Motion Analysis Sensor System for Real-Time Cooking Technique Guidance

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cooking technologies lack interactive feedback systems that provide real-time guidance and coaching to improve cooking techniques and ensure the quality of food preparation.

Innovation Solution

A motion analysis apparatus and method that uses inertial sensors to monitor and analyze user movements during food preparation, providing visual, audible, and tactile feedback to align with predefined motion profiles for each recipe step, and can control connected appliances based on sensor data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If motion analysis apparatus with inertial sensors is implemented, then cooking technique guidance and food quality improvement are achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefood qualityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motion analysis apparatus is integrated into a smartphone application, utilizing the phone's existing inertial sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope) to perform multiple functions including motion tracking, technique analysis, and recipe guidance. This approach avoids adding dedicated complex hardware while achieving reliable food quality monitoring through multi-functional use of available sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system leverages the smartphone's built-in sensor capabilities and processing power to perform motion analysis independently, requiring minimal additional external components. The inertial sensors self-monitor user movements and automatically compare them against predefined motion profiles, reducing the need for complex external measurement devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If real-time motion monitoring and feedback is provided, then cooking technique adherence is improved, but loss of time in processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooking technique precisionVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The motion analysis operates continuously throughout the cooking process without requiring interruption or separate measurement steps. The inertial sensors continuously track user movements in real-time, providing ongoing feedback that maintains cooking technique precision while minimizing additional time expenditure through seamless integration into the natural cooking workflow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides immediate visual and tactile feedback when users deviate from proper cooking techniques, allowing for real-time correction without requiring time-consuming manual inspection or intervention. The feedback loop continuously monitors motion data and guides users back to optimal techniques, maintaining precision while minimizing time loss through automated real-time guidance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If multiple sensor types and feedback mechanisms are integrated, then interactive guidance capability is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteractive guidanceVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The smartphone application serves as a universal platform that integrates motion sensing, visual display, and tactile feedback capabilities into a single device. By utilizing the phone's existing multi-functional hardware (screen, speakers, vibration motor, sensors), the system provides comprehensive interactive guidance without requiring separate dedicated devices for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4170630B1Sensor system and method for assisted food preparation
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 WHIRLPOOL CORP
  • EP4170630B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4170630B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4170630B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A motion analysis apparatus for food preparation includes at least one motion detection device configured to capture motion data. A controller (50) is in communication with the motion detection device. The controller (50) is configured to compare the motion data to a food preparation movement and initiate a motion instruction for a recipe in response to a comparison of the motion data to the food preparation movement.