HANDHELD FOOD ITEM TRANSFER ASSISTIVE DEVICE

Abstract

A handheld food item transfer assistive device, comprises of an extendable platform 1 attached with a handle 2 gripped by a user and having a first and second portion, roller 3 wrapped with a sheet 4, a rectangular member 5 connected with the sheet 4 and initially positioned at and end of the platform 1, a microphone 7 for enabling a user to give voice commands, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 8 for detecting exact location of the food item, a laser projection unit 9 for projecting a laser beam to guide the user in aligning the platform 1, a drawer arrangement 10 for extending the platform 1 and unit as per dimensions of the food item, a speaker 11 for notifying the user to move the member 5, a robotic arm 12 for removing food item via the plate 13.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a handheld food item transfer assistive device that is capable of transferring food items from one place to another in an automated manner. Additionally the device is also capable of notifying user to discard detected rotten food item in order to eliminate any chances of health issues.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Generally, food item transfer is a common practice in various culinary settings including restaurants, street food vendors, and home kitchens. This method involves transferring food items such as sandwiches, burgers, or tacos form one surface to another for serving or consumption. It plays a crucial role in ensuring the presentation, hygiene, and convenience of food delivery. Whether it's a chef plating a dish for restaurant patron or a person assembling their lunch at home. The transfer process requires attention to detail to maintain the integrity of the food and prevent spillage or contamination. Utensils like spatulas, tongs, or gloved hands are often used for this purpose depending on type of and the desired level of precision.

[0003] Traditional methods of food items transfer typically involve the use of utensils such as spatulas, tongs, or even bare hands. Using bare hands while common in some cultural contexts raises hygiene concerns as it increases the risk of food contamination and transmission of bacteria or pathogens. Utensils like spatulas, tongs offer a more hygienic approach but they lack the precision and delicacy required for handling certain foods resulting in damage or distortion of the dish's presentation. So, there is need for such devices that is capable of transferring food items from one place to another in an automated manner and is also capable of detecting and notifying user to discard rotten food item in order to eliminate any chances of health issues.

[0004] CN219544830U discloses a food processing article transfer device which comprises a transfer plate, two sets of moving wheels are fixedly connected to the bottom face of the transfer plate, a containing groove is formed in the upper surface of the transfer plate, a set of drain holes are formed in the inner bottom wall of the containing groove, and two sets of clamping holes are formed in the upper surface of the transfer plate. A clamping column is connected to the inner wall of each clamping hole in a clamped mode. According to the device, food articles can be placed, external protection is achieved, the phenomenon that food slides down is effectively avoided, the food articles can be stably transferred, and the food articles can be stably transferred by arranging a moving handle, an anti-skid sleeve, a drain hole and a flow guide plate and matching with a clamping hole and a clamping column; clamping placement of the protective fence can be achieved, the protective fence can be taken down conveniently, the interiors of a transfer plate and a placement groove are better cleaned, cleanliness of the interior of the placement groove is effectively kept, food is prevented from being polluted, and safe transfer of food articles is facilitated.

[0005] CN110087483A discloses a food ingredient transfer device is provided. The food ingredient transfer device comprises dosing device configured to receive a food ingredient, and a first chamber that is provided with an inlet and an outlet for allowing the dosing device to pass through the first chamber. The food ingredient transfer device further comprises a second chamber arranged adjacent to the first chamber for receiving the dosing device when it has passed through the first chamber, the second chamber being provided with an outlet for allowing the dosing device to pass through the second chamber and into an enclosure that contains a food product to which the food ingredient shall be transferred.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices exist that are capable of transferring food items. However, these devices are incapable of detecting rotten food items and accordingly notifying user to discard detected rotten food item in order to eliminate any chances of health issues.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of transferring food items from one place to another in an automated manner and notifying user to discard detected rotten food item to eliminate any chances of health issues.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of transferring food items from one place to another in an automated manner.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of notifying user to discard detected rotten food item in order to eliminate any chances of health issues.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of eliminating human interventions, thereby reducing efforts of the user to transfer food.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a handheld food item transfer assistive device that is capable of transferring food items from one place to another in an automated manner and notifying user to discard detected rotten food item to eliminate any chances of health issues. Additionally the device provides means to transfer the food items without any human interventions.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a handheld food item transfer assistive device comprises of an extendable platform attached with a handle gripped by a user and having a first and second portion, the first portion is configured with a roller wrapped with a sheet and the second end is installed with a rectangular member connected with the sheet and initially positioned at and end of the platform such that the sheet passes through a U-shaped extendable unit arranged with the platform, a microphone positioned on the handle for enabling a user to give voice commands for transferring a food item from a fixed surface to an auxiliary container, a microcontroller linked with the microphone processes the voice commands and activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the handle for detecting exact location of the food item and a laser projection unit mounted on the for projecting a laser beam to guide user in aligning the platform in contact with the food item.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device also comprises a drawer arrangement integrated within the platform and unit for extending the platform and unit as per dimensions of the food item, a speaker mounted on the platform, upon actuation of the drawer arrangement, the microcontroller activates the speaker for notifying the user to move the member towards the handle such that the sheet is translated in contact with the food item which in turn results in collection of the food item over the platform, a robotic arm installed with the platform and attached with a plate, the microcontroller actuates the robotic arm for removing food item via the plate in order to facilitate in transfer of the food item on the platform, the sheet is porous in nature for collection of excessive moisture content from the food item, in case the microcontroller via an odor sensor positioned on the platform detects the food item to be rotten, the microcontroller sends an alert on a computing unit for notifying the user to discard the food item to eliminate any chances of health issues, the microcontroller is wirelessly linked with the computing unit via a communication module which includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth module, GSM module, a battery is associated with the device for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a handheld food item transfer assistive device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises," and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having" and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to a handheld food item transfer assistive device that is capable of transferring food items from one place to another in an automated manner. In addition, the device is also capable of notifying user to discard detected rotten food item in order to eliminate any chances of health issues.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a handheld food item transfer assistive device is illustrated, an extendable platform 1 having a first and second portion attached with a handle 2, first portion is configured with a roller 3 wrapped with a sheet 4, second end is installed with a rectangular member 5 connected with the sheet 4, a U-shaped extendable unit 6 arranged with the platform 1, a microphone 7 positioned on the handle 2, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 8 installed on the handle 2, a laser projection unit 9 mounted on the handle 2, a drawer arrangement 10 integrated within the platform 1, a speaker 11 mounted on the platform 1 and a robotic arm 12 installed with the platform 1 and attached with a plate 13.

[0023] The proposed device includes an extendable platform 1 attached with a handle 2 gripped by a user and having a first and second portion. The platform 1 herein disclosed is made up of any material selected from but not limited to metallic material alike utilize to position over a fixed surface, herein aid first portion is configured with a roller 3 wrapped with a sheet 4. The motorized roller 3 comprises a disc coupled with a motor via a shaft wherein upon receiving the command from the microcontroller by the motor, the motor starts to rotate in clockwise or anti-clockwise direction in order to provide movement to the disc via the shaft. The disc thus provides a maximum level of assistance in order to wrap sheet 4. And second end is installed with a rectangular member 5 connected with the sheet 4 and initially positioned at and end of the platform 1, such that the sheet 4 passes through a U-shaped extendable unit 6 arranged with the platform 1, herein the sheet 4 is porous in nature for collection of excessive moisture content from the food item.

[0024] Further, a microphone 7 positioned on the handle 2 for enabling a user to give voice commands for transferring a food item from a fixed surface to an auxiliary container. The microphone 7 receives sound waves generated by energy emitted from the voice command in the form of vibrations. After then, the sound waves are transmitted towards a diaphragm configured with a coil. Upon transmitting the waves within the diaphragm, the diaphragm strikes with the waves due to which the coil starts moving the diaphragm with a back-and-forth movement in presence of magnetic field generated from the coil. After that the electric signal is emitted from the coil due to back-and-forth movement of the diaphragm which is further transmitted to a microcontroller linked with the microphone 7 to process the signal to analyze the signal for detecting voice command given by the user. Upon processing the voice commands for transferring a food item from a fixed surface to an auxiliary container, herein microcontroller linked with the microphone 7 processes the voice commands and activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 8 installed on the handle 2 for detecting exact location of the food item.

[0025] The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 8 is installed on the handle 2 and paired with a processor for detecting exact location of the food item. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 8 is equipped with AI (Artificial Intelligent) protocols encrypted in the microcontroller are used to process and analyses the images captured by the camera enabling it to perform various tasks beyond traditional image capturing. The AI analysis is performed locally on the camera itself and the real-time processing on the camera enables immediate responses and faster decision-making.

[0026] The camera, herein captures images of the food item with the help of specialized lenses designed to capture high-quality visuals. The captured data is now pre-processed via the processor to enhance its quality and prepare it for AI analysis. This pre-processing involves tasks such as noise reduction, image stabilization, or color correction. The processed data is fed into AI protocols for analysis which utilizes machine learning techniques, such as deep learning neural networks, to extract meaningful information present in the images. Based on extraction of the data from the captured images, the microcontroller detecting exact location of the food item. Based on detected exact location of the food item the microcontroller actuates a laser projection unit 9 mounted on the handle 2 for projecting a laser beam to guide the user in aligning the platform 1 in contact with the food item.

[0027] The laser projection unit 9 mounted on the handle 2 for projecting a laser beam to guide the user in aligning the platform 1 in contact with the food item. The laser projection unit 9 herein disclosed is consists of a laser source, collimator, collimating lens and a wedge-shaped lens. The laser source generates a laser light beam which passes through a collimator that focus the laser light beam to a focal point. The laser light beam is received by the collimating lens that further collimate the laser light beam beyond the focal point. The laser light is then focused to a wedge-shaped lens having an aperture interposed between the focusing lens and collimating lens. The aperture has a size for passing the laser light beam through mirrors of the projection unit 9 and projects a high-quality laser beam projections in view of guide the user in aligning the platform 1 in contact with the food item. Followed by activation of a drawer arrangement 10 integrated within the platform 1 and unit for extending the platform 1 and unit as per dimensions of the food item.

[0028] The drawer arrangement 10 integrated within the platform 1 and unit for extending the platform 1 and unit as per dimensions of the food item. The drawer arrangement 10 comprises of a carriage assembly and a DC (direct current) motor that works in collaboration to extend and retract the platform 1. The carriage assembly fitted with two rails that are used for sliding the block up and down. The block opening located at the end of the rail and have two clips that are used to secure the ring with the barrel. To extend the drawer, the drawer is pushed to open and the carriage assembly slide outward. This creates an opening to allow extending the platform 1 and unit as per dimensions of the food item.

[0029] Upon actuation of the drawer arrangement 10, a speaker 11 mounted on the platform 1 for notifying the user to move the member 5 towards the handle 2. The speaker 11 works by receiving signals from the microcontroller, converting them into sound waves through a diaphragm's vibration, and producing audible sounds with the help of amplification and control circuitry in order to notifying the user to move the member 5 towards the handle 2, such that the sheet 4 is translated in contact with the food item, which in turn results in collection of the food item over the platform 1.

[0030] Furthermore, a robotic arm 12 installed with the platform 1 and attached with a plate 13, wherein in case the microcontroller via the imaging unit 8 detects the food item to be stuck on the fixed surface, the microcontroller actuates the robotic arm 12 for removing food item via the plate 13. The robotic arm 12 comprises of a shoulder, elbow and wrist. All these parts are configured with the microcontroller. The elbow is at the middle section of the arm 12 that allows the upper part of the arm 12 to move the lower section independently. Lastly, the wrist is at the tip of the upper arm 12 and attached to the end effector works as hand for removing food item via the plate 13 in order to facilitate in transfer of the food item on the platform 1.

[0031] Moreover, in case the microcontroller via an odor sensor positioned on the platform 1 detects the food item to be rotten. The odor sensor used herein is preferably a surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor that employs acoustic waves to travel along the surface of a piezoelectric substrate. When the target molecules interact with the surface of the food item, alters the properties of the acoustic waves, leading to changes in frequency and velocity. These changes are measured by the microcontroller to determine the food item. Then the microcontroller sends an alert on a computing unit for notifying the user to discard the food item to eliminate any chances of health issues.

[0032] The computing unit associated with the device that is access by the user giving input commands regarding discard the rotten food item. The computing unit herein includes but not limited to a mobile and laptop that comprises a processor where the input received is stored to process and retrieve the output data in order to display in the computing unit. The microcontroller is wirelessly linked with the computing unit via a communication module which includes but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module. GSM (Global System for Mobile communication). The communication module acts as a medium between various electronic unit for establishing communication between the computing unit and device to process the input.

[0033] Lastly, a battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the device to offer power to all electrical and electronic components necessary for their correct operation. The battery is linked to the microcontroller and provides (DC) Direct Current to the microcontroller. And then, based on the order of operations, the microcontroller sends that current to those specific electrical or electronic components so they effectively carry out their appropriate functions.

[0034] The present invention works best in following manner, where the extendable platform 1 as disclosed in the present invention is attached with a handle 2 gripped by a user and having a first and second portion, wherein the first portion is configured with a roller 3 wrapped with a sheet 4 and the second end is installed with a rectangular member 5 connected with the sheet 4 and initially positioned at and end of the platform 1, such that the sheet 4 passes through a U-shaped extendable unit 6 arranged with the platform 1. Further the microphone 7 enables the user to give voice commands for transferring a food item from a fixed surface to an auxiliary container, herein the microcontroller linked with the microphone 7 processes the voice commands and activates the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 8 that detect exact location of the food item. Upon detecting exact location of food item, the microcontroller actuates the laser projection unit 9 for projecting the laser beam to guide the user in aligning the platform 1 in contact with the food item. Followed by activation of the drawer arrangement 10 that extending the platform 1 and unit as per dimensions of the food item. Further the speaker 11 notify the user to move the member 5 towards the handle 2, such that the sheet 4 is translated in contact with the food item, which in turn results in collection of the food item over the platform 1. Consequently, the robotic arm 12 actuated by the microcontroller for removing food item via the plate 13 in order to facilitate in transfer of the food item on the platform 1. Moreover, in case the microcontroller via an odor sensor detects the food item to be rotten, the microcontroller sends an alert on a computing unit for notifying the user to discard the food item to eliminate any chances of health issues.

[0035] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A handheld food item transfer assistive device, comprising:

i) an extendable platform 1 attached with a handle 2 gripped by a user and having a first and second portion, wherein said first portion is configured with a roller 3 wrapped with a sheet 4 and said second end is installed with a rectangular member 5 connected with said sheet 4 and initially positioned at and end of said platform 1, such that said sheet 4 passes through a U-shaped extendable unit 6 arranged with said platform 1;
ii) a microphone 7 positioned on said handle 2 for enabling a user to give voice commands for transferring a food item from a fixed surface to an auxiliary container, wherein a microcontroller linked with said microphone 7 processes said voice commands and activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 8 installed on said handle 2 and paired with a processor for detecting exact location of said food item;
iii) a laser projection unit 9 mounted on said handle 2 that is activated by said microcontroller for projecting a laser beam to guide said user in aligning said platform 1 in contact with said food item, wherein said microcontroller actuates a drawer arrangement 10 integrated within said platform 1 and unit for extending said platform 1 and unit as per dimensions of said food item;
iv) a speaker 11 mounted on said platform 1, wherein upon actuation of said drawer arrangement 10, said microcontroller activates said speaker 11 for notifying said user to move said member 5 towards said handle 2, such that said sheet 4 is translated in contact with said food item, which in turn results in collection of said food item over said platform 1; and
v) a robotic arm 12 installed with said platform 1 and attached with a plate 13, wherein in case said microcontroller via said imaging unit 8 detects said food item to be stuck on said fixed surface, said microcontroller actuates said robotic arm 12 for removing food item via said plate 13 in order to facilitate in transfer of said food item on said platform 1.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sheet 4 is porous in nature for collection of excessive moisture content from said food item.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein in case said microcontroller via an odor sensor positioned on said platform 1 detects said food item to be rotten, said microcontroller sends an alert on a computing unit for notifying said user to discard said food item to eliminate any chances of health issues.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said microcontroller is wirelessly linked with said computing unit via a communication module which includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth module, GSM module.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.

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