New food package "programs" a microwave with cooking instructions

Scientists at Rutgers University have combined food, packaging and information technologies to create the Intelligent Microwave Oven (IMWO) system. This new system allows food manufacturers to encode information on microwavable food packages that automatically provides cooking instructions to the oven.

The IMWO allows consumers to prepare packaged microwavable food by simply passing the information code on the package in front of a scanner built into the oven. This eliminates the need for consumers to read instructions, program information into the microwave oven's control panel, convert instructions from the food manufacturer's oven size to the consumer's oven size or take intermediate steps such as changing power levels.

IMWO ensures food is prepared at the highest quality possible in the microwave oven with minimal effort from consumers.

In addition to being able to read encoded information, the current IMWO prototype also provides real-time Web communication between consumers and manufacturers via a small panel on the oven's front, giving consumers the opportunity to pose questions or comments as they arise. It also provides manufacturers with possibilities for advertising, marketing and research. Microwave oven manufacturer Samsung Electronics provided equipment and in-kind support to Rutgers for further development.

For more information from Rutgers, call (732) 932-9003 or mark Item #231.

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