Optical Measuring Aid for Vessel Fill Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Measuring ingredients for cooking can be disruptive and inaccurate, often requiring additional equipment like scales or measuring cups, leading to ingredient loss and recipe falsification, and existing solutions like spoons with integrated scales are limited in processing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that optically scan the interior of a vessel from a predetermined height, determine the volume to be filled based on a recipe, and project a fill level marker onto the vessel, allowing for precise measurement of ingredients without additional equipment, suitable for both liquids and bulk materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional measuring equipment (scales or measuring cups) is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and disruption to the preparation process increase
Solution Approach 1:
The container serves itself by incorporating the measurement function directly into its structure. The graduated scale is integrated into the container wall, allowing the container to display its own fill level without requiring external measuring equipment. This eliminates the need for separate scales or measuring cups while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement function is merged with the container structure. The graduated scale is integrated into the container wall, combining the functions of the container and measuring device into a single unified object. This reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate measuring equipment.
2Measurement precision
If traditional measuring equipment is used, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of substance increases due to residue
Solution Approach 1:
The container displays its own fill level through the integrated graduated scale, allowing precise measurement without transferring ingredient to separate measuring equipment. This eliminates residue loss that occurs when using separate measuring cups or scales, as the ingredient remains in the container throughout the measurement process.
3Ease of operation
If a spoon with integrated scales is used, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability is limited for further processing
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the cooking vessel and the measuring device. The integrated graduated scale allows the container to display fill level for various ingredients, and the container can be used for mixing, heating, and serving after measurement. This provides both ease of operation and adaptability for further processing.
4Measurement precision
If optical scanning from predetermined height is used, then measurement precision is improved for various vessel shapes, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical measurement approach (physical measuring cups or scales) is replaced with an optical scanning system. The optical scanner captures images of the container interior and processes them to determine fill level, providing precise measurements for various vessel shapes without contact with the ingredient. This substitution enables accurate measurement across different container geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
An optical intermediary system is introduced between the user and the container. The optical scanner acts as a mediator that non-contactually measures the fill level by capturing and processing images of the container interior. This intermediary system enables precise measurement without requiring direct mechanical interaction with the ingredient or container.
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 easy and accurate measurement of ingredients, reducing waste and ensuring recipe accuracy by providing a clear fill level indicator, suitable for various vessel shapes and orientations, and accounting for existing contents.
Implementation Method 1
optically scanning the interior of the container from a predetermined height above the container
Implementation Method 2
displaying the determined fill level by projecting a mark indicating the determined fill level onto a wall of the container
Data Source
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AI summary
A method comprises steps of detecting a volume to be poured into a vessel; optically scanning an interior of the vessel from a predetermined height above the vessel; determining a fill level that the volume will produce in the vessel after it has been poured in; and displaying the determined fill level.