Rotational 3D Measuring Device for Heating Cooker Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heating cookers lack advanced automation in cooking food items of varying shapes and sizes, as existing 3D measurement technologies are limited by size constraints, accuracy issues, and cost considerations, particularly when dealing with large objects and high-temperature environments.
Innovation Solution
A compact 3D measuring device integrated into a heating cooker, featuring a rotational supporting shaft with a beam irradiator and capturer on the same axis, utilizing a semiconductor laser and position sensors for accurate measurements, and a processor to control the cooking process based on 3D shape and surface temperature data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a beam scanning method is used to measure the 3D shape of large objects, then the measurement area is increased, but the equipment size and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the light source rotatable around the optical axis. Instead of moving the entire scanning system or using a large stationary setup, the light source dynamically rotates to sweep the beam across the measurement area. This rotational motion allows a compact device to cover a large measurement area, resolving the contradiction between measurement area and equipment size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces rotational motion around the optical axis as an additional dimension of movement. Rather than expanding the linear scanning range in one dimension, the system uses angular rotation to expand the effective measurement area in a different dimension, allowing large-area measurement with compact equipment.
2Measurement precision
If the light source and camera are placed far apart to maintain measurement accuracy for large objects, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses rotational dynamics to maintain a fixed baseline distance between the light source and camera while achieving large measurement coverage. The light source rotates around the optical axis, dynamically adjusting the beam direction without changing the physical separation from the camera, thus maintaining measurement accuracy with a compact fixed-size device.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement function is segmented between the rotating light source and the stationary camera. The light source handles the angular scanning and beam direction control, while the camera remains fixed for stable image capture. This segmentation allows the system to maintain a fixed, compact size while achieving accurate measurements through the rotational component.
3Device complexity
If a compact measuring device is used to reduce equipment size, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement area and accuracy for large objects are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The compact device achieves large measurement area through dynamic rotation of the light source around the optical axis. This rotational motion allows a small, fixed-size device to sweep the beam across a large area, effectively multiplying the measurement coverage without increasing physical device dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating light source serves multiple functions: it acts as both the illumination source and the scanning mechanism. By rotating around the optical axis, a single component achieves both compact device size and large measurement area, eliminating the need for separate scanning hardware and reducing overall device 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 precise and cost-effective measurement of large objects, allowing for advanced automation in cooking by adjusting heating parameters according to the shape and size of food items, ensuring proper cooking without user expertise.
Implementation Method 1
a beam irradiator (37) arranged at the supporting shaft (31) for irradiating beam of light onto an object
Implementation Method 2
a capturer (36) arranged at the supporting shaft (31) to be at a distance from the beam irradiator (37) for capturing the beam projected on the object
Implementation Method 3
Based on the principle of triangulation, the depth of the object is calculated from image data of the irradiated beam
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5c
AI summary
A three dimensional (3D) measuring device. The 3D measuring device includes a rotational supporting shaft, a supporting frame configured to support the supporting shaft, a beam irradiator arranged at the supporting shaft for irradiating beam of light onto an object, a capturer arranged at the supporting shaft to be at a distance from the beam irradiator and configured to capture the beam projected on the object, and at least one processor configured to control rotation of the supporting shaft and obtain a 3D shape of the object based on image information obtained by the capturer as the supporting shaft is rotated.