Refrigerators having internal content cameras, and methods of operating the same
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerators do not allow users to view their contents without opening the door, leading to increased energy consumption and potential food waste due to unawareness of available items, as existing solutions are limited in viewing capabilities and require complex camera movements.
Innovation Solution
Integration of internal content cameras and light sources within the refrigerator, controlled by a controller to capture images of different portions of the compartment with varying illuminations, enabling remote viewing of the contents through a user device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single camera is used to view refrigerator contents, then device complexity is reduced, but the area of compartment that can be viewed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerator compartment is divided into multiple viewing zones, with each camera responsible for capturing a specific portion. Two cameras are positioned to capture different portions of the compartment, allowing the entire area to be viewed without increasing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single viewpoint to multiple viewpoints by positioning cameras at different locations within the compartment. This spatial distribution of cameras enables comprehensive coverage of the compartment area without requiring complex moving mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If uniform illumination is provided throughout the compartment, then lighting complexity is reduced, but image quality varies across different portions
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the compartment receive customized illumination tailored to their specific lighting needs. The controller provides different illuminations for respective camera zones, ensuring optimal image quality in each area without requiring a complex unified lighting system.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system is made dynamic and adaptive, with the controller adjusting lighting conditions based on which portion of the compartment is being viewed. This allows image quality to be optimized for different zones without permanently complexifying the lighting infrastructure.
3Loss of information
If the door remains closed to conserve energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but users cannot view the contents
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring users to open the door to view contents, the system creates visual copies (images) of the compartment interior using cameras. These images are transmitted to user devices, allowing remote viewing without physical door opening and thus without energy loss from temperature fluctuations.
Data Source
AI summary
Example refrigerators having internal content cameras, and methods of operating the same are disclosed. A disclosed example refrigerator includes a cabinet, an internal compartment disposed within the cabinet, a closing member operatively coupled to the cabinet providing selective access to the internal compartment, two cameras disposed in the compartment and positioned to capture images of different portions of the compartment, two light sources disposed in the compartment, and a controller communicatively coupled with the cameras and light sources and configured to control the light sources to provide two different illuminations for respective ones of the two cameras.