Automatic popcorn making device

Abstract

An automated device for preparing popcorn, comprising the following: i) a rectangular base 101 with a rigid, inverted U-shaped frame 102 attached perpendicularly to the frame 102, wherein a storage container 103 is arranged at an upper end of the frame 102 for storing maize kernels, the container 103 having an iris lid 104 on a bottom surface for dispensing the kernels; ii) a cylindrical housing 105 with a mesh-shaped side surface for receiving cores from the iris lid 104 of the container 103, wherein the housing 105 is connected to the frame 102 by a pair of telescopic rods 106 which are attached to motorized ball joints 107 which are provided on the frame 102 in order to shake the housing 105 to heat the cores uniformly; iii) a heating element 108, which is provided on the base 101 under the housing 105, to heat the popcorn kernels in the housing 105; iv) a funnel 109 attached to the frame 102 for storing sand, the funnel 109 having an opening 110 at its underside for discharging the sand into the casing 105 to ensure uniform heating of the cores; v) a temperature sensor provided in the housing 105 to detect the temperature of the core and to provide feedback to a microcontroller to actuate the heating element 108 accordingly in order to keep the temperature of the core within a predetermined range; vi) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 111, installed on the frame 102 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing images near the frame 102 in order to determine an amount of sand required, depending on the amount of core in the housing 105, to cause the microcontroller to actuate the aperture 110 accordingly in order to distribute the determined amount of sand into the housing 105; and vii) a level sensor provided in the container 103 to detect the level of the cores in order to trigger the microcontroller to actuate a loudspeaker 112 provided at the base 101 to generate an audible warning to a user regarding the need to refill the cores when the detected level is below a threshold.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated popcorn making device capable of dispensing the stored corn kernels and grit to ensure uniform heating of the kernels for popcorn production in an efficient manner, and also assisting in providing audible commands to the user to refill the kernels. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Today, popcorn makers come in a variety of forms, from stovetop poppers and microwaveable bags to hot-air poppers and tabletop poppers with built-in agitators. Popcorn making has a centuries-old history, originating in the indigenous cultures of the Americas, where popcorn was first discovered. The traditional appliance for making popcorn is the stovetop popcorn maker, also known as a stovetop popcorn maker or popcorn pan. This appliance typically consists of a metal or aluminum pot with a handle and a lid.

[0003] While the traditional method of manually popping popcorn using stovetop popcorn makers has proven effective to some extent, it does have limitations. Stovetop popcorn makers require manual attention throughout the popping process. Users must monitor the heat, shake the pot to prevent burning, and remove it from the heat once the popcorn is finished popping, which can be inconvenient for some. Therefore, there is a need to develop an innovative device that provides a consistent method of popping popcorn where conventional methods fail and that meets the changing demands of the modern world.

[0004] US5501139A discloses a popcorn machine with a door that closes a passage to prevent corn, particularly unpopped corn, from reaching an outlet. The door is balanced in its closed position and is forced open by a buildup of popped corn to allow the corn to be discharged. The door then remains open until manually closed. US'139 discloses a popcorn machine capable of popping popcorn in an automated manner, however, this invention does not focus on determining the amount of sand needed for safe popcorn production based on the number of kernels.

[0005] US2654823A discloses that the present invention relates generally to popcorn machines, although it is apparent that several features are valuable in other appliances, particularly cooking appliances. US'823 discloses a popcorn machine capable of producing popcorn in a self-contained manner. However, this invention does not address the distribution of the stored corn kernels and grit to achieve uniform heating of the kernels for efficient popcorn production.

[0006] Conventionally, there are many devices that are capable of making popcorn in an automated manner, but these devices fail in dispensing the stored corn kernels and sand to ensure uniform heating of the kernels for making popcorn in an efficient manner.

[0007] To overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages, there is a need in the art to develop a device capable of dosing the stored corn kernels and sand to evenly heat the kernels for popcorn production, thus reducing the time and physical effort of the user. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The main object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] The aim of the present invention is to develop a device capable of distributing both the stored corn kernels and sand in order to uniformly heat the kernels for the preparation of popcorn.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device capable of determining the amount of sand needed to make popcorn and also capable of generating audio commands for the user regarding refilling the kernels.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is inherently reliable.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon closer examination of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to an automated popcorn making apparatus which discharges the stored corn kernels and sand to heat the kernel evenly and is also capable of determining the amount of sand required for making popcorn according to the amount of kernels.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an automated popcorn making apparatus comprises a rectangular base with a rigid, inverted U-shaped frame mounted vertically on the frame, a storage bin arranged at an upper end of the frame for storing corn kernels, the bin having a diaphragm lid on a bottom surface for dispensing the kernels, a cylindrical housing with a mesh-shaped side surface for receiving the kernels from the diaphragm lid of the bin, the housing being connected to the frame by a pair of telescopic rods attached to motorized ball joints provided on the frame for shaking the housing to evenly heat the kernels, a heating element provided on the base, a heating element provided under the casing for heating the popcorn kernels in the casing, a hopper,which is attached to the frame for storing sand, the hopper having an aperture at the bottom for discharging the sand into the casing for uniform heating of the cores, a temperature sensor provided in the casing to detect a temperature of the core to provide feedback to a microcontroller to actuate the heating element accordingly to maintain the temperature of the core within a predetermined range, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the frame and integrated with a processor to determine an amount of sand required depending on the number of cores in the casing to cause the microcontroller to actuate the aperture accordingly to dispense the determined amount of sand.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises a microphone connected to the microcontroller and provided on the base to receive an audio command from the user regarding the production of popcorn, the iris lid to distribute kernels into the casing, the imaging unit to determine the amount of sand required depending on the amount of kernels in the casing, the aperture to dispense the determined amount of sand into the casing, and the heating element, the ball joints, and the rods to heat and shake the kernels, respectively. A wireless communication module connected to the microcontroller is provided on the base to allow the user to remotely trigger the microcontroller, by connecting to a computing unit, to remotely control the microcontroller to operate the aperture flap.to dispense kernels into the casing, to operate the imaging unit to determine an amount of sand required depending on the amount of kernels in the casing, to operate the iris diaphragm to dispense the specific amount of sand into the casing, and to operate the heating element, the ball joints, and the rods to heat and shake the kernels, a touch-activated display that allows the user to provide touch input regarding the production of popcorn, to operate the iris diaphragm to dispense kernels into the casing, to operate the imaging unit to determine an amount of sand required depending on the amount of kernels in the casing, to operate the iris diaphragm to dispense the specific amount of sand into the casing, and to operate the heating element, the ball joints, and the rods to heat and shake the kernels.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations are possible which would fall within the scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0017] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings: Fig. shows an isometric view of an automatic popcorn maker. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description contains the preferred best mode for carrying out an embodiment of the present invention. From this description of the invention, it will be apparent that the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms “comprising,” “comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with “including,” “with,” and “characterized by”) may be replaced by the respective partially closed terms “consists essentially of,” “consists essentially of,” and the like, or the respective closed terms “consists of,” “consists of,” and the like.

[0020] The singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” used here refer to both the singular and the plural, unless expressly intended to refer to only the singular.

[0021] The present invention relates to an automated popcorn making apparatus capable of dispensing the stored corn kernels and grit to heat the kernels evenly and also capable of generating audio commands for the user regarding refilling the kernels.

[0022] Referring to Fig.1 is an isometric view of an automatic popcorn maker comprising a rectangular base 101 with a rigid, inverted U-shaped frame 102 mounted vertically on the base 101, a hopper 103 disposed at an upper end of the frame 102 having a diaphragm cover 104, a cylindrical housing 105 meshed to the frame 102, a pair of telescopic rods 106 attached to motorized ball joints 107 provided on the frame 102, a heating element 108 provided on the base 101, a hopper 109 attached to the frame 102, an iris hole 110 configured below the hopper 109, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 111 provided on the frame 102, a speaker 112 provided on the base 101, a microphone 113 is attached to the base 101, a touch-capable display 114 is connected to the base 101.

[0023] The proposed device comprises a rectangular base 101 with a rigid, inverted U-shaped frame 102 mounted vertically on the frame 102. A storage container 103 is arranged at an upper end of the frame 102 for storing corn kernels. The container 103 has an iris lid 104 on a bottom surface for dispensing the kernels. The lid disclosed herein consists of a ring and slats with a plurality of projections. The ring is provided with a plurality of grooves connected to the projections of the blade. The ring is provided with grooves for drawing the projections into the grooves by rotation of the ring. The drawing of the projections provides the movement of the slats to open and close the lid. The ring is equipped with a motor controlled by a microcontroller to rotate the ring at a specific speed.Based on the actuation, the ring regulates the opening and closing of the lid to control the flow of solution so that the user can dispense the kernels.

[0024] A cylindrical housing 105 with mesh on the side surface for receiving kernels from the iris lid 104 of the container 103. The housing 105 is connected to the frame 102 by a pair of telescopic rods 106 attached to motorized ball joints 107 provided on the frame 102 to shake the housing 105 to evenly heat the kernels. The telescopic rods 106 are driven by a pneumatic unit. The pneumatic unit consists of an air compressor, an air cylinder, air valves, and a piston. The air valve allows the inlet and outlet of compressed air from the compressor. Furthermore, the valve opens, and compressed air enters the cylinder, increasing the cylinder's air pressure. The piston is connected to the cylinder, and due to the increase in air pressure, the piston extends, causing the rod to expand to shake the housing 105 and evenly heat the kernels.

[0025] After the kernels are uniformly heated, a heating element 108 is provided on the base 101 below the housing 105 to heat the popcorn kernels in the housing 105. The heating element consists of a heating coil activated by the microcontroller to create a heating effect on the filament and melt it. After melting the filament from the solid state to the molten state, the microcontroller actuates the housing 105 to dispense the molten filament by controlling the flow of the molten filament according to the amount of molten filament required to heat the popcorn kernels in the housing 105.

[0026] At the same time, a hopper 109 for storing sand is attached to the frame 102. The hopper 109 has an opening 110 at its bottom for discharging the sand into the housing 105 to ensure uniform heating of the cores. A temperature sensor is provided in the housing 105. This sensor detects the temperature of the cores and provides feedback to a microcontroller, which actuates the heating element 108 accordingly to maintain the temperature of the cores within a predetermined range. The temperature sensor is equipped with two electrodes that serve to detect the increase in voltage across the electrodes due to heating in the vicinity of the core. The detection voltage corresponds to the temperature detected by the sensor. The sensor then converts the detected temperature into electrical signals and transmits this signal to the microcontroller.The microcontroller then processes and analyzes the signal to determine the temperature of the core within the specified range.

[0027] An artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 111 is located on the frame 102 and is integrated with a processor for capturing and processing images near the frame 102 to determine the amount of sand required based on the amount of kernel in the casing 105. This processor then triggers the microcontroller to actuate the iris hole 110 accordingly to distribute the determined amount of sand in the casing 105. The imaging unit 111 consists of a camera and a processor that work together to determine the amount of sand required for the amount of kernels in the casing 105. The AI ​​(artificial intelligence) protocols are encrypted with the processor connected to the imaging module to enhance its functionality and capabilities.AI protocols are used to process and analyze the images captured by the camera, allowing it to perform various tasks beyond traditional image acquisition. AI analysis is performed locally on the camera itself, and real-time processing on the camera enables immediate reactions and faster decision-making.

[0028] The camera captures images of the cladding section using special lenses designed for high image quality. The captured data is then preprocessed by the processor to improve its quality and prepare it for AI analysis. This preprocessing includes tasks such as noise reduction, image stabilization, and color correction. The processed data is fed into AI protocols for analysis, which use machine learning techniques, such as deep learning neural networks, to extract meaningful information from the images. The camera is capable of analyzing the kernel and, based on predefined rules or criteria, providing real-time updates or alerts about the amount of kernel. Based on the data extracted from the captured images, the microcontroller detects the required amount of sand according to the number of grains in the casing 105.

[0029] After determining the amount of sand in the housing 105, a level sensor is installed in the container 103 to determine the level of the grains. The level sensor emits ultrasonic waves into the housing 105, which are reflected back by the sensor to determine the distance traveled by the waves. The distance is further calibrated to determine the level of the kernels. The microcontroller then controls a speaker 112 on the base 101 to audibly alert a user to refill the kernels when the detected level is below the threshold. The speaker 112 includes a diaphragm, typically made of a lightweight and rigid material such as paper, plastic, or metal. It is designed to vibrate and generate sound waves when electrical signals are applied to it. A voice coil (a tightly wound coil of wire) is connected to the diaphragm of the speaker 112.The voice coil is suspended in a magnetic gap. When an electric current flows through the coil, it interacts with the magnetic field generated by the magnet assembly, creating a force that moves the coil. The magnet assembly creates a magnetic field within the loudspeaker 112. It consists of a permanent magnet and a metal structure, such as a pole piece or a magnetic plate. The magnet assembly creates a fixed magnetic field through which the voice coil moves. The strength and configuration of the magnet assembly affect the performance and efficiency of the loudspeaker 112.

[0030] The cone / diaphragm is connected to the frame 102 of the loudspeaker 112 via a suspension device. As the electrical signal passes through the voice coil, it generates the magnetic field, which interacts with the fixed magnetic field generated by the magnet assembly. As the electrical current varies, the magnetic field generated by the voice coil changes, causing the voice coil and the attached cone / diaphragm to move back and forth. This movement creates pressure fluctuations in the ambient air, which generate sound waves that inform the user when the cores need refilling.

[0031] After notifying the user that the kernels need to be refilled, a microphone 113 is connected to the microcontroller provided on the base 101 to receive an audio command from the user regarding popcorn production. The microphone 113 receives sound waves generated in the form of vibrations by the energy emitted from the voice command. The sound waves are then transmitted to a diaphragm equipped with a coil. As the waves are transmitted within the diaphragm, the diaphragm encounters the waves, causing the coil to begin moving the diaphragm in a reciprocating motion in the presence of the magnetic field generated by the coil. The electrical signal resulting from the reciprocating motion of the diaphragm is then emitted from the coil and transmitted to the microcontroller connected to the microphone 113 to process and analyze the signal for popcorn production.

[0032] A wireless communication module connected to the microcontroller is provided on the base 101 to allow the user to remotely trigger the microcontroller by establishing a connection with a computing unit. The computing unit includes, among others, a mobile phone and a laptop containing a processor that stores inputs received from the user to process and retrieve output data for display in the computing unit. The microcontroller is wirelessly connected to the computing unit via a communication module that includes, among others, a Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module or a Bluetooth module. GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications). The communication module acts as a medium between various electronic units to establish communication between the computing unit and the device.

[0033] A touch-enabled display 114 is connected to the microcontroller on the base 101 to allow the user to provide touch input related to popcorn production. The touch-activated display 114 consists of small wires that close the circuit when the user touches the display to provide an input, which then changes the electrical charge at the location of the touch and is registered as an input in the display. The input commands are then stored in a database of the microcontroller connected to the display to process the input for popcorn production.

[0034] Finally, the battery is installed inside the device, which is connected to the microcontroller that supplies power to all the electrically operated components that require a certain amount of electrical energy to perform their functions and operation in an efficient manner. The battery used here is usually a dry battery, which is made of lithium-ion material and provides the device with a long lifespan along with an efficient direct current that helps all the components to function properly and efficiently. Since the device is battery-operated, it does not require any electrical voltage for its operation. Therefore, the presence of a battery leads to the portability of the device, meaning the user can carry and move the device from one place to another as per their need.

[0035] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the rectangular base 101 is secured to the rigid inverted U-shaped frame 102 perpendicular to the frame 102. The hopper 103 is for storing corn kernels, the hopper 103 has an iris lid 104 for dispensing the kernels, and the cylindrical housing 105 has a mesh side surface for receiving kernels from the iris lid 104 of the hopper 103. The housing 105 is then connected to the frame 102 by a pair of telescopic rods 106 attached to motorized ball joints 107 provided on the frame 102 for shaking the housing 105 for even heating of the kernels. The heating element 108 serves to heat the popcorn kernels in the chamber 105.At the same time, there is the hopper 109 for storing sand, with the hopper 109 having an aperture 110 at the bottom for discharging the sand into the housing 105 for evenly heating the grains. The temperature sensor then detects the temperature of the kernel and provides feedback to the microcontroller, so that it actuates the heating element 108 accordingly to keep the kernel temperature within the specified range. Furthermore, there is the artificial intelligence-based image processing unit 111 for capturing and processing images near the frame 102 to determine the amount of sand required based on the amount of kernel in the housing 105. After determining the amount of sand in the housing 105, the fill level sensor is used to detect the fill level.

[0036] Although the scope of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the description of the invention. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 5501139A

[0004] US 2654823A

[0005]

Claims

[1] An automated device for making popcorn, comprising: i) a rectangular base 101 having a rigid inverted U-shaped frame 102 mounted vertically on the frame 102, a storage bin 103 disposed at an upper end of the frame 102 for storing corn kernels, the bin 103 having an iris lid 104 at a bottom surface for dispensing the kernels; ii) a cylindrical housing 105 with a mesh-shaped side surface for receiving kernels from the iris lid 104 of the container 103, the housing 105 being connected to the frame 102 by a pair of telescopic rods 106 attached to motorized ball joints 107 provided on the frame 102 for shaking the housing 105 for uniform heating of the kernels; iii) a heating element 108 provided on the base 101 below the housing 105 for heating the popcorn kernels in the housing 105; iv) a hopper 109 mounted on the frame 102 for storing sand, the hopper 109 having an opening 110 at the bottom for discharging the sand into the housing 105 to ensure uniform heating of the cores; v) a temperature sensor provided in the housing 105 for detecting a temperature of the core and providing feedback to a microcontroller to actuate the heating element 108 accordingly to maintain the temperature of the core within a predetermined range; vi) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 111 installed on the frame 102 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing images in the vicinity of the frame 102 to determine an amount of sand required depending on the amount of core in the housing 105, in order to cause the microcontroller to actuate the aperture 110 accordingly to distribute the determined amount of sand into the housing 105; and vii) a level sensor provided in the container 103 to detect a level of the cores to trigger the microcontroller to actuate a speaker 112 provided on the base 101 to generate an audible warning to a user regarding refilling of the cores when the detected level is below a threshold. [2] The device according to claim 1, wherein a microphone 113 connected to the microcontroller is provided on the base 101 to receive an audio command from the user regarding the preparation of popcorn, to cause the microcontroller to actuate the iris lid 104 to dispense kernels into the casing 105, to actuate the imaging unit 111 to determine an amount of sand required depending on the amount of kernels in the casing 105, to actuate the iris hole 110 to dispense the determined amount of sand into the casing 105, and to actuate the heating element 108 and the ball joints 107 and the rods 106 to heat and shake the kernels, respectively. [3] The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a wireless communication module connected to the microcontroller is provided on the base 101 to enable the user to remotely trigger the microcontroller by connecting it to a computing unit to operate the iris lid 104 to dispense kernels into the casing 105, operate the imaging unit 111 to determine an amount of sand required according to the amount of kernels in the casing 105, operate the iris hole 110 to dispense the determined amount of sand in the casing 105, and operate the heating element 108 and the ball joints 107 and the rods 106 to heat and shake the kernels, respectively. [4] The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a touchscreen display 114 connected to the microcontroller is provided on the base 101 to enable the user to provide touch input related to popcorn production, to operate the shutter cover 104 to dispense kernels into the casing 105, to operate the imaging unit 111 to determine an amount of sand required depending on the amount of kernels in the casing 105, to operate the shutter aperture 110 to dispense the determined amount of sand into the casing 105, and to operate the heating element 108 and the ball joints 107 and the rods 106 to heat and shake the kernels, respectively. [5] The device of claim 1, wherein a battery is connected to the device to power electrical and electronically operated components connected to the device.

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