The scanning toaster is arranged similarly to a sandwich toaster, having upper and lower segment which close with the bread between them. The device scans each slice to establish it's boundaries, then toasts using a scanning infra red laser, coverning only the area of the slice.

While scanning, the device continuously monitors colour and as soon as a section is 'done', the laser stops cooking that area, until the whole slice is evenly toasted.

It would be possible to program patterns, ranging from the traditional 'dark in the middle, paler round the edges' look to any graphics you like.

Effeciency is improved by using just the right amount of energy to cook the toast, with minimal heating of the surrounding area and no waste due to burning.
-- Twizz, Sep 13 2010

Toast_20Text_20Messaging [hippo, Sep 13 2010]

Scanning Toaster Low-Wattage_20Raste...0Scanning_20Toaster
kinda similar [lurch, Sep 13 2010]

We'll take five gross.

[+]
-- 8th of 7, Sep 13 2010


Is it possible to disable the safety feature that scans inserted items at low power and analyses them for safety hazards? I mean, just say that someone really, really needed her hand laser-branded with a reminder to not talk to me until I've had my coffee. Can I switch off the interlock or whatever it is that you have surely had installed?
-- baconbrain, Sep 13 2010


[+] for the vision of a glass plate toaster "scanned" by lasers on each side, with appropriate Star Trek sound effects.

and what [bb] said.
-- FlyingToaster, Sep 13 2010



random, halfbakery