Remote Food Processing Control for Real-Time Event Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional food processing systems require physical presence of personnel to monitor and control operations, leading to informational gaps and inefficiencies in diagnosing and resolving operational issues, which can result in reduced system performance and increased costs due to potential equipment failures in caustic environments.
Innovation Solution
An automated monitoring and control system that uses a distributed computing network to remotely monitor and control food processing systems, including sensors, controllers, and a graphical user interface for real-time data visualization and event logging, allowing for continuous monitoring and quick issue resolution without the need for on-site personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If personnel are physically present at processing facilities to monitor equipment and processes, then operational monitoring and diagnosis can be performed, but system complexity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical personnel presence with an automated electronic monitoring system that collects, transmits, and analyzes operational data from food processing equipment. Sensors, controllers, and communication networks substitute for human operators, enabling remote monitoring and diagnosis without physical presence at the facility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated control system that acts as a mediator between the food processing equipment and human operators. This system includes data collection modules, communication interfaces, and analysis algorithms that bridge the gap between equipment status and human decision-making, eliminating the need for direct physical monitoring.
2Reliability
If personnel are assigned to specific divisions to manage operations, then localized monitoring is achieved, but information flow and cross-functional coordination are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges previously separate monitoring functions into a unified automated system that collects data from all divisions and processes simultaneously. The centralized control architecture combines information from multiple food processing systems into a single integrated platform, enabling comprehensive monitoring and cross-functional coordination without information silos.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal monitoring system that can manage multiple divisions and food processing systems through a single platform. The system performs multiple functions including data collection, transmission, analysis, and control across different operational areas, eliminating the need for separate monitoring structures for each division.
3Reliability
If conventional monitoring systems are used, then operational oversight is maintained, but response time to identify and resolve issues is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action through continuous real-time data collection and analysis that identifies potential issues before they become critical problems. The system proactively monitors operational parameters, detects anomalies early, and alerts operators in advance, enabling preventive maintenance and faster response times compared to reactive conventional monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a closed-loop feedback system that continuously monitors operational data, compares it against predetermined thresholds and historical patterns, and provides immediate feedback to operators through alerts and notifications. This real-time feedback mechanism enables rapid identification and resolution of issues, significantly reducing response time compared to periodic manual monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for automated monitoring and control of food processing systems are disclosed. Data from one or more controllers of a food processing system is received during operation of the food processing system at a remote food processing facility. Values of one or more operating parameters of the food processing system are monitored, based on the received data. At least one event of interest occurring during the operation of the food processing system is detected, based on the monitored values of the one or more operating parameters. Control signals for adjusting a configuration of the food processing system are transmitted to the one or more controllers, based on the detected event.