JP6518958B2 - refrigerator - Google Patents

Description

  BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a refrigerator suitable for a refrigerator system capable of imaging a food in a storage and checking a storage state with a display terminal or the like.

  Generally, many refrigerators of this type have been proposed. For example, in the refrigerator described in Patent Document 1, a small camera is provided in the storage, and the food storage situation in the storage imaged by the small camera can be confirmed by a display terminal such as a mobile phone via the Internet line. Is configured.

  Moreover, the refrigerator similar to patent document 1 is disclosed also to patent document 2, and as for the thing of this patent document 2, when the door of a refrigerator is closed, it images a foodstuff state in a storage with a small camera. It is configured.

  Furthermore, in addition to the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the refrigerator described in Patent Document 3 further provides a display terminal on the surface of the refrigerator, and this display terminal is removed from the fixed terminal incorporated in the refrigerator surface and the refrigerator surface The display unit can be configured with a display terminal such as a portable cellular phone, and the two terminals can display the food storage status in the storage taken by the small camera through the Internet line on the display unit, and when they go out, they are at home. It is configured to be able to know the food storage situation in the storage without opening the door of the refrigerator sometimes.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-236798 JP 2007-46833 A JP 2002-81818 A

  As described above, many refrigerators have been proposed which are of this type, i.e., the ones in which the food in the storage is imaged and the storage condition can be confirmed with a display terminal or the like, but none have been put to practical use.

  Therefore, the inventors have made studies for practical use of the above-mentioned refrigerator and conducted practical verification. As a result, this type of refrigerator has found some problems that must be solved in putting it to practical use.

  One of them is the image control by the small camera, the color of the image in the storage greatly differs depending on the storage condition of the food, and the image giving discomfort to the user when confirming the food storage condition on the display terminal In some cases, it is a major issue to reduce color variations in each imaging. That is, when imaging is performed in a closed space in a refrigerator, the camera and the stored food are at a short distance, and the ratio of food around the camera is large in the imaging area, and the color of food is easily affected Was also found to be triggered.

  The present invention has been made in view of these points, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator that provides a stable image that reduces variations in each imaging regardless of the storage condition of food.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a refrigerator body, a storage room formed in the refrigerator body, a heat insulation door for opening and closing the storage room, a lighting device for illuminating the storage room, and imaging of the storage room A camera unit to be used and a control substrate for controlling the camera unit are included, and the control substrate controls white balance within a range of ± 500 K from the storage room illumination color temperature.

  Thereby, even in the storage situation where the distance between the camera unit in the refrigerator and the food is extremely close, the influence of the color of the stored food can be suppressed, and a stable image can be provided which reduces the variation for each imaging.

  The present invention can suppress the color influence of stored food, and therefore can provide a stable image in which the variation for each imaging is reduced regardless of the storage condition of the food.

The perspective view of the refrigerator in the embodiment of the present invention Schematic cross section of the same refrigerator The perspective view which shows the inside when the storage room door of the same refrigerator is opened (A) A perspective view in which the display terminal is integrally equipped with the refrigerator, (b) a perspective view in which the display terminal is detachably equipped with the refrigerator The mounting structural example of the display terminal used for the same refrigerator is shown, (a) is a cross-sectional view at the time of attaching a display terminal integrally, (b) is a cross-sectional view at the time of mounting a display terminal detachably. The example of display visual recognition structure of the display terminal used for the same refrigerator is shown, (a) and (b) are schematic sectional views at the time of using the cover panel of a door as glass, (c) comprises the cover panel of a door with a magic mirror. Outline cross section in the case of Longitudinal sectional view showing an example of mounting an imaging unit of the same refrigerator The example of imaging unit attachment of the refrigerator is shown, (a) is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator door part of the state which closed the door, (b) is a front view of the door inner surface side when the door is opened. Plane schematic explanatory drawing which shows the imaging unit attachment part of the refrigerator in the embodiment Explanatory drawing of the imaging unit attached to the refrigerator in the same embodiment Block diagram showing imaging control of the imaging unit in the embodiment System configuration diagram of the refrigerator system in the same embodiment Block diagram showing the refrigerator configuration of the same refrigerator system Block diagram showing server configuration of same refrigerator system Block diagram showing the recipe extraction configuration of the same refrigerator system Flowchart showing imaging to data storage operation of the same refrigerator system Flowchart of image display in storage in same refrigerator system Diagram for explaining the image composition processing in the same refrigerator system

  Hereinafter, specific and detailed embodiments of the present invention will be described. First, the main points of the embodiments of the present invention will be described.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a refrigerator body, a storage room formed in the refrigerator body, a heat insulation door for opening and closing the storage room, a lighting device for illuminating the storage room, and imaging of the storage room A camera unit to be used and a control substrate for controlling the camera unit are included, and the control substrate controls white balance within a range of ± 500 K from the storage room illumination color temperature.

  As a result, even if the camera unit in the refrigerator and the food are in an extremely close storage condition, the influence of the color of the stored food can be suppressed. Therefore, a stable image for reducing variation in each imaging regardless of the food storage condition. Can provide

  In addition, since the control board has the exposure adjustment unit that automatically adjusts the exposure according to the illuminance in the refrigerator, the brightness variation of the image in the storage due to the storage condition of the food is reduced, so the user can store the storage There is no sense of incongruity when checking the storage status from the inside image.

  Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described using the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

First Embodiment
<1. Configuration>
1-1. Configuration of Refrigerator A configuration example in the case of a French door type refrigerator will first be described using FIGS. 1 to 3.

  In FIGS. 1 to 3, the refrigerator main body 1 includes an outer case 2 made of metal (for example, iron plate) opened forward, an inner case 3 made of hard resin (for example, ABS), the outer case 2 and the inner case 3 And a heat insulating material 4 such as hard urethane foam filled with foam. The refrigerator main body 1 has a plurality of storage compartments partitioned therein. This storage room is located from the upper part of the refrigerator main body 1 to the cold storage room 5, the switching room 6 located below the cold storage room 5, and the ice making room 7, the switching room 6 and the lower part of the ice making room 7 And a vegetable room 9 located below the freezing room 8. Further, the front of the refrigerator compartment 5 is closed freely by the double door 10, and the switching compartment 6, the ice making room 7, the freezer compartment 8 and the front part of the vegetable compartment 9 are drawn out doors 11, 12, 13 , 14 (hereinafter referred to as a drawer type door) closed freely open and close.

  There is a cooling chamber 16 on the back of the refrigerator body 1, and a cooler 17 for generating cold air, a blower fan 18 for supplying cold air to each chamber, and a damper (air volume adjusting means) for adjusting the air volume to the refrigerator compartment 22 are provided. Further, a compressor 19 is provided at the back of the top surface of the main body 1 of the refrigerator, and a condenser (not shown), a heat radiation pipe 20 for heat radiation, a capillary tube 21 and the cooler 17 described above are sequentially Refrigerant is sealed in the annularly connected refrigeration cycle so as to perform a cooling operation.

  Here, each of the doors 10 to 14 is filled with hard urethane foam as in the refrigerator main body 1 to provide heat insulation, and in this refrigerator, of the doors 10 to 14 of the storage chamber 5 which becomes the refrigerator compartment A display terminal 15 as display means is provided on one of the front faces of the door 10. The display terminal 15 is formed of a smartphone, tablet PC or the like that can communicate with the Internet, which will be described later, and integrally has a display unit such as a liquid crystal panel and a control unit that controls the display unit. As shown in FIG. 4 (b), the door 10 can be integrally attached to the door 10 as one piece, or can be detachably attached to the door 10, and the door 10 is equipped with any method.

  5 (a) and 5 (b) show an example of the mounting configuration of the display terminal 15 to the door 10. FIG. 5 (a) shows the display terminal 15 when the display terminal 15 is integrally attached. It shows the case where it is detachably attached.

  5 (a) and 5 (b), the door 10 mainly includes a cover panel 10a facing the front side of the refrigerator, an inner plate 10b facing the inner side of the refrigerator, a cover panel 10a and an inner plate 10b and the heat insulating material 4 filled in between. The outer cover panel 10a is formed of a metallic member such as a color steel plate or a transparent member such as a glass plate, and the inner plate 10b is a synthetic resin member formed by vacuum molding. A raised wall portion 10b-1 is provided on the periphery of the inner side plate 10b so as to be protruded in the shape of a U when viewed from the inside of the storage. Further, as described above, for example, hard urethane foam is used for the heat insulating material 4.

  Moreover, in the door 10 of FIG. 5 (a) which integrated the display terminal 15, the resin-made storage frame 23 which covers the heat insulating material 4 continuously with the covering panel 10a is provided in the front side of the door 10. (If the cover panel 10a is a glass plate, it is integrally attached to the glass plate). The display terminal 15 is fixed to the storage frame 23 via the terminal holder 24. Further, a touch panel 25 is provided on the front side of the display terminal 15. A gap 26 is provided between the display terminal 15 and the touch panel 25 so that noise from the display terminal 15 does not cause the touch panel 25 to malfunction. The display terminal 15 and the touch panel 25 are fixed by attaching a frame 27 covering the outer peripheral edge thereof to the surface of the door 10. As described above, since the heat insulating material 4 does not directly touch the display terminal 15 by providing the storage frame body 23, the display terminal 15 is exposed to high temperature or deformed when the heat insulating material 4 is foamed. Can be prevented. On the other hand, in the door 10 of FIG. 5 (b) in which the display terminal 15 is detachable, a recess 28 is formed by providing the storage frame 23 on the front surface of the door 10, and the display terminal 15 is detached in this recess 28 Configured to

  6 (a), (b) and (c) show an example of the display see-through configuration of the door 10 and the display terminal 15, and FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b) show that the cover panel 10a of the door 10 is a glass plate In the case of 10a-1, FIG.3 (c) shows the case where the outer cover panel 10a of the door 10 is comprised by the magic mirror 10a-2.

  In FIG. 6A, a smoke sheet 29 is provided between the display terminal 15 embedded in the door 10 and the glass plate 10a-1 so that only the portion facing the display terminal 15 is transparent, and the display terminal 15 is Even when the display terminal 15 looks blackish, the glass sheet 10a-1 other than the display terminal 15 does not look blackish with the smoke sheet 29, and the boundary with the display terminal 15 does not stand out, so that the appearance can be maintained well. Further, in FIG. 6B, a transparent liquid crystal display unit is used as the display unit of the display terminal 15, and a smoke sheet 29a of a black whole is laid along the back surface of the transparent liquid crystal display unit. Can be made good. Furthermore, in FIG. 6C, the glass plate 10a-1 in FIGS. 6A and 6B is used as the magic mirror 10a-2 and the smoked sheet 29 is unnecessary, and in this case also, the appearance is maintained favorably. be able to. All show an example at the time of attaching display terminal 15 to door 10 in one. In addition, you may perform coating so that it may look dark on the back side of glass plate 10a-1 instead of the smoked sheet 29. FIG.

  7 and 8 (a) and 8 (b) show an example of installation of the camera for imaging in the storage and the illumination in the storage, and FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of the refrigerator with the door closed. a) is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of the door in the refrigerator with the door closed, and FIG. 8 (b) is a front view of the inside of the door when the door is opened.

  In FIG. 7, FIG. 8 (a), (b), the shelf boards 30-1 to 30-4 are provided in the storage chamber 5 of a refrigerator in multiple steps up and down. The shelf plates 30-1 to 30-4 are formed of a transparent material such as transparent synthetic resin or glass, except for the surrounding frame.

  A storage container 31 is provided below the lowermost shelf plate 30-4 so as to be freely drawn out. Although the shelf board 30-4 of the lowermost stage is fixed because it constitutes the upper surface of the storage container 31, the shelf boards 30-1 to 30-3 have the side wall convex provided on the both side walls of the storage room 5, respectively. It is placed on the sections 32-1 to 32-4 and is detachable. In particular, the shelf plate 30-2 at the center among the shelf plates 30-1 to 30-3 excluding the lowermost shelf plate 30-4 is provided with a plurality of corresponding side wall convex portions 32-2 at different heights. The height of the shelf can be adjusted.

  Reference numerals 33-1 to 33-3 denote door storage shelves provided on the inner surface of the door 10 for opening and closing the opening of the storage chamber 5, and are provided in a plurality of upper and lower stages. The door storage racks 33-1 to 33-3 are also formed of a transparent material.

  Reference numerals 34-1 and 34-2 denote interior lighting lamps, which are provided on the front opening side walls and the front opening top wall of the storage room 5 in front of the front ends of the shelf plates 30-1 to 30-4. . From the relationship of energy saving, the interior lamps 34-1 and 34-2 are provided with a substrate on which a plurality of LEDs are arranged, for example, vertically extending and covered with a translucent cover.

  The image pickup units 35-1 and 35-2 are provided on the front side of the storage room 5 similarly to the interior lamps 34-1 and 34-2, and pick up an image of the storage room.

  The imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 are, as shown in FIG. 10, a camera unit 37 used for imaging in the storage room, a control board 38 connected to the camera unit 37, and the camera unit 37. And the control board 38 in an internal space.

  The camera unit 37 is formed of, for example, a CCD camera or a CMOS camera, and the type is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the camera unit 37 be resistant to condensation and the like.

  The control board 38 controls the camera unit 37, and is connected to the camera unit 37 by a strip lead 38a, and has an external connection unit 38b connected to an external refrigerator control unit. The external connection unit 38 b is configured of, for example, a USB connection port.

  The storage case 39 is composed of a substantially rectangular case body 39a and a case lid 39b, and the case lid 39b is mounted on the camera unit 37 and the control board 38 housed in the case body 39a. Yes. And while making camera part 37 face outside from the 1st opening 40a provided in the case lid 39b, external connection part 38b is made to face outside from the 2nd opening 40b provided in the case main body 39a side. .

  Further, as is apparent from FIG. 10, the control board 38 is folded back from the strip lead wires 38a to face the camera portion 37 back to back and disposed orthogonal to the optical axis thereof. We are trying to miniaturize the

  In this embodiment, two imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 configured as described above are provided in the storage chamber, and each of them is a door of the door 10 as shown in FIG. 8 (b) and FIG. It arrange | positions in the space 10c newly provided in the door open end side Y of the side of storage shelf 33 -1,33-2. That is, the width of the door storage racks 33-1 and 33-2 is slightly shortened, and a space 10c is newly provided on the door open end side Y. Then, vertically elongated convex portions 41 are integrally raised from the inner surface of the door at the lateral end sides of the door storage shelves 33-1 and 33-2 in this space, and the door storage shelves 33-1 of the convex portions 41, Imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 are disposed on the side opposite to 33-2. In addition, the said convex part 41 becomes a heat insulation structure of the shape which the heat insulating material 4 of the door 10 entrapped, and also serves as a support part which supports the side edge of said door storage shelf 33 -1,33-2.

  The two imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 are arranged to form a predetermined space T with the inner wall surface of the door 10 as shown in FIG. 9, so that the camera unit 37 faces the inside of the storage chamber. Attached to In this embodiment, an opening 42 for connection with a lead (not shown) of the refrigerator control unit is provided on the inner wall of the door on the back side of the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2, and the back side of the opening 42 is provided. A reinforcing plate 43 made of a metal plate or the like is disposed on the upper side to reinforce the strength of this portion. The reinforcing plate material 43 is press-fixed on the rear side of the inner wall surface of the door by the heat insulating material 4 filled in the door 10.

  Further, the image pickup units 35-1 and 35-2 may have the surface on the storage room side of the portion close to the image pickup units 35-1 and 35-2 of the door storage racks 33-1 and 33-2 inclined 33a, or the door storage rack The image pickup range of the camera unit 37 is made to extend over the entire width of the storage room by providing the storage section closer to the storage compartment side in the front-rear dimension of 35-1, 35-2. In this embodiment, the surface on the storage chamber side of the portion near the imaging unit of the door storage racks 33-1 and 33-2 is configured to be inclined 33a.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the above-described imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 are respectively provided at front positions facing the shelf in the storage room. That is, the upper camera 35-1 is provided substantially forward of the uppermost shelf plate 30-1, and the lower camera 35-2 is provided forward of the third shelf 30-3 in the drawing. In this embodiment, any camera is removable, not the shelf plate 30-2 mounted on the plurality of side wall convex portions 32-2 provided on the premise of height adjustment, but the height is possible. It is provided in the approximate front position of shelf board 30-1 and shelf board 30-3 which do not assume adjustment.

  And in the case of this example of this French door, any imaging unit 35-1, 35-2 is provided in the door 10 side of a large area, and it is set so that it may be located in the approximate-central part of the refrigerator 51. FIG. Further, in this example, the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 are provided on the side of the door 10 where the center pillar 36 (see FIG. 3) is not provided, and set to be positioned substantially at the center of the refrigerator 51. is there. As is well known, in the case of a French door, the center pillar 36 is provided on one of the side surfaces of the two doors 10, and the cold air in the storage chamber 5 is generated from the gap generated between the two doors 10. It is a member provided to prevent leakage.

  Further, the interior lighting lamps 34-1 and 34-2 are provided at a position on the rear side of the storage room with respect to the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2, as is apparent from FIG. The light 34-2 is provided so as not to directly enter the imaging units of the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2.

  In addition, although this does not show in figure, a light-shielding part is provided in the camera side of interior lighting 34-1, 34-2, or light sources, such as LED which comprises interior lighting 34-1 and 34-2, The light of the interior lighting lamps 34-1 and 34-2 may not directly enter the imaging unit of the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 by arranging to be inclined obliquely backward and so on. It may be selected appropriately according to the installation conditions of the camera.

  Arrangement of the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 and the interior lighting lamps 34-1 and 34-2 as described above in imaging by providing the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 in the refrigerator In addition to the above, the specification of the camera unit 37 and the imaging control of the control board 38 are important.

  The camera unit 37 in the present embodiment is equipped with a wide-angle lens, which enables imaging of food on the shelf plates 30-1 to 30-4 in a wide range. That is, when imaging is performed in a closed space in the refrigerator, the camera unit 37 and the food on the shelf plates 30-1 to 30-4 can be prevented from being in a short distance, and the imaging range can be prevented from being limited. The number of imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 can be minimized, and the configuration can be simplified. The angle of view of the wide-angle lens is preferably about 120 ° to 150 °.

  The block diagram regarding imaging control of imaging unit 35-1, 35-2 in FIG. 11 is shown.

  The control board 38 controls the focus to a predetermined distance, the white balance control 71 that controls the white balance to a predetermined control value, and the exposure that automatically adjusts the exposure according to the illuminance in the refrigerator. A control unit 72 is provided.

  The focus control unit 70 in the present embodiment fixes the focus at a constant distance. When imaging is performed with the door of the refrigerator closed, the distance between the camera unit 37 and the shelf plates 30-1 to 30-4 is always constant, and it is desirable to fix the focus to 10 cm to 50 cm. Thereby, imaging control can be simplified without performing complicated control at the time of imaging.

  Further, the white balance control unit 71 of the present invention sets the control value in the range of ± 500 K from the interior illumination color temperature. Here, the white balance is a function of accurately making white appear white under a light source containing various colors. For example, when the color temperature of the surrounding environment is 3000 K, the control value is set to 7000 K, and imaging is performed, a yellowish image is obtained. On the other hand, when the color temperature of the surrounding environment is 7000K, the control value is set to 3000K and imaging is performed, the image becomes bluish. That is, it is desirable to set the control value of the white balance control unit 71 to a value closer to the color temperature of the surrounding environment.

  However, when imaging is performed in a closed space in a refrigerator, the camera unit 37 and the food on the shelf plates 30-1 to 30-4 are at a short distance, and the food around the camera unit 37 occupies the imaging region. Large proportion, susceptible to food color.

  For example, when the yellow illumination color temperature is 7000K and the yellow banana is arranged around the camera unit 37, the proportion of yellow in the imaging area is high, and the light color of the surrounding environment is strong yellow. That is, if the color temperature of light is low, false detection may occur, and the white balance may operate to correct yellow to white. In addition, this also affects the color of the other items, resulting in an overall bluish color.

  Therefore, by setting the control value of the white balance control unit to a range of -500 K or more from the interior illumination color temperature, the possibility of false detection when the color temperature of the light of the surrounding environment is low is reduced, and around the camera unit 37 Regardless of the color of the stored food, it can be suppressed that it becomes a bluish image, and does not give a sense of incongruity when confirming the storage condition from the in-chamber image.

  Also, for example, when the storage color of the blue package is arranged around the camera unit 37 when the interior illumination color temperature is 7000K, the blue of the light color of the surrounding environment is strong, that is, the color temperature of the light is high. There is a possibility of false detection, and the other stored items are finished in a yellowish color.

  Therefore, by setting the control value of the white balance control unit 71 to a range of plus 500 K or less from the interior illumination color temperature, the possibility of erroneous detection that the color temperature of the light of the surrounding environment is high is reduced. Regardless of the color of the stored food in the vicinity, it can be suppressed that the image becomes yellowish, and does not give a sense of discomfort when confirming the storage condition from the in-storage image.

  Thereby, the white balance control unit 71 can provide an in-compartment image close to the image actually viewed by the user when opening and closing the door by setting the control value in the range of ± 500 K from the in-compartment illumination color temperature. As a result, the user does not feel discomfort when confirming the storage condition from the image in the storage, and the color influence of the stored food can be suppressed, so the variation in color for each imaging is reduced regardless of the storage condition of the food. Provide a stable image.

  The white balance control unit 71 may have an auto white balance function of determining the color temperature of the light of the surrounding environment and automatically setting the control value within the color temperature range. This makes it possible to correct individual variations in color temperature of light emitted from the lighting device, changes in color temperature due to aging, and the like, thereby providing a more stable image.

  The control board 38 also has an exposure control unit 72 that automatically adjusts the exposure according to the illuminance in the refrigerator. Here, the exposure indicates the amount of light incident on the camera unit 37.

  Thus, by controlling the amount of light incident on the camera unit 37 in accordance with the illuminance in the refrigerator, it is possible to keep the brightness of the in-chamber image uniform for each photographing.

  The brightness of the interior largely changes depending on the storage amount. For example, when the storage amount in the interior is small, the light emitted from the interior lighting lamps 34-1 and 34-2 has an inner wall with high reflectance. Reflection is dominant, there is little light attenuation, and the interior is bright, but when the amount of storage is large, the reflectance of many foods is low, so with the increase in storage amount, By repeating the reflection, the light is attenuated and the inside of the cabinet tends to be dark.

  That is, the exposure control unit 72 adjusts the exposure of the camera unit 37 according to the illuminance in the refrigerator to reduce the brightness variation of the image in the storage due to the storage condition of the food, so the user opens and closes the door. It is possible to provide an in-compartment image close to the image to be actually viewed when the user does not give a sense of incongruity when confirming the storage situation from the in-compartment image.

  In addition, since there is a possibility of individual variation in luminance and deterioration with age, the interior lighting lamps 34-1 and 34-2 can prevent the brightness of the interior image from being different depending on the refrigerator, which is stable Can provide images.

  In addition, using the change of the brightness in the storage according to the storage amount, the storage status in the storage is predicted from the exposure of the camera unit 37, and the cooling amount of the storage space is calculated according to the prediction result of the storage status. Cooling control such as changing may be performed.

1-2. Overall Configuration of Refrigerator System Next, an overview of a refrigerator system constructed using a refrigerator as described above will be described using FIGS. 12 to 14.

  FIG. 12 shows the overall configuration of a refrigerator system 50 using the above-described refrigerator. As shown in FIG. 12, the refrigerator system 50 is a system for confirming the food condition in the refrigerator 51 by the display terminal 15 and the like.

  The refrigerator system 50 includes a refrigerator 51 and a display terminal 15, and further includes a wireless adapter (communication device) 53, a gateway device (relay device) 54, a router device 55, a public communication network 56 such as the Internet, a server device 57. including.

  The refrigerator 51 is disposed in the residence A of the user, and is disposed, for example, in a kitchen room in the residence A.

  The wireless adapter (communication device) 53 is electrically connected to a control unit, which will be described later, of the refrigerator 51, and is configured to communicate with the router device 55 via the gateway device (relay device) 54. The wireless adapter 53 receives the signal transmitted from the router device 55, and outputs the received signal to the control unit of the refrigerator 51. Based on this signal, the refrigerator 51 is configured to perform a corresponding operation.

  The wireless adapter 53 also acquires identification information (for example, serial number, model number, etc.) of the refrigerator 51, internal image data to be described later, etc. from the storage unit of the refrigerator 51, and the router via the gateway device (relay device) 54. It is configured to transmit to the device 55. The wireless adapter 53 may be integrally provided in the refrigerator 51 or may be configured to be removable.

  The wireless adapter 53 includes a "connect" button 53a. The “connect” button 53 a is for newly connecting with the gateway device (relay device) 54. When the “connect” button 53 a is operated by the user, the wireless adapter 53 is configured to acquire identification information (for example, a serial number or a model number) of the refrigerator 51 from the storage unit of the refrigerator 51.

  As described above, the display terminal 15 is, for example, a general-purpose portable terminal such as a smartphone and a tablet PC (personal computer), and can be detachably attached to the door 10 of the refrigerator 51 described above in the case of the present embodiment. And a function (means) for connecting to a public communication network 56 such as the Internet, and a function (means) for communicating with a gateway device 54 described later.

  The display terminal 15 (for example, a smart phone) is configured to be connected to a public communication network 56 such as the Internet via a telephone line network (for example, a 3G line network). Additionally or alternatively, for example, the display terminal 15 is configured to connect to a public communication network 56 such as the Internet via a public wireless LAN by a Wi-Fi communication function.

  By connecting to a public communication network 56 such as the Internet, for example, the display terminal 15 displays image data of food in the refrigerator which is an object of the present invention and data for energy saving operation (for example, data such as the number of times of opening and closing of a door) Can be obtained from the home page of the manufacturer of the refrigerator 51 via the public communication network 56 such as the Internet. By installing the acquired program on the display terminal 15 and activating the installed program, the display terminal 15 can acquire image data and the like of the food in the refrigerator. That is, the display terminal 15 can generate and transmit an operation signal for acquiring the image data of the refrigerator 51 by operating the operation screen of the display 15a. Details will be described later.

  The display terminal 15 also connects with the router 55 by general-purpose communication not via the public communication network 56 such as the Internet such as Wi-Fi communication, Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication, infrared communication, etc. A communication connection is configured to the gateway device 54 via the communication device. A device (for example, a Wi-Fi antenna or the like) for that purpose is incorporated in the display terminal 15.

  The gateway device (relay device) 54 is a device that relays communication between the wireless adapter 53 and the display terminal 15, and, for example, the wireless adapter 53 and the specified low power wireless special small frequency band (924.0 to 928.0 MHz To communicate using the signal of. The frequency band of communication between the gateway device 54 and the wireless adapter 53 is preferably a low frequency band which can reach a long distance, and is installed in the user's residence A where the refrigerator 51 is installed together with the router device 55.

  The gateway device 54 is also configured to establish communication connection with the display terminal 15 via the router device 55. That is, the gateway device 54 is configured such that communication (first communication) can be performed only via the router device 55 without passing through the display terminal 15 and the public communication network 56 such as the Internet.

  The gateway device 54 is further configured to be connectable to a public communication network 56 such as the Internet via the router device 55. Thus, the gateway device 54 can communicate (second communication) with the display terminal 15 via the public communication network 56 such as the Internet and the router device 55, and can also communicate with the server device 57.

  Therefore, the gateway device 54 communicates with the display terminal 15 not via the public communication network 56 such as the Internet (that is, the first communication via only the router device 55) and communication via the public communication network 56 such as the Internet. (That is, second communication via the public communication network 56 such as the Internet and the router device 55) can be performed. The reason for this configuration will be described later.

  The server device 57 is prepared, for example, by the manufacturer of the refrigerator 51. The server device 57 manages information and the like necessary for access and authentication for the display terminal 15, the refrigerator 51, and the wireless adapter 53. For example, the server device 57 determines whether the identification information of the display terminal 15 included in the communication request signal matches the identification information of the display terminal 15 stored (registered) in association with the wireless adapter 53. Authenticate (determine). Then, the server device 57 authenticates the display terminal 15 to be accessed as a regular display terminal, and permits communication with the refrigerator 51 in the residence A, when the two match.

  Further, the server device 57 stores the image data of the food in the refrigerator transmitted from the refrigerator 51, the data for performing the energy saving operation, and the like. These data are transmitted to the display terminal 15 based on the data call signal from the display terminal 15. That is, the user can operate the display terminal 15 to display and check the food image data in the refrigerator on the display.

1-3. System Unit Configuration of Refrigerator FIG. 13 shows a system unit configuration of a refrigerator used for the above-described refrigeration system.

  13, the refrigerator 51 includes an interface (I / F) 58, a control calculation unit 59, a storage unit 60, a door open / close detection unit 61, interior lighting lamps 34-1 and 34-2, an imaging unit 35-1. , 35-2, a fan drive circuit 62, a compressor drive circuit 63, a blower fan 18, and a compressor 19, for example, receive power supply from an AC power supply 64 such as a commercial power supply in the residence A.

  The interface (I / F) 58 exchanges data etc. between the wireless adapter 53 and the control operation unit 59 of the refrigerator 51.

  Control operation unit 59 controls the operation of the refrigerator. Further, the control calculation unit 59 controls the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 and the in-compartment illumination lights 34-1 and 34-2 to image the food in the refrigerator, and the image data is stored in the storage unit 60. Once stored, it is transmitted to the server device 57 of the public communication network 56 such as the Internet. Furthermore, if there is a request signal for prior transmission of image data etc. from the display terminal 15 via the server device 57, it instructs the display terminal 15 to execute transmission via the server device 57 immediately after imaging food. The details will be described later.

  The storage unit 60 rewrites and stores, for a certain period, image data of in-house food taken by the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 and data for performing an energy saving operation along with time information, in addition to identification symbols and control programs.

  The interior lightings 34-1 and 34-2 are controlled to be turned on / off by the control calculation unit 59 based on a signal from the door open / close detection unit 61, turned on when the door 10 is opened, and closed when the door 10 is closed. Turn off after a few seconds delay time.

  The imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 are controlled by the control calculation unit 59 based on the signal from the door open / close detection unit 61, and when the door 10 is closed, they image food in the refrigerator. The details will be described later.

  The fan drive circuit 62 receives a control signal from the control calculation unit 59 and controls driving of the rotation of the blower fan 18.

  The compressor drive circuit 63 receives a control signal from the control calculation unit 59 and controls the driving of the compressor 19 such as the number of revolutions.

  The blower fan 18 operates according to the control of the fan drive circuit 62 to generate an air flow for circulating cold air.

  The compressor 19 compresses a refrigerant (not shown) circulating in the refrigerator 51 according to the control of the compressor drive circuit 63.

1-4. Configuration of Server Device Next, a configuration example of the server device of the refrigerator system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the configuration of the server device 57 in FIG. 9 is taken as an example.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the server device 57 includes a server interface 65, a server control unit 66, and a data storage unit 67.

  The server interface 65 is a communication unit that exchanges data etc. between the display terminal 15 and the router device 55 and the server device 57 via the public communication network 56 such as the Internet under the control of the server control unit 66.

  The server control unit 66 controls the overall operation of the server device 57. The server control unit 66 combines the image data of the food material transmitted from the refrigerator 51 and stores the data together with the time information in the data storage unit 67, and when there is a signal of the prior transmission request of the image data from the display terminal 15, The latest image data of the image data stored in the data storage unit 67 is transmitted to the display terminal 15 each time the image data is transmitted from the refrigerator 51, and stored in the display terminal 15 for a predetermined period together with time information Make it updated. Of course, when the data call signal is transmitted from the display terminal 15 in a state where there is no signal of the advance transmission request of the image data, the latest image data stored in the data storage unit 67 is transmitted to the display terminal 15.

  The data storage unit 67 stores necessary data such as a management program and an application program for executing the refrigerator system. Further, under the control of the server control unit 66, the data storage unit 67 rewrites and stores the latest data of the food image data transmitted from the refrigerator 51 by adding time information. The data storage unit 67 is configured of, for example, an HDD (Hard Disc Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

  The server device 57 can be constructed as either a server constituted by a single large computer or a cloud type server constituted by a large number of computer groups.

<2. Operation>
Next, the operation of the refrigerator and the refrigeration system configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following description, the same operations will be described with the same step numbers.

  The imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 provided in the storage compartment of the refrigerator capture images of the storage compartment, but this imaging is performed when the door is opened or closed in order to put food in and out, or the user operates the display terminal 15 It is performed when imaging is instructed.

  The operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, when the user opens the door 10 for taking in and out food (step 1-Y), the door open / close detection unit 61 detects this, and the interior lighting lights 34-1 and 34-2 in the storage room light up. (Step 2) The imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 image the storage room (Step 4). The image data is transmitted to the server device 57 via the wireless adapter (communication device) 53, the gateway device (relay device) 54, the router device 55, and the public communication network 56 such as the Internet (step 5). It is stored in the storage unit 67 (step 6). Then, if there is a request for prior transmission of image data so that the image can be checked quickly even if there is congestion in the public communication network 56 such as the Internet from the display terminal 15 (step 7-Y), the server device 57 stores The transmitted image data is transmitted to the display terminal 15 (step 8), and the image data is stored in the display terminal 15 (step 9).

  On the other hand, although there is no door opening and closing for taking out food, when the user operates the display terminal 15 to check the food storage situation in the storage room from the food purchase destination shop etc. and the imaging instruction is transmitted (step 10-Y), the indoor lightings 34-1 and 34-2 are driven through the public communication network 56 such as the Internet, the router 55, the gateway (relay) 54, and the wireless adapter (communication) 53. The light is turned on (step 11), and the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 operate to image the storage room (step 4). From then on, the same operation as after the door opening and closing is performed.

  Further, the image data transmitted as described above is reproduced and confirmed on the display terminal 15.

  FIG. 16 shows a flow chart of a normal in-compartment image display. The user arbitrarily sets the display period or the date and time of the in-storage image to be displayed from the display terminal 15 and performs the image acquisition operation of the display terminal 15. For example, an advance transmission request is issued from the display terminal 15, and an in-storage image acquisition within a designated period is performed. The flow of acquisition of image data is as shown in FIG. The in-storage image is stored in the display terminal 15 (step 12), and the display terminal 15 confirms the presence or absence of image data within a designated period from the stored images (step 13), and the image data is time-series To the display unit of the display terminal 15 (step 14). When the user presses the play button, the image data read in time series on the display unit of the display terminal 15 is automatically switched (step 15) and display is performed to perform continuous play. As for the timing of image switching, image switching is performed after the display time has passed a predetermined time or when there is an image feed operation by the user (step 16-Y). The image feed operation by the user can be browsed while skipping the image in a time width by pressing a feed button displayed on the display terminal 15 or using a seek bar. This makes it possible to search in-chamber images by specifying a date and time, and to continuously browse images in a time-series chamber, significantly reducing the time required for image retrieval, and by using a seek bar, It becomes possible to find out the target image effectively.

  FIG. 17 shows a flowchart in the case of performing change detection of the in-chamber image and performing continuous reproduction of the in-chamber image. The image data is output to the display unit and stored in the display terminal 15 (step 21), and the user traces the displayed in-storage image with a finger to specify the food or the in-storage area (step 22) and performs automatic reproduction By doing this, the specific area of the image displayed at the previous time and the image currently displayed are compared (step 23), and when there is an image sending operation by the user (step 16-Y), the image is switched ( Step 15), when a change is detected, the automatic reproduction is stopped (step 24). By this, the user can easily know the change of the specific area in the storage or the presence or absence of the food by performing the automatic reproduction without checking the image data one by one, and the inventory control can be easily performed. Can. Furthermore, by designating a specific area, the amount of processing for detecting an image change can be reduced, and a constant processing speed can be maintained. It is preferable that the control calculation unit 59 of the refrigerator or the server control unit 66 of the server apparatus 57 detects the presence or absence of the change by comparing the specific area of the previous display image and the current display image.

  As described above, the refrigerator and the refrigerator system can confirm the food storage condition in the storage room, but next, the effects associated with the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 and the attachment configuration that are the main points of the present invention Will be explained.

  First, since the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 described in this embodiment store the camera unit 37, the control board 38, and the camera connection unit 38c in the internal space of the storage case 39, the camera unit 37 and the control are controlled. The substrate 38 is located inside the storage case 39 so that heat generated by itself can be confined within the storage case space. Therefore, the degree to which the heat generated by the camera unit 37 and the control substrate 38 affects the food stored in the vicinity thereof is extremely small. Moreover, since the storage case 39 storing the camera unit 37 and the control board 38 is shaped such that the entire outer surface is cooled by the air in the storage room, the temperature of the storage case 39 itself can be maintained low. Since the temperature of the food itself can be kept low, the food stored in the storage room can be almost prevented from being affected by the heat from the camera unit 37 etc. Due to the provision of -2, it is possible to wipe out the concern that the heat of the food causes the food to deteriorate.

  In addition, since the camera unit 37, the control substrate 38, etc. are protected by the storage case 39, the camera unit 37, the control substrate 38, etc. are damaged even if the stored matter such as canned beer hits the case. Can be prevented and the durability can be made high.

  In particular, in this embodiment, the space 10c is newly provided on the side of the door open end Y on the side of the door storage racks 33-1 and 33-2, and the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 are installed in the space 10c. The imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 are also protected by the door storage racks 33-1 and 33-2 and the protrusion of the convex portion 41, and the risk of damage or the like can be extremely reduced. .

  In addition, the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 installed in the space 10c are the connection portions of the strip lead wires 38a connected to the camera unit 37, that is, the external connection portions 38b connected to the camera connection portion 38c and the refrigerator side control unit. The image pickup units 35-1 and 35-2 can be compacted into a vertically long shape because they are disposed on opposite sides of the control substrate 38, that is, on opposite sides of the control substrate 38. Accordingly, the space 10c for housing the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 can be miniaturized along with this, and a large space 10c is not required for installing the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2, so the storage space is reduced. There is no need to waste it.

  Furthermore, since the control board 38 is disposed so that the strip-like lead wire 38a is folded back and is orthogonal to the optical axis of the camera unit 37, further downsizing of the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 can be promoted. In addition, compact storage, strong protection, and elimination of storage space can be achieved. In addition, when the camera unit 37 of the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 disposed in the storage chamber faces the inside of the storage chamber, the control board 38 orthogonal to this comes to face the inner wall surface of the door 10, It becomes easy to be cooled by cold radiation from the inner wall surface, and the reliability is improved.

  Further, since the storage case 39 is disposed so as to have a predetermined space between the back surface thereof and the inner wall surface of the door 10, cooling from cold air existing in the space T is also added to further cool the storage case 39. As a result, the reliability is further improved.

  Further, the storage room is provided with a plurality of storage spaces divided by the shelf boards 30-1 to 30-4, and the camera unit 37 of the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 is the shelf boards 30-1 and 30-2. It is configured to be disposed at a position opposite to. As a result, the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 are positioned across the upper and lower storage spaces of the shelf board and cooled by cold air from at least one of the upper and lower storage spaces, for example, stored in one of the upper and lower storage spaces Even if things are clogged, they will be cooled by the cold air from the other storage space, so that good cooling can always be ensured and the reliability is further improved.

  Further, in the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 in the present embodiment, a space 10c is newly provided on the side of the door open end Y on the side of the door storage racks 33-1 and 33-2, and the imaging unit 35 is formed in this space 10c. -1, 35-2 are installed, in which case a convex portion is formed between the storage racks 33-1, 33-2 of the inner wall of the door 10 and the imaging units 35-1, 35-2. Since 41 is provided, it is possible to prevent the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 from being damaged or tilted. That is, even if an impact or vibration occurs when a weight storage item is stored in the door storage shelf 33-1, 33-2, the door storage shelf 33-1, 33-2 and the imaging unit 35-1, 35-2 The convex portion 41 is positioned between the two and is received to reduce the influence on the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 as much as possible. This can prevent the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 from being damaged or tilted.

  Further, the door storage racks 33-1 and 33-2 can be installed as they are on the inner surface of the heat insulation door as they can reduce the influence of shock and vibration at the time of storing the weight storage objects, and the door storage rack 33-1 33-2 can be abolished to reduce the storage amount of the door 10.

  Therefore, a user-friendly refrigerator can be provided by achieving both the storage of the door storage amount, the installation of the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2, and the prevention of damage and inclination.

  In addition, in this embodiment, a space 10c is newly provided on the door open end Y side of the door storage racks 33-1 and 33-2, and the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 are installed in the space 10c. Because of this, the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 are hit by canned beer or the like that is often stored in the door storage shelves 33-1 and 33-2 by the protrusion of the door storage shelves 33-1 and 33-2. It is possible to be protected from the risk of damage and the like.

  Further, since the door storage racks 33-1 and 33-2 and the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 are separate members configured as separate members, the weight of the door storage racks 33-1 and 33-2 is large. The impact or vibration generated when the stored item is stored is not directly transmitted to the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2, and the influence of the impact and vibration on the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 can be greatly reduced, and imaging is performed. Damage and inclination of the units 35-1 and 35-2 can be further reliably prevented.

  Further, since the heat insulating material 4 is filled in the convex portion 41 provided on the inner wall surface of the door, the strength is improved, and the influence of the impact and the vibration can be further reduced and at the same time the heat insulation performance is also improved. Therefore, the thermal effects on the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 can also be reduced, and the reliability of the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 can be enhanced.

  Further, since the reinforcing plate material 43 is provided on the back side of the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2, the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 are fixed on the back side by the reinforcing plate 43 and the door storage shelf Impact and vibration from the side can be strongly suppressed, and damage and inclination of the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 can be reliably prevented to further improve the reliability.

  Further, since the reinforcing plate 43 is pressed against the inner wall surface of the door by the heat insulating material 4 and the reinforcing plate 43 is also fixed by this, the impact on the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 and vibration etc. are made stronger. Therefore, the reliability of the imaging unit can be further improved.

  In addition, since the refrigerator and the refrigerator system illustrated by the said embodiment of this invention have the following advantages, they are described.

  That is, in the refrigerator of this embodiment, the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 pick up the food in the storage room 5 from the front side of the storage room 5, but at this time the interior lighting lights 13-0 and 34-. 2 is also provided on the front side of the storage room 5, and the food in the storage room 5 is irradiated from the same front side as the imaging direction by the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2. Therefore, the captured image is clear and inconspicuous as in the case where the in-compartment lamps 34-1 and 34-2 are provided at the back wall of the storage room 5, and becomes a clear image. In addition, it is not necessary to require the server device 57 to perform image processing to brighten and sharpen the captured image.

  Further, since the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 and the indoor lighting lamps 34-1 and 34-2 are provided on the front side of the front end of the shelf boards 30-1 to 30-4. The image in the storage room 5 captured by the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 is the same as the state in which the user opens the door 10 of the refrigerator 51 and actually looks. Therefore, when the user tries to display the image data on the display terminal 15, it is possible to confirm the food condition in the storage room 5 without any discomfort. Moreover, since the interior lighting lamps 34-1 and 34-2 illuminate the food on the shelf board from the front end front of the shelf boards 30-1 to 30-4, they are mounted on the front end portions of the shelf boards 30-1 to 30-4. Foods placed can also be imaged brightly and clearly.

  In addition, the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 are provided on the inner surface of the door 10 of the refrigerator 51, and the interior illumination lights 34-1 and 34-2 are provided on the both sides of the opening edge of the storage room 5 The imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 are first positioned at substantially the center of the storage chamber 5 at the left and right. Therefore, it is possible for the user to open the door 10 of the refrigerator 51 and make the image captured by the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 closer to a state in which the user actually opens the door 10. In addition, the distance between the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 and the food on the shelf can be increased to capture a wide range in the storage room 5, and the storage condition of the food in a wider range can be obtained. It becomes possible to confirm on the display terminal 15.

  In addition, since the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 are provided so as to be positioned substantially at the center of the door storage racks 33-1 and 33-2 on the inner surface of the door in the front-rear direction, The food stored in the door storage racks 33-1, 33-2, for example, a milk pack can be partially imaged. Since the user stores it by himself, even if only a part of it is shown, he can recognize what it is. Therefore, it becomes possible to image almost all the foodstuffs in a storage room.

  On the other hand, the in-compartment lamps 34-1 and 34-2 are provided at positions behind the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2, and the light of the in-compartment lamps 34-1 and 34-2 is directly captured by the imaging unit Since the image pickup units 35-1 and 35-2 are provided so as not to enter the image pickup unit, the lights of the interior illumination lights 34-1 and 34-2 enter the image pickup units 35-1 and 35-2, and the image pickup unit 35- It is possible to prevent the deterioration of the reflection of 1, 35-2 and always obtain a good image. In this case, a light shielding portion may be provided on the camera side of the interior lighting lamps 35-1 and 35-2, or the light sources such as LEDs constituting the interior lighting lamps 34-1 and 34-2 may be inclined obliquely backward. The same effect can be obtained by adopting a configuration such as

  Moreover, the image in the storage room 5 imaged by the said imaging unit 35-1 and 35-2 transmits the image of each imaging unit 35-1 and 35-2 to the server apparatus 57, and the server apparatus 57 or a refrigerator Although the combining process and combining are performed in the display terminal 15 or 51, the combining process of the image is facilitated in this embodiment.

  That is, the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 have inner door portions corresponding to the front ends of the shelf plates 30-1 to 30-4, and in this example, the upper shelf plate 30-1 and the third shelf plate 30. Since the image pickup units 35-1 and 35-2 are provided on the inner surface portion of the door corresponding to the front end of the -3, the shelf boards 30-1 and 30 so that the line Z in FIG. It will be imaged centering on -3.

  Therefore, the image data in the storage room 5 imaged by the two imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 can be combined and processed by the shelf plate 30-2 of the second stage which is the boundary line Z. That is, as shown in the “captured raw image” of FIG. 18, the shelf board 30-2 is common to each of the upper and lower images, and the curvature of the “captured raw image” is corrected When the common shelf board 30-2 transferred to the upper and lower images is made to coincide with the image, the captured image of the entire storage room is obtained. As a result, it is not necessary to perform extremely difficult correction processing in which each food placed on the shelf during image combining processing is aligned and combined for each food, and image combining processing is easy. Become. Therefore, the processing program for image combination can be simplified, and the server device 57 for image combination processing, the refrigerator 51, or the control portion of the display terminal 15 also needs a large capacity. Can contribute to speeding up of processing speed.

  Further, since the two imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 are provided substantially at the front position of the shelf board 30-1 and the shelf board 30-3 which can not be adjusted in height, the height adjustable shelf board 30 can be adjusted. Even when the height of −2 is changed, the image combining process can be easily performed by adjusting the range of the combining process according to the height of the shelf plate 30-2 at the time of the image combining process.

  As mentioned above, although the refrigerator and refrigerator system concerning the present invention have been explained using the above-mentioned embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect. That is, the scope of the present invention is indicated not by the above description but by the scope of claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the scope of claims.

  For example, although the refrigerator illustrated the French door type refrigerator, it may be a single door type refrigerator and the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 have been described only in the case of being provided in a refrigerator, but vegetables It may be provided in a room or a freezing room, and the food stored and stored in each room may be photographed and transmitted, whereby the storage situation of each room can be known.

  Although two imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 are provided in one storage chamber, the present invention is not limited to this. When a plurality of imaging units are provided as in this embodiment, each imaging unit is provided. The captured images captured by 35-1 and 35-2 may be combined into one image by the server device 57 and displayed on the display terminal 15, or may be provided in separate storage rooms such as a vegetable room and a refrigerator room. In this case, if it is possible to select and display each image, it is possible to make the display of the food storage status easy to understand.

  Furthermore, although an example in which the imaging in the storage room by the imaging units 35-1 and 35-2 is performed in a state where the door is closed has been illustrated, this may be performed in a state where the door is opened at a certain angle is there.

Also, as to the communication mode, in the embodiment described above, the gateway device 54 is interposed in the communication path between the display terminal 15 and the wireless adapter 53 of the refrigerator 51 and the public communication network 56 such as the Internet. It is not always necessary, and it may be configured to communicate directly with the display terminal 15 and the wireless adapter 53 of the refrigerator 51, the public communication network 56 such as the Internet, etc., via the router device 55. The configuration can be simplified.

  In the above embodiment, when the user is outside the residence A, the image data is acquired from the server device 57, but the public communication network 56 such as the Internet and the router from the display terminal 15 and the router are not used. It may be configured to communicate with the device 55 and the gateway device 54 and to directly fetch the image data stored in the storage unit 60 of the refrigerator 51 from the refrigerator 51. In this case and in the case of direct communication, it is preferable to combine the images in the storage unit 60 of the refrigerator 51 and to transmit the image data after the combining process.

  The present invention controls the white balance in the range of ± 500 K from the storage room illumination color temperature, thereby suppressing the color influence of the stored food, and reducing the variation for each imaging regardless of the storage condition of the food. It is effective to apply it to household refrigerators and various refrigerators.

1 refrigerator main body 4 heat insulating material 5 cold storage room (storage room)
6 switching room 7 ice making room 8 freezing room 9 vegetable room 10 door T space 11-14 drawer type door (door)
15 Display terminal (display means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 16 cooling chamber 17 cooler 18 ventilation fan 19 compressor 20 thermal radiation pipe 21 capillary tube 22 damper 30-1 to 30-4 shelf board 31 storage container 32-1 to 32-4 side wall convex part 33-1 to 33-8 door storage Shelf 33a Inclination 34-1, 34-2 Interior lighting 35-1, 35-2 Imaging unit 37 Camera 38 Control board 38a Striped lead 38b External connection 38c Camera connection 39 Storage case 39a Case body 39b Case lid Body 40a, 40b Opening 41 Convex part 42 Opening 43 Reinforcing plate material 50 Refrigerator system 51 Refrigerator 53 Wireless adapter (communication device)
53a "Connect" button 54 Gateway device (relay device)
55 router device 56 public communication network such as Internet 57 server device 59 control arithmetic unit 60 storage unit 61 door open / close detection unit 62 fan drive circuit 63 AC power supply 65 server interface 66 server control unit 67 data storage unit T space 70 focus control unit 71 white balance control unit 72 exposure control unit

Claims (2)

A refrigerator body, a storage room formed in the refrigerator body, a heat insulation door for opening and closing the storage room, a lighting device for illuminating the storage room, a camera unit used for imaging in the storage room, and the camera unit The control board has a control board, and the control board controls the white balance in the range of ± 500 K from the storage room illumination color temperature. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the control substrate unit includes an exposure adjustment unit that automatically adjusts the exposure according to the illuminance in the refrigerator.

Images