Method and device for optimising a baking process
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Solution Overview
Problem
In commercial bakeries, particularly in retail food outlets, the loading of baking trays with dough pieces is often done by untrained staff, leading to incorrect placement and inefficient baking processes due to a lack of specific baking knowledge and experience.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a computer-connected image capture device, display device, and oven interface that records actual tray layout, compares it with a target layout, and adjusts baking parameters, providing real-time feedback and optimization to ensure correct placement and efficient baking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual sampling and laboratory analysis methods are used for quality control, then equipment cost is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of quality data deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sampling and laboratory analysis with an automated optical measurement system using cameras and image processing algorithms to capture and analyze product characteristics, eliminating the need for physical sample extraction and manual inspection while achieving superior measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate computational layer that processes raw image data through machine learning algorithms to extract quality metrics, serving as a mediator between the optical sensors and the quality control decision-making system
2Measurement precision
If complex automated measurement systems with multiple cameras are used, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement task into distinct segments handled by different camera types (color camera for surface characteristics, depth camera for geometric features), allowing each sensor to specialize in specific measurements while the computational system integrates results seamlessly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal measurement platform that can handle multiple product types and quality attributes through a single integrated system, using configurable software algorithms to adapt to different measurement requirements without changing hardware
3Reliability
If continuous monitoring with frequent measurements is implemented, then quality control reliability improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic measurement cycles where the system captures images at defined intervals during the baking process, balancing the need for continuous monitoring with energy conservation by keeping the system in low-power states between measurement cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary quality assessments using less energy-intensive sensors first, then only activates more energy-consuming measurement modes when anomalies are detected or at critical process stages, optimizing energy usage based on actual quality risks
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to methods for optimizing a baking process comprising the following steps: • Placing a baking tray on a work surface (18); • Placing dough pieces on the baking tray. To optimize the preparation process of the baking process and, if necessary, also the baking process itself, the following steps are proposed: • Transmission of display data by a computer (24) to a digitally controlled display device (e.g., projector 32) near the work surface (18) to display a target placement; • Capturing the actual placement by an image acquisition device (22) and transmitting the captured data to the computer (24); • Evaluating the captured data by the computer (24) and comparing it with the data of the target placement; • Influencing the placement process and/or the baking process by the computer (24).