Automated DELI machine

Abstract

An automated food processing and dispensing system is disclosed. A storage mechanism is configured to receive material trays in one of a plurality of storage locations. A transportation mechanism is configured to remove one of the material trays from a storage location and position the material tray at a processing location responsive to a first control signal from the control module. A processing mechanism is configured to process a food item supported by the material tray at the processing location to generate a first portion of the food item. A packaging mechanism is configured to apply a packaging material to at least the first portion of the food item to generate a packaged food item and a dispensing mechanism is configured to transition the packaged food item to a dispensing position defined by the dispensing mechanism.

Description

AUTOMATED DELI MACHINETechnical Field

[0001] This application relates generally to automated material processing, and more particularly, to automated food processing and dispensing.Background

[0002] Current processes for distributing freshly sliced products, such as deli meats, include manual processes. For example, in a typical process, an employee pre-slices certain types of deli products in predetermined slice thicknesses and packages the deli product for distribution to storage areas (customer accessible areas and / or employee only areas). This process is labor intensive, requiring the employee to retrieve different deli items, set slicers to appropriate settings, operate the slicer, and package the deli item for the distribution. These typical processes introduce several failure points that may result in a customer not receiving the desired product, such as, for example, not having a specific deli item in a specific cut available. In addition, the process is labor intensive and has several touch points, increasing the potential for contamination of the deli item during processing and handling. In addition, current deli slicing systems introduce a chance of product loss, for example due to droppage of items during movement between storage cases and processing areas, and a chance of injury, for example due to incorrect operation of slicing equipment.Summary

[0003] In various embodiments an automated food processing and dispensing system is disclosed. The system includes a control module configured to generate one or more electronic control signals and a storage mechanism configured to receive material trays in one of a plurality of storage locations. Each of the material trays is configured to support a food item. The system further includes a transportation mechanism configured to remove a selected one of the material trays from a corresponding one of the plurality of storage locations and position the selected one of the material trays at a processing location responsive to a first control signal from the control module. The transportation mechanism configured to support the material tray. The system further includes a processing mechanism configured to process the food item supported by the selected one of the material trays at the processing location to generate a first portion of the food item responsive to a second control signal from the control module, a packaging mechanism configured to apply a packagingmaterial to at least the first portion of the food item to generate a packaged food item, and a dispensing mechanism configured to transition the packaged food item to a dispensing position defined by the dispensing mechanism.

[0004] In various embodiments, a method of operating an automated food processing and dispensing system is disclosed. The method includes steps of receiving a set of user inputs and transporting, via a transportation mechanism, a material tray from a selected one of a plurality of storage locations to position the material tray at a processing location. The material tray is identified based on at least a first input in the set of user inputs and the transportation mechanism is configured to support the material tray. The method further includes a step of processing, by a processing mechanism, a food item supported by the material tray received at the processing location to generate a first portion of the food item. At least one parameter of the processing mechanism is adjusted based on a second input of the set of user inputs. The method further includes steps of applying, by a packaging mechanism, a packaging material to at least the first portion of the food item to generate a packaged food item and dispensing, by a dispensing mechanism, the packaged food item to a dispensing position defined by the dispensing mechanism.

[0005] In various embodiments, an automated food processing and dispensing system is disclosed. The system includes an integrated touch screen configured to receive one or more user inputs, a control module configured to generate one or more electronic control signals in accordance with at least one of the received user inputs, and a storage mechanism configured to receive material trays in one of a plurality of storage locations. Each of the material trays is configured to support a food item. The system further includes a tray dispensing mechanism configured to dispense a packaging tray from a packaging tray storage mechanism and position the packaging tray at a processing location and a transportation mechanism configured to remove a selected one of the material trays from a corresponding one of the plurality of storage locations and position the selected one of the material trays at the processing location responsive to a first control signal from the control module. The transportation mechanism is configured to support the material tray. The system further includes a processing mechanism configured to process the food item supported by the selected one of the material trays at the processing location to generate a first portion of the food item responsive to a second control signal from the control module, a packaging mechanism configured to apply a packaging material at least the first portion of the food itemand the packaging tray to generate a packaged food item, a dispensing mechanism configured to transition the packaged food item to a dispensing position defined by the dispensing mechanism, and a printing mechanism configured to generate a label for the packaged food item. The label includes information related to the first portion of the food item.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] The features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully disclosed in. or rendered obvious by the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which are to be considered together with the accompanying drawings wherein like numbers refer to like parts and further wherein:

[0007] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a food processing and dispensing machine, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0008] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the food processing and dispensing machine of FIG. 1. in accordance with some embodiments;

[0009] FIG. 3 is a front view of the food processing and dispensing machine of FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0010] FIG. 4 is a left-side view of the food processing and dispensing machine of FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0011] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the food processing and dispensing machine of FIG. 1. in accordance with some embodiments;

[0012] FIG. 6 is a front view of the food processing and dispensing machine of FIG. 1 with access doors in an open position, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0013] FIG. 7 is a rear view of the food processing and dispensing machine of FIG. 1 having a rear panel removed, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0014] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view including a first access door in an open position, of the food processing and dispensing machine of FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0015] FIG. 9 is a partial view of the food processing and dispensing machine of FIG. 1 illustrating a product storage portion and material tray interface, in accordance with some embodiments:

[0016] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of food product configured to be received within the food processing and dispensing machine of FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0017] FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of a material tray having a first material positioned thereon, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0018] FIG. 12 is a side view of the material tray of FIG. 9 having a first set of engagement elements interfaced with the first material, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0019] FIG. 13 is a side view of the material tray of FIG. 9 having a second set of engagement elements interface with the first material, in accordance wi th some embodiments;

[0020] FIG. 14 is perspective view of the food processing and dispensing machine of FIG. 1 having a second access door in an open position, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0021] FIG. 15 is a partial view of the food processing and dispensing machine of FIG. 1 illustrating a first sub-portion of a product preparation and dispensing portion, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0022] FIG. 16 is a partial view of the food processing and dispensing machine of FIG. 1, illustrating a second sub-portion of a product preparation and dispensing portion, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0023] FIG. 17 is a partial view of the food processing and dispensing machine of FIG. 1 illustrating a printing mechanism, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0024] FIG. 18 illustrates a removal cart positioned adjacent to the automated processing mechanism of FIG. 17. in accordance with some embodiments;

[0025] FIG. 19 illustrates the automated processing mechanism of FIG. 17 positioned on the removal cart of FIG. 18, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0026] FIG. 20 illustrates an interface between a removal cart and the automated processing mechanism of FIG. 17. in accordance with some embodiments;

[0027] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the food processing and dispensing machine of FIG. 1 having a third access door in an open position, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0028] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the food processing and dispensing machine of FIG. 21 having a stack of product trays received therein, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0029] FIG. 23 is a block diagram of a food processing and dispensing machine, in accordance wi th some embodiments;

[0030] FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an operational method for operation of a food processing and dispensing machine, in accordance with some embodiments; and

[0031] FIG. 25 illustrates a computer system configured to implement one or more processes, in accordance with some embodiments.Detailed Description

[0032] The description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description, relative terms such as "lower." “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical.” “proximal,” “distal,” “above,” “below.” “up,” “down.” “top” and “bottom,” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” "downwardly." “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.

[0033] In the following, various embodiments are described with respect to the claimed systems as well as with respect to the claimed methods. Features, advantages, oralternative embodiments herein may be assigned to the other claimed objects and vice versa. In other words, claims for the systems may be improved with features described or claimed in the context of the methods. In this case, the functional features of the method are embodied by objective units of the systems. While the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments are shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. The objectives and advantages of the claimed subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of these exemplary embodiments in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Furthermore, in the following, various embodiments are described with respect to methods and systems for automated food processing and dispensing. In various embodiments, a system for automated processing and dispensing of one or more food items is disclosed. The system includes a storage, or warehouse, portion configured to store and / or display food items available for processing. The storage portion may include one or more rows of food items arranged in a predetermined arrangement, such as a two-dimensional grid. A first automated movement mechanism is configured to transition a selected food item from a storage location within the storage portion to a processing location within a processing portion of the system. The processing portion of the system includes a processing mechanism configured to process, e.g., slice, the food item to generate a separate, dispensable portion of the food item. The dispensable portion of the food item may include, for example, one or more slices of the food item. The processing portion includes a second automated movement mechanism configured to apply an adjustable force to the food item during processing. The dispensable portion of the food item is positioned within a packaging location and is packaged for dispensing. A third automated movement mechanism is configured to transport a processed portion of a food item from a processing location to a packaging location. After packaging, the dispensable portion of the food item is dispensed via the third automated movement mechanism.

[0035] In some embodiments, an automated food processing and dispensing system includes a computing system integrated within the system. The computing system is configured to enable operation of the automated mechanisms within the automated food processing and dispensing system and / or to enable interactions with a user via a user interface. In some embodiments, the computing system is configured to receive, via a user interface, one or more user inputs and operate the automated food processing and dispensingsystem based on the received user inputs. In some embodiments, one or more elements of the automated food processing and dispensing system is adjusted in response to one or more user inputs.

[0036] FIGS. 1-22 illustrate an automated food processing and dispensing system 100 and components thereof, in accordance with some embodiments. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, the automated food processing and dispensing system 100 includes a housing 102 including a plurality of panels 106a-106f (collectively referred to herein as “panels 106”) defining one or more surfaces of the housing 102. The panels 106 define an outer shape of the automated food processing and dispensing system 100. As used herein, directional terms are defined with respect to the food processing and dispensing system 100, and, in particular, with respect to the housing 102. For example, as used herein, the term forward or forwards refers to directional movement from a back panel 106b towards a front panel 106a, back or backwards refers to direction movement from a front panel 106a towards a back panel 106b, left or leftward refers to movement from a first side panel 106c towards a second side panel 106d, right or rightward refers to movement from the second side panel 106d towards the first side panel 106c, up or upward refers to movement from a bottom panel 106e towards a top panel 106f, and down or downward refers to movement from a top panel 106f towards a bottom panel 106e. Although specific terms are used herein to denote directional movement, it will be appreciated that these terms are provided solely for discussion purposes and are not limiting with respect to the food processing and dispensing system 100. Similarly, although embodiments are discussed herein including panels 106a-106f defining surfaces of the automated food processing and dispensing system 100, it will be appreciated that each of the panels 106 may be divided into two or more elements providing any suitable shape to the housing 102.

[0037] In some embodiments, the front panel 106a includes one or more transparent material sections 108a, 108b configured to allow visualization of at least a portion of one or more internal zones 104a- 104c within the housing 102. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the automated food processing and dispensing system 100 includes a first transparent material section 108a allowing visualization of a first zone 104a of the food processing and dispensing system 100 including storage of a plurality of food items 128 and a second transparent material section 108b allowing visualization of a portion of a second zone 104b of the food processing and dispensing system 100 including an automated processingmechanism 170 (discussed in greater detail below). Although embodiments are discussed herein including two transparent material sections 108a, 108b, it will be appreciated that one or more of the transparent material sections 108a, 108b may be omitted (e.g., replaced with a material of the front panel 106a) and / or additional and / or alternative transparent material sections may be added.

[0038] In some embodiments, one or more portions of the front panel 106a are configured to allow access to a corresponding internal zone 104a-104c. For example, a portion of the front panel 106a may be coupled to an additional portion of the front panel 106a. a second panel, and / or a structural element of the automated food processing and dispensing system 100 in a hinged arrangement to define a first access door 110a. Similarly, a second portion of the front panel 106a may define a second access door 110b and a third portion of the front panel 106a may define a third access door 110c. Although embodiments are disclosed herein including a hinged arrangement, it will be appreciated that any suitable mechanism may be used to allow portions of the front panel 106a to move with respect to the remainder of the housing 102 to allow access to one or more internal zones 104a- 104c.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the front panel 106a includes three separately moveable access doors HOa-l lOc (collectively “access doors 110”). Each of the access doors 110 is configured to allow access to one of the three internal zones 104 defined within the housing 102. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the access doors 110 comprises a hinged door, although it will be appreciated that any suitable mechanism may be utilized to allow access to one or more of the internal zones 104. FIG. 1 illustrates each of the access doors 110 in a closed position and FIG. 6 illustrates each of the access doors 1 10 in an open position.

[0040] In some embodiments, the food processing and dispensing system 100 includes at least one integrated display 120. The integrated display 120 is configured to provide directions for operation of the food processing and dispensing system 100 and / or receive one or more user inputs for implementation of one or more processes, as discussed in greater detail below. The integrated display 120 may include a touch screen or other screen device configured to receive input. In some embodiments, the integrated display 120 is in signal communication with one or more control elements, such as control system 210 discussed in greater detail below. Although embodiments are discussed herein including an integrated touch screen, it will be appreciated that any suitable integrated display 120 and / orany suitable input device may be provided to display information corresponding to the food processing and dispensing system 100 and / or to receive inputs.

[0041] In some embodiments, the front panel 106a includes a dispensing opening 122. The dispensing opening 122 is sized and configured to allow retrieval of packaged products generated by one or more preparation processes implemented by the food processing and dispensing system 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the dispensing opening 122 is formed integrally with a second access door 110b portion of the front panel 106a, although it will be appreciated that the dispensing opening 122 may be positioned at any suitable location on the front panel 106a and / or on any other panel of the housing 102. In some embodiments, the dispensing opening 122 includes a moveable covering, such as a hinged cover 123, configured to allow retrieval of a packaged food item (e.g., packaged food item 190 discussed in greater detail below) through the dispensing opening 122 from a dispensing position (e.g.. dispensing portion 191 discussed below). The hinged cover 123 may include a transparent material (as illustrated) and / or an opaque material.

[0042] In some embodiments, the food processing and dispensing system 100 includes at least one visual indicator 124 configured to provide a visual indication corresponding to one or more processes of the food processing and dispensing system 100. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a visual indicator 124 is configured to provide a visual indication when the food processing and dispensing system 100 encounters an error or alert. Although embodiments are discussed herein including a single visual indicator 124, it will be appreciated that additional visual indicators may be included and may each be configured to provide a visual indication corresponding to a specific operation of the food processing and dispensing system 100. In addition, the visual indicator 124 may be omitted. Additional and / or alternative indicators, such as audible indicators, may similarly be included in the food processing and dispensing sy stem 100.

[0043] In some embodiments, the housing 102 defines one or more additional openings configured to allow materials processed and / or generated within an internal volume of the housing 102 to be provided externally of the housing 102. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a printer slot 126 is defined in the second access door 110b of the front panel 106a. As is discussed in greater detail below, a printing mechanism 195 is positioned within the second zone 104b of the internal volume of the housing 102 and is configured to generate printed labels for dispensed and packaged food products. The printerslot 126 is sized and configured to allow a printed label to be dispensed from the printer positioned within the second zone 104b to the space external to the food processing and dispensing system 100.

[0044] In some embodiments, the housing 102 defines a tapered profile including a wider bottom base, e.g.. dimensionin FIG. 4, and a narrower top. e.g., dimension X2in FIG. 4. Additional dimensions of the housing 102, such as the length dimension Y and / or the height dimension Z in FIG. 3 may be consistent values over the corresponding dimension. Similarly, the position of certain elements, such as the height of a visual indicator 124, dimension Z2in FIG. 3, or position of a display screen 120, dimension Z3in FIG. 3, may be related to the dimensions of the housing 102. Although embodiments are discussed herein including certain dimensions and / or relationships between dimensions, it will be appreciated that the dimensions of the housing 102 and / or components of the food processing and dispensing system 100 may be selected based on a corresponding space at which the food processing and dispensing system 100 may be deployed.

[0045] As illustrated in FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the housing 102 defines one or more internal zones 104a- 104c. In the illustrated embodiment, an internal volume defined by the housing 102 is divided into three internal zones, a storage zone 104a. (e.g.. a warehousing zone), a processing zone 104b (e.g., a food processing and packaging zone), and tray loading zone 104c. Although embodiments are discussed herein including internal zones 104a-104c, it will be appreciated that each of the discussed zones 104a- 104c is at least partially continuous with one or more of the other zones 104a- 104c within the internal volume of the housing 102. The internal volume is discussed as zones 104a- 104c herein for convenience, and it will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the automated food processing and dispensing system 100 may define one or more continuous internal volumes that may be arranged in any suitable configuration and include any suitable mechanisms therein.

[0046] In some embodiments, a first internal zone 104a includes a receiving (or warehousing) zone comprising a storage mechanism 112 configured to receive one or more sliceable food items therein. As shown in FIG. 6. the storage mechanism 112 includes tiered storage shelves 114a-114e (collectively “storage shelves 114”). The storage shelves 114 define a storage planogram (e.g., a storage grid 1 16) that is configured to receive a single sliceable food item 128 at each of one or more grid location (e.g., each X-Y-Z coordinate set defined by the storage grid 116), such as a first grid location 118. Each of the grid locationshas a dedicated dimensional area capable of containing a sliceable food item up to a maximum volume defined by one or more maximum dimensions. For example, in some embodiments, each of the grid locations is configured to receive a sliceable food item 128 having a maximum length L, a maximum height H, and a maximum width W, as illustrated in FIG. 10. As another example, in some embodiments, each of the grid locations 116 defines a corresponding set of maximum dimensions (e.g., a first grid location has a first maximum length Li, a first maximum height Hi. and a first maximum width Wi: a second grid location has a second maximum length L2, a second maximum height H2, and a second maximum width W2; etc.). It will be appreciated that the storage grid 116 may have any suitable number of grid locations and each of the grid locations may define any suitable dimensional area for receiving a sliceable food item.

[0047] Although embodiments are discussed herein including a first internal zone 104a having storage shelves 114 defining a storage grid 116, it will be appreciated that a storage area, e.g, the first internal zone 104a. may define any suitable shape, include any suitable storage mechanisms, and / or define any suitable reference area, such as, for example, any suitable two-dimensional shape (e.g, any shape in which food items are stored at a maximum of 1 in at least one dimension (e.g. , 1 food item per X location, 1 food item per Y location, and / or 1 food item per Z location), any suitable three-dimensional shape (e.g, any shape in which food items are stored at a minimum of 2 in any given dimension (e.g, 2 or more food items per X location, 2 or more food items per Y location, and 2 or more food items per Z location), and / or any other suitable shape.

[0048] In some embodiments, each of the grid locations of the storage grid 116 are configured to receive a material tray 130 having a sliceable food item 128 stored thereon. As illustrated in FIG. 9, a material tray 130 may be sized and configured to be received on a shelf 114b within the first zone 104a. In some embodiments, the shelf 114b includes one or more coupling elements, such as slots 132, configured to receive a corresponding coupling element formed integrally with the material tray 130, such as alignment pegs 133 (see FIGS. 11-13). The coupling elements, such as slots 132 and alignment pegs 133, provide for consistent positioning of a material tray 130 within a predetermined planogram position corresponding to a grid 116 defined by the shelves 114.

[0049] FIGS. 11-13 illustrate a material tray 130 having a food item 128 in a first position. As illustrated in FIGS. 11-13, the material tray 130 includes a support surface 134defined by a substantially horizontal plate 136. The support surface 134 is sized and configured to receive the food item 128 thereon. The substantially horizontal plate 136 is coupled to one or more orthogonal plates 138 configured to support the substantially horizontal plate 136 at a raised position with respect to a bottom edge of the orthogonal plates 138 to define a working area (or space) beneath the substantially horizontal plate 136. The working area (not shown) is configured to receive a portion of an item coupling mechanism 140 therein, such as a portion of the item coupling mechanism 140 configured to maintain the item coupling mechanism in a fixed vertical and / or lateral position with respect to the substantially horizontal plate 136. In some embodiments, the support surface 134 defines a slightly concave surface having a lower portion located at a midpoint of the substantially horizontal plate 136.

[0050] In some embodiments, the substantially horizontal plate 136 defines one or more slots 142 sized and configured to receive a slide coupling element 144 of the item coupling mechanism 140 therein. For example, in some embodiments, the slide coupling element 144 includes a tab or protrusion extending from a bottom edge of a coupling body 146 and sized and configured to be received within one of the slots 142 defined in the substantially horizontal plate 136. The item coupling mechanism 140 is configured to move in a first direction with respect to the substantially horizontal plate 136. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the item coupling mechanism is configured to move from a back edge 148a of the horizontal plate towards a front edge 148b. Although embodiments are described herein with back to front movement, it will be appreciated that these directions are provided solely for descriptive purposes, and the movement of the item coupling mechanism may be in any suitable direction within a plane defined by the substantially horizontal plate 136.

[0051] As illustrated in FIGS. 11-13. the item coupling mechanism 140 includes a coupling body 146. The coupling body 146 includes a plurality of item coupling elements, such as a first set of engagement elements 150 and a second set of engagement elements 152. The first set of engagement elements 150 may include engagement elements, such as spikes or protrusions, configured to interact with a first surface and / or first plane of a corresponding food item 128 and the second set of engagement elements 152 may include engagement elements, such as spikes or protrusions, configured to interact with a second surface and / or second plane of the corresponding food item 128.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the first set of engagement elements 150 extend from the coupling body 146 at fixed positions and the second set of engagement elements 152 are movably mounted with respect to the coupling body 146. For example, the second set of engagement elements 152 may extend from a positionable extension 154 rotatably and / or positionably coupled to the coupling body 146. A first set of adjustment screws 156 are configured to allow repositioning of the positionable extension 154 and may be tightened to maintain the positionable extension 154 in a selected position with respect to the coupling body 146.

[0053] In some embodiments, the coupling body 146 is moveable on a first axis to allow to allow an automated processing arm, such as a second automated arm 176 to apply a force the food item 128, causing the food item to be pushed against a slicing machine during processing, Additionally, the coupling body 146 may be moved to engage of the first set of engagement elements 150 with a first surface of the food item 128. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first set of engagement elements 150 is advanced into an uncut (e.g, back) edge of a food item 128 by movement of the coupling body 146 in a direction of the front edge 148b of the horizontal plate 136. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the first set of engagement elements 150 may extend into (e.g., pierce) the food item 128 in order to apply a first force to the food item 128 in a direction of movement of the coupling body 146.

[0054] In some embodiments, the positionable extension 154 is moveable about a first axis of movement to transition the positionable extension 154 from a first position (for example, as illustrated in FIG. 12) to a second position (for example, as illustrated in FIG. 13). When transitioned from the first position to the second position, the second set of engagement elements 152 extend into (e.g, pierce) the food item 128 to apply a second force to the food item 128 in a direction orthogonal to the surface of the horizontal plate 136 and orthogonal to the first force. The application of the first force by the first set of engagement elements 150 and the second force by the second set of engagement elements 152 maintains the food item 128 in a fixed position with respect to the coupling body 146 and in contact with the horizontal plate 136.

[0055] In some embodiments, the material tray 130 includes one or more arm coupling elements 158a, 158b (collectively “arm coupling elements 158”) coupled to and / or extending from the horizontal body 136. The arm coupling elements 158 are configured to provide a releasable coupling between the material tray 130a and an automated arm of thefood processing and dispensing system 100, such as a first automated arm 164 discussed in greater detail below. In some embodiments, the arm coupling elements 158 include coupling voids 160 sized and configured to receive a coupling element, such as insertion elements, of an automated arm therein, as discussed in greater detail below.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 8, each food item 128 may be arranged on a material tray 130 in a predetermined orientation and the material tray 130 may be positioned at a grid location of the grid 116 in a predetermined orientation such that a specific surface of the food item 128, e.g., a precut surface, is oriented in predetermined position within the food processing and dispensing system 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the material tray 130 and the food item 128 are oriented such that a precut surface of the food item 128 is positioned at a front edge 148b of the material tray 130 and positioned closest to a front panel 106a of the housing 102. Although embodiments having certain orientations of the material tray 130 and / or the food item 128 are discussed herein, it will be appreciated that any suitable orientation may be utilized.

[0057] With reference again to FIGS. 6-7, in some embodiments, the food processing and dispensing system 100 includes a first automated transportation mechanism 162 configured to retrieve a selected one of the material trays 130 from a corresponding grid position and transport the material tray 130, with the secured food item 128, from the corresponding shelf location (e.g., grid location) to a processing location. In some embodiments, the processing location is positioned within a second zone 104b of the food processing and dispensing system 100. In some embodiments, the automated transportation mechanism 162 includes a robotic assembly having one or more computer-controlled components.

[0058] The automated transportation mechanism 162 includes an automated arm 164 including an interface head 165 configured to interface with a material tray 130. For example, in some embodiments, the automated transportation mechanism 162 includes a first movement mechanism 166 configured to allow movement of the automated arm 164 in a first plane, e.g., in two dimensions on a first axis and a second axis. The first plane may include any suitable plane such as. for example, a plane parallel to a plane defined by the grid 116 of the storage shelves 114. The first movement mechanism 166 may be configured to allow movement of the automated arm 164 to a position adjacent to a material tray 130 and / or food item 128 stored on one of the storage shelves 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the firstmovement mechanism 166 includes a two-axis movement mechanism, although it will be appreciated that any suitable movement mechanism may be utilized.

[0059] In some embodiments, the first automated arm 164 includes a second movement mechanism 168 configured to allow movement of the first automated arm 164 in a third direction orthogonal to the first plane. The second movement mechanism 168 may include a lateral or one-axis movement mechanism configured to extend a portion of the first automated arm 164, such as an interface head 165, in a direction orthogonal to the first plane. The second movement mechanism 168 may be configured to move a coupling portion of the first automated arm 164 from a first position at which the automated arm may be moved within the first plane to a second position at which the coupling portion of the first automated arm 164 interfaces with a material tray 130, such as, for example, the arm coupling elements 158 of the material tray 130. In some embodiments, the interface head includes interface extensions (e.g., protrusions) sized and configured to be received within the coupling voids 160 defined within the arm coupling elements 158 of the material tray 130.

[0060] In operation, the first automated arm 164 is positioned in alignment with a grid position 116 of a selected one of the material trays 130 (including a supported food item 128). The first automated arm 164, for example the interface head 165, may be positioned in alignment with the material tray 130 by the first movement mechanism 166. For example, the first movement mechanism 166 may be configured to move the first automated arm 164 in two degrees of movement, such as left-right movement and up-down movement. After aligning the first automated arm 164 (or a portion thereof such as the interface head 165) and the material tray 130, the first automated arm 164 is advanced in a direction orthogonal to the grid 116 to position a portion of the interface head, such as interface extensions, within the coupling voids 160 of the material tray 130. For example, to continue the prior example, the second movement mechanism 168 may be configured to move the first automated arm 164 in a forward direction. After positioning of a portion of the interface head 165 within the coupling voids 160, the first automated arm 164 may be repositioned by the first movement mechanism 166 to engage the interface head 165 with the arm coupling elements 158 and lift the material tray 130 from the corresponding shelving unit 114, for example, adjusting the first automated arm 164 in upward direction to lift the material tray 130 from the corresponding one of the shelving units 114. The second movement mechanism 168 may subsequently be operated to transition the first automated arm 164 and the selected materialtray 130 in a backward direction, removing the selected material tray 130 from the plane defined by the grid 116 and allowing movement of the first automated arm 164 and the selected material tray 130 in one or more directions of movement within the housing 102, such as, for example, left-right and up-down directions. In some embodiments, the first movement mechanism 166 is configured to allow movement of the first automated arm 164 from the first zone 104a to the second zone 104b.

[0061] FIGS. 6, 7 and 13-18 illustrate a second zone 104b (e.g, a processing zone) of the food processing and dispensing system 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the second zone 104b is positioned horizontally aligned with the first zone 104a, although it will be appreciated that the second zone 104b (and the components within the second zone 104b discussed herein) may be positioned in alternative alignments with the first zone 104a, for example, being positioned vertically with respect to the first zone 104a. It will be appreciated that any suitable alignment of the zones 104a-104c and / or their corresponding components may be utilized in various embodiments.

[0062] In some embodiments, a second internal zone 104b includes a processing zone comprising an automated processing mechanism 170, an automated packaging mechanism 180, and a printing mechanism 195. The automated processing mechanism 170 is configured to receive a food item 128 supported by a material tray 130 and generate one or more portions (e.g, slices) of the food item 128 for dispensing. In some embodiments, and as discussed in greater detail below, the automated processing mechanism 170 includes one or more elements configured to interact with the food item 128 and / or the material tray 130 to provide for selected processing of the food item 128 by the automated processing mechanism 170.

[0063] As illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 20, in some embodiments, the automated processing mechanism 170 includes an automated deli slicing machine including an adjustable blade 172 configured to provide an adjustable slice thickness in response to one or more inputs (as discussed in greater detail below). The adjustable blade 172 may be operated to increase and / or decrease a thickness of a portion of the food item 128 generated by the automated processing mechanism 170. In some embodiments, a material positioning mechanism 174 configured to apply a force to a portion of a material tray 130 to cause a surface of the food item 128 to be in contact with an adjustable blade 172 of the automated processing mechanism 170. For example, in some embodiments, the material positioningmechanism 174 includes a second automated arm 176 configured to apply a lateral force to a coupling body 146 of a material tray 130. As discussed above, the coupling body 146 may be moveable in a first direction of movement, such as a direction of movement from a rear edge 148a of the horizontal surface 134 to a front edge 148b. A force application mechanism, such as a second automated arm 176, may be configured to apply a force in the same direction to cause contact between a surface of the food item 128 and the adjustable blade 172. In some embodiments, the second automated arm 176 comprises a rotational arm configured to rotate into a position to apply a lateral force to the coupling body 146 of the material tray 130.

[0064] In some embodiments, the automated processing mechanism 170 is configured to generate one or more portions of a food item and deposit the one or more slices of the food item into a packaging tray 182. The material positioning mechanism 174 may include a slide mechanism 177 configured to allow movement of the material tray 130 (and the corresponding food item 128) in a direction orthogonal to the first direction of movement applied by the second automated arm 176 and orthogonal to a plane defined by the adjustable blade 172. The material tray 130 may be transitioned, for example, in a left-right direction to progress a first surface of the food item 128 across a cutting portion of an adjustable blade 172 to generate a portion (e g., slice) of the food item 128. In some embodiments, the slide mechanism 177 includes an automated and / or robotically operated slide mechanism. Although embodiments are discussed herein including movement of the material tray 130 (and the corresponding food item 128) with respect to an adjustable blade 172 of the automated processing mechanism 170, it will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the adjustable blade 172 may be transitioned relative to the material tray 130 and / or the food item 128 to generate one or more portions (e.g., slices) of the food item 128.

[0065] In some embodiments, the automated processing mechanism 170 includes an integrated scale 178 configured to monitor a weight for one or more slices of the food item 128. For example, as discussed in greater detail below, in some embodiments, an input may include a desired weight of a selected food item 128 and the integrated scale 178 may be configured to determine when the desired weight of the food item 128 has been sliced. The automated processing mechanism 170 may be operated until a signal is received from the integrated scale 178 indicating the desired weight has been reached. As another example, in some embodiments, and as discussed in greater detail below, an input may include a desired monetary value of a selected food item 128. A weight value generated by the integrated scalemay be multiplied by a cost per unit value (e.g., cost per gram, cost per kilogram, cost per pound, etc.) to generate an equivalent monetary’ value for a current quantity of the food item 128.

[0066] In some embodiments, an automated packaging mechanism 180 is configured to package one or more slices of a food item 128 and a packaging tray 182 for dispensing from the food processing and dispensing system 100. For example, in some embodiments, the packaging mechanism 180 includes a film applying mechanism 186 configured to apply a food-grade packaging film 184 in order to seal one or more slices of a food item 128 and an internal surface of a packaging tray 182 to prevent contamination by outside elements. As shown in FIG. 16, in some embodiments, the automated packaging mechanism 180 includes one or more film rolls 184 coupled to a dispensing and sealing mechanism 186. The dispensing and sealing mechanism 186 is configured to deposit a portion of film 188 over slices of a food item 128 and a packaging tray 182 and sealingly couple the film 188 to the packaging tray 182 to generate a packaged food item 190. The dispensing and sealing mechanism 186 is further configured to cut or otherwise disconnect the portion of the film 188 coupled to the packaging tray’ 182 from the remaining portion of the packaging film 184. Although embodiments are discussed herein including a film-based packaging system, it will be appreciated that any suitable, food-grade packaging mechanism may be implemented.

[0067] As illustrated in FIG. 17, in some embodiments, a printing mechanism 195 is configured to generate a label corresponding to the packaged food item 190. The label may include one or more data elements corresponding to the sliced quantity’ of the food item 128. For example, the label may include a weight value determined by an integrated scale 178. a monetary cost value determined based on a weight value and a cost per unit value, a cut ty pe, and / or any other suitable information related to the dispensed food item. In some embodiments, the label may include computer-readable data to allow the dispensed food item 190 to be processed during one or more subsequent operations, such as a checkout operation.

[0068] In some embodiments, the automated processing mechanism 170 is removably mounted within the second zoned 104b. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 18-20, an automated processing mechanism 170 may be coupled to a set of mounting rails 192 positioned within the second zone 104b. The automated processing mechanism 170 may be mounted to the set of mounting rails 192 using any suitable mechanism, such as a clamp, screw, etc. The automated processing mechanism 170 may be removable from the secondzone 104b by disengaging the mounting mechanisms and slideably removing the automated processing mechanism 170 from the mounting rails 192. In some embodiments, a slicer receiving cart 194 may be configured to slideably receive the automated processing mechanism 170. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a slicer receiving cart 194 is configured to interface with the mounting rails 192 of the food processing and dispensing system 100. The slicer receiving cart 194 may include secondary rails 196 configured to receive and support the automated processing mechanism 170.

[0069] In some embodiments, the slicer receiving cart 194 may be interfaced with (e.g, coupled to) the set of mounting rails 192 to allow the automated processing mechanism 170 to be slideably transferred from the set of mounting rails 192 to the secondary rails 196 of the slicer receiving cart. The slicer receiving cart 194 is configured to facilitate transportation of the automated processing mechanism 170 to allow for cleaning and / or maintenance of the automated processing mechanism 170. The slicer receiving cart 194 is further configured to allow a reverse operation, e.g., transferring of the automated processing mechanism 170 from an interface with the secondary rails 196 to be slideably mounted on the set of mounting rails 192 and coupled within the second zone 104b.

[0070] With reference again to FIGS. 1-3, 6, and 16 in some embodiments, the food processing and dispensing system 100 includes a dispensing portion 191. The dispensing portion 191 is configured to position a packaged food item 190 at a location for retrieval by a user via a dispensing opening 122 of the housing 102. The dispensing portion 191 may include a dispensing bin 193 or other storage container for temporarily storing the packaged food item 190 prior to retrieval by a user. The packaged food item 190 may be transitioned from a packaging area, e.g., the receiving area of the automated processing mechanism 170 and / or a packaging location of the packaging mechanism 180, to the dispensing bin 193. In some embodiments, the packaged food item 190 is transition from the packaging area to the dispensing bin 193 via an automated mechanism, such as a conveyor belt or other automated movement mechanism.

[0071] In some embodiments, a third internal zone 104c includes a packaging tray storage zone. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, in some embodiments, a packaging tray storage mechanism 200 is configured to receive a plurality of packaging trays, such as packaging tray 182, therein. As shown in FIG. 22, the plurality of packaging trays 182 maybe received in a stacked configuration, although it will be appreciated that additional storage configurations may be utilized.

[0072] In some embodiments, the third internal zone 104c includes a tray dispensing mechanism 202 configured to dispense individual packaging trays 182 from the packaging storage mechanism for use by the automated processing mechanism 170, as discussed herein. In some embodiments, the tray dispensing mechanism 202 is configured to dispense a tray vertically (e g., in a downw ard direction) from a bottom of the tray storage mechanism 200. The dispensed packaging tray 182 is dispensed to a tray transportation mechanism, such as a third automated arm 204, configured to transport a dispensed packaging tray 182 from the third zone 104c to the second zone 104b. For example, the third automated arm may be configured to position and deposit a dispense packaging tray 182 in a position configured to receive one or more slices of a food item 128 generated by the automated processing mechanism 170.

[0073] FIG. 23 illustrates a block diagram of a food processing and dispensing system 100a, in accordance with some embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 23, a food processing and dispensing system 100a may include a first automated arm 164a, a second automated arm 176a. a third automated arm 204a, an automated processing mechanism 170a, an automated packaging mechanism 180a, a printing mechanism 190a, and / or a tray dispensing mechanism 202a, each of which is substantially described above with respect to FIGS. 1-22. The food processing and dispensing system 100a further includes a control system 210a and a display screen 120a. In some embodiments, the control system 210a includes one or more electronic components configured to operate and / or control each of the corresponding mechanisms, systems, automated arms, etc. of the food processing and dispensing system 100a. The control system 210a may include any suitable electronic components, such as, for example, a computing device, an integrated device, an application specific integrated circuit, etc. In some embodiments, the control system 210a is in signal communication with a display screen 120a.

[0074] In some embodiments, a control system, such as control system 210, 210a is configured to control operation of a food processing and dispensing system, such as food processing and dispensing system 100, 100a according to one or more operational methods. FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an operational method 300 for operating a food processing and dispensing system 100, 100a. in accordance with some embodiments. At step 302, one or more user inputs are received. The user inputs may be received via any suitable input device,such as, for example, via a touch-enabled input screen 120. The input screen may be configured to display one or more user interface screens to guide a user through providing inputs for operation of the food processing and dispensing system 100, 100a. In some embodiments, user inputs may include, but are not limited to, a selection of a specific food item 128 available from the food processing and dispensing system 100, 100a, selection of a specific cut thickness or style, selection of a specific quantity (e.g, weight quantity, price quantity, etc. , etc.

[0075] In some embodiments, the available user inputs may be limited by the control system 210 based on one or more previously and / or simultaneously received inputs. For example, in some embodiments, the control system 210 receives one or more inputs identifying types of food items positioned on the storage shelves 114 during filling of the food processing and dispensing system 100, 100a. The control system 210 may be configured to limit the ty pes of cuts, the quantity selections, and / or other selectable parameters for each type and / or instance of a food item 128 received in the food processing and dispensing system 100, 100a. In some embodiments, the control system 210 receives signals indicative of availability of a food item 128 at a specific location of the storage grid 116 and enables and / or disables selection of a corresponding food item 128 to reflect availability7.

[0076] At step 304, a first automated transportation mechanism 162 is operated to retrieve a selected one of the available food items 128 and transport the selected one of the available food items 128 from a storage location within a first zone 104a to a processing location within a second zone 104b. As discussed above, in some embodiments, the first automated transportation mechanism 162 includes a first automated arm 164. The control system 210 may be configured to generate control signals to cause movement of the first automated arm 164. For example, the control system 210 may be configured to cause movement of the first automated ann 164 in a first plane parallel to a plane defined by a storage shelves 114 (e.g, parallel to a storage grid 116). The control system 210 may be configured to receive feedback signals from the first automated arm 164 to indicate when the first automated arm 164 is in alignment with a selected one of the food items 128.

[0077] After aligning the first automated arm 164 with a selected food item 128, the control system 210 causes movement of the first automated arm 164 in a forward direction to cause insertion of interface extensions formed on a distal end of the first automated arm 164 into coupling voids 160 formed in arm coupling elements 158 of a material tray 130 havingthe selected food item 128 stored thereon. After positioning the interface extensions within the coupling voids 160. the control system 210 moves the first automated arm 164 in an upward direction to lift the material tray 130 (and the corresponding selected food item 128) from a grid location in the storage grid 11 .

[0078] The control system 210 operates the first automated arm 164 to transport the material tray 130 (and the corresponding selected food item 128) from the storage location in a first zone 104a to a processing location in a second zone 104b. The control system 210 may move the first automated arm 164 within one or more degrees of movement, such as one or more planar and / or rotational degrees of movement (e.g., up-down, left-right, forward-back, pitch, roll, yaw) in order to position the material tray 130 in a predetermined processing location with respect to the automated processing mechanism 170.

[0079] In some embodiments, the control system 210 is configured to operate the first automated arm 164 according to an item-specific control process. For example, in various embodiments, each of the food items 128 may have different material characteristics (e.g, density, water quantity, surface area, etc.). The control system 210 may be configured to adjust operation of the fist automated arm 164 based on one or more corresponding material characteristics of a selected food item 128. For example, in some embodiments, a force and / or speed of movement of the first automated arm 164 may be adjusted based on a weight, dimensions, density, surface area, etc. of a food item 128, such as a greater force being applied to heavier food items and a lesser force being applied to lighter food items or a lower movement speed applied for food items 128 that may have a shape prone to shifting during transportation. In some embodiments, the control system 210 is integrated with one or more input mechanisms, such as one or more weight sensors formed integrally with the storage shelves 114, to obtain item-specific parameters.

[0080] In some embodiments, after positioning the material tray 130 and the corresponding food item 128 in a processing location of the second zone 104b (e.g, a predetermined position with respect to the automated processing mechanism 170), the control system 210 may operate the first automated arm 164 to disengage from the material tray 130 and move the first automated arm 164 to a position that will not interfere with further processing to be performed with respect to the automated processing mechanism 170. For example, in some embodiments, after the control system 210 operates the first automated arm 164 to position the material tray at the processing location, the control system 210 operatesthe first automated arm 164 in a downward direction to disengage the insertion extensions of the first automated arm 164 from the coupling voids 160 of the material tray 130, leaving the material tray 130 supported by a surface at the processing location, such as a portion of the automated processing mechanism 170. The control system 210 then operates the first automated arm 164 to move the automated arm perpendicular to the coupling body 146 to remove the insertion extensions from the coupling voids and then subsequently operates the first automated arm 164 in one or more degrees of movement to position the first automated arm 164 outside of the second zone 104b. Although embodiments are discussed herein with repositioning of the first automated arm 164, it will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the first automated arm 164 may remain engaged with the material tray 130 during processing of the food item by the automated processing mechanism 170.

[0081] At step 306, a packaging tray 182 is positioned at a receiving location configured to receive one or more slices of the selected food item 128 generated by the automated processing mechanism 170. The packaging tray 182 may be dispensed from a tray storage mechanism 200 by a tray dispensing mechanism 202. For example, in some embodiments, the tray dispensing mechanism 202 includes a motor configured to operate one or more rollers or other devices to cause a single packaging tray 182 to be dispensed from a plurality of packaging trays stored by the tray storage mechanism 200. The packaging tray 182 may be dispensed to a tray transportation mechanism, such as the third automated arm 204, configured to transport the packaging tray 182 from a dispensing position to the receiving location of the automated processing mechanism 170.

[0082] At step 308, the automated processing mechanism 170 is operated to generate one or more portions (e.g, slices) of the selected food item 128. In some embodiments, the control system 210 is configured to adjust one or more parameters of the automated processing mechanism 170 according to one or more inputs received at step 302. For example, in some embodiments, inputs received at step 302 include a slice thickness. The control system 210 is configured to automatically adjust one or more components of the automated processing mechanism 170, such as the adjustable blade 172, to generate slices of the food item 128 according to the received inputs.

[0083] In some embodiments, the control system 210 is configured to operate one or more force application mechanisms, such as a second automatic arm 176, to apply a force to a portion of the material tray 130, which in turn applies a force to the food item 128 to maintainthe food item 128 in contact with one or more portions of the automated processing mechanism 170, such as an adjustable blade 172, during operation. In some embodiments, the control system 210 operates the second automatic arm 176 to move in a predetermined direction (e.g., a direction of travel towards a cutting surface of the automated processing mechanism 170) and engage with a portion of the material tray 130, such as the coupling body 146, which causes movement of the food item 128 in the same direction and into contact with the predetermined portion of the automated processing mechanism 170.

[0084] In some embodiments, the control system 210 is configured to operate the automated processing mechanism 170 according to an item-specific control process. For example, in various embodiments, each of the stored food items 128 may have different material characteristics (e.g., density, water quantity, surface area, etc.). The control system 210 may be configured to adjust operation of one or more components of the automated processing mechanism 170 and / or the second automated arm 176 based on one or more itemspecific characteristics. For example, in some embodiments, a force applied by a second automated arm 176 may be adjusted based on the density and / or water quantity of a food item 128 to provide a consistently sized portion independent of the type of food item 128 being processed and / or to avoid damage to the food item 128. Similarly, in some embodiments, the adjustable blade 172 and / or other components of the automated processing mechanism 170 may be adjusted based on a surface area of a selected food item to provide a full slice, e.g.. a slice of the food item that encompasses the entire surface area of a cut edge of the food item 128. Although specific embodiments are discussed herein, it will be appreciated that the control system 210 can adjust operation of the automated processing mechanism and / or the second automated arm 176 according to any suitable material characteristics received by and / or determined by the food processing and dispensing system 100.

[0085] In some embodiments, automated processing mechanism 170 is configured to generate portions (e.g., slices) of a selected food item 128 and deposit the generated portions in a predetermined location, such as a receiving location, of the automated processing mechanism 170. The generated portions may be positioned on a packaging tray 182 positioned at the receiving location prior to operation of the automated processing mechanism 170 to generate the corresponding portions of the food item 128. For example, as discussed above with respect to step 306. a packaging tray 182 may be dispensed from a tray storage mechanism 200 via a tray dispensing mechanism 202 and transported to the receiving area bya third automated arm. As another example, in some embodiments, a tray dispensing mechanism may be configured to dispense a packaging tray 182 directly to a receiving area of the automated processing mechanism 170.

[0086] In some embodiments, the automated processing mechanism 170 is configured to generate portions (e.g., slices) of a food item 128 to generate a predetermined amount of the food item 128. For example, in some embodiments, at step 302, the control system 210 is configured to receive a user input indicative of a selected quantity of a food item. The desired quantity7may be provided in any suitable units, such as, for example, a weight unit, a monetary value unit, etc. The control system 210 is configured to monitor the portions of the food item 128 generated by the automated processing mechanism and stop operation of the automated processing mechanism 170 when the desired quantity is generated.

[0087] For example, in embodiments including a desired quantity provided in a weight unit, the control system 210 may determine a cunent weight of a generated portion of the food item 128, such as via an integrated scale 178, and operate the automated processing mechanism 170 until the current weight is equal to or exceeds the desired weight unit provided as a user input. As another example, in some embodiments including a desired quantity provided in a monetary equivalent value, the control system 210 may determine a current monetary’ equivalent value of a generated portion of the food item 128, such as, for example, by multiplying a current yveight provided via an integrated scale 178 by a price per unit associated with the food item 128 to generate a current monetary7equivalent value. As yet another example, in some embodiments, the control system 210 may be configured to estimate a cunent weight of a generated portion of the food item 128 based one or more parameters of the automated processing mechanism 170 and one or more characteristics of the food item 128, such as estimating a current yveight of a generated portion of a food item 128 based on an expected portion generated by the automated processing mechanism 170 (e.g, expected weight of a slice at a current slice thickness) and, optionally, one or more additional characteristics. Although specific embodiments are discussed herein, it will be appreciated that any suitable process may be utilized by the control system 210 to determine when a selected quantity of a food item has been processed (e.g, sliced).

[0088] At step 310, the generated portion of the food item 128 and the packaging tray 182 are packaged to generate a packaged food item 190. For example, in some embodiments, a packaging mechanism 180 is configured to apply a food-grade film 188 to the packagingtray 182 such that the food-grade film 188 covers the generated portion of the food item 128 and the packaging tray 182 to generate a sealed internal environment including the portion of the food item 128. The packaging mechanism 180 may be configured to apply a food-grade film 188 to the packaging tray 182 and the portion of the food item 128 at the receiving location of the automated processing mechanism 170 and / or the packaging tray 182 may be transported to a packaging area prior to packaging by the packaging mechanism 180.

[0089] At step 312, the packaged food item 190 is dispensed from the food processing and dispensing system 100. For example, in some embodiments, the packaged food item 190 is transitioned from a packaging location (e.g., the receiving location of the automated processing mechanism 170) to a dispensing bin 193 or other storage container for temporarily storing the packaged food item 190 prior to retrieval by a user. The packaged food item 190 may be transitioned from a packaging area, e.g., the receiving area of the automated processing mechanism 170 and / or a packaging location of the packaging mechanism 180, to the dispensing bin 193. In some embodiments, the packaged food item 190 is transitioned from the packaging area to the dispensing bin 193 via an automated mechanism operated by the control system 210, such as a conveyor belt or other automated movement mechanism.

[0090] At step 314, a label is generated for application to the packaged food item 190. For example, in some embodiments, a printing mechanism 195 is operated by the control system 210 to generate an adherable label configured to be applied to an outer surface of the packaged food item 190. The label may include one or more data elements corresponding to the sliced quantity of the food item 128. For example, the label may include a weight value determined by an integrated scale 178, a monetary cost value determined based on a weight value and a cost per unit value, a cut type, and / or any other suitable information related to the dispensed food item. In some embodiments, the label may include computer-readable data to allow the dispensed food item 190 to be processed during one or more subsequent operations, such as a checkout operation.

[0091] At step 316, the selected food item 128 is returned to a prior storage position in the first zone 104a. For example, in some embodiments, after operation of the automated processing mechanism 170, the second automated arm 176 is withdrawn from the coupling body 146 of the corresponding material tray 130 and the first automated arm 164 is reengaged with the arm coupling elements 158 of the material tray 130 by inserting the insertion extensions into the coupling voids 160. The control system 210 may be configuredto operate the first automated arm 164 in one or more degrees of movement to properly position the first automated arm 164 to engage with the material tray 130 and may subsequently perform operations similar to those described above with respect to step 304 to remove the material tray 130 from the processing location and return the material tray 130 to the corresponding grid location of the storage grid 116 within the first zone 104a. Although step 316 has been described sequentially herein with respect to steps 310-314, it will be appreciated that step 316 may be executed prior to and / or simultaneously with execution of steps 310-314.

[0092] In some embodiments, the control system 210 is configured to update one or more parameters and / or characteristics of the food item 128. For example, the control system 210 may be configured to update a weight of the corresponding food item 128 to account for the portion of the food item 128 removed and dispensed to a user. The control system 210 may be configured to estimate a current weight of a food item 128 using a distance sensor that measures the length of the remaining portion of a food item 128. As another example, in some embodiments, the control system 210 may be configured to receive a current weight of the food item directly, for example, from a scale integrated with one or more of the stacked shelves 114, and / or based on the dispensed quantity of the food item 128 (e.g., by subtracting a dispensed weight from a prior known weight to generate a new known weight of the food item 128). As yet another example, in some embodiments, the control system 210 may update a surface area characteristic of the food item 128 based on the removed (e.g., dispensed) portion of the food item. In some embodiments, the control system 210 may receive a starting surface area and / or body profile of a food item 128 and may be configured to calculate an updated surface area and / or body profile based on the removed quantity and / or slice thickness of the dispensed portion of the food item 128.

[0093] After dispensing the packaged food item 190 at step 312. printing the label at step 314. and returning the food item 128 to a storage location at step 316. the control system 210 transitions the food processing and dispensing system 100, 100a to a standby mode ready to receive an additional set of user inputs at step 302. The control system 210 may generate one or more outputs, such as via the display screen 120, to indicate to a user that processing and dispensing of the packaged food item 190 is complete. In some embodiments, the control system 210 may generate one or more visual outputs via a graphical user interface on the display screen 120 direct a user to retrieve the packaged food item 190 via the dispensingopening 122. In some embodiments, the control system 210 is configured to detect removal of the packaged food item 190 via the dispensing opening 122 and transition the food processing and dispensing system 100, 100a to a standby mode after the packaged food item 190 has been removed.

[0094] In some embodiments, the control system 210 is configured to generate one or more user interface screens to guide a user through one or more actions, such as input of user inputs and / or retrieval of a packaged food item 190. The control system 210 may be configured to generate different sets of interface screens based on one or more users, such as, for example, utilizing a standard first set of interface screens for most interactions and a second set of interface screens, such as interface screens displayed only on a lower half of an integrated display 120, in response to one or more inputs indicating that a user may not be able to reach the upper portion of the integrated display 120.

[0095] Although specific embodiments are discussed herein, it will be appreciated that the control system 210 may be configured to control one or more additional and / or alternative components of a food processing and dispensing system 100, 100a. For example, in some embodiments, the control system 210 is configured to operate a visual indicator 124 configured to provide a visual indication of one or more states or operations of the food processing and dispensing system 100, 100a. In some embodiments, the visual indicator 124 is activated by the control system 210 responsive to one or more errors or error codes being detected by the control system 210.

[0096] FIG. 25 illustrates a block diagram of a computing device 50, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the control system 210 may include the features shown in FIG. 25. Although FIG. 25 is described with respect to certain components shown therein, it will be appreciated that the elements of the computing device 50 may be combined, omitted, and / or replicated. In addition, it will be appreciated that additional elements other than those illustrated in FIG. 25 may be added to the computing device.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 25, the computing device 50 may include one or more processors 52, an instruction memory’ 54, a working memory 56. one or more input / output devices 58, a transceiver 60, one or more communication ports 62, a display 64 with a user interface 66, and an optional location device 68, all operatively coupled to one or more databuses 70. The data buses 70 allow for communication among the various components. The data buses 70 may include wired, or wireless, communication channels.

[0098] The one or more processors 52 may include any processing circuitry operable to control operations of the computing device 50. In some embodiments, the one or more processors 52 include one or more distinct processors, each having one or more cores (e.g, processing circuits). Each of the distinct processors may have the same or different structure. The one or more processors 52 may include one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more graphics processing units (GPUs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), a chip multiprocessor (CMP), a network processor, an input / output (I / O) processor, a media access control (MAC) processor, a radio baseband processor, a co-processor, a microprocessor such as a complex instruction set computer (CISC) microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessor, and / or a very long instruction word (VEIW) microprocessor, or other processing device. The one or more processors 52 may also be implemented by a controller, a microcontroller, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic device (PLD), etc.

[0099] In some embodiments, the one or more processors 52 are configured to implement an operating system (OS) and / or various applications. Examples of an OS include, for example, operating systems generally known under various trade names such as Apple macOS™, Microsoft Windows™, Android™, Linux™, and / or any other proprietary or open- source OS. Examples of applications include, for example, network applications, local applications, data input / output applications, user interaction applications, etc.

[0100] The instruction memory 54 may store instructions that are accessed (e.g., read) and executed by at least one of the one or more processors 52. For example, the instruction memory 54 may be a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium such as a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory (e.g. NOR and / or NAND flash memory), content addressable memory' (CAM), polymer memory' (e.g., ferroelectric polymer memory), phase-change memory (e.g., ovonic memory), ferroelectric memory, silicon-oxide-nitride-oxide-silicon (SONOS) memory, a removable disk, CD-ROM, any non-volatile memory, or any other suitable memory. The one or more processors 52 may be configured to perform a certain function or operation by executing code, stored on the instruction memory' 54, embody ing the function or operation.For example, the one or more processors 52 may be configured to execute code stored in the instruction memory 54 to perform one or more of any function, method, or operation disclosed herein.

[0101] Additionally, the one or more processors 52 may store data to, and read data from, the working memory 56. For example, the one or more processors 52 may store a working set of instructions to the working memory 56, such as instructions loaded from the instruction memory 54. The one or more processors 52 may also use the working memory 56 to store dynamic data created during one or more operations. The working memory756 may include, for example, random access memory (RAM) such as a static random access memory (SRAM) or dynamic random access memory (DRAM), Double-Data-Rate DRAM (DDR- RAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), an EEPROM, flash memory (e.g. NOR and / or NAND flash memory7), content addressable memory’ (CAM), polymer memory' (e.g., ferroelectric polymer memory), phase-change memory7(e.g., ovonic memory), ferroelectric memory, silicon-oxide-nitride-oxide-silicon (SONOS) memory, a removable disk. CD-ROM, any non-volatile memory', or any other suitable memory. Although embodiments are illustrated herein including separate instruction memory 54 and working memory756, it will be appreciated that the computing device 50 may include a single memory unit configured to operate as both instruction memory and working memory. Further, although embodiments are discussed herein including non-volatile memory, it will be appreciated that computing device 50 may include volatile memory7components in addition to at least one non-volatile memory component.

[0102] In some embodiments, the instruction memory754 and / or the working memory 56 includes an instruction set, in the form of a file for executing various methods, such as methods for operating an automated food processing and dispensing system 100, 100a, as described herein. The instruction set may be stored in any acceptable form of machine- readable instructions, including source code or various appropriate programming languages. Some examples of programming languages that may be used to store the instruction set include, but are not limited to: Java, JavaScript, C, C++, C#, Python, Objective-C, Visual Basic, .NET, HTML, CSS, SQL, NoSQL, Rust, Perl, etc. In some embodiments a compiler or interpreter is configured to convert the instruction set into machine executable code for execution by the one or more processors 52.

[0103] The input-output devices 58 may include any suitable device that allows for data input or output. For example, the input-output devices 58 may include one or more of a keyboard, a touchpad, a mouse, a stylus, a touchscreen, a physical button, a speaker, a microphone, a keypad, a click wheel, a motion sensor, a camera, and / or any other suitable input or output device.

[0104] The transceiver 60 and / or the communication port(s) 62 allow for communication with a network, such as the communication network 22 of FIG. 1. For example, if the communication network 22 of FIG. 1 is a cellular network, the transceiver 60 is configured to allow communications with the cellular network. In some embodiments, the transceiver 60 is selected based on the type of the communication network 22 the computing device 50 will be operating in. The one or more processors 52 are operable to receive data from, or send data to, a network, such as the communication network 22 of FIG. 1, via the transceiver 60.

[0105] The communication port(s) 62 may include any suitable hardware, software, and / or combination of hardware and software that is capable of coupling the computing device 50 to one or more networks and / or additional devices. The communication port(s) 62 may be arranged to operate with any suitable technique for controlling information signals using a desired set of communications protocols, services, or operating procedures. The communication port(s) 62 may include the appropriate physical connectors to connect with a corresponding communications medium, whether wired or wireless, for example, a serial port such as a universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter (UART) connection, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection, or any other suitable communication port or connection. In some embodiments, the communication port(s) 62 allows for the programming of executable instructions in the instruction memory' 54. In some embodiments, the communication port(s) 62 allow for the transfer (e.g., uploading or downloading) of data, such as machine learning model training data.

[0106] In some embodiments, the communication port(s) 62 are configured to couple the computing device 50 to a network. The network may include local area networks (LAN) as well as wide area networks (WAN) including without limitation Internet, wired channels, wireless channels, communication devices including telephones, computers, wire, radio, optical and / or other electromagnetic channels, and combinations thereof, including other devices and / or components capable of / associated with communicating data. For example, thecommunication environments may include in-body communications, various devices, and various modes of communications such as wireless communications, wired communications, and combinations of the same.

[0107] In some embodiments, the transceiver 60 and / or the communication port(s) 62 are configured to utilize one or more communication protocols. Examples of wired protocols may include, but are not limited to, Universal Serial Bus (USB) communication, RS-232, RS- 422, RS-423, RS-485 serial protocols, FireWire, Ethernet, Fibre Channel, MIDI, ATA, Serial ATA, PCI Express, T-l (and variants), Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) parallel communication, Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) communication, or Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) communication, etc. Examples of wireless protocols may include, but are not limited to, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 8O2.xx series of protocols, such as IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ag / ax / be, IEEE 802.16, IEEE 802.20. GSM cellular radiotelephone system protocols with GPRS, CDMA cellular radiotelephone communication systems with IxRTT. EDGE systems, EV-DO systems, EV- DV systems, HSDPA systems, Wi-Fi Legacy, Wi-Fi 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 6E, wireless personal area network (PAN) protocols, Bluetooth Specification versions 5.0, 6, 7, legacy Bluetooth protocols, passive or active radio-frequency identification (RFID) protocols, Ultra-Wide Band (UWB), Digital Office (DO), Digital Home, Trusted Platform Module (TPM), ZigBee, etc.

[0108] The display 64 may be any suitable display, and may display the user interface 66. In some embodiments, the display 64 is the display 120 formed integrally with the housing 102 of the automated food processing and dispensing system 100, 100a. The user interfaces 66 may enable user interaction with an automated food processing and dispensing system 100, 100a. For example, the user interface 66 may be a user interface for an application of a network environment operator that allows a user to view and interact with the operator’s website. In some embodiments, a user may interact with the user interface 66 by engaging the input-output devices 58. In some embodiments, the display 64 may be a touchscreen, where the user interface 66 is displayed on the touchscreen.

[0109] The display 64 may include a screen such as, for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen, a light-emitting diode (LED) screen, an organic LED (OLED) screen, a movable display, a projection, etc. In some embodiments, the display 64 may include a coder / decoder, also known as Codecs, to convert digital media data into analog signals. Forexample, the visual peripheral output device may include video Codecs, audio Codecs, or any other suitable type of Codec.

[0110] The optional location device 68 may be communicatively coupled to a location network and operable to receive position data from the location network. For example, in some embodiments, the location device 68 includes a GPS device configured to receive position data identifying a latitude and longitude from one or more satellites of a GPS constellation. As another example, in some embodiments, the location device 68 is a cellular device configured to receive location data from one or more localized cellular towers. Based on the position data, the computing device 50 may determine a local geographical area (e.g, town, city, state, etc.) of its position.[OHl] In some embodiments, the computing device 50 is configured to implement one or more modules or engines, each of which is constructed, programmed, configured, or otherwise adapted, to autonomously carry out a function or set of functions. A module / engine may include a component or arrangement of components implemented using hardware, such as by an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or field-programmable gate array (FPGA), for example, or as a combination of hardware and software, such as by a microprocessor system and a set of program instructions that adapt the module / engine to implement the particular functionality, which (while being executed) transform the microprocessor system into a special-purpose device. A module / engine may also be implemented as a combination of the two, with certain functions facilitated by hardware alone, and other functions facilitated by a combination of hardware and software. In certain implementations, at least a portion, and in some cases, all. of a module / engine may be executed on the processor(s) of one or more computing platforms that are made up of hardware (e.g, one or more processors, data storage devices such as memory or drive storage, input / output facilities such as network interface devices, video devices, keyboard, mouse or touchscreen devices, etc.) that execute an operating system, system programs, and application programs, while also implementing the engine using multitasking, multithreading, distributed (e.g, cluster, peer-peer, cloud, etc.) processing where appropriate, or other such techniques. Accordingly, each module / engine may be realized in a variety of physically realizable configurations, and should generally not be limited to any particular implementation exemplified herein, unless such limitations are expressly called out. In addition, a module / engine may itself be composed of more than one sub-modules or sub-engines, each of which may be regarded as a module / engine in its own right. Moreover, in the embodiments described herein, each of the various modules / engines corresponds to a defined autonomous functionality: however, it should be understood that in other contemplated embodiments, each functionality may be distributed to more than one module / engine. Likewise, in other contemplated embodiments, multiple defined functionalities may be implemented by a single module / engine that performs those multiple functions, possibly alongside other functions, or distributed differently among a set of modules / engines than specifically illustrated in the embodiments herein.

[0112] Although the subject matter has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments, which may be made by those skilled in the art.

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed is:

1. An automated food processing and dispensing system, comprising: a control module configured to generate one or more electronic control signals; a storage mechanism configured to receive material trays in one of a plurality of storage locations, wherein each of the material trays is configured to support a food item; a transportation mechanism configured to remove a selected one of the material trays from a corresponding one of the plurality of storage locations and position the selected one of the material trays at a processing location responsive to a first control signal from the control module, the transportation mechanism configured to support the material tray; a processing mechanism configured to process the food item supported by the selected one of the material trays at the processing location to generate a first portion of the food item responsive to a second control signal from the control module; a packaging mechanism configured to apply a packaging material to at least the first portion of the food item to generate a packaged food item; and a dispensing mechanism configured to transition the packaged food item to a dispensing position defined by the dispensing mechanism.

2. The automated food processing and dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the processing mechanism comprises a slide mechanism configured to move the selected one of the material trays in a direction parallel to a plane defined by a processing component.

3. The automated food processing and dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the processing mechanism comprises a slicing mechanism configured to generate slices of the food item.

4. The automated food processing and dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the processing mechanism comprises an automated arm configured to apply a predetermined force to the material tray in a direction orthogonal to a processing component.

5. The automated food processing and dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the food item comprises a predetermined portion, and wherein the control module is configured to operate the processing mechanism to generate the predetermined portion.

6. The automated food processing and dispensing system of claim 5, wherein the predetermined portion is a predetermined weight of the food item.

7. The automated food processing and dispensing system of claim 5, wherein the predetermined portion is an equivalent value of the food item.

8. The automated food processing and dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the transportation mechanism comprises first movement element configured to move in an automated arm in a first plane to align with the corresponding one of the plurality of storage locations and a second movement element configured to move the automated arm in a direction orthogonal to the first plane to engage at least a portion of the automated arm with the material tray.

9. The automated food processing and dispensing system of claim 1, comprising a printing mechanism configured to generate a label for the packaged food item, wherein the label includes information related to the first portion of the food item.

10. The automated food processing and dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the processing mechanism is configured to position the first portion of the food item on a packaging tray positioned at the processing location.

11. The automated food processing and dispensing system of claim 10, comprising a tray dispensing mechanism configured to dispense the packaging tray from a packaging tray storage mechanism and position the packaging tray at the processing location.

12. The automated food processing and dispensing system of claim 1, comprising an integrated touch screen configured to receive one or more user inputs, wherein the control module is configured to operate each of the transportation mechanism and the processing mechanism in accordance with at least one of the received user inputs.

13. The automated food processing and dispensing system of claim 1, wherein each of the material trays comprises one or more arm coupling elements configured to couple the material tray to the transportation mechanism.

14. A method of operating an automated food processing and dispensing system, comprising: receiving a set of user inputs; transporting, via a transportation mechanism, a material tray from a selected one of a plurality of storage locations to position the material tray at a processing location, wherein the material tray is identified based on at least a first input in the set of user inputs, and wherein the transportation mechanism is configured to support the material tray;processing, by a processing mechanism, a food item supported by the material tray received at the processing location to generate a first portion of the food item, wherein at least one parameter of the processing mechanism is adjusted based on a second input of the set of user inputs; applying, by a packaging mechanism, a packaging material to at least the first portion of the food item to generate a packaged food item; and dispensing, by a dispensing mechanism, the packaged food item to a dispensing position defined by the dispensing mechanism.

15. The method of claim 14, comprising printing, by a printing mechanism, a label for the packaged food item, wherein the label includes information related to the first portion of the food item.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the first portion of the food item is positioned on a packaging tray positioned at the processing location.

17. The method of claim 16, comprising: dispensing, by a tray dispensing mechanism, the packaging tray from a packaging tray storage mechanism; and positioning the packaging tray at the processing location.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the set of user inputs is received by an integrated touch screen, and wherein a control module is configured to operate each of the transportation mechanism and the processing mechanism in accordance with the set of user inputs.

19. An automated food processing and dispensing system, comprising: an integrated touch screen configured to receive one or more user inputs; a control module configured to generate one or more electronic control signals in accordance with at least one of the received user inputs; a storage mechanism configured to receive material trays in one of a plurality of storage locations, wherein each of the material trays is configured to support a food item; a tray dispensing mechanism configured to dispense a packaging tray from a packaging tray storage mechanism and position the packaging tray at a processing location; a transportation mechanism configured to remove a selected one of the material trays from a corresponding one of the plurality of storage locations and position the selected one of the material trays at the processing location responsive to a first control signal from the control module, the transportation mechanism configured to support the material tray;a processing mechanism configured to process the food item supported by the selected one of the material trays at the processing location to generate a first portion of the food item responsive to a second control signal from the control module; a packaging mechanism configured to apply a packaging material at least the first portion of the food item and the packaging tray to generate a packaged food item; and a dispensing mechanism configured to transition the packaged food item to a dispensing position defined by the dispensing mechanism; and a printing mechanism configured to generate a label for the packaged food item, wherein the label includes information related to the first portion of the food item.

20. The automated food processing and dispensing system of claim 19, wherein the processing mechanism comprises a slicing mechanism.

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