RFIQin, also referred to as RFIQ, is a
patented
automatic cooking device that consists of three different sized pans, a
portable induction heater
An induction heater is a key piece of equipment used in all forms of induction heating. Typically an induction heater operates at either medium frequency (MF) or radio frequency (RF) ranges.Rudnev, p. 229.
Four main component systems form the bas ...
, and recipe cards, which is designed by
Vita Craft Corporation, but is currently only sold in Japan through
Vita Craft Japan. Electronics are embedded in the cookware, which monitor the food and send wireless signals to adjust the temperature of the induction heater accordingly; this prevents the loss of
nutrients and saves thermal energy because the food is not overheated. Specialized recipe cards transmit a wireless signal to the RFIQin system when a recipe card is waved under the handle of the pan, initiating the cooking process. Each recipe card can include 23 distinct recipe steps. The recipe cards have cooking steps to follow that are indicated by a beeping sound from the induction heater. The system can cook almost all types of food, including
cakes and
fried foods
Frying is the cooking of food in oil or another fat. Similar to sautéing, pan-fried foods are generally turned over once or twice during cooking to make sure that the food is well-made, using tongs or a spatula, while sautéed foods are cooked ...
.
Each pan is embedded with a
RFID
Radio-frequency identification (RFID) uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects. An RFID system consists of a tiny radio transponder, a radio receiver and transmitter. When triggered by an electromag ...
tag in the handle of cookware, which is covered by a special pan tag that protects the RFID tag from heat and moisture. A temperature sensor connected to the RFID tag is imbedded within a tunnel in the bottom center of the pan.
The RFID tag monitors the food 16 times per second and transmits a proprietary signal to the , induction heater regarding the heating characteristics of the contents as well as the temperature of the contents to adjust the heat accordingly;
the special pan tag is not battery powered and does not need to be recharged.
During the cooking process the food does not need to be monitored or stirred because the pans use waterless cooking methods and the induction heater uses alternating pulses to control the heat, so the liquid in the pans continually revolves in a circular motion. The RFIQin pans are built with a vapor seal that enables the pans to use techniques of
pressure cooking
Pressure cooking is the process of cooking food under high pressure steam and water or a water-based cooking liquid, in a sealed vessel known as a ''pressure cooker''. High pressure limits boiling, and creates higher cooking temperatures which c ...
.
The portable induction heater and cookware can be used in a manual mode as a regular induction heater.
Popular Science
''Popular Science'' (also known as ''PopSci'') is an American digital magazine carrying popular science content, which refers to articles for the general reader on science and technology subjects. ''Popular Science'' has won over 58 awards, incl ...
reported RFIQin will cost $600; however, in May 2006, ''
The Sacramento Bee
''The Sacramento Bee'' is a daily newspaper published in Sacramento, California, in the United States. Since its foundation in 1857, ''The Bee'' has become the largest newspaper in Sacramento, the fifth largest newspaper in California, and the 2 ...
'' reported that RFIQin costs $2,100 (241,500 yen) in Japan.
See also
*
Induction cooking
Induction cooking is performed using direct induction heating of cooking vessels, rather than relying on indirect radiation, convection, or thermal conduction. Induction cooking allows high power and very rapid increases in temperature to be ach ...
*
Pressure cooking
Pressure cooking is the process of cooking food under high pressure steam and water or a water-based cooking liquid, in a sealed vessel known as a ''pressure cooker''. High pressure limits boiling, and creates higher cooking temperatures which c ...
References
External links
Vita Craft Corporation: RFIQ*, description of RFIQ
(RealPlayer required)
{{DEFAULTSORT:Rfiqin
Automatic identification and data capture
Cooking appliance brands
Radio-frequency identification