Refrigerator

Abstract

The refrigerator includes: a communication device capable of communicating with a control device and a portable terminal; and a first storage device that stores function data and setting data of the refrigerator. The communication device sends the function data and the setting data to the control device. The control device has a second storage device that pre-stores a shelf-life database in which the shelf life of stored items is set for each storage environment. The control device receives the function data and the setting data from the communication device, and based on the function data and the setting data, as the storage environment for storing the stored items specified by the user, extracts from the shelf-life database the storage environment corresponding to the function of the refrigerator and the current setting state, and the shelf life corresponding to the storage environment, and sends the extracted storage environment and shelf life to the portable terminal. The portable terminal receives the storage environment and the shelf life and displays them on the screen.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator, and more particularly to a refrigerator that provides a storage method to a user when storing cooking ingredients or food materials. Background Art

[0002] Existing refrigerators photograph stored food using a camera installed inside the refrigerator, thereby determining the entry and exit of food and creating a list of foods inside the refrigerator (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[0003] In addition, other existing refrigerators identify the names of food materials inside the refrigerator and display information on the inventory of food materials, recipes received from a server, and purchased food materials required for making the recipes (for example, refer to Patent Document 2).

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-070477

[0005] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-095172

[0006] The above Patent Document 1 identifies foods inside the refrigerator and creates a list, but does not propose in which storage compartment the foods should be stored.

[0007] The above Patent Document 2 proposes recipes related to cooking based on the information of food materials inside the refrigerator, but does not propose a solution for how to store the remaining food after cooking or the stored and preserved cooked food. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present disclosure is made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to obtain a refrigerator that can provide a storage environment suitable for storing an item to a user when storing the item.

[0009] The refrigerator of the present disclosure includes: a main body; a communication device provided on the main body and capable of communicating with a control device and a portable terminal; and a first storage device that stores function data representing the functions of the refrigerator and setting data representing the current set state of the refrigerator. The control device is disposed outside or inside the main body. The communication device sends the function data and the setting data to the control device. The control device has a second storage device that pre-stores a shelf-life database in which one or more storage items are set for each storage environment. The control device receives the function data and the setting data from the communication device. Based on the function data and the setting data, the control device extracts from the shelf-life database the storage environment corresponding to the functions and the current set state of the refrigerator and the shelf life corresponding to this storage environment, as the storage environment for storing the storage items in the refrigerator. The control device outputs the extracted storage environment and the shelf life.

[0010] The refrigerator of the present disclosure can, when storing storage items, propose to the user a storage environment suitable for storing the storage items. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 It is a front view showing the overall structure of the refrigerator 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0012] Figure 2 It is a side sectional view showing the structure of the refrigerator 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0013] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing the relationship between the refrigerator 1 according to Embodiment 1 and each communication device.

[0014] Figure 4 It is a flowchart showing the processing flow related to the prompt of the storage environment of the storage items in the refrigerator 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0015] Figure 5 It is a flowchart showing the processing flow related to the prompt of the shelf life of the storage items in the refrigerator 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0016] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing the storage item name 18 registered in the external network 11 according to Embodiment 1.

[0017] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing the shelf-life database 19 of the external network 11 according to Embodiment 1.

[0018] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing an example of the function data 20 of the refrigerator 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0019] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the setting data 21 of the refrigerator 1 in Embodiment 1.

[0020] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing an example of the preservation proposal information 30 displayed on the portable terminal 14 in Embodiment 1.

[0021] Figure 11 This is a front view showing an example of the panel 13 of the refrigerator 1 in Embodiment 1.

[0022] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing an example of the preservation period list 40 stored in the external network 11 in Embodiment 1.

[0023] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing an example of the expiration notice 41 displayed on the portable terminal 14 in Embodiment 1.

[0024] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing an example of the preservation days notice 42 displayed on the portable terminal 14 in Embodiment 1.

[0025] Figure 15 This is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the refrigerator 1 in Embodiment 2.

[0026] Figure 16 This is a diagram showing an example of the recipe list 50 of the external network 11 in Embodiment 2.

[0027] Figure 17 This represents an example of the list data 60 of the stored items 17 displayed on the portable terminal 14 in Embodiment 2.

[0028] Figure 18 This is a diagram showing an example of a hint for a recommended recipe displayed on the portable terminal 14 in Embodiment 2. Detailed Embodiment

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the refrigerator of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. In addition, the present disclosure includes all combinations of structures that can be combined among the structures shown in the following embodiments and their modified examples. In addition, parts denoted by the same reference numerals in the respective drawings are the same or corresponding parts, which is common throughout the specification. In addition, there are cases where the relative dimensional relationships, shapes, etc. of the respective components in the respective drawings are different from the actual ones.

[0030] Embodiment 1.

[0031] Figure 1This is a front view showing the overall structure of the refrigerator 1 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 This is a side sectional view showing the structure of the refrigerator 1 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the relationship between the refrigerator 1 and each communication device according to Embodiment 1. Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing the processing flow related to the presentation of the storage environment of stored items in the refrigerator 1 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing the processing flow related to the presentation of the shelf life of stored items in the refrigerator 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0032] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, in the main body 1a of the refrigerator 1, as storage compartments differentiated by use, there are provided five compartments: a refrigerating compartment 2, a switching compartment 3, an ice-making compartment 4, a freezing compartment 5, and a vegetable compartment 6.

[0033] In addition, as Figure 2 shown, at the upper part of the back surface of the refrigerator 1, there is provided a main control unit 7 that controls the operation of the refrigerator 1. In addition, a first storage device 7a is connected to the main control unit 7.

[0034] As Figure 1 shown, in the refrigerating compartment 2, there are provided a left refrigerating compartment door 8 and a right refrigerating compartment door 9. At the upper part of the refrigerator 1, there is provided a pair of hinge members 10 that serve as the rotation axes of the left refrigerating compartment door 8 and the right refrigerating compartment door 9. Inside the refrigerating compartment 2, there are provided a plurality of shelves 2a.

[0035] In addition, the switching compartment 3, the ice-making compartment 4, the freezing compartment 5, and the vegetable compartment 6 are drawer-type storage compartments. The switching compartment 3 has a plurality of storage modes and can switch the storage mode through designation from the user. In the storage modes, for example, there are included a normal mode, an instant freezing mode, a sub-zero mode, etc. In addition, the other storage compartments may also have a plurality of storage modes.

[0036] In addition, as Figure 2 shown, a communication device 12 is provided on the hinge member 10. The communication device 12 can be provided inside the hinge member 10 or can also be fixed to the surface of the hinge member 10. As Figure 3 shown, the communication device 12 can communicate with an external network 11 provided outside. The external network 11 is, for example, a cloud server. The external network 11 has a second storage device 11a that stores a shelf life database 19 (refer to Figure 7 ) etc. In Embodiment 1, an example is described in which the external network 11 functions as a control device for managing the shelf life of stored items. However, the main control unit 7 of the refrigerator 1 can also function as this control device.

[0037] The communication device 12 can be directly connected to the external network 11, but asFigure 3 As shown, it can also be configured to communicate with the external network 11 via a gateway 15 separately provided from the refrigerator 1. In addition, in the above description, it is described that the communication device 12 is provided on the hinge 10, but it is not limited to this case. As long as it is a space where the communication device 12 can be provided, the installation location can be any location of the refrigerator 1 or any location in the indoor space where the refrigerator 1 is installed.

[0038] As Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, a panel 13 is provided on the left door 8 of the refrigerating compartment. Figure 11 is a front view showing an example of the panel 13 of the refrigerator 1 according to Embodiment 1. The panel 13 receives operations from the user and displays a message screen for the user. Specifically, as Figure 11 shown, the panel 13 has buttons for the user to operate and accepts inputs for setting the temperature of each storage compartment and the storage mode of each storage compartment. In addition, as Figure 11 shown, the panel 13 has a display screen 13b for displaying messages to the user. As Figure 2 shown, the panel 13 is electrically connected to the main control unit 7. In addition, as Figure 2 shown, the panel 13 is connected to the main control unit 7 via wiring using the hinge 10. Therefore, the panel 13 can also be directly connected to the main control unit 7, but it can also be electrically connected to the main control unit 7 via the communication device 12 in the hinge 10.

[0039] The main control unit 7 controls the temperature environment of each storage compartment based on the set temperature of each storage compartment and the information on the storage mode of each storage compartment set by the panel 13.

[0040] In addition, as Figure 3 shown, the portable terminal 14 owned by the user is communicably connected to the external network 11 and the gateway 15. Therefore, the portable terminal 14 can be connected to the communication device 12 via the external network 11 or the gateway 15. Therefore, the portable terminal 14 can be connected to the main control unit 7 via the communication device 12. The user can input the temperature setting of each storage compartment and the storage mode setting of each storage compartment by operating the portable terminal 14 instead of the panel 13. The portable terminal 14 has a screen for displaying a picture. In addition, the portable terminal 14 is, for example, a smart phone or a tablet terminal.

[0041] As Figure 2As shown, a camera 16 inside the refrigerator is provided in the refrigerating chamber 2. The camera 16 inside the refrigerator takes pictures of the inside of the refrigerating chamber 2. The camera 16 inside the refrigerator is installed, for example, on the left door 8 or the right door 9 of the refrigerating chamber. Specifically, the camera 16 inside the refrigerator is fixed to the storage side of the left door 8 of the refrigerating chamber, or fixed to the storage side of the right door 9 of the refrigerating chamber. One camera 16 inside the refrigerator can be provided relative to the refrigerating chamber 2, but one can also be provided for each shelf 2a. Alternatively, when there is one camera 16 inside the refrigerator, it can also be movable between the shelves 2a. In this case, a guide rail for guiding the movement of the camera 16 inside the refrigerator is provided on the left door 8 or the right door 9 of the refrigerating chamber. The guide rail is provided to extend in the vertical direction. The camera 16 inside the refrigerator moves in the up and down direction along the guide rail by a driving device such as a motor. Thus, the inside of each shelf 2a of the refrigerating chamber 2 can be photographed by one camera 16 inside the refrigerator. The camera 16 inside the refrigerator is located inside the refrigerating chamber 2 when the left door 8 or the right door 9 of the refrigerator 1 is closed. Therefore, when the left door 8 or the right door 9 of the refrigerator 1 is opened, condensation may occur on the lens of the camera 16 inside the refrigerator. Therefore, a lens heater can be provided in the camera 16 inside the refrigerator as needed.

[0042] The camera 16 inside the refrigerator can also be provided in the switching chamber 3, the ice making chamber 4, the freezing chamber 5, and the vegetable chamber 6 respectively.

[0043] In addition, as Figure 2 shown, in the refrigerating chamber 2, a shelf life detection sensor 25 is provided as needed. The shelf life detection sensor 25 is, for example, a gas sensor, a temperature sensor, or a weight sensor. The shelf life detection sensor 25 predicts the shelf life of the stored item 17 stored in the refrigerating chamber 2. One shelf life detection sensor 25 can be provided, but one can also be provided for each shelf 2a.

[0044] The shelf life detection sensor 25 can also be provided in the switching chamber 3 and the vegetable chamber 6 respectively.

[0045] Next, the process of the method for prompting the user about the storage environment of the stored item will be described. In Figure 4 is shown a flowchart representing the process flow of this method. Figure 4 Shows the process flow from the photographing of the stored item 17 to the prompting to the user.

[0046] As Figure 4 shown, in step S101, the user takes a picture of the stored item 17 stored in the refrigerator 1 with the portable terminal 14 and sends the photographed image to the external network 11. The stored item 17 is ingredients bought by the user, dishes made by the user, etc. The external network 11 identifies that the stored item 17 is the stored item designated by the user by receiving the photographed image of the stored item 17 from the portable terminal 14.

[0047] Alternatively, the stored item 17 can also be photographed by the in-refrigerator camera 16 provided in the refrigerator 1 in step S102. Step S102 is executed as needed. In the case of executing step S102, the process of step S101 can be executed or can also not be executed. The timing of executing step S102 is, for example, when the user puts the stored item 17 into the refrigerator 1. The communication device 12 of the refrigerator 1 transmits the photographed image of the in-refrigerator camera 16 to the external network 11. By receiving the photographed image of the stored item 17 from the communication device 12 of the refrigerator 1, the external network 11 identifies that the stored item 17 is the stored item designated by the user. The photographing by the in-refrigerator camera 16 can be automatically executed when the left door 8 or the right door 9 of the refrigerating compartment is opened or closed, or can also be executed by the user operating the in-refrigerator camera 16.

[0048] In this way, the stored item 17 can be photographed by the in-refrigerator camera 16 as the first camera, or can also be photographed by the built-in camera of the second camera mounted on the portable terminal 14.

[0049] Next, in step S103, the external network 11 receives the photographed image and automatically identifies the stored item name 18, which is the name of the dish or the name of the food ingredient of the stored item 17, based on the photographed image. This identification is performed, for example, by pattern recognition processing or the like. The identified stored item name 18 is stored in the second storage device 11a of the external network 11 in step S104, and thus registered in the external network 11. Figure 6 It is a diagram showing the stored item name 18 registered in the external network 11 of Embodiment 1.

[0050] In addition, in order to guard against the situation where the stored item name 18 of the stored item 17 cannot be automatically identified by the external network 11, in step S105, it can also be manually input by the user. In step S105, the user inputs the stored item name 18 of the stored item 17 to the portable terminal 14 and transmits it to the external network 11. Thereby, the stored item name 18 is registered in the external network 11. Step S105 is executed as needed. Alternatively, a message of "stored item name cannot be identified" can also be sent from the external network 11 to the portable terminal 14 to urge the user to execute step S105.

[0051] A shelf life database 19 is stored in the second storage device 11a of the external network 11. Figure 7 It is a diagram showing the shelf life database 19 possessed by the external network 11 of Embodiment 1. The shelf life database 19 stores, for each stored item name 18, recommended storage environments, shelf lives, and other storage recommendation data, for example. As Figure 7As shown, during the preservable period, the database 19 stores, for each stored item name 18, a plurality of preservation environments suitable for the preservation of the stored item 17. Furthermore, for each of the above-mentioned preservation environments, the preservable period of the stored item 17 is stored. For example, when the stored item name 18 is "pork belly", if the preservation environment is "refrigerator compartment", the preservable period is stored as "2 days", and if the preservation environment is "freezer compartment", the preservable period is stored as "30 days". This preservable period is not the shelf life indicated on the product. For example, it is the normal consumption period or shelf life recommended by administrative agencies, etc.

[0052] Return Figure 4 Explanation. In step S106, the external network 11 obtains preservation recommendation data related to the stored item name 18 registered in step S104 from the preservable period database 19.

[0053] In step S107, the external network 11 obtains function data 20 indicating the functions of the refrigerator 1 from the main control unit 7 of the refrigerator 1 via the communication device 12. Figure 8 It is a diagram showing an example of the function data 20 of the refrigerator 1 according to Embodiment 1. The function data 20 is stored in the first storage device 7a provided in the main control unit 7. As Figure 8 shown, information such as the types of storage compartments included in the refrigerator 1 and the preservation modes included in the refrigerator 1 is stored in the function data 20. In step S107, the external network 11 obtains, as the function data 20, for example, data indicating whether the switching compartment 3 has an instant freezing mode.

[0054] In step S108, the external network 11 obtains setting data 21 indicating the current setting state of the refrigerator 1 from the main control unit 7 of the refrigerator 1 via the communication device 12. Figure 9 It is a diagram showing the setting data 21 of the refrigerator 1 according to Embodiment 1. The setting data 21 is stored in the first storage device 7a provided in the main control unit 7. As Figure 9 shown, setting information such as the set temperature of each storage compartment included in the refrigerator 1 and the setting of the preservation mode of each storage compartment is stored in the setting data 21. In step S108, the external network 11 obtains, as the setting data 21, for example, setting information such as setting the temperature setting of the freezer compartment 5 to "weak".

[0055] In step S110, the external network 11 compares the preservation recommendation data, function data 20, and setting data 21 obtained in steps S106 to S108. That is, the external network 11 extracts, from the preservation recommendation data obtained from the preservable period database 19, the preservation environment of the stored item 17 corresponding to the functions of the refrigerator 1 and the current setting state of the refrigerator 1. In addition, the external network 11 extracts the preservable period corresponding to the extracted preservation environment from the preservable period database 19.

[0056] In step S111, the external network 11 prompts the storage compartment of the refrigerator 1 suitable for storing the stored item 17 as the storage environment extracted in step S110. In addition, the external network 11 may also prompt the set temperature of the storage compartment suitable for storing the stored item 17 as the storage environment. Furthermore, the external network 11 may also prompt the storage mode of the storage compartment suitable for storing the stored item 17 as the storage environment. Hereinafter, the information prompted above is referred to as the storage proposal information 30 (refer to Figure 10 ). The storage proposal information 30 includes at least one of a storage compartment, a set temperature, and a storage mode.

[0057] As a method of prompting the storage proposal information 30 to the user in step S111, for example, it is displayed on the display screen of the portable terminal 14 communicating with the external network 11, or is displayed on the panel 13 of the refrigerator 1 by the main control unit 7.

[0058] Figure 10 FIG. is an example of the storage proposal information 30 displayed on the portable terminal 14 according to the first embodiment. As Figure 10 shown, the stored item name 18 and the storage proposal information 30 are displayed on the display screen of the portable terminal 14.

[0059] In this way, the user can register the purchased ingredients or the prepared dishes in the external network 11, thereby managing these ingredients or dishes in a list. In addition, as Figure 10 shown, the user can confirm the stored item name 18 and the storage proposal information 30 through the display screen of the portable terminal 14. Therefore, it is possible to know the storage method suitable for the ingredients and dishes in accordance with the refrigerator 1 owned by the user.

[0060] Figure 11 FIG. shows an example of the storage proposal information 30 displayed on the panel 13 of the refrigerator 1. As Figure 11 shown, the stored item name 18 and the storage proposal information 30 are displayed on the display screen 13b provided on the panel 13. In addition, the display screen 13b may not always be displayed on the panel 13, and may be displayed on the panel 13 when the user touches the main switch 13a.

[0061] Regarding Figure 4 processing, specific examples will be described. For example, the user uses the portable terminal 14 to photograph the streaky pork bought in the supermarket as the stored item 17, and registers the stored item name 18 in the external network 11. The external network 11 obtains the storage recommendation data related to the registered stored item name 18 from the storage period database 19. That is, as Figure 7As shown, in the database 19 during the preservable period, data is stored indicating that streaky pork can be preserved for two days in the refrigerating compartment, six days in the chiller compartment, 14 days in the instant freezing mode of the switching compartment 3, and 30 days in the freezer compartment. Therefore, the external network 11 obtains this data as preservation recommendation data. The external network 11 compares the obtained preservation recommendation data with the function data 20 and the setting data 21 of the refrigerator 1. Specifically, based on the function data 20 of the refrigerator 1, the external network 11 determines that the refrigerator 1 used by the user is equipped with a switching compartment 3 capable of setting the instant freezing mode and does not have a chiller compartment. In addition, based on the setting data 21 of the refrigerator 1, the external network 11 determines the current situation where the user has set the switching compartment 3 of the refrigerator 1 used to the instant freezing mode. Based on this information obtained, the external network 11 first removes the information related to the chiller compartment from the previously obtained preservation recommendation data. In addition, the external network 11 compares the freezer compartment 5 with the switching compartment 3 set to the instant freezing mode and preferentially selects the switching compartment 3 that can maintain freshness better than the freezer compartment 5. According to the priority of each storage compartment, the external network 11 stores it in the second storage device 11a in advance. In this way, the external network 11 sends preservation proposal information 30 (refer to Figure 10 ) to the portable terminal 14 owned by the user, which indicates that streaky pork can be preserved for two days in the refrigerating compartment 2, but can be preserved for 14 days in the switching compartment 3 if set to the instant freezing mode. In addition, instead of using priorities, the external network 11 can send all the candidates that the user can select, that is, send the refrigerating compartment 2, the switching compartment 3, and the freezer compartment 5 all as the preservation proposal information 30.

[0062] Through the preservation proposal information 30, the user can easily know the storage compartment, the set temperature, and the preservation mode suitable for storing the stored item 17. In addition, in recent years, the refrigerator 1 is provided with an instant freezing mode, a sub-zero mode, etc., and the functions of the refrigerator 1 have become increasingly complex year by year. Without referring to the instruction manual, the user can easily know the functions of such a complex refrigerator 1 according to the preservation proposal information 30 while actually using the refrigerator 1, that is, storing the stored item 17 in the refrigerator 1.

[0063] Next, Figure 5 The flowchart showing the processing flow of the method for prompting the user of the preservable period of the stored item in the refrigerator 1 of Embodiment 1 is shown. Figure 5 The processing flow from storing the stored item 17 to prompting the user of the number of days the stored item 17 can be preserved is shown. In addition, Figure 12 The figure showing an example of the preservation period list 40 stored in the external network 11 of Embodiment 1 is shown.

[0064] As Figure 5 shown, in step S201, the user stores the stored item 17 in the refrigerator 1.

[0065] In step S202, the refrigerator 1 determines the storage destination of the stored item 17 in the refrigerator 1 by photographing the stored item 17 with the in-refrigerator camera 16. The refrigerator 1 sends the determined storage destination of the stored item 17 to the external network 11.

[0066] In step S203, the external network 11 registers the determined storage destination 22 of the stored item 17 in Figure 12 the storage period list 40 shown. Thereby, it is possible to automatically register in which storage compartment of the refrigerator 1 the stored item 17 is to be stored. The storage period list 40 is stored in the second storage device 11a.

[0067] In addition, in order to guard against the situation where the storage destination 22 of the stored item 17 cannot be determined by the in-refrigerator camera 16, in step S204, it can also be manually input by the user. In addition, step S204 is executed as needed. Alternatively, a message of "unable to determine storage destination" can be sent from the refrigerator 1 to the portable terminal 14 to urge the user to execute step S204. In step S204, the user inputs the storage destination 22 of the stored item 17 into the portable terminal 14 and sends it to the external network 11. Thereby, the storage destination 22 of the stored item 17 is registered in the storage period list 40 of the external network 11.

[0068] In step S205, the external network 11 determines whether the stored item name 18 of the stored item 17 has been completely registered in the storage period list 40. If the stored item name 18 is registered, it proceeds to step S206. If the stored item name 18 is not completely registered, the processes of steps S103 to S105 are performed. Regarding steps S103 to S105, as Figure 4 described therein, the description thereof is omitted here.

[0069] In step S206, the external network 11 registers the date when the stored item 17 is placed in the refrigerator 1 as the storage date 23 in the storage period list 40.

[0070] In step S207, the external network 11 counts the number of days elapsed 24 of the stored item 17 stored in the refrigerator 1 and registers it in the storage period list 40. The number of days elapsed 24 is updated at the same time every day, for example, at 0:00 in the middle of the night. In addition, the elapsed time can be registered instead of the number of days elapsed 24.

[0071] In step S208, the external network 11 obtains the available storage period related to the registered stored item name 18 from the available storage period database 19.

[0072] In step S209, the external network 11 compares the available storage period obtained in step S208 with the number of elapsed days 24 in the storage period list 40 to determine whether it is approaching the available storage period 26 of the stored item 17. For example, when pork belly is stored in the switching chamber 3 and the number of elapsed days is 4 days. At this time, the available storage period database 19 stores that the available storage period of the pork belly stored in the switching chamber is 14 days. Therefore, the external network 11 compares the 4 days of elapsed days with the 14 days of available storage period and determines that it is not approaching the available storage period 26. On the other hand, when the number of elapsed days is 13 days, the external network 11 compares the 13 days of elapsed days with the 14 days of available storage period and determines that it is approaching the available storage period 26. That is, when the difference between the elapsed days and the available storage period is below a preset threshold, the external network 11 determines that it is approaching the available storage period 26 and proceeds to step S210. Otherwise, it determines that it is not approaching the available storage period 26 and proceeds to step S211.

[0073] In addition, as Figure 12 shown, the external network 11 can calculate the available storage period 26 based on the elapsed days 24 and the available storage period database 19 and register it in the storage period list 40, but it may not be specifically registered. When the available storage period 26 is not registered, the external network 11 calculates the available storage period 26 each time as needed.

[0074] In step S210, the external network 11 sends a deadline approaching notice 41 notifying that the available storage period 26 of the stored item 17 is approaching to the portable terminal 14. Figure 13 FIG. is an example of the deadline approaching notice 41 displayed on the portable terminal 14 according to Embodiment 1. As Figure 13 shown, the stored item name 18 and the deadline approaching notice 41 are displayed on the display screen of the portable terminal 14.

[0075] In step S211, the external network 11 periodically prompts the user to notify the number of elapsed days 24 of the storage period list 40 at a certain period with a storage days notice 42. The method of prompting the storage days notice 42 is displayed on the display screen of the portable terminal 14 or on the display screen 13b of the panel 13 provided in the refrigerator 1. In addition, the period of prompting can be set by the user. Figure 14 FIG. is an example of the storage days notice 42 displayed on the portable terminal 14 according to Embodiment 1. As Figure 14 shown, the stored item name 18 and the storage days notice 42 are displayed on the display screen of the portable terminal 14. The display method of the storage days notice 42 on the panel 13 can be the same as that of the Figure 13 shown deadline approaching notice 41, and its description is omitted here.

[0076] In addition, in step S209, when approaching the expiration date 26 of the stored item 17, the external network 11 prompts the user with a notice of approaching expiration 41, but it is not limited to this case. For example, when the expiration date 26 of the stored item 17 has passed, the external network 11 can also prompt the user with a notice of expiration exceeded in the same manner as the notice of approaching expiration 41. In addition, the method of prompting the user is the same as the above method. In addition, the content of the notice of expiration exceeded is, for example, "Stored item name: Pork belly has exceeded the expiration date." It is possible to prompt the user with both the notice of approaching expiration 41 and the notice of expiration exceeded, or it is also possible to prompt either one of them.

[0077] In addition, when the refrigerator 1 is equipped with a shelf life detection sensor 25, the process of Figure 5 step S212 can also be performed. The shelf life detection sensor 25 is, for example, a gas sensor, a temperature sensor, or a weight sensor. The shelf life detection sensor 25 predicts the expiration date of the stored item 17 based on the detection result. In step S212, when the shelf life detection sensor 25 predicts the expiration date of the stored item 17 based on the detection result, it sends the predicted expiration date to the main control unit 7. The main control unit 7 sends the predicted expiration date to the external network 11 via the communication device 12. In step S209, the external network 11 determines whether it is approaching the expiration date 26 of the stored item 17 based on the received predicted expiration date and the number of elapsed days 24. The processes of step S210 and step S211 are as described above, and the description thereof is omitted here.

[0078] In this way, by prompting the notice of approaching expiration 41, the user can regularly know the consumption date or shelf life of the stored item 17, so that the risk of forgetting and spoiling while in the stored state can be reduced.

[0079] As described above, in Embodiment 1, the user can know the method suitable for storing food ingredients or dishes through the Figure 4 process. In addition, through the Figure 5 process, the risk of discarding food ingredients or dishes can also be reduced, so that the user can eliminate the stress and dissatisfaction with storing food in the refrigerator.

[0080] Here, the hardware structures of the external network 11, the main control unit 7, the first storage device 7a, and the second storage device 11a will be described. The external network 11 and the main control unit 7 are constituted by control devices. Each function of the external network 11 and the main control unit 7 is constituted by a processing circuit. The processing circuit is constituted by dedicated hardware or a processor. The dedicated hardware is, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The processor executes a program stored in a memory. Both the first storage device 7a and the second storage device 11a are constituted by memories. The memory is a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), or a disk, a floppy disk, an optical disk, etc.

[0081] In addition, as described above, it is also possible that the main control unit 7 of the refrigerator 1 performs the processing of the external network 11 described in the first embodiment. In this case, the first storage device 7a stores all the data stored in the second storage device 11a.

[0082] Second Embodiment.

[0083] In the second embodiment, the user can register photos, evaluations, recipes, etc. of the dishes made by the user in the external network 11. Figure 15 It is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the refrigerator 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0084] As Figure 15 shown, in step S101, as the stored item 17 stored in the refrigerator 1, the user takes a photo of the dish made by the user with the portable terminal 14 and sends the photo of the dish to the external network 11.

[0085] The processing of steps S102, S103, and S105 is the same as the processing of steps S102, S103, and S105 described in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted here. Figure 4

[0086] In the second embodiment, in step S301, the external network 11 saves the stored item name 18 indicating the name of the dish and the photographed image 51 of the dish in the dish list 50. Figure 16 It is a diagram showing an example of the dish list 50 of the external network 11 according to the second embodiment. As Figure 16As shown, in the recipe list 50, for each storage item name 18, a photographed image 51 of the storage item 17, photographed date data 52 indicating the photographed date of the storage item 17, evaluation data 53, and recipe data 54 are registered. The recipe list 50 is stored in the second storage device 11a of the external network 11. At this time, the user further saves the recipe data 54 in the recipe list 50 via the portable terminal 14. In addition, when the recipe data 54 is pre-stored in the second storage device 11a of the external network 11, there is no need to specifically register it in step S301.

[0087] In step S302, the user inputs an evaluation of the storage item 17 to the portable terminal 14. The portable terminal 14 sends the input evaluation data 53 to the external network 11. In step S303, the external network 11 registers the evaluation data 53 in the recipe list 50. For example, the evaluation data 53 includes rating information. In this case, for example, if it is set to 5 levels, as Figure 18 shown, "☆5" is the highest level, and each time the ☆ decreases by one, the evaluation level decreases by one level, and "☆1" is the lowest level. In addition, the evaluation data 53 is not limited to rating information, and it can also be input as a text message like a comment.

[0088] In step S304, the user inputs a request to view the storage item 17 registered in the recipe list 50 to the portable terminal 14. The portable terminal 14 sends the input request to the external network 11. In step S305, the external network 11 sends the list data 60 related to the storage item 17 registered in the recipe list 50 to the portable terminal 14 according to this request. In step S312, the portable terminal 14 displays the list data 60 of the storage item 17 on the screen. Figure 17 An example of the list data 60 of the storage item 17 displayed on the portable terminal 14 according to Embodiment 2 is shown. In this way, the portable terminal 14 displays the photographed images of the recipes in a calendar manner according to each photographed date based on the list data 60 of the storage item 17. In addition, the list data 60 is stored in the second storage device 11a of the external network 11.

[0089] In step S306, the user selects one recipe from the list data 60 on the portable terminal 14. The portable terminal 14 sends the selected recipe to the external network 11. In step S307, the external network 11 obtains Figure 12 the shown shelf life list 40. In step S308, the external network 11 compares the shelf life list 40 with the recipe data 54 to determine the ingredients to be purchased required for the recipe of the selected recipe, and sends it to the portable terminal 14. Then, in step S313, the portable terminal 14 displays the ingredients to be purchased on the screen.

[0090] In step S309, the user inputs a request for recommended recipes to the portable terminal 14. The portable terminal 14 sends this request to the external network 11. In step S310, the external network 11 obtains Figure 12 the expiration date list 40 shown. In step S311, the external network 11 refers to the expiration date list 40 and retrieves recommended recipes that use the stored provisions 17. The recommended recipes are retrieved from the recipe data 54 in the recipe list 50, or from the recipes pre-stored in the second storage device 11a of the external network 11. When retrieving recommended recipes from the recipe data 54 in the recipe list 50, the external network 11 refers to the evaluation data 53 to extract recipes with high evaluations. Additionally, the retrieved recipes can be one, or two or more. The external network 11 sends the retrieved recommended recipes to the portable terminal 14. In step S314, the portable terminal 14 displays the recommended recipes on the screen. Figure 18 FIG. is an example of a screen prompting recommended recipes displayed on the portable terminal 14 according to Embodiment 2. As Figure 18 shown, in the recommended recipes, for example, the name 18 of the provision as the dish name, a photographed image 51 of the dish, the recipe data 54 of the dish, and the evaluation data 53 of the dish are displayed.

[0091] Other configurations and operations are the same as those in Embodiment 1, and the description thereof is omitted here.

[0092] As described above, in Embodiment 2, since it has the same configuration as Embodiment 1, the same effects as Embodiment 1 can be obtained.

[0093] In addition, in Embodiment 2, photos, evaluations, recipes, etc. of the dishes made by the user can be registered in the external network 11. Therefore, the user can receive the list data 60 of the registered dishes from the external network 11 and display it on the portable terminal 14. In addition, the user can browse the list data 60 of the dishes displayed on the portable terminal 14 and freely select a dish from the dishes made in the past. In addition, since the external network 11 determines the ingredients to be purchased for making the dish and notifies the user, it is possible to easily know what ingredients should be purchased.

[0094] In addition, by browsing the list data 60 of the dishes, the user can easily recall the existence of the remaining dishes stored in the refrigerator 1. In addition, through Figure 5 processing, it is possible to easily confirm the expiration date of the dish. In addition, when the user stores the remaining dish in the refrigerator 1, it is also possible to easily know the storage room and storage mode suitable for storage through Figure 4 processing.

[0095] Reference Numeral Explanation

[0096] 1... Refrigerator; 1a... Main body; 2... Refrigerating compartment; 2a... Shelf; 3... Switching chamber; 4... Ice-making chamber; 5... Freezing compartment; 6... Vegetable compartment; 7... Main control unit; 7a... First storage device; 8... Left door of the refrigerating compartment; 9... Right door of the refrigerating compartment; 10... Hinge; 11... External network; 11a... Second storage device; 12... Communication device; 13... Panel; 13a... Main switch; 13b... Display screen; 14... Portable terminal; 15... Gateway; 16... In-refrigerator camera; 17... Stored item; 18... Name of the stored item; 19... Shelf life database; 20... Function data; 21... Set data; 22... Storage destination; 23... Storage date; 24... Elapsed days; 25... Shelf life detection sensor; 26... Shelf life; 30... Storage proposal information; 40... Shelf life list; 41... Expiration notice; 42... Storage days notice; 50... Cooking list; 51... Captured image; 53... Evaluation data; 54... Recipe data; 60... List data.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that, it comprises: a main body; a plurality of storage compartments which are arranged inside the main body, a communication device which is arranged on the main body and can communicate with a control device and a portable terminal; and a first storage device which stores function data and setting data, the function data including the types of the plurality of storage compartments of the refrigerator, and the setting data including the current set temperature in each of the plurality of storage compartments of the refrigerator and the setting information of the current storage mode in each of the plurality of storage compartments of the refrigerator, the control device is arranged outside or inside the main body, the communication device sends the function data and the setting data to the control device, the control device has a second storage device which pre-stores a shelf-life database in which one or more storage items are set for each storage environment, the control device receives the function data and the setting data from the communication device, based on the function data and the setting data, as a storage environment for storing the storage items in the refrigerator, from the shelf-life database, as a storage environment corresponding to the types of the plurality of storage compartments of the refrigerator, the current set temperature in each of the plurality of storage compartments, and the setting information of the current storage mode in each of the plurality of storage compartments, the control device extracts a plurality of storage compartments suitable for storing the storage items and the corresponding shelf-life corresponding to the plurality of storage compartments suitable for storing the storage items, as the extracted storage environment, outputs the plurality of storage compartments suitable for storing the storage items and the shelf-life in the plurality of storage compartments suitable for storing the storage items.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, the control device can communicate with the portable terminal, the control device sends the extracted storage environment and the shelf-life to the portable terminal, the portable terminal receives the storage environment and the shelf-life and performs a screen display.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, it comprises: a door which is arranged on the main body and opens and closes one of the plurality of storage compartments; and a first camera which is arranged on the side of one of the plurality of storage compartments of the door and photographs the storage item, one of the plurality of storage compartments stores the storage item, the communication device sends the photographed image of the storage item taken by the first camera to the control device, the control device identifies the storage item in the photographed image as the storage item stored in the refrigerator by receiving the photographed image of the storage item taken by the first camera.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, the portable terminal is equipped with a second camera for photographing the storage item, The control device identifies the stored item in the captured image as the stored item stored in the refrigerator by receiving the captured image of the stored item taken by the second camera from the portable terminal.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control device stores the storage date of the stored item, the control device counts the number of days or the elapsed time since the storage date, the control device periodically sends the number of days or the elapsed time to the portable terminal, the portable terminal receives the number of days or the elapsed time and displays it on the screen.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that the control device stores the storage destination of the stored item in the refrigerator in the second storage device, the control device extracts the available storage period corresponding to the storage environment of the storage destination from the available storage period database, the control device determines whether the difference between the number of days or the elapsed time and the available storage period is equal to or less than a preset threshold based on the number of days or the elapsed time and the available storage period, when the difference is equal to or less than the threshold, the control device sends a notice of approaching expiration to the portable terminal, the portable terminal receives the notice of approaching expiration and displays it on the screen.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that the control device stores the storage destination of the stored item in the refrigerator in the second storage device, the control device extracts the available storage period corresponding to the storage environment of the storage destination from the available storage period database, the control device determines whether the available storage period of the stored item is exceeded based on the number of days or the elapsed time and the available storage period, when the available storage period of the stored item is exceeded, the control device sends a notice of expiration exceeded to the portable terminal, the portable terminal receives the notice of expiration exceeded and displays it on the screen.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it includes: a door provided on the main body for opening and closing one of the plurality of storage compartments; and a panel provided on the door or the main body for screen display, one of the plurality of storage compartments stores the stored item, the control device sends the extracted storage environment and the available storage period to the communication device of the refrigerator, the communication device of the refrigerator receives the storage environment and the available storage period, the panel of the refrigerator displays the storage environment and the available storage period received by the communication device on the screen.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, characterized in that the control device stores the storage date of the stored item, the control device counts the number of days or the elapsed time since the storage date, the control device periodically sends the number of days or the elapsed time to the communication device of the refrigerator, the communication device of the refrigerator receives the number of days or the elapsed time, The panel of the refrigerator displays the number of days elapsed or the elapsed time received by the communication device.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 9, wherein, the control device stores the storage destination of the stored item in the refrigerator in the second storage device, the control device extracts the available storage period corresponding to the storage environment of the storage destination from the available storage period database, the control device determines whether the difference between the number of days elapsed or the elapsed time and the available storage period is equal to or less than a preset threshold based on the number of days elapsed or the elapsed time and the available storage period, when the difference is equal to or less than the threshold, the control device sends a notice of approaching expiration to the communication device of the refrigerator, the communication device of the refrigerator receives the notice of approaching expiration, the panel of the refrigerator displays the notice of approaching expiration received by the communication device.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, the control device stores the storage destination of the stored item in the refrigerator in the second storage device, the control device extracts the available storage period corresponding to the storage environment of the storage destination from the available storage period database, the control device determines whether the available storage period of the stored item is exceeded based on the number of days elapsed or the elapsed time and the available storage period, when the available storage period of the stored item is exceeded, the control device sends a notice of expiration exceeded to the communication device of the refrigerator, the communication device of the refrigerator receives the notice of expiration exceeded, the panel of the refrigerator displays the notice of expiration exceeded received by the communication device.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the stored item is a dish, the control device stores the photographed image and the photographing date of the dish, when the control device receives a browsing request, the control device outputs list data of the dishes that display the photographed images of the dishes according to each photographing date.

13. The refrigerator according to claim 12, wherein, when the control device receives the browsing request from the portable terminal, the control device sends the list data of the dishes that display the photographed images of the dishes according to each photographing date to the portable terminal, the portable terminal receives the list data of the dishes and displays the photographed images of the dishes in a calendar manner according to each photographing date.

14. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the control device is an external network provided outside the refrigerator.

15. The refrigerator according to claim 14, wherein, the external network is composed of a cloud server.

16. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the control device is a main control unit provided inside the refrigerator.

17. The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein, the first camera moves along the guide rail through a driving device.

18. The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein, A plurality of shelves are provided inside one of the plurality of storage compartments, and the first camera moves between the plurality of shelves.

19. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the stored item is a dish, the second storage device stores a dish list that stores a stored item name indicating the name of the dish, in the dish list, at least one of a photographed image of the dish, photographed date data indicating the photographed date of the photographed image, evaluation data of the dish, and recipe data of the dish is registered for each of the stored item names.

20. The refrigerator according to claim 19, wherein, the second storage device stores the recipe data of the dish transmitted from the portable terminal in the dish list.

21. The refrigerator according to claim 19, wherein, the second storage device stores the evaluation data of the dish transmitted from the portable terminal in the dish list.

Images