Apparatus and method for controlling smart dryer

Abstract

Conventional dryers for agricultural, livestock, and fishery products present the inconvenience of requiring users to manually set drying time, temperature, and moisture content according to the type and quantity of the product to be dried, as well as local weather, soil, variety, and cultivation method, while remaining on-site for approximately 30 hours of operation. Therefore, the goal is to develop a remote control system that resolves these inconveniences for farmers through remote monitoring. This system enables automatic control by storing data generated during the drying process and providing drying recipes tailored to future conditions. To achieve this, IoT sensors are installed on the dryer to monitor its status data (current temperature, drying time, and weight of the product). The collected dryer status data is transmitted to and stored on a remote control server, which is then utilized to provide users with dryer recipes and enable remote / automatic control.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dryer control device and method that utilizes communication-based software technology capable of automating existing agricultural and fishery product dryers to enable remote user control and recipe provision. Background Technology

[0002] Conventional dryers for agricultural, livestock, and fishery products generally consist of a drying space and a space where temperature and humidity sensors, a blower, a heater, and a controller are installed.

[0003] In particular, in the case of agricultural product dryers, users face the inconvenience of having to manually set the drying time, drying temperature, and moisture content according to the type and quantity of the produce, as well as the local weather, soil, variety, and cultivation method, and having to wait on-site for a long period of time (e.g., 30 hours). Furthermore, as natural drying of agricultural products has become difficult due to air pollution caused by increased yellow dust and fine dust, the use of dryers is on the rise. Additionally, there is a need for automation as drying times and temperatures vary depending on the size, thickness, and moisture content of the produce, which differ even for the same crop due to variations in local weather, soil, variety, and cultivation method.

[0004] Generally, drying agricultural products takes more than 30 hours, and due to the large amount of input at once, the quality deteriorates after drying. However, there is an increasing demand from users who prefer high-grade dried products (e.g., fine color in the case of dried chili peppers). In addition, current dryers have limitations on users' time and location. The problem to be solved

[0005] Therefore, we propose a dryer control device and method capable of resolving inconveniences for users, such as farmers, livestock breeders, and fishermen, through remote control of the dryer, and enabling automatic control by storing data generated during the drying of agricultural, livestock, and fishery products (hereinafter referred to as 'materials to be dried') and providing drying recipes according to future conditions. means of solving the problem

[0006] To solve the above problem, we intend to install IoT sensors on the dryer and control the dryer using ICT-based technology via a control server.

[0007] In order to overcome the problem of varying drying times and temperatures in conventional dryers due to differences in the size, thickness, and moisture content of the materials to be dried, the control system collects data to provide recipes in response to the demands of users who prefer high-grade dried products or materials of lower quality. Specifically, the dryer's status data (current temperature, drying time, weight of the dried material, etc.) is collected, and the collected dryer status data is transmitted to and stored on a remote control server. This data can be utilized to perform automatic control or remote user control, and additionally, a drying recipe for the materials to be dried can be provided to the user.

[0008] The above-described means for solving the problem will become clearer through the embodiments of the invention described later together with the drawings. Effects of the invention

[0009] While conventional drying machines require users to manually set the drying time, temperature, and moisture removal amount according to the type and quantity of the material to be dried and wait, the present invention builds a database of the material to be dried to select appropriate drying temperature, time, and moisture removal amount. By receiving information such as temperature, weight, humidity, and moisture removal, it enables remote control, management, and monitoring, thereby increasing convenience for users such as farmers, livestock breeders, and fishermen. Furthermore, it allows for the setting and modification of drying recipes for the material. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0010] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a smart dryer control device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a task performed between a dryer (10) and a control server (30) for automatic control of the dryer (10). FIG. 3 shows a task performed for manual control of the dryer (10). FIG. 4 shows a task of remotely controlling the dryer (10) from the control server (30). FIG. 5 shows a task of performing fault recovery in the dryer control module (20). FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a computer system that can be utilized to implement the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0011] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms used in the following description are intended to describe preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, the singular form includes the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise. Furthermore, the terms "comprise," "comprising," etc., as used in this specification are used to mean that the presence or addition of one or more other components, steps, actions, and / or elements other than those mentioned are not excluded.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a smart dryer (10) control device according to the present invention. It is largely composed of a dryer (10), a dryer control module (20), and a control server (30). The dryer (10), which includes a burner or heater (11) for drying the object to be dried and a dehumidifier (12), such as a blower, for controlling humidity through exhaust action, is connected to the control server (30) through the control module (20) and exchanges data through the control module (20). The control server (30) collects information on each dryer (10) and transmits an appropriate drying recipe to the dryer (10) according to the situation.

[0014] The dryer control module (20) and the control server (30) can be interconnected via WiFi, wired internet, LAN, etc. Information transmitted between the control module (20) and the control server (30) may include status information, remote control signals, drying recipes, etc. The control server (30) may have an administrator database (31) and a user database (32) connected externally or built internally. An administrator or user can access the control server (30) using a mobile device or PC, etc., to control / manage, use data, etc., according to their purpose.

[0015] In order to provide useful information to the user by measuring the temperature, humidity, and weight change of the object to be dried in each dryer (10), temperature, humidity, and weight data are collected from each dryer (10). To this end, various IoT sensors such as a temperature sensor (13), a humidity sensor (14), and a weight sensor (15) are installed in the dryer (10).

[0016] The control server (30) shown in Fig. 1 provides the following functions.

[0017] - Dryer condition monitoring: Receive and store temperature, humidity, and weight data from the dryer (10).

[0018] - Drying recipe setting function for automatic drying: Allows the user to select or set a drying recipe (e.g., step-by-step temperature and humidity settings).

[0019] - Providing a drying recipe: Before the dryer (10) starts drying, the user selects or sets a drying recipe and transmits it to the dryer control module (20) to remotely control the dryer (10).

[0020] The dryer control module (20) performs the following functions.

[0021] - Communication and data exchange with the control server (30)

[0022] - Manual and automatic control of the dryer (10)

[0023] - Set drying temperature, time, and moisture value (drying recipe) for manual control

[0024] - Transmit status information of temperature, humidity, and weight to the control server (30)

[0025] - Receive a drying recipe from the control server (30) and automatically execute the drying function accordingly. The drying recipe can be set to different drying steps (e.g., 5 steps) for drying under various conditions or a series of drying steps, and each step can be set to different temperature, time, and humidity values.

[0026] - Control a burner or heater (11), a blower or dehumidifier (12), etc. to operate the dryer (10).

[0028] Hereinafter, a process for controlling a dryer (10) proposed in the present invention will be described.

[0029] First, FIG. 2 illustrates a task performed between the dryer (10) and the control server (30) for automatic control of the dryer (10). The dryer (10) may use a control module (20) located between it and the control server (30) when transmitting or receiving control signals or data.

[0030] The dryer (10) is in a standby state (102) when there is no work.

[0031] The dryer (10) transmits the standby state (104) to the dryer standby state receiving unit (302) of the control server (30) while in standby (102).

[0032] The dryer operation status change unit (304) of the control server (30) transmits a start (or restart) signal (306) to the dryer (10) to cause the dryer (10) to start (or restart).

[0033] When the dryer (10) starts from a standby state, the recipe selection unit (screen) (106) of the dryer (10) receives a set recipe (310) from the recipe transmission / reception unit (308) of the control server (30) and registers the work (108) to the recipe transmission / reception unit (308). If the received recipe (310) is changed on the recipe selection screen (106) of the dryer (10), the changed recipe (110) is transmitted to the recipe transmission / reception unit (308) of the control server (30) and reflected (conversely, if the recipe is changed on the control server (30) (e.g., the start recipe is changed by the user), the changed recipe (312) is transmitted from the recipe transmission / reception unit (308) of the control server (30) to the recipe selection screen (106) of the dryer (10).

[0034] The dryer (10) starts the dryer operation according to the drying stage of the temperature and humidity conditions included in the recipe (112).

[0035] The dryer (10) transmits status information (114) of temperature, humidity, and weight generated during operation (112) to the control server (30). The dryer operation status receiving unit (312) of the control server (30) receives this.

[0036] If the recipe is changed during operation (112) of the dryer (10), the dryer (10) transmits the changed recipe (116) to the control server (30), and the recipe change unit (314) of the control server (30) reflects the information of the changed recipe (116). Meanwhile, if the recipe is changed at the control server (30) during operation (112) of the dryer (10), the recipe change unit (314) of the control server (30) transmits the changed recipe (316) to the dryer (10), and the dryer (10) (or the dryer control module (20)) reflects the changed recipe.

[0037] When the dryer (10) receives a termination or pause signal (318) from the dryer operation status change unit (304) of the control server (30) while the dryer (10) is in operation, the dryer (10) stops the operation (118) and goes to a standby state (102) to prepare for another drying operation.

[0039] Figure 3 shows the tasks performed for manual control of the dryer (10).

[0040] When there is no drying operation, the dryer (10) is in a standby state (102), and when a manual control command is issued, the control module (20) of the dryer (10) sets the necessary temperature and humidity using the heater (11) and the dehumidifier (12) and starts the drying operation (112).

[0041] When the operation starts, the dryer control module (20) transmits the current temperature, weight, humidity, and exhaust status information (114) to the control server (30) to report the status of the dryer. The dryer operation status receiving unit (312) of the control server (30) receives this information.

[0042] When a recipe is changed in the control server (30), the recipe change unit (314) of the control server (30) transmits the changed recipe (316) to the dryer (10), and the dryer (10) (or the dryer control module (20)) operates (112) by reflecting the changed recipe.

[0043] When the dryer (10) receives a termination or pause signal (318) from the dryer operation status change unit (304) of the control server (30) while the dryer (10) is in operation, the dryer (10) stops the operation (118) and goes to a standby state (102) to prepare for another drying operation.

[0044] Meanwhile, the dryer operation status change unit (304) of the control server (30) can start (or restart) the dryer (10) by transmitting a start (or restart) signal (306) to the dryer (10).

[0046] Figure 4 shows a task of remotely controlling a dryer (10) from a control server (30).

[0047] The dryer (10) (or dryer control module (20)) is prepared in a standby state (102) when there is no work.

[0048] The dryer (10) transmits the standby state (104) to the dryer standby state receiving unit (302) of the control server (30) while in standby (102).

[0049] The control server (30) sets the necessary recipe and sends a remote control start message (320) containing the set recipe.

[0050] The dryer control module (20) receives the recipe and starts controlling the dryer (10) according to the recipe (112).

[0051] When the control server (30) sends a pause message (319) to the dryer (10), the dryer (10) stops the heater (11) or the dehumidifier (12), pauses the control of the dryer (10), and waits.

[0052] In the case of recipe changes during standby (102) and operation (112) of the dryer (10), the same task as described in FIG. 2 is performed.

[0053] In addition, when the dryer (10) transmits the status information (114) of temperature, humidity, and weight generated during operation (112) to the control server (30), the same task as described in FIG. 2 is performed.

[0055] FIG. 5 illustrates a method for performing failure recovery in a dryer control module (20).

[0056] In the above automatic and manual dryer control, if the dryer control module (20) is unable to operate the dryer (10) due to an abnormal failure and the operation is stopped (119), when the failure is recovered, the dryer control module (20) checks whether there was a previous operation (120), and if there was a previous operation, it executes the corresponding operation (122) and sends the corresponding status message (115) to the control server (30). If there was no previous operation, the dryer (10) is started from the beginning (124).

[0058] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a computer system that can be utilized to implement the present invention described above.

[0059] The computer system (1300) shown in FIG. 6 may include at least one of a processor (1310), memory (1330), input interface device (1350), output interface device (1360), and storage device (1340) communicating via a bus (1370). The computer system (1300) may also include a communication device (1320) coupled to a network. The processor (1310) may be a central processing unit (CPU) or a semiconductor device that executes instructions stored in memory (1330) or storage device (1340). The communication device (1320) may transmit or receive wired or wireless signals. The memory (1330) and storage device (1340) may include various forms of volatile or non-volatile storage media. For example, the memory (1330) may include read-only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM). The memory (1330) may be located inside or outside the processor (1310) and may be connected to the processor through various known means. The memory (1330) may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium of various forms, for example, may include read-only memory (ROM) or random access memory (RAM).

[0060] Accordingly, the present invention may be implemented as a method implemented on a computer or as a non-transient computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions. In one embodiment, when executed by a processor, the computer-readable instructions may perform a method according to at least one aspect of the present description.

[0061] In addition, the method according to the present invention may be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed through various computer means and may be recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, etc., either individually or in combination. The program instructions recorded on the computer-readable medium may be specially designed and configured for embodiments of the present invention, or they may be known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. The computer-readable recording medium may include a hardware device configured to store and execute program instructions. For example, the computer-readable recording medium may be magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes; optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs; magneto-optical media such as floptical disks; ROM; RAM; flash memory; etc. The program instructions may include not only machine code, such as that generated by a compiler, but also high-level language code that can be executed by a computer through an interpreter, etc.

[0063] Embodiments specifically embodying the concept of the present invention have been described above. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings described above, but is determined by a reasonable interpretation of the claims.

Claims

Claim 1 A dryer comprising a heater for drying a workpiece, a dehumidifier for controlling humidity, and an IoT sensor for measuring at least one of temperature, humidity, and weight; a control server that receives sensor data from the dryer, sets a drying recipe for automatic drying, and transmits the drying recipe to a dryer control module to remotely control the dryer; a dryer control module that connects the dryer and the control server to mutually transmit status information, remote control signals, and drying recipe information, wherein the control server includes: a standby state receiving unit that receives a standby state signal transmitted by a standby dryer; a dryer operating state changing unit that transmits work start and end signals to the dryer to cause the dryer to start and end work; a recipe transmitting and receiving unit that receives a recipe set and changed by the dryer and transmits a recipe changed by the control server to the dryer; and a dryer operating state receiving unit that receives status information occurring during the operation of the dryer. Claim 2 A dryer control device according to claim 1, wherein the dryer control module is further configured to execute manual and automatic control of the dryer, set a drying recipe for manual control, and receive a drying recipe for automatic drying from the control server to execute the dryer. Claim 3 delete Claim 4 A method for controlling a dryer, comprising a dryer, a control server, and a dryer control module as described in claim 1, wherein the control server receives a standby state signal transmitted by a standby dryer; transmits a start and end operation signal to the dryer to cause the dryer to start and end operations; receives a recipe set and changed in the dryer and transmits the changed recipe from the control server to the dryer; and receives status information occurring during the operation of the dryer. Claim 5 A dryer control method according to claim 4, further comprising a dryer automatic control step including: receiving a setting recipe from a control server and registering a task; starting dryer operation according to a drying step included in the recipe; transmitting status information generated during operation to a control server and receiving it from the control server; and, when the dryer receives a termination or pause signal from the control server during operation, stopping the task and entering a standby state to prepare for another drying task. Claim 6 A dryer control method according to claim 5, wherein the dryer automatic control step further comprises: a step in which, when a recipe is changed during the operation of the dryer, the dryer transmits the changed recipe to a control server and the control server receives the changed recipe information; and a step in which, when the recipe is changed at the control server, the control server transmits the changed recipe to the dryer and the dryer receives the changed recipe and reflects it in the drying operation. Claim 7 A dryer control method according to claim 4, further comprising a dryer manual control step including: when there is no drying operation, the dryer is in a standby state, and when a manual control command is issued from the control server, the dryer control module sets the temperature and humidity and starts the drying operation; when the drying operation starts, the dryer control module transmits current status information to the control server to report the status of the dryer, and the control server receives this information; and when the dryer receives a termination or pause signal from the control server while operating, the dryer stops the operation and goes to a standby state to prepare for another drying operation. Claim 8 A dryer control method according to claim 7, wherein the dryer manual control step further includes the step of the control server transmitting the changed recipe to the dryer when the recipe is changed at the control server, and the dryer receiving the changed recipe and reflecting it in the drying operation. Claim 9 A dryer control method according to claim 4, further comprising a dryer remote control step including: a step in which the dryer transmits a standby state to a control server while in standby; a step in which the control server sets a recipe and transmits a remote control start message containing the set recipe; a step in which the dryer control module receives the recipe and starts controlling the dryer according to the recipe; and a step in which, when the control server sends a pause message to the dryer, the dryer pauses its operation and stands by. Claim 10 A dryer control method according to claim 9, wherein the dryer remote control step further includes the step of the control server transmitting the changed recipe to the dryer when the recipe is changed at the control server, and the dryer receiving the changed recipe and reflecting it in the drying operation.

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