Food Processor Gesture Recognition for Contactless Operation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kitchen appliances require manual operation and physical contact for setting parameters like speed, temperature, and duration, which can be inconvenient and may lead to contamination or accidental activation of controls.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a camera with gesture recognition software and a gesture database allows users to adjust parameters and execute complex work routines through gestures, enabling contactless operation and activation of the food processor using predefined gestures, with optional voice control and facial recognition for enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation with physical contact is used to set parameters, then the device can be operated reliably, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to contamination risk and inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical control system (buttons, knobs requiring physical contact) with a gesture recognition system using a camera and image processing. Users control the food processor by making hand gestures in the camera's field of view, eliminating the need for physical contact with control surfaces and thereby preventing contamination while improving ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If gesture recognition system is integrated, then the ease of operation improves with hands-free control, but the device complexity increases due to additional camera and software components
Solution Approach 1:
The camera serves multiple functions: it captures images for gesture recognition, displays visual feedback to users, and potentially monitors the cooking process. By making the camera multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining the benefits of contactless control.
Solution Approach 2:
The gesture recognition software automatically processes camera images to identify and interpret user gestures without requiring manual input or complex configuration. The system self-calibrates and adapts to user movements, reducing the complexity of software configuration and maintenance while providing intuitive contactless control.
3Speed
If camera continuously captures images for gesture recognition, then the responsiveness to user input improves, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous image capture, the system uses periodic or event-triggered imaging. The camera captures images at specific intervals or when motion is detected, providing timely gesture recognition while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation. This periodic action maintains responsiveness while managing power usage efficiently.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an electrically operated food processor (1) with a mixing bowl (4) and a mixer (5) in the mixing bowl (4). In order to further improve a food processor of this type in an advantageous manner, in particular with regard to its use and operation, it is proposed to provide the food processor (1) with a camera (20), in particular an electronic camera, which is potentially directed towards the user of the food processor (1), and with stored gesture recognition software, as well as a gesture data bank (G), it being possible to use gesture recognition (G) to cause the food processor (1) to carry out a routine task.