Active Foodware System with Sensing and Display for Interactive Dining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food presentation technologies lack dynamic and interactive elements that can enhance the dining experience, providing limited sensory engagement and flexibility, especially for solo eaters or in situations where additional stimulation is desired beyond the food itself.
Innovation Solution
Development of active foodware systems that incorporate multimedia capabilities, including visual, auditory, and haptic feedback, using components like processors, memory, light sources, speakers, and sensors to create interactive and engaging experiences, such as programmable plates and utensils that can display information, entertainment, and educational content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static printed designs or graphic designs on plates are used, then the plate provides visual attraction, but the attraction is quickly lost and lacks interactivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a display device with the dining plate to create an integrated system. The display is embedded within or coupled to the plate, merging the function of food presentation with digital content display, enabling dynamic and interactive dining experiences without requiring separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The dining plate is designed to serve multiple functions: traditional food presentation and consumption, plus dynamic display of visual content, entertainment, and information. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace both conventional plateware and separate display devices
2Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated data processing equipment is purchased for dining experiences, then programming flexibility is achieved, but significant investment cost is incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables existing general-purpose data processing equipment (such as smartphones, tablets, or computers) to serve dual purposes: both their original functions and as the control system for the dining plate display. This eliminates the need for dedicated expensive equipment while maintaining full programming flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a communication interface as an intermediary between existing data processing equipment and the dining plate display system. This intermediary enables control and programming of the plate using readily available devices, avoiding direct investment in specialized equipment
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate sets of china are purchased for each event or holiday, then attractive themed presentations are achieved, but the cost and storage requirements become unaffordable for most households
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic changing of display content parameters on a single plate to match different events, holidays, or themes. Instead of physical changes requiring multiple plate sets, the digital display content is modified to create different thematic presentations, eliminating the need for multiple physical collections
Solution Approach 2:
The digital display on the plate creates visual copies or representations of themed designs, decorations, and presentations. Rather than owning physical themed china for each event, the system reproduces these themes through digital imagery and content on the plate surface
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances the dining experience by providing dynamic and interactive elements that can entertain, inform, and encourage healthy eating habits, while also allowing for flexible use of existing data processing equipment, thus offering economic advantages and improved engagement during meals.
Implementation Method 1
a load cell attached to the cantilever for sensing a weight of the dining plate
Implementation Method 2
a light source positioned to shine light through the translucent portion of the dining plate
Data Source
AI summary
An active foodware system includes dining plates having visual stimulating, sensing, and wireless communication components. A visual stimulating component emits light to provide information or entertainment. The sensing component detects characteristics of the food received in the dining plate, such as weight or temperature. Data related to the food may be displayed on the visual stimulating component, or sent by the wireless communication component to a computer or mobile communication device. Computer software may display nutrition information on the visual stimulating component before, during, and after dining, or provide visual and auditory encouragement for children to eat.