Bean Roasting Image Control for Real-Time Roast Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bean roasting technologies lack precision in determining roasting levels in real-time, relying on human intervention and color observation, which is subjective and inefficient, and can affect the flavor and quality of coffee beans due to temperature differences when sampling.
Innovation Solution
An assisting apparatus with an image capturing device and processor that captures images of the roasting process, compares them to a historical roasting pattern set based on color attributes, and generates control signals to determine the roasting level, allowing for automated roasting and real-time monitoring without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual comparison with coffee roasting color cards is used to determine roasting levels, then the determination can be made quickly during the roasting process, but the quality and accuracy of the determination becomes unstable due to relying on human judgment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical comparison method with an automated image processing system. The image capturing device captures images of coffee beans during roasting, and the processor automatically analyzes color attributes (L*, a*, b* values) to determine roasting levels, eliminating human subjectivity while maintaining real-time determination capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy (image) of the coffee beans during roasting and compares it with a database of historical roasting pattern images. This allows automated determination by matching the captured image against stored reference patterns, providing both speed and accuracy
2Measurement precision
If instrument determination is used to obtain accurate roasting levels, then the roasting level can be determined accurately, but the process requires removing sample beans during roasting which causes temperature decrease and affects overall flavor and quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical sampling with optical imaging. The image capturing device takes pictures of the coffee beans through the chamber window without removing any samples, and the processor analyzes color attributes to determine roasting levels, thus eliminating temperature disturbance and flavor degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary (image capturing device and processing system) that indirectly measures roasting levels through color analysis rather than directly measuring physical samples. This intermediary system provides accurate determination without contacting or removing the coffee beans
3Measurement precision
If traditional instruments using far infrared ray are used to determine brightness, then the brightness can be measured, but other colors (green, yellow, brown) that appear during early stage roasting cannot be further identified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from single-dimensional brightness (Agtron number) to multi-dimensional color attributes (L*, a*, b* values in CIELAB color space). This allows comprehensive identification of various colors including green, yellow, and brown tones that appear at different roasting stages
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional brightness measurement to three-dimensional color space analysis. By measuring L* (lightness), a* (green-red axis), and b* (blue-yellow axis) simultaneously, the system can identify and differentiate multiple colors that a single brightness parameter cannot distinguish
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
Accurately determines roasting levels in real-time, reducing human error and temperature-related issues, enabling precise control over the roasting process and maintaining consistent coffee quality.
Implementation Method 1
an image capturing device adapted to capture a scene in a chamber of the bean roasting device to generate an image
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
An assisting apparatus (1) for bean roasting and a bean roasting apparatus (3) are provided. The assisting apparatus (1) captures a scene in a chamber (37) of the bean roasting device (3) through an image capturing device (13, 33) 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.