Automated device for removing burn marks from a loaf of bread

Abstract

Automated device for removing burnt loaves of bread, comprising: i) a housing 101 fitted with a chamber 111 in which baked loaves of bread are stored, wherein a touch-interactive display panel 102 is arranged on the housing 101 to enable a user to give input commands regarding a quantity of loaves of bread from which the user wishes to remove traces of burning; ii) a microcontroller connected to the screen, which processes the input commands and determines the quantity of loaves of bread to be used and accordingly actuates a pair of robot grippers 103 configured with the chamber 111 to grasp the loaves of bread and position them over a holding slot 104 configured on the bottom section of the housing 101; iii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105, installed on the tube and paired with a processor to capture and process multiple images of the internal environment of the housing 101 in order to capture the dimensions of the captured loaf of bread, wherein the microcontroller actuates a plurality of motorized grippers 106 installed on the slot 104 to grip the edges of the captured loaf of bread with a view to securing the loaf of bread to the slot 104; iv) an optical sensor installed in the housing 101 and synchronized with the imaging unit 105 to detect the presence of burnt / overcooked parts above the housed loaf of bread, wherein, upon successful detection, the microcontroller actuates a robotic arm 107 installed in the housing 101 and connected to a motorized scrubbing unit 108 to scrub the housed loaf of bread over the scrubbing unit 108 in order to remove burnt parts of the bread; and v) a sensor module installed on the scrubbing unit 108 to detect the hardness and moisture content of the received loaf of bread, wherein the microcontroller, on the basis thereof, checks a database connected to the microcontroller to evaluate an optimum of pressure to be applied to the loaf of bread while scrubbing the burnt / uncooked parts, whereupon the microcontroller controls the operation of the scrubbing unit 108 to remove burnt parts from the loaf of bread.

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated device for removing burn marks from loaves of bread, which provides the user with a means to remove burn marks from loaves of bread in an automated manner in accordance with the dimensions of the loaf of bread, thereby reducing physical effort and saving the user's time. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Bread is a staple food and common in diets worldwide, but a loaf of bread must be sliced ​​before eating. Slicing bread makes preparing sandwiches or various dishes for daily meals efficient. Therefore, people use a bread knife to slice bread, as this tool is specifically designed to cut through the crust without crushing the soft interior. However, this tool requires a steady hand to cut even slices, and there is a risk of tearing soft bread. There are also machines that slice bread efficiently and with minimal time. However, operating such machines efficiently and slicing bread effectively requires a skilled person. Therefore, people use devices that efficiently slice the loaf into even slices without requiring manual labor.

[0003] Traditionally, people have used several methods to cut bread. Typically, bread is cut by hand using tools like a bread saw, which, similar to a miter saw, is designed for efficiently cutting large or crusty loaves. However, this tool can produce more crumbs compared to a serrated knife and isn't practical for everyday use. Another option is a bread slicer, a folding cutting tool with a sharp blade. You place the loaf on a surface and press down to create even slices. However, this tool is bulky, takes up more space, and is limited to certain loaf sizes.

[0004] US5664474A discloses a bread loaf holder and a cutting knife guide comprising a horizontal support surface and a surrounding vertical rim, wherein the support surface has a plurality of spaced-apart, upwardly projecting, penetrating protrusions to hold the end of a bread loaf in a fixed position on the support surface, wherein the vertical rim extends over the support surface by a specified amount which is substantially equal to the desired bread slice thickness, and has a top edge which forms a coplanar guide for the engagement of a bread knife in continuous contact therewith to cut a slice of uniform thickness.In one embodiment, a ring extends telescopically into the rim and has a height greater than the rim, so that it extends beyond the rim, and an upper rim that forms a guide surface for the bread knife to enable the cutting of a bread slice to a uniform thickness. In another embodiment, a second vertical rim extends downwards from the support surface by a different amount than the first rim and has a second guide surface for a bread knife, the support surface also having a second set of projecting projections penetrating the loaf, which generally run parallel to the second vertical rim, so that by turning the bread holder over and holding the end of a loaf on it, a uniform slice of bread of varying thickness can be cut.Although US 474 discloses a bread loaf holder and a cutting knife guide, this device is not capable of automatically removing burn marks from bread loaves in accordance with the dimensions of the bread loaf.

[0005] JP2011000034A discloses a bread inspection indentation obtained by cylindrically shaping bread dough, obtaining an M-shaped dough with a cut at a central fold from the cylindrical dough, feeding the M-shaped dough with the cut into a baking pan, and baking the dough fed into the pan to produce bread. While JP'034 discloses a bread inspection achieved by cylindrically shaping bread dough, this device lacks the capability to automatically remove burn marks from loaves of bread according to the dimensions of the loaf.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that provide the user with a means of baking or cutting a loaf of bread in an effective manner, but these devices lack the ability to remove burn marks from loaves of bread in accordance with the dimensions of the loaf in an automated manner, thus creating the need for physical effort as well as time on the part of the user.

[0007] To overcome the aforementioned disadvantages, there is a need in technology to develop a device that provides the user with a means to automatically remove burn marks from loaves of bread, according to the dimensions of the loaf, thereby reducing physical effort and saving the user time. Furthermore, the device should also be able to detect the presence of burnt or overcooked areas on the loaf and, accordingly, provide the user with a scrubbing tool to remove the burnt parts. SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

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

[0009] One objective of the present invention is to develop a device that provides the user with a means to remove burn marks from loaves of bread in an automated manner in accordance with the dimensions of the loaf, thereby reducing physical effort and saving the user's time.

[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to develop a device that is also able to detect the presence of burnt / overcooked pieces on the loaf of bread and accordingly provide the user with means to scrub the loaf of bread in order to remove burnt parts of the bread.

[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to develop a device that is able to detect an inappropriate color of the loaf of bread and accordingly provide the user with means for baking the loaf correctly.

[0012] The aforementioned 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 device for removing burn marks from loaves of bread, which provides the user with a means to remove burn marks from loaves of bread in an automated manner in accordance with the dimensions of the loaf of bread, thereby reducing physical effort and saving the user's time.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an automated device for removing burn marks from loaves of bread comprises a housing with a chamber in which baked loaves of bread are stored, a touch-sensitive interactive display panel arranged on the housing so that a user can give input commands relating to a quantity of loaves of bread from which the user wishes to remove burn marks, a pair of robotic grippers configured with the chamber to position the loaves of bread over a holding slot configured on the lower part of the housing, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the tube to capture the dimensions of the picked-up loaf of bread, a plurality of motorized grippers installed on the slot to grasp the edges of the picked-up loaf of bread with a view to securing the loaf to the slot, and an optical sensor.a robotic arm installed inside the housing to detect the presence of burnt / overcooked pieces on the picked-up loaf of bread, a robotic arm installed inside the housing and connected to a motorized scrubbing unit for scrubbing the picked-up loaf of bread to remove burnt bread pieces, and a sensor module installed on the scrubbing unit to detect the hardness and moisture content of the picked-up loaf of bread.

[0015] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it is obvious that variations are possible which would fall within the scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0016] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood with reference to the following description, the attached claims and the attached drawing, wherein: Fig. Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an automated device for removing burn marks from a loaf of bread. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The following description contains the preferred best embodiment of an embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, but that the invention also includes a multitude of modifications and embodiments thereof. Therefore, the present description should be regarded as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is open to various modifications and alternative designs, it should be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed; on the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, alternative designs, and equivalents that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the claims.

[0018] In each embodiment described herein, the open terms “comprising”, “comprises” and the like (which are synonymous with “including”, “with” and “characterized by”) may be replaced by the respective partially closed expressions “consisting substantially of”, “consists substantially of” and the like, or the respective closed expressions “consisting of”, “consists of” and the like.

[0019] As used herein, the singular forms “ein”, “ein” and “die” refer to both the singular and the plural unless it is explicitly stated that only the singular is meant.

[0020] The present invention relates to an automated device for removing burn marks from loaves of bread, which provides the user with a means for removing burn marks from loaves of bread in accordance with the dimensions of the loaf in an automated manner, thereby reducing physical effort and saving the user's time.

[0021] Referring to Fig.Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an automated device for removing burn marks from loaves of bread, comprising a housing 101 fitted with a chamber 111, a touch-sensitive interactive display panel 102 arranged on the housing 101, a pair of robot grippers 103 configured with the chamber 111, a holding slot 104 configured on the lower section of the housing 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 installed on the tube, a plurality of motorized shears 106 installed on the slot 104, a robot arm 107 installed inside the housing 101 and connected to a motorized scrubbing unit 108, a plurality of rollers 109 arranged below the housing 101, and a motorized flame unit 110 configured inside the housing 101 is.

[0022] The device disclosed herein comprises a housing 101 equipped with a chamber 111 in which baked loaves of bread are stored, designed for positioning on a floor surface. A number of casters 109 (preferably four) are arranged under the housing 101 to allow the user to move the housing 101 and position it according to their preferences. The casters 109 consist of a wheel 109 mounted on a fork that incorporates a swivel mechanism. This swivel mechanism allows the wheels 109 to rotate 360 ​​degrees, thereby enabling the housing 101 to be moved in multiple directions to position it on a floor surface according to the desired settings.

[0023] An interactive touch display 102, mounted on the housing 101, allows a user to input commands regarding the quantity of loaves of bread from which the user wishes to remove burn marks. The touch-sensitive interactive display 102 mentioned here is typically an LCD (liquid crystal display) that presents the output in visible form. The screen is equipped with touch-sensitive technology that allows the user to interact directly with the display using their fingers. A touch controller IC (integrated circuit) is responsible for processing the analog signals generated when the user inputs information about the quantity of loaves of bread from which they wish to remove burn marks.A touch controller is typically connected to a built-in microcontroller in housing 101 via various interfaces, which may include SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) or I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit).

[0024] The microcontroller mentioned here is preferably an Arduino microcontroller. The Arduino microcontroller used here controls the overall functionality of the components connected to it. The Arduino microcontroller is an open-source programming platform. The microcontroller receives data from various electronic units and generates a command signal for further processing.

[0025] Based on the user's input command, the microcontroller determines the number of loaves of bread to be processed. Based on this determined quantity, the microcontroller actuates a pair of robot grippers 103, configured with chamber 111, to grasp the loaves. The robot grippers 103 consist of motor controllers, an arm 107, an end effector, and sensors. All these components are equipped with a microcontroller. The elbow is located in the middle section of the arm 107, allowing the upper part of the arm 107 to move the lower part independently.

[0026] The wrist is located at the tip of the upper arm 107 and is connected to the end effector, which in turn is connected to a gripper 103. The gripper 103 consists of an electric motor and a controller. The controller provides a signal relating to the force, position, or speed required for gripping. The gripper 103 receives the signal, and its motor performs the gripping of the loaves of bread. After gripping the loaves, the microcontroller instructs the gripper 103 to position the loaves over a holding slot 104 located in the lower part of the housing 101.

[0027] After the loaves of bread are positioned over the holding slot 104, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105, installed on the tube, is activated by the microcontroller to capture and process multiple images of the interior environment of the housing 101 in order to determine the dimensions of the captured loaf of bread. The imaging unit 105 consists of an image acquisition arrangement with a set of lenses that captures multiple images of the interior environment of the housing 101, and the captured images are stored in the memory of the imaging unit 105 in the form of optical data.

[0028] The Imaging Unit 105 also includes a processor integrated with artificial intelligence protocols, allowing the processor to process the optical data and extract the necessary information from the captured images. The extracted data is then converted into digital pulses and bits and forwarded to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received data and determines the dimensions of the scanned loaf of bread.

[0029] Based on the determined dimensions of the received loaf of bread, the microcontroller actuates a number of motorized shears 106 (preferably between 4 and 6) mounted on the slot 104 to grip the edges of the received loaf of bread in order to secure the loaf to the slot 104. The motorized shears 106 are driven by a DC motor, which is actuated by the microcontroller by supplying the necessary electrical current to the motor.

[0030] The motor consists of a coil that converts the received electric current into mechanical force by generating a magnetic field, so that the mechanical force provides the required power for the shears 106 to grip the edges of the picked-up loaf of bread with regard to securing the loaf of bread with the slot 104.

[0031] Furthermore, an optical sensor installed in housing 101 detects the presence of burnt / overcooked pieces on the housed loaf of bread in synchronization with the imaging unit 105. The optical sensor uses light to detect the presence of burnt / overcooked pieces on the housed loaf. It contains a light emitter and a light detector. When activated, the emitter sends a beam of light that travels through the air until it strikes the housed loaf of bread. The beam is then refracted, causing the light intensity to decrease. The light detector then detects this decrease in light intensity and sends a signal to the microcontroller. After processing the signal, the microcontroller detects the presence of burnt / overcooked pieces on the housed loaf of bread.

[0032] Based on the detected presence of burnt / overcooked pieces on the picked-up loaf of bread, the microcontroller actuates a robotic arm 107, which is installed in housing 101 and connected to a motorized scrubbing unit 108. The arm scrubs the picked-up loaf of bread over the scrubbing unit 108 to remove the burnt parts. The robotic arm 107 consists of a robotic joint and a clamp attached to the joint. The robotic joint comprises several segments connected by joints, also called axes. Each joint of the segments contains a stepper motor that rotates, enabling the robotic arm 107 to perform a specific movement. When the microcontroller actuates the robotic arm 107, the motor drives the movement of the clamp to scrub the picked-up loaf of bread over the scrubbing unit 108 to remove burnt bread pieces.

[0033] The scrubbing unit 108 consists of a motor connected to a set of blades for scrubbing the loaf of bread. The motor is the key component that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy to set the blades in motion. When the microcontroller activates the scrubbing unit 108, the motor begins to rotate the blades clockwise or counterclockwise, imparting a rotary motion to the blades and thus scrubbing the loaf of bread to remove burnt bits.

[0034] A sensor module installed on the scrubbing unit 108 detects the hardness and moisture content of the bread loaf. The sensor module consists of a moisture sensor and a touch sensor for detecting the moisture content and hardness of the bread loaf, respectively. The moisture sensor is a type of sensor used to measure the volumetric water content of the bread loaf. It utilizes capacitance to measure the dielectric constant of the surrounding medium. The dielectric constant of the bread loaf is a function of its water content. The moisture sensor generates a voltage proportional to the dielectric constant, thus measuring the water content of the bread loaf. The moisture sensor transmits the signals to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received data to determine the moisture content of the bread loaf.The determined moisture content of the housed loaf of bread is stored by the microcontroller in a database connected to the microcontroller.

[0034] The tactile sensor detects the hardness of the housed loaf of bread by measuring the contact force between the sensor and the housed loaf. The sensor is typically a small, flat component that is placed against the housed loaf of bread and then pressed downwards. As the contact force increases, the sensor measures the strength of the applied pressure and sends a signal to the microcontroller. The microcontroller evaluates the signal and determines the hardness of the housed loaf of bread.

[0035] The tactile sensor detects the hardness of the placed loaf of bread by measuring the contact force between the sensor and the bread. The sensor is typically a small, flat component that is placed against the bread and then pressed down. As the contact force increases, the sensor measures the intensity of the applied pressure and sends a signal to the microcontroller. The microcontroller evaluates the signal and determines the hardness of the bread.

[0036] Based on the determined hardness and moisture content of the bread loaf, the microcontroller checks a database linked to it to determine the optimal pressure to be applied to the loaf when scrubbing off burnt / uncooked parts. Based on this determined pressure, the microcontroller then controls the operation of scrubbing unit 108 to remove the burnt pieces from the loaf.

[0037] Additionally, a color sensor attached to the housing 101, in synchronization with the imaging unit 105, detects an inappropriate color of the bread loaf. The color sensor works by capturing and analyzing the wavelength of light reflected or emitted by the bread loaf to determine the inappropriate color. The sensor typically uses phototransistors that are sensitive to different wavelengths of light. When light falls on the loaf, the sensor measures the intensity of the reflected light in specific color ranges. This information is then converted into an electrical signal and sent to the microcontroller. The microcontroller further processes the signal to determine the inappropriate color of the bread loaf.

[0038] Based on the detected unsuitable color of the bread loaf, the microcontroller controls a motorized flame unit 110, which is configured within the housing 101 to blow a flame of predefined intensity to properly bake the bread loaf. The flame unit 110 combines fuel gas and oxygen to generate a controlled, high-temperature flame. The gases are mixed and ignited within the unit, allowing for precise flame adjustment. This intense heat is used to properly bake the bread loaf.

[0039] Finally, the device contains a battery connected to the microcontroller, which powers all the electrically operated components that require a certain amount of electrical energy to function efficiently. The battery used here is typically a dry-cell lithium-ion battery, providing the device with a long lifespan and an efficient direct current that helps all components function properly and effectively. Because the device is battery-powered, it does not require an external electrical voltage to operate. The presence of a battery also makes the device portable, meaning the user can easily move it from one location to another as needed.

[0040] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the housing 101 is equipped with a chamber 111 containing baked loaves of bread, which are designed to be positioned on the floor surface. The touch-interactive display panel 102 allows the user to input commands regarding the quantity of loaves of bread from which the user wishes to remove burnt residue. Based on the user's input commands, the microcontroller determines the quantity of loaves of bread to be used. After the loaves are positioned over the holding slot 104, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 is activated by the microcontroller to capture and process multiple images of the interior environment of the housing 101 in order to determine the dimensions of the loaves.Based on the determined dimensions of the loaf of bread, the microcontroller actuates several motorized shears 106 to grasp the edges of the loaf and secure it with the slot 104. Furthermore, the optical sensor, in conjunction with the imaging unit 105, detects the presence of burnt or overcooked parts on the loaf. Based on the detection of burnt or overcooked parts, the microcontroller actuates the robot arm 107 with the motorized scrubbing unit 108 to scrub the loaf and remove the burnt portions. The sensor module also measures the hardness and moisture content of the loaf.Based on the determined hardness and moisture content of the bread loaf, the microcontroller checks the database to determine the optimal pressure to be applied when scrubbing the burnt / unbaked parts of the loaf. Based on this determined pressure, the microcontroller controls the operation of the scrubbing unit 108 to remove the burnt parts. Additionally, the color sensor, in synchronization with the imaging unit 105, detects any inappropriate color of the bread loaf. Based on this detected color difference, the microcontroller activates the motorized flame unit 110 to blow a flame of a predefined intensity, ensuring the bread is baked correctly.

[0041] Although the field of the invention has been described here with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description should not be interpreted in a restrictive sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the invention, will be obvious to the person skilled in the art by reference to the description of the invention. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] US 5664474A

[0004] JP 2011000034A

[0005]

Claims

[1] Automated device for removing burnt loaves of bread, comprising: i) a housing 101 installed with a chamber 111 in which baked loaves of bread are stored, a touch-interactive display panel 102 being arranged on the housing 101 to enable a user to give input commands regarding a quantity of loaves of bread from which the user wishes to remove burn marks; ii) a microcontroller connected to the screen, which processes the input commands and determines a quantity of loaves of bread to be used and accordingly actuates a pair of robotic grippers 103 configured with the chamber 111 to grip the loaves of bread and position them over a holding slot 104 configured on the bottom portion of the housing 101; iii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 installed on the tube and paired with a processor to capture and process a plurality of images of the internal environment of the housing 101 to determine the dimensions of the received loaf of bread, the microcontroller actuating a plurality of motorized grippers 106 installed on the slot 104 to grip the edges of the received loaf of bread with a view to securing the loaf of bread to the slot 104; iv) an optical sensor installed in the housing 101 and synchronized with the imaging unit 105 to detect the presence of burnt / overcooked portions above the housed loaf of bread, wherein, upon successful detection, the microcontroller actuates a robotic arm 107 installed in the housing 101 and connected to a motorized scrubbing unit 108 to scrub the housed loaf of bread over the scrubbing unit 108 to remove burnt portions of the bread; and v) a sensor module installed on the scrubbing unit 108 to detect the hardness and moisture content of the picked-up loaf of bread, based on which the microcontroller checks a database connected to the microcontroller to evaluate an optimum pressure to be applied to the loaf of bread while scrubbing the burnt / uncooked parts, whereupon the microcontroller controls the operation of the scrubbing unit 108 to remove burnt parts from the loaf of bread. [2] The device of claim 1, wherein a plurality of casters 109 are disposed beneath the housing 101 to enable the user to move the housing 101 as desired. [3] Device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor module comprises a moisture sensor and a touch sensor for detecting the moisture content and the hardness of the received loaf of bread, respectively. [4] The device according to claim 1, wherein the microcontroller detects an unsuitable color of the loaf of bread via a color sensor arranged on the housing 101 in synchronization with the imaging unit 105, and the microcontroller actuates a motorized flame unit 110 configured within the housing 101 to blow a flame with a predefined intensity for proper baking of the loaf of bread. [5] The device of claim 1, wherein the device is associated with a battery used to power electrical and electronically operated components of the device.

Images