Digital Ice Bin Imaging for Level and Quality Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice level sensing systems in refrigerators lack versatility in detecting both the level and quality of ice cubes, particularly in door-mounted storage bins, where traditional methods like bale arms or electronic sensors are impractical or insufficient.
Innovation Solution
A digital imaging system that captures images of ice cubes in the storage bin, using a digital image capture device and analyzing system to determine the level and quality by contrasting against a reference image, employing edge detection algorithms and varying light sources for better contrast and clarity assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional bale arm or electronic sensors are used for ice level sensing, then the sensing mechanism is simple and reliable, but the system cannot detect ice quality and is impractical for door-mounted storage bins
Solution Approach 1:
The digital imaging system serves multiple functions: it detects both ice level and ice quality (edge sharpness, clarity), replacing the need for separate sensing mechanisms. The single camera system performs what previously required multiple specialized sensors, achieving multi-functionality while maintaining practicality for door-mounted bins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical bale arm systems and electronic contact sensors with an optical digital imaging system. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and contact issues while enabling non-contact quality assessment through image analysis of ice cube edges and clarity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If digital imaging technology is employed to detect both level and quality, then the system versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a digital copy (image) of the ice cubes and analyzes this copy to determine both level and quality. This approach allows comprehensive assessment without complex physical sensing mechanisms, as the image contains all necessary information for both detection functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reference image as an intermediary element. By comparing captured ice cube images against a reference image with known characteristics, the system can accurately determine ice level and quality without requiring complex calibration or multiple sensors, simplifying the overall system structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If bale arm mechanisms are used, then the sensing system is reliable and easy to manufacture, but it is inappropriate for door-mounted ice cube storage bins
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical bale arm system with a digital imaging system that can be mounted in space-constrained door-mounted bins. The electronic imaging and processing components are more adaptable to compact door-mounted configurations than mechanical lever systems, maintaining ease of manufacture while improving adaptability.
4Reliability
If conventional electronic sensors are used, then the system is more advanced than bale arms, but it still cannot detect ice quality parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The digital imaging system creates visual copies of ice cubes that preserve quality information. By analyzing features in these images (edge sharpness, internal clarity, surface characteristics), the system detects quality parameters that conventional electronic sensors cannot perceive, while maintaining reliable level detection capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Automatically controls ice production based on accurate level and quality analysis, ensuring an adequate supply of fresh ice and alerting users when ice quality deteriorates, thereby optimizing ice management within the refrigerator.
Implementation Method 1
a digital image capture device which is focused upon the ice bin
Implementation Method 2
the analyzing system employs an edge detection algorithm to determine edge quality of the ice cubes
Implementation Method 3
The digital image capture device also employs non-visible light in order to reveal other properties, such as clarity, of the ice cubes
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a sensing system for detecting a level and quality of ice cubes in an ice cube storage bin. The sensing system employs a digital image capture device that is coupled to a digital image analyzing system which scans digital images of the ice cube storage bin captured by the digital image capture device to determine a level of ice cubes in the ice cube storage bin. Digital images of the ice cubes are contrasted against a reference image which provides a point of comparison for determining the level of ice cubes in the ice cube storage bin and controlling ice production cycles of the ice maker. The sensing system also analyzes edge portions of the ice cubes to determine ice cube quality.