Refrigerator and refrigerator system

Abstract

To provide a refrigerator that can inhibit an inaccurate freshness determination result from being provided to a user when freshness of a food product may not be able to be determined correctly.SOLUTION: A refrigerator includes: a refrigerator body in which a storage room for storing a food product is formed; light irradiation means for irradiating the food product in the storage room with light having a specific wavelength capable of exciting fluorescent light of the food product; photodetection means for detecting light having a wavelength of fluorescent light emitted by the food product in the storage room; and notification control means for outputting a notification signal for issuing a notification to a user when the light irradiation means emits light having a specific wavelength and the photodetection means does not detect light having a wavelength of fluorescent light emitted by the food product in the storage room.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to refrigerators and refrigerator systems. [Background technology]

[0002] A known refrigerator includes a vegetable compartment provided in the refrigerator body, a light source that emits ultraviolet or short-wavelength visible light to irradiate vegetables placed in the vegetable compartment, at least a plurality of optical sensors that are placed in the vegetable compartment and measure the amount of autofluorescence generated when the vegetables placed in the vegetable compartment are irradiated by the light source as light intensity, one or more numerical calculation units that calculate the light intensity measured by each optical sensor to quantify the freshness of each vegetable, and a freshness display unit that displays the freshness of each vegetable quantified by the numerical calculation unit (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-300351 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the wavelength of the fluorescence emitted by food, the wavelength suitable for exciting the fluorescence of food, the state of change in the fluorescence emitted by food, etc. vary depending on the type of food. Therefore, in a refrigerator such as that shown in Patent Document 1, if the target food is irradiated with excitation light of an inappropriate wavelength or the fluorescence intensity is evaluated using the intensity of light of an inappropriate wavelength, an inaccurate freshness determination result may be provided to the user.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems. It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a refrigerator and a refrigerator system that can prevent an inaccurate freshness determination result from being provided to a user when there is a possibility that the freshness of food cannot be determined correctly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The refrigerator according to the present disclosure comprises a refrigerator body having a storage compartment in which food is stored, a light irradiation means for irradiating the food in the storage compartment with light of a specific wavelength capable of exciting fluorescence in the food, a light detection means for detecting light of the fluorescent wavelength emitted by the food in the storage compartment, and an alarm control means for outputting an alarm signal to alert a user if the light detection means does not detect light of the fluorescent wavelength emitted by the food in the storage compartment when the light irradiation means irradiates the food with light of the specific wavelength.

[0007] A refrigerator system according to the present disclosure includes the refrigerator described above and a terminal device, wherein the notification control means outputs the notification signal to an outside of the refrigerator, and the terminal device receives the notification signal and displays a message. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The refrigerator and refrigerator system according to the present disclosure have the advantage of being able to prevent an inaccurate freshness determination result from being provided to the user when there is a possibility that the freshness of food cannot be determined correctly. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vegetable compartment and its surroundings of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of a refrigerator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control device for a refrigerator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of a first modified example of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of the first modified example of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a second modified example of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of a second modified example of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration for realizing the functions of a control device of a refrigerator according to the first embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Embodiments of a refrigerator and a refrigerator system according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be appropriately simplified or omitted. For convenience, the following description may express the positional relationship of each structure based on the illustrated state. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and the embodiments may be freely combined, any component of each embodiment may be modified, or any component of each embodiment may be omitted, within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0011] Embodiment 1 A first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 11. Fig. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator. Fig. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the refrigerator. Fig. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the refrigerator's vegetable compartment and its surroundings. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the refrigerator. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control device of the refrigerator. Fig. 6 is a flow diagram showing an example of the operation of the refrigerator. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of a first modified example of the refrigerator. Fig. 8 is a flow diagram showing an example of the operation of the first modified example of the refrigerator. Fig. 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a second modified example of the refrigerator. Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the second modified example of the refrigerator. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration for realizing the functions of the control device of the refrigerator.

[0012] In this disclosure, in principle, each direction is defined based on the refrigerator 1 being installed in a usable state. Also, the dimensions, positional relationships, shapes, etc. of each component constituting the refrigerator 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 may not necessarily be completely consistent with the actual ones. The configuration of the refrigerator 1 is not limited to that shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0013] The main body of the refrigerator 1 in this embodiment has an insulated box body 90. The insulated box body 90 is composed of an outer box, an inner box, and a thermal insulating material. The outer box is made of, for example, steel. The inner box is made of, for example, resin. The inner box is placed inside the outer box. The thermal insulating material is, for example, urethane foam, vacuum insulating material, etc. The thermal insulating material fills the space between the outer box and the inner box.

[0014] The front of the insulated box 90 is open. A storage space is formed inside the insulated box 90. The storage space is a space where stored items such as food are stored. The storage space formed inside the insulated box 90 is divided into multiple storage compartments for storing and preserving food by one or more partition members. In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, the refrigerator 1 has multiple storage compartments, including a refrigerator compartment 100, a switchable compartment 200, an ice-making compartment 300, a vegetable compartment 400, and a freezer compartment 500. These storage compartments are arranged in four vertical levels in the insulated box 90.

[0015] The refrigeration compartment 100 is disposed on the top shelf of the insulated box body 90. In the example shown in Fig. 2, a plurality of shelves are provided inside the refrigeration compartment 100. The interior of the refrigeration compartment 100 is vertically divided into a plurality of spaces by these shelves.

[0016] The switchable compartment 200 is located below the refrigerator compartment 100, on either the left or right side. The temperature zone within the switchable compartment 200 can be selectively switched to one of a plurality of temperature zones. The plurality of temperature zones selectable as the temperature zone within the switchable compartment 200 include, for example, a freezing temperature zone, a refrigerating temperature zone, a chilled temperature zone, and a soft freezing temperature zone. The freezing temperature zone is, for example, a temperature zone of about -18°C. The refrigerating temperature zone is, for example, a temperature zone of about 3°C. The chilled temperature zone is, for example, a temperature zone of about 0°C. The soft freezing temperature zone is, for example, a temperature zone of about -7°C.

[0017] Ice making compartment 300 is located adjacent to the side of switchable compartment 200. Ice making compartment 300 is located in parallel with switchable compartment 200. That is, ice making compartment 300 is located on the other left or right side below refrigerator compartment 100. Vegetable compartment 400 is located below switchable compartment 200 and ice making compartment 300. Vegetable compartment 400 stores, for example, fresh produce such as vegetables and fruits, as well as large plastic bottles. Freezer compartment 500 is located below vegetable compartment 400. Freezer compartment 500 is located on the lowest level of insulated box body 90. Freezer compartment 500 is used when storing items in a frozen state for a relatively long period of time.

[0018] A refrigerator compartment door 7 for opening and closing the refrigerator compartment 100 is provided on the front portion of the refrigerator compartment 100. The refrigerator compartment door 7 is, for example, a double-door revolving door. The double-door refrigerator compartment door 7 is made up of a right door 7a and a left door 7b. An operation panel 6 is provided on the outer surface of the refrigerator compartment door 7. In the illustrated example, the operation panel 6 is provided on the left door 7b. The operation panel 6 is used to set the refrigeration temperature of each storage compartment and to display various information such as the temperature of each storage compartment.

[0019] Switchable compartment 200, ice making compartment 300, vegetable compartment 400, and freezer compartment 500 are each opened and closed by, for example, a drawer-type door. These drawer-type doors can slide in the depth direction of refrigerator 1 along rails formed horizontally on the left and right inner wall surfaces of each storage compartment. The user of refrigerator 1 opens and closes switchable compartment 200, ice making compartment 300, vegetable compartment 400, and freezer compartment 500 by sliding the drawer-type door.

[0020] Switchable compartment storage case 201 is stored inside switchable compartment 200 so that it can be freely pulled out. Also, vegetable compartment storage case 401 is stored inside vegetable compartment 400 so that it can be freely pulled out. Similarly, freezer compartment storage case 501 is stored inside freezer compartment 500 so that it can be freely pulled out. Food and other stored items can be stored inside each of switchable compartment storage case 201, vegetable compartment storage case 401, and freezer compartment storage case 501.

[0021] The switchable compartment storage case 201 is supported by a frame provided on the door that opens and closes the switchable compartment 200. The switchable compartment storage case 201 is pulled out in conjunction with the door that opens and closes the switchable compartment 200. The crisper storage case 401 is supported by a frame provided on the door that opens and closes the crisper 400. The crisper storage case 401 is pulled out in conjunction with the door that opens and closes the crisper 400. Similarly, the freezer storage case 501 is supported by a frame provided on the door that opens and closes the freezer 500. The freezer storage case 501 is pulled out in conjunction with the door that opens and closes the freezer 500.

[0022] The number of storage compartments provided in refrigerator 1, the arrangement of the storage compartments, the configuration of the doors for opening and closing the storage compartments, etc. are not limited to the above examples. For example, the door for opening and closing refrigerator compartment 100 may be a sliding door. Furthermore, the doors for opening and closing switchable compartment 200, ice making compartment 300, vegetable compartment 400, and freezer compartment 500 may be rotating doors. Two or more switchable compartment storage cases 201, vegetable compartment storage cases 401, and freezer compartment storage cases 501 may be provided.

[0023] The refrigerator 1 includes a compressor 2, a cooler 3, a blower fan 4, and an air duct 5 as a refrigeration mechanism for cooling the air to be supplied to each storage compartment. The compressor 2, the cooler 3, and a condenser, a throttling device, etc. (not shown) form a refrigeration cycle circuit. The compressor 2 compresses and discharges the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle circuit. The condenser condenses the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2. The throttling device expands the refrigerant flowing out from the condenser. The cooler 3 cools the air to be supplied to each storage compartment by the refrigerant expanded by the throttling device. The compressor 2 is located, for example, at the bottom on the rear side of the refrigerator 1, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0024] Air passage 5 is for supplying air cooled by the refrigeration cycle circuit to each storage compartment. Air passage 5 is formed inside heat-insulating box 90. Air passage 5 is arranged, for example, on the rear side of refrigerator 1. Cooler 3, which constitutes the refrigeration cycle circuit, is installed in air passage 5. Also installed in air passage 5 is a blower fan 4 for sending the air cooled by cooler 3 to each storage compartment.

[0025] When the blower fan 4 operates, the air cooled by the cooler 3, i.e., the cold air, passes through the air duct 5 and is sent to the freezer compartment 500, the switchable compartment 200, the ice-making compartment 300, and the refrigerator compartment 100. This cools the interior of each storage compartment. Also, the cold air returning from the refrigerator compartment 100 is introduced into the vegetable compartment 400 via an air duct (not shown). This cools the interior of the vegetable compartment 400. The air that has passed through the vegetable compartment 400 is returned to the air duct 5 in which the cooler 3 is installed. The air returned to the air duct 5 is cooled again by the cooler 3 and circulates within the refrigerator 1.

[0026] Dampers are provided at locations along the path from air passage 5 to each storage compartment. These dampers are not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The volume of cool air supplied to each storage compartment is adjusted by changing the open / close state of each damper. The volume of cool air supplied to each storage compartment is also adjusted by controlling the operation of blower fan 4. The temperature of the air supplied to each storage compartment is adjusted by controlling the operation of compressor 2.

[0027] A thermistor is installed in each storage compartment to detect the temperature inside. This thermistor is not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The damper, blower fan 4, and compressor 2 described above are controlled based on the detection results of the thermistor. The damper, blower fan 4, and compressor 2 are controlled by a control device 600 (described later) so that the temperature inside each storage compartment becomes a preset temperature. In this embodiment, the refrigeration cycle circuit including the compressor 2 and cooler 3, the blower fan 4, the air duct 5, and the damper provided as described above are an example of a cooling means for cooling the inside of the storage compartment.

[0028] The refrigerator 1 of this embodiment also includes a control device 600. The control device 600 is provided, for example, at the upper part of the rear side of the refrigerator 1, as shown in Fig. 2. The control device 600 controls the overall operation of the refrigerator 1, including the operation of the cooling means. The control device 600 is an example of a control means that controls the cooling means.

[0029] Fig. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the periphery of vegetable compartment 400 provided in refrigerator 1. In Fig. 3 and the following description, the door that opens and closes vegetable compartment 400 is designated by a reference numeral and referred to as vegetable compartment door 9. Vegetable compartment 400 is an example of a storage compartment formed in the main body of refrigerator 1 for storing food. Vegetable compartment door 9 is an example of a door provided in the main body of refrigerator 1 that can open and close a storage compartment.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 3, the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment is provided with a door open / close detection switch 10 for detecting the open / close state of the vegetable compartment door 9. The door open / close detection switch 10 is an example of an open / close detection means for detecting the open / close state of the vegetable compartment door 9. The door open / close detection switch 10 is provided at a position facing the vegetable compartment door 9 on the edge of the front opening of the vegetable compartment 400.

[0031] A thermistor 11 is also provided inside the vegetable compartment 400. The thermistor 11 is an example of a temperature acquisition means for acquiring the temperature inside the vegetable compartment 400, which is a storage compartment. Thermistor 11 is provided on the rear side inside the vegetable compartment 400. Thermistor 11 measures the temperature inside the vegetable compartment 400 at predetermined intervals. The thermistor 11 measures the temperature inside the vegetable compartment 400 at intervals of, for example, about 1 to 10 seconds.

[0032] In the configuration example described here, in addition to the vegetable compartment storage case 401, an upper vegetable compartment case 402 is also provided within the vegetable compartment 400. The vegetable compartment storage case 401 is supported by a frame (not shown) of the vegetable compartment door 9. The upper vegetable compartment case 402 is placed above the vegetable compartment storage case 401. When the vegetable compartment door 9 is pulled forward, the vegetable compartment storage case 401 and the upper vegetable compartment case 402 are pulled forward together with the vegetable compartment door 9. When the vegetable compartment door 9 is pulled out, sliding only the upper vegetable compartment case 402 backward will result in only the vegetable compartment storage case 401 being pulled out. When only the vegetable compartment storage case 401 is pulled out, food can be put in and taken out of the vegetable compartment storage case 401.

[0033] Refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment includes light source 12 and camera 13. As shown in FIG. 3, light source 12 and camera 13 are attached to the ceiling inside crisper 400. However, the installation positions of light source 12 and camera 13 are not limited to the ceiling inside crisper 400. Light source 12 can irradiate light from above into crisper 400, particularly into upper crisper case 402. Camera 13 can capture images of crisper 400, particularly into upper crisper case 402. Light source 12 and camera 13 may be integrated into a single device.

[0034] In the illustrated example, cover 14 is provided for light source 12 and camera 13. Cover 14 prevents food and the like stored in upper crisper case 402 from coming into contact with light source 12 and camera 13. Cover 14 is made of a transparent material so as not to interfere with the irradiation of light from light source 12 or the shooting by camera 13.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control system of the refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment. In the configuration example shown in the figure, the operation panel 6 includes an operation unit 6a and an alarm unit 6b. The operation unit 6a includes switches for setting the set temperatures of each storage compartment and the operation mode of the refrigerator 1. The alarm unit 6b includes a display unit such as an LCD display that displays various information related to the refrigerator 1, indicator lamps such as LEDs, and a speaker that issues audio alarms. The operation panel 6 may also include a touch panel that serves as both the operation unit 6a and the display unit.

[0036] The operation panel 6 outputs a signal in response to an operation on the operation unit 6a by a user. The signal in response to the operation on the operation unit 6a is input to the control device 600. In addition, the control device 600 receives a signal from the thermistor 11 that detects the temperature inside each storage compartment. Furthermore, the control device 600 also receives a signal from the door open / close detection switch 10.

[0037] The control device 600 executes processing based on the signals input in this manner from the operation unit 6a, the door open / close detection switch 10, the thermistor 11, etc. For example, based on the input signals, the control device 600 executes processing to control the operation of the compressor 2, the cooler 3, and the blower fan 4, as well as the opening degree of each damper 15, so that the temperature inside each storage compartment is maintained at a set value. The control device 600 also outputs a notification control signal to the notification unit 6b of the operation panel 6 to control the operation of the notification unit 6b.

[0038] As described above, vegetables, fruits, etc. are stored in the vegetable compartment 400. When light of a specific wavelength is irradiated onto vegetables, fruits, etc., chlorophyll, flavonoids, etc. contained in these foods absorb the light and emit fluorescence. Vegetables, fruits, etc. are examples of foods that absorb light of a specific wavelength and emit fluorescence. Foods that absorb light of a specific wavelength and emit fluorescence are stored in the vegetable compartment 400.

[0039] The light emitted by light source 12 includes light of this specific wavelength. That is, light source 12 in the configuration example described here is a light irradiation means that irradiates food in crisper 400 with light of a specific wavelength capable of exciting fluorescence in the food. For many foods, the wavelength of light capable of exciting fluorescence is in the ultraviolet to blue light wavelength range, specifically 500 nm or less, and more preferably in the wavelength range known as UV-A (ultraviolet A rays) to the short wavelength range of blue light, specifically 320 nm to 500 nm. Therefore, light source 12, which is a light irradiation means, irradiates light containing light of a wavelength of 320 nm to 500 nm as the light of the specific wavelength. Alternatively, light source 12, which is a light irradiation means, irradiates light having a peak wavelength in the range of 320 nm to 500 nm as the light of the specific wavelength.

[0040] The light source 12 is, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED), and emits ultraviolet light in the UV-A region with a wavelength of 320 to 400 nm, or blue light with a wavelength of 400 to 500 nm. The configuration example described here shows a case where a UV-LED is used as the light source 12. The peak wavelength of the light emitted by the UV-LED, which is the light source 12, belongs to the UV-A region, specifically, is 320 nm or more and 400 nm or less. In this embodiment, the light source 12, which is the light irradiation means, is equipped with a UV-LED, and is therefore able to emit light having a peak wavelength in the range of 400 nm or less as the light of the specific wavelength described above.

[0041] The amount of light emitted by the UV-LED of the light source 12 is 0.01 W / m^2 or more and 10,000 W / m^2 or less. The amount of light emitted by the UV-LED of the light source 12 is preferably 0.01 W / m^2 or more and 500 W / m^2 or less, and more preferably 0.1 W / m^2 or more and 100 W / m^2 or less.

[0042] When vegetables and fruits are irradiated with ultraviolet light of the specific wavelength described above, the components contained in the vegetables absorb the light and emit fluorescence. Vegetables contain a wide variety of components that emit fluorescence when exposed to ultraviolet light. Camera 13 detects visible light, including light of this fluorescent wavelength, and outputs it as an image. In other words, camera 13 in the configuration example described here is a light detection means that detects light of the fluorescent wavelength emitted by the food in the storage compartment.

[0043] Fluorescence has longer wavelengths than excitation light, and fluorescence associated with food freshness in particular is in the visible light region. For this reason, it is desirable for the light detection means to be capable of receiving light in the entire visible light region excluding the wavelength of the excitation light. In the configuration example described here, a camera 13 is used as such a light detection means, but other devices such as a spectroscopic sensor, RGB sensor, or light receiving sensor may also be used as the light detection means. Furthermore, if an ultraviolet cut filter, for example, is provided in front of the lens of camera 13, light different from the fluorescence emitted by the food (such as light reflected from the surface of the food) can be cut out, allowing the fluorescence to be captured more clearly.

[0044] 5, the control device 600 includes an illumination control unit 611, a camera control unit 612, a food freshness determination unit 613, and a notification control unit 614. The illumination control unit 611 controls the light emission operation of the light source 12. The camera control unit 612 controls the shooting operation of the camera 13.

[0045] When the door open / close detection switch 10 detects that the crisper door 9, which was open, has been closed, the illumination control unit 611 turns on the light source 12. Then, the camera control unit 612 causes the camera 13 to take an image while the light source 12 is on. When the image taking by the camera 13 is finished, the illumination control unit 611 turns off the light source 12. In this way, the fluorescence emitted by the food in the crisper 400 that has received the light irradiated from the light source 12 is photographed.

[0046] The food freshness determination unit 613 is a determination unit that determines the freshness of food in the storage compartment based on the detection results of the camera 13, which is a light detection means. The freshness of food refers to the degree of freshness of the food. Freshness decreases over time. The freshness of food may also include the degree of ripeness and deterioration of the food. The food freshness determination unit 613 determines the freshness of food based on the fluorescence captured by the camera 13.

[0047] The food freshness determination unit 613 determines the freshness of food using, for example, freshness evaluation data. The freshness evaluation data is data for evaluating the freshness of food based on the intensity of fluorescence emitted from the food. The freshness evaluation data is made up of data showing the relationship between the intensity of fluorescence emitted from the food and the freshness of the food. To give a more detailed example, the freshness evaluation data may be data in the form of an equation representing a function with fluorescence intensity as the explanatory variable and freshness as the objective variable, or may be data in a table consisting of pairs of fluorescence intensity values ​​and corresponding freshness values.

[0048] The freshness of food can be indexed using one or more of physical quantities that change depending on the freshness, specifically, for example, the weight, moisture content, shelf life, appearance, and content of ascorbic acid and / or polyphenols, etc., of the food. The relationship between the freshness determined by such indexing and the fluorescence intensity is identified through experiments or the like, thereby preparing freshness evaluation data in advance. The freshness evaluation data is stored in advance, for example, in a memory unit of the control device 600 of the refrigerator body. Alternatively, the freshness evaluation data may be stored in advance in an external server, such as a cloud server, and the control device 600 may acquire and use the freshness evaluation data by communicating with the external server.

[0049] When a substance is irradiated with light containing an excitation wavelength, the substance enters an excited state corresponding to the irradiated energy. Because this excited state is unstable, excess energy is released when the substance returns to a stable ground state. Fluorescence is one form of excess energy released when the substance returns from the unstable excited state to a stable ground state. Generally, when short-wavelength light is irradiated onto fresh produce such as vegetables and fruits, they emit fluorescence. Fluorescent substances are primarily present on the surface of the produce. Fluorescence in fresh produce is caused by various chemical changes in substances, such as the production of flavonoids, lignin production, fatty acid oxidation, changes in starch properties, and chlorophyll decomposition. The types and amounts of substances that cause such fluorescence vary depending on the type of fruit or vegetable. Therefore, the wavelength, intensity, and tendency of fluorescence increase or decrease during storage vary depending on the type of fruit or vegetable. For example, in eggplants, apples, rice, etc., pale blue fluorescence increases as freshness decreases. On the other hand, in cucumbers, avocados, etc., the red fluorescence decreases as the freshness decreases.

[0050] Therefore, the freshness evaluation data may include data indicating the relationship between fluorescence intensity and freshness for each type of food. In this case, it is necessary to identify the type of food to be detected for freshness. As shown in FIG. 5, the control device 600 further includes a food type registration unit 615. This is registration means for registering the type of food in the storage compartment. The user operates, for example, the operation unit 6a of the operation panel 6 to input the type of food stored in the vegetable compartment 400 and to be detected for freshness. The food type registration unit 615 registers the type of food input via the operation panel 6. The registered food type is stored, for example, in a memory unit of the control device 600.

[0051] Alternatively, for example, the type of food to be detected for freshness may be identified using an image captured by camera 13. In this case, the type of food shown in the captured image can be identified by applying a well-known image recognition technique to the image captured by camera 13. In this case, it is preferable to further provide a white LED that illuminates the inside of vegetable compartment 400 when capturing an image with camera 13. The white LED may be provided inside cover 14 together with light source 12 and camera 13, or may be provided in a location separate from light source 12. In this way, food type registration unit 615 may register the type of food identified from the image captured by camera 13.

[0052] The control device 600 further includes a fluorescence characteristic identification unit 616. The fluorescence characteristic identification unit 616 identifies the characteristics of fluorescence emitted by a food based on the type of food in the storage compartment registered by the food type registration unit 615. The fluorescence characteristic identification unit 616 acquires freshness evaluation data corresponding to the type of food registered by the food type registration unit 615 as described above from the storage unit of the control device 600 or an external server. As described above, the freshness evaluation data takes into account the characteristics of fluorescence emitted by that type of food. In other words, the fluorescence characteristic identification unit 616 acquires freshness evaluation data corresponding to the type of food registered by the food type registration unit 615 to identify the characteristics of fluorescence emitted by that food.

[0053] The food freshness determination unit 613 determines the freshness of the food based on the characteristics of the fluorescence emitted by the food identified by the fluorescence characteristic identification unit 616. That is, the food freshness determination unit 613 determines the freshness of the food using the freshness evaluation data acquired by the fluorescence characteristic identification unit 616. In this way, the food freshness determination unit 613 refers to the freshness evaluation data corresponding to the type of food whose freshness is to be detected, identifies the freshness corresponding to the fluorescence intensity detected by the camera 13, and sets this identified freshness as the result of the determination of the freshness of the food.

[0054] At this time, the food freshness determination unit 613 may perform arithmetic processing on the image captured by the camera 13 according to the fluorescence characteristics of the food being the target of freshness detection. For example, if the fluorescence characteristics of the food registered as the target of detection are such that the bluish fluorescence changes depending on the freshness, the food freshness determination unit 613 extracts a B value indicating blue from the RGB values ​​of the image data. Also, if the fluorescence characteristics of the food registered as the target of detection are such that the red fluorescence changes depending on the freshness, the food freshness determination unit 613 extracts an R value indicating red from the RGB values ​​of the image data.

[0055] The notification control unit 614 controls the operation of the notification unit 6b of the operation panel 6 to notify the result of the food freshness determination made by the food freshness determination unit 613. For example, the notification control unit 614 causes the liquid crystal display unit of the operation panel 6 to display a message indicating whether the freshness of the food has fallen to its "usage limit" in accordance with the result of the food freshness determination made by the food freshness determination unit 613. The freshness that constitutes the "usage limit" is set in advance, for example, for each type of food. When the food freshness determination unit 613 determines that the freshness of the food has fallen to its "usage limit," the notification control unit 614 may cause the liquid crystal display unit of the operation panel 6 to display a message encouraging the consumption of the food.

[0056] Furthermore, in the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment, the notification control unit 614 controls the operation of the notification unit 6b of the operation panel 6 to notify the user of a food freshness detection error when the camera 13 fails to capture the fluorescence emitted by the food. That is, when the light detection unit does not detect light of the wavelength corresponding to the fluorescence emitted by the food in the storage compartment when the light irradiation unit irradiates light of a specific wavelength, the notification control unit 614 outputs a notification signal to notify the user. Then, upon receiving the notification signal from the notification control unit 614, the notification unit 6b of the operation panel 6 displays an error message indicating a food freshness detection error. In this case, the food freshness determination unit 613 does not determine the food freshness. In this way, by notifying the user of error information without notifying the determination result when fluorescence cannot be detected, it is possible to prevent the user from receiving erroneous information. That is, it is possible to prevent the user from receiving an inaccurate freshness determination result when there is a possibility that the freshness of the food cannot be correctly determined.

[0057] In the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5, the control device 600 may further include a fluorescence characteristic comparison unit 617. The fluorescence characteristic comparison unit 617 is a comparison means that compares the fluorescence characteristics identified by the fluorescence characteristic identification unit 616 with the fluorescence characteristics detected by the camera 13. The fluorescence characteristic comparison unit 617 determines, through this comparison, whether the fluorescence characteristics detected by the camera 13 match the fluorescence characteristics identified by the fluorescence characteristic identification unit 616.

[0058] As described above, the freshness evaluation data reflects the characteristics of the fluorescence emitted by the food of that type. Specifically, for example, the freshness evaluation data includes information specifying which of the R, G, and B values ​​to use as the fluorescence emitted by the food of that type, as well as upper and lower limit values ​​for those values. For example, if the R, G, or B value specified in the freshness evaluation data acquired by the fluorescence characteristic identifying unit 616 cannot be extracted from the image captured by the camera 13, the fluorescence characteristic comparing unit 617 determines that the characteristics of the fluorescence detected by the camera 13 do not match the characteristics of the fluorescence identified by the fluorescence characteristic identifying unit 616. Alternatively, for example, if the R, G, or B value extracted from the image captured by the camera 13 does not satisfy the upper and lower limit conditions specified in the freshness evaluation data acquired by the fluorescence characteristic identifying unit 616, the fluorescence characteristic comparing unit 617 determines that the characteristics of the fluorescence detected by the camera 13 do not match the characteristics of the fluorescence identified by the fluorescence characteristic identifying unit 616.

[0059] The notification control unit 614 then outputs a notification signal in accordance with the comparison result by the fluorescence characteristic comparison unit 617. That is, if the fluorescence characteristic comparison unit 617 determines that the fluorescence characteristics detected by the camera 13 do not match the fluorescence characteristics identified by the fluorescence characteristic identification unit 616 during the comparison, the notification control unit 614 outputs a notification signal to notify the user. The notification unit 6b of the operation panel 6 then receives the notification signal from the notification control unit 614 and displays an error message indicating a food freshness detection error. The error message may include, for example, error information indicating that a correct determination cannot be made, or prompting the user to check whether the registered food type is correct, whether the food packaging is opaque, etc. In this way, by notifying the user of error information without notifying the user of the determination result when the fluorescence appearance differs from the selected food, it is possible to prevent the user from receiving erroneous information. Furthermore, by providing advice for making a correct determination and prompting the user to confirm, it is possible to support the user in obtaining correct information.

[0060] Next, an example of the operation of the refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6. When a user stores food in the vegetable compartment 400 and, for example, operates the operation panel 6 to register the type of food stored therein, first, in step S101, the illumination control unit 611 turns on the light source 12. Next, in step S102, the camera control unit 612 causes the camera 13 to take an image. After the image capture by the camera 13 is completed, in step S103, the camera control unit 612 turns off the image capture operation of the camera 13. Then, in step S104, the illumination control unit 611 turns off the light source 12. After step S104, the control device 600 then performs the process of step S105.

[0061] In step S105, the fluorescence characteristic matching unit 617 performs image calculation processing on the image captured by the camera 13 according to the registered type of food. In the following step S106, the fluorescence characteristic identification unit 616 identifies the fluorescence characteristics according to the registered type of food. That is, for example, freshness evaluation data is acquired. Then, in step S107, the fluorescence characteristic matching unit 617 matches the fluorescence characteristics identified by the fluorescence characteristic identification unit 616 with the fluorescence characteristics detected by the camera 13. In step S108, the fluorescence characteristic matching unit 617 determines whether the fluorescence characteristics detected by the camera 13 match the fluorescence characteristics identified by the fluorescence characteristic identification unit 616 as the comparison result in step S107.

[0062] If the characteristics of the fluorescence detected by camera 13 match the characteristics of the fluorescence identified by fluorescence characteristic identification unit 616, control device 600 then performs the process of step S109. In step S109, food freshness determination unit 613 determines the freshness of the food using the freshness evaluation data acquired by fluorescence characteristic identification unit 616. Then, in step S110, notification control unit 614 controls the operation of notification unit 6b of operation panel 6 to notify the result of the food freshness determination made by food freshness determination unit 613. When the process of step S110 is completed, the series of operations ends.

[0063] On the other hand, if in step S108 the characteristics of the fluorescence detected by the camera 13 do not match the characteristics of the fluorescence identified by the fluorescence characteristic identification unit 616, the control device 600 then performs the process of step S111. In step S111, the notification control unit 614 controls the operation of the notification unit 6b of the operation panel 6 to notify error information. When the process of step S111 is completed, the series of operations ends.

[0064] Next, a first modified example of the refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 7 and 8. This first modified example has a function of detecting changes over time in the state of food stored in the vegetable compartment 400 from fluorescence and reporting the change. As shown in Fig. 7, in this first modified example, the control device 600 further includes a timing unit 620. The timing unit 620 is, for example, a timer, a real-time clock (RTC), or the like. By including the timing unit 620, the control device 600 can obtain information related to time, such as the date (year, month, day), and time.

[0065] The user places food in the upper crisper case 402 of the crisper 400, configures settings for freshness detection using the operation unit 6a, selects or inputs the type of food to be detected, and instructs the start of freshness detection processing by, for example, pressing the freshness detection start button. The irradiation control unit 611 of the control device 600 turns on the light source 12, and the camera control unit 612 causes the camera 13 to capture an image of the food to obtain a fluorescent image. The fluorescence characteristic identification unit 616 of the control device 600 then performs arithmetic processing based on information about the selected food type and image data of the obtained fluorescent image to extract the fluorescence characteristics. The control device 600 obtains date and time information using the timer unit 620, associates the fluorescence characteristics with the date and time information, and stores them as initial fluorescence characteristics and an initial date and time.

[0066] After the timer unit 620 confirms that a predetermined time has elapsed, the control device 600 performs the series of operations again, extracts the fluorescence characteristics, and acquires date and time information. The control device 600 compares the initial fluorescence with the currently acquired fluorescence and calculates the amount of change in the fluorescence and the time elapsed since the initial date and time. The fluorescence characteristic comparison unit 617 compares the calculated amount of change in the fluorescence and the elapsed time with the fluorescence characteristics identified by the fluorescence characteristic identification unit 616 and determines whether they match. For example, if the calculated amount of change in the fluorescence is zero (no change at all), the fluorescence characteristic comparison unit 617 determines that the amount of change in the fluorescence and the elapsed time do not match the fluorescence characteristics identified by the fluorescence characteristic identification unit 616. Furthermore, if the calculated increase / decrease in the fluorescence change is the exact opposite of the fluorescence characteristics identified by the fluorescence characteristic identification unit 616, the fluorescence characteristic comparison unit 617 determines that the amount of change in the fluorescence and the elapsed time do not match the fluorescence characteristics identified by the fluorescence characteristic identification unit 616. Additionally, if the calculated increase or decrease in the change in fluorescence is reversed midway, the fluorescence characteristic comparison unit 617 may determine that the amount of change in fluorescence and the elapsed time do not match the fluorescence characteristics identified by the fluorescence characteristic identification unit 616.

[0067] If the fluorescence characteristic comparison unit 617 determines that the amount of change in fluorescence and the elapsed time match the fluorescence characteristics identified by the fluorescence characteristic identification unit 616, the food freshness determination unit 613 determines the freshness of the food using the freshness evaluation data. Then, the notification control unit 614 controls the operation of the notification unit 6b of the operation panel 6 to notify the result of the food freshness determination by the food freshness determination unit 613. On the other hand, if the fluorescence characteristic comparison unit 617 determines that the amount of change in fluorescence and the elapsed time do not match the fluorescence characteristics identified by the fluorescence characteristic identification unit 616, the food freshness determination unit 613 does not determine the food freshness, and the notification control unit 614 controls the operation of the notification unit 6b of the operation panel 6 to notify an error message.

[0068] If the fluorescence property information corresponding to the selected (registered) type of food does not match the change in fluorescence property extracted from the captured image, the notification control unit 614 of the control device 600 may display an error message, or may display a preset message regarding the state of the food based on the elapsed time from the calculated initial date and time. For example, if seven days or more have passed since the initial date and time, a message indicating that the food may be losing its freshness, a message urging the user to use the food, or the like may be displayed.

[0069] Next, an example of the operation of the refrigerator 1 of the first modified example will be described with reference to FIG. 8. When a user stores food in the vegetable compartment 400 and, for example, operates the operation panel 6 to register the type of food stored therein, first, in step S201, the control device 600 initializes a counter variable n to 0. Then, in step S202, the illumination control unit 611 turns on the light source 12. Next, in step S203, the camera control unit 612 causes the camera 13 to take an image. After the image capture by the camera 13 is completed, in step S204, the camera control unit 612 turns off the image capture operation of the camera 13. Then, in step S205, the illumination control unit 611 turns off the light source 12. After step S205, the control device 600 next performs the process of step S206.

[0070] In step S206, the fluorescence characteristic comparison unit 617 performs image calculation processing on the image captured by the camera 13 according to the registered food type. In the following step S207, the control device 600 extracts the fluorescence characteristic E(n) according to the registered food type. Next, in step S208, the timing unit 620 acquires the date and time D(n). Then, in step S209, the control device 600 calculates the difference between the currently acquired date and time D(n) and the initial date and time D(0) to calculate the elapsed time ΔD. After step S209, the control device 600 then performs the process of step S210. In step S210, the control device 600 determines whether the elapsed time ΔD is equal to or greater than a preset first reference time D1. The first reference time D1 is, for example, two days.

[0071] If the elapsed time ΔD is not equal to or greater than the first reference time D1, the control device 600 then performs the process of step S216. In step S216, the control device 600 increments the counter variable n by 1 and returns to step S202 to continue the process. On the other hand, if the elapsed time ΔD is equal to or greater than the first reference time D1 in step S210, the control device 600 then performs the process of step S211.

[0072] In step S211, the fluorescence characteristic comparison unit 617 calculates the difference between the fluorescence E(n) extracted from the currently captured image and the initial fluorescence E(0) to calculate the amount of change in fluorescence ΔE. In the following step S212, the fluorescence characteristic identification unit 616 identifies the fluorescence characteristics according to the registered food type. That is, for example, freshness evaluation data is acquired. Then, in step S213, the fluorescence characteristic comparison unit 617 compares the fluorescence characteristics identified by the fluorescence characteristic identification unit 616 with the characteristics of the amount of change in fluorescence ΔE. In step S214, the fluorescence characteristic comparison unit 617 determines whether the characteristics of the amount of change in fluorescence ΔE match the fluorescence characteristics identified by the fluorescence characteristic identification unit 616 as a result of the comparison in step S213.

[0073] If the characteristics of the amount of change in fluorescence ΔE match the characteristics of the fluorescence identified by fluorescence characteristic identifying unit 616, control device 600 then performs the process of step S214. In step S214, food freshness determining unit 613 determines the freshness of the food using the freshness evaluation data acquired by fluorescence characteristic identifying unit 616. Then, in step S215, notification control unit 614 controls the operation of notification unit 6b of operation panel 6 to notify the result of the food freshness determination made by food freshness determining unit 613. When the process of step S215 is completed, the series of operations ends.

[0074] On the other hand, if in step S213 the characteristics of the amount of change in fluorescence ΔE do not match the characteristics of the fluorescence identified by the fluorescence characteristic identification unit 616, the control device 600 then performs the process of step S217. In step S217, the control device 600 determines whether the elapsed time ΔD is equal to or greater than a preset second reference time D2. The second reference time D2 is, for example, seven days. If the elapsed time ΔD is equal to or greater than the second reference time D2, the control device 600 then performs the process of step S218.

[0075] In step S218, notification control unit 614 controls the operation of notification unit 6b of operation panel 6 to notify a first message. The first message urges the user to consume the food as soon as possible. Specifically, the first message may be, for example, "Use it as soon as possible." When the processing of step S218 is completed, the series of operations ends.

[0076] On the other hand, if the elapsed time ΔD is not equal to or greater than the second reference time D2 in step S217, the control device 600 then performs the process of step S219. In step S219, the notification control unit 614 controls the operation of the notification unit 6b of the operation panel 6 to notify the user of a second message. The second message notifies the user that it is now the appropriate time to eat the food. Specifically, the second message may be something like "It tastes delicious." When the process of step S219 is completed, the series of operations ends.

[0077] According to the first modification described above, when there is a possibility that the freshness of a food item cannot be accurately determined, the user can be notified of the freshness evaluation result based on the elapsed time rather than the fluorescence of the food item. This prevents the user from being provided with an inaccurate freshness evaluation result and prevents the user from being completely deprived of information about freshness.

[0078] Next, a second modified example of the refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. The refrigerator 1 of this second modified example includes a communication device 16, which is an example of a communication means. FIG. 9 shows an example in which the communication device 16 is disposed on the outer surface of the ceiling of the refrigerator 1. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control system of the refrigerator 1 of the second modified example. The communication device 16 is configured to be connectable to an electric communication line 30. The communication device 16 is connected to a control device 600. The control device 600 is capable of two-way communication with the outside of the refrigerator 1 via the electric communication line 30 using the communication device 16. FIG. 10 shows a mobile terminal 40, such as a mobile phone including a smartphone or a tablet terminal, as an example of a communication target outside the refrigerator 1. The control device 600 is also configured to send and receive data to and from an external database 50, such as on a network, via the electric communication line 30.

[0079] The telecommunications line 30 may be a communication line for digital or analog signals, such as a power line, infrared, non-infrared, wireless, public telephone line, dedicated subscriber line, optical cable, the Internet, or a satellite line. The communication format between the communication device 16 and the telecommunications line 30 may be wired or wireless. The communication device 16 is an interface capable of sending and receiving digital or analog signals. When performing wired communication, the communication device 16 includes, for example, a serial interface or driver. When performing wireless communication, the communication device 16 includes, for example, a communication module compatible with a communication standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0080] When the user operates mobile terminal 40 to configure settings for freshness detection, select or input the type of food to be detected, and issue a command to start freshness detection, mobile terminal 40 sends a freshness detection command signal to refrigerator 1. The freshness detection command signal sent from mobile terminal 40 is received by communication device 16 of refrigerator 1 via telecommunications line 30. The freshness detection command signal received by communication device 16 is input to control device 600. In response to this, control device 600 starts controlling freshness detection.

[0081] Here, the freshness detection instruction signal includes information about the type of food to be detected, which was input via the mobile terminal. Food type registration unit 615 registers the type of food to be detected in accordance with the information about the type of food included in the freshness detection instruction signal. In other words, the registration means registers the type of food in the storage compartment based on a signal input from outside.

[0082] In this second modification, the control device 600 transmits the food freshness determination result or error information to the mobile terminal 40 via the communication device 16. That is, if the light detection means does not detect light of the wavelength of the fluorescence emitted by the food in the storage compartment when the light irradiation means irradiates light of a specific wavelength, the notification control unit 614 outputs a notification signal to the outside of the refrigerator 1 to notify the user. Then, upon receiving the notification signal, the mobile terminal 40 displays the error message or the like as described above. In this way, the user can check the freshness of the food stored in the refrigerator 1 using the mobile terminal 40 at hand, regardless of their current location.

[0083] Fluorescence property information according to the type of food, i.e., for example, the above-mentioned freshness evaluation data, is stored in advance in the database 50. The control device 600 can acquire the freshness evaluation data and the like from the database 50 via the communication device 16. In addition to the database 50, a virtual server such as a cloud server may be accessible, and image data may be transmitted from the control device 600 and image calculation processing may be performed on the cloud.

[0084] The food condition assessment result or error information may be notified not only once but also at regular intervals. Also, the user may be able to view the information at any time by operating the operation panel 6 or the mobile terminal 40. The freshness detection process may be started not only by user operation but also at regular intervals. Also, the freshness detection process may be started when the door opening / closing detection switch 10 detects that the door is open or closed.

[0085] In addition to light source 12, a white light source may be provided to capture color images together with fluorescent images. The color images may be accessible to the user as inventory information. By linking the color images with freshness detection results and notifying the user, it becomes easier to manage food stored in the storage compartment. Furthermore, the presence or absence of food in the storage compartment may be detected from the color images, and the freshness detection process may be initiated when the presence of food is detected.

[0086] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for realizing the functions of the control device 600 in this embodiment. The functions of the control device 600 are realized by, for example, a processing circuit. The processing circuit may include a processor 601 and a memory 602. The processing circuit may be dedicated hardware 603. A part of the processing circuit may be formed as dedicated hardware 603, and the processing circuit may further include a processor 601 and a memory 602. In the example shown in the figure, a part of the processing circuit is formed as dedicated hardware 603. Furthermore, in the example shown in the figure, the processing circuit further includes a processor 601 and a memory 602.

[0087] The processing circuit, part of which is at least one dedicated hardware 603, may be, for example, a single circuit, a multiple circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof. If the processing circuit comprises at least one processor 601 and at least one memory 602, the functionality of the control device 600 may be realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware.

[0088] The software and firmware are written as programs and stored in memory 602. The processor 601 realizes the functions of each unit by reading and executing the programs stored in memory 602. The processor 601 is also called a CPU (Central Processing Unit), central processing unit, processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP. The memory 602 may be, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, or EEPROM, or a magnetic disk, flexible disk, optical disk, compact disk, minidisk, DVD, etc.

[0089] In this way, the processing circuit of the control device 600 can realize each function of the control device 600 by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these. When the processing circuit of the control device 600 includes at least the processor 601 and the memory 602, the processor 601 executes a program stored in the memory 602 in the control device 600, and the hardware and software of the control device 600 work together to realize the function of each unit included in the control device 600. Note that the refrigerator is not limited to a configuration in which the operation is controlled by a single control device 600. The operation of the refrigerator may be controlled by cooperation between multiple devices.

[0090] In the present disclosure, the embodiments may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Examples of various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices. (Appendix 1) a refrigerator body having a storage compartment for storing food; a light irradiation means for irradiating the food in the storage compartment with light of a specific wavelength capable of exciting fluorescence of the food; a light detecting means for detecting light of a wavelength of fluorescence emitted by the food in the storage compartment; and an alarm control means that outputs an alarm signal to notify a user when light of the wavelength corresponding to the fluorescence emitted by the food in the storage compartment is not detected by the light detection means when the light irradiation means irradiates the food with the light of the specific wavelength. (Appendix 2) a registration means for registering the type of food in the storage compartment; a fluorescence characteristic identifying means for identifying the characteristics of fluorescence emitted by the food in the storage compartment based on the type of the food; a comparison means for comparing the characteristics of the fluorescence identified by the fluorescence characteristic identification means with the characteristics of the fluorescence detected by the light detection means, The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the notification control means outputs the notification signal in accordance with a result of the matching by the matching means. (Appendix 3) The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the registration means registers the type of food in the storage compartment based on a signal input from outside. (Appendix 4) The refrigerator according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 3, wherein the notification control means outputs the notification signal to an outside of the refrigerator. (Appendix 5) The refrigerator according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the light detection means is provided with a camera that captures an image of the inside of the storage compartment. (Appendix 6) The refrigerator according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 5, wherein the light irradiating means irradiates light having a wavelength of 320 nm or more and 500 nm or less as the light of the specific wavelength. (Appendix 7) a refrigerator as described in Appendix 4; a terminal device that receives the notification signal and displays a message. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1 refrigerator 2 Compressor 3 Cooler 4. Blower fan 5 Wind path 6 Operation panel 6a Control section 6b Notification Department 7 Refrigerator door 7a Right door 7b Left door 9 Vegetable compartment door 10 Door open / close detection switch 11 Thermistor 12 light source 13 Camera 14 Cover 15 Damper 16. Communications equipment 30 Telecommunications Lines 40 Mobile Devices 50 databases 90 Insulated box 100 refrigerator compartment 200 Switch Room 201 Switchable room storage case 300 Ice making room 400 Vegetable compartment 401 Vegetable compartment storage case 402 Upper vegetable compartment case 500 freezer compartment 501 Freezer storage case 600 control device 601 processor 602 memory 603 Dedicated Hardware 611 Irradiation control unit 612 Camera control unit 613 Food Freshness Determination Department 614 Notification control unit 615 Food Type Registration Department 616 Fluorescence characteristic determination unit 617 Fluorescence characteristic comparison unit 620 Timing section

Claims

1. a refrigerator body having a storage compartment for storing food; a light irradiation means for irradiating the food in the storage compartment with light of a specific wavelength capable of exciting fluorescence of the food; a light detecting means for detecting light of a wavelength of fluorescence emitted by the food in the storage compartment; and an alarm control means that outputs an alarm signal to notify a user when light of the wavelength corresponding to the fluorescence emitted by the food in the storage compartment is not detected by the light detection means when the light irradiation means irradiates the food with the light of the specific wavelength.

2. a registration means for registering the type of food in the storage compartment; a fluorescence characteristic identifying means for identifying the characteristics of fluorescence emitted by the food in the storage compartment based on the type of the food; a comparison means for comparing the characteristics of the fluorescence identified by the fluorescence characteristic identification means with the characteristics of the fluorescence detected by the light detection means, 2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the notification control means outputs the notification signal in response to a result of the verification by the verification means.

3. 3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein said registering means registers the type of food stored in said storage compartment based on a signal input from an external source.

4. 3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the notification control means outputs the notification signal to an outside of the refrigerator.

5. 3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the light detecting means includes a camera for taking an image of the inside of the storage compartment.

6. 3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the light irradiating means irradiates light having a wavelength of 320 nm or more and 500 nm or less as the light of the specific wavelength.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 4; a terminal device that receives the notification signal and displays a message.

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