Video-Based Food Storage Environmental Control to Reduce Spoilage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Food waste is a significant global issue due to improper storage conditions leading to spoilage, resulting in environmental, economic, and social consequences, including resource depletion, ethical concerns, and health risks.
Innovation Solution
A video-based system using AI-enabled cameras to identify perishable items and adjust environmental parameters such as temperature and humidity in storage areas to optimize food preservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual monitoring and control of environmental conditions is used, then system complexity is low, but food spoilage occurs due to improper storage conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the environmental control system automatically adjusts temperature and humidity based on video analysis of stored food items, eliminating the need for manual monitoring while ensuring proper storage conditions are maintained
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical monitoring with an automated system combining video cameras, AI image recognition algorithms, and environmental control mechanisms that automatically adjust storage conditions based on detected food items
2Loss of substance
If automated video-based environmental control is implemented, then food spoilage is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements closed-loop feedback where video cameras continuously monitor stored food items, the AI algorithm analyzes the video to identify food types, and the environmental control system adjusts temperature and humidity accordingly, creating a self-regulating system that minimizes food waste
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an AI-based image recognition system as an intermediary between visual detection of food items and environmental control actions, translating video data into appropriate storage condition adjustments without requiring direct complex integration between cameras and control systems
3Duration of action of stationary object
If precise environmental control is applied, then food shelf life is extended, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality control by identifying specific food items and their locations, then adjusting environmental parameters only in the relevant storage zones rather than uniformly controlling the entire storage area, reducing unnecessary energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic environmental control where temperature and humidity settings are continuously adjusted based on real-time video analysis of stored food items, allowing the system to adapt storage conditions to actual needs rather than maintaining constant maximum control
Data Source
AI summary
A video-based system for controlling one or more environmental parameters of a food storage area of a facility may comprise an environmental control system that services the food storage area of the facility and a video camera. The video camera may include a camera housing, a camera housed by the camera housing for providing a video stream of the food storage area, a communication port for communicating with the environmental control system, and a controller housed by the camera housing and operatively coupled to the camera and the communication port. The controller may be configured to analyze the video stream captured by the camera to identify a food item in the food storage area, identify one or more ideal food storage environmental parameters for the identified food item, and transmit the one or more ideal food storage environmental parameters for the identified food item to the environmental control system.