Food Handling Control Using Real-Time Operator Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data collection methods for food handling systems, such as using pen and paper or computers, lack flexibility, responsiveness, and efficiency, particularly in terms of data quality and management during inspections and maintenance operations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an operator-carried device that collects and analyzes both process and user input data in real-time, allowing for immediate data entry and customization, and combining this data to quickly update settings and improve system responsiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pen and paper are used for data collection, then flexibility is maintained, but data transfer efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses digital copies of paper forms on mobile devices, allowing operators to access standardized templates that can be easily replicated and distributed. This maintains flexibility while enabling automated data capture and instant digital transfer, eliminating the manual transcription process entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual data transcription from paper to computer with automated digital data capture using mobile devices. The device automatically captures data in structured formats and transmits it directly to central systems, substituting the manual mechanical process with an automated electronic system.
2Productivity
If computers are used for data collection, then data entry efficiency is improved, but flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic forms on mobile devices that can be customized and adapted in real-time based on changing operational requirements. The digital forms can be remotely updated and modified without requiring physical form redistribution, maintaining high adaptability while preserving automated data capture efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device serves multiple functions: it acts as a digital form, a data capture device, a communication tool, and a processing unit. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain efficiency while adapting to various data collection scenarios without requiring separate specialized equipment for each function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual data transfer from paper to computer is performed, then flexibility is maintained, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous data capture and immediate digital transmission throughout the inspection process. Data is captured in real-time during inspections and automatically transmitted without interruption or manual intervention, eliminating the discontinuous manual transfer process and reducing time loss while maintaining adaptability through digital form flexibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method (400) for controlling a food handling system (102) comprising a number of food production units (104) by using an operator carried device (106). The method (400) comprising: receiving (S402) process data by a server (108), wherein the process data is extracted from the food handling system (102), wherein the process data comprises parameter values captured via sensors (110) provided in the food production units (104), requesting (S404) user input data by transmitting a user input data request to the operator carried device (106), receiving (S406) the user input data via the operator carried device (106), determining (S408) control data based on the process data and the user input data, transmitting (S410) the control data to the food production units (104), and updating (S412) settings in the food production units (104) based on the control data.