JP2006194551A - Refrigerator, control method for refrigerator, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To inform a user when the user is going to store food unsuitable for refrigeration or freezing. <P>SOLUTION: A reader 4 provided at a refrigerator 2 reads information on a radio IC tag 6 attached to the food 5, analyzes read information, and informs the user if the food 5 corresponds to food unsuitable for refrigeration or freezing such as vegetables and fruit causing low temperature trouble stored in a storage means. The user is thereby prevented from carrying out an erroneous preservation method, and if the user desires to eat the food after cooling it, it is cooled as it is, and the user is informed when it is cooled properly. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a refrigerator that performs control using information obtained by reading information from a wireless IC tag attached to food, a refrigerator control method, and a program.

  Conventionally, as this type of refrigerator, for example, it has been proposed to store food items attached with a wireless IC tag in which information such as the expiration date or storage temperature range is written in the refrigerator for inventory management (patent) Reference 1).

FIG. 7 shows a refrigerator for performing conventional inventory management described in Patent Document 1. As shown in FIG. 7, when food with attached non-contact IC tag 101 in which information such as storage temperature range and expiration date is written is stored in the refrigerator, the non-contact IC tag reader 102 provided in the refrigerator uses the food. The refrigerator has a function of issuing a warning when the information is read and the food is refrigerated under optimum conditions or when the storage conditions are not suitable.
JP 2001-317862 A

  However, in the conventional example, a warning is issued if the storage conditions are not suitable, but if the user stores for a long period of time, the food will be damaged, but if the user wants to eat after cooling, the warning can only be ignored and cooled. When the user ignores the warning and cools, if the food is not taken out from the refrigerator when it is cold, vegetables such as tomatoes and eggplants and fruits such as bananas and grapefruits will cause a low temperature disorder.

  The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and informs the user if it is a food that is not suitable for refrigeration or freezing, such as vegetables such as tomatoes and eggplants that cause low-temperature damage, fruits such as bananas and grapefruits, Furthermore, when it cools still, it aims at providing the refrigerator, the control method of a refrigerator, and a program which alert | report to a user when it becomes cold.

  In order to solve the conventional problems, the refrigerator of the present invention analyzes information read from a wireless IC tag attached to food and corresponds to food information that is not suitable for refrigeration or freezing stored in the refrigerator. If it is food, when it tries to be stored in the refrigerator, it will inform the user of the correct food storage method by alerting the user, and in addition, the user should cool it instead of storing it in the refrigerator for a long time. If the user wants to eat it, the user is notified when it gets cold.

  The refrigerator of the present invention proposes that foods that are not suitable for refrigeration or freezing, such as vegetables such as tomatoes and eggplants that cause low-temperature damage, fruits such as bananas and grapefruits, are not stored in the refrigerator by mistake, If you want to eat after chilling instead of storing for a long time, it will provide you with a notification when it gets cold.

  1st invention, the reading means which reads the information of the wireless IC tag attached to the foodstuff, the analysis means which analyzes the information which the reading means read from the wireless IC tag, the storage means which memorizes the analysis result, As a result of analysis by the analysis means, if the information is food that is not suitable for refrigeration or freezing, the first notification means for notifying the user of attention, and after the notification by the first notification means, when the food is cold If the food stored in the storage unit is detected again by the reading unit after a predetermined time has passed, the refrigerator is provided with a second notification unit that notifies the user that the food is about to cool down. I want to prevent foods that are not suitable for refrigeration or freezing, such as vegetables such as tomatoes and eggplants, bananas, grapefruits, etc. that cause low temperature damage from being stored in the refrigerator by mistake, and want to eat them after cooling If the user in order to inform the user and become cold around can eat delicious foods cold.

  The second invention is particularly characterized in that, in the refrigerator of the first invention, the notification by the second notification means is when the door of the refrigerator is opened, and when it is cold. The user can be surely notified of this.

  The third invention is characterized in that, in the refrigerator of the first or second invention, the predetermined time for notification by the second notification means is set according to the type of food. It is possible to accurately determine when food is cold by type.

  The fourth invention is characterized in that, in the refrigerator of any one of the first to third inventions, the predetermined time for notification by the second notification means is set according to ambient temperature. Yes, it is possible to accurately determine when food is cold according to ambient temperature.

  In the refrigerator according to any one of the first to fourth inventions, the fifth invention acquires the second information stored in the information server via the network, and uses the analysis means from the second information. Based on the analysis result, it is judged whether the food is not suitable for refrigeration or freezing, and if it is not suitable, the user is notified. By acquiring the latest data, it is possible to update information on foods that are not suitable for refrigeration or freezing without replacing the refrigerator or allowing the user to input the data.

  The sixth invention is characterized in that, in the refrigerator according to any one of the first to fifth inventions, the second information is updated via a network at regular intervals, and the refrigerator is replaced. Or the latest state can be maintained without requiring the user to input.

  The seventh invention is characterized in that, in the refrigerator according to any one of the first to sixth inventions, the setting information for the predetermined time is acquired via a network. It is possible to change the set time when it gets cold without having to input to.

  The eighth invention is particularly characterized in that, in the refrigerator of the seventh invention, the setting information for the predetermined time is updated at regular intervals via the network, and the refrigerator is replaced or the user inputs it. It is possible to keep the latest state without doing it.

  A ninth invention is a reading procedure for reading information of a wireless IC tag attached to food, an analysis procedure for analyzing information read from the wireless IC tag in the reading procedure, a storage procedure for storing the analysis result, As a result of the analysis by the analysis means, if the information is food that is not suitable for refrigeration or freezing, the first notification procedure for notifying the user of the attention, and after the notification in the first notification procedure, when the food is cold If the food stored by the storage procedure is detected again after a lapse of a predetermined time to reach the temperature of the refrigerator, it is a control method for a refrigerator provided with a second notification procedure for notifying the user that the food has become cold. Prevents food that is not suitable for refrigeration or freezing, such as vegetables such as tomatoes and eggplants that cause low-temperature damage, and fruits such as bananas and grapefruits, from being stored in the refrigerator by mistake. If you want to eat after chilling, the user will be notified when it gets cold, so the user can eat chilled delicious food.

  The tenth invention is a program for causing a computer to realize at least a part of the functions of the refrigerator of any one of the first to eighth inventions. And since it is a program, at least one part of the refrigerator of this invention can be easily implement | achieved by cooperating hard resources, such as an electrical / information apparatus, a computer, and a server. Also, program distribution and installation can be simplified by recording on a recording medium or distributing a program using a communication line.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a refrigerator that notifies a user from information read from a wireless IC tag 6 attached to food in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the refrigerator in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, the refrigerator 2 can exchange data with the center server 3 via the network means 1. The network means 1 uses a communication medium composed of PSTN, ISDN, ADSL, CATV network, optical cable, PHS, wireless communication network and the like. Depending on the type of communication medium, a communication device such as a gateway, router, or modem is required in the house, but illustration is omitted.

  The refrigerator 2 is provided with a reader 4 that can read the information of the wireless IC tag, and can read the information of the wireless IC tag 6 attached to the food 5 when the food 5 is stored in the refrigerator. . Moreover, the speaker 7 which can be alert | reported by audio | voice guidance etc. is also provided.

  It is assumed that the information of the wireless IC tag 6 attached to the food 5 has already been written by a food manufacturer or a store. For example, information to be written includes the date of manufacture, the name of the food, the expiration date, and the like.

  Further, a door opening detection switch 8 for detecting the opening of the refrigerator compartment door is provided, and the reader 4 can be synchronized to perform the reading operation by detecting the ON of the door opening detection switch 8.

  In FIG. 2, the refrigerator 2 includes a reading unit 11 that reads information from the wireless IC tag 6 from a reader 4, and an analysis unit 12 that analyzes information read from the wireless IC tag attached to food by the reading unit 11. The analyzed data is collated with the storage means 13 in which a database of food information that is not suitable for refrigeration or freezing is stored, and if it matches, a signal is output to the control means 14. The read information is stored in the storage means 13 as inventory information. When receiving the signal, the control unit 14 instructs the notification unit 15 to notify the user from the speaker 7.

  The reader 4 normally stops reading operation for energy saving. When the door opening detection means 10 detects the door opening, the reader 4 performs the reading operation for a predetermined time.

  Further, after notifying the speaker 7, the timer of the first timer means 16 is started. The first timer means measures a time T1 until the food is cooled after the food is put in the refrigerator compartment. When the time T1 elapses, the reading operation of the reader 4 is started regardless of whether the door of the refrigerator compartment is opened or closed, and when the wireless IC tag 6 of food already stored in the storage means is detected, the second notification means 20 is connected to the speaker 7. Instruct the user to notify the user.

  The second timer means measures a predetermined time T2, and uses the data acquisition means 18 and the transmission / reception means 19 every time T2 elapses. The center server 3 is checked for updates. If the information has been updated, the updated data is sent back to the refrigerator 2 and the database stored in the storage means 13 is updated.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation of the refrigerator that notifies the user from information read from the wireless IC tag attached to the food in the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a data configuration acquired from the center server It is a figure which shows an example. FIG. 5 is a relationship diagram between the ambient temperature and the predetermined time T2. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for updating a database of food information unsuitable for refrigeration or freezing in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 3, when the door opening is detected (S51), the reading operation to the reader 4 is started. When the user tries to store the food with the wireless IC tag 5 attached in the refrigerator compartment, the information of the wireless IC tag 5 is read from the reader 4 (S52). The read information is decoded, and it is determined whether or not the data corresponds to food data unsuitable for refrigeration or freezing in the storage means 13 (S53).

  As an example of the determination method of (S53), the data as shown in FIG. 4 is a list of foods unsuitable for refrigeration or freezing. For example, suppose you try to put a banana in the refrigerator. At that time, a character search of the food name of the read data is performed, and if “banana” is included, it corresponds to the food list unsuitable for refrigeration or freezing, and therefore it is determined that the food is unsuitable for refrigeration or freezing.

  Examples of foods unsuitable for refrigeration or freezing include vegetables such as tomatoes and eggplants, and fruits such as bananas and apples that cause low-temperature damage when placed in a refrigerator. If the vegetables and fruits are stored in a refrigerator for a long period of time, a low temperature failure may occur, the vegetables and fruits may be damaged, the freshness may be significantly reduced, and it may become rotten.

  If the read data corresponds to food that is not suitable for refrigeration or freezing, the read data is stored in the storage unit 13 (S54), and the timer T1 is started (S55). Then, the speaker 7 alerts the user with voice guidance such as “This food should not be stored in the refrigerator, is it OK?” (S56).

  However, the user may not want to preserve for a long time, but may want to eat the fruit after cooling it. In such a case, store it in the refrigerator with your knowledge. After the storage, after T1 time has elapsed (S57), the reader 4 performs the reading operation of the wireless IC tag of the food in the refrigerator again (S58), and if there is any food stocked in the storage unit 13 (S59), Assuming that the food is cold, for example, a notification is given by voice guidance that “the food is cold” (S60).

  The time T1 is the time (minutes) set for each food as shown in FIG. 4, and can be set so that the time for cooling can be finely adjusted according to the ambient temperature as shown in FIG. For example, when the ambient temperature is 20 ° C., the time for the tomato to cool is 60 minutes, but when the ambient temperature is 30 ° C., 5 minutes is counted and 65 minutes is set as shown in FIG. .

  Further, in this embodiment, the notification is performed at the timing of (S60), but if the notification is performed at the timing when the door is opened next, the notification is surely transmitted to the user.

  Next, a flowchart for updating a database of food information unsuitable for refrigeration or freezing will be described. In FIG. 6, the T2 timer is started (S71), and if the T2 time has elapsed (S72), whether or not the center server includes data including food information unsuitable for refrigeration or freezing, or whether or not the set time at the time of cooling has been updated. (S73). If updated (S74), the latest data is received from the center server, and the data in the storage unit 13 is updated (S75). In the present embodiment, the T2 time is 24 hours.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, since it informs that foods that are not suitable for refrigeration or freezing, such as vegetables such as tomatoes and eggplants that cause low-temperature damage, fruits such as bananas and grapefruits, are stored in the refrigerator, It is possible to prevent the wrong storage method.

  In addition, if you want to eat fruits after they have been cooled rather than stored for a long period of time, you will be notified that the food has cooled after a predetermined time T1 after being put in the refrigerator. Can do.

  In addition, food information that is not suitable for refrigeration or freezing can be updated to the latest information via the network, so it is possible to cope with future increases in foods such as processed foods.

  In the present embodiment, the information read by the reader 4 is stored in the storage means 13 only when it corresponds to food that is not suitable for refrigeration or freezing. It does not matter, and even if it is not applicable, the time of cold may be notified.

  In addition, although the notification unit 15 performs notification by voice guidance using the speaker 7, the notification unit 15 may notify by using a buzzer or by attaching a display such as an LED or a liquid crystal panel.

  In addition, the wireless IC tag attached to food was searched by food name, but it was possible to search by code management by organizing codes classified by food type, or to store storage temperature information and If information that is unsuitable for refrigeration or freezing can be embedded in the wireless IC tag, the information may be notified based on that information.

  In addition, all the determinations as to whether it is unsuitable for refrigeration or freezing were performed in the refrigerator. However, if only the ID information can be written in the wireless IC tag due to cost, the center server is inquired about the read ID. It can also be realized by performing a determination result on whether or not it is unsuitable for refrigeration or freezing and feeding back the determination result to the refrigerator.

  In addition, the refrigerator side inquires whether food information that is not suitable for refrigeration or freezing has been updated every fixed time T2, but if the information is updated from the center server, the information is updated by notifying the broadcast. It doesn't matter.

  Further, each time food information is read from the wireless IC tag, the center server may be accessed to inquire whether food information that is not suitable for refrigeration or freezing has been updated.

  Note that the units described in this embodiment cooperate hardware resources such as a CPU (or microcomputer), RAM, ROM, storage / recording device, electrical / information device including I / O, a computer, a server, and the like. You may implement with the form of a program. In the form of a program, new functions can be easily distributed / updated and installed by recording them on a recording medium such as magnetic media or optical media or distributing them via a communication line such as the Internet.

  As described above, the refrigerator according to the present invention, the refrigerator control method and program, the refrigerator is directly connected to the center server via the network means, but the information terminal device that can control the home appliance is connected to the center server, Even if the refrigerator can be connected to the information terminal device wirelessly or in a wired manner on another network and can communicate with the center server via the information terminal device, the refrigerator can be realized in the same manner.

  It can also be used for household refrigerators and commercial refrigerators.

The system block diagram which shows the refrigerator which alert | reports to a user from the information read from the wireless IC tag attached to the foodstuff in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram of the refrigerator in the 1st Embodiment of this invention The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the refrigerator which alert | reports to a user from the information read from the wireless IC tag attached to the foodstuff in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the data structure acquired from the center server in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. Relationship diagram between ambient temperature and predetermined time T1 in the first embodiment of the present invention The flowchart which updates the database in the 1st Embodiment of this invention Block diagram of a refrigerator that performs conventional inventory management

Explanation of symbols

1 Network means 2 Refrigerator 3 Center server (information server)
4 Reader 5 Food 6 Wireless IC Tag 10 Door Opening Detection Unit 11 Reading Unit 12 Analysis Unit 13 Storage Unit 15 First Notification Unit 18 Data Acquisition Unit 20 Second Notification Unit

Claims (10)

Reading means for reading information of a wireless IC tag attached to food, analysis means for analyzing information read from the wireless IC tag by the reading means, storage means for storing the analysis result, and analysis by the analyzing means As a result, if it is information on food that is not suitable for refrigeration or freezing, first notification means for notifying the user of attention, and a predetermined time for the food to reach a temperature at which it cools after notification by the first notification means If the food stored by the storage means is detected again by the reading means after the elapse of time, a refrigerator provided with second notification means for notifying the user that the food has become cold. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the second notification means notifies when the refrigerator door is opened. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined time for notification by the second notification means is set for each type of food. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined time for notification by the second notification means is set for each ambient temperature. The second information stored in the information server via the network is acquired, and it is determined whether the food is not suitable for refrigeration or freezing for the result analyzed by the analysis means from the second information. If there exists, it will alert | report to a user, The refrigerator of any one of Claims 1-4 characterized by the above-mentioned. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second information is updated via a network at regular intervals. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the setting information of the predetermined time for notification by the second notification means is acquired via a network. The refrigerator according to claim 7, wherein setting information for the predetermined time is updated via a network at regular intervals. A reading procedure for reading information of a wireless IC tag attached to food, an analysis procedure for analyzing information read from the wireless IC tag in the reading procedure, a storage procedure for storing the analysis result, and an analysis by the analyzing means As a result, if it is information on food that is not suitable for refrigeration or freezing, a first notification procedure for performing a notification to alert the user, and a predetermined time for the food to reach a temperature at which it cools after notification in the first notification procedure If the food memorize | stored according to the said memory | storage procedure is detected again after progress, the control method of the refrigerator provided with the 2nd alerting | reporting procedure of alert | reporting to the user that the food became cold. The program for implement | achieving at least one part of the function of the refrigerator of any one of Claims 1-8 with a computer.

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