System and method for determining information relating to a food product

Abstract

A system (100) for determining information relating to a food product (130); the system (100) comprising: - a central unit (101), in particular a server; - an electronic user device (103), in particular a smartphone; and - a device (110) with - a measuring surface (112) for depositing a food item (130); - at least two measuring electrodes (121, 122, 123, 124) arranged on the measuring surface (112), between which an electrically insulating insulating web (125) runs; - a communication unit (113) which is configured to communicate with the central unit (101) via a communication connection (105); and - a control unit (111) which is arranged -using the measuring electrodes (121, 122, 123, 124) to collect sensor data relating to the food (130) placed on the measuring surface (112); and -to cause food information relating to processing of the food (130) to be determined on the basis of the sensor data, wherein the food information indicates how a household appliance (140) is to be set when processing the food (130), and the sensor data for determining the food information are sent to the central unit (101) via the communication unit (113) and the Internet; - wherein the central unit (101) is configured to determine the food information relating to the processing of the food (130) on the basis of the sensor data and to send the food information to the electronic user device (103) via the Internet.

Description

The invention relates to a system and a corresponding method with which information relating to the recommended processing of a food can be determined in an efficient manner.Different quality foods can be purchased in a supermarket. For example, the quality of meat offered in a supermarket may vary. For a layman, the components of a piece of meat, such as water content, fat content or protein content, are usually not visually appreciable. The composition of a food typically has effects on how the food is best prepared, especially cooked.EP 2 890 218 A1 describes a cooking appliance which determines a cooking state of a product to be cooked by means of two electrodes and an impedance measurement. WO 2018 / 165 671 A1 discloses a system for determining an internal property of a food product.The present document addresses the technical problem of enabling a user to determine information relating to a foodstuff in a comfortable and precise manner and to use it, if appropriate, during the processing of the foodstuff.The object is achieved in each case by each individual one of the subject matters of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments are defined in particular in the dependent claims, described in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawing.According to one aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus for determining information relating to a food product is described. The device can be designed to be placed on a countertop of a kitchen by a user if necessary. The device comprises a measuring surface for depositing a food product. The measurement surface can be formed by the top side of a housing of the device. The measurement surface may have a size of 30 cm x 30 cm (or less), for example.Furthermore, the device comprises at least two measuring electrodes arranged on the measuring surface, between which electrodes an electrically insulating insulating web runs. The individual (flat) measuring electrodes can cover a part of the measuring surface. The individual measuring electrodes can run parallel to the measuring surface. The position of the measuring electrodes can be optically displayed on the measuring surface (e.g. by markings) in order to enable a user to deposit a food item (e.g. a piece of meat) on the measuring surface in a precise manner in such a way that the food item covers at least two measuring electrodes (as uniformly as possible or in identical proportions).The measuring surface can be configured to promote uniform placement of a foodstuff on the measuring surface, for example by one or more depressions in the middle, in which the measuring electrodes are attached in a shape-following and / or form-fitting manner. In other words, the measurement surface can be non-planar and / or curved. The measuring surface can be designed in such a way that as large a part as possible of the surface of a foodstuff touches the measuring surface. The measuring electrodes can be adapted to the shape of the measuring surface.The device comprises a control unit which is configured to acquire sensor data with respect to the foodstuff deposited on the measurement surface on the basis of the measurement electrodes. The sensor data may comprise, for example, one or more measurement values relating to the conductive and / or the dielectric conductivity of the foodstuff. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor data can comprise measured values for a plurality of different frequencies of an alternating voltage applied to the measuring electrodes. In particular, the conductivity and / or dielectric conductivity of the food can be indicated for a plurality of frequencies by the measured values.The control unit can be configured, for example, to effect an alternating voltage on at least one part of the measuring electrodes of the device (for example in pairs on two measuring electrodes) for a plurality of different frequencies (for example for different frequencies from a specific frequency range between 50 Hz and 20 kHz). A measured value with respect to the amplitude of the alternating voltage can then be acquired as part of the sensor data. Thus, for example, a frequency profile of measured values for different frequencies can be detected.In addition, the control unit of the device is configured to cause food information relating to the processing of the food to be determined on the basis of the sensor data. The food information can be ascertained, for example, by the device itself and / or by an external unit (for example, by a backend server). The food information indicates how to set a household appliance during the processing (e.g. during cooking) of the food. To determine the food item information, it is possible, for example, to perform a frequency analysis of the frequency profile of the measured values. Alternatively or additionally, the frequency profile of the measured values can be compared with reference data in order to determine the food item information. Alternatively or additionally, a machine-learned classifier (e.g. with a neural network) can be used to determine the food item information on the basis of the sensor data.The individual measuring electrodes have edges, wherein the edges of a measuring electrode have a total edge length in total. The edges of at least a part of the measuring electrodes can adjoin the insulating web. The measuring electrodes adjoining the insulating web can be shaped in such a way that the proportion of the total edge length of at least one measuring electrode adjoining the insulating web is greater than 25%. In other words, the measuring electrodes can be shaped in such a way that the highest possible proportion of the edges of the measuring electrodes is arranged on the insulating web. For this purpose, the measuring electrodes can be triangular, for example. The quality of the acquired sensor data can thus be increased.The device comprises a communication unit which is configured to communicate with an external unit (e.g. with a backend server) via a communication connection. In this case, wireless and / or wired communication can be enabled. The control unit is configured to send the sensor data for ascertaining the food information via the communication unit to the external unit. Thus, the food information can be accurately determined (e.g., using relatively high computer resources) by an external unit. The food information can then be sent back to the device, if necessary.The device may include a user interface (e.g., having a screen and / or having one or more controls). The control unit may be configured to receive the food information from the external unit via the communication unit. The user interface of the device may then be caused to output (e.g., display on the screen) the food information to a user of the device. Thus, the food information can be provided conveniently.The device can comprise a weight sensor which is configured to acquire weight data with respect to the foodstuff deposited on the measurement surface. On the basis of the weight data, it is possible, for example, to detect whether or not a foodstuff has been deposited on the measurement surface. The control unit may be configured to cause the food information to be determined on the basis of or taking into account the weight data. Thus, the quality of the food information obtained can be increased. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can be configured to automatically start the acquisition of the sensor data as a function of the weight data. Thus, the convenience of the device for a user can be increased.The control unit can be configured to determine a food type of the stored food from a plurality of different food types on the basis of a user input at the user interface. In particular, a user can be allowed to select the type of food that has been or will be placed on the measurement surface from a list of different food types. The food information can then also be determined in a particularly precise manner on the basis of or taking into account the determined food type.The device can comprise an (optionally rechargeable) electrical energy store which is configured to store electrical energy for autonomous operation of the device. Thus, the comfort of the device can be further increased.The device may comprise a plurality of measuring electrodes (also referred to as electrode segments in this document). The individual measuring electrodes can be arranged on the measuring surface in a grid-like and / or matrix-like manner. For example, the device can have 20 or more, 30 or more, or 40 or more measuring electrodes which are arranged on the measuring surface (in each case insulated from one another by an insulating web).The control unit can be configured to determine a partial region of the measurement surface that is covered by the foodstuff. For example, it can be determined by means of the image data of a camera of the device which part of the measurement surface is covered by the deposited foodstuff and which part of the measurement surface remains uncovered. A subset of the plurality of measuring electrodes can then be selected depending on the ascertained sub-region of the measuring surface. The subset can comprise all and / or only the measuring electrodes which are at least partially (or completely) covered by the foodstuff.The control unit can be configured to determine the sensor data (if applicable exclusively) on the basis of the determined subset of measurement electrodes. By selecting a subset of measuring electrodes, the degree of coverage of the measuring electrodes used for the measurement can be increased, whereby in turn the quality of the acquired sensor data and thus the quality of the determined food information is increased.According to one aspect of the invention, a system for determining information relating to a food product is described. The system comprises the device described in this document, which is configured to ascertain sensor data relating to a foodstuff and to transmit it to an external central unit. Furthermore, the system comprises the central unit (e.g. a server) which is configured to determine food information relating to the processing of the food on the basis of the sensor data.The central unit can be configured to operate a household appliance (e.g. an oven or a cooker or a hob) for processing the foodstuff automatically as a function of the foodstuff information. Thus, the quality of processing a food can be enhanced.The central unit is configured to send the food information to an electronic user device (e.g. to a smartphone) of a user. Thus, food information for a food can be provided to a user comfortably.As already explained above, the sensor data can comprise measured values for a plurality of different frequencies of an alternating voltage applied to measuring electrodes of the device. The central unit can be configured to determine quantity information for different components of the food on the basis of the measured values for different frequencies. In this case, certain different frequencies may be relevant for respective different certain constituents of the foodstuff (e.g. water, fat, proteins, etc.). By analyzing the measured values for specific frequencies, which are relevant for different components, the food information can be determined in a particularly precise manner.According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for determining information relating to a foodstuff by means of the above-mentioned system is described. The method comprises steps of detecting, by means of the device, sensor data relating to a foodstuff stored on the measurement surface with the aid of the measuring electrodes; transmitting the sensor data for ascertaining the foodstuff information via the communication unit of the device and the Internet to the central unit, wherein the foodstuff information indicates how a household appliance is to be set during the processing of the foodstuff; ascertaining, on the basis of the sensor data, foodstuff information relating to the processing of the foodstuff with the aid of the central unit; and transmitting the foodstuff information from the central unit via the Internet to the electronic user device.It should be noted that any aspects of the system described herein, the apparatus described herein, and / or the method described herein may be combined in a variety of ways. In particular, the features of the patent claims can be combined with one another in many ways.The invention is described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the appended drawings. Figure shows FIG. 1a is a block diagram of a system for determining food information relating to a food item; FIG. 1 b shows an exemplary sensor unit in a view from above; FIG. 1 cshows a further exemplary sensor unit; FIG. 1 d shows an exemplary sensor unit in a side view; FIGS. 2 aand 2 b show exemplary sensor data of a sensor unit; FIG. 3 ashows an exemplary electrode matrix for a sensor unit; FIG. 3 b shows an exemplary curved measurement surface; and FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method for determining food information relating to the quality and / or the further processing of a food.As stated at the beginning, the present document is concerned with the comfortable and reliable determination of information relating to the quality and / or the processing of a foodstuff, in particular meat. In this regard, FIG. 1 ashows a block diagram of an example system 100 that enables a user to ascertain information regarding a food 130.The system 100 comprises a sensor unit 110 configured to be placed on a countertop of a kitchen, for example. The sensor unit 110 is also generally referred to herein as a "device.". The sensor unit 110 comprises a measuring surface 112 on which a food 130 can be placed. As shown in FIGS. 1 band 1 c, the measuring surface 112 comprises two or more planar and / or plate-shaped, electrically conductive measuring electrodes 121, 122, 123, 124, which are each electrically insulated from one another via a gap or web 125. A food 130 (e.g. a piece of meat) can be placed on the measuring surface 112 in such a way that the food 130 is arranged over a plurality of measuring electrodes 121, 122, 123, 124.To ascertain sensor data, an electrical alternating voltage having a specific frequency can be applied to the measuring electrodes 121, 122, 123, 124. For example, the measuring electrodes 121, 122, 123, 124 may form a capacitor that is part of an electrical resonant circuit (e.g., an LC resonant circuit). An electrical alternating voltage with a specific frequency can then be applied to the electrical resonant circuit, and it can be determined which voltage and / or current amplitude is established at the capacitor formed by the measuring electrodes 121, 122, 123, 124. Such measurement may be performed for a plurality of different frequencies. FIGS. 2 aand 2 b show different frequency responses 210 (i.e. sensor data of the sensor unit 110 for a plurality of frequencies 211) for respectively different foodstuffs 130 (in particular for different meat types).The sensor unit 110 may further include a control unit 111 configured to control functions of the sensor unit 110. In particular, the control unit 111 can be configured to cause a communication unit 113 of the sensor unit 110 to transmit the sensor data acquired by the sensor unit 110 with respect to a foodstuff 130 via a (possibly wireless) communication connection 105 (e.g. via WLAN, 3G, 4G or 5G) to a central unit 101 (e.g. to a backend server).The central unit 101 can be configured to evaluate the sensor data (optionally using data from a database 102) in order to determine food information relating to the quality and / or the (recommended) processing of the food 130. Furthermore, the central unit 101 can be configured to send the determined food information to an electronic user device 103 (e.g. to a smartphone) of a user of the system 100. Alternatively or additionally, the information can be sent to a household appliance 104 (e.g. to an oven, to a cooker and / or to a hob), and / or the information can be used to automatically control (e.g. adjust) a household appliance 104 for processing the foodstuff 130.The sensor unit 110 may include a user interface 114 that allows a user to start a measurement, make inputs related to a measurement, and / or view results of a measurement. For example, a user may be allowed to select and / or input the type of food 130 for which a measurement is to be made. Alternatively or additionally, the user interface 114 can be used to output food information relating to the food 130 that is ascertained on the basis of the sensor data.Furthermore, the sensor unit 110 can comprise an electrical energy source 115 (e.g. a battery and / or a connection to a power supply), via which the sensor unit 110 is supplied with electrical energy. Furthermore, the sensor unit 110 may comprise a weight sensor 116 configured to acquire weight data relating to the weight of a foodstuff 130 which has been placed on the measurement surface 112. The control unit 111 can be configured to automatically start a measurement of the sensor data on the basis of the weight data.Thus, a device 110, a system 100 and a method are described, with which the quality of a food 130 (in particular meat) can be estimated at least qualitatively, in order to present information regarding the quality of the food 130 to a user and / or in order to adapt one or more operating parameters (e.g. the operating temperature and / or the operating duration) for the operation of a household appliance 104 and / or one or more recipe parameters (e.g. quantity information) for a recipe for processing the food 130.The system 100 comprises a sensor unit 110 which is arranged separately from a household appliance 104, e.g. on a kitchen table or on a counter top. The sensor unit 110 has a housing made of an electrically non-conductive base material (for example glass or plastic). At least two planar, electrically conductive electrodes 121, 122, 123, 124 are attached from the outside to a planar base or to a planar measuring surface 112. The electrodes 121, 122, 123, 124 are electrically insulated from one another. From each electrode 121, 122, 123, 124, a single insulated line (not shown) leads to an electronic evaluation unit and / or control unit 111.In a preferred embodiment, the sensor unit 110 is battery-operated (e.g. with a (possibly rechargeable) battery 115). For the display and signaling for a stand-alone operation of the sensor unit 110, the sensor unit 110 can comprise a user interface 114 (e.g. with a screen and / or a signaling module, for example a loudspeaker). Optionally, texts and / or graphics (e.g. in different languages) can be displayed via the user interface 114. Further, the user interface 114 may include one or more controls (e.g., input buttons), e.g., to input the type of food 130.Furthermore, the sensor unit may comprise a weight force sensor 116 (e.g. a "load cell") in order to detect the mass or the weight of a food product 130. The sensor unit 110 can exchange data wirelessly and / or by cable (optionally via a suitable gateway) with a central unit 101 via a communication unit 113. The central unit 101 can have an algorithm which is equipped with additional knowledge from a database 102 and which is configured to determine information about a measured foodstuff 130 on the basis of the received measured values or sensor data (e.g. percentage values of components or constituents of the foodstuff 130 and / or text recommendations with respect to the consumption and / or the processing of the foodstuff).The determined food information can be made available via the Internet and / or via various interfaces (e.g. on an electronic user device 103). Alternatively or additionally, the information can be provided to a household appliance 104 and / or the sensor unit 110. For example, the information can be used in a household appliance 104 (e.g. an oven or hob) for a cooking process of the food 130.The electrodes 121, 122, 123, 124 of the sensor unit 110 may be placed on the surface 112 (e.g., on a glass surface) in various shapes and arrangements. The number of electrodes 121, 122, 123, 124 may be different. The arrangement and / or the number of electrodes 121, 122, 123, 124 can be selected such that the capacitive coupling (represented by the electric field 131 in FIG. 1 d) between at least two electrodes 121, 122 is maximized by covering the electrodes 121, 122 with the foodstuff 130 as much as possible.Different food products 130 may each have different sizes. Furthermore, the foodstuffs 130 can be placed on the measurement surface 112 differently if necessary by a user. A relatively large overlap can be achieved, for example, by maximizing the sum of the edge lengths of the insulating webs 125 between the electrodes 121, 122, 123, 124 (as shown in FIGS. 1 band 1 c).By means of an oblique course of the one or more insulating webs 125, with a central arrangement of the foodstuff 130, the largest possible coverage of each individual electrode 121, 122, 123, 124 can be effected. The evaluation electronics 111 can be configured to acquire sensor data at different electrodes 121, 122, 123, 124 and / or at different pairs of electrodes 121, 122, 123, 124 (e.g. at the two or four electrodes 121, 122, 123, 124) illustrated in FIGS. 1 band 1 c. Thus, detailed information about a food 130 can be obtained. The electrodes 121, 122, 123, 124 can optionally only cover a partial region of the measurement surface 112.FIG. 3 ashows an example of a measurement surface 112 comprising a plurality (e.g. a matrix) of electrode segments 321. The individual electrode segments 321 can each be electrically insulated from one another by insulating webs 125. The sensor unit 110 may be configured to determine (e.g. based on image data of a camera directed at the measurement surface 112 (not shown) where a food 130 is placed on the measurement surface 112. A subset of the plurality of electrode segments 321 can then be activated (represented by the hatched electrode segments 322) in order to cause the electrode segments 322 used for a measurement to be covered as completely as possible by the foodstuff 130. Thus, the greatest possible degree of coverage of the (more active) electrode segments 322 used by the foodstuff 130 can be effected in a precise manner (as a result of which the quality of the captured sensor data is increased).For example, the subset of activated electrode segments 322 includes N electrode segments 322 (e.g., N equal to 10 or more). Different pairs of electrode segments 322 can then be formed in each case from the N electrode segments 322 (e.g. N*(N-1) pairs) in order to determine a frequency profile 210 for the respective pair. Alternatively or additionally, the N electrode segments 322 can be combined to form two subgroups of electrode segments 322 (e.g. of respectively N / 2 electrode segments 322), and the two subgroups of electrode segments 322 can be operated as a "pair" of respectively combined measuring electrodes 121, 122 in order to determine a frequency profile 210. The sensor data determined in this way (i.e. frequency characteristics 210) can be evaluated in order to determine food information in a particularly precise manner.The measurement surface 112 can have a shape deviating from a plane. For example, the measuring surface 112 can be curved, as illustrated by way of example in FIG. 3 b. FIG. 3 bshows an exemplary cross section through a curved measurement surface 112. In particular, the measuring surface 112 can be configured such that a container (e.g. a tray) for receiving a foodstuff 130 is formed by the measuring surface 112. The measuring electrodes 121, 122 can be adapted to the shape of the measuring surface 112 (and adapt to the measuring surface 112). By using a non-planar and / or curved measurement surface 112, the quality of a measurement can be further increased.To carry out a measurement, the user can be instructed via the user interface 114 to place the food sample 130 as centrally as possible with the largest surface area downwards on the measurement surface 112. Further, optionally, the food type (e.g., "white meat", "red meat", etc.) may be input via the user interface 114. The user interface 114 can optionally be provided on the user device 103 of the user via an app.Based on the weight data of the optional weight force sensor 116 and / or in response to another trigger, a measurement may be started. In this case, measurements can be carried out for a plurality of different frequencies 211 (e.g. for a frequency sweep), optionally depending on the food type, in cross- and / or in pairs for different electrodes 121, 122, 123 124 or electrode segments 322.For example, the capacitor formed by a pair of electrodes may be charged, and sensor data related to the discharge time period may be acquired. Alternatively or additionally, a trickle batch method can be used. Alternatively or additionally, the energy and / or the voltage can be measured at a specific frequency 211 in order to achieve a specific amplitude of the voltage and / or of the current at the capacitor formed by a pair of electrodes. Alternatively or additionally, the voltage amplitude that is established can be determined at a specific frequency 211. FIGS. 2 aand 2 b show exemplary measured values (i.e. sensor data) as a function of the frequency 211. The acquired sensor data can be sent to the central unit 101 and evaluated by the central unit 101.It is characteristic of a foodstuff 130 (e.g. "red meat", "white meat", etc.) that the different constituents of the foodstuff 130 (e.g. fat, protein, water, etc.) have a respective maximum in the frequency profile 210 in each case in a different specific frequency range (optionally in the case of a specific electrode surface arrangement and / or electrode surface) on account of the capacitive coupling. In FIGS. 2 aand 2 b, for example, the peaks 201, 202, 203 for the water content, the protein content and the fat content are shown. From the height of the different peaks 201, 202, 203, it is possible to infer the relative amount of the individual, different constituents. For example, the meat of FIG. 2a has a relatively high fat content (and could therefore be considered "grow through"), while the meat of FIG. 2b has a relatively low fat content (and could thus be considered "lean").From the amplitude or the ratios of the amplitudes of the peaks 201, 202, 203 for the individual components, the algorithm of the central unit 101 can determine a corresponding numerical estimate of the components of the individual components, e.g. in percent. The determined portions of the components can then be output at the sensor unit 110, at an electronic user device 103 and / or at a household appliance 104. Alternatively or additionally, on the basis of the portions and on the basis of a look-up table and / or an expert system, statements which can be understood by a user can be determined and output with respect to the quality of a foodstuff 130.FIG. 4 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method 400 for ascertaining information relating to a foodstuff 130 by means of a device 110 which comprises at least two (planar) measuring electrodes 121, 122, 123, 124 arranged on a measuring surface 112, between which at least one electrically insulating insulating web 125 runs. The method 400 can be executed by a control unit 111 of the device 110 and / or by a system 100 with the device 110 and with an external central unit 101.The method 400 comprises the acquisition 401, on the basis of the measuring electrodes 121, 122, 123, 124, of sensor data with respect to a foodstuff 130 deposited on the measuring surface 112 (in particular with respect to meat deposited on the measuring surface 112). The food 130 covers at least partially the insulating web 125 and two or more of the measuring electrodes 121, 122, 123, 124. For capturing the sensor data, an alternating voltage can be applied to at least one part of the measuring electrodes 121, 122, 123, 124. Furthermore, a reaction of the part of the measuring electrodes 121, 122, 123, 124 (e.g. a voltage amplitude that is established) can be detected as sensor data. The frequency 211 of the alternating voltage can be varied in a specific frequency range (e.g. 50 Hz to 20 kHz) in order to acquire measured values for a plurality of different frequencies 211 (in particular a frequency profile 210 of measured values).In addition, the method 400 comprises causing 402 food information relating to a composition and / or relating to processing of the food 130 to be determined on the basis of the sensor data. The food information can be determined by the device 110 itself and / or by the external central unit 101. For this purpose, the measured values for different frequencies 211 can be analyzed (in particular for typical frequencies 211 and / or the different impulse responses that are established for different constituents (e.g. water, fat, proteins, etc.) of a food 130).The measures described in this document allow the quality and / or the composition of a food 130 to be determined in a precise and comfortable manner. Furthermore, information about a preferred processing and / or storage of a food 130 can be determined. Furthermore, a household appliance 104 for processing a food 130 can be automatically adapted to properties of the food 130. Thus, the quality of cooked food 130 can be increased.The present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown. In particular, it should be noted that the description and the figures are intended to illustrate only the principle of the proposed device, system and method.

Claims

A system (100) for determining information relating to a foodstuff (130); wherein the system (100) comprises: - a central unit (101), in particular a server; - an electronic user device (103), in particular a smartphone; and - a device (110) having - a measurement surface (112) for depositing a foodstuff (130); - at least two measurement electrodes (121, 122, 123, 124) arranged on the measurement surface (112), between which an electrically insulating insulating web (125) runs; - a communication unit (113) which is configured to communicate with the central unit (101) via a communication connection (105); and - a control unit (111) which is configured to - acquire sensor data relating to the foodstuff (130) deposited on the measurement surface (112) on the basis of the measurement electrodes (121, 122, 123, 124); and cause food information relating to processing of the food (130) to be determined on the basis of the sensor data, wherein the food information indicates how a household appliance (140) is to be set during processing of the food (130), and the sensor data for determining the food information are sent to the central unit (101) via the communication unit (113) and the Internet; - wherein the central unit (101) is configured to determine the food information relating to processing of the food (130) on the basis of the sensor data and to send the food information to the user electronic device (103) via the Internet.The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein - edges of at least a part of the measuring electrodes (121, 122, 123, 124) adjoin the insulating web (125); - the measuring electrodes (121, 122, 123, 124) each have a total edge length; and - a proportion of the total edge length of at least one measuring electrode (121, 122, 123, 124) adjoining the insulating web (125) is greater than 25%.The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein - the device (110) comprises a weight sensor (116) configured to acquire weight data with respect to the foodstuff (130) deposited on the measurement surface (112); and - the control unit (111) is configured to cause the foodstuff information to be determined on the basis of the weight data and / or to automatically start the acquisition (401) of the sensor data depending on the weight data.The system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor data comprises - one or more measurement values related to a conductive and / or dielectric conductivity of the food (130); and / or - measurement values for a plurality of different frequencies (211) of an alternating voltage applied to the measurement electrodes (121, 122, 123, 124).The system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (111) is configured to, for a plurality of different frequencies (211), - effect an alternating voltage at the measurement electrodes (121, 122, 123, 124); and - acquire a measurement value related to an amplitude of the alternating voltage as part of the sensor data.The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein - the device (110) or the user device (103) comprises a user interface (114); and - the control unit (111) is configured to - determine a food type from a plurality of different food types on the basis of a user input at the user interface (114); and - to cause the food information to be determined also on the basis of the determined food type.The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (110) comprises an electrical energy store (115) configured to store electrical energy for autonomous operation of the device (110).The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein - the device (110) comprises a plurality of measuring electrodes (321, 121, 122, 123, 124) arranged on the measuring surface (112) in a grid shape; and - the control unit (111) is configured to - determine a sub-region of the measuring surface (112) which is covered by the foodstuff (130); - select a subset of the plurality of measuring electrodes (321, 121, 122, 123, 124) depending on the determined sub-region of the measuring surface (112); and - determine the sensor data on the basis of the subset of measuring electrodes (321, 121, 122, 123, 124).The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the central unit (101) is configured to operate the household appliance (104) for processing the foodstuff (130) automatically in dependence on the foodstuff information.The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein - the sensor data comprise measurement values for a plurality of different frequencies (211) of an alternating voltage applied to measurement electrodes (121, 122, 123, 124) of the apparatus (110); and - the central unit (101) is configured to determine quantity information for different constituents of the foodstuff (130) on the basis of the measurement values for different frequencies (211).Method (400) for determining information relating to a foodstuff (130) by means of a system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method (400) comprises - detecting (401), by means of the device (110), sensor data relating to a foodstuff (130) stored on the measurement surface (112) by means of the measurement electrodes (121, 122, 123, 124); - sending the sensor data for determining the foodstuff information via the communication unit (113) of the device (110) and the Internet to the central unit (101), wherein the foodstuff information indicates how the household appliance (104) is to be set during the processing of the foodstuff; - determining, by means of the central unit (101), foodstuff information relating to the processing of the foodstuff (130) on the basis of the sensor data; and - sending food information from the central unit (101) over the Internet to the user electronic device (103).

Images