The present disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for dispensing meals, and for determining a nutrient composition of food, and more particularly to the utilisation of solid-state lighting in such apparatus and methods.

Background

Food is wasted at different stages in the food supply chain resulting in huge social, economic, and environmental impacts. Food wastage contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to wasted water and land.

Food waste may be described in terms of pre and post farm gate food waste. Huge efforts have been made to minimise food waste at the source and much has been achieved in prefarm gate food waste (food loss) reduction through the diversion of food waste from landfill to other beneficial use such as utilising anaerobic digesters in the farm to process food waste into energy and useful biosolids.

However, post farm gate food waste arises from many different sources such as the hospitality sector, retail shops, schools and households, making it difficult to proffer an efficient solution to food waste at the source since the sources of post farm gate food waste are often geographically dispersed. For example, a significant cause of food waste lies in the provision of breakfast buffets in hotels, which generally need to be well stocked to cater for the desires of each individual hotel guest at any time during the hours of breakfast service, even though the guests themselves may only choose a small number of items. Consequently, at the end of the breakfast service, it is common for an appreciable amount of uneaten food to go to waste.

There is also a significant cost associated with food waste disposal.

Summary

Aspects of the present disclosure are defined in the appended independent claims. Details of certain embodiments are set out in the dependent claims. According to a first aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a system for dispensing meals comprising: a meal dispenser comprising at least one meal enclosure and means for automatically dispensing a respective meal from the or each meal enclosure; and a computing means arranged in communicative connection with the meal dispenser and configured to execute computer-readable instructions which when executed activate the means for automatically dispensing a meal; wherein the or each meal enclosure comprises temperature control means and sterilization means and wherein the temperature control means and/or the sterilization means comprise solid-state lighting.

By virtue of the operation of the sterilization means and the temperature control means, the meal may be kept warm or cold and may be sterilized to reduce food wastage and contamination.

According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one meal enclosure may comprise a plurality of meal enclosures and the means for automatically dispensing a meal may comprise a slidable drawer. The system may further comprise locking means, under the control of the computing means, for locking the slidable drawer in closed and/or open positions.

The means for automatically dispensing a respective meal from the or each meal enclosure may comprise a linear actuator. The linear actuator may comprise a rod that is connected to the slidable drawer. The rod may be connected to a front panel of the slidable drawer. The linear actuator may be operable to extend the rod to move the slidable drawer into an open position in which a user can access the inside of the drawer, and to retract the rod to move the slidable drawer into a closed position.

The linear actuator may be located below the slidable drawer. Beneficially, the arrangement of the linear actuator below the slidable drawer enables unencumbered access to the inside of the drawer from the rear of the meal dispenser (for example by the provision of an access door at the rear of the drawer). This access enables kitchen staff (for example) to restock the drawer from the rear side of the meal dispenser. This configuration is particularly advantageous when the meal dispenser is incorporated into a wall between two adjoining rooms, such that (for example) the rear of the drawer is accessible from a kitchen by kitchen staff, and the front of the drawer is accessible from a serving room by a user.

In certain embodiments, the computing means may further be in communicative connection with a network and the system may further comprise a device for ordering meals from the meal dispenser. Such a device for ordering may be in communicative connection with the network and the computing means may comprise at least one of a server or a client device.

The system may further comprise a scanner, for identifying a particular user, which may be in communicative connection with the computing means. The scanner may comprise at least one of: a QR code reader, a bar code reader, a visual recognition means. Such a visual recognition means may comprise facial recognition means.

In certain embodiments, the temperature control means may comprise a temperature sensor, such a temperature sensor may comprise an infrared temperature sensor. The temperature control means may comprise an infrared emitter or a heatable mat (e g. a mat comprising an electric heating element), and the solid-state lighting may comprise means for radiating ultraviolet (UV) light. The heatable mat may be provided inside the slidable drawer.

The slidable drawer may comprise a door for providing access to a rear side of the slidable drawer. The door may be a hinged door.

At least one surface of the slidable drawer may be lined with a thermally insulating material. The thermally insulating material may be neoprene. An inner surface of the door may be lined with the thermally insulating material.

The meal dispenser may be provided with a sensor (e.g. inside the slidable drawer) for detecting the presence of a meal inside a meal enclosure. The means for automatically dispensing a meal may be configured to dispense the respective meal (e.g. by opening the slidable drawer) or close a meal enclosure (e.g. by closing the slidable drawer) based on (e g. in response to) a measurement obtained by the sensor. The sensor may be a spring sensor. The sensor may be a load-cell sensor. The load-cell sensor may be used to determine a weight of a meal that is inside the slidable drawer. The determined weight of the meal may be transmitted to a user device or a remote server.

Optionally, the or each meal enclosure may comprise cooling means and the or each meal enclosure may comprise a plurality of temperature zones. Such a cooling means may comprise at least one of: a heat pump, a refrigerating coil, an ice box.

Optionally, the solid-state lighting may comprise at least one of: gallium nitride, organo- metallics, soluble platinum.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a computer- implemented method suitable for execution on at least one of the computing means, the device or another computer connected to the network according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the method comprising: receiving an order instruction from a user interface of the device, wherein the instruction comprises at least a dispensing time indicator and a meal type indicator; sending the order instruction to the computing means; and dispensing, from the meal dispenser, a meal in accordance with the order instruction.

In some embodiment, this method may further comprise the step of: receiving, from the scanner of the first aspect of the present disclosure, identification of a user.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a computer- implemented method suitable for execution on at least one of the computing means, the device or another computer connected to the network according to any preceding aspect of the present disclosure, the method comprising the steps of: a) determining, by means of the infrared temperature sensor of the first aspect of the present disclosure, a temperature of the meal in the meal enclosure; b) recording, by the computing means, the temperature of the meal in the meal enclosure; c) sterilizing, by means of the UV solid-state lighting according to any preceding aspect of the present disclosure, the meal in the meal enclosure, wherein the meal is irradiated with UV light for a predetermined length of time; d) repeating, in sequence, steps a and b of the present aspect until the temperature of the meal falls below a predetermined threshold temperature; e) repeating step c of the present aspect when the meal falls below a predetermined threshold temperature; f) repeating, in sequence, steps d and e of the present aspect until the meal is dispensed. According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a computer- implemented method suitable for execution on at least one of the computing means, the device or another computer connected to the network according to any preceding aspect of the present disclosure, the method comprising the steps of: detecting, by means of the infrared temperature sensor of the first aspect of the present disclosure (or by other suitable means such as a load cell), the dispensation of the meal in the meal enclosure; sterilizing, by means of the UV solid-state lighting according to any preceding aspect of the present disclosure, the meal enclosure, wherein the meal enclosure is irradiated with UV light for a predetermined length of time.

In some embodiments of the above-mentioned computer-implemented methods the wavelength of the UV light may be between 240nm and 260nm, the predetermined length of time may be 5 minutes for the purpose of sterilisation, preventing further microbial activity that would otherwise lead to food spoilage. The predetermined threshold temperature may for example be 65 degrees centigrade, or lower. Indeed, whilst a temperature of 65 degrees centigrade helps to prevent microbial activity, the sterilisation effect provided by the UV light enables the food to be kept at lower temperatures, e.g. 50 degrees centigrade, whilst still keeping microbial activity suppressed to within safe and acceptable limits. Similarly, when UV sterilisation is provided, cold food can be kept warmer than it would otherwise need to be. For example, by virtue of the sterilisation effect provided by the UV light, cold food can be safely kept at temperatures greater than a conventional temperature of about 4 degrees centigrade.

Optionally, at least one constituent part of the meal, in any above-mentioned method, may be tracked to the meal enclosure by means of a blockchain ledger.

By virtue of the order instruction of the above-mentioned methods, caterers are able to better plan and accommodate for the meal requirements of the users of the meal dispenser and stock the meal dispenser appropriately in good time ahead of the dispensing of the meals.

By virtue of each meal enclosure dispensing a single meal, there is no cross-contamination between meals or users. Further, the dispensing of a single meal reduces wastage compared to, for example, a buffet system. Furthermore, by virtue of a single meal being dispensed from a single meal enclosure to a single user, contact with the meal may be controlled and tracked.

By virtue of the blockchain ledger, the source of the meal supplied to a given single user may also be tracked.

The concept of a “meal enclosure” includes an enclosure for a meal alone and not for multiple meals. Such meals comprise food and/or drink and may comprise the food and/or drink allocation for a single person or group of people dining together, for example a single household. It may also include agrifood products.

According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a method of determining a nutrient composition of food, the method comprising: illuminating the food with light from at least one solid-state light; detecting corresponding light reflected or emitted from the food using a light sensor; and determining a nutrient composition of the food based on machine learning and quantum simulation of the wavelengths and corresponding intensities of the light detected by the light sensor.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a method of determining a nutrient composition of food, the method comprising: illuminating the food with light from at least one solid-state light; detecting corresponding light reflected or emitted from the food using a light sensor; improving the insight from the light sensor data (wavelengths and corresponding intensities of the light) using quantum simulation and machine learning to determine the nutrient composition of the food.

According to a yet further aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a method of determining a nutrient composition of food, the method comprising: illuminating the food with light from at least one solid-state light; detecting corresponding light reflected or emitted from the food using a light sensor; and determining a nutrient composition of the food based on the wavelengths and corresponding intensities of the light detected by the light sensor.

In relation to the fifth and further aspects, the at least one solid-state light and the light sensor may be provided inside the meal enclosure of the first aspect of the present disclosure. The at least one solid-state light may be configured to illuminate the food with at least one of UVC, infrared, NIR, or MIR radiation. A single solid state light may be provided for illuminating the food with radiation within the UVC region as well as the infrared region. Alternatively, a plurality of solid-state lights may be provided, wherein one of the plurality of solid-state lights is configured to illuminate the food with UVC radiation and another of the solid state lights is configured to illuminate the food with infrared radiation.

The solid state light may be configured to (e.g. simultaneously): disinfect the food using UVC radiation generated by the solid state light and heat the food using infrared radiation generated by the same solid state light.

The method may further comprise measuring light reflected or emitted from a pure sample of a metabolite, mixture of pure samples of metabolites and food samples using a light sensor.

The method may further comprise the use of quantum simulation-Vibrational Coupled Cluster (VCC) and applying appropriate eigensolvers on these datasets from the light sensor to establish further information on the electron excitation, making it possible to further identify metabolites from spectroscopic data, a step forward from the standard practice of using spectroscopic data to determine only functional groups.

The method may further comprise storing data for the metabolites, mixture of metabolites and food samples obtained by performing liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC- MS) or gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

The method may further comprise storing data corresponding the quantum simulated data set from the light sensor and the data from LC-MS and GC-MS, and determining the nutrient composition of the food using the stored data. The determining a nutrient composition of the food may be performed using a neural network. The neural network may be trained using the stored data.

According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a system according to the first aspect, configured to implement the method of the fifth or further aspects. Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the drawings in which:

Figure 1 schematically illustrates a system for dispensing meals according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 schematically illustrates a scanner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 3 schematically illustrates a meal enclosure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 4 schematically illustrates a slidable drawer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 5 schematically illustrates a network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 6 is a procedural flow diagram of a method for authenticating a user according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 7 is a procedural flow diagram of a method for sterilizing a slidable drawer after use according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 8 is a procedural flow diagram of a method for sterilizing a meal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 9 is a procedural flow diagram of a method for maintaining a meal above a predetermined temperature according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 10 is a procedural flow diagram of a method for maintaining a meal below a predetermined temperature according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 11 is a procedural flow diagram of a method for dispensing a meal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 12 shows a schematic cutaway view of a meal enclosure comprising a linear actuator;

Figure 13 shows a further schematic cutaway view of the meal enclosure comprising the linear actuator;

Figure 14 shows an exterior view of the meal enclosure;

Figure 15 shows a front view of the meal enclosure, indicating cross sections A-A and B- B;

Figure 16 shows a simplified schematic cross section A-A of the meal enclosure;

Figure 17 shows a side view of the meal enclosure;

Figure 18 shows a simplified schematic cross section B-B of the meal enclosure;

Figure 19 schematically illustrates a rear side of the meal enclosure;

Figure 20 schematically illustrates the operation of a hinged door of the meal enclosure;

Figure 21 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the meal enclosure in which a loadcell sensor is provided;

Figure 22 shows a simplified schematic circuit diagram;

Figure 23 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the meal enclosure in which a spring sensor is provided; and

Figure 24 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the meal enclosure in which a solid- state light and a light sensor are provided.

Detailed Description

The present embodiments represent the best ways known to the Applicant of putting the invention into practice. However, they are not the only ways in which this can be achieved. Referring to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, and to Figure 1 in particular, there is provided a system 101 for dispensing meals. The system shown in Figure 1 depicts a device 104 which is in communicative connection with a meal dispenser 102. The communicative connection of the illustrated embodiment is by means of a physical connection 105 such as a copper wire or optical fibre, although in alternative embodiments a wireless connection may be used instead. It is via this communicative connection that the device 104 may send instructions to the meal dispenser 102 to dispense a meal.

The meal dispenser 102 may be located in any suitable location for dispensing meals. For example, the meal dispenser 102 could be located in a serving room of a hotel to dispense items of a breakfast buffet. As will be described in more detail later, the meal dispenser 102 may be incorporated into a wall between a kitchen and a serving room. The meal dispenser can also be used in dispensing other agrifood products.

As can be seen in Figure 1, the meal dispenser 102 has a plurality of meal enclosures 103. Figure 1 being a front view of the meal dispenser, only the front side of the meal enclosures 103 can be seen. The meal dispenser 102 may have meal enclosures 103 ranging in number depending on the available space for locating the meal dispenser 102, and the requirements of the premises in which the system 101 is installed.

Also shown in Figure 1 is a QR code 106 located on a display of the device 104. Referring also to Figure 2, such a QR code 106 may play a role in the authentication of a user 108. The QR code 106 may, as shown in the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, be located on the device 104. However, the QR code 106 may alternatively be located on a display of user’s device 109.

In both cases authentication takes place by scanning 107 the QR code 106, either with a camera of the user’s device 109 or a camera of the device 104. Successful scanning 107 may then generate and send an authentication communication to the device 104 indicating that the user 108 is the authentic user 108.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the scanner is a QR code reader, however, the scanner may instead be a bar code reader. Alternatively, or in addition, the scanner may comprise a visual recognition means (not shown).

Such a visual recognition means may comprise facial recognition means which may be located on or in communication with the device 104 of the system 101. Alternatively, the facial recognition means may be located on the user’s device 109 and an authentication communication may be sent to the device 104 to confirm the user’s authenticity.

For example, the user may be facially identified by means of a forward-facing camera on a smartphone of the user 108 and such a successful identification may generate and send an encrypted message from the smartphone to the device 104 confirming the authenticity of the user 108.

Referring now to Figure 3, following confirmation of the authenticity of the user by means of the QR code and/or visual recognition, the device activates means for automatically dispensing a meal from the respective meal enclosure 103. Preferably the meal may be purchased in advance by the user 108, thereby reducing the likelihood that the meal will not be collected and will go to waste.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 3 the means for automatically dispensing a meal from the meal enclosure 103 comprises a slidable drawer 111. The slidable drawer 111 has mutually engageable opening means located on the outside sides of the slidable drawer 111 and the inside sides of the enclosure body 116.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 3 two racks 112 are located on each outside side of the slidable drawer 111 which are engageable with corresponding pinions 113 located on the inside side walls of the enclosure body 116. The inside side walls of the enclosure body 116 may also comprise rails 117 for retaining the slidable drawer 111 in horizontal and slidable orientation with the enclosure body 116. Such rails 117 may also be engageable with the racks 11 .

For the purposes of illustration an example pinion 113 and the associated actuating means are depicted on the outside of the enclosure body 116 but in practice these would be located on the inside walls of the enclosure body 116. Each pinion 113 is connected to an electrical motor 114 and an electrical supply 115 for actuating the sliding of the slidable drawer 111. Such sliding serves to dispense a meal located in the meal enclosure 103.

The system may further comprise locking means (not shown), under the control of the device, for locking the slidable drawer in closed and/or open positions. For example, the locking means may include locking the pinion 113 in place and thereby preventing movement of the slidable drawer 111.

In some embodiments lifting the meal from the slidable drawer 111 may trigger a sprung lever (not shown) to actuate and cause the closure of the slidable drawer 111.

By virtue of the automation of the dispensing of the meal and the use of a slidable drawer 111 contact of any surface of the meal dispenser 102 by the user 108 is avoided.

The slidable drawer 111 may fully extend out of the enclosure body 116 for convenient access to the entire length of the slidable drawer 111 by the user 108, including the back of the slidable drawer 111. The slidable drawer 111 may also rest on ball bearing rollers for smooth and quiet operation.

Referring particularly to Figure 4, the slidable drawer 111 may comprise a plurality of temperature zones 118, 119. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the temperature zone comprises a warming zone 118 and a cooling zone 119.

The cooling zone 119 may comprise cooling means (not shown) which may include a heat pump, a refrigerating coil and/or an ice box. In the case of the cooling means comprising automatic cooling means, such as a heat pump or a refrigerating coil, such automatic cooling means may be in communicative connection with, and under the control of, the device 104.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 4 the cooling zone further comprises a temperature sensor 123 which is in communicative connection with the device 104 of the system 101.

Elements of the meal that may require cooling, such as a cold drink, may be placed in the cooling zone to ensure that it remains cold until it is dispensed. The warming zone 118 of the slidable drawer 111 may comprise solid-state lighting 121 and an infrared temperature sensor 120 as shown in Figure 4. Each of the solid-state lighting 121 and the infrared temperature sensor 120 may be in communicative connection with the device 104. The solid-state lighting 121 may comprise an ultraviolet (UV) emitter and may further comprise an infrared emitter

Referring particularly to Figure 5, the device 104 of the system and the user’s device 109 may be communicatively connected with one another and with other computing means such as a control server 124 in a network 125.

As shown in Figure 5, the network 125 may comprise the internet 126, thereby connecting the device 104, the user’s device 109, a control server 124 and a user’s computer 128 over long distances. Each computing means may be connected to the internet 126 by communicative connection 127.

By virtue of being connected to the internet 126 the system may comprise software for providing an online platform for ordering meals or pre-booking meals for dispensing at a later time or date from the meal dispenser 102.

Such an online platform may be associated with the venue in which the meal dispenser 102 is located. For example, the order of a meal may be made in association with the booking of accommodation at a hotel in which the meal dispenser 102 is located.

Referring now to Figures 6 to 11, the device and/or other computing means of the system may be configured to execute various methods of the present disclosure. Such methods may include receiving an order instruction from a user device 104, 128 which may include a time and/or date that the user 108 would like the meal to be dispensed from the meal dispenser 102 and the type of meal that the user 108 may desire. For example, the type of meal might be breakfast, lunch or dinner or may be a vegetarian or vegan meal. Equally, the type of meal may include an exact order from the user 108.

The order instruction may be received by the device 104 of the system 101 which is configured to activate and open the slidable drawer 111 at the desired time and upon identification of the user 108, as described above. Referring particularly to Figure 6, there is provided a method 601 for indicating the authentication requirements for a given instruction order. Upon receiving an order instruction 602 from a user interface of a device 104, 128 in the network 125, a QR code may be generated 603. The user 108 may then indicate the level of authentication they require upon collection of the meal. If the user indicates that double authentication is required 604 the visual recognition 605 will be required as well as QR code authentication upon collection of the meal from the meal dispenser 102. On the other hand, if the user 108 indicates that no such double authentication is required, only the generated QR code will be required for authentication when dispensing the meal 606.

Methods of the present disclosure may also include detecting, by means of the infrared temperature sensor, the dispensation of a meal from the slidable drawer 111. Following dispensation of the meal the slidable drawer 111 may be sterilized by means of the UV emitter 121. The slidable drawer may be irradiated with UV light for a predetermined length of time, preferably, 5 minutes.

Referring particularly to Figure 7, there is provided a method 701 for sterilizing the slidable drawer 111 after dispensation. Following dispensation of a meal 702, the meal may be removed by the user 703. The infrared temperature sensor 120 may detect removal of the meal 704 from the slidable drawer 111 and closure of the slidable drawer 111 will be actuated 705. As will be described in more detail later, the removal of the meal 704 may alternatively be detected using a load cell sensor or a spring sensor. Following this, the slidable drawer 111 may be sterilized 706 as described above.

A further method of the present disclosure includes determining, by means of the infrared temperature sensor 120, a temperature of the meal in the slidable drawer 111. This temperature may be recorded by the device. Following this the meal may then be sterilized, by means of the UV emitter 121 as described above, whereby the meal is irradiated with UV light for a predetermined length of time, preferably 5 minutes.

The steps of determining and recording a temperature of the meal is repeated until the temperature drops below a predetermined temperature, preferably 65 degrees centigrade. Each time the meal is determined to have dropped below the predetermined temperature, the solid-state lighting 121, such as the UV emitter, may be activated, for example as described above, until the meal is dispensed. Accordingly, the meal may be kept above the predetermined temperature so that it is ready for consumption when is dispensed.

Referring particularly to Figure 8, there is provided a method 801 for sterilizing a meal in the slidable drawer 111. Upon closure and/or locking 802 of the slidable drawer 111, the slidable drawer 111 may be scanned 803 by, for example, the infrared temperature sensor to determine whether or not a meal is present 804. As will be described in more detail later, a load-cell sensor or a spring sensor may alternatively be used to determine whether or not a meal is present. If a meal is not present, the no further action may be taken 805. However, if a meal is present, the temperature of the meal is recorded 806 and the meal is sterilised 807 by means, for example, of the UV emitter as described above by irradiation of the meal with UV light for a predetermined period of time, preferably 5 minutes.

Referring particularly to Figure 9, there is provided a method 901 for maintaining a predetermined temperature of the meal in the warming zone 118 of the slidable drawer 111. Such a method includes determining 902 whether a meal is in the warming zone 118 of the slidable drawer 111. If no meal is present, then no further action may be taken 903. In circumstances in which a meal is present, the temperature of the meal may be recorded 904. If the temperature is above a predetermined threshold 905, preferably 65 degrees centigrade, then the temperature is continually monitored and recorded until the temperature drops below the predetermined threshold. If the temperature is below a predetermined threshold 905 then the solid-state lighting may be activated 906 to warm the food back up to above the predetermined threshold.

Referring now specifically to Figure 10, a method 1001 is provided for maintaining a predetermined temperature of the meal in the cooling zone 119 of the slidable drawer 111. Such a method includes determining 1002 whether a meal is in cooling zone 119 of the slidable drawer 111. If no meal is present, then no further action may be taken 1003. In circumstances in which a meal is present, the temperature of the meal may be recorded 1004. If the temperature is below a predetermined threshold 1005, preferably 4 degrees centigrade, then the temperature is continually monitored and recorded until the temperature rises above the predetermined threshold. If the temperature is above a predetermined threshold 1005 then the cooling means may be activated 1006 to cool the food back down to below the predetermined threshold.

Referring now to Figure 11, a method 1101 is provided for dispensing a meal. Upon identification of a user 1102, whether or not the solid-state lighting is on is determined 1103. If the solid-state lighting is on then it is turned off 1104. If it is off or when it is turned off, the temperature of the meal is recorded 1105. The infrared sensor is then turned off 1106. The slidable drawer 111 is the unlocked and the meal is dispensed 1107.

In some embodiments of the above-mentioned methods the wavelength of the UV emitter may be between 240nm and 260nm.

Meal enclosure

Detailed embodiments of the meal enclosure and the slidable drawer will now be described, with reference to Figures 12 to 24. It will be appreciated that the meal enclosure 200 and the slidable drawer 213 described in the below embodiments may be used in place of the meal enclosure 103 and slidable drawer 111 in any of the above-described embodiments.

Figure 12 schematically illustrates a cutaway view of a meal enclosure 200 comprising a linear actuator 201. The linear actuator 201 comprises a rod 202 that is connected to a front panel 203 of the drawer 213. The linear actuator 201 is operable to extend and retract the rod 202 in the direction indicated by arrow A (to push and pull the drawer, respectively), to move the drawer 213 between an open position in which a user is able to remove a meal from the drawer, and a closed position, respectively. It will of course be appreciated that the term “rod” as used herein is not limited to a cylindrical rod, but should be interpreted as referring to any suitable linking member for coupling the linear actuator 201 to the front panel 203 of the drawer 213.

The rod 202 may be connected to the front panel 203 using any suitable attachment means (not shown in the figure). For example, the rod 202 may be connected to the front panel 203 by using a threaded rod 202 that screws into a corresponding threaded hole provided in the front panel 203. Alternatively, a bolt and wingnut may be used to secure the rod 202 to the front panel 203. In a further alternative, the rod 202 may be inserted into a tight rubber seal provided on the front panel 203, to secure the rod 202 to the front panel 203.

The meal enclosure 200 is provided with a rail 204, mounted to the body 210 of the meal enclosure 200, for aligning and guiding the drawer 213 as the operation of linear actuator 201 causes the drawer 213 to open and close. The rail may be, for example, approximately 30 cm in length. Whilst, for clarity, only one rail 204 is shown in Figure 12, the meal enclosure 200 may be provided with a plurality of rails 204 for aligning and guiding the drawer 213. For example, as shown in Figure 13, a pair of rails 204 provided on opposite sides of the meal enclosure 200.

The system 101 may be configured to open the slidable drawer at the desired time and upon identification of the user 108, as described in detail above, by controlling the operation of the linear actuator 201. Beneficially, the automated opening of the drawer 213 allows the user to collect the meal with minimal contact between the user and the drawer 213, for improved hygiene (i.e. the risk of transfer of bacteria, viruses or other types of contamination between the user and the meal dispenser 102 is reduced).

An identifier 205 (in this example, a number) may be provided on the exterior surface of the front panel 203 of the drawer. The identifier 205 enables a user to identify the drawer 213, for example to ensure that the correct meal is collected. It will be appreciated that the identifier 205 need not necessarily be provided. For example, in some implementations it will be apparent to the user which drawer 213 contains their meal, as only one drawer 213 will open to dispense a meal. However, for meal dispensers 102 comprising a large number of meal enclosures 103 in which several of the drawers 213 may be open simultaneously, it is nevertheless advantageous to provide the identifiers 205.

Figure 13 schematically illustrates a further cutaway view of the meal enclosure comprising the linear actuator. A heating mat 206 is provided inside the drawer 213. The heating mat 206 is operable to heat a meal that is placed inside the drawer 213 on the heating mat 206. The heating mat 206 may be activated remotely by a user. For example, a kitchen staff member may activate the heating mat 206 using a user device 104, 128 configured to control the heating mat 206. The kitchen staff member may activate the heating mat 206 shortly before a user is expected to collect a meal, to avoid unnecessarily extended use of the heating mat 206. Alternatively, the heating mat 206 may be configured to automatically activate to heat the meal a predetermined amount of time before a user is expected to collect the meal.

A controller 207 for controlling the operation of the linear actuator 201 and/or the heating mat 206 is also shown. The controller 207 may also control the operation of the cooling means of the cooling zone 119, the temperature sensor 123, the solid-state lighting 121 and/or the infrared temperature sensor 120 described above.

Whilst in the embodiment shown in Figure 13 both the linear actuator 201 and heating mat 206 are provided, it will be appreciated that this need not necessarily be the case. For example, the linear actuator 201 could be provided without the heating mat 206, and the heating mat 206 could be provided without the linear actuator 201.

Figure 14 shows an exterior view of the meal enclosure in which a hinged door 216 is shown. The hinged door 216 is mounted to body of the meal enclosure using hinges 208. In this example, two hinges 208 are used to mount hinged door 216 (however, it will be appreciated that fewer or more hinges 208 may be used to mount the hinged door). The hinged door 216 enables access to the inside of the meal enclosure 200 from the rear of the dispenser, for example to enable a kitchen staff member to insert a meal into the slidable drawer 213.

The meal dispenser 102 may be incorporated into a wall, for example a wall between a kitchen area and a serving area. In this example, the hinged door 216 is accessible from the kitchen area, and the front panel 203 of the drawer 213 is located in the serving area. As the linear actuator 201 pushes the drawer 213 into the open position, the drawer extends into the serving area, such that a user can then access a meal in the drawer 213 by reaching into the drawer 213 from above. Advantageously, the hinged door 216 at the rear of the drawer 213 allows unencumbered access to the inside of the drawer by the kitchen staff from the rear of the meal dispenser 102 to restock meals.

Figure 15 shows a front view of the meal enclosure, indicating a cross section A-A. The hinges 208 used to mount the hinged door 216 can also be seen. Figure 16 shows the cross section A- A of the meal enclosure. A beverage 220 and a plate of food 221 are shown inside the slidable drawer 213. A handle 211 is provided on the exterior surface of the hinged door 216, to allow the hinged door 216 to be opened.

Beneficially, as shown in Figure 16, the arrangement of the linear actuator 201 below the meal compartment of the drawer 213 enables unencumbered access to the inside of the drawer 213 from the rear of the drawer 213, via the hinged door 216.

In this example the hinged door 216 is formed of metal (for example, aluminium), and a neoprene sheet 227 is provided on the inner surface of the hinged door 216. Any suitable rubber metal contact adhesive, such as GMK 2410, can be used to glue the neoprene sheet to the metal surface of the hinged door. Beneficially, the neoprene sheet insulates the slidable drawer 213, to reduce the heat transfer between the inside of the slidable drawer 213 and outside the meal enclosure 200. The insulation therefore helps to maintain a meal inside the slidable drawer 213 at a desired temperature, and may reduce the amount of heat required from the heating mat 206 to maintain a meal at the desired temperature. Neoprene may also be provided to line the other surfaces of the inside of the slidable drawer 213, to further improve the thermal insulation.

It will be appreciated, that the hinged door 216 need not necessarily be formed of metal and may instead be formed of any other suitable material. Similarly, whilst in this example neoprene is used to provide thermal insulation, any other suitable thermally insulating material may be used (for example, any suitable polymer sheet or rubber sheet). It will also be appreciated that the neoprene sheet 227 need not necessarily be provided.

Figure 17 shows a side view of the meal enclosure. The front panel 203, hinged door 216, hinge 208 and handle 211 can be seen.

Figure 18 shows the cross section B-B of the meal enclosure. The engagement of the rod 202 of the linear actuation 201 with the front panel 203 of the slidable drawer 213 is shown.

Figure 19 schematically illustrates a rear side of the meal enclosure 200. A lower portion 215 of the rear of the meal enclosure 200, below the hinged door 216, can be seen. In this example, the lower portion 215 is provided with vents 214 for allowing airflow into and out of the area of the meal enclosure 200 in which the linear actuator 201 and the controller 207 are located. The vents 214 reduce the risk of the linear actuator 201, controller 207 or any other electrical or electromechanical components in the lower compartment (i.e. the area below the drawer 213, between the drawer 213 and the underside of the meal enclosure 200, that contains the linear actuator 201) overheating during prolonged use, for example in a hot environment or climate. The lower portion 215 is aligned with the lower compartment so that the vents 214 allow the exchange of air to and from the area around the actuator 201 , but do not allow the exchange of air into or out of the drawer 213. In contrast, the upper portion of the meal enclosure 200, aligned with the hinged door 216, is thermally insulated to facilitate maintaining the temperature of food therein.

Figure 20 schematically illustrates the operation of the hinged door 216 of the meal enclosure 200. A user pulls the hinged door 216 to move the hinged door 216 in the directed indicated by arrow B.

Whilst in the present example a hinged door 216 is provided, it will be appreciated that this need not necessarily be the case. Any other suitable means for providing access to the inside of the meal enclosure 200 to allow a meal to be placed inside the slidable drawer 213 may be provided. For example, a sliding door may be provided at the rear of the meal enclosure 200. However, beneficially, the hinged door 216 provides a particularly compact arrangement.

Sensing the presence of a meal inside the meal enclosure

Apparatus and methods for optionally sensing the presence of a meal inside the meal enclosure, and for measuring the weight of a meal, will now be described with reference to Figures 21 to 23. It will be appreciated that such apparatus and methods may be implemented in the meal enclosure 103 of the above-described embodiments.

Figure 21 schematically illustrates a modification of the meal enclosure shown in Figure 16, in which the drawer 213 is provided with a load-cell sensor 219. The load-cell sensor 219 is arranged for sensing whether a meal is present inside the drawer 213. In the example shown in Figure 21, a beverage 220 and a plate of food 221 are placed on an interior surface 218 of the drawer 213. The load-cell sensor 219 is arranged between the interior surface 218 and a lower supporting surface 226 of the drawer 213, in contact with the interior surface 218. When an item is placed on the interior surface 218, the load-cell sensor 219 measures a corresponding force exerted on the sensor The measured force may be used to determine whether an item (e.g. a meal) is present on the interior surface 218, and may also be used to determine the weight of an item that is present on the interior surface 218.

It will be appreciated that the arrangement of the load-cell sensor 219 between the interior surface 218 and the lower supporting surface 226 is merely an example, and that any other suitable arrangement of the load-cell sensor 219 may be used. For example, when the heating mat 206 is provided, the load-cell sensor 219 could simply be positioned under the heating mat 206.

Figure 22 shows a simplified schematic circuit diagram of the meal enclosure comprising the load-cell sensor. As shown in the figure, the load-cell sensor 219 is connected to an integrated circuit (IC) 234. The IC 234 receives sensor readings output from the load-cell sensor 219. Based on the received sensor readings, the IC 234 determines whether a meal is present in the drawer 213. If a meal is present, the IC 234 may also determine the weight of the meal based on the data received from the load-cell sensor 219.

The IC 234 is connected to a power module 230, an 802.11 and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Wireless Network Interface Controller (WNIC) 229, an on/off button 231, a reset button 232, and a nutrient gap module 233. The IC 234 may form part of the controller 207 illustrated, for example, in Figure 13. The IC 234 may alternatively be provided in the device 104 described in detail above with reference to Figure 1.

When the linear actuator 201 is provided, the IC 234 may also be connected to the linear actuator 201 (or when another mechanism is used to open and close the drawer 213, the IC may be connected to that mechanism). After the drawer 213 has been opened and a user removes a meal from inside the drawer 213, the IC 234 receives sensor readings from the load-cell sensor 219 and determines that the meal has been removed. The IC 234 may then control the linear actuator 201 to close the drawer 213. Beneficially, this removes the need for a user to manually close the drawer 213, reducing the contact between the user and the drawer 213, for improved hygiene (i.e. the risk of transfer of bacteria, viruses or other types of contamination between the user and the meal dispenser 102 is reduced).

The power module 230 is connected to a battery 229. The power module may receive power from a mains power source to charge the battery 229.

An operator (for example a kitchen staff member) user may control the operation of the IC 234 using the on/off button 231 and the reset button 232.

When the weight of a meal is determined by the IC 234 using the data received from the load cell sensor 219, the IC may send the weight of the meal to the nutrient gap module 233. The nutrient gap module may store the weight of the meal, and may determine an amount of nutrients in the meal. For example, the nutrient gap module 233 may store ratios of nutrients that are present in different types of meals. When the type of meal in the drawer 213 is known (for example, using the meal order received from the user, or data input by kitchen staff), the nutrient gap module 233 can then determine the absolute amount of the nutrients by using the measured weight of the meal and the stored nutrient ratios.

The IC 234 is configured to communicate with a separate user device, or a server, via a Bluetooth 236 or Wi-Fi 235 connection, via the 802.11 and BLE WNIC 228.

Alternatively, for example, the IC 234 may be configured to communicate with the server via a wired connection (e.g. an ethernet connection or any other suitable general purpose data connection). The IC 234 may control the transmission of the weight of the meal to the user device or server. It will be appreciated, therefore, that whilst the nutrient gap module 233 is shown as being directly connected to the IC 234, the nutrient gap module 233 may instead be provided on the separate user device or the server.

Figure 23 schematically illustrates an alternative embodiment of the meal enclosure in which a spring sensor 217 is provided instead of the load cell sensor 219. In this example, at least one spring 217 is provided between the interior surface 218 and the lower supporting surface 226. When a meal is placed on the interior surface 218 the springs 217 compress. The presence of a meal on the interior surface 218 may therefore be determined by measuring the compression of the springs 217. However, the use of a load-cell sensor 219 is preferred, since the use of the load-cell sensor 219 allows for a more compact arrangement, and also enables the weight of the meal to be determined. The use of a loadcell sensor 219 also removes the need for the interior surface 218 to be suspended on the springs 217, resulting in a more stable interior surface 218 for supporting a meal; this is particularly beneficial when the meal includes a beverage that has a risk of spilling.

Nutrient composition analysis

A method of determining a nutrient composition of a meal inside the meal enclosure 103 of any of the above-described embodiments, or in any other suitable system (e.g. separately from a meal dispenser) will now be described. Figure 24 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the meal enclosure 200 in which a solid-state light 222 and a light sensor 223 are provided. Advantageously, the solid-state light 222 may be the solid- state lighting 121 of any of the above-described embodiments, although it may alternatively be a separate solid-state light provided for this specific purpose. The solid- state light 222 illuminates a meal inside the meal enclosure 200 with light 224. Corresponding light 225 that is reflected or emitted from the meal is detected by the light sensor 223, the reflected or emitted light being characteristic of the food, or characteristic of the nutrient content of the food. The detected light is subsequently processed and analysed to determine the nutrient content of the food. It will be appreciated that the term ‘light’ is used herein to refer not only to visible light, but also to any other suitable wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as ultraviolet or infrared.

Advantageously, the solid-state light 222 may be multi spectral, meaning that it can emit light at different wavelengths (for example, from UVC to infrared). A single solid-state light 222 can be provided for producing radiation within the UVC region as well as the infrared region, or alternatively a combination of solid-state lights 222 can be provided for separately producing UVC radiation and infrared radiation.

The solid-state light 222 may be configured for the emission of light at ultraviolet C (UVC) , near-infrared (NIR) and mid-infrared (MIR) wavelengths. By operating at these different wavelengths, the solid-state light 222 can achieve triple functions of disinfection (using UVC radiation), heating of the food 221 (for example, to a temperature not exceeding 50 degrees centigrade) using infrared radiation, and nutrient composition analysis (using UVC, infrared and mid-infrared radiation).

For achieving nutrient composition analysis of food in the meal enclosure, pure samples, as well as known mixtures of pure samples of metabolites and food, are exposed to multi- spectral radiation to obtain reference data. Photons hitting photodiodes of a light sensor are converted into electrons. These electrons are stored in electron storage wells of the sensor for subsequent transfer to an amplifier. The amplifier reads the accumulated electrons and transforms them into a voltage. An analogue-digital (AD) converter performs digitization of the analogue signals generated by the amplifier, to generate corresponding digital signals, essentially generating spectra that are characteristic of the food or characteristic of the nutritional content of the food. Using quantum simulation-Vibrational Coupled Cluster (VCC) and applying appropriate eigensolvers on data obtained using the sensor, further information on the electron excitation can be determined. In addition, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) can be performed for the pure samples, and known mixtures of the pure samples as well as the food samples.

By applying a neural network to train the quantum simulated data set, combined with the data from the LC-MS and GC-MS, a database can be established to improve the prediction of the nutrient composition when using data obtained using the solid-state light(s) 222 and the sensor 223 of the above-described meal dispenser. By using radiation from any one of the wavelength regions, the nutrient composition of an unknown food inside the meal enclosure 200 can be determined.

Modifications and alternatives

When the meal is retrieved from the slidable drawer 111, the slidable drawer 111 may automatically close. This may be achieved by the infrared sensor 120 switching to a dispensing mode in which it is able to detect the presence of the user 108 at the meal dispenser 102 by means of detecting changes in ambient infrared emissions. The slidable drawer 111 may remain open until the system 101 detects that the user 108 has left the meal dispenser 102. Upon determination that the user 108 has left, the infrared sensor 120 may be switched off, and the electrical motors 114 may be activated causing the slidable drawer 111 to be retracted, closed and locked. Once the slidable drawer 111 is locked the infrared sensor 120 may return to a meal-monitoring mode. Alternatively, as described in detail above, the slidable drawer 111 may be retracted, closed and locked after the removal of a meal from the drawer 111 has been detected using a load cell sensor 219 or a spring sensor 217.

Once sterilization of an empty slidable drawer 111 is completed, as described above, the infrared sensor 120 may be switched on again, may record a temperature and the device 104 may send a communication to an administrator (e.g. a member of the venue’s catering staff), by means of an email for example, that the slidable drawer I l l is ready for use. This may also be indicated on the meal dispenser 102 itself by a green light.

Sterilization of the slidable drawer 111 may also take place after daily use.

By virtue of sterilization of the meal cross contamination between the person that delivered the meal, the caterers, who stock the meal dispenser, and the user is avoided.

The solid-state lighting may be configured to focus on the warming zone alone so as not to inadvertently warm the cooling zone.

In embodiments in which the cooling means comprises an ice box, activating the cooling means may include notifying the administrator that ice needs to be replenished.

The slidable drawer 111 may comprise red and green lights on an admin interface, such as a software platform or a hardware panel, that are activated to signal when the slidable drawer I l l is free and ready to be used.

In circumstances in which the meal is not collected, sterilization may ensure that the meal is not contaminated, thereby reducing or eliminating the occurrence of food poisoning.

The solid-state lighting may comprise at least one of gallium nitride, organo-metallics, soluble platinum.

In some embodiments the meal may be heated and sterilized by the UV emitter. At least one constituent part of the meal may be tracked to the meal enclosure 103 by means of a blockchain ledger. The blockchain ledger may keep a record of the caterer and the user 108 as well as operating condition of the slidable drawer 111 prior to meal collection. This may ensure traceability and accountability. The above-described meal dispensers may be deployed in hotels, schools, hospitals, office canteens, and other venues.

The meal dispenser could be powered using electricity from the grid or electricity generated by solar energy.

Detailed embodiments and some possible alternatives have been described above. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, a number of modifications and further alternatives can be made to the above embodiments whilst still benefiting from the inventions embodied therein. It will therefore be understood that the invention is not limited to the described embodiments and encompasses modifications apparent to those skilled in the art lying within the scope of the claims appended hereto.