Refrigerator Scanning Apparatus for Automated Inventory Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Household refrigerators lack an effective system to track and manage the inventory of consumable products, leading to inefficiencies in food storage and shopping practices, as existing solutions do not accurately monitor changes in stored items or provide real-time updates on expiration dates and usage patterns.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerating appliance equipped with a scanning apparatus that captures data through cameras and other imaging methods, conducts multiple data capturing phases to create a current inventory manifest, and compares it with predetermined parameters to provide users with updates on item quantities, expiration dates, and usage patterns, enabling informed shopping lists and storage optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a scanning apparatus is added to the refrigerator to track inventory, then the ability to monitor stored items and provide real-time updates is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning apparatus is integrated into the existing refrigerator structure, allowing the refrigerator to perform both its primary cooling function and secondary inventory tracking function. The door assembly houses both the scanner and imaging camera, enabling multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated devices for each purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
An external computing device serves as an intermediary between the scanning apparatus and the user. The scanner captures images and data, which are then processed and displayed on the external device, reducing the complexity burden on the refrigerator itself while still providing comprehensive inventory tracking capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If multiple data capturing phases are conducted to accurately track item changes, then the measurement precision of inventory status is improved, but the loss of time for data collection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary data capturing when the refrigerator door is opened or closed, capturing images of the storage surfaces before and after door operations. This preliminary action allows the system to proactively detect changes in inventory status without requiring continuous monitoring, thus improving precision while minimizing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning apparatus conducts data capturing phases periodically based on door operation events rather than continuously. By triggering scans at specific intervals (when doors open/close), the system achieves accurate inventory tracking without the time penalty of constant monitoring, balancing precision and efficiency.
3Reliability
If the scanning apparatus continuously monitors all storage surfaces, then the reliability of inventory information is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning apparatus operates periodically based on door operation events rather than continuously. The controller activates the scanner to capture images when the door opens or closes, ensuring reliable inventory information is updated at meaningful intervals while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerator door's opening and closing actions naturally trigger the scanning process. The door assembly integrates the scanner and controller, which automatically activates imaging based on door position changes, allowing the system to self-regulate monitoring based on actual usage patterns without requiring additional energy-intensive continuous operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A refrigerating appliance (510) includes a cabinet (512) having an inner liner (514) that defines at least one aperture (516) for accessing a refrigerating compartment (518). A door (526) is operably coupled to the cabinet (512) and is operable between open and closed positions (528, 530). A plurality of storage surfaces (540) is positioned within the refrigerating compartment (518). Each storage surface (540) is adapted to receive at least one temporarily stored item (542). A scanning apparatus (544) is adapted to record data related to the storage surfaces (540) and the at least one temporarily stored item (542). The scanning apparatus (544) conducts first and second data capturing phases (552, 554). The secondary data recorded during the second data capturing phase (554) is compared against previous data recorded during the first data capturing phase (552) to create a current inventory manifest (560). The current inventory manifest (560) is compared with a set of predetermined parameters related to the at least one temporarily stored item (542) to selectively provide an output.