Household refrigeration appliance having image recording modules and method of recording images in a household refrigeration appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household refrigeration appliances lack cost-effective and energy-efficient image recording systems that can flexibly adapt to different configurations and situations for capturing images of refrigerated goods, while minimizing power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A household refrigeration appliance equipped with multiple image recording modules, each having a camera sensor, and a control unit that triggers image capture upon receiving a signal, allowing scalable and targeted image recording, with modules deactivated when not in use to reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image recording modules are installed to enable flexible and targeted image capture, then adaptability and image recording capability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigeration appliance is divided into multiple independent image recording modules, each equipped with its own camera sensor and control unit. Each module can independently record images in its specific region (door compartments, shelves, drawers), allowing the system to be scaled and configured flexibly without requiring a complex centralized system.
Solution Approach 2:
The image recording modules are designed with universal functionality to perform multiple tasks: recording images of door compartments, shelves, drawers, and various storage regions. The modules can be deactivated when not needed, providing a universal solution that adapts to different appliance configurations and usage scenarios.
2Speed
If image recording modules are continuously operated to ensure ready capture capability, then response speed and availability are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous operation, the image recording modules are activated periodically or on-demand based on trigger signals from the control unit. The control unit outputs trigger signals only when image recording is actually needed (e.g., when doors are opened, when specific events occur), allowing the modules to remain in a low-power state during normal operation while maintaining rapid response capability when triggered.
3Use of energy by moving object
If image recording modules are deactivated when not in use to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but response time and availability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is configured to output trigger signals in advance or immediately when recording conditions are met (such as door opening detection or other triggering events). This preliminary action ensures that modules transition from deactivated to active state quickly, minimizing response time while still allowing energy savings during periods when no recording is needed.
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
The system enables efficient, flexible, and energy-saving image capture of refrigerated goods, reducing manufacturing costs and power usage by controlling module activation based on need.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one image recording module is configured to record at least one image by using at least one camera sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A household refrigeration appliance, in particular a refrigerator or a French-door refrigerator, includes a plurality of image recording modules each having at least one camera sensor. A control unit is connected to the image recording modules. The control unit is configured to output a trigger signal to at least one of the image recording modules, and the at least one image recording module is configured to record at least one image by using at least one camera sensor upon receiving the trigger signal and to transmit corresponding image data to the control unit. A method for recording images of refrigerated goods stored in a household refrigeration appliance is also provided.