TWI787765B - refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

The refrigerator includes: a communication device, which can communicate with the control device and a portable terminal; and a first memory device, which stores the function data and setting data of the refrigerator; the communication device transmits the function data and setting data to the control device; The device is: a second memory device with a pre-memorized storable period database. The storable period database sets the storable period of storage items for each storage environment; receives function data and setting data from the communication device; according to the function data and As the setting data, as the storage environment for storing the storage items specified by the user, the storage environment corresponding to the function of the refrigerator and the current setting state, and the storage environment corresponding to the storage environment are extracted from the storage period database. Period; transmit the extracted storage environment and storage period to the portable terminal; the portable terminal receives the storage environment and storage period and displays them on the screen.

Description

refrigerator

The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator, in particular to a refrigerator that suggests a storage method for a user when storing dishes or ingredients.

Conventional refrigerators use a camera installed in the refrigerator to take pictures of stored food, thereby performing judgments on putting in and taking out food, and making a list of food in the refrigerator (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

Also, other conventional refrigerators specify the names of ingredients in the refrigerator, and display the storage of the ingredients, the recipes received from the server, and the information of the purchased ingredients that need to be purchased when making the recipes (for example, refer to Patent Document 2) .

[Prior patent documents] [Patent Document]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2019-070477

[Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2019-095172

This Patent Document 1 specifies and lists the foods in the refrigerator, but does not propose in which storage room the foods should be stored.

This patent document 2 proposes recipes for cooking based on the ingredients information in the refrigerator, but does not propose how to preserve the leftovers or when a large amount of cooking is made and stored.

This disclosure was developed to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is to obtain a refrigerator that can suggest a storage environment suitable for storing stored items to a user when storing the stored items.

The refrigerator disclosed in this disclosure includes: a main body; a communication device, which is installed on the main body, and can communicate with the control device and the portable terminal; The setting data of the current setting state of the refrigerator; the control device is configured outside or inside the body; the communication device transmits the function data and the setting data to the control device; the control device is: with pre-memory The second memory device of the preservation period database, the preservation period database sets the preservation period of more than one kind of stored objects for each preservation environment; receives the function data and the setting data from the communication device; according to the function data and The setting data is used as the storage environment for storing the storage items stored in the refrigerator, and the storage environment corresponding to the function of the refrigerator and the current setting state, and the storage environment corresponding to the storage period are extracted from the storage period database. The storable period of the storage environment; output the extracted storage environment and the storable period.

In the refrigerator of the present disclosure, when storing items, a storage environment suitable for storing the items can be suggested to the user.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the refrigerator of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. This indication is not limited to the following embodiment, Various deformation|transformation is possible in the range which does not deviate from the summary of this indication. In addition, this indication includes all combinations of the structures which can be combined among the structures shown in the following embodiment and its modification. In addition, in each drawing, the thing attached|subjected to the same code|symbol is the same thing or the thing equivalent to it, and this is common throughout the whole patent specification. In addition, in each drawing, the relative dimensional relationship or shape of each component may be different from the actual one. Embodiment 1

Fig. 1 is a front view showing the overall configuration of a refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a side sectional view showing the configuration of the refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the relationship between the refrigerator 1 and each communication device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4 is a flow chart showing the flow of processing for presenting the storage environment of stored goods in the refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a flow chart showing the flow of processing for presenting the shelf life of stored items in the refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , in the body 1 a of the refrigerator 1 , as storage rooms according to purposes, five rooms including a refrigerator room 2 , a switching room 3 , an ice making room 4 , a freezer room 5 and a vegetable room 6 are provided.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2, a main control unit 7 for controlling the operation of the refrigerator 1 is provided on the upper portion of the back surface of the refrigerator 1. As shown in FIG. Also, the main control unit 7 is connected to the first memory device 7a.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the refrigerator compartment 2, a refrigerator compartment left door 8 and a refrigerator compartment right door 9 are provided. On the top of the refrigerator 1, a pair of hinges 10 are arranged as the rotating shaft of the left door 8 of the refrigerator compartment and the hinge of the right door 9 of the refrigerator compartment. In the refrigerator compartment 2, a plurality of shelves 2a are installed.

Moreover, the switching compartment 3, the ice making compartment 4, the freezing compartment 5, and the vegetable compartment 6 are drawer type storage compartments. The switch chamber 3 has a plurality of storage modes, and the storage mode can be switched according to the designation from the user. The storage mode includes, for example, a normal mode, a flash freezing mode, a subfreezing mode, and the like. Also, other storage rooms may have a plurality of storage modes.

Also, as shown in FIG. 2 , a communication device 12 is provided on the hinge 10 . The communication device 12 can also be arranged inside the hinge 10 , or can also be fixed on the surface of the hinge 10 . The communication device 12 is as shown in FIG. 3, and can communicate with the external network 11 installed outside. The external network 11 is, for example, a cloud server. The external network 11 has a second storage device 11a which stores a storage period database 19 (refer to FIG. 7 ), which will be described later, and the like. In Embodiment 1, a case where the external network 11 functions as a control device for managing the storage period of stored objects will be described as an example. However, the main control unit 7 of the refrigerator 1 may function as the control device.

The communication device 12 can also be directly connected to the external network 11, but as shown in FIG. 3 , it can also be configured to communicate with the external network 11 through a gateway 15 provided separately from the refrigerator 1. In addition, in the above description, it has been described that the communication device 12 is provided on the hinge 10, but it is not limited to this case. The communication device 12 is any place where the refrigerator 1 can be installed as long as it is a space where it can be installed, or it can be any place where the refrigerator 1 is installed in the indoor space.

On the left door 8 of the refrigerator compartment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , a panel 13 is provided. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the panel 13 of the refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment. The panel 13 receives operations from the user, and displays messages to the user on the screen. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11 , the panel 13 has buttons operated by the user, and accepts input of the temperature setting of each storage room and the setting of the storage mode of each storage room. In addition, the panel 13 has a display screen 13b for displaying a message to the user as shown in FIG. 11 . As shown in FIG. 2 , the panel 13 is electrically connected to the main control unit 7 . In addition, as shown in FIG. 2 , the panel 13 is connected to the main control unit 7 by wiring via the hinge 10 . Therefore, the panel 13 can also be directly connected to the main control part 7 , and can also be electrically connected to the main control part 7 via the communication device 12 in the hinge 10 .

The main control unit 7 performs control to adjust the temperature environment of each storage room according to the set temperature of each storage room set by the panel 13 and the information of the storage mode of each storage room.

Also, as shown in FIG. 3 , the portable terminal 14 owned by the user is connected to the external network 11 and the gateway 15 so as to be communicable. Therefore, the portable terminal 14 can be connected to the communication device 12 via the external network 11 or the gateway 15 . Therefore, the portable terminal 14 is connectable to the main control unit 7 via the communication device 12 . By operating the portable terminal 14 instead of the panel 13, the user can input the temperature setting of each storage room and the setting of the storage mode of each storage room. The portable terminal 14 has a screen for screen display. In addition, the portable terminal 14 is, for example, a smart phone or a tablet terminal.

In the refrigerator compartment 2, as shown in FIG. 2, an in-refrigerator camera 16 is installed. The camera 16 in the refrigerator takes pictures of the inside of the refrigerator compartment 2 . In-refrigerator camera 16 is attached to refrigerator compartment left door 8 or refrigerator compartment right door 9, for example. Specifically, the camera 16 in the refrigerator is fixed on the side of the storage room of the left door 8 of the refrigerator room, or is fixed on the side of the storage room of the right door 9 of the refrigerator room. One camera 16 in the refrigerator may be installed in the refrigerator room 2, or one camera may be installed on each shelf 2a. Alternatively, when there is one camera 16 in the refrigerator, it may be made movable between the shelves 2a. In this case, a guide rail for guiding the movement of the camera 16 in the refrigerator is provided in advance on the refrigerator compartment left door 8 or the refrigerator compartment right door 9 . The rail system is arranged to extend in a vertical direction. The camera 16 in the refrigerator moves up and down along the guide rails by means of a driving device such as a motor. Thereby, the interior of each shelf 2a of the refrigerator room 2 can be photographed by a camera 16 in the refrigerator. The camera 16 in the refrigerator is located in the refrigerator 2 when the left door 8 of the refrigerator 1 or the right door 9 of the refrigerator 1 are closed. Therefore, when the left refrigerator compartment door 8 or the refrigerator compartment right door 9 of the refrigerator 1 is opened, condensation may occur on the lens of the camera 16 in the refrigerator. Therefore, the camera 16 in the refrigerator may also be provided with a lens heater as needed.

Also can make the camera 16 in the refrigerator to be arranged in each chamber of switching chamber 3, ice making chamber 4, freezing chamber 5 and vegetable chamber 6.

In addition, in the refrigerator room 2, as shown in FIG. 2 , a sensor 25 for detecting the expiration date of a taste is installed according to the need. The taste limit detection sensor 25 is, for example, a gas sensor, a temperature sensor, or a weight sensor. The tasting date detection sensor 25 predicts the tasting date of the stored goods 17 stored in the refrigerator compartment 2 . Tasting expiration date detection sensor 25 can also be provided with one, and can also be made to be provided with one each on each shelf 2a.

Also can make tasting period detection sensor 25 be all set in each room of switching room 3 and vegetable room 6.

Next, the processing of the method for presenting the preservation environment of the stored object to the user will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in this method. FIG. 4 shows the flow of processing from photographing of stored objects 17 to presentation to the user.

As shown in FIG. 4 , in step S101 , the user uses the portable terminal 14 to take pictures of the storage items 17 stored in the refrigerator 1 and transmits the taken images to the external network 11 . Stored objects 17 are ingredients purchased by the user, dishes prepared by the user, and the like. The external network 11 recognizes that the storage 17 is the storage designated by the user by receiving the photographed image of the storage 17 from the portable terminal 14 .

Also, the stored object 17 may be photographed by the camera 16 installed in the refrigerator 1 in step S102. Step S102 is performed as needed. In the case of executing step S102, the processing of step S101 may or may not be executed. The sequence of executing step S102 is, for example, performed when the user puts the stored object 17 into the refrigerator 1 . The communication device 12 of the refrigerator 1 transmits the photographed images of the camera 16 in the refrigerator to the external network 11 . The external network 11 recognizes that the storage 17 is the storage designated by the user by receiving the photographic image of the storage 17 from the communication device 12 of the refrigerator 1 . The photography system by the camera 16 in the refrigerator can also be executed automatically when the left door 8 of the refrigerator compartment or the right door 9 of the refrigerator compartment is opened or closed, or can also be executed by the user operating the camera 16 in the refrigerator.

In this way, the stored objects 17 can also be photographed by the camera 16 in the refrigerator as the first camera, or by the built-in camera mounted on the portable terminal 14 as the second camera.

Next, in step S103, the external network 11 receives the photographed image, and then automatically recognizes the stored product name 18 as the cooking name or ingredient name of the stored product 17 from the captured image. This recognition is performed, for example, by pattern recognition processing or the like. The recognized storage item name 18 is registered in the external network 11 through the second memory device 11a stored in the external network 11 in step S104. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the names of stored objects 18 registered in the external network 11 of the first embodiment.

In addition, in case the storage item 18 of the storage item 17 cannot be automatically identified through the external network 11, the user can also input it manually in step S105. In step S105 , the user inputs the storage name 18 of the storage 17 into the portable terminal 14 and transmits it to the external network 11 . Thereby, the storage item name 18 is registered in the external network 11 . Step S105 is performed as needed. Alternatively, a message of "unrecognizable storage item name" may be sent from the external network 11 to the portable terminal 14, and the user is urged to execute step S105.

In the second storage device 11a of the external network 11, the storage period database 19 is stored. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a storage period database 19 included in the external network 11 according to the first embodiment. The storage period database 19 is storage recommendation data for each storage object name 18, such as the storage environment recommended for memory and the storage period. As shown in FIG. 7 , the storable period database 19 memorizes a plurality of storage environments suitable for storage of the storage objects 17 for each storage object name 18 , and further, stores the storable periods of the storage objects 17 in each of these storage environments. For example, in the case of the storage product name 18 being "three-layer pork meat", when the storage environment is "refrigerator", the storage period of the memory is "2 days", and when the storage environment is "freezer", the storage period is "2 days". The memory storage period is "30 days". This storage period is not the tasting period based on the tasting period stated on the product, but the general consumption period or tasting period recommended by government agencies, for example.

Returning to the description of FIG. 4, in step S106, the external network 11 acquires storage recommendation data on the stored object name 18 registered in step S104 from the storage period database 19.

In step S107, the external network 11 acquires the function data 20 indicating the function of the refrigerator 1 from the main control unit 7 of the refrigerator 1 via the communication device 12. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the function data 20 of the refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment. The function data 20 is stored in the first memory device 7 a provided in the main control unit 7 . In the function data 20, as shown in FIG. 8 , information such as the type of the storage room that the refrigerator 1 has, and the storage mode that the refrigerator 1 has is memorized. In step S107, the external network 11 obtains, for example, data indicating the presence or absence of the instant freezing mode of the switching chamber 3 as the function data 20 .

In step S108, the external network 11 acquires the setting data 21 representing the current setting status of the refrigerator 1 from the main control unit 7 of the refrigerator 1 via the communication device 12. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing setting data 21 of the refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment. The setting data 21 is stored in the first memory device 7 a provided in the main control unit 7 . In the setting data 21, as shown in FIG. 9 , the set temperature of each storage room included in the refrigerator 1, the setting information of the storage mode of each storage room, and the like are memorized. In step S108, the external network 11 obtains, for example, setting information such as setting the set temperature of the freezer compartment 5 to "weak" as setting data 21 .

In step S110, the external network 11 compares the stored recommendation data, function data 20 and setting data 21 obtained in steps S106-S108. That is, the external network 11 extracts the storage environment of the stored goods 17 corresponding to the function of the refrigerator 1 and the current setting state of the refrigerator 1 from the storage recommendation data acquired from the storage period database 19 . In addition, the external network 11 extracts the storable period corresponding to the extracted storage environment from the storable period database 19 .

In step S111, the external network 11 presents a storage room of the refrigerator 1 suitable for storage of the storage items 17 as the storage environment extracted in the step S110. In addition, the external network 11 may be used as the storage environment, and the set temperature of the storage room suitable for storage of the storage objects 17 may be presented. Furthermore, the external network 11 may be used as the storage environment, and the storage mode of the storage room suitable for storage of the storage objects 17 may be presented. Hereinafter, the presented information will be referred to as storage proposal information 30 (see FIG. 10 ). The storage suggestion information 30 includes at least one of storage room, set temperature, and storage mode.

As a method of presenting the user's storage suggestion information 30 in step S111, for example, it is displayed on the display screen of the portable terminal 14 communicating with the external network 11, or displayed on the panel of the refrigerator 1 via the main control unit 7. 13.

Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of storage proposal information 30 displayed on the portable terminal 14 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10 , on the display screen of the portable terminal 14 , the storage name 18 and the storage suggestion information 30 are displayed.

In this manner, the user can list and manage the purchased ingredients or prepared dishes by registering them on the external network 11 . Also, as shown in FIG. 10 , the user can confirm the storage name 18 and storage proposal information 30 on the display screen of the portable terminal 14 . Therefore, in accordance with the refrigerator 1 owned by the user, the storage method suitable for the food and cooking is known.

FIG. 11 shows an example of storage proposal information 30 displayed on the panel 13 of the refrigerator 1 . As shown in FIG. 11 , the display screen 13b provided on the panel 13 displays the storage object name 18 and the storage suggestion information 30 . In addition, the display screen 13b may not always be displayed on the panel 13, but may be displayed on the panel 13 when the user touches the main switch 13a.

A specific example will be described with reference to the processing in FIG. 4 . For example, the user uses the portable terminal 14 to take pictures of three-layered pig meat bought in a supermarket as a storage item 17 , and registers the storage item name 18 in the external network 11 . The external network 11 acquires storage recommendation data on the registered storage item name 18 from the storage period database 19 . That is, as shown in Figure 7, in the storage period database 19, the three-layer meat of the memory pig can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 days, in the rapid cooling room for 6 days, and in the instant freezing mode of the switching room 3 for 14 days. Days, 30 days of data can be stored in the freezer. Therefore, the external network 11 acquires these materials as storage recommendation materials. The external network 11 compares the obtained storage recommendation data, and the function data 20 and setting data 21 of the refrigerator 1 . Specifically, the external network 11 is based on the function data 20 of the refrigerator 1 to know that the refrigerator 1 used by the user has a switching chamber 3, can set an instant freezing mode, and does not have a rapid cooling chamber. Moreover, the external network 11 is based on the setting data 21 of the refrigerator 1, and grasps that the refrigerator 1 used by the user is currently switched to the instant freezing mode in the switching chamber 3. The external network 11 is based on the information obtained, and among the preservation recommendation materials obtained before, firstly, the information about the quench room is excluded. Also, the external network 11 compares the freezer compartment 5 with the switchable compartment 3 set in the instant freezing mode, and preferentially selects the switchable compartment 3 that can maintain freshness better than the freezer compartment 5 . The priority of each storage room is stored in the second memory device 11a as the external network 11 in advance. In this way, the external network 11 transmits the preservation proposal information 30 (refer to FIG. 10 ) to the portable terminal 14 owned by the user. day, when the switch chamber 3 is set to instant freezing mode, it can preserve the subject for 14 days. In addition, it is also possible to transmit all storage rooms that can be selected by the user, that is, all of the refrigerator room 2, switch room 3, and freezer room 5, as storage proposal information 30 without using priority.

According to the storage proposal information 30, the user can easily know the storage room, the set temperature, and the storage mode suitable for storage of the stored objects 17. Also, in recent years, the refrigerator 1 has been equipped with an instant freezing mode, a subfreezing mode, etc., and the functions of the refrigerator 1 have become more and more complicated every year. The user does not need to refer to the manual, but actually uses the refrigerator 1, that is, stores the stored goods 17 in the refrigerator 1, and can easily know the functions of the complicated refrigerator 1 according to the preservation suggestion information 30.

Next, FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the flow of processing in the refrigerator 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the method of presenting the shelf life of stored items to the user. FIG. 5 shows the flow of processing from storing the stored object 17 to presenting the number of days the stored object 17 can be stored to the user. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the expiration date list 40 stored in the external network 11 according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5 , in step S201 , the user stores the stored objects 17 in the refrigerator 1 .

In step S202 , the refrigerator 1 uses the camera 16 in the refrigerator to photograph the stored objects 17 , thereby specifying the storage location of the stored objects 17 in the refrigerator 1 . The refrigerator 1 transmits to the external network 11 the storage location of the specified storage items 17 .

In step S203, the external network 11 registers the storage location 22 of the specified storage item 17 in the storage period list 40 shown in FIG. 12 . Thereby, it is possible to automatically register in which storage room of the refrigerator 1 the storage objects 17 are stored. The expiration date list 40 is stored in the second storage device 11a.

Also, in case the storage location 22 of the storage object 17 cannot be specified by the camera 16 in the refrigerator, in step S204, the creation can also be manually input by the user. In addition, step S204 is performed as needed. Alternatively, a message "unable to specify storage location" may be sent from the refrigerator 1 to the portable terminal 14, and the user is urged to execute step S204. In step S204 , the user inputs the storage location 22 of the stored object 17 into the portable terminal 14 and sends it to the external network 11 . In this way, the storage location 22 of the stored object 17 is registered in the storage period list 40 of the external network 11 .

In step S205, the external network 11 judges whether the storage name 18 of the storage 17 has been registered in the shelf life list 40 or not. If the storage object name 18 has already been registered, it will move to step S206. If the stored object name 18 is not registered, the process of steps S103-S105 is performed. As for steps S103-S105, as shown in the description of FIG. 4, the description thereof is omitted here.

In step S206 , the external network 11 registers the date when the stored object 17 was put into the refrigerator 1 as the storage date 23 in the storage period list 40 .

In step S207, the external network 11 counts the number of elapsed days 24 of the stored goods 17 stored in the refrigerator 1, and registers it in the shelf life list 40. The 24 series of elapsed days are updated at the same time every day, for example, 0 o'clock in the middle of the night. In addition, instead of the number of elapsed days 24, a registered elapsed time may be created.

In step S208, the external network 11 acquires the storage period database 19 for the storage period of the stored object name 18 registered.

In step S209, the external network 11 determines whether the shelf life 26 of the stored object 17 is close by comparing the shelf life obtained in step S208 with the elapsed days 24 of the shelf life list 40. For example, the pork three-layer meat is stored in the switching room 3, and the number of days considered to be elapsed is 4 days. At this time, in the storage period database 19, the storage period of the three-layer pork meat stored in the memory switching room is 14 days. Therefore, the external network 11 compares the elapsed days of 4 days with the storage period of 14 days, and determines that the storage period 26 is not close. On the other hand, when the number of elapsed days is 13 days, the external network 11 compares the elapsed days of 13 days with the storage period of 14 days, and determines that the storage period 26 is close. That is, the external network 11 judges that the storage period 26 is approaching when the difference between the number of elapsed days and the storage period is equal to or less than a preset threshold value, and proceeds to step S210. On the other hand, if not, it is judged that the shelf life 26 is not approaching, and the process moves to step S211.

In addition, the storage period 26 may be calculated by the external network 11 based on the storage date 23 and the storage period database 19 as shown in FIG. When the storage period 26 is not registered, the external network 11 calculates the storage period 26 every time as needed.

In step S210, the external network 11 transmits an imminent expiry notification 41 to the portable terminal 14, and the imminent expiry notification 41 notifies that the shelf life 26 of the storage object 17 is approaching. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an imminent expiry notification 41 displayed on the portable terminal 14 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13 , on the display screen of the portable terminal 14 , the stored object name 18 and the notice 41 about to expire are displayed.

In step S211 , the external network 11 periodically presents the storage days notification 42 to the user in a fixed period. The storage days notification 42 is to notify the elapsed days 24 of the storage period list 40 . The method of presenting the storage days notification 42 is to display it on the display screen of the portable terminal 14 or on the display screen 13b of the panel 13 of the refrigerator 1 . Also, the cycle of prompting is made to be settable by the user. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the number of storage days notification 42 displayed on the portable terminal 14 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14 , on the display screen of the portable terminal 14 , the storage name 18 and the notification 42 of the storage days are displayed. The method of displaying the storage days notification 42 on the panel 13 can be performed in the same manner as the near-expiration notification 41 shown in FIG. 13 , so its description is omitted here.

In addition, in step S209 , the external network 11 creates a situation in which the shelf life 26 of the stored object 17 is gradually approaching, and presents the user with the notification 41 about to expire, but it is not limited to this situation. For example, when the shelf life 26 of the storage object 17 has passed, the external network 11 may create a notification to the user that the expiration date has expired similarly to the expiration notification 41 . In addition, the method of presenting to the user is made the same as the above-mentioned method. In addition, the content of the deadline expiration notification is, for example, "the name of the stored product: the shelf life of pork three-layer meat has expired". The user may also be reminded of both the imminent expiration notification 41 and the expiration notification, or either of them.

In addition, when the refrigerator 1 has the sensor 25 for detecting the expiration date, the process of step S212 in FIG. 5 can also be performed. The taste limit detection sensor 25 is, for example, a gas sensor, a temperature sensor, or a weight sensor. Tasting expiration date detection sensor 25 predicts the shelf life of storage object 17 from the detection result. In step S212, the taste limit detection sensor 25 transmits the predicted shelf life to the main control unit 7 if it predicts the shelf life of the stored object 17 from the detection result. The main control unit 7 transmits the predicted shelf life to the external network 11 via the communication device 12 . In step S209, the external network 11 judges whether the shelf life 26 of the stored object 17 is approaching based on the received predicted shelf life and the number of elapsed days 24 . The processing of step S210 and step S211 is as described above, so its description is omitted here.

In this way, the expiry notification 41 is prompted. Because the user can regularly know the consumption period or the tasting period of the preserved storage product 17, the risk of spoilage due to forgetting to keep it can be reduced.

As described above, in Embodiment 1, the user can know the method suitable for preservation of food or cooking through the process of FIG. 4 . In addition, with the processing in Fig. 5, since the risk of discarding food or cooking is also reduced, the user can eliminate the stress and dissatisfaction of keeping food in the refrigerator.

Here, the hardware configurations of the external network 11, the main control unit 7, and the first storage device 7a and the second storage device 11a will be described. The external network 11 and the main control unit 7 are constituted by a control device. Each function of the external network 11 and the main control unit 7 is constituted by a processing circuit. The processing circuit is composed of dedicated hardware or processor. The dedicated hardware system is, for example, ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The processor executes the programs stored in the memory. Both the first memory device 7a and the second memory device 11a are composed of memories. Memory system RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM) and other non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memories, or disks such as magnetic disks, floppy disks, and optical disks piece.

In addition, as described above, the main control unit 7 of the refrigerator 1 can also be configured to perform the processing of the external network 11 described in the first embodiment. In this case, the first storage device 7a stores all the data stored in the second storage device 11a. Implementation form 2

In Embodiment 2, the user can register photos, reviews, recipes, etc. of dishes prepared by the user on the external network 11. Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the refrigerator 1 according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 15 , in step S101 , the user uses the portable terminal 14 to take a picture of a dish made by the user as storage 17 stored in the refrigerator 1 , and sends the picture of the dish to the external network 11 .

The processing of steps S102, S103, and S105 is the same as the processing of steps S102, S103, and S105 of FIG. 4 described in Embodiment 1, so the description thereof is omitted here.

In the second embodiment, in step S301, the external network 11 saves the stored product name 18 indicating the name of the dish and the photographed image 51 of the dish in the dish list 50. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the recipe list 50 of the external network 11 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16 , in the recipe list 50 , for each stored product name 18 , a photographed image 51 of the stored product 17 , photographed date data 52 showing the photographed date of the stored product 17 , evaluation data 53 , and recipe data 54 are registered. The recipe list 50 is stored in the second storage device 11 a of the external network 11 . At this time, the user further saves the recipe data 54 in the recipe list 50 via the portable terminal 14 . In addition, when the recipe data 54 is stored in the second storage device 11a of the external network 11 in advance, it is not necessary to register it in step S301.

In step S302 , the user inputs the evaluation of the storage 17 into the portable terminal 14 . The portable terminal 14 transmits the input evaluation data 53 to the external network 11 . In step S303 , the external network 11 registers the evaluation data 53 in the recipe list 50 . The evaluation data 53 includes, for example, grade information. In this case, for example, when a 5-stage rating is adopted, as shown in FIG. 18, "☆5" is the highest grade, ☆ is lowered by one, and the evaluation grade is lowered by one, and "☆1" is the lowest grade. In addition, the evaluation data 53 is not limited to grade information, and it can also be input as a text message like a comment.

In step S304, the user inputs into the portable terminal 14 a request to browse the stored items 17 registered in the cooking list 50. The portable terminal 14 transmits the input request to the external network 11 . In step S305, in response to the request, the external network 11 transmits the list data 60 about the storage 17 registered in the cooking list 50 to the portable terminal 14. In step S312, the portable terminal 14 displays the list data 60 of the stored objects 17 on the screen. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a list data 60 of storage objects 17 displayed on the portable terminal 14 according to the second embodiment. In this way, on the portable terminal 14, based on the list data 60 of the storage items 17, the photographed images of the cooking are displayed in a calendar format for each photographed date. In addition, the list data 60 is stored in the second storage device 11 a of the external network 11 .

In step S306 , the user selects a dish from the list 60 on the portable terminal 14 . The portable terminal 14 transmits the selected dishes to the external network 11 . In step S307, the external network 11 obtains the retention period list 40 shown in FIG. 12 . In step S308, the external network 11 compares the shelf life list 40 with the recipe information 54, determines the ingredients that should be purchased for the recipe of the selected dish, and transmits it to the portable terminal 14. And, in step S313, the portable terminal 14 displays the ingredients to be purchased on the screen.

In step S309 , the user inputs a request for recommended recipes to the portable terminal 14 . The portable terminal 14 transmits the request to the external network 11 . In step S310, the external network 11 obtains the retention period list 40 shown in FIG. 12 . In step S311 , the external network 11 refers to the shelf life list 40 to search for recommended recipes using the stored storage items 17 . The recommended recipes are searched from the recipe data 54 in the recipe list 50, or from the recipes stored in advance in the second memory device 11a of the external network 11. When searching from the recipe data 54 in the recipe list 50, the extranet 11 refers to the evaluation data 53, and extracts recipes with high evaluations. In addition, the recipe system to be searched may be one type, or two or more types. The external network 11 transmits the searched recommended recipes to the portable terminal 14 . In step S314, the portable terminal 14 displays recommended recipes on the screen. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of presentation of recommended recipes displayed on the portable terminal 14 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 18 , in the recommended recipe, for example, the name of the stored product 18 as the name of the dish, the photographed image 51 of the dish, the recipe data 54 of the dish, and the evaluation data 53 of the dish are displayed.

The other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, so their descriptions are omitted here.

As described above, Embodiment 2 has the same structure as Embodiment 1, so the same effects as Embodiment 1 can be obtained.

Also, in Embodiment 2, photos, reviews, recipes, etc. of dishes made by users can be registered on the external network 11. Therefore, the user can receive the list data 60 of the registered dishes from the external network 11 and display them on the portable terminal 14 . In addition, the user can freely select a dish from among dishes prepared in the past after browsing the list data 60 of the dish displayed on the portable terminal 14 . Also, since the external network 11 determines the ingredients that should be purchased to prepare the cooking and notifies the user, it is possible to easily know the ingredients that should be purchased.

In addition, the user can easily imagine the existence of remaining dishes stored in the refrigerator 1 by viewing the list data 60 of the dishes. Also, by the processing of Fig. 5, the shelf life of the dish can be easily confirmed. In addition, when the user stores the remaining dishes in the refrigerator 1, he can easily know the storage room and storage mode suitable for storage by the processing of FIG. 4 .

1: Refrigerator

1a: Ontology

2: Refrigerator

2a: Scaffolding

3: Switch room

4: Ice making room

5: Freezer

6: Vegetable room

7: Main control unit/control device

7a: the first memory device

8: Left door of refrigerator

9: The right door of the refrigerator

10: hinge

11: External network/cloud server/control device

11a: the second memory device

12: Communication device

13: panel

13a: Main switch

13b: display screen

14: Portable terminal

15: Gateway

16: Camera in refrigerator

17: Storage

18: Storage name

19: Period database can be saved

20: Function information

21: Setting data

22: Save location

23: Save the Date

24: Elapsed days

25: Tasting period detection sensor

26: shelf life

30: Save proposal information

40: Shelf life list

41: Notification of upcoming expiration

42: Save days notification

50:Cooking list

51: Photographic image

52: Shooting date information

53: Evaluation data

54: Recipe information

60: List of information

S101~S111: steps

S201~S212: steps

S301~S314: steps

[FIG. 1] It is a front view which shows the whole structure of the refrigerator 1 of Embodiment 1. [FIG. [ Fig. 2 ] is a side sectional view showing the configuration of the refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment. [FIG. 3] It is a figure which shows the relationship between the refrigerator 1 of Embodiment 1, and each communication apparatus. [ Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a flow chart showing the flow of processing for presenting the storage environment of stored goods in the refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment. [FIG. 5] It is a flow chart which shows the flow of the process of presenting the shelf life of stored goods in the refrigerator 1 of Embodiment 1. [FIG. [FIG. 6] It is a figure which shows the storage name 18 registered in the external network 11 of Embodiment 1. [FIG. [ Fig. 7 ] is a diagram showing a storage period database 19 included in the external network 11 according to the first embodiment. [ Fig. 8 ] is a diagram showing an example of the function data 20 of the refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment. [FIG. 9] It is a figure which shows the setting data 21 of the refrigerator 1 of Embodiment 1. [FIG. [FIG. 10] is a diagram showing an example of storage suggestion information 30 displayed on the portable terminal 14 according to the first embodiment. [ Fig. 11 ] is a front view showing an example of the panel 13 of the refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment. [FIG. 12] is a diagram showing an example of the expiration date list 40 stored in the external network 11 according to the first embodiment. [FIG. 13] is a diagram showing an example of an imminent expiry notice 41 displayed on the portable terminal 14 according to the first embodiment. [FIG. 14] It is a figure which shows an example of the storage days notice 42 displayed on the portable terminal 14 of Embodiment 1. [FIG. [ Fig. 15 ] is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the refrigerator 1 according to the second embodiment. [FIG. 16] It is a figure which shows an example of the recipe list 50 of the extranet 11 of Embodiment 2. [FIG. [FIG. 17] It is a figure which shows an example of the list data 60 of the storage 17 displayed on the portable terminal 14 of Embodiment 2. [FIG. 18] It is a figure which shows an example of the presentation of the recommended recipe displayed on the portable terminal 14 of Embodiment 2. [FIG.

1: Refrigerator

11: External network

14: Portable terminal

19: Period database can be saved

20: Function information

21: Setting data

S101: Shoot storage items

S102: Use the camera in the refrigerator to take photos of stored items

S103: Can the name of the storage be identified?

S104: Registration of storage item name

S105: By user input

S106: Transmission can save the period database

S107: Send the function information of the refrigerator

S108: Send the setting data of the refrigerator

S110: extract the preservation environment suitable for preservation

S111: Prompt the storage room suitable for storage, prompt the set temperature suitable for storage, prompt the storage mode suitable for storage

Claims (16)

A refrigerator, comprising: a main body; a communication device, which is installed on the main body, and can communicate with a control device and a portable terminal; and a first memory device, which memorizes functional data and representations representing the functions of the refrigerator The setting data of the current setting state of the refrigerator; the control device is configured outside or inside the body; the communication device transmits the function data and the setting data to the control device; the control device has pre-memory The second memory device of the preservation period database, the preservation period database sets the preservation period of more than one kind of stored objects for each preservation environment; receives the function data and the setting data from the communication device; according to the function data and The setting data, as the storage environment for storing the storage items stored in the refrigerator, extract the storage environment corresponding to the function of the refrigerator and the current setting state from the storage period database, and the storage environment corresponding to the The storable period of the storage environment; output the extracted storage environment and the storable period; when the storage stored in the refrigerator can be stored in a plurality of storage environments with different temperature ranges, output the storable storage environment Two or more storage environments among the plurality of storage environments of stored objects and the storage period. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the control device can communicate with the portable terminal; the control device transmits the extracted storage environment and the shelf life to the portable terminal time; the portable terminal receives the storage environment and the storage period, and displays them on the screen. The refrigerator according to Claim 1 or 2, which includes: a storage room installed inside the main body to store the stored items; a door installed on the main body to open and close the storage room; and a first camera, is arranged on the side of the storage room of the door, and takes pictures of the storage; the communication device transmits to the control device the photographic image of the storage captured by the first camera; The photographic image of the storage item captured by the first camera, identifying the storage item in the photographic image as the storage item stored in the refrigerator. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the portable terminal has a second camera for taking pictures of the storage; the control device receives the storage taken by the second camera from the portable terminal photographic image, identifying the stored item in the photographic image as the stored item stored in the refrigerator. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device memorizes the storage date of the storage; counts the elapsed days or elapsed time from the storage date; regularly transmits the elapsed days or the elapsed time to the portable terminal ; The portable terminal receives the elapsed days or the elapsed time and displays them on the screen. The refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein the control device memorizes the storage location of the storage in the refrigerator in the second memory device; From the storable period database, extract the storable period corresponding to the storage environment of the storage location; according to the number of elapsed days or the elapsed time and the storable period, determine whether the number of elapsed days or the elapsed time is consistent with the storable period The difference between the periods is below a preset threshold value; when the difference is below the threshold value, an imminent expiry notification is sent to the portable terminal; the portable terminal receives the imminent expiry notification, and Display the screen. The refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein the control device memorizes the storage location of the storage in the refrigerator in the second memory device; extracts the storage environment corresponding to the storage location from the storage period database The storable period; according to the elapsed number of days or the elapsed time and the storable period, determine whether the storable period of the storage has passed; Sending the time limit exceeding notice; the portable terminal receives the time limit exceeding notice and displays it on the screen. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, which includes: a storage room installed inside the main body to store the storage; a door installed on the main body to open and close the storage room; and a panel that is covered by It is arranged on the door or the body, and displays on the screen; the control device transmits the extracted storage environment and the storage period to the communication device of the refrigerator; the communication device of the refrigerator receives the storage environment and the period of storage; The panel of the refrigerator is used to display the storage environment and the storage period received by the communication device. Such as the refrigerator of claim 8, wherein the control device memorizes the storage date of the storage; counts the elapsed days or elapsed time from the storage date; regularly transmits the elapsed days or the elapsed time to the communication device of the refrigerator; The communication device of the refrigerator receives the elapsed days or the elapsed time; the panel of the refrigerator displays the elapsed days or the elapsed time received by the communication device. The refrigerator according to claim 9, wherein the control device memorizes the storage location of the storage in the refrigerator in the second memory device; extracts the storage environment corresponding to the storage location from the storage period database The storable period; according to the elapsed number of days or the elapsed time and the storable period, determine whether the difference between the elapsed number of days or the elapsed time and the storable period is below the preset threshold value; If the value is below the limit, send the notification of the imminent expiration to the communication device of the refrigerator; the communication device of the refrigerator receives the notification of the imminent expiration; the panel of the refrigerator carries out the The notification screen is displayed. The refrigerator according to claim 9, wherein the control device memorizes the storage location of the storage in the refrigerator in the second memory device; extracts the storage environment corresponding to the storage location from the storage period database The shelf life time; according to the number of elapsed days or the elapsed time and the storable period, determine whether the storable period of the storage has passed; Exceeding the notice; the communication device of the refrigerator receives the time limit exceeding notice; the panel of the refrigerator displays the screen display of the time limit exceeding notice received by the communication device. Such as the refrigerator of request item 1 or 2, wherein the storage is cooking; the control device memorizes the photographed image and shooting date data of the cooking; The photographed image of the dish is displayed for each photographed date. The refrigerator according to claim 12, wherein the control device transmits the list data of cooking to the portable terminal when receiving the viewing request from the portable terminal, and the list data displays the The photographic image of the cuisine; the portable terminal receives the list data of the cuisine, and displays the photographic image of the cuisine in calendar form for each shooting date. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device is an external network installed outside the refrigerator. As the refrigerator of claim 14, wherein the external network is constituted by a cloud server. The refrigerator of claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device is installed inside the refrigerator Set up the main control section.

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