Food manufacturing system and food manufacturing method

Abstract

We will realize a food manufacturing system and method that utilizes unused food, surplus electricity, and 3D printing technology to produce food. [Solution] With this food manufacturing system 100, the date and time when surplus electricity will be generated by the power generation equipment that converts renewable energy into electricity can be predicted, and the amount of food ink containing unused food as a material that can be secured according to the yield of unused food can be estimated, and when surplus electricity is generated the food 3D printer 10 and processing equipment 20 can be operated to manufacture 3D printed food.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a food manufacturing system and a food manufacturing method that use unused food and surplus power to manufacture food in a 3D printing process.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, a technology for manufacturing food such as 3D printed food (three-dimensional shaped food) in a 3D printing process is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Also recently, an effort called farm-based power generation has been carried out in which facilities for converting renewable energy such as sunlight, wind power, hydropower, geothermal energy, and biomass into electricity are installed, and power generation is performed while continuing farming. In this farm-based power generation, since the amount of power generated fluctuates depending on seasons, weather, etc., surplus power that cannot be consumed may be generated in some cases. Also, the yield of agricultural products may vary depending on the effects of weather, disasters, pests and diseases, etc. And, so-called field food loss may occur, in which unshipped agricultural products such as agricultural products that have become excessive due to a mismatch between supply and demand, and agricultural products that are out of specification, have to be discarded.

[0004] Regarding food loss, in the fishing industry, there are cases where the problem is regarded as the current situation in which fish with low commercial value such as deep-sea fish contained in the fish caught by fishing nets are discarded. Also, as part of measures against damage caused by wild birds and beasts, there have been attempts to use the captured wild birds and beasts as game meat, but the current situation is that only a certain percentage of the captured amount is processed for meat and it is not being fully utilized, and this may be regarded as a problem. Thus, there is unused food in various fields, and the problem of food loss occurs.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

[0006] In order to solve these food waste problems, the inventors diligently conducted research and developed a technology to manufacture food using unused food and surplus electricity through a 3D printing process.

[0007] The objective of the present invention is to provide a food manufacturing system and a food manufacturing method that utilize unused food, surplus electricity, and 3D printing technology to produce food. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 1 is: A food manufacturing system comprising a food 3D printer that operates using surplus electricity generated by a power generation facility that converts renewable energy into electricity, and a control device that controls the food 3D printer, wherein the food 3D printer ejects food ink containing unused food as a material to manufacture 3D printed food, The control device performs the following processes: predicting the generation of surplus power; estimating the operating time for which the food 3D printer can be operated with the predicted surplus power; and setting the quantity of 3D printed food that can be manufactured based on the amount of food ink filled in the food 3D printer and the estimated operating time. The control device operates the food 3D printer when surplus power is generated, and the food 3D printer produces a set quantity of the 3D printed food.

[0009] The invention described in claim 2 is a food manufacturing system described in claim 1, The processing device is controlled by the control device and operates using the surplus power to heat and / or cool the 3D printed food, The control device performs a process to estimate the operating time during which the food 3D printer and the processing device can be operated using the predicted surplus power. The control device is characterized by operating the food 3D printer and the processing device when the surplus power is generated.

[0010] The invention described in claim 3 relates to the food manufacturing system described in claim 1 or 2, The aforementioned food 3D printer is configured to dispense multiple types of food inks. The control device includes a storage unit that stores data relating to multiple types of 3D printed foods that can be manufactured using the multiple types of food inks, The control device is characterized by performing a process to set the number of 3D printed foods that can be manufactured from among the multiple types of 3D printed foods, based on the amount of food ink filled in the food 3D printer and the assumed operating time.

[0011] The invention described in claim 4 is a food manufacturing system described in claim 3, The data on multiple types of 3D printed food stored in the aforementioned memory unit includes the priority order of the 3D printed food to be manufactured. The control device is characterized by operating the food 3D printer to manufacture 3D printed foods with a high priority among the 3D printed foods that are set to be manufactured.

[0012] The invention described in claim 5 is a food manufacturing system described in claim 3, The control device comprises a display unit for displaying the multiple types of 3D printed food, and an input unit for selecting one of the multiple types of 3D printed food displayed on the display unit. The control device is characterized by operating the food 3D printer to manufacture a 3D printed food selected via the input unit from among the 3D printed foods that are set to be manufactured.

[0013] , the invention according to claim 6 A food manufacturing method that operates a hood 3D printer using surplus power generated in a power generation facility that converts renewable energy into electricity, and manufactures 3D printed food by discharging hood ink containing unused food as a material, comprising: predicting the power generation amount in the power generation facility and predicting the generation of the surplus power based on the power generation amount; predicting the yield of the unused food and predicting the amount of the hood ink containing the unused food as a material that can be secured based on the yield; assuming an operating time during which the hood 3D printer can be operated with the predicted surplus power; setting the quantity of the 3D printed food that can be manufactured based on the predicted amount of the hood ink and the assumed operating time; operating the hood 3D printer to manufacture the 3D printed food when the surplus power is generated; , characterized by comprising the above steps. [Advantages of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, 3D printed food can be suitably manufactured by utilizing the technologies of unused food, surplus power, and 3D printing. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the food manufacturing system of this embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a flowchart showing an example of the food manufacturing method of this embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a flowchart showing an example of the food manufacturing method of this embodiment. [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the food manufacturing system and food manufacturing method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are subject to various technically preferred limitations for carrying out the present invention, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.

[0017] The food manufacturing system 100 of this embodiment includes, for example, a food 3D printer 10 for manufacturing 3D printed food, a processing device 20 for heating and / or cooling the 3D printed food manufactured by the food 3D printer 10, and a control device 30 for controlling the food 3D printer 10 and the processing device 20, as shown in Figure 1. The food 3D printer 10 and processing equipment 20 of this food manufacturing system 100 are devices that operate using surplus electricity generated by a power generation facility that converts renewable energy into electricity. Furthermore, the food 3D printer 10 of this food manufacturing system 100 is a device that manufactures 3D printed food by extruding food ink containing unused food as a material.

[0018] First, let's explain the surplus electricity generated by power generation facilities that convert renewable energy into electricity. Renewable energy sources that are generally known include solar energy, wind energy, hydroelectric energy, and geothermal energy. Facilities that convert these energies into electricity include solar power generation facilities, wind power generation facilities, hydroelectric power generation facilities, and geothermal power generation facilities. Recently, as part of efforts toward the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), economic activities are being carried out in which power generation facilities using renewable energy are installed at each business site, and the electricity generated by these facilities is used to operate designated electrical equipment. In the course of these initiatives, businesses that have adopted solar power generation equipment may experience surplus electricity even when operating designated electrical equipment, especially during the summer months with long daylight hours or on days with clear skies all day. For example, businesses engaged in agricultural power generation may experience surplus electricity even when using solar power generation equipment to operate heating and cooling equipment. Other power generation facilities also experience fluctuations in power generation due to factors such as season and weather, so surplus electricity may occur on days when power generation is high. From an SDG perspective, it is desirable to avoid wasting this surplus electricity.

[0019] Next, I will explain underutilized food products. In agriculture, harvested produce that does not meet shipping standards cannot be shipped and ends up as unused food. Similarly, surplus produce resulting from a mismatch between supply and demand also goes unsold and becomes unused food. Furthermore, in the fishing industry, deep-sea fish and other marine products that are deemed to have no commercial value cannot be shipped and end up becoming underutilized food. Furthermore, as part of measures to combat damage caused by wild animals, captured wild animals are sometimes used as game meat for consumption. However, not all of them are processed for meat, so some are discarded without being processed and become unused food. Furthermore, even agricultural, marine, and livestock products that have been shipped and sold in stores may become underutilized food if they are disposed of prematurely due to regulations regarding expiration dates or best-before dates. Reducing such unused food, even slightly, is desirable from the perspective of food loss in relation to the SDGs. The term "unused food" is used as a general term for food that is not intended for consumption, such as food that is not shipped or food that is scheduled to be discarded. These are sometimes also referred to as unused resources or food waste ingredients.

[0020] As one of the technologies for utilizing surplus electricity and unused food as described above, we developed the food manufacturing system and food manufacturing method of this embodiment. The following describes the food manufacturing system and food manufacturing method of this embodiment, which utilize surplus electricity and unused food to manufacture 3D printed food.

[0021] The food 3D printer 10 includes, for example, a tank filled with food ink, a nozzle for dispensing the food ink from the tank, and a workbench having a print surface to which the food ink dispensed from the nozzle is applied. The food 3D printer 10 manufactures 3D printed food by, for example, moving the nozzle and layering the food ink extruded from the nozzle onto the print surface. Alternatively, the work surface can be moved instead of the nozzle. Furthermore, the tank of the food 3D printer 10 is equipped with a sensor to detect the amount of food ink it contains. Furthermore, the food 3D printer 10 is equipped with multiple tanks and multiple nozzles, and is configured to dispense multiple types of food ink. For example, it is equipped with a number of tanks and nozzles corresponding to the type of food ink used to manufacture 3D printed food.

[0022] For example, when using three types of food inks—vegetable food ink for producing vegetable alternative products, meat food ink for producing meat alternative products, and fish food ink for producing fish alternative products—three tanks and three nozzles are provided for each. Furthermore, when using food inks for vegetables, such as leafy vegetable food ink, root vegetable food ink, or potato food ink; when using food inks for meat, such as beef food ink, pork food ink, chicken food ink, or red meat food ink; or when using food inks for fish, such as red fish food ink or white fish food ink, additional tanks and nozzles will be installed according to the type of food ink used. Additionally, when using food inks derived from unused food ingredients, such as cabbage food ink, wild boar meat food ink, or deep-sea shark food ink, additional tanks and nozzles will be installed. The configuration and operation of food 3D printers used to manufacture 3D-printed food are the same as those already known, so they will not be described in detail here.

[0023] Furthermore, the food ink used to manufacture 3D printed food with this food 3D printer 10 contains unused food materials. The technique of making food ink by turning food ingredients into a paste and adding polysaccharides, etc., is already well known, so it will not be described in detail here. Of course, food ink can also be made using unused food products as materials in the same way.

[0024] The processing device 20 performs heating and cooling on 3D printed food produced by the food 3D printer 10 in order to stabilize its shape and improve its shelf life. Of course, the 3D printed food may also be cooled after heating. Cooling by this processing device 20 includes cooling to reduce heat and cooling to freeze the food. Furthermore, by installing a conveying device such as a belt conveyor between the food 3D printer 10 and the processing device 20, the 3D printed food produced by the food 3D printer 10 can be quickly sent to the processing device 20, making it possible to quickly perform the required processing on the 3D printed food. The configuration and operation of the equipment used for heating, cooling (freezing), and processing food are the same as those conventionally known, so they will not be described in detail here.

[0025] The control device 30 is composed of a computer having, for example, a control unit (CPU) 31, a storage unit 32, a display unit 33, an input unit 34, etc., as shown in Figure 1. The control device 30 of this food manufacturing system 100 is a device that operates using electricity generated by a power generation facility that converts renewable energy into electricity, and can operate even when there is no surplus power.

[0026] The memory unit 32 is composed of, for example, RAM, ROM, non-volatile memory, and a hard disk drive, and stores various control programs executed by the CPU, as well as various data. This memory unit 32 stores data on multiple types of 3D printed foods that can be manufactured by the food 3D printer 10 using multiple types of food ink. For example, if the food 3D printer 10 can use three types of food inks—vegetable food ink, meat food ink, and fish food ink—then data for seven types of 3D printed food is stored, including three types of products using a single food ink (vegetable product, meat product, and fish product) and four types of mixed products using multiple food inks (vegetable / meat product, vegetable / fish product, meat / fish product, and vegetable / meat / fish product). Furthermore, the memory unit 32 stores data on the power required to operate the food 3D printer 10 and the power required to operate the processing device 20.

[0027] The data for these seven types of 3D printed foods includes the type of food ink used to manufacture each product, recipe data for layering the food ink, and processing data for heating and cooling times applied to the 3D printed food produced by the food 3D printer 10 using the processing device 20. Furthermore, the data on the seven types of 3D-printed foods includes a priority ranking for their production. For example, the seven types of 3D-printed foods are ranked from 1st to 7th in order of how much people want them to be produced. Specifically, the ranking is determined by factors such as prioritizing 3D-printed foods that can be produced using a large amount of food ink available for use with the food 3D printer 10, and 3D-printed foods that have been consumed in large quantities.

[0028] The display unit 33 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an EL display, and displays sample images of multiple (for example, seven) 3D printed food items that can be manufactured by the food 3D printer 10. For example, along with sample images of 3D-printed food, the number of 3D-printed foods that can be manufactured using the currently available food ink, and the amount of electricity required to manufacture those foods will be displayed.

[0029] The input unit 34 can be, for example, a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel, and various operations, as well as input and modification of various data, can be performed using this input unit 34. For example, by performing an input operation at the input unit 34 to select multiple (e.g., seven) sample images of 3D printed food displayed on the display unit 33, it is possible to input instructions to manufacture the selected 3D printed food using the food 3D printer 10. Furthermore, the input unit 34 also allows for inputting and changing the priority order (1st to 7th) for manufacturing multiple (for example, seven) 3D printed food items.

[0030] The control unit 31 is, for example, a CPU, which executes various processes according to the control program stored in the memory unit 32.

[0031] The control unit 31 predicts the amount of electricity generated by the power generation equipment that converts renewable energy into electricity, and performs a process to predict the generation of surplus electricity based on that amount of electricity generated. For example, if a solar power generation facility is installed at the business premises, the control unit 31 predicts the amount of electricity generated by the solar power generation facility on a daily basis, based on weather forecast data including temperature and sunshine duration that are forecasted for each day. Since the standard amount of electricity required per day at the business site has been known over time, the control unit 31 predicts that surplus electricity will be generated on days when the amount of electricity generated is expected to exceed that standard amount. Surplus electricity is calculated using the formula: "Surplus electricity = Predicted amount of electricity generated - Standard amount of electricity".

[0032] Furthermore, the control unit 31 predicts the yield of unused food and performs a process to predict the amount of food ink containing unused food as a material that can be secured based on that yield. For example, the harvest yield of agricultural products can be said to be the sum of the amount shipped and the amount not shipped (harvest yield = shipped amount + unshipped amount), and the yield of unused food corresponds to the unshipped amount. However, since some of the agricultural products that become unused food are used in a food manufacturing system that produces 3D printed food, the yield of unused food in this food manufacturing system is predicted by multiplying the unshipped amount by a predetermined coefficient (α) (yield of unused food = unshipped amount × α). Furthermore, the total catch of marine products can be said to be the sum of the amount shipped and the amount not shipped (catch = shipped + unshipped), and the yield of unused food corresponds to the amount not shipped. However, since some of the marine products that become unused food are used in food manufacturing systems that produce 3D printed food, the yield of unused food in these food manufacturing systems is predicted by multiplying the amount not shipped by a predetermined coefficient (β) (yield of unused food = amount not shipped × β). Furthermore, the amount of wild birds and animals to be captured (estimated capture amount) can be predicted based on the planned number of animals to be culled, the target number of animals to be culled, and the number of animals captured in previous years. However, since some of the captured wild birds and animals are used in a food manufacturing system that produces 3D printed food, the yield of unused food in this food manufacturing system is predicted by multiplying the estimated capture amount by a predetermined coefficient (γ) (yield of unused food = estimated capture amount × γ). Furthermore, while the amount of food that will be discarded due to agreements regarding expiration dates and best-before dates at retail stores and other locations (planned waste amount) can be statistically predicted, a portion of the food scheduled for disposal is used in food manufacturing systems that produce 3D printed foods. Therefore, the yield of unused food in these food manufacturing systems is predicted by multiplying the planned waste amount by a predetermined coefficient (δ) (yield of unused food = planned waste amount × δ). In this embodiment, when the input unit 34 receives input of the amount of unshipped agricultural and marine products, the estimated amount of wild birds and animals to be captured, and the planned amount of food to be wasted, the control unit 31 performs the calculation process described above to predict the yield of unused food. Note that the above coefficients (α, β, γ, δ) differ for each type of unused food.

[0033] Food ink is made by making a paste from the edible parts of underutilized food products, such as the cores and outer leaves of vegetables, or the internal organs and bones of fish, and then adding polysaccharides and other substances to it. Therefore, the amount of food ink containing underutilized food products as raw materials does not match the yield of underutilized food products predicted as described above. Therefore, the amount of food ink containing unused food as a material is predicted by multiplying the predicted yield of unused food by a predetermined coefficient (ε) (amount of food ink = yield of unused food × ε). Note that the coefficient ε is different for each type of food ink. In this embodiment, the input unit 34 receives input of the amount of unshipped agricultural and marine products, the estimated amount of wild birds and animals to be captured, and the planned amount of food waste. The control unit 31 then predicts the yield of unused food, and further performs the calculation process described above to predict the amount of food ink that can be secured.

[0034] Furthermore, the control unit 31 performs a process to estimate the operating time during which the food 3D printer 10 and the processing device 20 can be operated using the predicted surplus power. Since the power required to operate the food 3D printer 10 and the processing device 20 is known, the control unit 31 performs a calculation process such as operating time = (expected surplus power) / (power required to operate the food 3D printer and processing device) to estimate the operating time during which the food 3D printer 10 and the processing device 20 can be operated with surplus power. Furthermore, when manufacturing 3D printed food, if the processing device 20 is not used, the control unit 31 performs a calculation process such as operating time = (expected surplus power) / (power required to operate the food 3D printer) to estimate the operating time for which the food 3D printer 10 can be operated.

[0035] Furthermore, the control unit 31 performs a process to set the quantity of 3D printed food that can be manufactured based on the amount of food ink predicted to be available and the assumed operating time. Furthermore, if the food ink that is expected to be available and has actually been secured is filled into the tank of the food 3D printer 10, the control unit 31 executes a process to set the quantity of 3D printed food that can be manufactured based on the amount of food ink filled in the tank of the food 3D printer 10 and the expected operating time. (The control unit 31 executes a process to detect the amount of food ink in the tank using a sensor installed in the tank of the food 3D printer 10.) For example, since the amount of food ink required to produce one 3D printed food item and the time it takes to operate the food 3D printer 10 (or the time it takes to operate the food 3D printer 10 and the processing device 20) to produce one 3D printed food item are known, the number of 3D printed food items that can be produced is set by balancing the amount of food ink and the operating time. Specifically, even if the amount of food ink is sufficient, if the operating time is short, the quantity of 3D printed food that can be manufactured within that operating time will be set. Furthermore, if there is sufficient operating time but the amount of food ink is insufficient, the system will set a limit on the number of 3D printed foods that can be manufactured using the food ink that has been secured and filled in the tanks.

[0036] Furthermore, if the food 3D printer 10 is equipped with multiple tanks and nozzles and is configured to dispense multiple types of food ink, the control unit 31 performs a process to set the types of 3D printed foods that can be manufactured and the quantities based on the amount of food ink filled in the tanks of the food 3D printer 10 and the assumed operating time. For example, if the food 3D printer 10 can use three types of food inks—vegetable food ink, meat food ink, and fish food ink—and there is a sufficient supply of these three types of food inks, then the seven types of 3D printed foods mentioned above can be manufactured. On the other hand, if the food 3D printer 10 is filled with two types of food ink—vegetable food ink and meat food ink—it can only manufacture three types of 3D printed food: vegetable products, meat products, and vegetable and meat products. In the case of a food 3D printer 10 configured to dispense multiple types of food ink, the types of 3D printed food that can be manufactured may differ depending on the amount of food ink filled in the tank of the food 3D printer 10. Therefore, a process is performed to set the types and quantities of 3D printed food that can be manufactured, taking this into consideration.

[0037] Furthermore, the control unit 31 monitors whether or not surplus power is generated, and when surplus power is generated, it executes a process to operate the food 3D printer 10 and the processing device 20. In addition, when manufacturing 3D printed food, if the processing device 20 is not used, the control unit 31 executes a process to operate only the food 3D printer 10. Up until now, the control unit 31 had been predicting the generation of surplus power, the yield of unused food, and the amount of food ink containing that unused food as a material, and then preparing and setting up for manufacturing 3D printed food that could be produced using these. Then, triggered by the generation of surplus power, the control unit 31 activates the food 3D printer 10 and processing equipment 20 to begin manufacturing 3D printed food.

[0038] Next, an example of a food manufacturing method using the food manufacturing system 100 of this embodiment will be explained based on the flowchart shown in Figure 2. To explain the basics of the food manufacturing method of this embodiment, we will describe the case of manufacturing 3D printed food using one type of food ink.

[0039] The control device 30 (control unit 31) of the food manufacturing system 100 predicts the amount of electricity generated by the power generation equipment that converts renewable energy into electricity, and performs a process to predict the generation of surplus electricity based on that amount of electricity (step S101). Next, the control device 30 predicts the yield of unused food and, based on that yield, performs a process to predict the amount of food ink containing unused food as a material that can be secured (step S102).

[0040] After it is predicted that surplus power will be generated (step S101; YES) and that food ink can be secured (step S102; YES), the control device 30 performs a process to estimate the operating time during which the food 3D printer 10 and the processing device 20 can be operated with the predicted surplus power (step S103). Furthermore, when manufacturing 3D printed food, if the processing device 20 is not used, a process is executed to estimate the operating time during which only the food 3D printer 10 can be operated. Next, the control device 30 performs a process to set the quantity of 3D printed food that can be manufactured based on the amount of food ink that is expected to be available and the assumed operating time (step S104).

[0041] Then, the control device 30 monitors whether or not surplus power has been generated (step S105), and when it is confirmed that surplus power has been generated (step S105; YES), it operates the food 3D printer 10 and the processing device 20 to manufacture 3D printed food (step S106). Furthermore, when manufacturing 3D-printed food, if the processing device 20 is not used, only the food 3D printer 10 is operated to manufacture the 3D-printed food.

[0042] Thus, with the food manufacturing system 100 (food manufacturing method) of this embodiment, 3D printed food can be manufactured by utilizing unused food, surplus electricity, and 3D printing technology. Specifically, with this food manufacturing system 100, it is possible to predict the date and time when surplus electricity will occur, and to estimate the amount of food ink that can be secured according to the yield of unused food. When surplus electricity occurs, the food 3D printer 10 and processing equipment 20 can be operated to manufacture 3D printed food.

[0043] Next, an example of a food manufacturing method using the food manufacturing system 100 of this embodiment will be explained based on the flowchart shown in Figure 3. This section describes the process of manufacturing multiple types of 3D printed food products using multiple types of food inks.

[0044] The control device 30 (control unit 31) of the food manufacturing system 100 predicts the amount of electricity generated by the power generation equipment that converts renewable energy into electricity, and performs a process to predict the generation of surplus electricity based on that amount of electricity generated (step S201). Next, the control device 30 predicts the yield of unused food and, based on that yield, performs a process to predict the amount of food ink that can be secured, which contains the unused food as a material (step S202). For example, it predicts the yield of multiple types of unused food and predicts the amount of multiple types of food ink that can be secured, which contains each type of unused food as a material.

[0045] After it is predicted that surplus power will be generated (Step S201; YES) and that multiple types of food ink can be secured (Step S202; YES), the control device 30 performs a process to estimate the operating time during which the food 3D printer 10 and the processing device 20 can be operated with the predicted surplus power (Step S203). Furthermore, when manufacturing 3D printed food, if the processing device 20 is not used, a process is executed to estimate the operating time during which only the food 3D printer 10 can be operated.

[0046] Next, the control device 30 performs a process to set the quantity of multiple types of 3D printed food that can be manufactured based on the amount of food ink that is expected to be available and the assumed operating time (step S204). As mentioned above, the food 3D printer 10 can use three types of food ink: vegetable food ink, meat food ink, and fish food ink. If there is a sufficient supply of all three types of food ink, it can produce seven different types of 3D printed food. The control device 30 then displays, for example, seven sample images of 3D printed foods on the display unit 33.

[0047] Next, the control device 30 determines whether or not an operation to select one of the seven sample images of 3D printed food displayed on the display unit 33 has been performed via the input unit 34 (step S205). If the control device 30 determines that one of the seven sample images of 3D printed food has been selected (step S205; YES), the control device 30 sets up the manufacturing process for the selected 3D printed food (step S206). On the other hand, if the control device 30 determines that it will not perform the operation of selecting one of the seven types of 3D printed food sample images (step S205; NO), the control device 30 sets up the system to manufacture the 3D printed food with the highest priority, which has been pre-ranked (step S207).

[0048] Then, the control device 30 monitors whether or not surplus power has been generated (step S208), and when the generation of surplus power is confirmed (step S208; YES), it operates the food 3D printer 10 and the processing device 20 to manufacture 3D printed food (step S209). In this embodiment, either the selected 3D printed food or the 3D printed food with the highest priority is manufactured. Furthermore, when manufacturing 3D-printed food, if the processing device 20 is not used, only the food 3D printer 10 is operated to manufacture the 3D-printed food.

[0049] Thus, with the food manufacturing system 100 (food manufacturing method) of this embodiment, it is possible to manufacture 3D printed food by utilizing unused food, surplus electricity, and 3D printing technology. Furthermore, it is possible to manufacture the required 3D printed food from among the multiple types of 3D printed food that can be manufactured.

[0050] As described above, the food manufacturing system 100 (food manufacturing method) of this embodiment can suitably manufacture 3D printed food by utilizing unused food, surplus electricity, and 3D printing technology.

[0051] The application of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 10 Food 3D Printers 20 Processing equipment 30 Control device 31 Control Unit 32 Storage section 33 Display section 34 Input section 100 Food Manufacturing Systems

Claims

1. A food manufacturing system comprising a food 3D printer that operates using surplus electricity generated by a power generation facility that converts renewable energy into electricity, and a control device that controls the food 3D printer, wherein the food 3D printer ejects food ink containing unused food as a material to manufacture 3D printed food, The control device performs the following processes: predicting the generation of surplus power; estimating the operating time for which the food 3D printer can be operated with the predicted surplus power; and setting the quantity of 3D printed food that can be manufactured based on the amount of food ink filled in the food 3D printer and the estimated operating time. The food manufacturing system is characterized in that the control device operates the food 3D printer when surplus power is generated, and the food 3D printer manufactures a set quantity of the 3D printed food.

2. The processing device is controlled by the control device and operates using the surplus power to heat and / or cool the 3D printed food, The control device performs a process to estimate the operating time during which the food 3D printer and the processing device can be operated using the predicted surplus power. The food manufacturing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the control device operates the food 3D printer and the processing apparatus when the surplus power is generated.

3. The aforementioned food 3D printer is configured to dispense multiple types of food inks. The control device includes a storage unit that stores data relating to multiple types of 3D printed foods that can be manufactured using the multiple types of food inks, The food manufacturing system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control device performs a process to set the number of 3D printed foods that can be manufactured from among the plurality of types of 3D printed foods, based on the amount of food ink filled in the food 3D printer and the assumed operating time.

4. The data on multiple types of 3D printed food stored in the aforementioned memory unit includes the priority order of the 3D printed food to be manufactured. The food manufacturing system according to claim 3, characterized in that the control device operates the food 3D printer to manufacture 3D printed foods with a high priority among the 3D printed foods that are set to be manufactured.

5. The control device comprises a display unit for displaying the plurality of types of 3D printed food, and an input unit for selecting one of the plurality of types of 3D printed food displayed on the display unit. The food manufacturing system according to claim 3, characterized in that the control device operates the food 3D printer to manufacture a 3D printed food selected via the input unit from among the 3D printed foods set to be manufactureable.

6. A food manufacturing method comprising using surplus electricity generated by a power generation facility that converts renewable energy into electricity to operate a food 3D printer, and dispensing food ink containing unused food as a material from the food 3D printer to manufacture 3D printed food, A step of predicting the amount of electricity generated at the aforementioned power generation facility and predicting the generation of surplus electricity based on that amount of electricity generated, A step of predicting the yield of the unused food and predicting the amount of food ink containing the unused food as a material based on that yield, A step of determining the operating time for which the food 3D printer can be operated with the surplus power that is predicted to be generated, A step of setting the quantity of 3D printed food that can be manufactured based on the amount of food ink predicted to be available and the assumed operating time, A process of operating the food 3D printer when the aforementioned surplus power is generated to manufacture the 3D printed food, A food manufacturing method characterized by having the following.

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