Apparatus for Monitoring Food Heating Process

Abstract

The present invention relates to a food heating process monitoring device. It comprises: a heating temperature determining unit mounted on a heating facility for heating food and determining the temperature of heat applied to food; a monitoring PC that monitors the operation of the heating temperature determining unit, displays the monitored content, and determines whether the heating temperature is appropriate; and a management server connected to the monitoring PC and storing process history including the temperature and heating time determined by the heating temperature determining unit. The food heating process monitoring device of the present invention, as described above, measures the heating temperature and time of the heating equipment in real time, automatically determines whether there is a deviation from the process by comparing it with a set standard, and automatically transmits the result to the user and server, thereby enabling quality control and process control in compliance with HACCP standards. In addition, since it can be installed simply without changing the structure of existing heating equipment, it can be easily applied to various manufacturing environments without separate equipment modifications.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a monitoring device for monitoring a food heating process, and more specifically, to a food heating process monitoring device that automatically measures the heating temperature to meet HACCP standards. Background Technology

[0002] Heating processes carried out in food factories and other facilities are essential steps taken to sterilize or cook food ingredients, and are strictly managed in accordance with HACCP standards.

[0003] The general heating process involves placing food ingredients into a heating device, heating them according to set temperature and time conditions, and measuring the core temperature after heating is complete to determine suitability. If the heating conditions deviate from the standards during this process, it is considered a deviation from the process, and the ingredients in question are discarded or processed separately.

[0004] However, in reality, it is difficult for most food factories to automatically monitor the heating process in real time. This is because the types and sizes of heating devices vary widely, and the heating methods differ from one another. Consequently, they have no choice but to rely on operators manually recording heating-related details.

[0005] Manual record-keeping by personnel can lead to issues such as omissions, manipulation, and errors, which undermine process reliability and quality control systems. While smart sensing technologies are being attempted to address these problems, their application in actual factories faces significant limitations due to differences in heating equipment structures, space constraints, and difficulties with communication connectivity. Consequently, there is a demand for smart monitoring technologies that can be applied without modifying existing heating equipment.

[0006] In this regard, Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-1858404 (Method for monitoring food and method for preventing falsification of food traceability information) has been disclosed. The problem to be solved

[0007] The present invention was created to resolve the aforementioned problems and aims to provide a food heating process monitoring device that enables quality and process management compliant with HACCP standards, can be simply installed without altering the structure of existing heating equipment, and can be easily applied to various manufacturing environments without separate equipment modifications. means of solving the problem

[0008] The food heating process monitoring device of the present invention, as described above, is equipped with a heating temperature determining unit that is mounted on a heating facility for heating food and determines the temperature of heat applied to food; a monitoring PC that monitors the operation of the heating temperature determining unit, displays the monitored content, and determines whether the heating temperature is appropriate; and a management server connected to the monitoring PC and storing process history including the temperature and heating time determined by the heating temperature determining unit.

[0009] In addition, the heating temperature detection unit includes a temperature data transmission module that receives temperature information from a temperature sensor of the heating equipment itself and transmits it to a monitoring PC.

[0010] In addition, the heating temperature determining unit further comprises: a vision sensor that captures the display content of a temperature display window provided in the heating facility; a signal conversion module that converts the captured content of the vision sensor into a digital signal and transmits it to a monitoring PC; and a position adjustment unit that adjusts the relative position of the vision sensor with respect to the temperature display window.

[0011] And, the above-mentioned position adjustment unit has a variable bracket positioned in close proximity to the temperature display window and supporting the vision sensor in a positionally adjustable manner.

[0012] In addition, the position adjustment unit comprises: a mounting body fixed to the outer surface of the heating equipment and providing support; a lead screw rotatably installed on the mounting body; a motor that rotates the lead screw axially; a reciprocating block coupled to the lead screw and moving linearly according to the rotation of the lead screw axially; an extension arm fixed to the reciprocating block and extended linearly; a rotating arm connected to a pin at the end of the extension arm and having a vision sensor at its lower end; and an angle adjustment unit that rotates the rotating arm around the pin so that the temperature display window is positioned within the shooting range of the vision sensor.

[0013] In addition, the lower part of the above-mentioned rotating arm is further equipped with a sensor housing for accommodating a vision sensor and a communication module for transmitting the captured content of the vision sensor to a signal conversion module.

[0014] In addition, the heating equipment has a plurality of temperature display windows on its front surface, and the position adjustment unit comprises: a mounting body fixed to the heating equipment and providing support; a lead screw rotatably installed on the mounting body and parallel to a virtual straight line connecting the temperature display windows; a motor that rotates the lead screw axially; a reciprocating block coupled to the lead screw and moving linearly according to the rotation of the lead screw axially; and an extension arm fixed to the reciprocating block, extended in the longitudinal direction, and equipped with a vision sensor at its end.

[0015] In addition, a communication module is installed on the outer side of the vision sensor to transmit the captured content of the vision sensor to a signal conversion module.

[0016] In addition, the motor rotates the lead screw on the axis, causing the vision sensor to move in a straight line and photograph all temperature display windows in sequence. Effects of the invention

[0017] The food heating process monitoring device of the present invention, as described above, measures the heating temperature and time of the heating equipment in real time, automatically determines whether there is a deviation from the process by comparing it with a set standard, and automatically transmits the result to the user and server, thereby enabling quality control and process control in compliance with HACCP standards. In addition, since it can be installed simply without changing the structure of existing heating equipment, it can be easily applied to various manufacturing environments without separate equipment modifications. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0018] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the overall structure of a food heating process monitoring device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of an implementation of the heating temperature detection unit and monitoring PC illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a drawing for explaining the detailed configuration of the heating temperature detection unit of Figure 1. Figure 4 is a side view illustrating a modified example of the heating temperature detection unit of Figure 1. Figure 5 is a diagram showing some of the display contents of the monitoring PC illustrated in Figure 2. Figure 6 is a drawing to explain another example of the heating temperature detection unit of Figure 1. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the operation of a monitoring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0019] Hereinafter, one embodiment according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the overall structure of a food heating process monitoring device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] As described above, the heating process monitoring device (10) according to the present embodiment may include a heating temperature identification unit (20), a monitoring PC (51), a management server (53), and a manager terminal (55).

[0022] The heating temperature detection unit (20) is installed in the food heating equipment (70 in FIG. 2) described later and serves to detect the temperature of the heat applied to the food. The detected temperature data can be used as data for quality control related to heating and for determining deviations from standard values.

[0023] The heating equipment (70) is a heating device for heating food and can have various structures depending on the heating method or structure. For example, it may include a gas burner, an oven, a microwave oven, a steam heater, etc. The monitoring device (10) of this embodiment can be flexibly applied to the various types of heating equipment mentioned above. However, for the operation of the monitoring device (10) of this embodiment, its own temperature sensor (73 in FIG. 3) and a temperature display window (71) must be applied. This is because measurement using the vision sensor (23) is possible only when the temperature display window (71) is installed, and the temperature data transmission module (21) can function only when the temperature sensor (73) is provided. The heating temperature determination unit (20) can be implemented in various ways, and an explanation thereof will be provided later.

[0024] Additionally, the monitoring PC (51) receives temperature data detected by the heating temperature detection unit (20) in real time and displays the received temperature. The operator can visually check the current output temperature of the heating equipment (70) through the monitoring PC (51). The monitoring PC (51) can determine whether the heating temperature meets the set criteria. The monitoring PC (51) can be configured as an edge device or a cloud-based system, and can be implemented as an industrial all-in-one PC or a small PC such as a Raspberry Pi.

[0025] In addition, the monitoring PC (51) is configured to allow intuitive checking of process status, sensing values, product information, deviations, etc. through a user-friendly UI. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing part of the display content of the monitoring PC (51).

[0026] Referring to Fig. 5, the name of the equipment currently being measured (branching tank) and the name of the process (heating) are displayed in the upper left corner of the screen, and a mark indicating whether the process is linked to HACCP standards may also be displayed. In addition, the product name (delicious bread) is displayed in the upper right corner.

[0027] In addition, the temperature value being measured and the elapsed heating time are displayed on the center left. The heating temperature and time are based on data transmitted from the heating temperature detection unit (20). Furthermore, the measurement result is displayed below the temperature item. If the current state meets the standard conditions, it is displayed as "Normal," and if it deviates from the standard, it may be displayed as "Deviated." "Normal" and "Deviated" are results determined by analysis by the monitoring PC (51). Additionally, text is displayed on the right side of the screen to indicate whether the heating chamber (70) is operating. If measurement is currently in progress, the status "Measurement in progress" is displayed. Furthermore, if you wish to end the measurement, click the "End" button located at the bottom of the user interface.

[0028] The above-described user interface allows for checking temperature and time conditions at a glance and enables immediate recognition and response to abnormal situations during the heating process. The monitoring PC (51) is connected to the management server (53) via a network and periodically transmits measurement results or automatically transmits them when an out-of-bounds event occurs, thereby forming a record and history management system that complies with HACCP standards.

[0029] The management server (53) is connected to the monitoring PC (51) and can store process history including the temperature and heating time identified by the heating temperature identification unit. That is, it stores process history including temperature information identified by the heating temperature identification unit (20) and heating time information until the temperature is reached.

[0030] In addition, the management server can perform statistical analysis by process or trace history based on the received data, and can record and store monitoring data required in accordance with the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) standards. In particular, if an abnormal condition occurs, a warning notification can be sent to the administrator terminal (55).

[0031] The administrator terminal (55) may be a smartphone or tablet PC carried by the administrator. The administrator terminal (55) may be wirelessly connected to the management server (53). The administrator can transmit control signals to the management server (53) using the administrator terminal (55).

[0032] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the heating temperature determining unit (20) is capable of determining the temperature of the heat applied to the food and the heating time when the heating equipment (70) heats the food, and can have various configurations.

[0033] The heating temperature detection unit (20) may include a temperature data transmission module (21) that receives temperature information from a temperature sensor (73 in FIG. 3) of the heating equipment (70) itself and transmits it to a monitoring PC (51). The temperature sensor (73) is a sensor provided in the heating equipment (70) itself.

[0034] The temperature data transmission module (21) can receive heating temperature-related information measured by the temperature sensor (73) and transmit it to the monitoring PC (51). The temperature data transmission module (21) and the monitoring PC (51) can be connected via wired or wireless connection. The temperature data transmission module (21) can continuously transmit temperature data in real time or transmit it only when the temperature exceeds an allowable range. Through the temperature data transmission module (21), the heating process status of the heating equipment (70) can be accurately determined.

[0035] Additionally, the heating temperature detection unit (20) may further include a vision sensor (23), a signal conversion module (25), and a position adjustment unit. The vision sensor (23) senses temperature information separately from the temperature sensor transmission module (21) described above.

[0036] The vision sensor (23) optically recognizes the temperature display window (71) installed on the front of the heating equipment (70). That is, it captures the display content displayed on the temperature display window (71), namely numbers and characters (e.g., 200°C, etc.). The vision sensor (23) may include image preprocessing technology to correct the visibility, lighting reflection, and number distortion of the temperature display window (71).

[0037] The signal conversion module (25) converts the captured content of the vision sensor (23) into a digital signal. That is, it processes the image data input from the vision sensor (23), converts it into a signal including temperature information, and then transmits the converted data to the monitoring PC (51).

[0038] The position adjustment unit is, so to speak, a movable support that supports the vision sensor (23) in a positionally adjustable manner. The position adjustment unit shown in FIG. 3 is a variable bracket (31).

[0039] The variable bracket (31) is positioned close to the temperature display window and supports the vision sensor (23) in a positionally adjustable manner. The variable bracket (31) includes a fixed arm (31a) and a rotatable holder (31c) linked to the fixed arm (31a) by a connecting pin (31e).

[0040] The fixed arm (31a) is installed on the upper part of the temperature display window (71) and extends horizontally. Additionally, the rotary holder (31c) is connected to the extended end of the fixed arm (31a) via a connecting pin (31e) and is equipped with a vision sensor (23). The rotary holder (31c) can rotate up and down around the connecting pin (31e). The vision sensor (23) photographs the temperature display window (71) while mounted on the rotary holder (31c). If the temperature display window (71) is not included within the shooting range of the vision sensor (23), the angle of the rotary holder (31c) is adjusted so that the temperature display window (71) is included within the shooting range of the vision sensor.

[0041] Drawing reference numeral 34 is an adhesive pad. The adhesive pad (34) is a flexible member that fixes the variable bracket (31) to the heating equipment (70). Adhesive is applied to both sides of the adhesive pad (34). Various methods of fixing the variable bracket (31) to the heating equipment (70) can be applied. For example, a bolting method is also possible.

[0042] FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating a modified example of the position adjustment part (30) in the heating temperature detection unit of FIG. 1.

[0043] The position adjustment unit (30) illustrated in FIG. 4 includes a mounting body (33), a lead screw (33a), a motor (33c), a reciprocating block (35), an extension arm (37), a rotating arm (39), and an angle adjustment unit.

[0044] The mounting body (33) is a structure fixed to the outer surface of the heating equipment (70) via an adhesive pad (34) and supports the lead screw (33a) horizontally. The lead screw (33a) can rotate in both directions by means of a motor (33c) while supported by the mounting body (33). The motor (33c) can be controlled via a monitoring PC (51).

[0045] The reciprocating block (35) is coupled to the lead screw (33a) and moves in a straight line according to the axial rotation of the lead screw. The reciprocating distance of the reciprocating block (35) can be adjusted by the monitoring PC (51).

[0046] The extension arm (37) is a straight, extended rod-shaped member fixed to the upper part of the reciprocating block (35). The extension arm (37) is a square rod with a square cross-section and slides in the longitudinal direction while inserted into a guide groove (33k) formed in the mounting body (33). Since the square extension arm (37) is inserted into the guide groove (33k), the reciprocating block (35) does not rotate even if the lead screw (33a) rotates. A hinge portion (37c) is provided at the extended end of the extension arm (37). A link pin (37a) is inserted into the hinge portion (37c).

[0047] The rotating arm (39) is linked to the hinge portion (37c) via a link pin (37a). The rotating arm (39) can rotate around the link pin (37a) in the direction of arrow a or the opposite direction. A holder (39a) is provided at the lower end of the rotating arm (39). The holder (39a) secures the sensor housing (41).

[0048] The sensor housing (41) accommodates and secures the vision sensor (23). The vision sensor (23) is mounted on the sensor housing (41) and captures the temperature display window (71). If the temperature display window (71) does not come within the shooting range of the vision sensor (23), the angle of the rotating arm (39) is adjusted or the front-to-back distance of the reciprocating block (35) is adjusted so that the temperature display window (71) comes within the shooting range.

[0049] In addition, a communication module (43) is installed on the outer side of the sensor housing (41). The communication module (43) wirelessly transmits the image content captured by the vision sensor (23) to the signal conversion module (25).

[0050] The angle adjustment unit can rotate the rotating arm (39) around the link pin (37a) to position the temperature display window within the shooting range of the vision sensor. In this embodiment, the angle adjustment unit is an actuator (45). The actuator (45) is electronic and has a main body (45a) and a piston rod (45b). The main body (45a) is connected to the extension arm (37) by a pin (not shown), and the piston rod (45b) is connected to the upper part of the rotating arm (39) by a pin. The operation of the actuator (45) can be controlled by a monitoring PC (51). Ultimately, the monitoring PC (51) controls the motor (33c) and the actuator (45) to position the vision sensor (23) correctly.

[0051] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining another example of the heating temperature detection unit of FIG. 1. The heating temperature detection unit (20) shown in FIG. 6 is installed on the side of the heating equipment (70).

[0052] As described above, the heating temperature detection unit (20) includes a position control unit (30) having a mounting body (49), a lead screw (33a), a guide rod (33b), a motor (33c), a reciprocating block (35), and a connecting rod (36), a vision sensor (23), and a communication module (43).

[0053] The mounting body (49) is fixed in close contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the heating equipment (70) and supports the lead screw (33a) so as to be axially rotatably. The lead screw (33a) is supported by the mounting body (49) and maintains a vertical position. The lead screw (33a) is axially rotatably driven by a motor (33c). The motor (33c) can be controlled by a monitoring PC (51).

[0054] The guide rod (33b) is a round rod positioned parallel to the side of the lead screw (33a). The upper and lower ends of the guide rod (33b) are fixed to the mounting body (49). The guide rod (33b) passes through the reciprocating block (35) and guides the lifting and lowering movement of the reciprocating block (35).

[0055] The reciprocating block (35) is a block-shaped member that engages with the lead screw (33a) and moves up and down by the axial rotation of the lead screw (33a). Additionally, the connecting rod (36) is fixed to the side of the reciprocating block (35) and extends horizontally, and has a vision sensor (23) at its extended end. The vision sensor (23) moves up and down together with the reciprocating block (35) and captures the contents of the temperature display window (71). When multiple temperature display windows (71) are arranged in a vertical direction as shown in FIG. 6, the height of the vision sensor (23) can be adjusted so that the vision sensor (23) is positioned in front of the temperature display window (71) that is outputting temperature information, and the contents of the temperature display window can be captured through the vision sensor. The motor (33c) can rotate the lead screw (33a) axially so that the vision sensor moves up and down and captures all the temperature display windows (71) in sequence.

[0056] A communication module (43) is installed on the outside of the vision sensor (23). The communication module (43) can transmit the captured content of the vision sensor (23) to the signal conversion module (25).

[0057] FIG. 7 is a block diagram for explaining the operation of a monitoring device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] The monitoring device (10) according to the present embodiment is mounted on a heating facility (70) for heating food and performs the function of determining the temperature and heating time of heat applied to food, monitoring in real time, and storing and managing process history.

[0059] The monitoring PC (51) can receive temperature information from two sources. One is a temperature data transmission module (21), and the other is a signal conversion module (25). The temperature data transmission module (21) transmits temperature data received from a temperature sensor (73) embedded in the heating equipment (70) to the monitoring PC (51). Additionally, the signal conversion module (25) processes data received from the vision sensor (23) and transmits it to the monitoring PC (51). Image data captured by the vision sensor (23) can be transmitted to the signal conversion module (25) via wired or wireless communication through the communication module (43), and the signal conversion module (25) converts this into a digital signal and then transmits it to the monitoring PC (51).

[0060] The monitoring PC (51) displays heating temperature and heating time data in real time, allowing the operator to visually check the current output status of the heating equipment (70). In addition, the monitoring PC (51) automatically determines whether the heating temperature meets the standard value and displays whether it deviates.

[0061] The monitoring PC (51) is connected to the management server (53) via a network and transmits process data in real-time or periodically. The management server (53) can store process history including received temperature and heating time information. Additionally, if an abnormal condition is detected, it can send a warning message to the manager terminal (55). The manager can send control signals to the management server (53) or remotely check process information through the manager terminal (55).

[0062] Through the structure and operation of the present invention as described above, temperature information can be obtained without changing the structure of the existing heating equipment (70), and real-time quality monitoring and process history management can be performed, thereby greatly improving the stability and reliability of the food heating process.

[0063] Although the present invention has been described in detail through specific embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0064] 10: Monitoring device 20: Heating temperature detection unit 21: Temperature data transmission module 23: Vision sensor 25: Signal conversion module 30: Position adjustment unit 31: Variable bracket 31a: Fixed arm 31c: Rotating holder 31e: Connecting pin 33: Mounting body 33a: Lead screw 33b: Guide rod 33c: Motor 33k: Guide groove 34: Adhesive pad 35: Reciprocating block 36: Connecting rod 37: Extension arm 37a: Link pin 37c: Hinge unit 39: Rotating arm 39a: Holder 41: Sensor housing 43: Communication module 45: Actuator 45a: Main body 45b: Piston rod 49: Mounting body 51: Monitoring PC 53: Management server 55: Administrator terminal 70: Heating equipment 71: Temperature display window 73: Temperature sensor

Claims

Claim 1 A heating temperature detection unit is installed in a heating facility for heating food and detects the temperature of heat applied to food; a monitoring PC that monitors the operation of the heating temperature detection unit, displays the monitored content, and determines whether the heating temperature is appropriate; and a management server connected to the monitoring PC and storing process history including the temperature and heating time detected by the heating temperature detection unit are provided, wherein the heating temperature detection unit includes a temperature data transmission module that receives temperature information from a temperature sensor of the heating facility itself and transmits it to the monitoring PC, and the heating temperature detection unit includes a vision sensor that captures the display content of a temperature display window installed in the heating facility, a signal conversion module that converts the captured content of the vision sensor into a digital signal and transmits it to the monitoring PC, and a position adjustment unit that adjusts the relative position of the vision sensor with respect to the temperature display window, wherein the position adjustment unit has a variable bracket that is positioned close to the temperature display window and supports the vision sensor in a positionally adjustable manner, and the position adjustment unit includes a mounting body that is fixed to the outer surface of the heating facility and provides support, and a bracket that is axially rotatably installed on the mounting body The heating equipment comprises a lead screw, a motor that rotates the lead screw axially, a reciprocating block coupled to the lead screw and performing linear motion according to the axial rotation of the lead screw, an extension arm fixed to the reciprocating block and linearly extended, a rotating arm connected to a pin at the end of the extension arm and having a vision sensor at its lower end, and an angle adjustment unit that rotates the rotating arm around the pin so that the temperature display window is positioned within the shooting range of the vision sensor, wherein the lower end of the rotating arm is provided with a sensor housing that accommodates the vision sensor and a communication module that transmits the shooting content of the vision sensor to a signal conversion module, and the heating equipment has a plurality of temperature display windows on its front surface, and the position adjustment unit;A food heating process monitoring device comprising: a mounting body fixed to a heating facility and providing support; a lead screw rotatably installed on the mounting body and parallel to a virtual straight line connecting the temperature display windows; a motor that rotates the lead screw; a reciprocating block coupled to the lead screw and performing linear motion according to the rotation of the lead screw; an extension arm fixed to the reciprocating block, extending in the longitudinal direction and equipped with a vision sensor at its end; a communication module installed on the outer side of the vision sensor to transmit the image captured by the vision sensor to a signal conversion module; and the motor that rotates the lead screw to cause the vision sensor to perform linear motion and sequentially capture all temperature display windows. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 delete Claim 5 delete Claim 6 delete Claim 7 delete Claim 8 delete Claim 9 delete

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