U.S. patent application number 14/408638 was filed with the patent office on 2015-06-04 for capsule recognition system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Conopco, Inc., d/b/a/ UNILEVER, Conopco, Inc., d/b/a/ UNILEVER. The applicant listed for this patent is Conopco, Inc., d/b/a UNILEVER, Conopco, Inc., d/b/a UNILEVER. Invention is credited to David Murray Cross, Michael Paton, Alistair David Smith, Daniel Thomas Toon, Daniel Mark Walter.
Application Number | 20150150409 14/408638 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48703593 |
Filed Date | 2015-06-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150150409 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cross; David Murray ; et
al. |
June 4, 2015 |
CAPSULE RECOGNITION SYSTEM
Abstract
The present invention relates to a capsule for a beverage
production machine, the capsule comprising: --an ingredient
enclosed within the capsule; and --an identifier; wherein the
identifier is an area of conductive material incorporating a code
pattern, the code pattern consisting of a predetermined arrangement
of one or more discontinuities formed in the conductive material,
and wherein the capsule comprises an orientation member for
directing the alignment of the capsule within the beverage
production machine.
Inventors: |
Cross; David Murray;
(Letchworth, GB) ; Paton; Michael; (Royston,
GB) ; Smith; Alistair David; (Bangkok, TH) ;
Toon; Daniel Thomas; (Epping, GB) ; Walter; Daniel
Mark; (Northampton, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Conopco, Inc., d/b/a UNILEVER |
Englewood Cliffs |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Conopco, Inc., d/b/a/
UNILEVER
Englewood Cliff
NJ
|
Family ID: |
48703593 |
Appl. No.: |
14/408638 |
Filed: |
July 2, 2013 |
PCT Filed: |
July 2, 2013 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2013/063950 |
371 Date: |
December 17, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
426/112 ;
426/232 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A23F 5/262 20130101;
A47J 31/0615 20130101; A23V 2002/00 20130101; B65D 85/804 20130101;
Y02W 30/807 20150501; A47J 31/44 20130101; A47J 31/0642 20130101;
A23F 3/18 20130101; B65D 85/8043 20130101; A23L 2/52 20130101; A47J
31/407 20130101; A47J 31/0605 20130101; G01N 27/025 20130101; A47J
31/06 20130101; A47J 31/4492 20130101; B65D 2203/00 20130101; Y02W
30/80 20150501 |
International
Class: |
A47J 31/44 20060101
A47J031/44; B65D 85/804 20060101 B65D085/804 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 6, 2012 |
EP |
12175405.5 |
Jul 6, 2012 |
EP |
12175406.3 |
Mar 21, 2013 |
EP |
13160324.3 |
Mar 21, 2013 |
EP |
13160325.0 |
Mar 21, 2013 |
EP |
13160326.8 |
Mar 21, 2013 |
EP |
13160328.4 |
Mar 21, 2013 |
EP |
13160342.5 |
Claims
1. A capsule (1, 21) for a beverage production machine, the capsule
(1, 21) comprising: an ingredient (6) enclosed within the capsule
(1, 21); and a plurality of identifiers (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 39);
wherein the identifiers (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 39) are each areas of
conductive material incorporating a code pattern, coded
independently of one another, the code pattern consisting of a
predetermined arrangement of one or more discontinuities (41, 42,
43) formed in the conductive material (40), and wherein the capsule
comprises at least one orientation member (7a, 7b) for directing
the alignment of the capsule within the beverage production
machine, wherein the at least one orientation member (7a, 7b)
directs the alignment of the capsule such that the capsule is
aligned within the beverage production machine in any one of n
fixed orientations, wherein n is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, the
identifiers being arranged with rotational symmetry, so as to
enable detection of the capsule in any on of the fixed orientations
dictated by the at least one orientation member.
2. A capsule as claimed in claim 1 wherein the capsule comprises a
body part (2) and the orientation member (7a, 7b) is integrally
formed as part of the body part (2).
3. A capsule as claimed in claim 1 wherein the conductive material
(40) is metallic foil preferably having a thickness of 10 to 100
.mu.m.
4. (canceled)
5. A capsule as claimed in claim 1 wherein the plurality of
identifiers (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 39) are arranged so as to have 180
.degree. rotational symmetry.
6. A capsule as claimed in claim 1 wherein the capsule comprises a
lid part (3) and the lid part (3) comprises the identifier(s) (9a,
9b, 9c, 9d, 39).
7. (canceled)
8. A capsule as claim 1 wherein the capsule encloses a beverage
ingredient, preferably an infusible beverage ingredient.
9. A capsule as claimed in claim 1 wherein the capsule encloses a
cleaning substance.
10. A capsule as claimed in claim 1 wherein the code pattern is
wholly or partially covered by a layer of non-conductive
material.
11. A method of recognising a capsule in a beverage production
machine, the method comprising: providing a capsule (1, 21)
comprising: an ingredient (6) enclosed within the capsule; an
identifier (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 39), wherein the identifier (9a, 9b,
9c, 9d, 39) is an area of conductive material incorporating a code
pattern, the code pattern consisting of a predetermined arrangement
of one or more discontinuities (41, 42, 43) formed in the
conductive material (40); and an orientation member (7a, 7b) for
directing the alignment of the capsule within the beverage
production machine; applying an alternating current to a coil (31a,
31b), the coil (31a, 31b) being positioned in the beverage
production machine such that it generates eddy currents within the
identifier (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 39); detecting a change in coil
impedance; generating a signal indicative of the change in coil
impedance; and identifying the capsule (1, 21) according to the
signal.
12. A method as claimed in claim 11 wherein the capsule is
identified by comparing the signal with a number of reference
signals, each one corresponding to a certain type of capsule.
13. A method as claimed in claim 11 wherein identification of the
capsule controls at least one parameter of the beverage production
machine.
14. A method as claimed in claim 11 wherein the identifier and the
coil are stationary with respect to one another whilst the
alternating current is applied to the coil.
15. A method as claimed in claim 11 wherein the method subsequently
comprises destruction of the code pattern.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a recognition system for a
capsule. In particular the invention relates to a coding system
which allows the recognition of a capsule, for example in a
beverage production machine.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Automated beverage production machines which are designed to
use portioned ingredients are already known. Often such machines
use capsules containing a predetermined dose of beverage ingredient
(e.g. ground coffee, cocoa powder, tea leaves). Such capsules are
convenient to use and can facilitate the preparation of beverages
that are consistent in terms of taste and quality.
[0003] The working parameters of beverage production machines may
need to be varied according to the type of beverage being prepared.
Several systems for identifying such capsules in order to control
parameters in the beverage production machine have been
proposed.
[0004] For example, international patent applications WO
2011/000723 and WO 2011/000724 (Nestec S.A.) describe beverage
capsules comprising an identifier and a method for identifying such
capsules in a beverage producing device. The identifier, which is
preferably embedded within a beverage capsule, comprises a
magnetically-responsive material enclosed in a plastic sheath. The
magnetically-responsive material is capable of altering the voltage
magnetic signal by producing at least one Barkhausen jump when
excited by a magnetic field provided by an electromagnetic emitter.
The composition of the magnetically-responsive material differs for
each type of capsule but is identical for capsules of the same
type. Hence the type of capsule can identified according to the
alteration provided to the magnetic signal (e.g. by comparison with
a number of reference magnetic patterns).
[0005] European patent application EP 0 451 980 (Kraft General
Foods Limited) relates to packages containing comestibles for the
preparation of beverages, which are preferably provided with a
recognition means. Several possible systems are postulated, each
comprising a particular recognition means and appropriate sensor.
For example, the recognition means may comprise one or more surface
features formed in the body of the package which can be identified
by a mechanical sensor or an optical sensor; one or more strips of
a magnetic material applied to the body of the package which can be
read by an appropriate magnetic sensor; one or more shaped or
divided areas of metal foil applied to the package body which cause
an inductive effect on movement of the package in the machine,
which inductive effect can be sensed; or one or more electrically
conductive areas formed on the body of the package which can be
sensed electronically.
[0006] International patent application WO 2011/141532 (Nestec
S.A.) describes a capsule, system and method for preparing a
beverage by centrifugation. The capsule comprises a code arranged
to be read while the capsule is rotated around an axis of rotation
traversing the capsule. Optical reading of a code that has been
applied on the capsule by printing, embossing or Laser engraving is
preferred. Inductive sensing of a code formed by reliefs or
recesses provided on a circumferential metal rim of the capsule is
also disclosed.
[0007] A problem with identifying a capsule in a beverage
production machine is that retrieving or reading information from
the capsule is not always reliable or convenient. For example, it
is often necessary to use a coding system with a high level of
redundancy in order to ensure that the capsule can be read in any
orientation and/or in situations wherein the environment around the
capsule is not clean (e.g. due to the presence of residual beverage
material).
TESTS AND DEFINITIONS
[0008] As used herein the term "comprising" encompasses the terms
"consisting essentially of" and "consisting of". All percentages
and ratios contained herein are calculated by weight unless
otherwise indicated. It should be noted that in specifying any
range of values or amount, any particular upper value or amount can
be associated with any particular lower value or amount.
[0009] The disclosure of the invention as found herein is to be
considered to cover all embodiments as found in the claims as being
multiply dependent upon each other irrespective of the fact that
claims may be found with multiple dependency or redundancy.
Beverage
[0010] As used herein the term "beverage" refers to a substantially
aqueous drinkable composition suitable for human consumption.
Preferably the beverage comprises at least 85% water by weight of
the beverage, more preferably at least 90% and most preferably from
95 to 99.9%.
Beverage Ingredient
[0011] As used herein the term "beverage ingredient" refers to a
food-grade substance than can be used to produce a beverage.
Typically such an ingredient will be mixed with a liquid,
preferably an aqueous liquid, in order to produce a beverage (e.g.
by steeping, soaking, dissolution and/or suspension).
[0012] An "infusible beverage ingredient" refers to a beverage
ingredient that when steeped or soaked in an aqueous liquid
releases certain soluble substances into the liquid, e.g. flavour
and/or aroma molecules. Preferred examples of infusible beverage
ingredients are tea plant material, herb plant material and/or
fruit pieces. Preferably the infusible beverage ingredient will be
dried and have a moisture content of less than 30 wt %, preferably
less than 20 wt % and most preferably from 0.1 to 10 wt %.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a
capsule for a beverage production machine, the capsule comprising:
[0014] an ingredient enclosed within the capsule; and [0015] an
identifier; wherein the identifier is an area of conductive
material incorporating a code pattern, the code pattern consisting
of a predetermined arrangement of one or more discontinuities
formed in the conductive material, and wherein the capsule
comprises an orientation member for directing the alignment of the
capsule within the beverage production machine.
[0016] The key to the present invention is the simplicity and
reliability of the coding system. This permits recognition of the
capsule over a wide range of tolerances without the need to build
redundancy into the coding system and/or reduces the proportion of
capsules rejected as void during the manufacturing process. The
simplicity and reliability of the coding system is possible because
the orientation member ensures that the capsule can only be aligned
within the beverage production machine in one of a limited number
of fixed orientations.
[0017] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a
method of recognising a capsule in a beverage production machine,
the method comprising: [0018] providing a capsule comprising:
[0019] an ingredient enclosed within the capsule; [0020] an
identifier, wherein the identifier is an area of conductive
material incorporating a code pattern, the code pattern consisting
of a predetermined arrangement of one or more discontinuities
formed in the conductive material; and [0021] an orientation member
for directing the alignment of the capsule within the beverage
production machine; [0022] applying an alternating current to a
coil, the coil being positioned in the beverage production machine
such that it generates eddy currents within the identifier; [0023]
detecting a change in coil impedance; [0024] generating a signal
indicative of the change in coil impedance; and [0025] identifying
the capsule according to the signal.
[0026] This method provides a simple system for recognising a
capsule within a beverage production machine. Such a system can
have reduced complexity (e.g. by comprising fewer components)
and/or be more economic to manufacture. This permits one or more
working parameter of the beverage production machine to be varied
according to the identity of the capsule, ultimately enabling a
single beverage production machine to prepare a number of different
beverages, each requiring distinct preparation conditions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] The present invention relates to a capsule for a beverage
production machine. The capsule encloses an ingredient. Preferably
this will be a beverage ingredient, although embodiments in which
the capsule encloses a cleaning substance are also envisaged. Most
preferably, the beverage ingredient comprises an infusible beverage
ingredient (e.g. leaf tea).
[0028] The capsule can be of any suitable design. In order to
facilitate efficient and cost-effective manufacture, it is
preferred that the capsule is formed by injection moulding or by
thermoforming. Preferably the capsule comprises a body part and a
lid part, the lid part being attached to the body part so as to
enclose the ingredient within the capsule. In this embodiment, the
body part is preferably formed by injection moulding or by
thermoforming, and the ingredient is subsequently enclosed within
the capsule by attaching the lid part to the body part. In a
particularly preferred embodiment, the body part comprises a rim,
and the lid part is attached to the body part around the rim, e.g.
by heat-sealing.
[0029] The capsule comprises an orientation member for directing
the alignment of the capsule within the beverage production
machine. The orientation member ensures that the capsule will be
aligned within the beverage production machine in any one of n
fixed orientations, wherein n is an integer. Preferably n is 1, 2,
3, 4, 5 or 6, more preferably n is 1, 2, 3 or 4, still more
preferably n is 1 or 2 and most preferably n is 2. In certain
preferred embodiments the capsule comprises a plurality of
orientation members.
[0030] It is preferred that the orientation member(s) are
integrally formed as part of the body part, more preferably as part
of the rim. For example, the capsule base and/or rim may have
fulcrum detents and/or protrusions of the rim perimeter to ensure
that the capsule will be held any one of n fixed orientations
within the beverage production machine.
[0031] In order to direct the alignment of the capsule holder
within the beverage production machine, the beverage production
machine comprises a capsule holder which can interact with the
orientation member(s). For example, in embodiments wherein the
orientation member is a protrusion, the capsule holder preferably
comprises a corresponding recess adapted to receive the protrusion.
Similarly, in embodiments wherein the orientation member is a
recess, then the capsule holder preferably comprises a
corresponding protrusion adapted to engage with the recess. An
advantage of such arrangements is that the capsule is held in a
fixed position within the beverage production machine. This ensures
that the capsule is stationary during reading of the code
pattern.
[0032] It should be noted that the orientation member is not
necessarily a protrusion or an indent. In certain preferred
embodiments the orientation member can consist of the shape of the
capsule itself, wherein the shape of the capsule is adapted so as
to limit the number of orientations of the capsule within the
beverage production machine. This is most preferably achieved by
providing a capsule wherein the base part is shaped such that it
has a limited degree of rotational symmetry. For example, the
capsule can be shaped such that the base part has 60.degree.
rotational symmetry (e.g. a substantially hexagonal base part),
72.degree. rotational symmetry (e.g. a substantially pentagonal
base part), 90.degree. rotational symmetry (e.g. a substantially
square base part), 120.degree. rotational symmetry (e.g. a
substantially triangular base portion), or 180.degree. rotational
symmetry (e.g. a substantially oval or substantially rectangular
base portion).
[0033] In embodiments wherein the orientation member consists of
the shape of the capsule, the capsule holder is adapted accordingly
to ensure that it interacts with the shaped capsule and holds it in
a stationary position within the beverage production machine (e.g.
by preventing rotation of the capsule once it has been inserted
therein). For example, if the base part of the capsule is
substantially hexagonal in shape, the capsule holder will be
adapted to receive such a capsule (preferably by providing the
capsule holder with a substantially hexagonal recess, the recess
being adapted to receive the substantially hexagonal capsule
base).
[0034] The capsule comprises an identifier. The identifier is an
area of conductive material incorporating a code pattern. The code
pattern consists of a predetermined arrangement of one or more
discontinuities formed in the conductive material. This coding
system permits machine reading of the capsule, e.g. by a beverage
production machine. Machine reading is also useful during capsule
manufacture, particularly in relation to selection and/or packaging
of the capsules.
[0035] The identifier may comprise any conductive material.
Preferred examples of conductive materials include metallic foils,
conductive inks and wire loops. In a particularly preferred
embodiment the conductive material is metallic foil. In this
embodiment the foil may be of any thickness, although metallic foil
having a thickness of 10 to 100 .mu.m is particularly
preferred.
[0036] In certain preferred embodiments the capsule comprises a
plurality of identifiers. The identifier(s) are arranged so as to
enable detection of the capsule in any one of the fixed
orientations dictated by the orientation member(s). In a preferred
embodiment the capsule comprises a plurality of identifiers which
are coded independently of one another.
[0037] The identifier(s) can be incorporated into the lid part or
the base of the capsule or applied to the capsule as a label. For
convenience of manufacture it is preferred that the lid part
comprises the identifier(s). The code pattern can be located
anywhere on the lid part. In a preferred embodiment each identifier
is located towards the periphery of the lid part.
[0038] As described above, in certain embodiments the body part
comprises a rim and the lid part is preferably attached to the body
part around the rim. As such, the lid part consists of a peripheral
rim portion and a central lidding portion. In these embodiments, is
preferred that each identifier incorporated in the lid part.
Preferably each identifier is located at least partially on the
peripheral rim portion in order to minimise the likelihood of
damaging the identifier during packaging and transport of the
capsule. More preferably, each identifier is located wholly on the
peripheral rim portion. However, it should be noted that it is also
possible to locate the identifier wholly or partially on the
central lidding portion, especially if the ingredient enclosed
within the capsule is not air-sensitive.
[0039] In embodiments in which the lid part comprises the
identifier(s), the lid part preferably comprises metallic foil,
more preferably the lid part is a polymer/metallic foil laminate,
most preferably a polymer/aluminium foil laminate. It is not
necessary for the foil to be smooth prior to the incorporation of
the code pattern. In fact, in order to allow sealing of the lid
part to the body part to be controlled (e.g. in terms of seal
strength), it is preferred that the foil is embossed.
[0040] It is preferred that the identifiers are arranged
symmetrically. In particular, it is preferred that the identifiers
have rotational symmetry. For example, the identifiers preferably
have 60.degree., 72.degree.90.degree., 120.degree. or 180.degree.
rotational symmetry, more preferably 90.degree., 120.degree. or
180.degree. rotational symmetry, most preferably 180.degree.
rotational symmetry.
[0041] Recognition of the capsule is based on the principle of
electromagnetic induction and metal detection. A coil carrying an
alternating current and located close to the identifier induces
eddy currents in the conductive material. The eddy currents produce
an opposing electromagnetic flux that changes the impedance of the
coil. The change in impedance is a function of the strength and
freedom of the eddy currents to circulate in the conductive
material.
[0042] Code patterns incorporated in the conductive material
comprise discontinuities that constrain and weaken the strength of
the eddy currents, and thereby affect the impedance of the coil. An
electronic detection system (also referred to as an eddy current
sensor) monitors the change in coil impedance in order to derive a
signal. Further characteristics of the signal may be extracted by
electronic and/or software processing. The processed signal can be
associated with valid code patterns or invalid code patterns. For
example, a valid code pattern may verify the integrity of the
capsule or identify the capsule type (e.g. beverage variety,
cleaning capsule), whereas an invalid code pattern can signify a
void pattern, capsule reuse or simply that no capsule is
present.
[0043] Each coil is excited with an alternating current (e.g. 10
mA, .about.200 kHz, and possibly phased/pulsed to avoid cross
coupled interference). Although the diameter of the coil is not
critical, it is preferably no more than 10 mm, more preferably no
more than 8 mm. In one embodiment, the coil is configured in an
electronic bridge circuit and the detection circuit includes an
alternating waveform generator (oscillator, processor output etc),
amplifier, filter, and further signal conditioning.
[0044] An advantage of this method of detection is that the coil
and the eddy current sensor do not need to be in contact with the
code pattern. This means that the recognition system works even if
there is water and/or residual beverage ingredient between the coil
and the code pattern. In order to ensure good signal
differentiation, it is preferred that the coil and the code pattern
are separated by a distance of 0 to 3 mm, more preferably 0 to 2
mm.
[0045] In order to function over a wide range of tolerances, it is
preferable to have a low number of code patterns per coil and
coarse pattern resolution. For example, 2 coils, each sensing 4
patterns per coil (A, B, C, D) provide 10 identification codes.
This is sufficient to encode 9 different sets of machine parameters
(e.g. 9 different brewing cycles and 1 cleaning cycle). In order to
facilitate detection by a system comprising 2 coils, the code
pattern is preferably symmetrical, and more preferably the code
pattern has 180.degree. rotational symmetry. The orientation
member(s) in such an embodiment preferably ensure that the capsule
will be aligned within the beverage production machine in either
one of two possible orientations, wherein these orientations also
have 180.degree. rotational symmetry.
[0046] It should be noted that the code pattern does need to be
exposed on the surface of the capsule. For example, the code
pattern could be covered by a laminate. The laminate can be any
material that does not support eddy currents. In order to protect
the code pattern (e.g. during packaging of the capsule), it is
preferred that the code pattern is wholly or partially covered by a
layer of non-conductive material.
[0047] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a
method of recognising the capsule in a beverage production machine.
The method comprises: [0048] applying an alternating current to a
coil, the coil being positioned in the beverage production machine
such that it generates eddy currents within the identifier; [0049]
detecting a change in coil impedance; [0050] generating a signal
indicative of the change in coil impedance; and [0051] identifying
the capsule according to the signal.
[0052] This method enables a single beverage production machine to
prepare a number of different beverages which require different
preparation conditions. In a preferred embodiment, the capsule is
identified by comparing the signal with a number of reference
signals, each one corresponding to a certain type of capsule.
[0053] It is particularly preferred that identification of the
capsule controls at least one parameter of the beverage production
machine. For example, the at least one parameter can include
modulating one or more of: temperature, pressure, volume and/or
flow rate of a brewing liquid (which is preferably water).
Additionally or alternatively, the at least one parameter can be
air pressure or brewing time. It is also envisaged that
identification of the capsule can determine which path(s) the
brewing liquid follows within the beverage production machine.
[0054] The identifier and the coil are preferably stationary with
respect to one another whilst the alternating current is being
applied to the coil. This arrangement allows the capsule to be
identified without requiring the capsule to be in motion. This
reduces the time required to identify the capsule and/or increases
the accuracy of the identification.
[0055] From the standpoint of hygiene, it is preferable that the
capsules are disposable. In order to prevent capsule re-use, it is
preferred that the code pattern is destroyed once the capsule has
been identified. For example, destruction of the code pattern may
be achieved by piercing the identifier(s).
FIGURES
[0056] By way of example, certain embodiments of the invention are
illustrated by the figures, in which:
[0057] FIGS. 1a to 1c show a series of views of a capsule according
to an embodiment of the invention.
[0058] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of the capsule of
FIG. 1 in a preferred reading mode.
[0059] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing basic components of a
beverage production machine.
[0060] FIGS. 4a to 4j illustrate a series of capsules according to
an embodiment of the invention viewed from above, wherein each
capsule is encoded with one of 10 possible identification
codes.
[0061] FIGS. 5a to 5j illustrate a series of capsules according to
an alternative embodiment of the invention viewed from above.
[0062] FIG. 6 illustrates a number of identifiers, wherein each
identifier incorporates a possible code pattern.
[0063] FIGS. 1a to 1c show three different views of a capsule 1 for
a beverage production machine according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0064] FIG. 1a is a cross-sectional side view of a capsule 1
comprising a body part 2 and a lid part 3. The lid part 3 is
attached to the body part 2 around a flange-like rim 4. The body
part 2 defines a compartment 5 which encloses an ingredient 6. The
ingredient 6 is preferably a beverage ingredient, although it may
also be a cleaning ingredient. The lid part 3 is attached to the
body part 2 around the rim 4, thus sealing the ingredient 6 within
the capsule 1. The capsule 1 comprises two orientation members 7a,
7b for directing the alignment of the capsule within the beverage
production machine. In this embodiment, the orientation members 7a,
7b are fulcrum detents integrally formed in the underside of the
rim 4.
[0065] FIG. 1b is a representation of the capsule of FIG. 1a viewed
from above. In this embodiment the lid part 3 comprises
perforations 8 along the inner edge of the rim 4 to facilitate
release of the ingredient 6 from the capsule 1. The lid part 3
comprises two identifiers 9a, 9b which are arranged such that they
have 180.degree. rotational symmetry about a vertical axis through
the centre of the capsule. Each identifier 9a, 9b is an area of
conductive material incorporating a code pattern. In this
embodiment, the lid part 3 comprises a conductive material (e.g.
metallic foil, preferably in the form of a polymer/aluminium foil
laminate) and the code patterns are formed in the lid part 3.
[0066] FIG. 1c is a representation of the capsule of FIG. 1a viewed
from below. The body part 2 has a circular base 10 and a
flange-like rim 4. As mentioned above, in this embodiment the
orientation members 7a, 7b are integrally formed within the
underside of the rim 4. In this embodiment, the orientation members
7a, 7b are arranged in a symmetrical manner, however this is not
necessarily the case and other embodiments are envisaged wherein
the capsule comprises only a single orientation member or a
plurality of orientation members arranged in a symmetrical or
non-symmetrical manner.
[0067] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of the capsule of
FIG. 1 in a preferred reading mode in the beverage production
machine. In this embodiment, the capsule 1 comprises two
orientation members 7a, 7b configured such that the capsule can
only be inserted into the beverage production machine in one of two
orientations. The beverage production machine comprises two coils
11a, 11b. On application of an alternating current to the coils
eddy currents are generated in the conductive material. Each coil
11a, 11b is positioned such these eddy currents are generated
within one of the identifiers. This leads to a change in coil
impedance. Each coil provides a signal indicative of this change in
impedance, allowing the capsule to be identified according to the
signal.
[0068] FIG. 3 is a representation of the basic set up of a beverage
production machine. The capsule 1, 21 of the present invention can
be used in such a machine.
[0069] The beverage production machine comprises a capsule holder
20, which can receive a capsule 21. The capsule comprises one or
more orientation members (not shown), and the capsule holder
interacts with the orientation members so as to fix the position of
the capsule within the beverage production machine (e.g. by
preventing rotational movement of the capsule). The capsule
additionally comprises one or more identifiers (not shown). Two
coils 31a, 31b are positioned in close proximity (preferably 0 to 2
mm) to the identifiers. This arrangement facilitates recognition of
the capsule as described above.
[0070] The beverage production machine preferably comprises a
brewing chamber 22. Water from a reservoir 23 is fed to the brewing
chamber 22 via a water filter 24, a water pump 25, a heater 26 and
a valve 27. The valve 27 controls the route the water takes between
the heater 25 and the brewing chamber 22. In order to produce a
beverage, water from the reservoir 23 preferably enters the brewing
chamber 22 via the capsule 21. An air pump 28 pumps air along with
the water and thus facilitates the mixing of the capsule contents
with the water. The beverage can subsequently be dispensed into a
receptacle 29 (e.g. cup, mug) via a spout 30. In order to rinse
and/or clean the brewing chamber 22, the valve 27 can re-direct the
water such that it enters the brewing chamber 22 via a rinse head
32.
[0071] FIGS. 4a to 4j illustrate a series capsules according to an
embodiment of the invention viewed from above. Each capsule 1 has a
lid part 3 comprising two identifiers 9a, 9b arranged so as to have
180.degree. rotational symmetry, wherein each identifier 9a, 9b is
an area of conductive material incorporating one of four possible
code patterns A, B, C or D. The capsule comprises orientation
members 7a, 7b configured such that the capsule can only be
inserted into the beverage production machine in two orientations,
and is designed to be read by a beverage production machine
comprising two coils. Thus code pattern #1 (sensed by coil #1) can
be A, B, C or D and code pattern #2 (sensed by coil #2) can
independently be A, B, C or D. Thus this embodiment is sufficient
to encode 10 different identification codes, as summarised in FIGS.
4a to 4j and Table 1. Each identification code can be associated
with a different set of machine parameters.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Code pattern #1 A B C D Code pattern #2 A
FIG. 4a FIG. 4b FIG. 4c FIG. 4d B FIG. 4b FIG. 4e FIG. 4f FIG. 4g C
FIG. 4c FIG. 4f FIG. 4h FIG. 4i D FIG. 4d FIG. 4g FIG. 4i FIG.
4j
[0072] FIGS. 5a to 5j illustrate a series of capsules according to
an alternative embodiment of the invention, wherein the
identification codes again have 180.degree. rotational symmetry.
The capsules differ from those shown in FIGS. 4a to 4j in that each
capsule 1 comprises four identifiers 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d. Each
identifier 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d is an area of conductive material
incorporating one of four possible code patterns A, B, C or D. The
identifiers have 180.degree. rotational symmetry, with identifier
9a having the same code pattern as identifier 9c. Similarly,
identifier 9b has the same code pattern as identifier 9d.
Nevertheless, each pair of identifiers (9a, 9c; 9b, 9d) is coded
independently of the other pair. Thus this embodiment is sufficient
to encode 10 different identification codes in a similar manner to
Table 1, each of which can be associated with a different set of
machine parameters.
[0073] FIG. 6 illustrates a number of identifiers 39, wherein each
identifier incorporates a possible code pattern. Each of the code
patterns consist of a predetermined arrangement of one or more
discontinuities formed in the conductive material 40. The
discontinuities are preferably perforations 41, slits 42, holes 43,
indentations (not shown), or a combination thereof.
[0074] For convenience, the code patterns are illustrated as 5 sets
(set 1, set 2, set 3, set 4, set 5), with each set consisting of 4
code patterns (pattern A, pattern B, pattern C, pattern D).
However, this is not meant to imply that these sets are in any way
limiting. For example, a set of code patterns could be compiled by
selecting all of patterns A, B, C and D from set 1, or by selecting
patterns A from set 2, pattern B from set 3, pattern C from set 4
and pattern D from set 5. In fact any combination is possible, so
long as each of pattern A, pattern B, pattern C and pattern D is
associated with a unique and identifiable change in coil
impedance.
* * * * *