A refrigerator comprising an imaging unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigerators with imaging units face issues such as image obstruction by objects, ineffective light usage due to reflective materials and shadows, and separate installation challenges of cameras and light sources, leading to suboptimal image quality and increased energy losses.
Innovation Solution
A compact, detachable imaging unit with a camera and light source integrated into a single unit, allowing independent control of angles and power, and a control unit to manage camera and light coordination, ensuring clear and efficient image capture without opening the door.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cameras and light sources are installed separately in the refrigerator, then installation flexibility is improved, but device complexity and energy management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the camera and light source into a single integrated imaging unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate installation and independent control systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining installation flexibility. The unified structure allows both components to be managed through a single control interface, directly addressing the energy management complexity issue.
2Shape
If reflective materials are used inside the refrigerator, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but light effectiveness deteriorates due to shadows and reflections
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the camera to capture images of the refrigerator interior, and the control unit analyzes these images to assess illumination quality. Based on this feedback, the control unit adjusts the light source intensity and duration dynamically, optimizing light effectiveness while accounting for the reflective surfaces. This closed-loop control ensures adequate illumination without excessive energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous illumination, the light source operates periodically - activating only when the door is opened or when image quality assessment indicates insufficient lighting. This periodic operation reduces energy waste from reflections and shadows while maintaining aesthetic appearance through selective illumination.
3Loss of information
If the door is opened to view refrigerator contents, then visibility is improved, but energy losses and time losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates visual copies of the refrigerator contents by capturing images with the camera and transmitting them to external devices such as smartphones or tablets. Users can view these image copies remotely without opening the door, eliminating energy losses from door openings while maintaining full visibility of contents through the digital copies.
4Adaptability or versatility
If objects are placed in front of cameras, then storage flexibility is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging unit is designed with movable and adjustable components - the light source can change intensity and duration, and the camera can adjust its viewing angle or position. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different storage configurations, finding optimal imaging parameters even when objects partially obstruct the view, thereby maintaining image quality while preserving storage flexibility.
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
Enables remote monitoring of refrigerator contents with improved image quality by allowing flexible positioning and independent control of camera and light sources, reducing energy losses and enhancing usability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light source (5) illuminating the area where the images are to be taken
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The refrigerator (1) of the present invention comprises a compartment (2) wherein foodstuffs to be cooled or frozen are placed and a housing (3) that is arranged in the compartment (2). By means of the present invention, a refrigerator (1) is realized, wherein the images of the foodstuffs therein are taken without opening the door thereof.