Refrigerator camera modules and methods for addressing persistent conditions on the camera lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cameras in refrigerators face issues with persistent obfuscation due to condensation and dirt, which obscure the line of sight and degrade performance, making it difficult for users to maintain clear visibility of stored items.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a camera module and a controller that detects pervasive obfuscation conditions and initiates responsive actions, such as anti-fog capture sequences, to maintain clear visibility without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a camera is installed within the chilled chamber to monitor stored items, then users can identify items and quantities more easily, but condensation and dirt accumulate on the lens obscuring the view
Solution Approach 1:
The camera module is extracted from the chilled chamber environment and positioned in the door assembly, which is relatively warmer and drier. This removes the camera from the harmful condensation-prone environment while still allowing it to monitor items in the chilled chamber through the open door space.
Solution Approach 2:
The door assembly serves as an intermediary location between the warm exterior and cold interior environments. By placing the camera in the door rather than directly in the chilled chamber, the door acts as a buffer zone that reduces condensation formation on the camera lens while maintaining monitoring capability.
2Loss of information
If the camera operates continuously to monitor items, then real-time visibility is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera operates periodically rather than continuously, capturing images at scheduled intervals or when triggered by door opening events. This periodic operation maintains monitoring capability over time while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from door sensors and image analysis to trigger camera operation only when necessary. When the door is opened or when obfuscation is detected, the camera activates to capture images, otherwise it remains dormant, optimizing energy usage based on actual monitoring needs.
3Reliability
If manual cleaning of the lens is required, then obfuscation can be removed, but user convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera module is designed with self-cleaning capabilities through its positioning in the door assembly where air flow and temperature variations naturally reduce condensation accumulation. The heated element in the door further assists in preventing and removing condensation automatically without requiring user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the local temperature parameter around the camera by incorporating a heated element in the door assembly. This temperature increase prevents condensation formation and facilitates evaporation of existing moisture, automatically maintaining lens clarity without manual cleaning.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator appliance may include a cabinet, a door, a camera module, and a controller. The cabinet may define a chilled chamber. The door may be rotatably hinged to the cabinet to provide selective access to the chilled chamber. The camera module may be mounted to the cabinet within the chilled chamber. The controller may be operably coupled to the camera module. The controller may be configured to initiate an operation routine. The operation routine may include receiving one or more images for each of a plurality of capture sequences, detecting a pervasive obfuscation condition at the camera module based on the received one or more images, and directing a responsive action on the refrigerator appliance in response to detecting the pervasive obfuscation condition.