Computerized foodstuffs imaging process and apparatus
AssigneeChocolate Printing Company
InventorsLeonid M. Kofman, Christopher J. Hill, Sigfried Stiber, Ilya L. Miller, Yuriy D. Chernov
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus for printing an image on a generally non-absorbent surface of a food item selected from the group consisting of chocolate, cheese and the like or a combination thereof includes a computer allowing an operator to create a unique template for the food item. The apparatus further includes software adjusting a scanned image to the created template and a production line controllably operating a process of making the food product that corresponds to the template. Also, the apparatus has a means for treating the surface of the food item so as to directly print the image on its non-absorbent surface.
Claims24
An apparatus for printing a visual image on a generally non-absorbent surface of a food item, the apparatus comprising:
- a computer;
- software executing on the computer for selectively creating a unique prototype of the food item;
- software executing on the computer for scanning an image to be printed;
- software executing on the computer for adjusting the image on the uniquely created prototype, so as to enable an operator to view an image of the food item with the image printed thereon;
- a production technological line operatively connected to the computer for manufacturing the food item the food item having a hardened, generally non-absorbent surface, the food item being shaped and sized in accordance with the prototype;
- and
- a printer connected to the computer and provided with software for directly printing the image on the hardened, non-absorbent surface of the food item.
A method of printing a visual image on a generally non-absorbent surface of a food item, the process comprising the steps of:
- electronically creating a unique template of the food item having a specific shape and size;
- scanning a visual image to be printed upon the food item and adjusting the image to the template;
- manufacturing a mold corresponding to the created template;
- filling the mold with liquiescent product mass;
- thermally treating the mass so as the product undergoes gradual cooling and subsequent warming to an ambient temperature;
- mechanically treating a surface of the food item to be printed upon;
- and
- directly printing the image on a hardened surface of the food item.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.