GB2551834A - A method for high resolution food onto food decoration - Google Patents

Abstract

A digital image, created by graphic software may be created and loaded into a corresponding print device 2. Food based media may be loaded into a storage device 9. The device may be able to store multiple different colors in separate compartments. The storage device may heat the food media to reduce its viscosity. A peristaltic pump 10 may force media through the print device which may integrated to move with a 3D robotic arm 1. A central processor CPU 8 may control the functioning of the process. In use the item to be printed or decorated 4 may be placed on a support tray 4 and moved by conveyor 7 to start position 11. Scanners 3 map the shape of cake 4 and then initiate printing of the stored digital image, the robotic arm moving around the item 4 to create a three dimensional image. The item and tray move to a cooling tunnel 6 where the item is cooled thereby stiffening the decorative covering.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: A method for high resolution food onto food decoration

Abstract Title: High resolution automated food on food 3D decoration, for example a cake (57) A digital image, created by graphic software may be created and loaded into a corresponding print device 2. Food based media may be loaded into a storage device 9. The device may be able to store multiple different colors in separate compartments. The storage device may heat the food media to reduce its viscosity. A peristaltic pump 10 may force media through the print device which may integrated to move with a 3D robotic arm 1. A central processor CPU 8 may control the functioning of the process. In use the item to be printed or decorated 4 may be placed on a support tray 4 and moved by conveyor 7 to start position 11. Scanners 3 map the shape of cake 4 and then initiate printing of the stored digital image, the robotic arm moving around the item 4 to create a three dimensional image. The item and tray move to a cooling tunnel 6 where the item is cooled thereby stiffening the decorative covering.

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F

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H loading coloured food media

O'

Altering the viscosity of the media

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Loading the product to fee dacwatsd

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-Scanning and tracking the product o

Sian the dewing p rocess

Solidify t he decoration

Pecorafioh cycle Is completed

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REW OF THE WEOTKM [901] The ''invention relates generally to a method of high resolution food onto food decoration, and more .spi?i:f'f:(:3»y· to a method of processmg a oonnaily high viscosity coiodess food-based media into s low viscosity and colorized decorating media, and by applying this media using a high resolution dispose I unit -create a high resolution and natural coloured image decoration direct onto food products, abie to use any type of colour scheme-without, losing the colour gamut of the natural coioraots.

SAC&e.WUND OF THE INVENTION [002] There are different methods used to-decorate food products that are widely known by the people skilled io this niche. Vay car; use hand decoration or you on print transfer sheets or even use ed'bfe sheets that can be printed by an ink jet printer and artificial food colour and then placed on the food product- i he me.dia used for printing <ter> be rice paper cr other softer versions of food related pnotablepapers, but they all are manufactured to be used with standard printers equipped with food grade ink, Another alternative is 3D printing, where different food media' cab be used, 'but unfortunately the •resolution is very limited and the speed of applying the-design fe to slow to be commercial useful;.

fOO3]The hand decoration method described above gives voo ell the artistic freedom you.cab ask, for,, but as everyone can rtsalise it is hard to compete with artistic: skills when you are compared with a computer aided design that can create complex designs· with a resolution and exactness impossible to do by band. However, the hoaotiful handmade designs are highly appreciated by the customers and 'areThe favorite by-many, the problem Is that not many people have the skills needed to create them.

[S04]The computer-aided-design are easier to work with, yon can use a.standard Ink jet printer and food grade ink to print an advanced design quite easy. However, there..are-some problems associated with this method that people using it seems to ignore. first of all, the printer manufacturers ot Ink jet printers Openly declare ihesr printers as not suitable for food priming. The; reasons can be many, but one very important Issue is the bacteria! growth that is associated wit h food grade ink and the fact that, standard Ink jet printers ate not designed to be cleaned In a way that is appropriate for kitchen equipment..

[SOSjAnether aspect is the future legal issues regarding use of food addiVves Authorities responsible for rules, and regulation have already banned the use of some artificial food -w ants due to their effect, mainly on children. Both FDA in USA and ευ has regulations Its place-today that ban the .use-of some artificial colorants for food products, s-nd- some-for which they- require Warning labels, [QOt>] Another aspect of food decoration using inkjet printers is the fact'that it Is impossible to use natural colorants in the food grade ink, this due to the problems with the colour .gamut The computer software used cannot compensate for the fluctuations that will appear when using food-grade ink and natural 'colorants. This -problem is related to the fact that natural colorants have a tendency to shift -colour when applied on the food media, this depending on the PH· value and other for the user, non controllable vanabies. it can result in parts of the design that are intended to be red appears m blue, or any other shade in between, which makes-this, combination impossible to use for the professional market where -6p.lo.uf profiles are common, sometimes so precise -that they are pointing to· the colour scheme of the Pa'htode table..

[00?] While these methods described above- of Other methods not described may be .suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they would not be .suitable for the purpose of the present', invention as-heretofore described.

SUMMARY OF TH£ iNVEMTiOlV

I'OOigJ The'invention relates gonemily to a method of high resdluti'an food onio food detdrStte, arid more specifically io a method of 'processing a pormaiiy high viscosity coioriess food-based media Into a low viscosity and coiorized decorating media, arid by applying this media using a high resolution disposal unit create a high resolution and naturdf coloured image decot alien direct on food products, able to 'use any type of colour scheme without lasing the colour gamut of the natural colorants(009] A .primary object of. the; present invferitibh is to provide .a -method of high -resolution food, onto food decoration that-will overcome a If the shortcomings in prior art devices and methods.

[910] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method -of- high respivtfoh food onto food decoration where a wide variety of standard high viscosity and normahy non disposable, by high resolution methods, food products can he used fe>t the decoration purpose.

[61,1] A further object of the present invention is to provide a method of nigh resdiution food onto food decoration where natural colorants can be used together with any type of colour -scheme without losing the colour gamut of the rsafufai colorants after applied on the food product, [8124 A yet .further object of the present invention is to provide s method of high resolution food onto food decor arion that coincide with the increased awareness of.using.potential harmful food additives by providing a method where natural coiotanfs can be used, [823] A still further -object of the present .invention is to provide a method of high resolution food onto -food, decoration where go objects-can he decorated.on all hut thebottom side in one continuous decorstίng procuss, [814] A further object of the present invention is to provide, a.method of high resolution food' onto food decoration whsfo. a cooling tunnel is used-to soiidify the decoration after applied.

[0151A further object of the present invention is to provide a method of high resolution food opto food decoration where a food-based decorating media, suitable for any standard colour profile and with a colour gamut comparable with the print result foam advanced ink-jet or offset printing, can.be obtained.

[Olgj Additional objects. r>f the present invention to provide a method of high resolution food onto food decoration wiii appear as-des-eription proceeds.

A. method of high resolution food onto food decoration is disclosed by present invention. The method inciudes steps of creating a digital design using graphic software. Loading pre coloured food-based mediato be used for the decorating process, Alter the viscosity of the decorating food· based media in order to create a product disposable with a high resolution disposal device that can create an image containing 600 DPI or more. Placing the food product to be decorated onto a supporting-tray, in order to enable the use of porous food products. Scanning the food product in order to decide its shape, size and position on the tray. Pumping the low viscosity and natural staiaied food media to the high resolution disposal device and dispose the media pursuant to the graphic design. Solidify the decorslion.by using a cooling tunnel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS (GT?) Various other objects, feature's and attendant advantages of the present invention will .become more folly appreciated as the same Becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the. arc ompa(tying drawings, (8181 PIG T, is a flow chart illustrating the method of the present invention for processing the decoration: media used for high resolution food .onto food decoration using natural colorants without loosing As colour gamut, it's showing ai) stops from creating the image to cooling the decoration food product.

Steps are marked in alphabetic order.

ί A) Design the image to he decorated, using a standard computer (8) and software for graphicdesign, (B) Loading pre colored food media for the: decoration into the device for ..storage 19). The device has a slot for each colour to be used, (C) Starting the process of lowering the viscosity on the stored decorating media (9)..The storage device wit! keep the decided temperature and media viscosity to reduce.Startup time.

ID} Loading the product to be decorated by piatmg the supporting tray (5} with.the product (4}-on to the: conveyer belt (7). The conveyer moves the product into the starting position (H), (E) The .robotic arm fl) sense the tray in the starting position (IT) and start scanning the food product to crssta the decorating outline, using the: 3D scanner (3} mounted on its top arm, (H When the scanning procedure is done the robotic arm it) will move the disposal device- {2) Into Its: active position and start laying out the design created in step (A) The food media is moved from the storing device {’!} to ihe disposal device -2) by using a peristattic pump (10). The disposal device will apply a 20 decoration onto a 3D' object by moving its disposal device according io the created 3D outline. The system can also operate by using a. fester and automatic template mode, where the design is applied directly as soon as the tray arrives at the starting point. The template mode is faster but less flexihie.

(C) As soon as the robotic arm (1} end its program, the conveyer belt (7) will move the decorated food product through a cooling tunnel (6) to make it immediate available for packaging and transport.

(H) As soon as the product has passed through the cooling tunnel {&) the cycle Is completed and the conveyet belt stops in a stand by mode, ready to start the next cycle, if automatic template mode is selected the conveyer belt (7} never stops and Lite system Is. ready to automatically receive and act as the next tray (5) activate its starting point sensor (Hj.

{BIB} FIG 2, is a side perspective view illustrating the present invention, the method of processing the decoration med-a used for high iesaiutleh food onto food dscoration using natural colorants without loosing Us cpiout gamut.

Showing in num.etir.ai order: The robotic arm {I}, the nigh fesolubon disposal device {?.}, the 3D scanner (3}. the food product to be decorated (4), the support tray for the food product (5).- The cooling tunrsei (6}. the conveyer belt (7), the CPU 18}. the device for storing the decorating media and to alter its viscosity (9), the peristaltic pump :(.10)., the sensor forthe starting position (1.1).·.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RfcfgRENCE© MUMERIACS (920] Turning now descriptively to the drawings, io which similar reference characters denote -simitar ete ments throughout this application, the figures illustrate the met bed of processing a narmafly high viscosity colorless food media into a tow viscosity and coiorized decorating media, and by applying this media using a high resolution disposal unit create a high resolution and -natural coloured image decoration direct on food products, able to use any type cf colour scheme without 'losing the colour gamut of the natural colorants.

With regards to th e reference numerals used, the following number is used throughout this application and illustrated ip the drawings.

1, Robotic Arm

2, High-resolution disposal device

3, SO Scanner

4, Food product t© be - decorated

5, : Support fray'far food product fit.· Looting Tunnel

7. Cdnudyer Beit

8, CPU :9, Device for storing the food-based'-decorating media and fa-alter its viscosity

10, FerlstaIt sc pump

Π, Sanser for -sfca rtf ng position

DETAILED DESCRIPTION GF THE PROFFERED EMBODIMENT [G2iJ 'Turning now descriptivfeiy to the drawings, in· which similar preference characters are· used as references to similar..elements throughout thisapplication, Figures 1 and 2 illustrates the method of .processings normsliy high viscosity coiotiess food-based media into a low viscosity and colorized decorating media, arid by applying this food-based media using a high 'resolution dispose! unitcreste a high resolution and naturai goioured. image decoration direct· onto food products, able to use any type of colour scheme· without losing the colour gamut of the natural colorants.

fD22j The. first step (fits ;i.:Ai in the method' of high resolution food onto food decoration is to create or load the Image that shall be used for the decoration. The CPU (FiC 2;B) used for this process: can he used toget her-with any standard graphic software for the purpose of creating or loading the digital design.

The CPU is utilizing necessary computer related devises to be fully functional with regards to any design work, data storage, communication with and controlling of other firmware and devices described m this application, amongst them the feeding of the robotic arm and to control the use of the scanner and the disposal device, control the speed and movement of the conveyer belt induding-sensorsifor different stopping positions, temperature control ©f the food-based media and control of the feeding speed of the psostallic pump, temperature and fen speed of the cooling .tunnel.

(DO} The second step IRC 1:8) .in the method of high resolution food onto food decoration, it to load the colored food-based media, that shall he used for -the decoration in the storage device (FIG 2:9). The food-based media -can be solid when 'loaded and is pre colored with the spectra intended for the present decoration. The-food-based media loaded can be marked by synthetic DMA to orovide a control funedoh for its origin, ensure the quality both from rhe aspect of health and coiora 'is u »<>© 1 he to, sge device (PIG 2:9) can be equipped with a reader to detect if the media contains the a «,·> »?<<.ute if that should not be the case When using natural colorants for the decoration process, the food-based media needs to have a neutral pH value of 7.0 before the colorants are added, this to ensure that the. foodbased media will be abie re use the colour profile needed for the lob, if the feed-based media is showing a lower (.Acid) of higher (Basic) pH-value, the colored food-based media will not show the same colour after the blending, as the natural colorants did before blending. This is orse of the reasons why natural coiorams cannot be used successfully by standard mk let printers, when applied directly onto a food product by a standard ink-jet printer, they will alter its colour shade according to the pH-Value of the product they are printed· upon or mixed with, in the present invention, if a desirable, colour shade deviates from the original shade -fethe natural colofebt, the desirable colour shade can be accomplished by altering the pH-value of the decotaling food-based media prior to blending with the natural colorants. The present invention can provide a food-based decorating media that, will not «Iter its shade after applied to the food product., and hence provide a foil colour image decorated directly on top of the surface of the food product by using any standard colour profile. The storage device has a slot dedicated: for each colour shade used for the decoration -process and it shall preferable contain T2 slots, this Ip order to provide a wide variety of food- based decorating media suitable for any standard colour profile and provide a colour gamut, comparable with the resuit from advanced ink-let or offset pi'infing.

(Ω24] The third step (FiG '1 :Q in the method Of high-fesoiotion food onio food decotaiion is to aiterthe viscosity of the decorating food-based .media to make it possible to dispose With s high resolution, disposal device (FiG 2:2) allowing a wide variety af standard and high·viscosity normally non disposable, by high resolution methods, food-based products to be used for the decoration purpose. This process is done'in the storage device (FIG 2:9) prior to disposal by raising the food-based media temperature until the viscosity is 2 cP (centipoise) or (ess. The temperature can be regulated by circulating het water in pipes or by eiectricai elements surroundinglhe med laslot and all tubing used for trahsporflrig the foodbased media from the storage device to the high resolution disposal device (FiG 2:2·, and shall be able to provide a food-based media .temperature-ranging from SO Degree Celsius to 95 Degree Celsius, this in order bo provide, for a wide variety of pfintafoie food-media products to be used lor the decoration purpose. The feeding of the food- based media is done by the perisfoitic pump (FIG 240} and controlled by the CPU, and it is impertan; to provide a stable temperature throughout the whole process of feeding I he media from the storage device ail the way to ihe disposal device, to addition to the tempeiaiure control, the storage device should have a function where the processed and now low viscosity food· based ..decoration fluid is constantly stir rad, not to form lumps that could jeopardize s smooth feeding to the disposal device.· (StSl'The forth step (FiG 1:0) in the method of high resolution food onto food decoration Is to load the food producl so be decorated (FiG 2:4) onto the conveyer best (FiG 2:7} using a.Supporting fray if 1G 2:5). The tray Is used in order bo provide the well needed support for porous food products during the feeding process, in addition and.-due to Its sharp edge It will provide for a more exact I no«:a t ion of the starting point (FIG 2:.U). The conveyer bolt in combination with sensors will sense the trey and product and feed u into the starting position, where the robotic arm (RG 2.:1,) starts its work.

1026] The fifth step (FIG ITS in the method of high resolution food onio food decoration Is the scanning of the food product (FIG 2:4} m order to determine the size, shape and tracking its position on the tray iPIG 2:5} using the 3D scanner (FiG 2:3}mounisd on the robotlcsrm (FIG 2:1), The 30 scanner delivering the date needed for the software to create sn outline of the product to be decorated. If all available sides of a product shall be decorated,: or if the surface of the product intended for the decoration show significant deviations in height, the 3D scanner is used in order to create-the correct applying pattern, in basic mode, individual design mode, the.system will detect the shape, size and position on she tray by using the 3D scanner (FiG -2:3} In cortiteination with sensors positioned along the conveyer belt,, so the product can be placed anywhere on the tray. When operated in an automatic template mode the system is utilizing a-ssmplified scanning mods! with a starting point function (FIG 2:11}, which allow the same decoration to be applied continuously. This automatic template mode using software and hardware templates in -combination with the Si mplified scanning is normally used when only the top surface of the food product Is decorated, and/pr bigger series of the same .motif shall be decorated, then the scanner Is typfosliy used only to decide the heigh; of the food product and the position of the tr«y. in this automatic tempfais mode the food product to be decorated is placed in slots on the tray that corresponds with the software template that shall be used, this automatic process is controlled by the CPU (FIG 2-8!.

(02?) The. sixth step (FIG l:F) in the method csf high resolution food onto food decoration is the decoration process. The start can fee folly automated and triggered by sensors in combination wtth the cootpietioR.of the scanning and creation of the outline and/or tracking position. The CPU (FIG 2:8) controls the process and operates the robotic arm {FIG: 2:1) which move to the starting position, rotatesand activate the high resolution disposal de>vice(.FiiS2:2)?ftto decoration mods. The peristaltic pump (F.IG 2:10; atari, pumping ;he low viscosity food-based decorating media from the storage device (FIG 2:9) to the high resolution disposal device When ready the robotic arm will apply a 20 decoration onto the 30 object by moving the disposal device κι an oscillating moving partem according io the crested design and following the available 3D outline of the food product The high sesolution disposal device will he able to lay oat the decoration with a resolution of 3SQ DPI or more (preferable 500 DPi), and the 3D food product (FIG 2:4) Can be decorated on all but the 'bottom side Io one conti nuous deeprating process.

1(528] The seventh step indicated by PIS 1 (G), in the method of high resolution food onto food decoration Is to solidify the decorated image. The Conveyer belt (FiG 2:7) controlled by the CPU (FIG 2:3) will .move the supporting tray (FIG 2:5) and carrying the decorated food product (FIG 2:4) into the cooling tunnel (FIS 2:6)· In order to solidify the decoration the cooling tunnel should provide an air flow with a temperature of 10---15 Degree Celsius. The speed of the conveyer belt is controlled by the CPU and can alter for different type of decoration media or food product used. Due to the liquid state of the media when applied and the fast cooling down process, the decoration will be a bonded patt of the food product and should be ready for packaging as soon as it has passed through the cooling funnel·, [029] t he eight step (FIG 1:H] in the method of high resolution food orifo food decoration is where the previous decorating cycle is completed. The conveyer belt (FIG 2:7] moves:the product (FIG 2:4) out of the cooling tunnel (F-tG 2.:6) and stops at a suits hie position for easy access of the decorated product. The robotic ami (FIG 2:1) moves to its staring position and turn the 3D scanner (FIG 2:3) into its active position, ready for the next job. The storage device {FIG 2:9) will keep the decided temperature of the: media as long as the system Is active, when not, the CPU (FIG 2:8) will put the system in a /stand by mode.

Claims (6)

(030) The embodiment of the invention which have beeh described are merely iiiostrative, If is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it wifi be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes In the details of the method illustrated and its operation can fee made'by those skilled in the art without departing inany wayfrom the spirit of the present 'invention. 031) What is ciaimed is.

1. A method for high resolution food onto, food decoration sod image creation where high viscosity food>based media can he used fer the decoration purposes comprising first colosfoe the decorating media and lowering its viscosity by 'heating it up then apply the food-based media as. an image decoration direct onto a food product by «.sing a high resolution disposal' device,

2. A method for high resoiution food onto·food decoration and image creation where high viscosity food-based media can he used for the decoration purposes ss claimed in claim 1 wherein natural colorants can .be used together With any type of colour scheme without losing the colour gamut: of the. natural colorants after applied onto the food product.

3. A method for high resolution food onio food decoration and Image creation where high viscosity food-based media can he used for the decoration purposes as ciafii ed m r laim 1 wherein a high resolution disposal device can .decorate the food product with a. re«s! boi< of 350 DPI or mare.

4. A method for high resolution food onto food decoration and image creation where high viscosity food-based media can he used for the decoration purposes as claimed in claim 1 wherein 30 objects can be decorated on aft but the bottom side in one '-continuous decorating process.

5. A method for high resolution food .onto food decoration and image creation where high viscosity food-based .media.can be used for the decoration purposes as claimed In claim i wherein a cooling tunnel is used to solidify the applied decoration.

6. A method for high resolution food onto food decoration and 'image creation where high viscosity food-based media can be used for the 'decoration purposes as claimed m ciaim i wherein the decorating media can be marked by syrfthetic DMA to be detected by the system in.order to provide, a control function for its origin.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: Claims searched:

GB16U529.7 1 - 6

Examiner: Date of search:

Gareth Jones 19 December 2016

Patents Act 1977: Search Report under Section 17

Documents considered to be relevant:

Category Relevant to claims Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance X 1 - 5 GB2459255 A (PALMGREN et al) See at least paragraphs 014-018 and figure 3. X 1 - 5 W02010/151202 Al (ELECTROLUX AB) See figure 1, and pages 2 and 3. X 1 - 5 US2008/075859 A (BAKER et al) See at least paragraphs 0021, 0031. X 1 - 5 US2007/0231427 A (REAM) See at least figure 6 A and paragraphs 0112-0114 inclusive. X 1 - 5 CN204104705 U (LIAO) See WPI abstract, accession number: 2015-184397 and all figures. X 1 - 5 US2008/254172 A (W00DH0USE et al) See at least paragraphs 0009 and 0027. X 1 - 5 US9254000 A (RAIMONDI) See all figures and at least columns 5 and 6.

Categories:

X Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive step A Document indicating technological background and/or state of the art. Y Document indicating lack of inventive step if combined with one or more other documents of same category. P Document published on or after the declared priority date but before the filing date of this invention. & Member of the same patent family E Patent document published on or after, but with priority date earlier than, the filing date of this application.

Field of Search:

Search of GB, EP, WO & US patent documents classified in the following areas of the UKCX :

The following online and other databases have been used in the preparation of this search report

Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo

Intellectual

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Office

WPI, EPODOC International Classification: Subclass Subgroup Valid From B41J 0003/407 01/01/2006 A23G 0003/20 01/01/2006 A23G 0003/28 01/01/2006 A23P 0020/00 01/01/2016

Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo