JP2016133296A - refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a refrigerator enabling a user to more appropriately decide a timing for determining deterioration of vegetable.SOLUTION: The refrigerator comprises: a storage part 17 for storing vegetables; a detection part 13 for detecting opening or closing of an opening or closing part for opening or closing a vegetable chamber 12 provided with the storage part; a specification part 23 for specifying a storing timing at which the vegetables are stored in the storage part; an acquisition part for acquiring as a determination information, a captured image of the storage part or a spectral reflectance of light with which the storage part is irradiated from a light source; an operation control part 21 for operating the acquisition part at at least the storing timing and a deterioration confirming timing after the storing timing; a determination part 24 for determining deterioration of vegetables on the basis of the determination information acquired at the storing timing and the determination information acquired at a deterioration confirming timing; and a notification part 25 for performing notification in accordance with a result of determination performed by the determination part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a refrigerator having a function of determining deterioration of vegetables.

  As described in Patent Document 1, a refrigerator having a function of analyzing the state of stored items is known. There is a need for a function for automatically grasping the state of an object stored in a closed refrigerator, such as the function of the refrigerator described in Patent Document 1. With this function, it is possible to notify the refrigerator user about the food that is left in the refrigerator.

  In particular, there is a demand for a function for determining the deterioration of vegetables stored in a closed refrigerator. Patent Documents 2 and 3 describe techniques for evaluating the freshness of vegetables.

JP 2013-19673 A JP 2013-36973 A JP 2007-108124 A

  However, in the above-mentioned conventional functions and techniques, since the method for determining the execution timing of the analysis or evaluation is not clear, the analysis or evaluation is unnecessarily performed on the vegetables whose state has just been confirmed by the refrigerator user. There was a possibility.

  This invention is made | formed in view of the above, Comprising: It aims at obtaining the refrigerator which can determine the timing which determines deterioration of vegetables more appropriately.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a refrigerator according to the present invention includes a storage unit that stores vegetables, and a detection unit that detects opening and closing of an opening and closing unit that opens and closes a vegetable room provided with the storage unit. And a specifying unit for specifying a storage timing when vegetables are stored in the storage unit, and an acquisition unit that acquires, as determination information, spectral reflectance of light irradiated into the storage unit from a captured image or a light source of the storage unit An operation control unit that operates the acquisition unit at least at the storage timing and a deterioration confirmation timing after the storage timing, and the determination information acquired at the storage timing and the determination acquired at the deterioration confirmation timing The determination part which determines deterioration of vegetables based on business information, and the alerting | reporting part which alert | reports according to the determination result by the said determination part are provided.

  According to this invention, there exists an effect that the timing which determines deterioration of vegetables more appropriately can be determined.

Side sectional view which shows an example of the structure of the refrigerator which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. Block diagram of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention Functional block diagram of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention The flowchart which shows an example of the flow of operation | movement of the refrigerator which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. Timing chart showing an example of operation of refrigerator and color change of vegetable according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention The graph which shows the example of a change of L * which is the brightness of the image of the vegetable as an Example The graph which shows the example of change of b * of the image of the vegetable as the comparative example Block diagram of a refrigerator according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention Functional block diagram of a refrigerator according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention Graph showing an example of the relationship between the wavelength of light and the spectral reflectance The figure which shows the structural example in the vegetable compartment in the case of providing the exclusive storage part for judging deterioration of vegetables The figure which shows the structural example in the vegetable room in the case where all the vegetables refrigerated in the vegetable room are subject to deterioration judgment

  Below, the refrigerator which concerns on embodiment of this invention is demonstrated in detail based on drawing. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing an example of the structure of a refrigerator according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 illustrates the functions of the present invention and the configuration used for the functions of the present invention. The refrigerator includes a storage unit 17 that stores vegetables, a detection unit 13 that detects opening and closing of an opening and closing unit 16 that opens and closes the vegetable compartment 12 in which the storage unit 17 is provided, and a storage timing at which vegetables are stored in the storage unit 17. The specifying unit 23 to be specified, the acquisition unit 30 that acquires the captured image of the storage unit 17 or the spectral reflectance of the light irradiated into the storage unit 17 from the light source 41 as determination information, and at least after the storage timing and the storage timing An operation control unit 21 that operates the acquisition unit 30 at the deterioration confirmation timing, and a determination unit 24 that determines the deterioration of the vegetable based on the determination information acquired at the storage timing and the determination information acquired at the deterioration confirmation timing; And a notification unit 25 that performs notification according to the determination result by the determination unit 24. The light source 41 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 in the third embodiment.

  The refrigerator also includes a main body 1 having a storage room including a vegetable room 12. Specifically, the box-shaped main body 1 includes a refrigerator compartment 7 and a freezer compartment 11 in addition to a vegetable compartment 12 that is supposed to refrigerate vegetables. The main body 1 is further provided with a switching room 9 in which a refrigerator user can select a plurality of set temperatures with an operation panel 5 that can specify temperature adjustment of each room of the refrigerator, a chilled room 8 provided in the refrigerator, and ice. May be provided with an ice making chamber 10 that automatically manufactures. Each storage chamber is partitioned by a heat insulating member.

  Each storage chamber is provided so as to be opened and closed by an opening / closing part 16. The opening / closing part 16 is a door having a structure that rotates with respect to the main body 1 to open and close the side of the storage chamber. The opening / closing part 16 may have a drawer structure that switches between an open state and a closed state of the storage chamber when the drawer-shaped storage chamber, which is open in the upper part, is inserted and removed from the main body 1. The operation panel 5 according to the first embodiment is provided on the front surface of the main body 1, that is, on the opening / closing part 16. The specific arrangement of the operation panel 5 is arbitrary.

  The refrigerator includes a cooling unit that cools the inside of the main body 1. The cooling unit includes a compressor 2 that compresses the refrigerant, a cooler 3 that cools the surrounding air by heat absorption due to the vaporization of the refrigerant to cool the air, and a blower 4 that blows the cool air of the cooler 3 to each room. A cooling part pushes out the air cooled with the cooler 3 with the air blower 4, and ventilates cold air from a blower outlet to each storage chamber via a ventilation duct. Cooled and warmed air in each storage room is returned to the periphery of the cooler 3 through a return duct from a suction port provided in each storage room, passes through the cooler 3, and is cooled again. It is blown to.

  The refrigerator also includes a temperature measuring unit 15 that measures the temperature of the vegetable compartment 12. The temperature measurement unit 15 includes a thermistor provided in the storage chamber and a circuit that calculates the temperature of the storage chamber based on the electrical resistance indicated by the thermistor. In the example shown in FIG. 1, only the thermistor included in the temperature measurement unit 15 of the vegetable room 12 is illustrated, but actually, the temperature measurement unit 15 is individually provided in each storage room.

  In addition, the refrigerator controls the opening and closing of the air duct by controlling the operation of the damper provided in the air duct according to at least one of the temperature of each storage room of the refrigerator and the information input via the operation panel 5. A board 6 is provided. The control panel 6 may have a function of communicating with an external device. Specific examples of the communication include temperature setting of the refrigerator and status confirmation in the refrigerator performed from a portable terminal, and a response to these settings or confirmation. The mobile terminal is a smartphone or a mobile phone, but is not limited thereto.

  The storage part 17 is a container-like member whose upper side is opened. The storage unit 17 is provided so as to be able to switch between an open state drawn out from the vegetable compartment 12 provided to be openable and closable by the opening / closing portion 16 and a storage state pushed into the vegetable compartment 12. The storage unit 17 in an open state is a state in which vegetables can be put and vegetables already in the storage unit 17 can be taken out. The storage part 17 in the storage state is sealed in the vegetable compartment 12 by closing the opening / closing part 16. The storage unit 17 sealed in the vegetable compartment 12 and the vegetables in the storage unit 17 are cooled by the operation of the cooling unit. In addition, the storage part 17 may be the storage room itself provided as the vegetable room 12, and a container-like member is not essential. Moreover, the accommodating part 17 may be integrated with the drawer structure for opening and closing the vegetable compartment 12.

  The acquisition unit 30 includes an imaging unit 14 that images the inside of the storage unit 17 and outputs a captured image, and a detection unit 22 that detects a vegetable image included in the captured image. The imaging unit 14 is a digital camera that is provided on the upper rear side of the vegetable compartment 12 and has an imaging element that photographs the inside of the vegetable compartment 12. When vegetables exist in the storage unit 17, the image captured by the imaging unit 14 includes a vegetable image. The detection unit 22 is a circuit that performs processing for determining whether or not there is a vegetable in the storage unit 17 by image pattern matching. More specifically, the control panel 6 according to the first embodiment uses a pattern image indicating a captured image when the storage unit 17 is empty and a color for calculating the color of an object determined by the detection unit 22 as a vegetable. The list data is recorded. The detection unit 22 reads out and refers to the pattern image and the color list data from the control panel 6, performs pattern matching with the captured image by the imaging unit 14, and determines whether the captured image includes a vegetable image. The vegetable image included in the captured image functions as information indicating the position of the vegetable in the storage unit 17 and information for determination used when determining the degree of deterioration of the vegetable. That is, the determination information acquired by the acquisition unit 30 of Embodiment 1 is a vegetable image.

  Although the imaging unit 14 in Embodiment 1 is integrated with an illumination unit (not shown) that illuminates the vegetable compartment 12 during imaging, the imaging unit 14 and the illumination unit may be provided separately. The illumination unit illuminates the vegetable compartment 12 during imaging by the imaging unit 14 under the control of the operation control unit 21.

  The detection unit 13 is a magnetic sensor that detects the opening and closing operations of the opening / closing unit 16 based on a change in magnetism from a magnetic material provided in a door portion that is separated from the vegetable compartment 12 as the opening / closing unit 16 is opened. The magnetic sensor is an example of a specific form of the detection unit 13 and does not limit the form of the detection unit 13. Any other sensor can be used as the detection unit 13 as long as the sensor can distinguish between the open state and the closed state of the door. The other sensor is an optical sensor.

  The operation control unit 21 includes a circuit having a timer function for accumulating elapsed time after the opening / closing unit 16 is closed and an operation control function for controlling the operation of the imaging unit 14. The operation control unit 21 operates the acquisition unit 30 in accordance with the closing timing when the opening / closing unit 16 is closed after the detection unit 13 detects the opening of the opening / closing unit 16. Specifically, the operation control unit 21 operates the imaging unit 14 within a predetermined time by a timer function using the closing timing or the closing timing as a trigger. The fixed time is 1 minute in the first embodiment, but is not limited to this, and can be changed as appropriate.

  The specifying unit 23 includes a circuit that determines a change in the position of the vegetable in the storage unit 17 by image pattern matching. When the information for determination acquired at the closing timing indicates that a new vegetable has been stored in the storage unit 17, the specifying unit 23 specifies the closing timing as a new vegetable storage timing, and after the storage timing When the determination information acquired along with opening / closing of the opening / closing unit 16 indicates that new vegetables are continuously stored in the storage unit 17, the storage timing of new vegetables is maintained, and new information is stored in the storage unit 17. When it is indicated that the vegetables are not continuously stored, the storage timing of new vegetables is discarded. Specifically, the specifying unit 23 determines whether new vegetables are continuously stored based on the position of the vegetable image.

  It is assumed that a vegetable image is not included in the captured image by the operation of the imaging unit 14 according to the n-th closing timing. n is a natural number. When the opening / closing part 16 is opened / closed after the n-th closing timing, the (n + 1) -th closing timing is generated as the vegetable compartment 12 is closed. When the image of the vegetable by the operation | movement of the imaging part 14 according to the (n + 1) th closing timing contains the vegetable image, the specific | specification part 23 specifies the closing timing of the (n + 1) th time as a new vegetable storage timing. That is, it indicates that new vegetables have been stored in the storage unit 17 in accordance with the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing unit 16 that has triggered the closing timing of the (n + 1) th time.

  When the opening / closing part 16 is opened and closed after the (n + 1) th closing timing, the (n + 2) th closing timing is generated as the vegetable compartment 12 is closed. An image of a vegetable that is a new vegetable in the captured image by the operation of the imaging unit 14 according to the n + 1th closing timing is also in the same position in the captured image by the operation of the imaging unit 14 according to the n + 2th closing timing. In this case, new vegetables are continuously stored in the storage unit 17. When it is shown that new vegetables are continuously stored in the storage unit 17, the specifying unit 23 maintains the closing timing of the (n + 1) th time as the storage timing of new vegetables. On the other hand, the image of the vegetable that is a new vegetable in the captured image by the operation of the imaging unit 14 according to the n + 1th closing timing is in the same position in the captured image by the operation of the imaging unit 14 according to the n + 2th closing timing. If not, it indicates that new vegetables are not continuously stored in the storage unit 17. If it is indicated that new vegetables are not continuously stored in the storage unit 17, the specifying unit 23 discards the storage timing of the new vegetables, which is the n + 1th closing timing. An image of a vegetable that is a new vegetable in the captured image by the operation of the imaging unit 14 according to the n + 1th closing timing is not in the same position in the captured image by the operation of the imaging unit 14 according to the n + 2th closing timing. In the case, in the captured image by the operation of the imaging unit 14 according to the closing timing of the (n + 2) th time, the position of the vegetable image is n + 1th when the vegetable image is not included or the vegetable image is included. When the image is different from the vegetable position in the captured image by the operation of the imaging unit 14 according to the closing timing of the image, or the vegetable image is different from the vegetable image in the captured image by the operation of the imaging unit 14 according to the n + 1th closing timing. This is the case. Whether there is a change in the position of the vegetable image and whether the vegetable image is the same or not is determined by pattern matching.

  Note that a vegetable image is included in the captured image by the operation of the imaging unit 14 according to the (n + 2) -th closing timing, and the image of the vegetable image is captured by the operation of the imaging unit 14 according to the (n + 1) -th closing timing. If it is different from the position of the vegetable in the case, or if it is a vegetable image different from the vegetable image in the captured image by the operation of the imaging unit 14 according to the n + 1th closing timing, the specifying unit 23 is the n + 2th closing timing Is specified as a new vegetable storage timing. That is, the identifying unit 23 stores new vegetables in the storage unit 17 that are different from the vegetables stored at the (n + 1) th closing timing in accordance with the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing unit 16 that triggered the closing timing of the (n + 2) th time. The storage timing is reset as a process for handling the received data. That is, when a vegetable is placed at a position where there is nothing in the storage unit 17, when there is a change in the position of the vegetable, or when a vegetable having a different shape is inserted, the specifying unit 23 resets the storage timing.

  In addition, the picked-up image by the operation of the image pickup unit 14 according to the (n + 2) -th closing timing includes a vegetable image at the same position as the picked-up image according to the (n + 1) -th closing timing, and another vegetable image is displayed. When newly added, the specifying unit 23 maintains the storage timing of the vegetables captured with the captured image corresponding to the (n + 1) th closing timing, and is captured with the captured image corresponding to the (n + 2) th closing timing. You may make it identify the storage timing of a new vegetable. That is, the specifying unit 23 may set individual storage timings for a plurality of vegetables. The same applies to the n + th and subsequent times.

  When the storage timing is specified, the determination unit 24 measures the color of the vegetable image stored in the storage unit 17. The determination unit 24 includes a circuit that performs a process of extracting the color of the vegetable from the image of the vegetable and a process of determining the deterioration of the vegetable based on the extracted color of the vegetable, and includes data indicating the color of the vegetable at the storage timing. V_c_ini and stored as temporary data. That is, the determination unit 24 obtains a color corresponding to the vegetables stored in the storage unit 17 from the image of the imaging unit 14. When the identifying unit 23 resets the storage timing, it also resets V_c_ini.

  The operation control unit 21 determines the deterioration confirmation timing based on the elapsed time from the timing when the opening / closing unit 16 was last closed. The elapsed time is a time longer than the fixed time assumed to be 1 minute in the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the elapsed time is 24 hours. The elapsed time is not limited to 24 hours. When the elapsed time has elapsed without the opening / closing of the opening / closing unit 16 being detected after the closing timing specified as the storage timing, the operation control unit 21 uses the acquisition unit 30 as the deterioration confirmation timing when the elapsed time has elapsed since the closing timing. Make it work. That is, in the first embodiment, the operation control unit 21 operates the imaging unit 14 at a timing that is set as the deterioration confirmation timing. The detection unit 22 detects the vegetable image included in the captured image captured at the deterioration confirmation timing.

  In the first embodiment, the specifying unit 23 determines whether or not the vegetables stored at the storage timing are continuously stored with respect to the captured image at the timing of the deterioration confirmation timing. Specifically, as in the case of the closing timing described above, the specifying unit 23 indicates that the determination information acquired at the deterioration confirmation timing continues to store the vegetables stored at the storage timing. In this case, the storage timing of the vegetables is maintained, and the storage timing of the vegetables is reset when it indicates that the vegetables stored at the storage timing are not stored.

  The operation control unit 21 operates the acquisition unit 30 at a plurality of deterioration confirmation timings. Specifically, the operation control unit 21 causes the acquisition unit 30 to operate using the timing at which the elapsed time has passed as the deterioration confirmation timing every time when the elapsed time has elapsed from the timing at which the opening / closing unit 16 was closed at the end. In other words, in the first embodiment, the operation control unit 21 operates the imaging unit 14 every 24 hours from the timing when the opening / closing unit 16 is finally closed. In other words, the operation control unit 21 sets the timing obtained by adding 24 hours to the elapsed time from the timing at which the opening / closing unit 16 was last closed as the deterioration confirmation timing.

  The determination unit 24 determines the deterioration of the vegetable based on the difference in brightness between the vegetable image acquired at the storage timing and the vegetable image acquired at the deterioration confirmation timing. Specifically, the determination unit 24 sets V_c as data indicating the color of the vegetable at the deterioration confirmation timing, and holds the data as temporary data. The determination unit 24 determines the deterioration of the vegetable based on the comparison result between V_c_ini that is data indicating the color of the vegetable at the storage timing and V_c that is data indicating the color of the vegetable at the deterioration confirmation timing.

  The determination unit 24 determines the progress of the first deterioration in which the color of the vegetable fades and the progress of the second deterioration in which the vegetable is deteriorated so as not to be eaten. Specifically, the determination unit 24 determines whether the difference between the vegetable color indicated by V_c and the vegetable color indicated by V_c_ini exceeds V_c_limit1, which is a change that should notify the refrigerator user of the deterioration of the vegetable. When it is determined that V_c_limit1 has been exceeded, the first deterioration notification flag by the notification unit 25 is established. That is, when V_c_limit1 is exceeded, the determination unit 24 determines that the freshness of the vegetable has dropped and the color of the vegetable has faded. In addition, the determination unit 24 determines whether or not the difference between the vegetable color indicated by V_c and the vegetable color indicated by V_c_ini exceeds V_c_limit2, which is a change to be notified of the start of vegetable decay. When it is determined that V_c_limit2 has been exceeded, a second deterioration notification flag by the notification unit 25 is established. In other words, when V_c_limit2 is exceeded, the determination unit 24 determines that the vegetables have withered or rotted and have grown mold.

  The notification unit 25 performs different notifications when it is determined that the first deterioration has progressed and when it is determined that the second deterioration has progressed. Specifically, the notification unit 25 includes a display unit provided on the operation panel 5 and a circuit that controls display contents of the display unit. The notification unit 25 indicates that the first deterioration has progressed by displaying a message prompting consumption of vegetables, such as “Eat as soon as the freshness decreases” when the refrigerator user operates the operation panel 5. I do. In addition, the notification unit 25 displays a message for prompting the disposal of the vegetables, such as “Possibility of exceeding the edible limit, disposal required” when the refrigerator user operates the operation panel 5. A notification indicating that the deterioration has progressed is performed.

  A circuit that functions as the detection unit 22, a circuit that functions as the operation control unit 21, a circuit that functions as the specifying unit 23, a circuit that functions as the determination unit 24, and a circuit that functions as the notification unit 25 may be provided individually. A part or all of them may be the same circuit. In the first embodiment, the integrated circuit 20 included in the control panel 6 functions as the detection unit 22, the operation control unit 21, the specifying unit 23, the determination unit 24, and the notification unit 25. The functions as the detection unit 22, the operation control unit 21, the identification unit 23, the determination unit 24, and the notification unit 25 may be realized by software such as firmware, or realized by a logic circuit mounted in an integrated circuit. May be.

  When it is detected by the open / close sensor of the specific unit 23 that the open state of the vegetable compartment 12 has continued for a certain period of time, the notification unit 25 performs a warning operation for notifying that the vegetable compartment 12 continues to open. May be. Specifically, the notification unit 25 has a sound generation unit that generates a buzzer sound for alerting the refrigerator user, and the refrigerator 25 generates a buzzer sound when the open state of the opening / closing unit 16 continues for a predetermined time or longer. You may make it alert a user. The buzzer sound when the open state continues for a certain time or more may be performed not only in the vegetable room 12 but also in all the storage rooms of the refrigerator. Further, the notification unit 25 may operate so as to sound a buzzer sound at a timing when at least one of the first deterioration notification flag and the second deterioration notification flag is established. That is, the notification unit 25 may alert the refrigerator user with a buzzer sound when the determination unit 24 determines that the vegetable has deteriorated. Further, the alerting when the determination unit 24 determines that the vegetable has deteriorated is not limited to the buzzer sound, but may be a lighting lamp for alerting provided on the operation panel 5. Further, the notification unit 25 transmits information for notifying the portable terminal of the deterioration of the vegetable at a timing when at least one of the first deterioration notification flag and the second deterioration notification flag is established. Good. The screen displayed on the mobile terminal by the information for notifying the deterioration of the vegetable may be a screen for displaying a message similar to the message displayed on the operation panel 5 described above. It may be a dedicated display screen set for display.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation flow of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of the refrigerator and the change in vegetable color according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. When the refrigerator is turned on, the specifying unit 23 initializes V_c_ini (step S1). When opening / closing of the opening / closing part 16 for opening and closing the vegetable room 12 is detected by the detection part 13 (step S2; Yes), a process for specifying the storage timing when the vegetables are stored in the storage part 17 of the vegetable room 12 is performed. . Specifically, the operation control unit 21 operates the acquisition unit 30 according to the closing timing when the opening / closing unit 16 is closed, and the acquisition unit 30 is irradiated into the storage unit 17 from the captured image of the storage unit 17 or the light source 41. The spectral reflectance of the obtained light is acquired as determination information (step S3). In the first embodiment, the imaging unit 14 operates under the control of the operation control unit 21 to acquire a captured image as determination information. When the information for determination acquired at the closing timing indicates that a new vegetable has been stored in the storage unit 17 (step S4; Yes), the specifying unit 23 sets the closing timing as the new vegetable storage timing. (Step S5). The determination unit 24 acquires data indicating the color of the vegetable at the storage timing as V_c_ini (step S6). When the determination information acquired at the closing timing does not indicate that a new vegetable has been stored in the storage unit 17 (step S4; No), the process proceeds to step S2.

  When the opening / closing part 16 is opened / closed after the storage timing is specified (step S7; Yes), the operation control unit 21 operates the acquisition unit 30 in accordance with the closing timing when the opening / closing part 16 is closed. Specifically, the operation control unit 21 operates the acquisition unit 30 according to the closing timing when the opening / closing unit 16 is closed, and the acquisition unit 30 is irradiated into the storage unit 17 from the captured image of the storage unit 17 or the light source 41. The spectral reflectance of the obtained light is acquired as determination information (step S8). In the first embodiment, the imaging unit 14 operates under the control of the operation control unit 21 to acquire a captured image as determination information. The identification unit 23 maintains the new vegetable storage timing when the determination information acquired with the opening / closing of the opening / closing unit 16 after the storage timing indicates that the new vegetable is continuously stored in the storage unit 17. When the storage unit 17 indicates that new vegetables are not continuously stored, a process for discarding the storage timing of the new vegetables is performed. Specifically, the specifying unit 23 determines whether or not new vegetables are continuously stored based on the position of the vegetable image (step S9). If the image of the vegetable that is a new vegetable in the captured image at the storage timing is not the same position in the captured image in step S8 (step S9; No), the process proceeds to step S5. That is, the specifying unit 23 discards the existing storage timing. The storage timing and V_c_ini are reset by moving to step S5 when the storage timing is discarded.

  If the image of the vegetable that is a new vegetable in the captured image at the storage timing is also in the same position in the captured image in step S9 (step S9; Yes), the process proceeds to step S7. That is, the specifying unit 23 maintains the storage timing. The operation control unit 21 determines the deterioration confirmation timing based on the elapsed time from the timing when the opening / closing unit 16 was last closed. Specifically, even if the opening / closing is not detected after the storage timing is determined (step S7; No), the process returns to the process of step S7 until the elapsed time has elapsed since the timing when the opening / closing part was closed last (step S10). No). When the storage timing is maintained even after the elapsed time has elapsed since the timing when the opening / closing unit was closed last (step S10; Yes), the operation control unit 21 acquires the timing at which the elapsed time has elapsed as the deterioration confirmation timing. 30 is operated. That is, the operation control unit 21 operates the acquisition unit 30 according to the deterioration confirmation timing, and the acquisition unit 30 determines the spectral reflectance of the captured image of the storage unit 17 or the light irradiated from the light source 41 into the storage unit 17. Obtained as information (step S11). In the first embodiment, the imaging unit 14 operates under the control of the operation control unit 21 to acquire a captured image as determination information.

  When the determination information acquired at the deterioration confirmation timing indicates that new vegetables are continuously stored in the storage unit 17, the specifying unit 23 maintains the storage timing of new vegetables and stores the new vegetables in the storage unit 17. When it is shown that new vegetables are not being stored, a process for discarding the storage timing of the new vegetables is performed. Specifically, the specifying unit 23 determines whether or not new vegetables are continuously stored based on the position of the vegetable image (step S12). If the image of the vegetable that is a new vegetable in the captured image at the storage timing is not the same position in the captured image in step S11 (step S12; No), the process proceeds to step S5. That is, the specifying unit 23 discards the existing storage timing. The storage timing and V_c_ini are reset by moving to step S5 when the storage timing is discarded.

  When the image of the vegetable that is a new vegetable in the captured image at the storage timing is also in the same position in the captured image in step S11 (step S12; Yes), the determination unit 24 changes the color of the vegetable at the deterioration confirmation timing. The indicated data is acquired as V_c (step S13). The determination unit 24 determines vegetable deterioration based on the determination information acquired at the storage timing and the determination information acquired at the deterioration confirmation timing. Specifically, the determination unit 24 determines the deterioration of the vegetable based on a comparison result between V_c_ini that is data indicating the color of the vegetable at the storage timing and V_c that is data indicating the color of the vegetable at the deterioration confirmation timing. The determination unit 24 determines whether or not the difference between the vegetable color indicated by V_c and the vegetable color indicated by V_c_ini exceeds V_c_limit2 which is a change to be notified of the start of vegetable decay (step S14). When it is determined that V_c_limit2 has been exceeded (step S14; Yes), the second deterioration notification flag by the notification unit 25 is established (step S15). In other words, when V_c_limit2 is exceeded, the determination unit 24 determines that the vegetables have withered or rotted and have grown mold. When it is determined that V_c_limit2 is not exceeded (step S14; No), the determination unit 24 should notify the refrigerator user that the difference between the vegetable color indicated by V_c and the vegetable color indicated by V_c_ini is a deterioration of the vegetable. It is determined whether or not the change V_c_limit1 has been exceeded (step S16). When it is determined that V_c_limit1 has been exceeded (step S16; Yes), the first deterioration notification flag by the notification unit 25 is established (step S17). That is, when V_c_limit1 is exceeded, the determination unit 24 determines that the freshness of the vegetable has dropped and the color of the vegetable has faded.

  After the processing of step S15 or step S17, the notification unit 25 performs notification according to the determination result by the determination unit 24. Specifically, the notification unit 25 performs a process for notification according to the established notification flag (step S18). The notification unit 25 of the first embodiment performs different notifications when it is determined that the first deterioration has progressed and when it is determined that the second deterioration has progressed. Specifically, the notification unit 25 includes a display unit provided on the operation panel 5 and a circuit that controls display contents of the display unit. The notification unit 25 indicates that the first deterioration has progressed by displaying a message prompting consumption of vegetables, such as “Eat as soon as the freshness decreases” when the refrigerator user operates the operation panel 5. I do. In addition, the notification unit 25 displays a message for prompting the disposal of the vegetables, such as “Possibility of exceeding the edible limit, disposal required” when the refrigerator user operates the operation panel 5. A notification indicating that the deterioration has progressed is performed. After the process of step S18, the process proceeds to step S7.

  Alternatively, if it is determined in step S16 that V_c_limit1 is not exceeded (step S16; No), that is, if the notification flag is not established, the notification in the process of step S18 is bypassed and nothing is notified, and step S7 is performed. Move on to processing. The refrigerator continues the processing from step S2 to step S18 until the refrigerator is turned off. When the refrigerator is turned off, the refrigerator ends its operation.

  In Embodiment 1, the determination part 24 waits without determining the deterioration of vegetables until elapsed time passes since the opening-and-closing part 16 was closed last. Opening and closing of the opening / closing part 16 is accompanied by discharge of cold air in the vegetable compartment 12 and inflow of outside air into the vegetable compartment 12, and generally causes an increase in the temperature of the vegetable compartment 12 as shown in FIG. When the temperature of the vegetable compartment 12 rises, the temperature of the vegetable compartment 12 does not fall immediately even after closing the opening / closing part 16. Therefore, the vegetable room 12 immediately after closing is in a state exposed to a temperature higher than the storage temperature of the vegetables assumed in the vegetable room 12, and the vegetables are stressed by being exposed to temperature fluctuations associated with opening / closing of the opening / closing part 16. The deterioration may be accelerated as compared with the state where the closed state of the vegetable compartment 12 is maintained. The determination unit 24 waits until the elapsed time has elapsed since the opening / closing unit 16 was closed for the last time without determining the deterioration of the vegetable until the elapsed time has elapsed since the vegetable room 12 was closed. This is because a more stable value can be obtained by measuring after the deterioration rate of the vegetable has been settled by maintaining the above.

  In the example shown in FIG. 5, the operation of the compressor 2 and the blower 4 has a constant period regardless of the temperature of the vegetable compartment 12, but the compressor 2 and the blower 4 were measured by the temperature measuring unit 15. It may operate according to temperature. Further, in FIG. 5, the change in the color of the vegetable indicated by V_c is shown linearly, but the slope of the straight line of V_c shown in FIG. 5 is the vegetable color indicated by V_c_ini and the V_c acquired one or more times. It is shown by connecting the color of the vegetables shown with a straight line. Further, in FIG. 5, whether or not the difference between the vegetable color indicated by V_c and the vegetable color indicated by V_c_ini exceeds V_c_limit1, which is a change that should notify the refrigerator user of the deterioration of the vegetable, between V_c and V_c_ini−V_limit1 Shown in relationship. Although not shown, V_limit2 is performed in the same manner as V_limit1.

  FIG. 6 is a graph showing an example of change in L *, which is the brightness of an image of a vegetable as an example. FIG. 6 shows the results of evaluating broccoli florets using the L * a * b * color system, which is a general color index, as an experimental example for examining color changes due to vegetable deterioration or detection timing. FIG. 6 is color difference data when two samples are stored in the vegetable room 12 for 3 weeks. The initial L *, that is, the L * associated with the elapsed time with respect to L * which is the lightness component of the vegetable color at the storage timing. Shows changes. Broccoli is generally dark and bright green, and gradually fades as the deterioration progresses, increasing the number of bright yellow parts.When it decays to the extent that it is edible, it dies or grows and becomes brown or gray. A brown part occurs. At the time of the experiment shown in FIG. 6, the fading of the vegetables progresses so that it is determined that the first deterioration has progressed in one week, and the brown portion or ash so that it is determined that the second deterioration has progressed in three weeks. A brown part was formed. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the lightness component of the vegetable color increases with the progress of the first deterioration, and the lightness component of the vegetable color decreases with the progress of the second deterioration. Has occurred. As described above, in the determination based on the lightness, the progress of the first deterioration and the progress of the second deterioration can be clearly distinguished.

  In the first embodiment, it is intended to notify the refrigerator user of the deterioration of the vegetables while the vegetables are eaten, and to perform the control of notifying the rotting when the vegetables are still notified. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the deterioration state of the vegetables at the stage where it is determined that the first deterioration has progressed and the second deterioration has not progressed. Therefore, the elapsed time is 24 hours. The evaluation can be carried out a plurality of times within one day, that is, within 24 hours. However, it is considered sufficient to evaluate once a day in a time zone in which the opening / closing part 16 that stresses vegetables does not open / close. Even an immature and rapidly changing vegetable such as a broccoli takes almost a week to reach the peak of the first deterioration.

  The alerting | reporting part 25 may be made to alert | report which shows the days according to the elapsed time or elapsed time with having determined with the vegetable having deteriorated. Specifically, while notifying that at least one of the first deterioration and the second deterioration has progressed, the notification content includes the number of days according to the elapsed time at which the progress of the vegetable deterioration has been determined. In the case of FIG. 6, the elapsed time of “one week” for which the progress of the first deterioration is determined is the first deterioration as information indicating the number of days according to the elapsed time from the storage timing until the first deterioration progresses. It is notified at the time of notification. In addition, the elapsed time of “3 weeks” in which the progress of the second deterioration is determined is the information indicating the number of days corresponding to the elapsed time from the storage timing until the second deterioration progresses, together with the notification of the second deterioration. Informed. For notification of the elapsed time, any of a monthly unit, a week unit, a day unit, and a time unit can be adopted. The elapsed time of “one week” may be notified by the number of days such as “7 days”, or may be notified by the time such as “168 hours”. Moreover, you may enable it to grasp | ascertain elapsed time from the space | interval of each date by alert | reporting the date of a storage timing, and the date of the timing determined that the deterioration of vegetables progressed.

  FIG. 7 is a graph showing an example of a change in b * of a vegetable image as a comparative example. FIGS. 6 and 7 are samples when three days, one week, and three weeks have passed without discarding the storage timing after the storage timing is specified. As shown in FIG. 7, the floret portion of broccoli is yellowed due to a decrease in freshness, and b *, which is a yellow index, increases. That is, in broccoli, Δb * increases with a decrease in freshness, but there is a sample in which Δb * tends to increase even in the third week when mold is growing, as in sample 2 in FIG. As described above, the evaluation using b * and Δb * may not be appropriate. Therefore, in the first embodiment, as shown in the example of FIG. 6, vegetables are deteriorated by observing a change in L * that is a lightness index. That is, in the first embodiment, the determination unit 24 determines the deterioration of the vegetable based on the difference in brightness between the vegetable image acquired at the storage timing and the vegetable image acquired at the deterioration confirmation timing.

  V_c_limit1 and V_c_limit2 are set as appropriate. Specifically, the determination unit 24 sets V_c_limit1 and V_c_limit2 based on the vegetable color indicated by V_c_ini and the color list data. That is, in the first embodiment, it is possible to determine the progress of the first deterioration and the second deterioration based on the individual difference in the vegetable color at the storage timing. V_c_limit1 and V_c_limit2 may be fixed values depending on the type of vegetable.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the specifying unit specifies the storage timing at which vegetables are stored in the storage unit, and the operation control unit operates the acquisition unit at least at the storage timing and the deterioration confirmation timing after the storage timing. The timing for determining the deterioration of the vegetables can be determined more appropriately.

  The operation control unit 21 operates the acquisition unit 30 according to the closing timing when the opening / closing unit 16 is closed after the detection unit 13 detects the opening of the opening / closing unit 16, and the specifying unit 23 acquires at the closing timing. When the determined determination information indicates that a new vegetable has been stored in the storage unit 17, the closing timing is specified as a new vegetable storage timing, and is acquired with the opening / closing of the opening / closing unit 16 after the storage timing. If the determination information indicates that new vegetables are continuously stored in the storage unit 17, the storage timing of new vegetables is maintained, and no new vegetables are stored in the storage unit 17. Discard new vegetable storage timing when indicated. Therefore, it is possible to specify at which timing new vegetables are stored in the storage unit 17. Therefore, the timing which determines deterioration of vegetables more appropriately can be determined.

  Moreover, since the operation control part 21 determines a deterioration confirmation timing based on the elapsed time from the timing when the opening / closing part 16 was closed at the end, the vegetables in the storage part 17 are not replaced and the outside air is prevented from entering. The degree of deterioration of vegetables from can be determined. That is, it is possible to automatically determine the degree of deterioration of the vegetables after the refrigerator user stops visually confirming the vegetables in the storage unit 17.

  Moreover, the alerting | reporting part 25 performs alerting | reporting which shows the days according to elapsed time or elapsed time with having determined with the vegetable having deteriorated. Therefore, the relationship between the elapsed time after the vegetables are stored in the storage unit and the deterioration of the vegetables can be notified to the refrigerator user.

  Further, the operation control unit 21 operates the acquisition unit 30 at a plurality of deterioration confirmation timings, and the determination unit 24 progresses the first deterioration in which the color of the vegetable fades and deteriorates so that the vegetable is not suitable for eating. Therefore, it is possible to distinguish and determine two types of deterioration in which the change in the vegetables accompanying the progress of deterioration differs.

  Moreover, since the alerting | reporting part 25 performs different alerting | reporting by the case where it determines with the 1st deterioration having progressed, and the case where it determines with the 2nd deterioration having progressed, it is vegetable at an early stage of the 1st deterioration. Can be encouraged to dispose of vegetables that have been determined to be unsuitable for eating at the time of the second degradation without eating.

  The acquisition unit 30 includes an imaging unit 14 that captures an image of the storage unit 17 and outputs a captured image, and a detection unit 22 that detects an image of the vegetable included in the captured image. Since it is an image, it is possible to determine the deterioration of the vegetables within the imaging range.

  In addition, the determination unit 24 determines the deterioration of the vegetable based on the difference in brightness between the vegetable image acquired at the storage timing and the vegetable image acquired at the deterioration confirmation timing. It is possible to determine the deterioration of the vegetables whose lightness change pattern describes a mountain or a valley.

  Moreover, since the specific | specification part 23 determines whether the new vegetable continues being accommodated based on the position of the image of vegetables, whether the arrangement | positioning of the vegetable in the storage part 17 changed after the storage timing was specified. Therefore, it is possible to identify a vegetable whose position has been changed and a newly added vegetable that have been taken out after the storage timing.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
Next, the refrigerator which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention is demonstrated. About the structure similar to the refrigerator which concerns on Embodiment 1, the same code | symbol may be attached | subjected and description may be abbreviate | omitted. The operation control unit 21 of the refrigerator according to the second embodiment determines the deterioration confirmation timing based on the time during which the temperature change measured by the temperature measurement unit 15 is within the range determined by the threshold. Specifically, the operation control unit 21 according to the second embodiment has reached the elapsed time after which the temperature change measured by the temperature measurement unit 15 is within the range determined by the threshold after the storage timing. The timing is set as the deterioration confirmation timing. Therefore, the elapsed time in the process of step 10 in FIG. 4 refers to the time during which the temperature change measured by the temperature measurement unit 15 is within the range defined by the threshold in the second embodiment. The refrigerator according to Embodiment 2 is the same as the refrigerator according to Embodiment 1 except that the specific process for determining the deterioration confirmation timing is different. Although the threshold value is arbitrary, it is set so that the degree of temperature change in the vegetable compartment 12 falls within a range suitable for preservation of vegetables.

  In the second embodiment, the cooling unit operates according to the temperature of each storage room including the vegetable room 12, so that cooling according to the temperature change of each storage room including the vegetable room 12 is performed. Therefore, when there is no temperature rise due to opening / closing of the opening / closing unit 16 or stoppage of the cooling unit due to turning off of the refrigerator, the temperature change of the vegetable compartment 12 falls within the range determined by the threshold value.

  As described above, according to Embodiment 2, the temperature measurement unit 15 that measures the temperature of the vegetable compartment 12 is provided, and the operation control unit 21 has a temperature change measured by the temperature measurement unit 15 within a range determined by the threshold value. Since the deterioration confirmation timing is determined based on the stored time, it is possible to consider the temperature change of the vegetable compartment 12 when an unintentional stop occurs in the use of a normal refrigerator in the configuration for cooling vegetables.

  Even if the closed state of the open / close unit 16 continues, the power outage or the outlet is unplugged, or the cooling unit is unintentionally stopped during normal use of the refrigerator due to the failure of the cooling unit. There may be cases where the temperature rises and the vegetables are stressed. In the second embodiment, the deterioration confirmation timing is determined based on the time during which the temperature change measured by the temperature measurement unit 15 is within the range determined by the threshold value. The temperature change of the vegetable compartment 12 when the stop which does not occur can be considered.

  Next, a refrigerator according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described. About the structure similar to the refrigerator which concerns on Embodiment 1, the same code | symbol may be attached | subjected and description may be abbreviate | omitted.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a refrigerator according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. The acquisition unit 40 of the refrigerator according to the third embodiment includes a light source 41 that irradiates light into the storage unit 17 and a measurement unit 42 that measures the spectral reflectance of light irradiated from the light source 41 into the storage unit 17. Prepare. In the first embodiment, the deterioration of the vegetable is determined by the captured image. However, as in the third embodiment, the light source 41 and the measurement unit 42 are provided, and light is applied to the vegetable that does not move at the position, thereby spectral reflection at a specific wavelength. The freshness may be evaluated by measuring the rate. That is, in the third embodiment, the determination information is spectral reflectance. The wavelength of the light set as the specific wavelength is in the range of 500 nm to 600 nm, but can be changed as appropriate. The wavelength may be set for each type of vegetable. As the light source 41, an electric lamp such as a light emitting diode that emits light according to a specific wavelength is appropriately employed. The measurement unit 42 includes a sensor that can detect light of a specific wavelength and a circuit that measures spectral reflectance from the intensity of light of the specific wavelength detected by the sensor.

  V_c_ini, V_c, V_c_limit1, and V_c_limit2 in the third embodiment are not data indicating the color of vegetables but data indicating spectral reflectance. That is, in the third embodiment, the light source 41 emits light and the measurement unit 42 emits light from the light source 41 into the storage unit 17 in the processes of step S3, step S8, and step S11 in the flowchart of FIG. Measure the spectral reflectance.

  FIG. 10 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the wavelength of light and the spectral reflectance. The determination unit 24 according to Embodiment 3 determines the deterioration of the vegetable based on the difference between the spectral reflectance acquired at the storage timing and the spectral reflectance acquired at the deterioration confirmation timing. FIG. 10 shows an example of the relationship between the elapsed time when the broccoli is stored in the vegetable room 12 and the measurement result of the spectral reflectance. In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, one week after it is determined that the first deterioration has progressed with reference to the spectral reflectance at the storage timing when the wavelength of light is divided and distinguished in units of 10 nm. Or 500 nm or more and 600 nm or less can be employ | adopted as which a difference tends to appear in the spectral reflectance after 3 weeks judged that the 2nd degradation advanced. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the difference in spectral reflectance is the clearest at 560 nm.

  The light source 41 may remain lit regardless of whether the determination information is acquired. In this case, the light source 41 can also contribute to an improvement in visibility when the refrigerator user looks at the vegetable compartment 12. Based on the material shown in FIG. 10, the light having a wavelength of 500 nm or more and 600 nm or less irradiated by the light source 41 in the third embodiment is unlikely to give an uncomfortable feeling when the refrigerator user opens the vegetable compartment 12. That is, light having a wavelength of 500 nm or more and 600 nm or less is not a color that may give the impression that the color of the food is unfavorable although the interior is cool like the blue color. Further, light having a wavelength of 500 nm or more and 600 nm or less is not a color that may give an impression of being uncomfortable and not suitable for a refrigerator like a red color. Therefore, even if the light source 41 is turned on at the time of opening and closing, it is difficult to give a sense of incongruity when the refrigerator user opens the vegetable compartment 12.

  The light source 41 may also be used as the light source 41 for promoting the photosynthesis of vegetables. Light having a wavelength of 500 nm or more and 600 nm or less does not include ultraviolet rays that promote chlorophyll degradation, and also has an effect of promoting biosynthesis by light. Therefore, the effect | action which suppresses deterioration is obtained by irradiating the light from the light source 41 to the vegetable which does not move.

  In Embodiment 3, when the latest spectral reflectance deviates from the spectral reflectance measured immediately before exceeding the limit, it is determined that the position of the vegetable has changed, that is, a new vegetable has been stored in the storage unit 17. As in the first embodiment, the specifying unit 23 captures the inside of the storage unit 17 and outputs a captured image, and the detection unit 22 detects a vegetable image included in the captured image. May be used to determine whether or not new vegetables are being stored based on the position of the vegetable image. In addition, the limit of the change in the spectral reflectance for determining the change in the position of the vegetable is based on the spectral reflectance in a state where no vegetable is stored in the storage unit 17 and the spectral reflectance acquired as V_c_ini. Set as appropriate.

  The third embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the configuration of the acquisition unit 40 and the determination information are different from those of the first embodiment. Moreover, in Embodiment 2, you may make it employ | adopt the structure and the information for a determination of the acquisition part 40 in Embodiment 3. FIG. That is, Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 3 can be combined.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, the acquisition unit 40 irradiates light into the storage unit 17 and the measurement unit 42 that measures the spectral reflectance of the light irradiated from the light source 41 into the storage unit 17. The determination information is the spectral reflectance, and the determination unit 24 determines the deterioration of the vegetable based on the difference between the spectral reflectance acquired at the storage timing and the spectral reflectance acquired at the deterioration confirmation timing. judge. Therefore, it is possible to determine the deterioration of the vegetables within the range where the light from the light source 41 reaches.

  Moreover, since the wavelength of light is in the range of 500 nm or more and 600 nm or less, it is possible to determine the deterioration of the vegetables whose spectral reflectance change pattern accompanying the progress of the deterioration of the vegetables draws a mountain or a valley. Moreover, even if the light source 41 is turned on when the opening / closing part 16 is opened and closed, it is difficult to give a sense of incongruity when the refrigerator user opens the vegetable compartment 12.

  Moreover, since the light source 41 is also used as the light source 41 for promoting the photosynthesis of the vegetables, an effect of suppressing deterioration can be obtained by irradiating the vegetables in the storage unit 17 with the light from the light sources 41.

  The configuration described in the above embodiment shows an example of the contents of the present invention, and can be combined with another known technique, and can be combined with other configurations without departing from the gist of the present invention. It is also possible to omit or change the part.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a structural example in the vegetable compartment 12 in the case where a dedicated storage portion 17 for determining deterioration of vegetables is provided. As shown in FIG. 11, the storage unit 17 used for determining the deterioration of the vegetables may be a dedicated storage unit 17 independent of the container 50 used for storing the vegetables in the vegetable room 12. Even if other vegetables are put in and out of the vegetable compartment 12 by adopting a dedicated storage section 17 as shown in FIG. 11 and storing a part of the dedicated vegetables for judging deterioration in the storage section 17. It becomes easy to maintain the storage timing.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a structure example in the vegetable compartment 12 when all the vegetables refrigerated in the vegetable compartment 12 are targeted for deterioration. As shown in FIG. 12, the storage unit 17 used for determining the deterioration of vegetables may be configured to also serve as a storage space used for storing vegetables in the vegetable room 12. By adopting the storage portion 17 as shown in FIG. 12, the light from the light source 41 according to Embodiment 3 can be easily used as the light source 41 for promoting the photosynthesis of vegetables.

  In the embodiment, the progress of the first deterioration in which the color of the vegetable fades is determined and the progress of the second deterioration in which the vegetable is deteriorated so that it is not suitable for eating, but only one of them is determined. Also good.

  Vegetables are generally stored raw. Therefore, in addition to the configuration and functions described above, the vegetable room 12 has functions aimed at maintaining the freshness of vegetables, that is, suppressing deterioration of vegetables, by suppressing moisture leakage in the vegetable room 12 due to humidification and improved sealing. Can be provided. In addition, there is a need for a function for grasping the deterioration of the vegetable because the refrigerator user may use the vegetable while storing it in the refrigerator for several days or more, such as stocking vegetables on the weekend. The refrigerator of the present invention has a function for grasping the deterioration of vegetables and has industrial applicability.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Main body, 2 Compressor, 3 Cooler, 4 Blower, 5 Operation panel, 6 Control panel, 7 Refrigeration room, 8 Chilled room, 9 Switching room, 10 Ice making room, 11 Freezing room, 12 Vegetable room, 13 Detection part, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 14 Imaging part, 15 Temperature measurement part, 16 Opening / closing part, 17 Storage part, 20 Integrated circuit, 21 Operation control part, 22 Detection part, 23 Identification part, 24 Determination part, 25 Notification part, 30, 40 Acquisition part, 41 Light source , 42 Measuring unit 50 container.

Claims (13)

A storage section for storing vegetables;
A detection unit that detects opening and closing of an opening and closing unit that opens and closes the vegetable compartment provided with the storage unit;
A specific unit for specifying a storage timing in which vegetables are stored in the storage unit;
An acquisition unit that acquires, as determination information, a spectral reflectance of light irradiated into the storage unit from a captured image or a light source of the storage unit;
An operation control unit that operates the acquisition unit at least at the storage timing and the deterioration confirmation timing after the storage timing;
A determination unit that determines deterioration of the vegetable based on the determination information acquired at the storage timing and the determination information acquired at the deterioration confirmation timing;
A refrigerator comprising: a notification unit that performs notification according to a determination result by the determination unit. The operation control unit operates the acquisition unit according to a closing timing at which the opening / closing unit is closed after the opening of the opening / closing unit is detected by the detection unit,
The specific part is:
When the determination information acquired at the closing timing indicates that a new vegetable has been stored in the storage unit, the closing timing is specified as the storing timing of the new vegetable,
The storage timing of the new vegetable is maintained when the information for determination acquired along with opening / closing of the opening / closing portion after the storage timing indicates that the new vegetable is continuously stored in the storage portion. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the storage timing of the new vegetable is discarded when it indicates that the new vegetable is not continuously stored in the storage unit. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the operation control unit determines a deterioration confirmation timing based on an elapsed time from a timing at which the opening / closing unit is finally closed. The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein the notification unit performs notification indicating that the vegetable has deteriorated and indicates the elapsed time or the number of days according to the elapsed time. A temperature measuring unit for measuring the temperature of the vegetable room,
The said operation control part determines deterioration confirmation timing based on the time when the temperature change measured by the said temperature measurement part is settled in the range defined by the threshold value. Refrigerator. The operation control unit operates the acquisition unit at a plurality of deterioration confirmation timings,
The determination unit determines the progress of the first deterioration in which the color of the vegetable fades and the progress of the second deterioration in which the vegetable is deteriorated so as not to be eaten. The refrigerator described. The refrigerator according to claim 6, wherein the notification unit performs different notifications when it is determined that the first deterioration has progressed and when it is determined that the second deterioration has progressed. The acquisition unit
An imaging unit that images the inside of the storage unit and outputs the captured image;
A detection unit for detecting an image of vegetables included in the captured image,
The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the determination information is an image of the vegetable. The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein the determination unit determines deterioration of the vegetable based on a difference in brightness between the image of the vegetable acquired at the storage timing and the image of the vegetable acquired at the deterioration confirmation timing. . The refrigerator according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the specifying unit determines whether or not the new vegetables are continuously stored based on a position of the image of the vegetables. The acquisition unit
A light source for irradiating light into the storage unit;
A measuring unit that measures the spectral reflectance of the light emitted from the light source into the storage unit,
The determination information is the spectral reflectance.
The determination part determines deterioration of vegetables based on the difference between the spectral reflectance acquired at the storage timing and the spectral reflectance acquired at the deterioration confirmation timing. Refrigerator described in 1. The refrigerator according to claim 11, wherein a wavelength of the light is in a range of 500 nm to 600 nm. The refrigerator according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the light source is also used as a light source for promoting photosynthesis in vegetables.

Images