Optical readable code support and capsule for preparing a beverage having such code support providing an enhanced readable optical signal

Abstract

An optically readable code support ( 30 ) to be associated with or be part of a capsule intended for delivering a beverage in a beverage producing device, the support comprising 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, wherein the symbols are essentially formed of a succession of light reflective surface portions ( 610 - 615 ) and light absorbing surface portions ( 600 - 604 ); said light absorbing surface portions providing a lower light-reflective intensity than the light-reflective surface portions, wherein the code support comprises at least one base layer ( 500 ) extending continuously at least along said sequence of symbols, wherein the light-absorbing surface portions are roughened surface portions having a higher rugosity (Rz) than the light-reflective surface portions.

1 . An optically readable code support adapted to be associated with or be part of a capsule intended for delivering a beverage in a beverage producing device, the support comprising 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, wherein the symbols are essentially formed of a pattern of light reflective surface portions and light absorbing surface portions, the light absorbing surface portions providing a lower light-reflective intensity than the light-reflective surface portions, wherein the code support comprises at least one base layer or structure extending continuously at least along said sequence of symbols, wherein the light-absorbing surface portions are roughened surface portions having a higher rugosity than the light-reflective surface portions. 
     
     
         2 . Optically readable code support according to  claim 1 , wherein the light-reflective surface portions are non-roughened or mirror-reflective surfaces of the base layer or structure itself. 
     
     
         3 . Optically readable code support according to  claim 1 , wherein the light-absorbing surfaces are formed integrally in the base layer or structure. 
     
     
         4 . Optically readable code support according to  claim 3 , wherein the light-absorbing surfaces are formed in the base layer or structure by a method selected from the group consisting of: sand blasting; shot blasting; milling; chemical attack; laser engraving; in mold forming; and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         5 . Optically readable code support according to  claim 4 , wherein the light-absorbing surfaces are formed by injection molding of the base layer or structure. 
     
     
         6 . Optically readable code support according to  claim 2 , wherein the light absorbing surface portions are formed by one or more layer portions or deposit of roughened material applied onto the base layer or structure. 
     
     
         7 . Optically readable code support according to  claim 1 , wherein the light reflective surface portions are formed by one or more layer portions or deposit of material applied onto a base layer or structure of roughened surface. 
     
     
         8 . Optically readable code support according to  claim 1 , wherein the light-absorbing surfaces have a rugosity of at least 2 microns. 
     
     
         9 . Optically readable code support according to  claim 1 , wherein the light-reflective surfaces have a rugosity of less than 2 microns. 
     
     
         10 . Optically readable code support according to  claim 1 , wherein the light-reflective surface portions and light-absorbing surface portions are arranged such that an incident light beam of given inclination is reflected, at a maximum of intensity, as reflected light beams within about the same reflection angle or reflection angles which differ from one another of less than 90 degrees. 
     
     
         11 . Optically readable code support according to  claim 1 , wherein it has an annular configuration. 
     
     
         12 . Optically readable code support according to  claim 11 , wherein the pattern of light reflective surface portions and light absorbing surface portions extends fully or partially on the circumference of the support. 
     
     
         13 . Capsule comprising an optically readable code support adapted to be associated with or be part of a capsule intended for delivering a beverage in a beverage producing device, the support comprising 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, wherein the symbols are essentially formed of a pattern of light reflective surface portions and light absorbing surface portions, the light absorbing surface portions providing a lower light-reflective intensity than the light-reflective surface portions, wherein the code support comprises at least one base layer or structure extending continuously at least along said sequence of symbols, wherein the light-absorbing surface portions are roughened surface portions having a higher rugosity than the light-reflective surface portions. 
     
     
         14 . A method for producing a optically readable code support adapted to be associated with or be part of a capsule intended for delivering a beverage in a beverage producing device, the support comprising 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, wherein the symbols are essentially formed of a pattern of light reflective surface portions and light absorbing surface portions, the light absorbing surface portions providing a lower light-reflective intensity than the light-reflective surface portions, wherein the code support comprises at least one base layer or structure extending continuously at least along said sequence of symbols, wherein the light-absorbing surface portions are roughened surface portions having a higher rugosity than the light-reflective surface portions, wherein the light-absorbing surfaces are formed integrally in the base layer or structure and are obtained by a method selected from the group consisting of: sand blasting; shot blasting; milling; chemical attack; laser engraving; in mold forming; and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         15 . An injection mold for producing an optical readable support adapted to be associated with or be part of a capsule intended for delivering a beverage in a beverage producing device, the support comprising 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, wherein the symbols are essentially formed of a pattern of light reflective surface portions and light absorbing surface portions, the light absorbing surface portions providing a lower light-reflective intensity than the light-reflective surface portions, wherein the code support comprises at least one base layer or structure extending continuously at least along said sequence of symbols, wherein the light-absorbing surface portions are roughened surface portions having a higher rugosity than the light-reflective surface portions, by injection molding of an injection moldable material, wherein the mold comprises a molding surface, the surface comprising a series of discrete roughened surface portions for molding the light-absorbing surface portions and a series of discrete mirror surface portions or portions having a lower rugosity than the roughened surface portions for molding the light-reflective surface portions.