Refrigerator with inventory monitoring and management system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator systems cannot accurately determine the quantity of items or predict when to order supplies, as they rely solely on image acquisition without considering weight changes.
Innovation Solution
A system that combines cameras for image capture and transducers for sonic or ultrasonic wave propagation to estimate item weight, using object recognition and wave pattern analysis to identify and track items, enabling automatic reordering based on weight changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If only cameras are used for item identification, then the system structure is simple, but the measurement precision of item quantity and weight is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines camera-based image recognition with transducer-based weight detection into a unified inventory monitoring system. The camera captures item identification and placement information, while the transducer mounted on the shelf measures weight changes. By merging these two detection methods, the system achieves both accurate item identification and precise weight measurement, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transducer acts as an intermediary component between the shelf and the detection system. It is mounted on the shelf structure and converts weight changes into measurable signals without requiring direct contact with items or complex internal sensors within items themselves. This intermediary approach enables accurate weight measurement while keeping the overall system structure relatively simple.
2Measurement precision
If transducers are added to the shelf for weight detection, then the measurement precision of item weight is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer serves multiple functions: it detects weight changes on the shelf, identifies when items are placed or removed, and provides continuous monitoring data for inventory management. By making this single component multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for additional separate sensors or detection devices, thereby improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Reliability
If image recognition alone is used, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the reliability of inventory monitoring is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously comparing image recognition results with transducer weight measurements. When an item is placed on the shelf, the camera detects it and the transducer measures the weight change. The system cross-validates these two data sources to confirm item presence and quantity, significantly improving inventory monitoring reliability. This feedback mechanism operates automatically, maintaining ease of operation while enhancing reliability.
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
Accurately monitors inventory and predicts consumption rates, allowing for timely reordering of items and maintaining a detailed inventory of refrigerator contents.
Implementation Method 1
at least one transducer configured to transmit a sonic or ultrasonic wave into the at least one shelf and capture the reflected or refracted wave from the shelf
Implementation Method 2
at least one transducer configured to transmit a sonic or ultrasonic wave into the at least one shelf and capture the reflected or refracted wave from the shelf
Data Source
AI summary
A detection system for estimating a weight of one or more items in a refrigerator is disclosed. The system comprises at least one shelf; at least one transducer configured to transmit a sonic or ultrasonic wave into the at least one shelf and capture the reflected or refracted wave from the shelf; and a processor configured to estimate the weight of the one or more items on the shelf from the sonic or ultrasonic wave received from the at least one transducer. The system further comprises a plurality of cameras configured to capture images of the one or more items on the shelf. The cameras are configured to capture images of the items while on the shelf and off the shelf, which are then used to identify the items and the changes in weight of those items. Items may be automatically reorder based on their weight or change in weight.