ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR THE PROCESSING OF FOOD PORTIONS

The object of the invention is an arrangement as defined in the preamble of claim 1 and a method as defined in the preamble of claim 10 for the processing of food portions.

Conventionally, the processing of foodstuffs, especially of foodstuffs for a home, comprises a shopping trip to a store, the storing of the foodstuffs in a refrigerator or deep- freezer, and the preparation of food e.g. on a cooker ring, in the oven or in a microwave oven. In practice a lot of time is spent on collecting foodstuffs and correspondingly the processing of foodstuffs for preparing food requires a lot of different apparatuses and utensils that take a lot of space and also form complex entities that are, among other things, difficult to maintain owing to their different natures. In addition there are many groups of people, such as elderly people, handicapped people and also children, who are unable or incompetent to themselves prepare their food portions using current methods and apparatuses.

Various food automats, which are able to prepare food by heating pre-frozen portions, have been developed to rectify the aforementioned problem. For example, the Swedish patent publication no. SE 459618 discloses a food automat, which prepares various food portions according the choice of the user. A problem with this apparatus, however, as with other corresponding prior-art apparatuses is, among others, the extremely complex construction, which makes the _, apparatus expensive and one that requires a lot of maintenance, although despite this susceptible to malfunction. The apparatus comprises, among other things, electric motors and transporter belts, which comprise a lot of moving parts, which are additionally in demanding conditions in the cold space and can therefore easily become unserviceable.

Generally speaking, apparatuses according to prior art, in which the storage, transfer and heating of food portions is

integrated into one, thus have as a problem the magnitude of the manufacturing costs of the apparatuses and consequently an expensive purchase price, and also that the technical operating reliability has, in practice, been poor owing to the complex construction.

The object of the present invention is to eliminate the aforementioned drawbacks and to achieve an operationally reliable, and as service-free as possible, arrangement and method for the storage and heating of food portions as well for enabling the serving of them. Daily food portions can be prepared with the apparatus according to the invention in both homes and institutions as well as in small offices where food is eaten, thereby considerably reducing the amount of work needed. Preparing daily food portions will be easier and will also become possible for people who cannot prepare their food themselves, or are unwilling or incompetent to do so. In order to achieve these objectives, the arrangement of the invention is characterized by what is disclosed in the characterization part of claim 1. Correspondingly, the method according to the invention is characterized by what is presented in the characterization part of claim 10. Other preferred embodiments of the invention are characterized by what is presented in the other claims.

One significant advantage of the arrangement and the method according to the invention - or more briefly and in other words, of the solution - with respect to the food automats of prior art is that the manufacturing costs will decrease, in which case the price of the apparatus will decrease and the technical operating reliability will nevertheless at the same time improve. In this case by means of the arrangement all groups of people are provided with an easy and effortless as well as a labor-saving, space-saving, and economical method for foodstuff supply in the home, in institutions and also in small offices. In this case elderly

people, handicapped people and also children can easily prepare food themselves and can themselves decide what they eat in their homes and when they eat.

Another advantage of the solution according to the invention is that monitoring of the nutrition level is easy to implement, in which case users can themselves regulate the most pleasing and healthy diet for them. Nutrition intake, consumption habits, costs and other related aspects can be regularly monitored using the information collected in the database of the apparatus, and if desired reports can be printed with a printer connected to the apparatus.

In addition, the solution according to the invention comprises the possibility, depending on the application, to maintain a connection via a telecommunication network or other suitable communication network with a supplier of foodstuffs or with some other organizations or persons, such as relatives, and also to monitor the user of the apparatus via an information network. In addition, different instructions can be given and a program, e.g. as entertainment, can also be sent via the network.

In the following, the invention will be described in more detail by the aid of one preferred embodiment with reference to the attached drawings, wherein

Fig. 1 diagrammatically presents a total solution according to the invention, Fig. 2 presents a partly simplified front view of the cold- storage space of the arrangement according to the invention with the door removed,

Fig. 3 presents an oblique top view of the oven of the arrangement according to the invention, Fig. 4 presents an oblique top view of a storage shelf intended for a food portion of the arrangement according to the invention,

Fig. 5 presents a top view of the storage shelf according to Fig. 4 when empty, Fig. 6 presents a top view of the storage shelf according to Fig. 4 with a food portion,

The solution of the invention according to Fig. 1 comprises at least a deep-freezer or refrigerator that functions as a cold-storage space 1, a circulating-air oven or corresponding that functions as a heating means 2, a control system 3 comprising at least a computer or microprocessor, one or more user interfaces 4, and also a system server 5.

The ready, pre-frozen food portions are placed for storage into the deep-freezer that functions as a cold-storage space 1, which deep-freezer is at a suitably low temperature for deep-frozen storage. Alternatively, the ready, pre-cooled food portions are placed for storage into the refrigerator that functions as a cold-storage space 1, which refrigerator is at a suitable temperature for refrigerated storage. In one preferred embodiment of the invention all the food portions in the apparatus are stored at the same temperature, but there can also be differences in the storage temperatures. The circulating-air oven that functions as a heating means 2 is fitted to heat a food portion to an even temperature that is suitable from the viewpoint of the user either by means of resistance heating technology, microwave heating technology, or a combination of these, or by means of some other heating technology suited to the purpose.

The user interface 4 is e.g. in connection with the heating means 2, via which heating means 2 the user interface 4 is connected to the control system 3 of the apparatus according to the arrangement, which control system comprises the programs and actuators needed by the apparatus. The control system 3, which functions as the data processing part, is connected to the cold-storage space 1 in order to e.g.

track, monitor and control the functions and temperature of the cold-storage space 1. The control system 3 is further connected to the heating means 2, in order to e.g. track, monitor and control the functions and temperature of the heating means 2. The control system 3 is also connected to a public telecommunication network, such as e.g. the Internet, and possibly also to a data communications network. The control system 3 comprises at least a processor part, a data communication part, which comprises the necessary data communication functions, a control part, which comprises the necessary control functions, monitoring functions and regulation functions, and also connection means for receiving and sending information.

Telecommunications can be used for ordering new foodstuffs from the foodstuffs supplier. This function can be automatic, in which case a new order is placed when the foodstuffs decrease below the minimum set quantity. The order can also be manual, in which case the user defines the quantity and type of the foodstuffs by means of the user interface 4 of the apparatus. By means of the network interface it is also possible to transmit fault information about any defects that possibly occur in the apparatus and alerts about depletion of the food, and also to send data to be heard from the loudspeaker 6 of the apparatus, which is placed in connection with the heating means 2, e.g. on the base of the heating means 2. For tracking and monitoring the apparatus and the use of the apparatus e.g. a phone can be used, by means of text messages, or a second computer, from which also the content and quantity of food portions of an apparatus in the placement location can be viewed. This type of external computer can be e.g. a system server 5 connected to the network.

The control system 3 further offers the possibility of controlling the nutritional amounts and quality of the foodstuffs, either automatically or by guiding the user.

Monitoring of the nutrition level can be easily implemented, in which case if the user needs a diet the control system 3 ensures that it is implemented.

The deep-freezer or refrigerator that functions as a cold- storage space 1 can be freely positioned, even in another space with respect to the heating means 2, because the connection between the control system 3 of the cold-storage space 1 and the heating means 2 is wireless, e.g. a Bluetooth, infrared, radio or some other corresponding wireless connection. Both the control system 3 of the cold- storage space 1 and the heating means 2 comprise appropriate connection means for the connection. The connection between the control system 3 of the cold-storage space 1 and the heating means 2 can also be wired. Additionally, there can also be two units of the heating means 2, both of which comprise a connection to the control system 3. In this case a number of food portions can be prepared simultaneously.

The identification of food portions is based on a barcode system, the advantage of which are such clear markings that the arrangement according to the invention reliably identifies the foodstuffs brought into the apparatus, which e.g. the distribution vehicle of the food shop or other service organization brings on the basis of an order directly to the user of the apparatus.

Fig. 2 presents the cold-storage space 1 of the arrangement according to the invention, as viewed from the front and with the door removed. The cold-storage space 1 is in principle a conventional deep-freezer, inside which is fitted a shelving structure 7 provided with side walls and rear walls, which shelving comprises a plurality of shelf spaces 9a provided with support means 8 and guide means 9, in which shelf spaces are stored shelves 13 that are empty or that contain food portions 14 and that function as the storage means of food portions 14. In Fig. 2 some of the

shelf spaces 9a are left empty for the sake of clarity and a food portion 14 is visible on only one topmost shelf 13. At the point of each shelf space 9a on the rear wall of the shelving structure is a switch 10, which is fitted to indicate whether a food portion 14 is on the shelf 13 or not. The cold-storage space 1 also comprises a door switch 12, which is fitted to monitor the opening and closing of the door, as well as a temperature sensor 11 for monitoring the temperature of the cold storage of the cold-storage space 1. In addition, at least the main components of the control system 3 are disposed in the compressor part of the cold-storage space, where they are in a safe place and out of the way.

Fig. 3 presents the circulating-air oven that functions as the heating means 2 of the arrangement according to the invention. The oven comprises a frame part 15 and a hood 16 that is open at its base and hinged to the frame part with a hinge 17, which hood is fitted to turn to the open position from the front upwards by lifting it with the handle 18. The heating elements of the oven are inside the hood 16. Either one or a number of food portions can be heated with the oven at one and the same time. The frame part of the oven comprises a plurality of parallel connectors 19, which can be e.g. USB connectors or corresponding. A bar code reader 4a can be connected as one user interface to one connector 19 and e.g. also a USB memory stick 4b can be connected as a user interface to a second connector 19. Additionally, the frame part comprises a signal lamp 20, a pushbutton 21 and an iButton reader 22 that in a way also function as a user interface. The signal lamp 20, e.g. a LED light, indicates the functioning of the oven. For example, it is unlit in its normal state, flashes during heating of the oven and is continuously lit when the food is ready. The pushbutton 21, which is an Information button, can be pressed at any time whatsoever, in which case the apparatus announces in speech what it is doing or when it will be ready or what the

situation is. For example, when pressing the pushbutton 21 in the heating phase the apparatus announces in speech how much heating time remains. In another phase the apparatus announces the information of the phase in question.

Correspondingly, an iButton reader is connected to escort memories, into each of which some code, e.g. the letters and numbers Al, A2, B3, etc, is programmed. Commands can be transmitted to the control system 3 with the escort memory and via the control system to the system server 5, in which case different commands are given with escort memories of different colors. For example, by means of escort memories a person can listen to his/her own voice mailbox, can choose whether to listen to radio broadcasts or not, and also can send a call request e.g. to his/her relative, in which case the system sends a call request by text message to a preselected mobile phone number, etc.

Fig. 4 presents a storage shelf 13 intended for a food portion 14 of the arrangement according to the invention. The shelf 13 is essentially the shape of a right-angled box and it contains an essentially flat base 23, side walls 24, a front wall 25 forming a handle, and a rear wall 26, which extends from the second side edge of the shelf 13 to approximately the midpoint of the shelf 13 in the width direction. In addition, the outer surface of one side wall 24 comprises a guide rail 33, which can be fitted into the guide means 9 in the shelving structure 7. A mechanical, spring-like sensing means 28 is fixed to the rear wall 26 of the shelf 13, which sensing means comprises at least a fixing part 31, a presser part 30 disposed in connection with it, and a sensor part 29 disposed in connection with the presser part 30, which sensor part is at an angle of essentially 90° with respect to the presser part. The sensing means 28 together with the parts are a spring element that is a flat bar in its shape, the presser part 30 of which is disposed at the point of the open rear end of

the shelf 13, where there is no rear wall 26. At the bottom of the shelf 13 there is also a limiting means 27, which is fitted to support a food portion 14 disposed on the shelf 13 and to keep the food portion in the front part of the shelf.

Figs. 5 and 6 present a top view of the storage shelf according to Fig. 4. In the situation according to Fig. 5 the shelf 13 is empty, in which case the spring-like sensing means 28 is free and turned under the force of the spring force to such a position that the sensor part 29 is in the at least partly empty place of the food portion, i.e. in the middle of the front part of the shelf. At the same time the presser part 30 is turned towards the inside of the shelf 13 such that when the empty shelf 13 is in its position in the shelf space 9a, the switch 10 on the rear wall of the shelving structure 7 is in the pushed-out position, in which case the control system 3 has received information that the shelf 3 that was pushed inside is empty.

Correspondingly, in the situation according to Fig. 6 the food portion 14 is placed on the front part of the shelf 13. The sensing means 28 is implemented such that when placing a food portion 14 into its position, the sensor part 29 of the sensing means 28 must be turned to the side towards the second side wall 24, in which case it remains between the food portion 14 and the side wall 24. At the same time the presser part 30 turns backwards so much that when pushing the shelf 13 into its position after filling the presser part 30 presses the switch 10 to the inner position, in which case the control system 3 of the guide receives information that the shelf 13 that was pushed inside contains a food portion 14. A bar code 34 is on the lid of the food portion 14 for identifying the food portion.

In the arrangement according to the invention deep-frozen food portions 14 are filled into the cold-storage space 1 of the apparatus e.g. such that at first a memory stick 4b and

a barcode reader 4a are fixed into the USB connectors 19 for entering information relating to the food portions into the control system 3 of the apparatus. The memory stick 4b contains, among other things, the identification code of each food portion 14, both the written and the spoken name of the food portion, and also the heating instruction of the food portion. The barcode 34 of the food portion 14 is read with the reader 4a of the barcode before placing the food portion into the shelf space 9a of the cold-storage space 1. The food portion 14 is put on any empty shelf 13 whatsoever, which is then pushed into its position in an empty shelf space 9a of the shelving structure 7. When the shelf 13 is pushed to the bottom in the shelf space 9a, the switch 10 triggers and the guide of the apparatus detects that a food portion came into the shelf space 9a. Thus the control system 3 of the apparatus receives information about into which shelf space 9a the food portion came, and at the same time information at least about what the name and the heating instruction of the food portion 14 are.

When the user of the apparatus wants to have a meal, he/she selects the desired food portion from the menu, which is also provided with the numbers of the food portions. The front edge of the shelves 13 comprise corresponding numbers and the user starts the apparatus by opening the door of the cold-storage space 1, in which case the door switch detects that the door has opened and sends information about it to the control system 3 of the apparatus. After this the user pulls the shelf 13 that is provided with the number he/she selected out of the shelf space 9a, takes the food portion from the shelf 13, pushes the shelf 13 back into its position and closes the door of the cold-storage space 1, in which case the door switch 12 of the apparatus again reacts. Pulling out the shelf 13 simultaneously causes triggering of the switch 10, in which case the control system 3 receives information about the taking of the food portion 14 and

announces the name of the food portion aloud via the loudspeakers 6.

Next the user puts the food portion 14 into the heating means 2 inside the hood 16. The control system 3 has information about the taking of the food portion from the cold-storage space 1, so the control system 3 monitors that the food portion is put into the heating means 2 within an appropriate time. The heating space of the heating means 2 comprises a temperature sensor, by means of which the apparatus measures the internal temperature of the oven of the heating means 2. If the temperature starts to decrease owing to the cold deep-frozen portion, the apparatus infers that a food portion is in the oven and starts automatically to warm the food portion in connection with the provision of the food portion according to the heating instruction it receives, simultaneously monitoring the internal temperature of the oven by means of the temperature sensor.

Also a number of food portions can be heated with the oven at the same time. The system is able to change the heating program according to need.

If a food portion 14 is not detected in the oven of the heating means 2, i.e. the temperature in the oven does not decrease sufficiently, the apparatus does not start the heating function at all. In this case the apparatus of the user detects a malfunction, in which the food portion 14 is removed from the cold space 1 of the apparatus, but it is not put into the oven of the heating means 2. This is registered as an event in the total system, from where information can be transmitted onwards to the system server

5. Also in this case the apparatus of the user, among other things, prompts with speech to put the food portion 14 into the oven and gives other instructions. This is a good safety solution e.g. for demented people.

When the food portion 14 is heated and ready, the control system 3 of the apparatus notifies this in speech, in which case the food portion 14 can be moved out of the oven of the heating means 2 by hand.

In the arrangement according to the invention different services, including telecommunication connections, e.g. via the Internet, are produced for the apparatus of the user. The services comprise e.g. various alarms when the user does something wrong. An example that can be given in this case is that the customer has not placed the food portion into the oven or has not taken a meal by a certain time. Other necessary alarms can also be given. Additionally, the providers of a service or e.g. relatives provided with user passwords and user rights can record reminders and send them via the Internet to the apparatus of the user and tell in the user interface of the browser of their own computer at what time and on what day the reminder is to be sent and also whether the reminder is of a non-recurring or recurring nature. Reminders sent as speech messages can concern catering, the taking and dosage of medicines and other necessary matters. The reminder and the instructions must be acknowledged via the pushbutton 21 of the apparatus of the user. Additionally, the apparatus of the user is provided with means, by the aid of which it also functions as a media means, such as e.g. a radio, to which a program can be sent via the Internet. Likewise, e.g. bingo-playing and corresponding entertainment games can be sent via the apparatus .

It is essential to the arrangement according to the invention that the food portion 14 and its heating instruction are paired with each other such that the apparatus knows which food portion 14 is on which shelf 13 and which heating instruction is connected to which food portion 14. This is important because the heating instructions of different food portions differ considerably

from each other, in which case only with correctly performed heating is it possible to receive good-quality home-cooked food as the end result.

It is obvious to the person skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the embodiment example presented above, but that it may vary within the scope of the claims to be presented below. Thus, for example, the arrangement is described above as a separate apparatus, but the arrangement can also be implemented as an integrated structure, in which the cold-storage space, the heating means, the user interface and the control system form a single domestic appliance entity.

It is also obvious to the person skilled in the art that the spring-like sensing means on the shelf that is presented can be structurally different to what is described above. It can be a rod, or corresponding, provided with a spring, which pushes a food portion towards the rear end of the shelf when the food portion is placed onto the shelf. In this case a detent on the rear end of the rod triggers the switch on the rear wall of the shelving structure in the same way as the presser part of the spring-like sensing means when placing a shelf back into its position. When there is no food on the shelf the spring pushes the rod forwards, as far as the point where the detent of the rod triggers the switch when placing an empty shelf back into its position. The sensing means can thus be any structure whatsoever that detects a food portion on the shelf and that also identifies into which shelf space the shelf is being placed.

It is also obvious to the person skilled in the art that the name, heating instruction and other possible identification information of a food portion can be given to the control system of the apparatus of the user in another manner than by means of a memory stick connected to the USB connector in connection with the input of a food portion. All the

identification information together with the names and heating instructions can be e.g. pre-entered in the memory of the control system beforehand. In this case only updating of the information in the memory when new food portions, which have not previously been used in the arrangement, come into use is sufficient. Correspondingly, all the identification information together with the names and heating instructions of food portions can also be pre- entered in advance in the server of the service provider, from where they are downloaded in connection with the input of a food portion, e.g. via the Internet or other suitable data transfer network or communication network, to the apparatus of the user.

It is further obvious to the person skilled in the art that the identification of a food portion can be performed in different way than in connection with taking from the shelf. A food portion can be identified e.g. in connection with placement in the oven using RFID technology or using some other corresponding identification technology. In this case the heating instruction corresponding to the latest food portion is given to the control system.

It is further obvious to the person skilled in the art that the alarms, reminders and instructions in the arrangement can be sent also by text messages and by e-mail.

Furthermore, it is obvious to the person skilled in the art instead of a barcode system the identification of food portions can be based on another solution, such as on a magnetic stripe or corresponding, by means of which the markings about food portions brought to the cold-storage space are made adequately clear.