The Need

Microwaves are one of the most common and convenient appliances for heating food and beverages. However, microwaves often heat unevenly, resulting in hot spots and cold spots in the food. Therefore, there is a need for a technology that can accurately estimate the temperature and nutrient content of items heated in a microwave, and provide feedback to the user.

The Technology

Kannan Athreya and Avishek Banerjee, researchers at The Ohio State University, have created RFTemp, a system and method for determining the temperature and nutrient content of items in a microwave. The system comprises an antenna that measures the emission value from the exterior of the microwave, and a trained water model that measures the temperature change of an item. RFTemp can also determine the nutrient profile of anitem. The system can provide feedback to the user on the optimal heating time and power level for nutrients and avoiding overheating or underheating food.

Commercial Applications

• Smart microwaves that can adjust the heating time and power level based on the temperature and nutrient content of the items.
• Food preparation services that can ensure the quality and safety of the food by monitoring the temperature and nutrient content of the items.
• Nutrition tracking apps that can record the nutrient intake of the user by scanning the items heated in the microwave.
• Food packaging that can display the temperature and nutrient content of the items heated in the microwave.
• Food safety agencies that can inspect and regulate the temperature and nutrient content of the items heated in the microwave.

Benefits/Advantages

• Improved user experience and satisfaction by providing optimal heating results and feedback.
• Enhanced food quality and safety by preventing overcooking or undercooking, and preserving nutrients.
• Increased convenience and efficiency by eliminating the need for manual temperature checks or probes.
• Reduced energy consumption and waste by avoiding unnecessary reheating or discarding of food.
• Expanded market opportunities and competitiveness by offering a novel and innovative technology.