Methods for operating a food processor and food processor

Abstract

A method for operating a food processor, wherein the food processor has a preparation vessel, for example in the form of a mixing vessel, wherein a processing element such as a stirrer may be located in the preparation vessel, wherein furthermore, preferably stepwise triggerable by a user, predetermined processing operations are carried out by the food processor, and for a processing operation, the addition of a quantity of a medium determined with respect to a weight or volume to the preparation vessel may be provided, characterized in that the quantity of the added medium is detected and the detected quantity is compared with the quantity provided for the processing operation, optionally on the basis of a known specific gravity associated with the medium, to trigger a reaction of the food processor in any case when the detected quantity,If necessary, if a predetermined bandwidth is exceeded or not reached, the quantity deviates from the quantity provided for in the processing operation, and if the recorded quantity of the medium matches a quantity of a medium provided for in another processing operation, possibly within a predetermined bandwidth, it is allocated to that medium of the other processing operation.

Description

[0001] The invention relates firstly to a method for operating a kitchen machine according to the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] The invention further relates to a kitchen machine according to the features of the preamble of claim 8.

[0003] Such kitchen machines and such a method for operating kitchen machines are already known. For example, from DE 10 2007 059 236 A1. Furthermore, reference should be made, for example, to EP 0 757 530 B1, concerning a particular preparation method in such a kitchen machine. Methods are also known by which processing operations are carried out in the manner of recipe execution. For this, reference should be made, for example, to DE 10 2010 060 650 A1.

[0004] A set of processing steps, which can also be referred to as a recipe, can be selected by a user from among a number of such sets or recipes. These sets or recipes can be stored in the food processor, for example, as data in a corresponding data storage device. They can also be partially or completely stored on a separate data storage device, such as a USB flash drive, which is electrically connectable to the food processor, or they can be transmitted to the food processor wirelessly from a data storage device. Furthermore, such processing steps can also be transmitted directly to the food processor's control system from a separate device, particularly a data processing device such as a computer, via a wired or wireless connection.

[0005] With known methods, it can happen that a user enters a quantity of medium that does not correspond to the required quantity or to the quantity required at that point in the processing operation. Such handling can adversely affect the success of the preparation.

[0006] The kitchen machines, which are assumed to be known, also allow the addition of a quantity of medium that does not correspond to the assumed quantity or to the quantity assumed at this point in a processing operation.

[0007] In a bread-making machine known from US Patent 5,605,090 A, the ratio of input ingredients to added water is determined and compared with values ​​from a database. Based on this, the bread-making machine calculates and executes the respective processing times for operations such as kneading.

[0008] From GB 2 251 960 A a system for food preparation is known, wherein, upon addition of a medium, the user is shown when the target value has been reached.

[0009] From EP 2 540 199 B1, an electric cooker with a weighing function is known, whereby cooking phases are detected by weighing the cooking pot and its contents. The weight of an ingredient is compared with values ​​in a database, and the nearest value obtained is used to indicate to the user the additional quantities of ingredients to be added.

[0010] A kitchen scale, which can be operated in conjunction with a food processor, is known from WO 2010 / 133 154 A1. If there is a deviation in the added quantity of an ingredient, the pre-programmed recipes are adjusted.

[0011] From CN 1 02 736 530 A a kitchen appliance is known which detects a main ingredient and, based on this, calculates and displays the proportions of other ingredients specified by a recipe.

[0012] Starting from a prior art such as that described in US 5,605,090 A, the invention addresses the problem of providing a method for operating a food processor that makes it possible to achieve a favorable result even when an insufficient quantity of ingredients is input for a processing operation. The invention also addresses the problem of providing a food processor that makes it possible to achieve a favorable result even when an insufficient quantity of ingredients is input for a processing operation.

[0013] This problem is solved with regard to the method of claim 1, wherein the addition of the medium is detected with respect to weight or volume and the detected weight or volume is compared with the quantity provided for the processing operation, optionally on the basis of a known specific gravity assigned to the medium, to trigger a reaction of the food processor at least when the detected quantity, optionally when exceeding or falling below a predetermined range, deviates from the quantity provided for in the processing operation, and insofar as the detected quantity of the medium, if it matches, optionally within a predetermined range, a quantity of a medium provided for in another processing operation, is assigned to that medium of the other processing operation.

[0014] With regard to the food processor, the problem is solved in the subject matter of claim 8, wherein the addition of the medium is detectable with respect to weight or volume and the detected weight or volume is comparable to the quantity provided for the processing operation, optionally on the basis of a known specific gravity assigned to the medium, to trigger a reaction of the food processor at least when the detected quantity, optionally when exceeding or falling below a predetermined range, deviates from the quantity provided for in the processing operation and that the detected quantity of the medium, if it corresponds, optionally within a predetermined range, to a quantity of a medium provided for in another processing operation, can be assigned to that medium of the other processing operation.

[0015] The invention essentially proceeds by allowing the addition of a quantity not corresponding to an assigned processing step, but using this quantity to trigger a reaction in the food processor and, if it matches a quantity of a medium provided for in another processing step, optionally within a predetermined range, assigning it to that medium of the other processing step. This can also be done optionally with regard to a modified overall result assumed by the food processor, optionally acknowledged by the user, or inputtable by the user. The modified overall result could, for example, mean that a different consistency (viscosity) of the prepared food is achieved and / or that a different quantity (number of portions) is prepared.

[0016] Regarding the necessary measurement of the weight of the added quantity of ingredients, the food processor may have an integrated scale. Alternatively, it may use a scale that is independent of the food processor or connected to it wirelessly or via a wired connection, but otherwise not directly linked to the food processor. If necessary, the food processor may first require the user to input the weight of the ingredient, which is then typically weighed independently of the food processor. For this purpose, the food processor may have a control panel, for example, with a display, through which the quantity can be entered using analog or digital input methods. With regard to volume, the user may be required to enter a suitable unit, such as liters or tablespoons (based on a standard measurement).

[0017] A media specification can usually be omitted or not provided for, since the food processor can assume the medium intended for input at the relevant point in a processing operation, such as flour.

[0018] Preferably, the weight of the medium to be added is processed directly by the food processor without user intervention. For this purpose, the food processor preferably has a computing unit, for example with a microprocessor, with which the corresponding calculations can be performed. A weight detected by the scale or an input weight can be compared by this computing unit with a specific weight stored for the medium used in the processing operation. This is particularly relevant when a specific volume is specified or predetermined in the operation. Alternatively, the food processor can also require the user to input a specific weight at such a point in the processing.

[0019] Specific gravity can be used to determine whether the quantity to be added corresponds to the quantity of medium required in the processing operation (e.g., 1 liter). It is useful to define a range for this purpose, for example, 0.1 to 5% of the quantity to be added in this operation. If the added quantity matches the required quantity, or is at least within a defined range, it is preferred that the food processor does not react in any way the user can perceive, but rather continues processing in the usual manner.

[0020] If a specific total weight of a quantity of medium to be added is specified in a processing step, then the aforementioned case applies in which the food processor does not require a specific weight. For example, the process might involve adding 100 g of sugar or 100 g of flour. In this case, the food processor's check can be limited to whether the scale displays or reports 100 g (or a value within a predefined range).

[0021] If the measured quantity of the medium corresponds to a quantity of the same medium planned for another processing operation, the measured quantity is allocated to that medium in the other processing operation. This can also be made dependent on whether the measured quantity of the medium falls within a predefined range.

[0022] Regarding the control system of the food processor, it is possible to check whether a user adds, for example, the quantity of flour specified in a subsequent processing step (e.g., 200 g), but not the quantity of sugar specified in the current processing step (e.g., 100 g). The food processor's control system can be designed to detect that the user has accidentally added flour when sugar should have been added. Based on this, the control system can then modify the processing steps so that the subsequent step requires or expects the addition of 100 g of sugar, instead of 200 g of flour. If necessary, the process can also be adjusted accordingly, for example, by stirring and / or heating.

[0023] This interpretation of the addition of medium by a user can be displayed to the user by the food processor. For example, through a readable message on a display. It can also be a voice message. Furthermore, a signal can also be given.

[0024] Furthermore, a colored representation, for example in the form of a colored symbol, can also be used, whereby the color of the symbol also indicates the degree to which the specified quantity has been exceeded and / or a repurposing carried out by the kitchen machine in the described sense with regard to the processing operations.

[0025] A distinction can also be made between falling below and exceeding the specified quantity, or, if applicable, the specified range. Different displays or notifications may be provided in this regard, depending on the specific case.

[0026] In a further preferred embodiment, the food processor responds to a corresponding over- or under-delivery of a predetermined quantity by adjusting one or more further quantities of media to be added in subsequent processing steps. For example, if 120 g of sugar are added in a first processing step instead of, say, 100 g, the control system of the food processor can be designed so that a subsequent addition of, say, flour is adjusted to this (increased) quantity of, say, sugar.It may also be possible, for example, for the food processor to inform the user, possibly requesting confirmation, that the following processing steps assume, and automatically adjust the quantities accordingly, that the number of people for whom the preparation is to be made, or the total quantity of the food to be prepared, has changed to a number or total quantity specified by the food processor.

[0027] The food processor can also adjust one or more of the quantities of ingredients specified in the recipe. The recipe is specifically designed to prepare a dish with a predetermined number of servings, for example, two servings, or a predetermined quantity, for example, one kilogram. Based on the scale signal when an ingredient is added during a processing step, or in relation to a specified volume, the desired number of servings or quantity can be determined. This is achieved primarily through dynamic monitoring of the scale signal during the addition of a specific ingredient, which is crucial for the volume or quantity of the prepared dish after the entire recipe has been processed.Dynamic monitoring of the scale signal involves comparing the input quantity with the quantity specified in the processing operation and taking into account any differing quantities for one or more subsequent processing operations. Depending on the detected quantity of a medium that at least partially determines the number of portions or quantity, the amount of other media to be added during the recipe, which also influences the number of portions or quantity, is preferably adjusted.

[0028] Furthermore, by dynamically monitoring the scale signal during a processing step, the desired consistency can be determined based on a corresponding deviation from the intended quantity when a medium influencing the consistency of the food is required. A medium influencing consistency could be, for example, water, broth, milk, or another liquid. Preferably, in this case as well, the quantity of one or more additional media to be added is adjusted.

[0029] If a user adds a larger quantity of a consistency-influencing medium (viscosity) than intended, the food processor can, for example, infer a desired more liquid or thicker consistency. If necessary, the food processor can also offer the user a choice in such a case, allowing them to select which goal should be pursued. For example, the goal of a changed consistency (thicker / thinner) and / or the goal of a higher number of servings / a larger quantity than originally intended for preparation.

[0030] Beyond physical viscosity, consistency can also refer to variations that are essentially only noticeable visually or upon consumption, such as creamy, doughy, or the like.

[0031] Preferably, during a processing operation in which the addition of a medium is required, the quantity of medium required in the processing operation and, more preferably, the quantity changed due to appropriate adjustments (for example, due to portion or consistency changes) compared to the originally intended quantity are displayed.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, a recipe contains, in addition to the quantities of media to be added, preparation parameters for a processing step, such as, in particular, the speed of the agitator, the temperature of any heating element acting on the medium(s), and / or the duration of agitation and / or heating activity. For example, in processing steps of the recipe, a predetermined speed of the agitator is set, preferably automatically, and more preferably, a duration for which the agitator is activated is also set.

[0033] A change in the sequence or quantity of added medium can also, alternatively or additionally, result in a change to one or more preparation parameters. A possible change to one or more preparation parameters, particularly as a result of the food processor adjusting to a quantity of added medium that differs from the specifications, will preferably be suggested to the user. If suggested, the user can accept the suggestion, after which the food processor will proceed according to one or more of the suggested changes.

[0034] Acceptance by the user, also known as acknowledgment, can be done, for example, by pressing a button activated for this purpose or by touching a predefined active field in a touch display.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the duration of the heating effect and / or the duration of the agitator rotation is lengthened or decreased according to the detected quantity of the added medium, particularly when adding a medium that is crucial for the total volume of the finished recipe.

[0036] Alternatively, the food processor can automatically adjust one or more preparation parameters, preferably without user intervention. In this context, it is also possible to display the changed preparation parameter(s) for the user's information. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the user can reverse the automatic adjustment of a preparation parameter by an action such as pressing a button, thereby resetting the preparation parameter to its original value for the corresponding processing step.

[0037] The quantity of medium to be added in a first processing step is assigned to the medium of a second processing step if it matches a quantity specified in that second step, possibly within a predefined range. This allows the system to identify, preferably solely based on an evaluation of the scale signal, which medium or ingredient of the recipe being processed has been added by the user. Particularly in the case of a recipe or processing step where the individual media to be added differ significantly in quantity or mass, the proposed solution allows the food processor to unambiguously detect the added medium, thus making the order in which the individual media are added arbitrary.By analyzing the quantity of a medium added, it is possible to determine which medium is being added simply by comparing it with the quantities of all media to be added specified in the processing step or recipe. For example, if a recipe calls for the addition of, say, 100g of water in one processing step and the addition of, say, 200g of milk in a subsequent (possibly later) processing step, then, based on an analysis of the subsequent processing steps and the quantities assigned to them, the corresponding medium – in this case, milk – will be identified as the added medium.

[0038] A significant difference between quantities may exist, in particular, if the quantities differ in terms of their weight or volume by 5% or more, up to double or triple or more.

[0039] Especially when different media are used within a recipe, which also differ greatly in terms of quantity or weight, the nature of the medium can be deduced by evaluation solely based on the relative weight ratio, regardless of the order in which they are added.

[0040] Preferably, in a further development, the assignment of the detected quantity of the medium to a quantity specified (only) in another processing step is displayed in a display field of the food processor or communicated to the user in another way (e.g., acoustically). The user is informed about the medium assigned based on the detected quantity in comparison with the other media additions within the recipe and, if applicable, to another processing step. Preferably, confirmation of the display by the user is required, whereupon the next processing step within the recipe is (only) triggered.

[0041] A food processor, such as the one used in this context or described herein, has the following components and operating modes. It includes a preparation vessel, in particular a cooking vessel. The preparation vessel can preferably be heated in its lower section for cooking purposes. Heating can be achieved through various means, for example, induction or conduction. The preparation vessel can be fitted with a lid. The lid can be designed to lock the preparation vessel. Furthermore, it can be designed so that processing, at least in the sense of intense heating or vigorous stirring, cannot be carried out if the lid is not locked.

[0042] Another preparation vessel can be placed on the lid, or the lid itself can be equipped with features that allow it to be attached directly to the vessel, similar to a lid. Food can then be cooked in this second preparation vessel using steam generated in the first vessel. The steam generation can be controlled, for example, by operating the stirring mechanism.

[0043] The agitator can be operated at various speeds, for example from just one or two revolutions per minute up to several hundred, possibly up to 1,000 rpm or higher.

[0044] It may also include a so-called turbo function, in which a very high speed, in the range of several hundred rpm, for example 600 to 1,000 rpm, is generated by the food processor at the touch of a button.

[0045] A timer switch may be provided. This allows the duration of the stirring and / or heating effect on the product being prepared to be controlled over time.

[0046] All these possible influences, in particular with regard to a heating temperature and / or a stirring speed and / or a duration of influence, can be changed and adapted by the kitchen machine in the context given here, deviating from measures provided for in a recipe or individual processing steps, as a result of the aforementioned measurement of a weight or volume of an added medium.

[0047] The bandwidths specified here, for example 0.5 to 5%, 100 to 200 g, or 100 to 200 rpm, are to be understood as including all intermediate values. This includes increments of 1 / 10 or 1 increment of the respective dimension or quantity. For example, 0.6% to 5%, 0.5% to 4.9%, 101 rpm to 200 rpm, or 100 rpm to 199 rpm, etc. This applies not only to modifying the aforementioned bandwidths as described, but also to revealing singular values ​​obtained through any number of the aforementioned steps within the specified bandwidth.

Claims

[1] Method for operating a food processor, wherein the food processor has a preparation vessel, for example in the form of a mixing vessel, wherein an action means such as a stirrer can be located in the preparation vessel, wherein further, preferably in a step-by-step manner triggered by a user, predetermined processing operations are carried out by the food processor and for a processing operation, the addition of a quantity of a medium determined in terms of weight or volume into the preparation vessel can be provided, characterized bythat the addition of the medium is recorded with regard to its quantity and the recorded quantity is compared with the quantity provided for the processing operation, if appropriate on the basis of a known specific weight assigned to the medium, in order to trigger a reaction of the food processor in any case when the recorded quantity deviates from the quantity provided for in the processing operation, if appropriate when exceeding or falling below a predetermined range, and that the recorded quantity of the medium is assigned to the medium of the other processing operation if it matches, if appropriate within a predetermined range, a quantity of a medium provided for in another processing operation. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that the food processor's response is a display in a display panel and / or an acoustic signal. [3] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the food processor reacts by adjusting one or more quantities of media to be added as specified in a recipe. [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a recipe contains preparation parameters for a processing operation such as speed of the agitator, temperature of a heater and / or time period of agitator and / or heater action. [5] Method according to claim 4, characterized by that a possible change to one or more preparation parameters is suggested to the user. [6] Method according to claim 4, characterized by that the food processor reacts by automatically adjusting one or more preparation parameters. [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the allocation of the recorded quantity of the medium to the quantity of a medium specified in another processing operation triggers a notification to inform the user or to obtain approval from the user. [8] A food processor with a preparation vessel, for example in the form of a mixing vessel, wherein an operating means such as a stirrer can be located in the preparation vessel, wherein further, preferably in a step-by-step manner triggered by a user, predetermined processing operations are carried out by the food processor and for a processing operation, the addition of a quantity of a medium determined in terms of weight or volume into the preparation vessel can be provided, characterized bythat the addition of the medium can be detected in terms of quantity and that the detected quantity is comparable with the quantity provided for the processing operation, if appropriate on the basis of a known specific weight assigned to the medium, in order to trigger a reaction of the food processor in any case when the detected quantity deviates from the quantity provided for in the processing operation, if appropriate when exceeding or falling below a predetermined range, and that the detected quantity of the medium can be assigned to this medium of the other processing operation if it corresponds, if appropriate within a predetermined range, to a quantity of a medium provided for in another processing operation.