US20170219278A1 - Smart refrigeration system - Google Patents
Smart refrigeration system Download PDFInfo
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- US20170219278A1 US20170219278A1 US15/420,941 US201715420941A US2017219278A1 US 20170219278 A1 US20170219278 A1 US 20170219278A1 US 201715420941 A US201715420941 A US 201715420941A US 2017219278 A1 US2017219278 A1 US 2017219278A1
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- Prior art keywords
- refrigeration system
- smart refrigeration
- smart
- storage compartment
- item
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D29/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D23/00—General constructional features
- F25D23/02—Doors; Covers
- F25D23/028—Details
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D25/00—Charging, supporting, and discharging the articles to be cooled
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D25/00—Charging, supporting, and discharging the articles to be cooled
- F25D25/02—Charging, supporting, and discharging the articles to be cooled by shelves
- F25D25/027—Rotatable shelves
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D11/00—Self-contained movable devices, e.g. domestic refrigerators
- F25D11/02—Self-contained movable devices, e.g. domestic refrigerators with cooling compartments at different temperatures
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2400/00—General features of, or devices for refrigerators, cold rooms, ice-boxes, or for cooling or freezing apparatus not covered by any other subclass
- F25D2400/36—Visual displays
- F25D2400/361—Interactive visual displays
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2500/00—Problems to be solved
- F25D2500/06—Stock management
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2700/00—Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor
- F25D2700/06—Sensors detecting the presence of a product
Definitions
- the present application generally relates to smart appliances. More specifically, the present application relates to a smart refrigeration system.
- Refrigerators are an essential household appliance for food storage. Unfortunately, due to people's modern busy lifestyles, at least a quarter of the food items, such as unappealing leftovers, wilted lettuce, and expired milk, in the refrigerator will ultimately end up in the trash. Thus, there is a need in the art for a smart refrigeration system with built-in intelligence that could track food inventory, monitor the freshness of perishable items, and provide restocking information to its users.
- the present disclosure is directed to a smart refrigeration system, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, and as set forth in the claims.
- FIG. 1A is a diagram of an exterior of a smart refrigeration system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.
- FIG. 1B is a diagram of an interior of a smart refrigeration system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.
- FIG. 1C is a diagram of an exterior of a smart refrigeration system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.
- FIG. 1D is a diagram of an exterior of a smart refrigeration system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.
- FIG. 1E is a schematic block diagram of a smart refrigeration system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a smart refrigeration system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.
- FIG. 1A is a diagram of an exterior of a smart refrigeration system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.
- a smart refrigeration system 100 includes a storage unit 12 and a base unit 14 .
- the storage unit 12 includes a door 10 and multiple shelves, each having a number of storage compartments (not explicitly shown in FIG. 1A ).
- the base unit 14 includes, but is not limited to, a compressor, a condenser, expansion valves and liquid evaporators (not explicitly shown in FIG. 1A ).
- the door 10 includes a first button 30 for controlling the opening and closing of the door 10 .
- the door 10 can automatically open and close.
- the first button 30 can be accessed on both the exterior and the interior of the door 10 .
- the door 10 can swing open like a traditional door. In another exemplary embodiment, the door 10 can slide open.
- the smart refrigeration system 100 also includes one or more second buttons (not explicitly shown in FIG. 1A ) inside the storage unit 12 for controlling the opening and closing of the storage compartments in the storage unit 12 .
- a drawing of the corresponding storage compartment can automatically slide in and out of the shelf. That is, the storage compartments are automatically retractable storage compartment.
- the smart refrigeration system 100 also includes a third button 50 , which controls the rotation of the rotatable shelves in the storage unit 12 .
- the third button 50 can be accessed on both the exterior and the interior of the door 10 . When the third button 50 is pressed, one or more rotatable shelves inside the storage unit 12 can rotate either clockwise or counter-clockwise.
- the door 10 includes a transparent portion 18 , which allows items stored in the storage unit 12 to be seen without a need to open the door 10 .
- the transparent portion 18 is made of glass.
- the transparent portion 18 is made of see-through plastic material.
- the transparency of the transparent portion 18 can be adjusted if needed.
- the smart refrigeration system 100 has a cylindrical shape. Also, the shelves inside the storage unit 12 each have a circular shape. As such, the shelves can rotate inside the smart refrigeration system 100 to maximize the utility of the interior space of the storage unit 12 .
- the smart refrigeration system 100 Since opening the door 10 exposes the interior of the smart refrigeration system 100 to the ambient temperature outside of the smart refrigeration system 100 , readjusting the interior temperature to a predetermined level to keep the items refrigerated requires additional energy.
- the smart refrigeration system 100 allows the user to see what's stored in the storage unit 12 without a need to open the door 10 , thereby improving the energy efficiency of the smart refrigeration system 100 .
- the smart refrigeration system 100 includes a display 16 on the door 10 .
- the display 16 is integrated in the door 10 , and can be accessed on both the exterior and the interior of the door 10 .
- the display 16 is attached to the door 10 .
- the display 16 may be configured to display a graphic user interface 17 and provide inventory information of the smart refrigeration system 100 to the user.
- the graphic user interface 17 may include a touch screen keyboard for the user to enter associated information when items are stored in or taken out of the storage unit 12 .
- the display 16 also allows the user to enter inventory information through, for example, a touch screen panel of the display 16 .
- the display 16 may also display inventory information associated with each item stored in the storage unit 12 .
- the display 16 may be a personal TV.
- the smart refrigeration system 100 also includes a fourth button 60 for turning the display 16 on and off.
- the fourth button 60 can be accessed on both the exterior and the interior of the door 10 .
- the fourth button 60 is on the display 16 .
- the first button 30 and the third button 50 can also be incorporated in the display 16 .
- FIG. 1B is a diagram of an interior of a smart refrigeration system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.
- the smart refrigeration system 100 in FIG. 1B may substantially correspond to the smart refrigeration system 100 in FIG. 1A . With the door 10 open, the interior of the smart refrigeration system 100 is shown in FIG. 1B .
- the smart refrigeration system 100 includes the door 10 having the display 16 and the transparent portion 18 , storage unit 12 having rotatable shelves 12 A, 12 B, and 12 C the storage compartments 20 (e.g., storage compartments 20 A, 20 B, 20 C and 20 D), the base unit 14 , the first button 30 , one or more second buttons 40 , the third button 50 , the fourth button 60 , a plurality of identification units 70 , a reminder unit 75 , a processing unit 80 , a temperature control unit 85 , and a plurality of sensor units 90 .
- storage unit 12 having rotatable shelves 12 A, 12 B, and 12 C the storage compartments 20 (e.g., storage compartments 20 A, 20 B, 20 C and 20 D)
- the base unit 14 the first button 30 , one or more second buttons 40 , the third button 50 , the fourth button 60 , a plurality of identification units 70 , a reminder unit 75 , a processing unit 80 , a temperature control unit 85 , and a plurality
- the smart refrigeration system 100 also includes a memory (not explicitly shown in FIG. 1B ) for storing data received from the identification unit 70 , the reminder unit 75 , the processing unit 80 , the temperature control unit 85 , and the sensor units 90 , for example.
- the memory may include a main memory, a random access memory (RAM), or other dynamic storage devices. These memories may also be referred to as a computer-readable medium. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical or magnetic disks. Volatile media includes dynamic memory.
- the execution of the sequences of instructions contained in a computer-readable medium may cause the processor to perform functions such as identifying items, sensing the weight of the items, controlling the temperature of the storage compartments, and reminding the user to restock one or more items.
- the smart refrigeration system 100 also includes a processor (not explicitly shown in FIG. 1B ) for executing programs stored in the memory of the smart refrigeration system 100 .
- the smart refrigeration system 100 includes the rotatable shelves 12 A, 12 B, and 12 C, each having a number of storage compartments.
- the rotatable shelf 12 A includes the storage compartments 20 A, 20 B, 20 C, and 20 D.
- the storage compartments 20 A, 20 B, 20 C, and 20 D each have a sector shape, and are configured to store items, such as food and beverages.
- the storage compartments 20 A, 20 B, 20 C, and 20 D each include a retractable drawer that can slide in and out of the rotatable shelf 12 A.
- the second buttons 40 are displaced on the front side of the storage compartments 20 A, 20 B, 20 C, and 20 D.
- Each of the storage compartments 20 A, 20 B, 20 C, and 20 D is configured to automatically slide in and out of the rotatable shelf 12 A, when the corresponding second button 40 is pressed. It is noted that the drawers and their corresponding second buttons 40 for certain storage compartments (e.g., the storage compartments 20 B and 20 D on the rotatable shelf 12 A) are omitted from FIG. 1B for clarity.
- the storage compartment 20 A includes the identification unit 70 for identifying the items stored in the storage compartment 20 A.
- the identification unit 70 includes a camera that can capture an image of each of the items stored in the storage compartment 20 A.
- the identification unit 70 includes a scanner that can scan a barcode on the packaging of each of the items stored in the storage compartment 20 A.
- the identification unit 70 can also track the history of a particular item, for example, the purchase date, how many time the item has been retrieved and put back, the expiration date, and etc.
- the identification unit 70 can print a label having a barcode for the item, where the label can be attached to the item to identify the item type, the purchase date, the expiration date and etc.
- the identification unit 70 can provide a plurality of stickers that have random barcodes.
- the identification unit 70 may capture and/or scan the items stored in the storage compartment 20 A every time the storage compartment 20 A is opened and/or closed to keep track of what items are added to or removed from the storage compartment 20 A.
- the identification unit 70 may capture and/or scan the items in the storage compartment 20 A, compare the information from the new capture and/or scan with the information obtained from the previous capture and/or scan to determine what item has been removed from the storage compartment 20 A, and update the inventory information.
- the identification unit 70 may capture and/or scan the items in the storage compartment 20 A, compare the information from the new capture and/or scan with the information obtained from the previous capture and/or scan to determine what item has been added to the storage compartment 20 A, and update the inventory information.
- the smart refrigeration system 100 includes the processing unit 80 .
- the processing unit 80 includes an image processing unit, that can process the image of an item captured by the identification unit 70 to obtain information of the item.
- the processing unit 80 includes a barcode processing unit, that can process the barcode information read by the identification unit 70 to obtain information of the item.
- the information obtained through the identification unit 70 may be stored in the memory of the smart refrigeration system 100 , and can be displayed on the display 16 on the door 10 .
- the display 16 may also allow the user to edit and/or provide further information about the item.
- the smart refrigeration system 100 includes the plurality of sensor units 90 .
- the sensor units 90 include weight sensors for sensing the weight of the items in the storage compartments.
- the sensor units 90 are positioned on each of the rotatable shelves 12 A, 12 B, and 12 C.
- the storage compartments 20 A, 20 B, 20 C, and 20 D each have a corresponding sensor unit 90 positioned on the bottom.
- the rotatable shelves 12 B and 12 C also include the sensor units 90 positioned under each of their storage compartments.
- the sensor units 90 can be positioned in various other places in the smart refrigeration system 100 .
- the sensed information from the sensor units 90 are stored in the memory of the smart refrigeration system 100 , can be displayed through the display 16 on the door 10 .
- the smart refrigeration system 100 also includes the reminder unit 75 for reminding the user to restock an item, for example, when the weight of the item is below a predetermined threshold.
- the reminder unit 75 may provide a voice command to remind the user to restock.
- the reminder unit 75 may be coupled to the display 16 to display a message to remind the user to restock.
- the memory is further configured to store programs associated with the reminder unit 75 and the communication unit 65 .
- the processor is further configured to execute the programs associated with the reminder unit 75 and the communication unit 65 .
- the smart refrigeration system 100 further includes the temperature control unit 85 .
- the temperature control unit 85 is configured to control the temperature in each of the individual storage compartments, such as the storage compartments 20 A, 20 B, 20 C, and 20 D in the rotatable shelf 12 A.
- the temperature control unit 85 may control the temperature of each of the storage compartments 20 A, 20 B, 20 C, and 20 D individually.
- the storage compartment 20 A can store an item (e.g., a block of ham) at a temperature slightly above 32 degrees Fahrenheit (e.g., 38 or 42 ⁇ ), while the storage compartment 20 C can store another item (e.g., ice cream) at another temperature well below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (e.g., 0 or ⁇ 4 ⁇ ).
- the temperature control unit 85 is configured to allow the user to adjust the temperature in each of the storage compartments 20 A, 20 B, 20 C, and 20 D through the display 16 .
- the memory is further configured to store programs associated with the temperature control unit 85 .
- the processor is further configured to execute the program associated with the temperature control unit 85 .
- the base unit 14 is below the storage unit 12 and at the bottom of the smart refrigeration system 100 . In another exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1C , the base unit 14 is above the storage unit 12 and at the top of the smart refrigeration system 100 . It should also be noted that, although in the present exemplary embodiment, the smart refrigeration system 100 has a cylindrical shape and a single door, in another exemplary embodiment, the smart refrigeration system 100 may have a cuboid shape with one or more doors, and one or more storage units with rotatable shelves. For example, as shown in FIG.
- the smart refrigeration system 100 has a cuboid outer shape and a cylindrical storage unit, where the base unit 14 is located in the spaces between the cylindrical storage unit 12 and the outer walls of the smart refrigeration system 100 .
- the cylindrical storage unit 12 is maximized to fit into the cuboid outer shape of the smart refrigeration system 100 .
- Various components e.g., a compressor, a condenser, expansion valves and liquid evaporators
- the base unit 14 may be disposed in various empty spaces (e.g., back corners) between the cylindrical storage unit 12 and the outer walls of the smart refrigeration system 100 .
- FIG. 1E is a schematic block diagram of a smart refrigeration system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.
- the smart refrigeration system 100 in FIG. 1E may substantially correspond to the smart refrigeration system 100 in FIGS. 1A and 1B .
- the smart refrigeration system 100 includes the door 10 having the display 16 , the storage compartments 20 , the first button 30 , the one or more second buttons 40 , the third button 50 , the fourth button 60 , the identification units 70 , the reminder unit 75 , the processing unit 80 , the temperature control unit 85 , and the sensor units 90 .
- the smart refrigeration system 100 includes a memory (not explicitly shown in FIG. 1E ) for storing data received from the identification unit 70 , the reminder unit 75 , the processing unit 80 , the temperature control unit 85 , and the sensor units 90 , for example.
- the memory may include a main memory, a random access memory (RAM), or other dynamic storage devices. These memories may also be referred to as a computer-readable medium. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical or magnetic disks. Volatile media includes dynamic memory.
- the execution of the sequences of instructions contained in a computer-readable medium may cause the processor to perform functions such as identifying items, sensing the weight of the items, controlling the temperature of the storage compartments, and reminding the user to restock one or more items.
- the smart refrigeration system 100 also includes a processor (not explicitly shown in FIG. 1E ) for executing programs stored in the memory of the smart refrigeration system 100 .
- the door 10 includes the display 16 .
- the display 16 may include a graphic user interface that allows the user to input and retrieve inventory information of the items stored in the smart refrigeration system 100 .
- the identification units 70 are coupled to the processing unit 80 .
- the identification units 70 may each include a camera or a barcode scanner in each storage compartment.
- the processing unit 80 may perform image recognition on images captured by the identification units 70 to identify the items.
- the processing unit 80 may perform image recognition on images captured by the identification units 70 to determine the freshness of the items.
- the processing unit 80 may process the information scanned from barcodes on the items, and send the information to the display 16 .
- the information may be stored in the memory (e.g., non-transitory memory) associated in the display 16 , and displayed on the display upon user request.
- the identification units 70 are positioned on the front of the drawers of each storage compartment, the identification units 70 can be positioned in various other places in the storage unit 12 .
- the sensor units 90 e.g., weight sensors and temperature sensors
- the sensor units 90 may include weight sensors to sense the weight of the items in the storage compartments.
- the sensor units 90 may also include temperature sensors to sense the temperature in the corresponding storage compartments.
- the sensor units 90 are positioned under each of the storage compartments. In other embodiments, the sensor units 90 can be positioned in various other places in the smart refrigeration system 100 .
- the sensed information from the sensor units 90 are stored in the memory (e.g., non-transitory memory) of the smart refrigeration system 100 , can be provided through the display 16 on the door 10 .
- the sensor units 90 may be coupled to the reminder unit 75 that can remind the user to restock through voice alert or messaging, when the inventory for a particular item is below a predetermined threshold.
- the smart refrigeration system 100 is able to track the weight and freshness of one or more items in the storage compartments.
- the smart refrigeration system 100 can prevent the user from over buying items that are still in stock, thereby substantially reducing food waste.
- the sensor units 90 are coupled to the temperature control unit 85 .
- the sensor units 90 senses the weight of a particular storage compartment has increased, it can send the sensed information to the temperature control unit 85 to readjust the temperature in the storage compartment to keep the items refrigerated.
- the smart refrigeration system 100 may include at least one multi-function area, which can store different types of food items according to the needs of different users. For example, a user can store wines in the multi-function area, while another user can store bread in the multi-function area.
- the multi-function area is connected to the temperature control unit. 85 which can adjust the temperature in the multi-function area based on the type of items stored therein.
- Crystal clear ice cubes may be important to the smart refrigeration system 100 .
- the smart refrigeration system 100 can dispense ice cubes from an icemaker first in last out instead of first in first out.
- the smart refrigeration system 100 may provide mists in one or more storage compartments to keep certain items (e.g., produce) fresh.
- the smart refrigeration system 100 may use the water for making ice to produce mists.
- the smart refrigeration system 100 may include a dry compartment that is substantially free of moisture to keep certain items crisp.
- the smart refrigeration system 100 may use insulating films, such as a polyimide plastic film or a microporous insulation, which are used in aerospace applications, to provide both temperature and moisture isolation.
- the smart refrigeration system 100 may include an apparatus for insulating various components, such as motors and compressors, in the base unit 14 .
- the apparatus adopts sound proof technology used in submarines to substantially eliminate noises generated by the various components in the base unit 14 .
- the smart refrigeration system 100 may use active noise cancellation to cancel the noises from the various components in the base unit 14 .
- FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a smart refrigeration system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.
- a smart refrigeration system 200 includes a door 10 having a display 16 , storage compartments 20 , a first button 30 , one or more second buttons 40 , a third button 50 , a fourth button 60 , identification units 70 , a reminder unit 75 , a processing unit 80 , a temperature control unit 85 , sensor units 90 , and a communication unit 65 .
- the door 10 having the display 16 , the storage compartments 20 , the first button 30 , the one or more second buttons 40 , the third button 50 , the fourth button 60 , the identification units 70 , the reminder unit 75 , the processing unit 80 , the temperature control unit 85 , and the sensor units 90 in FIG. 2 may substantially correspond to the door 10 having the display 16 , the storage compartments 20 , the first button 30 , the one or more second buttons 40 , the third button 50 , the fourth button 60 , the identification unit 70 , the reminder unit 75 , the processing unit 80 , the temperature control unit 85 , and the sensor units 90 , respectively, described above with reference to FIGS. 1A through 1E .
- the smart refrigeration system 200 includes a memory (not explicitly shown in FIG. 2 ) for storing data received from the identification unit 70 , the reminder unit 75 , the processing unit 80 , the temperature control unit 85 , and the sensor units 90 , for example.
- the memory may include a main memory, a random access memory (RAM), or other dynamic storage devices. These memories may also be referred to as a computer-readable medium. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical or magnetic disks. Volatile media includes dynamic memory.
- the execution of the sequences of instructions contained in a computer-readable medium may cause the processor to perform functions such as identifying items, sensing the weight of the items, controlling the temperature of the storage compartments, and reminding the user to restock one or more items.
- the memory may store data received from the identification units 70 , the reminder unit 75 , the processing unit 80 , the temperature control unit 85 , the sensor units 90 , and the communication unit 65 , for example.
- the smart refrigeration system 200 also includes a processor (not explicitly shown in FIG. 2 ) for executing programs stored in the memory of the smart refrigeration system 200 .
- the smart refrigeration system 200 includes the communication unit 65 coupled to the processing unit 80 and the sensor units 90 .
- the communication unit 65 may include wireless transceivers for transmitting information to a portable device 120 , and receiving information from the portable device 120 .
- the communication unit 65 may provide inventory information of one or more items in the storage compartments to the portable device 120 through a wireless link 110 .
- the communication unit 65 may communicate with the portable device 120 through a Wi-Fi or a local area network. In another exemplary embodiment, the communication unit 65 may communicate with the portable device 120 through a radio access network (e.g., a cellular network).
- the portable device 120 can be a mobile phone.
- the communication unit 65 transmits the inventory information to the portable device 120 .
- the inventory information may include the name of the items, the weight of each of the items, the expiration date of the items, and etc. For example, the items can be sorted by weight or expiration date.
- the inventory information may also include the names of the items that have recently been entirely consumed. Thus, when the user is grocery shopping, the user can buy items according to the inventory information.
- the memory is further configured to store programs associated with the reminder unit 75 and the communication unit 65 .
- the processor is further configured to execute the programs associated with the reminder unit 75 and the communication unit 65 .
- the portable device 120 communicates with the communication unit 65 through a communication link.
- the communication unit 65 may upload the inventory information to a remote server (e.g., cloud), where the portable device 120 may access the inventory information through the remote server.
- the user may check and/or see what's in the storage compartments through the corresponding identification units 70 .
- the smart refrigeration system 200 also includes the reminder unit 75 for reminding the user to restock an item when the weight of the item is below a predetermined threshold, for example.
- the reminder unit 75 may provide a voice command to remind the user to restock.
- the reminder unit 75 may be coupled to the display 16 to display a message to remind the user to restock.
- the reminder unit 75 may be coupled to the communication unit 65 for sending reminder messages to the portable device 120 to remind the user to restock one or more items.
- the temperature control unit 85 may be coupled to the portable device 120 through the communication unit 65 to allow the user to adjust the temperature in a particular storage compartment remotely on the portable device 120 . For example, if the user decides to make a pot pie for dinner, the user can send a user command through the portable device 120 to adjust the temperature of the storage compartment storing the frozen pot pie to let it thaw well before the user gets home.
- the memory is further configured to store programs associated with the temperature control unit 85 .
- the processor is further configured to execute the programs associated with the temperature control unit 85 .
Abstract
A smart refrigeration system includes at least one rotatable shelf having at least one storage compartment, the at least one storage compartment having an identification unit for identifying an item in the at least one storage compartment, where the smart refrigeration system is configured to track at least one of weight and freshness information of the item. The identification unit is configured to capture an image of the item or scan a barcode of the item. The smart refrigeration system further includes a reminder unit notifying a user to restock the item. The smart refrigeration system further includes a temperature control unit configured to adjust the temperature of the at least one storage compartment independently from other storage compartments in the smart refrigeration system.
Description
- The present application claims the benefit of and priority to a provisional patent application entitled “REFRIGERATOR,” Ser. No. 62/289,890, filed on Feb. 1, 2016. The disclosure in this provisional application is hereby incorporated fully by reference into the present application.
- The present application generally relates to smart appliances. More specifically, the present application relates to a smart refrigeration system.
- Refrigerators are an essential household appliance for food storage. Unfortunately, due to people's modern busy lifestyles, at least a quarter of the food items, such as unappealing leftovers, wilted lettuce, and expired milk, in the refrigerator will ultimately end up in the trash. Thus, there is a need in the art for a smart refrigeration system with built-in intelligence that could track food inventory, monitor the freshness of perishable items, and provide restocking information to its users.
- The present disclosure is directed to a smart refrigeration system, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, and as set forth in the claims.
-
FIG. 1A is a diagram of an exterior of a smart refrigeration system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. -
FIG. 1B is a diagram of an interior of a smart refrigeration system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. -
FIG. 1C is a diagram of an exterior of a smart refrigeration system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. -
FIG. 1D is a diagram of an exterior of a smart refrigeration system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. -
FIG. 1E is a schematic block diagram of a smart refrigeration system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. -
FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a smart refrigeration system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. - The following description contains specific information pertaining to implementations in the present disclosure. The drawings in the present application and their accompanying detailed description are directed to merely exemplary embodiments. However, the present application is not limited to merely these exemplary embodiments. Other variations and embodiments of the present application will occur to those skilled in the art. Unless noted otherwise, like or corresponding elements among the figures may be indicated by like or corresponding reference numerals. Moreover, the drawings and illustrations in the present application are generally not to scale, and are not intended to correspond to actual relative dimensions.
- Referring to
FIG. 1A ,FIG. 1A is a diagram of an exterior of a smart refrigeration system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. InFIG. 1A , asmart refrigeration system 100 includes astorage unit 12 and abase unit 14. Thestorage unit 12 includes adoor 10 and multiple shelves, each having a number of storage compartments (not explicitly shown inFIG. 1A ). Thebase unit 14 includes, but is not limited to, a compressor, a condenser, expansion valves and liquid evaporators (not explicitly shown inFIG. 1A ). - In the present exemplary embodiment, the
door 10 includes afirst button 30 for controlling the opening and closing of thedoor 10. For example, when thefirst button 30 is pressed, thedoor 10 can automatically open and close. Thefirst button 30 can be accessed on both the exterior and the interior of thedoor 10. In an exemplary embodiment, thedoor 10 can swing open like a traditional door. In another exemplary embodiment, thedoor 10 can slide open. - The
smart refrigeration system 100 also includes one or more second buttons (not explicitly shown inFIG. 1A ) inside thestorage unit 12 for controlling the opening and closing of the storage compartments in thestorage unit 12. When one of the second buttons is pressed, a drawing of the corresponding storage compartment can automatically slide in and out of the shelf. That is, the storage compartments are automatically retractable storage compartment. - The
smart refrigeration system 100 also includes athird button 50, which controls the rotation of the rotatable shelves in thestorage unit 12. Thethird button 50 can be accessed on both the exterior and the interior of thedoor 10. When thethird button 50 is pressed, one or more rotatable shelves inside thestorage unit 12 can rotate either clockwise or counter-clockwise. - In the present exemplary embodiment, the
door 10 includes atransparent portion 18, which allows items stored in thestorage unit 12 to be seen without a need to open thedoor 10. In an exemplary embodiment, thetransparent portion 18 is made of glass. In another exemplary embodiment, thetransparent portion 18 is made of see-through plastic material. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the transparency of thetransparent portion 18 can be adjusted if needed. - In the present exemplary embodiment, the
smart refrigeration system 100 has a cylindrical shape. Also, the shelves inside thestorage unit 12 each have a circular shape. As such, the shelves can rotate inside thesmart refrigeration system 100 to maximize the utility of the interior space of thestorage unit 12. - Since opening the
door 10 exposes the interior of thesmart refrigeration system 100 to the ambient temperature outside of thesmart refrigeration system 100, readjusting the interior temperature to a predetermined level to keep the items refrigerated requires additional energy. Thus, by having thetransparent portion 18 on thedoor 10 and the rotatable shelves controlled by thethird button 50, thesmart refrigeration system 100 allows the user to see what's stored in thestorage unit 12 without a need to open thedoor 10, thereby improving the energy efficiency of thesmart refrigeration system 100. - The
smart refrigeration system 100 includes adisplay 16 on thedoor 10. In an exemplary embodiment, thedisplay 16 is integrated in thedoor 10, and can be accessed on both the exterior and the interior of thedoor 10. In another exemplary embodiment, thedisplay 16 is attached to thedoor 10. Thedisplay 16 may be configured to display agraphic user interface 17 and provide inventory information of thesmart refrigeration system 100 to the user. For example, thegraphic user interface 17 may include a touch screen keyboard for the user to enter associated information when items are stored in or taken out of thestorage unit 12. Thedisplay 16 also allows the user to enter inventory information through, for example, a touch screen panel of thedisplay 16. Thedisplay 16 may also display inventory information associated with each item stored in thestorage unit 12. In an exemplary embodiment, thedisplay 16 may be a personal TV. - The
smart refrigeration system 100 also includes afourth button 60 for turning thedisplay 16 on and off. Thefourth button 60 can be accessed on both the exterior and the interior of thedoor 10. In the present exemplary implementation, thefourth button 60 is on thedisplay 16. In an exemplary implementation, thefirst button 30 and thethird button 50 can also be incorporated in thedisplay 16. - Referring to
FIG. 1B ,FIG. 1B is a diagram of an interior of a smart refrigeration system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. In an exemplary implementation, thesmart refrigeration system 100 inFIG. 1B may substantially correspond to thesmart refrigeration system 100 inFIG. 1A . With thedoor 10 open, the interior of thesmart refrigeration system 100 is shown inFIG. 1B . - The
smart refrigeration system 100 includes thedoor 10 having thedisplay 16 and thetransparent portion 18,storage unit 12 havingrotatable shelves storage compartments base unit 14, thefirst button 30, one or moresecond buttons 40, thethird button 50, thefourth button 60, a plurality ofidentification units 70, areminder unit 75, aprocessing unit 80, atemperature control unit 85, and a plurality ofsensor units 90. - The
smart refrigeration system 100 also includes a memory (not explicitly shown inFIG. 1B ) for storing data received from theidentification unit 70, thereminder unit 75, theprocessing unit 80, thetemperature control unit 85, and thesensor units 90, for example. The memory may include a main memory, a random access memory (RAM), or other dynamic storage devices. These memories may also be referred to as a computer-readable medium. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical or magnetic disks. Volatile media includes dynamic memory. The execution of the sequences of instructions contained in a computer-readable medium may cause the processor to perform functions such as identifying items, sensing the weight of the items, controlling the temperature of the storage compartments, and reminding the user to restock one or more items. Thesmart refrigeration system 100 also includes a processor (not explicitly shown inFIG. 1B ) for executing programs stored in the memory of thesmart refrigeration system 100. - The
smart refrigeration system 100 includes therotatable shelves rotatable shelf 12A includes the storage compartments 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D. The storage compartments 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D each have a sector shape, and are configured to store items, such as food and beverages. In an exemplary implementation, the storage compartments 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D each include a retractable drawer that can slide in and out of therotatable shelf 12A. For example, thesecond buttons 40 are displaced on the front side of the storage compartments 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D. Each of the storage compartments 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D is configured to automatically slide in and out of therotatable shelf 12A, when the correspondingsecond button 40 is pressed. It is noted that the drawers and their correspondingsecond buttons 40 for certain storage compartments (e.g., the storage compartments 20B and 20D on therotatable shelf 12A) are omitted fromFIG. 1B for clarity. - In
FIG. 1B , thestorage compartment 20A includes theidentification unit 70 for identifying the items stored in thestorage compartment 20A. In an exemplary embodiment, theidentification unit 70 includes a camera that can capture an image of each of the items stored in thestorage compartment 20A. In another exemplary embodiment, theidentification unit 70 includes a scanner that can scan a barcode on the packaging of each of the items stored in thestorage compartment 20A. Theidentification unit 70 can also track the history of a particular item, for example, the purchase date, how many time the item has been retrieved and put back, the expiration date, and etc. In yet another exemplary embodiment, if an item (e.g., a block of ham) does not have a barcode, theidentification unit 70 can print a label having a barcode for the item, where the label can be attached to the item to identify the item type, the purchase date, the expiration date and etc. Theidentification unit 70 can provide a plurality of stickers that have random barcodes. In one exemplary embodiment, theidentification unit 70 may capture and/or scan the items stored in thestorage compartment 20A every time thestorage compartment 20A is opened and/or closed to keep track of what items are added to or removed from thestorage compartment 20A. For example, if a particular item is partially or entirely removed from thestorage compartment 20A, upon closing of thestorage compartment 20A, theidentification unit 70 may capture and/or scan the items in thestorage compartment 20A, compare the information from the new capture and/or scan with the information obtained from the previous capture and/or scan to determine what item has been removed from thestorage compartment 20A, and update the inventory information. Similarly, if one or more new items are added to thestorage compartment 20A, upon closing of thestorage compartment 20A, theidentification unit 70 may capture and/or scan the items in thestorage compartment 20A, compare the information from the new capture and/or scan with the information obtained from the previous capture and/or scan to determine what item has been added to thestorage compartment 20A, and update the inventory information. - The
smart refrigeration system 100 includes theprocessing unit 80. In one exemplary embodiment, theprocessing unit 80 includes an image processing unit, that can process the image of an item captured by theidentification unit 70 to obtain information of the item. In another exemplary embodiment, theprocessing unit 80 includes a barcode processing unit, that can process the barcode information read by theidentification unit 70 to obtain information of the item. The information obtained through theidentification unit 70 may be stored in the memory of thesmart refrigeration system 100, and can be displayed on thedisplay 16 on thedoor 10. Thedisplay 16 may also allow the user to edit and/or provide further information about the item. - The
smart refrigeration system 100 includes the plurality ofsensor units 90. In one exemplary embodiment, thesensor units 90 include weight sensors for sensing the weight of the items in the storage compartments. For example, thesensor units 90 are positioned on each of therotatable shelves FIG. 1B , the storage compartments 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D each have acorresponding sensor unit 90 positioned on the bottom. Similarly, therotatable shelves sensor units 90 positioned under each of their storage compartments. In other exemplary embodiments, thesensor units 90 can be positioned in various other places in thesmart refrigeration system 100. The sensed information from thesensor units 90 are stored in the memory of thesmart refrigeration system 100, can be displayed through thedisplay 16 on thedoor 10. - The
smart refrigeration system 100 also includes thereminder unit 75 for reminding the user to restock an item, for example, when the weight of the item is below a predetermined threshold. In an exemplary embodiment, thereminder unit 75 may provide a voice command to remind the user to restock. In another exemplary embodiment, thereminder unit 75 may be coupled to thedisplay 16 to display a message to remind the user to restock. The memory is further configured to store programs associated with thereminder unit 75 and thecommunication unit 65. The processor is further configured to execute the programs associated with thereminder unit 75 and thecommunication unit 65. - The
smart refrigeration system 100 further includes thetemperature control unit 85. Thetemperature control unit 85 is configured to control the temperature in each of the individual storage compartments, such as the storage compartments 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D in therotatable shelf 12A. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, thetemperature control unit 85 may control the temperature of each of the storage compartments 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D individually. As such, thestorage compartment 20A can store an item (e.g., a block of ham) at a temperature slightly above 32 degrees Fahrenheit (e.g., 38 or 42 □), while thestorage compartment 20C can store another item (e.g., ice cream) at another temperature well below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (e.g., 0 or −4 □). Thetemperature control unit 85 is configured to allow the user to adjust the temperature in each of the storage compartments 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D through thedisplay 16. The memory is further configured to store programs associated with thetemperature control unit 85. The processor is further configured to execute the program associated with thetemperature control unit 85. - In the present exemplary embodiment, the
base unit 14 is below thestorage unit 12 and at the bottom of thesmart refrigeration system 100. In another exemplary embodiment, as shown inFIG. 1C , thebase unit 14 is above thestorage unit 12 and at the top of thesmart refrigeration system 100. It should also be noted that, although in the present exemplary embodiment, thesmart refrigeration system 100 has a cylindrical shape and a single door, in another exemplary embodiment, thesmart refrigeration system 100 may have a cuboid shape with one or more doors, and one or more storage units with rotatable shelves. For example, as shown inFIG. 1D , thesmart refrigeration system 100 has a cuboid outer shape and a cylindrical storage unit, where thebase unit 14 is located in the spaces between thecylindrical storage unit 12 and the outer walls of thesmart refrigeration system 100. Thecylindrical storage unit 12 is maximized to fit into the cuboid outer shape of thesmart refrigeration system 100. Various components (e.g., a compressor, a condenser, expansion valves and liquid evaporators) of thebase unit 14 may be disposed in various empty spaces (e.g., back corners) between thecylindrical storage unit 12 and the outer walls of thesmart refrigeration system 100. Referring toFIG. 1E ,FIG. 1E is a schematic block diagram of a smart refrigeration system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. In the present exemplary embodiment, thesmart refrigeration system 100 inFIG. 1E may substantially correspond to thesmart refrigeration system 100 inFIGS. 1A and 1B . Thesmart refrigeration system 100 includes thedoor 10 having thedisplay 16, the storage compartments 20, thefirst button 30, the one or moresecond buttons 40, thethird button 50, thefourth button 60, theidentification units 70, thereminder unit 75, theprocessing unit 80, thetemperature control unit 85, and thesensor units 90. - The
smart refrigeration system 100 includes a memory (not explicitly shown inFIG. 1E ) for storing data received from theidentification unit 70, thereminder unit 75, theprocessing unit 80, thetemperature control unit 85, and thesensor units 90, for example. The memory may include a main memory, a random access memory (RAM), or other dynamic storage devices. These memories may also be referred to as a computer-readable medium. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical or magnetic disks. Volatile media includes dynamic memory. The execution of the sequences of instructions contained in a computer-readable medium may cause the processor to perform functions such as identifying items, sensing the weight of the items, controlling the temperature of the storage compartments, and reminding the user to restock one or more items. Thesmart refrigeration system 100 also includes a processor (not explicitly shown inFIG. 1E ) for executing programs stored in the memory of thesmart refrigeration system 100. - In
FIG. 1E , thedoor 10 includes thedisplay 16. Thedisplay 16 may include a graphic user interface that allows the user to input and retrieve inventory information of the items stored in thesmart refrigeration system 100. - In
FIG. 1E , theidentification units 70 are coupled to theprocessing unit 80. For example, theidentification units 70 may each include a camera or a barcode scanner in each storage compartment. Theprocessing unit 80 may perform image recognition on images captured by theidentification units 70 to identify the items. Theprocessing unit 80 may perform image recognition on images captured by theidentification units 70 to determine the freshness of the items. Theprocessing unit 80 may process the information scanned from barcodes on the items, and send the information to thedisplay 16. The information may be stored in the memory (e.g., non-transitory memory) associated in thedisplay 16, and displayed on the display upon user request. It should be noted that although theidentification units 70 are positioned on the front of the drawers of each storage compartment, theidentification units 70 can be positioned in various other places in thestorage unit 12. InFIG. 1E , the sensor units 90 (e.g., weight sensors and temperature sensors) are coupled to the storage compartments 20, thedoor 10, thereminder unit 75, and thetemperature control unit 85. Thesensor units 90 may include weight sensors to sense the weight of the items in the storage compartments. Thesensor units 90 may also include temperature sensors to sense the temperature in the corresponding storage compartments. In one implementation, thesensor units 90 are positioned under each of the storage compartments. In other embodiments, thesensor units 90 can be positioned in various other places in thesmart refrigeration system 100. The sensed information from thesensor units 90 are stored in the memory (e.g., non-transitory memory) of thesmart refrigeration system 100, can be provided through thedisplay 16 on thedoor 10. Thesensor units 90 may be coupled to thereminder unit 75 that can remind the user to restock through voice alert or messaging, when the inventory for a particular item is below a predetermined threshold. As such, thesmart refrigeration system 100 is able to track the weight and freshness of one or more items in the storage compartments. Among other advantages, thesmart refrigeration system 100 can prevent the user from over buying items that are still in stock, thereby substantially reducing food waste. - Also, the
sensor units 90 are coupled to thetemperature control unit 85. For example, when one of thesensor units 90 senses the weight of a particular storage compartment has increased, it can send the sensed information to thetemperature control unit 85 to readjust the temperature in the storage compartment to keep the items refrigerated. - The
smart refrigeration system 100 may include at least one multi-function area, which can store different types of food items according to the needs of different users. For example, a user can store wines in the multi-function area, while another user can store bread in the multi-function area. The multi-function area is connected to the temperature control unit. 85 which can adjust the temperature in the multi-function area based on the type of items stored therein. - Crystal clear ice cubes may be important to the
smart refrigeration system 100. Thesmart refrigeration system 100 can dispense ice cubes from an icemaker first in last out instead of first in first out. Thesmart refrigeration system 100 may provide mists in one or more storage compartments to keep certain items (e.g., produce) fresh. Thesmart refrigeration system 100 may use the water for making ice to produce mists. Thesmart refrigeration system 100 may include a dry compartment that is substantially free of moisture to keep certain items crisp. - The
smart refrigeration system 100 may use insulating films, such as a polyimide plastic film or a microporous insulation, which are used in aerospace applications, to provide both temperature and moisture isolation. Thesmart refrigeration system 100 may include an apparatus for insulating various components, such as motors and compressors, in thebase unit 14. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus adopts sound proof technology used in submarines to substantially eliminate noises generated by the various components in thebase unit 14. In another exemplary embodiment, thesmart refrigeration system 100 may use active noise cancellation to cancel the noises from the various components in thebase unit 14. - Referring to
FIG. 2 ,FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a smart refrigeration system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. In the present exemplary embodiment, asmart refrigeration system 200 includes adoor 10 having adisplay 16, storage compartments 20, afirst button 30, one or moresecond buttons 40, athird button 50, afourth button 60,identification units 70, areminder unit 75, aprocessing unit 80, atemperature control unit 85,sensor units 90, and acommunication unit 65. - In the present exemplary embodiment, the
door 10 having thedisplay 16, the storage compartments 20, thefirst button 30, the one or moresecond buttons 40, thethird button 50, thefourth button 60, theidentification units 70, thereminder unit 75, theprocessing unit 80, thetemperature control unit 85, and thesensor units 90 inFIG. 2 may substantially correspond to thedoor 10 having thedisplay 16, the storage compartments 20, thefirst button 30, the one or moresecond buttons 40, thethird button 50, thefourth button 60, theidentification unit 70, thereminder unit 75, theprocessing unit 80, thetemperature control unit 85, and thesensor units 90, respectively, described above with reference toFIGS. 1A through 1E . - The
smart refrigeration system 200 includes a memory (not explicitly shown inFIG. 2 ) for storing data received from theidentification unit 70, thereminder unit 75, theprocessing unit 80, thetemperature control unit 85, and thesensor units 90, for example. The memory may include a main memory, a random access memory (RAM), or other dynamic storage devices. These memories may also be referred to as a computer-readable medium. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical or magnetic disks. Volatile media includes dynamic memory. The execution of the sequences of instructions contained in a computer-readable medium may cause the processor to perform functions such as identifying items, sensing the weight of the items, controlling the temperature of the storage compartments, and reminding the user to restock one or more items. For example, the memory may store data received from theidentification units 70, thereminder unit 75, theprocessing unit 80, thetemperature control unit 85, thesensor units 90, and thecommunication unit 65, for example. Thesmart refrigeration system 200 also includes a processor (not explicitly shown inFIG. 2 ) for executing programs stored in the memory of thesmart refrigeration system 200. - In the present exemplary embodiment, the
smart refrigeration system 200 includes thecommunication unit 65 coupled to theprocessing unit 80 and thesensor units 90. Thecommunication unit 65 may include wireless transceivers for transmitting information to aportable device 120, and receiving information from theportable device 120. For example, thecommunication unit 65 may provide inventory information of one or more items in the storage compartments to theportable device 120 through awireless link 110. - In one exemplary embodiment, the
communication unit 65 may communicate with theportable device 120 through a Wi-Fi or a local area network. In another exemplary embodiment, thecommunication unit 65 may communicate with theportable device 120 through a radio access network (e.g., a cellular network). Theportable device 120 can be a mobile phone. Thecommunication unit 65 transmits the inventory information to theportable device 120. The inventory information may include the name of the items, the weight of each of the items, the expiration date of the items, and etc. For example, the items can be sorted by weight or expiration date. The inventory information may also include the names of the items that have recently been entirely consumed. Thus, when the user is grocery shopping, the user can buy items according to the inventory information. The memory is further configured to store programs associated with thereminder unit 75 and thecommunication unit 65. The processor is further configured to execute the programs associated with thereminder unit 75 and thecommunication unit 65. - For example, when the user is at a grocery store or supermarket, the user is able to retrieve inventory information of items stored in the
smart refrigeration system 200 through theportable device 120. For example, theportable device 120 communicates with thecommunication unit 65 through a communication link. In another implementation, thecommunication unit 65 may upload the inventory information to a remote server (e.g., cloud), where theportable device 120 may access the inventory information through the remote server. The user may check and/or see what's in the storage compartments through thecorresponding identification units 70. - The
smart refrigeration system 200 also includes thereminder unit 75 for reminding the user to restock an item when the weight of the item is below a predetermined threshold, for example. In an exemplary embodiment, thereminder unit 75 may provide a voice command to remind the user to restock. In another exemplary embodiment, thereminder unit 75 may be coupled to thedisplay 16 to display a message to remind the user to restock. - In an exemplary embodiment, the
reminder unit 75 may be coupled to thecommunication unit 65 for sending reminder messages to theportable device 120 to remind the user to restock one or more items. In an exemplary embodiment, thetemperature control unit 85 may be coupled to theportable device 120 through thecommunication unit 65 to allow the user to adjust the temperature in a particular storage compartment remotely on theportable device 120. For example, if the user decides to make a pot pie for dinner, the user can send a user command through theportable device 120 to adjust the temperature of the storage compartment storing the frozen pot pie to let it thaw well before the user gets home. The memory is further configured to store programs associated with thetemperature control unit 85. The processor is further configured to execute the programs associated with thetemperature control unit 85. - The exemplary embodiments shown and described above are only examples. Therefore, many such details are neither shown nor described. Even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present technology have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the present disclosure, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in the detail, including in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of the parts within the principles of the present disclosure, up to, and including, the full extent established by the broad general meaning of the terms used in the claims. It will therefore be appreciated that the embodiments described above may be modified within the scope of the claims.
Claims (20)
1. A smart refrigeration system comprising:
at least one rotatable shelf having at least one storage compartment;
the at least one storage compartment having an identification unit for identifying an item in the at least one storage compartment;
wherein the smart refrigeration system is configured to track at least one of weight and freshness information of the item.
2. The smart refrigeration system of claim 1 wherein the identification unit is configured to capture an image of the item or scan a barcode of the item.
3. The smart refrigeration system of claim 1 further comprising a reminder unit notifying a user to restock the item.
4. The smart refrigeration system of claim 1 further comprising a temperature control unit configured to adjust a temperature of the at least one storage compartment independently from other storage compartments in the smart refrigeration system.
5. The smart refrigeration system of claim 1 further comprising a user interface for a user to enter inventory information.
6. The smart refrigeration system of claim 5 wherein the user interface includes a touch screen panel.
7. The smart refrigeration system of claim 5 wherein the user interface is configured to display inventory information.
8. The smart refrigeration system of claim 1 wherein the smart refrigeration system has a cylindrical shape or a cuboid shape.
9. The smart refrigeration system of claim 1 wherein the smart refrigeration system includes a plurality of sensor units.
10. The smart refrigeration system of claim 1 further comprising a door, wherein at least a portion of the door is transparent, and wherein the transparency is adjustable.
11. The smart refrigeration system of claim 1 wherein the smart refrigeration system is configured to adjust a temperature of the at least one storage compartment in response to a user command.
12. The smart refrigeration system of claim 1 wherein the at least one storage compartment is an automatically retractable storage compartment.
13. The smart refrigeration system of claim 1 wherein the at least one rotatable shelf is configured to rotate in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions.
14. A smart refrigeration system comprising:
at least one rotatable shelf having at least one storage compartment;
the at least one storage compartment having an identification unit for identifying an item in the at least one storage compartment;
a communication unit for providing inventory information of the item to a portable device through a wireless link.
15. The smart refrigeration system of claim 14 wherein the at least one rotatable shelf is configured to rotate in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions.
16. The smart refrigeration system of claim 14 further comprising a temperature control unit configured to adjust the temperature of the at least one storage compartment independently from other storage compartments in the smart refrigeration system.
17. The smart refrigeration system of claim 16 wherein the temperature of the at least one storage compartment is adjusted by a user command through the portable device.
18. The smart refrigeration system of claim 14 wherein the smart refrigeration system has a cylindrical shape or a cuboid shape.
19. The smart refrigeration system of claim 14 further comprising a plurality of sensing units, wherein at least one of the plurality of sensing units includes at least one of a weight sensor or a temperature sensor.
20. The smart refrigeration system of claim 14 wherein the at least one storage compartment is an automatically retractable storage compartment.
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CN109916123A (en) * | 2019-03-22 | 2019-06-21 | 潍坊护理职业学院 | A kind of portable first-aid medicine refrigerating box uniformly to freeze |
WO2022095995A1 (en) * | 2020-11-09 | 2022-05-12 | 海尔智家股份有限公司 | Refrigeration appliance and method for tracking stored articles |
CN112460908A (en) * | 2020-11-27 | 2021-03-09 | 广州富港万嘉智能科技有限公司 | Refrigerator food material management method, intelligent terminal, server and system |
US20220395112A1 (en) * | 2021-06-14 | 2022-12-15 | Roland Thomlinson | Smart Refrigerator Assembly |
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