Refrigeration System With Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration systems lack the ability to efficiently and automatically track and provide information about items stored within them without requiring user interaction, such as the type, state, and inventory of beverages like wine bottles.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration system equipped with a camera array that captures images of items on movable racks as they are inserted or removed, performing image processing to determine item information, which is then transmitted to a user device for display or further analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a refrigeration system stores items without imaging capability, then the system structure remains simple, but the user cannot efficiently track and obtain information about stored items without opening the unit
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs imaging and information extraction in advance when items are placed on racks, storing this data for later retrieval. This preliminary action eliminates the need for users to open the unit to check inventory, resolving the contradiction by capturing information proactively without adding complex real-time monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies of physical items through imaging and uses image processing to extract information about stored items. This copying approach allows the system to track inventory digitally without physically accessing or complicating the storage structure, maintaining simplicity while enabling information tracking.
2Ease of operation
If the refrigeration system requires user interaction to check item information, then the system remains simple, but user effort and energy are wasted by needing to open the unit
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback about stored items to users through a display or interface, showing inventory and state information without requiring physical access to the unit. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for users to open the refrigeration system to check contents, reducing both effort and energy loss from frequent door openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically performs imaging, information extraction, and presentation of item data without requiring user interaction to check inventory. This self-service capability resolves the contradiction by making the system autonomously provide information, eliminating the need for users to manually open and inspect the unit.
3Measurement precision
If imaging is performed continuously inside the refrigeration unit, then real-time item tracking is achieved, but the system complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs imaging periodically at specific moments (when racks are extended or items are placed/removed) rather than continuously. This periodic action maintains adequate tracking precision by capturing items at key moments while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs imaging in advance when items are placed on racks or when racks are extended, capturing information before the user needs to access it. This preliminary imaging approach achieves sufficient tracking precision without requiring continuous monitoring, thereby reducing energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
In examples, a refrigeration system includes one or more cameras that are positioned to capture images of items before the items are positioned inside the cabinet. The refrigeration system can include one or more moveable racks on which items can be placed. When the rack is moved out, items can be placed on the rack, and the set of cameras can image the rack to determine information about the items placed on the rack.