Projector-Sensor Input for Hygienic Food Filling Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food production apparatuses, such as filling machines, face challenges with ergonomic, hygienic, and space-saving operation due to the use of capacitive or resistive touch displays that are prone to soiling and contamination, especially when operators wear gloves, leading to unreliability and potential pathogen transmission.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a non-contact input device with a projector and sensor system to generate a virtual user interface, allowing operators to interact without touching a display, which is resistant to dirt and mechanical damage, and can be positioned ergonomically without requiring additional mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a touch display is used for operating the food production apparatus, then the interface is tangible and easy to interact with, but it becomes prone to soiling and contamination, especially when operators wear gloves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical touch display system with an optical projection system. A projector projects a virtual user interface onto a transparent surface, and a sensor device detects gestures made by the operator's hand or finger in the air above the projection. This substitution eliminates the need for physical contact with the display surface, preventing soiling and contamination while maintaining ease of operation through gesture-based interaction.
2Ease of operation
If a separate installation housing or inclined display is provided for ergonomic operation, then the operator can work more comfortably, but the cost increases and cleaning becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the user interface by projecting the display onto a transparent surface. This virtual interface can be positioned at any ergonomic location in space without requiring physical mounting structures or inclined housings. The projection can be placed at eye level or any convenient position for the operator, eliminating the need for complex installation structures while maintaining ergonomic benefits.
3Volume of moving object
If a touch display is installed in a space-constrained area, then the apparatus can be compact, but there is often no room for an ergonomically arranged display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the user interface from a two-dimensional surface-bound display to a three-dimensional virtual projection. The projected interface can be positioned in space above the compact apparatus, allowing operators to access controls at an elevated, ergonomic position without increasing the footprint or volume of the apparatus. This dimensional transition resolves the conflict between compact size and display accessibility.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a virtual user interface projection is used instead of a physical display, then soiling and contamination are prevented, but additional components (projector, sensor) are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a unified system. The projector serves both as the display medium and the illumination source for the transparent surface. The sensor device simultaneously detects gestures and enables touchless operation. The transparent surface acts as both the projection medium and the interaction plane. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity despite adding components, as each element performs multiple roles.
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
Prevents soiling and contamination, enhances reliability, and allows for ergonomic placement even in limited spaces, reducing pathogen transmission and improving operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The projector advantageously comprises an image source, in particular a display, e.g. LCD display, as well as a plate that focuses light rays that are diffusely emitted by the image source to form the virtual image of the user interface.
Implementation Method 2
A respective sensor can be configured, for example, as an IR sensor device that generates an infrared radiation field. By detecting, for example, the reflection of the IR radiation on the finger and/or object introduced into the beam path, the position as well as a motion in the beam path can be detected.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an apparatus for food production, in particular a filling machine with a control device that is connected to an input device for operating the apparatus. The input device is configured as a non-contact input device.