Patent Overview
Title
Automated kitchen system for assisting human worker prepare food
Inventors
- Ryan W. Sinnet 🙋♂️
- Robert Anderson
Patent No.
US 12,135,533 B2
Issued
Abstract
An automated kitchen assistant system inspects a food preparation area in the kitchen environment using a plurality of sensors or cameras. A trained model computes the identity and the location of the food item. In embodiments, the food items are on a grill, and the automated kitchen assistant system is operable to compute the time remaining to remove or flip each of the food items. The output may further be utilized to command a robotic arm, kitchen worker, or otherwise assist in food preparation. Related methods are also described.
The Problem We Solved
Restaurant kitchens face two major challenges that lead to inconsistent food quality and wasted time:
- Cooking Timing Errors: Kitchen staff juggle multiple tasks and often miss the perfect moment to flip or remove food items from the grill, resulting in inconsistent cooking.
- Inefficient Workflows: Traditional kitchen setups make it difficult to manage multiple orders simultaneously, leading to delays, mistakes, and food waste.
The Innovation
We developed a smart kitchen assistant system that “watches” the cooking area and helps staff prepare food more accurately:
- Smart Eyes in the Kitchen: The system uses multiple cameras (regular and infrared) mounted above the cooking area to see and recognize different food items on the grill.
- Food Tracking Technology: Special software can identify specific foods (burgers, steaks, chicken, etc.) and keep track of them even when temporarily hidden by a cook’s hand or cooking tools.
- Smart Timing Assistant: The system calculates cooking times for each item and alerts the cook exactly when to flip or remove food from the grill.
- Works With People: Unlike fully automated solutions, this system assists human cooks rather than replacing them, providing guidance through displays that show what needs attention.
Scope of the Patent
The patent covers:
- A system using multiple cameras to monitor cooking areas
- Software that identifies and tracks food items during cooking
- Methods for maintaining awareness of items even when temporarily hidden
- Technology that determines when food items need attention
- Flexible implementation with or without robotic assistance
- Various ways to communicate cooking instructions to kitchen staff
Why It Matters
This innovation solves real problems that affect food quality and restaurant efficiency:
- Consistent Food Quality: Customers get properly cooked food every time, regardless of how busy the kitchen is.
- Reduced Waste: Fewer cooking errors means less food thrown away due to overcooking or other mistakes.
- Increased Efficiency: Kitchen staff can handle more orders simultaneously without becoming overwhelmed.
- Adaptable Solution: The system works in existing kitchens without major renovation, making it practical for widespread adoption.
- Bridges the Gap: Unlike fully automated kitchens (which are expensive and inflexible), this system enhances human capabilities while maintaining the craft of cooking.