NZ623460B2 - Support and capsule for preparing a beverage by centrifugation, system and method for preparing a beverage by centrifugation - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an optically readable code support to be associated with or part of a capsule indented for delivering a beverage in a beverage producing device by centrifugation of the capsule. The support comprises at least one sequence of symbols represented on the support so that each symbol is sequentially readable by a reading arrangement of an external reading device while the capsule is driven in rotation along an axis of rotation. The symbols are at least partly formed of surfaces arranged to reflect mainly diffusively, in any direction forming an angle comprised between 3° and 10° with respect to a normal of said surface, any incoming beam of light with an incoming direction forming an angle comprise between 0 and 10° with respect to a normal of said surface. mbol is sequentially readable by a reading arrangement of an external reading device while the capsule is driven in rotation along an axis of rotation. The symbols are at least partly formed of surfaces arranged to reflect mainly diffusively, in any direction forming an angle comprised between 3° and 10° with respect to a normal of said surface, any incoming beam of light with an incoming direction forming an angle comprise between 0 and 10° with respect to a normal of said surface.

Description

WO 72297 Support and capsule for preparing a beverage by centrifugation, system and method for preparing a beverage by centrifugation Field of the ion: The invention pertains to the field of the beverage preparation, in particular using capsules containing an ingredient for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation machine. The present invention s in particular to optical code supports adapted to store information related to a capsule, capsules associated r embedding a code support, reading and processing arrangements for reading and using such information for preparing a beverage.

Background of the invention: For the purpose of the present description, a “beverage” is meant to include any human- consumable liquid substance, such as coffee, tea, hot or cold ate, milk, soup, baby food or the like. A “capsule” is meant to include any rtioned beverage ingredient or combination of ingredients fter called dient”) within an enclosing packaging of any suitable material such as plastic, ium, a recyclable and/or gradable material and combinations thereof, including a soft pod or a rigid cartridge containing the ingredient.

Certain ge preparation machines use capsules containing an ingredient to be extracted or to be dissolved and/or an ingredient that is stored and closed automatically in the machine or else is added at the time of preparation of the drink. Some beverage es s liquid filling means that include a pump for liquid, usually water, which pumps the liquid from a source of water that is cold or indeed heated through heating means, e.g. a thermoblock or the like. Certain beverage preparation machines are arranged to prepare beverages by using a centrifugation extraction process. The principle mainly consists in providing beverage ingredient in a container of the capsule, feeding liquid in the receptacle and rotating the receptacle at elevated speed to ensure ction of liquid with powder while creating a gradient of pressure of liquid in the receptacle; such pressure increasing gradually from the centre towards the periphery of the receptacle. As liquid traverses the coffee bed, extraction of the coffee compounds takes place and a liquid t is obtained that flows out at the periphery of the receptacle.

Typically, it is suitable to offer to the user a range of capsules of different types containing different ingredients (e.g., different coffee blends) with specific taste characteristics, to prepare a variety of different beverages (e.g., different coffee types) with a same machine.

The characteristics of the beverages can be varied by varying the content of the capsule (e.g., coffee weight, ent blends, etc.) and by adjusting key machine ters such as the supplied liquid volume or temperature, the rotational speed, the re pump. Therefore, there is a need for identifying the type of capsule inserted in the beverage machine to enable the adjustment of the g parameters to the inserted type. Moreover, it may also be desirable for capsules to embed additional information, for e safety information like use«by date or tion data like batch numbers.

W02010/026053 relates to a controlled beverage production device using centrifugal forces.

The capsule may comprise a barcode provided on an outside face of the capsule and which enables a detection of the type of capsule and/or the nature of ingredients provided within the capsule in order to apply a predefined tion profile for the beverage to be prepared. it is known from the art, for e in document EP1764015A1, to print y an fying barcode on a small area of the circular crown of a coffee wafer for use with a conventional non-centrifugation coffee brewing systems. Said systems comprise a barcode reader to read the identifying barcode on the capsule. Barcode readers or barcode scanners are electronic devices comprising a light source, a lens and a light sensor ating optical impulses into electrical ones. They generally comprise a light-emitting/laser diode, or a camera—type sensor. Barcode readers in beverage preparation machine are adapted to read the barcode either by moving the sensing element across the bars (by moving/changing the orientation of the light source beam to scan the entire code), or by taking an image of the whole code at a time with a light-sensitive array/matrix.

Using such kind of code readers is not adapted to be used in the context of a centrifugation extraction based system having a rotating brewing unit. The use of barcode readers having moving parts like a scanning t may raise severe concerns in term of reliability since it is likely to be exposed to a harsh envirOnment with cyclical vibrations and hot vapors when placed at the immediate vicinity of the rotating brewing unit. Barcode reader with camera- typc sensor should be positioned so as to be able to take an image of the whole barcodc. As a consequence, the entire code needs to be directly visible from the reader. The free space available in a rotating brewing unit dedicated to a code reader being quite limited, it is generally not possible to meet this lity requirement.

Whatever the kind ofbarcode reader used, the geometrical configuration of the rotating brewing units in centrifugation extraction based systems prevents the barcode reader to read a code spread on a large section of the capsule: as a consequence, the dimensions of the barcode are strictly limited, leading to a very low quantity of coded information for a given level of reliability of the readings, typically around 20 bits only. In addition barcode readers are quite expensive.

Reliably reading code d on a capsule while said capsule is oned into a rotating brewing unit s the reliable recognition of each distinct symbol forming said code. Hence, not only the characteristics and the l behavior of such s should be chosen to perform adequately in this context, but it is also of the uttennost importance to determine this information to ensure their ucibility on all capsules. The used symbols should be reproduced on the capsule so as a suitable optical reader in the machine could detect enough contrast between the different symbols, even when said reader performs optical measurements of the code of the capsule through ediate semi—transparent part of the capsule holder. The code should be optically le in the harsh enviromnent of the rotating brewing unit. The code should also be readable, without knowledge by the code reader of the position and/or orientation in which the capsule has been inserted in the capsule holder. Traditional barcodes and other optical coding element known in the art for a capsule fail to meet these requirements, and moreover are not well optically defined.

Co-pending international patent ation relates to a support adapted to be associated with or be a part of a capsule for the preparation of a beverage. The support comprises a section on which at least one sequence of symbols is represented so as that each symbol is sequentially readable, by a reading arrangement of an external device, while the e is driven in on along an axis of rotation, each sequence code a set of information related to the capsule. Such ion enables to make a large volume of coded information available, such as about 100 bits of redundant or non—redundant information, without using barcode readers having moving paits like a scanning element which may raise severe concerns in terms of reliability. Another age is also to be able to read the code support by rotating the capsule while the capsule is in place, in a ready to brew position in the rotary capsule holder. r, one disadvantage lies in that those reading conditions remain cally difficult for different reasons, such as because the incoming and outgoing rays of light must se the e holder when the capsule is held by the capsule holder, causing the loss of a great part of energy and/0r e the light rays may incur significant angular deviations due to particular mechanical constraints born by the rotating assembly of the machine and possibly coming from different origins (e.g., vibrations, wearing, unbalanced mass distribution, etc).

Furthermore, it is not suitable to compensate the loss of reflectivity by ing the performance of the light emitting and sensing devices of the machine as it would make the beverage ation machine too expensive.

Therefore, there is a need for providing an improved code support which enables to provide a reliable reading in the particular conditions met in a centrifugal beverage machine using es for the preparation of the beverage.

Therefore it still exists a need to provide a capsule having an element for coding at least 100 bits of redundant or non—redundant information, said element having efined and predictable optical characteristics so as to be reliably readable by an optical reading arrangement, in a centrifugational extraction based system. In particular, there is a need for reliably reading information on a proper t associated to or part of a capsule, in particular, a support able to generate an enhanced signal in particularly difficult reading conditions found in a centrifugal ge machine.

Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

Brief description of the invention It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages ofthe prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

An object of the preferred embodiments of the invention is to provide means for g, reading and processing information related to a capsule, more particularly information for identifying said capsule Within a tion machine and for retrieving or reading information for adjusting g parameters of the machine and/or for controlling parameters for preparing a beverage with said capsuie. Another object of the preferred embodiments of the invention is to provide a capsule embedding such means.

Another object of the preferred embodiments of the invention is to control optimal conditions for preparing a beverage.

Another object of the preferred embodiments of the invention is to provide a on for reliably reading information related to a capsule with a sensor disposed in the machine, for example in the sing module / brewing unit of the machine, where ble spaces are quite limited and in a harsh nment (ingredients traces, presence of vapors and liquids,. . .).

According to a first aspect, the invention relates to an optically readable code t adapted to be associated with a e or part of a capsule, the support comprising at least one sequence of symbols represented on the support so that each symbol is sequentially readable when the support is driven in rotation along an axis of rotation, n the s are at least partly formed of es arranged to reflect mainly diffusively, in any direction forming an angle comprised between 3° and 10° with respect to a normal of said surface, any incoming beam of light with an ng direction forming an angle comprise between 0 and 10° with t to a normal of said surface.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

By providing a code support with symbols represented by diffusive surfaces for incoming light beam, it is possible to enhance readings of the symbols for a given range of conditions, such characteristics allowing reliable readings in a difficult enviromnent such those met in centrifilgation beverage systems. Then, for example, it is possible for the symbols to be measured reliably by an l device illuminating the t with an incoming light beam having an incoming direction forming an angle of 4° with respect to a normal of the surface of a symbol, and measuring the intensity of any reflected light beam having an outgoing direction forming an angle of 4° with respect to the e of a symbol. By avoiding mainly specular reflections for a range of situations that are likely to be met in a centrifiigation ge system, the readings can be optimized. 0 an outgoing beam with a reference intensity BREE in a direction forming an angle of 0° with respect to a normal of said first surface, when said incoming beam of light has an incoming direction forming an angle of 5° with respect to a normal of said first surface; an outgoing beam with at least 60% of the reference intensity EREF in a direction forming an angle sed between 3° and 6° with t to a normal of said first surface, when said incoming beam of light has an incoming direction forming an angle comprised between 0° and ° with respect to a normal of said first surface. In particular, in an embodiment, a plurality of the s are at least paltly formed of a light reflecting surface, said light reflecting surface when illuminated by an incoming beam of light having a wavelength of ly 830nm, reflects: I an outgoing beam with a nce intensity EREF‘ in a direction forming an angle of 0° with respect to a normal of said first surface, when said ng beam of light has an incoming direction forming an angle of 5° with respect to a normal of said first Surface; 0 an outgoing beam with at least 60% of the reference intensity Em.- in a ion forming an angle comprised between 3° and 6° with respect to a normal of said first surface, when said incoming beam of light has an incoming direction forming an angle comprised n 0° and 10° with respect to a normal of said first surface.

Hence, such a code support presents optical characteristics that are well-known and defined for the light reflecting e, said surface being generally the most reflective one. Hence, the new. diffusive reflectivity of the first surface is precisely defined for a given range of conditions, such teristics allowing a reliable reading in a difficuit environment such a centrifugational system. in fact, the relative intensity of the reflectivity of the light reflecting surface according to the incoming and outgoing directions gives an indication of its distribution in the space. By ng the dispersion of this relative intensity for a known and defined range of conditions, it is possible to configure and to calibrate an optical reading device for reading the sequence of symbols. For example, it is le for the light reflecting e to be measured reliably by an optical device illuminating the support with an incoming light beam having an incoming direction forming an angle of 4° with respect to a normal of support, and measuring the intensity of any reflected light beam having an outgoing direction forming an angle of 4° with respect to a normal of support. Since many positioning errors may affect these ements, notably caused by significant angular deviations due to particular mechanical constraints born by the rotating assembly of the machine and possibly coming from ent origins (e.g., vibrations, wearing, unbalanced mass distribution, etc.) and manufacturing tolerances, it is particularly important that the reflectivity of the first symbol is chosen to te such deviations and errors. The light reflecting symbol as defined has proven to be suitable to meet all these requirements.

Advantageously, the light reflecting surface, when illuminated by an incoming beam of light having a wavelength of sensibly 830nm, may reflect an outgoing beam with at least 72% of the reference intensity ERgp in a direction g an angle comprised between 3° and 4.4° with respect to a normal of said light reflecting surface, when said incoming beam of light have an ng direction forming an angle comprised between 0° and 10° with respect to a WO 72297 normal of said first e. In this embodiment, the level of reliability of measurements of the reflectivity of the light reflecting symbol is r enhanced.

In an embodiment, a plurality of the symbols are at least partly formed of a light absorbing surface. The light absorbing surface, when illuminated by an incoming beam of light having a wavelength of sensibly 830nm and an incoming direction forming an angle comprised between 0° and 10° with respect to a normal of said light absorbing e, may reflect an outgoing beam an intensity smaller than 20% ofthe reference ity EREF. For e, the optical contrast between the light reflecting surface and the light absorbing surface, defined n—tz by the following mathematical sion where , i1, i2 represent respectively the i1+i2 ity of the outgoing light reflected by the light reflecting, light absorbing symbol respectively in a same given configuration, is greater than 60%.

Hence, such a code support presents optical characteristics that are well-known and defined also for the light absorbing surface, said light absorbing surface being generally the less reflective one. Hence, the relative reflectivity of the light absorbing surface is defined relatively to the light reflecting surface for a given range of conditions, to ensure that the difference of reflectivity between the light reflecting and the light absorbing surface remains sufficient in all this range to achieve a reliable distinction between the light reflecting and the light absorbing surface. This is of a particular importance when the reading conditions remain specifically difficult for different reasons, such as because the incoming and outgoing rays of light must traverse the capsule holder when the capsule is held by the e holder, causing the loss of a great part of energy and/or because the light rays may incur cant angular deviations due to particular mechanical constraints born by the rotating assembly of the e and possibly coming from ent origins (e.g., vibrations, g, unbalanced mass distribution, etc).

In an embodiment, the optically readable code support has an annulus shape with an inner radius of at least 24mm, and/or an outer radius of less than 28mm. The symbols may be arranged along a circle having a radius Rs comprised between 24mm and 28mm. A width HS ofeach symbol may be comprised between lmm and 2.8mm.

In an embodiment, the sequence comprises at least 100 symbols. Each sequence may be arranged along at least a eighth of the circumference. All the symbols may be arranged along at least the half of the circumference, or, preferably, along the entire circumference. l’CT/EP2012/072461 As a consequence, it is possible to embedded an important quantity of information and/or enhance the reliability of decoding the sequence by including ant information. ably, the sequence of symbols comprises between 100 and 200 symbols sequentially readable on the support. More preferably, it comprises between 140 and 180 symbols, most preferably 160 symbols. Each symbol forms ably a rectangular or trapezoidal area covering an area having an arcuate sector lower than 5°, more preferably between 1.8° and 3.6°.

Hence, even if the surface illuminated by an optical reader used for g the sequence has an area smaller than the area of one symbol, the measurement may be handled reliably, even if the ular mechanical constraints born by the rotating assembly ofthe machine and possibly coming from different origins (e.g., vibrations, wearing, unbalanced mass bution, etc.) cause the capsule to be positioned inaccurately. This allows also a reader to deals with manufacturing inaccuracies more ently, in particular the eccentricity that may affect the shape and the positioning of the symbol on the capsule.

The surface occupied by each symbol may spread over an area having an angular sector inferior to 3.6 degrees. The surface occupied by each symbol may spread over an area having an angular sector greater than 1.8 degrees. Hence the width of the entity is well ed between the density of information and the level reliability of readings.

In an embodiment, the code support comprises a base structure extending continuously at least along said sequence of symbols and discontinuous discrete light-absorbing ns locally applied onto or formed at the surface of said base structure. The discontinuous discrete light-absorbing portions form the light-absorbing surfaces and the base structure forms the reflective surfaces outside the surface areas occupied by the discrete light-absorbing portions. Said discrete light-absorbing portions are arranged to provide a lower light— reflectivity than the one of the base structure outside the surface areas occupied by the discrete absorbing portions.

Surprisingly, the proposed solution enables to improve the readability of the generated signal.

Furthermore, it can form a structure which can be easily integrated to a capsule.

In ular, the light-reflective surfaces are ed by a base structure of continuous arrangement, such as, for instance, forming an annular part of the flange—like rim of the capsule. It enables the u3e a larger choice of reflective packaging materials forming a ient thickness for a sufficiently good reflectivity. Materials for the base structure of the code support can form a part of the capsule and are prone to forming or moulding into a cup- shaped body of the capsule, for example. The overlying arrangement of the light-absorbing surfaces on the base structure, by way of discrete portions, enables to more distinctively produce a signal of lower reflectivity ed to the light-reflective signal, in ular, in an environment where potentially a major part of the light energy is lost during transfer from the machine to the capsule.

More particularly, the light~reflective base structure comprises metal arranged in the structure to provide the light reflective es. In particular, the light-reflective base structure comprises a thic metal support layer and/or a layer of light—reflective les preferably metal pigments in a polymeric matrix. When metal is used as part of the base structure, it can advantageously serve for providing both an ive ive signal and a layer tuting part of the capsule which may confer a strengthening and/or protective function, for example, a gas barrier function. The metal is preferably chosen t the group consisting of: aluminium, silver, iron, tin, gold, copper and combinations thereof. In a more specific mode, the reflective base structure comprises a monolithic metal support layer coated by a transparent polymeric primer so as to form the reflective surfaces. The polymeric primer enables to level the reflecting surface of metal for an ed reflectivity and provides an improved bonding surface for the light absorbing portions applied thereon.

The primer provides formability to the metal layer by reducing the wearing forces during forming. The primer also protects the metal layer from scratching or other deformation that could impact on the reflectivity of the surfaces. The transparency of the primer should be such that the loss of light intensity in the determined conditions through the layer is negligible. The primer also avoids a direct food contact with the metal layer. in an alternative, the base structure comprises an inner polymeric layer coated by an outer metallic layer (e.g., by vapor metallization of the polymeric . Preferably, the non~metallic transparent polymeric primer has thickness of less than 5 microns, most preferably a ess between 0.1 and 3 microns. The thickness as defined provides a sufficient protection against direct food contact with metal and maintains, for enhanced reflectivity purpose, levels the surface irregularities of the metal and provides a glossy effect of the metal surface positioned underneath.

In a different mode, the light-reflective base structure ses a monolithic metai support layer or polymeric support layer; said layer being coated by a r comprising light— reflective particles, preferably metal pigments. The lacquer has a larger thickness than a primer so that it can advantageously contain reflective pigments. The lacquer has preferably a thickness higher than 3 s and less than 10 microns, preferably comprised between 5 and 8 microns. The lacquer forms a light—reflective layer that improves the reflectivity of the metal layer positioned underneath. The reflectivity is dependent on the ratio of metal pigments to the polymer (in % by wt). The ratio of metal pigment can also be increased above wt. 10% for a non~rnetallic support layer to ensure the sufficient reflective properties of the base structure.

Both the primer and lacquer improve the formability of the metal layer by ng the g forces during forming (e.g., deep drawing) thereby enabling to consider the code t as a formable structure to produce the body of the capsule. The chemical base of the primer or r is preferably chosen t the list of: ter, isocyanate, epoxy and combinations f. The application process of the primer or lacquer on the support layer depends on the thickness of the polymeric layer and the ratio of pigments in the film since such ratio influences the viscosity of the polymer. For example, the application of the primer or lacquer on the metal layer can be made by solvation, for e, by applying the metal layer with a polymeric containing solvent and submitting the layer to a temperature above the boiling point of the solvent to evaporate the solvent and enabling curing of the primer or lacquer and to fix it onto the metal layer.

Preferably, the discontinuous light-absorbing portions are formed by an ink applied onto the said base structure. The ink has preferably a thickness between 0.25 and 3 microns. Several ink layers can be applied to form the light-absorbing portions, of, for instance, 1 micron~thick, to provide several printed ink layers in a register. The ink portions reflects a lower light intensity compared to the ive surfaces formed by the base structure. For the light— absorbing portions, the ink preferably comprises at least 50% by weight of pigments, more preferably about 60% by weight. The pigments are chosen amongst those eSSentially absorbing light at sensibly 830-850 nm of wavelength. Preferred pigments are black pigments or colour (non-metallic) pigments. As a matter of example, colour pigments used in colour e codes: 201C, 468C, 482C, 5743C, 7302C or 8006C, have provided satisfactory results. The application of ink to form the light—absorbing portions on the base structure can be obtained by any suitable s such as stamping, rote-engraving, photo-engraving, chemical treatment or offset printing.

In another mode, the discontinuous light-absorbing portions forms roughened es of the base ure. having a rugosity (R2) of at least 2 microns, ably between 2 and 10 microns, most preferably of about 5 microns. On the contrary, the light—reflective surfaces can be obtain by mirroring surfaces having a lower ty than the rugosity of the discontinuous light-absorbing portions. More particularly, the mirroring surfaces of the base structure are below 5 microns, preferably comprised between 0.2 and 2 microns. As known per se, the rugosity (R2) is the arithmetic mean value of the single roughness depths of consecutive ng lengths, where Z is the sum of the height of the highest peaks and the lowest valley depth within a sampling length.

The roughened surface portions can preferably be formed by applying a roughened layer of ink on the base structure. The roughness of the layer of ink is determined by its rugosity (R2) at the surface of the layer afier drying.

The ned surface of the base structure can also be obtained by any suitable technique such as g, shot blasting, milling, laser engraving, in-mould g and ations thereof.

For instance, the roughness can also be obtained by applying onto the base structure, a polymeric lacquer containing mat pigments to e the desired rugosity. The light-absorbing lacquer can be applied, for example, on the whole surface of the base structure and be y removed to uncover the reflective surfaces formed by the metal layer, e.g., aluminium, underneath, such as by burning with said lacquer, using a laser or any equivalent means.

In an alternative, the respectively roughened surfaces for the absorbing surfaces and mirror surfaces for the reflective surfaces can be formed by ld forming. For example, it requires the use of a mould cavity sing ively positioned roughened surfaces and mirror surfaces and forming such base structure having such mirror and ned surfaces, such as by injection-moulding. ing to a second aspect, the invention relates to a e indented for delivering a beverage in a beverage producing device by centrifugation comprising a flange—like rim, wherein the flange-like rim comprises an optically readable code support according to the first aspect.

According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a system for preparing a beverage from a capsule according to the invention, and further comprising a beverage preparation device; wherein the device comprises capsule holding means for holding the capsule and rotational drive means for driving the holding means and capsule in rotation along said axis of rotation; the beverage preparation devices further comprising an optical reading arrangement configured for reading the symbols represented on the optically readable code support by measuring a ivity and/or a contrast of a section of the code support by illuminating a fixed nated area smaller than the area occupied by the first surface or the second surface, while driving the rotational drive means so as to the capsule performs at least one complete tion.

In particular, the capsule holding means may be at least partially transparent, and the optical reading arrangement may be configured for measuring the reflectivity and/or the contrast of an illuminated area of the code support, through the capsule holding means.

According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a method for reading the symbols represented on the code support of a capsule according to the invention, in a ge preparation , said device comprising capsule holding means for holding the capsule and rotational drive means for driving the holding means and capsule in rotation along said axis of rotation; the beverage preparation devices further comprising an optical reading arrangement; wherein the method comprises the step of measuring a reflectivity and/or a contrast of a section of the code support by illuminating a fixed illuminated area r than the area ed by the first surface or the second surface, while g the rotational drive means so as to the capsule performs at least one complete revolution.

Brief description of the s The present invention will be better understood thanks to the detailed description which follows and the accompanying drawings, which are given as miting examples of embodiments of the invention, : — Figure 1 illustrates the basic principle of the centrifugal extraction, — Figure 2a, 2b rate an embodiment of the centrifugal cell with a capsule holder; - Figure 3a, 3b, 30 illustrate an embodiment of a set of capsules according to the invention; - Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of a code t according to the inventiou; — Figure 5 illustrates an alternate position of the sequence on the capsule, in particular, when placed on the underside of the rim of the capsule, and the capsule fitted into a e holder of the extraction device, - Figure 6 illustrates by a schema an optical bench used to measure symbols on an embodiment of a e according to the invention; - Figure 7 show a diagram of the ve diffuse reflectivity of the symbols of an embodiment of a capsule according to the ion, as a fimction of the source and detector angles; - Figure 8 show a diagram of the contrast between symbols of an embodiment of a e according to the invention, as a on of the source and detector angles; - Figure 9 is a first example of an lly readable coded support along circumferential cross~ section View in radial direction R at the rim of the capsule of figure 4, - Figure 10 is a second example of an optically readable coded support along circumferential cross-section view in radial direction R at the rim of the capsule of figure 4, ~ Figure 11 is a third example of an optically readable coded support in circumferential cross— section View in radial direction R at the rim of the capsule of figure 4, ~ Figures 12 to 14 illustrate graphical representations of the measure of reflectivity in % respectively for optically readable code supports according to the invention and for another comparative code support.

Detailed ption Figure 1 illustrates an example of a beverage preparation system 1 as described in W02010/026053 for which the capsule of the invention can be used.

The centrifugal unit 2 comprises a centrifugal cell 3 for exerting fugal forces on the beverage ingredient and liquid inside the capsule. The cell 3 may comprise a capsule holder and a capsule received n. The centrifugal unit is connected to driving means 5 such as a rotary motor. The centiifilgal unit comprises a ting part and an outlet 35. A receptacle 48 can be disposed below the outlet to collect the extracted beverage. The system further comprises liquid supply means such as a water oir 6 and a fluid circuit 4. Heating means 31 may also be provided in the reservoir or along the fluid circuit. The liquid supply means may further comprise a pump 7 connected to the reservoir. A flow restriction means 19 is provided to create a restriction to the flow of the centrifuged liquid which leaves the capsule. The system may further comprise a flow meter such as a flow-metering turbine 8 for providing a control of the flow rate of water supplied in the cell 3. The counter 11 can be connected to the flow—metering turbine 8 to enable an analysis of the ted impulse data 10. The ed data is then transferred to the processor 12. Accordingly, the exact actual flow rate of the liquid within the fluid circuit 4 can be calculated in real-time. A user interface WO 72297 13 may be provided to allow the user to input information that is transmitted to the control unit 9. Further characteristics of the system can be found in /O26053.

Figures 3a, 3b and 3c relate to an embodiment of a set of es 2A, 2B, 2C. The capsules preferably comprise a body 22, a rim 23 and an upper wall member respectively a lid 24. The lid 24 may be a perforable membrane or an aperture wall. Thereby the lid 24 and the body 22 enclose an enclosure respectively ients compartment 26. As shown in the figures, the lid 24 is preferably connected onto an inner r portion R of the rim 23 that is preferably between 1 to 5 mm.

The rim is not necessarily ntal as illustrated. It can be slightly bended. The rim 23 of the capsules preferably s dly in a direction essentially perpendicular (as illustrated) or slightly inclined (if bended as aforementioned) relative to the axis of rotation Z of the capsule. Thereby, the axis of rotation Z represents the axis of rotation during centrifugation of the capsule in the brewing device, and in particular is sensibly identical to the axis of rotation Z of the e holder 32 during centrifugation of the capsule in the brewing device. it should be understood that the shown ment is just an exemplary embodiment and that the capsules in particular the capsule body 22 can take s different embodiments.

The body 22 of the respective capsule has a single convex portion 25a, 25b, 250 of variable depth, respectively, d1, d2, d3. Thereby, the portion 25a, 25b, 250 may as well be a truncated or a partially cylindrical portion.

Hence, the capsules 2A, 2B, 2C preferably comprise different volumes but, preferably, a same insertion diameter ’D‘. The capsule of figure 3a shows a small volume capsule 2A whereas the capsule of figure 3b and 3c show a larger volume capsule ZB respectively 2C. The insertion diameter ’D’ is hereby determined at the line of intersection between the lower surface of the rim 23 and the upper portion of the body 22. However, it could be another referencing diameter of the capsule in the device.

The small volume capsule 2A preferably contains an amount of extraction ingredient, e.g., ground coffee, smaller than the amount for the large volume capsules 2B, 2C. Hence, the small capsule 2A is intended for delivery of a short coffee of between 10 ml and 60 ml with an amount of ground coffee comprised between 4 and 8 grams. The larger capsules 28 is intended for delivery of a medium-size coffee, e.g., between 60 and 120 ml and the largest capsule is intended for delivery of a long-size coffee, e.g., between 120 and 500 ml.

Furthermore, the medium-size coffee capsule 2B can contain an amount of ground coffee comprised n 6 and 15 grams and the long-size coffee e 2C can contain an amount of ground coffee between 8 and 30 grams.

In addition, the capsules in the set according to the invention may contain different blends of roast and ground coffee or coffees of different origins and/or having different roasting and/or grinding characteristics.

The capsule is designed for rotating around the axis Z. This axis Z crosses perpendicularly the center of the lid which has the form of a disk. This axis Z exits at the center of the bottom of the body. This axis Z will help to define the notion of “circumference” which is a circular path located on the capsule and having the axis Z as reference axis. This ference can be on the lid, e.g. lid or on the body part such as on the flange~like rim. The lid may be impervious to liquid before insertion in the device or it may be pervious to liquid by means of small openings or pores provided in the center and/or periphery of the lid.

Hereafter, the lower surface of the rim 23 refers to the section of the rim 23 that is d outside the enclosure formed by the body and the lid, and is visible when the capsule is oriented on the side where its body is visible.

Further characteristics of the capsules or the set capsules can be found in documents W0 069830, W0 2010/0066705, or W02011/0092301.

An embodiment of the centrifugal cell 3 with a capsule holder 32 is rated by Figures 2a and 2b. The capsule holder 32 forms in general a cylindrical or conical wide shaped cavity provided with an upper opening for ing the capsule and a lower bottom closing the receptacle. The opening has a diameter slightly larger than the one of the body 22 of the capsule. The outline of the opening fits to the outline of the rim 23 of the capsule configured to lean on the edge of the opening when the e is inserted. As a consequence, the rim 23 of the capsule rests at least partially on a receiving part 34 of the capsule holder 32. The lower bottom is provided with a cylindrical shaft 33 attached dicularly to the center of the external face of the bottom. The e holder 32 rotates around the central axis Z of the shaft 33.

An optical reading ement 100 is also represented in figure 2a and 2b. The optical reading arrangement 100 is configured to deliver an output signal comprising information d to a level of reflectivity of a surface of the lower surface of the rim 23 of a capsule leaning on the receiving part 34 of the capsule holder 32. The optical reading arrangement is configured to perform optical measurements of the surface of the lower surface of the rim 23 through the capsule holder 32, more particularly through a lateral wall of the cylindrical or l wide shaped capsule holder 32. Alternatively, the output signal may contain differential information, for instance differences of reflectivity over time, or contrast information. The output signal may be analog, for example a voltage signal varying with the information measured over the time. The output signal may be digital, for example a binary signal comprising numerical data of the informatiou measured over the time.

In the embodiment of figure 2a and 2b, the g arrangement 100 comprises a light emitter 103 for emitting a source light beam 105a and a light receiver 102 for receiving a reflected light beam 1051).

Typically the light emitter 103 is a light-emitting diode or a laser diode, emitting an infrared light, and more particularly a light with a wavelength of 850nm. Typically, the light receiver 103 is a photodiode, adapted to convert a received light beam into a current or voltage signal.

The reading arrangement 100 ses also processing means 106 including a printed t board embedding a processor, sensor signal amplifier, signal filters and circuitry for ng said processing means 106 to the light emitter 103, the light receiver 102 and to the l unit 9 of the machine.

The light emitter 103, the light receiver 102, and the processing means 106 are maintained in a fixed position by a support 101 fixed relatively to the machine frame. The g , rigidly arrangement 100 stays into its position during an extraction process and is not driven into rotation, contrary to the capsule holder 32.

In particular, the tight r 103 is disposed so as the source light beam 105a is generally oriented along a line L crossing at a fixed point F the plane P sing the receiving part 34 of the capsule holder 32, said plane P having a normal line N g h the point F. The fixed point F determines an absolute position in space where the source light beams 105a is intended to hit a reflective surface: the position of the fixed point F remains unchanged when the capsule holder is rotated. The reading arrangement may comprise focusing means 104, using for example holes, lenses and/or prisms, to make the source light beam 105 converging more efficiently to the fixed point F of the lower e of the lid of a capsule positioned into the capsule holder 32. In particular, the source light beam 105 may be focused so as to illuminate a disc ed sensibly on the fixed point F and having a diameter d.

The reading arrangement 100 is configured so as the angle 01; between the line L and the normal line N is comprised between 2° and 10°, and in particular between 4° and 5° as shown in figure 2a. As a consequence, when a reflecting surface is disposed at the point F, the ed light beam 1051) is generally oriented along a line L’, ng the fixed point F, the angle 6;: between the line L’ and the normal line N being comprised between 2° and 10°, and in particular between 4° and 5° as shown in figure 2a. The light receiver 102 is disposed on the t 101 so as to gather at least partially the reflected light beam 105b, generally oriented along the line L’. The focusing means 104 may also be arranged to make the reflected light beam lOSb concentrating more efficiently to the receiver 102. In the embodiment illustrated in figure 2a, 2b, the point F, the line L and the line L’ are co-planar. In another embodiment, the point F, the line L and the line L’ are not co-planar: for instance, the «WW. plane passing through the point F and the line F and the plane passing through the point F and the line L’ are positioned at an angle of ly 90°, eliminating direct reflection and ng a more robust reading system with less noise.

The capsule holder 32 is d to allow the partial transmission of the source light beam 105a along the line L up to the point F. For instance, the lateral wall forming the cylindrical or conical wide shaped cavity of the capsule holder is configured to be non-opaque to infra-red lights. Said lateral wall can be made of a plastic based material which is translucent to infra- red having entry surfaces ng infra-red light to enter.

As a consequence, when a capsule is positioned in the capsule holder 32, the light beam 105a hits the bottom part of the rim of said capsule at point F, before forming the reflected light beam lOSb. In this embodiment, the reflected light beam lOSb passes through the wall of the capsule holder up to the receiver 102.

The section of the lower surface of the rim 23 of a capsule positioned into the capsule holder 32, illuminated at the point F by the source light beam 105, changes over the time, only when the capsule holder 32 is driven into rotation. So, a te revolution of the e holder 32 is required for the source light beam 105 to illuminate the entire annular section of the lower surface of the rim.

The output signal may be computed or generated by measuring over the time the intensity of the reflected light beam, and possibly, by comparing its intensity to those of the source light beam. The output signal may be computed or generated by determining the ion over the time of the intensity of the reflected light beam.

W0 2013/072297 2012/072461 The e according to the invention comprises at least one optically readable code suppmt.

The code support can be, in the present part of the flange-like rim. Symbols are represented on the Optically code support. The symbols are arranged in at least one sequence, said sequence code a set of information related to the capsule. lly, each symbol corresponds to a specific binary value: a first symbol may represent a binary value of ‘0’, whereas a second symbol may represent a binary value of ‘1 ’.

In particular, the set of ation of at least one of the sequences may comprise information for recognizing a type associated to the capsule, and/or one or a combination of items of the following list: 0 information related to parameters for preparing a beverage with the capsule, such as the l rotational speeds, temperatures of the water entering the capsule, temperatures of the collector of the beverage outside the capsule, flow rates of the water entering the capsule, sequence of operations during the preparation process, etc; 0 information for ving locally and/or remotely parameters for preparing a beverage with the e, for example an identifier allowing the recognition of a type for the capsule; 0 information related to the manufacturing of the capsule, such a production batch identifier, a date of tion, a recommended date of consumption, an expiration date, etc; 0 information for retrieving locally and/or remotely information related to the manufacturing of the capsule.

Each set of information of at least one of the sequences may comprise redundant information.

Hence, error—checking may be med by comparison. It also improves by the way the ility of a successful reading of the sequence, should some parts of the sequence be unreadable. The set of information of at least one of the sequences may also comprise information for detecting errors, and/or for correcting errors in said set of ation.

Information for detecting errors may comprise repetition codes, parity bits, checksums, cyclic ancy checks, cryptographic hash function data, etc. Information for correcting errors may comprise correcting codes, forward error correction codes, and in particular, corwolutional codes or block codes.

The s arranged in sequences are used to represent data conveying the set of information related to the capsule. For instance, each sequence may represent an integer number of bits. Each symbol may encode one or several binary bits. The data may also be represented by tions between symbols. The symbols may be arranged in the sequence using a modulation scheme, for example a line coding scheme like a Manchester .

Each symbol may be printed and/or embossed. Each symbol may be obtained by treating the code support to have a given roughness. The shape of the symbols may be chosen amongst the following non-exhaustive list: arch—shaped segments, segments which are individually inear but extend along at least a part of the section, dots, polygons, geometric shapes.

In an embodiment, each sequence of symbols has a same fixed length, and more particularly has a fixed number of symbols. The structure and/or pattern of the sequence being known, it may ease the recognition of each sequence by the g arrangement.

In an embodiment, at least one preamble symbol is represented in the section, so as to allow the determination of a start and/or a stop position in the section of each sequence. The preamble symbol is chosen to be identified separately from the other symbols. it may have a different shape and/or different physical teristics compared with the other symbols.

Two adjacent sequences may have a common preamble symbol, representing the stop of one sequence and the start of the other one.

In an embodiment, at least one of the sequences comprises symbols g a preamble sequence, so as to allow the determination of a on of the symbols in said sequence code the set of information related to the capsule. The symbols defining a preamble may code a known reserved sequence of bits, for example 010’. in an embodiment, the preamble symbols and/or the preamble ces comprise information for authentifying the set of information, for e a hash code or a cryptographic signature.

The symbols are distributed sensibly on at least 1/8th of the circumference of the annular support, preferably, on the entire circumference of the annular support. The code may comprise successive haped segments. The symbols may also comprise successive segments which are individually rectilinear but extend along at least a part of the circumference.

The sequence is ably repeated along the circumference in order to ensure a le reading. The sequence is repeated at least twice on the circumference. Preferably, the sequence is ed three to six times on the circumference. Repetition of the sequence means that the same ce is duplicated and the successive sequences are positioned in series along the circumference so that upon a 360-degree rotation of the capsule, the same sequence can be detected or read more than one time.

Referring to figure 4, an embodiment 60a of a code support is illustrated. The code support 60a occupies a defined width of the rim 23 of the capsule. The rim 23 of the capsule can comprise essentially an inner annular n g the support 603 and an outer (non- coded) curled portion. However, it can be that the full width of the rim is occupied by the support 60a, in particular, if the lower surface of the rim can be made substantially flat. This location is particularly advantageous since they offer both a large area for the symbols to be disposed and is less prone to damages caused by the processing module and in particular by the pyramidal plate, and to ingredients projections As a consequence, the amount of coded information and the reliability of the readings are both improved.

In the embodiment illustrated on figure 4, the support 6021 has an s shape centered on the axis Z of the capsule, with an inner radius of 24.7mm and an outer radius of 27.5mm. The mean radius R of the t 60a is equal to 26.1mm. The symbols are positioned along a circle having a radius Rs equal to 26.1mm. The maximum value of the width Hs of each symbol is then equal to 2.8mm, The code support 60a comprises 160 symbols, each symbol coding I bit of information. The symbols being contiguous, each symbol has an are-linear length 85 of2.25°.

In another embodiment (not represented), the t 60a has an annulus shape centered on the axis Z of the capsule, with an inner radius of 24.7mm and an outer radius of . The mean radius R of the support 60a is equal to 26.1mm. The symbols are positioned along a circle having a radius Rs equal to . The maximum value of the width Hs of each symbol is then equal to 2.8mm. The code support 60a comprises l40 symbols, each symbol coding 1 bit of information. The symbols being contiguous, each symbol has an are-linear length as of 2.5714? in r embodiment (not represented), the t 60a has an annulus shape centered on the axis Z of the capsule, with an inner radius of 24.7mm and an outer radius of 27.5mm. The mean radius R of the support 60a is equal to 26.1mm. The symbols are positioned along a circle having a radius Rs equal to 26.1mm. The maximum value ofthe width Hs of each symbol is then equal to 2.8mm, The code support 6021 comprises 112 symbols, each symbol coding 1 bit of information. The symbols being contiguous, each symbol has an arc-linear length 93 0f3.2143°. ing to figure 5, an embodiment 60b of a code support is illustrated in planar View. The code support 60b is adapted to be associated with or be part of a capsule, so as to be driven in on when the capsule is rotated around its axis Z by the fugai unit 2. The receiving section of the e is the lower surface of the rim 23 of the capsule. As illustrated on figure , the code support may be a ring having a circumferential part on which the at least one sequence of symbols is represented, so as the user can position it on the circumference of the capsule before introducing it into the brewing unit of the beverage machine. Consequently, a capsule without embedded means for storing information can be modified by mounting such a support so as to add Such information. When the support is a te part, it may be simply added on the capsule without additional fixing means, the user ensuring that the t is correctly positioned when entering the brewing unit, or the forms and the ions of the support preventing it from moving relatively to the capsule once mounted. The code support 60b may also comprise additional fixing means for rigidly fixing said element to the receiving section of the capsule, like glue or mechanical means, to help the support staying fixed relatively to the capsule once mounted. As also mentioned, the code support 60b may also be a part of the rim itself such as integrated to the structure of the capsule.

In the embodiment illustrated on figure 5, the support 60b has an annulus shape with an inner radius of 24.7mm and an outer radius of 27.5mm. The mean radius R of the support 60b is equal to 26.1mm. The symbols are positioned along a circle having a radius Rs equal to 26.1mm. The maximum value ofthe width 1-15 of each symbol is then equal to 2.8mm. The code support 60b ses 160 symbols, each symbol coding 1 bit of information. The s being contiguous, each symbol has an arc-linear length 65 of 225°.

In another embodiment (not represented), the support 60b has an s shape, with an inner radius of 24.7mm and an outer radius of 27.5mm. The mean radius R ofthe support 60a is equal to 26.1mm. The s are positioned along a circle having a radius Rs equal to 26.1mm, The maximum value of the width Hs of each symbol is then equal to 2.8mm. The code support 60b comprises l40 symbols, each symbol coding I bit of information. The symbols being contiguous, each symbol has an arc-linear length 93 of 32.5714". in another embodiment (not represented), the support 60b has an s shape centered on the axis Z of the capsule, with an inner radius of 24.7mm and an outer radius of 27.5mm. The PCT/EPZOiZ/O‘TZ-iti] mean radius R of the support 60b is equal to 26.1mm. The symbols are positioned along a circle having a radius Rs equal to 26.1mm. The maximum value ofthe width Hs of each symbol is then equal to 2.8mm. The code t 60b comprises 112 symbols, each symbol coding I bit of information. The symbols being contiguous, each symbol has an arc-linear length 05 0f3.2143°.

Each symbol is adapted to be measured by the reading arrangement 100 when the capsule is positioned into the capsule holder and when said symbol is aligned with the source light beam 105a at point F. More particularly, each ent symbol presents a level of reflectivity of the source light beam 105a varying with the value of said symbol. Each symbol has different reflective and/or absorbing properties of the source light beam 105a.

Since the reading arrangement 100 is adapted to measure only the characteristics of the illuminated section of the coding support, the capsule has to be rotated by the driving means until the source light beam has illuminated all the symbols comprised in the code. lly, the speed for reading the code can be comprised between 0.1 and 2000 rpm.

The reflective characteristics of the code support of the ion are determined in defined laboratory conditions. In particular, a first symbol and a second symboi of an embodiment of a capsule that are suitable to be read reliably by the reading arrangement 100 have been measured independently using an optical bench represented on figure 6. The goniometric measurements of diffuse tion of said symbols on the capsule are shown on figures 7 ted intensity of each symbol) and 8 (contrast between symbols).

Hereafter, the first symbol is more reflective than the second . The set-up for the ement of the diffuse reflected relative ity of each symbol is built so as to able to modify independently the angle 0 of a light source and the angle 9' of a light detector. The detector is a bare Optical fiber cennected to a powermeter glued to a very fine ical tip which is fixed to the motorized detector arm. For all measurements, the angle (1) between the source and detector planes is equal to (l) = 90°. The light source is a laser diode emitting a light having a wavelength h = 830 nm.

The diagram on figure 7 shows a ve diffuse reflectivity (axis 210) of the symbols of the capsule as a function of the detector angle 0 ' (axis 200). A reference intensity Em: of reflectivity is measured for the first symbol, with the detector angle set to 0° and the source W0 2013/072297 angle set to 5°. The ve diffuse reflectivity of each symbol is calculated vely to the reference intensity Em; The curves 220a, 230a, 240a shows respectively the relative e reflectivity of the first symbol, at three different source angles 0 = 0°, 5°, 10°. The curves 220b, 230b, 24Gb shows respectively the relative diffuse reflectivity of the second symbol, at three different source angles 0 = 0°, 5°, 10°.

The relative diffuse reflectivity ents at least 60% of the reference intensity EREF for any value of the detector angle 0 ' comprises between 3° and 6° and for any value of the source angle 0 comprises between 0° to 10°. In particular, the relative e reflectivity represents at least 72% of the reference intensity EREF for any value of the detector angle 0 ' comprises between 25° and 4.4° and for any value of the source angle 0 comprises between 0° to 10°.

The diagram on figure 8 shows the Optical contrast (axis 310) between the first and the second symbols as a function of detector angle 0 ' (axis 300). The optical st is defined by the 11-12 ing mathematical expression m where , i1, i2 represent respectively the intensity reflected by the first, second symbol respectively to the detector, in a same given configuration of the angles 0 and 0’. The curves 320, 330, 340, 350 show respectively, at four ent source angles 0 = 0°, 5°, 10°, 15°, said optical contrast. The lowest contrast value is in any case is greater than 65%, which allows reliable signal sing. In particular, the optical contrast is greater than 80% for any value of the detector angle 0 ' comprises n ° and 4.4° and for any value of the source angle 0 comprises between 10° to 15°. In ular, the optical contrast is greater than 75% for any value of the detector angle 0 ‘ greater than 6° and for any value of the source angle 0 comprises between 0° to 15°.

Figure 9 illustrates a preferred mode of an optical readable code support 30 of the invention in cross-sectional circumferential view of figure 4. The code support 30 comprises a readable (external) side A and a non~readable (internal) side B. At its readable side A, the support comprises successive light-reflective surfaces 400403 and light-absorbing surfaces 410414.

The light absorbing surfaces 410-414 are formed by a base structure 500 which comprises several superimposed layers whereas the light absorbing surfaces 400-403 are formed by overlying on the base structure in local circumferential areas, discontinuous discrete portions of light absorbing material, preferably discrete portions of ink layers 528, applied onto the base structure. The base ure ses a preferably monolithic layer of metal 510, preferably aluminium (or an alloy of aluminium) onto which is coated a transparent polymeric primer 515, preferably made of natc or polyester. The thickness of metal, c.g., aluminium layer, can be a determining factor for the formability of the support into a containment structure of the e (e.g., body and rim).. For formability reasons, the aluminium layer is preferably comprised between 40 and 250 microns, most preferably between 50 and 150 microns. Within these ranges, the aluminium thickness may also provide gas barrier properties for preserving the freshness ofthe ingredient in the capsule, in particular, when the capsule further comprises a gas r membrane sealed onto the rim.

The code support may be formed from a laminate which is deformed to form the rim 22 and body 23 of the e (figures 3a-3b). In such case, the laminate has the composition of the base ure 500 and is printed with the light-absorbing ink portions 400-403 in the flat configuration before the forming operation of the capsule (e.g., body, rim). The printing of the ink portions must thus take into effect the subsequent deformation of the laminate so that it enables a precise positioning ofthe coded surfaces. The type of ink can be a mono- ent, bi—component, PVC based or PVC-free based inks. The black ink is preferred as it provides a lower reflectivity and higher contrast than coloured inks. However, the black ink ns could be replaced by equivalent coloured ink portions, preferably dark or opaque inks. The ink may se, for instance, 50-80% wt. of colour pigments.

Preferably, the metal layer is aluminium and has a thickness comprised between 6 and 250 microns. The primer enables to level the rugosity of the metal (i.e., aluminium) layer. It also improves the bonding ofthe inks on the metal layer, in particular, aluminium. The primer must remain relatively thin to diminish the diffusion ofthe light beam. Preferably, the thickness of the primer is comprised between 0.1 and 5 microns, most preferably n 01 and 3 microns. The density of the primer is preferably comprised between 2 and 3 gsm, for e, is of about 2.5 gsm.

Optionally, the base structure may comprises additional layers, on the non readable side, preferably a polymer layer such as opylene or hylene and an adhesive layer 525 for bonding the polymer layer 520 onto the metal layer 510 or heat seal lacquer enabling sealing of lid or membrane on the rim of the capsule or an internal protective lacquer or varnish. The support as defined can form an integrated part of the e, e.g., of the capsule flange-like rim and body.

A preferred base structure according to the mode of figure 9, comprise respectively from the B side to the A side ofthe t: a polypropylene layer of 30 microns, an adhesive, an aluminium layer of 90 microns, a polyester layer of 2 microns and density of 2.5 gsrn and 2012l072461 black ink portions of ] micron. in an alternative mode, the primer layer is replaced by a lacquer of thickness 5 microns, preferably a density of 5.5 gsm, and containing 5% (wt) metal pigments.

Figure 10 relates to a another mode of the code support 30 of the invention. In this case, the base structure comprises a r 530 replacing the primer 510 of figure 9. The lacquer is a polymeric layer embedding metallic pigments 535 such as aluminium, silver or copper pigments. The thickness of the lacquer is somewhat greater than the thickness of the primer 510 of figure 9, preferably, sed between 3 and 8 microns, most preferably between 5 and 8 microns. The metallic pigments enable to compensate for the iou of the reflectivity ofthe metal layer by the increased thickness of the polymer. The lacquer also levels the rugosity of the metal layer. Preferably, the ratio of metallic pigments to lacquer is of at least 1% in weight, more preferably is comprised between 2 and 10 % in weight.

Figure l ] relates to r mode of the code support 30 of the invention. in this case, the base structure 500 ses a metal and/or polymer layer 540 having mirror surfaces 610- 615 and roughened surfaces 600-604. The mirror surfaces 610-615 may be obtained by providing a rugosity Rz lower than 5 microns, preferably comprised between 0.2 and 2 microns. The light-absorbing surfaces 600-604 are obtained by forming roughened surface pettions with a rugosity Rz higher than 2 microns and more ably higher than 5 microns.

For example, the mirror surfaces are formed in a polymeric layer 540, such as polyester or isocyanate, including metal pigments 545. The roughened surfaces of the base ure can be obtained by any suitable technique such as sanding, shot blasting, milling, laser engraving, chemical attack and combinations thereof. The ratio of pigments in the polymeric layer 540 may be of at least 5% in weight, preferably n 10 and 30% in . A support layer 510 can be provided which is preferably a metal layer such as ium. It should be noted that layers 5 l 0 and 540 could be ed by a single metal or polymeric layer.

In the present invention, the reference to specific metals encompasses the possible alloys of such metals in which the metal represents the major component in weight, for instance, aluminium encompasses alloys of aluminium.

Capsules comprising an integrated code support have been tested to evaluate the level of reflectivity of the signal (bit 1 / bit 0). The tests were performed in a simplified configuration 2012/072461 of the device of figures 2a and 2b with the capsule holder 32 removed and replaced by a transparent clamping plate holding the rim of the capsule and provided with an Open air passage for the light beams. The angle between the sender path and receiver path was of 8°, distributed with 4° on each side of the normal axis N.

Example 1 — Detectable code with light—reflective Surfaces bv the base structure with coloured lacguer and light—absorbing Surfaces bv the overiving ink portions.

The support comprised a reflective base structure formed of aluminium of 30 microns coated with ium pigmented lacquer of5 microns and 5.5 gsm. The absorbing surfaces were formed of a layer of cron black PVC ink sold by Siegwerk. The reflective es were ed by the base structure (bit 1) and the absorbing surfaces (bit 0) were produced by the black ink portions. The maximal reflectivity measured for the reflective es (bit 1) was 2.68%. The spread on bit 1 was of 1.32%. The minimum reflectivity measured for the absorbing surface (bit 0) was 0.73%. The spread on bit 0 was 0.48%. The results are graphically illustrated in figure 12.

Example 2 - Detectable code with light-reflective es bv the base structure with colourless primer and light-absorbing surfaces by the overlving ink portions.

The reflectivity measurement was performed on an empty capsule comprising an optical reading support comprising a base structure forming the reflective surfaces and ink portions forming the ing surfaces. For this, the base sttucture comprised from the B- side to the A (readable) side respectively: a polypropylene layer of 30 microns, adhesive, an aluminium layer of 90 microns, a polyester primer of 2 microns and 2.5 gsm ty). Discontinuous bit portions of back ink of 1 micron sold by Siegwerk were printed onto the surface of the primer.

The support was formed by deep drawing into a body of capsule after ink printing. The reflective surfaces were therefore produced by the base structure (bit 1) and the absorbing es (bit 0) were produced by the black ink portions. The reflectivity of the support was ed. The results are cally illustrated in figure 13. The maximal reflectivity ed for the reflective surfaces (bit 1) was 5.71%. The spread on bit 1 was of 1.49%. The minimum reflectivity measured for the absorbing surface (bit 0) was 0.87%. The spread on bit 0 was 047%.

Example 3 — Non-detectable code with light-absorbing surfaces bv the base structure and the light-reflective surfaces bv the overlving ink portions.

The reflectivity measurement was performed on an empty e comprising an optical reading support comprising a base structure forming the absorbing surfaces and ink portions forming the reflective surfaces. For this, an aluminium t layer was covered with a continuous matt black lacquer of 5~micron thickness. The reflective surfaces were produced by discrete ns of ink having a thickness of 1 micron containing more 25% by weight of light-reflective silver pigments. Surprisingly, the signal was not differentiable enough n bit 1 and bit 0. The results are graphically illustrated in figure 14. The maximal reflectivity measured for the reflective surfaces (bit 1) was 0.93 %. The minimum reflectivity measured for the reflective surfaces (bit 1) was 0.53%. The m reflectivity measured for the absorbing surface (bit 0) was 0.21%. The spread on bit 0 was 0.23%.

Claims (25)

CLAIMS :

1. An Optically readable code support adapted to be ated with a capsule or part of a e, the support comprising at least one sequence of symbols represented on the support so that each symbol is sequentially readable when the support is driven in rotation along an axis of rotation, wherein the symbols are at least partly formed of surfaces arranged to reflect mainly diffusively, in any direction forming an angle comprised between 3° and 10° with reSpect to a normal of said surface, any incoming beam of light with an incoming direction forming an angle compiise between 0 and 10° with respect to a normal of said surface.

2. Optically readable code support according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the symbols are at least partly formed of a light reflecting surface, said light reflecting e, when illuminated by an incoming beam of light having a wavelength of sensibly 830nm, reflects: 0 an outgoing beam with a reference ity BREE in a direction forming an angle of 0° with respect to a normal of said first surface, when said ng beam of light has an incoming direction g an angle of 5° with respect to a normal of said first surface; 0 an outgoing beam with at least 60% of the reference intensity EREF in a direction forming an angle sed between 3° and 6° with respect to a normal of said first surface, when said incoming beam of light has an incoming direction fonning an angle comprised between 0° and 10° with respect to a normal of said first surface.

3. Optically readable code t according to claim 2, wherein the light reflecting surface, when illuminated by an incoming beam of light having a wavelength of sensibly 830nm, reflects an outgoing beam with at least 72% of the reference intensity Em: in a direction forming an angle comprised between 3° and 4.4° with respect to a normal of said first surface, when said ng beam of light have an ng direction forming an angle comprised between 0° and 10° with respect to a normal of said first surface.

4. Optically le code t according to any one of the claims 2 to 3, wherein a plurality of the symbols are at least partly formed of a light absorbing surface, said light absorbing surface, when illuminated by an incoming beam of light having a wavelength of sensibly 830nm and an incoming direction forming an angle comprised between 0° and 10° with respect to a normal of said second surface, reflects an outgoing beam having an intensity smaller than 20% ofthe reference intensity EREF.

5. Optically readable code support according to claim 4, wherein the l contrast between the light reflecting surface and the light absorbing surface is greater than 60%.

6. Optically readable code support according to any one of claims 1 to 5, having an annulus shape with an inner radius of at least 24mm.

7. Optically readable code support according to claim 6, n said annulus shape has an outer radius of less than 28mm.

8. Optically readable code support according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the symbols are arranged along a circle having a radius R5 comprised between 24mm and 28mm.

9. Optically le code support according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a width Hs of each symbol is comprised n 1mm and 2.8mm.

10. Optically readable code support according to any one of claims 1 to 9, n the sequence comprises at least 100 symbols.

ll. Optically readable code support according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first entity and/or the second entity is/are spreading over a sensibly trapezoidal area, which is sensibly rectilinear.

12. Optically le code support according to any one of claims 1 to l I, wherein the surface occupied by each symbol is spreading over an area having an angular sector inferior to 3.6 degrees.

13. lly readable code support ing to claim 12, wherein the surface occupied by each symbol is spreading over an area having an angular sector greater than 1.8 degrees.

14. Optically readable code support according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein each sequence is arranged along at least a eighth of the circumference.

15. Optically readable code support according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the symbols are arranged along at least the half of the circumference.

l6. Optically readable code support according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the symbols are arranged along the entire circumference.

17. lly readable code support according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the code t comprising a base structure extending continuously at least along said sequence of symbols and tinuous discrete light-absorbing portions locally applied onto or formed at the surface of said base structure; wherein the discontinuous discrete light-absorbing portions form the light—absorbing surfaces and the base structure forms the -reflective es outside the surface areas occupied by the discrete light—absorbing portions; said discrete light~ absorbing portions are arranged to provide a lower light—reflectivity than the one of the base structure outside the surface areas occupied by the discrete light-absorbing portions.

18. Capsule indented for delivering a beverage in a ge producing device by fugation comprising a flange-like rim, wherein the flange-like rim ses an optically readable code support according to any one of the preceding .

19. System for prepan'ng a ge from a capsule ing to claim 18, and r comprising a beverage preparation device; wherein the device comprises capsule holding means for holding the capsule and rotational drive means for driving the holding means and capsule in rotation along said axis of rotation; the beverage preparation devices further comprising an Optical reading arrangement configured for g the symbols represented on the optically readable code support by measuring a reflectivity and/or a contrast of a section of the code support by illuminating a fixed illuminated area smaller than the area occupied by the first surface or the second surface, while driving the rotational drive means so as to the capsule performs at least one te revolution.

20. System according to claim 19, wherein the capsule g means is at least partially transparent, and wherein the optical reading arrangement is configured for measuring the reflectivity and/or the contrast of an illuminated area of the code support, through the capsule holding means.

21. Method for reading the symbols represented on the code support of a capsule according to claim 18, in a beverage preparation device, said device comprising capsule holding means for g the capsule and onal drive means for driving the holding means and capsule in rotation along said axis of rotation; the beverage preparation s further comprising an optical reading arrangement; wherein the method comprises the step of measuring a reflectivity and/or a contrast of a section of the code support by illuminating a fixed illuminated area smaller than the area occupied by the first surface or the second surfaCC, while driving the rotational drive means so as to the capsule performs at least one complete revolution.

22. An optically readable code support ing to claim 1 substantially as herein descn’bed with reference to any one of the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the anying drawings and/or examples, or part thereof.

23. A capsule ed for delivering a beverage in a beverage producing device by centrifugation according to claim 18 substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the ments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/0r examples, or part thereof.

24. A system for preparing a beverage from a capsule according to claim 19 substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the anying drawings and/0r examples, or part thereof.

25. A method for reading the symbols represented on the code support of a capsule according to claim 21 substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments of the invention rated in the accompanying drawings and/or examples, or part thereof.