Coffee Bean Roasting Control Using In-Chamber Color Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining coffee bean roasting levels are either inaccurate due to reliance on human observation or require sample beans, leading to unstable quality and temperature differences that affect the flavor and quality of the final product.
Innovation Solution
An assisting apparatus for bean roasting that captures images of the roasting process and compares them to a historical pattern set using color attributes to determine the roasting level, generating a control signal for real-time monitoring and automated adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual comparison with coffee roasting color cards is used to determine roasting levels, then the method is simple and quick, but the determination quality is unstable due to reliance on human judgment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical comparison method with an automated image processing system. The image capturing device takes photos of coffee beans during roasting, and the processor automatically analyzes color attributes (Agtron numbers, RGB values, hue, saturation, brightness) to determine roasting levels, eliminating human judgment variability while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy (image) of the coffee beans during roasting and compares it with stored reference images or color standards. This allows automated analysis of color attributes without requiring physical manual comparison, improving both efficiency and consistency of determination
2Measurement precision
If instrument determination is used to obtain accurate roasting levels, then measurement precision is improved, but the process requires removing sample beans which causes temperature decrease and affects final quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical sample removal with optical measurement. The image capturing device uses light to measure color attributes of coffee beans through the transparent chamber wall, obtaining accurate roasting level data without physically disturbing the beans or their temperature
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a transparent chamber wall as an intermediary that allows optical measurement without physical contact. The image capturing device photographs beans through this transparent barrier, enabling accurate color analysis while maintaining the closed roasting environment and bean temperature
3Productivity
If real-time image capture and automated analysis is implemented, then productivity and consistency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the image capturing device serve multiple functions: capturing bean images for color analysis, monitoring roasting progress, and providing visual records. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single component
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the roasting monitoring approach by changing from physical/chemical measurement parameters to optical parameters (color, hue, saturation, brightness). This parameter change enables automated, non-contact measurement that improves productivity while the complexity is managed through software-based image analysis
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
This solution allows for precise, real-time determination of roasting levels without human intervention, reducing temperature differences and ensuring consistent quality by enabling automated roasting and bean handling based on set levels.
Implementation Method 1
an image capturing device, configured to capture a scene in a chamber of a bean roasting device to generate an image
Data Source
AI summary
An assisting apparatus for bean roasting and a bean roasting apparatus are provided. The assisting apparatus captures a scene in a chamber of the bean roasting device through an image capturing device to generate an image, compares the image with a historical roasting pattern set based on a plurality of color attributes of a color space to determine a roasting level represented by the image, and controls the bean roasting procedure.