WO2023017309A1

WO2023017309A1 - System and method for preparation of a sandwich

Info

Publication number: WO2023017309A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/058993
Authority: WO
Inventors: Narhari Gopal Mane; Pandharinath Gopal Mane; Rupali Narhari Mane
Original assignee: Narhari Gopal Mane; Pandharinath Gopal Mane; Rupali Narhari Mane
Priority date: 2021-08-10
Filing date: 2021-09-30
Publication date: 2023-02-16

Abstract

A system for preparation of sandwich is disclosed. A sandwich preparation apparatus including an input receiving unit to receive a user instruction associated with preparation of at least one type of the sandwich, a preparation table adapted to receive the one or more bread slices at a predetermined position from a conveyor belt, a filling 5 material dispenser dispenses a predefined amount of a filling material on top of the one or more bread slices, a slicer to cut a plurality of vegetables into one or more slices; a finisher to receive the one or more bread slices topped with the filling material and the plurality of vegetables; a microcomputer to track one or more sandwich preparation parameters, predict one or more raw materials required for preparation of 10 the at least one sandwich, recommending controlling of one or more electro-mechanical components of the sandwich preparation apparatus.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREPARATION OF A SANDWICH

EARLIEST PRIORITY DATE:

This Application claims priority from a Complete patent application filed in India having Patent Application No. 202121036175, filed on August 10, 2021 and titled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREPARATION OF A SANDWICH”.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an automated machine for preparation of a snack item and more particularly to a system and a method for preparation of a sandwich.

Nowadays, in most of the public or private places, such as in office cafeterias, food courts, railway stations, airports, bus stations, hotels of any category or even by the roadside, a large variety of ready to eat snack items are in great demand. Such ready to eat snack items such as sandwiches, pizzas, hamburgers and the like are generally prepared manually which engages multiple human resources. Among such items, sandwiches are the most common and popular items that is preferred by one or more consumers and as a result served widely across all food outlets. Manual intervention for preparation of the sandwich requires lots of human effort and creates difficulty to manage in case of huge demand. As a result, various automatic dispensers for preparation of the sandwiches are utilized in order to manage the bulk order during peak hours.

Conventionally, the automatic dispensers available in market prepares the sandwiches generally of acceptable quality. However, such a conventional dispenser delivers sandwiches with already cut vegetables and one or more raw ingredients which always compromises with delivery of fresh and tasty products. Moreover, the sandwiches, i.e., the bread with the one or more raw ingredients, is stored at a relatively low temperature for conservation purposes. Consequently, when the consumer buys the sandwich, the sandwiches needs to be heated which further requires manual intervention. Also, such a conventional dispenser prepares the sandwiches with a generic style of recipe and unable to customize the recipe based on user preferences. In addition, such a conventional dispenser is unable to monitor number of sandwiches prepared at a particular point of time in order to meet a situation demand.

Hence, there is a need for an improved system and a method for preparation of a sandwich in order to address the aforementioned issues.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure a system for preparation of a sandwich is disclosed. The system includes a sandwich preparation apparatus including an input receiving unit configured to receive a user instruction associated with preparation of at least one type of the sandwich. The apparatus also includes a preparation table accommodated on a conveyor belt. The preparation table is rotated in a predefined direction via a motor, wherein the preparation table is configured to carry one or more bread slices based on the user instruction received. The one or more bread slices are loaded on the preparation table from a pre-cut bread loaf stored in a bread storage compartment using a bread feeding mechanism. The apparatus also includes a filling material dispenser positioned at a predetermined height on top of the one or more bread slices, wherein the filling material dispenser is configured to dispense a predefined amount of a filling material on top of the one or more bread slices rotating on the preparation table using a dispensing mechanism. The apparatus also includes an applicator operatively coupled to the filling material dispenser, wherein the applicator is configured to uniformly spread the filling material dispensed on the one or more bread slices. The apparatus also includes a vegetable container positioned at a predetermined height above the one or more bread slices on the preparation table. The vegetable container is designed to hold a plurality of vegetables arranged in a stack format, wherein the vegetable container comprises a slicer to cut the plurality of vegetables into one or more slices for laying on top of the one or more bread slices. The apparatus also includes a finisher located at a predetermined distance and a predetermined height from the preparation table. The finisher is adapted to receive the one or more bread slices topped with the filling material and the plurality of vegetables for preparation of the at least one type of sandwich, wherein the one or more bread slices are placed on the finisher through a semi-circular movement. The system also includes a processing subsystem operatively coupled to the sandwich preparation apparatus. The processing subsystem includes a microcomputer configured to track one or more sandwich preparation parameters at an instance of preparation of the sandwich. The microcomputer is also configured to predict one or more raw materials required for preparation of the sandwich upon analysis of the one or more sandwich preparation parameters tracked and historical sandwich preparation data. The microcomputer is also configured to recommend controlling of one or more electro-mechanical components of the sandwich preparation apparatus based on the one or more sandwich preparation parameters tracked.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of preparation of a sandwich by a sandwich preparation apparatus is disclosed. The method includes receiving, by an input receiving unit of a sandwich preparation apparatus, a user instruction associated with preparation of at least one type of the sandwich. The method also includes carrying, by a preparation table accommodated on a conveyor belt, one or more bread slices based on the user instruction received, wherein the one or more bread slices are loaded on the preparation table from a precut bread loaf stored in a bread storage compartment using a bread feeding mechanism. The method also includes dispensing, by a filling material dispenser, a predefined amount of a filling material on top of the one or more bread slices using a dispensing mechanism, wherein the one or more bread slices are rotating on the preparation table. The method also includes uniformly spreading the filling material dispensed on the one or more bread slices by an applicator. The method also includes designing a vegetable container to hold a plurality of vegetables in a stack format, wherein the vegetable container comprises a slicer to cut the plurality of vegetables into one or more slices for laying on top of the one or more bread slices. The method also includes locating a finisher at a predetermined distance and a predetermined height from the preparation table, wherein the finisher is adapted to receive the one or more bread slices topped with the filling material and the plurality of vegetables for preparation of the at least one type of sandwich, wherein the one or more bread slices are placed on the finisher via a plunger. The method also includes tracking, by a microcomputer of a processing subsystem, one or more sandwich preparation parameters at an instance of preparation of the at least one sandwich. The method also includes predicting, by the microcomputer, one or more raw materials required for preparation of the at least one sandwich upon analysis of the one or more sandwich preparation parameters tracked and historical sandwich preparation data. The method also includes recommending, by the microcomputer, controlling of one or more electro-mechanical components of the sandwich preparation apparatus based on the one or more sandwich preparation parameters tracked.

To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a system for preparation of sandwich in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2(a) represents a schematic representation of an embodiment of a sauce applicator of a sandwich preparation apparatus of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of a present disclosure;

FIG. 2 (b) represents a schematic representation of an embodiment of a butter applicator of a sandwich preparation apparatus of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of a present disclosure;

FIG. 2 (c) represents a schematic representation of an embodiment of a cheese grater of a sandwich preparation apparatus of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of a present disclosure;

FIG. 3 (a) illustrates a schematic representation of schematic representation of a slicer of a system for preparation of sandwich of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of a present disclosure; FIG. 3 (b) shows an exemplary embodiment, of a mashed potato dispenser of a system for preparation of a sandwich of FIG.1 is shown in FIG. 3 (b) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 (c) represents a schematic representation of an embodiment of a slicer (145) of a system for preparation of sandwich of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic representation of a particular embodiment of a finisher of a system for preparation of sandwich of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of a present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic representation of another embodiment of a system for preparation of a sandwich of FIG.l in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 6 represents a schematic representation of the condiment dispenser (165) of a system for preparation of sandwich of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of a present disclosure; and

FIG. 7 (a) and FIG. 7 (b) is a flow chart representing the steps involved in a method for preparation of sandwich by a sandwich preparation apparatus in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.

In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a system and method for preparation of a sandwich. The system includes a sandwich preparation apparatus including an input receiving unit configured to receive a user instruction associated with preparation of at least one type of the sandwich. The apparatus also includes a preparation table accommodated on a conveyor belt. The preparation table is rotated in a predefined direction via a motor, wherein the preparation table is configured to carry one or more bread slices based on the user instruction received. The one or more bread slices are loaded on the preparation table from a pre-cut bread loaf stored in a bread storage compartment using a bread feeding mechanism. The apparatus also includes a filling material dispenser positioned at a predetermined height on top of the one or more bread slices, wherein the filling material dispenser is configured to dispense a predefined amount of a filling material on top of the one or more bread slices rotating on the preparation table using a dispensing mechanism. The apparatus also includes an applicator operatively coupled to the filling material dispenser, wherein the applicator is configured to uniformly spread the filling material dispensed on the one or more bread slices. The apparatus also includes a vegetable container positioned at a predetermined height above the one or more bread slices on the preparation table. The vegetable container is designed to hold a plurality of vegetables arranged in a stack format, wherein the vegetable container comprises a slicer to cut the plurality of vegetables into one or more slices for laying on top of the one or more bread slices. The apparatus also includes a finisher located at a predetermined distance and a predetermined height from the preparation table. The finisher is adapted to receive the one or more bread slices topped with the filling material and the plurality of vegetables for preparation of the at least one type of sandwich, wherein the one or more bread slices are placed on the finisher through a semi-circular movement. The system also includes a processing subsystem operatively coupled to the sandwich preparation apparatus. The processing subsystem includes a microcomputer configured to track one or more sandwich preparation parameters at an instance of preparation of the sandwich. The microcomputer is also configured to predict one or more raw materials required for preparation of the sandwich upon analysis of the one or more sandwich preparation parameters tracked and historical sandwich preparation data. The microcomputer is also configured to recommend controlling of one or more electro-mechanical components of the sandwich preparation apparatus based on the one or more sandwich preparation parameters tracked.

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a system (100) for preparation of sandwich in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system (100) includes a sandwich preparation apparatus (105). The sandwich preparation apparatus (105) includes an input receiving unit (110) configured to receive a user instruction associated with preparation of at least one type of the sandwich. In one embodiment, the input receiving unit (110) may include at least one of a touch-based user interface coupled to the sandwich preparation apparatus. In such embodiment, the touch-based user interface receives the user instruction physically. In another embodiment, the input receiving unit may include a communication interface connected with a webbased application hosted on a remote server. The communication interface is enabled with internet of things (loT) technology connection so that it can receive the user instruction remotely through the web-based application. The user selects the user instruction based on his or her requirement through the web-application. In one embodiment, the user instruction associated with the preparation of the at least one type of the sandwich includes a recipe of the at least one type of the sandwich, a list of raw ingredients required for the at least one type of the sandwich, a number of at least one type of the sandwich or a combination thereof. In such embodiment, the recipe for the at least one type of the sandwich may include a step-by-step procedure for preparing the at least one sandwich. Similarly, the list of raw ingredients required by the user may include requirement of a specific vegetable, requirement of a specific filling material, requirement of one or more powdered condiments and the like.

In one scenario, the sandwich preparation apparatus (105) may prepare the at least one sandwich based on one or more user preferences fetched from an external storage repository by a user identification module of a microcomputer (115), wherein the microcomputer (115) of a processing subsystem (120) is communicatively coupled to the sandwich preparation apparatus. In one embodiment, the processing subsystem may be coupled to the sandwich preparation apparatus. In another embodiment, the processing subsystem (120) may be hosted on a remote server. In such embodiment, the remote server may include a cloud server. As used herein, the term ‘user preference’ is defined as one or more options of customized sandwich recipes corresponding to the one or more users. The external storage repository stores data of identification details of the one or more users along with the one or more user preferences. Once, the one or more user preferences are fetched, the one or more identification details of the corresponding one or more users are extracted and matched with real-time user recognition data. The real-time user recognition data is obtained through at least one of biometric scan data, image captured of the one or more users and the like.

Based on matching of the real-time user recognition data with the extracted identification details, the one or more users are recognized. Further, upon recognition of the one or more users, the user identification module (not shown in FIG. 1) provides corresponding user instruction to the input receiving unit for preparation of the at least one sandwich based on the one or more user preferences. Thus, the input receiving unit (110) automatically retrieves the one or more user preferences so that such one or more preferences are utilized for providing user instruction to prepare the at least one sandwich according to customization and preference of the one or more users. In one embodiment, the one or more user preferences may include, but not limited to, a veg sandwich, a non-veg sandwich, a grill sandwich, a continental style sandwich, white bread sandwich, a brown bread sandwich, a club sandwich, a sub and the like.

The apparatus (105) also includes a preparation table (125) accommodated on a conveyor belt. In one embodiment, the conveyor belt (not shown in FIG. 1) is communicatively coupled with the input receiving unit (110). The preparation table (125) is rotated in a predefined direction at a constant speed via a motor. The preparation table (125) is rotated in order to position a plurality of vegetables on the one or more bread slices, filling material and the like accurately on top of the one or more bread slices. The preparation table (125) is configured to carry one or more bread slices based on the user instruction received. In one embodiment, the preparation table may include a circular preparation table. In another embodiment, the preparation table may include a rectangular preparation table. The one or more bread slices are loaded on the preparation table from a pre-cut bread loaf stored in a bread storage compartment using a bread feeding mechanism. The bread feeding mechanism enables loading of the one or more bread slices on the preparation table through air suction pressure. From the bread storage compartment, a motor pushes the one or more bread slices and such bread slices based on the external air suction pressure created, is lifted on the rotating preparation table. The one or more bread slices are placed in optimal gaps on the preparation table in order to avoid overlapping between each of the one or more bread slices.

The apparatus (105) also includes a filling material dispenser (135) positioned at a predetermined height on top of the one or more bread slices, wherein the filling material dispenser is configured to dispense a predefined amount of a filling material on top of the one or more bread slices rotating on the preparation table using a dispensing mechanism. In one embodiment, the dispensing mechanism may include dispensing of the filling material through a piston operated cylinder (136). In such embodiment, the cylinder (136) is filled with the filling material. Once, the cylinder is filled with the filling material, a dispenser supporting motor activates the piston operated cylinder for pushing the filling material through a pipe (138) connected with a nozzle at one end. The nozzle further enables plunging of the filling material on top of the one or more bread slices. A peristaltic pump (141) of the filing material dispenser enables pumping of the filling material from the cylinder filled with the filling material and transports it via the pipe (138). In a specific embodiment, the filling material may include, but not limited to butter, jam, cheese, sauce, mayonnaise, chutney and the like. The sandwich preparation apparatus (105) also includes an applicator (139) operatively coupled to the filling material dispenser. The applicator is configured to uniformly spread the filling material dispensed on the one or more bread slices located on the preparation table accommodated on a conveyor belt (142). The applicator (139) having a flat surface helps in uniformly spreading and applying the filling material on the surface of the one or more bread slices. In a specific embodiment, the filling material may include, but not limited to butter, jam, cheese, sauce, mayonnaise, chutney and the like. The apparatus also includes an applicator operatively coupled to the filling material dispenser (135), wherein the applicator is configured to uniformly spread the filling material dispensed on the one or more bread slices. Such embodiments of the filling material dispenser of a system for preparation of sandwich of FIG. 1 is represented in FIG. 2 (a) and FIG. 2 (b). FIG. 2(a) represents a schematic representation of an embodiment of a sauce applicator of a sandwich preparation apparatus of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of a present disclosure. Similarly, FIG. 2 (b) represents a schematic representation of an embodiment of a butter applicator of a sandwich preparation apparatus of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of a present disclosure. In this, the butter applicator includes a gearbox (132), the compartment where filling material such as butter (133) is stored, and one or more mixing rollers (134). The gearbox (132) helps in transmission mechanism of the one or more mixing rollers (134) for mixing of the butter (133). Once, the butter is mixed properly, then such butter is sent to the applicator for uniformly spreading on the one or more bread slices placed on the conveyor belt (142). Again, FIG. 2 (c) represents a schematic representation of an embodiment of a cheese grater of a sandwich preparation apparatus of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of a present disclosure. The cheese grater includes a cheese container (123) which is covered with a spring-loaded lid (124). The spring- loaded lid (124) once closed compresses a cheese block (126) stored within the cheese container (123). A grater blade (127) coupled to the cheese container (123) grates the cheese block using a grating mechanism (128) for uniformly spreading on the one or more bread slices.

Referring to FIG.l, the sandwich preparation apparatus (105) also includes a vegetable container (140) positioned at a predetermined height above the one or more bread slices on the preparation table (125). The vegetable container (140) is designed to hold a plurality of vegetables arranged in a stack format. The vegetable container (140) is coupled to the sandwich preparation apparatus via a wall mount bracket (144). To improve the speed of preparing the at least one sandwich each of the vegetable container is placed in such a position so that it lies just above the one or more bread slices. The vegetable container (140) is designed to hold the exact number of a type of the plurality of vegetables adjacent to each other in order to cover the complete surface of the one or more bread slices. The plurality of vegetables in one vegetable container (140) are sliced at one go and placed immediately on the one or more bread slices. The number of vegetable containers may be increased if the number of the plurality of vegetables to be added are increased based on predefined requirement. The vegetable container (140) also includes a slicer (145) with a blade assembly (146) to cut the plurality of vegetables into one or more slices for laying on top of the one or more bread slices. The plurality of vegetables (147) is arranged inside the vegetable container in the stack format so that one of the plurality of vegetables is pushed upward, sliced into the one or more slices for laying on top of the one or more bread slices and upon completion of slicing pushed downward and thereby enabling movement of a next vegetable in the stack to come upward. In one embodiment, the slicer (145) pushes and retracts the plurality of vegetables for slicing operation via at least one of a motor with an axle-based arrangement, a solenoid-based arrangement or a pneumatic arrangement. One such embodiment of the slicer of the system for preparation of a sandwich of FIG.l is shown in FIG. 3 (a). Another exemplary embodiment, of a mashed potato dispenser of a system for preparation of a sandwich of FIG.1 is shown in FIG. 3 (b) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The mashed potato dispenser includes a potato container (140) which stores a plurality of boiled potatoes (147). The mashed potato container (140) is coupled to the sandwich preparation apparatus via a wall mount bracket (144). A linear actuator (148) activates and applies force to the plurality of boiled potatoes to prepare the mashed potatoes (149). Such mashed potatoes are laid on top of the one or more bread slices placed on the conveyor belt (142). FIG. 3 (c) represents a schematic representation of an embodiment of a slicer (145) of a system for preparation of sandwich of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The slicer assembly (145) includes a stepper motor (161), a nut (162), a lead screw (163), one or more guide rods (164), and a guide pad (172) with a flange bearing (173). Referring back to FIG.l, the sandwich preparation apparatus (105) also includes a finisher (150) located at a predetermined distance and a predetermined height from the preparation table (125). The finisher (150) is adapted to receive the one or more bread slices (155) topped with the filling material and the plurality of vegetables for finishing preparation of the at least one type of sandwich, wherein the one or more bread slices are placed on the finisher via a plunger. In one embodiment the finisher (150) includes a first surface (151) and a second surface (152) connected with each other via a hinge joint (153). In such embodiment, the first surface receives the one or more bread slices topped with the filling material and the plurality of vegetables. In another embodiment, the second surface receives one or more empty bead slices for covering the one or more bread slices with the toppings. Once the one or more bread slices are received on the finisher from the preparation table (125) via the plunger, the second surface folds and enables covering of the first surface so that the one or more bread slices with the toppings gets covered and the at least one prepared sandwich readily served to the one or more users. A schematic representation of a particular embodiment of a finisher of a system for preparation of sandwich is represented in FIG. 4.

Again, referring to FIG.l, the sandwich preparation apparatus (105) also includes one or more sensors (160) configured to sense one or more activities associated with preparation of at the least one sandwich. In one embodiment, the one or more sensors (160) are placed alongside the preparation table to detect a correct position of the one or more bread slices in order to correctly lay the vegetable slices and filling material on the one bread slices. In such embodiment, the one or more sensors may include, but not limited to, a position sensor, a light sensor and the like. For example, the position sensors help in knowing exact position of the each of the one or more bread slices with the help of a marking strip. Also, the position sensor knows exactly how far each of the one or more bread slices has moved. Thus, enables the system to be made more compact and allows placing of multiple rows of vegetable slices on each of the one or more bread slices. In some embodiment, the one or more activities includes sensing movement of the one or more bread slices loaded on the conveyor belt, sensing position of the one or more bread slices on the conveyor belt or the preparation table, sensing placement of the plurality of vegetables on the one or more bread slices, sensing dispensing of the filling material, sensing dispensing of one or more powdered condiments or a combination thereof.

Also, at the instance of preparation of the at least one sandwich, the microcomputer (115) of the processing subsystem (120) is configured to track one or more sandwich preparation parameters simultaneously. In one embodiment, the one or more sandwich preparation parameters may include at least one of quantity of the plurality of vegetables used, amount of the filling material used, a plurality of condiments used, a number of sandwiches prepared, condition of the one or more sensors, condition of one or more blades of the slicer or a combination thereof.

The microcomputer (115) is also configured to predict the one or more raw materials required for preparation of the at least one sandwich upon analysis of the one or more sandwich preparation parameters tracked and historical sandwich preparation data. In one embodiment, the one or more raw materials requirement may be predicted using a machine learning technique. Prediction of the one or more raw materials helps in estimating the one or more raw materials required during the day or the next day depending on the historical data of preparing sandwiches. It can be used to order supplies or can be used by supply chain systems that integrate into large sandwich making brands operating through franchises. The microcomputer (115) is also configured to recommend controlling of one or more electro-mechanical components of the sandwich preparation apparatus based on the one or more sandwich preparation parameters tracked. The microcomputer (115) tracks the number of at least one sandwich prepared and amount of the one or more raw materials used. The microcomputer also tracks life of the various sensors and blades used in the process of slicing. Such tracking information is used to alert an operator for any preventive maintenance actions.

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic representation of an embodiment of a system (100) for preparation of a sandwich of FIG.l in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As already mentioned in FIG.l, the system (100) includes a sandwich preparation apparatus (105) which includes an input receiving unit (HO), apreparation table (125), a filling material dispenser (140), an applicator (139), a vegetable container (140), a slicer (145) and a finisher (150). The system (100) also includes a processing subsystem (120) operatively coupled to the sandwich preparation apparatus (105), wherein the processing subsystem further includes a microcomputer. In addition, the sandwich preparation apparatus also includes a condiment dispenser (165) configured to dispense one or more powdered condiments on the one or more bread slices in a definite proportion corresponding to a predefined requirement of the user. In one embodiment, the condiment dispenser (165) sprinkles the one or more powdered condiments on the top of the one or more bread slices, wherein the condiment dispenser is activated depending on the user’s choice. At the end of the conveyor belt, the other slice is lifted by a mechanism to be laid over the layers of vegetables and filings, thereby completing the process. In some embodiment, the one or more powdered condiments may include at least one of salt, pepper, chilli flakes, herbs or a combination thereof. One such schematic representation of the condiment dispenser (165) of a system for preparation of sandwich of FIG. 1 is represented in FIG. 6 in accordance with an embodiment of a present disclosure. The condiment dispenser (165) includes a chamber (166) which includes one or more condiments. A stepped motor (167) coupled to the chamber helps in rotating a moving disc (168) using a vibrating mechanism (169) to break and powder the one or more condiments stored in the chamber. The condiment dispenser (165) also includes a fixed disc (171) which is placed below the moving disc (168). Upon rotation of the stepped motor, powdered form of condiments from the particles of the one or more condiments are sprinkled through the moving disc on the one or more bread slices placed on the conveyor belt (142).

In a particular embodiment, the microcomputer (115) of the processing subsystem (120) further incudes a payment processing module (170) configured to handle a payment processes for placing an order associated with the at least one sandwich. The payment processing module (170) is also configured to provide one or more payment options to the user for completion of the payment process for the placing the order associated with the at least one sandwich. In some embodiment, the one or more payment options may include at least one of an offline payment option or an online payment option. In such embodiment, the online payment option may include, but not limited to, a card payment option, an internet banking option, a unified payments interface (UPI) option, a digital wallet payment option and the like. The microcomputer (115) also includes a user recognition module (175) configured to fetch one or more user preferences from an external storage repository. The user recognition module (175) is also configured to extract identification details of the one or more users from the one or more corresponding user preferences fetched. The user recognition module is also configured to recognize the one or more users based on matching of extracted identification details and real-time user recognition data of the one or more users. The user recognition module (175) is also configured to provide the user instruction to the input receiving unit for preparation of the at least one sandwich based on the one or more user preferences upon user recognition.

FIG. 7 (a) and FIG. 7 (b) is a flow chart representing the steps involved in a method (200) for preparation of sandwich by a sandwich preparation apparatus in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure. The method (200) includes receiving, by an input receiving unit of a sandwich preparation apparatus, a user instruction associated with preparation of at least one type of the sandwich in step 210. In one embodiment, receiving the user instruction associated with the preparation of the at least one type of the sandwich may include receiving the user instruction through a at least one of a touch-based user interface coupled to the sandwich preparation apparatus. In such embodiment, the touch-based user interface receives the user instruction physically. In another embodiment, receiving the receiving the user instruction may include receiving the user instruction via a communication interface connected with a web-based application hosted on a remote server. The communication interface is enabled with internet of things (loT) technology connection so that it can receive the user instruction remotely through the web-based application. In some embodiment, receiving the user instruction associated with the preparation of the at least one sandwich may include receiving the user instruction which may include a recipe of the at least one type of the sandwich, a list of raw ingredients required for the at least one type of the sandwich, a number of at least one type of the sandwich or a combination thereof. In such embodiment, the recipe for the at least one type of the sandwich may include a step-by-step procedure for preparing the at least one sandwich. The method (200) also includes carrying, by a preparation table accommodated on a conveyor belt, one or more bread slices based on the user instruction received, wherein the one or more bread slices are loaded on the preparation table from a pre-cut bread loaf stored in a bread storage compartment using a bread feeding mechanism in step 220. In one embodiment, carrying the one or more bread slices for loading on the preparation table from the pre-cut bread loaf may include carrying the one or more bread slices through air suction pressure.

The method (200) also includes dispensing, by a filling material dispenser, a predefined amount of a filling material on top of the one or more bread slices using a dispensing mechanism, wherein the one or more bread slices are rotating on the preparation table in step 230. In some embodiment, dispensing the predefined amount of the filling material on top of the one or more bread slices using the dispensing mechanism may include dispensing the predefined amount of the filling material through a piston operated cylinder. In such embodiment, the cylinder is filled with the filling material. In such embodiment, the filling material may include, but not limited to butter, jam, cheese, sauce, mayonnaise, chutney and the like. The method (200) also includes uniformly spreading the filling material dispensed on the one or more bread slices by an applicator in step 240. In some embodiment, uniformly spreading the filling material dispensed on the one or more bread slices may include spreading the filling material with a flat surfaced applicator.

The method (200) also includes designing a vegetable container to hold a plurality of vegetables in a stack format, wherein the vegetable container includes a slicer to cut the plurality of vegetables into one or more slices for laying on top of the one or more bread slices in step 250. In one embodiment, designing the vegetable holder to hold the plurality of vegetables in the stack format may include designing a cylindrical shaped vegetable container to arrange the plurality of vegetables in the form of a stack. In some embodiment, designing the vegetable container with the slicer may include enabling the slicer to push and retract the plurality of vegetables for slicing operation via at least one of a motor with an axle -based arrangement, a solenoid-based arrangement or a pneumatic arrangement.

The method (200) also includes locating a finisher at a predetermined distance and a predetermined height from the preparation table, wherein the finisher is adapted to receive the one or more bread slices topped with the filling material and the plurality of vegetables for preparation of the at least one type of sandwich, wherein the one or more bread slices are placed on the finisher via a plunger in step 260. In one embodiment, locating the finisher to receive the one or more bread slices topped with the filling material and the plurality of vegetables may include constructing the finisher having a first surface and a second surface for locating at the predetermined distance and height from the circular disk. In such embodiment, the first surface and a second surface connected with each other via a hinge joint. In such embodiment, the first surface receives the one or more bread slices topped with the filling material and the plurality of vegetables. In another embodiment, the second surface receives one or more empty bead slices for covering the one or more bread slices with the toppings.

The method (200) also includes tracking, by a microcomputer of a processing subsystem, one or more sandwich preparation parameters at an instance of preparation of the at least one sandwich in step 270. In one embodiment, tracking the one or more sandwich preparation parameters at the instance of the preparation of the at least one sandwich may include tracking at least one of quantity of the plurality of vegetables used, amount of the filling material used, a plurality of condiments used, a number of sandwiches prepared, condition of the one or more sensors, condition of one or more blades of the slicer or a combination thereof.

The method (200) also includes predicting, by the microcomputer, one or more raw materials required for preparation of the at least one sandwich upon analysis of the one or more sandwich preparation parameters tracked and historical sandwich preparation data in step 280. In some embodiment, predicting the one or more raw materials required for preparation of the at least one sandwich may include predicting the one or more raw materials using a machine learning technique. The method (200) also includes recommending, by the microcomputer, controlling of one or more electro-mechanical components of the sandwich preparation apparatus based on the one or more sandwich preparation parameters tracked in step 290.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an automated sandwich preparation system which prepares the food item by satisfying human taste and needs with minimal human touch and by maintaining hygiene. Thus, the sandwich preparation system helps in improving efficiency by reducing manual intervention in the complete process.

Moreover, the present disclosed system is able to prepare a sandwich approximately in 30 seconds when feed with the required raw materials. Also, the system stores user preferences which is helpful in case of repetitive orders. It is also capable of monitoring its own health for its upkeep and maintenance.

Furthermore, the present disclosed system improves turnaround time to deliver sandwiches to their customer by maintaining a consistent quality and taste of their sandwiches and also makes inventory management more streamlined.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, the order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A system (100) for preparation of sandwich comprising: a sandwich preparation apparatus (105) comprising: an input receiving unit (110) configured to receive a user instruction associated with preparation of at least one type of the sandwich; a preparation table (125) accommodated on a conveyor belt, wherein the preparation table (125) is rotated in a predefined direction via a motor, wherein the preparation table (125) is configured to carry one or more bread slices based on the user instruction received, wherein the one or more bread slices are loaded on the preparation table from a pre-cut bread loaf stored in a bread storage compartment using a bread feeding mechanism; a filling material dispenser (135) positioned at a predetermined height on top of the one or more bread slices, wherein the filling material dispenser (135) is configured to dispense a predefined amount of a filling material on top of the one or more bread slices rotating on the preparation table using a dispensing mechanism; an applicator (139) operatively coupled to the filling material dispenser (135), wherein the applicator (139) is configured to uniformly spread the filling material dispensed on the one or more bread slices; a vegetable container (140) positioned at a predetermined height above the one or more bread slices on the preparation table (125), wherein the vegetable container (140) is designed to hold a plurality of vegetables arranged in a stack format, wherein the vegetable container comprises a slicer (145) to cut the plurality of vegetables into one or more slices for laying on top of the one or more bread slices; and a finisher (150) located at a predetermined distance and a predetermined height from the preparation table, wherein the finisher (150) is adapted to receive the one or more bread slices topped with the filling material and the plurality of vegetables for preparation of the at least one type of sandwich, wherein the one or more bread slices are placed on the finisher (150) through a semi-circular movement; and a processing subsystem (120) operatively coupled to the sandwich preparation apparatus (105), wherein the processing subsystem (120) comprises: a microcomputer (115) configured to: track one or more sandwich preparation parameters at an instance of preparation of the sandwich; predict one or more raw materials required for preparation of the sandwich upon analysis of the one or more sandwich preparation parameters tracked and historical sandwich preparation data; and recommend controlling of one or more electro-mechanical components of the sandwich preparation apparatus based on the one or more sandwich preparation parameters tracked.

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the input receiving unit comprises at least one of a touch-based user interface for receiving the user instruction physically, a communication interface for receiving the user instruction remotely or a combination thereof.

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user instruction associated with the preparation of the at least one type of the sandwich comprises a recipe of the at least one type of the sandwich, a list of raw ingredients required for the at least one type of the sandwich, a number of at least one type of the sandwich or a combination thereof.

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bread feeding mechanism is configured to load the one or more bread slices on the conveyor belt through air suction pressure.

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dispensing mechanism comprises dispensing of the filing material through a piston operated cylinder, wherein the cylinder is filled with the filling material.

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slicer pushes and retracts the plurality of vegetables for slicing operation via at least one of a motor with an axle-based arrangement, a solenoid-based arrangement or a pneumatic arrangement.

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more sandwich preparation parameters comprises at least one of a plurality of vegetables used, amount of filling material used, a plurality of condiments used, a number of sandwiches prepared, condition of one or more sensors, condition of one or more blades of the slicer or a combination thereof.

8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sandwich preparation apparatus (105) comprises a condiment dispenser (165) configured to dispense one or more powdered condiments on the one or more bread slices in a definite proportion corresponding to a predefined requirement of the user.

9. The system (100) as clamed in claim 1, wherein the microcomputer (115) comprises a user recognition module (175) configured to: fetch one or more user preferences from an external storage repository; extract identification details of the one or more users from the one or more corresponding user preferences fetched; recognize the one or more users based on matching of extracted identification details and real-time user recognition data of the one or more users; and provide the user instruction to the input receiving unit for preparation of the at least one sandwich based on the one or more user preferences upon user recognition. 22

10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sandwich preparation apparatus comprises one or more sensors configured to sense one or more activities associated with preparation of at the least one sandwich, wherein the one or more activities comprises sensing movement of the one or more bread slices loaded on a conveyor belt or a preparation table, sensing position of the one or more bread slices on the conveyor belt, circular disk or a preparation table, sensing placement of the plurality of vegetables on the one or more bread slices, sensing dispensing of the filling material, sensing dispensing of one or more powdered condiments or a combination thereof.

11. A method (200) comprising: receiving, by an input receiving unit of a sandwich preparation apparatus, a user instruction associated with preparation of at least one type of the sandwich (210); carrying, by a preparation table accommodated on a conveyor belt, one or more bread slices based on the user instruction received, wherein the one or more bread slices are loaded on the preparation table from a pre-cut bread loaf stored in a bread storage compartment using a bread feeding mechanism (220); dispensing, by a filling material dispenser, a predefined amount of a filling material on top of the one or more bread slices using a dispensing mechanism, wherein the one or more bread slices are rotating on the preparation table (230); uniformly spreading the filling material dispensed on the one or more bread slices by an applicator (240); designing a vegetable container to hold a plurality of vegetables in a stack format, wherein the vegetable container comprises a slicer to cut the plurality of vegetables into one or more slices for laying on top of the one or more bread slices (250); locating a finisher at a predetermined distance and a predetermined height from the preparation table, wherein the finisher is adapted to receive the one or more bread slices topped with the filling material and the plurality of vegetables for 23 preparation of the at least one type of sandwich, wherein the one or more bread slices are placed on the finisher via a plunger (260); tracking, by a microcomputer of a processing subsystem, one or more sandwich preparation parameters at an instance of preparation of the at least one sandwich (270); predicting, by the microcomputer, one or more raw materials required for preparation of the at least one sandwich upon analysis of the one or more sandwich preparation parameters tracked and historical sandwich preparation data (280); and recommending, by the microcomputer, controlling of one or more electro - mechanical components of the sandwich preparation apparatus based on the one or more sandwich preparation parameters tracked (290).