Refrigerator Camera Module for Inventory Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in identifying and tracking items within a refrigerator, leading to accidental purchases and unnecessary expenditure due to the accumulation of items without proper inventory management.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a camera module and controller system that captures and analyzes two-dimensional images to identify and record stored items, determining their location within the refrigerator, and generating expanded images for easy user understanding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple users add/remove items from a common refrigerator appliance without communicating, then the variety and quantity of stored items increases, but users cannot identify and track items leading to accidental purchases and unnecessary expenditure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses image capture sequences to create visual copies (images) of stored items in the refrigerator. These images are processed to generate expanded images that serve as information copies, allowing users to view item inventory without physically opening the refrigerator. This resolves the information loss problem by creating replicable visual representations of the stored items.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a camera module, processor, and display device that mediates between the stored items and users. This intermediary captures images, processes them into expanded images showing item locations and quantities, and presents this information to users, eliminating the need for direct visual inspection of the refrigerator contents.
2Loss of information
If users manually track refrigerator contents, then information about stored items is maintained, but users spend time and effort monitoring and updating inventory
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service inventory tracking system where the refrigerator automatically captures images of its contents, processes these images to identify items and their locations, and generates expanded images for user viewing. This automated self-service approach eliminates the need for users to manually track inventory, resolving both the information loss and time loss problems simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously or periodically capturing images of refrigerator contents and processing them into expanded images before users need to check inventory. This advance preparation ensures that item information is already processed and ready for display, eliminating the time users would otherwise spend on manual inventory checks.
3Quantity of substance
If the refrigerator interior is densely packed with items, then storage capacity is maximized, but users have difficulty identifying specific items and their locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the three-dimensional spatial arrangement of items in the refrigerator into a two-dimensional expanded image representation. This dimensional transformation displays item locations, quantities, and identities in a flattened, organized format that is easier to interpret than navigating through densely packed three-dimensional refrigerator shelves, thereby resolving the ease of operation problem while preserving storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the refrigerator interior into distinct regions or zones and represents these segments in the expanded image. By dividing the complex three-dimensional storage space into manageable two-dimensional segments, users can easily locate specific items without having to physically search through densely packed shelves.
4Loss of information
If a camera system captures images inside the refrigerator, then item identification becomes possible, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional integrated system where the camera module serves multiple purposes: capturing images of refrigerator contents, providing interior illumination, and potentially detecting motion or door openings. This universal approach reduces overall system complexity by combining multiple functions into a single integrated component rather than using separate devices for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a refrigerator, as provided herein, may include initiating a first image capture sequence at a camera module and identifying a first stored item based on a first two-dimensional image of the first image capture sequence. The method may further include determining an internal location of the first stored item within a chilled chamber or generating an expanded image of the first stored item and a second stored item spaced apart from the first stored item.