Integrated and compartmentalized system and method for food storage and processing
A system is provided that offers climate control, and optionally other processing, in separated compartments that hold items in removable and/or lockable containers that may be individually climate-controlled. In addition to these basic functions, the system can integrate functions for notifying users of important events. Examples include, but are not limited to, sensor readings that indicate spoiled food, temperature changes outside a desired range, containers not opened or removed within a predetermined time period, etc. Different processing options for items stored in the compartments may be integrated into the system. Examples of advanced processing include, but are not limited to, heating (thawing, cooking), pressurizing or depressurizing containers, physical movement of items (vibrating, turning content in the container), etc.
1 . A system for storing and/or processing perishable or non-perishable items, comprising:
a housing;
at least two compartments contained within the housing, wherein each compartment is adapted to contain perishable or non-perishable items;
a refrigeration unit associated with each compartment;
an induction heating element positioned at the bottom of at least one compartment, wherein the heating element is configured for heating the compartment;
a photoelectric sensor positioned below the induction heating element, wherein the photoelectric sensor is configured to detect the color of cookware placed on the induction heating element; and
a processor contained within the housing in communication with the refrigeration unit and the induction heating element wherein the processor is adapted to individually control heating and refrigeration of each compartment, to initiate a predetermined cooking program based on the color of the cookware detected by the photoelectric sensor.
2 . The system according to claim 1 , further comprising removable containers positioned within the compartments, and wherein the compartments are lockable.
3 . The system according to claim 1 , comprising at least 8 compartments contained within the housing.
4 . The system according to claim 3 , comprising at least 20 compartments contained within the housing.