Home refrigerator systems imaging their interior and methods

a refrigerator and refrigerator technology, applied in the field of home refrigerators, can solve the problems and achieve the effect of saving on the energy cost of consumers and less tim

Inactive Publication Date: 2006-05-11
KAVOUNAS GREGORY T
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014] This way, a person can view on a screen a generated image of the refrigerator interior, and make their decision, while the door remains closed. If they want nothing from the refrigerator, they need not open the door at all. If they want something, then they need to open the refrigerator door only for the short time it takes to remove the desired item.
[0015] An advantage is that no cold air pours out from the refrigerator, while the person is making their decision. This way, the cooling machine needs to operate for less time, which saves on the consumer's energy cost.

Problems solved by technology

This way, the cooling machine needs to operate for less time, which saves on the consumer's energy cost.

Method used

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  • Home refrigerator systems imaging their interior and methods
  • Home refrigerator systems imaging their interior and methods
  • Home refrigerator systems imaging their interior and methods

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Embodiment Construction

[0032] As has been mentioned, the present document describes home refrigerator systems that image their interior, and methods. As will be appreciated from the below, the teachings of this document may be practiced either by retrofitting a prior art refrigerator, or by manufacturing it anew according to this description. The description is now provided in more detail.

[0033]FIG. 2 is a section diagram of an elevation of components 200 of a home refrigerator system. These system components 200 include an enclosure 202, formed similarly to enclosure 102. Enclosure 202 defines an interior for storing food.

[0034] In the example of FIG. 2, the interior is divided in two interior compartments 203 and 204. Compartment 203 is for a regular refrigerator, and compartment 204 is for a freezer section. While freezer section 204 is shown located above compartment 203, that is only by way of example, and not of limitation. In other embodiments freezer section 204 may be arranged other ways, such ...

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PUM

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Abstract

A home refrigerator system (200) includes an enclosure (202) that defines an interior (203) for storing food (223, 224), a machine (209) for cooling the interior (203), a door (205) usable for accessing the interior (203), and a camera (252) for imaging the interior (203) while the door (205) is shut. The camera generates a signal (284) encoding the image of the interior. The signal (284) can be viewed on a screen (286) outside the interior, to assist in decision-making without opening the door (205).

Description

BACKGROUND [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present document is related to the field of home refrigerators, and more specifically to energy saving devices and methods for assisting in deciding which food to take by viewing the interior of the home refrigerator without opening the door. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art [0004] Home refrigerators, including freezers, are used for preserving foods by keeping them cool. A refrigerator includes a machine that cools the air in its interior. In general the machine works until the air in the interior is cooled down to a set low temperature. Then the machine stops, and the air temperature slowly rises again. When it has risen above a set temperature, the machine starts again. [0005] The machine works by drawing electricity from a home wall outlet. Accordingly, its operation contributes to the energy cost that a consumer has to pay for. [0006] Every time the refrigerator door is opened, cold air pours out, because it is heav...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): F25B49/00F25D17/04F25D15/00F25D23/12
CPCF25B2600/07F25D29/00F25D2400/361F25D2500/06
Inventor KAVOUNAS, GREGORY T.
Owner KAVOUNAS GREGORY T
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