SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FOOD PREPARATION

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system for preparing a meal. The system comprises a monitoring device for the preparation of the meal by a kitchen appliance and a control device for the preparation of the meal using an electronically stored recipe. The system comprises a mobile device.

[0002] The invention also relates to a food thermometer and a method.

[0003] When preparing a dish from food, many processing steps must be carried out in quick succession. For example, preparing chops may require peeling and mincing garlic, washing and mincing herbs, and mixing the chopped herbs with the chopped garlic, spices, and oil. The chops are then marinated in the prepared marinade. Once this is done, a resting period of, say, 60 minutes can be allowed to allow the marinade to take effect. Afterward, the chops are then heated, for example, on a grill. Therefore, further processing steps are required.

[0004] When preparing a meal, there are periods of time that require human activity and thus their presence. There can also be periods of time that do not require human activity. The human can be absent in these periods, meaning they do not need to be near the chops. This person will be referred to as the "user" in the following.

[0005] To reduce the workload for users during meal preparation, there are kitchen appliances such as food processors with food preparation containers and heating devices. Food processors can increase the level of automation in meal preparation. For example, a food processor's control unit can automatically adjust the temperature of the food preparation container. This eliminates the need for a user to monitor and intervene if necessary to prevent temperatures from becoming too high or too low. A user can be absent if no other processing steps need to be performed manually. A higher level of automation therefore allows for longer periods of absence.

[0006] To make it easier for a user to be away, a food processor can include a timer and a speaker. For example, the timer can be used to manually or automatically set the time required to bring a dish to temperature. When the timer expires, an audible signal alerts the user that the cooking time has reached its end. A user may be away in this case, but they must be within earshot to hear the signal.

[0007] Publication EP 3056 882 A1 discloses a method for measuring a temperature within a cooking appliance using a temperature sensor arranged in the food being cooked. Publication CN 111 449 493 A describes a structure for measuring a temperature with a pot lid in which a temperature sensor, a Bluetooth module, a battery, and a charging circuit are arranged.

[0008] The object of the invention is to relieve the burden on a user who wants to prepare a meal.

[0009] To achieve this object, a system comprises the features of the first claim. A method comprises the features of the dependent claim. Advantageous embodiments comprise the features of the dependent claims.

[0010] To achieve this objective, a system for preparing a meal is provided, comprising a monitoring device for monitoring the meal. The system comprises a control device for preparing the meal using a kitchen appliance and an electronically stored recipe. The system comprises a device, in particular a mobile device. The system can also comprise both the mobile device and the non-mobile device. The monitoring device can communicate with the control device and the preferably mobile device. The preferably mobile device can transmit information from the monitoring device to a user. The system enables a meal to be prepared with a high degree of automation. The higher the degree of automation, the less time a user needs to be present during meal preparation.To maximize the time a user can be away, the system includes a mobile device. Using the mobile device, even an absent user can obtain information about the status of a meal preparation. This allows the user to better estimate when their presence will be required again during meal preparation. The invention can thus facilitate absence. In particular, a user does not need to be within earshot.

[0011] Dishes are made from foodstuffs. To prepare a dish, one or more foodstuffs are processed. Processing may involve mechanical processing of foodstuffs, such as mixing, stirring, and / or chopping foodstuffs. Processing may involve the application of heat. Heat may be applied, for example, to meat, vegetables, casseroles, or dough for baked goods to produce a dish or to contribute to the preparation of a dish.

[0012] A kitchen appliance is a stationary appliance that is set up, for example, in a kitchen for preparing a meal. A kitchen appliance is an appliance that can and should contribute to the preparation of a meal. The kitchen appliance generally comprises a container or a space in which a meal can be prepared. The kitchen appliance may comprise a tool with which food can be processed. The tool may be a mixing tool and / or a cutting tool for stirring, mixing, and / or chopping food. The kitchen appliance may comprise a tempering device with which food can be tempered for preparing a meal. Tempering may comprise heating or cooling. The kitchen appliance may comprise a steam generating device to process food using steam.

[0013] The monitoring device comprises one or more detectors with which the preparation of a meal can be monitored. A detector can, for example, be a temperature sensor, an optical sensor, a humidity sensor, or a weight sensor. The monitoring device monitors one or more conditions prevailing in the meal or in the environment surrounding the meal. The monitoring device can therefore, for example, monitor temperatures, optical conditions, humidity, or weight during the preparation of a meal. The monitoring device can, for example, be a camera with which a meal can be visually monitored during preparation.

[0014] The control device can control the preparation of a meal using an electronically stored recipe. The control device can be a computer programmed and configured to control the preparation of a meal. The recipe can be stored in a memory of the control device. The recipe can be stored in an external memory. The control device can be configured to access the externally stored recipe, for example, via the Internet.

[0015] A recipe includes multiple steps for preparing a dish. For example, one step might be weighing 500g of potatoes. Another step might be peeling the 500g of potatoes using a cooking appliance. Another step might be putting the peeled potatoes into a baking dish along with other ingredients such as spices, cream, and cheese. Another step might be preheating an oven. Another step might be placing the baking dish containing the potatoes and other ingredients into the preheated oven. Another step might be heating the baking dish containing the potatoes and other ingredients in the oven for 30 minutes. The recipe also highlights that several different cooking appliances might be required to prepare a dish.

[0016] The control device can control the execution of the steps. For example, the control device can output an instruction to a user acoustically via a loudspeaker and / or visually via a screen. The instruction can be to weigh 500g of potatoes in a container of a kitchen appliance that can weigh and peel potatoes. The loudspeaker and / or the screen can be part of the control device. The control device can, for example, control the peeling of the potatoes by the control device automatically setting a speed and rotation duration of the peeling tool of the kitchen appliance and / or automatically stopping the peeling tool when the end of the peeling duration is reached. The control device can, for example, also control another kitchen appliance, such as the temperature in the aforementioned oven.

[0017] The monitoring device can communicate with the control device. The communication can include transmitting detected values ​​from the monitoring device to the control device. The communication can be wireless.

[0018] The mobile device is designed and suitable for being carried by a user or at least placed in a freely selectable location. The mobile device is therefore generally not placed in a kitchen where the cooking appliance is located. A mobile phone, such as a smartphone, is an example of a mobile device. Another example of a mobile device is an assistant speaker that allows voice control.

[0019] A mobile device typically includes an integrated power supply. This integrated power supply can be a battery. This integrated power supply allows the mobile device to be operated electrically regardless of location.

[0020] The monitoring device can communicate with the preferably mobile device. The communication can include transmitting detected values ​​from the monitoring device to the control device. The communication can include transmitting manufacturer information from the monitoring device to the control device. The communication between the preferably mobile device and the monitoring device is preferably wireless. Conversely, the communication can include the control device controlling the start and / or end of measurements and the transmission of measured values ​​by the monitoring device.

[0021] A mobile device includes an output device for outputting a status that has been detected by the monitoring device and transmitted to the mobile device. The output device can be a loudspeaker or an optical signaling device. The optical signaling device can, for example, comprise one or more light-emitting diodes. The optical signaling device can be a display.

[0022] The control system is configured to detect and inform a user of potential absences during the controlled preparation of a meal. This allows for better utilization of absences, thus further reducing the workload for the user.

[0023] Controlled preparation means that preparation is carried out using an electronically stored recipe. A processing step of a recipe can include information as to whether or not a user is required for processing. A processing step of a recipe can include information as to how much time is required to carry out the processing step. The control device is able to evaluate this information and thus recognize as soon as the presence of a user is not required for the preparation of the meal. Based on this information, the control device can calculate how long a user may be absent. For example, the control device can inform a user that they may be absent as soon as the period of possible absence exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0024] For example, the preparation of a meal involves, on the one hand, cooking a saddle of lamb in an oven at a temperature of 160°C for 40 minutes and, on the other hand, reducing stock in a bowl of a food processor by heating it at 98°C for 20 minutes. Both steps are carried out in an automated and / or monitored manner such that the presence of a user is not required. From this information, if both steps begin at the same time, the control device determines that a user may be absent for 20 minutes. For example, a threshold value of 10 minutes is stored in the control device. Since 20 minutes is above the threshold value, the control device informs the user that they may be absent. Preferably, the control device then also informs the user about the duration of their possible absence.In the above example, the user is informed that they may be away for 20 minutes. The information can be provided acoustically via a loudspeaker or visually via a display. The loudspeaker and display can be part of the control device. The user can then move away and still monitor conditions during food preparation using the mobile device. If the monitoring device monitors the temperature in the oven and / or the temperature in the saddle of lamb and / or the temperature in the bowl of the food processor, the user can monitor one or more temperatures despite being away from the food preparation location. If the monitoring device monitors one or more other conditions, the user can monitor one or more other conditions despite being away from the food preparation location.

[0025] The monitoring device can be a mobile food thermometer.

[0026] The food thermometer is a temperature measuring device designed and suitable for measuring temperatures in food during preparation. The food thermometer can therefore measure temperatures that may occur during food preparation. Temperatures that deviate significantly from these temperatures cannot be measured. Furthermore, the food thermometer is designed to withstand the ambient conditions that may occur during food preparation.

[0027] Typically, temperatures of less than 220°C are reached during food preparation. However, temperatures of 350°C can also be reached, for example when baking a pizza. Temperatures of more than 350°C are generally not exceeded. The food thermometer according to the present invention is therefore designed such that temperatures above 400°C, preferably above 300°C, and particularly preferably above 250°C, can no longer be measured. The food thermometer is generally designed such that it can be used in a conventional oven, i.e., at temperatures of up to 250°C or at least up to 220°C.

[0028] The food thermometer is not designed to measure very low temperatures, such as subzero temperatures, as found in standard household freezers or freezer cabinets. A food thermometer within the meaning of the present invention is therefore fundamentally not designed to measure temperatures below -70°C. Preferably, a food thermometer within the meaning of the present invention is designed so that it cannot measure temperatures below -50°C, because food is generally prepared with heat, and very low temperatures are only used for freezing food.

[0029] The food thermometer can withstand steamy atmospheres. The food thermometer is therefore encapsulated and watertight. The food thermometer is resistant to common food ingredients, such as lemon acid or vinegar.

[0030] The food thermometer is physically separated from the other devices in the system. It can therefore be used mobile. The food thermometer can therefore be used in an oven or in another container of a kitchen appliance to measure temperatures. In an alternative embodiment, the monitoring device could be integrated into a food preparation container. The food preparation container could be a frying pan, for example.

[0031] The food thermometer features a wireless unit. This wireless unit allows the food thermometer to communicate with the device, preferably a mobile device, and with the control unit. For example, Bluetooth Low Energy can be used as the wireless technology to keep the food thermometer's power consumption low. Wi-Fi or Ultra Wideband (UWB) are also possible, although these result in higher power consumption.

[0032] The food thermometer preferably has an internal power supply so that it can be used easily on the move.

[0033] The food thermometer preferably has two spatially separated temperature sensors. When the food thermometer is inserted into a dish, one temperature sensor can measure the temperature inside the dish. The other temperature sensor can measure the ambient temperature. Overall, this allows temperature profiles to be determined more accurately, which can improve the preparation of a dish. The distance between the two temperature sensors should be at least 5 cm to allow for appropriately spatially separated temperature measurements.

[0034] To ensure easy insertion of the food thermometer into food, it preferably has a pointed end. A temperature sensor is preferably located at the pointed end to measure the temperature inside the food. A second temperature sensor is then conveniently located in the half of the food thermometer that is remote from the tip. The second temperature sensor can then measure the ambient temperature when the tip is inserted into the food.

[0035] The system can comprise a food processor. The food processor includes a food preparation container that can be inserted into a stand of the food processor. The stand allows the food processor to be placed on a surface. The food preparation container inserted into the stand can also be removed from the stand and then used independently of the stand. The food processor includes a mixing and / or cutting tool that can mix and / or chop food contained in the food preparation container.

[0036] The food processor may include a heating device with which a food item located in the food preparation vessel can be heated. The heating device is preferably an electric heating device. For example, the food preparation vessel may include electric heating elements with which food items in the food preparation vessel can be electrically heated.

[0037] The food processor may include a scale for weighing food in the food preparation container. The food processor may include a touch-sensitive display for controlling the food processor. The display may also indicate states that occur during the preparation of a meal on the food processor or on another kitchen appliance. The food processor may include a speaker for acoustically outputting states, for example. The food processor may include a microphone for input via voice commands.

[0038] The food processor preferably has a wireless unit. The wireless unit can incorporate Bluetooth Low Energy and / or Ultra Wideband as wireless technology. Since the food processor is a stationary device, it can easily be powered by an external power source. Therefore, it is not necessary to ensure very low power consumption to enable long operating times. The food processor can therefore alternatively or additionally incorporate Wi-Fi as a wireless standard, for example, to access electronically stored recipes via the internet.

[0039] The food processor may include a thermometer for measuring a temperature in the food preparation vessel.

[0040] The food processor can comprise one or more mechanical control elements. The mechanical control element can be a rotary knob, which can be used to adjust, for example, the speed of the rotating mixing and / or cutting tool. Alternatively or additionally, target temperatures can be set, which can be reached and maintained in the food preparation vessel under the control of the control device.

[0041] The control unit can be integrated into the food processor. The control unit is generally located in the stand of the food processor. This allows the number of devices in the system to be kept to a minimum. The system is still powerful and allows for a wide variety of preparation options.

[0042] A push button can be used as a mechanical control element. Pressing the button can, for example, start a processing step or confirm an input.

[0043] Preferably, there is a knob that can be both turned and pressed in order to keep the number of controls to a minimum for reasons of clarity.

[0044] A lid for the food preparation vessel may be provided to allow the food preparation vessel to be partially or completely closed during meal preparation. Preferably, the lid can be locked and unlocked manually or automatically. When locked, the lid cannot be removed from the food preparation vessel.

[0045] The system can be configured so that the monitoring device can only be connected to the control device for communication. The monitoring device can then only send data to the mobile device and / or another device and / or be connected to the mobile device or another device for communication if the control device authorizes this. This prevents accidental interference with the preparation of a meal. It ensures that there can be phases of meal preparation in which only a user present can intervene to make corrections if necessary.

[0046] A user who is present can reliably assess whether intervention is necessary. Even if an intervention occurs in error, the user present can immediately take comprehensive corrective measures. A user who is not present cannot do this.

[0047] The monitoring device may have a status indicator that controls whether only one connection to a device is permitted. The status indicator can be set during an existing connection to prevent further connections.

[0048] There may be a status indicator on the monitoring device that regulates whether the monitoring device is free to control the monitoring device.

[0049] A charger may be provided for the monitoring device. The monitoring device may be configured such that charging a battery of the monitoring device causes one or both status indicators to be set such that the monitoring device is free for connection and / or control.

[0050] The control device is preferably configured to enable the possibility of data transmission or a connection between the monitoring device and the preferably mobile device after a possible period of absence for a user has been detected by the control device during the controlled preparation of a meal. A user may have to confirm this before enabling it. Confirmation can be made, for example, by operating an operating element on the control device. For example, the control device detects that a user may be absent for 20 minutes and therefore informs the user that they can now be absent. The user then operates an operating element on the control device. By operating the operating element, the user confirms that they wish to make use of the option of absence. The user therefore grants the authorization by operating the operating element.The control device then controls the system, typically the monitoring device, in such a way that the monitoring device can connect to the mobile device and / or another device, or at least send data to the mobile device and / or another device. The mobile device and / or another device can then receive data from the monitoring device. "Receiving data from the monitoring device" means that data can be received in such a way that it can be processed by the receiving device. Processing can consist of visually displaying monitored states on the receiving device. Processing can consist of acoustically outputting monitored states via the receiving device. Processing can consist of establishing a connection for communication between the monitoring device and the receiving device.If a connection for communication is established, the receiving device can, for example, receive status information or states from the monitoring device and / or request the receipt of status information or states from the monitoring device.

[0051] A control element can be a mechanically operated control element. A control element can be provided by a touch-sensitive display. A control element can be implemented by voice input.

[0052] In one embodiment of the invention, the connection between the control device and the monitoring device is terminated when the possibility of data transmission or a connection between the monitoring device and the preferably mobile device is enabled. This improves the prevention of a third party, for example, inadvertently operating the control device in the absence of the user in such a way that the preparation of a meal is incorrect. For example, a user has confirmed the release by actuating an operating element of the control device. The control device then terminates the connection between the control device and the monitoring device. The monitoring device is then configured such that terminating the connection between the monitoring device and the control device results in the preferably mobile device being able to connect to the monitoring device.Alternatively or additionally, terminating the connection between the monitoring device and the control device can result in data being sent from the monitoring device, which can then be received by the preferably mobile device. Data can then be sent periodically, for example. For example, data can be sent every two, three, or four seconds.

[0053] The control device can be configured so that it can control which data the monitoring device sends. Preferably, the control device is configured so that it controls which data is sent by the monitoring device following an approval. This data is also referred to as user data or payload. In particular, the control device is configured so that it controls the monitoring device so that following an approval, different data is sent from the monitoring device than before the approval. For example, there is an exclusive connection between the monitoring device and the control device. The monitoring device is configured so that data A and B are sent from the monitoring device to the control device, for example periodically. The control device determines that the user may be absent and informs the user.The user then confirms the release by operating a control element on the control device. The control device then controls the monitoring device in such a way that data B and C are now sent from the monitoring device. The monitoring device then still sends B, but also other data and thus changed data due to C. The advantage of this design is that it can respond to changed requirements. For example, it can be expedient for the monitoring device to transmit the measured temperatures inside a dish to the control device (data A) and also the temperatures (data B) measured outside the dish in the cooking vessel of the corresponding kitchen appliance. These temperatures can be sent to the control device, for example, so that the control device can control the kitchen appliance in a particularly suitable manner.If it is finally achieved that the temperature prevailing in the cooking vessel outside the food only needs to be kept constant and therefore control by the control device is no longer necessary, this can result in the control device informing the user that they may be absent. It is now of interest to the user that they are not only informed about temperatures via the mobile device, but also about the end of the cooking time. The expected end of the cooking time is known to the control device because it controls the food preparation. The control device therefore then controls the monitoring device, for example, so that it not only sends the measured temperature (data A and B), but also the time (data C) of the expected end of the cooking time.The expected end of the cooking time is therefore transmitted from the control device to the monitoring device in such a way that the monitoring device subsequently transmits the expected end of the cooking time. The control device can therefore be configured to transmit information such as the expected end of the cooking time to the monitoring device in such a way that the monitoring device subsequently transmits the information, or at least can transmit it. However, the monitoring device can also be controlled by the control device in such a way that only temperatures measured outside the food (data B) and the end of the cooking time (data C) are transmitted to the mobile device.

[0054] Preferably, changing the data sent by the monitoring device results in a reduction in the data volume. This means that the data volume is larger before the change than after the reduction. For example, a name individually defined by the user can be sent to the control device before the data volume is reduced. This may be done to make it easier for the user to identify which monitoring device the control device is connected to. To reduce the data volume through the change, the name can be omitted after the data has been sent. Reducing the data volume makes the changeover technically easier.

[0055] The data sent after a change should include, at a minimum, the measured values ​​of the monitoring device, a time until the end of the absence, and status information about the monitoring device. If the monitoring device is a food thermometer with two temperature sensors, the measured values ​​of both temperature sensors are sent by the food thermometer.

[0056] The control device can be configured such that switching off the control device causes the monitoring device to be controlled by the control device as described above. This ensures that monitoring via a mobile device is still possible after switching off the control device.

[0057] This transmission by the monitoring device can occur without the need to establish a connection to a mobile device beforehand. In this case, multiple mobile devices can receive data from the monitoring device simultaneously. This configuration is particularly useful when a mobile device only displays data such as temperatures and the end of the cooking time, without the mobile device being able to control the food preparation.

[0058] This transmission by the monitoring device can only occur after a connection to a mobile device has been established. This configuration is particularly useful when a mobile device can not only display data such as temperatures and the end of the cooking time, but can also control the food preparation or the monitoring device via the mobile device. This ensures that only a mobile device that has been previously authorized by the connection can control the food preparation and / or the monitoring device.

[0059] The transmission of data from the monitoring device to one or more mobile devices preferably occurs periodically. This means that the data is repeatedly retransmitted, with a predetermined time interval between the first and second transmission of data. The predetermined time interval can be, for example, 1 to 10 seconds. Two to four seconds are particularly useful, both to keep power consumption low and to avoid excessive user waiting time.

[0060] Data can also be sent from the monitoring device to one or more non-mobile devices. Data can be sent, for example, to a second, non-mobile control device so that the second control device can replace the first control device. An exclusive connection can then be established, for example, between the second control device and the monitoring device. The first control device can then, for example, be part of a food processor that can process food using a mixing tool and / or cutting tool at high speeds of, for example, at least 5,000 or 10,000 revolutions per minute.The second control device can then, for example, be part of a mixer that, using a mixing tool and / or cutting tool, can only process food at low speeds, for example, no more than 1000 or no more than 300 revolutions per minute. A user is then able to turn off a food processor and continue preparation using only the mixer when the food processor is no longer needed.

[0061] However, it is also possible to use two identical non-mobile appliances to prepare a meal, for example, two food processors. Another non-mobile appliance is then also a food processor.

[0062] Data that the monitoring device can send can include states that are monitored by the monitoring device. The data can include an indication of the time at which a processing step ends. The time can be specified, for example, in the form of minutes and seconds that remain until the end of the processing step. The data can include a state of the monitoring device, such as the state of a battery in the monitoring device. The data can include information about the identity of the monitoring device, such as manufacturer information. A receiving device can thus be informed which monitoring device is involved. The receiving device can then, for example, set up what can be displayed by the receiving device and how, depending on this.

[0063] The connection between the monitoring device and the control device and / or the connection between the monitoring device and the preferably mobile device may require the entry of a key to authorize connections. A key can, for example, be printed on the monitoring device in the form of a letter / number code or displayed on a display of the monitoring device. To establish a connection, the key must then be entered into the control device or the preferably mobile device.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment, the control device is configured to display a key that must be entered into the preferably mobile device so that the preferably mobile device can connect to the monitoring device. The control device can request this key from the monitoring device and subsequently receive it from the monitoring device. The control device can generate this key, for example, using a random generator and send it to the monitoring device. This embodiment further improves the ability of only authorized, preferably mobile, devices to connect to the monitoring device.

[0065] It may be sufficient for the key to be entered only once. For example, if a connection between the control device and the monitoring device and / or the preferably mobile device and the monitoring device has been authorized the first time, reconnecting will not require the key to be entered again. It may be necessary to enter the key again each time a connection is established. It is preferable that the key only needs to be entered once.

[0066] It may be that various monitoring devices are part of the system. Preferably, there is then only one key for all monitoring devices to avoid unnecessarily complicating the connection. It is also possible for a key to be displayed by a program installed on the device, preferably a mobile device. These designs are based on the realization that a relatively simple security standard is sufficient to prevent accidental misoperation. The program may allow the user to select one of the monitoring devices in the case of multiple monitoring devices.

[0067] The controller or control device and / or the mobile device can be configured to connect not only to the monitoring device, but also to the kitchen appliance used to prepare a meal monitored by the monitoring device. This can enable control of the kitchen appliance by the controller and / or the preferably mobile device. The degree of automation of meal preparation can thus be further improved.

[0068] In an advantageous embodiment, the preferably mobile device is configured such that, by calling up a program or only after calling up a program installed on the preferably mobile device, statuses can be received from the monitoring device and / or a connection for communication is or can be established. A program that can be called up can therefore be installed on the preferably mobile device. The program can then advantageously provide additional options that support the preparation of the meal.

[0069] For example, the program may only allow data transmitted by the monitoring device to be displayed on the device, preferably a mobile device. The program may allow an ongoing food preparation step to be controlled. The program may allow the monitoring device to send data to other devices. This can further improve the ease of meal preparation.

[0070] The preferably mobile device can be configured to alert the user, for example, acoustically via a loudspeaker and / or visually via a display, when a monitored temperature or a monitored condition exceeds and / or falls below a predefined threshold. This further improves the possibility of absence. The loudspeaker and / or the display can be part of the preferably mobile device.

[0071] The cooking appliance used to prepare the food may have a built-in thermometer. The built-in thermometer can be used, for example, to measure temperatures in a cooking container or the cooking chamber of the cooking appliance. The cooking appliance may have a cooking appliance control system that allows, for example, the temperature in the cooking container or the cooking chamber of the cooking appliance to be controlled without having to use the control device.

[0072] The monitoring device, the control device, and / or the preferably mobile device can each comprise a radio unit to enable wireless transmission and / or reception of data. The monitoring device, the control device, and the preferably mobile device preferably communicate wirelessly with each other.

[0073] In order to supply heat to a food for preparation, according to the present invention, kitchen appliances with a heating device such as an oven or pizza oven, microwave, steamer, cooking area with cooking vessel, food processor or grill can be used.

[0074] The control device, mobile and / or non-mobile device, kitchen appliance and monitoring device are independent of each other and therefore not physically connected.

[0075] The system may include more than one mobile device, one kitchen appliance and / or one monitoring device.

[0076] The monitoring device is preferably a food thermometer with a tip and two temperature sensors. One temperature sensor is located at the tip of the food thermometer. The other temperature sensor is spaced apart from the tip. This distance from the tip is preferably at least 5 cm, so that the temperature inside and outside of a food can be measured.

[0077] The invention also relates to a control device configured as described above. The invention also relates to a monitoring device configured as described above. The invention also relates to a mobile device configured as described above.

[0078] The invention relates to a method for preparing a meal using the system described above. At the beginning of meal preparation, the monitoring device is connected exclusively to the control device for communication purposes, such that the monitoring device cannot then be connected to the mobile device for communication purposes. This prevents uncontrolled, for example, accidental, interference with the system from a mobile device right at the beginning of meal preparation. The connection can be automated as soon as the control device and monitoring device have been switched on.

[0079] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to figures.

[0080] It shows Figure 1: Pen-shaped food thermometer during food preparation in a kitchen appliance; Figure 2: Food processor; Figure 3: Mobile device; Figure 4: System with connection between food processor and monitoring device; Figure 5: System with monitoring device transmitting to multiple devices; Figure 6: System with connection between mobile device and monitoring device; Figure 7: System with monitoring device transmitting to multiple devices; Figure 8: System of a second embodiment with connection between food processor and monitoring device.

[0081] The Figure 1shows a monitoring device. The monitoring device is a pin-shaped food thermometer 1, the tip of which is inserted into bread dough 2. The bread dough 2 is located in a kitchen appliance. The kitchen appliance is an oven 3. The bread dough 2 is heated in the oven 3. The food thermometer 1 determines spatially resolved temperatures in the oven, which are determined using two temperature sensors 5 and 6 both outside the bread dough and inside the bread dough. These determined temperatures are sent by a radio unit 4 to an external control device or to a mobile device. The control device controls the bread preparation. This can be done by directly controlling the temperature of the oven 3 or by instructing a user on how to change the temperature of the oven, the type of heat supply and / or the arrangement of the bread within the oven.The type of heat supply refers to options such as top heat, bottom heat, or fan-assisted heating. The arrangement refers to the location of the bread dough 2 in the oven 3. The mobile device can at least display the measured temperatures and thus monitor them.

[0082] The Figure 2shows a food processor 7 with a food preparation vessel 8. A lid part 9 is placed on the food preparation vessel 8. The lid part 9 for the food preparation vessel 8 is locked by arm-like locking elements, i.e., arms 10. The lid part 9 is located between the two arms 10. The arms 10 can be rotated by motor about their longitudinal axis and thus back and forth between an open position and a locked position. The lid part 9 has a sensor, namely a rocker arm 11 of an electrical switch, which is pressed down and thus triggered. The arm-like locking elements 10 and the rocker arm 11 are attached to a base part 12 of the food processor 7. The food preparation vessel 8 is inserted into the base part 12 and can be removed from the base part 12. In order to be able to remove the food preparation vessel 8, the latter comprises a handle 13.The base part 12 includes a touch-sensitive display 14 and a rotary switch 15 for operation. The rotary switch 15 can be turned and pressed. The display 14 and rotary switch 15 are thus operating elements of the food processor 7. The lid part 9 includes an opening 16 in the center, which can be closed with a container-like closure.

[0083] A control device 17 is located in the base section 12. Data can be entered into the control device via the operating elements 14 and 15. A radio unit 18 is located in the base section 12, via which data can be sent and received wirelessly. The control device 17 can access an externally stored recipe via the radio unit 18. The control device 17 can then use the recipe to control the preparation of a meal. The control device 17 can wirelessly exchange data, i.e., communicate, with the food thermometer 1 via the radio unit 18.

[0084] The food preparation vessel 8 contains a cutting tool that can be driven by a motor. The motor is located in the base 12. A heating device is located in the base of the food preparation vessel 8, which can be electrically connected to the base 12 for heating.

[0085] The Figure 3 shows a mobile device. The mobile device is a smartphone 19. The smartphone 19 includes a touch-sensitive display 20, a loudspeaker 21, and a microphone 22. The smartphone includes a radio unit. The smartphone 19 can exchange data with the thermometer 1 via the radio unit. The radio unit can include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy, and / or Ultra Wideband (UWB) as standard.

[0086] The Figure 4shows the system according to the invention. The system comprises a loudspeaker assistant 23. A user 24 and an external computer 25 are shown. The food processor 7 is connected to the computer 25, for example, via the Internet, so that data can be exchanged between the computer 25 and the food processor 7. Recipes are stored electronically on the computer. The user 24 can view the recipes on the display of the food processor and select a recipe. Alternatively or additionally, recipes can be stored in a memory of the food processor 7.

[0087] A program can be installed on the first smartphone 19, which can establish or has established a connection to the computer 25, as indicated by the double arrow. The first smartphone 19 can be a smartphone of the user 24. A recipe can therefore also be selected by the user 24 via the first smartphone 19. The first smartphone is part of the system according to the invention.

[0088] In addition, the speaker assistant 23 can be connected to the computer 25. For example, a recipe can then be selected by the user 24. The selection can be made, for example, using voice recognition.

[0089] Thermometer 1 is connected exclusively to food processor 7 in such a way that the control device of food processor 7 can exchange data with thermometer 1. The data exchange is such that it contributes to the control of a meal. Thermometer 1 cannot send data to other devices in such a way that another device can contribute data to the preparation of a meal. In particular, no connection can be established between thermometer 1 and another device that would allow an exchange of data in such a way that this could contribute to the preparation of a meal.

[0090] A status indicator can be used to ensure that the control unit of the food processor 7 is connected exclusively to the food thermometer 1, and no further connection can be established. Status indicators are also called "flags." For example, the electronics of the food thermometer 1 may have a status indicator set so that the food thermometer 1 is not available for other connections. Another status indicator may be present and set so that the food thermometer is not available for control.

[0091] The thermometer 1 can send measured temperatures, or at least a measure of measured temperatures, to the control device of the food processor 7. The thermometer 1 can send measured manufacturer information to the food processor 7 so that the control device 1 knows how to interpret and evaluate the received data.

[0092] The data sent from the thermometer 1 to the control device of the food processor 7 may include a universally unique identifier (UUID) and / or a name. The name may, for example, have been selected by the user 24 to easily identify the thermometer 1.

[0093] There may be a second smartphone 19'. This is not connected to any other device and cannot be connected to any other device unless a suitable program is installed and running on the second smartphone 19'. This second smartphone 19' is therefore not part of the system according to the invention. This does not preclude the second smartphone 19' from becoming part of the system.

[0094] For example, it is like the Figure 1 indicated a bread is prepared using a recipe controlled by the control device of the kitchen machine 7. After the bread dough 2 is prepared and placed in the oven 3 as shown in the Figure 1 has been shown, the recipe finally notes that the control device of the food processor 7 is no longer required. Following this, the control device of the food processor 7 defines user data that the thermometer will send in the future. This user data is also called a "payload". In addition, the control of the food processor 7 specifies, for example, that the food thermometer 1 can send the user data and thus data to other devices in such a way that other devices can receive the data in such a way that it can be used by other devices. If another device is able to display the data at least partially, for example on a display or output it acoustically, then another device can use the data. In the case of the food thermometer 1, the data includes in particular temperatures that are determined by the food thermometer 1.

[0095] Afterwards, the food thermometer 1 sends out as shown in the Figure 5 indicated by dashed lines, data is also sent to other devices. It may be that other devices can then receive the data, at least in part, in such a way that they can output useful data visually and / or acoustically. It may be that sending data only allows another device to establish an exclusive connection to the control device of the food processor 7. There may still be a connection between the control device of the food processor 7 and the food thermometer 7, which allows communication in such a way that, for example, useful data can be changed again. However, it may also be the case that this connection has been interrupted.

[0096] Another device, such as in the Figure 6shown, the first smartphone 19, for example, now establishes an exclusive connection to the control device of the food processor 7. No more data that can be received and used by other devices is then sent to any other devices. In particular, there is now no connection between the control device of the food processor 7 and the food thermometer 1. The first smartphone 19 now receives from the food thermometer 1 at least the user data that has been defined by the control of the food processor 7. The connection between the food thermometer 1 and the first smartphone 19 can be established by a program that has been installed and called up on the first smartphone 19. The connection can have involved entering a letter and / or number combination, i.e. a key, which was previously output acoustically and / or visually by the food processor 7.

[0097] It may also be possible for the user 24 to configure the first smartphone 19 to send data, particularly the user data, to other devices in such a way that other devices can at least partially read and output the sent data. This situation is Figure 7 shown. It may also be possible for the user 24 to configure the first smartphone 19 to send data to other devices in such a way that another device can establish an exclusive connection. If necessary, for example, an exclusive connection could be established again between the control of the food processor 7 and the food thermometer 1.

[0098] In the Figure 8A system is shown that includes a second control device 26. The second control device 26 may be designed and adapted to take over control from the first control device 17, for example, when the first control device is switched off. The first control device may then be part of a kitchen appliance that is switched off. The second control device may then be part of another non-mobile kitchen appliance.

Claims

1. System for the preparation of a food (2), comprising a monitoring device (1) for monitoring the food (2) during its preparation, a control device (17) for the preparation of the food (2) by means of a kitchen appliance (3) and by means of an electronically stored recipe, and a mobile device (19, 23) and / or a non-mobile device (26), wherein the monitoring device (1) is able to communicate with the control device (17) and the mobile device (19, 23) and / or with the non-mobile device (26), wherein the mobile device (19, 23) and / or the non-mobile device (26) is configured such that it is able to transmit information of the monitoring device (1) to a user (24), characterized in that the control device (17) is configured such that during the controlled preparation of a food (2) it recognizes possible absence times for a user (24), by the control device (17) evaluating processing steps of the recipe and thus recognizing when the presence of the user (24) is not required for the preparation of the food (2), and informs the user (24) about it.

2. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the monitoring device is a mobile-use food thermometer (1) with a radio unit (4).

3. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system comprises a food processor (7) and the control device (17) is integrated in the food processor (7), wherein the food processor (7) comprises a food preparation vessel (8) which can be inserted in a stand part (12) of the food processor (7), and a mixing and / or chopping tool which can mix and / or chop foods present in the food preparation vessel.

4. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system is configured such that the monitoring device (1) can be exclusively connected to the control device (17) for communication in such a way that the monitoring device (1) can only be connected to the mobile device (19, 23) and / or to the non-mobile device (26) for communication when the control device (17) releases this.

5. System according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the control device (17) is configured such that it enables the mobile device (19, 23) and / or the non-mobile device (26) to connect to the monitoring device (1) for communication or that the mobile device (19, 23) and / or the non-mobile device (26) is able to receive data from the monitoring device (1), after the control device (17) has detected a possible absence time for a user (24) during the controlled preparation of a food (2), or after the control device (17) has detected a possible absence time for a user (24) during the controlled preparation of a food (2) and the user (24) has confirmed a release by operating a control element of the control device (17), or when the control device (17) is turned off.

6. System according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the system is configured such that the connection between the control device (17) and the monitoring device (1) is terminated when the possibility is released that the monitoring device (1) can connect to the mobile device (19, 23) and / or to the non-mobile device (26) and / or that the monitoring device (1) can transmit data to the mobile device (19, 23) and / or to the non-mobile device (26).

7. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (17) is configured such that it is able to control which data the monitoring device (1) transmits.

8. System according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the control device (17) is configured such that it can transmit information to the monitoring device (1) in such a way that the monitoring device (1) subsequently sends the information.

9. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the monitoring device (1) is able to send one or more of the following data: · one or more conditions monitored by the monitoring device (1); • indication of a time until completion of a processing step; • one or more conditions of the monitoring device (1).

10. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a connection between the monitoring device (1) and the mobile device (19, 23) and / or the non-mobile device (26) requires the input of a key which is displayed by the control device (17) and / or sent by the monitoring device (1).

11. Food thermometer (1), configured such that it is able to communicate wirelessly with a control device (17) and a mobile and / or non-mobile device (19, 23; 26), and configured such that it can receive data from the control device (17) which can subsequently be sent from the food thermometer (1) to the mobile and / or non-mobile device (19, 23; 26).

12. Food thermometer (1) according to the preceding claim, having a tip and two temperature sensors (5, 6), wherein one temperature sensor (5) is located at the tip and the other temperature sensor (6) is at a distance of at least 5 cm from the tip.

13. Food thermometer (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the food thermometer (1) comprises a radio unit with Bluetooth.

14. Method for the preparation of a food (2) using a system according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at the beginning of a preparation of a food (2) the monitoring device (1) is exclusively connected to the control device (17) for communication in such a way that the monitoring device (1) then cannot be connected to the mobile and / or non-mobile device (19, 23; 26) for communication.