Cooling unit

Abstract

Cooling appliance (1), comprising: a first LED (21) which is configured to emit light of a first wavelength range into a vegetable compartment (6); a second LED (22) which is configured to emit light of a second wavelength range into the vegetable compartment (6), wherein the second wavelength range differs from the first wavelength range; an image acquisition facility (24) which is set up to acquire an image of the vegetable drawer (6); a memory (27) in which a reference image is stored; a colour reference (28) provided in the vegetable compartment (6); and a control unit (15) wherein: an image of the color reference (28) acquired by the image acquisition device (24) is stored in the memory (27) as the reference image; and the control unit (15) controls the first LED (21) and the second LED (22) to reduce a difference between a color of the reference image stored in the memory (27) and a color of an image of the color reference (28) to be acquired by the image advertising device (24).

Description

Area

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooling device. background

[0002] Patent Literature 1 describes a cooling device. The cooling device described in Patent Literature 1 includes a camera and a light. In the cooling device described in Patent Literature 1, the light is turned on when an image of the inside of the cooling device is captured by the camera. List of cited publicationsPatent literature

[0003] [Patent Literature 1] WO 2014 / 142119 SummaryTechnical problem

[0004] When an LED is used as lighting in a refrigerator, for example, white light is created by mixing several colors of light. Therefore, reducing the amount of a certain colored light changes the overall color of the light. For example, an LED that emits blue light emits a small amount of ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light affects the resin that encapsulates an LED chip, reducing light transmittance. If only the amount of blue light is reduced, the overall light changes to a yellowish color. Thus, when a camera takes a picture of vegetables in a vegetable drawer, the color of an image of the vegetables appears different from the actual color of the vegetables.

[0005] The present invention was realized to solve the above-mentioned problem. An object of the present invention is to provide a refrigeration device that can reduce the difference between the color of an image to be acquired and the actual color of vegetables in a vegetable compartment. Solution to the problem

[0006] A refrigeration device according to the present invention comprises a first LED configured to emit light of a first wavelength range into a vegetable compartment, a second LED configured to emit light of a second wavelength range into the vegetable compartment, wherein the second wavelength range differs from the first wavelength range, an image acquisition device configured to acquire an image of the vegetable compartment, a memory in which a reference image is stored, and a control unit configured to control the first LED and the second LED to reduce a difference between a color of the reference image stored in the memory and a color of an image to be acquired by the image acquisition device. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0007] A refrigeration device according to the present invention comprises a first LED, a second LED, and a control unit. The first LED and the second LED emit light into a vegetable compartment. The control unit controls the first LED and the second LED to reduce a difference between the color of a reference image stored in a memory and the color of an image to be acquired by the image acquisition device. The refrigeration device of the present invention can reduce a difference between the color of an image to be acquired and the actual color of vegetables in a vegetable compartment. Brief description of the drawings Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an electrical connection between devices included in the refrigerator. Fig. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a diagram of a timing chart during operation of the Fig. 3 shown refrigerator. Description of embodiments

[0008] The present invention will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. Redundant explanations have been simplified or omitted where appropriate. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate like or corresponding parts. First embodiment

[0009] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a refrigerator 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating an electrical connection between devices included in the refrigerator 1. First, an overall configuration of the refrigerator 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The refrigerator 1 includes, for example, a main body 2, doors 8 to 11, a control panel 12, a control unit 15, an opening and closing sensor 16, a compressor 17, a cooler 18, a fan 19, a light emitter 20, a camera 24, and a standard color panel 28.

[0010] The main body 2 has a plurality of compartments for storing food and the like. For example, a refrigerating compartment 3, a temperature control compartment 4, an ice-making compartment (not shown), a freezing compartment 5, and a vegetable compartment 8 are formed in the main body 2. The compartments formed in the main body 2 are separated by heat-insulating material such as urethane foam. The number, type, and arrangement of the compartments formed in the main body 2 are not limited to the Fig. 1 examples shown.

[0011] For example, the refrigerator compartment 3 is a compartment with the largest capacity. The refrigerator compartment 3 can include a cooling compartment 7. The cooling compartment 7 is a compartment for storing meat and fish. The refrigerator compartment 3 is opened and closed by the door 8.

[0012] The control panel 12 is provided, for example, on a front surface of the door 8. The control panel 12 may be provided on another door or on the main body 2. The control panel 12 includes, for example, an input section 13 and a notification section 14. A user inputs information by operating the input section 13. For example, the user operates the input section 13 to adjust the temperature of each compartment. The notification section 14 notifies the user. For example, a display and a speaker are included as the notification section 14 in the control panel 12. The control panel 12 is electrically connected to the control unit 15.

[0013] The temperature control compartment 4 is a compartment whose temperature can be switched. For example, multiple temperatures are pre-registered in the control unit 15 as preset temperatures of the temperature control compartment 4. The user operates the input section 13 of the control panel 12, for example, to select a preset temperature of the temperature control compartment 4. The temperature control compartment 4 is opened and closed by the door 9. The ice-making compartment is a compartment for making and storing ice. The ice-making compartment is located adjacent to the temperature control compartment 4.

[0014] The freezer compartment 5 is a compartment for freezing food and the like. The temperature of the freezer compartment 5 is kept below freezing temperature, for example. The freezer compartment 5 is opened and closed by the door 10.

[0015] The vegetable compartment 6 is a compartment for storing vegetables and the like. A large beverage container can be stored in the vegetable compartment 6. For example, a two-liter plastic bottle can be stored in the vegetable compartment 6. The vegetable compartment 6 is opened and closed by the door 11.

[0016] An opening and closing sensor is provided on each of the doors 8 to 11. For example, the opening and closing sensor 16 is provided on the door 11 of the vegetable compartment 6. The opening and closing sensor 16 detects an open or closed state of the door 11. The detection result by the opening and closing sensor 16 is input to the control unit 15. The control unit 15 counts the time during which the door 11 is open based on the result detected by the opening and closing sensor 16. The control unit 15 can count the time during which the door 11 is closed. The control unit 15 uses the counted time as a control parameter to perform various controls. For example, upon determining that the door 11 has not been open for less than a first reference time, the control unit 15 performs notification through the notification section 14 of the operation panel 12.For example, the control unit triggers a buzzer or bell provided as the notification section 14. This issues a warning to the user.

[0017] The compressor 17 and the cooler 18 form part of a refrigeration cycle included in the refrigerator 1. The compressor 17, the cooler 18, and the fan 19 are electrically connected to the control unit 15. Operation of the fan 19 generates an airflow within the refrigerator 1. This causes air cooled by the cooler 18 to pass through an air duct and be supplied to each compartment. An air outlet for introducing cold air is formed in each compartment. Food and the like stored in the compartment are cooled by the air introduced into the compartment through the air outlet. The air heated by cooling food and the like in each compartment enters a return duct from an air inlet. The air that has passed through the return duct reaches the cooler 18 and is cooled again by passing through the cooler 18.

[0018] The control unit 15 controls operations of the compressor 17, the chiller 18, and the fan 19. For example, a temperature sensor (not shown) is provided in each compartment formed in the main body 2. The temperature sensor is, for example, a thermistor for temperature detection. The temperature information detected by the temperature sensor is input to the control unit 15. The control unit 15 controls operations of the compressor 17, the chiller 18, and the fan 19 based, for example, on information input from the temperature sensor and information input from the control panel 12. The control unit 15 also controls the operation of an air damper (not shown) that opens and closes an air path.

[0019] The control unit 15 can exchange information with an external device. For example, the control unit 15 receives a signal for changing the preset temperature from an external device. The control unit 15 can receive a signal for checking the status inside the refrigerator from an external device. Examples of an external device include a smartphone.

[0020] The light emitter 20 emits light into the vegetable compartment 6. The light emitter 20 is provided, for example, in the vegetable compartment 6. The light emitter 20 is provided on a rear wall surface of wall surfaces forming the vegetable compartment 6. The light emitter 20 is electrically connected to the control unit 15. The control unit 15 controls the light emitter 20. The light emitter 20 includes, for example, an LED 21, an LED 22, and an LED 23. LED is the abbreviation for light-emitting diode.

[0021] LED 21 emits blue light. For example, LED 21 emits light in a wavelength range from 430 nm to 500 nm. The light emitted by LED 21 is emitted into the vegetable compartment 6. LED 22 emits green light. For example, LED 22 emits light in a wavelength range from 500 nm to 550 nm. The green light from LED 22 is emitted into the vegetable compartment 6. LED 23 emits red light. For example, LED 23 emits light in a wavelength range from 600 nm to 780 nm. The red light emitted by LED 23 is emitted into the vegetable compartment 6.

[0022] The control unit 15 can control the LED 21, the LED 22, and the LED 23 separately. When the LED 21, the LED 22, and the LED 23 are simultaneously turned on at their rated power, the light emitter 20 emits, for example, white light. The light emitter 20 can be configured as a single unit consisting of the LED 21, the LED 22, and the LED 23. For example, a tricolor LED with excellent color rendering properties can be used as the light emitter 20. Instead, the LED 21, the LED 22, and the LED 23 can be configured as a single unit.

[0023] The camera 24 captures an image of the vegetable compartment 6. The camera 24 is an example of an image acquisition device that acquires an image of the vegetable compartment 6. The image acquisition device is not limited to the camera 24. The camera 24 is provided, for example, in the vegetable compartment 6. The camera 24 is provided on a rear wall surface of wall surfaces constituting the vegetable compartment 6. The camera 24 is electrically connected to the control unit 15. The control unit 15 controls the camera 24. Information about an image of the vegetable compartment 6 captured by the camera 24 is input to the control unit 15.

[0024] The light emitter 20 is switched on, for example, according to the circadian rhythm of vegetables. This can suppress the spoilage of vegetables stored in the vegetable compartment 6. Blue light, for example, has the effect of opening stomata in green leafy vegetables. Green light and red light are absorbed by chlorophyll. For this reason, green light and red light have the effect of increasing nutrient components through photosynthesis. By switching on the light emitter 20, the biosynthesis of vegetables can be stimulated. The light emitter 20 is also switched on when, for example, an image of the vegetable compartment 6 is taken by the camera 24.

[0025] The control unit 15 has, as a hardware resource, a processing circuit comprising an input / output interface 25, a processor 26, and a memory 27. The control unit 15 implements each function by causing the processor 26 to execute a program stored in the memory 27.

[0026] The control unit 15 has, for example, a function of turning on the light emitter 20 according to the circadian rhythm of vegetables. The control unit 15 also has a function of detecting deterioration of vegetables based on an image of the vegetable compartment 6 taken by the camera 24. For example, the control unit 15 calculates color variations of the vegetables. For example, a color list is stored in the memory 27. The control unit 15 calculates color variations of a vegetable by comparing the color of an image of the vegetable compartment 6 taken by the camera 24 and a color included in the color list. The control unit 15 can calculate position changes of vegetables. The control unit 15 also has a function of adjusting the light emitter 20 and the camera 24 based on the color of an image of the vegetable compartment 6 taken by the camera 24.Functions of the control unit 15 are not limited to these examples.

[0027] The standard color plate 28 is provided in the vegetable compartment 6. The camera 24 captures an image of the standard color plate 28. The surface of the standard color plate 28 is preferably white. However, it should be noted that the color of the surface of the standard color plate 28 is not limited to white. The surface of the standard color plate 28 can be green or yellow, for example. The color of the surface of the standard color plate 28 can be a color similar to the vegetables stored in the vegetable compartment 6.

[0028] For example, a lower bin 29 and an upper bin 30 are provided in the vegetable compartment 6. The lower bin 29 and the upper bin 30 are containers for storing food and the like. A bottom surface of the lower bin 29 is arranged at a position below a bottom surface of the upper bin 30. The standard color panel 28 is arranged at a position where an image of its surface can be captured by the camera 24 even when food and the like are stored in the lower bin 29 and the upper bin 30. For example, the standard color panel 28 is provided on a lower surface of the upper bin 30.

[0029] A reference image is stored in memory 27. The reference image is an image used when determining whether the light emitter 20 and the camera 24 need to be adjusted. For example, an image of the standard color chart 28 captured in advance by the camera 24 is stored as the reference image in memory 27. The reference image is registered in memory 27, for example, before the refrigerator 1 is shipped.

[0030] Next, an operation of the refrigerator 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 explained. Fig. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an operation of the refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a diagram of a flow chart during the operation of the Fig. 3 shown refrigerator.

[0031] In refrigerator 1, an operation is performed to cool each compartment. Additionally, control is performed in refrigerator 1 to turn on the light emitter 20, for example, according to the circadian rhythm of vegetables. Fig. Figure 4 shows an example in which control is performed to turn on the light according to the circadian rhythm of vegetables at a time t0.

[0032] The control unit 15 determines whether a start condition is met (S1). The start condition is a start condition for determining whether the light emitter 20 and the camera 24 need to be adjusted. For example, the start condition is met when the door 11 of the vegetable compartment 6 is opened and then closed. The control unit 15 detects the opening and closing of the door 11 based on the detection result of the opening and closing sensor 16. For example, the control unit 15 detects the opening of the door 11 at time t1. The control unit 15 detects the closing of the door 11 at time t2. Upon detecting the opening and closing of the door 11, the control unit 15 determines that the start condition is met. Other conditions may be assumed as the start condition. For example, the start condition may be met when a user performs a specific operation on the input section 13 of the control panel 12.

[0033] When the start condition in S1 is met, the control unit 15 determines whether the light emitter 20 and the camera 24 need to be adjusted. If they need to be adjusted, the control unit 15 controls the light emitter 20 and the camera 24 to change the LED illumination state and the shooting conditions of the camera 24. Specific contents of the control are as follows.

[0034] The control unit 15 first captures an image of the standard color chart 28 through the camera 24 (S2). When an image is captured by the camera 24, the light emitter 20 is turned on. For example, a current with a current value of A1 flows through the LED 21. A nominal current flows through the LED 22 and the LED 23.

[0035] The control unit 15 detects a color of an image (acquired image) of the standard color chart 28 acquired in S2 (S3). Subsequently, the control unit 15 compares the color of the acquired image detected in S3 with the color of a reference image stored in the memory 27. For example, the control unit 15 compares the colors based on the following formula (S4). SC−SC_ini <SC_limit

[0036] Here is SC: color of the image of the standard color chart 28 taken by the camera 24, SC_ini: the color of the reference image, and SC_limit: the limit of the difference.

[0037] The limit of the difference SC_limit is stored in memory 27 in advance.

[0038] For example, in S3, the control unit 15 digitizes the color of the image of the standard chromaticity diagram 28 according to the L*a*b* display system. In this case, the color of the reference image stored in the memory 27 is digitized according to the L*a*b* display system. In the L*a*b* display system, chromaticity is represented by a*b*. For example, in S4, the control unit 15 determines whether the following formula is true. SC(a∗)−SC_ini(a∗) <SC_limit(a∗) SC(b∗)−SC_ini(b∗) <SC_limit(b∗)

[0039] Formula 2 is true if the difference between a* of the acquired image and a* of the reference image is smaller than a difference limit SC_limit(a*) set for a*. Formula 3 is true if the difference between b* of the acquired image and b* of the reference image is smaller than a difference limit SC_limit(b*) set for b*.

[0040] Blue light with a short wavelength accelerates resin deterioration. As an example, consider a case where the quality of the resin used in the LED 21 deteriorates and the amount of blue light emitted by the LED 21 into the vegetable compartment 6 is reduced. If the quality of the LED 22 and the LED 23 is not deteriorated, only the amount of blue light is reduced, causing the standard chromaticity diagram 28 to turn yellowish. Since a* represents the chromaticity in the red-green axis direction, a* of the acquired image does not change from a* of the reference image even if the amount of light from the LED 21 is reduced. That is, SC(a*)-SC_ini(a*)=0. In this case, Formula 2 is satisfied.

[0041] Meanwhile, since b* represents the chromaticity in the yellow-blue axis direction, b* of the acquired image will not coincide with b* of the reference image when the amount of light from LED 21 is reduced. Specifically, as the resin used in LED 21 deteriorates, b* of the acquired image will become larger than b* of the reference image. If this difference is smaller than the difference limit SC_limit(b*), Formula 3 is satisfied. If this difference is not smaller than the difference limit SC_limit(b*), Formula 3 is no longer satisfied.

[0042] Unless one or both of Formula 2 and Formula 3 are true, the control unit 15 determines that the chromaticity of the image of the standard chromaticity diagram 28 to be captured by the camera 24 must be adjusted to the chromaticity of the reference image. The control unit 15 controls the current flowing through each LED of the light emitter 20 to, for example, reduce the difference between the chromaticity of the image of the standard chromaticity diagram 28 to be captured by the camera 24 and the chromaticity of the reference image. Thus, both Formula 2 and Formula 3 are established (S5). In the previous example, for example, the control unit 15 reduces the current value of the LED 22 from the nominal value to A2. The control unit 15 reduces the current value of the LED 23 from the nominal value to A3. The control unit 15 does not change the current value of the LED 21 from A1.

[0043] Additionally, in the L*a*b* display system, the brightness is represented by L*. For example, the control unit 15 determines whether the following formula is true in S4. SC(L∗)−SC_ini(L∗) <SC_limit(L∗)

[0044] Formula 4 is true if the difference between L* of the acquired image and L* of the reference image is smaller than a limit of the difference SC_limit(L*) set for L*.

[0045] In the above example, the amount of light from LED 21 is reduced due to resin damage. The amount of light from LED 22 is reduced by reducing the current value. Similarly, the amount of light from LED 23 is reduced by reducing the current value. Since the total amount of light from light emitter 20 is reduced, the brightness of the acquired image is reduced. If Formula 4 is false, control unit 15 determines that the brightness of the image of standard color chart 28 to be captured by camera 24 must be adjusted to the brightness of the reference image.

[0046] The control unit 15 controls the exposure time of the camera 24 to reduce, for example, the difference between the brightness of the image of the standard color chart 28 to be captured by the camera 24 and the brightness of the reference image. Thus, Formula 4 is established (S6). In the above example, the control unit 15 changes the exposure time of the camera 24 from E1 to E2. Reference symbol E2 denotes a time longer than E1. This increases the amount of light introduced into the camera 24 when an image is captured by the camera 24. Adjusting the exposure time is effective when a reduction in the focal range of the camera 24 is not desired.

[0047] The control unit 15 can control the aperture of the camera 24 to, for example, reduce the difference between the brightness of the image of the standard color chart 28 to be captured by the camera 24 and the brightness of the reference image. Thus, Formula 4 is established (S6). In the above example, the control unit 15 changes the aperture of the camera 24 from D2 to D1. Reference symbol D1 denotes a value smaller than D2. This increases the amount of light introduced into the camera 24 when an image is captured by the camera 24. Adjusting the aperture is effective when an extended recording time is not desired.

[0048] Upon determining at time t6 that Formula 1 is true, the control unit 15 starts processing to detect spoilage or the like of vegetables (S7). The processing is performed, for example, based on an image of the vegetable compartment 6 captured by the camera 24. Note that the control unit 15 may repeat the processing shown in S2 to S6 until Formula 1 is established.

[0049] In the refrigerator 1 having the above functions, the control unit 15 controls each LED of the light emitter 20 to reduce the difference between the color of a reference image stored in the memory 27 and the color of an image to be acquired by the image acquisition device. For example, the control unit 15 adjusts the value of the current flowing through each LED of the light emitter 20 to reduce the difference between the chromaticity of the reference image and the chromaticity of the image to be acquired by the image acquisition device. Furthermore, the control unit 15 controls the image acquisition device to reduce the difference between the brightness of the reference image stored in the memory 27 and the brightness of the image to be acquired by the image acquisition device.The refrigerator 1 having the above functions can reduce the difference between the color of an image to be acquired by the image advertising device and the actual color of vegetables in the vegetable compartment 6.

[0050] This embodiment illustrates an example of reducing both the difference in chromaticity and the difference in brightness to bring the color of the image to be acquired by the image acquisition device closer to the color of the reference image. The control unit 15 can control each LED of the light emitter 20 to reduce only the difference in chromaticity.

[0051] The embodiment describes an example of changing the exposure time or aperture of the camera 24 to adjust the brightness (clarity) of the image to be acquired by the image acquisition device. The control unit 15 can change both the exposure time and aperture of the camera 24 to adjust the brightness. Furthermore, the control unit 15 can control each LED of the light emitter 20 to adjust the brightness.

[0052] The standard color chart 28 according to the embodiment is an example of a color reference for comparing the color of an image to be acquired by the image acquisition device with the color of a reference image. The color reference is not limited to the standard color chart 28. For example, a part of the lower container 29 or a part of the upper container 30 can be used as a color reference.

[0053] The embodiment describes an example of using the L*a*b* display system. Other display systems can be used to digitize the color of the image. For example, the XYZ display system can be used.

[0054] The embodiment describes an example of controlling the light switching on according to the circadian rhythm of vegetables. The LED to be switched on can be selected depending on the type of vegetables stored in the vegetable compartment 6. For example, vegetables such as fruit vegetables, root vegetables, and red cabbage have few or no stomata. If only vegetables of this type are present in the vegetable compartment 6, the LED 21 does not need to be switched on unless an image is taken by the camera 24.

[0055] When blue light hits a plant, the plant opens its stomata and absorbs carbon dioxide from the air, which is necessary for biosynthesis. However, once the plant recognizes that it has been exposed to light, it doesn't need to be exposed to blue light. Therefore, if only leafy vegetables are present in the vegetable compartment 6, the LED 21 does not need to remain lit except when an image is being captured by the camera 24. For example, the illumination of the LED 21 can be reduced to 10 minutes per day, except during a recording period.

[0056] When only thin leafy vegetables, such as spinach and komatsuna, are present in the vegetable compartment 6, the amount of red light, which has a high absorption rate on the surface of a leaf, can be increased. When only head-forming vegetables, such as cabbage and Chinese cabbage, are present in the vegetable compartment 6, the amount of green light can be increased to allow light to penetrate into the interior of the vegetables.

[0057] The embodiment describes an example of providing a single light emitter 20 on a rear wall surface of the vegetable compartment 6. The light emitter 20 may be provided at a different position. The refrigerator 1 may include multiple light emitters 20 for emitting light into the vegetable compartment 1. In this case, for example, a first light emitter 20 is provided on a rear wall surface of the vegetable compartment 6. A second light emitter 20 is provided such that light is emitted diagonally onto the vegetables when viewed from the camera 24. For example, the second light emitter 20 is arranged at a higher position than the first light emitter 20.

[0058] In this case, when vegetables, such as leafy vegetables, whose surface color must be clearly inspected are stored in the vegetable compartment 6, it is efficient to turn on the first light emitter 20 and turn off the second light emitter 20. Most such vegetables are harvested during the winter season. For this reason, during the winter season, the second light emitter 20 can be turned off while the first light emitter 20 is turned on. On the other hand, when fruit vegetables, such as cucumber or eggplant, whose surface unevenness must be clearly inspected, are stored in the vegetable compartment 6, it is effective to turn on the second light emitter 20 and turn off the first light emitter 20. This enables, for example, emission of light onto the cucumber, eggplant, or the like at a 45-degree angle, making it easier to detect low-temperature damage, such as bruises, from the acquired image.Most of these fruit vegetables are harvested during the summer season. Therefore, during the summer season, the first light emitter 20 can be turned off while the second light emitter 20 is turned on. By using different light emitters 20, the lifespan of the LED can be extended depending on the purpose.

[0059] The embodiment describes an example in which the LED 21, the LED 22, and the LED 23 each emit light (monochromatic light) of a different wavelength range. Examples of light emitted by the LED 21, the LED 22, and the LED 23 are not limited to the above example. Note that when the LED 21 emits light of a first wavelength range and the LED 22 emits light of a second wavelength range, even if a first wavelength range and a second wavelength range partially overlap each other, the first wavelength range and the second wavelength range are different wavelength ranges unless the entire first wavelength range overlaps the entire second wavelength range.

[0060] The embodiment describes an example in which the light emitter 20 includes three LEDs. This is an example. The number of LEDs included in the light emitter 20 may be two. The light emitter 20 may include four or more LEDs.

[0061] The processor 26 according to the embodiment is also referred to as a CPU (central processing unit), a central processor, a processor, an arithmetic unit, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, or a DSP. The memory 27 can be a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a mini disk, or a DVD. Examples of semiconductor memory include RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, and EEPROM.

[0062] Some or all functions of the control unit 15 may be implemented in hardware. The hardware implementing a function of the control unit 15 may be a single circuit, a combinational circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel-programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof. Industrial applicability

[0063] The refrigerator according to the present invention is applicable to a refrigerating apparatus including a vegetable compartment. List of reference symbols

[0064] 1: Refrigerator, 2: Main body, 3: Cooling compartment, 4: Temperature control compartment, 5: Freezer compartment, 6: Vegetable compartment, 7: Cooling compartment, 8-11: Door, 12: Control panel, 13: Input section, 14: Detection section, 15: Control unit, 16: Opening and closing sensor, 17: Compressor, 18: Cooler, 19: Fan, 20: Light emitter, 21-23: LED, 24: Camera, 25: Input / output interface, 26: Processor, 27: Memory, 28: Standard color chart, 29: Lower bin, 30: Upper bin

Claims

[1] Cooling device (1), comprising: a first LED (21) configured to emit light of a first wavelength range into a vegetable compartment (6); a second LED (22) configured to emit light of a second wavelength range into the vegetable compartment (6), wherein the second wavelength range differs from the first wavelength range; an image acquisition device (24) arranged to acquire an image of the vegetable compartment (6); a memory (27) in which a reference image is stored; a color reference (28) provided in the vegetable compartment (6); and a control unit (15), wherein: an image of the color reference (28) acquired by the image acquisition device (24) is stored in the memory (27) as the reference image; and the control unit (15) controls the first LED (21) and the second LED (22) to reduce a difference between a color of the reference image stored in the memory (27) and a color of an image of the color reference (28) to be acquired by the image acquisition device (24). [2] Cooling device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: a lower container (29) and an upper container (30) are provided in the vegetable compartment (6); and the color reference (28) is provided on a lower surface of the upper container (30). [3] The refrigerator (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit (15) controls a current flowing through the first LED (21) and a current flowing through the second LED (22) to reduce the difference between a color value of the reference image and a color value of an image to be acquired by the image acquisition device (24). [4] The refrigerator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit (15) controls the image acquisition device (24) to reduce the difference between a brightness of the reference image and a brightness of an image to be acquired by the image acquisition device (24). [5] Cooling device (1) according to claim 4, wherein: the image acquisition device (24) is a camera, and the control unit (15) controls any one of an exposure time and an aperture of the camera (24) to reduce the difference between a brightness of the reference image and a brightness of an image to be acquired by the camera (24). [6] The refrigerator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a third LED (23) configured to emit light of a third wavelength range into the vegetable compartment (6), the third wavelength range being different from the first wavelength range and the second wavelength range, wherein the control unit (15) controls the first LED (21), the second LED (22) and the third LED (23) to reduce the difference between a color of the reference image and a color of an image of the color reference (28) to be acquired by the image acquisition device (24). [7] Cooling device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first LED (21) emits blue light into the vegetable compartment (6).

Images