Storage including phase transition detection apparatus and phase transition detection method

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a storage for controlling a state of an object to be stored by detecting a phase transition of the object to be stored may include a light source configured to emit light toward the object to be stored. The storage may include a reflected light detection unit configured to detect light reflected from a surface of the object to be stored in response to light emitted toward the object to be stored. The storage may include a phase transition detection unit for detecting, on the basis of an output of the reflected light detection unit, whether the object to be stored undergoes a phase transition from a supercooled state to a frozen state. The storage may include a processor for controlling the state of the object to be stored, on the basis of a phase transition detection result.

Description

Storage tank including a phase transition detection device and a phase transition detection method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a phase transition detection device and a storage tank equipped with the phase transition detection mechanism.

[0002] As food storage facilities become commonplace, technologies for maintaining the freshness of stored items for extended periods are becoming increasingly important. One such technology is supercooling. Supercooling can extend the storage life of items, prevent spoilage, and limit changes in the characteristics of specific stored substances. However, maintaining a stable supercooled state is challenging. For instance, even minor stimuli or impurities in the stored items can immediately lead to freezing. Therefore, there is a need for technology capable of stably maintaining the stored items in a desired supercooled state under any conditions.

[0003] The terms used in this disclosure will be briefly explained, and an embodiment of this disclosure will be described in detail.

[0004] The terms used in this disclosure have been selected to be as widely used as possible, taking into account the functions in the embodiments of this disclosure; however, these terms may vary depending on the intent of those skilled in the art, case law, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Additionally, in specific cases, terms have been arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the description section of the relevant embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the terms used in this disclosure should be defined not merely by their names, but based on their meanings and the content throughout this disclosure.

[0005] In the present disclosure, the expression “at least one of a, b, or c” may refer to “a”, “b”, “c”, “a and b”, “a and c”, “b and c”, “a, b, and c all”, or variations thereof.

[0006] Throughout the entire disclosure, when a part is described as "comprising" a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components. Furthermore, terms such as "...part," "module," etc., as described in the disclosure refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and "...part" or "module" may be implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0007] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. However, an embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiment described herein. Furthermore, in order to clearly explain an embodiment of the present disclosure in the drawings, parts unrelated to the explanation have been omitted, and similar parts throughout the present disclosure are denoted by similar reference numerals.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a storage unit that controls the state of a storage unit by detecting a phase transition of the storage unit may include a light source that irradiates light onto the storage unit. A storage unit according to one embodiment may include a reflected light detection unit that detects reflected light of the irradiated light from the surface of the storage unit. A storage unit according to one embodiment may include a phase transition detection unit that detects whether the storage unit undergoes a phase transition from a supercooled state to a frozen state based on the output of the reflected light detection unit. A storage unit according to one embodiment may include a processor that controls the state of the storage unit based on the result of detecting whether a phase transition has occurred.

[0009] In a storage tank according to one embodiment, the reflected light detection unit can detect at least one of the change in wavelength and intensity of the reflected light.

[0010] A reflected light detection unit according to one embodiment can periodically detect reflected light.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the processor can control the state of the storage target to become a supercooled state based on the result of detecting whether a phase transition has occurred.

[0012] According to one embodiment, light irradiated from a light source onto a storage target may include light having a difference in the amount of absorption of the wavelength of light or the intensity of light depending on the state of the storage target.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the wavelength range of light irradiated from a light source to a storage target may include the visible light range.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the processor may determine that a phase transition has occurred if the amount of absorption of the wavelength of reflected light or the intensity of the reflected light differs from a predetermined value and a predetermined range or more.

[0015] According to one embodiment, a predetermined value may be the amount of absorption of the wavelength of light or the intensity of light measured before a predetermined time.

[0016] According to one embodiment, a predetermined value may be the average value of the amount of absorption of the wavelength of light measured over a predetermined period of time.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the processor can control the temperature of the space containing the storage target within the storage facility to control the state of the storage target based on the result of detecting whether a phase transition has occurred.

[0018] A storage tank according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a receiving space for accommodating a storage target and a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the receiving space. According to one embodiment, a processor may control the temperature of the receiving space to be below the freezing point of the storage target based on the measured temperature and the result of detecting whether a phase transition has occurred.

[0019] A storage unit according to one embodiment may further include a high-frequency circuit that outputs a high-frequency electric field applied to a storage target. According to one embodiment, if a processor determines that a phase transition has occurred in a storage target, it may control the high-frequency circuit to adjust the output of the high-frequency electric field and restore the state of the storage target to a state prior to the phase transition.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a high-frequency circuit may include an oscillating electrode and a counter electrode facing the oscillating electrode to form a high-frequency electric field between the oscillating electrode and the counter electrode. According to one embodiment, the output high-frequency electric field may cause vibrations in water molecules of a storage target.

[0021] A storage unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an adjustment circuit that adjusts the output impedance of a high-frequency circuit and the load impedance formed by the storage target to be matched.

[0022] A method for preventing a phase transition of a storage object in a storage tank according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include the step of irradiating light onto the storage object by means of a light source. A method according to one embodiment may include the step of detecting reflected light of the irradiated light from the surface of the storage object. A method according to one embodiment may include the step of detecting whether the storage object undergoes a phase transition from a supercooled state to a frozen state based on the output reflected light. A method according to one embodiment may include the step of controlling the state of the storage object based on the result of detecting whether a phase transition has occurred.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing the structure of a storage tank according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the structure near the receiving space of a storage tank according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the light absorption spectra of water and ice by wavelength according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a graph showing an example of a change in reflected light and a change in temperature from the surface of a storage object from a supercooled state to a frozen state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for detecting a phase transition of a storage target in a storage tank and controlling the storage target to maintain a supercooled state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] For example, if the storage facility does not ultimately freeze the items to be stored, such as meat, fish, vegetables, or fruit, but maintains the supercooled state of the items to be stored, the items can be stored with a high degree of freshness.

[0029] Due to the lack of technology to maintain the storage target in a supercooled state, it is difficult to stably maintain the supercooled state of the storage target for a long period of time. For example, even if a high-frequency electric field is continuously applied to the storage target, the storage target unintentionally becomes frozen after a certain amount of time has elapsed.

[0030] The present disclosure is intended to solve these problems. The present disclosure provides means to prevent an unintended state transition from a supercooled state to a frozen state, maintains a storage object in a supercooled state for as long as possible, and detects a phase transition that serves as a transition point from a supercooled state to a frozen state, and discloses a storage container and a method for preserving a supercooled state.

[0031] A freezer according to the present disclosure may include a reflected light detection unit that detects reflected light from the surface of a storage object, a phase transition detection unit that detects a phase transition of the storage object based on the output of the reflected light detection unit, and a processor that controls the supercooling state of the storage object based on the result of the phase transition detection. Throughout the present disclosure, the freezer may refer to a device for maintaining the temperature of a storage object, such as a refrigerator or a freezer, and the freezer may constitute a part of a refrigerator or a freezer. Additionally, in the present disclosure, the phase transition detection unit may be integrated into the processor to implement the freezer according to the present disclosure.

[0032] The present disclosure discloses that a phase transition, which is a transition point from a supercooled state to a frozen state of a storage object, can be detected by observing reflected light reflected from the surface of the storage object.

[0033] A storage unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a light source that irradiates light onto a storage target stored at a low temperature when the storage target, such as fresh food, is stored in a dark room within the storage unit. In this case, when light from the light source is irradiated onto the storage target, a reflected light detection unit can detect reflected light from the surface of the storage target.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a reflected light detection unit detects reflected light for a predetermined period of time or periodically (e.g., every 1 second or every 10 seconds), and a phase transition may be detected based on at least one of a change in the wavelength and intensity of reflected light from the surface of the storage target.

[0035] If a camera already included in the storage unit is used as the reflected light detector, no additional components are required. Of course, this is one embodiment, and the reflected light detector may include a light receiving device other than a camera. The reflected light detector may be any device capable of detecting light, including the aforementioned camera. According to one embodiment, the reflected light detector may use a photodiode, phototransistor, IC-based sensor, Charge-Coupled Device (CCD), Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS), optical fiber sensor, etc., but is not limited thereto. The reflected light detector may receive light and transmit information or data required by a processor. Optionally, the reflected light detector may include an analog-to-digital converter to generate information or data required from the received reflected light.

[0036] The reflected light from the surface of the storage object described above may vary depending on whether the moisture present on the surface of the storage object is liquid (i.e., water) or solid (i.e., ice). Accordingly, the light irradiated from the light source onto the storage object may include light of a wavelength whose absorption amount differs depending on the state of the storage object. For example, the light irradiated from the light source may include light of a wavelength whose absorption amount differs depending on whether at least a portion of the storage object is water or ice. Such wavelengths are not particularly limited, but visible light (e.g., 300 nm or more and 1000 nm or less) may be used. Accordingly, depending on the storage state, the reflected light reflected from the storage object may show differences in the absorption amount of the wavelength or differences in intensity.

[0037] The storage tank may include the aforementioned phase transition detection device (also referred to as a phase transition detection unit). In this case, the storage tank may further include a supercooling control unit for maintaining the storage target in a supercooled state, in addition to the phase transition detection unit. In this case, the function of the supercooling control unit may be performed, for example, by a high-frequency application unit and / or a temperature control unit included in the storage tank.

[0038] In one embodiment, when the storage unit further includes a temperature control unit for controlling the internal temperature, the temperature control unit may control the internal temperature based on the output from the reflected light detection unit. Of course, this is one embodiment, and the temperature control unit may be included in a processor included in the storage unit.

[0039] According to the storage facility of the present disclosure configured in this manner, a phase transition, which is a transition point where the storage object transitions from a supercooled state to a frozen state, can be detected. As a result, the transition of the storage object from a supercooled state to a frozen state can be prevented, so the storage object can be stored in the storage facility for a desired period while remaining in a supercooled state.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator (100) is described in the drawings as an example of a device including a storage tank equipped with a phase transition detection device (also called a phase transition detection unit (1)).

[0041] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing the structure of a storage tank according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the structure near the receiving space of a storage tank according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] A refrigerator (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cooling unit (2) capable of storing a storage object (S) (e.g., fresh food such as meat, fish, vegetables, or fruit) in a supercooled state. A supercooled state refers to a state in which a liquid is cooled to a temperature lower than its freezing temperature but does not freeze into a solid state and maintains a liquid state. The cooling unit (2) may include a receiving space (21), which is a space for receiving a storage object (S) and preserving it in a supercooled state, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, for example. The cooling unit (2) may also include a temperature control unit (22) for controlling the temperature within the receiving space (21). The cooling unit (2) may include a high-frequency application unit (23) for applying a high frequency to the storage object (S) received within the receiving space (21).

[0044] A receiving space (21) according to one embodiment is, for example, a space formed inside a casing (C) that includes a refrigerator (100). For example, the receiving space (21) may be a space in the shape of a rectangular prism, for example, partitioned by a partition plate, etc., with other spaces such as a refrigeration section for refrigerating a storage object (S) or a freezing section for freezing a storage object (S), but is not limited thereto. This receiving space (21) can be sealed so that cold air inside does not leak out to the outside when an openable door is closed.

[0045] A temperature control unit (22) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a device for adjusting the temperature within a receiving space (21) to a desired temperature (a temperature below the freezing point of a storage target (S), for example, between -10°C and 0°C). According to one embodiment, the temperature control unit (22) may include a temperature sensor (221) and / or a cooling device (222). The temperature control unit (22) may be the same as the aforementioned refrigeration unit or freezing unit.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor (221) may be, for example, a thermistor or a thermopile.

[0047] The cooling device (222) can adjust the temperature within the receiving space to a temperature below the freezing point of the storage object (S) contained within the receiving space in order to preserve the storage object (S) in a supercooled state. The cooling device (222) may include a cooling unit (222a) and a cooling control unit (222b) that controls the output of the cooling unit (222a).

[0048] The cooling unit (222a) may be a device equipped with a general refrigeration cycle that is widely used in refrigerators or freezers.

[0049] The cooling control unit (222b) enables the cooling function to be performed by executing a control program stored in memory, such as a CPU, memory, input / output interface, AD converter, etc., and may be included in a general-purpose microcomputer (COM), for example. In one embodiment, the microcomputer may be any one of a CPU, AP, microprocessor, or processor. In this disclosure, a hardware circuit operating as any one of a general-purpose microcomputer (COM), CPU, AP, microprocessor, microcomputer, or processor is collectively referred to as a processor.

[0050] The cooling control unit (222b) adjusts the temperature within the receiving space (21) to a desired temperature (e.g., an initial set temperature or a temperature set by the user) based on the output of the temperature sensor (221). For example, when the temperature within the receiving space (21) rises, such as when a door is opened, the output of the cooling unit (222a) can be increased, and when the temperature within the receiving space (21) falls below the set temperature, the output of the cooling unit (222a) can be decreased.

[0051] The high-frequency application unit (23) may include, for example, a high-frequency circuit (231) that outputs a high-frequency voltage and a high-frequency control unit (232) that controls the output from the high-frequency circuit.

[0052] The high-frequency circuit (231) may include, for example, a power source (231a) of FIG. 2, an oscillation electrode (231b) connected to the power source (231a), a counter electrode (231c) capable of forming an electric field between itself and the oscillation electrode (231b), and a wire (231d) electrically connecting the power source (231a), the oscillation electrode (231b), and the counter electrode (231c).

[0053] The power source (231a) is any power source capable of applying a high-frequency voltage having a predetermined voltage and frequency to the oscillating electrode (231b), and is not particularly limited. By forming a high-frequency electric field between the oscillating electrode (231b) and the opposing electrode (231c) by the high-frequency voltage generated by the high-frequency application unit (23), a high-frequency electric field can be applied to the storage target (S) placed within the receiving space (21).

[0054] The oscillating electrode (231b) is, for example, a flat electrode placed on the ceiling side of the receiving space (21), but is not limited thereto. The opposing electrode (231c) is, for example, a flat electrode placed on the floor side of the receiving space (21), but is not limited thereto.

[0055] It is preferable that the oscillating electrode (231b) and the opposing electrode (231c) be installed so as to face each other at a predetermined interval, but they are not limited thereto. The same effect can be achieved even if the arrangement of the oscillating electrode (231b) and the opposing electrode (231c) is reversed vertically. Additionally, the oscillating electrode (231b) and the opposing electrode (231c) may face each other in a direction other than the vertical direction in the refrigerator (100) (e.g., horizontal direction or inclined direction).

[0056] The high-frequency control unit (232) can be, for example, the aforementioned processor.

[0057] The high-frequency application unit (23) may further include configurations other than those described above. For example, the high-frequency application unit (23) may further include an adjustment circuit that adjusts the load impedance formed by the oscillation electrode (231b), the opposing electrode (231c), and the storage target (S) contained within the receiving space (21) so that the high-frequency circuit (231) matches the output impedance of the high-frequency circuit (231). Additionally, the high-frequency application unit (23) may further include a capacitance sensor, which can detect the capacitance of the storage target (S) within the receiving space (21). According to one embodiment, the high-frequency application unit (23) may further include a reflected wave detection unit that detects a reflected wave returning to the high-frequency circuit (231) through the oscillation electrode (231b). Additionally, the high-frequency control unit (232) can calculate the ratio of the reflected wave output to the output of the high-frequency electric field (reflected wave output / high-frequency electric field output) based on the high-frequency electric field output from the pair of electrodes described above and the reflected wave detected by the reflected wave detection unit, and perform various controls based on the result.

[0058] A refrigerator (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a phase transition detection unit (1) (phase transition detection device) that detects a phase transition, which is a transition point from a supercooled state to a frozen state of a storage target (S).

[0059] The phase transition detection unit (1) may include, for example, a light source (11), a reflected light detection unit (12), and a judgment unit (13).

[0060] The light source (11) can irradiate light onto a storage target (S) placed within, for example, a receiving space (21). The light source (11) may be within the receiving space (21) or may be outside the receiving space (21).

[0061] Regarding the wavelength or intensity of the light emitted from the light source (11), it is sufficient that the light reflected from the surface of the storage target (S) can be detected by the reflected light detection unit (12), and is not particularly limited. The light irradiated from the light source (11) onto the storage target (S) may be light of a wavelength that differs in the amount of absorption for water and ice, respectively. Since the reflected light from the surface of the storage target (S) differs depending on whether the moisture present on the surface of the storage target (S) is liquid (i.e., water) or solid (i.e., ice), the phase transition can be detected according to the wavelength of the reflected light, as the water present on the surface of the storage target (S) changes into ice when a phase transition occurs in the storage target (S).

[0062] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the light absorption spectra of water and ice by wavelength according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] The wavelength of light suitable for conditions as described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 may exist in multiple regions of wavelength, for example, as shown in FIG. 3. In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, the wavelength of the reflected light may be in the range of visible light (for example, 300 nm or more and 1000 nm or less) so that the light source (11) or the reflected light detection unit (12) described below can be implemented at the lowest possible cost. The on / off of the light source (11) or the adjustment of the wavelength may be performed, for example, by a judgment unit (13).

[0064] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2, the reflected light detection unit (12) can detect the wavelength or intensity of reflected light from the surface of a storage object (S) contained within the receiving space (21). Additionally, the reflected light detection unit (12) may be inside the receiving space (21) or outside the receiving space (21).

[0065] When light of a wavelength with a difference in absorption amount between water and ice as described above is used as the wavelength of light from the light source (11), the reflected light detection unit (12) can also detect these wavelengths. In one embodiment, the reflected light detection unit (120) may be a light detection device capable of detecting light in the visible light range.

[0066] As a specific example of such a reflected light detection unit (12), it may be a camera capable of capturing a storage target (S). The camera may be a camera capable of capturing a storage target (S) over time. Additionally, the camera may be a camera capable of capturing still images at predetermined time intervals, or a camera capable of capturing video. In the case of a refrigerator that includes a camera that allows a user to easily check food ingredients, etc. contained inside, this camera may be used to capture a storage target (S) within the storage space (21).

[0067] The judgment unit (13) can determine whether a phase transition has occurred based on, for example, a change in the wavelength or intensity of reflected light detected by the reflected light detection unit (12). The judgment unit (13) may be included in, for example, the aforementioned microcomputer (COM). In one embodiment, the microcomputer may be any one of a CPU, AP, microprocessor, or processor. In this disclosure, a hardware circuit operating as any one of a general-purpose microcomputer (COM), CPU, AP, microprocessor, microcomputer, or processor as described above is collectively referred to as a processor. According to one embodiment, the judgment unit may determine that a phase transition has occurred if the amount of absorption of the wavelength of reflected light detected by the reflected light detection unit (12) or the intensity of the reflected light differs from a predetermined value and a predetermined range or more. According to one embodiment, the predetermined value may be the amount of absorption (value) of the normal wavelength when the storage target is in a supercooled state, when the range of the wavelength of the reflected light is determined. Likewise, the predetermined value may be the intensity of the normal light when the storage target is in a supercooled state. In this case, the normal value may be the average value of the absorption amount (value) of the wavelength of light or the intensity of light measured over a long period of time (e.g., 4 hours). According to one embodiment, the predetermined value may be the absorption amount (value) of the wavelength of light or the intensity of light of the normal wavelength from a predetermined time prior (e.g., 4 hours prior) when the range of the wavelength of reflected light is determined. The predetermined range may be appropriately specified. The predetermined range may be set to, for example, 5% to 10%, but is not limited thereto.

[0068] The method of detecting a phase transition by a phase transition detection unit (1) configured in this manner, and the method of maintaining a storage target (S) in a supercooled state by a refrigerator (100) equipped with the phase transition detection unit (1) are, for example, as follows.

[0069] A storage target (S) is received in a receiving space (21), and the temperature inside the receiving space (21) is adjusted to below the freezing point of the storage target by a temperature control unit (22). In addition, a high-frequency application unit (23) applies a high-frequency electric field to the storage target (S) inside the receiving space (21).

[0070] The light source (11) irradiates light onto the storage target (S) while the storage target (S) is accommodated in the receiving space (21). Among the light irradiated onto the storage target (S) from the light source (11), the light reflected from the surface of the storage target (S) is periodically detected by the reflected light detection unit (12).

[0071] Based on the output from the reflected light detection unit (12), the judgment unit (13) determines whether a phase transition has occurred in the storage target (S).

[0072] Specifically, the judgment unit (13) detects a change in the wavelength of a reflected light and / or a change in the intensity of the reflected light (or a change in the intensity of the reflected light at a wavelength where the absorption amount in water and ice is different) from a periodically acquired image output from a camera, which is a reflected light detection unit (12), and can determine that a phase transition has occurred in the storage target (S) when a change in wavelength occurs or when the amount of change exceeds a preset threshold. In addition, since this amount of change may be large enough to be sufficiently confirmed by the user's eyes depending on the wavelength of the light, the user may take over the function of the judgment unit (13).

[0073] Additionally, the judgment unit (13) may use the output from the reflected light detection unit (12) as well as the output from the temperature sensor (221) included in the temperature control unit (22) as one of the judgment criteria. According to one embodiment, the judgment unit (13) may control the temperature of the receiving space (21) to a predetermined temperature—for example, a temperature below the freezing point of the storage target—based on the temperature of the receiving space (21) measured by the temperature sensor (221) and the result of detecting whether a phase transition has occurred. With this configuration, more precise detection of a phase transition and preservation of the state of the storage target are possible. The judgment unit (13) may be integrated into the processor of the storage unit.

[0074] FIG. 4 is a graph showing an example of a change in reflected light and a change in temperature from the surface of a storage object from a supercooled state to a frozen state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0075] As illustrated in the graph of FIG. 4, the change in reflected light (change in RGB average) detected by a camera of light irradiated onto the surface of the raw meat to be stored is linked to the change in the internal temperature of the raw meat (change in Internal Temp). According to the graph of FIG. 4, a phase transition starting from the surface of the raw meat gradually spreads to the interior of the raw meat, and a change in the internal temperature is observed. Therefore, the temperature sensor (221) may be used to measure the internal temperature of the food. Additionally, although the measured internal temperature is displayed in the graph of FIG. 4, in the case of FIG. 4, the surface temperature of the raw meat occurs simultaneously with the change in reflected light (change in RGB average), so the temperature sensor (221) may also be used to measure the surface temperature of the raw meat. Furthermore, the detection result by the reflected wave detection unit included in the high-frequency application unit (23) may be used as an additional criterion for determining the phase transition.

[0076] According to this method, when the phase transition detection unit determines that a phase transition has occurred in the storage target (S), for example, a signal indicating that a phase transition has occurred is transmitted from the determination unit (13) to the cooling control unit and the high-frequency application unit of the temperature control unit.

[0077] The cooling control unit, having received a signal from the judgment unit that a phase transition has occurred in the storage target (S), can adjust the temperature within the receiving space by, for example, transmitting a command to a cooling device. The storage target (S) may be prevented from freezing by the adjusted temperature within the receiving space.

[0078] The high-frequency control unit (232), upon receiving a signal from the judgment unit that a phase transition has occurred in the storage target (S), can, for example, transmit a command to the high-frequency circuit (231) to adjust the output of the high-frequency electric field applied to the storage target (S) within the receiving space (21) to prevent the storage target (S) from freezing. In other words, according to one embodiment, if a phase transition occurs based on the result of detecting whether a phase transition has occurred, the high-frequency control unit (232) controls the high-frequency circuit (231) to adjust the output of the high-frequency electric field and restores the state of the storage target (S) to the state prior to the occurrence of the phase transition. For example, if a phase transition occurs from a supercooled state to a frozen state, the state of the storage target (S) can be restored to a supercooled state as the output of the high-frequency electric field is adjusted. According to one embodiment, the high-frequency control unit (232) may be merged into the processor of the storage tank.

[0079] A refrigerator (100) including a phase transition detection device (1) can detect a phase transition in which a storage object (S) transitions from a supercooled state to a frozen state, thereby preventing the storage object (S) from unintentionally becoming frozen. As a result, the refrigerator (100) or storage unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can stably maintain the storage object (S) in a supercooled state over a longer period of time and can maintain the freshness of the storage object (S) as high as possible.

[0080] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for detecting a phase transition of a storage target in a storage tank and controlling the storage target to maintain a supercooled state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] In step S510, light is irradiated onto the storage target from a light source contained in the storage tank. At this time, if a phase transition occurs on the surface of the storage target, the amount of absorption of the wavelength of light may change when the light is irradiated onto and reflected from the storage target. Additionally, if a phase transition occurs on the surface of the storage target, the intensity of the light may change when the light is irradiated onto and reflected from the storage target. Light of various wavelength ranges may be used, but light in the visible light region may be used.

[0082] In step S520, the reflected light detector included in the storage unit detects the reflected light of the irradiated light from the surface of the storage target. As previously mentioned, depending on the state of the storage target, the amount of wavelength absorption or intensity of the light irradiated onto the storage target may vary. The reflected light detector may use a camera already included in the storage unit, but is not limited thereto.

[0083] In step S530, the storage tank detects whether a phase transition from a supercooled state to a frozen state has occurred based on the output reflected light—more specifically, based on changes in the absorption amount or intensity of the wavelength of the reflected light.

[0084] In step S540, the processor of the storage unit controls the state of the storage target based on the result of detecting whether a phase transition has occurred. Specifically, to control the state of the storage target, the processor may control the state of the storage target to be restored to a previous state by adjusting the temperature of the space in which the storage target is contained or the high-frequency electric field output. According to one embodiment, the storage target may be restored to a supercooled state prior to the phase transition by the state control of the processor.

[0085] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the storage unit is a refrigerator was described as an example, but it is not limited thereto. The storage unit may be a device having the function of storing a storage object at a low temperature within its internal space, and for example, it may be a freezer having only a freezing function.

[0086] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a storage unit that controls the state of a storage unit by detecting a phase transition of the storage unit may include a light source that irradiates light onto the storage unit. A storage unit according to one embodiment may include a reflected light detection unit that detects reflected light of the irradiated light from the surface of the storage unit. A storage unit according to one embodiment may include a phase transition detection unit that detects whether the storage unit undergoes a phase transition from a supercooled state to a frozen state based on the output of the reflected light detection unit. A storage unit according to one embodiment may include a processor that controls the state of the storage unit based on the result of detecting whether a phase transition has occurred.

[0087] In a storage tank according to one embodiment, the reflected light detection unit can detect at least one of the change in wavelength and intensity of the reflected light.

[0088] A reflected light detection unit according to one embodiment can periodically detect reflected light.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the processor can control the state of the storage target to become a supercooled state based on the result of detecting whether a phase transition has occurred.

[0090] According to one embodiment, light irradiated from a light source onto a storage target may include light having a difference in the amount of absorption of the wavelength of light or the intensity of light depending on the state of the storage target.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the wavelength range of light irradiated from a light source to a storage target may include the visible light range.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the processor may determine that a phase transition has occurred if the amount of absorption of the wavelength of reflected light or the intensity of the reflected light differs from a predetermined value and a predetermined range or more.

[0093] According to one embodiment, a predetermined value may be the amount of absorption of the wavelength of light or the intensity of light measured before a predetermined time.

[0094] According to one embodiment, a predetermined value may be the average value of the amount of absorption of the wavelength of light measured over a predetermined period of time.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the processor can control the temperature of the space containing the storage target within the storage facility to control the state of the storage target based on the result of detecting whether a phase transition has occurred.

[0096] A storage tank according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a receiving space for accommodating a storage target and a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the receiving space. According to one embodiment, a processor may control the temperature of the receiving space to be below the freezing point of the storage target based on the measured temperature and the result of detecting whether a phase transition has occurred.

[0097] A storage unit according to one embodiment may further include a high-frequency circuit that outputs a high-frequency electric field applied to a storage target. According to one embodiment, if a processor determines that a phase transition has occurred in a storage target, it may control the high-frequency circuit to adjust the output of the high-frequency electric field and restore the state of the storage target to a state prior to the phase transition.

[0098] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a high-frequency circuit may include an oscillating electrode and a counter electrode facing the oscillating electrode to form a high-frequency electric field between the oscillating electrode and the counter electrode. According to one embodiment, the output high-frequency electric field may cause vibrations in water molecules of a storage target.

[0099] A storage unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an adjustment circuit that adjusts the output impedance of a high-frequency circuit and the load impedance formed by the storage target to be matched.

[0100] A method for preventing a phase transition of a storage object in a storage tank according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include the step of irradiating light onto the storage object by means of a light source. A method according to one embodiment may include the step of detecting reflected light of the irradiated light from the surface of the storage object. A method according to one embodiment may include the step of detecting whether the storage object undergoes a phase transition from a supercooled state to a frozen state based on the output reflected light. A method according to one embodiment may include the step of controlling the state of the storage object based on the result of detecting whether a phase transition has occurred.

[0101] A method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, etc., either alone or in combination. The program instructions recorded on the medium may be those specifically designed and configured for the present disclosure, or may be those known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes; optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs; magneto-optical media such as floptical disks; and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory. Examples of program instructions include machine code, such as that generated by a compiler, as well as high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc.

[0102] Some embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as program modules executed by a computer. A computer-readable medium may be any available medium accessible by a computer and includes both volatile and non-volatile media, and both removable and non-removable media. Additionally, a computer-readable medium may include both computer storage media and communication media. A computer storage medium includes both volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented by any method or technique for storing information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. A communication medium typically includes computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data of modulated data signals such as carrier waves, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information transmission medium. Additionally, some embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented as a computer program or computer program product containing computer-executable instructions, such as a computer program executed by a computer.

[0103] A device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory storage medium' simply means that it is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily. For example, a 'non-transitory storage medium' may include a buffer in which data is stored temporarily.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the method according to the embodiment disclosed herein may be provided by being included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through an application store or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

Claims

1. A light source that irradiates light onto a storage target; A reflected light detection unit that detects reflected light of the irradiated light from the surface of the storage target; A phase transition detection unit that detects whether the storage target undergoes a phase transition from a supercooled state to a frozen state based on the output of the reflected light detection unit; and A storage unit comprising a processor that controls the state of the storage target based on the result of detecting whether the above phase transition has occurred.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned reflected light detection unit detects at least one of the changes in wavelength and intensity of the reflected light, in a storage tank.

3. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 2, The above-mentioned reflected light detection unit is a storage tank that periodically detects the reflected light.

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 3, A storage tank in which the processor controls the state of the storage target to become a supercooled state based on the result of detecting whether the phase transition has occurred.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 4, A storage tank in which light irradiated from the light source onto the storage target includes light having a difference in the amount of absorption of the wavelength of the light or the intensity of the light depending on the state of the storage target.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 5 A storage tank in which the wavelength range of light irradiated from the light source to the storage target includes the visible light range.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 6, A storage tank in which the processor determines that the phase transition has occurred if the amount of absorption of the wavelength of the reflected light or the intensity of the reflected light differs from a predetermined value and a predetermined range or more.

8. In Paragraph 7, A reservoir in which the above predetermined value is the amount of absorption of the wavelength of the light or the intensity of the light measured before a predetermined time.

9. In Paragraph 7, A reservoir in which the above predetermined value is the average value of the absorption amount of the wavelength of light measured over a predetermined period of time.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 9, A storage tank in which the processor controls the temperature of the space containing the storage target within the storage tank to control the state of the storage target based on the result of detecting whether the storage target has undergone a phase transition.

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 10, A receiving space for accommodating the above storage target; and It further includes a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the above-mentioned receiving space, A storage tank, wherein the processor controls the temperature of the receiving space to be below the freezing point of the storage target according to the measured temperature and the result of detecting whether a phase transition has occurred.

12. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 11, It further includes a high-frequency circuit that outputs a high-frequency electric field applied to the storage target, wherein A storage unit that, when the processor determines that a phase transition has occurred in the storage target, controls the high-frequency circuit to adjust the output of the high-frequency electric field to restore the state of the storage target to a state prior to the phase transition.

13. In Paragraph 12, The above high-frequency circuit comprises an oscillation electrode; and It includes a counter electrode for forming the high-frequency electric field between the oscillation electrode and the oscillation electrode, while facing the oscillation electrode. A storage tank in which the above-mentioned high-frequency electric field causes vibrations in the water molecules of the storage target.

14. In Paragraph 13, A storage tank further comprising an adjustment circuit that adjusts the output impedance of the above-mentioned high-frequency circuit and the load impedance formed by the above-mentioned storage target to be matched.

15. A step of irradiating light onto a storage target by a light source; A step of detecting reflected light of the irradiated light from the surface of the storage target; A step of detecting whether the storage target undergoes a phase transition from a supercooled state to a frozen state based on the output reflected light; and A method for preventing a phase transition of a storage target in a storage tank, comprising the step of controlling the state of the storage target based on the result of detecting whether the phase transition occurred.

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