Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention generally relates to an improved food processing apparatus.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Many people are gradually becoming more health-conscious and recognize that a good diet is important to health and well-being. There is accordingly an increasing demand for kitchen appliances that are capable of identifying and/or measuring food content. Food processors such as blenders, juicers and baby food makers are widely used to pulverize foods in order to produce fluid food products such as soups, smoothies, juices, baby food, purees and so on. Such models may be used to design a food processing apparatus such as a blender such that the produced fluid food product has the desired consistency in terms of particle size distribution.
[0003] One of the problems associated with a food processing device is the potential mechanical damage that could be caused by the moving food ingredients in the device, in particular when abrasive solid food ingredients are used. Although in some instances the extent of damage or discoloration may be compensated by performing calibration, the calibration operation required to provide this compensation would mean that additional steps have to be carried out by a user. This may cause inconvenience and also possibilities of introducing errors during the calibration process. Moreover, if the extent of damage and/or discoloration reaches beyond a certain threshold, compensation by means of calibration may not even be possible.
[0004] Therefore, there is a need of a device which overcomes the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY
[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure present technological improvements as solutions to one or more of the above-mentioned technical problems.
[0006] Before the present subject matter relating to an improved food processing apparatus, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to the particular system described, as there can be multiple possible embodiments which are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosure. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the implementations or versions or embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present subject matter.
[0007] This summary is provided to introduce aspects related to an improved food processing apparatus. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the present subject matter.
[0008] In one embodiment, an improved food processing apparatus includes a processing chamber, a plurality of processing modules, a control unit, a sensor array and a communication module. The processing chamber is for receiving raw food materials. The plurality of processing modules is configured for performing distinct food processing functions. The control unit is for managing the operation of said processing modules. The sensor array is for monitoring the condition of the raw food materials. The communication module is for transmitting data between said control unit and said processing modules.
[0009] In another embodiment, a method for processing food using the apparatus. The method includes the step of introducing raw food materials into the processing chamber. The method includes the step of selecting a desired food processing function using the user interface. The method includes the step of monitoring the condition of the raw food materials using the sensor array. The method includes the step of adjusting the operation of the processing modules based on the monitored conditions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0010] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference features and modules.
[0011] Figure 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a food processing apparatus according to an embodiment.
[0012] Figure 2 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view schematic diagram of a food processing apparatus according to an embodiment.
[0013] Figure 3 illustrates an optional aspect of the methods according to any of the herein described embodiments.
[0014] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagrams herein represent conceptual views of illustrative methods embodying the principles of the present disclosure. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flow charts, flow diagrams, and the like represent various processes which may be substantially represented in computer readable medium and so executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the invention. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
[0016] One or more embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present invention to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present invention. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
[0017] The terminology used, in the present invention, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present invention. As used in the present invention, the forms "a,” "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," “including,” and “having,” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present invention is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
[0018] In an embodiment, an improved food processing apparatus includes a processing chamber, a plurality of processing modules, a control unit, a sensor array and a communication module. The processing chamber is for receiving raw food materials. The plurality of processing modules is configured for performing distinct food processing functions. The control unit is for managing the operation of said processing modules. The sensor array is for monitoring the condition of the raw food materials. The communication module is for transmitting data between said control unit and said processing modules.
[0019] In another implementation, the processing modules include a cutting module, a blending module, and a heating module.
[0020] In another implementation, the sensor array includes a moisture sensor, a temperature sensor and a weight sensor. The moisture sensor for detecting the moisture content of the raw food materials. The temperature sensor for measuring the temperature within the processing chamber. The weight sensor for determining the quantity of the raw food materials.
[0021] In another implementation, a user interface is configured to receive input from a user, wherein the control unit adjusts the operation of the processing modules based on user input.
[0022] In another implementation, the communication module utilizes wireless communication protocols for data transmission.
[0023] In another embodiment, a method for processing food using the apparatus. The method includes the step of introducing raw food materials into the processing chamber. The method includes the step of selecting a desired food processing function using the user interface. The method includes the step of monitoring the condition of the raw food materials using the sensor array. The method includes the step of adjusting the operation of the processing modules based on the monitored conditions.
[0024] In another implementation, the method the step of transmitting data related to the processed food to an external device via the communication module.
[0025] Figure 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a food processing apparatus according to an embodiment.
[0026] In an embodiment, the food processing apparatus 10 may take any suitable shape, e.g., a kitchen appliance for processing food, in particular liquidized or fluid food products such as smoothies, juices or the like. The food processing apparatus 10 comprises a food processing chamber 30, which typically comprises a blade arrangement 32 to grind, macerate or otherwise cut or blend food products. The blade arrangement 32 may be detachable from the food processing chamber 30, e.g., in order to facilitate cleaning of the blade arrangement 32. The food processing chamber 30 may take any suitable form, such as for example a glass or plastic jug or bowl that may be hermetically sealed by a lid 40. The blade arrangement 32 is driven by a motor 22 under control of a controller 60, which may be housed in the base 20 of the food processing apparatus 10. The motor 22 may be coupled to the blade arrangement in any suitable manner, e.g., through a drive axle or shaft 24, gear box and so on.
[0027] In an embodiment, the food processing unit is located inside the food processing chamber such that food stuff placed inside the container may be processed directly by the food processing unit. In some embodiments, the food processing unit may comprise a cutting element. Also, in some embodiments, the food processing unit may comprise a shaft configured to be connected to a motor, and/or a mounting unit.
[0028] In an embodiment, the food processing apparatus 10 further comprises a particle sensor 26 integrated in or coupled to the food processing chamber 30. The particle sensor 26 is communicatively coupled to the controller 60, e.g., wirelessly connected to the controller 60 via a wireless communication module 70 within the base 20 of the food processing apparatus 10. The particle sensor 26 is arranged to detect the (average) particle size of the particles suspended in the fluid food product during its processing within the food processing chamber. a particle sensor 26 may be an image sensor comprising at least one light source 27 spatially separated by an optical path from a detector 28 such as a photodiode array or an image sensor, wherein the at least one light source 27 is aimed at the detector 28. Particles passing through the optical path in between the at least one light source 27 and the detector 28 cause scattering of the light directed by the at least one light source 27 at the detector 28, which scattering characteristics may be translated by the controller 60 into the (average) particle size or size distribution of the particles within the fluid food product being processed within the food processing chamber 30.
[0029] In an embodiment, the food processing apparatus further includes a weight sensor for weighing the contents of the food processing chamber. For example, the weight sensor may be embodied by scales or the like. The weight sensor is communicatively coupled to the processor such that a weight measurement by the weight sensor of a food product ingredient added to the food processing chamber by a user may be communicated to the processor.
[0030] In an embodiment, a user interface for the food processing apparatus 10 may be implemented on a remote device 80, e.g., by way of a software program such as an app, through which the food processing apparatus 10 may be remotely controlled. For example, such a remote device 80 may be a computing device, a mobile communication device such as a smart phone, a tablet computer, a remote controller, and so on.
[0031] Figure 2 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view schematic diagram of a food processing apparatus according to an embodiment.
[0032] In an embodiment, the food processing unit 820 comprises a shaft 822 which is configured to be connected to a motor, and a cutting element 824. The optical component 830 is arranged at the shaft 822 such that near-infrared light emitted from the near-infrared light module 850 is reflected by the optical component 830 when it reaches the optical component 830, and such that the reflected light returns to the sensor of the near-infrared light module 850 to be measured. In this embodiment, the near-infrared light module 850 comprises an integrated near-infrared light source configured to emit near-infrared light and an integrated sensor configured to measure reflected near-infrared light spectrum. The food processing unit also comprises a shaft which is configured to be connected to a motor, and a cutting element. The optical component is arranged at the shaft such that near-infrared light emitted from the near-infrared light module is reflected by the optical component when it reaches the optical component, and such that the reflected light returns to the sensor of the near-infrared module to be measured.
[0033] Figure 3 illustrates an optional aspect of the methods according to any of the herein described embodiments.
[0034] The method 150 starts in operation 151, for example by the user engaging the learning mode of the food processing apparatus 10, e.g. through its user interface 50 or with the aid of the remote device 80. The user may typically engage the learning mode of the food processing apparatus 10 upon completion of the preparation of the food product with the food processing apparatus 10 and tasting by the user of the thus prepared food product. In operation 153, the processor 60 of the food processing apparatus 10 receives feedback of the user indicative of the taste of the food product as received by the user, with the processor 60 evaluating this feedback in operation 155.
[0035] In addition, the processor 60 in operation 157 adjusts the target value of the ratio R of the food product, also the processor 60 in operation 159 may adjust a recipe from the recipe library according to which the food product was prepared, such as to personalize the recipe based on the user feedback. Such adjustments may include any one of the adjustment of amounts of an ingredient, replacement of an ingredient with at least one alternative ingredient and the addition of a supplementary ingredient to the recipe, after which the personalized recipe may be stored in the library prior to the method 150 terminating in operation 161.
[0036] The foregoing description of the invention has been set merely to illustrate the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Since modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the substance of the invention may occur to person skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to include everything within the scope of the invention. , Claims:We claim:
1. An improved food processing apparatus comprising:
a processing chamber for receiving raw food materials;
a plurality of processing modules configured for performing distinct food processing functions;
a control unit for managing the operation of said processing modules;
a sensor array for monitoring the condition of the raw food materials; and
a communication module for transmitting data between said control unit and said processing modules.
2. The food processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein said processing modules include a cutting module, a blending module, and a heating module.
3. The food processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein said sensor array comprises:
a moisture sensor for detecting the moisture content of the raw food materials;
a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature within the processing chamber; and
a weight sensor for determining the quantity of the raw food materials.
4. The food processing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a user interface configured to receive input from a user, wherein the control unit adjusts the operation of the processing modules based on user input.
5. The food processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the communication module utilizes wireless communication protocols for data transmission.
6. A method for processing food using the apparatus of claim 1, comprising the steps of:
introducing raw food materials into the processing chamber;
selecting a desired food processing function using the user interface;
monitoring the condition of the raw food materials using the sensor array; and
adjusting the operation of the processing modules based on the monitored conditions.
7. The method of claim 6, further comprising the step of transmitting data related to the processed food to an external device via the communication module.
8. A computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, causes the food processing apparatus of claim 1 to perform the method of claim 6.