Processed Liquid Volume Estimation from Container Surface Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid processing apparatuses face challenges in accurately measuring the quantity of processed liquid products without increasing complexity through hardware components or AI-based solutions.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that utilizes image processing to estimate the volume of processed liquid products by segmenting the liquid surface from the background, determining its dimensions, and applying a predetermined relationship to calculate volume, leveraging existing camera capabilities in the apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If AI techniques are used to analyze liquid processing contents, then analysis capability is improved, but computational cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex AI computational systems with a simpler image processing approach using a camera and basic image analysis algorithms. Instead of using heavy AI models to analyze liquid processing contents, the system captures images and uses straightforward image processing techniques to determine liquid levels and volumes, significantly reducing computational requirements while maintaining adequate measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If a digital scale hardware component is added to measure content weight, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical weighing hardware (digital scale) with an optical measurement system using a camera. Instead of adding weight sensors and scale components to the liquid processing apparatus, the system uses image capture and analysis to determine liquid volume and infer weight, eliminating the need for complex hardware while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy (image) of the liquid in the container and analyzes this copy to determine liquid properties. By capturing an image of the liquid and analyzing its visual characteristics, the system obtains measurement data without physical contact or additional sensing hardware, replacing direct mechanical measurement with indirect optical observation.
3Device complexity
If image processing is used to estimate liquid volume, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional image data to three-dimensional volume estimation by analyzing the liquid surface area in the image and combining it with the container's known geometric profile. The system captures a 2D image of the liquid surface, calculates the surface area, and uses the container's shape information to infer the corresponding liquid volume, effectively adding a dimensional transformation to bridge the gap between simple imaging and accurate volume measurement.
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
Provides an accurate and straightforward method to estimate liquid volume, reducing consumer burden and hardware/software complexity, while facilitating nutrient tracking and personalization of taste.
Implementation Method 1
receiving first image data corresponding to a view of a top surface of the processed liquid product
Implementation Method 2
segmenting a portion of the first image data that corresponds to the top surface of the processed liquid product in the container from a background to the processed liquid product
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method of estimating a volume of a processed liquid product in a container for a liquid processing apparatus is described. A first image data is received corresponding to a view of the processed liquid product in the container after a first ingredient has been processed by the liquid processing apparatus, followed by segmenting a portion of the first image data that corresponds to a surface level of the processed liquid product from a background to the processed liquid product. A dimension of the surface level of the processed liquid product in the container, is determined, from the segmented portion of the first image data. A first volume of the processed liquid product is estimated, based on the dimension, according to a predetermined relationship between the dimension of a given surface level and a known volume of liquid held by the container for the given surface level.