Method for determining a needed cleaning of a commercial cooking device and commercial cooking device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing commercial cooking appliance cleaning systems rely on operator observation or indirect sensors, leading to potential errors in determining the need for cleaning, which can result in substandard product quality, customer dissatisfaction, and resource wastage.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an optical detection device that captures images of the cooking surface and products, comparing them to reference images to objectively determine the need for cleaning, and a quality management monitoring system that automatically interrupts cooking processes or suggests cleaning protocols based on soiling levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If operator observation or indirect sensors are used to determine cleaning needs, then the system is simple to operate, but the determination reliability is poor leading to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual operator observation and indirect sensor-based detection with direct optical imaging technology. A camera captures images of the cooking surface, and image processing algorithms automatically analyze soiling levels, replacing the mechanical/manual detection system with an optical-digital system that provides both high reliability and automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy (image) of the cooking surface using a camera, then processes this copy through image analysis to determine cleaning needs. This allows indirect observation through replication, enabling reliable detection without direct physical contact or complex sensor arrays on the cooking surface itself.
2Measurement precision
If cleaning is performed based on operating times or indirect sensor data, then the process is automated, but the measurement precision of soiling levels is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect sensor measurements with direct optical imaging and digital image processing. The camera captures visual information of the cooking surface, and software algorithms precisely quantify soiling levels by analyzing image characteristics, achieving high measurement precision while maintaining full automation through computational methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the physical soiling state into measurable image parameters through photography. By capturing images and analyzing visual characteristics (brightness, contrast, texture patterns), the system converts difficult-to-measure soiling levels into precise quantitative image data that can be automatically processed and compared against reference values.
3Measurement precision
If continuous monitoring of cooking surfaces is implemented, then the determination accuracy is high, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic image capture at predetermined time intervals during cooking operations, rather than continuous monitoring. This allows the system to maintain high detection accuracy by regularly assessing the cooking surface while significantly reducing energy consumption by keeping the imaging and processing functions dormant between scheduled checks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the monitoring frequency adjustable and adaptive, allowing the system to dynamically change its operation mode based on cooking stage, soiling rate, and priority levels. This enables optimization between detection accuracy and energy consumption by intensifying monitoring when needed and reducing it during low-risk periods.
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
Ensures reliable, real-time determination of cleaning needs, preventing substandard product quality, reducing resource usage, and optimizing cooking appliance operation.
Implementation Method 1
capturing at least one image of at least part of the cooking surface and/or at least part of a cooking product
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining a needed cleaning of a commercial cooking device with at least one cooking surface. The method has the steps of capturing at least one image of at least one part of the cooking surface and/or at least one part of a cooking product, comparing the captured image of the part of the cooking surface with a stored reference image of a dirty cooking surface which needs to be cleaned and/or comparing the captured image of the part of the cooking product with a stored reference image of the cooking product in a cooked state which indicates a need to clean the cooking surface, and deciding whether a cleaning is needed on the basis of the result of the comparison. The invention further relates to a quality management/monitoring system and a commercial cooking device comprising a quality management/monitoring system.