AU2015412899B9

AU2015412899B9 - Refrigerator

Info

Publication number: AU2015412899B9
Application number: AU2015412899A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Takashi Ito; Mariko Matsumoto; Makoto Okabe; Maiko SHIBATA; Tsuyoshi Uchida
Original assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Current assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Priority date: 2015-10-30
Filing date: 2015-10-30
Publication date: 2019-02-28
Anticipated expiration: 2035-10-30
Also published as: WO2017072954A1; AU2015412899B2; JP6497445B2; CN108351151A; DE112015007073T5; CN108351151B; TW201715188A; JPWO2017072954A1; AU2015412899A1; TWI617780B; NZ740159A

Abstract

A refrigerator (1) is provided with a first LED, a second LED, an image acquisition device, a memory (27), and a control device (15). The first LED and the second LED project light beams of different wavelength bands into a vegetable compartment (6). The image acquisition device acquires an image of the vegetable compartment (6). A reference image is stored in the memory (27). The control device (15) controls the first LED and the second LED, and minimizes the difference between the color of the reference image stored in the memory (27) and the color of the image acquired by the image acquisition device (15).

Description

REFRIGERATOR

FIELD [0001]

The present invention relates to a refrigerator.

BACKGROUND [0002]

PTL 1 describes a refrigerator. The refrigerator described in PTL 1 includes a camera and a light. In the refrigerator described in PTL 1, the light is turned on when a picture of the inside of the refrigerator is taken by the camera.

Citation List

Patent Literature [0003] [PTL 1] WO 2014/142119 [0004]

When an LED is adopted as a light used inside a refrigerator, white light is made by mixing multiple colors of light, for example. For this reason, reduction in the amount of a certain colored light changes the overall color of the light. For example, an LED that emits blue light emits a slight amount of ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light deteriorates resin encapsulating an LED chip, and lowers transmittance. When the amount of only the blue light is reduced, the light turns into a yellowish color as a whole. Hence, when a picture of vegetables in a vegetable compartment is taken by a camera, the color of an image of the vegetables appears different from the actual color of the vegetables.

-22015412899 18 Jan 2019 [0005]

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each of the appended claims.

[0005A]

Throughout this specification the word comprise, or variations such as comprises or comprising, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

Summary [0006]

A refrigerator according to the present disclosure comprises a first LED configured to emit light of a first wavelength band into a vegetable compartment, a second LED configured to emit light of a second wavelength band into the vegetable compartment, the second wavelength band being different from the first wavelength band, an image acquiring device configured to acquire an image of the vegetable compartment, a memory in which a reference image is stored, a color reference provided in the vegetable compartment; and a controller, wherein an image of the color reference acquired by the image acquiring device is stored in the memory as the reference image; and the controller controls the first LED and the second LED, to reduce a difference between a color of the reference image stored in the memory and a color of an image of the color reference to be acquired by the image acquiring device.

-3 2015412899 18 Jan 2019 [0007]

A refrigerator according to an embodiment disclosed herein includes a first LED, a second LED, and a controller. The first LED and the second LED emit light into a vegetable compartment. The controller controls the first LED and the second LED, to reduce a difference between the color of a reference image stored in a memory and the color of an image to be acquired by an image acquiring device. A refrigerator according to such an embodiment can reduce a difference between the color of an image to be acquired and the actual color of vegetables in a vegetable compartment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION of DRAWINGS [0008]

Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a section of a refrigerator of a first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating an electrical connection among devices included in the refrigerator.

Fig. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the refrigerator of the first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a diagram of a timing chart during the operation of the refrigerator illustrated in Fig. 3.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0009]

The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Redundant descriptions will be simplified or omitted as appropriate. In the drawings, same reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts.

-4[0010]

First Embodiment

Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a section of a refrigerator 1 of a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating an electrical connection among devices included in the refrigerator 1. First, an overall configuration of the refrigerator 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2. The refrigerator 1 includes a main body 2, doors 8 to 11, an operation panel 12, a controller 15, an opening and closing sensor 16, a compressor 17, a cooler 18, a blower 19, a light emitter 20, a camera 24, and a standard color plate 28, for example.

[0011]

Multiple compartments for storing food and the like are formed in the main body 2. For example, a refrigerating compartment 3, a temperature-switching compartment 4, an ice-making compartment (not shown), a freezer compartment 5, and a vegetable compartment 6 are formed in the main body 2. The compartments formed in the main body 2 are partitioned by heat insulating material such as urethane foam. The number, type, and arrangement of compartments formed in the main body 2 are not limited to those of the example illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0012]

The refrigerating compartment 3 is a compartment having the largest capacity, for example. The refrigerating compartment 3 may include a chill room 7. The chill room 7 is a compartment for storing meat and fish. The refrigerating compartment 3 is opened and closed by the door 8.

[0013]

-5The operation panel 12 is provided on a front face of the door 8, for example.

The operation panel 12 may be provided on another door or on the main body 2. The operation panel 12 includes an input portion 13 and a notification portion 14, for example. A user inputs information by operating the input portion 13. For example, the user operates the input portion 13 to set the temperature of each compartment. The notification portion 14 notifies the user. For example, a display and a speaker are included as the notification portion 14 in the operation panel 12. The operation panel 12 is electrically connected to the controller 15.

[0014]

The temperature-switching compartment 4 is a compartment whose temperature is switchable. For example, multiple temperatures are registered in advance in the controller 15, as preset temperatures of the temperature-switching compartment 4. The user operates the input portion 13 of the operation panel 12, for example, to select a preset temperature of the temperature-switching compartment 4. The temperatureswitching compartment 4 is opened and closed by the door 9. The ice-making compartment is a compartment for making and storing ice. The ice-making compartment is arranged adjacent to the temperature-switching compartment 4.

[0015]

The freezer compartment 5 is a compartment for freezing food and the like. The temperature of the freezer compartment 5 is kept below freezing temperature, for example. The freezer compartment 5 is opened and closed by the door 10.

[0016]

The vegetable compartment 6 is a compartment for storing vegetables and the like.

A large beverage container may be stored in the vegetable compartment 6. For example,

-6a two-liter plastic bottle may be stored in the vegetable compartment 6. The vegetable compartment 6 is opened and closed by the door 11.

[0017]

An opening and closing sensor is provided on each of the doors 8 to 11. For example, the opening and closing sensor 16 is provided on the door 11 of the vegetable compartment 6. The opening and closing sensor 16 detects an open or closed state of the door 11. The result of detection by the opening and closing sensor 16 is input into the controller 15. The controller 15 counts the time during which the door 11 is open, on the basis of the result detected by the opening and closing sensor 16. The controller 15 may count the time during which the door 11 is closed. The controller 15 uses the counted time as a control parameter to perform various controls. For example, upon determination that the door 11 has been open for not shorter than a first reference time, the controller 15 performs notification through the notification portion 14 of the operation panel 12. For example, the controller 15 sets off a beeper or a chime provided as the notification portion 14. This gives a warning to the user.

[0018]

The compressor 17 and the cooler 18 constitute a part of a refrigeration cycle included in the refrigerator 1. The compressor 17, the cooler 18, and the blower 19 are electrically connected to the controller 15. An operation of the blower 19 generates airflow inside the refrigerator 1. This causes air cooled by the cooler 18 to pass through an air duct and be sent into each compartment. An air outlet for taking in cold air is formed in each compartment. Food and the like stored in the compartment is cooled by the cold air taken into the compartment through the air outlet. Air warmed by cooling food and the like in each compartment enters a return duct from an air inlet. The air

-7 having passed through the return duct reaches the cooler 18, and is cooled again by passing through the cooler 18.

[0019]

The controller 15 controls operations of the compressor 17, the cooler 18, and the blower 19. For example, a temperature sensor (not shown) is provided in each compartment formed in the main body 2. The temperature sensor is a thermistor for temperature detection, for example. Temperature information detected by the temperature sensor is input into the controller 15. The controller 15 controls operations of the compressor 17, the cooler 18, and the blower 19 on the basis of information input from the temperature sensor and information input from the operation panel 12, for example. The controller 15 also controls operation of a damper (not shown) that opens and closes an air course.

[0020]

The controller 15 may exchange information with an external device. For example, the controller 15 receives a signal for changing the preset temperature from an external device. The controller 15 may receive a signal for checking the state inside the refrigerator from an external device. Examples of an external device include a smartphone.

[0021]

The light emitter 20 emits light into the vegetable compartment 6. The light emitter 20 is provided in the vegetable compartment 6, for example. The light emitter 20 is provided on a back wall face of wall faces constituting the vegetable compartment 6. The light emitter 20 is electrically connected to the controller 15. The controller 15

-8controls the light emitter 20. The light emitter 20 includes an LED 21, an LED 22, and an LED 23, for example. LED is short for Light Emitting Diode.

[0022]

The LED 21 emits blue light. For example, the LED 21 emits light of a wavelength band of 430 nm to 500 nm. The blue light from the LED 21 is emitted into the vegetable compartment 6. The LED 22 emits green light. For example, the LED 22 emits light of a wavelength band of 500 nm to 550 nm. The green light from the LED 22 is emitted into the vegetable compartment 6. The LED 23 emits red light. For example, the LED 23 emits light of a wavelength band of 600 nm to 780 nm. The red light from the LED 23 is emitted into the vegetable compartment 6.

[0023]

The controller 15 can control the LED 21, the LED 22, and the LED 23 separately. When the LED 21, the LED 22, and the LED 23 are all simultaneously turned on at their ratings, white light, for example, is emitted from the light emitter 20. The light emitter 20 may be configured of the LED 21, the LED 22, and the LED 23 as one package. For example, a tri-color LED having an excellent color rendering property may be adopted as the light emitter 20. Instead, each of the LED 21, the LED 22, and the LED 23 may be configured as one package.

[0024]

The camera 24 takes a picture of the vegetable compartment 6. The camera 24 is an example of an image acquiring device that acquires an image of the vegetable compartment 6. The image acquiring device is not limited to the camera 24. The camera 24 is provided in the vegetable compartment 6, for example. The camera 24 is provided on the back wall face of wall faces constituting the vegetable compartment 6.

-9The camera 24 is electrically connected to the controller 15. The controller 15 controls the camera 24. Information on an image of the vegetable compartment 6 taken by the camera 24 is input into the controller 15.

[0025]

The light emitter 20 is turned on according to the circadian rhythm of vegetables, for example. This can suppress degradation of vegetables stored in the vegetable compartment 6. For example, blue light has an effect of opening stomata in green leafy vegetables. Green light and red light are absorbed in chlorophyll. For this reason, green light and red light have an effect of increasing nutritional components through photosynthesis. By turning on the light emitter 20, biosynthesis of the vegetables can be prompted. The light emitter 20 is also turned on when a picture of the vegetable compartment 6 is taken by the camera 24, for example.

[0026]

The controller 15 has, as a hardware resource, processing circuitry including an input-output interface 25, a processor 26, and a memory 27. The controller 15 implements each function by causing the processor 26 to execute a program stored in the memory 27.

[0027]

For example, the controller 15 has a function of turning on the light emitter 20 according to the circadian rhythm of vegetables. The controller 15 also has a function of detecting degradation of vegetables on the basis of an image of the vegetable compartment 6 taken by the camera 24. For example, the controller 15 calculates variation in the color of vegetables. For example, a color list is stored in the memory 27. The controller 15 calculates variation in the color of a vegetable, by comparing the color

-10of an image of the vegetable compartment 6 taken by the camera 24 and a color included in the color list. The controller 15 may calculate variation in the position of vegetables. The controller 15 also has a function of adjusting the light emitter 20 and the camera 24 on the basis of the color of an image of the vegetable compartment 6 taken by the camera 24. Functions of the controller 15 are not limited to these examples.

[0028]

The standard color plate 28 is provided in the vegetable compartment 6. The camera 24 takes a picture of the standard color plate 28. The surface of the standard color plate 28 is preferably white. Note, however, that the color of the surface of the standard color plate 28 is not limited to white. The surface of the standard color plate 28 may be green or yellow, for example. The color of the surface of the standard color plate 28 may be a color similar to vegetables stored in the vegetable compartment 6. [0029]

For example, a lower container 29 and an upper container 30 are provided in the vegetable compartment 6. The lower container 29 and the upper container 30 are containers for storing food and the like. A bottom face of the lower container 29 is arranged in a position lower than a bottom face of the upper container 30. The standard color plate 28 is arranged in a position where a picture of its surface can be taken by the camera 24, even when food and the like is stored in the lower container 29 and the upper container 30. For example, the standard color plate 28 is provided on a lower face of the upper container 30.

[0030]

A reference image is stored in the memory 27. The reference image is an image used when determining whether the light emitter 20 and the camera 24 need to be

- 11 adjusted. For example, an image of the standard color plate 28 taken in advance by the camera 24 is stored as the reference image in the memory 27. The reference image is registered in the memory 27 before shipment of the refrigerator 1, for example.

[0031]

Next, an operation of the refrigerator 1 will be described by also referring to Figs. 3 and 4. Fig. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the refrigerator 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a diagram of a timing chart during the operation of the refrigerator 1 illustrated in Fig. 3.

[0032]

In the refrigerator 1, an operation for cooling each compartment is performed. Additionally, in the refrigerator 1, control is performed to turn on the light emitter 20 according to the circadian rhythm of vegetables, for example. Fig. 4 illustrates an example in which control is performed to turn on the light according to the circadian rhythm of vegetables at time to.

[0033]

The controller 15 determines whether a start condition is met (SI). The start condition is a condition for starting to determine whether the light emitter 20 and the camera 24 need to be adjusted. For example, the start condition is met when the door 11 of the vegetable compartment 6 is opened and then closed. The controller 15 detects opening and closing of the door 11 on the basis of a result of detection by the opening and closing sensor 16. For example, the controller 15 detects opening of the door 11 at time ti. The controller 15 detects closing of the door 11 at time t₂. Upon detection of opening and then closing of the door 11, the controller 15 determines that the start condition is met. Other conditions may be adopted as the start condition. For example,

- 12the start condition may be met when a user performs a certain operation on the input portion 13 of the operation panel 12.

[0034]

When the start condition is met in SI, the controller 15 determines whether the light emitter 20 and the camera 24 need to be adjusted. If they need to be adjusted, the controller 15 controls the light emitter 20 and the camera 24 to change the LED lighting state and shooting conditions of the camera 24. Specific contents of control are as follows.

[0035]

The controller 15 first takes a picture of the standard color plate 28 by the camera 24 (S2). When a picture is taken by the camera 24, the light emitter 20 is turned on. For example, a current having a current value Ai flows through the LED 21. A rated current flows through the LED 22 and the LED 23.

[0036]

The controller 15 detects a color of an image (acquired image) of the standard color plate 28 acquired in S2 (S3). Next, the controller 15 compares the color of the acquired image detected in S3 and the color of a reference image stored in the memory 27. For example, the controller 15 compares the colors on the basis of the following formula (S4).

SC-SC_ini < SC limit ...(1)

Here,

SC: color of image of standard color plate 28 taken by camera 24,

SC ini: color of reference image, and

SC limit: limit of difference.

-13 The limit of difference SClimit is stored in advance in the memory 27.

[0037]

For example, in S3, the controller 15 digitizes the color of the image of the standard color plate 28 according to the L*a*b* display system. In this case, the color of the reference image stored in the memory 27 is digitized according to the L*a*b* display system. In the L*a*b* display system, chromaticity is represented by a*b*. For example, in S4, the controller 15 determines whether the following formula is true.

SC(a*)-SC_ini(a*) < SC_limit(a*) ...(2)

SC(b*)-SC_ini(b*) < SC_limit(b*) ...(3)

Formula 2 is true if the difference between a* of the acquired image and a* of the reference image is smaller than a limit of difference SClimit (a*) set for a*. Formula 3 is true if the difference between b* of the acquired image and b* of the reference image is smaller than a limit of difference SC limit (b*) set for b*.

[0038]

Blue light having a short wavelength accelerates deterioration of resin. As an example, assume a case where resin used in the LED 21 deteriorates and the amount of blue light emitted from the LED 21 into the vegetable compartment 6 is reduced. If the LED 22 and the LED 23 are not deteriorated, the amount of only the blue light is reduced, whereby the standard color plate 28 turns into a yellowish color. Since a* represents the chromaticity value in the red-green axis direction, a* of the acquired image does not change from a* of the reference image, even when the light amount from the LED 21 is reduced. That is, SC(a*)-SC_ini(a*)=0. In this case, formula 2 is true.

[0039]

- 14Meanwhile, since b* represents the chromaticity value in the yellow-blue axis direction, b* of the acquired image does not coincide with b* of the reference image, when the light amount from the LED 21 is reduced. Specifically, when resin used in the LED 21 deteriorates, b* of the acquired image becomes larger than b* of the reference image. If this difference is smaller than the limit of difference SC_limit(b*), formula 3 is true. If the difference is not smaller than the limit of difference SC_limit(b*), formula 3 is no longer true.

[0040]

Unless one or both of formula 2 and formula 3 are true, the controller 15 determines that the chromaticity of the image of the standard color plate 28 to be taken by the camera 24 needs to be adjusted to the chromaticity of the reference image. The controller 15 controls the current flowing through each LED of the light emitter 20, for example, to reduce the difference between the chromaticity of the image of the standard color plate 28 to be taken by the camera 24 and the chromaticity of the reference image. Thus, both of formula 2 and formula 3 are established (S5). In the above example, the controller 15 reduces the current value of the LED 22 from the rated value to A₂. The controller 15 reduces the current value of the LED 23 from the rated value to A3. The controller 15 does not change the current value of the LED 21 from Ap [0041]

Additionally, in the L*a*b* display system, lightness is represented by L*. For example, in S4, the controller 15 determines whether the following formula is true.

SC(L*)-SC_ini(L*) < SC_limit(L*) ...(4)

Formula 4 is true if the difference between L* of the acquired image and L* of the reference image is smaller than a limit of difference SC limit (L*) set for L*.

- 15 [0042]

In the above example, the light amount from the LED 21 is reduced by deterioration of resin. The light amount from the LED 22 is reduced by reducing the current value. Similarly, the light amount from the LED 23 is reduced by reducing the current value. Since the entire light amount from the light emitter 20 is reduced, lightness of the acquired image is reduced. If formula 4 is not true, the controller 15 determines that the lightness of the image of the standard color plate 28 to be taken by the camera 24 needs to be adjusted to the lightness of the reference image.

[0043]

The controller 15 controls the exposure time of the camera 24, for example, to reduce the difference between the lightness of the image of the standard color plate 28 to be taken by the camera 24 and the lightness of the reference image. Thus, formula 4 is established (S6). In the above example, the controller 15 changes the exposure time of the camera 24 from Ei to E2. Reference sign E2 denotes a time longer than Ej. This increases the amount of light taken into the camera 24 when a picture is taken by the camera 24. Adjustment of exposure time is effective when reduction of the focus area of the camera 24 is not desirable.

[0044]

The controller 15 may control the aperture of the camera 24, for example, to reduce the difference between the lightness of the image of the standard color plate 28 to be taken by the camera 24 and the lightness of the reference image. Thus, formula 4 is established (S6). In the above example, the controller 15 changes the aperture of the camera 24 from D2 to Dj. Reference sign Di denotes a value smaller than D2. This increases the amount of light taken into the camera 24 when a picture is taken by the

-16camera 24. Adjustment of the aperture is effective when extended shooting time is not desirable.

[0045]

Upon determination at time te that formula 1 is true, the controller 15 starts processing to detect degradation or the like of vegetables (S7). The processing is performed on the basis of an image of the vegetable compartment 6 taken by the camera 24, for example. Note that the controller 15 may repeat the processing illustrated in S2 to S6 until formula 1 is established.

[0046]

In the refrigerator 1 having the above functions, the controller 15 controls each LED of the light emitter 20 to reduce the difference between the color of a reference image stored in the memory 27 and the color of an image to be acquired by the image acquiring device. For example, the controller 15 adjusts the current value flowing through each LED of the light emitter 20, to reduce the difference between the chromaticity of the reference image and the chromaticity of the image to be acquired by the image acquiring device. Also, the controller 15 controls the image acquiring device, to reduce the difference between the lightness of the reference image stored in the memory 27 and the lightness of the image to be acquired by the image acquiring device. The refrigerator 1 having the above functions can reduce the difference between the color of an image to be acquired by the image acquiring device and the actual color of vegetables in the vegetable compartment 6.

[0047]

The embodiment describes an example of reducing both of the difference in chromaticity and the difference in lightness, to bring the color of the image to be acquired

- 17by the image acquiring device closer to the color of the reference image. The controller may control each LED of the light emitter 20 to reduce only the difference in chromaticity.

[0048]

The embodiment describes an example of changing the exposure time or aperture of the camera 24, to adjust the lightness (brightness) of the image to be acquired by the image acquiring device. The controller 15 may change both of the exposure time and aperture of the camera 24 to adjust the lightness. Also, the controller 15 may control each LED of the light emitter 20 to adjust the lightness.

[0049]

The standard color plate 28 of the embodiment is an example of a color reference for comparing the color of an image acquired by the image acquiring device with the color of a reference image. The color reference is not limited to the standard color plate 28. For example, a part of the lower container 29 or a part of the upper container 30 may be used as a color reference.

[0050]

The embodiment describes an example of using the L*a*b* display system.

Other display systems may be used to digitize the color of the image. For example, the XYZ display system may be used.

[0051]

The embodiment describes an example of controlling turning on of the light according to the circadian rhythm of vegetables. The LED to be turned on may be selected depending on the kind of the vegetable stored in the vegetable compartment 6. For example, vegetables such as fruit vegetables, root vegetables, and red cabbage have

-18 no or less stomata. If there are only vegetables of this kind in the vegetable compartment 6, the LED 21 need not be turned on except for when a picture is taken by the camera 24.

[0052]

When blue light hits a plant, the plant opens its stomata and takes in carbon dioxide necessary for biosynthesis, from air. However, after the plant recognizes that it has been irradiated with light, the plant need not be irradiated with the blue light. Hence, if there are only leafy vegetables in the vegetable compartment 6, the LED 21 need not be kept on, except for when a picture is taken by the camera 24. For example, lighting of the LED 21 other than during a shooting time may be limited to 10 minutes per day. [0053]

When there are only thin leafy vegetables such as spinach and komatsuna in the vegetable compartment 6, the amount of red light having a high absorptivity on the surface of a leaf may be increased. When there are only head-forming vegetables such as cabbage and Chinese cabbage are in the vegetable compartment 6, the amount of green light may be increased to allow light to reach the inside of the vegetables.

[0054]

The embodiment describes an example of providing a single light emitter 20 on a back wall face of the vegetable compartment 6. The light emitter 20 may be provided in a different position. The refrigerator 1 may include multiple light emitters 20 for emitting light into the vegetable compartment 6. In this case, for example, a first light emitter 20 is provided on a back wall face of the vegetable compartment 6. A second light emitter 20 is provided such that light is emitted diagonally onto the vegetables,

-19when viewed from the camera 24. For example, the second light emitter 20 is arranged in a higher position than the first light emitter 20.

[0055]

In this case, if vegetables such as leafy vegetables whose surface color need to be checked clearly are stored in the vegetable compartment 6, it is effective to turn the first light emitter 20 on and the second light emitter 20 off. Most of such vegetables are harvested during the winter season. For this reason, during the winter season, the second light emitter 20 may be turned off while the first light emitter 20 is turned on. Meanwhile, when fruit vegetables such as cucumber and eggplant whose surface asperities need to be checked clearly are stored in the vegetable compartment 6, it is effective to turn the second light emitter 20 on and the first light emitter 20 off. This allows emission of light onto the cucumber, eggplant, or the like at a 45-degree angle, for example, which makes it easier to detect a low-temperature injury such as pitting from the acquired image. Most of such fruit vegetables are harvested during the summer season. For this reason, during the summer season, the first light emitter 20 may be turned off while the second light emitter 20 is turned on. By using different light emitters 20 depending on the purpose, life of the LED can be extended.

[0056]

The embodiment describes an example in which the LED 21, the LED 22, and the LED 23 each emit light (monochromatic light) of a different wavelength band. Examples of light emitted by the LED 21, the LED 22, and the LED 23 are not limited to the above example. Note that when the LED 21 emits a light of a first wavelength band and the LED 22 emits a light of a second wavelength band, even if a first wavelength band and a second wavelength band partially overlap each other, the first wavelength

-20band and the second wavelength band are different wavelength bands, unless the entire first wavelength band overlaps with the entire second wavelength band.

[0057]

The embodiment describes an example in which the light emitter 20 includes three LEDs. This is an example. The number of LEDs included in the light emitter 20 may be two. The light emitter 20 may include four or more LEDs.

[0058]

The processor 26 of the embodiment is also referred to as a CPU (Central

Processing Unit), a central processor, a processor, an arithmetic unit, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, or a DSP. As the memory 27, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a minidisk, or a DVD may be adopted. Examples of a semiconductor memory include a RAM, a ROM, a flash memory, an EPROM, and an EEPROM.

[0059]

Some or all of functions of the controller 15 may be implemented by hardware.

As hardware that implements a function of the controller 15, a single circuit, a combination circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel-programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination of these may be adopted.

Industrial Applicability [0060]

The refrigerator according to the present invention is applicable to a refrigerator including a vegetable compartment.

-21 Reference Signs List [0061] refrigerator, 2 main body, refrigerating compartment, 4 temperature-switching compartment, 5 freezer compartment, 6 vegetable compartment, chill room, 8-11 door, 12 operation panel, 13 input portion, notification portion, controller, 16 opening and closing sensor, compressor, cooler, 19 blower, 20 light emitter,

21-23

LED, camera, 25 input-output interface, processor, memory, standard color plate, 29 lower container, upper container

Claims

CLAIMS:[Claim 1]

A refrigerator comprising:

a first LED configured to emit light of a first wavelength band into a vegetable compartment;

a second LED configured to emit light of a second wavelength band into the vegetable compartment, the second wavelength band being different from the first wavelength band;

an image acquiring device configured to acquire an image of the vegetable compartment;

a memory in which a reference image is stored;

a color reference provided in the vegetable compartment; and a controller, wherein:

an image of the color reference acquired by the image acquiring device is stored in the memory as the reference image; and the controller controls the first LED and the second LED, to reduce a difference between a color of the reference image stored in the memory and a color of an image of the color reference to be acquired by the image acquiring device.
[Claim 2]

The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein:

a lower container and an upper container are provided in the vegetable compartment; and the color reference is provided on a lower face of the upper container.
[Claim 3]

The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the controller controls a current flowing through the first LED and a current flowing through the second LED, to reduce the difference between a chromaticity of the reference image and a chromaticity of an image to be acquired by the image acquiring device.
[Claim 4]

The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the controller controls the image acquiring device, to reduce the difference between a lightness of the reference image and a lightness of an image to be acquired by the image acquiring device.

2015412899 26 Feb 2018 [Claim 5]

The refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein:

the image acquiring device is a camera; and the controller controls any of an exposure time and an aperture of the camera, to reduce the difference between a lightness of the reference image and a lightness of an image to be acquired by the camera.

[Claim 6]

The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a third LED configured to emit light of a third wavelength band into the vegetable compartment, the third wavelength band being different from the first wavelength band and the second wavelength band, wherein the controller controls the first LED, the second LED, and the third LED, to reduce the difference between a color of the reference image and a color of an image of the color reference to be acquired by the image acquiring device.

[Claim 7]

The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first LED emits blue light into the vegetable compartment.