Apparatus and Methods for Controlling Food Processing FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to apparatus and methods for controlling food processing. In particular, they relate to apparatus and methods for controlling processing of complex carbohydrate based food material.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Carbohydrate based foods include complex carbohydrate foods which are often referred to as starch or starchy foods. For example, many staple Afro- Caribbean foods may be formed of complex carbohydrate based food material such as tubers of crops such as yam, cassava and cocoyam which may be dried and grated before being processed into dough by gradually mixing the dried grated ingredient into hot water and manually kneading. The traditional process is labour intensive given the time and effort required to bring the food to a finished state. There are also dangers involved in handling hot water during the processing.

It would therefore be beneficial to provide an alternative for processing such food.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided an apparatus for controlling food processing, comprising a controller configured to: receive signals from input control means; determine, from the received signals, a food quantity value and a food consistency value; and control, using the determined food quantity value and the determined food consistency value, the quantity of an ingredient to be dispensed from an ingredient dispensing unit and the quantity of a liquid to be dispensed from a liquid dispensing unit.

The apparatus may further comprise the input control means, wherein the input control means comprises: a first input control; a second input control; wherein the first input control is configured to enable selection of one of a plurality of food quantity values and the second input control is configured to enable selection of one of a plurality of food consistency values.

The input control means may further comprise: a third input control; wherein the third input control is configured to provide user control of food consistency through modification of the ratio of ingredient to be dispensed from the ingredient dispensing unit to liquid to be dispensed from the liquid dispensing unit.

The input control means may further comprise: an ingredient identification input control; wherein the ingredient identification input control is configured to provide user identification of the ingredient to be processed (i.e. selection of food type).

The apparatus may further comprise: the input control means, wherein the input control means comprises a single input control configured to enable selection of one of a plurality of food quantity values and one of a plurality of food consistency values.

The single input control may comprise a touchscreen. The single input control may be further configured to provide user control of food consistency through modification of the ratio of ingredient to be dispensed from the ingredient dispensing unit to liquid to be dispensed from the liquid dispensing unit.

The single input control may be further configured to provide user identification of the ingredient to be processed.

The apparatus may further comprise: an ingredient dispensing unit for dispensing ingredient into a receptacle; and a liquid dispensing unit for dispensing liquid into the receptacle.

The liquid dispensing unit may comprise a heater for heating liquid passing through the liquid dispensing unit.

The heater may be configured to heat the liquid passing through the liquid dispensing unit, from a liquid supply, to a temperature between 80C and 100C.

The heater may be configured to heat the liquid passing through the liquid dispensing unit, from a liquid supply, to a temperature between 90C and 100C.

The heater may be configured to heat the liquid passing through the liquid dispensing unit, from a liquid supply, to a temperature of 100C. The apparatus may further comprise a hotplate for retaining the receptacle.

The liquid dispensing unit may comprise tubing between the heater and a liquid dispensing aperture, the tubing, at least in part, being in thermal communication with the hotplate.

At least part of the tubing may be located below the hotplate for transfer of heat from the tubing to the hotplate. The liquid dispensing unit may be connected to a liquid supply. The liquid supply may comprise a liquid storage tank.

The liquid supply may comprise an external liquid supply such as a mains water supply.

The ingredient dispensing unit may comprise a storage container for the storage of ingredient.

The ingredient dispensing unit may further comprise a conveyor arrangement for conveying ingredient from the storage container to an ingredient dispensing aperture.

The conveyor arrangement may comprise an Archimedes screw mechanism.

The conveyor arrangement may comprise a vibratory conveyance mechanism.

The ingredient dispensing unit may further comprise weighing means for weighing the ingredient to be dispensed from the ingredient dispensing unit.

The ingredient dispensing unit may further comprise a rotating wheel for de- clumping ingredient to be dispensed from the ingredient dispensing unit.

The apparatus may further comprise a mixer for mixing ingredients, dispensed from the ingredient dispensing unit, and liquid, dispensed from the liquid dispensing unit, in the receptacle.

The apparatus may further comprise the receptacle for receiving ingredient and liquid. The apparatus may be configured to process ingredient in a granular or powdered form. The apparatus may be configured to process a carbohydrate based ingredient.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention, there is provided a method for controlling food processing in an apparatus as disclosed in any of the preceding paragraphs, the method comprising: receiving signals from input control means; determining, from the received signals, a food quantity value and a food consistency value; and controlling, using the determined food quantity value and the determined food consistency value, the quantity of an ingredient to be dispensed from an ingredient dispensing unit and the quantity of a liquid to be dispensed from a liquid dispensing unit.

The method may further comprise: providing, at the input control means, for selection of one of a plurality of food quantity values; and providing, at the input control means, for selection of one of a plurality of food consistency values.

The method may further comprise: providing for user modification of the ratio of ingredient to be dispensed from the ingredient dispensing unit to liquid to be dispensed from the liquid dispensing unit, at the input control means, to control food consistency.

The method may further comprise: providing for user identification of the ingredient to be processed, at the input control means. The method may further comprise: controlling the dispensing of ingredient into a receptacle from an ingredient dispensing unit; and controlling the dispensing of liquid into the receptacle from a liquid dispensing unit. The method may further comprise: controlling the heating of liquid passing through the liquid dispensing unit.

The liquid passing through the liquid dispensing unit, from a liquid supply, may be heated to a temperature between 80C and 100C.

The liquid passing through the liquid dispensing unit, from a liquid supply, may be heated to a temperature between 90C and 100C.

The liquid passing through the liquid dispensing unit, from a liquid supply, may be heated to a temperature of 100C.

The method may further comprise controlling the provision of a liquid supply at the liquid dispensing unit. The method may further comprise controlling the conveying of ingredient from a storage container of the ingredient dispensing unit to an ingredient dispensing aperture via a conveyor arrangement.

The method may further comprise controlling the weighing of the ingredient to be dispensed from the ingredient dispensing unit via weighing means located in the ingredient dispensing unit.

The method may further comprise controlling the de-clumping of ingredient to be dispensed from the ingredient dispensing unit via a rotating wheel located in the ingredient dispensing unit. The method may further comprise controlling the mixing of ingredients, dispensed from the ingredient dispensing unit, and liquid, dispensed from the liquid dispensing unit, in the receptacle, using a mixer. The method may further comprise controlling the receiving of ingredient and liquid in the receptacle.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform the method as disclosed in the preceding paragraphs. According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium encoded with instructions that, when performed by a processor, cause performance of the method as disclosed in the preceding paragraphs. According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention, there is provided a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes performance of the method as disclosed in the preceding paragraphs

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of various examples of embodiments of the present invention reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates a diagrammatic view of an apparatus according to various embodiments of the invention; Fig. 2 illustrates a diagrammatic view of an apparatus according to various embodiments of the invention;

Fig. 3 illustrates a diagrammatic view of an apparatus according to various embodiments of the invention;

Fig. 4 illustrates a diagrammatic view of an apparatus according to various embodiments of the invention; Fig. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an example apparatus according to various embodiments of the invention; and

Fig. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of a method according to various embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, the wording 'connect' and 'couple' and their derivatives mean operationally connected or coupled. It should be appreciated that any number or combination of intervening components can exist (including no intervening components).

Fig. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an apparatus 10 for controlling food processing, the apparatus 10 comprising a controller 12 configured to: receive signals 14 from input control means (which may also be referred to as an input control device, input control apparatus or an input controller); determine, from the received signals 14, a food quantity value and a food consistency value; and control, using the determined food quantity value and the determined food consistency value, the quantity of an ingredient to be dispensed from an ingredient dispensing unit and the quantity of a liquid to be dispensed from a liquid dispensing unit. Referring to Fig.2, the apparatus 10 comprises a controller 12. The implementation of the controller 12 can be in hardware alone (for example, a circuit, a processor and so on), have certain aspects in software including firmware alone or can be a combination of hardware and software (including firmware).

The controller 12 may be implemented using instructions that enable hardware functionality, for example, by using executable computer program instructions in a general-purpose or special-purpose processor 18 that may be stored on a computer readable storage medium 20 (disk, memory etc.) to be executed by such a processor 18.

The processor 18 is configured to read from and write to the memory 20. The processor 18 may also comprise an output interface via which data and/or commands are output by the processor 18 and an input interface via which data and/or commands are input to the processor 18.

The memory 20 stores a computer program 22 comprising computer program instructions that control the operation of the apparatus 10 when loaded into the processor 18. The computer program instructions, of the computer program 22, provide the logic and routines that enables the apparatus 10 to perform the method illustrated in Fig. 6, and described in the following paragraphs. The processor 18, by reading the memory 20 is able to load and execute the computer program 22.

The computer program 22 may arrive at the apparatus 10 via any suitable delivery mechanism 24. The delivery mechanism 24 may be, for example, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, a computer program product, a memory device, a record medium such as a compact disc readonly memory (CD-ROM) or digital versatile disc (DVD), an article of manufacture that tangibly embodies the computer program 22. The delivery mechanism 24 may be a signal configured to reliably transfer the computer program 22. The apparatus 10 may propagate or transmit the computer program 22 as a computer data signal. Although the memory 20 is illustrated as a single component it may be implemented as one or more separate components some or all of which may be integrated/removable and/or may provide permanent/semi-permanent/ dynamic/cached storage. Although the processor 18 is illustrated as a single component it may be implemented as one or more separate components some or all of which may be integrated/removable.

References to 'computer-readable storage medium', 'computer program product', 'tangibly embodied computer program' etc. or a 'controller', 'computer', 'processor' etc. should be understood to encompass not only computers having different architectures such as single / multi- processor architectures and sequential (Von Neumann) / parallel architectures but also specialized circuits such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), application specific circuits (ASIC), signal processing devices and other processing circuitry. References to computer program, instructions, code etc. should be understood to encompass software for a programmable processor or firmware such as, for example, the programmable content of a hardware device whether instructions for a processor, or configuration settings for a fixed-function device, gate array or programmable logic device etc.

The term 'circuitry' may refer to hardware circuit implementations comprising analog and/or digital circuitry or combinations of hardware circuits and software and/or firmware. Further, the term 'circuitry' may cover implementations on a processor or a processor and software and/or firmware. The memory 20 may also store a database 26 or look-up table that is configured to include a plurality of values corresponding to quantities of ingredient and liquid to be dispensed at the food processor and/or in the food processing method, based upon food quantity values and food consistency values that may be provided at the controller 12. The database 26 or look-up table is described in greater detail in the following paragraphs.

In more detail, Fig. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an apparatus 10 for controlling food processing according to various embodiments of the invention. The apparatus 10 includes a controller 12. The controller 12 may be in the form of a circuit, which may be in the form of an integrated circuit or chip. The controller 12 may be a module to which other components may be connected or coupled in a wired or wireless manner. The other components to which the controller 12 may be connected or coupled may include input control means. The input control means, to which the controller 12 may be connected or coupled, may provide a user input method, comprising one or more of a touchscreen, slider, dials, knobs, buttons, keypads, switches or the like. The controller 12 receives one or more signals from input control means, the one or more signals being indicative of, at least, a food quantity and a food consistency. For the user, the input control means may provide a visual indication of the selectable options for, at least, food quantity and food consistency. The input control means may then transmit signals indicative of, at least, the selected food quantity and selected food consistency.

The controller 12 determines, from at least the received signals, at least a food quantity value and a food consistency value. The food quantity may be the quantity of food desired, by a user, to be processed in a food processor to which the controller 12 is connected. The food consistency may be the consistency of food desired, by a user, to be provided by the processing of the food in the food processor. The food quantity and the food consistency are selectable, by a user, via input control means. For example, the quantity of food may be selected from one of small, medium or large and the consistency of food may be selected from one of soft, moderate or hard. Alternatively, a weight or a volume of food, which is desired to be processed, may be selectable from a range of values. In other examples, a different number of selectable food quantities may be available for selection by a user, such that the selection is not restricted to small, medium or large, and/or a different number of selectable food consistencies may be available for selection by a user, such that the selection is not restricted to soft, moderate or hard. The controller 12 is configured to control the quantity of ingredient to be dispensed from an ingredient dispensing unit of the food processor and control the quantity of liquid to be dispensed from a liquid dispensing unit of the food processor. The quantity of ingredient to be dispensed and the quantity of liquid to be dispensed are determined from the food quantity value and food consistency value respectively, as determined from the one or more signals received from input control means. The controller 12 thus provides the benefit of efficient control of food processing without manual intervention.

In examples of the invention, the controller 12 is configured to receive data from and/or transmit data to a memory 20. The memory 20 may store a database 26 or look-up table that is configured to include a plurality of values. The plurality of values in the database 26 may correspond to quantities of ingredient and liquid to be dispensed at the food processor and/or in the food processing method, based upon food quantity values and food consistency values that may be provided at the controller 12. Thus the database 26 or look-up table may provide a two dimensional array of values, the array having a first axis corresponding to values of food quantity, and a second axis corresponding to values of food consistency. The values in the array corresponding to a specific food quantity value cross referenced with a specific food consistency value will then provide the quantity of ingredient to be dispensed and the quantity of liquid to be dispensed.

Alternatively, or in addition, the plurality of values in the database 26 may correspond to one or more periods of time for which ingredient and liquid are to be dispensed, based upon the food quantity values and food consistency values. The dispensing of, or control of the dispensing of, ingredient may occur before, during or after the dispensing of, or control of the dispensing of, liquid, or may occur during a time wholly or partially overlapping the period of time in which the liquid is dispensed or controlled to be dispensed. For example, the ingredient may be dispensed two seconds after the liquid has been dispensed.

In an example, shown in Fig. 3, the apparatus 10 comprises the controller 12, which may be as described above, and further comprises an input control means 30. The input control means 30 comprises a first input control 32 which is configured to enable selection of one of a plurality of food quantity values, for example, small, medium or large. The input control means 30 comprises a second input control 34 which is configured to enable selection of a plurality of food consistency values, for example, soft, moderate or hard. The one or more signals 14 to be received by the controller 12 are dependent on the configuration or operation of the first input control 32 and second input control 34. The first input control 32 may be a first control knob and the second input control 34 may be a second control knob. The first input control 32 and second input control 34 may provide one or more signals 14 to be received at the controller 12. For example, the first input control 32 and second input control 34 may provide a voltage output which varies dependent on the user input, such that, for example, if the first input control 32 is set to a position corresponding to selection of a small food quantity, then a first voltage output is provided, and if the first input control 32 is set to a position corresponding to selection of a medium food quantity, then a second voltage output, different from the first voltage output, is provided.

In some examples the input control means may comprise a third input control 36, which may be configured to allow or provide further control of food consistency, to provide more bespoke food preparation. For example, the settings of soft, moderate or hard may be subsequently modified by the use of the third input control 36, to provide intermediate consistencies.

In this respect, the third input control 36 may provide for modification of the ratio of ingredient to liquid to be dispensed at the food processor to which the controller 12 is connected or in the food processing method carried out at such a food processor, for example, by modifying the amount of ingredient dispensed from an ingredient dispensing unit and/or modifying the amount of liquid dispensed from a liquid dispensing unit. The third input control may be a third control knob.

By the use of a third input control 36, the ratio of ingredient to be dispensed from the ingredient dispensing unit to liquid to be dispensed from the liquid dispensing unit may be modified or altered to provide further user control of food consistency.

In an alternative example, the third input control 36 may be configured to add more of either ingredient or liquid dependent on the activation or operation of the third input control 36. For example, the third input control 36 may be a control that a user may activate to provide an additional fixed quantity of ingredient from the ingredient dispensing unit, or to provide an additional fixed quantity of liquid from the liquid dispensing unit. Alternatively, operation of the third input control 36 may provide ingredient from the ingredient dispensing unit or liquid from the liquid dispensing unit for the period of time that the third input control 36 is being activated for.

The one or more signals 14 to be received by the controller 12 may be, at least in part, dependent on the configuration or operation of the third input control 36.

The signal 14 to be received by the controller 12 from the third input control 36 may be processed at the controller 12 to modify operation of the food processor to which the controller 12 is connected.

The signal 14, which is dependent on the configuration or operation of the third input control 36, may be separate to the one or more signals indicative of the food quantity and food consistency, which is, or are, dependent upon the configuration or operation of the first input control 32 and second input control 34.

Alternatively, the signal 14, which is dependent on the configuration or operation of the third input control 36, may form a part of the one or more signals indicative of the food quantity and food consistency, which is, or are, dependent upon the configuration or operation of the first input control 32 and second input control 34.

In some examples the third input control 36 may be omitted.

In some examples the input control means may comprise an ingredient identification input control 38, which may be configured to allow or provide for identification of the ingredient to be processed. The identification may be provided by the user.

The ingredient identification input control 38 may provide for user identification or selection of the ingredient or food type to be processed. The ingredient identification input control 38 may be an ingredient identification control knob. There may be a visual indication or representation of the selectable ingredients provided at the ingredient identification input control 38. Alternatively, or in addition, the ingredient identification input control 38 may provide a visual indication or representation of the selected ingredient.

The ingredient identification input control 38 may control or alter the quantities of ingredient and/or liquid to be dispensed at the food processor in order for a selected food consistency to be provided for a particular ingredient or food type. The ingredient identification input control 38 may provide a signal 14 to be transmitted to the controller 12, to be received at the controller 12. The signal 14 received from the ingredient identification input control 38 may be processed at the controller 12 to modify operation of the food processor to which the controller 12 is connected.

The database 26 or look-up table stored in memory 20 may be configured to include a plurality of values depending on the identified ingredient or food type. The plurality of values in the database 26 may correspond to quantities of ingredient and liquid to be dispensed at the food processor and/or in the food processing method, based upon food quantity values and food consistency values that may be provided at the controller 12, along with an ingredient identification or selection provided at the controller 12.

Separate databases or look-up tables may be provided for each identifiable or selectable ingredient, to provide the values for the amount of ingredient to be dispensed and the amount of liquid to be dispensed, depending on the ingredient identified or selected. The plurality of values in the database 26, for each possible identifiable ingredient, or each possible selectable ingredient, may correspond to one or more periods of time for which ingredient and liquid are to be dispensed, based upon the food quantity values, food consistency values and the ingredient identification. In some examples the ingredient identification input control 38 may be omitted.

In another example, shown in Fig. 4, the apparatus 10 comprises the controller 12, which may be as described above, and further comprises an input control means 30. The functions of the one or more input controls 32, 34, 36 and 38, as discussed above in relation to Fig. 3, may be implemented on the input control means of Fig. 4, and/or as further described below. The input control means 30, as shown in the example of Fig. 4, comprises a single input control 40 which is configured to enable selection of one of a plurality of food quantity values, for example, small, medium or large, and one of a plurality of food consistency values, for example, soft, moderate or hard. The one or more signals 14 to be received by the controller 12 are dependent on the configuration or operation of the single input control 40.

The single input control 40 may, for example, comprise a touchscreen. The single input control 40 may provide separate representations or visualisations of a first input control 32 and second input control 34 as described above in relation to Fig. 3. For example, the representation or visualization of the first input control 32 and second input control 34 may be provided on a display of a touchscreen. That is, a representation of a slider, dial, knob, button, keypad, switch or such like may be provided on the single input control 40 with the functions as described above in relation to the first input control 32 and second input control 34.

Alternatively the functions of the first input control 32 and second input control 34 as described above may be implemented by a single input, or single control, such as by a two dimensional selection area on a touchscreen, with a first axis representing values for food quantity and a second axis representing values for food consistency. In one example the first axis has three discrete values that may be selected corresponding to the quantity settings of small, medium and large, and the second axis has three discrete values that may be selected corresponding to the consistency settings of soft, moderate and hard. Of course, it will be understood that a different number of discrete values may be represented on each axis, or that each axis may provide a continuous value selection.

In some examples the single input control 40 may be configured to provide further control of food consistency, to provide more bespoke food preparation. The single input control 40 may provide a separate representation or visualization of a third input control 36 as described above in relation to Fig. 3. For example the representation or visualization of the third input control 36 may be provided on the display of a touchscreen. That is, a representation of a slider, dial, knob, button, keypad, switch or such like may be provided on the single input control 40 with the function as described above in relation to the third input control 36.

The single input control 40 may therefore be configured allow or provide for modification of the ratio of ingredient to liquid to be dispensed at the food processor to which the controller 12 is connected or in the food processing method carried out at such a food processor. Alternatively, the single input control 40 may be configured to allow or provide for the addition of more of either ingredient or liquid to be dispensed, dependent on the activation or operation of the single input control 40, as described above in relation to the third input control 36 shown in Fig. 3.

In some examples the single input control 40 may be configured to allow or provide for identification of the ingredient to be processed. The identification may be provided by the user. The single input control 40 may provide a separate representation or visualization of an ingredient identification input control 38 as described above in relation to Fig. 3. For example, the representation or visualization of the ingredient identification input control 38 may be provided on a display of a touchscreen. That is, a representation of a slider, dial, knob, button, keypad, switch or such like may be provided on the single input control 40 with the function as described above in relation to the ingredient identification input control 38.

The single input control 40 may provide for user identification or selection of the ingredient or food type to be processed. The single input control 40 may control or alter the quantities of ingredient and/or liquid to be dispensed at the food processor in order for a selected food consistency to be provided for a particular ingredient or food type.

In some examples, the apparatus 10 may comprise a mixing speed control, which may be adjusted by the user to provide various speeds for mixing. For example, the mixing speed control of the apparatus 10 may comprise a user input comprising one or more of a touchscreen, slider, dials, knobs, buttons, keypads, switches or the like, to provide a user with manual mixing speed control. In other examples, the apparatus 10 may comprise an automatic mixing speed control, the mixing speed being determined by or from information provided in the database 26 or look-up table stored in memory 20, or from other information stored in memory 20. For example, the mixing speed may vary depending on the selected or determined food quantity and food consistency values. The mixing speed may be varied during the operation of the apparatus 10, either manually by a user or automatically by the automatic mixing speed control.

In some examples, the mixing time can be adjusted to provide different periods of time during which the apparatus 10 may be operational to process the ingredient and/or liquid. In some examples, the apparatus 10 may have a timer control. The timer control may be an automatic timer control, such that the period of time during which the apparatus 10 may be operational to process the ingredient and/or liquid is dependent on information provided in or by the database 26 or look-up table stored in memory 20, or from other information stored in memory 20. Alternatively, the user can manually operate the apparatus 10 for a given period of time, or the user may set a period of time on a timer control, for example a manual timer control, the manual timer control being configured to allow the user to manually set a period of time for which the apparatus 10 will be operational. The apparatus 10 may have both an automatic timer control and a manual timer control. The manual timer control may be configured to override the time period set by the automatic timer control.

The dispensing of ingredient from the ingredient dispensing unit, dispensing of liquid from the liquid dispensing unit, and mixing can be operable in synergy or together, for example to be operable at the same time, or in isolation, for example to be operable at separate times. The apparatus may further comprise manual control of one or more of the dispensing of ingredient from the ingredient dispensing unit, manual control of dispensing of liquid from the liquid dispensing unit, and manual control of mixing. In some embodiments the manual controls may allow the user of the apparatus 10 to choose further processing operations, following an automated mixing operation. For example, the user may choose one or more of the dispensing of ingredient, the dispensing of liquid, and mixing, as a further processing operation. The further processing operation may be performed after initial processing of the food in an operation as described above. Fig. 5 illustrates a diagrammatic perspective view of an apparatus 10 comprising a controller 12 (shown through a cutaway portion) and input control means 30. The apparatus 10 of Fig. 5 further comprises an ingredient dispensing unit 42 for dispensing ingredient into a receptacle 44, and a liquid dispensing unit 46 for dispensing liquid into the receptacle 44. The apparatus 10 may be of modular form such that the ingredient dispensing unit 42 may be replaced with a different ingredient dispensing unit 42 of the same or a different size, and/or the a liquid dispensing unit 46 may be replaced with a different liquid dispensing unit 46 of the same or a different size. The receptacle 44 may be attachable to the apparatus 10 and therefore may be attached or detached from the apparatus 10. The receptacle 44 may be interlocked to the apparatus 10 when attached to the apparatus 10 to prevent its separation from the apparatus 10 during food processing. The apparatus 10 may therefore further comprise the receptacle 44 for receiving ingredient and liquid. The receptacle 44 may further comprise a splash guard to prevent ingredient or liquid from being ejected from the receptacle 44 during food processing.

The receptacle 44 may comprise a bowl or other vessel for receiving ingredient and liquid. The receptacle 44 may be static or may rotate about its central axis to induce mixing of ingredient and liquid. The receptacle 44 is formed of a heat resistant material, such as a metal, for example stainless steel or aluminium, or a high temperature plastic, which is able to withstand temperatures up to and preferably beyond 100°C.

The apparatus 10 further comprises a hotplate 60 for retaining a receptacle 44. The hotplate 60 may comprise an interlock mechanism to lock the receptacle 44 to the hotplate 60 of the apparatus 10 when attached to the apparatus 10 to prevent separation of the receptacle 44 from the apparatus 10 during food processing. The hotplate 60 is formed of heat conductive material, such as a metal, for example stainless steel or aluminium. The liquid dispensing unit 46 comprises a heater 48, for heating liquid passing through the liquid dispensing unit 46. The liquid dispensing unit 46 is connected to a liquid supply 50, which provides a liquid for heating by the heater 48. The liquid to be supplied is typically water. Other liquids may be used, such as stock solution, salted water or oil, though any liquid may be used with the apparatus 10. The heater 48 comprises a liquid heating device such as a water boiler (which may be for instance an "instantaneous" water boiler) through which a desired amount or volume of water or other liquid may be passed and heated. This has the benefit of reducing the amount of energy required to heat a liquid to be used to combine with ingredient in the receptacle 44. The heater 48 is configured to heat the liquid to a temperature between 80°C and 100°C, preferably to a temperature between 90°C and 100°C and more preferably still to bring the liquid to boiling point (i.e. 100°C for water). The heated liquid may thus provide heat to the food in the receptacle 44, via the hotplate 60, in order to perform, at least in part, a food warming or a food cooking function. Therefore the water boiler may be configured to perform, at least in part, a food warming or a food cooking function. However, it is envisaged that the apparatus 10 may be operated to heat the liquid to any specific temperature, or between any specific temperature ranges, or the apparatus 10 may be operated without any heating being applied to the liquid, for example by switching the heater 48 off. When no heating is applied to the liquid, the liquid may be dispensed unheated. Switching the heater 48 off, may be performed as part of the automated process as described above, or by the user manually deactivating the heater 48. When the heater 48 is switched off, the apparatus 10 may be operated to process ingredient with a dispensed liquid, for example to process flour into dough, at room temperature.

The liquid supply 50 connected or coupled to the liquid dispensing unit 46 may comprise a liquid storage tank 52 which may be filled by the user prior to operation of the apparatus 10. The liquid storage tank 52 may form a modular component of the apparatus 10, and therefore the apparatus 10 may be configured to operate with liquid storage tanks 52 of different sizes. Alternatively, or in addition, the liquid supply 50 may comprise an external liquid supply 54, such as a mains water supply, which may be a continuous water supply. The mains water supply may be connected to the liquid storage tank 52, or directly to the liquid dispensing unit 46.

In the case where a liquid storage tank 52 and an external liquid supply 54 are both provided, the external liquid supply 54 may feed into the liquid storage tank 52 and may be operated by an automatic shutoff valve, triggered for example by a level sensor in the liquid storage tank 52, such that the level of liquid in the liquid storage tank remains within certain predetermined thresholds to avoid under filling or overfilling. Alternatively, the external liquid supply 54 may be manually operated by the user and therefore not act as a continuous supply, but only be available when operated by a user.

The liquid dispensing unit further comprises tubing 56 connecting the heater 48 to a liquid dispensing aperture 58 i.e. the tubing 56 is disposed between the heater 48 and the liquid dispensing aperture 58. The tubing 56 is located such that at least part of the tubing 56 is located below the hotplate 60, upon which the receptacle 44 is to be positioned, for the transfer of heat from the tubing 56 to the hotplate 60. The tubing 56 may be located in thermal communication with the hotplate 60. For example, the tubing is conductively and/or convectively connected to the hotplate 60. At least a part of the tubing 56, located in thermal communication with the hotplate 60, may be thermally conductive, such that heat is transferred efficiently from the liquid dispensing unit to the hotplate 60. Other portions of the tubing 56 may be thermally insulated to prevent or minimize transfer of heat from the tubing 56 to locations other than the hotplate 60, for example, to internal components of the food processor. The tubing 56 may be formed of a metal, such as copper, stainless steel or the like. Heat may then be transferred from the hotplate 60 to the receptacle 44 retained on the hotplate 60. This beneficially provides heating of the liquid to be used in food preparation and heating of the receptacle 44 into which ingredient and the liquid is to be dispensed, with the same energy input. The energy transferred to the receptacle 44, in the form of heat from the heated liquid passing through the tubing 56, may then keep the food in the receptacle 44 warm, or may provide, at least in part, a cooking function for cooking or partially cooking the food in the receptacle 44.

In one example, the apparatus 10 is configured to dispense liquid at a predetermined feed rate, for example 3 litres per minute, such that control of the amount of dispensed liquid can be based on a time period for dispensing the liquid set by the controller 12. Alternatively, or in addition, the flow of liquid may be monitored by using a fluid flow meter and controlled by calculation of the amount of liquid measured flowing through the fluid flow meter. The time period for dispensing liquid can therefore be calculated based on the fluid flow measurements.

The ingredient dispensing unit 42 comprises a storage container 62 for the storage of ingredient. The storage container 62 may form a modular component of the apparatus 10, and therefore the apparatus may be configured to operate with different storage containers 62 of different sizes. The storage container 62 is comprised of food grade material. The storage container 62 is configured to store ingredient in a granular or powdered form. The ingredient may be a carbohydrate based ingredient suitable for mixing with hot water to form a dough of desired consistency. Such carbohydrate based ingredients may be formed of tubular crops which have been pre- processed to be in a granular or powdered form. The apparatus 10 is configured to process the ingredient in the granular or powdered form, and particularly configured to process carbohydrate based ingredients, especially complex carbohydrate based ingredients such as tubular crops. The ingredient to be processed may be, for example, flour, wheat, bean flour, garri, yam, amala or fufu. Alternatively, various non-carbohydrate, or non-starchy food ingredient may be alternatively or additionally provided in the receptacle 44. Such non- carbohydrate food ingredient may then be processed with, or instead of, the carbohydrate based ingredient. For example, non-carbohydrate food ingredient such as egg may be added to the receptacle 44 for processing in the apparatus 10. Non-carbohydrate ingredient may be stored in the storage container 62, and processed as described herein.

Alternatively, or additionally, some ingredient may be added manually by a user, directly into the receptacle 44, prior to or during mixing.

The ingredient dispensing unit 42 comprises a conveyor arrangement 64 for conveying ingredient from the storage container 62 to an ingredient dispensing aperture 66. The conveyor arrangement 64 is located within the storage container 62, preferably at a lower portion of the storage container 62 to facilitate the movement of ingredient from within the storage container 62 to the ingredient dispensing aperture 66. The conveyor arrangement 64 may be motor driven, wherein the motor function is controlled by the controller 12 to operate to dispense a desired amount of ingredient from the ingredient dispensing aperture 66.

In Fig. 5, the conveyor arrangement 64 is shown through a cutaway of the sidewall of the storage container 62. The conveyor arrangement 64 may be any mechanism for conveying ingredient from within the storage container 62 to the dispensing aperture 66, for example, the conveyor arrangement 64 may be an Archimedean or Archimedes' screw mechanism or may be a vibratory conveyance mechanism. In the case of the use of an Archimedean or Archimedes' screw mechanism, the base of the storage container 62 is curved to be in close proximity to the path of the helical turns of the Archimedean or Archimedes' screw mechanism to ensure that ingredient is effectively dispensed from the storage container 62. The ingredient dispensing unit may further comprise weighing means 68 (which may also be referred to as a weighing device, weighing apparatus or scale). The weighing means 68 may be configured to weigh the ingredient to be dispensed from the ingredient dispensing unit 42. In particular the weighing means 68 may be configured to weigh ingredient in the storage container 62 before and/or during and/or after being dispensed from the ingredient dispensing aperture 66. The weighing means 68 may comprise a spring scale or hydraulic or pneumatic scale. Ingredient may be dispensed at a pre-determined feed rate, for example 500g per minute, such that control of the amount of dispensed ingredient can be based on a time period for dispensing the ingredient. Alternatively or additionally the ingredient may be continuously or periodically weighed using the weighing means 68, such that a desired weight of ingredient is dispensed. Therefore ingredient is dispensed until the measured weight reduces by a desired amount.

The ingredient dispensing unit 42 may further comprise a rotating wheel mechanism for de-clumping ingredient to be dispensed from the ingredient dispensing unit. Alternatively, the use of an Archimedean screw mechanism with a larger number of helical turns per unit length may be used to increase the effectiveness of the Archimedean screw mechanism de-clumping the ingredient. The apparatus 10 may further comprise a mixer 70 for mixing ingredients, dispensed from the ingredient dispensing unit 42, and liquid, dispensed from the liquid dispensing unit 46. The mixer 70 may comprise an impeller. In particular the mixer 70 is configured to mix ingredients and liquid in a receptacle 44 when the receptacle 44 is located on the hotplate 60.

The mixer 70 may have a planetary motion such that as well as rotating on its own axis, the mixer 70 also revolves around the central axis of the receptacle 44. In such a motion, where the mixer 70 is controlled to alter its position within the receptacle 44 over time, mixing of ingredients and liquid is more complete than with a static mixer for a given period of time. It will be understood by the person skilled in the art that various mixing accessories may be used for different functions, and that the mixer 70 is not confined to a single function. For example the mixer 70 may comprise a beater, a blade, a dough hook or a balloon whisk, the use of which may depend upon the ingredient used and the food consistency required.

The accessories may perform or be configured to perform functions of beating, cutting, blending, slicing, mincing, kneading, whisking etc., which functions may be sub-operations of the apparatus 10. These additional accessories may therefore be termed sub-operations devices. The apparatus 10 may have an outlet gear system, comprising one or more outlet gear ports, where the sub-operations devices may be connected. The outlet gear system may provide for these sub-operations devices to be connected to the apparatus 10, and perform their intended function. The mixer 70 may alternatively be comprised as part of the receptacle 44, such that the mixer 70 projects upwards from the base of the receptacle. In such circumstances the mixer 70 may only rotate on its own axis.

One method of controlling food processing in an apparatus 10 as described above is shown in the flow diagram of Fig. 6. In the following, it is noted that the processor 12 may perform at least some of the steps or blocks of the method. Other steps or blocks of the method may be performed by the user in operation of the apparatus 10.

As an example, at block 100, the method includes providing, or controlling the provision of, a liquid supply at the liquid dispensing unit 46. At block 102, the method includes storing, or controlling the storage of, the liquid supply in a liquid storage tank 52.

At block 104, the method includes providing, or controlling the provision of, external liquid supply such as a mains water supply.

At block 106, the method includes providing, or controlling the provision of, ingredient at and storing, or controlling the storage of, ingredient in a storage container 62 of the ingredient dispensing unit 42.

At block 108, the method includes providing, or controlling the provision of, and/or retaining, or controlling the retention of, a receptacle 44 on a hotplate 60, the hotplate 60 being located on the apparatus 10. At block 1 10, the method includes providing, providing for, or controlling the provision of, at the input control means 30, selection of one of a plurality of food quantity values. The input control means 30 then provides a signal 14 to the controller 12 dependent upon the selection. At block 1 12, the method includes providing, providing for, or controlling the provision of, at the input control means 30, selection of one of a plurality of food consistency values. The input control means 30 then provides a signal 14 to the controller 12 dependent upon the selection. At block 1 14, the method includes providing, providing for, or controlling the provision of, modification of the ratio of ingredient to liquid, at the input control means 30, to control food consistency. In particular, the user may modify the ratio of ingredient to be dispensed from the ingredient dispensing unit 42 to liquid to be dispensed from the liquid dispensing unit 46. The input control means 30 then provides a signal 14 to the controller 12 dependent upon the modification selected or provided at the input control means 30. At block 1 16, the method includes providing, providing for, or controlling the provision of, identification or selection of the ingredient to be processed, at the input control means 30. The identification or selection of the ingredient to be processed may be provided by a user. The ingredient to be processed may be in a granular or powdered form, and may be a carbohydrate based ingredient. The input control means 30 then provides a signal 14 to the controller 12 dependent upon the identification or selection.

The method at blocks 1 10 to 1 16 may require input to separate input controls 32, 34, 36, 38 of the input control means 30 or a single input control 40 of the input control means 30 or a combination thereof, as mentioned herein the description.

At block 1 18, the method includes receiving (for example at the controller 12) one or more signals 14 from input control means 30, the one or more signals 14 being indicative of, at least, a food quantity and a food consistency.

At block 120 the method includes determining (for example at the controller 12), from the received signals 14, a food quantity value and a food consistency value.

At block 122 the method includes controlling (for example at the controller 12), using the determined food quantity value and the determined food consistency value, the quantity of an ingredient to be dispensed from an ingredient dispensing unit 42 and the quantity of a liquid to be dispensed from a liquid dispensing unit 46. In one example, time periods for dispensing ingredient and liquid may be provided such that ingredient is dispensed for a first time period and liquid is dispensed for a second time period, the time periods may coincide, overlap, or be separate.

At block 124, the method includes heating liquid, or controlling the heating of liquid, from the liquid supply, passing through the heater 48 of the liquid dispensing unit 46. The liquid passing through the heater 48 of the liquid dispensing unit 46, from the liquid supply, may be heated to a temperature between 80C and 100C, or may preferably be heated to a temperature between 90C and 100C, or may more preferably still be heated to a temperature of 100C, in particular when the liquid to be dispensed is water.

At block 126, the method includes dispensing liquid, or controlling the dispensing of liquid, into the receptacle 44 from a liquid dispensing unit 46. The liquid may be dispensed at a pre-determined feed rate, for example 3 litres per minute, such that the amount of liquid dispensed is based on a time period for dispensing.

At block 128, the method includes receiving, or controlling the receiving of, liquid in the receptacle 44.

At block 130, the method includes weighing, or controlling the weighing of, the ingredient to be dispensed from the ingredient dispensing unit 42. The ingredient may be weighed, or controlled to be weighed, via weighing means 68 located in the ingredient dispensing unit 42.

At block 132, the method includes conveying, or controlling the conveying of, ingredient from the storage container 62 to an ingredient dispensing aperture 66. The ingredient may be conveyed, or controlled to be conveyed, via a conveyor arrangement 64. The ingredient may be dispensed at a predetermined feed rate, for example 500g per minute, such that the amount of ingredient dispensed is based on a time period of dispensing.

At block 134, the method includes de-clumping, or controlling the de-clumping of, ingredient to be dispensed from the ingredient dispensing unit 42. The ingredient may be de-clumped, or controlled to be de-clumped, via a rotating wheel located in the ingredient dispensing unit 42. At block 136, the method includes dispensing, or controlling the dispensing of, ingredient into the receptacle 44 from an ingredient dispensing unit 42. The ingredient may be dispensed, for example, a few seconds after the liquid has been dispensed into the receptacle 44, thus providing that the ingredient is added to the liquid. In other examples the ingredient may be dispensed first such that the liquid is added to the ingredient in the receptacle 44.

At block 138, the method includes receiving, or controlling the receiving of, ingredient in the receptacle 44.

At block 140, the method includes mixing, or controlling the mixing of, ingredients, dispensed from the ingredient dispensing unit 42, and liquid, dispensed from the liquid dispensing unit 46, in the receptacle 44. The mixing may be performed using a mixer 70. The length of time for which the mixer 70 operates may be dependent upon the food quantity value and food consistency value. Additionally any modification of the ratio of ingredient to liquid and/or the ingredient type may be used to calculate the length of time for which the mixer 70 operates to bring the food to a finished state. A harder consistency food may, for example, take longer to mix to a finished state. The length of time for which the mixer 70 operates may be determined by the controller 12.

The controller 12 may be configured to control mixing time, or alternatively the user can control the period of time for which the mixer 70 operates. For example, the user may manually operate the mixer 70 of the apparatus 10 for a given period of time, or set a period of time on a timer control, the timer control being configured to allow the user to manually set a period of time for which the mixer 70 of the apparatus 10 will be operational. Various blocks 100 to 140, shown in Fig. 6 and described in the preceding paragraphs, can be omitted from the method. For example blocks 1 14 and/or 1 16 can be omitted in examples where modification of the consistency of the food to be prepared or identification of the ingredient or food type is not required. Likewise block 124 may be omitted in examples where heating of the liquid is not appropriate. Other blocks may be omitted in other examples. Additionally, manual control of the apparatus can be carried out by the user, following initial processing of the food in an operation as shown in Fig. 6, and described above in relation to the blocks shown in Fig. 6. For example, the user may choose one or more of the dispensing of ingredient, the dispensing of liquid, and mixing, as a further processing operation.

As used here 'module' refers to a unit or apparatus that excludes certain parts/components that would be added by an end manufacturer or a user.

The blocks illustrated in the Fig. 6 may represent steps in a method and/or sections of code in the computer program 22. The illustration of a particular order to the blocks does not necessarily imply that there is a required or preferred order for the blocks and the order and arrangement of the block may be varied. Furthermore, it may be possible for some steps to be omitted. The term 'comprise' is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is, any reference to X comprising Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y. If it is intended to use 'comprise' with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context by referring to "comprising only one..." or by using "consisting".

In this brief description, reference has been made to various examples. The description of features or functions in relation to an example indicates that those features or functions are present in that example. The use of the term 'example' or 'for example' or 'may' in the text denotes, whether explicitly stated or not, that such features or functions are present in at least the described example, whether described as an example or not, and that they can be, but are not necessarily, present in some of or all other examples. Thus 'example', 'for example' or 'may' refers to a particular instance in a class of examples. A property of the instance can be a property of only that instance or a property of the class or a property of a sub-class of the class that includes some but not all of the instances in the class.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. For example, a single input or control, as described above in relation to Fig. 4, can be provided to implement the first input control and second input control, but the third input control and the ingredient identification input control may be implemented using a separate third input control and a separate ingredient identification input control, as described above in relation to Fig. 3. Each of these controls for input or setting of various parameters, may be provided on the single input control 40, for example as representations or visualisations on a touchscreen or other input device.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not. Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon. l/we claim: