Refrigerator Camera Image Processing to Correct Optical Distortions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator and freezer cameras capture images with unwanted distortions due to viewing angle, lens effects, and inclined arrangements, degrading image quality and complicating subsequent processing and analysis.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an image processing unit that recognizes predefined fixed reference structures within the interior to correct optical distortions, using edge detection methods to identify horizontal structures like shelves, and applying correction factors such as rotation to align these structures horizontally, thereby enhancing image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a camera is arranged inside the door to record the refrigerated interior, then the interior can be captured photographically, but unwanted distortions occur due to viewing angle, lens effects, and inclined arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing correction factors for various camera positions and orientations. Before actual image capture, the system determines the camera's spatial relationship to the interior and applies appropriate distortion correction algorithms, allowing the camera to be positioned conveniently in the door without compromising image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves as an intermediary between the camera and the final image output. It receives distorted images from the camera, processes them through correction algorithms using pre-calculated factors, and produces corrected images that eliminate optical distortions while preserving the convenient door-mounted camera placement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the camera is arranged at an inclined angle relative to the interior, then installation flexibility is improved, but image distortion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes parameters by dynamically adjusting image correction factors based on the camera's actual installation angle and position. During setup, the system can detect or receive input about the camera's orientation and apply corresponding correction parameters, allowing the camera to be installed at various angles while maintaining image accuracy through software-based parameter adjustment.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a refrigerator and/or freezer with a housing containing a cooled interior and a door by means of which the cooled interior can be closed, wherein a camera associated with the refrigerator and/or freezer is provided by means of which the cooled interior can be photographed, and furthermore an image processing unit is provided by means of which images of the interior captured by the camera can be corrected and/or improved.