Coffee Roasting Distribution Measurement via Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coffee bean roasting-degree measurement devices can only measure a single roasting-degree of a group of coffee beans, failing to differentiate roasting-degree differences within the group and effectively communicate this information.
Innovation Solution
A coffee bean roasting-degree distribution measuring device and method that uses a housing with a micro-processing unit, image-capturing unit, memory unit, light-emitting unit, and displaying unit to project light onto coffee beans, capture images, store optical signal values, convert them into roasting-degrees, and present a distribution curve, allowing for precise measurement of roasting-degree variance and uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single roasting-degree measurement is taken for a group of coffee beans, then the measurement process is simple, but the roasting-degree difference within the group cannot be differentiated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement process into multiple stages: light emission, image capture, optical signal extraction, roasting-degree conversion, and distribution curve generation. Each stage handles a specific aspect of the measurement, allowing the system to measure individual bean characteristics and aggregate them into a distribution profile, thereby achieving precise roasting-degree distribution measurement through segmented functional modules
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point measurement to multi-dimensional analysis by capturing images of multiple coffee beans simultaneously and generating distribution curves that display roasting-degree variations across the group. This dimensional expansion from scalar to distributional measurement enables differentiation of roasting-degree differences within the group while using integrated imaging and processing modules
2Loss of information
If the roasting-degree difference is represented in detail, then the differentiation accuracy improves, but the information processing and display complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates visual copies of the roasting-degree distribution through distribution curves that represent the measured data in graphical form. These curves serve as simplified representations of the complex underlying data, allowing users to perceive roasting-degree differences and variations at a glance without processing the raw numerical data, thereby reducing information processing complexity while preserving differentiation accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the raw optical signal measurements into roasting-degree values and then into distribution curve parameters (such as mean, standard deviation, and shape characteristics). This parameter transformation simplifies the representation of complex roasting-degree variations into interpretable statistical metrics, maintaining information fidelity while reducing processing and display complexity
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 precise measurement of roasting-degree distribution and variance, providing a more accurate representation of coffee bean roasting-degrees, allowing users to distinguish differences and assess roasting uniformity through two- or three-dimensional distribution curves and statistical measures like standard deviation or coefficient of variation.
Implementation Method 1
The light emitter of the light emitting unit projects light onto the group of coffee beans under measurement
Implementation Method 2
the image-capturing unit captures an image of a light-projected surface of the coffee beans under measurement
Data Source
AI summary
A coffee bean roasting-degree distribution measuring device includes a housing, a micro-processing unit, an image-capturing unit, a light-emitting unit, and a displaying unit. The housing has a first end and a second end opposite the first end with an accommodating space existing between the first end and the second end. The second end is disposed to surround a group of coffee beans under measurement. The micro-processing unit and the image-capturing unit are disposed inside the accommodating space and electrically connected to each other. The light-emitting unit is disposed inside the accommodating space and includes at least one light emitter and a circuit board electrically connected to the light emitter. The circuit board is further electrically connected to the micro-processing unit and each of the light emitter has a light emitting port facing toward the second end. The display unit is disposed on the first end and electrically connected to the micro-processing unit to display a measured roasting-degree distribution curve.