Smart Food Service Apparatus with Integrated Technologies
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The invention integrates a food service apparatus with distinct technologies such as AI, IoT, blockchain, and new materials to create a more efficient, safe, and personalized food delivery system.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent addressed the challenge of efficiently transporting multiple plates in a restaurant setting. However, it lacked the ability to monitor food temperature and quality, track food origin and preparation, and provide personalized dining recommendations. The new inventive concept solves these problems by incorporating IoT sensors, blockchain-based tracking, AI-powered plate recognition, and other advanced technologies.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The Smart Food Service Apparatus comprises a holder apparatus for carrying multiple plates with food, integrated with an IoT sensor for monitoring food temperature and quality. It also features a blockchain-based tracking system for ensuring food safety and authenticity. Additionally, the apparatus includes an AI-powered plate recognition system to optimize plate arrangement and minimize delivery time. The system integrates with a restaurant's inventory management system to ensure accurate ordering and minimize waste. Furthermore, the apparatus has a built-in AI assistant for providing personalized dining recommendations to patrons, integrating with a restaurant's loyalty program to offer targeted promotions and rewards. The apparatus also includes an IoT-enabled weight sensor for tracking food weight and nutritional information in real-time, providing patrons with detailed calorie and macronutrient information.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce the novel combination of a food service apparatus with IoT sensors, blockchain-based tracking, AI-powered plate recognition, and other advanced technologies, which is not obvious from the original patent. The inventive step lies in the integration of these distinct technologies to create a more efficient, safe, and personalized food delivery system.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the Smart Food Service Apparatus could include variations in the design of the holder apparatus, different types of sensors for monitoring food quality, or alternative blockchain-based tracking systems. Additionally, the apparatus could be integrated with other technologies such as robotics or augmented reality to further enhance the food delivery experience.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The Smart Food Service Apparatus has significant commercial potential in the food service industry, particularly in restaurants, cafes, and other establishments that require efficient and safe food delivery. The apparatus could also be marketed to food delivery services, catering companies, and other businesses that require advanced food tracking and monitoring capabilities.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Food service equipment design and restaurant technology systems, focusing on plate transportation and service optimization technologies
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A professional with expertise in industrial design, hospitality engineering, and emerging restaurant technologies, typically holding a bachelor's degree in engineering or industrial design with 3-5 years of experience in food service equipment development
Obviousness Rationale
A person of ordinary skill would recognize that integrating digital technologies like IoT sensors and AI into existing food service apparatus represents a predictable evolution of restaurant service technologies. The source patent establishes a foundational plate transportation system, which naturally invites technological augmentation to improve efficiency and user experience. The proposed variations represent logical extensions of existing food service equipment design principles using well-understood technological integration strategies.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,093 |
|---|---|
| Title | Food service apparatus and method |