Method and apparatus for making and dispensing liquid or semi-liquid food products

A method for making and dispensing liquid or semi-liquid food products in a machine for making and dispensing liquid or semi-liquid food products, the machine comprising:

• at least one containment tank for containing a liquid basic product;
• a processing circuit for the basic liquid product, for obtaining a liquid or semi-liquid food product;
• dispensing means for dispensing the food product;
• at least one actuator acting on the basic product and/or on the food product and/or on parts of the machine;
• a user interface configured for controlling the making and dispensing;
• the method comprising the steps, implemented by a control and processing unit connected with the user interface, of:
• measuring one or more operating parameters of the machine using at least one sensor;
• activating a first data communication with the at least one sensor for obtaining the operating parameters,
• receiving the operating parameters through a first communication channel;
• activating a second data communication with the user interface wherein the latter is configured for receiving commands from a user representing settings of preparations which can be selected;
• receiving the commands through a second communication channel;
• controlling the at least one actuator as a function of:
• the operating parameters received through the first communication channel;
• the commands received through the second communication channel;
• wherein the steps described are performed by means of software instructions, wherein the steps of receiving the operating parameters through the first communication channel follow the steps of:
• continuously monitoring the operating parameters received from the at least one sensor;
• processing the operating parameters as a function of communication libraries determining processed operational information;
• sending to the user interface the processed operational information, the information determining the settings of preparations which can be selected.