In-oven camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooking appliances lack the capability to systematically and consistently produce complex meals with precision and speed, requiring extensive human intervention and understanding of heating patterns, which limits their ability to automate the cooking process.
Innovation Solution
A cooking appliance equipped with wavelength-controllable heating elements and a computing device that can adjust peak emission wavelengths and spectral power distribution, along with an interactive user interface and optical feedback systems, allowing for precise control of cooking processes based on food profiles and recipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional cooking appliances are used, then cooking can be performed, but the ability to systematically and consistently produce complex meals with precision and speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the spectral power distribution and peak emission wavelength of the heating elements during the cooking process. The controller modifies these parameters based on real-time feedback from optical sensors that monitor food color, texture, and moisture content, enabling precise control over cooking outcomes without requiring human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control through optical sensors that continuously monitor the state of the food being cooked. The sensors detect parameters such as color changes, surface moisture, and texture, and this information is fed back to the controller which automatically adjusts the heating parameters to achieve the desired cooking result, eliminating the need for human observation and adjustment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cooking appliances are used to produce complex meals, then cooking versatility is improved, but the complexity of operation and understanding heating patterns increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by integrating multiple heating elements with independently controllable spectral power distributions within a single appliance. The system can simulate different cooking modes (grilling, baking, roasting, steaming) by adjusting the wavelength and intensity of each heating element, providing the versatility of multiple appliances while maintaining a single, unified interface for the user.
3Productivity
If heating elements operate at fixed wavelengths, then device simplicity is maintained, but the ability to target different materials and optimize heating efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the heating elements' spectral power distribution and peak emission wavelength dynamically adjustable during operation. The controller can shift the emission spectrum in real-time to match the absorption characteristics of different food materials, maximizing heating efficiency at each stage of the cooking process while maintaining a relatively simple hardware architecture.
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 automated and precise cooking of complex meals by dynamically controlling heating elements, ensuring consistent results with minimal human intervention and optimizing cooking times and temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
The peak wavelength of waves emitted by a filament assembly can coincide with excitable wavelength of meat, water, a glass tray in the cooking appliance, interior chamber wall of the cooking appliance
Implementation Method 2
each heating element can include one or more filament assembly, one or more drivers that receives commands from a computing device and adjust the power, peak wavelength, and/or spectral power distribution of waves emitted from the filament assembly
Data Source
AI summary
Several embodiments include a cooking appliance. The cooking appliance can include one or more heating elements; a cooking chamber; and a camera attached to the interior of the chamber. In some embodiments, the cooking chamber prevents any visible light from escaping the chamber (e.g., the cooking chamber is windowless). In some embodiments, the heating elements are controlled by a computing device in the cooking appliance. In some embodiments, the output of the camera is used to adjust heating pattern of the heating elements.