Food Preparation Entity 3D Shape Detection Using Plenoptic Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food preparation entities face challenges in determining the three-dimensional shape of food within their cavities with limited technical effort, often requiring multiple cameras, light sources, or distance sensors, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method using a plenoptic camera or a single camera with adjustable focus points to capture images from different positions or with varying focal planes, allowing for the establishment of three-dimensional information of food within the cavity, eliminating the need for additional sensors or multiple cameras, and integrating the camera into the door for easy integration and improved recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple cameras, light sources, or distance sensors are used to determine three-dimensional shape of food, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a plenoptic camera that captures light field information, adding a dimensional aspect to traditional 2D imaging. By capturing not just intensity but also direction information of light rays, the system extracts 3D shape data from a single camera view, effectively using an additional dimension (light direction) to solve the 3D measurement problem without adding more cameras or sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing step where captured 2D images with focus information are processed to extract 3D shape data. The image processing system acts as an intermediary that transforms standard 2D camera captures into 3D information, avoiding the need for direct 3D sensing hardware while achieving equivalent measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If a plenoptic camera is used to capture light direction information, then three-dimensional information is improved, but ease of manufacture worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the camera system multi-functional by using a plenoptic camera that simultaneously captures both 2D intensity information and 3D shape information from the same optical path. This single device performs multiple functions (standard imaging and 3D scanning) that would traditionally require separate systems, improving ease of manufacture despite the specialized camera type.
3Measurement precision
If images are captured from different positions during door movement, then three-dimensional recognition is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by capturing multiple images at different door positions during the natural door opening/closing sequence. Instead of dedicating a separate time period for 3D scanning, the system utilizes the existing door movement to capture images from multiple perspectives, effectively performing the 3D data collection in advance of the actual cooking process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic door opening and closing actions to capture images at different positions. By synchronizing image capture with the periodic door movement, the system obtains multiple perspectives of the food without requiring continuous camera operation or additional dedicated scanning time, thus reducing overall time loss.
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 the efficient determination of three-dimensional food shapes with reduced technical effort, allowing for accurate monitoring of volume changes and cooking status, as well as categorization of food types and adjustment of cooking parameters, using a single camera and minimizing hardware requirements.
Implementation Method 1
capturing at least one image of said food received within the cavity by a plenoptic camera, said image comprising information regarding the light intensity and the direction of light rays traveling in space
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for calculating three-dimensional information of food received within a cavity of a food preparation entity, the method comprising the steps of: capturing at least one image of said food received within the cavity by a plenoptic camera, said image comprising information regarding the light intensity and the direction of light rays traveling in space; or capturing at least two images of said food received within the cavity, said images being taken from different positions during movement of a camera; or capturing at least two images of said food received within the cavity using a camera, said images comprising different focus points; and processing the at least one image in order to establish three-dimensional information of said food received within the cavity.