Method for providing information to a user from a capsule for the preparation of a beverage using a code

[0001] The invention relates to a method of providing information to a user from a capsule for producing a beverage in a beverage dispensing device using a code such as an identification code on the capsule.

BACKGROUND [0002] Previously, capsule systems having an identification code for setting parameters in a beverage production machine have been proposed. For example, capsules or cartridges containing coffee, milk, chocolate, tea or combinations of these ingredients are used in specially designed machines in which water is supplied to the capsule under pressure and interacts with the ingredients to form a drink. Such machines can operate under different pressures.

[0003] WO 02/28241 describes a cartridge for producing hot or cold drinks, in which the packet comprises a machine-interpreted feature that can be interpreted to direct the beverage-making machine to perform a specific brewing operation suitable for a specific brewing packet.

[0004] WO02 / 074144 describes a beverage brewing system comprising a beverage brewing device recognition system enabling the beverage brewing system to recognize the presence, type and / or purpose of the beverage brewing device placed in the system.

[0005] In WO02 / 078498, a machine-readable identifier on a packaging portion that contains ground coffee for espresso machines is provided in a rotationally symmetrical manner, allowing its easy and reliable reading on a substantially flat surface of the packaging portion. The packaging portion is preferably a portion of the capsule with a substantially round bottom on which the identifier is applied coaxially. The problem is that reading the code requires reading from the capsule after a long path of capsule movement, which forces the capsule to move to carry out the reading. Furthermore, the surface on which the code is printed is usually not flat but rather convex due to the pressure of the gases inside the capsule. As a result, the code may deform and its reading may be distorted. Finally, the code contains too limited information, which makes this solution not very attractive.

[0006] In order to solve the problems of code printed on flexible surfaces, such as in WO02 / 078498, attempts have been made to flatten surfaces using mechanical device elements such as in EP1593329. However, such a method may break the capsule and cause mechanical friction in the device, which is undesirable and may even cause accidental tearing of the package.

[0007] EP 1440640 describes a method of producing at least one range of beverages comprising various steps including inserting at least one beverage cartridge, operating the user interface to start a working cycle, creating a specific brewing cycle based on a traditional bar code, passing an aqueous medium through beverage cartridge to form a beverage, wherein the temperature, pre-wetting, the volumetric flow rate and air scrubbing of the aqueous medium are set based on the code, and the delivery of the jet pump means in a specified cartridge to provide foaming of the beverage.

EP 2 525 692 [0008] There were also solutions that consisted of replacing the optical code with a radio frequency code such as in EP1715778. However, this technology is still expensive due to disposable containers such as beverage capsules.

[0009] WO 2009007292 describes a method for a reading device in beverage production equipment, for reading a one-dimensional image or a multidimensional pattern on drinks or a service dial that is inserted into an open brewing chamber in this equipment, and before starting production or service operation , moves from the loading position to the closed position via intermediate positions during the closing operation of the brewing chamber. It was developed due to the fact that the reading device is activated before closing the brewing chamber, which results in that at least one image of the pattern is recorded before reaching the closed position. The problem here is the complexity of the image processing process, in particular the comparison of several images, which is necessary.

[0010] Generally, prior art systems have a problem of limited communication with the device and / or user. In the prior art, the code is generally used to set brewing parameters of the beverage production device. There is a need to improve communication both during beverage production and at other times.

[0011] In addition, there is also a problem in the prior art with obtaining a reliable reading of the capsule identification code. Attempts have been made to improve identification, but the implementation of most solutions has been complicated and / or created new problems.

[0012] In general, the capsule must be precisely positioned or inserted into the beverage device to ensure a correct reading of the optical bar code on the machine. For example, in EP 1440640, the capsule must be placed in one specific orientation in the capsule holder to enable reading by means of capsule recognition means (see figure 40). Thus, there are clear limits to the possible automation of the beverage production device, in particular if several capsules need to be read sequentially in the device.

[0013] EP 2085000, which is considered to be the closest prior art, discloses coffee brewing equipment comprising a suitable coffee brewer as well as a sensor that is configured and intended to detect food ingredients and thus serves to brew coffee beverages. This coffee brewing equipment further includes an external network interface that is configured and intended to facilitate communication with a remote resource (or resources). Coffee making equipment may further include an end user interface and a processor operatively coupled to a sensor, an external network interface and an end user interface, and which is configured and intended to independently use information on food ingredients that are used to brew coffee beverages, to facilitate obtaining relevant feedback from a remote resource and then present this information to the end user via the end user interface. This document does not provide a technical solution to the problem of placing the code on the capsule in such a way that the machine can read it regardless of the position of said capsule in said machine.

Returning to EP 1593329, this document does not disclose or even suggest the possibility of placing a read code in a place of the capsule that would allow reading without the need for specific placing of the capsule in the machine. To the contrary, this document recommends providing a machine with means for positioning the capsule made of a resistance plane to ensure that the capsule is

EP 2 525 692 located in front of the sensor and also made of a stretching member to ensure that the configuration of the surface of the capsule is suitable for proper detection and reading by said sensor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0015] The present invention alleviates the problems of the prior art systems by providing a simple, reliable and economical solution for capsule identification, information communication and parameter setting that can also be implemented in any beverage production device, including high throughput automated devices, in whose key is to reliably identify the capsules they contain, as when making multi-component drinks from several capsules. The invention also provides solutions to improve communication with the user during beverage production periods and / or at other times.

[0016] The invention further relates to a method of providing a user with information from a beverage production capsule in a beverage production device comprising providing the capsule with a two-dimensional bar code thereon, capturing at least one bar code image via a digital camera and displaying on the display.

[0017] In particular, the digital camera may be part of the beverage production device. In another method, the decoded information is configured to be displayed on a digital camera of a portable telecommunications terminal. To this end, one or more programs are provided in the portable terminal to allow the user to display decoded code information on the display in an exhaustive manner.

[0018] The displayed information includes direct information and / or web addresses. Direct information should generally be understood as information obtained directly from data contained in the bar code, such as product information, brewing parameters or user instructions.

[0019] In the proposed method, the operation may consist of selecting data from a data set contained in the code prior to displaying said information.

[0020] In one possible way, the information displayed is a code image. In this case, the image is preferably obtained from a digital camera of the beverage production device. The code image may then capture a second digital camera, preferably from a portable telecommunications terminal. [0021] The method may also include displaying information prompting the user to follow the instructions for making the drink. In particular, the instructions include inserting the capsule into the beverage production device and / or waiting for delivery of the beverage ingredient.

[0022] In the method according to the invention, the displayed decoded information may include information encouraging the user to enter the website or automatically redirecting him to the website.

[0023] In the proposed method, the capsule contains a two-dimensional bar code in the central area of ​​the sealing membrane.

[0024] More specifically, the capsule of the invention comprises:

a body comprising at least one compartment for housing said beverage ingredients and a flange-like rim extending outwardly and transverse to the central axis (1) of said body;

membrane for closing the opening, which is tightly clamped on the flange rim,

EP 2 525 692 an optical code containing binary information configured to be read by means of a beverage production device apparatus, where the optical code is a two-dimensional bar code with rectilinear boundaries and which is inscribed in a circular concentric region in relation to the center (O) of the membrane with a radius smaller than membrane radius.

[0025] The capsule of the invention provides several advantages.

[0026] First of all, the capsules no longer need to be specifically inserted in a predetermined position into the capsule holder or charger to ensure correct detection. A degree of freedom is provided for positioning the capsule relative to its central axis. This greatly facilitates inserting the capsule into the device.

[0027] Secondly, in particular due to its small size, the code can be identified without flattening the packaging and without having to move the device relative to the capsule (or vice versa) to read the code. Thus, the code can be read when the capsule is in a static position, which makes the device simpler and more reliable. Furthermore, the effect on the visual properties of the capsule, such as brand, color, marking, etc., is not as great as in the prior art.

[0028] Third, the two-dimensional code contains more information than a typical optical code, thus offering a greater choice of parameterization and improved communication.

[0029] Preferably, the two-dimensional bar code is inscribed in a circular area with a radius below 15 mm, preferably below 13 mm. As a result, the capsule reading can be carried out when the capsule is stationary and the apparatus is positioned relatively close to the capsule, thus not affecting the simplicity or compactness of the device.

[0030] In addition, the two-dimensional code is sandwiched between at least one inner opaque layer and an outer transparent layer of the membrane. As a result, the code is protected against external physical and / or chemical attacks, but also provides sufficient contrast for reading despite its small size.

[0031] The two-dimensional bar code contains information in binary format including: product information, authorization data, brewing parameter settings, URL and combinations thereof.

[0032] The capsule system of the invention for producing a beverage from a capsule comprises:

a beverage production device comprising capsule handling means including a capsule holder for housing a capsule and an identification and control means, wherein the identification and control means comprises a digital camera disposed in a manner dependent on the means for operation and intended to capture a two-dimensional image of the digital code placed on the capsule and to transmit said image or associated binary information to the control unit of the identification and control means.

[0033] Said identification means and control means may comprise a display for displaying product information in a decoded form from said image or binary information. [0034] In a preferred embodiment, the system contains a range of capsules corresponding to different beverage families (e.g. espresso, lungo, latte macchiato, cappuccino, etc.). For at least two capsules in this range, the code of each capsule has a different matrix size that is adapted to encode information regarding its beverage family. The apparatus of the device is therefore also intended to read bar codes of at least two matrix sizes, to identify which beverage family the identified capsule belongs to.

[0035] In a particular method, the code for the at least two capsules may contain a number of bits that differ depending on the number of characters in the name of the drink.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0036] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be detailed in the present description of the drawings. Figure 1 shows a side view of the capsule according to the invention,

Figure 2 is a top view of the capsule of figure 1,

Figure 2a shows an enlarged view of Figure 2,

Figure 2b shows an enlarged view of Figure 2 according to a first variant,

Figure 2c shows an enlarged view of Figure 2 according to a second variant,

Figure 2d shows an enlarged view of Figure 2 according to a third variant,

Figure 3 illustrates the capsule in read mode in the device according to the invention,

Figure 4 shows the top of the capsule when reading in read mode in a device according to the invention,

Figure 5 illustrates the system of the invention when the capsule is in the insertion mode of the device, Figure 6 illustrates the system of figure 5 when the capsule is in the read mode,

Figure 7 illustrates the system of Figure 5 when the capsule is in brewing mode,

Figure 8 illustrates a method of communication using a capsule system according to the invention with a mobile telecommunications terminal,

Figure 9 illustrates barcode processing on a capsule using a mobile telecommunications terminal,

Figure 10 illustrates obtaining information from a portable telecommunications device from an image displayed on a beverage production device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0037] The invention relates to a capsule containing beverage ingredients for producing a beverage by injecting liquid into the capsule and interacting the liquid with these ingredients. Beverage ingredients include: roasted and ground coffee, express coffee, leaf tea, powdered tea, cocoa, cream or other creamer, chicory, fruit or vegetable extracts, culinary extract and combinations thereof. Additives such as sweeteners, flavors, thickeners, edible carriers, dyes, foaming agents, stabilizers, buffers, emulsifiers, processing aids and combinations thereof may also be added in appropriate amounts. The term "capsule" generally refers to any disposable packaging that can be rigid, semi-rigid, sometimes even flexible, including cartridges, containers or liners, sachets, etc., used in a beverage production machine by injecting liquid under pressure , usually water, at a certain temperature (hot, cold or at ambient temperature), to interact with the ingredients contained in the packaging and to provide the packaging with a liquid or partially liquid product (i.e. beverage). The interaction between the liquid and the ingredients can be effected by extraction, dissolution, dilution, infusion, dispersion, mixing, emulsification and combinations thereof.

[0038] The capsule 1 usually comprises a body 2 comprising at least one inner compartment for containing the beverage ingredients. The body may be a central solid I rotation, such as a generally truncated cone cup, with a wider side and a narrower side terminated with a delivery tube 3. On its wider side, the body includes a flange-like rim 4 extending outwards and transverse to the central axis I . The body is closed by the upper membrane 5 tightly clamped on the flange-like rim 4, thus defining the inner compartment together with the body. Inside

The capsule may contain means for opening the closing wall on the delivery conduit as described in patent EP1472156B1.

[0039] With reference to figure 2, a top view of the capsule of figure 1 is illustrated, showing the membrane 5 and its annular portion 6 tightly clamped on the flange-like rim. The membrane is not necessarily flat. Sometimes, the gas-tight membrane bulges slightly outward due to internal gas pressure (carbon dioxide, nitrogen, etc.). The membrane comprises a central axis "O" which marks the point of the central axis "I" at the intersection with the surface of the membrane.

[0040] As more clearly illustrated with reference to figure 2a, the membrane 5 comprises a DataMatrix optical code 7 containing binary information to be read by the apparatus of the beverage production device, as will be explained. The optical code is a two-dimensional code with straight lines 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d. In a manner known per se, the illustrated bar code is a matrix code made of small square cells that represent bits ("0" if the cell is light and "1" if the cell is dark or vice versa). The left border 7a and the bottom border 7b form the "L" shape, which is known as the positioning pattern and is used to locate and orient the code. The upper boundary 7c and the right boundary 7c represent a synchronization pattern that provides the number of bits that determines the size of the code matrix. The coding for such a special code is described in more detail in the ISO, ISO / IEC 16022 standard.

[0041] According to the invention, the optical code 7 is inscribed in a circular area 8 (illustrated by a circle drawn with a dashed line) whose center is concentric with the center "O" of the membrane and whose radius "R" is smaller, preferably at least 1.5 times, most preferably at least two times smaller than the "R0" radius of the membrane. As defined, the code is inscribed in circular area 8 when none of its vertices exceeds the boundaries of the circular area. The radius "R0" represents the radius of the entire membrane including the tightly clamped part 6.

[0042] In the example of figure 2a, the code is formed of four borders 7–7d of varying length forming a square with four vertices that intersect with the boundaries of the circular area (ie the circle drawn with dashed lines).

[0043] In the example of figure 2b, the code is formed from a rectangular polygon with four vertices that intersect with the border of the circular area. In this way, the longer sides of the rectangular code intersect the boundary of the circular area (i.e. the circle drawn with dashed lines).

[0044] In the example of figure 2c, the code is formed in the form of a square code which is eccentric with respect to the center "O" but is still inscribed in a circular area whose center is concentric with the center "O" of the membrane. In particular, one vertex of the square code crosses the boundary of a circular area (i.e. a circle drawn with dashed lines).

[0045] In the example of figure 2d, the code is formed in the form of a rectangular code which is eccentric with respect to the center "O" but is still inscribed in a circular area whose center is concentric with the center "O" of the membrane. In particular, one vertex of a rectangular code crosses the boundary of a circular area (i.e. a circle drawn with dashed lines).

[0046] Usually, the code eccentric occurs because the membrane is cut and tightly clamped at a high speed on the body after the code is placed on it, whereby the centering of the membrane cannot be ensured during production. Typically, a maximum eccentric code center value relative to center O of about 5 mm is possible.

[0047] In all these examples, the radius "R" of the circular region 8 is much smaller than the radius "R0" of the membrane. Hence, the circular area defines a code-restricting zone that must be observed to provide the advantages of the present invention, in particular reliable detection in all angular positions of the capsule, as will be explained later. The boundaries of area 8 are only virtual (illustrated with dashed lines) and do not need to be visible on the capsule. Preferably, the bar code is inscribed in the circular area 8, as previously defined, with a radius "R" of less than 15 mm, preferably less than 13 mm, most preferably between 3 and 11 mm. In more favorable designs, the bar code has an area below 120 mm², most preferably it is between 20 and 90 mm². The lower limit is essentially dependent on the limitations of the reading detection technology, but also the possible visual defects of the code that occur during printing on or in the membrane.

[0048] The invention is not necessarily limited to the DataMatrix code, which is illustrated, but relates to any two-dimensional bar code consisting of a matrix code comprising black and white or colored modules arranged to form a square or rectangular pattern and including any of the following code standards: DataMatrix code, Semacode, Quick Response ("QR") code, Aztec code, Maxi-code or EZ-code. All these codes use the same two-dimensional principles, although they use different coding algorithms and different symbolologies using symbol patterns such as squares, points, circles, etc. hidden in the form of images and their combinations.

[0049] The bar code is designed to have a matrix size sufficient to contain beverage information (i.e., "product information"), beverage production parameters in the beverage production device, update bits, error bits and optical reference bits . Preferably, the size of the matrix (i.e., the number of rows per number of columns representing the number of bits) is between 10 on 10 and 22 on 20, preferably between 12 on 12 and 18 on 18.

[0050] The bar code can be a visible eye pattern placed in the layers of the membrane 4 to protect against scratches, hot liquid and the like. In particular, the membrane preferably comprises at least one inner opaque layer and at least one transparent or translucent layer, the code being sandwiched between the two layers. For example, the bar code may be printed directly on the surface of said inner or outer layer or may be printed on a label that is sandwiched between these two layers. Preferably, the opaque layer is made of a polymer selected from PP, PE, PET and combinations thereof. The outer layer is preferably selected from PET. For example, the membrane contains two opaque PP and PET layers of 70 and 12 microns, respectively, and one outer transparent PET layer of about 10-20 microns.

[0051] In one possible alternative, the bar code may be a pattern invisible to the naked eye, such as a code printed with a special paint, and may be readable using a special light frequency range such as UV. In particular, a special invisible pattern can be used to distinguish original capsules from counterfeit capsules.

[0052] In terms of product information, information may be included in the code regarding the name of the drink that allows the capsule to be identified. The full name of the drinks may therefore be available as a binary part of the code using 125 bits. Other product information such as capsule expiration date can also be included in the code using other code bits.

[0053] A beverage name such as an alphabetic or alpha-numeric sequence ("espresso", "lungo", "cappuccino", "latte macchiato", etc.) can thus be included in the code as a bit sequence. Name

EP 2 525 692 can then be displayed on a display 12 connected to or forming part of the device, e.g. before and / or during manufacture.

[0054] In one possible way, the 2-D barcode contains a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) that allows the user to connect, via the display and conformational means, to the website of the capsule supplier. The communication means may be a portable telecommunications device such as a mobile telephone, PDA, etc., with the function of a digital camera, or they may be embedded in a beverage production device. To this end, the beverage production device comprises a communication unit intended for accessing a website via an internet transmitter and a web browser. Thus, it is easy to display information services such as current commercial offers, advertisements or information about products, or by using the display, the user can offer services related to ordering capsules (e.g. in a virtual store operated by the website).

[0055] Regarding the parameters associated with the device settings, the 2-D barcode contains bits associated with storing information such as:

- water temperature, e.g. hot, warm, ambient temperature, cold,

- the volume of the drink, e.g. 25, 40, 110, 150, 250, 500 mL, etc.,

- the type of ingredients, e.g. roasted & ground coffee, soluble ingredient, herbal tea, etc.,

- capsule emptying operation, in particular for the soluble ingredient,

- capsule type, e.g. single, two in one, doppio, etc.,

- brewing time, in particular for the ingredient to be brewed,

- the serial number of each capsule related to the database,

- update data and combinations thereof.

[0056] As illustrated in figure 3, the beverage production device comprises a capsule identification and control means 9 whose function is information, setting parameters of the beverage production device and optionally providing the user with information and valuable services added such as targeted internet access. This means comprises a control unit 10, such as a central controller or several controllers, a digital camera 11, possibly a display 12 that can be connected to one or several units or which can be integrated with it, and a communication unit 19. In general, it is believed that the control unit 10 contains one or more units including processors, memories, programs and algorithms, input / output interfaces capable of handling various modules and units of identification and control as well as a brewing system such as a heater, pumps, etc. . Separate control modules can be used to separate communication control from brewing system control. Programs and algorithms may include camera decoding applications.

[0057] The control unit may further comprise a user interface for receiving input data regarding various selection of brewing parameters, beverages, internet communication, etc. [0058] The display can be, for example, an LED or plasma screen, a touch screen or it can be connected to a control unit 10 and / or communication unit 19, for example in the form of a computer, laptop, portable telecommunications terminal such as a mobile phone, Ipod, PDA , etc. and other equivalent communication devices. The communication unit 19 may, for example, comprise an intranet, wifi and / or Bluetooth connection, wherein the telecommunications modem allows communication with an external server and / or terminal.

[0059] The camera 11 can be any input device that captures an optical image and digitizes it into an electronic image presented in the form of binary data. The camera is designed as a digital camera typically containing an image sensor 17 (e.g., CCD), optical lenses and an aperture 14 for shaping, focusing and sharpening the camera image capture zone, and a processor that may be associated with the camera 11 or may be in a control unit. The camera can also be designed as a camera with a "vibrating shutter" [ang. flutter shutter] capable of retrieving an image from a barcode when the capsule moves in the device. The camera can be designed as a scanner with the ability to move relative to the device while reading the barcode from the capsule. The camera can also be portable and connected at a specific place in the device.

[0060] As illustrated in figure 4, the apparatus is positioned relative to the capsule such that the image capture zone of the device, illustrated by the rectangular zone 15 on the capsule membrane, includes a circular area 8 in which the bar code is inscribed as before They defined. The image capture zone can be from about 10 to 300% larger than the surface area of ​​the circular area 8 and can be any suitable polygonal zone, e.g. rectangular, square or round, depending on the type of camera. Preferably, the apparatus is designed to provide an image capture zone that is large enough to capture the bar code in various positions (centered or eccentric with respect to "O"), with different matrix sizes, and possibly also with different shapes (square or rectangular). The definition of the image capture zone depends on various parameters such as lens and aperture features, distance between camera and code, CCD and shutter features, etc. In a particular application, two bar codes of different sizes are necessary for product information for different capsules corresponding to different beverage families (e.g. espresso, lungo, cappuccino, etc.). Larger codes may be needed when the drink name is too long or when additional instructions are required for complex beverage recipes.

[0061] The beverage production system shown in figure 5 comprises a capsule 1, a beverage production device 20 including a means for identifying the capsule and for controlling 9. In a preferred method, the device 20 comprises means for handling the capsule 21 for allowing insertion of the capsule into the device and its transport to the liquid injection unit 22 of the device. To this end, the capsule handling means comprise a gravitational insertion means 23, such as a guide or loader 23, for gravitational guidance of the capsule in the device to the capsule holder 24. It should be noted that the gravitational insertion agent can take the capsule by means of a "guide" while the capsule has a substantially vertical or inclined upper membrane as illustrated. Alternatively, the capsule can be substantially horizontal when it falls into the device via a tubular feeder such as the described capsule selection mechanism described in EP1593326. The capsule then falls into the capsule holder 24 and can be recovered in a substantially horizontal position of its membrane as illustrated in figure 6. The capsule holder is associated with transporting means 25 that move the capsule from the insertion zone to the identification zone, where the capsule is placed under the apparatus 11 with a bar code facing the apparatus at a predetermined distance. The transporting means may include any suitable carrier driving the capsule holder linearly and / or rotationally. For example, the transporting means include an electric motor 26 and a linear drive belt 27 that supports the capsule holder. Once placed under the apparatus 11, the transporting means can be stopped to capture at least one image of the bar code 7 located on the capsule membrane.

EP 2 525 692

Alternatively, the image capture operation can be carried out by means of a "vibrating shutter" digital camera as the capsule holder moves from the insertion zone to the liquid injection zone. [0062] After identification, the control unit activates the transporting means to move the capsule holder to the liquid injection zone. In this zone, the device includes liquid injection means 28 comprising a closing plate 29 and a liquid injector 30 which is engaged on the capsule by relative displacement of the capsule holder and the closing plate 29. After coupling, the liquid injector communicates with the capsule compartment to allow delivery capsule liquid. In a manner known per se, the liquid injection means 28 are connected so as to allow fluid to flow with the fluid supply means 31 including the water tank 32, liquid metering means 33 (e.g. a piston pump) to measure the appropriate volume of liquid in the capsule depending on an identified capsule and liquid heater 34. Typically, the liquid used to make the drink is water. The fluid supply means may further include gas supply means such as an air pump to empty the capsule from residual liquid after the brewing operation. The selective activation of the delivery means, in particular liquid metering means 33, heater 34 and gas supply means 35 is controlled by the identification and control means 9 depending on the parameters for setting the device contained in the code.

[0063] During various operations, the display may be controlled to encourage the user to operate various functions and / or provide information. For example, before inserting the capsule into the beverage production device, the control unit, via the display 12, notifies the user to insert the capsule into the device in order to start the brewing operation (figure 5). The capsule presence detector 36 of the identification and control means 36 can check the presence of the capsule in operating means, e.g., in a guide, tubular feeder or capsule holder. If the capsule is detected, the transporting means can be activated and / or the message asking to insert the capsule can be removed from the display. It should be noted that the presence detector can also be an apparatus 11 when identifying a two-dimensional bar code.

[0064] As already mentioned, after the capsule has been identified by the apparatus 11 (figure 3), the product information is decoded and the control unit can issue a message on the display 12 regarding this product information, such as the name of the drink and / or such decoded information can run program displaying additional information contained in the memory of the control unit or information obtained by the communication unit 19 from a remote database. Such additional information may be advertising, nutrition declaration, information on the geographical origin of coffee or tea ingredients, etc.

[0065] During the brewing operation (figure 7), additional information such as product information, user instructions, brewing information, authorization data, etc. can be displayed on the display 12. For example, a unique serial number can be provided on any code that is compared to a list of numbers stored in the memory of the control unit or on a remote server for identification. For example, product information displayed during or after capsule identification can only be initiated at this stage or can be continued. User instructions may be provided to notify the user of the steps involved in the brewing procedure. For example, you can provide a wait command to complete the flow of the beverage component from the capsule. Also, you can also display the command to insert a second capsule when the beverage is made from two or more beverage components, such as cappuccino or latte macchiato

EP 2 525 692 requiring more than one capsule. Brewing information may include information regarding beverage temperature or injected liquid, pressure, beverage volume, etc. This information can also be displayed at the right time during the process.

[0066] In an optional application illustrated in figure 8, the beverage production device is configured via its communication unit for communication with the user's portable telecommunications terminal 40 to exchange information, such as displaying information on its display 41, such as product information or a link to a commercial website corresponding to an encoded URL.

[0067] As illustrated in figure 9, the product information as well as the URL contained in the code can also be read by a portable telecommunications terminal 40 before inserting the capsule into the beverage production device. To this end, the portable telecommunications terminal requires a digital camera 42 and a decoding application that the user can download to the terminal or pre-load. The loaded application is designed to read the 2-D bar code on the capsule and decode useful information from it. It should be noted that only some bits of code may be available to the user, while others may be confidential or useless. Thus, algorithms or software for selecting the appropriate data from the code were provided in the terminal. Such algorithms or software can be downloaded as part of the decoding application. There are already various applications for decoding the code matrix such as the Kaywa reader and the like. The software can also be developed as needed from menus and sub-menus, graphics, images, movies, avatars, etc., to display various services in a more attractive or intuitive way.

[0068] The invention provides the user with benefits in that he can obtain product information, e.g. food composition, product recipes, etc., before inserting the capsule into a beverage production device, or can access the appropriate page if the terminal has web browser and transmitter. For example, this simple and fast link with websites allows you to carry out transactions such as ordering new capsules or accessories, or to participate in contests, promotions or to conduct a conversation with the customer after the promotion or from the so-called call center, etc. [0069] As with the other examples, recipe instructions can be displayed to the user for the preparation of a multi-component drink such as cappuccino, latte macchiato, etc., using more than one capsule.

[0070] It should also be noted that the portable telecommunications terminal can be used to download information from a remote server and then load it to the control unit of the beverage production device in such a way as to update it: brewing parameterization software, user manual software, application decoder and their combinations.

[0071] A further use of the 2-D barcode capsule is illustrated in Figure 10, in which the beverage production device 20 is intended to display on its display 12 an image of a 2-D barcode 50 captured by its digital camera 11. The image may be full or partial reproduction of a 2-D 7 barcode of the same or different size. After displaying, the barcode image 50 can be re-captured using a portable telecommunications device 40, decoded via a decoding application and processed using appropriate communication software.

[0072] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the illustrative embodiments described, but includes other equivalent embodiments falling within the scope of the following claims.