System for capturing and preferably processing images of a compartment of a refrigerator and refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for capturing images inside refrigerators are space-consuming, complex to manufacture and maintain, and affect the design and engineering of the appliance due to internal camera installation, with costly repairs and limited flexibility in placement.
Innovation Solution
A camera module with cameras and optical waveguides placed outside the refrigerator compartment, allowing flexible placement and simplifying cabling and maintenance, using fiber bundles for image transfer and a combined RF design to shield electromagnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If cameras are installed inside the refrigerator compartment, then images of the compartment interior can be captured, but the effective volume of the refrigerator is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is extracted from the refrigerator compartment and placed in an external location. Only the necessary optical interface remains inside the compartment, while the camera body and electronics are positioned outside, thereby eliminating the volume occupation problem while maintaining image capture functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
An optical waveguide or fiber optic cable acts as an intermediary between the compartment interior and the external camera. This mediator transfers optical information from inside the compartment to the camera outside, enabling image capture without physically placing the camera inside the limited space.
2Measurement precision
If cameras are installed inside the refrigerator compartment, then images can be captured, but manufacturing and maintenance processes become complex
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the camera from the compartment interior, the complexity of cabling and placement is significantly reduced. The camera can be installed in accessible external locations with simpler connection requirements, and maintenance becomes easier without needing to work inside the confined compartment space.
3Measurement precision
If cameras are installed inside the refrigerator compartment, then images can be captured, but repair and replacement costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Placing the camera outside the compartment makes it easily accessible for repair and replacement technicians. The camera can be serviced without disassembling refrigerator components or working in the cold, confined compartment environment, thereby reducing maintenance costs and improving ease of repair.
4Measurement precision
If cameras are installed inside the refrigerator compartment, then images can be captured, but the design of the compartment is affected
Solution Approach 1:
Removing the camera from the compartment interior eliminates constraints on compartment design. The compartment can be optimized for its primary food storage function without needing to accommodate camera mounting, wiring, or power supply requirements, thereby maintaining full design flexibility and adaptability.
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
This solution maintains the refrigerator's volume, simplifies installation and maintenance, reduces costs, and enhances flexibility while providing effective image capture and processing without affecting the appliance's design or being prone to electromagnetic interference.
Implementation Method 1
one or more optical waveguides which are optically connected to the cameras and the compartment of the refrigerator. The waveguides are configured to transfer light such that the cameras are capable of capturing pictures of the compartment's interior
Data Source
AI summary
A system for capturing and preferably processing images of a compartment of a refrigerator, where the system has a camera module having one or more cameras that are fully or partially located outside the compartment of the refrigerator, and one or more optical waveguides optically connected to the cameras and the compartment of the refrigerator and configured to transfer light such that the cameras are capable of capturing pictures of the compartment's interior is disclosed.