PIZZA-SLICE CUTTING ASSISTIVE DEVICE

Abstract

A pizza-slice cutting assistive device, comprising a circular frame 1 developed to be positioned on center of a pizza, a microphone 2 integrated in the frame 1 for enabling a user to provide input specifications regarding a user-desired number of slices to be cut, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 integrated in the frame 1 to determine dimensions of the pizza, a motorized cutter 4 arranged on the frame 1 to cut the evaluated portions for obtaining the user-specified number of slices and a pair of robotic arms 5 arranged on the frame 1 to acquire a grip of ends of the slices for pulling the slice, thereby allowing the user to grab the slice.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a pizza-slice cutting assistive device that is capable of determining dimensions of a pizza to evaluate a particular portions on the pizza that are to be cut as per the requirement of a user precisely, thereby obtaining the user-specified number of pizza slices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Most of us are all too familiar with the common situation where, in ordering and eating a pizza, the size of the pieces contrast drastically in size. When this occurs, the large pieces are difficult to handle, often resulting in dropped sauce and toppings that might stain clothing and carpet. Furthermore, due to the fact that pizza is often hot, burns might result where the hot cheese, sauce and toppings drop onto one's person. Also, where the pizza serves as a meal for a number of people, the disproportionate pieces make for unequal servings and, as a result, further cutting is required to even-out the meal. From a business point of view, a poorly cut pizza relates directly to quality and workmanship in the food product. Accordingly, there is need for a means by which commercial pizza establishments and restaurants ensure constant, evenly sliced pizzas on a consistent basis. Therefore, they use pizza slice cutters for cutting the slices of the pizza efficiently. But the tool is inefficient as well as requires manual effort of the person.

[0003] Conventionally, some ways were used by people for cutting the pizza into multiple slices. People usually use to cut the pizza into multiple slices manually via using some handheld tools like a knife, as they cut the pizza in to multiple slices. However, these devices fail to cut the pizza in an even manner. Therefore, they use pizza slice cutters for cutting the pizza into multiple even slices in an efficient manner. But the tool is limited to precision as well as requires manual efforts of the person. So, people use an equipment that cuts the pizza into multiple slices in an automated manner, thus saves time as well as manual efforts of the person in the overall process.

[0004] US20050028388A1 discloses about an invention that includes a pizza cutter has a cover, a handle and a circular blade. The handle is pivotally attached to the cover, and the circular blade is rotatably mounted inside the cover. The circular blade can be covered between the handle and the cover for storage. When the circular blade is dull, the circular blade can be replaced without discarding the whole pizza cutter. Further, because the circular blade can be completely enclosed by the cover and the handle, the circular blade will not injure a person when the pizza cutter is stored.

[0005] US6557260B1 discloses about an invention that includes a pizza cutting device that allows the user to cut a pizza in uniform, evenly-sized pieces on a consistent basis. The cutter consists of a circular frame that has a series of blades spanning across its hollow interior diameter. Sized so that the entire pizza fits within the interior diameter, the user simply presses down on a pair of handles located on the outside of the frame and the blades cut the pizza into uniform, even slices.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of cutting the pizza into multiple slices. However, these devices are incapable of determining dimensions of a pizza to evaluate a particular portion on the pizza that are to be cut and fails in obtaining the user-specified number of pizza slices. Additionally, these existing devices also lack in providing assistance for users in retrieving individual slices of pizza upon request, and are insufficient in enhancing the overall user experience and convenience.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of providing a means for determining dimensions of a pizza to evaluate a particular portions on the pizza that are to be cut as per the requirement of a user precisely, thereby obtaining the user-specified number of pizza slices. In addition, the developed device should also provides assistance for users in retrieving individual slices of pizza upon request, enhancing the overall user experience and convenience provides assistance for users in retrieving individual slices of pizza upon request, enhancing the overall user experience and convenience.

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 determine dimensions of a pizza to evaluate a particular portions on the pizza that are to be cut as per the requirement of a user precisely, thereby obtaining the user-specified number of pizza slices.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that provides assistance for users in retrieving individual slices of pizza upon request, enhancing the overall user experience and convenience.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is light-in-weight, user-friendly and easy-to-operate.

[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 pizza-slice cutting assistive device that determine dimensions of a pizza to evaluate a particular portions on the pizza that are to be cut as per the requirement of a user precisely, thereby obtaining the user-specified number of pizza slices.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a pizza-slice cutting assistive device comprises of, a circular frame developed to be positioned on center of a pizza, plurality of rods detachably attached underneath the frame for securing the frame on the pizza, a microphone integrated in the frame for enabling a user to provide input specifications regarding a user-desired number of slices to be cut, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit integrated in the frame to determine dimensions of the pizza, a motorized cutter arranged on the frame by means of a pair of telescopically operated L-shaped links to extend/retract for positioning the cutter on the evaluated portion in view of enabling the cutter to cut the evaluated portions, thereby obtaining the user-specified number of slices, and a motorized sliding unit is integrated in between the links and the frame for translating the links to position the links in proximity to the evaluated portions.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of, a pair of robotic arms arranged on the frame, to acquire a grip of ends of the slices for pulling the slice, an angle sensor embedded on the frame to determine inclination angle of the cutter with respect to surface of the pizza, a motorized ball and socket joint integrated on ends of each of the rod for providing omnidirectional movement to the cutter for allowing the cutter to maintain the triangular shape of the slice, and a battery is configured with the device for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered 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 a perspective view of a pizza-slice cutting 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 pizza-slice cutting assistive device that is capable of determining dimensions of a pizza to evaluate a particular portion on the pizza that are to be cut as per the requirement of a user precisely, thereby obtaining the user-specified number of pizza slices.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, a perspective view of a pizza-slice cutting assistive device is illustrated, comprising a circular frame 1 developed to be positioned on center of a pizza, a microphone 2 integrated in the frame 1, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 integrated in the frame 1, a motorized cutter 4 arranged on the frame 1 and a pair of robotic arms 5 arranged on the frame 1.

[0023] The proposed device herein comprises of a circular frame 1 developed to be positioned on center of a pizza, wherein plurality of rods detachably attached underneath the frame 1 for securing the frame 1 on the pizza. The circular frame 1 is constructed from durable and food-safe materials suitable for use in food preparation environments. These materials may include, but are not limited to, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, or food-grade plastic polymers.

[0024] A microphone 2 is integrated in the frame 1 for enabling a user to provide input specifications regarding a user-desired number of slices to be cut. The microphone 2 works as a transducer that converts sound waves into audio signal. The microphone 2 on receiving the input from the user converts the input signal into electrical signal and sends it to an inbuilt microcontroller associated with the device.

[0025] The microcontroller on receiving the signals activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 integrated in the frame 1 to determine dimensions of the pizza. The imaging unit 3 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images of the pizza, and the captured images are stored within a memory of the imaging unit 3 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 3 also comprises of a processor that is integrated with artificial intelligence protocols, such that the processor processes the optical data and extracts the required data from the captured images. The extracted data is further converted into digital pulses and bits and are further transmitted to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received data and determines dimensions of the pizza based on which the microcontroller evaluates particular portions on the pizza that are to be cut.

[0026] A motorized cutter 4 is arranged on the frame 1 by means of a pair of telescopically operated L-shaped links, wherein a motorized sliding unit is integrated in between the links and the frame 1 for translating the links to position the links in proximity to the evaluated portions. The sliding unit include sliding rack and rail, such that the links are mounted over the racks that are electronically operated by the microcontroller for moving over the rails. The sliding unit is powered by a DC (direct current) motor that is actuated by the microcontroller by providing required electric current to the motor. The motor comprises of a coil that converts the received electric current into mechanical force by generating magnetic field, thus the mechanical force provides the required power to the rack to provide sliding movement to the links in proximity to the evaluated portions.

[0027] The microcontroller then actuates the links to extend/retract for positioning the cutter 4 on the evaluated portion, in view of enabling the cutter 4 to cut the evaluated portions. The cutter 4 is powered by a DC (direct current) motor that is capable of converting the electric current provided from an external force into mechanical force for providing the required power to the cutter 4, thus cutting the evaluated portions and thereby obtaining the user-specified number of slices.

[0028] A pair of robotic arms 5 are arranged on the frame 1, wherein in case the user desires to pull one slice of the pizza, the user is required to provide input voice commands regarding the requirement, based on which the microcontroller actuates the arms 5 to acquire a grip of ends of the slices for pulling the slice, thereby allowing the user to grab the slice. The robotic arms 5 are able to perform the designated task with high efficiency and accuracy, wherein the robotic arms 5 consists of mechanical joints and actuators, which are controlled by the microcontroller. The actuators allow various degrees of freedom and movement and the joints are actuated by a DC (Direct Current) motor, providing the necessary force and motion to perform gripping of ends of the slices for pulling the slice, thereby allowing the user to grab the slice.

[0029] An angle sensor is embedded on the frame 1 to determine inclination angle of the cutter 4 with respect to surface of the pizza. The angle sensor used herein is preferably an optical angle sensor operates on the principle of utilizing light and photodetectors to measure the angle of the pizza. The sensor consists of a light source that emits a beam of light towards the pizza. The emitted light interacts with the surface of the pizza and is reflected back towards the sensor. The sensor comprises photodetectors that receive the reflected light and convert it into an electrical signal and is sent to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the signal received from the senor, thus determining inclination angle of the cutter 4 with respect to surface of the pizza based on which the microcontroller actuates a motorized ball and socket joint integrated on ends of each of the rod for providing omnidirectional movement to the cutter 4 for allowing the cutter 4 to maintain the triangular shape of the slice.

[0030] The device is associated with a battery for providing the required power to the electronically and electrically operated components including the microcontroller, electrically powered sensors, motorized components and alike of the device. The battery within the device is preferably a lithium-ion-battery which is a rechargeable battery and recharges by deriving the required power from an external power source. The derived power is further stored in form of chemical energy within the battery, which when required by the components of the device derive the required energy in the form of electric current for ensuring smooth and proper functioning of the device.

[0031] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the circular frame 1 developed to be positioned on center of a pizza, wherein plurality of rods detachably attached underneath the frame 1 for securing the frame 1 on the pizza. The microphone 2 is integrated in the frame 1 for enabling a user to provide input specifications regarding a user-desired number of slices to be cut and activates the imaging unit 3 integrated in the frame 1 to determine dimensions of the pizza. The motorized cutter 4 is arranged on the frame 1 by means of a pair of telescopically operated L-shaped links, wherein a motorized sliding unit is integrated in between the links and the frame 1 for translating the links to position the links in proximity to the evaluated portions. The microcontroller then actuates the links to extend/retract for positioning the cutter 4 on the evaluated portion, in view of enabling the cutter 4 to cut the evaluated portions. The pair of robotic arms 5 are arranged on the frame 1, wherein in case the user desires to pull one slice of the pizza, the user is required to provide input voice commands regarding the requirement, based on which the microcontroller actuates the arms 5 to acquire a grip of ends of the slices for pulling the slice, thereby allowing the user to grab the slice. The angle sensor is embedded on the frame 1 to determine inclination angle of the cutter 4 with respect to surface of the pizza based on which the microcontroller actuates the motorized ball and socket joint integrated on ends of each of the rod for providing omnidirectional movement to the cutter 4 for allowing the cutter 4 to maintain the triangular shape of the slice.

[0032] 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 pizza-slice cutting assistive device, comprising:

i) a circular frame 1 developed to be positioned on center of a pizza, wherein plurality of rods detachably attached underneath said frame 1 for securing said frame 1 on said pizza;
ii) a microphone 2 integrated in said frame 1 for enabling a user to provide input specifications regarding a user-desired number of slices to be cut, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 integrated in said frame 1 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of said frame 1, respectively to determine dimensions of said pizza, based on which an inbuilt microcontroller evaluates particular portions on said pizza that are to be cut;
iii) a motorized cutter 4 arranged on said frame 1 by means of a pair of telescopically operated L-shaped links, wherein a motorized sliding unit is integrated in between said links and said frame 1 for translating said links to position said links in proximity to said evaluated portions, followed by actuation of said links to extend/retract for positioning said cutter 4 on said evaluated portion, in view of enabling said cutter 4 to cut said evaluated portions, thereby obtaining said user-specified number of slices; and
iv) a pair of robotic arms 5 arranged on said frame 1, wherein in case said user desires to pull one slice of said pizza, said user is required to provide input voice commands regarding said requirement, based on which said microcontroller actuates said arms 5 to acquire a grip of ends of said slices for pulling said slice, thereby allowing said user to grab said slice.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an angle sensor embedded on said frame 1 to determine inclination angle of said cutter 4 with respect to surface of said pizza, based on which said microcontroller actuates a motorized ball and socket joint integrated on ends of each of said rod for providing omnidirectional movement to said cutter 4 for allowing said cutter 4 to maintain said triangular shape of said slice.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is configured with said device for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with said device.

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