Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a food storage device that stores food items in an organized manner based on the type of the food items and guides user to consume the food items with close expiry dates while also monitor the presence of spoiled food items.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Proper food storage plays a vital role in maintaining health, reducing waste, and ensuring efficient household or commercial kitchen management. With increasing concerns around food spoilage, dietary restrictions, and health monitoring, there is a growing need for intelligent food storage solutions that go beyond basic refrigeration. Foodborne illnesses and nutritional imbalances often result from poor food organization, accidental consumption of expired items, or lack of awareness of medical dietary constraints.

[0003] Traditionally, food is stored manually in refrigerators or pantries without smart categorization or condition monitoring. Expiry tracking relies on human memory or visible labels, often leading to wastage or accidental consumption of spoiled food. These methods do not account for medical restrictions, environmental changes, or real-time inventory tracking. Moreover, fragile organization systems offer limited accessibility for elderly or differently-abled individuals, and temperature control is generally uniform rather than tailored to specific food requirements. These limitations highlight the need for an intelligent, user-aware, and adaptive device.

[0004] US20190124957A1 discloses about a food storage cabinet may comprise a main body, an inert gas cylinder, a vacuum unit and a storage container. The main body has a controller which is electrically connected to a motor, and the motor further comprises a spindle connected to a measuring rod to achieve dropping stored food to a scale. The scale is also electrically connected to the controller such that when the pre-set amount of stored food on the scale is met, the controller is configured to automatically stop the motor. The inert gas cylinder and the vacuum unit are used for maintaining the inner space of the storage container in vacuum and filled with inert gas respectively, thereby keeping the stored food fresh. Also, an operating unit is installed adjacent to the measuring rod of the storage container to drive the measuring rod for dropping stored food manually.

[0005] US20180057207A1 discloses about various modular food storage systems and methods. The system can include one or more compartments configured to be connected together, such as by a food processor (e.g., a company that processes, handles, and/or packages food). Food items can be placed in individual compartments separately and the compartments can be put into storage, such as in a refrigerator. In response to a request (e.g., an order from a grocery store or otherwise) for a certain mix of the food items, the prefilled individual compartments can be mixed and matched and assembled together for shipping. The assembled compartments form a system that can be provided to a consumer, seller (e.g., grocery store), or otherwise.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of storing food items under controlled temperature conditions and providing basic alerts for nearing expiry dates. However, these existing devices are incapable of classifying food items based on RFID recognition, organizing them automatically according to type, or providing real-time health-based dietary suggestions. Additionally, these existing devices also lack integrated mechanisms for personalized user profiling, detection and indication of rotten food.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of identifying and organizing food items based on their type, tracking expiry dates, and providing alerts accordingly. In addition, the developed device should also recognize user-specific dietary restrictions through medical profiles, maintaining optimal shelf temperatures and dynamically adjust storage conditions based on weather forecasts.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of storing food items by automatically organizing the food items based on type and expiry information, thereby enhancing convenience and reducing food wastage.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of providing personalized food management by integrating user-specific medical or dietary restrictions, preventing storage or consumption of unsuitable food items.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of performing real-time adaptation of food expiry estimates by considering environmental factors such as weather conditions, thereby enhancing accuracy of notifications.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting spoilage indicators and automatically alerting users to potentially rotten food for timely removal.

[0013] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention relates to a food storage device that is capable of automatically identifying, organizing, and preserving food items based on type and expiry information. Further, the device is capable of generating personalized dietary notifications, and maintaining optimal storage conditions through temperature regulation.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a food storage device comprises of an enclosure crafted with multiple slidable insulated shelves, a chamber slidably installed with an inner vertical surface of the enclosure and configured with a RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) scanner to determine a type of food item placed in the chamber, an articulated pusher installed in the chamber to push the food item onto the shelf to organise food items stored on the shelves in accordance with the determined food item type, a control unit connected with the scanner records expiry dates of food items into a database and activates a communication unit installed with the control unit to generate a notification via a user interface to inform regarding food items about to expire, the user interface is adapted to be installed with a computing unit to facilitate inputting of medically unsuitable food items, the communication unit generates notification via the user interface upon detection of the unsuitable food by the scanner, the shelves are installed within the enclosure by means of a pair of circular sliders mounted along inner opposing vertical surface of the enclosure, a temperature sensor embedded in each of the shelves to detect temperature of the shelf to accordingly actuate a Peltier unit installed over the shelf to maintain temperature of the shelf within a predetermined range, a grid of plates arranged over each of the shelves by means of extendable rods to provide a continuous surface for placing food items, in response to command regarding availing specific food item, the food item having the earliest expiry date is raised by the rod for consumption, a roller supported over each of the shelves by means of an extendable frame, the roller containing a roll of a member configured to translate across the frame to cover the shelf, the roller being raised by the frame in accordance with height of the food items on the shelf.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the device further comprises of a vibration unit installed with each of the shelves to enable a smooth translation of the food item across the shelves by the pusher, each of the shelves is connected with the slider by means of ball and socket joint to enable the shelves to maintain a horizontal orientation, a microphone is installed on the enclosure to receive voice commands regarding availing a specific food item to actuate the sliders to rotate the shelves and bring the shelf having the food item towards an accessible region of the enclosure, the user interface is configured to receive facial data to maintain a plurality of user profile, each of the profiles containing medical details of the user, a plurality of ethylene sensors installed with each of the shelves in combination with an artificial intelligence (AI) based camera installed with the shelf to detect rotten food item, an articulated laser pointer to point at the rotten food item for reference of the user, a touch-enabled display panel is mounted on the enclosure to display the food items stored in the enclosure for reference of the user and receive input regarding availing specific food items, a wearable unit is worn by the user and configured to detect health metrics of the user to accordingly suggest food items from the enclosure to the user via the user interface, based on the health metrics, a weather module comprising a GPS (global positioning system) unit is installed with the enclosure to fetch weather forecast and accordingly update the database with adjusted expiry dates for the food items and inform the user via the user interface, the camera captures images of the food items to determine consumption to actuate the communication unit to generate notification via the user interface regarding the food items close to exhausting.

[0017] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a food storage device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0020] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0021] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0022] The present invention relates to a food storage device that is capable of providing a space for storing food items by automatically detecting, classifying, and organizing food items based on type, expiry date, and suitability. Additionally, the present invention is capable of maintaining optimal storage conditions through temperature control and spoilage detection, while providing personalized dietary alerts and consumption tracking.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a food storage device is illustrated, comprising an enclosure 101, a plurality of slidable insulated shelves 102 installed within the enclosure 101 by means of a pair of circular sliders 103 mounted along inner opposing vertical surface of the enclosure 101, each of the shelves 102 is connected with the slider by means of ball and socket joint 104, a chamber 105 installed with an inner vertical surface of the enclosure 101, the chamber 105 is configured with RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) scanner 106, an articulated pusher 107 installed in the chamber 105, a Peltier unit 108 installed over the shelf 102, a grid of plates 109 arranged over each of the shelves 102 by means of extendable rods 110, a roller 111 supported over each of the shelves 102 by means of an extendable frame 112, a vibration unit 113 is installed with each of the shelves 102, a microphone 114 is installed on the enclosure 101, an artificial intelligence (AI) based camera 115 installed within the enclosure 101, an articulated laser pointer 116 installed within the enclosure 101, a touch-enabled display panel 117 is mounted on the enclosure 101, a wearable unit 118 associated with the device, and a vertical sliding unit 119 is configured between the chamber 105 and inner vertical surface of the enclosure 101.

[0024] The device discloses herein comprises of an enclosure 101 (preferably cuboidal in shape) incorporating various components associate with the device and developed to be positioned over a fixed surface such as a kitchen countertop. The enclosure 101 act as the primary housing structure and configured with multiple slidable insulated shelves 102 that are installed within the enclosure 101 by means of a pair of circular sliders 103. Each of the pair of the sliders 103 are mounted along inner opposing vertical surface of the enclosure 101.

[0025] A user interface inbuilt in a computing unit is wirelessly associated with a control unit of the device by means of a communication unit integrated with the control unit. The communication unit utilize standard wireless communication protocols such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, or NFC to establish a secure and reliable connection between the user interface and the control unit.

[0026] The computing unit mentioned herein includes but is not limited to a smartphone, tablet, personal digital assistant (PDA), or other handheld or wearable computing devices accessed by a user. The user is required to manually input a list of medically unsuitable food items based on user-specific dietary restrictions or diagnosed health conditions. The interface allows users to specify food allergens, intolerances, restricted ingredients, or other medically contraindicated food types, which are then stored in a secure user database linked with the control unit.

[0027] The user interface is further configured to receive and process facial data of individual users through the camera 115 integrated with the computing unit. Based on the facial recognition, the user interface is configured to maintain multiple user profiles, wherein each profile is distinctly associated with a specific user and comprises corresponding medical details. These medical details may include, but are not limited to, known food allergies, metabolic conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension), dietary restrictions, caloric requirements, and physician-prescribed nutritional guidelines. The user profiles containing medical details are further stored in the database linked to the control unit.

[0028] A chamber 105 is slidably installed with an inner vertical surface of the enclosure 101 by means of a vertical sliding unit 119. Upon providing input regarding medically unsuitable food items, the user is required access the chamber 105 to firstly place the food items within the chamber 105, that are intended to be stored in the enclosure 101. The chamber 105 serves as an initial verification and intake zone.

[0029] Once the food items are placed within the chamber 105, an RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) scanner 106 configured within the chamber 105, scan the RFID tags embedded in or attached to individual food items. As the user places the food items into the chamber 105, the scanner 106 becomes active and transmits radio waves to interrogate the RFID tag associated with the item. Each tag contains a unique identifier linked to a database, which stores detailed metadata, such as the type of food item, manufacturing date, expiration date, batch number, and handling instructions.

[0030] The RFID scanner 106 operates using a high-frequency radio signal emitter and receiver, which generates a localized electromagnetic field near the scanning surface. When the user places the food items into the chamber 105, the RFID tag associated with the food items are energized by this field and responds by transmitting its unique identification code/data back to the scanner 106 using modulated radio waves. The receiver in the RFID scanner 106 captures these signals, which are processed and decoded by a signal processor. This decoded RFID tag data is then securely transmitted to the control unit.

[0031] The control unit cross-references the received identification data with predefined classification protocols to determine the exact category of the food item (e.g., dairy, fruits, vegetables, meats, frozen goods, or allergen-prone items) placed in the chamber 105. Based on the determined type of the food item, the control unit actuates the sliding unit 119 to move the chamber 105 vertically upward or downward along the inner surface of the enclosure 101 in order to align the chamber 105 in parallel with a designated shelf 102 inside the enclosure 101, depending on the categorization of the food item. The designated shelf 102 may be pre-assigned for a specific food type (e.g., shelf 1 for dairy, shelf 2 for fruits, etc.).

[0032] Once the chamber 105 is aligned with the respective shelf 102, the control unit actuates an articulated pusher 107 installed in the chamber 105 to extend and gently push the food item onto the shelf 102 to organise food items on the shelves 102 in accordance with the determined food item type. The extension of the pusher 107 is powered by a pneumatic unit associated with the device, that includes an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the link and the pusher 107.

[0033] The air compressor used herein extract the air from surrounding and increases the pressure of the air by reducing the volume of the air. The air compressor is consisting of two main parts including a motor and a pump. The motor powers the compressor pump which uses the energy from the motor drive to draw in atmospheric air and compress to elevated pressure. The compressed air is then sent through a discharge tube into the cylinder across the valve. The compressed air in the cylinder tends to pushes out the piston to extend. The piston is attached to the pusher 107, wherein the extension/retraction of the piston corresponds to the extension and retraction of the pusher 107 to gently push the food item onto the shelf 102 with minimal impact force.

[0034] Each of the shelves 102 within the enclosure 101 is equipped with a vibration unit 113, that is simultaneously actuated by the control unit to assist in the smooth and controlled translation of food items as they are pushed from the chamber 105 onto the respective shelf 102 by the articulated pusher 107. The vibration unit 113 comprised of one or more miniature electromagnetic vibrators or piezoelectric actuators that, when activated, generate low-frequency vibrations across the shelf 102 surface. These vibrations reduce the static friction between the shelf 102 surface and the base of the food item, thereby minimizing resistance during translation and enable a smooth translation of the food item across the shelves 102.

[0035] Upon transferring all the food items from the chamber 105, over their respective shelves 102, the control unit records the expiry dates of each food items as scanned by the scanner 106, into a database linked to the control unit and further triggers the communication unit to generate a wireless notification over the user interface to inform the user regarding the food items about to expire. The communication unit generates a notification containing precise details such as the food item name, location (shelf 102 number), and days remaining until expiry. This alert is visually displayed on the user interface to inform regarding food items about to expire.

[0036] Along with informing the user regarding the expiry dates of the food items, the control unit is configured to cross-reference the scanned food item with the list of medically unsuitable food items stored within the user profile database. If the scanned food item matches any of the unsuitable criteria defined in the user profile database, the control unit activates the communication unit to trigger a notification that is displayed on the user interface, containing a warning alert (e.g., “Warning: Detected food contains gluten – not suitable for User X”), the type of food, shelf 102 location, and reasons for unsuitability.

[0037] A weather module comprising a GPS (Global Positioning System) unit is installed with the enclosure 101, wherein upon placement of the food items within the enclosure 101, the GPS unit continuously determines the geographic location of the enclosure 101 to fetch region-specific weather forecasts, including parameters such as ambient temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, and weather events (e.g., heatwaves, rain, storms).

[0038] The GPS (Global Positioning System) unit works by using a network of satellites orbiting earth to determine the precise geographic location of the enclosure 101. The GPS unit consists of a GPS receiver that communicates with at least four satellites. Each satellite continuously transmits signals containing its location and the current time. The receiver calculates the time taken for these signals to reach the receiver for determining the distance to each satellite. Using a process called trilateration, the receiver uses these distances to pinpoint the exact location (latitude, longitude, and altitude) of the enclosure 101.

[0039] Based on the determined location, the control unit by means of local weather forecasting service linked to the control unit, fetch the region-specific weather forecasts and analyzes its potential impact on the shelf-life of various food categories stored inside the enclosure 101. Based on this real-time environmental input, the control unit performs dynamic adjustment of expiry dates stored in the database for each food item. For example, if a forecasted heatwave is likely to shorten the shelf life of perishable items, their expiry dates are recalculated and updated accordingly in the database. Upon updating, the control unit activates the communication unit to generate notifications via the user interface to inform the user regarding the updated expiry dates.

[0040] As the food items are placed over the shelves 102, a temperature sensor embedded in each of the shelves 102, detect temperature of the shelf 102. The temperature sensor used herein detect the temperature by optical analysis of the infrared radiation present within the shelves 102. On activation, the sensor employs a lens to focus the infrared radiation emitting from the shelves 102, onto a detector known as a thermopile. When the infrared radiation falls on the thermopile surface, it gets absorbed and converts into heat. Voltage output is produced in proportion to the incident infrared energy. The detector uses this output to detect the temperature of the shelves 102. The measured temperature is then converted into electrical signal which is received by the control unit.

[0041] The control unit processes the received signal from the temperature sensor in order to monitor the temperature of the shelf 102. Based on the monitored temperature, the control unit actuates a Peltier unit 108 installed over the shelf 102 to maintain temperature of the shelf 102 within a predetermined range. The Peltier unit 108 is a thermoelectric cooler that uses the Peltier effect to transfer heat from one side of the unit to the other when an electrical current is passed.

[0042] The Peltier unit 108 consists of two semiconductor materials connected in a sandwich-like fashion. These materials are typically made of bismuth telluride and one side of the Peltier unit 108 is called the hot side and the other is the cold side. When a direct current is applied to the Peltier unit 108, electrodes within the semiconductor material start moving from one side to the other. The Peltier effect occurs as a result of electron movement.

[0043] When electrons flow from the cold side to the hot side, they carry heat with them. This leads to one side of the Peltier unit 108 becoming colder, and the other side becoming hooter. This effect allows the Peltier unit 108 to effectively transfer heat from one side to the other, creating a temperature gradient in order to maintain the temperature of the shelf 102 within a predetermined range based on the type of the food items stored over the shelf 102.

[0044] A roller 111 containing a roll of a member is supported over each of the shelves 102 by means of an extendable frame 112, wherein upon activation of the Peltier unit 108, the control unit actuates a motorized drawer arrangement integrated within the frame 112, to raises the roller 111 up to the height of the tallest item stored on the shelf 102, as detected by an embedded ultrasonic sensor, for preventing compression or contact with delicate food items such as cakes or containers with loosely placed lids.

[0045] Once the roller 111 reaches the desired height, the control unit actuates the roller 111 to rotate, for allowing the member to translate across the frame 112 and spread over the entire shelf 102 surface, for enclosing the food items in a protective layer. This layer serves to reduce contamination, moisture loss, and odor mixing between adjacent shelves 102. The roller 111 used herein is a mechanical unit designed to rotate on its axis with the help of an integrated electric motor.

[0046] The roller 111 consists of a cylindrical roller tube that serves as a surface for accommodating the roll of member. The roller 111 is equipped with an electric motor that provides the rotational power necessary to turn the roller 111. The motor is connected to the roller tube through a drive mechanism, which involves gears, belts to transfer the motor’s rotational force to the roller 111, causing the roller 111 to spin and unwrap the member for allowing the member to translate across the frame 112 in order to cover the shelf 102.

[0047] In case the user desires to avail a specific food item from the enclosure 101, the user is required to access a microphone 114 installed on the enclosure 101 to provide voice commands regarding the desired food item, such as the name or type of a specific food item. The microphone 114 capture audio input from the user and converts the sound energy emitted by the user into electrical energy. Inside the microphone 114, a diaphragm made of plastic is present that moves back and forth when the sound wave hits the diaphragm, which then moves a coil attached to the diaphragm in the same way in order to generate an electrical signal proportional to the sound. The electric signal from coil flows to an amplifier which amplifies the electrical signal. The amplified electrical signal is then sent to the control unit linked to the microphone 114.

[0048] The control unit processes the received signal by using a voice recognition module integrated within the control unit. The voice recognition module processes the input using natural language processing protocols and matches the input data against inventory data stored in the database, which was earlier compiled through RFID scanning. Once a match is found for the requested food item, the control unit identifies the corresponding shelf 102 on which the item is stored and accordingly actuates the pair of circular sliders 103 to rotate and reposition the shelves 102 so that the shelf 102 containing the desired food item is brought to an accessible region of the enclosure 101, such as an access hatch or opening at the front.

[0049] The circular sliders 103 used herein consist of a circular track, rotatable base plates, motorized drive units, bearings, and support columns. Each shelf 102 is mounted on a base plate that rests on the circular track supported by bearings to ensure smooth rotation. The motorized drive unit, often using a stepper motor or servo motor, engages with the base plate or track to initiate and control rotation. The control unit rotate the shelves 102 to the desired positions, and stopping precisely once the appropriate shelf 102 is positioned towards the accessible region of the enclosure 101.

[0050] Each of the shelves 102 is connected to the slider through a ball and socket joint 104, wherein as the circular sliders 103 rotate or translate the shelves 102 to various positions within the enclosure 101, the control unit actuates the ball and socket joint 104 to ensure that the shelves 102 remain horizontally aligned at all times, regardless of the angle or direction of movement, for preventing tilting, spilling, or displacement of food items placed on the shelves 102 during shelf 102 reorientation.

[0051] The ball and socket joint 104 used herein consists of a spherical ball enclosed within a socket. The ball is connected to the shelves 102 while the socket is fixed to the slider. The ball and socket joint 104 is integrated with a compact direct current (DC) electric motor, which upon actuation the motor applies controlled torque to rotate the ball within the socket in desired directions, for providing free angular movement to the shelves 102 in a manner so that the shelves 102 remain horizontally aligned at all times.

[0052] Further, a touch-enabled display panel 117 is mounted on the enclosure 101 to display the food items stored in the enclosure 101 for reference of the user and receive input regarding availing specific food items. The displayed data is continuously updated in real time based on inputs from the RFID scanner 106 and the database maintained by the control unit. User is able to interact with the display panel 117 through touch-based commands to browse through the stored food items and select specific items they wish to consume or remove. Upon selection, the control unit processes the input and actuates the sliders 103 to retrieve and present the shelf 102 with the selected item at an accessible location within the enclosure 101.

[0053] A grid of plates 109 is arranged over each of the shelves 102, each by means of an extendable rod. The grid structure collectively forms a continuous surface upon which food items are stably placed and spatially organized. Each food item placed over the shelves 102 is registered in the database that includes metadata such as expiry date, food type, and user suitability. Based on this database, the control unit keeps track of the storage positions and respective expiry timelines.

[0054] Once the shelf 102 with the user-specified food item is positioned at the accessible location, the control unit in response to the user command, whether received through the microphone 114 or the touch-enabled display panel 117, determine the position of the food item with the earliest expiry date and accordingly actuates the extendable rod 110 corresponding to the specific plate 109 accommodating the identified food item with earliest expiry date. This actuation raises the plate 109 in a controlled manner, for elevating the food item and allow the user to consume that item first. The rods 110 are telescopically actuated by a pneumatic unit associated with the device in the same manner as described above.

[0055] Further, multiple ethylene sensors installed with each of the shelves 102, in combination with an artificial intelligence (AI) based camera 115 installed within the enclosure 101, detect the presence of rotten food item within the enclosure 101. The ethylene sensors detect elevated levels of ethylene gas, which is commonly emitted by ripening or decaying fruits and vegetables.

[0056] The ethylene sensor includes a gas-sensitive semiconductor (e.g., metal oxide sensor), heater element, and signal conditioning circuit. When ethylene gas is emitted by a decaying food item, it interacts with the sensor's semiconductor surface, causing a change in its electrical resistance. The heater element maintains the sensor at an optimal temperature to ensure proper gas reaction. The signal conditioning circuit converts resistance changes into readable voltage signals, which are processed by the control unit.

[0057] Simultaneously, the artificial intelligence (AI) based camera 115 comprising a high-resolution camera lens, digital camera sensor and a processor, captures multiple images from different angles and perspectives of the food items with the help of digital camera sensor for providing comprehensive coverage of the food items laced over the shelves 102. The captured images then go through processing steps by the AI protocols to visually monitor the color, texture, and surface characteristics of food items and sends the data to the control unit.

[0058] The control unit receives and processes the data from both the ethylene sensors and the AI camera 115 to accurately identify rotten or spoiled food items. Upon successful detection of a spoiled food item, the control unit actuates an articulated laser pointer 116 mechanically mounted within the enclosure 101, to project a precise laser beam onto the identified spoiled food item to visually alert the user during manual inspection or while accessing the food items.

[0059] The laser pointer 116 consists of a laser source and optical components like mirrors and lenses. On activation, the laser source emits a coherent beam of light. This laser beam is directed through the mirrors and lenses to shape and focus the beam and forms a highly concentrated laser beam which is dispersed outwards onto the identified spoiled food item for visually alerting the user during manual inspection or while accessing the food items.

[0060] The camera is configured to periodically capture images of the food items placed on the shelves 102. These images are analyzed using image recognition protocols to monitor the physical presence, quantity, and relative size of the food items over time. By comparing current images with baseline images stored in the database, the control unit determines the rate of consumption or depletion of each food item. When the analysis indicates that a particular food item is nearing exhaustion or has been significantly consumed, the control unit processes this data and activates the communication unit to generate a real-time notification via the user interface, for informing the user about items that may need replenishment.

[0061] The camera also captures the facial data of the user approaching the enclosure 101 to access the food items and match the user’s facial data with the user profiles stored in the database, in order to fetch the medical details of the identified user. Upon successful recognition, the control unit retrieves relevant dietary restrictions, allergies, or nutritional requirements from the matched user profile. Based on this information, the control unit filters the food items stored within the enclosure 101 and actuates the sliders 103 and the extendable rods 110 accordingly to present only those food items that are deemed suitable for consumption by the user as per their medical profile.

[0062] Furthermore, a wearable unit 118 is associated with the device and is wirelessly connected to the device and the user interface via the communication unit. The wearable unit 118 is worn by the user and maintained in continuous communication with the control unit. The wearable unit 118 is configured with one or more biometric sensors to detect real-time health metrics of the user, such as blood glucose levels, heart rate, hydration levels, body temperature, and physical activity data.

[0063] The gathered health metrics are wirelessly transmitted to the control unit, which analyzes the data and cross-references it with the nutritional information and medical suitability of food items stored within the enclosure 101. Based on this analysis, the control unit activates the communication unit to send wireless command to the user interface to suggest food items most appropriate for the user's current health condition.

[0064] The user interface is configured to display a variety of recipe suggestions based on the current inventory of food items stored within the enclosure 101. By accessing the database containing scanned and recorded information about the types, quantities, and expiry dates of stored food items, the control unit processes this data and dynamically generates a list of possible recipes that utilize the available ingredients. These recipes are displayed on the user interface along with preparation steps, estimated cooking time, nutritional values, and suitability according to the user's stored medical profile, thereby assisting users in meal planning and minimizing food wastage.

[0065] Lastly, a battery is installed within the device which is connected to the control unit that supplies current to all the electrically powered components that needs an amount of electric power to perform their functions and operation in an efficient manner. The battery utilized here, is generally a dry battery which is made up of Lithium-ion material that gives the device a long-lasting as well as an efficient DC (Direct Current) current which helps every component to function properly in an efficient manner. As the device is battery operated and do not need any electrical voltage for functioning. Hence the presence of battery leads to the portability of the device i.e., user is able to place as well as moves the device from one place to another as per the requirements.

[0066] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the enclosure 101 crafted with multiple slidable insulated shelves 102 is positioned over the fixed surface. The chamber 105 is accessed by the user to place the food items that are further scanned by the RFID scanner 106 to determine food type and relevant data. Subsequently, the articulated pusher 107 transfers the food item onto the corresponding shelf 102. The control unit records the expiry dates of the scanned food items into the database and continuously monitor approaching expiration and generates notifications through the communication unit via the user interface. Temperature sensors detect shelf 102 temperature and accordingly the Peltier units 108 maintain the shelves 102 within predetermined temperature range. The roller 111 supported by the extendable frame 112 covers the shelves 102 to provide protection. The user provides voice command via the microphone 114 to avail the food items. Accordingly, the pair of circular sliders 103 rotate the shelves 102 and bring the shelf 102 having the food item towards the accessible region of the enclosure 101. Further, the extendable rods 110 selectively raise food items with the earliest expiry for consumption. The AI-enabled camera 115 combined with ethylene sensors continuously monitor food condition and accordingly actuates the laser pointer 116 to highlight rotten items for user reference. User profiles containing medical details are managed via the user interface for facilitating personalized food item suggestions based on wearable unit 118 health data. The weather module updates expiry dates based on GPS-derived environmental data, while camera track food consumption to alert users of items nearing depletion for ensuring efficient food management and reduced waste.

[0067] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A food storage device, comprising:

i) an enclosure 101 crafted with a plurality of slidable insulated shelves 102;
ii) a chamber 105, slidably installed with an inner vertical surface of the enclosure 101, the chamber 105 configured with RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) scanner 106 determine a type of food item placed in the chamber 105
iii) an articulated pusher 107 installed in the chamber 105 to push the food item onto the shelf 102 to organise food items stored on the shelves 102 in accordance with the determined food item type;
iv) a control unit connected with the scanner 106 records expiry dates of food items into a database, as scanned by the scanner 106, to actuate a communication unit installed with the control unit to generate a notification via a user interface to inform regarding food items about to expire;
v) said user interface is adapted to be installed with a computing unit to facilitate inputting of medically unsuitable food items, wherein the communication unit generates notification via the user interface upon detection of the unsuitable food by the scanner 106;
vi) said shelves 102 are installed within the enclosure 101 by means of a pair of circular sliders 103, each of said pair of the sliders 103 mounted along inner opposing vertical surface of the enclosure 101;
vii) a temperature sensor embedded in each of the shelves 102 to detect temperature of the shelf 102 to accordingly actuate a Peltier unit 108 installed over the shelf 102 to maintain temperature of the shelf 102 within a predetermined range;
viii) a grid of plates 109 arranged over each of the shelves 102 by means of extendable rods 110, to provide a continuous surface for placing food items, wherein in response to command regarding availing specific food item, the food item having the earliest expiry date is raised by the rod for consumption; and
ix) a roller 111 supported over each of the shelves 102 by means of an extendable frame 112, the roller 111 containing a roll of a member configured to translate across the frame 112 to cover the shelf 102, the roller 111 being raised by the frame 112 in accordance with height of the food items on the shelf 102.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a vibration unit 113 is installed with each of the shelves 102 to enable a smooth translation of the food item across the shelves 102 by the pusher 107.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the shelves 102 is connected with the slider by means of ball and socket joint 104, to enable the shelves 102 to maintain a horizontal orientation.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a microphone 114 is installed on the enclosure 101 to receive voice commands regarding availing a specific food item to actuate the sliders 103 to rotate the shelves 102 and bring the shelf 102 having the food item towards an accessible region of the enclosure 101.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user interface is configured to receive facial data to maintain a plurality of user profile, each of the profiles containing medical details of the user, wherein the slider and the rods 110 are actuated to present food items to the user suitable to the user as per medical details.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of ethylene sensors installed with each of the shelves 102, in combination with an artificial intelligence (AI) based camera 115 installed with the shelf 102, to detect rotten food item, to actuate an articulated laser pointer 116 to point at the rotten food item for reference of the user.

7) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a touch-enabled display panel 117 is mounted on the enclosure 101 to display the food items stored in the enclosure 101 for reference of the user and receive input regarding availing specific food items.

8) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a wearable unit 118 is worn by the user and in communication with the control unit, the wearable unit 118 configured to detect health metrics of the user, to accordingly suggest food items from the enclosure 101 to the user via the user interface, based on the health metrics.

9) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a weather module comprising a GPS (global positioning system) unit is installed with the enclosure 101 to fetch weather forecast and accordingly update the database with adjusted expiry dates for the food items and inform the user via the user interface.

10) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the camera captures images of the food items to determine consumption and actuate the communication unit to generate notification via the user interface regarding the food items close to exhausting.