Refrigerators having internal content cameras, and methods of operating the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigerators do not allow users to view the contents of the interior compartments while the doors are closed, leading to increased energy consumption and potential food waste due to inadequate inventory management.
Innovation Solution
The implementation 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, allowing for remote viewing and inventory management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the door is closed to maintain refrigeration efficiency, then energy consumption is reduced, but users cannot view the interior contents leading to inadequate inventory management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses cameras to capture images of the refrigerator interior contents and transmits these images to a remote device, creating a visual copy of the interior that users can view without opening the door. This resolves the contradiction by providing information about interior contents (overcoming the visibility loss) while keeping the door closed (maintaining energy efficiency).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of cameras, light sources, and communication devices that mediate between the user and the refrigerator interior. This intermediary allows users to view contents remotely through transmitted images, eliminating the need to open the door and thus maintaining energy efficiency while providing inventory visibility.
2Loss of information
If multiple cameras and light sources are added to enable remote viewing, then inventory management is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the refrigerator interior into multiple zones, each monitored by separate cameras and light sources. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage of different compartments and shelves, enabling complete inventory visibility while organizing the complex system into manageable, modular units that can be independently positioned and controlled.
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 users to view the contents of the refrigerator without opening the door, reducing energy consumption and improving inventory management, thereby minimizing food waste and enhancing meal planning.
Implementation Method 1
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
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.