Heating Cooker Image-Based Control for Continuous Operation Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heating cookers are inefficient as they require a predetermined time to read heating information after heating, which slows down the process and limits the rate at which new food can be prepared, especially in high-demand environments like food retail shops.
Innovation Solution
A heating cooker equipped with an imaging device inside the chamber to capture images and a control device that automatically reads heating information from barcodes on food items, allowing for immediate heating of new items once the previous one is removed, eliminating the need for a separate reader and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a predetermined time is set for reading heating information after door opening, then reading accuracy is improved (avoiding faulty operations), but work efficiency deteriorates (salespersons feel the time is long and it becomes a rate-determining step)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the timing of heating information reading dynamic rather than fixed. The reader reads information codes at multiple opportunistic moments: when the door is closed, when heating is completed, and when the chamber is empty. This dynamic timing adapts to actual operational conditions, allowing skilled salespersons to work efficiently without being constrained by a fixed predetermined waiting period, thus resolving the contradiction between reading accuracy and work efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs heating information reading in advance at opportune moments (when door is closed, when heating completes, when chamber is empty) rather than waiting for a predetermined time after door opening. By reading information codes beforehand or at transitional moments, the system ensures accurate reading while not interfering with the salesperson's workflow, thereby improving both reliability and productivity
2Reliability
If a separate reader is disposed at the upper part of the door, then reading reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the heating chamber to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the heating space and the reading environment for information codes. The heating chamber's existing structure and lighting conditions are utilized for reading operations, eliminating the need for a separate reader device on the door. This multi-functional approach reduces device complexity while maintaining reading reliability through the chamber's inherent capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the heating function and the information reading function into a single integrated system within the heating chamber. By combining these functions, the patent eliminates the separate reader component on the door, reducing overall device complexity and the associated power consumption while maintaining reliable reading capability through the chamber's environment
3Speed
If the reader operates continuously to read information codes, then reading speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic rather than continuous operation of the reading function. The reader operates at specific periods when conditions are favorable: when the door is closed, when heating completes, and when the chamber is empty. This periodic activation ensures that reading operations occur at appropriate moments without continuous power consumption, balancing reading speed needs with energy efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A heating cooker includes a heating chamber, an imaging device, a heating device, and control device (300). Control device (300) includes captured image acquisition unit (302), heating information acquisition unit (303), heating controller (307), and state detector (304). Captured image acquisition unit (302) acquires an image captured by the imaging device. Heating information acquisition unit (303) acquires heating information by referring to the image of a heating target acquired. Heating controller (307) controls the heating device according to the heating information. State detector (304) detects presence or absence of the heating target in the heating chamber or removal of the heating target from the heating chamber by referring to the image captured. Heating information acquisition unit (303) acquires the heating information when state detector (304) detects absence of the heating target in the heating chamber or removal of the heating target from the heating chamber.