Chewable Object Evaluation Using Iterative Compression Modeling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods fail to evaluate the characteristics of an object to be chewed from the perspective of varying eating conditions for different individuals, and do not account for changes in the object's state during chewing.

Innovation Solution

A method involving an iterative compression process using a processing device with sensors to measure various parameters, followed by regression analysis with process condition parameters as explanatory variables, allowing evaluation of the object's characteristics based on eating conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing food evaluation methods are used, then measurement of food properties is achieved, but evaluation from the viewpoint of eating conditions that differ for each eater is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveevaluation adaptability to individual eating conditionsVSAvoidinformation on individual eating condition differences
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the parameters of the evaluation system by introducing process condition parameters that represent individual eating conditions (such as chewing speed, bite size, saliva production) and incorporating them into the regression analysis model. This allows the same food to be evaluated under multiple different parameter sets corresponding to different eaters' characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention makes the evaluation system dynamic by allowing the regression analysis model to adapt to different process condition parameters. Instead of a fixed evaluation method, the system dynamically adjusts the analysis based on the specific eating conditions being simulated, enabling evaluation from the viewpoint of individual eaters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If existing food evaluation methods are used, then food properties are measured, but changes in state of the object during chewing are not evaluated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement of food propertiesVSAvoidduration of chewing process evaluation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention performs preliminary actions by conducting an iterative compression process that simulates the chewing process before final evaluation. This preliminary simulation captures the changes in food state throughout the chewing duration, providing data on how the food transforms from initial bite through multiple chewing cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention maintains continuity of useful action by performing iterative compression processes that continuously simulate the chewing process over time. Rather than a single static measurement, the system continuously applies compression cycles that mimic the ongoing nature of chewing, capturing the evolution of food properties throughout the entire chewing duration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP4692756A1Method for evaluating object to be chewed, object to be chewed, method for producing object to be chewed, system for evaluating object to be chewed, program, and recording medium
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 MEIJI CO LTD
  • EP4692756A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4692756A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4692756A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Provided is a method of evaluating an object to be chewed, the method including: performing an iterative compression process on the object to be chewed; and performing a regression analysis through use of, as explanatory variables, one or more process condition parameters based on one or more process conditions of the iterative compression process and, as a response variable, a measurement parameter based on one or more measurement values selected from the group consisting of a measurement value obtained from the object to be chewed that is being subjected to the iterative compression process and a measurement value obtained from the object to be chewed that has been subjected to the iterative compression process.