Refrigerator Camera Module for Distortion-Corrected Interior Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerating devices struggle to compare images captured from different angles due to distortion and varying image areas, making it difficult to analyze and unify the captured images.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a camera module and processing device within the refrigerating device that captures digital images with markings, such as geometrical shapes or retroreflectors, to define a consistent image area, which is then processed to remove distortions and unify the images, using features like edge detection, image cropping, and resolution adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If images are captured from different angles of view, then the coverage of the interior space is improved, but the image areas become distorted and cannot be compared directly
Solution Approach 1:
Reference markings are introduced as intermediary elements within the interior space. These markings serve as a common reference frame that mediates between images captured from different angles, enabling accurate comparison and alignment of image areas through the markings' known geometric relationships
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of image processing by applying geometric transformations based on the detected markings. The processing device calculates transformation parameters (rotation, scaling, perspective correction) that convert images from different angles into a unified coordinate system, thereby achieving consistent image area comparison
2Measurement precision
If markings are added to the inner container, then image area definition and comparison capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The markings serve a dual purpose: they are both physical features of the inner container (structural element) and reference markers for image processing (measurement element). This self-service approach allows the same structural features to fulfill multiple functions, avoiding the need for separate complex measurement systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with a simpler optical and computational approach. Instead of using mechanical devices to measure and compare physical spaces, the system uses camera imaging combined with image processing algorithms that leverage the markings, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining measurement precision
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
Enables accurate comparison and analysis of images captured from different angles by defining a uniform image area, improving image accuracy and resolution, and compensating for camera rotation and distortion.
Implementation Method 1
the markings are retroreflectors. The technical advantage achieved by this for example is that the markings can be identified in an especially simple manner in the capture of the first digital image.
Implementation Method 2
the illumination device comprises a flash device. The technical advantage achieved by this for example is that the contrast and the brightness of the captured image are improved.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerating device includes a camera module for capturing a first digital image with markings in the interior of the refrigerating device. The refrigerating device includes a processing device which is configured to convert the first digital image into a second digital image on the basis of the captured markings.