Refrigerator Camera Positioning Control to Reduce Photo Rejection Rate
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators with multiple cameras for monitoring the freshness of food and storage chamber conditions are costly and suffer from high photo rejection rates due to large door opening angles, which can result in images of users being captured.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a single camera in the refrigerating compartment that moves strategically based on door opening angles, capturing images only when the angle is below a threshold to avoid user interference, and returns to initial position for compartment images when the door is closed, with a sensor-controlled camera path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple cameras are used to capture images of food and door interior, then image monitoring coverage is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the camera movable rather than stationary. The camera can dynamically adjust its shooting angle and position to capture both the door interior and food storage areas sequentially. This single movable camera replaces multiple fixed cameras, reducing device cost while maintaining comprehensive monitoring coverage through dynamic repositioning.
2Ease of operation
If the door opening angle is large to allow user access, then ease of operation is improved, but photo rejection rate increases due to capturing user images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamics by making the camera angle adjustable based on door opening status. When the door opens to a large angle, the camera automatically adjusts its shooting angle to avoid capturing user images. This dynamic adjustment maintains ease of door operation while preventing unwanted user image capture, thereby reducing photo rejection rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by using a sensor to detect the door opening angle and providing this information to the camera control system. Based on this feedback, the camera automatically adjusts its shooting angle to avoid capturing user images when the door is open wide. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures reliable operation while maintaining user accessibility.
3Device complexity
If the camera remains at initial position to capture compartment images, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to capture door interior images is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing a movable camera system that can dynamically switch between different positions. The camera remains simple when not in use but can be actuated to capture door interior images when needed. This dynamic positioning provides multi-functional capability without permanently increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing a single camera system that can perform multiple functions: capturing food storage area images at the initial position and capturing door interior images when repositioned. This multi-functional camera replaces what would otherwise require separate dedicated cameras for each area, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator control method, including: upon acquiring a signal indicating that a person approaches to open a door, controlling a camera to move from an initial position to a first position; upon acquiring a signal indicating that the door switches to an open status, controlling the camera to move to a second position; upon acquiring an opening angle of the door, and controlling the camera to capture an image of an interior of the door when the opening angle is less than a threshold angle; upon acquiring a signal indicating that the door switches to the closed status, controlling the camera to move to the first position and capture an image of an interior of the door; and upon acquiring a signal indicating that the door is closed, controlling the camera to return to the initial position and capture an image of an interior of the refrigerating compartment.