JP7113378B2 - system - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a refrigerator, a refrigerator system, and an imaging set for a refrigerator, in which food in a storage room such as a refrigerator can be imaged and the storage status can be confirmed on a display terminal or the like.

In general, many refrigerators and refrigerating systems of this type have been proposed. For example, a refrigerator and a refrigerating system described in Patent Document 1 are provided with a small camera in a storage room such as a refrigerating room. It is configured so that it can be confirmed by the display terminal.

Patent Document 2 also discloses a refrigerator and a refrigeration system similar to Patent Document 1. The system described in Patent Document 1 captures the state of foodstuffs in a storage room with a small camera when the door of the refrigerator is closed. It is configured to

Furthermore, the refrigerator and refrigerating system described in Patent Document 3 have a display terminal on the surface of the refrigerator in addition to the configuration described in Patent Document 1, and the display terminal is a fixed terminal incorporated on the surface of the refrigerator and the refrigerator. It is composed of a display terminal such as a mobile phone that can be detached from the surface and carried around, and both terminals can display the food storage situation in the storage room, which is imaged by a small camera via the Internet line, on the display part. Of course, it is configured so that even at home, the food storage situation in the storage room can be known without opening the door of the refrigerator.

Thus, many proposals have been made for refrigerators and refrigerator systems of this type, that is, refrigerators and refrigerator systems in which the food in the storage chamber can be imaged and the storage status can be confirmed on a display terminal or the like. Convenience is high.

JP-A-2002-236798 JP 2007-46833 A JP-A-2002-81818

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to relay image data captured by an imaging unit to a wireless communication device provided in a refrigerator when transmitting the image data to the outside of the refrigerator .

The present invention provides a system including a refrigerator and an imaging unit installed in the refrigerator, wherein the refrigerator includes a storage room, a first lighting device provided in the storage room, and a first wireless device. a communication device, wherein the image capturing unit includes an image capturing device, a second lighting device, and a second wireless communication device; and the image capturing unit captures the image with the second lighting device turned on. The second wireless communication device is operable in a first mode in which the device performs imaging and in a second mode in which the imaging device performs imaging with the second lighting device turned off. and transmitting image data captured by the imaging device to a first wireless communication device, and the first wireless communication device transmitting the image data to the outside of the refrigerator .

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, when transmitting the image data imaged by the imaging unit to the exterior of a refrigerator, it can be made to relay to the wireless communication apparatus with which a refrigerator is provided .

The perspective view of the refrigerator in embodiment of this invention Schematic cross-sectional view of the same refrigerator A perspective view showing the inside of the same refrigerator when the storage compartment door is opened. (a) Perspective view of the refrigerator integrally equipped with the display terminal, (b) Perspective view of the refrigerator detachably equipped with the display terminal. 1 shows an example of a mounting configuration of a display terminal used in the same refrigerator, (a) is a cross-sectional view when the display terminal is integrally mounted, and (b) is a cross-sectional view when the display terminal is detachably mounted. Examples of visible display configuration of the display terminal used in the same refrigerator are shown, (a) and (b) are schematic cross-sectional views when the exterior panel of the door is made of glass, and (c) is a case where the exterior panel of the door is made of a magic mirror. schematic cross section of Longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of mounting an imaging unit of the same refrigerator An example of mounting an imaging unit of the same refrigerator is shown, (a) is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator door portion when the door is closed, and (b) is a front view of the inside of the door when the door is opened. Explanatory diagram showing the imaging unit, wireless repeater, public communication network, and display terminal attached to the same refrigerator 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 the server configuration of the same refrigerator system Flowchart showing the operation from imaging by the imaging unit used in the same refrigerator system to saving the image on the display terminal Flowchart of image display inside the refrigerator system Flowchart of continuous regeneration in the same refrigerator system

Specific and detailed embodiments of the present invention will be described below. First, the gist of the embodiments of the present invention will be described.

An embodiment of a refrigerator according to the present invention comprises a refrigerator main body composed of an outer box, an inner box, a heat insulating material filled between the outer box and the inner box, and a storage provided inside the refrigerator main body. a room, a heat insulating door covering the storage room, an imaging device that captures an image of the inside of the storage room, a wireless device that wirelessly transmits the image captured by the imaging device, and drives the imaging device and the wireless device. and a wireless repeater for transmitting image data from the wireless device to a public communication network, wherein the imaging device, the wireless device, and the power supply unit are configured as an imaging unit, Further, the imaging unit is configured independently from the refrigerator main body and the heat insulating door, and the wireless repeater is provided on the refrigerator main body or the heat insulating door.

As a result, the image pickup unit, which is independent of the refrigerator body and the heat insulating door, can be installed in the user's favorite place (where he wants to see) in the storage room, and communication between the wireless device of the image pickup unit and the public communication network is possible. can be relayed by a wireless repeater to properly establish communication.

Further, the radio repeater is provided at an end portion of the heat insulating door. As a result, the edges of the heat-insulating door are joints of the metal exterior plates that make up the outer surface of the door, making it easy for radio waves to pass through. can.

Further, the refrigerator main body or the heat insulating door is provided with a vacuum heat insulating material composed of a core material and an outer covering material, and the radio repeater is provided at a position not facing the vacuum heat insulating material.

This makes it possible to establish communication with higher accuracy and reliability, even when vacuum insulation materials are used for the refrigerator body and heat insulation doors, and the outer covering material is made of metal film or the like. and heat insulation improvement (energy saving improvement) can be compatible.

Further, the imaging unit is configured to supply power from the power supply unit to the imaging device when the wireless device receives radio waves.

As a result, an image is captured only when radio waves are received, so the life of the image capturing unit can be extended. In particular, since the imaging unit uses an independent power supply such as a battery, it is very important to extend the life of the imaging unit.

Further, an illumination device for illuminating the storage room is provided, and power is supplied to the illumination device when the wireless device receives radio waves.

As a result, when the wireless device receives radio waves and takes an image, the lighting device is turned on, so that the inside of the storage room can be satisfactorily imaged.

Further, the imaging unit includes an illumination device for illuminating the storage room, and the imaging unit includes an illuminance detection unit for detecting illuminance in the storage room. It is configured to supply power to the imaging device.

As a result, when the heat insulating door is opened and closed, the illuminance in the storage room becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined value, which is detected by the illuminance detection unit, and power is supplied to the image pickup device to pick up an image of the inside of the storage room. That is, it is possible to capture an image at the timing of opening and closing the heat insulation door (timing at which the illuminance inside the refrigerator changes), and it is possible to reliably capture an image of the storage state after the food is taken in and out by opening and closing the heat insulation door.

Further, a refrigerator system constituted by the refrigerator in each of the above-described embodiments and a display terminal that communicates with the wireless repeater of the refrigerator is also a key point of the present invention. The state of food storage in the refrigerator can be known from the outside by properly communicating with the communication network, thereby improving convenience.

Furthermore, the gist of the present invention is an imaging unit that integrates an imaging device, a wireless device, and a power supply unit, and a wireless repeater that is capable of wirelessly communicating with the wireless device of the imaging unit and communicating with a public communication network. wherein the wireless repeater has two types of wireless communication systems: a first wireless communication system for communicating with the wireless device of the imaging unit and a second wireless communication system for wireless communication with the public communication network. An imaging set in which the frequency of the radio wave for communicating with the radio device of the imaging unit is higher than the frequency of the radio wave for communicating with the public communication network is also a gist of the present invention. Even a general refrigerator having no function can be made to have a communication function by installing the imaging set. Therefore, the user can purchase a general refrigerator in advance, or purchase and install the imaging set in the refrigerator currently in use as necessary, so that the refrigerator can be made into a so-called Internet home appliance with a communication function. You can dramatically improve the value of your refrigerator.

Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[Embodiment 1]
<1. Configuration>
1-1. Construction of Refrigerator First, an example construction of a French door type refrigerator will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. FIG.

In FIGS. 1 to 3, a refrigerator body 1 includes an outer box 2 made of metal (for example, iron plate) opening forward, an inner box 3 made of hard resin (for example, ABS), and these outer box 2 and inner box 3. It consists of a heat insulating material 4 such as hard urethane foam foamed and filled between. In addition, a vacuum heat insulating material 4a is embedded in the heat insulating material 4. The vacuum heat insulating material 4a is formed by sealing a core material with a covering material made of a metal film such as an aluminum sheet. The refrigerator main body 1 is partitioned into a plurality of compartments inside. From the top of the refrigerator main body 1, the storage chambers are: a refrigerating chamber 5; and a vegetable compartment 9 positioned below the freezer compartment 8 . The front of the refrigerator compartment 5 is closed by a double door 10, and the fronts of the switch compartment 6, the ice making compartment 7, the freezer compartment 8, and the vegetable compartment 9 are covered by drawer doors 11, 12, and 13. , 14 (hereinafter referred to as a drawer type door) to freely open and close.

A cooling chamber 16 is provided on the back of the refrigerator main body 1. 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 inner part of the top surface of the refrigerator body 1, and a condenser (not shown), a heat radiation pipe 20 for heat radiation, a capillary tube 21, and the cooler 17 are sequentially connected. Refrigerant is sealed in a refrigerating cycle connected in a ring to perform a cooling operation.

Here, the doors 10 to 14 are filled with hard urethane foam and embedded with a vacuum heat insulating material 4a to provide heat insulation in the same manner as the refrigerator body 1. In this refrigerator, among the doors 10 to 14, A display terminal 15 is provided on one front surface of the door 10 of the storage room 5 which serves as a room. 4 ( It is attached integrally to the door 10 as shown in a), or it is detachable from the door 10 as shown in FIG. 4(b).

5(a) and 5(b) show examples of the mounting structure of the display terminal 15 on the door 10. FIG. The figure shows a case in which it is detachably attached.

5(a) and 5(b), the door 10 mainly includes an outer plate 10a facing the front side of the refrigerator, an inner plate 10b facing the inner side of the refrigerator, and an outer plate 10a and the inner plate 10b. and a heat insulating material 4 filled between them. The outer plate 10a is made of a metal member such as a colored 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 protruding toward the inside of the chamber is provided around the inner plate 10b in a square shape when viewed from the inside of the chamber. Further, the heat insulating material 4 is made of, for example, rigid urethane foam, as already described.

In addition, in the door 10 shown in FIG. 5(a) in which the display terminal 15 is integrated, a storage frame body 23 made of resin is provided on the front side of the door 10 so as to be continuous with the exterior plate 10a and cover the heat insulating material 4. (When the exterior plate 10a is a glass plate, it is integrally adhered to the glass plate). The display terminal 15 is fixed to the storage frame 23 via the terminal holder 24 . 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 to prevent the touch panel 25 from malfunctioning due to noise from the display terminal 15 . The display terminal 15 and the touch panel 25 are fixed by attaching a frame 27 covering the outer periphery thereof to the surface of the door 10 . By providing the storage frame body 23 in this way, the heat insulating material 4 does not directly touch the display terminal 15, so that the display terminal 15 is exposed to a high temperature or deformed when the heat insulating material 4 is foamed. It is possible to prevent problems such as On the other hand, in the door 10 shown in FIG. 5B, in which the display terminal 15 is detachable, the storage frame 23 is provided on the front surface of the door 10 to form the recess 28, and the display terminal 15 is detachably attached to the recess 28. It is configured to

FIGS. 6(a), (b), and (c) show an example of see-through display configuration of the door 10 and the display terminal 15, and FIGS. In the case of -1, FIG. 3(c) shows the case where the exterior plate 10a of the door 10 is configured with a magic mirror 10a-2.

In FIG. 6(a), a smoked 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. Even when the display terminal 15 is turned off and looks black, the smoke sheet 29 makes the glass plate 10a-1 part other than the display terminal 15 look black, and the boundary between the display terminal 15 and the display terminal 15 does not stand out. In FIG. 6(b), a transparent liquid crystal display portion is used as the display portion of the display terminal 15, and a smoke sheet 29a which is entirely black is laid along the back surface of the transparent liquid crystal display portion. can be made good. Furthermore, in FIG. 6(c), the glass plate 10a-1 in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b) is replaced by a magic mirror 10a-2, eliminating the need for the smoke sheet 29. In this case as well, good appearance is maintained. be able to. Each shows an example in which the display terminal 15 is integrally attached to the door 10 . Instead of the smoke sheet 29, the rear side of the glass plate 10a-1 may be painted so that it looks black.

7, 8(a), and 8(b) show an example of mounting an imaging unit for photographing the inside of the refrigerator. FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view showing the inner surface of the door of the refrigerator with the door closed, and FIG. 8B is a front view of the inner surface of the door when the door is opened.

7, 8(a) and 8(b), shelf boards 30-1 to 30-4 are provided in a plurality of upper and lower stages in the storage compartment 5 of the refrigerator. The shelf plates 30-1 to 30-4, except for the surrounding frames, are made of a transparent material such as transparent synthetic resin or glass.

Reference numeral 31 denotes a storage container provided under the lowermost shelf plate 30-4 so as to be freely drawn out. Although the bottom shelf 30-4 constitutes the upper surface of the storage container 31 and is fixed, the shelves 30-1 to 30-3 are provided on the side wall portions of the storage chamber 5, respectively. It is placed on the parts 32-1 to 32-4 and is detachable. In particular, among the shelves 30-1 to 30-3 excluding the lowest shelf 30-4, the center shelf 30-2 is provided with a plurality of corresponding side wall protrusions 32-2 at different heights. It is designed so that the height of the shelf can be adjusted.

Door pockets 33-1 to 33-3 are 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 pockets 33-1 to 33-3 are also made of a transparent material.

Reference numerals 34-1 and 34-2 denote internal illumination lamps, which are provided on both side wall portions of the front opening and the upper wall portion of the front opening of the storage chamber 5 in front of the front ends of the respective shelf plates 30-1 to 30-4. . In addition, in order to save energy, the interior illumination lamps 34-1 and 34-2 are provided with a substrate on which a plurality of LEDs are arranged, for example, extending in the vertical direction and covered with a translucent cover.

Reference numeral 35 denotes a detachable imaging unit provided so as to be positioned on the front side of the storage room 5 like the interior illumination lamps 34-1 and 34-2, for taking an image of the inside of the storage room. Reference numeral 36 denotes a detachable radio repeater provided at the end of the door 10 in the vicinity of the rotation support portion of the door 10. The radio repeater 36 and the image pickup unit 35 form a pair. (see FIG. 9).

As shown in FIG. 9, the imaging unit 35 is configured by integrating an imaging device such as a camera (hereinafter referred to as a camera) 38, a wireless device 39, an illuminance detection unit 40, an illumination device 41, and a power supply unit 42. It can be attached anywhere in the storage chamber by mechanical fixing, clips, attachments with suction cups, adhesives, or the like.

The camera 38 of the imaging unit 35 is composed of, for example, a CCD camera, a CMOS camera, or the like, and although the type thereof is not particularly limited, it is resistant to dew condensation and the like.

The radio device 39 communicates with the radio repeater 36 by radio, and the radio communication method is a communication method that enables good radio communication even if a metal plate or the like is interposed between the radio device 39 and the radio repeater 36 . When the camera 38 takes an image, the wireless device 39 wirelessly transmits the image data to the wireless repeater 36, and also receives an imaging instruction signal from the portable display terminal 15 via a public communication network 56 such as the Internet, which will be described later. Upon receiving this signal, power is supplied from the power supply unit 42 to the camera 38 to perform an imaging operation.

Further, the illuminance detection unit 40 detects when the illuminance in the storage room 5 exceeds a predetermined value and sends an imaging signal to the camera 38 .

The illumination device 41 is composed of an LED or the like and is integrally incorporated in the camera 38, and lights up when an image is taken by the camera 38 to ensure illuminance in the storage chamber 5. FIG.

A power supply unit 42 serves as a power source for the camera 38, the illuminance detection unit 40, the lighting device 41, and the wireless device 39, and is constructed using a secondary or primary battery such as a lithium battery, for example. When the camera 39 receives the imaging instruction signal, power is supplied to the camera 38 so that the inside of the storage room 5 is imaged.

On the other hand, the wireless repeater 36 communicates wirelessly with the wireless device 39 of the imaging unit 35 and also wirelessly communicates with a public communication network 56 such as the Internet. 1 wireless communication system and a second wireless communication system for wirelessly communicating with the public communication network 56. The first wireless communication method between the imaging unit 35 and the wireless device 39 is a radio wave of a frequency that enables good wireless communication even if a metal plate or the like is interposed between the imaging unit 35 and the wireless device 39 as described above. On the other hand, the second wireless communication method with the public communication network 56 is wireless communication such as WI-FI wireless communication using low-frequency radio waves that can perform good wireless communication even if there is a distance. There is a method.

The radio repeater 36 is provided at the door end near the rotation support portion of the door 10 as already described. installed in a position that does not

1-2. Overall Configuration of Refrigerator System Next, the overall refrigerator system constructed using the refrigerators described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12. FIG.

FIG. 10 shows the overall configuration of a refrigerator system 50 using the refrigerator described above. As shown in FIG. 10, this refrigerator system 50 is a system for confirming the state of ingredients in a refrigerator 51 using a display terminal 15 or the like.

The refrigerator system 50 includes a refrigerator 51 and a display terminal 15, and further includes a wireless relay 36 of the refrigerator 51, a gateway device (relay device) 54, a router device 55, a public communication network 56 such as the Internet, and a server. Includes device 57 .

The refrigerator 51 is arranged in the user's residence A, for example, in the kitchen room of the residence A. As shown in FIG. Refrigerator 51 is configured to communicate with router device 55 via wireless repeater 36 and gateway device (relay device) 54 , receives a signal transmitted from router device 55 , and transmits the received signal to refrigerator 51 . It transmits to the wireless device 39 of the imaging unit 35 set inside. Based on this signal, the camera 38 of the imaging unit 35 set in the refrigerator 51 is configured to perform an imaging operation.

The wireless repeater 36 also transmits the identification information of the wireless repeater itself (for example, the serial number, the model number, etc.) and the image data inside the refrigerator, which will be described later, to the router device 55 via the gateway device (relay device) 54. configured as

As described above, the display terminal 15 is, for example, a general-purpose portable terminal such as a smart phone or a tablet PC (personal computer). , and has 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, which will be described later.

The display terminal 15 (eg, smart phone) is configured to connect to a public communication network 56 such as the Internet via a telephone network (eg, 3G 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 with a Wi-Fi communication function.

By connecting to a public communication network 56 such as the Internet, for example, the display terminal 15 can transmit the image data acquisition program of the ingredients in the refrigerator, which is the object of the present invention, to the imaging unit 35 via the public communication network 56 such as the Internet. can be obtained from the manufacturer's website. By installing the acquired program in the display terminal 15 and activating the installed program, the display terminal 15 can acquire image data and the like of ingredients in the refrigerator. That is, the display terminal 15 can generate and transmit an instruction signal for acquiring the image data of the refrigerator 51 by operating the operation screen of the display 15a.

The display terminal 15 is also connected to the router device 55 by general-purpose public communication such as Wi-Fi communication, Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication, infrared communication, etc., and is connected to the gateway device via the router device 55. 54. A device for that purpose (for example, a Wi-Fi antenna, etc.) is incorporated in the display terminal 15 .

The gateway device (relay device) 54 is a device that relays communication between the wireless repeater 36 and the display terminal 15. For example, the wireless repeater 36 and the specified low-power radio frequency band (924.0 to 928.0 MHz ) signals. The frequency band for communication between the gateway device 54 and the wireless repeater 53 is preferably a low frequency band that reaches 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 communicate with the display terminal 15 via the router device 55 . That is, the gateway device 54 is configured so that communication (first communication) can be executed only via the router device 55 without via a 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 a router device 55 . Thereby, the gateway device 54 can communicate with the display terminal 15 (second communication) and also communicate with the server device 57 via the public communication network 56 such as the Internet and the router device 55 .

Therefore, the gateway device 54 provides the display terminal 15 with communication not via a public communication network 56 such as the Internet (that is, first communication via only the router device 55) and communication via a public communication network 56 such as the Internet. (that is, the second communication via the public communication network 56 such as the Internet and the router device 55). The reason for this configuration is to enable speedy communication using the first communication when the user is in the house and the public communication network 56 such as the Internet is congested.

The server device 57 is prepared by the manufacturer of the refrigerator or the imaging unit 35, for example. The server device 57 manages information necessary for access and authentication regarding the display terminal 15 and the wireless repeater 36 . For example, the server device 57 determines whether or not 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 repeater 36. to authenticate (discriminate). If they match, the server device 57 authenticates the accessing display terminal 15 as a legitimate display terminal, and permits communication with the imaging unit 35 provided in the refrigerator 51 in the house A.

The server device 57 also stores the image data of the ingredients in the refrigerator transmitted from the imaging unit 35 as described above. This image data is transmitted to the display terminal 15 based on the data calling signal from the display terminal 15 . That is, by operating the display terminal 15, the user can display the food image data in the refrigerator on the display for confirmation.

1-3. System Configuration of Refrigerator FIG. 11 shows the system configuration of a refrigerator used in the above refrigeration system.

In FIG. 11, this refrigerator 51 incorporates the imaging unit 35 and the radio repeater 36 already described. Like a general refrigerator, it has a compressor drive circuit 63 for the compressor 19, a fan drive circuit 62 for the blower fan 18 for supplying cold air, a door open/close detector 61, interior illumination lights 34-1 and 34-2, and the like. , and is controlled by the control unit 59 .

1-4. Configuration of Server Device Next, a configuration example of the server device of the refrigerator system according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 12 . Here, the configuration of the server device 57 in FIG. 10 is taken as an example.

As shown in FIG. 12 , this server device 57 includes a server interface 65 , a server control section 66 and a data storage section 67 .

The server interface 65 is a communication section that exchanges data and the like 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 section 66 .

A server control unit 66 controls the overall operation of the server device 57 . The server control unit 66 also causes the data storage unit 67 to store the image data of the ingredients transmitted from the imaging unit 35 together with the time information. The latest image data of the image data stored in 67 is transmitted to the display terminal 15 each time the image data is transmitted from the image pickup unit 35, and the display terminal 15 stores and rewrites and updates the image data for a certain period along with the time information. . Of course, when a data call signal is transmitted from the display terminal 15 without a signal requesting advance transmission of 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 application programs for executing the refrigerator system. Furthermore, under the control of the server control unit 66, the data storage unit 67 rewrites and stores the latest food image data transmitted from the image pickup unit 35 by adding time information. The data storage unit 67 is configured by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like.

It should be noted that the server device 57 can be constructed as either a server composed of a single large-sized computer or a cloud-type server composed of a large number of computers.

<2. Operation>
Next, the operation of the refrigerator and refrigerating system configured as described above will be described. In each of the following explanations, the same step numbers are given to the same operations.

In this system, a camera 38 of an image pickup unit 35 installed in the storage room of the refrigerator takes an image of the inside of the storage room. This is performed when an image capturing instruction is given using the

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

First, when the user opens the door 10 to put in and take out food (step 1-Y), the door open/close detector 61 detects this, and the internal illumination lights 34-1 and 34-2 in the storage chamber light up. (Step 2). When the illuminance in the storage room exceeds a predetermined level (step 3-Y), the illuminance detector 40 of the image pickup unit 35 detects this, and the camera 38 takes an image of the inside of the storage room (step 4). This image data is transmitted from the wireless device 39 of the imaging unit 35 to the server device 57 via the wireless relay 36 provided on the door 10, the gateway device (relay device) 54, the router device 55, and a public communication network 56 such as the Internet. (Step 5), and stored in the data storage section 67 of the server device 57 (Step 6). Then, when the display terminal 15 requests advance transmission of the image data so that the image can be confirmed quickly even if the public communication network 56 such as the Internet is congested (step 7-Y), the server device 57 stores the request. The obtained 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, when the user operates the display terminal 15 to check the food storage situation in the storage room from the store where the food is purchased, even though the door is not opened and closed for taking in and out of the food (step 10-Y), a public communication network 56 such as the Internet, a router device 55, a gateway device (relay device) 54, and a wireless relay device 36. The illumination device 41 of the imaging unit 35 is activated (step 11), power is supplied to the camera 38, and the inside of the storage room is imaged (step 4). After that, the same operation as after imaging when the door is opened and closed is performed.

Further, the image data transmitted as described above is played back on the display terminal 15 for confirmation.

FIG. 14 shows a flow chart of normal in-fridge image display. The user arbitrarily sets the display period or the date and time of the inside image to be displayed on the display terminal 15 and performs the image acquisition operation of the display terminal 15 . For example, a preliminary transmission request is made from the display terminal 15, and an image of the inside of the fridge is obtained within a specified period. The flow of image data acquisition is as shown in FIG. The image of the inside of the refrigerator is stored in the display terminal 15 (step 12), the display terminal 15 confirms the presence or absence of image data within a specified period from among the stored images (step 13), and displays the image data in chronological order. is read in and output to the display section of the display terminal 15 (step 14). When the user presses the playback button, the image data read in chronological order on the display unit of the display terminal 15 are automatically switched (step 15) and displayed, thereby performing continuous playback. As for the timing of image switching, image switching is performed after the display time has elapsed for a certain period of time or when the user performs an image forwarding operation (step 16-Y). The image forwarding operation by the user can be performed by pressing a forwarding button displayed on the display terminal 15 or by using a seek bar to browse images while skipping the images by a time interval. This makes it possible to search for images of the inside of the refrigerator by specifying the date and time, and to view the images of the inside of the refrigerator in chronological order, greatly reducing the time required for image searches. It is possible to effectively find the target image.

FIG. 15 shows a flow chart for detecting a change in a refrigerator interior image and performing continuous reproduction of the refrigerator interior image. The image data is stored in the display terminal 15 and output to its display (step 21), and the user traces the displayed image of the inside of the refrigerator with a finger to specify the food or the area inside the refrigerator (step 22) to start automatic playback. By doing so, the specific area of the previously displayed image and the currently displayed image are compared (step 23), and if there is an image feed operation by the user (step 16-Y), the image is switched ( Step 15), and when a change is detected, the automatic reproduction is stopped (step 24). As a result, the user can easily know the specific area in the refrigerator or the change in the presence or absence of ingredients by performing automatic reproduction without checking the image data one by one, and can easily perform inventory management. can be done. Furthermore, by designating a specific area, the amount of image change detection processing can be reduced, and a constant processing speed can be maintained. It should be noted that it is preferable that the control unit 59 of the refrigerator or the server control unit 66 of the server device 57 compare the specific regions of the previous display image and the current display image and detect the presence or absence of the change.

As described above with specific configurations, the refrigerator and the refrigerator system according to the embodiments of the present invention are capable of confirming the storage status of foodstuffs on the display terminal 15. According to this, an imaging device such as a camera can be installed at a desired position, so that it is convenient to use, and communication between the imaging device 38 provided in the refrigerator and the public communication network 56 can be properly performed via the wireless repeater 36. Therefore, it is possible to provide a refrigerator in which the food storage state in the refrigerator can be well confirmed.

That is, in this refrigerator, the imaging unit 35 integrating the camera 38, the wireless device 39, and the power supply unit 42 is configured independently of the refrigerator main body 1 and the door 10, and is mounted in the storage compartment 5 of the refrigerator. In addition, a wireless relay 36 for communicating with the wireless device 39 of the imaging unit 35 is separately provided, and the wireless relay 36 is attached to the refrigerator main body 1 or the door 10. The imaging unit 35, which is independent of the refrigerator body 1 and the door 10, can be installed at a desired place (a place to be seen) in the storage room 5 according to the conditions. Moreover, even if the wireless device 39 is surrounded by the metal exterior plate that constitutes the refrigerator main body 1 and the door 10 by providing the imaging unit 35 in the storage room 5, the wireless device 39 of the imaging unit 35 is and the public communication network 56 can be relayed by the radio repeater 36 to appropriately establish communication. That is, when the radio repeater 36 performs radio communication with the radio device 39 of the imaging unit 35, it communicates by the first radio communication method using radio waves of a frequency that enables good radio communication even if a metal plate or the like is interposed. , and wireless communication with the public communication network 56 such as the Internet is performed by the second communication method such as WI-FI wireless communication that allows good wireless communication even if there is a distance, so the characteristics of each communication method are Good communication can be ensured by taking advantage of it.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the radio repeater 36 is provided at the end of the door 10, it is possible to establish communication with higher accuracy, thereby enhancing reliability. That is, since the edge of the door 10 is a break in the metal sheathing plate and radio waves can easily pass through, it is possible to establish communication with higher accuracy.

Moreover, since the radio repeater 36 is provided at a position not facing the vacuum heat insulating material 4a provided for enhancing heat insulation, the vacuum heat insulating material 4a is used for the refrigerator main body 1 and the door 10. Even when the outer covering material is made of a metal film or the like, communication can be established with higher accuracy, and both reliability and heat insulation (energy saving) can be improved.

In addition, in this embodiment, since the radio repeater 36 is provided near the rotation instructing portion of the door 10, the impact received when the door 10 is closed is reduced, and the durability is improved. Even if it is provided, its reliability can be improved.

Furthermore, since the imaging unit 35 is configured to supply power from the power supply unit 42 to the camera 38 when the wireless device 39 receives radio waves, the imaging unit 35 can take an image only when radio waves are received. Become. Therefore, compared to the case where the power is constantly supplied to the camera 38 and the image is continuously captured, power consumption is much less, and the life of the imaging unit 35 can be extended. In particular, since the image pickup unit 35 uses an independent power source such as a battery, extending the life is a very important requirement, and has a great effect.

Further, the imaging unit 35 is provided with a lighting device 41 for illuminating the storage room 5, and is configured to supply power to the lighting device 41 when the wireless device 39 receives radio waves. Since the illumination device 41 is turned on when receiving and capturing an image, the inside of the storage room 5 can be captured satisfactorily. In addition, since the imaging unit 35 itself can be used for lighting, there is no need to change the lighting control on the refrigerator side, and the burden on the refrigerator side can be reduced.

Further, the imaging unit 35 includes an illuminance detection unit 40 for detecting the illuminance in the storage room 5, and when the illuminance detection unit 40 detects a predetermined illuminance or more, power is supplied from the power supply unit 42 to the camera 38. Therefore, when the door 10 is opened and food is put in or taken out, the illumination lamps 34-1 and 34-2 inside the refrigerator are turned on, and this is detected by the illuminance detection unit 40, and power is supplied to the camera 38 to store the food. Take an image of the room. That is, it is possible to capture an image at the timing of opening and closing the door (when the illuminance inside the refrigerator changes), and it is possible to reliably capture an image of the storage state after the food is taken in and out by opening and closing the door.

In addition, by constructing a refrigerator system including the refrigerator 51 provided with such an imaging unit 35 and the display terminal 15 for communicating with the wireless relay 36 of the refrigerator 51, the food storage situation in the refrigerator can be monitored. It can be known from the outside, and the convenience is improved.

Furthermore, the present invention provides an imaging unit 35 in which a camera 38, a wireless device 39, and a power supply unit 42 are integrated, and a wireless device capable of wirelessly communicating with the wireless device 39 of the imaging unit 35 and communicating with a public communication network 56. An imaging set 37 with a radio repeater 36 is provided. Accordingly, even a general refrigerator without a communication function can be made to have a communication function by installing the imaging set 37 . Therefore, the user purchases a general refrigerator in advance, or purchases and installs the imaging set 37 in the refrigerator currently in use as needed, thereby turning it into a so-called Internet home appliance having a communication function. can dramatically improve the value of the refrigerator.

Also, the radio repeater 36 of the imaging set 37 has two types of radio communication systems: a first radio communication system for communicating with the radio device 39 of the imaging unit 35, and a second radio communication system for radio communication with the public communication network. It has a wireless communication system, and the radio wave frequency for communicating with the radio device 39 of the imaging unit 35 is higher than the frequency of the radio wave for communicating with the public communication network 56 . As a result, good communication can be ensured between the wireless device 39 of the imaging unit 35 and the wireless relay 36 even if the refrigerator main body 1 and the metal exterior plate of the door 10, which tend to block wireless waves, are interposed. It is possible to provide a refrigerator capable of reliably confirming the storage state of foodstuffs.

Although the refrigerator, the refrigerator system, and the imaging set for the refrigerator according to the present invention have been described above using the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, it should be considered that the embodiments disclosed this time are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. In other words, the scope of the present invention is indicated by the scope of the claims rather than the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims.

For example, although the refrigerator has been exemplified as a French door type refrigerator, it may be a single door type refrigerator. It is not limited to , but may be installed in a user's favorite position and favorite storage room, such as a vegetable room.

Moreover, although the case where one imaging unit 35 is also provided in the storage room has been illustrated, a plurality of imaging units may be provided. The images may be synthesized into one image and displayed on the display terminal 15. If the images are provided in separate storage rooms, the user-friendliness will be improved if each image can be selected and displayed.

Furthermore, although the wireless repeater 36 of the imaging set 37 is attached to the door 10 as an example, it may be attached to the refrigerator main body 1 side. It is better to install it near the gap of the exterior plate or in a place where there is little impact when opening and closing the door.

Further, in the embodiment, the imaging unit 35 is provided with the lighting device 41, but this may be shared by the interior illumination lamps 34-1 and 34-2 provided on the refrigerator side. In this case, when the wireless device 39 of the image pickup unit 35 receives the image pickup instruction signal, for example, a sound is made, and the refrigerator side detects this and takes measures such as turning on the lighting lamps 34-1 and 34-2 inside the refrigerator. It is possible to correspond to a refrigerator of a newly produced type in which the linking means can be incorporated.

According to the present invention, since an imaging device such as a camera can be installed at a desired position, usability is improved, and communication between the imaging device installed in the refrigerator and the public communication network is reliably performed via a wireless repeater. Therefore, it is possible to provide a refrigerator in which the storage state of foodstuffs in the refrigerator can be well confirmed, and it is applicable to various refrigerators, showcases, etc., including household refrigerators.

1 refrigerator main body 4 heat insulating material 5 refrigerator compartment (storage compartment)
6 switching compartment 7 ice making compartment 8 freezer compartment 9 vegetable compartment 10 door (insulated door)
11 to 14 Drawer type door (insulated door)
15 display terminal (image display means)
16 Cooling chamber 17 Cooler 18 Blower fan 19 Compressor 20 Radiation pipe 21 Capillary tube 22 Damper 30-1 to 30-4 Shelf plate 33-1 to 33-8 Door pocket 34-1, 34-2 Inside lighting 35 Imaging Unit 36 Wireless repeater 37 Imaging set 38 Camera (imaging device)
39 wireless device 40 illuminance detector 41 lighting device 42 power supply unit 50 refrigerator system 51 refrigerator 53 wireless adapter (communication device)
54 gateway device (relay device)
55 router device 56 public communication network 57 server device 59 control unit 60 storage unit 61 door opening/closing detection unit 62 fan drive circuit 63 compressor drive circuit 64 AC power supply 66 server control unit 67 data storage unit A residence

Claims (8)

A system comprising a refrigerator and an imaging unit installed in the refrigerator,
The refrigerator is
a storage room and
a first lighting device provided in the storage room;
A first wireless communication device,
The imaging unit is
an imaging device;
a second lighting device;
a second wireless communication device;
In the imaging unit, when an imaging instruction is transmitted from the terminal without opening and closing the door of the storage room, the second wireless communication device receives the imaging instruction via the first wireless communication device, and the second lighting device receives the imaging instruction from the terminal. A first mode in which the imaging device performs imaging with the light on, and a second mode in which the imaging device detects opening and closing of the door of the storage room and performs imaging with the second lighting device turned off. 2 modes, and
The second wireless communication device transmits image data captured by the imaging device to the first wireless communication device, and the first wireless communication device transmits the image data to the outside of the refrigerator. A system characterized by 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein when said imaging unit performs imaging in said second mode, said imaging device performs imaging with said first lighting device turned on. 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein when the imaging unit performs imaging in the first mode, the imaging device performs imaging with the first illumination device turned off. 4. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said first wireless communication device is provided on a door of said storage room. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein said first wireless communication device is provided at an end of said door. 6. The system according to claim 4, wherein said first wireless communication device is provided in the vicinity of the rotation support of said door. 7. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the installation location of the imaging unit can be changed by the user. 8. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said first wireless communication device transmits said image data to a server device via the Internet.

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