Food Management Tag with Variable Part for Remaining Amount Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food management systems struggle to accurately determine the remaining amount of food items due to changes in shape and size caused by usage, and radio frequency identification tags are not widely applicable or effective for this purpose.
Innovation Solution
A food management system using an imaging element to capture images of food or storage containers with attached food management tags, recognizing the tags and estimating the remaining amount based on their size relative to the food or container, and outputting this information for easy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image recognition is used to identify food, then food identification is achieved, but accurate determination of remaining amount is difficult due to shape and size changes
Solution Approach 1:
A food management tag is introduced as an intermediary object attached to the food or its packaging. The tag includes a variable part whose size changes according to the remaining food amount, serving as a mediator that translates food quantity into a measurable visual indicator that is not affected by food shape changes
Solution Approach 2:
The variable part of the food management tag creates a visual copy or representation of the food remaining amount. Instead of directly measuring the actual food which changes shape, the system measures the tag's variable part which replicates the quantity information in a stable, measurable format
2Measurement precision
If radio frequency identification tags are used, then food identification is possible, but they are not widely applicable or effective for determining remaining amount
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter being measured from the food's physical dimensions (which vary in shape) to the area of the variable part of the tag. This parameter change allows accurate remaining amount determination while maintaining wide applicability across different food types and packaging
3Measurement precision
If food shape and size changes are accounted for, then accurate remaining amount estimation is possible, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the remaining amount information from the food itself and transfers it to the food management tag. By taking out the measurement function from the variable food and placing it in the stable tag, the system achieves accurate estimation without complex food analysis
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
Enables accurate estimation of food remaining amounts by comparing the size of the tag to the food or container, facilitating easy and effective food management.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring an image captured by imaging, using an imaging element, food or a storage container
Data Source
AI summary
A food management method includes acquiring an image captured by imaging, using an imaging element, food or a storage container to which a food management tag including an identifier associated with the food is attached, and the storage container stores the food. The food management method includes recognizing, based on the image acquired, the food or the storage container to which the food management tag is attached. The food management method includes estimating the remaining amount of the food based on the size of the food management tag recognized. The food management method includes outputting remaining amount information related to the remaining amount of the food that has been estimated.