Intelligent fish tank

Abstract

The invention provides an intelligent fish tank which comprises an aquarium capable of storing water, a fish tank body and a fish tank body. The display module is positioned on the back surface of the aquarium and is used for outputting an image; a water level sensor for detecting the water level of water stored in the aquarium; and a control unit that controls an image output to the display module on the basis of the water level detected from the water level sensor. The control unit sets a position corresponding to the water level detected from the water level sensor as a dividing line, divides a screen of the display module into an upper screen and a lower screen based on the dividing line, and outputs different images.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an intelligent fish tank including a display module. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, a fish tank consists of an aquarium with a container for storing water. The sides of the aquarium can be made of transparent glass so that the interior can be observed from the outside. It is used to line the interior with sand, pebbles, gravel, aquatic plants, and various decorations, and after being filled with water, various ornamental fish are introduced to keep them.

[0003] To facilitate the purchase of the fish tanks that buyers need, aquariums are designed in various shapes, such as rectangular, square, round, cylindrical, polygonal, and wall-mounted, depending on the buyer's preference. Rectangular fish tanks are the most commonly used.

[0004] Recently, aquariums have become increasingly digitalized, incorporating electronic water quality management devices, sensor devices, and lighting management devices, making management easier and more readily reflecting user needs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an intelligent fish tank, which includes a display module capable of being controlled according to the environment of the intelligent fish tank.

[0006] This invention provides an intelligent fish tank, comprising: an aquarium capable of storing water; a display module located on the back of the aquarium and outputting images; a water level sensor for detecting the water level stored in the aquarium; and a control unit for controlling the output of images to the display module based on the water level detected by the water level sensor; the control unit includes setting a position corresponding to the water level detected by the water level sensor as a dividing line, and dividing the screen of the display module into an upper screen and a lower screen based on the dividing line to output different images respectively.

[0007] If the water level detected by the water level sensor changes, the control unit can change the position of the dividing line and adjust the size of the upper screen and the lower screen.

[0008] The control unit can change the output image according to the size changes of the upper and lower screens.

[0009] The control unit can control the display module so that the image output to the upper screen varies with changes in illumination or time.

[0010] The control unit can provide information related to the water quality and ornamental fish in the aquarium on the upper screen.

[0011] The control unit can output objects floating on the water surface or moving objects to the upper screen.

[0012] The upper object output by the control unit to the upper screen and the lower object output to the lower screen can constitute the upper and lower parts of an object.

[0013] The lower object, corresponding to the refractive index difference between air and water, exhibits a different position, size, and shape than the upper object.

[0014] If the water level detected by the water level sensor is lower than the reference water level, the control unit can cause the upper screen to output an alarm to replenish water.

[0015] The control unit can output the underwater environment to the lower screen.

[0016] The control unit can adjust the size of the object to prevent the object included in the image output to the lower screen from contacting the dividing line and the boundary of the lower screen.

[0017] The control unit can limit the range of motion of the object so that the moving object included in the image output to the lower screen does not touch the dividing line.

[0018] When food is provided, the control unit can output an image of the ornamental fish moving toward the dividing line and feeding on the lower screen.

[0019] The control unit enables the dividing line to include a gradient that connects the lower end of the upper screen to the upper end of the lower screen.

[0020] The present invention provides a control method for an intelligent fish tank. The method is used to control a display module located on the back of the aquarium, comprising: a step of detecting the water level of water poured into the aquarium; a step of setting a dividing line of the display module corresponding to the water level; and a step of outputting different images to the display module in an upper screen located above the dividing line and a lower screen located below the dividing line.

[0021] It may include: the step of detecting water level changes detected by the water level sensor; the step of changing the position of the dividing line; and the step of adjusting the size of the upper screen and the size of the lower screen.

[0022] The step of outputting to the display module may include outputting an upper object at the lower end of the upper screen and outputting a lower object at the upper end of the lower screen. The upper object and the lower object may constitute the upper and lower parts of an object. According to the refractive index, the lower part of the upper object may present a different position, size and shape than the upper part of the lower object.

[0023] The step of outputting to the display module may include limiting the size and movement range of the object so that the object output to the lower screen does not contact the segment.

[0024] The intelligent fish tank according to at least one embodiment of the present invention can create various atmospheres by displaying images output by the display module.

[0025] Furthermore, the smart aquarium according to at least one embodiment of the present invention can reduce the sense of heterogeneity between the image output to the display module and the environment inside the aquarium, since it takes into account the water level inside the aquarium when outputting the image to the display module.

[0026] Furthermore, the smart fish tank according to at least one embodiment of the present invention can easily manage the smart fish tank by outputting various information to the upper screen.

[0027] The effects that can be obtained in this invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other effects not mentioned from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating one embodiment of the intelligent fish tank of the present invention.

[0029] Figures 2 to 9 This is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of an image output to the display module of the intelligent fish tank of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified in the drawing numbers, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar constituent elements, and repeated descriptions are omitted. The suffixes "module" and "part" used for constituent elements in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably only for ease of writing and do not inherently have a distinguishing meaning or function. Furthermore, in describing this specification, detailed descriptions of relevant prior art will be omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions may unnecessarily obscure the spirit of the present invention. Additionally, the drawings are only for ease of understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical concepts disclosed in this specification are not limited by the drawings; they should be interpreted as including all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions within the scope and technical range of the present invention.

[0031] Terms containing ordinal numbers, such as "first" and "second," can be used to describe various constituent elements, but these constituent elements should not be limited to these terms. The terms can only be used to distinguish one constituent element from another.

[0032] When referring to any constituent element as "connected" or "linked" to another constituent element, it should be understood that it can be directly combined or connected to the other constituent element, or that another constituent element may be present in between. Conversely, when referring to any constituent element as "directly connected" or "directly linked" to another constituent element, it should be understood that no other constituent element is present in between.

[0033] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, singular expressions include plural expressions.

[0034] It should be understood that in this specification, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are used only to describe the presence of features, figures, steps, operations, constituent elements, components or combinations thereof described in the specification, and are not intended to preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features or figures, steps, operations, constituent elements, components or combinations thereof.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram showing the intelligent fish tank 100 of the present invention. (Refer to...) Figure 1 The intelligent fish tank 100 of the present invention includes: an aquarium 110 for containing water; a display module 120; a water level sensor 142; a control unit 140 for controlling the display module 120; and a platform 130 for supporting the aquarium 110 and the display module 120.

[0036] The aquarium 110, as a storage container with transparent sides and capable of storing water inside, can have a cuboid shape. However, it is not limited to this; the sides of the aquarium 110 may also include curved surfaces. An environment suitable for ornamental fish to live in can be created using aquatic plants or gravel.

[0037] The aquarium 110 of the present invention may include a display module 120 located on the rear side. The display module 120 serves as a device for outputting images, and the atmosphere inside the aquarium 110 can be easily changed by means of the images output from the display module 120.

[0038] For example, it can output images of the ocean to create a marine atmosphere, and can output aquatic plants or other fish to achieve a rich aquarium environment. Or it can provide water quality information such as temperature and oxygen saturation, as well as other information about the environment inside the aquarium 110, so that users can easily manage the aquarium.

[0039] The display module 120, as a device for outputting images, can serve as a background for the aquarium 110 to create various atmospheres in the aquarium 100. Conventionally, the back of the aquarium 100 is usually transparent, allowing the opposite side to be seen, or the rear wall of the aquarium 110 is used as a background.

[0040] In addition, in order to change the atmosphere of the aquarium 100, it would be troublesome to directly replace the aquatic plants, gravel and other decorations of the aquarium 100, so no special changes were made in reality.

[0041] To avoid seeing the white wall or objects on the other side from the opposite side, and to create a more varied underwater atmosphere, the display module 120 is positioned on the back of the aquarium 110.

[0042] When the aquarium 110 is configured to have a curved shape, the display module 120 can also be configured to form a curved surface corresponding to the shape of the aquarium 110.

[0043] The display module 120 can convert image signals, data signals, OSD (screen display) signals, control signals processed in the control unit, or image signals, data signals, and control signals received from the interface unit to generate drive signals.

[0044] The display module 120 can be configured with a display panel 125 having a plurality of pixels, and the plurality of pixels configured on the display panel 125 can have RGB sub-pixels. Alternatively, the plurality of pixels configured on the display panel 125 can also have RGBW sub-pixels. The display module 120 can convert image signals, data signals, OSD signals, and control signals processed by the control unit 140 to generate drive signals for the plurality of pixels.

[0045] The display housing that houses the display panel 125 can be configured in the shape of a picture frame. The front can have a frame shape that is wrapped around the display panel 125 so that the front of the display panel 125 is exposed. The back can include a rear housing, which is used to cover the substrate and wires used to control the display panel 125 and the display module 120.

[0046] The display unit 150 can adopt PDP (Plasma Display Panel), LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode), and flexible display, and can also adopt a 3D display.

[0047] The display module 120 can also output images of the ocean to create an ocean atmosphere, and can output aquatic plants or other fish to create a rich environment for the aquarium 100.

[0048] Because the display module 120 can output moving images instead of simply outputting fixed images, it can output other aquatic creatures besides the ornamental fish present in the aquarium 110. Furthermore, by providing video that moves with the water flow, a more realistic aquatic environment can be achieved.

[0049] The water level sensor 142 is a device for measuring the height (water level) of the water in the aquarium 110. According to the measurement method, it can be divided into buoyancy sensor, ultrasonic sensor, optical sensor and conductivity sensor, etc.

[0050] A buoyancy sensor uses a buoy or buoyancy switch to detect the water level. The buoy moves up and down with the water level, and if it reaches a set water level, the switch is activated to add water or send an alarm.

[0051] Ultrasonic sensors determine water level by measuring the time it takes for ultrasonic waves emitted to the water surface to reflect back. They offer the advantage of easy sensor maintenance and management because the components do not come into contact with water.

[0052] Optical sensors are simple in construction because they utilize the principle that the optical signal changes when a sensor at a specific water level comes into contact with water. However, they are limited to detecting whether a predetermined water level has been reached.

[0053] A conductivity sensor detects water level by measuring the difference in water conductivity. When water comes into contact with the sensor's electrodes, current flows through it, thus determining the water level.

[0054] When the water level detected by the water level sensor 142 drops below the reference water level, an alarm for replenishing water can be provided. The control unit 140 controls the image output to the display panel 125. The control unit 140 of the present invention can set a dividing line 1253 on the screen of the display panel 125 according to the water level detected by the water level sensor 142 in the aquarium 110, and can divide the screen into an upper screen 1251 and a lower screen 1252 based on the dividing line 1253. The control unit 140 can output different images on the upper screen 1251 and the lower screen 1252 respectively.

[0055] The following is for reference. Figures 2 to 9 The image output to the display panel 125 according to the control of the control unit 140 will be explained. Figures 2 to 9 This is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of an image output to the display panel 125 of the intelligent fish tank 100 of the present invention.

[0056] The display panel 125 can be configured with a dividing line 1253 at a position corresponding to the water level in the aquarium 110 collected by the water level sensor 142. The dividing line 1253 can be a straight line or a curve, and can form a gradient within a specified range corresponding to the water level.

[0057] The dividing line 1253 is configured as a gradient connecting the lower end of the upper image 1251 and the upper end of the lower image 1252, so as to create a situation where the upper image 1251 and the lower image 1252 are divided into underwater and above water with the water surface as the boundary.

[0058] When the water level detected by the water level sensor 142 is different, the control unit 140 can change the position of the dividing line 1253 and adjust the images output to the upper screen 1251 and the lower screen 1252 according to the position of the dividing line 1253. When the water level drops, the size of only the lower object 1273 in contact with the dividing line 1253 can be changed, or the ratio of the image in the lower screen 1252 can be reduced.

[0059] In the case of an image on the water surface in the upper frame 1251, the position of the dividing line 1253 can be set differently depending on the position of the dividing line 1253. Alternatively, the length of the upper frame 1251 can be increased accordingly to the height of the changing dividing line 1253.

[0060] The lower screen 1252 can output images of the ocean or water that match the environment of the aquarium 110. It can also output images of the habitat of different fish species, including not only static images but also moving lower objects 1273 such as aquatic plants or fish. When the lower objects 1273 output to the lower screen 1252 are cut off by the dividing line 1253, the image output from the display panel 125 may be easily mistaken for an image different from the actual objects inside the aquarium 110.

[0061] To enhance the realism of the lower image 1252, the lower object 1273 can be adjusted to a size that does not touch the dividing line 1253. Not only the dividing line 1253, but also the display panel 125 can be controlled along the lateral boundaries of the lower image 1252 to prevent the lower object 1273 from being cut off.

[0062] When the object output to the lower screen 1252 is a moving object, the movement range can be configured to move within the dividing line 1253 and the side boundary of the lower screen 1252.

[0063] The upper screen 1251, located above the dividing line 1253, can output a different image than the lower screen 1252. For example... Figure 2As shown, it can provide status information such as temperature and pH within the aquarium 110 1271. In addition, it can provide water quality information such as ammonium / nitrate required for fish survival, as well as information such as growth days, whether water changes are needed, and filter replacement time, thereby helping users to manage the aquarium more easily.

[0064] Or, such as Figure 3 As shown, customized information 1271 can be provided on the upper screen 1251 according to the species of fish being raised. The customized information may include information on suitable feed, information on fish species that are helpful for mixed breeding, or information on water salinity, temperature, and feeding time that are suitable for fish species.

[0065] In addition to information related to the smart aquarium 100, the upper screen 1251 can also provide basic information such as date or time, and not only the water temperature in the aquarium 110, but also the temperature and humidity of the set space.

[0066] Information about the image output to the lower screen 1252 (e.g., the location of the photograph) can also be provided on the upper screen 1251, and the aforementioned information is not fixed, but can be changed periodically or changed to other information according to the user's input command.

[0067] Or, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in addition to text information, images can also be output to the upper screen 1251. The images output to the upper screen 1251 can also include user-preferred images or characters, and can provide photographic images such as the sky or lotus flowers on the water.

[0068] The upper frame 1251 can change to other images over time. For example... Figure 4 As shown, it can output a blue sky during the day, such as Figure 5 As shown, it can output red images at sunrise and sunset, and create a dark night sky effect at night. Alternatively, it can receive weather information to output other images based on the weather conditions.

[0069] In addition to the upper screen 1251, the brightness of the lower screen 1252 can also be adjusted over time. By adjusting the brightness of the lower screen 1252 according to the time zone, the biological rhythm of the ornamental fish can be regulated.

[0070] like Figure 6 As shown, in addition to static images, the upper screen 1251 can also output moving upper objects 1272. Examples of moving upper objects 1272 include ducks floating on water or birds moving in the sky.

[0071] Besides animals, the upper object 1272 may also include moving clouds in the sky or grass moving on the water. In addition to actual photographic images, the upper object 1272 may include user-favorited images such as characters or icons. Figure 7 As shown, an object that is partially submerged in water and partially on the surface of water can be divided into an upper object 1274a that outputs the object to the upper screen 1251 and a lower object 1274b that outputs the object to the lower screen 1252.

[0072] The control unit 140 can output the upper part of the fishing line 1274 or lotus branches, tree branches, etc. to the upper screen 1251, and can output the lower part to the lower screen 1252. The control unit can also output a duck swimming on the water surface as the upper object to the upper screen 1251, and output the duck's leg as the lower object to the upper part of the lower screen 1252.

[0073] At this point, the upper object 1274a and the lower object 1274b can be created in tandem. Although trees or branches do not move, moving objects can synchronize the movement of the upper object 1272 with the movement of the lower object 1273.

[0074] The upper object 1274a and the lower object 1274b can be configured to be recognized as a single object. However, when the upper object 1275a and the lower object 1275b divide an object 1275 into upper and lower parts, the upper object 1275a and the lower object 1275b do not form a continuous image at the dividing line 1253 due to the different refractive indices of air and water.

[0075] Reference Figure 8 The extension direction of the upper object 1275a and the extension direction of the lower object 1275b can be at different angles. In particular, the upper part of the lower object 1275b may include a shape that is distorted with the change of refractive index in the portion adjacent to the dividing line 1253.

[0076] The display panel 125 can distinguish an object connecting the upper screen 1251 and the lower screen 1252 into an upper object 1275a and a lower object 1275b for output. That is, the upper object 1275a and the lower object 1275b can have discontinuity at the dividing line.

[0077] like Figure 9 As shown, the lower object output to the lower screen 1252 can output images used to induce or learn the behavior of ornamental fish in the aquarium 110. When food is provided, the ornamental fish object output to the lower screen 1252 moves towards the dividing line 1253 to eat, thus inducing the ornamental fish in the aquarium 110 to eat.

[0078] When food is left in the aquarium 110 for a long time, there is a problem of water quality deterioration in the aquarium 110. However, the present invention has the advantage of being able to provide food regularly for the health management of ornamental fish.

[0079] As observed above, the smart aquarium 100 of at least one embodiment of the present invention is able to create various atmospheres through images output from the display panel 125.

[0080] In addition, since the smart aquarium 100 of at least one embodiment of the present invention takes into account the water level in the aquarium 110 when outputting the image to the display panel 125, it is possible to reduce the sense of heterogeneity between the image output to the display panel 125 and the environment inside the aquarium 110.

[0081] In addition, the smart fish tank 100 of at least one embodiment of the present invention outputs various information on the upper screen 1251 to make the management of the smart fish tank 100 easy to perform.

[0082] The detailed description above should not be construed as restrictive in all respects, but rather as exemplary. The scope of the invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention fall within its scope.

Claims

1. A smart fish tank, wherein, include: An aquarium is used to store water; The display module is located on the back of the aquarium and outputs images; A water level sensor detects the water level stored in the aquarium; and The control unit controls the image output to the display module based on the water level detected from the water level sensor; The control unit sets the position corresponding to the water level detected by the water level sensor as a dividing line, and uses the dividing line as a reference to divide the screen of the display module into an upper screen and a lower screen to output different images respectively.

2. The intelligent fish tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the water level detected by the water level sensor changes, the control unit changes the position of the dividing line and adjusts the size of the upper screen and the size of the lower screen.

3. The intelligent fish tank according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control unit provides output images by changing the size of the upper and lower screens.

4. The intelligent fish tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit controls the display module so that the image output to the upper screen varies with changes in illumination or time.

5. The intelligent fish tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit provides information related to the water quality and ornamental fish in the aquarium on the upper screen.

6. The intelligent fish tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit outputs objects floating on the water surface or moving objects to the upper screen.

7. The intelligent fish tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper object output by the control unit to the upper screen and the lower object output to the lower screen constitute the upper and lower parts of an object.

8. The intelligent fish tank according to claim 7, characterized in that, The lower object, corresponding to the refractive index difference between air and water, exhibits a different position, size, and shape than the upper object.

9. The intelligent fish tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the water level detected by the water level sensor is lower than the reference water level, the control unit will output an alarm to replenish water on the upper screen.

10. A control method for an intelligent aquarium, the method being used to control a display module located on the back of the aquarium, wherein, include: The step of detecting the water level in the aquarium; The step of setting the dividing line of the display module in accordance with the water level; as well as The step of outputting different images to the display module from the upper screen located above the dividing line and the lower screen located below the dividing line.

Images