Refrigerator Gaze-Tracking Door Control to Prevent Incorrect Opening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional refrigerators require manual operation to open and close doors, which can be inconvenient, especially for users with limited hand strength or those seeking hands-free operation.

Innovation Solution

A refrigerator equipped with an image obtaining sensor to track a user's gaze and a processor that determines which door to open based on the user's gaze point, automatically controlling the door driving unit to open and close the door.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual operation is used to open and close refrigerator doors, then the structure remains simple and reliable, but user convenience deteriorates especially for users with limited hand strength

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor opening operationVSAvoiddoor control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical door operation with an automated system using image obtaining sensors to detect user gaze and processors to determine which door to open, substituting the mechanical pulling action with optical detection and automated motorized door opening

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The refrigerator system performs self-service by automatically detecting user intent through gaze tracking and autonomously opening the appropriate door without requiring manual intervention, making the system serve itself in responding to user needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If automatic door opening based on gaze tracking is implemented, then user convenience is improved, but the risk of incorrect door opening and collision increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehands-free door operationVSAvoiddoor opening accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from the image obtaining sensor to continuously monitor user gaze position and adjusts door opening actions based on detected gaze points, providing real-time feedback control to ensure the correct door is opened and to prevent collision by detecting when the user has moved or changed gaze

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of user gaze before initiating door opening, and can perform preliminary closing or halting actions if collision risk is detected, taking preventive measures before harmful effects occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Speed

If the door opens automatically upon gaze detection, then response speed is improved, but precision in determining the correct door to open deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor opening response timeVSAvoidgaze point detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the detection threshold and response timing based on gaze duration and stability, allowing flexible adaptation between quick response for clear gaze targets and more careful verification when gaze is ambiguous, optimizing both speed and precision dynamically

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20240210101A1Refrigerator and method for controlling refrigerator

Publication Date: 2024.06.27 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A refrigerator capable of automatically opening and closing a door is provided. In particular, there is provided a refrigerator that detects a gaze point of a user by using image data of the user obtained by an image obtaining sensor, determines a door corresponding to the gaze point of the user, and opens the determined door by controlling a door driving unit.