Movable Camera Control for Refrigerator Interior and Door Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator systems require multiple cameras to capture images of the interior and door, which is costly and results in high photo rejection rates due to the large opening angle of the door, often capturing unintended images of users.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a single camera in the refrigerating compartment that moves strategically based on door angle sensors to capture images efficiently, with specific positions and angles optimized to avoid capturing users' images when the door opens or closes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras are provided to capture images of the refrigerator interior and door, then image coverage is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable camera that can dynamically change its shooting angle and position. The camera rotates to different angles (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) to capture images of both the refrigerator interior and door sequentially, replacing the need for multiple fixed cameras with a single dynamic camera system.
Solution Approach 2:
A single camera is designed to perform multiple functions: capturing images of the refrigerator interior at one angle and capturing images of the door at another angle. This multi-functional camera system eliminates the need for separate dedicated cameras for each monitoring target.
2Area of stationary object
If the door opening angle is large when images are shot, then door interior visibility is improved, but user privacy is compromised due to capturing user images
Solution Approach 1:
The camera dynamically adjusts its shooting angle based on the door opening state. When the door opens, the camera rotates to capture the door interior at specific angles (e.g., 45° or 90°) while avoiding angles that would capture the user. The system monitors the door opening angle and adjusts camera positioning in real-time to balance visibility and privacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes multiple fixed shooting angles for the camera. Before the door opening occurs, the system prepares the camera to switch to appropriate angles that will capture the door interior without capturing the user, based on predicted door opening trajectories and user positions.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application provides a refrigerator control method. The method comprises: upon acquiring a signal indicating that a person approaches and wants to open a door of the refrigerator, controlling a camera to move from an initial position to a first position; upon acquiring a signal indicating that the door switches to an open status from a closed status, controlling the camera to gradually move from the first position to a second position; upon acquiring an opening angle of the door, comparing the opening angle of the door with a threshold angle, and controlling the camera to capture an image of an interior of the door when the opening angle of the door is less than the threshold angle; upon acquiring a signal indicating that the door switches to the closed status from the open status or upon acquiring a signal indicating that the opening angle of the door is gradually decreased, controlling the camera to gradually move to the first position and capture an image of an interior of the door; and upon acquiring a signal indicating that the door is closed, controlling the camera to return to the initial position and capture an image of an interior of the refrigerating compartment. In the present application, images of interiors of the refrigerating compartment and the door can be captured by only one camera in the refrigerating compartment, which thereby has lower cost.