In-oven camera and computer vision systems and methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooking appliances lack the capability to systematically produce complex meals with precision and speed, requiring extensive human intervention and multiple appliances, as they cannot automatically and consistently control heating patterns to achieve desired culinary outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A cooking appliance with a heating element that can emit waves at variable powers and wavelengths, controlled by a computing device, which uses a camera to capture images of the cooking process and adjust heating parameters in real-time based on feedback to achieve precise cooking results, emulating various cooking methods and downloading recipes from a cloud-based system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional cooking appliances are used, then cooking can be performed, but the ability to systematically produce complex meals with precision and speed is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element's spectral power distribution is dynamically adjusted by changing parameters such as temperature, wavelength, and power output. The system varies these parameters in real-time based on feedback from sensors and pre-programmed recipes to achieve precise cooking results while maintaining high speed
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static heating to dynamic heating control, where the spectral power distribution continuously adapts during the cooking process. The heating element can rapidly change its emission characteristics in response to real-time feedback, enabling both speed and precision
2Productivity
If conventional cooking appliances are used, then cooking can be performed, but extensive human intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor cooking parameters such as temperature, moisture content, and color. This feedback is processed by a controller that automatically adjusts the heating element's spectral power distribution, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining high cooking efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The cooking system performs self-regulation through automated control algorithms that manage the entire cooking process. The system independently adjusts heating parameters, monitors food state, and optimizes cooking conditions without requiring human input, thereby achieving both high productivity and full automation
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cooking appliances are used, then complex meals can be produced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is designed to perform multiple cooking functions by varying its spectral power distribution. By adjusting wavelength, temperature, and power output, a single device can emulate various cooking methods (grilling, roasting, steaming, etc.), providing the versatility of multiple appliances while reducing overall system complexity
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 automatic and consistent production of complex meals with precision and speed, reducing human intervention by dynamically controlling heating patterns and emulating different cooking methods, thus enhancing cooking efficiency and consistency.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element disposed within a cooking chamber and operable to selectively emit waves at any of a plurality of powers and/or peak wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
a camera operable to capture an image of the cooking chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods include a cooking appliance comprising a heating element disposed within a cooking chamber and operable to selectively emit waves at any of a plurality of powers and/or peak wavelengths, a camera operable to capture an image of the cooking chamber, and a computing device operable to supply power to the heating element to vary the power and/or peak wavelength of the emitted waves and generate heat within the cooking chamber, and instruct the camera to capture the image when the heating element is emitting at a stabilized power and/or peak wavelength. The computing device is operable to generate an adjusted captured image by adjusting the captured image with respect to the stabilized power and/or peak wavelength. The computing device comprises feedback components operable to receive the adjusted captured image, extract features, and analyze the one or more features to determine an event, property, measurement and/or status.