Step 1: Examine the capsule patterns.
Looking at the image of the capsules, we can observe that there are four distinct patterns on the capsules. The patterns are variations in the arrangement of black and white stripes. By counting the number of unique stripe arrangements on the capsules, we identify four different patterns.
Step 2: Count the unique patterns.
Upon inspection, the four different patterns are:
1. Horizontal stripes on the upper part and blank on the lower half.
2. Vertical stripes on the upper part and blank on the lower half.
3. Horizontal stripes covering the whole capsule.
4. Vertical stripes covering the whole capsule.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Therefore, the number of different patterns on the capsules is \( \boxed4 \).