outside the capsule, flow rates of water entering the capsule, sequence of operations during the preparation process, etc. .; information to locally and / or remotely retrieve the parameters for preparing a drink with the capsule, for example, an identifier that allows the recognition of a type of capsule; information regarding the manufacture of the capsule, such as a production batch identifier, a production date, a recommended consumption date, an expiration date, etc .; information to retrieve locally and / or remotely information regarding the manufacture of the capsule.
[0080] Each series of information from at least one of the sequences can comprise redundant information. Consequently, an error check can be carried out by comparison. This also increases the likelihood of a successful reading of the sequence if some parts of the sequence are unreadable. The information series of at least one of the sequences can also comprise information to detect errors, and / or to correct errors in said information series. Information for error detection can comprise repetition codes, parity bits, checksums, cyclic redundancy checks, hash function cryptographic data, etc. Information for error correction may comprise error correction codes, routing error correction codes and in particular, convolutional codes or block codes.
[0081] The symbols arranged in the strings are used to represent the data that drive the series of information regarding the capsule. For example, each string can represent an integer number of bits. Each symbol can encode one or more binary bits. The data can also be represented by transitions between symbols. The symbols can be arranged in sequence using a modulation scheme, for example, an online coding scheme such as a Manchester code.
[0082] Each symbol can be printed and / or embossed. Each symbol can be obtained by treating the code support to obtain a certain roughness. The shape of the symbols can be chosen from the following non-complete list: arc-shaped segments, segments that are individually straight, however, extend over at least part of the section, points, polygons, geometric shapes.
[0083] In one embodiment, each sequence of symbols has the same fixed length and more particularly has a fixed number of symbols. The structure and / or pattern of the sequence being known, can facilitate the recognition of each sequence through the reading configuration.
[0084] In one embodiment, at least one preamble symbol is represented in the section to allow the determination of a start and / or pause position in the section of each sequence. The preamble symbol is chosen to be identified separately from the other symbols. It can have a different shape and / or different physical characteristics compared to the other symbols. Two adjacent sequences can have a preamble symbol in common, which represents the pause of one sequence and the beginning of another.
[0085] In one embodiment, at least one of the sequences comprises symbols that define a preamble sequence to allow the determination of the position of the symbols in said sequential code of the series of information referring to the capsule. The symbols that define a preamble can encode a known sequence of reserved bits, for example, '10101010'.
[0086] In one embodiment, the preamble symbols and / or the preamble strings comprise information to authenticate the series of information, for example, a hash code or a cryptographic signature.
[0087] The symbols are perceptually distributed on at least 1/8 of the circumference of the annular support, preferably in the entire circumference of the annular support. The code can comprise successive arc-shaped segments. Symbols can also comprise successive segments that are individually straight, however, extend across at least part of the circumference.
[0088] The sequence is preferably repeated along the circumference, in order to guarantee a reliable reading. The sequence is repeated at least twice on the circumference. Preferably, the sequence is repeated three to six times on the circumference. Repeating the sequence means that the same sequence is duplicated and the successive sequences are positioned in series along the circumference so that in a 360 degree rotation of the capsule, the same sequence can be detected or read more than once.
[0089] With reference to figure 4, a mode 30a of a code holder is illustrated. The code holder 60a occupies a defined width of the rim 23 of the capsule. The rim 23 of the capsule can essentially comprise an inner annular portion that forms the support 60a and an outer corrugated portion (uncoded). However, it may be that the full width of the rim is occupied by the support 60a, in particular, if the bottom surface of the rim can be made substantially flat. This location is particularly advantageous since 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 by the pyramidal plate and projections of ingredients. As a consequence, the amount of information encoded and the reliability of the readings are both improved. In this embodiment, the code holder 60a comprises 160 symbols, each symbol encodes 1 bit of information. The symbols being contiguous, each symbol has a linear arc length of 2.25 °.
[0090] With reference to figure 5, a mode 60b of a code holder is illustrated in plan view. The code holder 60b is adapted to be associated or to be part of a capsule, so that it is driven to rotate when the capsule is rotated around its geometric axis Z by the centrifuge unit 2. The receiver section of the capsule is the bottom surface of the rim 23 of the capsule. As shown in figure 5, the code holder can be a ring with a circumferential part on which at least one sequence of symbols is represented, so that the user can position it on the circumference of the capsule before inserting it into the boiling unit of the drink machine. Consequently, a capsule without an embedded means for storing information can be modified by mounting such a support to add such information. When the support is a separate part, it can simply be added to the capsule without the use of an additional fixation means, the user ensuring that the support is correctly positioned when it enters the boiling unit or the shape and dimensions of the support preventing it from moving in relation to the capsule once assembled. The code holder 60b can also comprise an additional fixing means for rigidly fixing said element in the receptacle section of the capsule, such as glue or a mechanical means, to help the support to be fixed in relation to the capsule once assembled. As also mentioned, the code holder 60b can also be a part of the rim itself as being integrated into the capsule structure.
[0091] Each symbol is adapted to be measured using the reading configuration 100 when the capsule is positioned inside the capsule holder and when said symbol is aligned with the original light beam 105a at point F. More particularly, each symbol different has a reflectivity level of the original light beam 105a that varies according to the value of said symbol. Each symbol has different reflective and / or absorbing properties of the original light beam 105a.
[0092] Since the reading configuration 100 is adapted to measure only the characteristics of the illuminated section of the code holder, the capsule has to be rotated by the actuation means until the original light beam has illuminated all the symbols included in the code. Typically, the speed for reading the code can be between 0.1 and 2000 rpm.
[0093] The reflective characteristics of the code holder of the invention are determined under defined laboratory conditions. In particular, a first symbol and a second symbol of a capsule modality that are suitable for reliable reading through the reading configuration 100 were measured independently using an optical bench represented in figure 6. The goniometric measurements of the reflection diffuse diffusion of said symbols on the capsule are shown in figures 7 (reflected intensity of each symbol) and 8 (contrast between the symbols).
[0094] Subsequently, the first symbol is more reflective than the second symbol. The configuration for measuring the relative diffuse intensity reflected from each symbol is constructed to be able to independently modify the light source angle 9 and the light detector angle 9 '. The detector is a bare optical fiber connected to a power meter glued to a very fine mechanical tip, which is attached to a motorized arm of the detector. For all measurements, the angle 0 between the origin planes and the detector is equal to 0 = 90 °. The light source is a laser diode that emits light with a wavelength A = 830 nm.
[0095] The diagram in figure 7 shows the relative diffuse reflectivity (geometric axis 210) of the capsule symbols as a function of the angle of the detector 9 '(geometric axis 200). The EREF reference intensity of the reflectivity is measured for the first symbol, with the detector's angle set to 0o and the origin angle set to 5o. The relative diffuse reflectivity of each symbol is calculated in relation to the EREF reference intensity. The curves 220a, 230a, 240a show the relative diffuse reflectivity of the first symbol, respectively, at three different angles of origin 9 = 0o, 5o, 10 °. Curves 220b, 230b, 240b show the relative diffuse reflectivity of the second symbol, respectively, at three different angles of origin 9 = 0o, 5o, 10 °.
[0096] The relative diffuse reflectivity represents at least 60% of the reference intensity EREF for any value of the angle of the detector 9 'comprises between 3 ° and 6 ° and for any value of the angle of origin 9 comprises of 0 ° to 10 °. In particular, the relative diffuse reflectivity represents at least 72% of the reference intensity EREF for any value of the angle of the detector 9 'comprises between 2.5 ° and 4.4 ° and for any value of the origin angle 9 comprises of 0 ° at 10 °.
[0097] The diagram in figure 8 shows the optical contrast (geometry axis 310) between the first and second symbols as a function of the angle of the detector 9 '(geometry axis 300). Optical contrast is defined by the following mathematical expression, where i1, i2 respectively represent the intensity reflected by the first and second symbols respectively for the detector, in the same given configuration of angles 9 and 9 '. Curves 320, 330, 340, 350 show, respectively, at four different angles of origin 9 = 0o, 5o, 10o, 15o, said optical contrast. The lowest contrast value is, in any case, greater than 65%, which allows for reliable signal processing. In particular, the optical contrast is greater than 80% for any value of the angle of the detector 9 'comprises between 2.5 ° and 4.4 ° and for any value of the origin angle 9 comprises between 10 ° and 15 °. In particular, the optical contrast is greater than 75% for any value of detector angle 9 'greater than 6 ° and for any value of origin angle 9 comprises from 0 ° to 15 °.
[0098] Figure 9 illustrates a preferred mode of an optically readable code holder 30 of the invention in circumferential cross-sectional view of figure 4. The code holder 30 comprises a readable side A (external) and a non-readable side B (internal) . On its readable side A, the support comprises successive light-reflecting surfaces 400-403 and light-absorbing surfaces 410414. The light-absorbing surfaces 410-414 are formed by the base structure 500, which comprises several overlapping layers while the absorbing surfaces 400-403 light particles are formed by overlapping the base structure in local circumferential areas, discrete discrete portions of light absorbing material, preferably distinct portions of paint layers 528 applied on the base structure. The base structure comprises a preferably monolithic layer of metal 510, preferably aluminum (or an aluminum alloy) on which a transparent polymeric primer 515 is coated, preferably made of isocyanate or polyester. The thickness of the metal, for example, aluminum layer, can be a determining factor for the formability of the support within a containment structure of the capsule (for example, body and rim). For reasons of formability, the aluminum layer is preferably comprised between 40 and 250 microns, more preferably between 50 and 150 microns. Within these ranges, the thickness of aluminum can also provide gas-proof properties to preserve the freshness of the ingredient in the capsule, in particular, when the capsule still comprises a gas-proof membrane sealed over the rim.
[0099] The code holder can be formed from a laminate which is deformed to form the rim 22 and the body 23 of the capsule (figures 3a-3b). In such a case, the laminate has the composition of the base structure 500 and is printed with the light absorbing portions of ink 400-403 in the flat configuration prior to the capsule forming operation (e.g., body, rim). The printing of the ink portions must therefore take into account the subsequent deformation of the laminate so that it allows precise positioning of the coded surface. The type of paint can be one-component, two-component, PVC-based inks or non-PVC inks. Black ink is preferred as it provides lower reflectivity and greater contrast than color inks. However, the black ink portions could be replaced by equivalent colored ink portions, preferably dark or opaque inks. The ink can comprise, for example, 50-80% by weight of colored pigments.
[00100] Preferably, the metal layer is made of aluminum and has a thickness between 6 and 250 microns. The primer allows to level the roughness of the metal layer (that is, aluminum). It also improves the placement of paints on the metal layer, in particular aluminum. The primer must remain relatively thin to decrease the diffusion of the light beam. Preferably, the thickness of the primer is comprised between 0.1 and 5 microns, more preferably between 0.1 and 3 microns. The density of the primer is preferably between 2 and 3 gsm, for example, it is about 2.5 gsm.
[00101] Optionally, the base structure may comprise additional layers on the non-readable side, preferably a polymeric layer such as polypropylene or polyethylene and an adhesive layer 525 for bonding the polymer layer 520 with metal layer 510 or a varnish with hot seal that makes it possible to seal the cover or membrane over the rim of the capsule or a varnish or internal protective enamel. The support as defined can form an integrated part of the capsule, for example, the flange-type rim and the capsule body.
[00102] A preferred base structure according to the method of figure 9, comprises respectively from side B to side A of the support: a layer of polypropylene with 30 microns, an adhesive, a layer of aluminum with 90 microns, a layer of polyester of 2 microns and the density of 2.5 gsm and the portions of black ink of 1 micron. In an alternative way, the primer layer is replaced by a varnish with a thickness of 5 microns, preferably the density of 5.5 gsm and containing 5% (by weight) metal pigments. It should be noted that an additional clear protective coating can be applied over primer 515 to cover and protect paint layers 528 (not shown).
[00103] Figure 10 refers to another mode of the code holder 30 of the invention. In this case, the base structure comprises a varnish 530 that replaces the primer 510 of figure 9. The varnish is a polymeric layer that incorporates metallic pigments 535 such as aluminum, silver or copper pigments or mixtures thereof. Paint layers 528 are applied over the varnish. The thickness of the varnish is slightly greater than the thickness of the primer 510 of figure 9, preferably it is between 3 and 8 microns, more preferably between 5 and 8 microns. Metallic pigments make it possible to compensate for the reduced reflectivity of the metal layer by the increased thickness of the polymer. The varnish also levels the roughness of the metal layer. Preferably, the proportion of metallic pigments to varnish is at least 1% by weight, more preferably between 2 and 10% by weight. It should be noted that an additional clear protective coating can be applied over the varnish 530 to cover and protect the paint layers 528 (not shown). Figure 11 refers to another mode of the code holder 30 of the invention. In this case, the base structure 500 comprises a layer of metal and / or polymer 540 having reflective surfaces 610-615 and rough surfaces 600-604. Reflective surfaces 610615 can be obtained by providing a roughness Rz less than 5 microns, preferably between 0.2 and 2 microns. Light absorbing surfaces 600-604 are obtained by forming portions of rough surfaces with a Rz roughness greater than 2 microns and more preferably greater than 5 microns. For example, reflective surfaces are formed in the polymeric layer 540, such as polyester or isocyanate, which includes metal pigments 545. The rough surfaces of the base structure can be obtained using any suitable technique such as sandblasting, shot blasting, grinding, laser engraving, chemical attack and combinations thereof. The proportion of pigments in the polymeric layer 540 can be at least 5% by weight, preferably between 10 and 30% by weight. A support layer 510 can be provided, which is preferably a metal layer such as aluminum. It should be noted that layers 510 and 540 could be replaced with a single layer of metal or polymer. It should be noted that an additional clear protective coating can be applied over layer 540 to cover and protect the light-reflecting and light-absorbing surfaces 600-615 (not shown).
[00104] In the present invention, reference to specific metals encompasses the possible alloys of such metals, where the metal represents the main component by weight, for example, aluminum encompasses aluminum alloys. Examples:
[00105] The capsules that comprise an integrated code support were tested to evaluate the signal reflectivity level (bit 1 / bit 0). The tests were carried out in a simplified configuration of the device of figures 2a and 2b with the capsule support 32 removed and replaced by a transparent fixing plate that supports the capsule rim and which is equipped with an open air passage for the light. The angle between the sending path and the receiving path was 8o, distributed with 4o on each side of the normal geometric axis N. Example 1 - Detectable code with light-deflecting duperface by the Base structure of the sore varnish and the Light-absorbing surfaces by the overlapping portions of paint.
[00106] The support comprises a reflective base structure formed by aluminum of 30 microns coated with varnish pigmented with aluminum of 5 microns and 5.5 gsm. The absorbent surfaces were formed by a layer of black PVC paint with a micron sold by Siegwerk. The reflecting surfaces were produced by the base structure (bit 1) and the absorbing surfaces (bit 0) were produced by the black ink portions. The maximum reflectivity measured for the reflecting surfaces (bit 1) was 2.68%. The dispersion in bit 1 was 1.32%. The minimum reflectivity measured for the absorbing surfaces (bit 0) was 0.73%. The dispersion in bit 0 was 0.48%. The results are graphically illustrated in figure 12. Example 2 - Detectable code with light-reflecting surface by the base structure with colorless primer and light-absorbing surfaces by the overlapping portions of paint.
[00107] The reflectivity measurement was performed in an empty capsule that comprises an optical reading support comprising a base structure that forms the reflective surfaces and the portions of paint that form the absorbent surfaces. For this, the base structure comprises from side B to side A (legible) respectively: a layer of 30 micron polypropylene, adhesive, a layer of 90 microns aluminum, a polyester primer of 2 microns and 2.5 gsm (density). The 1 micron discontinuous black ink bit portions sold by Siegwerk were printed on the primer surface. The support was formed by embedding inside a capsule body after printing the ink. The reflecting surfaces were therefore produced by the base structure (bit 1) and the absorbing surfaces (bit 0) were produced by the black ink portions. Support reflectivity was measured. The results are graphically illustrated in figure 13. The maximum reflectivity measured for the reflecting surfaces (bit 1) was 5.71%. The dispersion in bit 1 was 1.49%. The minimum reflectivity measured for the absorbent surfaces (bit 0) was 0.87%. The dispersion in bit 0 was 0.47%. Example 3 - Code not detectable with light-absorbing surfaces by the base structure and light-reflecting surfaces by overlapping portions of paint.
[00108] The reflectivity measurement was performed in an empty capsule that comprises an optical reading support comprising a base structure that forms the absorbent surfaces and the portions of paint that form the reflective surfaces. For this, a support aluminum layer was covered with a continuous matte black varnish with a thickness of 5 microns. The reflecting surfaces were produced by the distinct portions of paint that are 1 micron thick and contain an additional 25% by weight of silver reflective light pigments. Surprisingly, the signal was not sufficiently differentiable between bit 1 and bit 0. The results are graphically illustrated in figure 14. The maximum reflectivity measured for the reflective surfaces (bit 1) was 0.93%. The minimum reflectivity measured for the reflecting surfaces (bit 1) was 0.53%. The minimum reflectivity measured for the absorbing surfaces (bit 0) was 0.21%. The dispersion in bit 0 was 0.23%.
[00109] Example 4 - An optically readable code holder (30, 60a, 60b) to be associated or to be part of a capsule designed for the distribution of a drink in a beverage production device by centrifuging the capsule, the support comprising at least one sequence of symbols represented on the support so that each symbol is sequentially readable by a reading configuration of an external reading device while the capsule is driven in rotation along a geometric axis of rotation, in which the symbols are essentially formed by light reflecting surfaces (400403; 610-615) and light absorbing surfaces (410-414; 600-604) characterized by the fact that it comprises a base structure (500) that extends continuously through the least along said sequence of symbols and distinct light-absorbing portions that are discontinuous (528; 628) locally applied or formed on the surface of said base structure; in which the distinct light-absorbing portions that are discontinuous form the light-absorbing surfaces and the base structure (500) forms the light-reflecting surfaces (400-403; 610-615) outside the surface areas occupied by the different absorbing portions of light; said distinct light absorbing portions (410-414; 600-604) are arranged to provide a lower reflectivity of light than the reflectivity of the base structure outside the surface areas occupied by the distinct light absorbing portions.
[00110] Example 5: Optically readable code holder according to example 4, in which the light reflecting base structure (500) comprises a metal arranged in the structure to provide the light reflecting surfaces.
[00111] Example 6: Optically readable code support according to example 5, in which the light reflecting base structure comprises a monolithic metal support layer (510) and / or a layer of light reflecting particles (530, 540) preferably, metal pigments in a polymeric matrix.
[00112] Example 7: Optically readable code support according to examples 5 or 6, in which the metal is chosen from the group consisting of: aluminum, silver, iron, tin, gold, copper and combinations thereof.
[00113] Example 8: Optically readable code support according to examples 6 or 7, in which the light-reflecting base structure comprises a monolithic metal support layer (510) coated with a transparent polymeric primer (515) so forming reflective surfaces (410-414) or an internal polymeric layer coated by an external metallic layer (for example, by vapor metallization of the polymeric layer).
[00114] Example 9: Optically readable code holder according to example 8, in which the transparent, non-metallic polymeric primer (515) has a thickness of less than 5 microns, more preferably between 0.1 and 3 microns.
[00115] Example 10: Optically readable code support according to example 7, in which the light-reflecting base structure comprises a monolithic metal support layer (510) or a polymeric support layer; said layer being coated with a varnish (530) which comprises light reflecting particles, preferably metal pigments (535).
[00116] Example 11: Optically readable code holder according to example 10, in which the varnish (530) has a thickness greater than 3 microns and less than 10 microns, preferably between 5 and 8 microns.
[00117] Example 12: Optically readable code holder according to examples 10 or 11, in which the varnish (530) comprises between 2 and 10% by weight of metal pigments (535), preferably about 5% in pigments weight.
[00118] Example 13: Optically readable code holder according to any of the preceding examples 4 to 12, in which the light-absorbing discontinuous portions (528) are formed by an ink applied on said base structure (500) .
[00119] Example 14: Optically readable code holder according to example 13, in which the ink has a thickness between 0.25 and 3 microns.
[00120] Example 15: Optically readable code holder according to examples 13 or 14, in which the ink comprises at least 50% by weight of pigments, more preferably about 60% by weight.
[00121] Example 16: Optically readable code holder according to any of the preceding examples 4 to 15, in which the light-absorbing discontinuous portions (528) form the rough surfaces (600-604) of the base structure it has a roughness (Rz) of at least 2 microns, preferably between 2 and 10 microns, more preferably of about 5 microns.
[00122] Examples 17: Optically readable code support according to example 16, in which portions of rough surfaces are obtained by applying a rough layer of paint on the base structure or it is formed directly on the surface of the base structure (500) by sandblasting, shot blasting, grinding, chemical attack, laser engraving, metal forming in mold and combinations thereof.
[00123] Example 18: Capsule comprising an optically readable code holder according to any of the preceding examples 4 to 17.
[00124] Example 19: Capsule for dispensing a beverage in a beverage production device through centrifugation comprising a body (22), a flange-type rim (23) and an optically readable code holder (30, 60a , 60b) according to any of the preceding examples 4 through 18, in which the code holder (30, 60a, 60b) is an integral part of at least the rim (23) of the capsule, in which the body (22) and the rim (23) of the capsule are obtained by means of metal forming, such as by inlaying, a flat or preformed structure and comprising said support (30, 60a, 60b).

权利要求:
Claims (15)
[0001]
1. Support of optically readable code (30) adapted to be associated or to be part of a capsule designed for the distribution of a drink in a beverage production device, the support comprising at least a sequence of symbols represented on the support so that each symbol is sequentially readable by a reading configuration of an external reading device while the capsule is driven in rotation along a geometric axis of rotation, in which the symbols are essentially formed by a pattern of the light-reflecting surface portions ( 610-615) and the portions of light-absorbing surfaces (600-604); said portions of light absorbing surfaces providing a lower light reflecting intensity than light reflecting surface portions, in which the code holder comprises at least one layer or base structure (500) which extends continuously at least along said sequence of symbols, characterized by the fact that the portions of light-absorbing surfaces are portions of rough surfaces that have a greater roughness (Rz) than the light-reflecting surface portions.
[0002]
2. Optically readable code holder (30) according to claim 1, characterized in that the light-reflecting surface portions are not rough or are mirror-reflective surfaces of the layer or base structure itself.
[0003]
Optically readable code holder (30) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the light-absorbing surfaces are integrally formed in the base layer or structure.
[0004]
4. Optically readable code support according to claim 3, characterized in that the light-absorbing surfaces are formed in the base layer or structure using any of the methods of: sandblasting, shot blasting, grinding, chemical attack , laser engraving, metal forming in mold and combinations thereof.
[0005]
5. Optically readable code holder according to claim 4, characterized in that the light-absorbing surfaces are formed by injection molding of the base layer or structure.
[0006]
6. Optically readable code holder according to claim 2, characterized in that the portions of light absorbing surfaces are formed by one or more portions of a layer or deposit of rough material applied on the base layer or structure.
[0007]
7. Optically readable code holder according to claim 1, characterized in that the light-reflecting surface portions are formed by one or more portions of a layer or deposit of material applied on a rough surface layer or structure .
[0008]
8. Optically readable code holder (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light-absorbing surfaces have a roughness (Rz) of at least 2 microns, preferably between 2 and 100 microns, more preferably about 5 and 10 microns.
[0009]
9. Optically readable code support (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light-reflecting surfaces have a roughness of less than 2 microns.
[0010]
10. Optically readable code holder according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light-reflecting surface portions and the light-absorbing surface portions are arranged so that a beam of incident light with a certain inclination is reflected , at a maximum intensity level, the beams of light reflected almost within the same angle of reflection or angles of reflection which differ from each other by less than 90 degrees, preferably differ from each other by less than 45 degrees.
[0011]
11. Optically readable code support according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it has an annular configuration.
[0012]
12. Optically readable code holder according to claim 11, characterized in that the pattern of the light-reflecting surface portions (610-615) and the light-absorbing surface portions (600-604) extends totally or partially by the circumference of the support.
[0013]
13. Capsule, characterized by the fact that it comprises an optically readable code support as defined in any of the preceding claims.
[0014]
14. Method for producing an optically readable code holder as defined in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the light-absorbing surfaces are integrally formed in the base layer or structure and are obtained through any one of the methods of: sand blasting, shot blasting, grinding, chemical attack, laser engraving, formation of metal in mold and combinations thereof.
[0015]
15. Injection mold for the production of an optically readable support as defined in any one of claims 1 to 8, through injection molding of an injectable material such as plastic, characterized by the fact that the mold comprises a surface molding preferably annular; said surface comprising a series of distinct portions of rough surfaces for molding portions of light-absorbing surfaces and a series of distinct portions of reflective surfaces or portions having less roughness than portions of rough surfaces for molding portions light-reflecting surfaces.

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BR112014011486B1|2021-12-14|OPTICALLY READABLE CODE HOLDER, CAPSULE COMPRISING AN OPTICALLY READABLE CODE HOLDER AND EDENTED CAPSULE FOR SUPPLYING A BEVERAGE

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IN2014DN03303A|2015-05-22|

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法律状态:
2018-12-04| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|

---

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

---

2019-11-26| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|

---

2020-06-23| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|

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2020-11-10| 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 14/11/2012, 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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EP11189232|2011-11-15|

---

EP11189232.9|2011-11-15|

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PCT/EP2012/072536|WO2013072326A1|2011-11-15|2012-11-14|Optical readable code support and capsule for preparing a beverage having such code support providing an enhanced readable optical signal|

---