Refrigerator Ice Imaging for Level and Clump Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice level sensing systems in refrigerators are limited in detecting ice quality and clumping, leading to stale or unusable ice, and do not efficiently manage ice production based on accurate volume estimation.
Innovation Solution
A digital imaging system that captures and analyzes images of ice cubes in the storage bin to determine their level and quality, using edge detection and pixel counting algorithms to estimate volume and detect clumps, shrunken ice, and stale ice, providing notifications for user interface display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional level sensing mechanisms (bale arm) are used, then ice level detection is achieved, but the system cannot detect ice quality or clumping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical bale arm sensing system with an optical imaging system using a camera and image processing algorithms. This substitution enables detection of ice quality, clumping, and level simultaneously through digital image analysis, resolving the limitation of traditional mechanical sensors while managing complexity through software-based solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system performs multiple functions simultaneously: detecting ice level, identifying ice quality (staleness), and recognizing clumping conditions. A single camera-based system replaces multiple specialized sensors, achieving multi-functionality that improves measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If ice is stored for extended periods, then adequate ice supply is maintained, but ice quality deteriorates and clumping occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors ice quality and level through periodic imaging, providing feedback about ice condition (freshness, clumping) and quantity. This feedback enables timely intervention - alerting users to discard deteriorating ice or add new ice before quality degradation affects usability, thus maintaining both adequate supply and high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects early signs of ice deterioration and clumping before they significantly impact usability. By identifying quality issues in advance through image analysis, the system enables preliminary user action (discarding affected ice, adding fresh ice) to prevent complete quality degradation and maintain ice reliability.
3Measurement precision
If digital imaging system is implemented, then ice quality and level detection is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a camera to create optical copies (images) of the ice cubes, which are then analyzed through software algorithms. This copying approach enables precise measurement of ice characteristics (level, quality, clumping) without requiring complex physical sensors, achieving high measurement precision while managing device complexity through information-based rather than physical-based detection.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a sensing system for detecting multiple physical characteristics of ice cubes produced therein. The system includes a digital image capture device coupled to a digital image analyzing system which captures digital images of the ice in the refrigerator and analyzes the images to detect characteristics associated with the ice. A notification arrangement can be employed to convey information about the ice to a user of the refrigerator.