Food Batch Creation Using Image Profile Area Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for creating batches of food items on conveyor systems often result in partial batches with varying appearance due to pieces originating from different primal parts, affecting the batch's visual appeal and value.
Innovation Solution
A method that measures and processes the image profile of food items to identify and complete partial batches by selecting portions from the same or similar areas, ensuring consistency in appearance and meeting pre-defined criteria, and uses cutting and distinguishing techniques to separate and handle partial and complete batches effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If portions are taken from different primal parts to complete a partial batch, then the batch can be completed efficiently, but the visual appearance and value of the batch deteriorates due to varying colour and shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by identifying and selecting portions from the same specific area (e.g., tail end) of subsequent food items to complete a partial batch. This ensures that all portions in the batch originate from similar primal parts, maintaining uniform colour, shape, and appearance while still enabling efficient batch completion. The system tracks the origin area of partial batch portions and deliberately selects replacement portions from matching areas.
2Shape
If portions are selected from the same area of subsequent food items to complete a partial batch, then the visual appearance and value of the batch is improved, but the complexity of the batch creation process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-identifying and registering the origin area of portions within a partial batch before the batch completion process begins. The system stores this area information and uses it to guide the selection of subsequent portions. This preliminary documentation of area origins simplifies the overall process by providing clear selection criteria, reducing the complexity that would otherwise arise from real-time area matching decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies copying by using the recorded area information from the partial batch portions as a template or model for selecting subsequent portions. The system copies the area specification (e.g., 'tail end area') and uses it to identify equivalent areas in subsequent food items, thereby simplifying the selection process while ensuring visual consistency.
3Productivity
If the portioning machine processes food items continuously, then productivity is maintained, but partial batches with inconsistent appearance are created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring and tracking the origin area of each portion placed in a batch. When a partial batch is identified, the system records the specific area information of the existing portions and uses this feedback to guide the selection of subsequent portions. This closed-loop approach ensures that even during continuous high-speed processing, portions are consistently selected from matching areas, maintaining appearance uniformity without sacrificing productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention relates to a method of creating batches for food items conveyed by a conveyor means, comprising: • measuring an image profile for a food item, • processing the measured image profile for the food item, where the processing includes: o dividing the image profile of the food item into at least one batch fulfilling a pre-defined batch-criteria, where each of the at least one batch includes two or more portions each of which fulfil a pre-defined portion-criteria, o determining whether there is a partial batch that does not fulfill the pre-defined batch-criteria, where in case a partial batch is present, determining and registering the number of portions within the partial batch that fulfil the pre-defined portion- criteria, o selecting an area within the food item where the partial batch originates from, • cutting the food item into a plurality of portions based on the processed measured image profile, • distinguishing the portions within the partial batch from the remaining portions, wherein the number of portions from one or more of subsequent food items needed to complete the partial batch such that it fulfils the pre-defined batch-criteria is taken from the same or similar area of the food items as where the partial batch originates from.