Method and device for edible printing on foodstuffs

A method for edible printing on foodstuffs, comprising the steps of:

• providing a device for edible printing on foodstuffs, the device having:
• a base;
• a conveyor mounted to the base;
• a gantry frame mounted to the base above the conveyor;
• at least one foodstuff processing tray disposed on the conveyor to be carried thereon, the at least one foodstuff processing tray having at least one cavity for snugly holding a foodstuff therein;
• at least one printing station disposed on the gantry frame, the at least one printing station comprising:
• a multi-axis manipulator mounted to the gantry frame;
• a vision system mounted to the multi-axis manipulator;
• a printhead mounted to the multi-axis manipulator, the printhead having a supply of edible ink for marking edible printing onto a surface of the foodstuffs on the foodstuff processing tray, the multi-axis manipulator being movable in at least two-degrees of movement for accurately positioning the printhead over a target foodstuff;
• and
• a controller for automatically controlling processing of the foodstuffs;
• procuring a supply of edible ink;
• loading the supply of edible ink to the printhead;
• selecting a desired tray corresponding to the foodstuffs;
• placing the foodstuffs on the desired tray;
• loading the desired tray onto the conveyor;
• starting the device for edible printing on foodstuffs with the controller;
• automatically conveying the desired tray under the gantry frame;
• locating the food stuffs on the tray with the vision system;
• applying edible printing upon each the foodstuffs with the printhead;
• automatically conveying the desired tray to an exit end of the conveyor;
• unloading the desired tray from the conveyor;
• and
• repeating the loading the desired tray, applying edible printing, and unloading the desired tray steps as desired.