Fresh-keeping refrigerator and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a fresh-keeping refrigerator and a control method thereof, and relates to the technical field of intelligent household appliances, the fresh-keeping refrigerator comprises a refrigerator main body, an electric field generation unit, a visual identification system and an intelligent control system; the refrigerator body is internally divided into a heat preservation area, a refrigeration area and a freezing area. An electric field generating unit and a visual identification system are arranged in each of the heat preservation area, the refrigeration area and the freezing area; the visual identification system in the target area is used for identifying the type of each food in the target area; the electric field generation unit and the visual identification system are respectively connected with the intelligent control system; the intelligent control system is used for regulating and controlling the electric field generation unit according to the types of the food, the growth of microorganisms can be inhibited, the oxidation reaction can be reduced, accordingly, the preservation period of the food is prolonged, and the refrigerator can be adjusted according to the types of the food.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of smart home appliances, and particularly to a fresh-keeping refrigerator and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] With the improvement of people's living standards, the demand for food fresh-keeping technology is increasing day by day. Traditional refrigerators mainly rely on low temperature and humidity control to extend the shelf life of food. However, traditional refrigeration technology cannot effectively solve problems such as food oxidation and microbial reproduction. Especially in the storage of perishable foods, there are still certain limitations. And existing refrigerators usually only rely on temperature and humidity sensors for environmental regulation, lacking an intelligent recognition and regulation system, and unable to adjust the refrigerator according to the types of food, resulting in limited electric field fresh-keeping effect. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of the present application is to provide a fresh-keeping refrigerator and a control method thereof, which can inhibit the growth of microorganisms, reduce oxidation reactions, thereby extending the fresh-keeping period of food, and can adjust the refrigerator according to the types of food.

[0004] To achieve the above purpose, the present application provides the following solutions:

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides a fresh-keeping refrigerator, including:

[0006] A refrigerator body, an electric field generating unit, a visual recognition system, and an intelligent control system;

[0007] The interior of the refrigerator body is divided into a heat preservation area, a refrigeration area, and a freezing area; the electric field generating unit and the visual recognition system are arranged in the heat preservation area, the refrigeration area, and the freezing area;

[0008] The visual recognition system in the target area is used to identify the types of each food in the target area; the target area is the heat preservation area, the refrigeration area, or the freezing area;

[0009] The electric field generating unit and the visual recognition system are respectively connected to the intelligent control system; the intelligent control system is used to adjust the electric field intensity and electric field frequency of the electric field generating unit arranged in the target area according to the types of each food in the target area recognized by the visual recognition system in the target area.

[0010] Optionally, the intelligent control system specifically includes:

[0011] A microprocessor respectively connected to the electric field generating unit and the visual recognition system; the microprocessor is used to adjust the electric field generating unit arranged in the target area according to the types of each food in the target area recognized by the visual recognition system in the target area.

[0012] Optionally, the intelligent control system further includes:

[0013] A temperature and humidity sensor connected to the microprocessor; the temperature and humidity sensors are arranged in the heat preservation area, the refrigeration area and the freezing area; the temperature and humidity sensors in the target area are used to obtain the temperature and humidity of the target area.

[0014] Optionally, the intelligent control system further includes:

[0015] A display screen connected to the microprocessor, and the display screen is arranged on the refrigerator body; the display screen is used to display the temperature and humidity of the target area measured by the temperature and humidity sensor and the operation interface, and the operation modes of the heat preservation area, the refrigeration area and the freezing area are adjusted through the operation interface.

[0016] Optionally, the electric field generating unit is an electrode array.

[0017] Optionally, the visual recognition system includes an image acquisition device and a processor connected in sequence, and the processor is connected to the microprocessor; the image acquisition device is used to capture images of each food in the target area, and the processor is used to process the images of each food in the target area using a deep learning algorithm to obtain the types of each food in the target area.

[0018] Optionally, the image acquisition device is an image sensor or a camera.

[0019] In a second aspect, the present application provides a method for controlling a fresh-keeping refrigerator, which is applied to the above-mentioned fresh-keeping refrigerator, and the method for controlling the fresh-keeping refrigerator includes:

[0020] Obtain the types of each food in the target area;

[0021] Regulate the electric field intensity and electric field frequency of the electric field generating unit arranged in the target area according to the types of each food in the target area.

[0022] Optionally, regulating the electric field intensity and electric field frequency of the electric field generating unit arranged in the target area according to the types of each food in the target area specifically includes:

[0023] Calculate the target electric field intensity and target electric field frequency of the electric field generating unit in the target area according to the preset electric field intensity and preset electric field frequency corresponding to each type of food in the target area and the weight corresponding to each type of food in the target area;

[0024] Regulate the electric field intensity and electric field frequency of the electric field generating unit arranged in the target area according to the target electric field intensity and the target electric field frequency.

[0025] Optionally, the process of determining the weight corresponding to each type of food in the target area is as follows:

[0026] For any type of food, calculate the ratio of the total quantity of the food of this type in the target area to the total quantity of all types of food in the target area to obtain the weight corresponding to the food of this type in the target area.

[0027] According to the specific embodiments provided by the present application, the present application has the following technical effects:

[0028] The present application provides a fresh-keeping refrigerator and its control method. Through the electric field generating unit, the growth of microorganisms can be inhibited and the oxidation reaction can be reduced, thereby prolonging the fresh-keeping period of food. By setting up a visual recognition system, the refrigerator can be adjusted according to the type of food. Description of the Drawings

[0029] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0030] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of a fresh-keeping refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 2 It is a working flowchart of a fresh-keeping refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present application. Detailed Embodiments

[0032] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, rather than all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts belong to the scope of protection of the present application.

[0033] To make the above objects, features, and advantages of the present application more obvious and understandable, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the drawings and specific embodiments.

[0034] To improve the fresh-keeping effect of food, in recent years, researchers have proposed a solution using the electric field fresh-keeping technology. The electric field fresh-keeping technology inhibits the growth of microorganisms and reduces oxidation reactions by applying an electric field with a specific frequency and intensity, thereby extending the fresh-keeping period of food. However, it is difficult to combine the electric field fresh-keeping technology with the traditional temperature and humidity control system of the refrigerator, and it is impossible to adjust the refrigerator according to the type of food, resulting in limited fresh-keeping effect of the electric field. Based on this, the present application provides a fresh-keeping refrigerator that can integrate the electric field fresh-keeping technology and the intelligent food recognition system to achieve the best fresh-keeping effect.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, as Figure 1 shown, a fresh-keeping refrigerator is provided, which includes:

[0036] A refrigerator main body 1, an electric field generating unit 4, a visual recognition system 3, and an intelligent control system 2.

[0037] The interior of the refrigerator main body 1 is divided into a heat preservation area, a refrigerating area, and a freezing area; the electric field generating unit 4 and the visual recognition system 3 are arranged in the heat preservation area, the refrigerating area, and the freezing area.

[0038] The visual recognition system 3 in the target area is used to identify the types of various foods in the target area. The target area is the heat preservation area, the refrigerating area, or the freezing area. Specifically, the visual recognition system 3 identifies the food types through the food image data stored in the database in the cloud.

[0039] The electric field generating unit 4 and the visual recognition system 3 are respectively connected to the intelligent control system 2; the visual recognition system 3 and the intelligent control system 2 perform real-time data interaction to ensure that the identified food types can be timely fed back to the intelligent control system 2.

[0040] The intelligent control system 2 is used to adjust the electric field intensity and electric field frequency of the electric field generating unit 4 arranged in the target area according to the types of various foods in the target area identified by the visual recognition system 3 in the target area. By adjusting the electric field intensity and electric field frequency, the temperature and humidity in the target area are optimized. Specifically, when the food type is only vegetables, the intelligent control system 2 selects the electric field intensity and frequency corresponding to vegetables to optimize the temperature and humidity in the refrigerator; when the food type is only meat, the intelligent control system 2 selects the electric field intensity and frequency suitable for meat fresh-keeping to optimize the temperature and humidity in the refrigerator to ensure the stability of the internal temperature and humidity of the refrigerator, thereby extending the fresh-keeping period of food. When there are multiple food types, calculate according to the target electric field intensity and electric field frequency and weights of each type of food. A larger electric field intensity and frequency can be used for low-temperature meat storage, and a lower electric field intensity and frequency can be used for fruit and vegetable fresh-keeping.

[0041] In the above-mentioned fresh-keeping refrigerator, the electric field generating unit 4 is used to adjust the frequency and intensity of the electric field to inhibit the growth of microorganisms, reduce oxidation reactions, extend the fresh-keeping period of food, and introduce a visual recognition system 3 to identify the types of food. The intelligent control system 2 automatically adjusts the electric field intensity and frequency according to the type of food to optimize the temperature and humidity inside the refrigerator and improve the fresh-keeping effect.

[0042] In another exemplary embodiment of the present application, the intelligent control system 2 specifically includes:

[0043] A microprocessor respectively connected to the electric field generating unit 4 and the visual recognition system 3; the microprocessor is used to control the electric field generating unit 4 set in the target area according to the types of various foods in the target area recognized by the visual recognition system 3 in the target area.

[0044] In another exemplary embodiment of the present application, the intelligent control system 2 further includes: a temperature and humidity sensor 5 connected to the microprocessor; the temperature and humidity sensor 5 is arranged in the heat preservation area, the refrigeration area and the freezing area; the temperature and humidity sensor 5 in the target area is used to obtain the temperature and humidity of the target area to real-time monitor the temperature and humidity inside the refrigerator and ensure that the fresh-keeping environment meets the requirements.

[0045] In another exemplary embodiment of the present application, the intelligent control system 2 further includes:

[0046] A memory connected to the microprocessor; the corresponding relationship between the food types and the electric field intensity and electric field frequency is stored inside the memory.

[0047] In another exemplary embodiment of the present application, the intelligent control system 2 further includes:

[0048] A display screen connected to the microprocessor, and the display screen is arranged on the refrigerator main body 1; the display screen is used to display the temperature and humidity of the target area measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 5 and an operation interface 6, and the operation modes of the heat preservation area, the refrigeration area and the freezing area are adjusted through the operation interface 6.

[0049] In another exemplary embodiment of the present application, the user can also adjust the operation modes of the heat preservation area, the refrigeration area and the freezing area through the APP, the operation interface 6 arranged on the refrigerator main body 1 or the voice control interface arranged on the refrigerator main body 1. The user can also view the food types and fresh-keeping parameters (the electric field intensity and frequency of the electric field generating unit 4 and the temperature and humidity in the heat preservation area, the refrigeration area and the freezing area) in real time through the operation interface 6 or device operation systems such as the mobile phone APP.

[0050] In another exemplary embodiment of the present application, the electric field generating unit 4 is an electrode array, which adjusts the movement of air molecules by generating an electric field, achieving the effects of adjusting temperature and humidity, reducing energy consumption, and avoiding frost.

[0051] In another exemplary embodiment of the present application, the visual recognition system 3 includes an image acquisition device and a processor connected in sequence, and the processor is connected to the microprocessor; the image acquisition device is used to capture images of each food in the target area, and the processor is used to process the images of each food in the target area using a deep learning algorithm to obtain the types of each food in the target area.

[0052] In another exemplary embodiment of the present application, the image acquisition device is an image sensor or a camera. The image sensor is an infrared sensor; the camera is a high-definition camera.

[0053] In another exemplary embodiment of the present application, the deep learning algorithm is an image recognition algorithm (such as a convolutional neural network). The image recognition algorithm can accurately identify the types of foods (such as fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, etc.) by analyzing the appearance features of the foods (such as shape, color, size, etc.). When a food is placed in the refrigerator, the visual recognition system 3 scans the appearance of the food through the built-in image acquisition device to obtain an image, and uses the deep learning algorithm to compare the image obtained by scanning the appearance of the food by the image acquisition device with the images stored in the database to obtain the food category.

[0054] In another exemplary embodiment of the present application, the refrigerator main body 1 further includes: an outer shell.

[0055] In another exemplary embodiment of the present application, the database also continuously expands with the usage frequency, adding support for more food types. The visual recognition system will also periodically use the images stored in the database to train and optimize the convolutional neural network, continuously improving the food recognition accuracy. Because the images in the database are updated at any time, the optimized convolutional neural network will also increase the recognized types.

[0056] Specifically, when the visual recognition system cannot recognize a new food, it will prompt the user to manually input the food name to obtain a label, and then upload the label and the food image to the database to update the database. For example: when the user puts in a new fruit, the visual recognition system recognizes it as an "unknown food" and prompts the user to make a label. The user labels it as "pitaya". The visual recognition system uploads the image and label of the pitaya to the cloud to update the database. The next time the pitaya is recognized, the visual recognition system can immediately match it, and the recognition accuracy is improved.

[0057] As the usage time of the visual recognition system increases, the training sample size of the convolutional neural network continues to expand. For high-frequency foods, the visual recognition system can achieve high accuracy in a short time. The convolutional neural network provides offline food recognition and fast response capabilities. The database and model parameters are updated irregularly to expand the supported food types.

[0058] As Figure 2 shown, the working process of the fresh-keeping refrigerator provided by the embodiment of the present application is as follows:

[0059] After the food is put into the refrigerator, the visual recognition system 3 starts to identify the food type, the temperature and humidity sensor 5 monitors the temperature and humidity inside the refrigerator, and the intelligent control system 2 analyzes the food type, electric field strength and electric field frequency to formulate an adjustment plan, and judges whether to execute the adjustment plan. If so, it adjusts the electric field strength and frequency of the electric field generating unit 4, thereby adjusting the temperature and humidity, and monitors and feedbacks the temperature and humidity of the refrigerator after adjustment in real time. If not, it monitors and feedbacks the current temperature and humidity of the refrigerator in real time. The operation interface displays and controls the temperature and humidity, food type and quantity in the current refrigerator.

[0060] The present application also provides an embodiment to introduce the control process of the electric field strength and frequency when there are multiple food types. The specific steps are as follows:

[0061] 1. Identify the food type and quantity.

[0062] First of all, the processor needs to identify the food type in the area in real time and the quantity of each type of food. (This process is a well-known process), and can accurately classify and count the food. During the identification process, each food will be assigned a category identifier and the quantity of each food will be recorded.

[0063] 2. Define the electric field strength and electric field frequency for each food.

[0064] For each food, define a suitable electric field strength and electric field frequency and store them in the memory.

[0065] For example:

[0066] The electric field strength of food A is EA and the electric field frequency is fA.

[0067] The electric field strength of food B is EB and the electric field frequency is fB.

[0068] The electric field strength of food C is EC and the electric field frequency is fC.

[0069] 3. Calculate the proportion or weight of the food types.

[0070] Suppose there are a total of N kinds of foods (such as A, B, C) in a region, and the quantities of each kind of food are NA, NB, NC respectively. The weights WA, WB, WC of each kind of food are calculated according to the following formula:

[0071]

[0072] 4. Calculate the electric field strength and frequency by weighted average.

[0073] According to the weights of each kind of food, calculate the weighted average values of the electric field strength and electric field frequency as the target electric field strength and target electric field frequency. The specific formulas are as follows:

[0074] Target electric field strength: E total = WA×EA + WB×EB + WC×EC.

[0075] Target electric field frequency: f total = WA×fA + WB×fB + WC×fC.

[0076] 5. Dynamic adjustment and feedback control.

[0077] In actual operation, a feedback mechanism can be combined to adjust the electric field strength and frequency in real time according to the types of foods, quantities, and environmental conditions. For example, if it is recognized that the quantity of a certain type of food changes, the system can adjust the electric field strength and frequency in real time to ensure that the processing effect is not affected.

[0078] This application has the following advantages:

[0079] 1. Comprehensive optimization of the food preservation environment: This application combines the visual recognition system and the electric field preservation technology, and can flexibly adjust the electric field strength and frequency according to the characteristics of different foods, improving the preservation effect.

[0080] 2. Intelligent recognition and automatic adjustment: Automatically recognize the types of foods through the visual recognition system and adjust the electric field strength and frequency according to their preservation requirements, reducing the need for manual intervention.

[0081] 3. Reduction of waste: By extending the food preservation period, reducing food expiration and spoilage, and thus reducing waste.

[0082] 4. Strong flexibility and adaptability: This refrigerator can be precisely adjusted according to the needs of different foods and is suitable for the storage of various foods.

[0083] The embodiment of this application also provides a control method for the preservation refrigerator involved above. This control method includes:

[0084] Obtain the types of each food in the target area.

[0085] The electric field intensity and electric field frequency of the electric field generating unit provided in the target area are regulated according to the types of various foods in the target area.

[0086] In an exemplary embodiment, regulating the electric field intensity and electric field frequency of the electric field generating unit provided in the target area according to the types of various foods in the target area specifically includes:

[0087] According to the preset electric field intensity and preset electric field frequency corresponding to each type of food in the target area and the weight corresponding to each type of food in the target area, calculate the target electric field intensity and target electric field frequency of the electric field generating unit in the target area. The preset electric field intensity and preset electric field frequency corresponding to each type of food are stored in a memory.

[0088] Regulate the electric field intensity and electric field frequency of the electric field generating unit provided in the target area according to the target electric field intensity and the target electric field frequency.

[0089] In an exemplary embodiment, the process of determining the weight corresponding to each type of food in the target area is as follows:

[0090] For any type of food, calculate the ratio of the total quantity of the food of this type in the target area to the total quantity of all types of food in the target area to obtain the weight corresponding to the food of this type in the target area.

[0091] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. For the sake of concise description, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, it should be considered as the scope recorded in this specification.

[0092] Specific examples are used in this article to elaborate on the principles and implementation manners of the present application. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only used to help understand the method and its core idea of the present application; at the same time, for those of ordinary skill in the art, according to the idea of the present application, there will be changes in the specific implementation manners and application scopes. In summary, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation to the present application.

Claims

1. A fresh-keeping refrigerator, characterized in that: The fresh-keeping refrigerator comprises: Refrigerator body, electric field generating unit, visual recognition system and intelligent control system; The interior of the refrigerator body is divided into a heat preservation area, a refrigeration area and a freezing area; the electric field generating unit and the visual recognition system are all arranged in the heat preservation area, the refrigeration area and the freezing area; The visual recognition system in the target area is used to identify the types of food in the target area; the target area is the heat preservation area, the refrigeration area or the freezing area; The electric field generating unit and the visual recognition system are respectively connected to the intelligent control system; the intelligent control system is used to adjust the electric field strength and electric field frequency of the electric field generating unit set in the target area according to the types of foods in the target area identified by the visual recognition system in the target area.

2. The fresh-keeping refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The intelligent control system specifically includes: A microprocessor connected to the electric field generating unit and the visual recognition system respectively; the microprocessor is used to regulate the electric field generating unit arranged in the target area according to the types of each food in the target area identified by the visual recognition system in the target area.

3. The fresh-keeping refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The intelligent control system further comprises: A temperature and humidity sensor connected to the microprocessor; the temperature and humidity sensors are arranged in the heat preservation area, the refrigeration area and the freezing area; the temperature and humidity sensor in the target area is used to obtain the temperature and humidity of the target area.

4. The fresh-keeping refrigerator according to claim 3, characterized in that: The intelligent control system further comprises: A display screen connected to the microprocessor, wherein the display screen is arranged on the refrigerator body; the display screen is used to display the temperature and humidity of the target area measured by the temperature and humidity sensor and an operation interface, and the operation modes of the insulation zone, the refrigeration zone and the freezing zone are adjusted through the operation interface.

5. The fresh-keeping refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electric field generating unit is an electrode array.

6. The fresh-keeping refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The visual recognition system includes an image acquisition device and a processor connected in sequence, and the processor is connected to the microprocessor; the image acquisition device is used to capture images of each food in the target area, and the processor is used to process the images of each food in the target area using a deep learning algorithm to obtain the types of each food in the target area.

7. The fresh-keeping refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that: The image acquisition device is an image sensor or a camera.

8. A method for controlling a fresh-keeping refrigerator, characterized in that: Applicable to the fresh-keeping refrigerator of any one of claims 1 to 7 above, the fresh-keeping refrigerator control method comprises: Obtain the types of food in the target area; The electric field intensity and the electric field frequency of the electric field generating unit arranged in the target area are regulated according to the types of foods in the target area.

9. The fresh-keeping refrigerator control method according to claim 8, characterized in that: According to the types of food in the target area, the electric field intensity and the electric field frequency of the electric field generating unit set in the target area are regulated, specifically including: Calculate the target electric field strength and target electric field frequency of the electric field generating unit in the target area according to the preset electric field strength and preset electric field frequency corresponding to each type of food in the target area and the weight corresponding to each type of food in the target area; The electric field strength and the electric field frequency of the electric field generating unit arranged in the target area are regulated according to the target electric field strength and the target electric field frequency.

10. The fresh-keeping refrigerator control method according to claim 9, characterized in that: The weight determination process for each type of food in the target area is as follows: For any type of food, the ratio of the total quantity of the food of the type in the target area to the total quantity of all types of food in the target area is calculated to obtain the weight corresponding to the food of the type in the target area.

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