Support and capsule for preparing a beverage by centrifugation, system and method for preparing a beverage by centrifugation

Technical field:

[0001] The invention relates to the field of preparing beverages, in particular using capsules containing an ingredient for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation machine. The present invention relates in particular to optical code carriers adapted to store information related to a capsule, capsules associated with or having an embedded code support, reading and processing units for reading and using such information for preparing a beverage.

Background of the invention:

[0002] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "beverage" is meant to include any liquid substances intended for human consumption, such as coffee, tea, hot or cold chocolate, milk, soup, baby food or the like. The term "capsule" is intended to mean any pre-portioned ingredient or combination of ingredients (hereinafter referred to as "ingredient") inside a closable package made of any suitable material, such as e.g. plastic, aluminum, recyclable and / or biodegradable material and combinations thereof, including it is a soft tank or a rigid container containing this ingredient.

[0003] Some beverage preparation machines use capsules containing a component to be extracted or dissolved and / or an ingredient that is stored and dispensed automatically in the machine or is added at the time of preparation of the beverage. Some beverage preparation machines include liquid filling means that comprise a liquid pump, typically water, that pumps liquid from a water source that is cold or actually heated by a heating means, e.g. a thermoblock or other similar element. Some machines for preparing drinks are configured to make beverages using a centrifugal extraction process. The principle of operation consists mainly in providing the beverage ingredient in the capsule container, introducing the liquid into the container and rotating the container at high speed to ensure the interaction of the liquid with the powder to form a pressure gradient of liquid in the container, the pressure increasing progressively from the center towards the circumference of the container. As the liquid passes through the coffee bed, the coffee compounds are extracted and a liquid extract is obtained that flows out of the periphery of the container.

[0004] It is usually convenient to offer the user a series of capsules of different types comprising different components (e.g. different coffee blends) with specific flavor properties for preparing various beverages (e.g. different coffee types) using the same machine. The properties of the beverages can be changed by changing the contents of the capsule (e.g. coffee mass, various species, etc.) and by adjusting the key machine parameters such as the liquid volume supplied or temperature, rotational speed, pump pressure. Therefore, there is a need to identify the type of capsule placed in the beverage preparation machine to allow adjustment of the brewing parameters to the type of inserted capsule. In addition, it may also be desirable for the capsules to have additional information built in,

[0005] WO2010 / 026053 relates to a device for controlled beverage production using centrifugal forces. The capsule may include a bar code located on the outer surface of the capsule, which allows detection of the capsule type and / or the type of ingredients contained in the capsule to use a predefined extraction profile for the beverage being prepared.

It is known in the prior art, e.g. from EP1764015A1, to locally print an identification barcode on a small area of ​​a coffee wafer crown intended for use in a conventional non-centric coffee brewing machine. Said systems include a bar code reader for reading the identification bar code on the capsule. Bar code readers or scanners are electronic devices containing a light source, a lens and a light sensor that converts optical pulses to electrical ones. They contain in general a light / laser diode or a sensor similar to that used in photographic cameras.

[0007] The use of such bar code readers is not adapted for use in the context of a centrifugal extraction system having a rotary brewing unit. The use of bar code readers having movable elements, such as scanning elements, can pose serious reliability problems, as it is likely to expose to a demanding environment with cyclic vibrations and the presence of hot water vapor when placed in the immediate vicinity of the rotary brewing unit. Bar code readers with a photographic sensor should be positioned so that they are able to take a picture of the whole bar code. As a result, the entire code must be directly visible to the reader.

Regardless of the type of bar code reader used, the geometric configuration of the rotary brewing units in centrifugal extraction systems prevents the bar code reader from reading the code distributed over a large portion of the capsule: consequently the size of the bar code is very limited, which leads to a very small amount of coded information for a given level of read reliability, typically only about 20 bits. In addition, bar code readers are quite expensive.

[0009] Reliable reading of the code printed on the capsule when the capsule is placed in the rotating brewing unit involves a reliable recognition of the sequence of symbols forming said code, in particular in the difficult environment of the rotary brewing unit. In addition, the code should also be readable without the reader knowing the position and / or placement code in which the capsule was placed in the capsule holder. Traditional bar codes and other optical coding elements known in the capsule technique do not meet these requirements.

[0010] Co-pending international patent application PCT / EP11 / 057670 relates to a carrier adapted to be connected or to be part of a capsule for preparing a beverage. This carrier comprises a section on which at least one symbol sequence is represented, such that each symbol can be sequentially read by the reading device of the external device while the capsule is rotated about the axis of rotation, each sequence coding a set of information about the capsule. . This invention makes available a large amount of coded information, e.g. about 100 bits of redundant or non-redundant information, without the use of bar code readers having movable elements, such as scanning elements, which can pose serious reliability problems.

[0011] However, there is still a need to improve the pattern and / or structure of the code shown on the carrier in order to increase the reliability of the reading under the particular circumstances of the centrifugal beverage machine using capsules for preparing a beverage. There is still a need for a capsule with a code that can be reliably read by the code reader without knowing the position and / or arrangement of said code when the capsule is placed in the rotating capsule holder of the centrifugal extraction system.

Summary of the invention [0012] It is an object of the invention to provide means for storing, reading and processing information regarding a capsule, in particular information for identifying said capsule inside a machine and for obtaining or reading information for adjusting machine operating parameters and / or controlling parameters for preparing a beverage with the use of said capsule. Another object is to provide a capsule having such means built-in.

[0013] Another object is to control the optimal conditions for preparing a beverage.

Another object is to provide a solution for reliably reading information regarding the capsule with a sensor positioned in the machine, e.g. in a processing module / machine brewing unit, where the available spaces are quite limited and difficult environmental conditions prevail (residual ingredients, presence of vapors and liquids,. ..).

[0015] One or more of these objects are achieved by a capsule, carrier, device or method according to the independent (independent) claim (s). The dependent claims provide additional solutions for these purposes and / or additional benefits.

[0016] More specifically, according to a first embodiment, the invention relates to a code carrier adapted for association or being part of a capsule intended for serving a beverage in a beverage production device by centrifuging a capsule. The carrier comprises a code formed by at least the first sequence of symbols and the second sequence of symbols. The code is represented on the carrier such that each symbol is sequentially readable by the reading unit of the external reading device while the capsule is set in rotation about the axis of rotation. The first sequence comprises at least one first pre-sequence of symbols and at least one first sequence of symbolic data. The second sequence comprises at least one second pre-sequence of symbols and at least one second sequence of symbol data. The first initial sequence is different from the second initial sequence. [0017] By using sequentially readable symbols when rotating the capsule, the amount of coded data may be increased and / or enlarged by the area covered by each symbol, improving the overall reliability of the reading. The term "sequentially" should be understood to mean that one or a limited number of symbols (smaller than the number of symbols contained in each sequence) are read at a given time: for example, each symbol can be read separately. Consequently, at least one reading of all symbols contained in all sequences in the carrier should be made by the reading unit 360 degrees rotated about its axis of rotation. [0017] By applying sequentially readable symbols when rotating the capsule, the amount of coded data may be increased and / or enlarged by the area covered by each symbol, improving the overall reliability of the reading. The term "sequentially" should be understood to mean that one or a limited number of symbols (smaller than the number of symbols contained in each sequence) are read at a given time: for example, each symbol can be read separately. Consequently, at least one reading of all symbols contained in all sequences in the carrier should be made by the reading unit 360 degrees rotated about its axis of rotation. [0017] By applying sequentially readable symbols when rotating the capsule, the amount of coded data may be increased and / or enlarged by the area covered by each symbol, improving the overall reliability of the reading. The term "sequentially" should be understood to mean that one or a limited number of symbols (smaller than the number of symbols contained in each sequence) are read at a given time: for example, each symbol can be read separately. Consequently, at least one reading of all symbols contained in all sequences in the carrier should be made by the reading unit 360 degrees rotated about its axis of rotation. improving the overall reliability of reading. The term "sequentially" should be understood to mean that one or a limited number of symbols (smaller than the number of symbols contained in each sequence) are read at a given time: for example, each symbol can be read separately. Consequently, at least one reading of all symbols contained in all sequences in the carrier should be made by the reading unit 360 degrees rotated about its axis of rotation. improving the overall reliability of reading. The term "sequentially" should be understood to mean that one or a limited number of symbols (smaller than the number of symbols contained in each sequence) are read at a given time: for example, each symbol can be read separately. Consequently, at least one reading of all symbols contained in all sequences in the carrier should be made by the reading unit 360 degrees rotated about its axis of rotation.

[0018] The first preliminary sequence and the second preliminary sequence allow to determine which symbols belong to the first sequence and which belong to the second sequence, without knowing the angular configuration of the code carrier when it is placed in the beverage preparation machine. Furthermore, by using different first pre-sequences and a second preliminary sequence, a more reliable detection of said critical information for decoding the code can be obtained.

[0019] For example, the first initial sequence may comprise a first sequence of 6 bits PA = '10101010', the second sequence of 6 bits PB = '010101'. The first sequence may start with the first sequence PA, then the first block D1 comprising the data block F1 having n1 bits with parity check bits. The second sequence may start with a second PB sequence, then a second block D2 comprising a data block F2 having n2 bits with parity check bits. The position of the first sequence and the second sequence can then be determined by using an algorithm to identify the pattern PA-X1-PB-X2, where X1 is any sequence of n1 bits, X2 is any sequence of n2 bits. For example, a Number of Equal Bits filter (NEB) can be used.

[0020] The code may contain more than two sequences, for example four or five sequences of symbols. In such a case, at least two different preliminary sequences are used, but preferably each of the initial sequences is chosen to be different from the other initial sequences.

[0021] In particular, the information set may include information for recognizing the type associated with the capsule and / or one or a combination of items from the following list:

Information on parameters for preparing a beverage with a capsule, such as an optimal rotation speed, the temperature of water entering the interior of the capsule, the temperature of the beverage collector outside the capsule, the flow rate of water entering the capsule, the sequence of operations in the preparation process and others;

• information for local and / or remote obtaining of parameters for preparing a beverage using a capsule, for example an identifier allowing recognition of a capsule type;

• information on the manufacture of the capsule, such as the serial number of production, date of manufacture, recommended date of consumption, expiry date and other;

• information for local and / or remote retrieval of information related to the production of the capsule.

[0022] Symbols arranged in sequences are used to represent data carrying a set of information related to the capsule. For example, each sequence may represent the total number of bits. Each symbol can encode one or several binary bits. Data can also be represented by transitions between symbols. The symbols may be arranged in sequence using a modulation scheme, for example linear coding such as, for example, Manchester type coding.

[0023] Each symbol may be represented in the section by an entity having a measurable feature readable by the measuring unit, wherein the measurable feature varies depending on the value transmitted by said symbol. Each symbol can be printed and / or embossed. The shape of the symbols can be selected from the following non-exhaustive list: arcuate segments, segments that are individually rectilinear, but extend along at least part of the segment, dots, polygons, geometric shapes. The symbols may be read by the optical sensor included in the reading unit, wherein the color and / or shape of each symbol is selected according to the value of said symbol. The symbols may be printed in ink that is not visible to the human eye in natural light, for example, ink visible in UV radiation. Symbols can be printed or extruded in a pattern that has surfaces that have different reflective and / or absorbing properties for light. This pattern may include first surfaces having inclined reflective or light-absorbing characteristics and second surfaces having flat reflecting or reflecting qualities. You can select other variable physical properties to distinguish each symbol, for example, color, reflection factor, opacity, light absorption level, magnetic field, resistivity, capacity, and others. This pattern may include first surfaces having inclined reflective or light-absorbing characteristics and second surfaces having flat reflecting or reflecting qualities. You can select other variable physical properties to distinguish each symbol, for example, color, reflection factor, opacity, light absorption level, magnetic field, resistivity, capacity, and others. This pattern may include first surfaces having inclined reflective or light-absorbing characteristics and second surfaces having flat reflecting or reflecting qualities. You can select other variable physical properties to distinguish each symbol, for example, color, reflection factor, opacity, light absorption level, magnetic field, resistivity, capacity, and others.

The code may include error detection information or error correction information relating in particular to the data. The error detection information may include repetition codes, parity bits, checksums, cyclic redundancy codes, cryptographic data for the hash function, and others. The error correction information may include error correction codes, forward error codes, and in particular, convolution codes or block codes.

[0025] At least one first sequence of data symbols and at least one second sequence of data symbols may include the same information. Hence, error control can be performed, for example, by comparison, while parts of the code with errors can be processed appropriately. Therefore, this solution increases the probability of reading the code successfully if some parts of the sequence were illegible.

[0026] In an embodiment, a first preliminary sequence of symbols is formed by a plurality of first initial subsequences, wherein said plurality of first subsequences are arranged in a first sequence according to a first pattern. A second preliminary sequence of symbols is formed by a plurality of second initial subsequences, wherein said plurality of second pre-subsequences are arranged in a second sequence according to the second pattern. In particular, the first pattern and the second pattern may be identical.

[0027] For example, the first initial PA sequence is created by the first four initial subsequences: PA1 = '10 ', PA2 = '01' PA3 = '10 ', PA4 = '01'. The first block D1 contains the first four subblocks D11, D12, D13, D14 forming a data block F1 having n1 bits with parity check bits. The first sequence may be as follows: PA1 D11 PA2 D12 PA3 D13 PA4 D14. The second initial sequence PB is formed by four second initial subsequences: PA1 = '01 ', PA2 = '10', PA3 = '01 ', PA4 = '10'. The first block D2 includes the first 4 subblocks D21, D22, D23, D24 to form a data block F2 having n2 bits with parity check bits. The second sequence may be as follows: PB1 D21 PB2 D22 PB3 D23 PB4 D24. The position of the first sequence and the second sequence can then be determined by using an algorithm to identify the formula PA1 - X - PA2 - X - PA3 - X PA4 - PB1 - X - PB2 - X - PB3 - X - PB4, where X is any sequence of bits. For example, you can use the same number of bits filter (NEB).

[0028] Preferably, a first preliminary sequence of symbols and a second preliminary sequence of symbols may be selected / set to minimize the number of Uniform bits in a series of code.

[0029] The code preferably contains at least 100 symbols.

[0030] The code may be arranged along at least the eighth part of the circumference and preferably on the entire circumference of the carrier.

According to a second embodiment, the invention relates to a capsule intended for serving a beverage in a beverage production device by means of centrifugation, comprising a flanged rim comprising a code carrier according to a first embodiment.

According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a system for preparing a beverage from a capsule according to a second embodiment and further comprising a beverage preparation device having capsule holding means and rotating drive means for setting the holding means and the capsule in rotation about said axis of rotation. The beverage production device further comprises a reading unit configured to decode the code represented on the code carrier:

• by separately reading each code symbol while driving the rotary drive means such that the capsule makes at least one revolution; and • by searching, in the read symbols, at least one first pre-sequence and a second pre-sequence;

• by identifying the location of at least one first sequence and at least one second sequence, respectively.

[0033] According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a method for reading a code on a capsule according to a second embodiment, in a beverage production device comprising capsule holding means for holding the capsule and rotating drive means for driving the hold means and the capsule in rotation about said axis of rotation; wherein the beverage production device further comprises a reading device. The method includes the following steps:

• separately reading, by means of the reading unit, each code symbol, while driving the rotational drive means so that the capsule makes at least one full revolution; and - finding in the symbols read at least one first pre-sequence and a second pre-sequence;

identifying the position of at least one first sequence and at least one second sequence, respectively.

Brief description of the figures [0034] The present invention will be better understood by means of the following detailed description and attached drawings, which are given as non-limiting examples of an embodiment of the invention, namely:

- Fig. 1 illustrates the basic principle of centrifugal extraction;

- Figs. 2a, 2b illustrate an embodiment of a centrifuge chamber with a capsule holder;

- Figs. 3a, 3b, 3c illustrate an embodiment of a set of capsules according to the invention;

- Fig. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a code support according to the invention;

- Fig. 5 illustrates an alternative position of the sequence on the capsule, in particular when placed on the bottom of the periphery of the capsule, as well as a capsule placed in the capsule holder of the extraction device;

- Fig. 6 illustrates a graphical representation of an example of the results of a NEB filter on code with a common header used by the entire code sequence;

- Fig. 7 illustrates a graphical representation of an example of the NEB filter results on the code according to an embodiment of the invention;

- Fig. 8 shows a graphical representation of the number of identical bits in a series for a code according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description [0035] Fig. 1 illustrates an example of a beverage preparation system 1 as described in WO2010 / 026053, wherein a capsule of the invention may be used.

[0036] The centrifugal unit 2 comprises a centrifugal chamber 3 for exerting centrifugal forces on the beverage ingredient and liquid inside the capsule. The centrifuge chamber 3 may comprise a capsule holder and a capsule placed therein. The centrifugal unit is connected to drive means 5 such as a rotary engine. The centrifugal unit includes a collecting portion and an outlet 35. A reservoir 48 for collecting the extracted beverage may be disposed below the outlet. The system further comprises liquid supply means, such as a water tank 6 and a liquid circulation 4. Heating means 31 may also be present located in the tank or along the circulation of the liquid. The liquid supply means may further comprise a pump 7 connected to the tank. Flow restriction means 19 are provided to limit the flow of the centrifuged liquid that leaves the capsule.

[0037] Fig. 3a, 3b and 3c refer to an embodiment of a set of capsules 2A, 2B, 2C. The capsules preferably comprise a body 22, a rim 23 and a top wall element respectively a lid 24. The lid 24 can be a perforable membrane or an aperture wall. As a result, the lid 24 and the body 22 surround the housing, respectively a range of 26 components. As shown in the figures, the lid 24 is preferably connected to the inner annular portion R of the rim 23, which is preferably between 1 and 5 mm.

The rim is not necessarily horizontal, as illustrated. It may be slightly bent. The rim 23 of the capsule preferably extends outwardly in a direction substantially perpendicular (as illustrated) or slightly inclined (if bent, as mentioned) with respect to the axis of rotation Z of the capsule. Thus, the rotation axis Z represents the axis of rotation during the centrifugation of the capsule in the brewing device and in particular is identical to the axis of rotation Z of the capsule holder 32 during the centrifugation of the capsule in the brewing device.

[0039] It should be understood that the illustrated embodiment is only an exemplary embodiment, and the capsules, in particular the capsule body 22, can take various forms.

[0040] The body 22 of the respective capsule has a single convex portion 25a, 25b, 25c with variable depths, d1, d2, d3, respectively. Thus, part 25a, 25b, 25c can also be a truncated or partially cylindrical part.

[0041] Thus, the capsules 2A, 2B, 2C preferably contain different volumes, but preferably have the same "D" diameter of insertion. The capsule of Fig. 3a shows a small volume capsule 2A, whereas the capsules of Figs. 3B and 3C represent capsules with a larger volume, 2B and 2C, respectively. The insertion diameter "D" here is determined at the intersection between the lower surface of the rim 23 and the upper body portion 22. However, there may also be a different reference diameter for the capsule in the device.

[0042] The low volume capsule 2A preferably contains an amount of the extraction component, e.g. ground coffee, less than the amount for 2B, 2C large capsules. Therefore, a small capsule 2A is intended for preparing small coffee with a volume between 10 ml and 60 ml with ground coffee between 4 and 8 grams. The larger capsule 2B is intended for the preparation of medium coffee, e.g. between 60 and 120 ml, and the largest capsule is intended for the preparation of a large coffee, e.g. 120 and 500 ml. In addition, the middle coffee capsule 2B may contain ground coffee between 6 and 15 grams, and the large coffee capsule 2C may contain ground coffee between 8 and 30 grams.

[0043] Furthermore, the capsules in the kit of the invention may contain various blends of roast and ground coffee or coffees of various origins and / or having different burning and / or grinding properties.

[0044] The capsule is designed to rotate about a Z axis. This Z axis passes perpendicular through the center of the lid, which is in the form of a disk. The Z axis comes out in the middle of the bottom of the body. This Z axis will assist in defining the term "circuit" which is a circular path located on the capsule and having a Z axis as the reference axis. The circumference may be at an age, e.g. an age or a part of a body, such as a flange-like rim. The lid may be liquid impermeable before being placed in the device or it may be liquid permeable through small openings or pores present in the middle and / or circumference of the lid.

[0045] Hereinafter, the term lower surface of the rim 23 refers to a rim section 23 that is located outside the closure formed by the body and the lid and is visible when the capsule is placed on its side where its body is visible.

[0046] Further characteristics of the capsules or the set of capsules can be found in documents WO 2011/0069830, WO 2010/0066705 or WO2011 / 0092301.

[0047] An embodiment of the centrifugal chamber 3 with the capsule holder 32 is illustrated in Figs. 2a and 2b. The capsule holder 32 forms a generally cylindrical or conical wide recess provided with an upper opening for inserting the capsule and a lower part closing the container. The opening has a diameter slightly larger 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 abut against the edge of the opening when the capsule is inserted. Consequently, the rim 23 of the capsule rests at least partially on the receiving portion 34 of the capsule holder 32. The bottom bottom is provided with a cylindrical shaft 33 fixed perpendicular to the center of the outer surface of the bottom. The capsule holder 32 rotates around the central Z axis of the shaft 33.

[0048] Optical reading assembly 100 is also represented in Figs. 2a and 2b. Optical reading assembly 100 is configured to provide an output signal including the reflectance level level of the lower peripheral surface 23 of the capsule resting against the receiving portion 34 of the capsule holder 32. The optical reading unit is configured to perform optical measurements of the lower face 23 through the capsule holder 32, saying more specifically, through a side wall of a cylindrically or conically shaped capsule holder 32. Alternatively, the output signal may include differential information, e.g. differences in the reflectance value or contrast information. The output signal can be analog, for example, it can be a voltage signal that changes along with the information measured over time. The output signal may be a digital signal, for example a binary signal containing numerical data related to information measured over time.

[0049] In the embodiment of Figs. 2a and 2b, the reading unit 100 includes a light emitter 103 for emitting a source light beam 105a and a light receiver 102 for receiving a reflected light beam 105b.

[0050] Typically, the light emitter 103 is a light emitting diode or a laser diode emitting infrared light, and in particular light having a wavelength of 850 nm. Typically, the light receiver 103 is a photodiode adapted to convert the received light beam into a current or voltage signal.

The reading unit 100 also includes processor means 106 comprising a processor board, a sensor signal amplifier, signal filters and circuits for coupling said processor means 106 to a light emitter 103, a light receiver 102, and a machine control unit 9.

[0052] The light emitter 103, the light receiver 102 and the processor means 106 are held in a fixed position by the substrate 101 rigidly attached to the machine frame. The reading unit 100 stands in its position during the extraction process and is not set in rotation as opposed to the capsule holder 32.

[0053] In particular, the light emitter 103 is positioned such that the source light beam 105a is generally oriented along the line L intersecting at a fixed point F the plane P comprising the receiving portion 34 of the capsule holder 32, said plane P having a normal line N passing through point F. The fixed point F determines the absolute position in the space where the source light beam 105a is to fall on the reflecting surface: the position of the fixed point F remains unchanged when the capsule holder is rotated. The reading unit may include focusing means 104, using for example openings, lenses and / or prisms to more effectively converge the source light beam 105 at a predetermined point F of the lower surface of the lid of the capsule placed in the capsule holder 32.

[0054] The reading unit 100 is configured such that the angle Θε between the line L and the normal line N is in the range between 2 ° and 10 °, in particular between 4 ° and 5 °, as shown in Fig. 2a . Consequently, when the reflecting surface is situated at point F, the reflected light beam 105b is generally oriented along the line L 'crossing the fixed point F, the angle θR between the line L' and the normal line N being between 2 ° and 10 °, and in in particular between 4 ° and 5 °, as shown in Fig. 2a. The light receiver 102 is placed on the substrate 101 so as to at least partially collect the reflected light beam 105b, generally oriented along the line L '. The focusing means 104 may also be configured to more effectively aggregate the reflected light beam 105b to the receiver 102. In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 2a, 2b, the point F, the line L and the line L 'are coplanar. In another embodiment, the point F, line L and line L 'are not coplanar: for example, the plane passing through the point F and the line F and the plane passing through the point F and the line L' are at an angle of practically 90 °, eliminating the direct reflection and allowing obtaining a more reliable reading system with less noise.

The capsule holder 32 is adapted to allow partial transmission of the light source 105 a along the line L to the point F. For example, the side wall forming the cylindrically or conically shaped wide recess of the capsule holder is configured such that it is not opaque to infrared light. Said side wall may be made of a plastic base material which is semi-transparent to the infrared and has entrance surfaces allowing the entry of infrared light.

[0056] Consequently, when the capsule is positioned in the capsule holder 32, the light beam 105a falls on the lower edge portion of said capsule at point F before forming the reflected light beam 105b. In this embodiment, the reflected light beam 105b passes through the wall of the capsule holder up to the light receiver 102.

The section of the lower face of the rim 23 of the capsule disposed in the capsule holder 32, highlighted at point F by the source light beam 105, changes over time only when the capsule holder 34 is rotated. Thus, it is necessary to rotate the capsule holder 32 fully so that the source light beam 105 illuminates the entire annular section of the lower peripheral surface.

[0058] The output signal may be calculated or generated by measuring the intensity of the reflected light beam in time and, if possible, by comparing its intensity with the intensity of the source light beam. The output signal can be calculated or generated by determining the change in time of the intensity of the reflected light beam.

[0059] The capsule of the invention comprises at least one optically readable code support. The code carrier can be part of the flange-like flange. The symbols are represented on the optically read code support.

[0060] The symbols are arranged in at least one sequence, wherein said sequence encodes a set of information related to the capsule. Each symbol is used to encode the specified value.

[0061] In particular, the information set of at least one of the sequences may include information for recognizing the type associated with the capsule and / or one or a combination of items from the following list:

Information on the parameters for preparing the beverage using a capsule, such as optimal rotation speeds, the temperature of the water entering the capsule, the temperature of the beverage collector outside the capsule, the flow rate of water entering the capsule, the sequence of operations during the preparation process and the like;

Information for obtaining, locally and / or remotely, parameters for preparing a beverage using a capsule, for example an identifier allowing recognition of the type of capsule;

• information regarding the manufacture of the capsule, such as, for example, serial number of production, production date, recommended date of consumption, expiration date and the like;

• information to obtain, locally and / or remotely, information regarding the production of the capsule.

[0062] The symbols are arranged at least 1/8 of the circumference of the annular support, preferably all around the circumference of the annular carrier. The code may contain further arcuate segments. These symbols may also comprise further segments that are individually rectilinear but extend along at least a portion of the circumference.

[0063] The sequence is preferably repeated along the perimeter to provide a reliable reading. The sequence is repeated at least twice on the circumference. Preferably, the sequence is repeated three to six times around the circumference. Repeat sequence means that the same sequence is duplicated and subsequent sequences are arranged in series along the perimeter so that when the capsule is rotated 360 degrees, the same sequence can be detected or read more than once.

[0064] Referring to Fig. 4, an embodiment of a code carrier embodiment 60a is illustrated. The code carrier 60a occupies a defined width of the rim 23 of the capsule. The rim 23 of the capsule may comprise a substantially inner annular portion forming carrier 60a and an outer (non-coded) wound portion. However, it may be that the entire width of the rim will be occupied by the carrier 60a, in particular if the bottom surface of the rim can be made substantially flat. This position is particularly advantageous because it offers both a large area for the placement of symbols and is less susceptible to damage caused by the processing module, in particular by the pyramidal plate, as well as falling out components. As a consequence, the amount of coded information as well as the reliability of reading improve. In this embodiment, the code carrier 60a includes 160 symbols, with each symbol encoding 1 bit of information. Because the symbols are adjacent to each other, each symbol has an arc length of 2.25 °.

[0065] Referring to Fig. 5, an embodiment of the code support embodiment 60b is depicted in a top view. The code carrier 60b is adapted to be associated or to be a part of the capsule, so as to be rotated when the capsule is rotated about its axis Z by the centrifugal unit 2. The receiving section of the capsule is the lower surface of the rim 23 of the capsule. As illustrated in Fig. 5, the code support may be a ring having a circumferential portion on which at least one symbol sequence is represented so that the user may place it on the perimeter of the capsule prior to inserting it into the brewing unit of the beverage preparation machine. Consequently, a capsule without embedded information storage means can be modified by mounting such a carrier to add such information. When the carrier is a separate part, it can simply be added to the capsule without additional fastening means, the user ensuring that the carrier is correctly placed when inserted into the brewing unit or the shapes and dimensions of the carrier will prevent it from moving relative to the capsule after mounting. The code carrier 30b may also include additional securing means for rigidly attaching said element to the receiving section of the capsule, such as glue or mechanical means for supporting a fixed position of the carrier relative to the capsule after mounting. As also mentioned, the code carrier 60b may be part of the perimeter itself, e.g. integrated in the structure of the capsule. wherein the user ensures that the carrier is correctly placed when inserted into the brewing unit or the shapes and dimensions of the carrier will prevent it from moving relative to the capsule after installation. The code carrier 30b may also include additional securing means for rigidly attaching said element to the receiving section of the capsule, such as glue or mechanical means for supporting a fixed position of the carrier relative to the capsule after mounting. As also mentioned, the code carrier 60b may be part of the perimeter itself, e.g. integrated in the structure of the capsule. wherein the user ensures that the carrier is correctly placed when inserted into the brewing unit or the shapes and dimensions of the carrier will prevent it from moving relative to the capsule after installation. The code carrier 30b may also include additional securing means for rigidly attaching said element to the receiving section of the capsule, such as glue or mechanical means for supporting a fixed position of the carrier relative to the capsule after mounting. As also mentioned, the code carrier 60b may be part of the perimeter itself, e.g. integrated in the structure of the capsule. The code carrier 30b may also include additional securing means for rigidly attaching said element to the receiving section of the capsule, such as glue or mechanical means for supporting a fixed position of the carrier relative to the capsule after mounting. As also mentioned, the code carrier 60b may be part of the perimeter itself, e.g. integrated in the structure of the capsule. The code carrier 30b may also include additional securing means for rigidly attaching said element to the receiving section of the capsule, such as glue or mechanical means for supporting a fixed position of the carrier relative to the capsule after mounting. As also mentioned, the code carrier 60b may be part of the perimeter itself, e.g. integrated in the structure of the capsule.

[0066] Each symbol is adapted to be measured by the reading assembly 100 when the capsule is placed in the capsule holder and when said symbol is aligned with the source light beam 105a at point F. More specifically, each different symbol represents the reflectance level of the source light beam

105a varying with the value of said symbol. Each symbol has different reflective and / or absorbing properties for the source light beam 105 a.

[0067] Since the reading unit 100 is adapted to measure only the properties of the illuminated code-source section, the capsule must be rotated by the drive means until the source light beam illuminates all symbols included in the code. Typically, the speed for reading the code can be between 0.1 and 2,000 rpm.

Example 1 - Inadequate code header for an optical code carrier having at least two sequences, read during rotation [0068] The following table 1 shows an example of a sequence of binary symbols:

Table 1

<td colspan="15">S1</td>

<td colspan="6">P1</td><td colspan="3">F11</td><td colspan="3">F12</td><td colspan="3">F13</td>

<td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td>

[0069] The sequence S1 in table 1 starts with a 6-bit header. The P1 header corresponds to the known preserved sequence of bits, in this example "10101010". Then, the sequence contains three data blocks, F11, F12, F13. Each data block starts with a value of 2 bits and ends with a parity check bit. Table 2 shows an example of reading a code containing the sequence S1 followed by the sequence S2:

Table 2

<td colspan="15">S1</td><td colspan="15">S2</td><td colspan="2">S1</td>

<td colspan="6">P1</td><td colspan="3">F11</td><td colspan="3">F12</td><td colspan="3">F13</td><td colspan="6">P1</td><td colspan="3">F11</td><td colspan="3">F12</td><td colspan="3">F13</td><td colspan="2">P1</td>

<td>X</td><td>X</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td>

[0070] The reading starts on the third bits of the first sequence S1, after the start of the P1 header. To read all the symbols of each sequence, at least one full rotation of the optical code carrier is needed.

[0071] After collecting all the symbols, it is necessary to rebuild each sequence, in particular by determining the position of the headers. You can use the matched filtering method to perform this task. For example, in the following example, the same bits number (NEB) filter was applied to the read bits, using the P1 header as the matching pattern '101010'. This method of filtering consists in adding up, for each window, subsequent read bits, said window having the same length as the matching pattern, the number of bits that are common to the bits of the matching pattern. For a six-bit P1 header, the maximum of the NEB filter is 6, when the read window bits match those of the P1 header. The result can be further improved by calculating the contrast between the NEB filter results, for example, by calculating the difference between the result of the NEB filter in a given window position and the result of the NEB filter in the next window position. The higher the contrast, the better.

Table 3

<td colspan="15">S1</td><td colspan="15">S2</td>

<td colspan="6">P1</td><td colspan="3">F11</td><td colspan="3">F12</td><td colspan="3">F13</td><td colspan="6">P1</td><td colspan="3">F11</td><td colspan="3">F12</td><td colspan="3">F13</td>

<td>X</td><td>X</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td>

<td colspan="30">Matching filter</td>

<td colspan="2">NEB</td><td colspan="28">Window</td>

<td colspan="2">5</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td>

<td colspan="2">1</td><td>X</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td>

<td colspan="2">5</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td>

<td colspan="2">2</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td>

<td colspan="2">3</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td>

<td colspan="2">3</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td>

<td colspan="2">2</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td>

<td colspan="2">5</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td>

<td colspan="2">0</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td>

<td colspan="2">6</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td>

<td colspan="2">0</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td>

<td colspan="2">6</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td>

<td colspan="2">0</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td>

<td colspan="2">6</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td>

<td colspan="2">1</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td>

<td colspan="2">5</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td>

[0072] In this non-working example, a maximum of 6 for the NEB filter was found for 6 bit sequences beginning with bit 10, bit 12 and bit 14. However, only the 6 bit sequence beginning with bit 14 actually corresponds to the second P1 header period. Even the calculation of the contrast does not allow solving this problem, because the contrast is greater for the 6-bit sequences beginning with bit 10 and bit 12. Consequently, such a P1 header is not suitable, in particular because it does not allow to determine the effective position of said header in sequences. Figure 6 shows an example of the results of a NEB filter on such a code structure.

Example 2 - code header for an optical code carrier having four sequences, read during rotation [0073] The following is the corresponding P header. The P header is distributed over the sequences shown on the optical code carrier. For example, the P header contains the first 6-bit sequence PA = "101010", the second 6-bit sequence PB = '010101', the third 6-bit sequence PC = '011001' and the fourth 6-bit sequence PD = '100110'.

[0074] The first sequence S1 starts with the first sequence PA, followed by the first block D1 containing three data blocks F11, F12, F13 with parity check bits. The second sequence S2 begins with the second PB sequence, followed by the second block D2 comprising three data blocks F21, F22, F23 with parity check bits. The third sequence S3 begins with the third sequence PC, followed by the third block D3 containing three data blocks F11, F12, F13 with parity check bits. The fourth sequence S4 starts with the fourth sequence PD, followed by the fourth block D4 containing three data blocks F21, F22, F23 with their parity check bits. Then the following sequences are shown on the code support: PA - F11 - F12 F13 - PB - F21 - F22 - F23 - PC-F11 - F12 - F13 - PD - F21 - F22 - F23. The first block D1, respectively the second block D2,

[0075] In order to read all the symbols of each sequence, at least one full rotation of the optical code carrier is required.

The position of the first block D1, the second block D2, the third block D3 and the fourth block D4 is determined by looking for the standard PA-X1-PB-X2-PC-X3-PD-X4 in the sequence of bits read by the optical reader, where X1 is any one the sequence of n1 bits, X2 means any sequence of n2 bits, X3 means any sequence of n3 bits, X4 means any sequence of n4 bits. Thus, not only the bit sequence corresponding to the header bits is searched, but the relative positions PA, PB, PC, PD are taken into account, which allows a more reliable and reliable identification of the beginning of each block of data.

[0077] For example, the Equivalent Bit Number (NEB) filter can be applied to the read bits, using the following alignment pattern:

'101010xxxxxxxxx010101xxxxxxxxx011001xxxxxxxxx100110xxxxxxxxx', where x corresponds to any bit, and n1 = n2 = n3 = n4 = 9 bits.

[0078] This filter applies to the bits read by shifting the starting position of the moving filter window from the first bit read to the last bit read. The window position corresponding to the maximum value of the NEB filter probably corresponds to the beginning of the first sequence S1. Figure 7 shows an example of the results of a NEB filter for such a code structure.

[0079] It is also possible to calculate the contrast between the NEB filter value for each window position relative to the NEB filter value in the subsequent window positions: the window position corresponding to the maximum contrast value NEB will then correspond to the beginning of the first sequence S1.

Example 3 - code header for an optical code carrier having four sequences, read during rotation [0080] The corresponding P 'header is shown below. The P 'header is distributed in the sequences shown on the optical code carrier. For example, the P 'header contains the first 6-bit PA =' 101010 'sequence, the second 6' bits PB = '010101' sequence, the third PC sequence '011001' of 6 bits and the fourth sequence PD = '100110' of length 6 bits.

[0081] The first sequence PA contains three subsequences PA1 = '10 ', PA2 = '10', PA3 = '10 '. The second PB sequence contains three subsequences, PB1 = '01 ', PB2 = '01', PB3 = '01 '. The third PC sequence contains three subsequences PC1 = '01 ', PC2 = '10', PC3 = '01 '. The fourth PD sequence contains three subsequences PD1 = '10 ', PD2 = '01', PD3 = '10 '.

The first sequence S1 is created by the subsequence PA1, then the data block F1 with the parity check bit, the subsequence PA2, then the data block F2 with the parity check bit, the subsequence PA3, then the data block F3 with the parity check bit. The second sequence S2 is formed by the subsequence of PB1, then the data block F1 with the parity check bit, the subsequence PB2, then the data block F2 with the parity check bit, the subsequence PB3, then the data block F3 with the parity check bit. The third sequence S3 is formed by the PC1 subsequence, then the data block F1 with the parity check bit, the PC2 subsequence, then the data block F2 with the parity check bit and the PC3 subsequence, then the data block F3 with the parity check bit. The fourth sequence S4 is created by the subsequence of PD1, then the data block F1 with the parity check bit, the PD2 subsequence, then the F2 data block with the parity check bit, the PD3 subsequence, then the F3 data block with the parity check bit. The following sequences are then represented on the code support:

PA1 - F1 -PA2-F2-PA3-F3-PB1-F1-PB2-F2-PB3-F3-PC1-F1-PC2-F2-PC3 F3-PD1-F1-PD2-F2-PD3-F3 Block F1 data, respectively, data block F2, data block F3, data D4 contain respectively the number n1, n2, n3 and n4 bits.

[0084] To read all the symbols of each sequence, at least one full rotation of the optical code carrier is required.

[0085] The position of the data block F1, the second block F2 and the third block F3 in each of the sequences S1, S2, S3, S4 was determined by looking for a pattern:

PA1 - X1 -PA2 - X2 - PA3 - X3 - PB1 -X1 - PB2-X2 - PB3 - X3 - PC1 - X1 -PC2 - X2 - PC3 X3 - PD1-X1 - PD2- X2 - PD3 - X3 in the sequence of bits read by an optical reader, where X1 is any sequence containing n1 bits, X2 is any sequence containing n2 bits, and X3 is any sequence containing n3 bits.

Thus, not only is the sequence of bits corresponding to the bits from the header sought, but also the relative positions of each subsequence of each PA, PB, PC, PD are taken into account, allowing a more reliable and reliable identification of the beginning of each block of data. In addition, by distributing and distributing headers into smaller sub-sequences, you can optimize the coding of information by minimizing the number of identical bits in the series (EBS). Figure 8 shows the number of identical bits in a row for such a code structure.

[0087] For example, the same bit count (NEB) filter can be used with the bits read by using the following match pattern:

'10xxx10xxx10xxx01xxx01xxx01xxx01xxx10xxx01xxx10xxx01xxx10xxx', where x corresponds to any bit, and n1 = n2 = n3 = 3 bits.

[0088] The filter applies to the bits read by shifting the starting position of the moving filter window from the first bit read to the last bit read. The window position corresponding to the maximum value of the NEB filter probably corresponds to the beginning of the first sequence S1.

[0089] It is also possible to calculate the contrast between the NEB filter value for each window position and the NEB filter value in a subsequent window position: the window position corresponding to the maximum contrast value NEB will then correspond to the beginning of the first sequence S1.