Baumkuchen baker and control method thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Baumkuchen baking machines lack automation for determining the doneness of each batter layer, requiring skilled human operation to achieve appropriate baking.
Innovation Solution
A control system comprising a computer, camera, and machine learning model that acquires images of the batter's outer surface, determines doneness based on color, and controls the roller's movement between baking and batter application positions to ensure uniform baking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a skilled person manually operates the Baumkuchen baking machine to determine doneness, then the quality and doneness of the Baumkuchen is improved, but the complexity of operation and reliance on skilled operators increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and decision-making with an automated image processing system. The camera captures images of the rotating spit, and the processor automatically analyzes color changes to determine doneness, substituting the skilled operator's mechanical judgment with an automated optical-electronic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the Baumkuchen baking machine to determine doneness autonomously through automated image capture and analysis. The processor continuously monitors the baking process and automatically controls the heating and rotation based on detected color changes, allowing the system to self-regulate without human intervention.
2Extent of automation
If automated image processing is implemented to determine doneness, then the ease of operation and automation are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor performs multiple functions: it controls the rotation of the spit, captures images via the camera, analyzes color changes to determine doneness, and controls the heating elements. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single control unit, the system achieves high automation without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera serves as an intermediary between the baking process and the control system. It converts visual information about the Baumkuchen's surface into electrical signals that the processor can analyze, bridging the gap between the physical baking process and the automated decision-making system.
3Manufacturing precision
If continuous monitoring of each batter layer is implemented, then the manufacturing precision and consistency are improved, but the use of energy and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic image capture during the rotation of the spit, analyzing frames at specific intervals rather than continuously monitoring every moment. This periodic sampling approach maintains accurate doneness detection while reducing energy consumption compared to continuous high-frequency monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively monitors color changes throughout the baking process and predicts when doneness will be achieved, allowing it to prepare for the next action (stopping heating, moving to cooling) in advance. This prevents over-baking and reduces the total energy required by optimizing the baking duration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables automated control of the Baumkuchen baking machine to achieve appropriate doneness for each layer, reducing reliance on skilled operators and improving baking consistency.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring, from a camera photographing a portion of an outer peripheral surface of layered batter of a Baumkuchen on the roller, a group of images of the outer peripheral surface of the batter rotating together with the roller
Implementation Method 2
a Baumkuchen baking machine including an oven, a batter container, and a roller capable of moving between a baking position for the oven and a batter application position
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An Baumkuchen baking machine is automatically controlled to achieve the appropriate doneness of each layer of a Baumkuchen rotating in the oven. A Baumkuchen baking machine 1 includes an oven 2, a batter container 4, and a roller 3. The control apparatus includes a computer that controls movement of the roller 3 having layered batter of a Baumkuchen thereon from the batter application position to the baking position for the oven 2 and the movement of the roller from the baking position for the oven 2 to the batter application position. The computer is configured to perform an image acquisition process for acquiring, from a camera 7, a group of images of the outer peripheral surface of the rotating batter covering at least one entire turn, and a decision process for deciding on a point of time at which the roller 3 is to be moved from the baking position to the batter application position based on the baked color of the outer peripheral surface of the batter indicated by the group of images.