Refrigerator Camera Positioning for Optimal Door Bin Image Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators struggle to obtain accurate information on food items stored in door bins due to the need for optimal image capture.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator system with a camera, processor, and memory that captures and processes images of the door bin area, identifies optimal conditions, and outputs relevant information on groceries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a camera is provided on the refrigerator body to photograph the inside, then information on food stored in the refrigerator can be obtained, but it is difficult to obtain accurate information on food items in the door bin due to imaging angle and coverage limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the camera movable rather than fixed, allowing it to adjust its imaging angle and position dynamically. The camera can rotate and tilt to capture optimal views of different storage areas including the door bin, resolving the contradiction between obtaining accurate door bin images and maintaining a simple fixed camera system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multi-dimensional movement capabilities to the camera system, enabling it to operate in multiple spatial dimensions (rotation around vertical axis, tilting, and extension/retraction). This dimensional expansion allows a single camera to cover areas that would otherwise require multiple fixed cameras, improving door bin imaging without proportionally increasing system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the camera captures images of the door bin area, then grocery information can be identified, but the image capture must wait for specific door positions and angles to be optimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary detection of door position and camera readiness before initiating image capture. The system monitors door opening/closing states and camera positioning in advance, so that when optimal conditions are met, the image can be captured immediately without delay. This preliminary preparation resolves the time loss between door movement and optimal imaging opportunity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors door position, camera angle, and imaging conditions. Based on this real-time feedback, the camera automatically adjusts its position and timing to capture images at optimal moments. This closed-loop control eliminates waiting time by making the capture process responsive to actual conditions rather than following a fixed schedule.
3Measurement precision
If multiple images are captured to identify optimal door bin images, then accurate grocery information can be obtained, but the processing and analysis time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively processing only those images that meet predetermined quality criteria rather than processing all captured images. The system identifies and processes only the subset of images that provide sufficient information for accurate grocery identification, avoiding unnecessary processing of redundant or low-quality images. This resolves the contradiction between obtaining accurate information through multiple images and maintaining fast processing speed.
Data Source
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AI summary
A refrigerator includes: a body comprising a storage chamber; a door coupled to the body; a camera located on the body; and at least one processor operatively coupled to a memory and configured to execute one or more instructions stored in the memory, in which the one or more instructions cause the refrigerator to: based on detecting opening of the door, control the camera to capture the image of at least a part of the inside of the body and the door, identify, based on the image, whether at least one of a first area of the inside of the body included in the image or a first line included in the door included in the image satisfies a predetermined condition, and based on identifying that the predetermined condition is satisfied, store the image as an optimal door bin image.