Method for automatically cooking user customized food and apparatus thereof

Abstract

A method for automatically cooking user-customized food using a device comprising N (N is a natural number greater than or equal to 3) modules according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: (a) a first step of generating order information corresponding to order details received from a user, wherein the order information includes menu information generated for a menu that the user wishes to order; (b) a second step of transmitting a first control command to the first module among the N modules according to the generated order information, wherein the first control command is a container dispensing command; (c) a third step of transmitting one of a second control command to an N-1 control command to each of at least one of the second module to the N-1st module among the N modules according to the menu information included in the generated order information; and (d) a fourth step of transmitting an Nth control command to the Nth module among the N modules according to the generated order information, wherein the Nth control command is a container lifting command, wherein each of the first to N-1st control commands drives a conveyor belt included in the module receiving each control command to move the container a predetermined distance toward an adjacent module. Includes a conveyor belt control command for moving.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for automatically cooking user-customized food and an apparatus for the same. More specifically, it relates to a method for providing a cooking automation service that cooks a finished product without the user having to perform any separate cooking actions, and an apparatus for the same. Background Technology

[0002] Ordinary food service operators would prepare the menu ordered by customers themselves or through professional cooks such as chefs, and as a result, it was common for there to be variations in taste when the person in charge of preparing the menu changed.

[0003] Meanwhile, a severe labor shortage has recently emerged in the food service industry, affecting all personnel including professional cooks. Even when staff are recruited with difficulty, labor costs have risen dramatically compared to the past, resulting in frequent instances where actual profit is almost non-existent after deducting labor expenses from total revenue. Furthermore, with many employees suddenly failing to report to work or quitting without any notice, the worries of food service business owners are growing day by day, and in the worst-case scenario, the issue of business closures among food service owners has escalated into a social problem.

[0004] Recently, some automated robots equipped with artificial intelligence have been introduced to assist food service operators, but this is for serving in the dining area rather than cooking, and the reality is that the cooking area still relies on human hands.

[0005] Nevertheless, it is true that the introduction of automated robots has resolved serving issues within dining halls and is leading to their rapid adoption. As many food service operators are scrambling to adopt them, there is a need to explore the introduction of automated robots in the field of cooking as well. This invention relates to this. Prior art literature

[0006] Republic of Korea Published Patent Application No. 10-2019-0104482 (September 10, 2019) The problem to be solved

[0007] The technical problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a method for automatically cooking user-customized food and an apparatus for the same, by applying an automated robot to the cooking domain, which has significantly lower maintenance costs than labor costs and eliminates the possibility of unauthorized absence or resignation.

[0008] Another technical problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a method for automatically cooking user-customized food and an apparatus therefor, which can provide a cooking automation service in which an automated robot that generates order information fully cooks the finished product without including any part of the cooking process by a human.

[0009] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0010] A method for automatically cooking user-customized food using a device comprising N (N is a natural number greater than or equal to 3) modules according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above technical problem comprises: (a) a first step of generating order information corresponding to order details received from a user, wherein the order information includes menu information generated for a menu that the user wishes to order; (b) a second step of transmitting a first control command to the first module among the N modules according to the generated order information, wherein the first control command is a container dispensing command; (c) a third step of transmitting any one of a second control command to an N-1 control command to each of at least one of the second module to the N-1st module among the N modules according to the menu information included in the generated order information; and (d) a fourth step of transmitting an Nth control command to the Nth module among the N modules according to the generated order information, wherein the Nth control command is a container lifting command, wherein each of the first to N-1st control commands drives a conveyor belt included in the module receiving each control command to move the container to an adjacent Includes a conveyor belt control command that moves a predetermined distance in the direction of the module.

[0011] According to one embodiment, each of the second module to the N-1st module includes M (M is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) food ingredient dispensing units that store food ingredients and dispense the food ingredients into the container, and in this case, each of the second control command to the N-1st control command may include one or more food ingredient dispensing commands that operate one or more of the M food ingredient dispensing units included in the module receiving each control command to dispense the food ingredients into the container.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the food ingredient dispensing command may be transmitted to one or more of the M food ingredient dispensing units included in each of the second module to the N-1st module according to the menu information, and may not be transmitted to the remaining food ingredient dispensing units.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the predetermined distance for moving the container in the direction of an adjacent module according to the conveyor belt control command may be the distance from the current position of the container to the nearest food ingredient dispensing unit that received the food ingredient dispensing command in the direction of the adjacent module.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the menu information is a pre-set recipe information when the user orders one of the pre-set menus, and may be a recipe information for one or more types of ingredients selected by the user to cook the customized menu when the user orders a customized menu other than the pre-set menu. Effects of the invention

[0015] According to the present invention as described above, simply by receiving order details from a user, order information including recipe information is generated, and food can be cooked automatically by transmitting control commands only to the modules required to cook the menu ordered by the user according to the generated order information. This provides the advantage of being able to operate a food service business without employing professional cooks, who incur high labor costs.

[0016] In addition, even if each module includes multiple ingredient dispensing units, the control command received by the module includes an ingredient dispensing command transmitted only to the ingredient dispensing unit where ingredient dispensing is required, thereby preventing the situation where unintended ingredients are dispensed and enabling the effective preparation of user-customized food.

[0017] In addition, the control command received by each module includes a conveyor belt control command for moving the container, and the conveyor belt control command sequentially handles the movement of the container to the food ingredient dispensing units where food ingredient dispensing is required. Finally, the control command for the module containing the food ingredient dispensing unit that dispenses the food ingredient includes a conveyor belt control command that automatically moves the container to the last module, and the control command for the last module includes a lifting command that enables the container with the finished food to be provided to the user. Thus, the effect is that the finished product can be fully cooked without any human cooking process being involved.

[0018] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description below. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a modular automated cooking device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a cooking module in a modular automated cooking device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the internal view of the storage section of the food ingredient discharge section in a modular automated cooking device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating the operating principle and concept of the first container moving part in a modular automated cooking device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a container supply module in a modular automated cooking device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the food ingredient refrigeration section of the container supply module in a modular automated cooking device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a lifting module receiving a container from a cooking module and lifting it outward in a modular automated cooking device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an example of a modularly freely arranged modularly in a modular automated cooking device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a food ingredient refrigeration unit in a modular automated cooking device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a drawing that exemplarily illustrates the overall configuration of a modular automated cooking device according to the first embodiment of the present invention in terms of software. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing representative steps of a method for automatically cooking user-customized food according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0020] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the attached drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but can be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components.

[0021] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) may be used in a meaning commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise. The terms used herein are for describing embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, the singular form includes the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise in the text.

[0022] Terms such as "first," "second," etc., are intended to distinguish one component from another, and the scope of rights shall not be limited by these terms. For example, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component.

[0023] As used herein, “Comprises” and / or “Comprising” do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components, steps, actions, and / or elements to the mentioned components, steps, actions, and / or elements.

[0024] Meanwhile, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments and applications described above, and various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the essence of the invention as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood as being distinct from the technical concept or perspective of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a modular automated cooking device (10) according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] A modular automated cooking device (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention relates to a device that, when food ingredients are supplied by a user, performs an automated cooking process of placing the food ingredients required for a finished product into a container without any separate cooking action by the user, and provides the finished product to the user.

[0027] A modular automated cooking device (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a cooking module (100), a container supply module (200), and a lifting module (300) to perform an automated cooking process.

[0028] The cooking module (100) is a module capable of discharging ingredients required for a finished product in the direction in which the container is placed, or performing cooking operations (e.g., trimming, slicing, shaking, etc.) as needed.

[0029] The number of such cooking modules (100) may vary depending on the size of the cooking facility (e.g., store), the category of the menu, or any choice made by the user. In the specification of the present invention, it may be expressed that the modular automated cooking device (10) includes M (M is a positive integer) cooking modules (100).

[0030] The container supply module (200) is, as the term implies, a module that supplies containers to the cooking module (100) so that the ingredients cooked by the cooking module (100) can be placed in the containers.

[0031] The lifting module (300) is a module that lifts a finished product, that is, a product in which ingredients are contained in a container, from inside the modular automated cooking device (10) to outside the modular automated cooking device (10) in order to provide the finished product to the user.

[0032] Below, we will sequentially examine the aforementioned cooking module (100), container supply module (200), and lifting module (300). First, the cooking module (100) will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a cooking module (100) according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 2, the cooking module (100) may include a first frame (110), a food ingredient dispensing unit (120), and a food ingredient moving unit (130) to perform a cooking function during a cooking automation process.

[0035] The first frame (110) can have a predetermined shape and serve as the skeleton and body of the cooking module (100).

[0036] The first frame (110) may have a cube (or cubic) shape as shown in FIG. 2, but is not limited thereto. The shape of the first frame (110) may be changed according to the store space, user preferences, marketing, and the arrangement of components included within the cooking module (100). Furthermore, the first frame (110) may be designed so that the user can change the shape to suit their taste by assembling or reconfiguring each individual segment constituting the first frame (110).

[0037] The first frame (110) may be designed to be connected or combined with another first frame (110). In other words, the first frame (110) of the first cooking module (100) and the first frame (110) of the second cooking module (100) may be provided to be connected or combined so that the first cooking module (100) and another second cooking module (100) can be organically connected.

[0038] In addition, the material of the first frame (110) may include an insulating material or a thermal insulation material such as polyurethane foam, polyisocyanurate, polystyrene foam, photopolystyrene (XPS), etc., in order to maintain the freshness of the food ingredients stored inside the cooking module (100).

[0039] The food ingredient dispensing unit (120) is a component located inside the first frame part (110) and performs the function of storing food ingredients supplied by the user and dispensing the stored food ingredients or cooked food ingredients in the direction where the container is located.

[0040] This food ingredient dispensing unit may include a storage unit (121) and a dispensing unit (122) to perform the above role.

[0041] The storage unit (121) is configured to provide a space for storing food ingredients supplied by the user inside the cooking module (100).

[0042] The top of the storage unit (121) is designed to be openable or closed so that the user can easily insert food ingredients into the storage unit (121).

[0043] At least one side of the storage unit (121) includes an inclined surface so that when a user supplies food ingredients to the upper side of the storage unit (121), the food ingredients naturally roll down to the lower side of the storage unit due to the inclined surface, allowing the food ingredients to be stacked neatly from the bottom of the storage unit (121).

[0044] The angle of inclination formed by the inclined surface of the storage section (121) may vary depending on the size and shape of the cooking module (100), and the inclined surface of the storage section (121) may be treated with a non-slip material so that food ingredients can roll down and be loaded smoothly, and furthermore, the surface of the inclined surface may be given a texture or the shape of the inclined surface may display a bead and rib pattern.

[0045] For reference, the term "bead" here refers to a pattern consisting of a series of small, round shapes, primarily used to prevent slipping or facilitate the movement of loads by arranging fluids or textured materials, such as rubber, plastic, or cement, in a specific pattern on a surface; meanwhile, "rib" refers to a shape used to reinforce or delineate specific areas, and can be described as a pattern protruding from a flat surface.

[0046] Additionally, a volume sensing sensor (not shown) capable of checking the remaining amount of food ingredients inside the storage unit (121) may be provided inside. This volume sensing sensor performs the function of detecting and measuring the volume of food ingredients inside the storage unit (121), and may send a notification message to the user indicating that food ingredients need to be supplied if the detected data value (volume value) is less than or equal to a preset appropriate remaining amount.

[0047] The volume sensing sensor can detect the volume inside the storage unit (121) by utilizing volume sensing technologies such as laser, ultrasound, and infrared. When food ingredients are supplied into the storage unit (121), the volume sensing sensor detects this and measures the actual volume inside the storage unit (121). It can also determine whether the volume value of the supplied food ingredients is greater than or equal to a preset appropriate remaining amount, thereby confirming whether the appropriate supply of food ingredients by the user has been made. Additionally, the volume sensing sensor allows the user to check the amount of food ingredients remaining in the storage unit in real time at any time through the volume sensing sensor.

[0048] This storage unit (121) performs the role of simply storing food ingredients, but also performs the role of delivering the stored food ingredients to the discharge unit (122) to be described later. The principle and concept of the storage unit (121) delivering food ingredients to the discharge unit (122) will be explained in more detail when referring to FIG. 3 below.

[0049] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the internal view of the storage section (121) of the food ingredient discharge section (120) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 3, the food ingredient dispensing unit (120) may include a spiral-shaped shaft portion (123) located inside the storage portion (121) and a motor portion (124) that provides power to the shaft portion (123).

[0051] When the motor unit (124) applies power to the shaft unit (123), the shaft unit (123) rotates to push the food ingredients stored in the storage unit (121) toward the direction (D) where the discharge unit (120) is located, thereby enabling the discharge unit (122) to discharge the food ingredients stored in the storage unit (121).

[0052] The rotational speed or number of rotations per second of the shaft portion (123) may vary depending on the food ingredients stored in the storage portion (121). For example, since ingredients such as lettuce can be damaged (e.g., cut) by the rapid rotation of the shaft portion (123), the rotational speed of the shaft portion (123) where lettuce is stored in the storage portion (121) may be set to be slower than that of other food ingredients. In the case of ingredients with a small cross-sectional area such as peanuts or olives, if the rotational speed is slow or the number of rotations per second is low, they may only circulate inside the storage portion (121), so the rotational speed of the shaft portion (123) where ingredients with a small cross-sectional area such as peanuts or olives are stored may be set to be fast and the number of rotations per second may be set to be high.

[0053] Returning to the description of FIG. 2, we will continue to describe the discharge unit (122) and the first container moving unit (130), which are components of the cooking module (100).

[0054] The discharge unit (122) is configured to be positioned on one side of the storage unit (121), and can discharge food ingredients stored in the storage unit (121) to the outside in a manner in which the discharge port is optionally opened or closed.

[0055] The method of opening or closing the discharge port may utilize a cap-shaped member that covers or opens the entire front surface of the discharge port, but is not limited thereto; any method of opening or closing the discharge port that falls within the technical field of the present invention may be the method of opening or closing the discharge port of the present invention.

[0056] The area of ​​the discharge port may vary depending on the food ingredients stored in the storage unit (121), and the material of the discharge unit (122) may be made of stainless steel, which is excellent for hygiene and cleanliness as it is configured to come into contact with and move the food ingredients, and the material of the discharge port may be made of plastic, which is highly durable and can prevent damage and spoilage of the food ingredients when in contact with them, in order to prevent damage to the food ingredients during the discharge process.

[0057] Additionally, the angle and position of the discharge unit (122) can be adjusted according to the characteristics of the food ingredient, and such adjustment can be performed based on arbitrary operation by the user or learned data. For example, spherical food ingredients such as cherry tomatoes can naturally roll out of the discharge port without the user arbitrarily adjusting the angle of the discharge unit (122), but food ingredients that are relatively light in weight and large in volume, such as lettuce and salad, can be discharged out of the discharge port only if the angle of the discharge unit (122) is arbitrarily adjusted. Accordingly, the food ingredient discharge unit (120) determines what the food ingredient is inside the storage unit (121), calculates the angle and position of the discharge unit (122) where the determined food ingredient can be easily discharged according to the characteristics of the determined food ingredient (e.g., shape, volume, weight, etc.), and allows the discharge unit (122) to be adjusted to the angle and position of the discharge unit (122) calculated.

[0058] The food ingredient dispensing unit (120) including the aforementioned components may be arranged in N (N is a positive integer) units within a single cooking module (100), and each of the N food ingredient dispensing units (120) may have different food ingredients (e.g., lettuce, tomato, olive, etc.) stored in it.

[0059] Meanwhile, the cooking module (100) performs the operation of cooking stored ingredients or placing them in a container. In order to perform the above operation without user intervention, the cooking module (100) must receive a container from the container supply unit (200) in the stage before and after the cooking operation, and if the ingredients are discharged into the container, it must be delivered to the lifting unit (300) to be described later. The cooking module (100) may include a first container moving unit (130) that receives a container from the container supply unit (200) and delivers the finished product to the lifting unit (300).

[0060] The first container moving unit (130) may include a first conveyor belt (131) and a weight sensing sensor (132) to receive a container from the container supply module (200) and to deliver the finished product to the lifting unit (300).

[0061] The first conveyor belt (131) is positioned at the front of each of N or more food ingredient discharge units (120) and is composed of N units corresponding to the food ingredient discharge units (120), and performs the function of moving the container to the next food ingredient discharge unit (120).

[0062] A weight sensing sensor (132) is positioned on each of N or more first conveyor belts (131) and performs the function of detecting the weight of a container located on the first conveyor belt (131).

[0063] The weight sensing sensor (132) detects the weight of the container and the food ingredients contained in the container. In the present invention, the weight detected by the weight sensing sensor (132) can be used as a data resource to determine whether a quantity of food ingredients is contained in the container, or as a data resource to determine whether to move to the next food ingredient dispensing unit (120) containing other food ingredients other than the previously contained food ingredients.

[0064] Additionally, the first conveyor belt (131) may include a position sensing unit (not shown) and a position adjustment driving unit (not shown) capable of finely adjusting the position of the container so that the food ingredient discharged by the discharge unit is accurately and precisely placed in the container.

[0065] The position sensing unit can detect the area where the current container is in contact within the surface area of ​​the first conveyor belt (131) and thus confirm the position of the container within the first conveyor belt (131).

[0066] In addition, the position sensing unit can detect the angle or position of the discharge unit (122) to calculate the optimal position in which the container can accurately and precisely hold the food ingredients discharged by the discharge unit, and the calculated optimal position is transmitted to the position adjustment driving unit.

[0067] The adjustment drive unit receives the optimal position calculated by the position sensing unit, which allows the container to accurately and precisely hold the food ingredients discharged by the discharge unit, and performs the role of automatically adjusting the position of the container so that the container can reach the optimal position.

[0068] The first container moving unit (130) operates the first conveyor belt (131) based on the weight detected by the weight sensing sensor (132) and moves the container through the operated first conveyor belt (131). The operating principle and concept of the first container moving unit (130) will be explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 4.

[0069] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating the operating principle and concept of the first container moving part (130) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the cooking module (100) cooking a specific finished product using 50g of lettuce and 50g of tomato as ingredients.

[0070] In order to explain an example of a cooking module (100) cooking the specific finished product through FIG. 4, the cooking module (100) of FIG. 4 is configured with N food ingredient dispensing units (120), tomatoes are stored in the storage section (121) of the first food ingredient dispensing unit (120-1), lettuce is stored in the storage section (121) of the second food ingredient dispensing unit (120-2), and a container is placed on the first-1 container belt (131-1) located in front of the first food ingredient dispensing unit (120-1).

[0071] Referring to FIG. 4, the cooking module (100) causes the first food ingredient dispensing unit (120-1) to dispense tomatoes stored in the storage unit (121) through the dispensing unit (122) in order to cook a finished product. When the weight detection sensor (132) detects a weight that is the sum of the weight of the tomatoes (50g) and the weight of the bowl (α), the cooking module (100) determines that the weight of the tomatoes has been placed in the container by the first food ingredient dispensing unit (120-1), stops the dispensing operation of the first food ingredient dispensing unit (120-1), and controls the operation of the first-1 conveyor belt (131-1) so that the container moves to the first-2 conveyor belt (131-2) located in front of the second food ingredient dispensing unit (120-2) in the next sequence where the next ingredient, lettuce, is dispensed.

[0072] Afterward, the second ingredient dispensing unit (120-2) dispenses lettuce into a container located on the first-second conveyor belt (131-2), and when the weight detection sensor (132) detects a weight that is the sum of a fixed amount of lettuce (50g), a fixed amount of tomato (50), and the weight (α) of the bowl, the cooking module (100) determines that a fixed amount of tomato has been placed in the container by the second ingredient dispensing unit (120-2), stops the dispensing operation of the second ingredient dispensing unit (120-2), and controls the operation of the first-second conveyor belt (131-2) so that the container moves to the conveyor belt (120) located in front of the next ingredient dispensing unit (120-2) in the sequence where the next ingredient lettuce is dispensed.

[0073] Above, we have examined in detail the overall configuration and operating principle of the cooking module (100) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Next, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7, we will examine the overall configuration of the container supply module (200) and the lifting module (300) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a container supply module (200) according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 5, the container supply module (200) may include a second frame part (210), a container loading part (220), and a second container moving part (230).

[0077] The second frame part (210) is configured to be connected to or combined with the first frame part of the cooking module (100), thereby enabling the cooking automation device of the present invention to be utilized as a 'modular' device.

[0078] The second frame section (210) may have the same shape, material, and size as the first frame section (210), but since the container supply module (200) does not contain food ingredients that need to be kept fresh, unlike the cooking module (100), it may not have the shape, material, or size required to maintain freshness. For example, even if the first frame section (210) of the cooking module (100) is composed of thermal insulation or thermal insulation, the container supply module (200) may be composed of another material other than thermal insulation or thermal insulation because it does not contain temperature-sensitive food ingredients or components closely related to temperature inside.

[0079] The container loading section (220) is a component located inside the second frame section (210), and, as the term implies, is a component in which containers are loaded inside.

[0080] The container loading section (220) can dispense containers corresponding to the number of orders or the number of containers required for cooking.

[0081] The second container moving unit (230) is configured to include at least one second conveyor belt located in front of the container loading unit (220), and performs the function of moving the containers discharged by the container loading unit (220).

[0082] The container supply module (200) including these configurations discharges the containers loaded inside the container loading section (220) toward the second conveyor belt when cooking begins, and drives the second conveyor belt to move the containers to the first conveyor belt (131) of the cooking module (100) adjacent to the container supply module (200), thereby enabling the containers to be supplied to the cooking module (100) without user intervention.

[0083] Meanwhile, as previously explained, since the cooking module (100) stores food ingredients, in order to maintain the freshness of the stored food ingredients, the material of the first frame (110) may be composed of a thermal insulation material that maintains temperature and a thermal insulation material that blocks heat.

[0084] However, the fact that the material of the first frame (110) is composed of a thermal insulation material that maintains temperature and a thermal insulation material that blocks heat only slows down the rate at which the food ingredient deviates from the optimal temperature for maintaining the freshness of the food ingredient, but does not maintain the optimal temperature for maintaining the freshness of the food ingredient. Therefore, the container supply module (200) includes a food ingredient refrigeration unit (240) capable of maintaining the optimal temperature for maintaining the freshness of the food ingredient, and the food ingredient refrigeration unit (240) will be described below with reference to FIG. 6.

[0085] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a food ingredient refrigeration unit (240) of a container supply module (200) according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 6, the food ingredient refrigeration unit (240) is located inside the container supply module (200) and may include a cold air discharge unit (not shown) that discharges cold air to maintain the temperature of the food ingredients stored in the storage unit (121) at a certain level or lower.

[0087] The food ingredient refrigeration unit (240) is positioned such that the cold air discharge unit is directed toward the direction in which the food ingredient discharge unit (120) within the cooking module (100) is positioned, so that when cold air is discharged, the cold air can easily reach the food ingredient discharge unit (120).

[0088] The temperature of the cold air emitted from the cold air outlet and the frequency of cold air emission can be arbitrarily adjusted by the user, and the user can customize the temperature or frequency of cold air emission according to the optimal temperature for maintaining the freshness of each food item.

[0089] A lifting module (300) according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. 7.

[0090] The direct cooking operation of the method for automatically cooking user-customized food and the device (10) for the same according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be carried out inside the first frame (110) of the cooking module (100) to prevent contact with the user (e.g., store operator, customer) and the penetration of external unsanitary factors (e.g., dust, bacteria).

[0091] Therefore, in order to deliver the finished product completed by the cooking module (100) to the user, a module is required that performs the role of delivering the finished product located inside the first frame (110) of the cooking module (100) to the outside, and the module capable of performing the above role is the lifting module (300) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a lifting module (300) according to a first embodiment of the present invention receiving a container from a cooking module (100) and lifting it outwards.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 7, the lifting module (300) may include a third frame part (310), a third container moving part (320), and a lifting part (330).

[0094] The third frame section (310) is configured to be connectable to the first frame section (110) of the cooking module (100), and, like the second frame section (210), allows the cooking automation device of the present invention to be utilized as a 'modular'. In other words, the method for automatically cooking user-customized food and the device (10) for the same according to the first embodiment of the present invention are configured such that the first to third frame sections (110, 210, 310) of the cooking module (100), the container supply module (200), and the lifting module (300) can be connected to each other, allowing the user to arbitrarily change the number, arrangement order, and direction of the modules.

[0095] The technical features regarding the connection or combination between these first to third frame sections (110, 210, 310) allow the user to autonomously adjust the arrangement of the method for automatically cooking user-customized food according to the user's marketing and preferences, without restrictions on the installation space, and the device (10) for this purpose. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the user can freely connect the first to third frame sections (110, 210, 310) provided in each of the cooking module (100), container supply module (200), and lifting section (300) to arrange the method for automatically cooking user-customized food according to the user's store space, marketing and preferences, and the device (10) for this purpose in a horizontal (—), vertical (ㅣ), L-shape, or U-shape.

[0096] The third container moving unit (320) is located inside the third frame unit (310) and may include a third conveyor belt that receives a container that has passed through the last unit among the N or more food ingredient discharge units (120) included in the cooking module (100) from the first conveyor belt.

[0097] The lifting part (330) is a component that lifts the container received from the third conveyor belt to the outside of the third frame part (310).

[0098] The lifting part (330) is generally made of steel or reinforced metal material that can stably lift the container and has durability.

[0099] The lifting unit (330) may utilize a hydraulic lifting method that lifts the container using a hydraulic cylinder to lift the container to the outside of the third frame unit (310), an air lifting method that lifts using compressed air, or an electric lifting method that lifts the container using an electric motor or a servo system.

[0100] Additionally, the lifting unit (330) can adjust the lifting speed differently depending on the finished product to be lifted. For example, the lifting unit (330) is provided with a weight sensing sensor, and if it is determined that the finished product to be lifted is heavy based on the weight obtained from the weight sensing sensor, it is determined that the container contains a large amount of food ingredients, and the lifting speed can be relatively lowered so that the food ingredients do not fall out of the container.

[0101] A lifting module (300) including such a configuration can determine the time at which a container is received and perform an operation to accurately deliver the container outside the third frame. Specifically, a container arrival detection sensor is provided on the third conveyor belt of the lifting unit (330) to detect when a container that has passed through the last unit among N or more food ingredient discharge units (120) reaches the third conveyor belt, thereby enabling the third conveyor belt to deliver the container to the lifting unit (330).

[0102] Above, we have examined a method for automatically cooking user-customized food and a device (10) for the same according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] Next, with reference to FIG. 9, a method for automatically cooking user-customized food and a device (10′) for the same according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0104] As previously explained, different ingredients may be stored in M ​​cooking modules (100), and an ingredient refrigeration unit (240) according to the first embodiment of the present invention is provided in the container supply module (200) to maintain the freshness of these ingredients.

[0105] However, the optimal temperature required to maintain freshness of the ingredients will differ for each ingredient, and even if the optimal temperature required to maintain freshness for all ingredients stored in M ​​cooking modules (100) is the same, the freshness of the ingredients stored in the cooking module (100) adjacent to the ingredient refrigeration unit (240) according to the first embodiment of the present invention will differ from that of the ingredients not stored therein. Accordingly, the method for automatically cooking user-customized food and the apparatus (10′) for the same according to the second embodiment of the present invention include an ingredient refrigeration unit (240′) placed in each of the N cooking modules (100).

[0106] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a food ingredient refrigeration unit (240′) in a modular automated cooking device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 9, in a modular automated cooking device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a food ingredient refrigeration unit (240′) may be placed at the top of each of the M cooking modules (100).

[0108] These food ingredient refrigerators (240′) are placed in each of the M cooking modules (100) and can emit cold air to maintain the temperature of the food ingredients stored inside the cooking module (100) at a certain level or lower.

[0109] For example, if the first cooking module (100-1) is equipped with three food ingredient discharge units (120) and it is assumed that the same food ingredients are stored in the three food ingredient discharge units (120), the food ingredient refrigeration unit (240′) can discharge cold air of the same first temperature throughout the interior of the first cooking module (100-1) to maintain the temperature of the food ingredients stored in each of the three food ingredient discharge units (120) at or below a certain level.

[0110] However, the cooking module (100) may be equipped with N food ingredient discharge units (120) that store different food ingredients, and the optimal temperature required to maintain the freshness of the food ingredients stored in the N food ingredient discharge units (120) may be different. Therefore, the food ingredient refrigeration unit (240′) is placed in each of the M cooking modules (100), and cold air of different temperatures may be emitted to each of the N food ingredient discharge units (120) equipped in the cooking module (100).

[0111] For example, assuming that the second cooking module (100-2) is equipped with three food ingredient discharge units (120) and that different food ingredients are stored in the three food ingredient discharge units (120), the food ingredient refrigeration unit (240′) blows cold air at a first temperature, a second temperature, and a third temperature to each of the three food ingredient discharge units (120) so that the food ingredients stored in each of the three food ingredient discharge units (120) can be customized to maintain an optimal temperature for maintaining freshness.

[0112] The above description with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9 corresponds to a description of the hardware aspect of the modular automated cooking device (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and below, a description of the software aspect of the modular automated cooking device (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention will begin.

[0113] FIG. 10 is a drawing that exemplarily illustrates the overall configuration of a modular automated cooking device (10) according to a first embodiment of the present invention in terms of software.

[0114] However, this is merely a preferred embodiment for achieving the purpose of the present invention, and it is understood that some components may be added or deleted as needed, and that other components may perform the role of one component together.

[0115] The modular automated cooking device (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a processor (11), a network interface (12), a memory (13), a storage (14), and a data bus (17) connecting them, and may further include additional components required to achieve the purpose of the present invention.

[0116] The processor (11) controls the overall operation of each component. The processor (10) may be any one of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processor Unit), MCU (Micro Controller Unit), or an artificial intelligence processor of a form widely known in the technical field to which the present invention belongs. In addition, the processor (11) may perform operations for at least one application or program for carrying out a method of automatically cooking user-customized food according to the second embodiment of the present invention. To this end, the processor (11) may include an artificial intelligence model having a predetermined structure, but this will be described later.

[0117] The network interface (12) supports wired and wireless internet communication of the modular automated cooking device (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and may also support other known communication methods. Accordingly, the network interface (12) may be configured to include a communication module accordingly.

[0118] The memory (13) stores various information, commands and / or information, and can load one or more computer programs (15) from storage (14) to perform a method of automatically cooking user-customized food according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 10, RAM is shown as one of the memory (13), but it is obvious that various storage media can also be used as memory (13).

[0119] Storage (14) can store one or more computer programs (15) and large network information (16) non-temporarily. This storage (14) may be any one of non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), flash memory, hard disk (HDD), secondary storage match (SSD), removable disk, or any form of computer-readable recording medium widely known in the art to which the present invention belongs.

[0120] A computer program (15) is loaded into memory (13) and can execute a first step by one or more processors (11) of (A) generating order information corresponding to order details received from a user, wherein the order information includes menu information generated for the menu that the user wishes to order; (B) transmitting a first control command to the first module among the N modules according to the generated order information, wherein the first control command is a container dispensing command; (C) transmitting one of a second control command to a N-1 control command to each of at least one of the second module to the N-1st module among the N modules according to the menu information included in the generated order information; and (D) transmitting an Nth control command to the Nth module among the N modules according to the generated order information, wherein the Nth control command is a container lifting command.

[0121] The operation performed by the computer program (15) briefly mentioned above can be viewed as one function of the computer program (15), and a more detailed explanation will be provided later in the description of the method for automatically cooking user-customized food according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0122] The data bus (17) serves as a path for the movement of commands and / or information between the processor (11), network interface (12), memory (13), and storage (14) described above.

[0123] The modular automated cooking device (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, which has been briefly described above, may be in the form of an independent device, for example, the form of an electronic device shown in FIG. 1 above. Hereinafter, the electronic device may be not only a device that is fixedly installed and used in one place, but also a portable device that is easy to carry and move. Below, a method for automatically cooking user-customized food according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described, based on the premise that the modular automated cooking device (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention is in the form shown in FIG. 1.

[0124] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing representative steps of a method for automatically cooking user-customized food according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0125] However, this is merely a preferred embodiment for achieving the purpose of the present invention, and as needed, some steps may be added or deleted, and any one step may be included in another step.

[0126] Meanwhile, each step is assumed to be performed through the modular automated cooking device (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and since the modular automated cooking device (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention is assumed to be in the form of an "independent device," the control software installed in the modular automated cooking device (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be considered to have the same meaning as the modular automated cooking device (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and for convenience of explanation, all of these will be named as "device (10)."

[0127] In addition, it should be noted in advance that the device (10) is a device comprising N modules (N is a natural number greater than or equal to 3), and that one cooking module (100), one container supply module (200), and one lifting module (300) are included as a basic set, which is set as the minimum unit for automatically cooking user-customized food.

[0128] First, the device (10) generates order information corresponding to the order details received from the user, wherein the order information includes menu information generated for the menu that the user wishes to order (S1110), and this is referred to as the first step.

[0129] The device (10) may output control software (including a function for receiving orders) installed therein to a display means (not shown), etc., or receive an order from a user through a POS device / kiosk, etc. linked to the device (10). When an order is received from a user, order information corresponding to the received order details is generated. Here, the user may be anyone, such as a restaurant owner when accepting an order requested by a customer, or a customer when placing an order themselves.

[0130] The generated order information includes menu information, which is information generated for the menu that the user wishes to order. For example, if pre-configured menus A through D exist, and the user orders menus A and B, the menu information generated for that user is menus A and B. Furthermore, it may additionally include pre-configured recipe information for each menu, such as a pre-configured recipe for cooking menu A and a pre-configured recipe for cooking menu B.

[0131] Meanwhile, depending on the food service industry, the user may order a customized menu of their own choosing rather than a pre-set menu. In this case, the menu information generated by the device (10) may include recipe information for one or more types of ingredients selected by the user to prepare the customized menu.

[0132] For example, in a salad shop where ten types of vegetables, three types of meat, three types of fish, and ten types of dressings are available, the user can select the types of ingredients according to their preferences, and in this case, the types of ingredients selected can serve as recipe information for the salad menu ordered by the user.

[0133] Such order information may include not only the menu (salad) that the user wishes to order and menu information (recipe) for that menu, but also other information such as information about the user who placed the order (whether they are a member or not, orderer number, whether they will take the food out, etc.), information about payment (payment location, payment amount, payment date and time, payment method, etc.), and information about the seller (business name, address, representative, business registration number, etc.), and other information that is included in a receipt issued in a normal transaction. In this case, the device (10) can not only automatically cook food but also perform tasks ranging from ordering ingredients for food service operations to settlement, thereby providing more assistance to the food service business operator.

[0134] If order information has been generated, the device (10) transmits a first control command to the first module among N modules according to the generated order information, wherein the first control command is a container dispensing command (S1120), and this is referred to as the second step.

[0135] If order information has been generated, the device (10) initiates a practical step for cooking food, and the step corresponding to the initiation is the second step. More specifically, the second step is to transmit a first dispensing command, which is a container dispensing command, to the first module, where the first module may be a container supply module (200).

[0136] Meanwhile, the container dispensing command may further include information regarding how many containers to dispense when the user has ordered multiple menu items based on the generated order information, information regarding the time interval between dispensing the next container after dispensing the first, and information regarding which container to dispense depending on whether it is a takeout order.

[0137] The container supply module (200), which is the first module that receives the first control command, discharges the container to the second food material moving unit (20), and the description thereof is replaced by the description of the modular cooking automation device (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0138] If a first control command is transmitted to the first module, the container will have been discharged, and thereafter, the device (10) transmits one of the second control command to the N-1st control command to each of at least one of the second module to the N-1st module among the N modules according to the menu information included in the generated order information (S1130), and this is referred to as the third step.

[0139] As previously stated, the first module is a container supply module (200). It is generally assumed that the modules connected thereafter are cooking modules (100), and accordingly, the second module to the N-1st module may be cooking modules (100). However, not all modules may be cooking modules (100). This is because, depending on the space where the modular cooking automation device (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention is installed, if the cooking modules (100) are arranged in a direction other than a straight line, such as left, right, or opposite direction in the middle, a direction change module (not shown) must be installed. However, for convenience of explanation, the case where the modular cooking automation device (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention is installed in a straight line as shown in FIG. 1, that is, the case where it does not include a direction change module (not shown), will be described as an example.

[0140] Meanwhile, since it is stated that the second module to the N-1st module may be a cooking module (100), these modules may each include M (M is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) food ingredient dispensing units (120) that store food ingredients and dispense food ingredients into a container, and in this case, each of the second control command to the N-1st control command may include one or more food ingredient dispensing commands that operate one or more of the M food ingredient dispensing units (120) included in the module receiving each control command to dispense food ingredients into a container.

[0141] More specifically, such a food ingredient dispensing command may be transmitted to one or more of the M food ingredient dispensing units (120) included in each of the second module to the N-1st module according to menu information, and not transmitted to the remaining food ingredient dispensing units (120), and will be explained below with an example.

[0142] It is assumed that the device (10) includes the second to fifth modules, i.e., four cooking modules (100), as shown in FIG. 1, and that each cooking module (100) includes three food ingredient discharge units (120). Since each of the four cooking modules (100) includes three food ingredient discharge units (120), there are a total of twelve food ingredient discharge units (120), and they are named from left to right as the first food ingredient discharge unit (120-1) to the twelfth food ingredient discharge unit (120-12).

[0143] In addition, the second cooking module (100) is responsible for vegetables, the third cooking module (100) is responsible for meat, the fourth cooking module is responsible for fish, and the fifth cooking module is responsible for dressing. More specifically, the first food ingredient dispensing unit (120-1) is responsible for cabbage, the second food ingredient dispensing unit (120-2) is responsible for tomatoes, the third food ingredient dispensing unit (120-3) is responsible for cucumbers, the fourth food ingredient dispensing unit (120-4) is responsible for cubed beef, the fifth food ingredient dispensing unit (120-5) is responsible for chicken breast, the sixth food ingredient dispensing unit (120-6) is responsible for pork neck, the seventh food ingredient dispensing unit (120-7) is responsible for grilled sea bream, the eighth food ingredient dispensing unit (120-8) is responsible for raw salmon, the ninth food ingredient dispensing unit (120-9) is responsible for grilled salmon, and the tenth food ingredient dispensing unit (120-10) is When the 11th ingredient dispensing unit (120-11) is in charge of Oriental dressing, the 12th ingredient dispensing unit (120-12) is in charge of lemon dressing, and the 12th ingredient dispensing unit (120-12) is in charge of sesame dressing, if the generated menu information is cabbage / tomato / cube beef / raw salmon / Oriental dressing, the device (10) will transmit a 2nd control command to the 2nd cooking module (100), a 3rd control command to the 3rd cooking module (100), a 4th control command to the 4th cooking module (100), and a 5th control command to the 5th cooking module (100); the 2nd control command will include ingredient dispensing commands for the 1st ingredient dispensing unit (120-1) in charge of cabbage and the 2nd ingredient dispensing unit (120-2) in charge of tomato, but will not include ingredient dispensing commands for the 3rd ingredient dispensing unit (120-3); and the 3rd control command will include the 4th ingredient dispensing unit in charge of cube beef The fourth control command includes a food ingredient dispensing command for the unit (120-4), and does not include food ingredient dispensing commands for the fifth food ingredient dispensing unit (120-5) and the sixth food ingredient dispensing unit (120-6), and the fourth control command includes a food ingredient dispensing command for the eighth food ingredient dispensing unit (120-8) responsible for raw salmon, andThe food ingredient dispensing command for the 7th food ingredient dispensing unit (120-7) and the 9th food ingredient dispensing unit (120-9) will not be included, and the 5th control command will include a food ingredient dispensing command for the 10th food ingredient dispensing unit (120-10) responsible for oriental dressing, and will not include a food ingredient dispensing command for the 11th food ingredient dispensing unit (120-11) and the 12th food ingredient dispensing unit (120-12).

[0144] Meanwhile, the device (10) may not transmit a control command to a specific cooking module (100) rather than a specific food ingredient dispensing unit (120). If the generated menu information is cabbage / tomato / raw salmon / oriental dressing, there is no need to transmit a third control command to a third cooking module (100) responsible for meat. Consequently, the control command transmitted is one of the second control command to the N-1 control command.

[0145] As such, the method for automatically cooking user-customized food according to the second embodiment of the present invention can automatically cook user-customized food because, in all cases, whether the menu the user wishes to order is a pre-set menu or a customized menu, a control command for a cooking module (100) responsible for the ingredients required to cook the menu, more specifically, a food ingredient dispensing command for a food ingredient dispensing unit (120) responsible for the required ingredients among the M food ingredient dispensing units (120) included in the cooking module (100), can be individually generated and transmitted.

[0146] Meanwhile, each of the second control command to the N-1st control command transmitted by the device (100) to the second module to the N-1st module, and the first control command transmitted to the first module, may include a conveyor belt control command that drives a conveyor belt included in the module receiving each control command to move a container a predetermined distance toward an adjacent module.

[0147] Here, the conveyor belt includes a food material moving section and is a concept that includes all configurations for moving containers, and the predetermined distance may be the distance to the nearest food material dispensing unit (120) that has received a food material dispensing command from the direction of an adjacent module based on the current position of the container.

[0148] To explain this based on the previously mentioned menu information, such as cabbage / tomato / cube beef / raw salmon / oriental dressing, the device (10) first transmits a first control command including a container discharge command to the first module, and accordingly, the first module discharges the container onto the conveyor belt, and since the first control command includes a conveyor belt control command, the discharged container is moved from the direction of the neighboring module to the first food ingredient discharge unit (120-1) in charge of cabbage, which is the nearest food ingredient discharge unit (120) that received the food ingredient discharge command. Afterward, the first food ingredient dispensing unit (120-1) dispenses cabbage into a container according to a second control command that includes a food ingredient dispensing command, and if the amount dispensed is equal to a preset weight, the container is moved to the second food ingredient dispensing unit (120-2) in charge of tomatoes, which is the closest food ingredient dispensing unit (120) that received the food ingredient dispensing command from the direction of the adjacent module relative to the first food ingredient dispensing unit (120-1). Afterward, the second food ingredient dispensing unit (120-2) dispenses tomatoes into a container according to a second control command including a food ingredient dispensing command, and if the amount dispensed is equal to a preset weight, the container is moved to the fourth food ingredient dispensing unit (120-4) in charge of cube beef, which is the closest food ingredient dispensing unit (120) that received the food ingredient dispensing command from the direction of the adjacent module relative to the second food ingredient dispensing unit (12021), since the second control command includes a conveyor belt control command.Afterward, the fourth food ingredient dispensing unit (120-4) dispenses cubed beef into a container according to a third control command including a food ingredient dispensing command, and if the amount dispensed is equal to a preset weight, the container is moved to the eighth food ingredient dispensing unit (120-8) in charge of raw salmon, which is the nearest food ingredient dispensing unit (120) that received the food ingredient dispensing command from the direction of the adjacent module relative to the fourth food ingredient dispensing unit (120-4), since the third control command includes a conveyor belt control command. Afterward, the 8th food ingredient dispensing unit (120-8) dispenses raw salmon into a container according to a 4th control command including a food ingredient dispensing command, and if the amount dispensed is equal to a preset weight, the container is moved to the 10th food ingredient dispensing unit (120-10) in charge of Oriental dressing, which is the nearest food ingredient dispensing unit (120) that received the food ingredient dispensing command from the direction of the adjacent module relative to the 4th food ingredient dispensing unit (120-4), since the 4th control command includes a conveyor belt control command. Afterwards, the container is moved to the 10th food ingredient dispensing unit (120-10), and the 10th food ingredient dispensing unit (120-10) dispenses Oriental dressing into the container according to the 5th control command including a food ingredient dispensing command. If a preset weight has been dispensed, the container must then be moved to the nearest food ingredient dispensing unit (120) that received the food ingredient dispensing command from the direction of the adjacent module relative to the 10th food ingredient dispensing unit (120-10). However, since the food ingredient dispensing for cabbage, tomato, cubed beef, raw salmon, and Oriental dressing is completed, there is no food ingredient dispensing unit (120) to which the container is to be moved.

[0149] In this case, the container must be moved to the Nth module to be described later. Accordingly, among the second to N-1 control commands transmitted by the device (10) to each of the second to N-1 modules, the control command including the food ingredient discharge command transmitted to the last food ingredient discharge unit (120) that receives the food ingredient discharge command transmitted according to menu information may include a conveyor belt control command to move the container to the Nth module. In the preceding example, the last food ingredient discharge unit (120) that receives the food ingredient discharge command is the 10th food ingredient discharge unit (120-10) responsible for Oriental dressing, and the food ingredient discharge command transmitted to the 10th food ingredient discharge unit (120-10) is included in the 5th control command. The 5th control command includes a conveyor belt control command to move the container to the Nth module if the food ingredient is discharged from the 10th food ingredient discharge unit (120-10) and a preset weight has been discharged. In this case, the container can pass through the 11th food ingredient dispensing unit (120-11) and the 12th food ingredient dispensing unit (120-12) and be transferred to the last module, the Nth module.

[0150] If any one of the second control command to the N-1st control command is transmitted, the device (10) transmits the Nth control command to the Nth module among the N modules according to the last generated order information, wherein the Nth control command is a container lifting command (S1140), and this is referred to as the fourth step.

[0151] Among the N modules, the Nth module may be a lifting module (300) because it is the last module, and accordingly, the Nth control command transmitted to the Nth module may be a lifting command that lifts the container and provides it to the user, and a detailed explanation thereof will be substituted with the description of the modular cooking automation device (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention above.

[0152] Up to this point, a method for automatically cooking user-customized food according to the second embodiment of the present invention has been described. According to the present invention, order information including recipe information is generated simply by receiving order details from a user, and food can be cooked automatically by transmitting control commands only to the modules required to cook the menu ordered by the user according to the generated order information. This has the advantage of allowing a food service business to be operated without employing professional cooks, who incur high labor costs. Furthermore, even if each module includes multiple ingredient dispensing units (120), the control command received by the module includes an ingredient dispensing command transmitted only to the ingredient dispensing unit (120) where ingredient dispensing is required. This prevents the situation where unintended ingredients are dispensed and allows for the effective cooking of user-customized food. Furthermore, the control command received by each module includes a conveyor belt control command for moving the container, and the conveyor belt control command sequentially handles the movement of the container for the food ingredient dispensing units (120) for which food ingredient dispensing is required, and finally, the control command for the module including the food ingredient dispensing unit (120) for dispensing the food ingredient includes a conveyor belt control command for automatically moving the container to the last module, and the control command for the last module includes a lifting command that enables the container with the finished food to be provided to the user, so that the finished product can be fully cooked without any human cooking process being involved.

[0153] Meanwhile, the method for automatically cooking user-customized food according to the second embodiment of the present invention may further include the step of periodically shaking the food ingredients stored in the food ingredient storage unit (120) to disperse them, the step of setting how long after the start of cooking the first menu (a few seconds, a few minutes, etc.) the start of cooking the next menu when the generated order information includes a plurality of menus, the step of dispensing the food ingredients into a container and setting how long to measure the weight to satisfy a preset weight, and the step of setting the lifting height and speed when finally lifting the cooked food, all of which relate to the functions mentioned in the modular cooking automation device (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0154] Finally, the modular cooking automation device (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the method for automatically cooking user-customized food according to the second embodiment of the present invention may be implemented as a computer program stored on a computer-readable medium according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In this case, combined with a computing device, the method may execute a first step of (AA) generating order information corresponding to order details received from a user, wherein the order information includes menu information generated for the menu that the user wishes to order; (BB) a second step of transmitting a first control command to the first module among the N modules according to the generated order information, wherein the first control command is a container dispensing command; (CC) a third step of transmitting one of the second control command to the N-1 control command to each of the second module to the N-1 module among the N modules according to the menu information included in the generated order information; and (DD) a fourth step of transmitting an N control command to the N module among the N modules according to the generated order information, wherein the N control command is a container lifting command. Although not described in detail for the sake of redundancy, it is understood that all technical features applied to the modular cooking automation device (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the method for automatically cooking user-customized food according to the second embodiment of the present invention can be equally applied to the computer program stored on a computer-readable medium according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0155] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be implemented in other specific forms without changing its technical concept or essential features. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. Explanation of the symbols

[0156] 10: Method for automatically cooking user-customized food and device for the same 11: Processor 12: Network Interface 13: Memory 14: Storage 15: Computer program 17: Data bus 100: Cooking Module 110: 1st Frame 120: Food Ingredient Dispensing Unit 121: Storage section 122: Discharge section 123: Shaft section 124: Motor section 130: 1st food ingredient transfer section 131: 1st conveyor belt 200: Container Supply Module 210: Second frame 220: Container loading section 230: Second food ingredient transfer section 240: Food ingredient refrigerator section 300: Lifting Module 310: 3rd Frame 320: 3rd Food Material Transfer Unit 330: Lifting Unit

Claims

Claim 1 A method for automatically cooking user-customized food using a device comprising N (where N is a natural number greater than or equal to 3) modules, comprising: (a) a first step of generating order information corresponding to order details received from a user, wherein the order information includes menu information generated for a menu that the user wishes to order; (b) a second step of transmitting a first control command to the first module among the N modules according to the generated order information, wherein the first control command is a container dispensing command; (c) a third step of transmitting one of a second control command to an N-1 control command to each of at least one of the second module to the N-1st module among the N modules according to the menu information included in the generated order information; and (d) a fourth step of transmitting an Nth control command to the Nth module among the N modules according to the generated order information, wherein the Nth control command is a container lifting command;The method includes, wherein each of the first to N-1 control commands includes a conveyor belt control command that drives a conveyor belt included in a module receiving each control command to move the container a predetermined distance in the direction of an adjacent module, and each of the second to N-1 modules includes M (M is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) food ingredient dispensing units that store food ingredients and dispense the food ingredients into the container, and in this case, each of the second to N-1 control commands includes one or more food ingredient dispensing commands that drive one or more of the M food ingredient dispensing units included in a module receiving each control command to dispense the food ingredients into the container, wherein the food ingredient dispensing command may be transmitted to one or more of the M food ingredient dispensing units included in each of the second to N-1 modules according to the menu information, and may not be transmitted to the remaining food ingredient dispensing units, and the predetermined distance for moving the container in the direction of an adjacent module according to the conveyor belt control command is based on the current position of the container A method for automatically cooking user-customized food, further comprising a position adjustment command, wherein the distance is to the nearest food ingredient dispensing unit that received the food ingredient dispensing command from the direction of an adjacent module, and before the food ingredient dispensing unit that received the food ingredient dispensing command dispenses the food ingredient, (e) detecting the current contact area of ​​a container located on the conveyor belt to determine the position of the container, and detecting the angle or position of the dispensing part of the food ingredient dispensing unit to calculate an optimal position where the food ingredient can be precisely placed in the container; and (f) finely driving the conveyor belt to automatically adjust the position of the container so that the container reaches the calculated optimal position. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 delete Claim 5 A method for automatically cooking user-customized food according to claim 1, wherein the menu information is a pre-set recipe information when the user orders any one of the pre-set menus, and is a recipe information for one or more types of ingredients selected by the user to cook the custom menu when the user orders a custom menu other than the pre-set menu.

Images