Capsule, system comprising such a capsule and method implementing such a system for preparing a beverage product

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a capsule (1), for preparing a beverage product, comprising: —a body (2) defining a cavity configured to contain a comestible product, —a membrane (12) configured to be fastened to the body (2) so as to close the cavity, wherein the membrane (12) defines an outer region (14) that faces away from the cavity when the membrane (12) closes the cavity, wherein the membrane (12) comprises a code region (20) located at the outer region (14), the code region (20) including a code (21) carrying capsule information, the code (21) being optically detectable, and wherein the outer region (14) comprises an absorption region (22) having a moisture absorption-ability selected so as to absorb water in an amount of at least 0.1 mg/cm2.

1 . Capsule, for preparing a beverage product, comprising:
 a body defining a cavity configured to contain a comestible product,   a membrane configured to be fastened to the body so as to close the cavity,   the membrane defines an outer region that faces away from the cavity when the membrane closes the cavity,   the membrane comprises a code region located at the outer region, the code region including a code carrying capsule information, the code being optically detectable, and   the outer region comprises an absorption region having a moisture absorption-ability selected such that the absorption region is able to absorb water in an amount of at least 0.1 mg/cm 2 .   
     
     
         2 . Capsule, for preparing a beverage product, comprising:
 a body defining a cavity configured to contain a comestible product,   a membrane configured to be fastened to the body so as to close the cavity,   the membrane defines an outer region that faces away from the cavity when the membrane closes the cavity,   the membrane comprises a code region located at the outer region, the code region including a code carrying capsule information, the code being optically detectable, and   the outer region comprises an absorption region having a moisture absorption-ability higher than the moisture absorption-ability of at least part of the rest of the outer region.   
     
     
         3 . Capsule according to  claim 1 , wherein the absorption region and the code region are configured such that:
 the absorption region comprises at least part of the code region.   
     
     
         4 . Capsule according to  claim 1 , wherein the moisture absorption-ability of the absorption region is such that the absorption region is able to absorb water in an amount of at least 0.05 mL equivalent to 0.05 mg of water in less than 1.5 s. 
     
     
         5 . Capsule according to  claim 1 , wherein the code region extends over less than 100% of the outer region, and
 wherein the code extends over between 50% and 100% Of the code region.   
     
     
         6 . Capsule according to  claim 1 , wherein the membrane comprises at least two layers, wherein the code region and the absorption region are part of the outermost layer of the at least two layers, at least part of the other layer(s) of the membrane being impervious to water. 
     
     
         7 . Capsule according to  claim 1 , wherein the moisture absorption-ability of the absorption region is provided by a structuring of a portion of the outer region. 
     
     
         8 . Capsule according to  claim 1 , wherein, with respect to the absorption region, at least part of the rest of the outer region is impervious to water. 
     
     
         9 . Capsule according to  claim 1 , wherein the code is applied on a sheet element, the sheet element forming the code region. 
     
     
         10 . Capsule according to  claim 1 , wherein the code includes at least one of an imprint, an embossing, and a coating. 
     
     
         11 . Capsule according to  claim 1 , wherein the capsule information comprises i) information about the comestible product and ii) beverage preparation parameters and/or instructions. 
     
     
         12 . System, for preparing a beverage product, comprising:
 a capsule for preparing a beverage product, comprising:   a body defining a cavity configured to contain a comestible product,   a membrane configured to be fastened to the body so as to close the cavity,   the membrane defines an outer region that faces away from the cavity when the membrane closes the cavity,   the membrane comprises a code region located at the outer region, the code region including a code carrying capsule information, the code being optically detectable, and   the outer region comprises an absorption region having a moisture absorption-ability selected such that the absorption region is able to absorb water in an amount of at least 0.1 mg/cm 2 , and   a beverage preparation machine having:   a chamber configured for receiving the capsule,   a sensor arranged to optically sense the code when the capsule is received in the chamber,   a liquid delivery unit configured for delivering a liquid into the capsule when the capsule is in the chamber, such that the liquid may interact with the comestible product in order to prepare the beverage product, and   a control unit configured for receiving the sensed code and for processing the capsule information, preferably by controlling the liquid delivery unit based on the capsule information.   
     
     
         13 . System according to  claim 12 , wherein the sensor is positioned close to or into contact with the code region when the capsule is received in the chamber. 
     
     
         14 - 15 . (canceled)