Tofu production system, tofu measurement system, and recording medium

Abstract

A tofu production system (1) comprises: a molding device (6) that compresses and molds a coagulated product of soy milk to produce tofu; a sealing device (9) that, after the compression and molding, seals the tofu, which has been placed in a container; a measurement device (11) that, after the compression and molding by the molding device (6) but before the sealing by the sealing device (9), measures the height of the tofu as a length in a prescribed direction; and a processing device (12) that estimates a weight relating to the tofu on the basis of the height measurement result by the measurement device (11).

Description

Tofu manufacturing system, tofu measurement system, and recording medium

[0001] (Cross-reference to related applications) This application claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-042174, filed March 18, 2024, the specification of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. (Technical Field) The present disclosure relates to a tofu manufacturing system, a tofu measurement system, and a recording medium.

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes that tofu is produced by subjecting soy milk obtained from soybeans to processes such as coagulation, squeezing, and molding.

[0003] Patent No. 6672324

[0004] Because soybeans are produced in a natural environment, the weight of tofu produced from soybeans varies. For example, even if soybeans are produced in the same place, the weight of tofu can vary from day to day. If the weight of the produced tofu varies too much, it can contribute to food waste. For this reason, it is necessary to be able to accurately measure the weight of produced tofu.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a tofu production system, a tofu measurement system, and a recording medium that are capable of measuring the weight of tofu with high accuracy.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a tofu production system according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a molding device that compresses and molds soy milk curd to produce tofu, a sealing device that seals the tofu placed in a container after compression and molding, a measuring device that measures the length in a predetermined direction of the tofu after it has been compressed and molded by the molding device but before it is sealed by the sealing device, and a processing device that estimates the weight of the tofu based on the length measurement results.

[0007] A tofu production system according to a second aspect of the present disclosure relates to the first aspect, and the measuring device measures the height of the tofu as the length, with the predetermined direction being a direction perpendicular to a plane on which the tofu is placed.

[0008] A tofu production system according to a third aspect of the present disclosure relates to the first aspect, wherein the measuring device measures the tofu after it has been compressed and before it is placed in the container.

[0009] A tofu production system according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure relates to the third aspect, wherein the tofu is subjected to a sterilization process after being sealed in the sealing device, and the processing device estimates the weight of the tofu before the sterilization process.

[0010] A tofu production system according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure relates to the third aspect, wherein the tofu is subjected to a sterilization process after being sealed in the sealing device, and the processing device estimates the weight of the tofu after the sterilization process.

[0011] A tofu production system according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure relates to the second aspect, wherein the measuring device measures the length of the tofu in at least one of the longitudinal direction and the width direction, which are directions perpendicular to the height direction, of the tofu that has been cut after being compressed and molded by the molding device, and the processing device estimates the weight of the tofu based on the height measurement result and the length measurement result in at least one of the longitudinal direction and the width direction.

[0012] A tofu production system according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure relates to the first to fifth aspects, and the processing device includes an estimation unit that estimates a weight of the tofu, and a notification unit that notifies a user of the weight of the tofu.

[0013] Furthermore, a tofu production system according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure relates to the seventh aspect, wherein the processing device further includes an identification unit that identifies the type of tofu, and the estimation unit estimates a weight of the tofu based on the type of tofu and the length measurement results.

[0014] A tofu production system according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure relates to the seventh aspect, and the processing device further comprises a determination unit that compares the length measurement result with a threshold value and determines whether the tofu satisfies a predetermined standard.

[0015] A tofu production system according to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure relates to the ninth aspect, wherein the processing device further includes an identification unit that identifies the type of tofu, and the determination unit changes the threshold value based on the type of tofu.

[0016] The tofu production system of an eleventh aspect according to the present disclosure relates to the first to fifth aspects, and further includes a soy milk tank and a coagulation device that coagulates the soy milk supplied from the soy milk tank with a coagulant to produce a soy milk curd.

[0017] A tofu measuring system according to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure includes a measuring device that measures the length of tofu in a predetermined direction after it has been molded but before it is sealed, and a processing device that estimates the weight of the tofu based on the results of the length measurement.

[0018] A recording medium according to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a computer-readable recording medium that records a tofu production program, and the tofu production program causes a computer to function as an acquisition unit that acquires the length in a predetermined direction measured for tofu after it has been compressed and molded by a molding device and before it is placed in a container and sealed by a sealing device, and an estimation unit that estimates the weight of the tofu based on the length measurement results.

[0019] A recording medium according to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a computer-readable recording medium that records a tofu measurement program, and the tofu measurement program causes a computer to function as an acquisition unit that acquires the length in a predetermined direction measured for tofu after it has been molded but before it is sealed, and an estimation unit that estimates the weight of the tofu based on the measurement results of the length.

[0020] The tofu production system, tofu measurement system, and recording medium according to the present disclosure make it possible to measure the weight of tofu with high accuracy.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a tofu production system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of tofu formed by a continuous molding device; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of tofu formed by a mold box molding device; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a processing device; FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of various functions in the processing device; FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the height and weight of tofu; FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the height and weight of tofu;

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. To facilitate understanding of the description, the same components in the drawings will be denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted where appropriate.

[0023] First Embodiment First, the first embodiment will be described.

[0024] <Configuration of Tofu Production System> Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic overall configuration of a tofu production system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The tofu production system 1 is an apparatus that processes soy milk obtained from soybeans to produce tofu. Examples of tofu include silken tofu, firm tofu, soft tofu, and firm tofu.

[0025] The tofu production system 1 mainly comprises a soy milk tank 3, a coagulant tank 4, a coagulation device 5, a molding device 6, a cutting device 7, a container filling device 8, a sealing device 9, a sterilization device 10, a measuring device 11, and a processing device 12. The measuring device 11 and the processing device 12 constitute a tofu measurement system 13.

[0026] The soy milk tank 3 is a device for storing soy milk. Soy milk is produced from soybeans and supplied to the soy milk tank 3. For example, soybeans soaked in water in an immersion tank are supplied to a grinder together with grinding water. The soybeans are then crushed in the grinder and supplied as raw soybeans to a raw soybean hopper. The raw soybean hopper is heated in a cooking device to become boiled soybean pulp, and is separated into soy milk and soybean pulp refuse in a squeezing machine. The soy milk produced in this manner is stored in the soy milk tank 3. The soy milk stored in the soy milk tank 3 is supplied to a coagulation device 5.

[0027] The coagulant tank 4 is a device for storing a coagulant. The coagulant may be sumashiko (calcium sulfate), nigari (magnesium chloride), calcium chloride, glucono-delta-lactone, etc. The coagulant stored in the coagulant tank 4 is supplied to the coagulation device 5.

[0028] The coagulation device 5 is a device that adds a coagulant to the soy milk supplied from the soy milk tank 3 and coagulates the soy milk to produce a soy milk curd. The coagulation device 5 has a coagulation packet 15, into which a predetermined amount of soy milk and a predetermined amount of coagulant are added to coagulate the soy milk. The coagulation device 5 adds the soy milk and the coagulant to the coagulation packet 15 to cause primary coagulation, and breaks the primarily coagulated soy milk to produce a soy milk curd. The soy milk curd produced in the coagulation device 5 is supplied to a molding device 6.

[0029] The molding device 6 is a device that produces tofu by compressing and molding the soy milk curd. In this embodiment, the molding device 6 will be described as a continuous molding machine by way of example. The molding device 6 squeezes the soy milk curd supplied from the coagulation device 5 to remove moisture. The molding device 6 then molds the soy milk curd into a predetermined shape. For example, in the molding device 6, the soy milk curd is supplied between cloth belts arranged in the vertical direction, and is compressed and molded by pressure applied in the vertical direction, thereby continuously producing sheet-shaped tofu.

[0030] The tofu is formed into a sheet shape by the forming device 6 and is then supplied to the cutting device 7 .

[0031] In the above example, the molding device 6 is a continuous molding machine, but it is not limited to a continuous molding machine. For example, the molding device 6 may be configured such that the soy milk curd is supplied to a mold box and compressed and molded by applying pressure. In such a case, the soy milk curd is molded into the shape of the mold box to produce tofu.

[0032] The cutting device 7 is a device that receives the tofu molded by the molding device 6 and cuts the molded tofu into pieces of a predetermined size. Since the tofu supplied from the molding device 6 is large, the cutting device 7 cuts the tofu into pieces the size of a block, for example.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of tofu formed into a sheet. In FIG. 2, a portion of the tofu sheet is designated T1. As shown in FIG. 2, the cutting device 7 cuts the tofu sheet in the longitudinal and width directions. Specifically, the cutting device 7 cuts the tofu parallel to the longitudinal direction, as indicated by the dotted line L1. The cutting device 7 also cuts the tofu parallel to the width direction, as indicated by the dotted line L2. The tofu sheet is adjusted in size in the longitudinal and width directions. The tofu sheet is not cut in the height direction, and no height adjustment is performed. That is, the tofu after cutting has predetermined lengths in the longitudinal and width directions. While FIG. 2 shows an example of cutting tofu sheet formed using a continuous molding machine, the same applies to cutting tofu formed using a mold box. FIG. 3 shows tofu formed using a mold box designated T2. The cutting device 7 cuts the tofu in the longitudinal and width directions, similar to FIG. 2. That is, the cutting device 7 cuts the tofu parallel to the length (dotted line L1) and the width (dotted line L2). This adjusts the length and width of the tofu to a predetermined length. Note that the tofu is not cut in the height direction, and the height is not adjusted.

[0034] 1, the container filling device 8 fills containers (packs) with cut tofu. For example, the containers contain water, and the cut tofu is placed in the containers.

[0035] The sealing device 9 is a device that seals the tofu placed in the container after compression molding. Specifically, the container containing the tofu is filled with water and then sealed with a film from above. This seals the tofu inside the container. Note that although the above example shows the case where the tofu is sealed with a film, there are no limitations on the method for sealing the tofu in the container.

[0036] The sterilizer 10 heats and sterilizes the sealed tofu. That is, the tofu is sterilized after being sealed in the sealing device 9. For example, the sterilizer 10 immerses the tofu in the container in boiling water for a predetermined period of time to heat and sterilize the tofu. After heating, the sterilizer 10 cools the tofu. In this way, tofu is produced and shipped.

[0037] The measuring device 11 measures the length in a predetermined direction of the tofu after it has been molded by the molding device 6 and before it is sealed by the sealing device 9. Specifically, the measuring device 11 measures the tofu after it has been compressed and before it is placed in containers. In this embodiment, the measuring device 11 measures the tofu after it has been cut by the cutting device 7 and before it is placed in containers by the container filling device 8.

[0038] The tofu cut in the cutting device 7 is placed on, for example, a conveyor and transported to the container filling device 8. The measuring device 11 is provided on the transport path between the cutting device 7 and the container filling device 8, and measures the tofu transported by the conveyor.

[0039] The measuring device 11 is, for example, a laser sensor. The measuring device 11 measures the length of the tofu in the height direction, which is the direction perpendicular to the plane on which the tofu is placed (for example, the surface of a conveyor). That is, in this embodiment, the length in the predetermined direction is the length in the height direction. The measuring device 11 measures the height of the tofu as the length in the predetermined direction. In this way, the measuring device 11 measures only the length (size) of the tofu in one direction.

[0040] In this way, the height of the tofu is measured by the measuring device 11. The measuring unit measures the height of each piece of tofu. The measurement results of the measuring device 11 are output to the processing device 12.

[0041] The processing device 12 is an information processing device (computer) that executes various processes based on the measurement results of the measuring device 11. Specifically, the processing device 12 executes a determination process and a weight estimation process.

[0042] <Hardware Configuration> FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the processing device 12. As shown in FIG.

[0043] 4, the processing device 12 includes a control unit 20, a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, an operation unit 23, and a display unit 24. The control unit 20 mainly includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 25 and a memory 26.

[0044] In the control unit 20, the CPU 25 executes predetermined programs stored in the memory 26 or the storage unit 22, thereby functioning as various functional means.

[0045] The communication unit 21 is configured with a communication interface for communicating with an external device, etc. The communication unit 21 may be omitted.

[0046] The storage unit 22 is configured with a hard disk or the like. The storage unit 22 stores various programs and various information required for executing processes in the control unit 20, as well as information on the processing results. The storage unit 22 is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable instruction recording medium.

[0047] The operation unit 23 is a device for operating the processing device 12, and is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. The operation unit 23 may be omitted.

[0048] The display unit 24 is a device that displays various information, processing results, etc., and is, for example, a display, a touch panel, etc. The display unit 24 may be omitted.

[0049] The processing device 12 can be realized using an information processing device such as a dedicated or general-purpose computer. The processing device 12 may be configured with a single information processing device or multiple information processing devices. Fig. 4 shows only a portion of the main hardware configuration of the processing device 12, and the processing device 12 may have other configurations.

[0050] <Functional Configuration> FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of various functions of the processing device 12. As shown in FIG.

[0051] The processing device 12 includes an acquisition unit 40 , a determination unit 41 , an estimation unit 42 , and a notification unit 43 .

[0052] The acquisition unit 40 acquires the measurement results of the measuring device 11. That is, the acquisition unit 40 acquires the measurement results of the tofu height from the measuring device 11.

[0053] The determination unit 41 performs a determination process. The determination unit 41 acquires the measurement results of the measuring device 11 from the acquisition unit 40. The determination unit 41 then compares the measurement results of the tofu height with a threshold value. The threshold value is set in advance as a reference value for height. If the measurement results of the tofu height are equal to or greater than the threshold value, the determination unit 41 determines that the tofu meets the predetermined standard. On the other hand, if the measurement results of the tofu height are less than the threshold value, the determination unit 41 determines that the tofu does not meet the predetermined standard. Examples of cases in which the tofu height is less than the threshold include when the weight of the tofu is lower than the standard or when the tofu has crumbled.

[0054] The determining unit 41 performs a discharge process on tofu that is determined to have a height less than the threshold and does not meet the predetermined standard. The discharge process is a process of removing (removing) tofu that does not meet the standard from the tofu production line. In other words, tofu that does not meet the standard is not supplied to the container filling device 8.

[0055] In this way, the tofu is selected by the judging unit 41 based on its height, and tofu that meets the criteria is sealed in a container.

[0056] The estimation unit 42 performs a weight estimation process. The estimation unit 42 estimates the weight of the tofu based on the height measurement results. The estimation unit 42 acquires the measurement results of the measuring device 11 from the acquisition unit 40. Then, the estimation unit 42 estimates the weight of the tofu from the height of the tofu using preset correspondence data.

[0057] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between tofu height and weight. In FIG. 6, the horizontal axis represents weight and the vertical axis represents height (thickness). In FIG. 6, line F1 represents the relationship between height and weight of tofu after it has been cut by the cutting device 7 but before it is placed in a container (before sterilization). There is a strong correlation between the weight of tofu and its height (length in a predetermined direction). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the relationship between height and weight can be expressed, for example, by a linear function. For example, the linear function shown in FIG. 6 serves as the correspondence data between height and weight. The correspondence data may be in the form of a function or in another format, such as table data. The correspondence data is preset according to the type of tofu to be produced (for example, firm tofu).

[0058] The estimation unit 42 estimates the weight of the tofu from the measurement result of the tofu height using the correspondence data shown in Fig. 6. For example, if the measurement result of the tofu height is H1, the weight of the tofu is estimated to be W1 using the correspondence data.

[0059] In the above example, the height of the tofu is measured and the weight of the tofu is estimated. That is, in the above example, the tofu whose height is measured and the tofu whose weight is estimated are in the same (or similar) process (timing). However, the weight of the tofu is not limited to the case where it corresponds to the tofu whose timing is the same as that of the measured tofu.

[0060] For example, the estimation unit 42 may estimate the weight of the tofu after sterilization using the height measurement results (before sterilization) by the measuring device 11. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the height and weight of tofu. In FIG. 7, the relationship between the height and weight of tofu is shown as line F2. Specifically, the height in FIG. 7 is the height of the tofu after it has been cut but before it is placed in a container (before sterilization), and the weight in FIG. 7 is the weight of the tofu after sterilization. Even if the height is the same, the weight of the tofu before and after sterilization varies slightly. The estimation unit 42 can estimate the weight of the tofu after sterilization from the height measurement results by the measuring device 11 by using the correspondence data shown in FIG. 7. Note that the estimation unit 42 may calculate both the weight of the tofu before sterilization and the weight of the tofu after sterilization using the correspondence data in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0061] 5 , the notification unit 43 notifies the user of the results of the determination process and the weight estimation process. Specifically, the notification unit 43 notifies the user by displaying each piece of information on the display unit 24. Note that the notification method is not limited to display.

[0062] The notification unit 43 issues a notification if the determination unit 41 determines that tofu does not meet the criteria. If tofu does not meet the criteria, the notification unit 43 may notify the time when the discharge process was carried out, or the number of tofu discharged within a predetermined time. Furthermore, the notification unit 43 may issue an abnormality notification if the number of tofu discharged within a predetermined time exceeds a threshold value.

[0063] The notification unit 43 notifies the user of the weight estimation result by the estimation unit 42. That is, the notification unit 43 notifies the user of the weight of the tofu. For example, the weight corresponding to all pieces of tofu for which weight estimation has been performed is notified to the user. For example, the estimation result of the tofu weight may be notified in association with the time when the weight estimation was performed.

[0064] The notification unit 43 may notify the average value of the weights of the multiple pieces of tofu for which weight estimation has been performed. Furthermore, for tofu that has been determined by the determination unit 41 to not satisfy the criteria (tofu that has been subjected to the discharge process), the notification of the weight may be omitted or may be displayed in an emphasized manner.

[0065] For example, by referring to the notified weight estimation result, the user can adjust the amount of soy milk and the amount of coagulant to be supplied to the coagulation device 5. This makes it possible to adjust the weight of tofu according to the soy milk used.

[0066] <Processing Flow> Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the tofu production system 1 according to this embodiment. Each of the following steps is started, for example, when the height of the tofu is measured by the measuring device 11. Note that the order and content of each of the following steps can be changed as appropriate.

[0067] (Step SP10) The acquisition unit 40 acquires the measurement results of the measurement device 11. Then, the process proceeds to step SP11.

[0068] (Step SP11) The determination unit 41 acquires the measurement results from the acquisition unit 40. Then, the process proceeds to step SP12.

[0069] (Step SP12) The determination unit 41 compares the determination result of the tofu height with a threshold value and determines whether the measurement result of the tofu height is equal to or greater than the threshold value. If the measurement result of the tofu height is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step SP13. If the measurement result of the tofu height is not equal to or greater than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step SP14.

[0070] (Step SP13) The determining unit 41 determines that the measured tofu satisfies the standard, and the process then proceeds to step SP16.

[0071] (Step SP14) The determining unit 41 determines that the measured tofu does not satisfy the standard, and the process proceeds to step SP15.

[0072] (Step SP15) The determining unit 41 performs a discharge process on the tofu determined not to satisfy the criteria, and then the process proceeds to step SP16.

[0073] (Step SP16) The estimation unit 42 acquires the measurement result from the acquisition unit 40. The estimation unit 42 acquires the same measurement result as the measurement result acquired by the determination unit 41 in step SP10. Then, the process proceeds to step SP17.

[0074] (Step SP17) The estimation unit 42 estimates the weight of the tofu using the correspondence data, and then the process proceeds to step SP18.

[0075] (Step SP18) The notification unit 43 notifies the user of the processing result.

[0076] The determination process and weight estimation process are performed on the tofu as described above. In step SP16, the estimation unit 42 acquires the same measurement results as those acquired by the determination unit 41 in step SP11. However, in step SP16, the estimation unit 42 may not acquire the measurement results of tofu that has been determined by the determination unit 41 to not satisfy the criteria (tofu that has been subjected to the discharge process), for example.

[0077] In the above example, the measuring device 11 was described as measuring only the height of the tofu. However, due to the influence of the soybeans used as raw materials, the longitudinal and width dimensions of the tofu may deviate slightly from the desired size after cutting. Furthermore, the longitudinal and width dimensions of tofu cut at the edges may deviate slightly from the desired size. Therefore, the measuring device 11 may measure at least one of the longitudinal and width lengths of the tofu after it has been compressed and molded by the molding device 6, cut by the cutting device 7, and before it has been sealed by the sealing device 9. The longitudinal and width directions are perpendicular to each other. Furthermore, the longitudinal and width directions are perpendicular to the height direction. When measuring the longitudinal or width length, it is particularly preferable to perform the measurement after the tofu has been cut by the cutting device 7 and before it has been filled into containers by the container filling device 8. The measurement may also be performed after the tofu has been filled into containers. That is, the measuring device 11 may measure only the height, or may measure the length in the height direction and the longitudinal direction, or may measure the length in the height direction and the width direction, or may measure the length in the height direction, the longitudinal direction, and the width direction.

[0078] When the length in the longitudinal direction or the width direction is measured, tofu determined to be less than a threshold and not satisfying a predetermined standard may be discharged. Furthermore, when the length in the longitudinal direction or the width direction is measured, the estimation unit 42 estimates the weight of the tofu using the measurement results of at least one of the length in the longitudinal direction and the width direction in addition to the measurement results of the height. For example, the estimation unit 42 estimates the weight of the tofu from the height of the tofu using correspondence data such as those shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 . Then, the estimated weight of the tofu is corrected using at least one of the length in the longitudinal direction and the width direction. For example, the length in the longitudinal direction is compared with a reference length used as a reference in the correspondence data, and the estimated weight of the tofu is corrected based on the difference. The same applies when the length in the width direction is used for correction. Furthermore, the weight of the tofu estimated from the height may be corrected using both the length in the longitudinal direction and the width direction. In addition, multiple pieces of correspondence data may be prepared for each longitudinal direction, each width direction, or each combination of the longitudinal direction and the width direction, and the estimation unit 42 may use the appropriate correspondence data to estimate the weight from the height.

[0079] The timing for measuring the height, length, and width of the tofu may be the same or different.

[0080] <<Function and Effect>> In the present embodiment, the tofu production system 1 comprises the molding device 6 that compresses and molds soy milk coagulate to produce tofu, the sealing device 9 that seals the tofu placed in a container after compression and molding, the measuring device 11 that measures the length in a predetermined direction of the tofu after it has been compressed and molded by the molding device 6 but before it is sealed by the sealing device 9, and the processing device 12 that estimates the weight of the tofu based on the length measurement results.

[0081] According to this configuration, by targeting tofu after compression molding but before sealing, the length of the tofu in a predetermined direction can be measured with high accuracy. Then, based on the length in the predetermined direction, the weight of the tofu can be estimated with high accuracy. In other words, although there is a possibility of some variation in weight due to the use of soybeans produced in a natural environment, it is possible to measure the weight of the tofu with high accuracy. Furthermore, since it is only necessary to measure the height (length in the predetermined direction), the device configuration can be made compact. By obtaining weight measurement results, the weight of the produced tofu can be known, which also makes it possible to reduce food waste.

[0082] Furthermore, in the tofu production system 1, the measuring device 11 measures the height of the tofu as the length, with the direction perpendicular to the plane on which the tofu is placed as the predetermined direction.

[0083] With this configuration, by defining the height in a predetermined direction, it is possible to efficiently measure the tofu during the manufacturing process. Also, it is possible to obtain a parameter (tofu height) that has a strong correlation with weight, making it possible to estimate the weight with high accuracy.

[0084] In the tofu production system 1, the measuring device 11 measures the tofu after it has been compressed and before it is placed in a container.

[0085] According to this configuration, by measuring the tofu after it has been compressed and molded but before it is placed in a container, it is possible to measure the height with high accuracy.

[0086] In the tofu production system 1, the tofu is subjected to a sterilization treatment after being sealed in the sealing device 9, and the processing device 12 estimates the weight of the tofu before the sterilization treatment.

[0087] According to this configuration, it is possible to estimate the weight of the tofu for which measurements have been taken.

[0088] In the tofu production system 1, the tofu is sterilized after being sealed in the sealing device 9, and the processing device 12 estimates the weight of the tofu after the sterilization process.

[0089] According to this configuration, it is possible to estimate the weight of the tofu after sterilization treatment, which is a subsequent process, rather than the weight of the tofu for which the measurement was performed.

[0090] Furthermore, in the tofu production system 1, the measuring device 11 measures the length of the tofu cut after being compressed and molded by the molding device 6 in at least one of the longitudinal and width directions of the tofu, which are directions perpendicular to the height direction, and the processing device 12 estimates the weight of the tofu based on the height measurement result and the length measurement result in at least one of the longitudinal and width directions.

[0091] With this configuration, even if there is an error in the size of the tofu in the longitudinal direction or width direction, it is possible to accurately estimate the weight of the tofu.

[0092] In the tofu production system 1, the processing device 12 includes an estimation unit 42 that estimates the weight of the tofu, and a notification unit 43 that notifies the user of the weight of the tofu.

[0093] This configuration allows the user to recognize the weight of the tofu, and for example, the user can adjust the amount of soy milk or coagulant supplied to the coagulation device 5.

[0094] In the tofu production system 1, the processing device 12 further includes a determination unit 41 that compares the length measurement result with a threshold value and determines whether the tofu satisfies a predetermined standard.

[0095] According to this configuration, it is possible to determine whether or not the criteria are met by comparing the measurement result with the threshold value. In other words, it is possible to simply determine whether or not the criteria are met.

[0096] The tofu measurement system 13 also includes a measuring device 11 that measures the length of the tofu in a predetermined direction after it has been molded but before it is sealed, and a processing device 12 that estimates the weight of the tofu based on the length measurement results.

[0097] This configuration makes it possible to measure the weight of tofu with high accuracy. The tofu measuring system 13 can also be applied to existing tofu production lines.

[0098] The tofu production program also causes the computer to function as an acquisition unit 40 that acquires the length in a predetermined direction measured for the tofu after it has been compressed and molded by the molding device 6 and before it is placed in a container and sealed by the sealing device 9, and an estimation unit 42 that estimates the weight of the tofu based on the length measurement results.

[0099] This configuration allows the weight of the tofu to be measured with high accuracy.

[0100] The tofu measurement program also causes the computer to function as an acquisition unit 40 that acquires the length in a predetermined direction measured for the tofu after it has been molded but before it is sealed, and an estimation unit 42 that estimates the weight of the tofu based on the length measurement results.

[0101] This configuration makes it possible to measure the weight of the tofu with high accuracy.

[0102] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described.

[0103] In the second embodiment, processing is performed according to the type of tofu. Note that a description of the same points as in the first embodiment will be omitted. Also, the second embodiment can be combined with the first embodiment.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 9 , in the second embodiment, the processing device 12 further includes a specifying unit 51 .

[0105] The identification unit 51 identifies the type of tofu. Examples of types of tofu include silken tofu, firm tofu, soft tofu, firm tofu, etc. Note that firm tofu may also be divided into soft and hard types, for example.

[0106] The identification unit 51 identifies the type (variety) of tofu based on setting information set by the user. For example, the type of tofu to be produced (e.g., firm tofu) is set by the user, and the setting information is acquired by the identification unit 51. Note that the type of tofu may be identified using information other than the setting information for the type of tofu to be produced.

[0107] In the second embodiment, the determination unit 41 performs a determination process according to the type of tofu. Specifically, the determination unit 41 changes the threshold value based on the type of tofu. That is, the determination unit 41 changes the threshold value used to compare the measurement results of the tofu height according to the identified type of tofu. Tofu types are associated with threshold values ​​in advance, and a threshold value corresponding to the identified type of tofu is selected. For example, a first threshold value corresponding to silken tofu and a second threshold value corresponding to firm tofu are set in advance. When the identification unit 51 identifies the type of tofu as firm tofu, the determination unit 41 performs a determination process using the second threshold value. Different types of tofu have different heights, for example, due to differences in the degree of moisture removal during molding. Therefore, changing the threshold value according to the type of tofu can improve the accuracy of determining whether the tofu meets the criteria.

[0108] In this way, the determination unit 41 executes a determination process according to the type of tofu.

[0109] In the second embodiment, the estimation unit 42 performs weight estimation processing according to the type of tofu. Specifically, the estimation unit 42 estimates the weight of the tofu based on the type of tofu and the height measurement results. The estimation unit 42 changes the correspondence data based on the type of tofu. That is, the estimation unit 42 changes the correspondence data, such as that shown in FIG. 6 , used in the weight estimation processing according to the identified type of tofu. Note that tofu types and correspondence data are associated in advance, and correspondence data corresponding to the identified type of tofu is selected. For example, first correspondence data corresponding to silken tofu and second correspondence data corresponding to firm tofu are set in advance. If the identification unit 51 identifies the type of tofu as firm tofu, the estimation unit 42 performs weight estimation processing using the second correspondence data. Different types of tofu have different weights, for example, due to differences in the degree of moisture removal during molding. Therefore, changing the correspondence data according to the type of tofu can improve the accuracy of tofu weight estimation. <<Function and Effect>> As described above, in this embodiment, the processing device 12 further includes the identification unit 51 that identifies the type of tofu, and the estimation unit 42 estimates the weight of the tofu based on the type of tofu and the length measurement results.

[0110] According to this configuration, the weight is estimated according to the type of tofu, thereby improving the estimation accuracy.

[0111] In the tofu production system 1, the processing device 12 further includes an identification unit 51 that identifies the type of tofu, and the determination unit 41 changes the threshold value based on the type of tofu.

[0112] According to this configuration, the comparison with the threshold value is made depending on the type of tofu, thereby improving the accuracy of the judgment.

[0113] == ...

[0114] For example, in the first and second embodiments, the measuring device 11 measures tofu that has been cut by the cutting device 7 and before it is placed in a container, but the timing of measuring the tofu is not limited to the above. For example, the measuring device 11 may measure tofu in sheet form after it has been formed but before it is cut. Even when measuring tofu in sheet form, the weight of each piece of tofu can be estimated from the height measurement results. In this way, the measuring device 11 measures tofu after it has been compressed and before it is placed in a container.

[0115] Furthermore, in the above example, the height of tofu is measured before it is placed in a container. However, the timing of measuring the tofu is not limited to this. For example, the measuring device 11 may measure the tofu after it has been placed in the container but before it is sealed. Even when measuring the tofu after it has been placed in the container, the weight of the tofu can be estimated from the height measurement results. In this way, the measuring device 11 measures the tofu after it has been formed but before it is sealed. Furthermore, when the tofu is placed in the container (before it is sealed), it may be tilted relative to the container. Specifically, the bottom of the container and the bottom of the tofu may not be in contact, and part of the bottom of the tofu may be separated from the bottom of the container. In this case, the top surface of the tofu is not parallel to the bottom surface of the tofu but is tilted. In such a case, the measuring device 11 may detect the tilt of the tofu, correct for the tilt, and then measure the height of the tofu.

[0116] As shown in the first embodiment, it is more preferable to measure the tofu before it is cut by the cutting device 7 and placed in a container. By measuring the tofu at this timing, the accuracy of the weight estimation can be improved.

[0117] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, the measuring device 11 is used to measure the height of the tofu, but the measuring method is not limited thereto. For example, the measuring device 11 may measure one point on a piece of tofu and use the measured height as the result of the height of the tofu, or may measure the height of a piece of tofu at multiple points and use the average value as the measured height of the tofu. The measuring device 11 may measure multiple points in the longitudinal direction or multiple points in the width direction. Furthermore, when measuring, the tofu may be measured while it is moving, or while it is stopped (for example, for one second).

[0118] In the first and second embodiments, the case where the user adjusts the amount of soy milk and the amount of coagulant supplied to the coagulation device 5 by referring to the notified information on the weight of the tofu has been described as an example, but the adjustment process may be performed by the processing device 12. In this case, for example, the processing device 12 includes an adjustment unit, and the adjustment unit adjusts the amount of soy milk and the amount of coagulant supplied based on the result of estimation of the weight of the tofu by the estimation unit 42.

[0119] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, the height of the tofu is measured as the length in the predetermined direction, but the predetermined direction is not limited to the height direction.

Claims

1. A tofu production system comprising: a molding device that compresses and molds soy milk coagulation to produce tofu; a sealing device that seals the tofu placed in a container after compression molding; a measuring device that measures the length of the tofu in a predetermined direction after it has been compressed and molded by the molding device but before it is sealed by the sealing device; and a processing device that estimates the weight of the tofu based on the results of the length measurements.

2. The tofu production system according to claim 1, wherein the measuring device defines the direction perpendicular to the plane on which the tofu is placed as the predetermined direction, and measures the height of the tofu as the length.

3. The tofu production system according to claim 1, wherein the measuring device measures the tofu after it has been compressed and before it is placed in the container.

4. The tofu production system according to claim 3, wherein the tofu is subjected to a sterilization treatment after being sealed in the sealing device, and the processing device estimates the weight of the tofu before the sterilization treatment.

5. The tofu production system according to claim 3, wherein the tofu is subjected to a sterilization treatment after being sealed in the sealing device, and the processing device estimates the weight of the tofu after the sterilization treatment.

6. The tofu production system according to claim 2, wherein the measuring device measures the length of the tofu cut after being compressed and molded by the molding device in at least one of the longitudinal and width directions, which are directions perpendicular to the height direction, and the processing device estimates the weight of the tofu based on the height measurement result and the length measurement result in at least one of the longitudinal and width directions.

7. The tofu production system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the processing device comprises: an estimation unit that estimates the weight of the tofu; and a notification unit that notifies a user of the weight of the tofu.

8. The tofu production system according to claim 7, wherein the processing device further comprises an identification unit that identifies the type of tofu, and the estimation unit estimates the weight of the tofu based on the type of tofu and the length measurement result.

9. The tofu production system according to claim 7, wherein the processing device further comprises a determination unit that compares the length measurement result with a threshold value and determines whether the tofu satisfies a predetermined standard.

10. The tofu production system according to claim 9, wherein the processing device further comprises an identification unit that identifies the type of tofu, and the determination unit changes the threshold value based on the type of tofu.

11. The tofu production system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: a soy milk tank; and a coagulation device that coagulates the soy milk supplied from the soy milk tank with a coagulant to produce coagulated soy milk.

12. A tofu measuring system comprising: a measuring device that measures the length of tofu in a predetermined direction after it has been formed but before it has been sealed; and a processing device that estimates the weight of the tofu based on the results of the length measurements.

13. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a tofu production program that causes a computer to function as: an acquisition unit that acquires the length in a predetermined direction measured for tofu after it has been compressed and molded by a molding device but before it is placed in a container and sealed by a sealing device; and an estimation unit that estimates the weight of the tofu based on the results of the length measurements.

14. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a tofu measurement program that causes a computer to function as: an acquisition unit that acquires the length in a predetermined direction measured for tofu after it has been molded but before it has been sealed; and an estimation unit that estimates the weight of the tofu based on the results of the length measurements.

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