A research group led by Professor Kosuke Sato of the Graduate School of Osaka University has realized the embedding of edible data for the first time in the world by forming a special pattern inside food using a food 3D printer.It is expected to improve food safety and develop new food experiences.
Until now, information such as the expiration date, place of origin, and allergens contained in food was generally printed on non-food items such as packaging.If data can be embedded in the food itself, the information can be confirmed after opening the package until just before eating, but printing on the surface of the food changes its appearance.On the other hand, food 3D printers that "print" food in three dimensions have attracted attention, and it has become possible to freely design the external shape and internal structure of food.
This time, when creating cookies with a food 3D printer, the research group placed different colored fabrics in specific positions inside and created spaces to create spatial codes (2D codes, AR markers, etc.) inside. Developed forming technology.We have established an internal structure design technology that does not show the internal pattern on the surface when the dough is baked, and does not greatly affect the texture and strength.This was also successful with minced pork.
In addition, transmission imaging technology for the internal structure of food enables the reading of data invisible to the human eye.Light is emitted from the back to reveal the internal spatial code on the surface, which is then photographed from the front with a camera.
As a result, it will be possible to develop new food experiences in addition to improving food safety.For example, if cookie information is provided to an Internet-connected coffee maker, it is possible to extract coffee at the optimum temperature and strength to enjoy the cookie.Also, if graphics information is embedded in a cookie, images can be projected onto the cookie using projection mapping.
