Control method for food handling systems

Abstract

A method (400) for controlling a food handling system (102) including a plurality of food production units (104) using an operator portable device (106), the method comprising: receiving (S402) process data by a server (108), the process data extracted from the food handling system (102), the process data including parameter values ​​captured via sensors (110) located in the food production units (104); requesting user input data by sending a user input data request to the operator portable device (106) (S404); receiving (S406) the user input data via the operator portable device (106); determining control data based on the process data and the user input data (S408); sending (S410) the control data to the food production equipment (104); and updating (S412) settings of the food production units (104) based on the control data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to packaging technology. More specifically, it relates to controlling a food handling system including a number of food manufacturing units by using an operator portable device.

Background Art

[0002] Today, in the inspection and maintenance work of packaging lines and processing lines, it is common for operators to collect data using paper and pen. Inspection and maintenance work are mainly carried out at the manufacturing site and warehouse. Usually, operators collect data according to the standard operating procedure manuals at the factory level. The advantage of using paper and pen is that it provides high flexibility. Even if the operation procedure is changed and data of different contents has to be collected, there will be no problem if paper and pen are used. Furthermore, paper and pen are widely accepted.

[0003] The disadvantages of the current solutions using paper and pen are that it may be difficult to find the correct paper with the correct information written on it, and it is difficult to manage different versions of information. Furthermore, there is also the disadvantage that it is troublesome to convert the information into, for example, a digital data source while the information is written on paper. To overcome the above disadvantages, data may be manually transferred from paper to a computer, but this procedure is time-consuming and not effective.

[0004] Instead of paper and pen, using a computer is also becoming common now. The advantage of using a computer is that there is no need for the operator to transfer the information collected, and the information can be directly input in the correct format. For this reason, the procedures for data collection and storage become more efficient. Furthermore, by using a computer, the risk of using old versions of forms can be reduced.

[0005] Using a computer for data collection from operators generally functions, but further improvement is needed in terms of flexibility, data quality, and responsiveness. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The object of the present invention is to overcome at least partially one or more of the limitations of the prior art described above. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to the first aspect, a method is provided for controlling a food handling system including multiple food production units using an operator-portable device. This method is The server receives process data, which is extracted from the food handling system and includes parameter values ​​captured via sensors installed in the food production unit. By sending a user input data request to the operator's portable device, the system requests user input data. The operator receives user input data via a portable device. Based on process data and user input data, control data is determined. The control data is sent to the food production unit. Update the settings of the food production unit based on control data. This includes the following.

[0008] Here, the term "operator-portable device" refers to a device configured to receive and analyze both process data and user input data. Ideally, this device should be small enough for the operator (also referred to here as the user) to carry when performing inspection and maintenance work in the production area or warehouse.

[0009] The term "process data" refers to any data collected manually or automatically by sensors installed in a food production unit. Process data may also be real-time data, indicating the status of the food handling system in real time. In a non-limiting example, parameter values ​​of process data may include pressure, flow rate, production packages per unit time, etc.

[0010] The term "user input data" refers to data that is manually or automatically entered into an operator-portable device by a user, such as an operator of a food handling system. Furthermore, user input data may also include quality parameter data of package samples, such as data related to the placement of the cap compared to a lateral seal.

[0011] The term "user input data request" refers to a request to which user input data can be responded. In a non-restrictive example, a user input data request may be based on a request from, for example, a food handling system, a production manager, a shift leader, or an alarm.

[0012] The advantage of the disclosed method using operator-portable devices is that operators can always carry the device with them. This allows operators to collect data in the correct format from the start, without having to transfer data from paper to a computer or start up a fixed computer to insert data, thus enabling more efficient data collection. In this way, making the device portable allows users to access data more quickly, improving system responsiveness. Furthermore, having operator-portable devices allows for customization to meet the specific needs of individual users, further improving responsiveness.

[0013] A further advantage is that the control data used to update the settings of the food production unit is based on both process data received from sensors within the food production unit and user input data received from the user. Thus, because the settings are updated based on a combination of rapidly received data—both process data and user input data—setting updates are performed quickly. The faster the settings are updated, the easier it is to avoid problems that may arise due to incorrect settings of the food production unit. Therefore, responsiveness is improved, enabling more reliable and flexible control of the food handling system.

[0014] Furthermore, user input data can be requested to fill information gaps created by process data. For example, if a system identifies that it does not have enough information to draw reliable conclusions about the state of a particular part of the system, a user input data request can be made so that the user input data addresses this particular part of the system. Thus, in addition to using them together, or instead, user input data can be used as a complement to process data.

[0015] This disclosure utilizes all collected data to provide a reliable and efficient solution. Furthermore, by utilizing all collected data, operators may respond to user input data requests. User input data requests may include questions or requests for sending commands in real time to perform checks. Checks may be based on previous inputs provided by the same operator. Checks may be based on new conditions at the factory level, such as requests or process data from production managers, shift leaders, alarms, etc. Thus, user input data requests may be based on automatic or manual requests.

[0016] However, the advantage of the disclosed method is that it facilitates more efficient daily work routines for customers who use the food handling processing system in combination with operator-portable devices.

[0017] User input data may include package sample identification received via a code provided on the package sample using the camera of an operator's portable device.

[0018] By incorporating package sample identification information into user input data, package traceability can be improved. The benefit of improved traceability is that if a problem occurs with one package sample, it becomes possible to track other package samples within the same batch that have been subjected to similar problems. This, combined with improved responsiveness through the use of operator-portable devices, allows for faster detection of products with inadequate processing or packaging, which is important, for example, from a food safety perspective.

[0019] This method may further include determining user input data requests based on process data.

[0020] The advantage of determining user input data requests based on process data is that it can achieve dynamism between process data and user input data.

[0021] A further advantage of the operator-portable device being able to interact with other data stored on any database, including process data from food production units, is that user input data requests are up-to-date and can request information relevant to the food handling system at that time. Therefore, there is less delay in user input data requests, and it is possible to request information that is no longer relevant.

[0022] This method further includes receiving operator identification information, which may be determined by using an operator-carried device.

[0023] The advantage of being able to identify the operator is that the user interface of the operator's mobile device can be adjusted to be particularly suitable for this operator. For example, when the operator is required to perform a check for the first time, additional instructions can be provided on the screen so that the check is performed as intended.

[0024] Operator identification may use biometric authentication. For example, face authentication and / or fingerprint authentication may be used. Operator identification may be performed simultaneously with unlocking the device.

[0025] This method uses operator identification and a past user input database to determine operator-specific characteristics, and based on the operator-specific characteristics, adjusts the user input data. may further include.

[0026] Since there are individual differences among operators and interpretations may vary depending on the situation or event, by understanding the operator, it is possible to utilize the past data associated with this operator and adjust the user input data so that data from different operators can be more reliably compared.

[0027] This method may further include capturing handwritten text using an operator's mobile device and converting the handwritten text into user input data.

[0028] The handwritten text can itself be used, or for example in combination with face recognition data, to identify the operator. The handwritten text is also used to determine the state of the operator when entering user input data. For example, it is possible to detect from the handwritten text whether the operator is feeling stressed or calm. This is made possible by comparing with the past data of a specific operator, but general learning about how handwritten text reflects the state of the person writing it can also be utilized.

[0029] Here, the terms “capture” or “collect” mean obtaining information in a general sense. This information may include handwritten text, typed text, audio, or images captured by the operator’s portable camera.

[0030] Here, the term "handwritten text" means that a user can input user input data by hand into an operator-portable device. Alternatively, a user can provide user input data by handwriting information on paper and then photographing that paper. The handwritten text on the operator-portable device and the handwritten text on paper may be converted into user input data so that the user input data constitutes handwritten text.

[0031] Allowing operators to perform operations manually offers the advantage of simplifying and providing flexibility in inputting information into the operator's portable device.

[0032] This method, Extract handwritten text features from handwritten text data entered by users. Receive a handwritten text template, Extract handwritten text template features from handwritten text templates, We compared the features of handwritten text and the features of handwritten text templates. If a match is found, request operator identification corresponding to the handwritten text template features. It may also include the following.

[0033] This method, The handwritten text is analyzed to determine whether it is linked to one of several predetermined options. Check the handwritten text, Converting handwritten text to digital text, and Storing digital text in an on-site database, or, Make one or more corrections to the handwritten text. The corrected handwritten text is analyzed to determine whether the corrected handwritten text is linked to one of several predetermined options. Please check the corrected handwritten text. Convert corrected handwritten text to digital text, and Store digital text in an on-site database. It may also include the following.

[0034] "Correction" as used here means modifying user input data to link it to one of several predetermined options. In a non-exclusive example, correction may involve correcting a misspelled word. Correction may be performed manually by the user. Correction may also be performed automatically by an operator-portable device.

[0035] This method, Compare user input data with reference user input data. If user input data differs from a predetermined input range associated with standard user input data, the food handling system will be stopped. It may also include the following.

[0036] The advantage of comparing user input data with baseline user input data is that it makes it possible to identify whether the user input data contains the correct relevant information. Furthermore, it makes it possible to identify whether the user input data was entered in the correct manner.

[0037] A further benefit of analyzing user input data in the disclosed manner is that it can provide a great deal of value and knowledge about the customer's operations at the factory level. It can also provide insights into how the customer makes decisions.

[0038] Furthermore, there's another advantage: it may be possible to analyze what exactly the problem is.

[0039] Therefore, we can provide a more user-friendly and efficient monitoring service, prevent problems from occurring, and stay one step ahead of our customers.

[0040] Thus, if user input data is outside the range, it may be possible to shut down the food handling system before a problem occurs. It is also possible to alert other system operators to take corrective action. Furthermore, the information can be analyzed to enable proactive maintenance work.

[0041] The step of requesting user input data is: We provide users of food handling systems with user guides. Based on the user guide, guide the user through the process related to user input data requests. It may also include the following.

[0042] Here, the term "user guide" means a template or a chatbot, where the chatbot uses artificial intelligence. Therefore, a user guide is interpreted as a guide to the user, ensuring that the user inputs data not only in the correct way but also in a way that is relevant to the user input data request. A user guide may also guide the user. A template may include text boxes and grid controls to guide the user on what to input and where. A template may be updated over time based on process data or user input data requests. An operator-carried device may include a user guide.

[0043] By implementing a user guide that can guide users through the process, users will know what they need to do, thus enabling a more efficient process.

[0044] The operator's portable device may be a handheld device or a wearable device.

[0045] Here, the term "handheld device" refers to any device that an operator can carry with them, such as a tablet or mobile phone.

[0046] "Wearable devices" refer to any device that an operator can wear, such as smart glasses, smartwatches, and mobile devices with cameras.

[0047] If the portable device is a wearable device, this method applies. A wearable device is used to capture handwritten text, and the wearable device is configured to convert the handwritten text into digital text. Store digital text in an on-site database. It may also include the following.

[0048] According to a second embodiment, a server is provided configured to control a food handling system including a plurality of food production units. The server may include a transceiver, a control circuit, and memory. A transceiver is Process data is received, extracted from the food handling system, and includes parameter values ​​captured via sensors installed in the food production unit. By sending a user input data request to the operator's portable device, the user input data request is made. The operator receives user input data from their portable device. Send control data to the food production unit. Including the composition, The control circuit is, A decision function configured to determine control data based on process data and user input data, and An update function that updates the settings in the food manufacturing apparatus based on control data, It is equipped with.

[0049] According to a third aspect, a system is provided for controlling a food handling system including a plurality of food production units. This system is A food handling system, and the food handling system includes multiple food production units equipped with sensors, An operator-portable device configured to transmit user input data, A server corresponding to the second aspect, An on-site database configured to store user input data, and Offsite database and It is equipped with.

[0050] Further objects, features, embodiments, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and drawings.

[0051] The effects and features of the second and third embodiments are substantially similar to those described above in relation to the first embodiment. Embodiments mentioned in relation to the first embodiment are substantially interchangeable with those of the second and third embodiments. Furthermore, it should be noted that the concept of the present invention relates to all possible combinations of features unless otherwise explicitly stated. Further scope of application of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given below. However, various changes and modifications within the scope of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description below, so it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given for illustrative purposes only.

[0052] Accordingly, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to any particular component of the described apparatus or any step of the described method. Furthermore, it should be understood that the terms used herein are used solely to describe a particular embodiment and are not intended to limit it. It should be noted that, as used herein and in the appended claims, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean the presence of one or more elements unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise. Therefore, for example, a reference to “unit” or “unit” could include multiple devices, etc.

[0053] Furthermore, the words “constitute,” “include,” “contain,” and similar phrases do not exclude other elements or steps.

[0054] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described illustratively with reference to the attached schematic diagrams. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0055] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing a system for controlling a food handling system. [Figure 2] This figure shows a server configured to control a food handling system. [Figure 3a] This figure shows an operator's portable device, including a user guide. [Figure 3b] This figure shows an operator's portable device, including a user guide. [Figure 3c] This figure shows an operator's portable device, including a user guide. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart illustrating the control method for a food handling system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0056] Referring to Figure 1, a system 100 for controlling a food handling system 102 is shown as an example. System 100 may consist of the food handling system 102, an operator's portable device 106, and a server 108. The server 108 is described in more detail in Figure 2. System 100 may further include an on-site database 114 and an off-site database 116.

[0057] Each device in system 100 may be communicatively connected to any other device in system 100. Therefore, each device may be configured to transmit or receive information to or from any other device in the system. In a non-limiting example, the food production unit 104 may be configured to transmit information to the operator's portable device 106. Each device in system 100 may also be communicatively connected to other devices outside of system 100. For example, information from other factories may also be considered. Even when different devices are communicatively connected to each other, there may be situations where information is not shared. For example, business-critical data may be chosen not to be shared. By using an on-site database 114 and an off-site database 116, business-critical data can be kept in the on-site database 114, and data that can be shared with others can be kept in the off-site database 116. For example, data related to handwritten text recognition may be suitable to be shared with others in order to obtain sufficient data to draw relevant conclusions.

[0058] The objective of system 100 is to facilitate data collection at the factory level, including the food handling system 102. A further objective of system 100 is to simplify the storage of data collected at the factory level, including the food handling system 102. Furthermore, system 100 can provide an efficient and flexible method for data collection and storage.

[0059] The food handling system 102 may include a number of food production units 104. As shown in Figure 1, the food handling system 102 includes five food production units 104. However, it should be understood that the food handling system 102 may include fewer than five food production units 104. It should also be understood that the food handling system 102 may include five or more food production units 104. According to one non-limiting example, the food production units 104 may be packaging machines and / or processing lines. Thus, the food production units 104 may be configured to process food, for example, milk or juice, or to produce food packages from packaging materials.

[0060] The food production unit 104 may be equipped with a sensor 110 for collecting process data from the food production unit 104. The process data may be extracted from the food handling system 102. The process data may include parameter values ​​captured via the sensor 110. The process data may be real-time data collected from the food production unit 104. In one non-limiting example, the process data may include information relating to the food production unit 104, the food, or the packaging material. Thus, the process data may include information relating to pressure, flow rate, the number of packages produced per unit time, vibration, temperature, etc. The food production unit 104 may be configured to transmit the process data collected by the sensor 110 to the operator's portable device 106. The food production unit 104 may be configured to transmit the information collected by the sensor 110 to the server 108. The advantage of the food production unit 104 transmitting the information to the operator's portable device 106 is that it may be less responsive compared to when the information is transmitted to the operator's portable device 106 via the server 108. By transmitting information from the sensor directly to the operator's portable device or via the server 108, it becomes possible to provide sensor outputs that cannot be handled by the control system. In other words, information regarding the system status can bypass the control system. The advantage of this is that new additional functions in the sensor 110 can be easily utilized.

[0061] The food production unit 104 may be connected by wire or wireless to an operator's portable device 106 and a server 108 for information transmission.

[0062] The operator's portable device 106 may include a camera 112 and a screen. The operator's portable device 106 may be configured to receive user input data requests. User input data requests may be based on process data collected by a sensor 110 provided in the food production unit 104. In other words, user input data requests may be dynamically determined based on process data. Thus, user input data can be used to complement the process data. User input data requests may also be based on requests from external devices or data outside of the system 100.

[0063] The operator-portable device 106 may be configured to receive user input data from the operator of the food handling system 102, and the user input data may be based on a user input data request. The user input data may include free text. The user input data may be predetermined text or text substitutes. The user input data may include handwritten text or digital text. In one non-limiting example, the user input data may include package sample identification received via a code provided on the package sample by using the camera 112 of the operator-portable device 106.

[0064] The operator's portable device 106 may be further configured to preview user input data, allowing the user to accept or reject the user input data. The operator's portable device 106 may also allow the user to perform modifications to the user input data, as further illustrated in Figure 3c. Modification of the user input data may be performed manually by the user or automatically by the operator's portable device 106.

[0065] The operator-portable device 106 may include a user guide. The user guide may be configured to guide the user, i.e., the operator, through the process related to user input data requests. The user guide may be a template or a chatbot. The user guide may be based on process data. The user guide may be based on user input data requests. Therefore, the user guide may indicate what kind of information the user input data should contain. If the user input data contains information related to pressure, for example, the user guide may indicate what type of units the user input data should have. The user guide is described in more detail in Figures 3a-c.

[0066] The operator-portable device 106 may be further configured to determine operator identification. In a non-limiting example, operator identification may be performed by using biometric identification. The operator-portable device 106 may be further configured to determine operator-specific characteristics using operator identification and a database of past user inputs. User input data may be tailored based on operator-specific characteristics.

[0067] The operator's portable device 106 may be configured to transmit information to the food handling system 102 and the food production unit 104. The operator's portable device 106 may also be configured to transmit information to the server 108. The operator's portable device 106 may also be configured to transmit information to the on-site database 114 and the off-site database 116 for storage.

[0068] Figure 2 shows a schematic configuration of server 108. Server 108 may be configured to control the food handling system 102. Server 108 may include transceiver 202, control circuit 204, and memory 208.

[0069] The transceiver 202 may be configured to allow the server 108 to communicate with other devices, such as the food production unit 104 and the operator portable device 106, as well as with the on-site database 114 and the off-site database 116. The transceiver 202 may be configured to receive process data, which may be transmitted from the food production unit 104 or from a sensor 110 provided in the food production unit 104. The transceiver 202 may be configured to send user input data requests to the operator portable device 106. The transceiver 202 may be configured to receive user input data from the operator portable device 106.

[0070] The control circuit 204 may be configured to perform control over the functions and operations of the server 108. The control circuit 204 may include a processor 206, such as a central processing unit (CPU). The processor may be configured to execute program code stored in memory 208 in order to perform the functions and operations of the server 108.

[0071] The control circuit 204 may perform a decision function 210. The decision function 210 may be configured to determine control data based on process data and user input data.

[0072] The control circuit 204 may perform an update function 212. The update function may be configured to update the settings in the food production unit 104 based on control data.

[0073] The control circuit 204 may perform a data analysis function 216. The data analysis function 216 may be configured to analyze process data and user input data. The data analysis function 216 may be further configured to analyze control data based on the process data and analysis data. In one non-limiting example, the data analysis function 216 may be configured to compare user input data with reference user input data. If the user input data differs from a predetermined input range associated with the reference user input data, the data analysis function 216 may be configured to stop the food handling system 102. Alternatively, or in combination, if the user input data differs from a predetermined input range associated with the reference user input data, the data analysis function 216 may be configured to send an alarm signal indicating the mismatch to the operator's portable device 106. Thus, the data analysis function 216 may be configured to analyze whether the data is valid data.

[0074] Referring to Figures 3a-c, an example of an operator-portable device 106 that constitutes a user guide is shown. In Figures 3a-c, the user guide is a template configured to guide the user through the process.

[0075] Figure 3a shows three boxes where the user can enter user input data using handwritten or digital text. The user can then preview and save the entered data.

[0076] Figure 3b is the same diagram as Figure 3a, but after user input data has been received in three boxes, and the user input data includes handwritten text. By allowing the user to use handwritten text instead of digital text, writing on the operator portable device 106 is simplified. Thus, it provides a more user-friendly and flexible data collection method. The operator portable device 106 may be configured to allow the user to handwrite alphanumeric text with a pen device (stylus), and punctuation marks, such as question marks, exclamation marks, periods, commas, colons, and semicolons, can also be handwritten. Thus, the operator portable device 106 may allow the user to input user input data that includes free text. The operator portable device 106 may allow the user to input user input data that includes predetermined text or text substitutes. The operator portable device 106 may be configured to preview the user input data, and the user can accept or reject the user input data. The operator portable device 106 may also allow the user to perform modifications to the user input data, as further shown in Figure 3c. User input data may be modified manually by the user or automatically by the operator's portable device 106.

[0077] As shown in Figure 3c, the operator-portable device 106 may be configured to correct handwritten text. As further shown in Figure 3c, the operator-portable device 106 may be configured to convert handwritten text to digital text. The operator-portable device 106 may be configured to store the digital text in an on-site database 114 or an off-site database 116. The digital text may be configured to be stored in the operator-portable device 106.

[0078] For further convenience, or as an alternative, user input data may be entered by voice. By equipping the operator's portable device with a microphone and using voice recognition software, users can input using their own voice. This may be the only way to provide user input data, or it may be used as a backup in case the handwriting recognition software misinterprets the handwriting input, i.e., when using handwriting recognition.

[0079] Alternatively, or in combination, the user guide may be a chatbot to guide the user through the process. In this case, the operator handheld device 106 may be connected to another operator handheld device, which may be a smart pencil. When the operator handheld device 106 is connected to another operator handheld device, the operator may be able to write user input data on paper using the other operator handheld device, and the operator handheld device 106 may be able to simultaneously reproduce the handwritten text.

[0080] Alternatively, or in combination, the user may be configured to use a pen and paper and then use the camera 112 of the operator's portable device 106 to capture a photograph of the paper, and the operator's portable device 106 may be configured to convert the handwritten text into digital text.

[0081] Alternatively, or in combination, if the operator's portable device 106 is a wearable device, such as smart glasses, the wearable device is configured to convert handwritten text to digital text. Thus, the wearable device may be configured to capture images containing handwritten text. Text capture by the wearable device may be triggered automatically or manually by the user.

[0082] The above concept can be explained in general terms as follows: A method for controlling a food handling system 102 including multiple food production units 104 using an operator-portable device 106, The operator's portable device 106 is connected to the plurality of food production units 104, The server 108 receives process data, which is extracted from the food handling system 102, and the process data includes parameter values ​​acquired via the sensor 110 provided in the food production unit 104. Based on the aforementioned process data, a user input data template is generated. The operator's portable device receives user input data based on the user input data template, and the user input data includes handwritten text on the operator's portable device 106. Convert the aforementioned handwritten text into digital text, The digital text is stored in This includes the following.

[0083] This method further, Based on the process data and the user input data, control data is determined. The control data is transmitted to the food production unit 104. Based on the control data, update the settings of the food production unit. This includes the following.

[0084] Referring to Figure 2, if the user input data includes handwritten text, the control circuit 204 may execute a recognition function 214. The recognition function 214 may be configured to extract handwritten text features from the user input data that includes handwritten text. The recognition function 214 may be further configured to receive a handwritten text template and extract handwritten text template features from the handwritten text template. The recognition function 214 may be further configured to compare the handwritten text features with the handwritten text template features. If a match is found between the handwritten text features and the handwritten text template features, the recognition function 214 may be further configured to request operator identification corresponding to the handwritten text template features.

[0085] The advantage of comparing handwritten text features with handwritten text template features is that it provides an analysis to determine whether a user is authorized as a valid user and whether user input data should be accepted.

[0086] Referring to Figure 2, if the user input data includes handwritten text, the control circuit 204 may execute the handwritten text analysis function 218. If the user input data consists of handwritten text, the handwritten text analysis function 218 may be configured to analyze the handwritten text. If the handwritten text is linked to one of several predetermined options, the handwritten text analysis function 218 may be configured to verify the handwritten text, convert the handwritten text to digital text, and store the digital text. If the handwritten text is not linked to one of several predetermined options, the handwritten text analysis function 218 may be configured to perform corrections on the handwritten text and analyze the handwritten text. If the corrected handwritten text is linked to one of several predetermined options, the handwritten text analysis function 218 may be configured to verify the corrected handwritten text, convert the corrected handwritten text to digital text, and store the digital text.

[0087] Therefore, the handwritten text analysis function 218 may be configured to analyze the handwritten text and verify that the handwritten text is written in the correct format. To give a non-limiting example, the handwritten text analysis function 216 may be configured to perform grammar checking.

[0088] Figure 4 shows a flowchart illustrating a method 400 for controlling a food handling system 102, which includes multiple food production units 104, using an operator-portable device 106. In a non-limiting example, the operator-portable device 106 may be a portable device such as a tablet or mobile phone. In yet another non-limiting example, the operator-portable device 106 may be a wearable device such as smart glasses or a smartwatch.

[0089] In the first step S402, process data is received from the server 108. The process data can be extracted from the food handling system 102. The process data includes parameter values ​​acquired via the sensor 110 installed in the food production unit.

[0090] In the second step S404, user input data is requested by transmitting a user input data request to the operator's portable device 106. Optionally, the second step S404 may include determining the user input data request based on process data. Optionally, the second step S404 may further include providing a user guide to the user of the food handling system 102 and guiding the user through the process related to the user input data request based on the user guide.

[0091] In the third step S406, user input data is received via the operator's portable device 106. In the fourth step S408, control data is determined based on the process data and user input data. In the fifth step S410, the control data is transmitted to the food production unit 104. In the sixth step S412, the settings of the food production unit 104 are updated based on the control data.

[0092] Optionally, method 400 may further include receiving operator identification. Operator identification may be determined by using the operator portable device 106. In a non-limiting example, operator identification may be performed using biometric authentication. Optionally, method 400 may further include determining operator-specific characteristics by using operator identification and a database of past user inputs. User input data may be tailored based on operator-specific characteristics.

[0093] Optionally, method 400 may further include capturing handwritten text using the operator-portable device 106 and converting the handwritten text into user input data.

[0094] Optionally, if user input data includes handwritten text, method 400 may further include extracting handwritten text features from the handwritten text in the user input data. A handwritten text template is received. Handwritten text template features are extracted from the handwritten text template. The handwritten text features are compared with the handwritten text template features. If a match is found, the operator identification corresponding to the handwritten text template features is requested. Thus, if a match is found, the user is authenticated as a valid user and may update their settings using user input.

[0095] Optionally, if the user input data includes handwritten text, Method 400 may further include analyzing the handwritten text. If the handwritten text is linked to one of several predetermined options, Method 400 may further include verifying the handwritten text, converting the handwritten text to digital text, and storing the digital text in an on-site database. If the handwritten text is not linked to one of several predetermined options, Method 400 may further include correcting the handwritten text and analyzing the corrected handwritten text. If the corrected handwritten text is linked to one of several predetermined options, Method 400 may further include verifying the corrected handwritten text, converting the corrected handwritten text to digital text, and storing the digital text in an on-site database.

[0096] Optionally, method 400 may further include comparing user input data with reference user input data. If the user input data differs from a predetermined input range associated with the reference user input data, method 400 may further include stopping the food handling system 102.

[0097] Optionally, if user input data includes handwritten text and the operator's portable device 106 is a wearable device, method 400 further includes capturing the handwritten text using the wearable device, which may be configured to convert the handwritten text to digital text and store the digital text.

[0098] Therefore, Method 400 may control the food handling system 102 by receiving and processing different types of data, such as process data and user input data. Method 400 may further control the food handling system 102 by analyzing user input data.

[0099] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described and demonstrated above, the present invention is not limited thereto and can be embodied in other ways within the scope of the subject matter defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A method (400) for controlling a food handling system (102) including a plurality of food production units (104) using an operator-portable device (106), The server (108) receives process data (S402), the process data is extracted from the food handling system (102), and the process data includes parameter values ​​taken in via a sensor (110) provided in the food production unit (104). The server requests user input data by sending a user input data request to the operator's portable device (106) (S404), and the user input data request is dynamically determined based on the process data. The server receives the user input data via the operator's portable device (106) (S406), and the user input data is requested to fill in the information gaps formed by the process data. Based on the process data and the user input data, the server determines the control data (S408), The server transmits the control data to the food production unit (104) (S410), The server updates the settings of the food production unit (104) based on the control data (S412), The server compares the user input data with the reference user input data. If the user input data differs from a predetermined input range associated with the reference user input data, the server will shut down the food handling system. method.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the user input data includes package sample identification received via a code provided on the package sample using the camera (112) of the operator's portable device (106).

3. Based on the process data, the user input data request is determined. The method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an operator identification is received, and the operator identification is determined by using the operator portable device (106).

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the operator identification is performed by using biometric authentication.

6. Using the aforementioned operator identification and the past user input database, operator-specific characteristics are determined. Adjust user input data based on operator-specific characteristics. The method according to claim 4 or 5.

7. Using the operator's portable device (106), handwritten text is captured. Convert the handwritten text into the user input data. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. Extract handwritten text features from the handwritten text of the user input data, Receive a handwritten text template, Extract the handwritten text template features from the aforementioned handwritten text template, The handwritten text features and the handwritten text template features are compared, If a match is found, request operator identification corresponding to the handwritten text template features. The method according to claim 7.

9. The handwritten text is analyzed to determine whether it is linked to one of several predetermined options. After reviewing the handwritten text, Convert the aforementioned handwritten text into digital text, and The aforementioned digital text is stored in an on-site database (114), or, After making corrections to the aforementioned handwritten text, The corrected handwritten text is analyzed to determine whether the corrected handwritten text is linked to one of the plurality of predetermined options. Please review the corrected handwritten text mentioned above. Convert the corrected handwritten text into digital text, and The digital text is stored in the on-site database (114). The method according to claim 7.

10. The step of requesting the aforementioned user input data further includes: A user guide is provided to the user of the food handling system (102), and Based on the user guide, the process related to the user input data request is guided to the user. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the operator's portable device (106) is a handheld device or a wearable device.

12. The operator's portable device (106) is a wearable device, The wearable device is configured to capture handwritten text, and the wearable device is configured to convert the handwritten text into digital text. The digital text is stored in the on-site database (114). The method according to claim 9.

13. A server (108) configured to control a food handling system (102) including a plurality of food production units (104), wherein the server (108) comprises a transceiver (202), a control circuit (204), and a memory (208), The aforementioned transceiver (202) is Process data is received, and the process data is extracted from the food handling system (102), and the process data includes parameter values ​​acquired via a sensor (110) provided in the food production unit (104). The system requests user input data by transmitting a user input data request to the operator's portable device (106), and the user input data request is dynamically determined based on the process data. The operator's portable device (106) receives the user input data, which is requested to fill in the information gaps formed by the process data, and The food production unit (104) receives control data. It has a configuration, and The control circuit (204) is A determination function configured to determine control data based on the process data and the user input data, and An update function configured to update the settings of the food production unit (104) based on the control data, Equipped with, The control circuit (204) compares the user input data with reference user input data, and if the user input data differs from a predetermined input range associated with the reference user input data, it stops the food handling system. server.

14. A system (100) for controlling a food handling system (102) which includes multiple food production units (104), The food handling system (102) includes a plurality of food production units (104) equipped with sensors (110), An operator-portable device (106) configured to transmit user input data, The server (108) according to claim 13, An on-site database (114) configured to store user input data, and Offsite database (116), A system equipped with these features.

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