EP3339783B1 - Interface device associated with a refrigerating appliance - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an interface device associated with a refrigerator apparatus.

The invention also relates to a refrigerator apparatus associated with the interface device.

A refrigerator apparatus has a cavity or refrigeration enclosure where food is stored for preservation.

Each food has optimal temperature conditions for optimal preservation, with some foods having to be kept at lower temperatures than others for optimal preservation.

In a refrigerator, the temperature has different values at different locations of the refrigeration chamber of the refrigerator unit.

Indeed, for a conservation temperature established for the refrigeration cavity, this storage temperature being generally set by a user, the temperature is not identical at any point in the refrigeration cavity.

Thus, the same food will be stored differently depending on the location in the refrigeration cavity in which it is placed.

The temperature for each zone of the refrigeration cavity can nevertheless be estimated by the manufacturers of refrigerating appliances. Thus, in order to help users to optimally preserve the food stored in a refrigerator, the manufacturers provide with the refrigerators, a notice indicating the optimal location for storing each type of food in the cavity or refrigeration chamber.

Nevertheless, these leaflets do not take into account the different events that can modify the estimated temperature in each zone of the refrigeration cavity, such as the difference between the characteristics of the different refrigerating appliances due to their manufacture, and / or the variation of the characteristics of the refrigerator device during its life, these variations being in particular related to the conditions of use and maintenance of the refrigerator unit.

The present invention aims to provide an interface device allowing the user to know the instantaneous temperature at locations of the refrigeration cavity so as to store each food in the most appropriate location for optimal conservation.

For this purpose, the invention aims in a first aspect, an interface device associated with a refrigerator apparatus, the refrigerator apparatus comprising a refrigeration chamber.

• des moyens de réception d'un ensemble de températures, les températures ayant été mesurées par des moyens de mesure de température répartis dans l'enceinte de réfrigération ;
• des moyens de détermination d'une carte thermique utilisant ledit ensemble de températures reçues, la carte thermique représentant la température dans des localisations de l'enceinte de réfrigération ;
• des moyens d'affichage de la carte thermique déterminée ;
• des moyens d'affichage de symboles représentant des types d'aliments, un type d'aliment pouvant être sélectionné par action sur le symbole correspondant ;
• des moyens de détermination d'une localisation recommandée dans ladite enceinte de réfrigération prenant en compte ladite carte thermique et le type d'aliment sélectionné ; et
• des moyens d'affichage de ladite localisation recommandée déterminée.

According to the invention, the interface device comprises:

• means for receiving a set of temperatures, the temperatures having been measured by temperature measuring means distributed in the refrigeration chamber;
• means for determining a thermal map using said set of temperatures received, the thermal map representing the temperature in locations of the refrigeration chamber;
• means for displaying the determined thermal map;
• symbol display means representing food types, a food type being selectable by action on the corresponding symbol;
• means for determining a recommended location in said refrigeration enclosure taking into account said thermal map and the type of food selected; and
• means for displaying said determined recommended location.

Thus, thanks to the interface device displaying the thermal map corresponding to the refrigeration chamber of the associated refrigerator unit, a user can know at any time the temperature at locations or geographical points of the refrigeration chamber and can thus place each food in an optimal place for its conservation.

The thermal map being displayed in real time, it takes into account the temperature variations occurring in the cavity in time.

In addition, the location best suited for food preservation is determined and displayed on the interface device.

The interface device thus represents a help for the user who can be quickly and reliably informed of the optimal location for the foodstuff to be inserted into the refrigerator unit.

According to one characteristic, the determination means are configured to determine the temperature in each location of the refrigeration chamber by interpolation of the set of temperatures received.

Thus, the thermal map represents, in addition to temperatures associated respectively with locations where the temperature measuring means are located, temperatures (determined by interpolation) associated with locations located between the locations where are located temperature measuring means.

The means used for the determination of the thermal map are therefore simple means.

In one embodiment, the thermal map determined is in two dimensions and is associated with a two-dimensional representation of the refrigeration chamber.

Thus, each point of the thermal map corresponds to a point of the two-dimensional representation of the refrigeration enclosure, the points of the thermal map and the representation of the refrigeration enclosure having X coordinates (in the the width of the speaker) and Y (in the direction of the height of the speaker). The points of the representation of the refrigeration chamber correspond to locations or geographic points of the refrigeration chamber.

According to one characteristic, the interface device comprises a camera, the two-dimensional representation of the refrigeration chamber being made by means of the camera.

In another embodiment, the determined thermal map is in three dimensions and is associated with a three-dimensional representation of the refrigeration enclosure.

Thus, each point of the thermal map corresponds to a point of the three-dimensional representation of the refrigeration enclosure, the points of the thermal map and the representation of the refrigeration enclosure having X coordinates (in the the width of the speaker), Y (in the direction of the height of the speaker) and Z (in the direction of the depth of the speaker). The points of the representation of the refrigeration chamber correspond to locations or geographic points of the refrigeration chamber.

In particular, the thermal map, in two or three dimensions, is superimposed on the representation of the refrigeration chamber.

The representation of the refrigeration chamber can be real or schematic.

According to one characteristic, the three-dimensional representation of the refrigeration chamber being made by means of the camera.

According to one characteristic, the interface device further comprises means of connection to a refrigerator apparatus, the connection means comprising the receiving means.

The interface device can thus connect to a refrigerator device to receive the temperature measurements of the refrigeration chamber.

According to another characteristic, the interface device further comprises a connection module to a communication network.

Thus, the interface device can for example connect to a server or any other device connected to a communication network, for example to receive the temperature measurements of the refrigeration chamber.

The invention aims according to a second aspect, a refrigeration system comprising a refrigerator apparatus and an associated interface device according to the invention.

According to the invention, the refrigerator apparatus comprises a refrigeration chamber, temperature measurement means distributed in the enclosure of refrigeration, and transmission means of a set of temperatures taken by the temperature measuring means.

Thus, the interface device receives temperatures taken by the temperature measuring means in the refrigeration chamber and generates a thermal map. This thermal map informs a user of the temperature in the different zones of the refrigeration chamber.

According to one characteristic, the refrigerator apparatus and the interface device respectively comprise communication means configured to establish a connection between them.

Thus, the refrigeration apparatus and the interface device can communicate with each other so that the refrigerator apparatus transmits to the interface device the set of temperatures of the refrigeration chamber taken by the temperature measuring means. .

According to one characteristic, the refrigerator apparatus and the interface device respectively comprise a connection module to a communication network.

Thus, the refrigerator apparatus and the interface device can connect to a server or other device connected to the communication network, the refrigerator apparatus and the interface device being able to exchange data with each other through a server or other intermediate device.

In one embodiment, the interface device is integrated into the refrigerator apparatus.

According to this embodiment, the interface device forms part of the refrigerator apparatus.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the refrigeration system corresponds to the refrigerator apparatus.

In one embodiment, the interface device is an electronic device having connection means to the refrigeration apparatus.

The electronic device can thus receive data, such as the set of temperatures from the refrigerator apparatus, directly from him or through a server or other device connected to the refrigerator and electronic device.

According to one characteristic, the measuring means comprise several temperature measuring devices, each temperature measuring device comprising several temperature sensors.

The temperature measurement groups can be distributed in the refrigeration chamber so that the temperature can be measured at different locations in the refrigeration chamber.

According to one characteristic, the temperature sensors of a temperature measuring device are arranged on an electronic card, said electronic card having means for attachment to an inner surface of the refrigerator apparatus.

Thus, the temperature sensors being combined in electronic cards, the positioning of the temperature measuring means in the refrigeration chamber is simplified.

The electronic cards can be positioned for example on an inner surface of the refrigeration chamber or in shelves positioned in the refrigeration chamber.

In addition to the features and advantages disclosed, the refrigeration system has features and advantages similar to those previously described in connection with the interface device.

The invention aims, according to a third aspect, a display method implemented in an interface device associated with a refrigerator apparatus comprising a refrigeration enclosure.

• réception d'un ensemble de températures, l'ensemble de températures ayant été mesurées par des moyens de mesure de température répartis dans l'enceinte de réfrigération ;
• détermination d'une carte thermique utilisant ledit ensemble de températures reçues, la carte thermique représentant la température dans des localisations de l'enceinte de réfrigération ;
• affichage de la carte thermique déterminée ;
• sélection d'un type d'aliment comportant la mise en oeuvre d'une action sur un symbole représentant le type d'aliment ;
• détermination d'une localisation recommandée dans l'enceinte de réfrigération prenant en compte la carte thermique déterminée et du type d'aliment sélectionné ; et
• affichage de la localisation recommandée déterminée.

According to the invention, the display method comprising steps of:

• receiving a set of temperatures, the set of temperatures having been measured by temperature measuring means distributed in the refrigeration chamber;
• determining a thermal map using said set of temperatures received, the thermal map representing the temperature in locations of the refrigeration chamber;
• display of the determined thermal map;
• selecting a type of food comprising the implementation of an action on a symbol representing the type of food;
• determining a recommended location in the refrigeration chamber taking into account the determined thermal map and the type of food selected; and
• display of the specified recommended location.

According to another characteristic, the step of determining a thermal card comprises determining the temperature in each location of the refrigeration chamber by interpolation of all the temperatures received.

The display method has features and advantages similar to those previously described in connection with the interface device and the refrigeration system.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the description below.

• les figures 1a et 1b illustrent respectivement un schéma représentant une enceinte de réfrigération et un dispositif d'interface selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• la figure 2 illustre des moyens de mesure de température montés sur des étagères conformes à un mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• la figure 3 illustre des moyens de mesure de température selon un mode de réalisation ; et
• la figure 4 est un schéma représentant un procédé d'affichage selon un mode de réalisation.

In the accompanying drawings, given as non-limiting examples:

• the Figures 1a and 1b respectively illustrate a diagram showing a refrigeration chamber and an interface device according to one embodiment of the invention;
• the figure 2 illustrates temperature measuring means mounted on shelves according to one embodiment of the invention;
• the figure 3 illustrates temperature measuring means according to one embodiment; and
• the figure 4 is a diagram showing a display method according to one embodiment.

The present invention finds application in a refrigerator apparatus comprising a refrigeration chamber.

It also applies to any appliance with an enclosure in which the temperature measurement is useful for a user, such as a freezer.

The figure 1a illustrates a two-dimensional diagrammatic representation of the interior of a refrigerator apparatus 1.

In the refrigeration apparatus 1 shown in the figure 1a three shelves 3 or shelves 3 for receiving food to be stored in the refrigerator 1, are arranged in a refrigeration chamber 2.

Shelves 3, shown in the refrigeration chamber 2 on the figure 1a , are represented in perspective on the figure 2 .

The refrigerator apparatus 1 comprises temperature measuring means 4 distributed in the refrigeration enclosure 2. The temperature measuring means 4 are represented on the figures 2 and 3 .

In the embodiment shown, the temperature measuring means 4 comprise several temperature measuring devices 4a. Each temperature measuring device 4a has a plurality of temperature sensors 40.

The temperature measuring devices 4a are distributed in the refrigeration chamber 2 so as to form a matrix of temperature sensors 40. In other words, the temperature sensors 40 are positioned in the refrigeration chamber 2 in a matrix arrangement.

Of course, the number of temperature measuring devices 4a, temperature sensors 40 per device 4a and the number of shelves or shelves 3 may be different.

In general, the matrix of temperature sensors 40, or of temperatures obtained by the temperature sensors, has a size N x M, where N is the number of rows and M the number of columns (N is the number of measuring devices of temperature 4a and M to the number of temperature sensors 40 per device 4a).

In the embodiment shown, the temperature sensors 40 of a temperature measuring device 4a are disposed on an electronic card 5 or PCB (of the English " Printed Circuit Board "). The temperature sensors 40 are aligned with each other.

In one example, the temperature sensors 40 are CTN type thermistors.

Of course, other types of temperature sensors can be used.

The electronic card 5 on which the temperature sensors 40 belonging to a temperature measuring device 4a are arranged is illustrated on FIG. figure 3 .

In this embodiment, the electronic card 5 has a bar shape. This form makes it possible not to take a lot of space in the refrigeration enclosure 2.

The electronic card 5 comprises fixing means (not shown in the figures) to an inner surface of the refrigerating chamber 2.

In the embodiment shown in the figures and in particular on the figure 3 four temperature sensors 40 are mounted on the electronic card 5.

On the ends of the electronic card 5 are located two contact zones or electrical connections serving to supply the temperature measuring device 4a as well as to the communication between the temperature measuring device 4a and an electronic management circuit managing the operation of the refrigerator unit 1.

Each temperature measuring device 4a comprises a local management electronic circuit 41. This local management electronic circuit 41 is configured to recover the temperatures taken by the temperature sensors 40 belonging to the temperature measuring device 4a, and to communicate them to the electronic circuit management device refrigerator 1.

For example, in one embodiment, each electronic card 5 is attached to a shelf 3, in particular on an edge located at the bottom of the refrigerating chamber 2.

In one embodiment, the electronic cards or strips 5 are fixed by gluing.

In the embodiment described, the refrigerator apparatus 1 comprises three temperature measuring devices 4a, each temperature measuring device 4a having four temperature sensors 40.

Thus, the temperature sensors 40 are arranged in the refrigeration chamber 2 in a two-dimensional matrix arrangement, that is to say in a matrix with three lines and four columns (3 × 4), each temperature sensor. 40 measuring the temperature in the location of the refrigeration chamber 2 in which it is located.

Thus, the set of temperature obtained by the set of temperature sensors 40 constitutes a matrix of discrete measurements with three rows and four columns (3 × 4). In this matrix, temperatures are associated respectively with locations of the cavity or refrigeration chamber 2.

In another embodiment, several electronic cards or strips 5 can be fixed on the same shelf 3 at different depths. Thus, the temperature sensors are arranged in a three-dimensional matrix, thus obtaining a matrix of temperatures associated with locations of the refrigeration cavity 2 in three dimensions.

In other embodiments, the electronic cards or strips 5 may be disposed at other locations in the refrigeration cavity 2, such as on walls forming the refrigeration cavity 2 or on the inner wall of the door of the refrigerator. refrigerator unit 1 (not shown).

In an embodiment not shown, the temperature measuring means may comprise one or more thermal cameras arranged for example on the door and / or on walls forming the refrigeration chamber. The thermal cameras measure the temperature on at least one zone of the refrigeration chamber 2.

The refrigerator apparatus 1 further comprises communication means 6 comprising means for transmitting the set of temperatures taken by the temperature measuring means 4.

The refrigerator unit 1 can communicate via the communication means 6 with an interface device 10 configured for processing the set of temperatures received.

An interface device is shown schematically on the figure 1b .

In this embodiment, the interface device 10 is an electronic device comprising communication means able to communicate with the refrigerator apparatus 1.

In this embodiment, the electronic device is a mobile terminal of "Smartphone" type .

In an embodiment not shown, the interface device is integrated in the refrigerator unit. The interface device may correspond to a dedicated user interface, known as "Human Machine Interface" (HMI). This interface notably comprises display means and control means. The user can act on the control means in order to configure operating parameters of the refrigerator apparatus such as a temperature selected by the user. Information on the operation of the refrigerator apparatus is displayed through the display means.

In another embodiment, the interface device is detachable from the refrigerator unit 1 and comprises means for attachment to the refrigerator unit 1, such as magnetic means that can be attached to the door of the refrigerator unit. In such an embodiment, the interface device 10 comprises energy storage means. The interface device 10 may be placed on a reception medium (not shown in the figures) independent of the refrigerator unit 1, once the interface device 10 is detached from the refrigerator unit 1. The device interface 10 and its reception support may then include electrical connection means for recharging the energy storage means when the interface device is attached to the refrigerator unit 1. The interface device 10 and the reception support may also include electrical connection means to the electrical network for recharging the energy storage means.

The refrigerator apparatus 1 and the interface device 10 respectively comprise communication means 6 configured to establish a connection between them, this connection being able to be wired or wireless. Thus, the communication means 6 of the refrigerator unit 1 and the interface device 10 each comprise a communication interface enabling the establishment of such a connection between them.

In this embodiment, the communication means 6 can establish a wireless link, such as a short-distance radio link, for example established according to the NFC ( Near Field Communication ) technology, or via the technology. " bluetooth " radio (registered trademark) or WiFi technology.

In other embodiments, the communication means may establish a wired communication between the refrigerator apparatus 1 and the interface device 10.

By way of non-limiting example, the communication means may comprise a USB type connector in order to establish a wired communication between the refrigerator unit 1 and the interface device.

Of course, the communications means may include other types of connectors for implementing a wired communication. For example, the connector could be a connector specific to the manufacturer of the refrigerator or other device.

In addition, the refrigerator unit 1 and the interface device 10 respectively comprise a connection module to a communication network (not shown in the figures). In such an embodiment, the transmission means of the refrigerator apparatus 1 can transmit the set of temperatures taken by the temperature sensors 40 to a server connected to the communication network (not shown), the interface device 10 able to receive through its module of connection to the communication network, the set of temperatures transmitted by the refrigerator 1.

The communication means of the interface device 10 comprise means for receiving a set of temperatures, the set of temperatures having been measured by the temperature measuring means 4 distributed in the refrigeration enclosure 2.

For the processing of the set of measurements received, the interface device 10 further comprises means for determining a thermal map 7. The thermal map 7 represents the temperature in locations of the refrigeration chamber 2.

The interface device 10 further comprises display means 11 of the thermal card 7 determined.

In the embodiment described, the thermal map 7 represents temperatures respectively measured at the locations at which the temperature sensors 40 are placed, and temperatures determined at locations between the locations at which the temperature sensors 40 are placed. The temperatures at the locations located between the temperature sensors 40 are estimated by interpolation from the temperatures measured by the temperature sensors 40. Thus, the thermal map 7 represents the temperature in the whole of the refrigeration cavity 2.

Interpolation techniques are known to those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the temperatures between the temperatures measured by the temperature sensors 40 are determined with the method below. Calculations in this method, known to those skilled in the art, are simple. Therefore, it can be executed by the display means 11 without requiring large memory resources or having embedded software with particular performance.

This method being known by those skilled in the art is recalled above but does not need to be described.

According to one embodiment, for a point of the thermal map with coordinates x, y, the following function calculates the temperature at this point: $$f\left(x,\mathrm{there}\right)=\mathit{ax}+\mathit{by}+\mathit{cxy}+d$$

where a, b, c and d are constants determined from neighboring points (xi, yi) of the point (x, y) whose temperature is sought to be known. In this example, we take into account 4 neighboring points.

$$f\left(x_2,y_1\right)={\mathit{ax}}_2+{\mathit{by}}_1+{\mathit{cx}}_2{y}_1+d$$

$$f\left(x_1,y_2\right)={\mathit{ax}}_1+{\mathit{by}}_2+{\mathit{cx}}_1{y}_2+d$$

$$f\left(x_2,y_2\right)={\mathit{ax}}_2+{\mathit{by}}_2+{\mathit{cx}}_2{y}_2+d$$

$$\mathit{dy}=y-y_1$$

$$\mathit{dx}=x-x_1$$

$$f\left(\mathit{dx},\mathit{dy}\right)=\mathit{adx}+\mathit{bdy}+\mathit{cdxdy}+d$$

$$\mathrm{\Delta }x=x_2-x_1$$

$$A=\left(\begin{array}{cccc}0& 0& 0& 1\\ \mathrm{\Delta }x& 0& 0& 1\\ 0& \mathrm{\Delta }y& 0& 1\\ \mathrm{\Delta }x& \mathrm{\Delta }y& \mathrm{\Delta }x\mathrm{\Delta }y& 1\end{array}\right)$$

$$\mathrm{\Delta }{f}_x=f\left(x_2,y_1\right)-f\left(x_1,y_1\right)$$

$$\mathrm{\Delta }{f}_y=f\left(x_1,y_2\right)-f\left(x_1,y_1\right)$$

$$\mathrm{\Delta }{f}_{\mathit{xy}}=f\left(x_1,y_1\right)+f\left(x_2,y_2\right)-f\left(x_2,y_1\right)-f\left(x_1,y_2\right)$$

$$f\left(\mathit{dx},\mathit{dy}\right)=\mathrm{\Delta }{f}_x\frac{\mathit{dx}}{\mathrm{\Delta }x}+\mathrm{\Delta }{f}_y\frac{\mathit{dy}}{\mathrm{\Delta }y}+\mathrm{\Delta }{f}_{\mathit{xy}}\frac{\mathit{dx}}{\mathrm{\Delta }x}\frac{\mathit{dy}}{\mathrm{\Delta }y}+f\left(x_1,y_1\right)$$

Thus, with the temperatures of the neighboring points, a system of 4 equations with 4 unknowns is obtained: $$f\left(x_1,{\mathrm{there}}_1\right)={\mathit{ax}}_1+{\mathit{by}}_1+{\mathit{cx}}_1{\mathrm{there}}_1+d$$

$$f\left(x_2,{\mathrm{there}}_1\right)={\mathit{ax}}_2+{\mathit{by}}_1+{\mathit{cx}}_2{\mathrm{there}}_1+d$$

$$f\left(x_1,{\mathrm{there}}_2\right)={\mathit{ax}}_1+{\mathit{by}}_2+{\mathit{cx}}_1{\mathrm{there}}_2+d$$

$$f\left(x_2,{\mathrm{there}}_2\right)={\mathit{ax}}_2+{\mathit{by}}_2+{\mathit{cx}}_2{\mathrm{there}}_2+d$$

$$\mathit{dy}=\mathrm{there}-{\mathrm{there}}_1$$

$$\mathit{dx}=x-x_1$$

$$f\left(\mathit{dx},\mathit{dy}\right)=\mathit{adx}+\mathit{bdy}+\mathit{cdxdy}+d$$

$$\mathrm{\Delta }x=x_2-x_1$$

$$\mathrm{AT}=\left(\begin{array}{cccc}0& 0& 0& 1\\ \mathrm{\Delta }x& 0& 0& 1\\ 0& \mathrm{\Delta }\mathrm{there}& 0& 1\\ \mathrm{\Delta }x& \mathrm{\Delta }\mathrm{there}& \mathrm{\Delta }x\mathrm{\Delta }\mathrm{there}& 1\end{array}\right)$$

$$\mathrm{\Delta }{f}_x=f\left(x_2,{\mathrm{there}}_1\right)-f\left(x_1,{\mathrm{there}}_1\right)$$

$$\mathrm{\Delta }{f}_{\mathrm{there}}=f\left(x_1,{\mathrm{there}}_2\right)-f\left(x_1,{\mathrm{there}}_1\right)$$

$$\mathrm{\Delta }{f}_{\mathit{xy}}=f\left(x_1,{\mathrm{there}}_1\right)+f\left(x_2,{\mathrm{there}}_2\right)-f\left(x_2,{\mathrm{there}}_1\right)-f\left(x_1,{\mathrm{there}}_2\right)$$

$$f\left(\mathit{dx},\mathit{dy}\right)=\mathrm{\Delta }{f}_x\frac{\mathit{dx}}{\mathrm{\Delta }x}+\mathrm{\Delta }{f}_{\mathrm{there}}\frac{\mathit{dy}}{\mathrm{\Delta }\mathrm{there}}+\mathrm{\Delta }{f}_{\mathit{xy}}\frac{\mathit{dx}}{\mathrm{\Delta }x}\frac{\mathit{dy}}{\mathrm{\Delta }\mathrm{there}}+f\left(x_1,{\mathrm{there}}_1\right)$$

The temperatures between the temperatures measured by the temperature sensors 40 are determined with the formula above.

Thus, in the embodiment described and represented by the figure 1b , the thermal map 7 is a representation, in two dimensions, of the temperatures respectively associated with pairs of X, Y coordinates. Part of the X and Y coordinates correspond to positions of temperature sensors 40 in the refrigeration enclosure 2, and another part of the coordinates corresponds to X and Y coordinates between the coordinates corresponding to the positioning of the temperature sensors 40.

In one embodiment, the thermal map 7 is superimposed on an image representing the refrigeration cavity 2.

The thermal map 7 is represented on the display means 11 in superposition of the representation of the refrigeration cavity 2.

In one embodiment, the representation image of the refrigeration cavity 2 is a photograph of the inside of the refrigeration cavity 2 can be taken by a camera (not visible in the figures) integral with the refrigeration cavity 2 or integral interface device 10. The camera is integral with the interface device 10 especially when the interface device 10 is a " smartphone " or a digital tablet.

In an alternative embodiment, the representation image of the refrigeration cavity 2 is filmed by the camera disposed inside the refrigeration cavity 10 or supported by the interface device 10.

In order to facilitate the superposition of the thermal map 7 on the representation of the refrigeration chamber 1, when it is a photograph or an image filmed in real time of the marks 20 are placed on the enclosure of refrigeration 2.

In this embodiment, the marks 20 correspond to the ends of the shelves 3, as well as to the ends of the electronic cards or strips 5 of the temperature measuring devices 4a. Thus, during the superposition of the thermal map 7 to the representation of the refrigeration chamber 2, the set of temperature sensors 40 belonging to a temperature measuring device 4a is disposed between two marks 20.

In one embodiment, the marks 20 are implemented by marking on the shelf 3.

A user can know by means of the thermal map displayed 7, the colder and / or less cold areas in the refrigeration chamber 2.

The interface device 10 further comprises means for displaying the symbols 12 representing the different types of food 15. A type of food can be selected by action on the corresponding symbol.

The symbol display means 12 comprise selectable objects on which a user can position an object or his finger so as to select the food represented on the selectable object on which an action has been performed.

Means for determining a recommended location 14 determine a recommended location in the refrigeration cavity 2 taking into account the determined thermal map 7 and the type of food selected in the symbol display means 12.

The refrigerator apparatus 1 comprises storage means storing a database with the prescribed temperatures for the preservation of food. Thus, the means for determining a recommended location knowing the optimum temperature for the preservation of the selected food, determines on the thermal map 7 the points (X, Y) at this temperature. It is thus determined the location in the cavity to which the food will be optimally stored.

Once the recommended location 14 has been determined, display means display this recommended location.

By way of non-limiting example, the display of the recommended location 14 is implemented via a geometric form indicating the appropriate location for the preservation of the selected food.

The user can thus visually identify the appropriate location for optimum preservation of the food 15 for which he has just selected the type in the symbol display means 12.

In addition, the interface device 10 may comprise a mesh of selectable objects superimposed on the thermal map 7 on which the user can perform an action such as positioning his finger. When an action is implemented on a selectable object, the temperature on the point of the thermal map 7 superimposed on the selectable object is displayed on a portion 13 of the display means 11.

The figure 4 represents a display method implemented by the interface device 10 according to one embodiment.

The display method comprises a step E1 of receiving a set of temperatures, the set of temperatures having been measured by temperature measuring means 4a distributed in the cooling chamber 2. Once the device of interface 10 has received the set of temperatures, a determination step E2 of a thermal card 7 is implemented. The set of temperatures received is used in the determination of the thermal map 7, the thermal map 7 representing the temperature in locations of the refrigeration chamber 2.

Then the determined thermal map 7 is displayed during a display step E3.

The display method further comprises a selection step E4 by a user of a food type 15, the selection being implemented by an action on a selectable object representing a symbol 12 of the type of food 15. The display method further comprises a determination step E5 of a recommended location 14 in the refrigeration chamber 2 taking into account the thermal map 7 and the type of food selected, and a display step E6 of the recommended location determined in the determination step.

In one embodiment, the determination step E2 of a thermal card 7 comprises the determination of the temperature in each location of the refrigeration chamber 2 by interpolation of the set of temperatures received.

Claims (16)

1. Interface device associated with a refrigerating device (1), the refrigerating device (1) comprising a refrigeration chamber (2), said interface device (10) being characterised in that it comprises:

   - means for receiving a set of temperatures, the set of temperatures having been measured by means for measuring temperature (4) distributed within the refrigeration chamber (2);

   - means for determining a thermal map (7) using said set of temperatures received, the thermal map (7) representing the temperature in locations within the refrigeration chamber (2);

   - means for displaying (11) the determined thermal map (7);

   - means for displaying symbols (12) representing food types (15), it being possible to select a food type by an action performed on the corresponding symbol (12);

   - means for determining a recommended location (14) in said refrigeration chamber (2) taking into account said thermal map (7) and the selected food type (15); and

   - means for displaying said determined recommended location (14).
2. Interface device according to claim 1, characterised in that said determination means are configured to determine the temperature in each location within the refrigeration chamber (2) by interpolating the set of temperatures received.
3. Interface device according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that said determined thermal map (7) is two-dimensional and is associated with a two-dimensional representation of the refrigeration chamber (2).
4. Interface device according to claim 3, characterised in that it comprises a camera, said two-dimensional representation of the refrigeration chamber (2) being produced by means of said camera.
5. Interface device according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that said determined thermal map (7) is three-dimensional and is associated with a three-dimensional representation of the refrigeration chamber (2).
6. Interface device according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that it further comprises means for connection (6) to a refrigerating device (1), said connection means (6) comprising said reception means.
7. Interface device according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that it further comprises a module for connection to a communication network.
8. Refrigeration system comprising a refrigerating device and characterised in that it further comprises an interface device according to any of claims 1 to 7 associated with the refrigerating device, and in that said refrigerating device (1) comprises a refrigeration chamber (2), means for measuring temperature (4) distributed within the refrigeration chamber (2), and means for transmitting (6) a set of temperature measurements taken by said means for measuring temperature (4).
9. Refrigeration system according to claim 8, characterised in that said refrigerating device (1) and said interface device (10) respectively comprise communication means (6) configured to establish a connection with each other.
10. Refrigeration system according to either claim 8 or claim 9, characterised in that said refrigerating device (1) and said interface device (10) respectively comprise a module for connection to a communication network.
11. Refrigeration system according to any of claims 8 to 10, characterised in that said interface device (10) is integrated into said refrigerating device (1).
12. Refrigeration system according to claim 8, characterised in that the interface device (10) is an electronic device with means for connection to the refrigerating device (1).
13. Refrigeration system according to any of claims 8 to 12, characterised in that said means for measuring temperature (4) comprise multiple devices for measuring temperature (4a), each device for measuring temperature (4a) having a plurality temperature sensors (40).
14. Refrigeration system according to claim 13, characterised in that a plurality temperature sensors (40) of a device for measuring temperature (4a) are arranged on a printed circuit board (5), said printed circuit board (5) having means for attaching to an inner surface of the refrigerating device (1).
15. Display method implemented in an interface device associated with a refrigerating device (1), the refrigerating device (1) comprising a refrigeration chamber (2), and said display method being characterised in that it includes the steps of:

    - receiving (E1) a set of temperatures, the set of temperatures having been measured by means for measuring temperature (40) distributed within the refrigeration chamber (2);

    - determining (E2) a thermal map (7) using said set of temperatures received, the thermal map (2) representing the temperature in locations within the refrigeration chamber (2);

    - displaying (E3) the determined thermal map (7);

    - selecting (E4) a food type (15), the selection comprising an action performed on a symbol (12) representing the food type (15);

    - determining (E5) a recommended location (14) in the refrigeration chamber (2) taking into account the determined thermal map (7) and the food type (15) selected; and

    - displaying (E6) the determined recommended location (14).
16. Display method according to claim 15, characterised in that said step for determining (E2) a thermal map (7) comprises determining the temperature in each location within the refrigeration chamber (2) by interpolating the set of temperatures received.

Images