Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a system and method for assisting preparation of formulation of a product, and particularly to a system and method for assisting preparation of formulation of a product so that the product is compliant with regulatory guidelines.
BACKGROUND
[002] To live a healthy life, every individual needs a nutritional and healthy diet in order to fulfil dietary requirements. These requirements are different for different people. For instance, the requirements of a male athlete are more as compared to a female doing sedentary work. Thus, in order to meet the requirements of different individuals, a lot of food products are manufactured that are customized to different customer segments.
[003] In order to manufacture a product, the food industry has to comply with the different regulatory guidelines, so that the products that are consumed by customers are safe for their bodies. The regulatory guidelines are different for different countries, and also different for different product and customer segments. In addition, the regulatory guidelines evolve with time. Hence, the entire value chain of the food industry (formulator to manufacturer) needs to be aware of the evolving guidelines and mandatorily comply with them. Manufacturing a non-compliant product can result in losses for the formulator / manufacturer, and may even result in revoking of the license of the formulator / manufacturer.
[004] Since the regulatory guidelines are constantly evolving, and also different for different countries and product segments, it becomes quite a tedious task for formulators / manufacturers to ensure that they stay on top of all the changes that are constantly happening in the guidelines. This is an even more complex task for a big manufacturer, who manufactures products across a lot of product segments and whose products are exported to different countries.
[005] Thus, there is a need for an efficient, secure and effective way to assist the formulator / manufacturer to formulate a product which is compliant with the ever-evolving regulatory guidelines, across various countries where the product is to be sold.
SUMMARY
[006] Embodiments of the present invention provide a platform for assisting preparation of formulation of a product to be manufactured. The platform may include a receiver that may be configured to receive one or more inputs from a user. The one or more inputs may include target consumer details, a first set of ingredients to be used in the formulation of the product, a first set of ratios for the first set of ingredients, and a first serving size of the product. The platform may further include a processor that may be configured to calculate a summation of the amount of each of a plurality of nutrients in the product to be manufactured based on the one or more inputs.
[007] The processor may be further configured to determine, based on the one or more inputs, regulatory guidelines for the product to be manufactured. The regulatory guidelines may include a predetermined threshold value of each of the plurality of nutrients allowed in the product to be manufactured. Furthermore, the processor may be configured to compare the summation of the amount of each of the plurality of nutrients with the respective predetermined threshold value. Based on the comparison, the processor may be configured to determine whether the formulation of the product is compliant with the regulatory guidelines. Based on a determination that the product is non-compliant, the processor may be configured to recommend modifications to the formulation of the product to be manufactured. The recommendation may include one or more of: a second set of ratios for one or more ingredients of the first set of ingredients, and a second serving size of the product.
[008] In accordance with further embodiments of the present invention, the processor may be configured to recommend one or more additional ingredients to formulate the product. The one or more additional ingredients are recommended as a replacement to one or more ingredients of the first set of ingredients, or as an addition to the first set of ingredients.
[009] In accordance with further embodiments of the present invention, the one or more inputs may include a preferred taste for the product to be manufactured. Based on the preferred taste, the processor may be configured to recommend one or more of the modifications to the formulation of the product to be manufactured and the one or more additional ingredients.
[0010] Additionally, the recommendation of one or more of the second set of ratios and the one or more additional ingredients may be based on the stability of the product to be manufactured. The stability may include one or more of a shelf life of the product and maintenance of the form of the product.
[0011] Furthermore, the one or more inputs may include names of one or more countries where the product is to be consumed, and the regulatory guidelines correspond to the one or more countries where the product is to be consumed.
[0012] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the target consumer details include the category of the consumer, such as men, women, kids, infants, etc.; and dietary requirements of the consumer based on one or more of lifestyle, nutritional requirements, activity level, and the like.
[0013] Embodiments of the present invention further provide a method for assisting preparation of formulation of a product to be manufactured. The method includes receiving one or more inputs from a user. The one or more inputs may include target consumer details, a first set of ingredients to be used in the formulation of the product, a first set of ratios for the first set of ingredients, and a first serving size of the product. The method further includes calculating a summation of the amount of each of a plurality of nutrients in the product to be manufactured based on the one or more inputs. Furthermore, the method includes determining, based on the one or more inputs, regulatory guidelines for the product to be manufactured. The regulatory guidelines include a predetermined threshold value of each of the plurality of nutrients allowed in the product to be manufactured.
[0014] The method further includes comparing the summation of the amount of each of the plurality of nutrients with the respective predetermined threshold value. Based on the comparison, the method further includes determining whether the formulation of the product is compliant with the regulatory guidelines. Based on a determination that the product is non-compliant, the method may include recommending modifications to the formulation of the product to be manufactured. The recommendation may include one or more of: a second set of ratios for one or more ingredients of the first set of ingredients, and a second serving size of the product.
[0015] The method further includes recommending one or more additional ingredients to formulate the product. The one or more additional ingredients are recommended as a replacement to one or more ingredients of the first set of ingredients, or as an addition to the first set of ingredients.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates an environment in which the present invention may be implemented, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a platform to assist in preparation of a formulation of a food product, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIGs. 3A-3D illustrate exemplary snapshots of the platform for assisting preparation of the formulation of the product, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates a method for assisting preparation of the formulation of the product, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] 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.
[0021] 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,” and the like.
[0022] 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.
[0023] Fig. 1 illustrates an environment in which the present invention may be implemented, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As an example, the entities shown in Fig. 1, i.e. a supplier 102, a formulation entity 104, and a manufacturer 106 may be involved in manufacturing a food product. The manufactured food product may be distributed to a distributor 108 or may be distributed to more than one distributors (not shown), in order to supply the manufactured food product to end consumers 110a, 110b, and 110c (collectively considered as 110).
[0024] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the supplier 102 may supply ingredients to manufacture a product, to the formulation entity 104 or to the manufacturer 106. The ingredients to be supplied by the supplier 102 should comply with regulatory guidelines 112 prescribed for the product to be manufactured. The formulation entity 104 may prepare the formulation of the product to be manufactured, in accordance with the regulatory guidelines 112. The prepared formulation may then be shared with the manufacturer 106 to manufacture the product that is compliant with the regulatory guidelines 112. In essence, and as shown in Fig. 1, all the entities involved in the value chain, i.e. the supplier 102, the formulation entity 104 and the manufacturer 106, need to adhere to the regulatory guidelines 112 for the product to be manufactured.
[0025] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, as mentioned above, the ingredient supplier 102 may directly supply the ingredients to the manufacturer 106, and the manufacturer 106 may prepare formulation of the product to be manufactured itself. In other words, the manufacturer 106 may play the role of the formulation entity 104 as well, and the representation shown in Fig. 1 should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.
[0026] The regulatory guidelines 112, as mentioned above, may include a list of government regulations that apply to a plurality of food products. Specifically, the regulatory guidelines 112 may include a set of regulations for each product or product segment separately. For instance, the set of regulations may include predetermined threshold (maximum allowance) for nutrients allowed in the product. In addition, the set of regulations may have an exception list that indicates one or more ingredients that are restricted or banned in a country.
[0027] A person ordinarily skilled in the art can appreciate that the regulations mentioned above, i.e. the predetermined threshold (maximum allowance) and the exception list, are mere examples, and the regulatory guidelines 112 may include a plurality of other regulations as well. For example, the regulations may include criteria for labeling the product such as, criteria for deciding whether a formulation may be labeled as Low fat or High fat, High Protein, and the like. Further, the regulations may include the rules for providing logo to the product. The logo may be, for example Vegetarian or Non-vegetarian. Furthermore, the regulations may have rules for the warnings that the formulation entity 104 or the manufacturer 106 should mention on the product packaging. This may include, for example, warning for allergic ingredients such as soya or nuts. In addition, the regulations may include rules for assigning a category to the product. The category of the food product may include, but is not limited to, health supplement, nutritional product, functional food, dietary supplement, and the like. The category of the food product is important for the manufacturer to market the product accordingly (e.g. whether the product should be launched as prescription based product or over-the-counter product).
[0028] As would be known to a person ordinarily skilled in the art, before manufacturing a food product, there is a need to determine whether the food product is compliant with the regulatory guidelines 112. A product ideally can be manufactured and then distributed to end consumers 110 only when the product is compliant with the regulatory guidelines 112. When the product is found to be non-compliant, modifications need to be made in the formulation of the product, in order to make it compliant with the regulatory guidelines 112.
[0029] In accordance with further embodiment of the present invention, the regulatory guidelines 112 may correspond to one or more countries where the product is to be consumed. Specifically, for the same product, the regulatory guidelines 112 may be different in India, vs the US, vs Germany. For example, a certain ingredient may be allowed in India, but may be banned in Germany or vice versa. Alternatively, the percentage of the ingredient allowed in a product by volume may be different in India vs Germany.
[0030] In addition, the regulatory guidelines 112 may be dynamic in nature, and may get changed from time to time, as and when new research on ingredients is conducted. For example, a certain ingredient may be allowed now in India, however, after two or three years, a research may find the ingredient to be harmful to people living in hot climate, like India’s. In this case, the ingredient may get banned in India or its allowed percentage in India may get reduced. This change will then get reflected in the updated regulatory guidelines 112, that all the entities in the value chain of the food industry would have to comply with.
[0031] Figs. 2 and 3 depict a system that aids the formulation entity 104 to modify the ingredients to be used in a product, after it is determined that the product may be non-compliant with the regulatory guidelines 112.
[0032] Fig. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a platform 200 to assist in preparation of formulation of a compliant food product, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The platform 200 may include various modules such as, but not limited to, an input unit 202, a processor 204, an output unit 206, and a memory 208.
[0033] The memory 208 may be an integrated circuit (IC) memory chip containing any form of random-access memory (RAM) or read-only memory (ROM), a floppy disk, a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), a hard disk drive, a digital video disc (DVD), a flash memory card, external subscriber identity module (SIM) card or any other medium for storing non-transitory digital information.
[0034] The memory 208 may further include various modules such as, but not limited to, a regulatory guidelines module 210, a historical information module 212, and an ingredients information module 214. As can be understood by a person ordinarily skilled in the art, some of the modules mentioned in the memory 208 may also be outside of the memory 208 and in the platform 200, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0035] The input unit 202 of the platform 200 may be configured to receive one or more inputs from a user (not shown) of the platform 200. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the input unit 202 may be a user interface that may be configured to receive one or more inputs from the user such as, but not limited to, target consumer details, a first set of ingredients to be used in the formulation of the product, a first set of ratios for the first set of ingredients, a first serving size, preferred taste of the product, names of the countries where the product is to be consumed, and the like. The target consumer details may include category of the consumer, such as men, women, kids, infants, etc.; and dietary requirements of the consumer based on one or more of lifestyle, nutritional requirements, activity level, and the like. A few examples of the one or more inputs may include, but are not limited to, food product for lactating mother, an athlete, a women in sedentary lifestyle, kids in the age range of 12-14 years, and the like.
[0036] As and when the above-mentioned inputs are received by the input unit 202, they may be stored in the memory 208, and may be processed by the processor 204. In accordance with further embodiments of the present invention, the processor 204 may be configured to access and process the inputs received by the input unit 202.
[0037] The processor 204 may include one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), state machines, logic circuitry, or any other device or devices that process information based on operational or programming instructions. Such operational or programming instructions may be stored in the memory 208. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that when the processor 204 has one or more of its functions performed by a state machine or logic circuitry, the memory 208 containing the corresponding operational instructions can be embedded within the state machine or logic circuitry.
[0038] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the processor 204 may be configured to command the ingredient information module 214 to identify information associated with a plurality of nutrients present in each of the first set of ingredients. The information associated with the plurality of nutrients includes type of nutrients (such as protein, Vitamin, etc.) and their respective amount in each ingredient. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the identification of the information includes receiving, by the processor 204, the information associated with the plurality of nutrients stored in the ingredient information module 214. For instance, the processor 204 may be configured to command the ingredient information module 214 to identify information associated with nutrients present in whey protein concentrate along with the amount of each nutrient present in the whey protein concentrate.
[0039] Based on the identified information associated with plurality of nutrients present in each ingredient, the processor 204 may be configured to calculate a summation of the amount of each of a plurality of nutrients in the product to be manufactured. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the processor 204 may calculate the sum based on the first set of ingredients and the first set of ratios for the first set of ingredients. For instance, a product may contain ingredients “A”, “B”, and “C”, where the ingredient “A” may contain protein and Vitamin A, the ingredient “B” may contain Vitamin A and potassium, and the ingredient “C” may contain protein, potassium, and sodium. Further, if the user has stated that the single serving size of the product would be 5 grams, and the ratios of “A”, “B” and “C” would be 10%, 20% and 7% respectively (rest may be water or other ingredients), the processor 204 uses this information to calculate the sum of individual nutrients that would be present in a single serving size. For example, in this case, the processor 204 may calculate the amount of Vitamin A in the serving to be 10% of 5 grams (corresponding to Ingredient “A”) + 20% of 5 grams (corresponding to Ingredient “B”). This comes out to be 1.5 grams. Similarly, the amount of other nutrients may be calculated by the processor 204.
[0040] In accordance with further embodiment of the present invention, the processor 204 may be configured to command the regulatory guidelines module 210 to determine regulatory guidelines (same as regulatory guidelines 112 of Fig. 1) for the product to be manufactured based on the received one or more inputs. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the determination of the regulatory guidelines includes receiving, by the processor 204, the regulatory guidelines from the regulatory guidelines module 210. The regulatory guidelines module 210 may be configured to store regulatory guidelines for each ingredient, and may include predetermined threshold (maximum allowance) for each of the plurality of nutrients allowed in the product in different countries. The regulatory guidelines may also include names of ingredients banned in specific countries.
[0041] As explained above, the regulatory guidelines may be received based on the one or more inputs of the user with respect to the names of the countries where the product is to be consumed. For example, if the user of the platform 200 states that the product to be manufactured is “supplement for women with sedentary lifestyle” and the product is to be consumed in India, the regulatory guidelines module 210 may determine the corresponding regulatory guidelines in India that are applicable to products to be consumed by women with sedentary lifestyle.
[0042] Once the processor 204 receives the determined regulatory guidelines from the regulatory guidelines module 210, it compares the summation of the amount of each of the plurality of nutrients (that the processor 204 has already calculated, as explained above) with the respective predetermined threshold values mentioned in the regulatory guidelines. Based on the comparison, the processor 204 may be configured to determine whether the formulation is compliant with the regulatory guidelines or not. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the product may be non-compliant when the sum of a nutrient present in the product exceeds the predetermined threshold value for the nutrient, or if the formulation of the product includes an ingredient which is banned in the country where the product is expected to be consumed.
[0043] Also, the predetermined threshold, as mentioned above, may be different for different countries. Thus, the determination of the compliance of the product is based on the names of the countries input by the user.
[0044] Based on a determination that the formulation is non-compliant, the processor 204 may be configured to recommend modifications to the formulation of the product to be manufactured. The recommendation may include one or more of a second set of ratios for one or more ingredients of the first set of ingredients, a second serving size of the product, and one or more additional ingredients as a replacement to one or more ingredients of the first set of ingredients, or as an addition to the first set of ingredients. In accordance with further embodiments of the present invention, the recommendation may be based on one or more of the preferred taste of the product, the stability of the product such as shelf life and / or maintenance of the form of the product. The details of the recommendation may be understood in conjunction with Figs. 3A-3D.
[0045] Specifically, to provide recommendation based on the preferred taste of the product, the processor 204 may be configured to command the historical information module 212 to determine historical taste analysis information of each ingredient, which may be stored in the historical information module 212. The historical taste analysis information includes information associated with taste of each ingredient with corresponding ratios. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the historical taste analysis information may be received from customer feedback or test results conducted on the ingredients and their corresponding ratios in products, and then stored in the historical information module 212.
[0046] Based on the determination of the historical taste analysis, the processor 204 may be configured to correlate the historical taste analysis of each ingredient with the preferred taste of the product (from the one or more inputs). Based on the correlation, the processor 204 may be configured to recommend modifications to the formulation of the product to be manufactured.
[0047] Similarly, the historical information module 212 may be further configured to store the historical information associated with the stability of each ingredient with corresponding ratios. The processor 204 may be configured to command the historical information module 212 to receive the historical information associated with the stability of each of the first set of the ingredients. The historical information includes shelf life of each ingredient based on test results conducted on each ingredient. Based on the received information and the ratios of each ingredient, the processor 204 may be configured to recommend modifications to the formulation of the product to be manufactured so that its shelf life is increased.
[0048] In accordance with further embodiments of the present invention, the processor 204 may be further configured to recommend a category of the product based on one or more of the first set of ingredients and respective ratios. The recommendation of the category may be made based on the regulatory guidelines of the corresponding country. The category of the food product may include, but is not limited to, health supplement, nutritional product, functional food, dietary supplement, and the like. The category of the food product is important for the manufacturer to market the product accordingly (e.g. whether the product should be launched as prescription based product or over-the-counter product).
[0049] To recommend the category of the product, the processor 204 may command the regulatory guidelines module 210 to receive mapping of each ingredient with category names as per the Government regulations. Once the mapping is received, then the processor 204 may be configured to correlate the mapping of all the ingredients present in the formulation, to recommend the category name of the product.
[0050] In addition, the processor 204 may be configured to recommend a label for the product, for example Low fat or high fat, based on the first set of ingredients, their respective ratios and the corresponding regulatory guidelines. The processor 204 may also be configured to recommend the logo (for example Vegetarian or Non-Vegetarian) and warnings (for example, warning for allergic ingredients) that should be mentioned on the packaging of the product. This recommendation too is provided based on the proposed ingredients in the formulation, their respective ratios and the corresponding regulatory guidelines.
[0051] Once the above-mentioned recommendations are determined by the processor 204, they are displayed to the user using the output unit 206.
[0052] Figs. 3A-3D (collectively considered as Fig. 3) illustrate exemplary snapshots of the platform 300, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 3A, the snapshot of the platform 300 illustrates a plurality of attributes which might be inputted by the user of the platform 300. The plurality of attributes include, but are not limited to, client details 302, target consumer details 304 of the product, serving size 306, preferred flavor 308, ingredients 312, ratios 314 of the ingredients, and the like. The user may provide one or more of the plurality of inputs for the formulation of the product.
[0053] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the client details 302 may include, but are not limited to, the name of the client, quantities to be produced for the product, unit size (from the dropdown menu or can be added without dropdown as well) of each product, name of one or more countries (not shown in Fig. 3) where the product is to be consumed, proposed budget (not shown in Fig. 3) to manufacture the product, form (not shown in Fig. 3) of the product to be manufactured, such as capsule, powder, tablet and the like, specific requirements with respect to the product, etc.
[0054] The target consumer details 304 of the product may include, but are not limited to, category of the consumer such as men, women, kids, infants, etc.; and dietary requirements of the consumer based on one or more of lifestyle, nutritional requirements, activity level, and the like. For instance, the target consumer details 304 of the product may be product for men who does heavy work, men who does moderate work, women who does heavy work, women who does moderate work, lactating mother, kids who are more than 14 years old, infants, and the like.
[0055] The serving size 306 of the product may include, but is not limited to, recommended allowance of the quantity of the product per day or per serving. For instance, the recommend allowance of a product may be 10 mg or 500 mcg per day. In this case, the serving size could be 10 mg taken once a day, or 5 mg taken twice a day. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the serving size unit and quantity of the product may vary based on the form of the product. For example, the serving size may be different if the product is sold as a liquid, verses if the product is sold as a powder which should be consumed with a liquid (for example, water or milk).
[0056] In accordance with further embodiments of the present invention, the one or more inputs include preferred flavor or taste 308 of the product. For instance, the preferred flavor or taste may be, but not limited to, chocolate, vanilla, orange, lemon, raspberry, blueberry, and the like.
[0057] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the platform 300 may be configured to receive the first set of ingredients 312 from the user. The first set of ingredients 312 include the combination of the ingredients required to formulate the product. For instance, the ingredients required to make a protein powder may include whey protein concentrate, skimmed milk, flavored element, soya protein isolate, and the like. In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the platform 300 may be configured to recommend one or more ingredients of the first set of ingredients based on the other one or more inputs by the user. For instance, the platform 300 may recommend the first set of ingredients based on one or more of the target consumer details, preferred flavor, and serving size of the product.
[0058] In accordance with further embodiments of the present invention, the platform 300 may be configured to receive ratios of the respective first set of ingredients from the user. For instance, the user may enter ratio of the whey protein concentrate as 80%, soya protein isolate as 4%, maltodextrin dry as 2%, and skimmed milk as 8%. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the platform 300 may be configured to determine if the total ratio of the first set of ingredients is less or greater than 100%. Based on a determination that the total ratio is less or greater than 100%, the platform 300 may be configured to indicate the user to modify the ratio and/or ingredients for the formulation to make it to 100% and/or to make the formulation compliant with the government’s regulatory guidelines (as shown as element 320 in Fig. 3B).
[0059] After receiving the respective ratios of the first set of ingredients, the platform 300 may be configured to determine the amount of a plurality of nutrients present in each of the first set of ingredients. Based on the determined amount, the platform 300 may be further configured to calculate a summation of the amount of each of the plurality of nutrients in the product, from the first set of ingredients. For instance, the platform 300 may calculate that the product contains 80% protein, 5% vitamins, 3% potassium, and the like, based on the first set of ingredients and the provided ratios of the ingredients.
[0060] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the platform 300 may be configured to determine the regulatory guidelines of the product based on the one or more inputs of the user, as discussed above in conjunction with Figs. 1 and 2. For instance, the regulatory guidelines may be determined based on one or more of the target consumer details and the name of the country where the product will be consumed. As explained earlier, the regulatory guidelines may include predetermined threshold (maximum allowance) for nutrients allowed in the product.
[0061] Once the regulatory guidelines are determined, the platform 300 may be configured to compare the summation of each of the plurality of nutrients with the respective predetermined threshold. Based on the comparison, the platform 300 may be configured to determine whether the product is compliant with the regulatory guidelines, and indicate the compliance in element 310, as shown in Fig 3A.
[0062] As an example, the platform 300 may be configured to compare the summation of protein present in the formulation with the predetermined threshold to determine whether the quantity of protein is in the prescribed limits of the regulatory guidelines. In other words, the platform 300 may be configured to determine whether the product is compliant with regulatory guidelines or not. If the product is compliant, the element 310 indicates “yes”, otherwise the element 310 indicates “no”.
[0063] Based on a determination that a product is non-compliant with the regulatory guidelines, the platform 300 may be further configured to recommend a range for the non-compliant ingredient(s), For instance, as shown as element 322 in Fig. 3B, the platform 300 may determine that the product is non-compliant because of the ratio (80%) of the whey protein concentrate, and thus provides recommendation of the range (less than 75%) for the whey protein concentrate, to make it compliant with the regulatory guidelines. In accordance with further embodiments of the present invention, the platform 300 may be further configured to recommend alternative ingredients, or addition or removal of ingredients in order to make it compliant with the regulatory guidelines.
[0064] In accordance with further embodiments of the present invention, as mentioned earlier, the one or more inputs from the user may include names of the countries where the product is to be consumed. In this case, the regulatory guidelines may correspond to one or more countries where the product is to be consumed. For instance, once the user has provided ingredients to formulate the product, the platform 300 (as shown in the third snapshot of the platform 300 in Fig. 3C) may be configured to determine whether the formulation includes any ingredient(s) that is banned in one or more countries where the product is to be consumed. Based on the determination, the platform 300 may be configured to indicate whether the product is compliant with respect to the regulatory guidelines of the one or more countries. In other words, the platform 300 may be configured to indicate that the product is non-compliant if the formulation includes an ingredient that is banned in one or more countries where the product is to be consumed. In addition, the platform 300 may be configured to recommend alternative ingredient to make the formulation compliant for the one or more countries. For instance, as shown in elements 324 and 326 in Fig. 3C, the platform 300 may indicate that Maltodextrin Dry is banned in a specific country, and may thus recommend another ingredient to substitute Maltodextrin Dry.
[0065] In accordance with further embodiments of the present invention, the one or more inputs from the user may include preferred flavor or taste of the product. In this case, based on the received first set of ingredients and their ratios, the platform 300 (as shown in the fourth snapshot of the platform 300 in Fig. 3D) may be configured to recommend a range of ratios of one or more ingredients of the first set of ingredients based on the preferred taste or flavor. In accordance with further embodiment of the present invention, the platform 300 may be further configured to recommend additional ingredients based on the preferred taste or flavor. The additional ingredients may include new ingredients to be added to improve the taste of the product, or replacement of the existing ingredients. For instance, elements 328, 330, and 332 of Fig. 3D illustrate that the platform 300 recommends the user to keep the range of soya protein isolate in the range of 1-3% based on the preferred range, and add a specific ingredient to improve the taste. In accordance with further embodiments of the present invention, the platform 300 may be configured to recommend the first set of ingredients and respective ratios based on the preferred taste or flavor.
[0066] In accordance with further embodiments of the present invention, the platform 300 may be configured to calculate the shelf life of the product based on one or more of the first set of ingredients and respective ratios. Based on the calculation, the platform 300 may be configured to compare the calculated shelf life with predetermined threshold value of the shelf life. Based on the comparison, the platform 300 may be configured to recommend one or more of the second set of ratios and the one or more additional ingredients to improve the shelf life, and hence the stability of the product. Similarly, the platform 300 may be configured to recommend one or more of the second set of ratios and the one or more additional ingredients to maintain the form (such as powder form) of the product over a long time.
[0067] Fig. 4 describes a method 400 performed by the platform 300 for assisting preparation of formulation of a product. The method 400 begins at step 402. At step 404, the method 400 includes receiving one or more inputs from a user. The one or more inputs include, but are not limited to, target consumer details, a first set of ingredients to be used in the formulation of the product, a first set of ratios for the first set of ingredients, a first serving size, a preferred taste of the product, and names of the countries where the product is to be consumed.
[0068] The method 400 further includes step 406 of calculating a summation of amount of each of a plurality of nutrients in the product to be manufactured based on the received one or more inputs from the user. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the method 400 includes calculating the sum of the nutrients based on the first set of ingredients, and based on the first set of ratios for the first set of ingredients.
[0069] Based on the received one or more inputs from the user, the method 400 includes the step 408 of determining regulatory guidelines for the product to be manufactured. As mentioned in Fig. 1, the regulatory guidelines may include a set of regulations for each product. The set of regulations may include predetermined threshold (maximum allowance) for each of the plurality of nutrients allowed in the product. The regulatory guidelines may correspond to one or more countries where the product is to be consumed.
[0070] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the regulatory guidelines may be received based on the one or more inputs of the user with respect to the names of the countries where the product is to be consumed.
[0071] Once the summation of the nutrients is calculated and the regulatory guidelines are received, the method moves to step 410. At this step, the method includes comparing the summation of the amount of each of the plurality of nutrients with the respective predetermined threshold. Based on the comparison, the method 400 moves to step 412 of determining whether the formulation is compliant with the regulatory guidelines. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the product may be non-compliant when the sum of a nutrient present in the product exceeds the predetermined threshold for the nutrient. The predetermined threshold may be different for different countries. In accordance with further embodiment of the present invention, the product may be non-compliant if the formulation includes an ingredient that is banned in one or more countries where the product is to be consumed.
[0072] Based on a determination that the formulation is non-compliant, the method moves to step 414 of recommending modifications to the formulation of the product to be manufactured. The recommendation may include one or more of a second set of ratios for one or more ingredients of the first set of ingredients, a second serving size of the product, and one or more additional ingredients as a replacement to one or more ingredients of the first set of ingredients, or as an addition to the first set of ingredients. In accordance with further embodiments of the present invention, the recommendation to the modification may be based on one or more of the preferred taste of the product, stability of the product such as shelf life and / or maintenance of the form of the product. The method ends at step 416.
[0073] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims.
[0074] It will be appreciated that some embodiments may be comprised of one or more generic or specialized processors (or “processing devices”) such as microprocessors, digital signal processors, customized processors and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and unique stored program instructions (including both software and firmware) that control the one or more processors to implement, in conjunction with certain non-processor circuits, some, most, or all of the functions of the method described herein. Alternatively, some or all functions could be implemented by a state machine that has no stored program instructions, or in one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), in which each function or some combinations of certain of the functions may be implemented as custom logic. Of course, a combination of the two approaches could be used.

CLAIMS

I/We Claim:

1. A platform (200) for assisting preparation of formulation of a product to be manufactured, the platform (200) comprising:
a receiver (202) configured to:
receive one or more inputs from a user, wherein the one or more inputs comprise target consumer details, a first set of ingredients to be used in the formulation of the product, a first set of ratios for the first set of ingredients, and a first serving size of the product; and
a processor (204) configured to:
calculate a summation of amount of each of a plurality of nutrients in the product to be manufactured based on the one or more inputs;
determine, based on the one or more inputs, regulatory guidelines for the product to be manufactured, wherein the regulatory guidelines comprise a predetermined threshold value of each of the plurality of nutrients allowed in the product to be manufactured;
compare the summation of the amount of each of the plurality of nutrients with respective predetermined threshold value;
determine, based on the comparison, whether the formulation of the product is compliant with the regulatory guidelines, and
recommend, based on a determination that the product is non-compliant, modifications to the formulation of the product to be manufactured, wherein the recommendation comprises one or more of: a second set of ratios for one or more ingredients of the first set of ingredients, and a second serving size of the product.

2. The platform (200) according to claim 1, wherein the processor (204) is further configured to recommend one or more additional ingredients to formulate the product, wherein the one or more additional ingredients are recommended as a replacement to one or more ingredients of the first set of ingredients, or as an addition to the first set of ingredients.

3. The platform (200) according to claim 2, wherein the one or more inputs further comprise a preferred taste for the product to be manufactured.

4. The platform (200) of claim 3, wherein the processor (204) is configured to recommend one or more of the modifications to the formulation of the product to be manufactured and the one or more additional ingredients based on the preferred taste.

5. The platform (200) according to claim 2, wherein the recommendation of one or more of the second set of ratios and the one or more additional ingredients are based on stability of the product to be manufactured, and wherein the stability comprises one or more of a shelf life of the product and maintenance of form of the product.

6. The platform (200) according to claim 1, wherein the one or more inputs further comprise names of one or more countries where the product is to be consumed.

7. The platform (200) according to claim 6, wherein the regulatory guidelines correspond to the one or more countries where the product is to be consumed.

8. The platform (200) according to claim 1, wherein the target consumer details comprise one or more of a category of the consumer and dietary requirements of the consumer.

9. A method (400) for assisting preparation of formulation of a product to be manufactured, the method comprising:
receiving (404) one or more inputs from a user, wherein the one or more inputs comprise target consumer details, a first set of ingredients to be used in the formulation of the product, a first set of ratios for the first set of ingredients, and a first serving size of the product;
calculating (406) a summation of amount of each of a plurality of nutrients in the product to be manufactured based on the one or more inputs;
determining (408), based on the one or more inputs, regulatory guidelines for the product to be manufactured, wherein the regulatory guidelines comprise a predetermined threshold value of each of the plurality of nutrients allowed in the product to be manufactured;
comparing (410) the summation of the amount of each of the plurality of nutrients with respective predetermined threshold value;
determining (412), based on the comparison, whether the formulation of the product is compliant with the regulatory guidelines, and
recommending (414), based on a determination that the product is non-compliant, modifications to the formulation of the product to be manufactured, wherein the recommendation comprises one or more of: a second set of ratios for one or more ingredients of the first set of ingredients, and a second serving size of the product.

10. The method (400) according to claim 9 further comprising recommending one or more additional ingredients to formulate the product, wherein the one or more additional ingredients are recommended as a replacement to one or more ingredients of the first set of ingredients, or as an addition to the first set of ingredients.