U.S. patent application number 10/986397 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-11 for home refrigerator systems imaging their interior and methods.
Invention is credited to Gregory T. Kavounas.
Application Number | 20060096303 10/986397 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36314926 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060096303 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kavounas; Gregory T. |
May 11, 2006 |
Home refrigerator systems imaging their interior and methods
Abstract
A home refrigerator system (200) includes an enclosure (202)
that defines an interior (203) for storing food (223, 224), a
machine (209) for cooling the interior (203), a door (205) usable
for accessing the interior (203), and a camera (252) for imaging
the interior (203) while the door (205) is shut. The camera
generates a signal (284) encoding the image of the interior. The
signal (284) can be viewed on a screen (286) outside the interior,
to assist in decision-making without opening the door (205).
Inventors: |
Kavounas; Gregory T.;
(Kirkland, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KOLISCH HARTWELL, P.C.
200 PACIFIC BUILDING
520 SW YAMHILL STREET
PORTLAND
OR
97204
US
|
Family ID: |
36314926 |
Appl. No.: |
10/986397 |
Filed: |
November 10, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/125 ;
62/331 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 2500/06 20130101;
F25D 2400/361 20130101; F25D 29/00 20130101; F25B 2600/07
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
062/125 ;
062/331 |
International
Class: |
F25B 49/00 20060101
F25B049/00; F25D 17/04 20060101 F25D017/04; F25D 15/00 20060101
F25D015/00; F25D 23/12 20060101 F25D023/12 |
Claims
1. A home refrigerator system comprising: an enclosure defining an
interior for storing food; at least one door that can be opened for
accessing the interior, and shut for sealing the interior
substantially airtightly; a machine for cooling air in the
interior; and a first camera coupled with the enclosure for
generating an image of at least a portion of the interior when the
door is shut.
2. The system of claim 1, in which a component of the camera is
fixedly attached to the enclosure.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein a component of the camera is
mounted on the door.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the camera is disposed wholly in
the interior, and further comprising at least a portion of a
conductor for transferring the image from the interior to a screen
outside the interior.
5. The system of claim 1, further comprising: an imaging switch for
activating the camera to generate the image when the door is
shut.
6. The system of claim 5, in which the imaging switch is adapted to
be actuated by a pushbutton.
7. The system of claim 5, in which the imaging switch is adapted to
be actuated by an electrical signal.
8. The system of claim 5, in which when the imaging switch is
actuated, it activates the camera, and when the actuation is
discontinued, activating is continued for a period of time.
9. The system of claim 5, further comprising: a memory for storing
the image.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein a SAME flag is set upon storing
the image, and the SAME flag is unset if the door is subsequently
opened.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein no new image is generated if
the switch is actuated and the SAME flag is set.
12. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a home network
connection for guiding the image to a screen.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the connection includes a
wireless segment.
14. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a mirror to assist
in the imaging.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the mirror has alternating
areas of a first reflection characteristic and of a second
reflection characteristic.
16. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a light source for
illuminating the interior while the camera images the interior.
17. The system of claim 16, in which a component of the camera is
fixedly attached to the enclosure.
18. The system of claim 16, wherein a component of the camera is
mounted on the door.
19. The system of claim 16, further comprising: an imaging switch
for activating, when the door is shut, at least one of the light
source and the camera.
20. The system of claim 19, in which the imaging switch is adapted
to be actuated by a pushbutton.
21. The system of claim 19, in which the imaging switch is adapted
to be actuated by an electrical signal.
22. The system of claim 19, in which when the imaging switch is
actuated, it activates the one of the light source and the camera,
and when the actuation is discontinued, activating is continued for
a period of time.
23. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a screen outside the
interior for displaying the imaged interior.
24. The system of claim 23, in which a component of the camera is
fixedly attached to the enclosure.
25. The system of claim 23, wherein a component of the camera is
mounted on the door.
26. The system of claim 23, in which the screen is coupled to the
door.
27. The system of claim 23, in which the screen is formed
integrally with the door.
28. The system of claim 23, in which the screen is further adapted
to display television images.
29. The system of claim 23, further comprising: a conductor for
transferring from the camera to the screen a signal encoding the
image.
30. The system of claim 23, further comprising: an imaging switch
for activating, when the door is shut, at least one of the screen
and the camera.
31. The system of claim 30, in which the screen is further adapted
to display television images, and the imaging switch is further
adapted to control which one of the imaged interior and television
images is displayed by the screen.
32. The system of claim 30, in which the imaging switch is adapted
to be actuated by a pushbutton.
33. The system of claim 30, in which the imaging switch is adapted
to be actuated by an electrical signal.
34. The system of claim 30, in which when the imaging switch is
actuated, it activates the one of the screen and the camera, and
when the actuation is discontinued, activating is continued for a
period of time.
35. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a second camera
coupled with the enclosure and positioned to image at least a
portion of the interior when the door is shut.
36. The system of claim 35, in which a component of the first
camera is fixedly attached to the door, and a component of the
second camera is fixedly attached to the enclosure.
37. The system of claim 35, further comprising: an imaging switch
for activating, when the door is shut, at least one of the screen,
the first camera and the second camera.
38. The system of claim 37, in which the imaging switch is adapted
to be actuated by a pushbutton.
39. The system of claim 37, in which the imaging switch is adapted
to be actuated by an electrical signal.
40. The system of claim 37, in which the imaging switch is adapted
to activate the first camera and the second camera.
41. A device comprising: means for imaging at least a portion of an
interior of a home refrigerator while a door usable for accessing
the interior remains shut; means for generating a signal that
encodes the imaged interior; and means for displaying the imaged
interior on a screen located outside the interior responsive to
receiving the signal.
42. The refrigerator of claim 41, further comprising: means for
storing the image.
43. The refrigerator of claim 41, in which the means for imaging
images in response to perceiving a switch being actuated.
44. The refrigerator of claim 43, in which the switch is actuated
by pushing a button.
45. The refrigerator of claim 43, in which the switch is actuated
by receiving a command signal.
46. The refrigerator of claim 45, in which the command signal is
received over a network.
47. The refrigerator of claim 41, further comprising: means for
illuminating the interior while imaging.
48. A method for a home refrigerator comprising: imaging at least a
portion of an interior of the refrigerator while a door usable for
accessing the interior remains shut.
49. The method of claim 48, in which imaging is performed in
response to perceiving a switch being actuated.
50. The method of claim 49, in which the switch is actuated by
pushing a button.
51. The method of claim 49, in which the switch is actuated by
receiving a command signal.
52. The method of claim 51, in which the command signal is received
over a network.
53. The method of claim 49, further comprising: storing the
image.
54. The method of claim 53, further comprising: setting a SAME flag
upon storing the image; and unsetting the SAME flag if the door is
subsequently opened.
55. The method of claim 54, wherein no new image is generated if
the switch is actuated and the SAME flag is set.
56. The method of claim 48, further comprising: illuminating the
interior while imaging.
57. The method of claim 56, in which illuminating is performed in
response to perceiving a switch being actuated.
58. The method of claim 57, in which the switch is actuated by
pushing a button.
59. The method of claim 57, in which the switch is actuated by
receiving a command signal.
60. The method of claim 48, further comprising: generating a signal
that encodes the imaged interior; and displaying the imaged
interior on a screen located outside the interior responsive to
receiving the signal.
61. The method of claim 60, in which displaying is performed in
response to perceiving a switch being actuated.
62. The method of claim 61, in which the switch is actuated by
pushing a button.
63. The method of claim 61, in which the switch is actuated by
receiving a command signal.
64. A method for using a home refrigerator comprising: viewing on a
screen a displayed image of an interior of the refrigerator while a
door usable for accessing the interior remains shut.
65. The method of claim 64, in which the screen is attached to the
refrigerator.
66. The method of claim 64, further comprising: actuating a switch
to cause the screen to display the imaged interior while the door
remains shut.
67. The method of claim 66, in which the switch is located on the
refrigerator.
68. The method of claim 66, in which the switch is actuated by
pushing a button.
69. The method of claim 66, in which actuating the switch also
causes the interior to be illuminated.
70. The method of claim 66, in which the switch is actuated by
transmitting a command signal.
71. The method of claim 70, in which the command signal is
transmitted over a network.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present document is related to the field of home
refrigerators, and more specifically to energy saving devices and
methods for assisting in deciding which food to take by viewing the
interior of the home refrigerator without opening the door.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Home refrigerators, including freezers, are used for
preserving foods by keeping them cool. A refrigerator includes a
machine that cools the air in its interior. In general the machine
works until the air in the interior is cooled down to a set low
temperature. Then the machine stops, and the air temperature slowly
rises again. When it has risen above a set temperature, the machine
starts again.
[0005] The machine works by drawing electricity from a home wall
outlet. Accordingly, its operation contributes to the energy cost
that a consumer has to pay for.
[0006] Every time the refrigerator door is opened, cold air pours
out, because it is heavier than the warmer air at the usual ambient
temperature of a home. The cold air is replaced in the interior by
the warmer air in the room. This increases the average air
temperature inside the refrigerator enclosure, and the cooling
machine has to work again to reduce it.
[0007] Opening the refrigerator door is necessary to move food in
and out of the refrigerator, and therefore that loss is
unavoidable. A larger problem, however, is that the refrigerator
door is often kept open for longer times, and that is in mere
contemplation of what food to remove. This unnecessarily increases
the consumer's energy cost. The larger problem is now described in
more detail.
[0008] FIG. 1A is a perspective diagram of a refrigerator 100 in
the prior art. Refrigerator 100 includes an enclosure 102 that
defines an interior for storing food, and keeping it cold. It also
has two doors 105 and 108, which can be opened for accessing the
interior. For example, door 105 can be opened by being pulled
according to the direction of arrow 10. When doors 105, 108 are
shut, they seal the interior substantially airtightly.
[0009] While doors 105, 108 are closed, a user is prevented from
seeing the interior. In a number of instances, a user might not
even know what foods are in the interior, and thus be able to make
a decision as to what food to remove.
[0010] FIG. 1B is a combination perspective and conceptual diagram
illustrating a use of refrigerator 100, with its door 105 opened to
expose an interior compartment 103. Items 123, 124 in compartment
103 are viewed according to arrow 120. In some instances, viewed
items 123, 124 are further being considered, according to cloud
125, for making a decision. During that time, cold air 126 is
pouring out of interior compartment 103.
[0011] FIG. 1C is a combination perspective and conceptual diagram
illustrating a use of refrigerator 100. Door 105 is still open, and
a decision has been made. Item 124 is being removed from interior
103 according to arrow 130. Cold air 136 is still pouring out of
interior compartment 103, but generally not as much as while making
a decision, because it takes less time to remove a decided upon
item.
[0012] FIG. 1D is a perspective diagram of refrigerator 100, after
the removing step of FIG. 1C. Door 105 has been closed again, by
being moved in a direction according to arrow 140. No more cold air
is pouring out, but the cooling machine needs to work again, to
replenish cold air 126 and 136. As already stated above,
replenishing cold air 126 unnecessarily increases the consumer's
energy cost.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0013] The present document describes how some of the problems and
limitations of the prior art can be overcome. In one embodiment, a
home refrigerator system includes an enclosure that defines an
interior for storing food, a machine for cooling the interior, a
door usable for accessing the interior, and a camera for imaging
the interior while the door is shut. The camera generates a signal
encoding the image of the interior, and the signal is suitable for
inputting in a screen.
[0014] This way, a person can view on a screen a generated image of
the refrigerator interior, and make their decision, while the door
remains closed. If they want nothing from the refrigerator, they
need not open the door at all. If they want something, then they
need to open the refrigerator door only for the short time it takes
to remove the desired item.
[0015] An advantage is that no cold air pours out from the
refrigerator, while the person is making their decision. This way,
the cooling machine needs to operate for less time, which saves on
the consumer's energy cost.
[0016] These and other features and advantages will become more
readily apparent from the following Detailed Description, which
proceeds with reference to the drawings, in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1A is a perspective diagram of a home refrigerator in
the prior art.
[0018] FIG. 1B is a combination perspective and conceptual diagram
illustrating a use of the refrigerator of FIG. 1A, with its door
opened while the items stored therein are being viewed to make a
decision.
[0019] FIG. 1C is a combination perspective and conceptual diagram
illustrating a use of the refrigerator of FIG. 1A, with its door
opened while taking an item decided upon during the decision
session of FIG. 1B.
[0020] FIG. 1D is a perspective diagram of the refrigerator of FIG.
1A, with its door closed again, after the taking session of FIG.
1C.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a section diagram of an elevation of components of
a home refrigerator system made according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a system diagram showing the interoperability of
salient components of home refrigerator systems.
[0023] FIG. 4A is a perspective diagram of a home refrigerator
system that includes a screen.
[0024] FIG. 4B is a combination perspective and conceptual diagram
illustrating an operation of the home refrigerator system of FIG.
4A.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a perspective diagram of a home refrigerator
system, shown with its doors opened so as to reveal aspects of its
interior.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a network connection of a
controller.
[0027] FIG. 7 is a section diagram of an elevation of a home
refrigerator system.
[0028] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing reflection properties of a
possible mirror that can be used in the refrigerator system of FIG.
7.
[0029] FIG. 9 is a combination time and conceptual diagram to
illustrate the advantage of the described home refrigerator system
over the prior art.
[0030] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method.
[0031] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating another method.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] As has been mentioned, the present document describes home
refrigerator systems that image their interior, and methods. As
will be appreciated from the below, the teachings of this document
may be practiced either by retrofitting a prior art refrigerator,
or by manufacturing it anew according to this description. The
description is now provided in more detail.
[0033] FIG. 2 is a section diagram of an elevation of components
200 of a home refrigerator system. These system components 200
include an enclosure 202, formed similarly to enclosure 102.
Enclosure 202 defines an interior for storing food.
[0034] In the example of FIG. 2, the interior is divided in two
interior compartments 203 and 204. Compartment 203 is for a regular
refrigerator, and compartment 204 is for a freezer section. While
freezer section 204 is shown located above compartment 203, that is
only by way of example, and not of limitation. In other embodiments
freezer section 204 may be arranged other ways, such as in parallel
with compartment 203 and having the same full height.
[0035] The refrigerator system of FIG. 2 includes a door 205 usable
for accessing interior compartment 203, and another door 208 usable
for accessing interior compartment 204. Doors 205, 208 can be
opened for accessing their respective interiors, and can be shut
for sealing them substantially airtightly, to keep the cool air
in.
[0036] In the example of FIG. 2, two food items 223, 224 are shown
in interior 203. This is by way of example and not of limitation,
however, and an embodiment may be implemented while the
refrigerator is empty.
[0037] The refrigerator system of FIG. 2 also includes a machine
209 for cooling the interior. Machine 209, along with the above
described elements of refrigerator 200, may be practiced as in the
prior art.
[0038] The refrigerator system of FIG. 2 also includes a camera
252, for generating an image of at least a portion of interior
compartment 203 when door 205 is shut. Furthermore, one or more
additional cameras may optionally be provided, such as to image
interior compartment 204 when door 208 is shut, different views of
interior compartment 203, and so on.
[0039] Camera 252 is preferably aimed at interior compartment 203,
and arranged to image as much as possible of it. In the embodiment
of FIG. 2, camera 252 would generate an image of items 223,
224.
[0040] The components of camera 252 may be configured in a number
of ways. In one embodiment, camera 252 is disposed wholly in
interior compartment 203. In other embodiments, some of its
components are distributed, with at least one of them outside
interior compartment 203.
[0041] Camera 252 is coupled with enclosure 202 in a number of
ways. Coupling may be either fixed or removable. In one embodiment,
at least one component of camera 252 is mounted on door 205, as
also shown in FIG. 2. In another embodiment, at least one component
of camera 252 is attached to enclosure 202, such as to one of the
inside walls.
[0042] Camera 252 is made preferably as a digital camera, still or
video. Being digital, it has an array of sensors at its focal plane
for forming an electronic image of the interior. The sensors, if
implemented using Charged Coupled Device (CCD) technology, usually
work better when the ambient temperature is not too high. They are
therefore bound to work well in interior compartment 203 that is
cooled.
[0043] In an optional embodiment, the refrigerator system of FIG. 2
also includes at least a portion of a conductor 282. Conductor 282
may be coupled with a component of camera 252, for transferring as
a signal the generated image of the interior.
[0044] The signal may be transferred along conductor 282 according
to the direction of an arrow 284. Conductor 282 may be coupled to a
screen 286, located outside the interior. As will be also
understood from the below, screen 286 may, but need not be a part
of a refrigerator system according to the invention.
[0045] Upon receiving the signal, screen 286 is suitable for
displaying the imaged interior. A user can thus view an image of
items 223, 224, without opening door 205, and decide whether they
want any of them.
[0046] FIG. 3 is a diagram of a system 300. System 300 shows some
salient elements of home refrigerators, to explain their
interoperability.
[0047] Camera 252 is adapted to image food items 223, 224 in
interior compartment 203. In one embodiment, camera 252 operates in
the dark, with its sensors working in the infrared. This is not
preferred, however, for at least two reasons. First, being from the
infrared, any generated image will seem unnatural to the human eye.
Second, since food items 223, 224 will probably be at about the
same temperature, and since infrared imaging is temperature
dependent, there may not be enough differentiation between food
items 223 and 224 to form a useful image. If the image is not
useful, then, when the door is opened, items 223, 224 would seem
different, and the decision process may start again anew.
[0048] In the preferred embodiment, a light source 372 is provided
according to the invention, such as a light bulb. Light source 372
illuminates interior compartment 203, while camera 252 images
interior compartment 203.
[0049] In one optional embodiment, a light bulb already located
inside interior compartment 203 according to the prior art is
advantageously used to also assist in imaging. While that light
bulb is turned on automatically upon opening door 205, light source
372 can then also be turned on when door 205 is shut, and imaging
is performed.
[0050] Camera 252 may be arranged so that its field of view avoids
a light source, if one is provided, such as light source 372. This
way, such a light source is prevented from dominating the image and
saturating the sensors of the focal plane array. One way of
accomplishing that is to locate light source 372 behind camera 252.
In one embodiment, light source 372 is provided along with camera
252. Additionally, if light source 372 is provided close to camera
252, shadows will further be minimized. In other embodiments, more
than one light sources may be used to minimize shadows, but it will
be harder to keep them all out of the field of view of camera
252.
[0051] By way of operation, light source 372 transmits a light beam
371 towards items 223, 224. Items 223, 224 thus reflect respective
light beams 373, 374 towards camera 252. Camera 252 receives
reflected light beams 373, 374, and thus generates a signal
encoding an image of items 223, 224.
[0052] The generated signal propagates along conductor 282 towards
screen 286. Screen 286 receives the signal, and displays the image.
Not all actual components are shown here--for example screen 286 is
preferably associated with a screen driver, and so on.
[0053] It should be noted that screen 286, along with a portion of
conductor 282 may or may not be part of system 300. In some
embodiments, all components are on board the refrigerator, while in
others they are distributed. In yet others, the signal can produce
an image on a selected one of different screens.
[0054] The invention further optionally includes an imaging switch
359. In some embodiments switch 359 is part of system 300, while in
others it is not. Switch 359 may be advantageously implemented also
in conjunction with other switches, mechanical, electrical or
implemented in software, and also with a switch that controls light
source 372 both when the door opens and also for imaging.
[0055] Switch 359 activates camera 252 for imaging, when the
refrigerator door is shut. In some embodiments, actuating imaging
switch 362 activates concurrently both camera 252 and light source
372, if the latter is provided. In some embodiments, activation
continues for a period of time, such as a few seconds, after
imaging switch 362 is no longer actuated.
[0056] In the embodiment of FIG. 3, imaging switch 359 is adapted
to be actuated by a pushbutton 362. Actuation is by the user
pushing button 362 in a direction according to arrow 319.
[0057] In another optional embodiment, imaging switch 359 is
adapted to be actuated by an electrical signal, wired or wireless.
Such an actuating electrical signal may be received, for example,
by a home computer network such as is described later in this
document.
[0058] In addition, switch 359 may control receipt of electrical
power by the components of system 300, and so on. It is most
advantageous to supply electrical power to these components power
from a wall outlet.
[0059] System 300 also preferably includes a controller 358, which
may be implemented either by itself, or in conjunction with another
controller of refrigerator 200. Controller 358 may be implemented
as a microprocessor, or in conjunction with software, and controls
operation of the components of system 300. Additional components
may be included, such as a memory for storing a program to control
controller 358, and to store data, such as acquired images.
[0060] In an optional embodiment, at least the last the generated
image is stored in the memory. In a further optional embodiment, a
SAME flag is set, upon storing the last image. The SAME flag refers
to whether the image is likely to have changed, and may be stored
in hardware or in software. The image is not likely to have changed
if the door is not opened. Accordingly, the SAME flag may be unset
if the door is subsequently opened. According to this embodiment,
no new image is generated if the switch is actuated and the SAME
flag is set. Indeed, the same image may be returned to the user who
actuates switch 359, further conserving energy.
[0061] In the example of FIG. 3, controller 358 and switch 359 are
shown outside interior compartment 203. This is only for
illustration, however, and not required. In other implementations,
one or both of controller 358 and switch 359 may be inside interior
compartment 203.
[0062] FIG. 4A is a perspective diagram of a home refrigerator
system 400. Refrigerator system 400 includes an enclosure 402 that
defines an interior for storing food, and doors 405 and 408 for
accessing its interior.
[0063] Refrigerator system 400 also includes a screen 486, which is
provided on a base 485. In the example of FIG. 4A, base 485 and
screen 486 are provided on door 405. In one embodiment they are
coupled to door 405, and in another embodiment they are formed
integrally with door 405.
[0064] Screen 486 is suited for viewing the imaged interior of
refrigerator 400 from the outside. Screen 486 receives a signal
with the image of the interior from a camera (not shown in FIG. 4)
inside refrigerator 400.
[0065] In an optional embodiment, base 485 and screen 486 are also
adapted to display television images ("TV"). Indeed, a company by
the name LG Electronics headquartered in Seoul, Korea manufactures
and sells refrigerators with a flat screen on a door that is
adapted to show TV. Such a screen could be adapted to also display
an image of the interior of the refrigerator.
[0066] In addition, pushbutton 462, and controls 463, 464 are
further provided on base 485 to control operation of screen 486 and
the imaging process. If the invention is embodied with a screen
that can also show TV, then pushbutton 462, and controls 463, 464
are used to control which image will be displayed by screen
486.
[0067] Pushbutton 462 and controls 463, 464 are preferably
implemented to work with an imaging switch, such as was described
with imaging switch 359 in FIG. 3. For example, pushbutton 462 can
have the function of pushbutton 362 of FIG. 3. This way, the
imaging switch can control screen 486 in addition to the other
components of system 300.
[0068] In general, when the doors of a refrigerator are closed, the
user does not know what items are in it, except by memory. And
memory is not accurate guide, when the refrigerator is accessed by
more than one people in a household independently of each other.
The invention, however, enables knowing without opening the
door.
[0069] FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating a possible operation of
refrigerator system 400 of FIG. 4A.
[0070] Pushbutton 462 is first pushed according to direction of
arrow 419. This causes an image 418 of the interior of refrigerator
400 to appear on screen 486.
[0071] Image 418 is then viewed according to arrow 420, and
contemplated according to a cloud 425. This takes place while a
decision is being reached, without needing to open door 405.
[0072] FIG. 5 is a perspective diagram of a refrigerator system
500. Refrigerator system 500 includes an enclosure 502 that defines
an interior divided into an interior compartment 503 and an
interior compartment 504. Refrigerator system 500 also has two
doors 505 and 508, usable for accessing respectively interior
compartments 503 and 504.
[0073] Doors 505, 508 are shown opened. Refrigerator system 500
includes a camera 552 mounted on door 505, and a camera 553 mounted
in interior compartment 503. Refrigerator system 500 also includes
a camera 592 mounted on door 508, and a camera 593 mounted in
interior compartment 504. Refrigerator system 500 further includes
a light source 557 mounted in interior compartment 503, and a light
source 597 mounted in interior compartment 504.
[0074] The multiple cameras 552, 553, 592, 593 may be operated by
multiple controls, such as pushbutton 462 and controls 463, 464
shown in FIG. 4A. A number of different implementations are
possible. For example, actuating pushbutton 462 can toggle between
activating the camera 552 and camera 553, for receiving different
views of interior 503.
[0075] The described home refrigerator systems may optionally have
additional features. For example, imaging can be associated with
controllable temporary locking. Activating the display can unlock
the door after a while, such as a few seconds. This way, children
may be trained to look first, without opening the door. Of course,
the locking feature can be deactivated when not desired.
[0076] Another optional feature may have to do with recording
images. The refrigerator may have a recording feature, which may be
optionally activated and deactivated. Opening one of the doors can
cause imaging, and also initiate recording of the generated images.
This type of door-activated imaging need not cause displaying the
interior, which can be viewed anyway since the door is open.
Closing the door would discontinue imaging and recording.
[0077] The images can be stored in a memory, such as one associated
with controller 358, and can even be password protected. A playback
feature can be used to track recent activity. A clock can further
be used to date stamp and time stamp images, and make playback more
informative. For such increased functionalities, controls 463, 464
may also include a keypad.
[0078] In another embodiment, a home network connection can be
additionally included, for guiding the image to a screen. This way
the contents of the home refrigerator system may be checked
remotely. The connection may include a wireless segment, as will be
described in the example below.
[0079] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a network connection of a
controller 658. Controller 658 can be a controller such as
controller 358 of FIG. 3. Controller 658 can be assisted by an
electronic home communications network 670 formed by a router and
so on. Or network 670 can be similar to the one described in U.S.
patent application published as Document Number US 20010054291 A1
on Dec. 27, 2001.
[0080] Controller 658 can be coupled to network 670 by a connection
682. Network 670 can be coupled to a home desktop computer 685 by a
connection 683. One or more of connections 682, 683 may be
wireless. A connection is thus formed between controller 658 and
computer 685, and is considered to have segments 682, 683.
[0081] Computer 685 includes an interface for generating a command
signal 674 that encodes a viewing command. Signal 674 is
transmitted along connection 683. Network 670 routes command signal
674 along connection 682 to controller 658. Controller 658 thus
receives command signal 674 and generates a signal 684 encoding an
image of the interior of the refrigerator. The image is generated
by actuating one or more cameras, and also optionally a light
source, as described above. Signal 684 is transmitted along
connection 682. Network 670 routes signal 684 along connection 683
back to computer 685. Computer 685 then displays image 618 that is
encoded in signal 684 on a screen 686.
[0082] In addition, network 670 may be coupled to a global network
such as the internet, and also to any number of other devices, such
as personal digital assistants (PDAs), and so on. This enables a
shopper to make an updated check of the contents of the home
refrigerator, while they are physically in a store shopping for
food items.
[0083] In yet another optional embodiment, a home refrigerator
system additionally includes a mirror to assist in the imaging. An
example is described below.
[0084] FIG. 7 is a section diagram of an elevation of a home
refrigerator system 700. Refrigerator system 700 includes an
enclosure 702 that defines an interior divided into an interior
compartment 703 and an interior compartment 704. Food items 723,
724 are shown in interior compartment 703. Refrigerator system 700
also has two doors 705 and 708, for accessing respectively interior
compartment 703 and interior compartment 704. A machine 709 is
provided to cool interior compartments 703 and 704.
[0085] Refrigerator system 700 includes a camera 752 mounted on
door 705, and a screen 768 for imaging what is viewed by camera
752. A pushbutton 762 activates imaging. A light source 757 is also
turned on in interior compartment 703, to assist in imaging as
described above.
[0086] A mirror 777 is additionally attached to an inside wall of
interior compartment 703, such as the back wall opposite camera
752. Mirror 777 assists camera 752 in imaging food items 723, 724,
such as by showing aspects outside the direct field of view of
camera 752.
[0087] Mirror 777 may be a regular mirror, reflecting uniformly
from its entire surface. In other embodiments, the surface of
mirror 777 may have alternating areas of a first reflection
characteristic and of a second reflection characteristic, as will
be described in the example below.
[0088] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing reflection properties of mirror
777, which is made according to one of many possible options.
Mirror 777 has areas 812 of a first reflection characteristic,
which is to reflect normally. In addition, mirror 777 has areas 814
of a second reflection characteristic, which is not to reflect
light at all. In this example, areas 814 are formed in terms of a
line grid, and can be made as line marks on mirror 777.
[0089] The result is that objects viewed via mirror 777 will be
marked by a superimposed image of the line grid of non-reflecting
areas 814. This way, the user will be able to differentiate image
portions received directly by the camera from those received by
reflection from mirror 777.
[0090] FIG. 9 is a combination time and conceptual diagram to
illustrate the advantage of a home refrigerator system described in
this document over one in the prior art. An axis TIME illustrates
significant time periods (BEFORE, DECIDING, TAKING and AFTER) for
an event when something is taken from a refrigerator.
[0091] For the prior art, the events of the significant time
periods BEFORE, DECIDING, TAKING and AFTER are depicted by FIG. 1A,
FIG. 1B, FIG. 1C, and FIG. 1D respectively. The door is closed
during time periods BEFORE and AFTER. The door is open during time
periods DECIDING and TAKING. Time period DECIDING is shown as
longer than time period TAKING, because it generally takes longer
to decide about an item in the refrigerator, than to take it out.
And time period TAKING lasts zero time if, upon viewing, a decision
is made to not take any of the items stored in the interior.
[0092] While the door is open during time periods DECIDING and
TAKING, cold air 126 and 136 respectively is pouring out, as seen
above. Cold air 126 is shown as more than cold air 136, because
time period DECIDING is generally longer than time period TAKING,
as discussed above.
[0093] Using a home refrigerator system that images the interior,
however, an image of the interior is displayed during the DECIDING
time period. Such is shown, for example, in FIG. 4B, and FIG. 6.
During that time, the refrigerator door need not be open. The user
can decide while looking at the image only. Since the door remains
closed, cold air 126 is prevented from pouring out. This results in
saving as discussed above. These savings are reduced somewhat by
the electrical energy expended to generate and the display the
image of the interior.
[0094] Referring now to FIG. 10, a flowchart 1000 is used to
illustrate one of many possible methods of operation of a home
refrigerator system. The method of flowchart 1000 may also be
practiced by home refrigerator systems made according to the
invention, such as home refrigerator system 200, home refrigerator
system 400, home refrigerator system 500 and home refrigerator
system 700.
[0095] According to a box 1010, actuation of a switch is perceived.
The switch may be implemented as described in connection with
imaging switch 359. For example, the switch may be actuated by
pushing a button, or by receiving an electrical signal.
[0096] According to a next box 1020, at least a portion of an
interior of the refrigerator is imaged. Imaging is performed by a
camera aimed at the interior, while a door usable for accessing the
interior remains shut.
[0097] According to an optional box 1030, the interior is
illuminated while imaging. In one embodiment, illuminating is
performed in response to perceiving the switch being actuated.
[0098] According to a next box 1040, a signal is generated that
encodes the imaged interior. The signal is guided to a screen for
displaying the image.
[0099] According to an optional next box 1050, the imaged interior
is displayed on a screen located outside the refrigerator interior.
Displaying is performed from the received signal. In one
embodiment, displaying is performed in response to perceiving a
switch being actuated.
[0100] Referring now to FIG. 11, a flowchart 1100 is used to
illustrate one of many possible methods of using a home
refrigerator system. The method of flowchart 1100 may also be
practiced by a user using home refrigerator systems made according
to the invention, such as home refrigerator system 200, home
refrigerator system 400, home refrigerator system 500 and home
refrigerator system 700.
[0101] According to an optional box 1110, the user actuates a
switch. Actuating is performed while a door usable for accessing
the refrigerator interior remains shut. The switch may be
implemented as described in connection with imaging switch 359. For
example, the switch may be actuated by pushing a button, or by
transmitting an electrical signal. The switch and/or the button may
be located on the refrigerator. Alternately, actuating may be
performed remotely, as per the above.
[0102] According to an optional box 1120, actuating the switch
causes the interior to be illuminated, while the door remains shut.
This may be implemented by a light source, such as light source
372.
[0103] According to a next box 1130, the user views on a screen a
displayed image of the interior of the refrigerator. In an optional
but preferred embodiment, actuating the switch causes the screen to
display the imaged interior, while the door remains shut.
[0104] The screen may be implemented in any convenient way for
displaying an image, such as screens 286, 486 and 686 described
above. Of those, at least screen 486 is located on the
refrigerator, while screen 686 is not located on the
refrigerator.
[0105] A person skilled in the art will be able to practice the
present invention in view of the description present in this
document, which is to be taken as a whole. Numerous details have
been set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of
the invention. In other instances, well-known features have not
been described in detail in order not to obscure unnecessarily the
invention.
[0106] While the invention has been disclosed in its preferred
form, the specific embodiments as disclosed and illustrated herein
are not to be considered in a limiting sense. Indeed, it should be
readily apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the present
description that the invention may be modified in numerous ways.
The inventor regards the subject matter of the invention to include
all combinations and subcombinations of the various elements,
features, functions and/or properties disclosed herein.
[0107] The following claims define certain combinations and
subcombinations, which are regarded as novel and non-obvious.
Additional claims for other combinations and subcombinations of
features, functions, elements and/or properties may be presented in
this or a related document.
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