Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a packaging facility. More particularly, system and method to prepare a package of food items such as fruits and vegetables.

Background

[0002] The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] Due to pandemic’s onslaught, every industrial sector has been suffering and the global economy has plummeted to an all time low. Through these critical times, agriculture sector has shown a ray of hope, galvanizing the shrinking economies. Supply of the agricultural produce has not been deterred by the disease affliction, invigorating the trade and commerce. In order to meet huge routine demands of plurality of edible items such as potato, tomato, lettuce, broccoli, beans and other known items which can ensure a nutritious diet, packaging and logistics, have played a vital role in the distribution of these articles, required anywhere.

[0004] Generally, fresh fruits, vegetables, and other edible products are often kept on a shelf, table, or other structures that ease user/customer while picking. However, conventional way of product picking is associated with several limitations such as time consuming, identifying damaged product, segregate different types of products (e.g., tomato with potato) and sort different grades of products. However, to overcome such limitations, packaging of fruit/vegetables of various quantities have been initiated. To prepare unique weight fruit/food packaged, huge human resources are required which in turn amplifies management tasks and pricing. [0005] It is not feasible to deploy large group of personnel for food processing, since it will put an additional burden of disbursement of monthly salaries and the annual profit. Therefore, augmenting the food processing procedure through process automation, can perhaps meet the desired motive. However, installation of automated packaging facilities, require a large capital investment in order to meet the expenditures on maintenance and establishment. Though, high throughput packaging would certainly leverage the industrial produce and thus can be prove to be a lucrative option. Focusing the utilization of packaging robots, offer many important applications, across the industrial sector. When compared to manual processes, packaging robots can bring the speed, accuracy, and productivity that robotic automation is known for, all while delivering relatively fast return on investment when deployed correctly.

[0006] The deployment of robotic arms and roller conveyors can operationally perform a plurality of food processing steps viz., opening, filling, transporting, palletizing, sealing, and/or label product packaging. Just about any process involving the movement or packing of goods can be automated by a packaging robot. Packaging accurately to protect product integrity, the industrial sector also sees high usage of packaging robots to speed up cycle times and improve productivity, while the food and beverage industry also uses packaging robots for similar reasons.

[0007] Processed foods are often uniform in size and shape, making them easy to handle with a robotic gripper. However, automated food processing machines often produce products which are randomly oriented and distributed. Roller conveyors can maintain the conveying direction and movement of various articles, received atop rotatable roller members, which can ensure an automated sorting going through a number of sorting steps involved in the architecture of the system.

[0008] Robots are a very popular solution for packaging randomly placed products. With a simple pick and place action, they can simultaneously identify, align and place the product. Primary packaging involves taking raw or processed food products and wrapping them. The packages can vary hugely in size and shape, depending on the food. This makes some products difficult to handle with a robot. Processed foods (like cookies) are often easier to grasp due to their uniform size, but raw foods

(like broccoli) can present more of a challenge.

[0009] Therefore, in consideration of exhibited advantages and circuitous disadvantages such reduction in saleability of package (by mixing of larger article with smaller article), deterioration of quality (i.e., mixing of damaged articles with high quality articles) and many more. Thus, there remains a need for further contributions in this area of technology. More specifically, a need exists in the area of technology for automatic packaging which can overcome one or more limitations of known solutions.

[00010] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

[00011] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

[00012] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[00013] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[00014] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

Objects of the Invention

[00015] An object of the present disclosure is to overcome one or more drawbacks associated with conventional mechanisms.

[00016] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an easier and user-friendly method for packaging food product such as vegetable, fruit, spice and dry fruit.

[00017] An object of the present disclosure is to produce customized packages with higher precision. [00018] An object of the present disclosure is to provide automatic cost-effective and nontouch food packaging facility.

[00019] An object of the present disclosure is to reduce economic loss of agriculture stakeholder (e.g., farmer, distributor, retailer etc.).

[00020] An object of the present disclosure is to provide centralized packaging facility.

Summary

[00021] The present invention relates generally to a packaging facility. More particularly, system and method to prepare a package of food items such as fruits and vegetables.

[00022] In an aspect, the present invention provides a system to prepare a packaged product, the system comprises: an input means is arranged to receive a minimum weight and a maximum weight of the packaged product; a first conveyor unit is arranged to receive one or more food articles to be packed to prepare packaged product; and a packaging unit is configured at a downstream of the first conveyor unit and arranged to receive the one or more food articles from the first conveyor unit, wherein the packaging unit comprises: a second conveyor is arranged to transfer the received one or more food articles towards a conveying direction; a bin arrangement comprises: first series of bins comprise at least three bins, which are arranged on a left side of the second conveyor, wherein each bin comprises: an input end to receive one or more food articles; a reservoir is arranged to store the received one or more food articles; a first weight sensor is arranged to determine a weight of the stored one or more food articles; a discharge port is arranged to discharge stored one or more food articles; a first hydraulic driven closing element is arranged to enable discharge of the stored one or more food articles, through the discharge port; a first pivotally mounted flap is arranged at input end to enable transfer of the one or more food articles into the reservoir through the input end; a second series of containers comprise at least three containers, which are arranged on a right side of the second conveyor, wherein each container comprises: a primary end to receive one or more food articles; a storage space is arranged to store the received one or more food articles; a second weight sensor is arranged to determine a weight of the stored one or more food articles; a secondary port is arranged to discharge stored one or more food articles; second hydraulic driven closing element is arranged to enable discharge of the stored one or more food articles, through the secondary port; second pivotally mounted flap is arranged at the primary end to enable transfer of the one or more food articles into the storage space through the primary end; and a chute is arranged to receive the discharged one or more food articles from the second series of container and the first series of bins; and a control unit is arranged to: receive, the minimum weight, the maximum weight of the packaged product, and the determined weight of the each bins and the determined weight of the each containers; and identify, one or more bins or one or more containers or combination thereof, from which the stored one or more articles are discharged to prepare the packaged product.

[00023] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method to prepare a packaged product, the method comprises: receiving, at an input means, a minimum weight, and a maximum weight of the packaged product; receiving, at a first conveyor unit, one or more food articles to be packed to prepare packaged product; transferring, the received one or more food articles from the first conveyor unit to a packaging unit, which is configured at a downstream of the first conveyor unit, wherein the packaging unit comprises: a second conveyor is arranged to transfer the received one or more food articles towards a conveying direction; a bin arrangement comprises: first series of bins comprise at least three bins, which are arranged on a left side of the second conveyor, wherein each bin comprises: an input end to receive one or more food articles; a reservoir is arranged to store the received one or more food articles; a first weight sensor is arranged to determine a weight of the stored one or more food articles; a discharge port is arranged to discharge stored one or more food articles; a first hydraulic driven closing element is arranged to enable discharge of the stored one or more food articles, through the discharge port; a first pivotally mounted flap is arranged at input end to enable transfer of the one or more food articles into the reservoir through the input end; a second series of containers comprise at least three containers, which are arranged on a right side of the second conveyor, wherein each container comprises: a primary end to receive one or more food articles; a storage space is arranged to store the received one or more food articles; a second weight sensor is arranged to determine a weight of the stored one or more food articles; a secondary port is arranged to discharge stored one or more food articles; second hydraulic driven closing element is arranged to enable discharge of the stored one or more food articles, through the secondary port; second pivotally mounted flap is arranged at the primary end to enable transfer of the one or more food articles into the storage space through the primary end; and a chute is arranged to receive the discharged one or more food articles from the second series of container and the first series of bins; receiving, at a control unit, the minimum weight, the maximum weight of the packaged product, and the determined weight of the each bins and the determined weight of the each containers; and identifying, one or more bins or one or more containers or combination thereof, from which the stored one or more articles are discharged to prepare the packaged product.

[00024] In an embodiment, the second conveyor arranged at a pre-set angle with the first conveyor unit.

[00025] In an embodiment, a size of the first pivotally mounted flap increases at a rate of 18- 32%, in the conveying direction.

[00026] In an embodiment, a size of the second pivotally mounted flap increases at a rate of 18-32%, in the conveying direction.

[00027] In an embodiment, the control unit triggers a notification to a computing device.

[00028] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[00029] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary architecture of a system to prepare a packaged product, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[00030] FIG. 2 explains exemplary functional engines to produce a package, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. [00031] FIG. 3 explains exemplary steps for creating a packaged product, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

[00032] The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus, if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

[00033] The present invention relates generally to a packaging facility. More particularly, system and method to prepare a package of food items such as fruits and vegetables.

[00034] Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary architecture of a system 100 to prepare a packaged product 112, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The term “packaged” herein can refer to, but not restricted to wrapped, encased, packed, bundled or other known examples thereof. The term “product” herein can exemplary relate to, but not limited to one or more edible items (fruits, vegetable, chips) and one or more non edible items (naphthalene balls, cleanser). For example, a plurality of apples can be arranged/prepared/assembled in a package (made of cardboard or eco-friendly plastic or paper). The packaged product 112 can exemplary be labeled with a date of packaging, a best before duration, content, a nutritional value, weight and other known examples thereof.

[00035] According to illustrations made in Fig. 1 , in an exemplary embodiment, the system 100 can comprise an input means 102, a first conveyor unit 104, a packaging unit 106, a chute 108, a control unit 110 and other known elements of packaging unit. A person ordinarily skilled in art would appreciate that the aforementioned elements of system 100 can be communicably coupled with each other with an exemplary network interface (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth etc.) or fluidically communicated. [00036] In an exemplary embodiment, the input means 102 can be arranged to receive a minimum weight and a maximum weight of the packaged product 112. The input means 102 can be selected from a touch panel, a keyboard, button, and any other known examples. For example, the minimum and maximum weight can be represented in grams (g), kilograms (Kg) and other known units of weight. The minimum weight received can be equal to 500 g and a maximum weight received can be 5kg, of the packaged product 112. A user can provide a plurality of information through input means 102 such as a minimum weight, a maximum weight of each packaged product 112, a quantity of packaged product 112, a nature of package (e.g., airtight, under vacuum, etc.), a preferred packaging material (e.g., plastic sheet/net, nylon bag, paper, etc.), a date of packaging and other known examples thereof. An exemplary degree of weight variation (250g±0.5g, 250g±1.0g) can also be included in the packaged product 112.

[00037] In an exemplary embodiment, the first conveyor unit 104 can be arranged to receive food articles 114 (herein after individually or collectively can be referred as food articles 114) to be packed to prepare packaged product 112. The first conveyor unit 104 can be selected from a belt conveyor, chain conveyor, roller conveyor and other known variants thereof. The term ’’conveyor” used herein can relate to, but not restricted to an equipment to move the food articles 114 from one location to another, in an area or a space. The term “food articles” can exemplary relate to, but not limited to one or more edible items (fruits, vegetable, eggs, confectionary). For example, the first conveyor unit 104 can be arranged to receive a plurality of apples, fed through an exemplary hopper.

[00038] In an exemplary embodiment, a packaging unit 106 can be configured at a downstream of the first conveyor unit 104 and arranged to receive the food articles 114 from the first conveyor unit 104. The term “downstream end” can relate to, but not restricted to a posterior end, a rear end or other known examples thereof. The packaging unit 106 can comprise a second conveyor 106a and a bin arrangement 106b. The packaging unit 106 can also be configured with an exemplary pallet or a transfer unit to transfer food articles 114 from the first conveyor unit 104 to a second conveyor 106a, which can be arranged at a pre-set angle (such as 30°, 25 - 65°, 39 - 59°,7O°45 ⁰ ) with the first conveyor unit 104.

[00039] In an exemplary embodiment, the second conveyor 106a can be arranged to transfer the received food articles 114 towards a conveying direction. The “conveying direction” can relate to, but not limited to a direction of movement of the second conveyor 106a. For example, the second conveyor 106a can exemplary convey/move/transfer food articles 114 in exemplary backward or forward conveying direction. The second conveyor 106a can be same as first conveyor unit 104 or altered (first conveyor unit 104 and second conveyor 106a can be in form of a belt conveyor or first conveyor unit 104 can be belt conveyor and second conveyor 106a can be a roller conveyor and other known combinations thereof).

[00040] In an exemplary embodiment, a bin arrangement 106b can be arranged, wherein the bin arrangement can comprise a first series of bins 106bl and a second series of containers 106b2. The first series of bins 106bl can comprise at least three bins, which can be arranged on a left side of the second conveyor 106a and a second series of containers 106b2 can comprise at least three containers, which can be arranged on a right side of the second conveyor 106a. The term “bin” and/or “container” used herein can relate to, but not limited to a collection bin, a packaging bin, an accumulation/aggregation bin or other known examples thereof. For example, Each of the bin or containers can be arranged mutually opposite to each other, can be referred to as left and right side of the second conveyor 106a , or any other possible arrangements thereof. Practically, a plurality of the first series of bins 106bl and a second series of containers 106b2 may be juxtaposed on the left and right side of the second conveyor 106a, respectively, in whatever arrangement is preferable for preparing the packaged product 112.

[00041] In an exemplary embodiment, each bin of the first series of bins 106bl can comprise an input end 106bla, a reservoir 106blb, a first weight sensor 106blc, a discharge port 106bld, a first hydraulic driven closing element 106ble, a first pivotally mounted flap 106blf and other known elements of packaging bin.

[00042] In an exemplary embodiment, the input end 106b la can be arranged to receive food articles 114. The input end 106b la can exemplary relate to, but not restricted to a vent, an opening, a receiving end, an orifice and other known examples thereof. For example, the input end 106b la can be arranged on a top of each of the bin of the first series of bins 106bl.

[00043] In an exemplary embodiment, the reservoir 106blb can be arranged to store, the received food articles 114. The reservoir 106b lb can exemplary relate to, but not restricted a store, stock, a cache, a hoard and other known examples thereof. The reservoir can exemplarily can comprise a volume and a shape to store, received food articles 114.

[00044] In an exemplary embodiment, the first weight sensor 106blc can be arranged to determine a cumulative/total weight of the stored food articles 114. The first weight sensor 106b 1c can be selected from a strain gauge weight sensor, a capacitance weight sensor, a hydraulic weight sensor and other known examples thereof. The first weight sensor 106blc can exemplarily be based on, but not limited to a conversion of the weight into an electronic signal (a change in voltage, current, frequency).

[00045] In an embodiment, the discharge port 106b Id can be arranged to completely discharge the stored food articles 114. In an embodiment, the discharge port 106b Id can be arranged to partially discharge the stored food articles 114. The term “discharge” can relate to, but not limited to a release, dispense, emit, eject and other known examples thereof. A person ordinarily skilled in art would appreciate that the food articles 114 can be discharged individually, or collectively, in accordance to the embodiments of present disclosure.

[00046] In an exemplary embodiment, the hydraulic driven closing element 106ble can be arranged to enable discharge of the stored food articles 114 , through the discharge port 106bld. The hydraulic driven closing element 106ble can be selected from a constant pressure and load sensing unit, a pneumatic unit and other known variants thereof. For example, the hydraulic driven closing element 106ble can exemplarily regulate the discharge of the stored food articles 114 from the reservoir, in accordance with the embodiments of present disclosure.

[00047] In an exemplary embodiment, the first pivotally mounted flap 106b If can be arranged at the input end 106b la to enable transfer of the food articles 114 into the reservoir 106b lb through the input end 106bla. The size of the first pivotally mounted flap 106blf can increase at a rate of 16-20%, 20-23%, 24-27%, 27-31%, 31-35%, preferentially in the range of 18-20% in the conveying direction. These rates of increase of the first pivotally mounted flap 106b If can exemplary facilitate the transfer of variable sized of food articles 114 into the reservoir 106b lb through the input end 106b la. The phrase “pivotally mounted flap” can exemplary relate to, but not limited to, a central point, a pin, or a shaft on which a mounted (configured, arranged) flap can turn or oscillate. For example, the first pivotally mounted flap 106blf can swing to and fro from 0 to 180° or from 0 to 360° in order to enable transfer of the food articles 114 into the reservoir 106b lb through the input end 106b la. The first pivotally mounted flap 106blf can be a static in a nature.

[00048] In an exemplary embodiment, each container of the second series of containers 106b2 can comprise a primary end 106b2a, a storage space 106b2b, a second weight sensor 106b2c, a secondary port 106b2d, a second hydraulic driven closing element 106b2e, a second pivotally mounted flap 106b2f and other known elements.

[00049] In an exemplary embodiment, the primary end 106b2a can be arranged to receive food articles 114. The phrase “primary end” can relate to, but not restricted to, a first end, an entry port, a central/chief end and other known examples thereof. For example, the received food articles 114 at the primary end 106b2a can be same or of a different type (size, volume, shape, type) as compared to food articles 114 received at the input end 106b la of the first series of bins 106bl, may exemplary require different packaging material (cellophane, paraffin, cardboard), environment (vacuum, aerated, non aerated, refrigerated), can be shredded or other known exemplary differences thereof.

[00050] In an exemplary embodiment, the storage space 106b2b can be arranged to store the received food articles 114. The term “storage” can exemplary relate to a repository, a stock space, a heap accumulator and other known examples thereof. The storage space 106b2b can exemplary comprise one or more sections and conduits for the food articles 114, respectively, for their arrangement. A person ordinarily skilled in would appreciate that an exemplary one more comprising elements of storage (refrigerating element, vacuum) can be arranged in the storage space 106b2b, in accordance with the embodiments of present disclosure.

[00051] In an exemplary embodiment, the second weight sensor 106b2c can be arranged to determine a weight of the stored food articles 114. The term “determine” can exemplary relate to, but not restricted to, confirm, deduce, ascertain and other known examples thereof. The weight of the stored food articles 114 can exemplary be altered during a duration of storage in the storage space 106b2b, due to an exposure to heat or desiccated ambiance or other known causes. The second weight sensor 106b2c can exemplary output a digital readout of minimum and maximum weight of food article 114. The second weight sensor 106b2c can exemplary be arranged on a bottom surface of each of the containers of the second series of containers 106b2.

[00052] In an exemplary embodiment, a secondary port 106b2d can be arranged to discharge stored food articles 114. The term “secondary” used herein can exemplary relate to, but not limited to non-primary, ancillary, alternative, exit and other known examples thereof. The secondary port 106b2d can exemplary be arranged beneath the primary end 106b2a or any other possible arrangements thereof. A person ordinarily skilled in art would appreciate that a cross-sectional area of the secondary port 106b2d can be transformed/altered in order to facilitate the discharge stored food articles 114 of different size and shape. For example, the discharge of a watermelon and an orange would require different cross-sectional area of the secondary port 106b2d, in order to collect one or more watermelon and orange individually.

[00053] In an exemplary embodiment, the second hydraulic driven closing element 106b2e can be arranged to enable discharge of the stored food articles 114 , through the secondary port 106b2d. The discharge can be exemplary regulated for the food articles 114. For example, the secondary port 106b2d can open and close by the action of the second hydraulic driven closing element 106b2e, thus facilitating the discharge of the stored food articles 114 , collectively or individually, in accordance with the embodiment of present disclosure.

[00054] In an exemplary embodiment, the second pivotally mounted flap 106b2f can be arranged at the primary end 106b2a to enable transfer of the food articles 114 into the storage space 106b2b through the primary end 106b2a. For example, the second pivotally mounted flap 106b2f can swing in and out or rotate or flip or any other possible orientations/transformations, with a variable degree of freedom, to enable transfer of the food articles 114 into the storage space 106b2b through the primary end 106b2a. The size of the second pivotally mounted flap 106b2f can increase at a rate of 16- 20%, 20-23%, 24-27%, 27-31%, 31-35%, preferentially in the range of 18-20% in the conveying direction, can increase at a rate of 16-20%, 20-23%, 24-27%, 27-31%, 31-35%, preferentially in the range of 18-20% in the conveying direction.

[00055] In an exemplary embodiment, the chute 108 can be arranged to receive the discharged food articles 114 from the second series of container 106b2 and the first series of bins 106bl. The term ’’chute” used herein can relate to, but not limited to a sloping channel or slide for conveying food articles 114 , preferentially at a lower level. The chute 108 can exemplary comprise circular sidewalls with an angle of inclination pre-set/altered, arranged with the second series of container 106b2 and the first series of bins 106bl.

[00056] In an exemplary embodiment, the control unit 110 can be arranged to receive, the minimum weight, the maximum weight of the packaged product 112, the determined weight of each bins and the determined weight of the each containers. The control unit 110 can also enable the identification of one or more bins or one or more containers or combination thereof, from which the stored food articles 114 can be discharged to prepare the packaged product 112. The control unit 110 can use a machine learning methodology (e.g., CNN, HMM, genetic algorithm, SVM, computer vision, deep learning etc.) to identify bins and/or containers, from which the stored food articles 114 can be released (into the chute 108) to prepare product package 112.

[00057] According to the embodiment of control unit 110, which can exemplary comprise a non-transitory storage device (random access memory, storage device) and a microprocessor (microcontroller, processing circuit). A person ordinarily skilled in art would appreciate that the non- transitory storage device can exemplary be arranged to store, modify, upgrade data pertaining to the preparation of the packaged product 112, for any duration of time. Upon creation of packaged product 112, the control unit 110 may trigger a notification (e.g., SMS, email) to the computing device. The microprocessor may be arranged to perform different functional operations of the system 100, in accordance with the embodiments of present disclosure.

[00058] The system 100 can utilize Internet of things (loT) based smart sensing technology so that system 100 can be loTified. Further, the system 100 can also be used from a single remote location to run multiple packaging units, which may be arranged geographically apart.

[00059] Fig. 2 illustrates exemplary functional unit/engine 200 to create a packaged product 112, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the functional unit/engine 200 200 can comprise a data receive engine 202 and a packaging engine 204. The functional engines can be executed sequentially or randomly, collectively or individually by the microprocessor.

[00060] In an exemplary embodiment, the data receive engine 202 can be arranged to receive the minimum and the maximum weight of the packaged product 112, the determined weight of the each bins and the determined weight of the each containers. For example, the data receive engine 202 can receive the captured image which can be tagged/labeled/marked/noted with the determined weight of the each food article 114 which can be present on the first conveyor unit 104. The data receive engine 202 can receive data from one or more elements of system 100, through a network interface/communication network (e.g., WIFI, Bluetooth, etc.), in a runtime or near runtime. The received minimum and maximum weight can be represented as weight (Kg, g) ivariation, such as 250g ± 5g for minimum and 5kg ± 10g for maximum weight, respectively. A person ordinarily skilled in art would appreciate that the variation in the values of the minimum and the maximum weight of the packaged product 112, can be minimized or normalized, in accordance with the embodiments of present disclosure.

[00061] In an exemplary embodiment, the packaging engine 204 can be arranged to identify individual or group of the bins (first series of bins 106bl) or containers (the second series of containers 106b2), which can be used to prepare the packaged product 112. The packaging unit may control, individually or collectively, first pivotally mounted flap 106blf of the each identified bin and/or the second pivotally mounted flap 106b2f of each identified container to release the stored food articles 114 , into chute 108. The released article from the chute 108 can be packed in appropriate packaging material (e.g., cardboard, nylon mesh bag). The packaged product 112 may be labeling with various information such as packaging information (e.g., weight, batch number, packaging date etc.), nutritional value, storage condition, expiry date and like that. The packaged product may undergo cleaning/washing, sterilization, freezing etc.

[00062] FIG. 3 represents exemplary steps 300 for creating a packaged product, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The method includes the steps of: at step (302), receiving, receiving, at an input means, a minimum weight, and a maximum weight of the packaged product; at step (304), receiving, at a first conveyor unit, one or more food articles to be packed to prepare packaged product; at step (306), transferring, the received one or more food articles from the first conveyor unit to a packaging unit, which is configured at a downstream of the first conveyor unit, wherein the packaging unit comprises: a second conveyor is arranged to transfer the received one or more food articles towards a conveying direction; a bin arrangement comprises: first series of bins comprise at least three bins, which are arranged on a left side of the second conveyor, wherein each bin comprises: an input end to receive one or more food articles; a reservoir is arranged to store the received one or more food articles; a first weight sensor is arranged to determine a weight of the stored one or more food articles; a discharge port is arranged to discharge stored one or more food articles; a first hydraulic driven closing element is arranged to enable discharge of the stored one or more food articles, through the discharge port; a first pivotally mounted flap is arranged at input end to enable transfer of the one or more food articles into the reservoir through the input end; a second series of containers comprise at least three containers, which are arranged on a right side of the second conveyor, wherein each container comprises: a primary end to receive one or more food articles; a storage space is arranged to store the received one or more food articles; a second weight sensor is arranged to determine a weight of the stored one or more food articles; a secondary port is arranged to discharge stored one or more food articles; second hydraulic driven closing element is arranged to enable discharge of the stored one or more food articles, through the secondary port; second pivotally mounted flap is arranged at the primary end to enable transfer of the one or more food articles into the storage space through the primary end; and a chute is arranged to receive the discharged one or more food articles from the second series of container and the first series of bins; at step (306), receiving, at a control unit, the minimum weight, the maximum weight of the packaged product, and the determined weight of the each bins and the determined weight of the each containers; and at step (310), identifying, one or more bins or one or more containers or combination thereof, from which the stored one or more articles are discharged to prepare the packaged product.

[00063] Throughout the present disclosure, the term “computing device” can also relate to a device, including but are not limited to, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device, a computer, a server, a personal computer, and other known examples thereof.

[00064] Throughout the present disclosure, the term ‘processing means’ or ‘microprocessor’ or ‘processor’ or ‘processors’ includes, but is not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, a reduced instruction set (RISC) microprocessor, a very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, or any other type of processing circuit.

[00065] In an aspect, any or a combination of machine learning mechanisms such as decision tree learning, Bayesian network, deep learning, random forest, supervised vector machines, reinforcement learning, prediction models, Statistical Algorithms, Classification, Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machines, Linear Discriminant Analysis, K-Nearest Neighbors, Decision Trees, Random Forests, Regression, Linear Regression, Support Vector Regression, Logistic Regression, Ridge Regression, Partial Least-Squares Regression, Non-Linear Regression, Clustering, Hierarchical Clustering - Agglomerative, Hierarchical Clustering - Divisive, K-Means Clustering, K-Nearest Neighbours Clustering, EM (Expectation Maximization) Clustering, Principal Components Analysis Clustering (PCA), Dimensionality Reduction, Non-Negative Matrix Factorization (NMF), Kernel PCA, Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), Generalized Discriminant Analysis (kernel trick again), Ensemble Algorithms, Deep Learning, Reinforcement Learning, AutoML (Bonus) and the like can be employed to learn sensor/hardware components.

[00066] The term “non-transitory storage device” or “storage” or “memory,” as used herein relates to a random access memory, read only memory and variants thereof, in which a computer can store data or software for any duration.

[00067] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

[00068] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refer to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.

Advantages of the Invention

[00069] An advantage of the present disclosure is to overcome one or more drawbacks associated with conventional mechanisms.

[00070] An advantage of the present disclosure is to provide an easier and user friendly method for packing food product such as vegetable, fruit, spice and dry fruit.

[00071] An advantage of the present disclosure is to produce customized packages with higher precision.

[00072] An advantage of the present disclosure is to provide cost-effective automatic and nontouch food packaging facility.

[00073] An advantage of the present disclosure is to reduce economic loss to one or more stakeholder (e.g., farmer, distributor, retailer etc.) of agricultural sector.

[00074] An advantage of the present disclosure is to provide centralized packaging facility.