WO2014142118A1 - 冷蔵庫、カメラ装置、冷蔵庫用ドアポケット、冷蔵庫用ホルダ - Google Patents
冷蔵庫、カメラ装置、冷蔵庫用ドアポケット、冷蔵庫用ホルダ Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2014142118A1 WO2014142118A1 PCT/JP2014/056325 JP2014056325W WO2014142118A1 WO 2014142118 A1 WO2014142118 A1 WO 2014142118A1 JP 2014056325 W JP2014056325 W JP 2014056325W WO 2014142118 A1 WO2014142118 A1 WO 2014142118A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- imaging
- mist
- refrigerator
- camera
- door
- Prior art date
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- 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
- F25D29/003—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for movable devices
-
- 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
-
- 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
- F25D17/00—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
- F25D17/04—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection
- F25D17/042—Air treating means within refrigerated spaces
-
- 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
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B1/00—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means
- B05B1/02—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to produce a jet, spray, or other discharge of particular shape or nature, e.g. in single drops, or having an outlet of particular shape
-
- 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
-
- 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
- F25D17/00—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
- F25D17/04—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection
- F25D17/06—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation
- F25D17/062—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation in household refrigerators
- F25D17/065—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation in household refrigerators with compartments at different temperatures
-
- 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
- F25D21/00—Defrosting; Preventing frosting; Removing condensed or defrost water
- F25D21/06—Removing frost
- F25D21/08—Removing frost by electric heating
-
- 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
-
- 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
-
- 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
- F25D23/04—Doors; Covers with special compartments, e.g. butter conditioners
-
- 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
- F25D23/12—Arrangements of compartments additional to cooling compartments; Combinations of refrigerators with other equipment, e.g. stove
-
- 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
- F25D27/00—Lighting arrangements
- F25D27/005—Lighting arrangements combined with control means
-
- 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
-
- 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
- F25D29/005—Mounting of control devices
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
- H04N23/50—Constructional details
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
- H04N23/50—Constructional details
- H04N23/51—Housings
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
- H04N23/56—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof provided with illuminating means
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
- H04N23/57—Mechanical or electrical details of cameras or camera modules specially adapted for being embedded in other devices
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
- H04N23/70—Circuitry for compensating brightness variation in the scene
- H04N23/74—Circuitry for compensating brightness variation in the scene by influencing the scene brightness using illuminating means
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N7/00—Television systems
- H04N7/18—Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast
- H04N7/183—Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast for receiving images from a single remote source
-
- 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
- F25D2317/00—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2317/04—Treating air flowing to refrigeration compartments
- F25D2317/041—Treating air flowing to refrigeration compartments by purification
- F25D2317/0413—Treating air flowing to refrigeration compartments by purification by humidification
-
- 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
- F25D2317/00—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2317/04—Treating air flowing to refrigeration compartments
- F25D2317/041—Treating air flowing to refrigeration compartments by purification
- F25D2317/0413—Treating air flowing to refrigeration compartments by purification by humidification
- F25D2317/04131—Control means therefor
-
- 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
-
- 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
-
- 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
- F25D2600/00—Control issues
- F25D2600/02—Timing
-
- 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
- F25D2700/02—Sensors detecting door opening
-
- 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
-
- 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
- F25D2700/08—Sensors using Radio Frequency Identification [RFID]
-
- 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
- F25D2700/12—Sensors measuring the inside temperature
- F25D2700/123—Sensors measuring the inside temperature more than one sensor measuring the inside temperature in a compartment
-
- 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
- F25D2700/14—Sensors measuring the temperature outside the refrigerator or freezer
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
- H04N23/50—Constructional details
- H04N23/555—Constructional details for picking-up images in sites, inaccessible due to their dimensions or hazardous conditions, e.g. endoscopes or borescopes
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B40/00—Technologies aiming at improving the efficiency of home appliances, e.g. induction cooking or efficient technologies for refrigerators, freezers or dish washers
Definitions
- Embodiments of the present invention relate to a refrigerator, a camera device, a refrigerator door pocket, and a refrigerator holder.
- Patent Document 1 a system for managing food by recognizing food by imaging the inside of the cabinet has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
- Patent Document 1 a system for managing food by recognizing food by imaging the inside of the cabinet.
- users who want to check the inside of the refrigerator in a remote place such as a place where they are out.
- the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a refrigerator, a camera device, a refrigerator door pocket, and a refrigerator holder that can easily check the interior in a remote place.
- the refrigerator according to the embodiment is configured to supply the mist generated by the mist generating means, the mist generating means for generating the mist for supplying the inside of the storage, the mist generating means for imaging the inside of the storage to the inside of the storage.
- the imaging means is provided at a position that does not face the spray port.
- the camera device is a camera device for imaging the interior of the refrigerator, an imaging unit for imaging the interior of the refrigerator, a camera side communication unit for communicating with an external device, Control means operable in synchronism with mist generating means provided in the refrigerator for spraying mist into the cabinet.
- the refrigerator door pocket according to the embodiment is a refrigerator door pocket provided on the door of the refrigerator, and includes an attached portion for attaching an imaging means for imaging the inside of the refrigerator.
- the attached portion attaches the imaging means so as to be in a position that does not face the spray port for supplying mist to the inside of the warehouse.
- the refrigerator holder according to the embodiment is provided in the refrigerator cabinet and is for holding an image pickup means for imaging the inside of the refrigerator, and does not face the spray port for supplying mist into the cabinet.
- a holding unit that holds the image pickup unit so as to be positioned is provided.
- the figure which shows the refrigerator of 1st Embodiment typically.
- the figure which shows the structure of the refrigerator of 1st Embodiment typically.
- FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image display mode in the communication terminal according to the first embodiment.
- positioning of the camera apparatus of 2nd Embodiment The figure which shows typically the aspect which attached the camera apparatus of 2nd Embodiment to the door pocket for refrigerators. The figure which shows typically the position which attaches the holder for refrigerators of 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows the holder for refrigerators of 2nd Embodiment typically. The figure which shows typically the aspect which attached the holder for refrigerators of 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows typically the electric constitution of the camera apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows typically the detection aspect of the detection part of the camera apparatus of 2nd Embodiment.
- the figure which shows the example of the imaging timing of the camera apparatus of 2nd Embodiment The figure which shows the example of the image in the warehouse imaged with the camera apparatus of 2nd Embodiment.
- the figure which shows the structure of the refrigerator of other embodiment typically.
- the figure which shows an example of the attaching part of other embodiment Secondary sectional view showing the refrigerator of the third embodiment.
- the figure which shows the periphery of the mist generator and humidifier of 3rd Embodiment The figure which shows the structure of the mist generator of 3rd Embodiment.
- the figure which shows the drive timing of the imaging camera by the side of the refrigerator compartment of 3rd Embodiment, a mist generator, and a humidifier (the 1)
- the figure which shows the drive timing of the imaging camera by the side of the refrigerator compartment of 3rd Embodiment, a mist generator, and a humidifier (the 2)
- the figure which shows the drive timing of the imaging camera by the side of the refrigerator compartment of 3rd Embodiment, a mist generator, and a humidifier (the 3) Secondary sectional view showing the refrigerator of the fourth embodiment Secondary sectional view showing the refrigerator of the fifth embodiment.
- the figure which shows the structure of 6th Embodiment typically The figure which shows the drive timing of the imaging camera by the side of the refrigerator compartment of 6th Embodiment, a mist generator, and a humidifier
- the figure which shows the drive timing of the imaging camera of 7th Embodiment, a mist generator, and a humidifier The figure which shows the periphery of the mist generator and humidifier of 8th Embodiment
- the figure which shows the drive timing of the imaging camera of 8th Embodiment, a mist generator, and a humidifier is shown.
- the figure which shows the drive timing of the imaging camera of 9th Embodiment, a mist generator, and a humidifier The figure which shows the drive timing of the imaging camera of 10th Embodiment, a mist generator, and a humidifier.
- operation (the 1) The figure which shows the timing of the drive of the imaging camera of 11th Embodiment, a mist generator, and a humidifier, and a power-saving operation (the 2) The figure which shows the drive timing of the imaging camera of 12th Embodiment, the mist generator, the humidifier, and the drive of a switching damper
- the refrigerator 1 is communicably connected to an external communication line 102 via a router 101.
- the router 101 is a so-called wireless access point, and is connected so as to be communicable with the refrigerator 1 by a wireless communication method.
- the refrigerator 1 exchanges various types of information with a communication terminal 103 and a server 104 (both corresponding to external devices) connected to the communication line 102.
- image information obtained by imaging the interior of the refrigerator 1 is stored in the server 104, and the communication terminal 103 acquires the image in the interior from the server 104.
- the image information is information (data) indicating an image in the warehouse, and for example, image data (still image, moving image) or image data in a known format such as a bitmap format, JPEG format, or MPEG format is compressed. Any data that can be transmitted via communication means, such as data converted by encryption or image processing as in the second embodiment, and finally the state inside the warehouse can be confirmed. It may be in the form of data.
- the communication terminal 103 is assumed to be a so-called smart phone (high-function mobile phone) that can be carried outside the house 105, a tablet personal computer, a television connected to the home appliance network system 100, or the like.
- the refrigerator 1 includes a refrigerator room 3, a vegetable room 4, an ice making room 5, an upper freezer room 6, and a lower freezer room 7, which are storages for storing ingredients in order from the top of the main body 2. Is provided.
- the refrigerator compartment 3 and the vegetable compartment 4, and the ice making compartment 5 and the upper freezer compartment 6 are partitioned by a heat insulating partition wall (not shown).
- the refrigerator compartment 3 is opened and closed by a so-called double-open left door 3a and right door 3b, and the vegetable compartment 4, the ice making compartment 5, the upper freezer compartment 6 and the lower freezer compartment 7 have a pull-out door 4a, door 5a, door 6a. And the door 7a.
- Each door is provided with a sensor for detecting the open / closed state (see FIG. 4. However, in FIG. 4, only the left door sensor 34 for the left door 3 a and the right door sensor 35 for the right door 3 b are illustrated. Shown).
- the configuration of the refrigerator 1 shown in FIG. 2 is an example, and the arrangement order of the storages may be different, or the upper freezer compartment 6 may be a switching room that can be switched between refrigeration and freezing, for example.
- the left door 3a of the refrigerator compartment 3 is provided with a door pocket 8a, a door pocket 9a, and a door pocket 10a in order from the top, and the right door 3b has a door pocket 8b, a door pocket 9b, and a door pocket 10b in order from the top.
- the refrigerator compartment 3 is provided with a plurality of shelves 11 made of a transparent material such as glass, and a special purpose room such as an egg room or a chilled room at the bottom. 12 is arranged.
- a ceiling light 13 as an illumination unit is provided in the upper part of the refrigerator compartment 3.
- a side light 36 (see FIG. 4) provided on the side surface is also provided.
- the ceiling light 13 is provided to illuminate a specific position in the storage, such as the upper side in the storage, and the side light 36, such as a central portion or a lower portion in the storage.
- the front side of the left door 3a and the right door 3b of the refrigerator compartment 3 is covered with a glass plate 3b1 formed of an insulating glass material, and the inside thereof is filled with urethane as a heat insulating material as a filler.
- a glass plate 3b1 formed of an insulating glass material, and the inside thereof is filled with urethane as a heat insulating material as a filler.
- an inner plate 14 and a vertical plate 15 made of non-metallic resin are provided on the inner side. That is, the front side of the left door 3a and the right door 3b is configured by the glass plate 3b1 that is a non-metallic material that transmits radio waves.
- the door pockets 8 to 10 are provided on the inner plate 14.
- a recess 16 is formed in the vertical plate 15 near the center in the vertical direction and on the open end side of the right door 3b in the left-right direction (specifically, in the vicinity where an imaging camera 18 described later is provided). ing. As will be described later, the recess 16 is provided so as not to block the field of view of the imaging camera 18.
- the left door 3a is provided with a rotary vertical partition 17 for filling a gap with the right door 3b.
- the door 4 etc. of the vegetable compartment 4 is the structure where the front surface is covered with the glass plate similarly to the right door 3b, and the inside is filled with urethane as a heat insulating material.
- an imaging camera 18 and an imaging light 19 are provided on the inner plate 14 of the right door 3b (the door not having a vertical partition). That is, in the present embodiment, the inner plate 14 corresponds to the attached portion.
- the imaging camera 18 has an imaging element such as a CCD or a CMOS, and takes an image in the cabinet from the door side.
- the imaging camera 18 includes a wide-angle lens having a viewing angle of approximately 120 degrees.
- the imaging camera 18 is provided at a position adjacent to the middle door pocket 9b and closer to the left door 3a than the door pocket 9b. That is, the imaging camera 18 is provided in the vicinity of the center in the vertical direction of the refrigerator compartment 3 and in the vicinity of the center in the left-right direction of the refrigerator compartment 3.
- the imaging camera 18 has a field of view substantially in the entire region of the refrigerator compartment 3 as shown in FIG. 7 described later, and at least one of the door pockets 8 to 10.
- the part can be imaged.
- the viewing angle is approximately 55 degrees.
- the door pocket 9b adjacent to the imaging camera 18 is formed obliquely on the imaging camera 18 side as shown in FIG. That is, a notch 9b1 is formed in the door pocket 9b, which generally has a rectangular (rectangular) housing portion, in order to ensure the field of view of the imaging camera 18 employing a wide-angle lens. .
- FIG. 3 and the like schematically illustrate the imaging camera 18 and are different from the actual size and shape of the imaging camera 18.
- the imaging camera 18 has a structure attached to the refrigerator 1 in this embodiment, it can be attached to and detached from the refrigerator 1 as in the second embodiment to be described later (for example, as an optional device after purchase of the refrigerator 1). It may be attached).
- the imaging light 19 is provided on the upper side of the imaging camera 18, for example. That is, the imaging light 19 is arranged so that the irradiation direction thereof is the same as the field of view of the imaging camera 18, and the position where the irradiated light does not directly enter the imaging camera 18 (position outside the facing position). That is, it is arranged at a position where it is difficult for the imaging camera 18 to be backlit or a position where it is not backlit.
- the imaging camera 18 constitutes imaging means described in the claims, and the imaging light 19 constitutes illumination means described in the claims.
- the refrigerator 1 is controlled by the main control unit 30 as shown in FIG.
- the main control unit 30 is configured by a microcomputer having a CPU 30a, a ROM 30b, a RAM 30c, and the like, and controls the entire refrigerator 1 by executing a computer program stored in the ROM 30b, for example.
- the main control unit 30 includes a refrigeration cooling mechanism 31 and a refrigeration cooling mechanism 32 configured by a well-known refrigeration cycle, an operation panel 33 for inputting setting operations and the like for the refrigerator 1, a left door sensor 34, and a right door sensor 35.
- the ceiling light 13 and the side light are connected.
- the refrigerator 1 also includes an unshown internal sensor that detects the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 3, the lower freezer compartment 7, and the like.
- the operation panel 33 has a display 33a, switches 33b, and an outside sensor 33c.
- the indicator 33a displays various information such as the operating state of the refrigerator 1.
- the switches 33b are input with a user's setting operation or the like for the refrigerator 1.
- the switches 33b include an outing switch for switching the operation state of the refrigerator 1 when the user goes out. For example, “power saving”, “outing” and the like are set in this outing switch, and when any one of them is selected, the mode switches to the corresponding power saving mode. That is, since the refrigerator 1 is not used when the user goes out, the refrigerator 1 shifts to the power saving mode and reduces power consumption.
- the refrigerator 1 adjusts the internal temperature within a range that does not affect the food storage environment and controls the operating state of the heater for preventing dew condensation. Shift to a mode that reduces power consumption by about 10%.
- the refrigerator 1 shifts to the power saving mode in which the number of times of automatic ice making is reduced and the power consumption is reduced as compared with the normal time. More specifically, the refrigerator 1 reduces the power consumption by about 20% compared with the normal operation by setting the number of times of automatic ice making to, for example, once every 8 hours.
- the switch for “power saving” and “outing” provided in advance in the refrigerator 1 is also used as an outing switch.
- a dedicated switch for setting to go out may be provided. .
- the outside sensor 33c is formed by a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor, and acquires the outside environment.
- the outside sensor 33c constitutes the outside environment acquisition means described in the claims.
- the main control unit 30 Based on the internal environment acquired by the internal sensor and the external environment acquired by the external sensor 33c, and the main control unit 30 based on the settings from the operation panel 33, Control the operating state. Further, the main control unit 30 acquires the open / closed state of the door from the left door sensor 34 and the right door sensor 35.
- the main control unit 30 is communicably connected to the control unit 50, and transmits the door open / closed state to the control unit 50 and receives instructions for lighting the ceiling light 13 and the side light 36 from the control unit 50. can do.
- the control unit 50 includes a CPU 50a, a ROM 50b, a RAM 50c, and a microcomputer having a real time clock (hereinafter referred to as an RTC 50d) for acquiring time.
- the control unit 50 is connected to the imaging camera 18, the imaging light 19, the lens heater 51, and the communication unit 52.
- the control unit 50 executes, for example, a computer program stored in the ROM 50b or the like to control the timing at which the imaging camera 18 images the interior and the imaging environment for imaging the interior by the imaging camera 18. . Specifically, the timing of imaging is controlled based on the open / closed state of the door received from the main control unit 30, and the ceiling light 13 and the imaging light 19 that are light sources necessary for imaging are turned on. Control the state.
- the control part 50 comprises the control means described in the claims.
- the timing of imaging will be described.
- the timing at which the interior is imaged and by controlling the imaging environment (that is, lighting of the imaging light 19 etc.) only when necessary in accordance with the timing, power consumption can be reduced. We are trying to reduce it.
- Imaging conditions 1 to 5 are set in advance as the timing for imaging the interior, and the control unit 50 determines that the timing for imaging the interior is reached when any imaging condition is satisfied. judge.
- Imaging condition 1 timing when any door of the refrigerator compartment 3 is once opened and then closed. In other words, the timing at which the storage status of food in the cabinet may have changed.
- Imaging condition 2 Timing when any door of the refrigerator compartment 3 is opened. In other words, the timing at which the storage status of food in the warehouse may change.
- Imaging condition 3 Timing when a command is received from an external device such as a communication terminal.
- -Imaging condition 4 When the outing switch is operated.
- Image capturing condition 5 timing after a predetermined period has elapsed after the opened door is closed (in this embodiment, it is assumed that it is necessary to remove condensation of the wide-angle lens of the image capturing camera 18) The timing when the delay imaging time has passed is adopted). That is, the timing at which the condensation of the wide-angle lens is removed.
- the delay imaging time may be set in advance as a fixed value, or may be set each time based on the outside humidity or temperature acquired by the outside sensor 33c.
- Imaging condition 6 timing when the condensation of the wide-angle lens of the imaging camera 18 is removed by the lens heater 51 after the opened door is closed. That is, the timing at which the condensation of the wide-angle lens is removed.
- any one of the above-described imaging conditions may be employed as the imaging condition, or a plurality of imaging conditions may be employed in combination as long as they do not conflict with each other.
- determination condition 1, determination condition 3, determination condition 4, and determination condition 5 are employed.
- the communication unit 52 communicates with the router 101 by a wireless communication method such as a so-called wireless LAN or Bluetooth (registered trademark). Specifically, the communication unit 52 uploads the captured image in the warehouse to the server 104 via the router 101 and the communication line 102.
- the communication unit 52 may be a wired communication method.
- the lens heater 51 removes condensation on the lens surface by heating the wide-angle lens of the imaging camera 18 as shown in FIG.
- the lens heater 51 may be configured by a heat generating member that generates heat when energized by a heating wire or the like, or may be configured by heat generated by a microcomputer that constitutes the control unit 50 or a heat transfer member that transmits the generated heat.
- the microcomputer may be returned from the power saving mode in order to use the heat generated by the microcomputer.
- a fan or the like may be employed as the removing means.
- the image may be taken after a predetermined period of time that dew condensation is expected to elapse, by driving the fan and blowing cool air onto the lens surface. In any case, any configuration is possible as long as condensation on the lens surface can be removed.
- the communication terminal 103 accesses the server 104 to acquire and display the image stored in the server 104. That is, in this embodiment, the communication terminal 103 does not directly acquire an image from the refrigerator 1 but acquires an image once stored in the server 104.
- the server 104 is configured by a so-called computer system, and stores a plurality of uploaded images in time series. Moreover, the server 104 provides the image of the corresponding refrigerator 1 with respect to the communication terminal which acquires an image by matching the communication terminal and the refrigerator 1.
- the refrigerator 1 is executing the imaging process shown in FIG. 6 and determines whether or not the imaging conditions for imaging the interior of the cabinet with the imaging camera 18 are satisfied (A1). If it is determined that either one is satisfied (A1: YES), that is, if it is determined that it is time to image, the light (imaging light 19) is turned on (A2) and the interior is imaged (A3). Thereby, the image in a store
- the food material here is imaged in a visible manner without being backlit.
- illustration is abbreviate
- the food that is being picked up is imaged in a state where it is difficult to see.
- the refrigerator 1 is provided with an imaging environment for imaging the interior of the refrigerator so as to be visible by turning on the imaging light 19 that is not backlit with respect to the imaging camera 18.
- the refrigerator 1 transmits the captured image information to the server 104 (A4).
- the imaged time is also transmitted to the server 104 at the same time.
- the server 104 stores (accumulates) a plurality of images in the warehouse in time series.
- FIG. 8 shows a condensed state (immediately after the door is closed), and FIG. 8 (b) gradually shows the condensation. 8 shows a state where a period of time has elapsed after the door is closed, and FIG. 8C shows a state where condensation has been removed (a state where delayed imaging time has elapsed).
- the refrigerator 1 employs the above-described determination condition 5, and further images the interior of the refrigerator at the timing when the delay imaging time has elapsed after the opened door is closed. That is, when the determination condition 5 is satisfied (A1: YES), the light is turned on (A2), the interior is imaged (A3), and the captured image information is transmitted to the server 104 (A4).
- the control unit 50 When the image information is transmitted to the server 104, the control unit 50 enters a standby state. In this standby state, the control unit 50 may be switched to a power saving mode such as a so-called sleep mode (for example, the ice making operation is stopped), or power supply to the control unit 50 side including the imaging camera 18 is cut off. Thus, the power consumption may be zero. For example, when the door sensor detects that the door has been opened, the main control unit 30 may output a command to the control unit 50 to shift to the normal mode or start energization. Thereby, the total power consumption of the refrigerator 1 can be reduced.
- a power saving mode such as a so-called sleep mode (for example, the ice making operation is stopped)
- the main control unit 30 may output a command to the control unit 50 to shift to the normal mode or start energization. Thereby, the total power consumption of the refrigerator 1 can be reduced.
- the image stored in the server 104 can be displayed on the communication terminal 103.
- the communication terminal 103 executes terminal-side processing (corresponding to an in-box image display program) shown in FIG. ) Is acquired (B1).
- terminal-side processing corresponding to an in-box image display program shown in FIG.
- the image in the cabinet as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the screen of the communication terminal 103 together with the imaging time.
- the communication terminal 103 is provided with a touch panel corresponding to the screen.
- This screen includes a button M1 for acquiring the current image, a button M2 for ending the application, a button M3 for displaying a past image than the image being displayed, and an image newer than the image being displayed.
- a button M4 and the like for displaying “” are provided.
- the communication terminal can also display a desired region in an enlarged manner. By expanding the region R shown in FIG. 11 and displaying it as shown in FIG. 12, for example, how many eggs remain. It is possible for the user to grasp whether or not.
- the communication terminal 103 captures the interior of the refrigerator with respect to the refrigerator 1.
- a command is transmitted (B3), an image is acquired from the server 104 (B4), and the acquired image is displayed (B5).
- Step B 3 the image capturing condition 3 in FIG. 6 is established on the refrigerator 1 side, so that the inside of the cabinet is imaged, and the captured image information is transmitted to the server 104.
- the refrigerator 1 transmits image information obtained by imaging the interior to the server 104, the server 104 stores the image, and the communication terminal 103 acquires and displays the image from the server 104. This makes it possible to check the inside of the warehouse at a remote place such as a place where you go.
- the refrigerator 1 includes an imaging camera 18 that images the interior of a storage such as the refrigerator compartment 3 that stores food, and a communication unit 52 that transmits image information captured by the imaging camera 18 to an external device. Since it is provided, the image in the warehouse can be acquired by an external device such as the communication terminal 103. Thereby, the inside of the refrigerator can be easily confirmed at a remote place such as an outside place.
- the image in the warehouse is temporarily stored in the server 104, it is not necessary to provide storage means for storing the image on the refrigerator 1 side, and an increase in manufacturing cost can be suppressed. .
- control unit 50 enters a standby state after transmitting image information to the server 104. That is, the power consumption on the control unit 50 side (including the imaging camera 18 and the like) is reduced or zero at times other than during imaging. Thereby, the total power consumption of the refrigerator 1 can be reduced.
- the control unit 50 controls the timing at which the inside of the warehouse is imaged by the imaging camera 18, and controls the imaging environment such as lighting of a light for imaging the inside of the warehouse in accordance with the timing.
- a light source is required to image the interior, and if it is always in an imageable state, it will consume unnecessary power, but only when capturing in time for capturing the interior
- unnecessary power consumption can be reduced.
- a night-vision camera for example, an infrared camera
- a night-vision camera for example, an infrared camera
- the light may be always turned on.
- the refrigerator 1 images the interior of the refrigerator with the imaging camera 18 at a timing after the door of the refrigerator compartment 3 is closed. If an image is taken even though the storage state of the refrigerator has not changed, unnecessary images are not only accumulated, but also power consumption is increased. Therefore, in this embodiment, the refrigerator images the interior of the refrigerator at a timing after the door is once opened and the door is closed. As a result, in the state where the storage state of the foodstuff in the warehouse may change (the door is once opened), the inside of the warehouse is imaged in a state where the storage state is confirmed (the state after the door is closed). Thus, it is possible to suppress unnecessary imaging and increase power consumption.
- the refrigerator 1 images the interior of the refrigerator after the door is closed and when the delayed imaging time required until the condensation of the wide-angle lens of the imaging camera 18 is removed.
- the temperature is high or humidity is high as in the summer
- an imaging camera that is exposed to the outside environment with the door opened has a low temperature in the refrigerator compartment 3 when the door is closed. Condensation may occur on the surface. Therefore, by capturing the interior of the cabinet again at the timing when the delay imaging time assumed to remove the condensation has passed, it is possible to capture a clear image with no cloudiness on the lens surface. Therefore, it is possible to grasp the state in the warehouse more reliably.
- the delayed imaging time may be set based on the outside environment such as temperature and humidity acquired by the outside sensor 33c. As a result, it is assumed that condensation does not occur (or is less) when the temperature or humidity is low, etc., so that the delay imaging time can be shortened and the power consumption can be reduced. Specifically, for example, in a configuration in which the control unit 50 waits until the delay imaging time elapses, power consumption can be reduced by shortening the standby time.
- a removing means such as the lens heater 51 may be used.
- the refrigerator 1 captures an image of the interior at the timing after the lens heater 51 removes condensation on the lens surface.
- the delay imaging time can be further shortened, so that power consumption can be reduced.
- the lens heater 51 is formed of a heat transfer member that transmits the self-heating of the control unit 50, condensation on the lens surface can be removed without consuming extra power. Even when a fan is used as the removing means, the power consumption can be reduced by shortening the delay imaging time.
- the refrigerator 1 images the interior of the refrigerator at the timing when a command for imaging the interior from the communication terminal 103 is received, for example.
- the storage status may change due to the user going out and the family taking out food from the refrigerator 1 while the user is away, but by taking an image at that time according to the user's instruction, It is possible to grasp the latest state, that is, the state of the refrigerator 1 at the present time.
- the refrigerator 1 images the inside of the refrigerator when the outing switch is operated, it is possible to cope with a situation where it is desired to check the inside of the refrigerator 1 after going out.
- the storage state of the refrigerator 1 is considered not to change from the time when the user goes out, so the image captured when the outing switch is operated is the latest image in the warehouse.
- chamber may change Can do.
- the field of view of the imaging camera 18 is blurred while the right door 3b is opened, for example, by taking an image at the moment when the right door 3b is opened, the shaking can be reduced, and the door Since the interior lighting is turned on when is opened, the illuminance can be secured.
- the refrigerator 1 controls (maintains) the imaging environment by turning on the imaging light 19 for illuminating the interior when the imaging camera 18 images the interior. Thereby, even if the door is in a closed state, the light source can be secured, and the interior can be imaged so as to be visible.
- the refrigerator 1 includes an imaging light 19 for illuminating a specific position (in particular, the imaging position in this case) among a plurality of illumination means provided in the cabinet, such as the ceiling light 13, the imaging light 19, or the side light 36. Lights up.
- a specific position in particular, the imaging position in this case
- the illumination directly enters the visual field and becomes backlit, but instead of lighting all the illumination means, for example,
- By turning on the illumination means for illuminating a specific position such as a position that is not backlit when taking an image like the imaging light 19, an image can be taken more clearly.
- an illuminating unit is provided on the back side facing the imaging camera 18, at least the illuminating unit that is the most backlit is turned off and another illuminating unit (ceiling light 13 or the like) is used. It is conceivable.
- the imaging light 19 is provided so as to illuminate the same direction as the field of view of the imaging camera 18 outside the position facing the imaging camera 18, the light from the imaging light 19 is not backlit, and the inside of the cabinet The situation can be grasped in detail.
- the imaging camera 18 Since the imaging camera 18 is provided on the inner plate 14 of the right door 3b, the interior can be imaged even when the door is closed. In this case, the imaging camera 18 is provided in the vicinity of the center in the vertical direction of the refrigerator compartment 3 and in the vicinity of the center in the left-right direction of the refrigerator compartment 3 and a wide-angle lens is adopted. An almost entire area in the refrigerator can be taken as an image from the vicinity of the central portion in the refrigerator (that is, an image in a state that approximates a state where the user is normally looking inside the refrigerator 1). At this time, since the shelf board 11 is formed of a transparent material, for example, foodstuffs placed on the uppermost shelf board 11 can be imaged in a visible manner through the shelf board 11.
- the door pocket 9b adjacent to the imaging camera 18 is formed in a direction avoiding the imaging camera 18 on the side of the imaging camera 18, the left and right visual field of the imaging camera 18 employing a wide-angle lens is ensured. Can do. Moreover, since the imaging camera 18 is provided at a position adjacent to the door pocket 9b, the vertical field of view is not blocked by the door pocket 9b.
- the imaging camera 18 Since the imaging camera 18 is arranged at a position where at least a part of the door pockets 8 to 10 can be imaged, foods stored in the door pockets 8 to 10 can be imaged and stored in the cabinet. It is possible to grasp in detail the ingredients that are present. Note that the door pocket 9b of the present embodiment provided adjacent to the imaging camera 18 may be out of the field of view (not imaged). Moreover, you may provide the imaging camera 18 between door pockets. Such an installation position of the imaging camera 18 can obtain the same effect even when a detachable camera device described in a second embodiment described later is used.
- the communication terminal 103 Since the communication terminal 103 has a display unit for displaying an image, and acquires the image in the warehouse captured by the refrigerator 1 from the server 104 and displays it on the display unit, the inside of the warehouse can be accessed from a remote place such as an outside place. Can be seen.
- the communication terminal 103 is connected to the communication line 102 by the above-described refrigerator 1, the above-described communication terminal 103, and the server 104 having storage means for storing the image captured in the refrigerator 1. Since the image in the store
- an image acquisition process (steps B1 and B4 in FIG. 10) for acquiring image information in the storage of the storage imaged by the imaging camera 18, and a display process (step in FIG. 10) for displaying the image information acquired in the image acquisition process.
- the communication terminal 103 executes the image display program for executing the image processing (B5) and the imaging processing (steps B2 and B3) for outputting the command for imaging the interior and causing the imaging unit to image the interior.
- the door pocket 200 (corresponding to a refrigerator door pocket) according to the present embodiment has a storage unit 201 for storing articles and a holding for holding the camera device 300.
- Part 202 That is, the door pocket 200 has the functions of the refrigerator door pocket and the refrigerator holder described in the claims.
- the holding part 202 corresponds to an attached part for attaching the imaging means.
- the door pocket 200 is provided adjacent to the camera device 300 (that is, the imaging unit) held by the holding unit 202.
- the storage unit 201 is formed so that the wall 203 on the holding unit 202 side is inclined in a direction away from the holding unit 202. That is, when the camera device 300 is held (attached) by the holding unit 202, the door pocket 200 is formed in a shape along the outer edge of the field of view so as not to disturb the field of view of the camera device 300.
- the holding portion 202 is formed in a substantially box shape with an upper side (the upper side in FIG. 3A) opened, and the camera device 300 is taken in and out (detached) from the upper side opening. .
- the wall portion 204 on the front surface side (that is, the side facing the interior) of the holding unit 202 holds the camera device 300 while the lens 301 and the imaging lamp 302 (see FIG. 15, etc.
- Camera-side illumination means and illumination means Is formed at a position corresponding to (2) corresponding to (2), preventing the camera device 300 from obstructing the field of view or reflecting the illumination.
- the holding unit 202 is provided with a magnet 206.
- the magnet 206 is arranged so that the side facing the back side of the camera device 300 is either the north pole or the south pole.
- the polarity of the magnet 206 will be described in detail in the configuration of the camera device 300 described later.
- the door pocket 200 is attached to the inner plate 14 of the right door 3b as shown in FIG.
- the camera device 300 is arranged so that its visual field faces the inside of the refrigerator (the refrigerator compartment 3).
- the center of the lens 301 is at a position where the horizontal center line CL1 of the refrigerator compartment 3 and the vertical center line CL2 of the refrigerator compartment 3 intersect.
- the camera device 300 in this state is disposed so as to have a visual field centered on the central portion of the refrigerator compartment 3.
- the center position is optimized.
- the camera device 300 is provided such that the lens 301 and the imaging lamp 302 are exposed on the surface of a housing 303 formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.
- the lens 301 and the imaging lamp 302 are not directly exposed, but the surfaces thereof may be covered with a cover or the like.
- the lens 301 employs a wide-angle lens.
- the side where the lens 301 and the imaging lamp 302 are provided (the right side in the case of FIG. 16) will be described as the front of the camera device 300, and the opposite side will be described as the back.
- the direction in which the lens 301 and the imaging lamp 302 are arranged in the vertical direction of the refrigerator 1 is referred to as a vertical orientation
- the lens 301 and the imaging lamp 302 are provided in the refrigerator as shown in FIG.
- the direction of 1 in the left-right direction is referred to as a horizontal direction.
- the camera device 300 includes a control board 304, a battery 305, a communication module 306, and a detection unit 307 in a housing 303.
- the control board 304 includes an imaging unit 308 (see FIG. 21) having a lens 301 and an imaging element (not shown), two imaging lamps 302 in this embodiment, and a control unit 309 for controlling them (see FIG. 21). Etc. are provided.
- the imaging element is a known imaging element such as a CCD or CMOS, and has a rectangular shape. In the case of this embodiment, the image sensor is arranged so that the longitudinal direction thereof is the vertical direction (that is, the longitudinal direction of the housing).
- the image pickup device when imaging the refrigerator compartment 3 that is generally formed in a vertically long shape, the image pickup device can be arranged in a vertically long direction by placing the camera device 300 vertically.
- the image sensor when imaging the vegetable room 4 that is formed horizontally long, the image sensor can be disposed in the landscape direction by placing the camera device 300 horizontally.
- the imaging lamp 302 an LED is employed in the present embodiment. Although illustration is omitted, the camera device 300 is also provided with a power switch.
- the battery 305 is composed of a lithium battery and supplies power to the control unit 309, the communication module 306, the detection unit 307, and the like.
- the battery 305 is disposed on the lowermost side of the housing 303 and occupies almost the entire region in the front-rear direction (the left-right direction in the drawing) of the housing.
- another communication device 501 different from the communication module 306 of the camera device 300 is provided on the refrigerator 1 side.
- the refrigerator 1 receives an imaging command from an external device.
- the communication device 501 is attached to the refrigerator 1, and the camera device 300 is arranged in the refrigerator compartment 3.
- the communication device 501 constitutes a warehouse-side communication means for receiving a command for imaging the interior (hereinafter also referred to as an imaging command) from an external device.
- the communication device 501 is formed as an adapter for wireless communication and is detachable from the refrigerator 1. For this reason, the user who purchased the refrigerator 1 can also be installed as an option after purchase. As shown in FIG.
- the communication device 501 can communicate with the main control unit 30 of the refrigerator 1 by a wireless communication method or a wired communication method.
- the refrigerator 1 notifies the camera device 300 of an imaging instruction (see FIG. 23. In the present embodiment, a light blinking signal) when receiving an imaging command.
- the communication module 306 of the camera device 300 is configured to be able to communicate with the router 101, and transmits image information to the communication terminal 103 and the server 104.
- the communication module 306 functions as camera-side communication means for transmitting the image information in the warehouse captured by the camera device 300 to an external device such as the communication terminal 103 or the server 104 (see FIG. 1).
- the communication module 306 is provided along the wall on the back side (outermost edge side) of the housing 303 of the camera device 300. That is, the communication module 306 has an internal arrangement in which no other components or the like exist between the built-in antenna (not shown) and the housing 303, so that transmission / reception of radio waves by the antenna is hindered (communication failure is prevented). Occurring) is suppressed.
- the communication module 306 is disposed vertically with respect to the battery 305 so that the antenna and the battery 305 do not face each other.
- the radio wave emitted from the camera device 300 disposed in the cabinet uses a metal plate or the like. Compared with, it is easy to penetrate the door.
- the camera device 300 is disposed on the holding portion 202 of the door pocket 200 (that is, on the open end side of the right door 3b), particularly in the case of double door opening as in the present embodiment, the gap between the doors. Can emit radio waves outside the cabinet.
- the radio wave from the camera device 300 can easily go out of the cabinet.
- the interior of the door is filled with urethane, there is little possibility of blocking radio waves.
- a vacuum heat insulating material may be used as a heat insulating material instead of urethane or together with urethane.
- This vacuum heat insulating material wraps a core material such as a glass fiber with a film obtained by laminating (laminating) a metal foil member (for example, aluminum foil) and a film member made of, for example, a synthetic resin. It is formed in a thin plate shape and becomes a heat insulating material.
- this vacuum heat insulating material is used as an internal member of the housing or door of the refrigerator 1, for example, when the camera device 300 is disposed in the door pocket 200, the vacuum heat insulating material is provided avoiding the position corresponding to the holding portion 202. Thus, it is possible to easily emit radio waves.
- a vacuum heat insulating material is disposed so as to avoid the projection surface of the camera device 300 (particularly, the site of the communication module 306), the left door 3a, the door 7a of the lower freezer compartment 7, etc.
- the structure for facilitating the emission of radio waves from the interior of the refrigerator is provided with the communication module 306 in the camera device 300, the camera device 300 is disposed in the refrigerator 1, and the captured image information is stored.
- This is particularly significant in a configuration in which the camera device 300 transmits directly to an external device (that is, a configuration in which the camera device 300 transmits image information without using the communication device 501 of the refrigerator 1).
- the magnet 206 is provided in the holding unit 202 at a position corresponding to the back surface of the camera device 300, that is, the detection unit 307. For this reason, in the state where the camera apparatus 300 is held, the detection unit 307 is in a state of facing the magnet 206 and a state of approaching the magnet 206. In this case, the magnet 206 is arranged so that the side facing the camera device 300 is an N pole. For this reason, the detection unit 307 detects the strength of the magnetic field from the N pole.
- the polarity of the magnet 206 is arranged in this way is that it is considered that the camera device 300 is installed in a vegetable room 4 or the like other than the refrigerator room 3.
- the vegetable compartment 4 has a structure in which a rail member 4b is attached to a door 4a, and a vegetable compartment box 4c is attached to the rail member 4b.
- the holder 400 for refrigerators shown in FIG. 19 is employ
- the refrigerator holder 400 includes a holding portion 401 that holds the camera device 300, and a locking portion 402 for attaching the holding portion 401 to the vegetable compartment box 4c.
- the holding unit 401 is formed in a shape that can hold the camera device 300 in a horizontal position, and the front wall 403 on the front side is formed at a height that does not block the field of view of the lens 301.
- a magnet 405 is provided on the rear wall 404 of the holding unit 401 at a position on the back side of the camera device 300.
- the magnet 405 is arranged so that the camera device 300 side is an S pole.
- a detection part 307 faces the magnet 405 as in FIG. Then, the detection unit 307 detects the strength of the magnetic field from the S pole.
- the magnet 206 and the magnet 405 are arranged so that the polarities on the side facing the camera device 300 are opposite to each other. For this reason, the camera device 300 detects the strength of the magnetic field that is different between the case where it is installed in the refrigerator compartment 3 and the case where it is installed in the vegetable compartment 4 by the detection unit 307. In other words, the camera device 300 can detect in which storage room it is installed. Moreover, the camera apparatus 300 can identify whether the installed refrigerator 1 is an operation
- the camera device 300 includes a control unit 309.
- the control unit 309 includes a microcomputer having a CPU 309a, a ROM 309b, a RAM 309c, an RTC 309d, and the like, and functions as a camera-side control unit that controls the entire camera device 300.
- the control unit 309 controls the imaging timing by the imaging unit 308 having the lens 301 and the imaging element, the control for adjusting the imaging environment when imaging by the imaging lamp 302 (lighting control), and the image information by the communication module 306. Control for receiving and receiving a command, which will be described later, and control for determining and identifying the installation state by the detection unit 307.
- the control unit 309 also performs image processing for correcting a captured image.
- the detection unit 307 includes a temperature sensor 310, a magnetic sensor 311, an acceleration sensor 312, and an illuminance sensor 313.
- the control unit 309 determines the installation location of the camera device 300 in the storage by detecting the external temperature by the temperature sensor 310. Hereinafter, specific determination will be described.
- the temperature sensor 310 detects the temperature of the place where the camera device 300 is installed. As shown in FIG. 22A, the output of the temperature sensor 310 increases in proportion to the temperature. In general, the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 3 and the temperature of the lower freezer compartment 7 have a difference of about a dozen degrees C. Therefore, a reference temperature is set as a reference, and if it is higher than the reference temperature, the refrigerator compartment is set. 3 is determined to be installed in the lower freezer compartment 7 if the temperature is lower than the reference temperature. In this case, if it is determined that it is installed in the lower freezer compartment 7, there is a risk of failure or the like, so the imaging lamp 302 is turned on, or an audio output means such as a buzzer is provided and installed by voice.
- the camera device 300 determines the installation location based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 310.
- the magnetic sensor 311 detects the magnetic field from the magnet 206 or the magnet 405 as described above. As shown in FIG. 22 (B), the magnetic sensor 311 has a positive side (in the case of N pole) and a negative side (in the case of S pole) depending on whether the magnetic field is from the N pole or the S pole. Therefore, the installation location can be determined based on the sign. That is, when the output of the magnetic sensor 311 is on the positive side (not 0), in the present embodiment, as described above, it is installed at a position facing the magnet 206 provided in the door pocket 200 of the refrigerator compartment 3. That is, it can be detected that the camera apparatus 300 is installed in the refrigerator compartment 3.
- the refrigerator compartment 3 or the vegetable compartment 4 may be determined whether the refrigerator compartment 3 or the vegetable compartment 4 is installed based on the output of the temperature sensor 310. . In any case, based on the output of the temperature sensor 310, it can be detected that the camera device 300 is installed in the storage chamber.
- the output of the magnetic sensor 311 is on the negative side (not 0), it is installed at a position facing the magnet 405, that is, the camera device 300 is installed in the vegetable compartment 4. It can be detected.
- the positive reference value is exceeded, it is determined that the room is the refrigerating room 3.
- the vegetable room 4 is determined to be in the case of being below the negative reference value. If the output is near 0, it is determined that the shelf board 11 or the like is not provided with a magnet.
- it may be added to the determination condition that it is in the storage chamber.
- the camera device 300 determines either when a predetermined time has elapsed or when a command from an external device is received. That is, it is determined whether the imaging condition is satisfied (A1). In this case, the camera device 300 measures time by the RTC 309d, thereby determining whether the predetermined period has elapsed and determining whether the command has been received based on the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor 313.
- the illuminance sensor 313 constituting the detection unit 307 detects the illuminance at the place where the camera device 300 is installed. In the case of the present embodiment, the illuminance sensor 313 notifies the control unit 309 when the illuminance is such that the interior lighting is turned on. Moreover, the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment in which the camera apparatus 300 is installed will blink the interior lighting like the ceiling light 13 with a predetermined blink pattern, for example, if the command for imaging from an external apparatus is received. For example, in the case of the communication terminal 103, the imaging command is issued in the same manner as steps B2 to B4 of the terminal side processing in FIG. 10 of the first embodiment.
- This blinking pattern is set in advance to notify the imaging timing to the camera device 300 that can be detached from the refrigerator 1. That is, the refrigerator 1 notifies the imaging instruction to the camera device 300 by blinking the interior lighting.
- the camera device 300 is normally in a power saving state such as a so-called sleep mode, while the illuminance sensor is operating.
- the refrigerator 1 When receiving a command from an external device, the refrigerator 1 blinks the interior lighting in a predetermined blinking pattern as described above.
- the illuminance sensor 313 notifies the control unit 309 (for example, input of an interrupt signal), and the control unit 309 enters an operating state. That is, when the interior lighting blinks with a predetermined blinking pattern, it is determined that the imaging condition is satisfied.
- the blinking pattern can be arbitrarily set, for example, the cycle of turning on and off, the number of repetitions thereof, and the like.
- the camera device 300 turns on the imaging lamp 302 (A2), images the interior (A3), and transmits the image information to the server 104 or the like (A4). ).
- the interior lighting may be turned on other than when receiving a command.
- the interior lighting is turned on in a mode that is not a blinking pattern (in this case, continuous lighting).
- a blinking pattern in this case, continuous lighting.
- the camera apparatus 300 is once in an operating state because the interior lighting is turned on, it is not in a predetermined blinking pattern, that is, the imaging condition is not satisfied, so that the camera apparatus 300 enters the standby state again.
- the camera apparatus 300 determines that the imaging condition is satisfied when a predetermined period elapses, such as a preset imaging interval setting period from the previous (period T2) imaging, as in the period T3 in FIG. Determination is made (A1: YES), the operation state is entered, the imaging lamp 302 is turned on (A2), an image in the warehouse at that time is captured (A3), and image information is transmitted (A4).
- a predetermined period elapses such as a preset imaging interval setting period from the previous (period T2) imaging, as in the period T3 in FIG.
- the camera device 300 images the interior based on whether a predetermined period has elapsed and whether there is a command (intention of the user) from an external device. Then, as shown in FIGS. 24 (A) to (C), the user can check the inside of the warehouse according to the place where the camera device 300 is installed.
- a plurality of camera devices 300 may be provided, such as providing the camera device 300 in both the refrigerator compartment 3 and the vegetable compartment 4.
- the camera device 300 not only captures the inside of the warehouse, but also performs image processing such as image conversion.
- the camera device 300 can be placed vertically or horizontally as described above. In this case, the image is rotated 90 degrees (or 270 degrees). Therefore, the camera device 300 performs image conversion before transmitting the image to the server 104. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 24A and FIG. 24B or FIG. 24C, even when the orientation of the camera device 300 is different, the image in which the vertical direction is unified, that is, the user An image in the same state as when directly checking the refrigerator 1 can be displayed on the communication terminal 103.
- the captured image is an image in which the vicinity of the center is distorted as shown in FIG. 7 of the first embodiment.
- the camera device 300 performs image processing for correcting the distortion, specifically, by performing image processing that matches the ratio between the vicinity of the center and the upper and lower ends, as shown in FIG. ), An image with less distortion can be displayed.
- the image and the orientation of the camera device 300 may be combined and transmitted as image information, and image processing may be performed by the server 104 or the communication terminal 103. By performing image processing on the external device side, the power consumption of the camera device 300 can be reduced. This is significant for the camera apparatus 300 that does not have an external power supply unit as in this embodiment.
- the imaging unit 308 imaging unit
- the image information in the warehouse captured by the imaging unit 308 Is provided in the refrigerator 1
- the communication module 306 communication means for transmitting the image to the external device such as the server 104, so that the image in the warehouse can be acquired by the communication terminal 103 at the outside location, etc. can do.
- the control unit 309 of the apparatus 300 can reduce such a fear by controlling the timing at which the interior is imaged.
- a predetermined period for example, a family member or the like may take an action such as taking out food from the refrigerator 1, so the timing at which the predetermined period has elapsed, that is, storage
- the timing at which the predetermined period has elapsed that is, storage
- the latest storage status can be grasped by taking an image of the interior at the timing of receiving a command from the user.
- imaging is not performed at the timing when the above-described predetermined period has elapsed, in other words, if imaging is performed only when the user's intention is displayed, unnecessary imaging is not performed. Electric power can be reduced.
- you may make it acquire the image when the storage condition changed by combining with each imaging condition of 1st Embodiment.
- the camera device 300 includes an imaging unit 308 for imaging the interior of the refrigerator, and the interior of the warehouse captured by the imaging unit 308.
- the communication module 306 for transmitting image information to an external device such as the server 104 is configured to be detachable from the refrigerator 1. Therefore, a user who does not need to check can remove the camera device 300. it can. Further, although it was considered unnecessary at the time of purchase, a user who wants to check after purchase can also check the interior by adding the camera device 300.
- the communication device 501 is also detachable, as with the camera device 300, a user who does not need to check the inside of the storage can reduce power consumption and add it later. It is possible to respond to users who want to.
- the imaging lamp 302 (camera side illumination means) for illuminating the interior is provided in the camera apparatus 300, the interior of the interior can be captured by the camera apparatus 300 alone. . It goes without saying that the interior lighting may be turned on in cooperation with the refrigerator 1.
- the camera device 300 When the camera device 300 is installed, depending on the installation position, there is a possibility that the inside of the warehouse cannot be well imaged due to the field of view being interrupted, but there are also places that are advantageous for imaging. Therefore, by providing an attachment portion (in the embodiment, the holding portion 202 of the door pocket 200, the holding portion 401 of the refrigerator holder 400, etc.) for attaching the camera device 300 to the refrigerator 1, for example, the entire region of the refrigerator compartment 3
- the camera device 300 can be installed at a place where the image can be captured.
- a magnet 206 or a magnet 405 is provided to detect the magnetism.
- the communication module 306 may communicate with the refrigerator 1 side, that is, the communication module 306 may be used as a detection unit (in this case, the communication device 501 serves as a detected unit). Further, the communication module 306 may be used as an identification unit for identifying whether the camera device 300 is designed for the refrigerator 1 (for example, can capture an image by blinking the interior lighting). Good.
- the camera device 300 is driven by the battery 305 (that is, when it is installed in the refrigerator 1, it is driven without external power supply). It is desirable to reduce consumption. Therefore, by making the communication module 306 communicate with the communication device 501, it is possible to reduce power consumption by wireless communication as compared with the case where the communication module 306 performs wireless communication with an external device.
- the communication module 306 is configured to receive the command as in the embodiment. Need not be operated at all times, and the period until the battery runs out can be made longer.
- the communication device 501 is configured so that power can be supplied from the refrigerator 1 side by a wired method such as USB, unnecessary power supply is not performed without the communication device 501 and the communication device 501 is provided. For example, it becomes possible to always operate.
- the camera device 300 When the camera device 300 is detachable, it is possible to improve convenience by adopting wireless communication.
- the communication device 501 receives a command as described above, it is transmitted to the camera device 300 by some method. Need to communicate. Therefore, an illuminance sensor 313 is provided in the camera device 300, and the imaging command is indirectly transmitted to the camera device 300 by blinking the interior lighting, so that the camera device 300 adopting wireless communication has an imaging timing. Can be notified.
- the illuminance sensor 313 since the illuminance sensor 313 has only to be in the operating state on the camera device 300 side, power consumption can be reduced compared to the case where the communication module 306 is operated.
- the camera device 300 and the communication module 306 are disposed in the refrigerator compartment 3 sealed by the right door 3b.
- the camera device 300 and the communication module 306 are disposed in the refrigerator compartment 3 sealed by the right door 3b.
- the camera device 300 is selected according to the storage room. It is desirable to switch the field of view. In addition, since the user may feel uncomfortable when the image is turned sideways, it is desirable that the state when the user views the refrigerator 1, that is, an image in which the vertical direction of the refrigerator is unified.
- the holding unit 202 and the holding unit 401 are preliminarily formed so as to be vertically placed in the present embodiment in the case of the refrigerator compartment 3 and horizontally in the case of the vegetable compartment, so that the orientation according to the storage room
- the camera device 300 is installed.
- a field of view can be appropriately secured according to the storage room, and it is possible to determine in which direction the image should be rotated when performing image processing.
- the direction of the camera device 300 can be determined from the direction of the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 312, and the installation location can also be determined based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 310.
- the camera device 300 may cause a malfunction or the like.
- the temperature sensor 310 by detecting the temperature with the temperature sensor 310, it is possible to make a notification as in the embodiment. The possibility of causing malfunctions can be reduced.
- the wall portion 203 of the door pocket 200 of the embodiment is formed in a shape that avoids the holding portion 202 (attached portion), and thus does not block the field of view of the camera device 300.
- maintenance part 202 is formed so that the visual field of the camera apparatus 300 may come to the center of a refrigerator compartment in the state hold
- the installation location can be identified by the camera device 300 as described above.
- the vegetable compartment 4 and the like are also provided, but the vegetable compartment 4 is not provided with a so-called door pocket and is formed in a box shape. There is a risk of being covered with vegetables. Therefore, the camera device 300 can be installed in the vegetable compartment 4 using the refrigerator holder 400 having the holding unit 401 that holds the camera device 300 like the refrigerator holder 400.
- locking part 402 which latches the holding
- the refrigerator holder 400 is also provided with the magnet 405, the camera device 300 can determine its own installation location as described above. Moreover, the effect which the household appliance network system 500 and the image display program in a warehouse show
- the imaging camera 18 may be provided on the vertical partition 17 provided on the left door 3a as shown in FIG. Since the vertical partition 17 rotates according to the open / closed state of the left door 3a, as shown in FIG. 26 (a), when the left door 3a is closed, the imaging camera 18 is directed toward the inside of the compartment. Images can be taken. On the other hand, when the left door 3a is opened as shown in FIG. 26B, the imaging camera 18 faces the inner plate, so that the user does not touch the imaging camera 18 and prevents the lens surface from being stained. be able to.
- the configuration in which one imaging camera 18 and one imaging light 19 are provided is illustrated.
- a plurality of imaging units (upper imaging camera 60, lower imaging camera 62, door imaging camera 64) are provided.
- a plurality of illumination means (upper imaging light 61 and lower imaging light 63) may be provided.
- the upper imaging camera 60 may image the upper side in the warehouse
- the lower imaging camera 62 may image the lower side in the warehouse. That is, a plurality of imaging means for imaging a specific position in the warehouse may be provided. In this case, if the respective images are combined, for example, one in-store image as shown in FIG. 7 can be generated.
- the entire area in the warehouse can be imaged without using a wide-angle lens.
- the field of view of the upper imaging camera 60 and the lower imaging camera 62 can be reduced as compared with the case of imaging with a single imaging camera 18 at a wide angle, in other words, the notch 9b1 is formed in the door pocket 9b as in the first embodiment. Since there is less possibility that the field of view is obstructed even if the door is not provided, it is possible to take an image of the interior while maintaining the storage amount of the door pocket.
- the upper imaging light 61 is turned on when taking an image with the upper imaging camera 60
- the lower imaging light 63 is turned on when taking an image with the lower imaging camera 62.
- the imaging environment may be controlled by turning on the light.
- an imaging unit may be provided for each shelf plate 11.
- the illuminance of the ceiling light 13 when imaging the upper side of the cabinet, the illuminance of the ceiling light 13 is low, and when imaging the lower side of the cabinet, the illuminance of the ceiling light 13 is controlled to be in a normal state, These images may be combined to generate one internal image. That is, it is not always necessary to provide the imaging light 19 and the like dedicated to imaging.
- the imaging environment is controlled by turning on the imaging light 19.
- the imaging environment is controlled so that the backlight to the imaging camera 18 becomes weak, for example, by reducing the illuminance of the ceiling light 13 or the side light 36. May be.
- the door pocket side is imaged by the door imaging camera 64, and a combined image showing a state in which the door of the refrigerator 1 is opened as shown in FIG. 28 is generated together with the interior image, and displayed on the communication terminal 103.
- the door imaging camera 64 may be provided in the cabinet to image the door pocket side, or the door imaging camera 64 may be provided on the inner plate 14 of the door, and the timing after the door is released.
- Each door pocket of the door may be imaged, an image may be captured at a timing after the door is closed, and a plurality of images may be combined to generate one interior image.
- the configuration in which the captured image is stored in the server 104 is illustrated, but a configuration in which the captured image is directly transmitted to the communication terminal 103 may be employed.
- the captured image is transmitted to the server 104 as it is.
- an image obtained by correcting image distortion caused by using a wide-angle lens may be transmitted to the server 104.
- the server 104 may correct image distortion.
- the interior is imaged at the timing when a command for imaging the interior from the communication terminal 103 is received, but the image after the delay imaging time has elapsed is captured as the latest image. If it is, it is good also as a structure which is not imaged even if it is a case where instruction
- control unit 50 is provided separately from the main control unit 30, but the main control unit 30 may control the imaging camera 18 and the like. Thereby, the number of parts can be reduced and the cost can be reduced. In this case, if the configuration is such that the captured image is transmitted as it is to the server 104 as in the embodiment, a processing that requires a load such as image processing is unnecessary, and therefore, only the main control unit 30 can cope with it.
- the communication means is provided on the imaging camera 18 side.
- the communication means is provided on the refrigerator 1 side, and the imaging camera 18 side communicates with the communication means on the refrigerator 1 side. It is good also as a structure to perform.
- the communication means provided on the refrigerator 1 side may be configured to be provided in the main control unit 30 of the refrigerator 1, but is detachable (optional) configuration like the communication device 501 shown in FIG. 25 of the second embodiment. It is good.
- the refrigerator compartment 3 was illustrated as a storage in 1st Embodiment, you may make it image other storages, such as the vegetable compartment 4, like 2nd Embodiment.
- the configuration in which the imaging camera 18 is provided in the refrigerator 1 in advance is shown, but the imaging camera 18 may be configured to be detachable from the refrigerator 1. Specifically, it is good also as a structure which the user who purchased the refrigerator 1 can attach the imaging camera 18 after purchase. That is, it is good also as a structure which makes the imaging camera 18 a detachable camera unit like the camera apparatus 300 of 2nd Embodiment.
- the imaging camera 18 and the imaging light 19 may be integrally stored in a unit case and detachable from the refrigerator 1.
- the control unit 50 and the communication unit 52 may be provided integrally with the camera device, and the lens heater 51 may also be provided integrally.
- the control part 50 and the communication part 52 may be previously provided in the refrigerator 1, and another communication means for communicating with the control part 50, the communication part 52, etc. may be provided in the camera apparatus side.
- the camera device may have any configuration as long as it includes at least the imaging camera 18.
- the camera device and the refrigerator 1 may be connected by a wired method or may be connected by a wireless method.
- the power supply for the camera device may be a wireless power feeding method.
- a mounting portion is provided on the door pockets 8 to 10, the inner plate 14, the vertical partition 17, or the shelf board of the refrigerator 1, and a mounting portion for mounting on the mounting portion is provided. It can be made detachable by being provided in the camera device. Specifically, the configuration may be such that the mounting portion and the mounted portion are engaged, or a configuration in which a clip is provided on the camera device and a door pocket with a different thickness is sandwiched (that is, the imaging means is mounted at an arbitrary position). Possible configuration).
- a recess 600 is provided on the inner plate 14 of the door of the refrigerator 1 as a mark indicating the position where the camera device 300 is to be attached.
- a magnet 601 for attachment may be provided. This is because, for example, the door such as the right door 3b has a structure in which a metal iron plate 602 is provided therein, so that the camera device 300 can be attached by magnetic force.
- the recess 600 may be provided with an attachment structure other than the magnetic force (for example, a holding structure or an engagement structure).
- you may provide the magnet 603 for a detection like the magnet 206 of 2nd Embodiment.
- a magnet may be provided on the door side and a metal part may be provided on the camera device 300 side.
- a mark indicating the mounting position is provided at a position where the inside of the warehouse can be properly imaged, such as a portion where the field of view is less likely to be blocked by a shelf board or door pocket. May be.
- a mark may be provided so that the user does not get lost at the time of attachment.
- a dedicated part for accommodating the camera device may be formed in the door pocket, and the camera device may be accommodated in that part.
- a detection unit such as an IC chip that detects the presence or absence of the camera device may be provided at a specific location in the refrigerator 1 and the operation of the communication unit 52 may be permitted depending on the presence or absence of the camera device.
- the specific place includes at least the inside of the refrigerator 1. Note that it may be configured to input that the camera device is attached from the operation panel 33.
- an identification unit for identifying the camera device may be provided in the refrigerator 1, and the operation of the camera device (including the operation of the communication unit 52 and the like) may be permitted only when it is recognized as a specific camera device. Thereby, only a reliable camera device (for example, a genuine product of a manufacturer or a camera device whose operation has been confirmed) can be operated. Further, as in the second embodiment, the existing interior lighting can be used as a means for notifying the imaging timing, no additional parts are required, and the cost can be reduced.
- detection means for detecting whether or not the refrigerator 1 is an operation target on the camera device side and to provide detected means for causing the detection means to detect on the refrigerator 1 side.
- These detecting means and detected means may be configured by a physical method such as that the shape of the connector is matched, or may be configured by a method such as exchange of identification information.
- the communication device 501 of the refrigerator 1 functions as an identification unit
- the communication module 306 functions as an identified unit for causing the refrigerator 1 to identify that the camera device 300 is for the refrigerator 1.
- the identification means and the identified means may be combined with the detection means and the detected means described above. That is, for example, if the camera device 300 can be stored in the holding unit 202, the camera device 300 can be identified as being for the refrigerator 1. In this case, the camera device 300 detects the polarity of the magnet 206 provided in the holding unit 202, and notifies the result to the refrigerator 1 side to determine whether the camera device 300 is accommodated in the holding unit 202. Or by flashing the interior lighting on the refrigerator 1 side and returning some response from the camera device 300 side.
- a pocket attaching portion for attaching a door pocket to the inner plate 14 of the refrigerator 1 may be provided, and the door pocket 9b (the same applies to the door pocket 200 of the second embodiment) itself may be detachable. That is, when the camera device is detachable, a user who does not use the camera device can attach a wide door pocket such as the door pocket 8 to increase the storage amount, and a user who uses the camera device can narrow the width. By attaching the door pocket 9b (or the door pocket 200), the interior can be imaged without blocking the field of view of the camera device.
- a wide door pocket (or substantially equal to the width of the right door 3b) covering the portion where the imaging camera 18 is attached in FIG. 3 to the pocket attachment portion (or the cutout portion 9b1 of the door pocket 9b is supplemented). If the camera device is not used, the mounting portion of the camera device is covered with the door pocket, so that the user can be prevented from touching the mounting portion by mistake. .
- the control of the imaging timing by the control unit 309 of the second embodiment is to determine the imaging conditions 1 to 4 and the like as in the first embodiment by communicating with the refrigerator 1 and acquiring the open / closed state of the door. It is good also as composition to do. In this case, both the timing detection by the illuminance sensor 313 and the imaging conditions 1 to 4 may be adopted, or any one of them may be adopted. Specifically, in the second embodiment, the image is not captured when the user opens the door, but the time when the interior lighting is continuously lit is determined as the time when the door is opened, and then the interior lighting is performed. It is possible to determine the imaging condition 1 by determining when the door is turned off as the time when the door is closed and imaging when the interior lighting is turned off. Further, if the communication module 306 is used to acquire the open / closed state of the door by communication from the main control unit 30 of the refrigerator 1, the imaging conditions 1 to 4 can be employed.
- the predetermined period of the second embodiment may be set to a period (or at least a period longer than that) in which condensation is removed based on temperature and humidity. Of course, you may set fixed periods, such as 2 hours, for example.
- the camera apparatus 300 of the second embodiment may be configured not to include the imaging lamp 302.
- the imaging lamp 302. since the ceiling light 13 etc. are provided in the refrigerator compartment 3, it is good also as a structure which images using those interior lighting. In this case, it is conceivable to transmit a lighting command to the refrigerator 1 side through the communication module. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which utilizes the imaging lamp 302 and interior lighting at the time of imaging.
- a closed space provided in the warehouse for example, a specific purpose chamber 12 such as an egg chamber or a chilled chamber that is closed or covered with a lid or a drawer structure
- a window portion may be formed using a transparent member in a part of the structure of a low-pressure storage chamber or the like that is in a sealed state, and the inside of the closed space portion may be imaged from the window portion.
- the camera device 300 may be wired or wirelessly fed from the refrigerator 1 side. As a result, battery exhaustion or the like is eliminated, and convenience can be improved. In this case, since the refrigerator 1 is basically constantly supplied with power, it is considered that even if a power supply circuit for supplying power to the camera device 300 is provided, the operation of the refrigerator 1 will not be abnormal. In this case, unnecessary power supply can be prevented by adopting a configuration in which the camera apparatus 300 can be detached from the refrigerator 1.
- the magnets are arranged so that the polarities on the sides facing the camera device 300 are different in the two holding units, but the magnets are arranged so that the relative positional relationship with the detection unit 307 changes. May be.
- the output of the magnetic sensor increases as it is close to the magnet, while the output decreases as it is far from the magnet (however, the sign of the magnetic field does not change). it can.
- the temperature sensor 310, the magnetic sensor 311, the acceleration sensor 312, and the illuminance sensor 313 may be provided as necessary, and not all sensors are necessarily provided. For example, if the magnetic sensor 311 detects the orientation of the camera, the acceleration sensor 312 is not necessarily required.
- Such a refrigerator includes mist generating means for generating and supplying mist.
- the mist generating means for example, makes the stored water mist with ultrasonic waves or discharges mist by the action of electrostatic atomization.
- an imaging means is a mist supplied from the mist production
- the problem of the present embodiment is to prevent the normal operation of the imaging means from being hindered by the mist generating means in the refrigerator including both the imaging means for imaging the inside of the warehouse and the mist generating means. is there.
- the refrigerator according to the present embodiment includes an imaging unit for imaging the interior of the refrigerator, a mist generating unit for spraying mist, and a spray port for supplying the mist sprayed from the mist generating unit to the interior.
- the imaging means is provided at a position that does not face the spray port.
- the refrigerator 1 includes a refrigeration cooler 20 and a refrigeration cooler 21, as shown in FIG.
- the refrigerating cooler 20 generates cold air for cooling the refrigerating room 3 and the vegetable room 4.
- the refrigeration cooler 21 generates cold air for cooling the ice making chamber 5, an upper freezer chamber (not shown), and the lower freezer chamber 7.
- a machine room 22 is provided on the back side of the lower end of the refrigerator 1.
- the machine room 22 is provided with a compressor 22a constituting the refrigeration cycle, a main control unit 30, and the like.
- the refrigerator 1 includes a refrigeration cooler chamber 23 and a refrigeration blower fan 24.
- the freezer cooler chamber 23 is provided on the back of the lower freezer chamber 7 in the refrigerator 1.
- the refrigeration cooler chamber 23 has a cold air outlet 23a and a return port 23b.
- the cold air outlet 23 a is provided in front of the refrigeration cooler chamber 23.
- the return port 23 b is provided in the lower part of the refrigeration cooler chamber 23.
- the refrigeration cooler 21 and the refrigeration blower fan 24 are provided in the refrigeration cooler chamber 23.
- the refrigeration blower fan 24 supplies the cold air generated by the refrigeration cooler 21 to the ice making chamber 5, the upper freezer compartment, and the lower freezer compartment 7 from the cold air outlet 23a by the air blowing action, and from the return port 23b. It is returned to the refrigeration cooler chamber 23 for circulation.
- the refrigerator 1 includes a refrigerator room 25 for refrigeration and a blower fan 26 for refrigeration.
- the refrigerator room 25 for refrigeration is provided in the rear part of the refrigerator compartment 3 and the vegetable compartment 4.
- the refrigeration cooler chamber 25 has a return port 25a.
- the return port 25 a is provided in the lower front surface of the refrigeration cooler chamber 25.
- the refrigeration blower fan 26 is provided in the refrigeration cooler chamber 25.
- the refrigerator 1 includes a cold air supply duct 27.
- the cold air supply duct 27 extends upward from the upper part of the refrigeration cooler chamber 25.
- the cold air supply duct 27 has a plurality of cold air supply ports 27a.
- the plurality of cold air supply ports 27 a are in front of the cold air supply duct 27 and open toward the refrigerator compartment 3.
- the front wall portion 25 b of the refrigeration cooler chamber 25 bulges forward from the cold air supply duct 27.
- the refrigerator room 25 for refrigeration has the heat insulating material 25c.
- the heat insulating material 25c is provided on the back side of the front wall portion 25b.
- the refrigerator compartment 3 and the vegetable compartment 4 communicate with each other through a connection port 28.
- the connection port 28 is provided on the rear side of the lower part of the refrigerator compartment 3.
- the refrigeration blow fan 26 causes the cold air generated by the refrigeration cooler 20 to flow from the plurality of cold air supply ports 27a through the cold air supply duct 27 as shown by the white arrows in FIG. 12 is supplied to the refrigerator compartment 3 including 12. Thereafter, the cold air is supplied to the vegetable compartment 4 through the connection port 28 and is sucked into the refrigerating cooler chamber 25 from the return port 25a. Thereby, the cold air generated by the refrigeration cooler 20 circulates in the refrigeration room 3 and the vegetable room 4.
- the refrigerator 1 includes a mist generator 80 and a humidifier 90 as shown in FIG.
- the mist generating device 80 and the humidifying device 90 function as mist generating means for generating mist supplied into the refrigerator 1.
- the humidifier 90 also functions as water supply means for supplying water for generating mist to the mist generator 80 (electrostatic atomizer).
- the mist generator 80 and the humidifier 90 are connected to the main controller 30 as shown in FIG.
- the mist generator 80 has a case 81, a plurality of discharge electrode members 82, a holding member 83, a conductive member 84, a conductive rod 85, a high voltage power source 86, and a counter electrode 87.
- the case 81 is made of, for example, an electrically insulating resin material, and includes a case main body 81a and a lid portion 81b.
- the case main body 81a has a box shape having a bottom.
- the lid 81b covers the opening of the case main body 81a.
- the discharge electrode member 82 is formed of a porous material having water absorption and water retention, and has a pin shape with a sharp tip.
- the distal end portion of the discharge electrode member 82 made of one member constitutes a mist discharge portion
- the portion other than the distal end portion of the discharge electrode member 82 constitutes a water supply portion. That is, the discharge electrode member 82 is entirely formed of the same member.
- the mist discharge portion on the distal end side and the water supply portion on the proximal end side are integrally formed without a seam.
- the discharge electrode member 82 has a tip portion, that is, a mist discharge portion, exposed to the outside of the case 81.
- the discharge electrode member 82 has its base end, that is, the end opposite to the mist discharge portion of the water supply portion exposed to the outside of the case 81.
- the felt material etc. which consist of fibrous polyester etc. can be considered, for example.
- the discharge electrode member 82 has a structure in which a porous material having water absorption and water retention is impregnated with a substance having self-water absorption that absorbs moisture in the air. As a result, the discharge electrode member 82 exhibits self-water absorption that spontaneously absorbs moisture in the air when the humidity of the surrounding atmosphere exceeds a predetermined value.
- a self-water-absorbing substance for example, a deliquescent substance that spontaneously absorbs and dissolves moisture in the air without requiring external energy.
- the discharge electrode member 82 is impregnated with potassium polyphosphate, which is a phosphate-based polymer, as such a deliquescent material. Thereby, the discharge electrode member 82 has a self-water-absorbing configuration in which the entirety including the mist discharge portion and the water supply portion absorbs moisture in the air.
- the discharge electrode member 82 impregnated with potassium polyphosphate as a deliquescent substance starts to absorb water from the surrounding air when the ambient temperature is 5 ° C. and the humidity exceeds 40%, for example. In this case, by maintaining the ambient humidity at about 40 to 50%, the water absorption action of the discharge electrode member 82 is stably continued.
- the ambient temperature and humidity according to the characteristics of the substance impregnated in the discharge electrode member 82, the water absorption start condition of the discharge electrode member 82 can be controlled, and the discharge electrode member The water absorbing action of 82 can be stabilized.
- the holding member 83 is provided inside the case 81.
- the holding member 83 is made of an insulating material.
- As the insulating material constituting the holding member 83 for example, a resin material such as polypropylene is conceivable.
- the conductive member 84 is provided inside the case 81.
- the conductive member 84 includes a conductive material such as carbon.
- the discharge electrode member 82 passes through the holding member 83 and the conductive member 84 and is fixed to the holding member 83 and the conductive member 84.
- a conductive rod 85 is inserted into the conductive member 84 from the outside of the case 81.
- the base end portion of the conductive rod 85 is connected to the negative electrode of the high voltage power supply 86 of the power supply circuit.
- a negative high voltage from the high voltage power supply 86 is applied to the discharge electrode member 82 via the conductive rod 85 and the conductive member 84, and the discharge electrode member 82 is negatively charged.
- the counter electrode 87 is outside the case 81 and is provided to face the tip of the discharge electrode member 82, that is, the mist discharge portion.
- the counter electrode 87 is connected to the positive electrode of the high voltage power supply 86.
- the counter electrode 87 is made of a conductive material such as metal, and in this case, is formed in an annular shape.
- the shape of the counter electrode 87 is not limited to an annular shape, and may be, for example, an elliptical shape or a polygonal shape.
- the counter electrode 87 may not be annular, and may be formed in a plate shape or a spherical shape, for example.
- the discharge electrode member 82 of the mist generator 80 spontaneously absorbs moisture in the air without requiring external energy. Thereafter, the moisture absorbed by the discharge electrode member 82 penetrates the discharge electrode member 82 and is supplied to the mist discharge portion at the tip.
- the discharge electrode member 82 is applied with a high voltage from the high voltage power supply 86 through the conductive rod 85 and the conductive member 84. Then, electric charges concentrate on the tip of the discharge electrode member 82, that is, the mist discharge portion, and energy exceeding the surface tension is given to the water contained in the mist discharge portion. Thereby, the water contained in the mist discharge
- the high voltage power supply 86 is a high voltage generating means for generating a high voltage for charging the mist. Function.
- the refrigerator 1 is provided with a humidifying duct 29 as shown in FIG.
- the humidifying duct 29 is provided in the specific purpose room 12, which is a section different from the refrigerator compartment 3 and the vegetable compartment 4. That is, the humidifying duct 29 is provided at the rear of the specific purpose chamber 12 and in front of the refrigeration cooler chamber 25.
- the mist generator 80 is provided in the humidification duct 29.
- the ultrasonic humidifier 90 is provided below the humidifying duct 29.
- the ultrasonic humidifier 90 includes a water storage container 91 and an ultrasonic vibrator 92.
- the water storage container 91 is formed in a rectangular container shape.
- the water storage container 91 has a humidifying port 91a and an opening 91b.
- the humidifying port 91 a is located on the upper surface of the water storage container 91 and connects the inside of the water storage container 91 and the humidifying duct 29.
- the opening 91b is formed below the cooler 20 for refrigeration. The defrost water generated by the defrosting of the refrigeration cooler 20 is dripped from the refrigeration cooler 20 and stored in the water storage container 91 through the opening 91b.
- the ultrasonic transducer 92 is provided on the lower surface of the water storage container 91 and below the humidification port 91a.
- the vibration frequency of each ultrasonic transducer 92 can be set to a different value.
- the vibration frequency of one ultrasonic vibrator 92 is set at a frequency suitable for generating hydrogen peroxide water from water, and the vibration frequency of the other ultrasonic vibrator 92 is used to atomize water. It is possible to set at a frequency suitable for. Then, by oscillating ultrasonic waves having a predetermined frequency, cavitation occurs in the water and the mist is charged. In this case, the voltage applied to the ultrasonic wave generating element functions as high voltage generating means.
- the humidifying duct 29 has a first spray port 29a, a second spray port 29b, and a third spray port 29c.
- the 1st spraying port 29a, the 2nd spraying port 29b, and the 3rd spraying port 29c are spraying ports for supplying the mist produced
- the 1st spraying port 29a, the 2nd spraying port 29b, and the 3rd spraying port 29c are opening toward the division different from the refrigerator compartment 3 and the vegetable compartment 4, respectively.
- the first spraying port 29 a is provided on the upper front side of the humidifying duct 29 and communicates with the inside of the specific purpose chamber 12, which is a compartment different from the refrigerator compartment 3 and the vegetable compartment 4.
- the second spraying port 29 b is provided so as to extend from the upper part of the humidifying duct 29 toward the rear side, and communicates with the cold air supply duct 27 which is a section different from the refrigerator compartment 3 and the vegetable compartment 4.
- the third spray port 29 c is provided in the lower front surface of the humidifying duct 29 and communicates with the inside of the specific purpose room 12, which is a compartment different from the refrigerator compartment 3 and the vegetable compartment 4.
- the refrigerator 1 includes a damper 28a.
- the damper 28a is connected to the main controller 30 as shown in FIG.
- the damper 28 a opens and closes the third spray port 29 c under the control of the main control unit 30.
- the humidifying duct 29 has a communication port 29d.
- the communication port 29 d is provided on the upper rear side of the humidification duct 29, and communicates the humidification duct 29 directly above the refrigeration cooler 20 in the cold air supply duct 27.
- a part of the mist generated from the mist generator 80 or the ultrasonic humidifier 90 is supplied into the specific purpose chamber 12 from the first spray port 29a together with the cold air generated by the refrigeration cooler 20.
- a part of the mist generated from the mist generator 80 or the ultrasonic humidifier 90 is supplied from the second spray port 29b to the cold air supply duct 27, and then the cold air blown together with the cold air generated by the refrigeration cooler 20. It is supplied into the refrigerator compartment 3 from the outlet 23a.
- a part of the mist generated from the mist generator 80 or the ultrasonic humidifier 90 is also supplied to the vegetable compartment 4 from the third spray port 29 c through the connection port 28.
- the refrigerator 1 includes, for example, a plurality of imaging cameras, in this case, an imaging camera 18 a on the refrigerator compartment side and an imaging camera 18 b on the vegetable compartment side as imaging means for imaging the interior of the refrigerator.
- the refrigerating room side imaging camera 18 a is provided, for example, on the right door 3 b of the refrigerating room 3 and images the inside of the refrigerating room 3.
- the vegetable room side imaging camera 18 b is provided on the ceiling surface of the vegetable room 4 and images the inside of the vegetable room 4.
- the refrigeration room side imaging camera 18a and the vegetable room side imaging camera 18b are provided at positions that do not face any of the first spraying port 29a, the second spraying port 29b, and the third spraying port 29c.
- the imaging cameras 18a and 18b and the spray ports 29a, 29b, and 29c are provided in different sections. In this case, when viewing the imaging camera 18a, the imaging camera 18a is provided on the windward side with respect to the spraying port 29a for supplying the mist to the specific purpose chamber 12. And the mist blown from the position which does not oppose this imaging camera 18a goes around so that a storage chamber may be moistened in the aspect which is not sprayed directly on the camera surface.
- the configuration of the imaging cameras 18a and 18b is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, but the imaging camera 18 has an attached portion for attaching the camera (in the embodiment, a holding portion of the door pocket 200). 202, the holding portion 401 of the refrigerator holder 400, or the like, or may be attached to a storage portion of a recess 600 that is a recess provided in a wall such as the door of FIG. Then, the camera may be configured so that everything is housed in the recess 600, and in that case, a covering cover that covers the recess 600 may be attached.
- the covering cover may be transparent as a whole, or a hole may be made in a portion facing the lens, or only that portion may be transparent.
- a transparent protective cover that covers the lens may be provided in front of the lens of the camera device.
- a transparent film may be pasted in front of the lens 301 to form a protective cover.
- the covering cover and the protective cover are referred to as a cover or the like (cover means).
- the lens and the cover may be collectively referred to as a lens.
- These lenses, covering covers, and protective covers have a portion that is exposed to the environment in the storage room.
- the imaging camera is placed in a special environment that needs to be moisturized to maintain the freshness of vegetables and the like in a refrigerator storage room. And when taking an image of the imaging camera through the lens or cover that is exposed in such an environment, the camera will not be able to capture the image clearly depending on the lens and cover conditions or the storage room environment. It has been found that there are unique challenges that prevent it.
- the problem is that, for example, the surface of the lens, cover, etc. is likely to condense due to mist, and it becomes cloudy and the image is not clearly visible, and if the mist is generated, the environment is filled with mist-like mist Therefore, there is a point that a so-called haze is applied and the image is not clearly captured even if the image is taken with the camera.
- the mist when a high voltage is applied to the mist and released, the mist may be charged, and when the charged mist hits the camera, noise is generated and there is a possibility that imaging cannot be performed well.
- the outer cases 18c and 18d constituting the outer walls of the imaging cameras 18a and 18b are made of a conductive material, for example, a conductive resin or a metal material. That is, the imaging cameras 18a and 18b are accommodated in the outer cases 18c and 18d, which are accommodation boxes made of a conductive material.
- the outer case 18c of the imaging camera 18a is grounded to the outer plate of the right door 3b through the ground wire 18e.
- the outer case 18d of the imaging camera 18b is grounded to the outer box of the refrigerator 1 through the ground wire 18f.
- the outer plate of the right door 3b and the outer box of the refrigerator 1 are made of conductive metal. Therefore, the imaging cameras 18a and 18b can be prevented from being charged by the charged mist sprayed from the mist generator 80.
- the main control unit 30 intermittently drives the mist generating device 80 and the humidifying device 90, and intermittently drives the imaging cameras 18a and 18b to take an image of the interior.
- the main control unit 30 controls the driving of the mist generating device 80 and the humidifying device 90 in synchronization with the imaging by the imaging cameras 18a and 18b.
- the driving of the mist generating device 80 and the humidifying device 90 and the synchronization with the imaging by the imaging cameras 18a and 18b are as follows.
- the main control unit 30 drives the mist generating device 80 and the humidifying device 90, and the imaging cameras 18a and 18b. It means that the timing of imaging by 18b is adjusted. In this case, the main control unit 30 adjusts so that the driving of the mist generating device 80 and the humidifying device 90 and the imaging by the imaging cameras 18a and 18b do not occur simultaneously.
- the main control unit 30 drives the imaging cameras 18a and 18b several times a day to perform imaging in the warehouse.
- the mist supply by the mist generator 80 and the humidifier 90 the period between the mist supply and the next supply at a certain time is relatively short.
- the main control unit 30 drives the mist generating device 80 and the humidifying device 90 several times an hour to supply the mist into the cabinet.
- the main control unit 30 intermittently generates mist from the mist generator 80. That is, as shown in FIG. 34, the main control unit 30 drives the mist generating device 80 and the humidifying device 90 during the period T1 to supply the mist to the interior. After that, after waiting for the period T2 and stopping the supply of mist, the mist generating device 80 and the humidifier 90 are again driven for the period T1 to supply the mist into the chamber. That is, the main control unit 30 repeats the period T1 for driving the mist generator 80 and the humidifier 90 and the period T2 for stopping the mist generator 80 and the humidifier 90 in principle.
- the main control unit 30 images the inside of the refrigerator compartment 3 with the imaging camera 18a on the refrigerator compartment side during the period T2 when the mist generator 80 and the humidifier 90 are stopped. That is, the main control unit 30 images the inside of the refrigerator compartment 3 with the imaging camera 18a on the refrigerator compartment side in a period that does not overlap with the driving of the mist generator 80 and the humidifier 90. In this case, the main control unit 30 determines that the refrigeration room side after a predetermined period dT has elapsed since the mist generator 80 and the humidifier 90 are stopped during the period T2 in which the mist generator 80 and the humidifier 90 are stopped. The inside of the refrigerator compartment 3 is imaged by the imaging camera 18a.
- the main control unit 30 drives the damper 28a to close the third spray port 29c when performing imaging with the imaging camera 18b on the vegetable room side. Thereby, during imaging in the vegetable compartment 4 by the imaging camera 18b on the vegetable compartment side, supply of mist from the third spraying port 29c to the vegetable compartment 4 side is stopped.
- the main control unit 30 drives the damper 28a again to open the third spray port 29c. Thereby, supply of the mist from the 3rd spraying port 29c to the vegetable compartment 4 is attained.
- the imaging camera 18a of the refrigerator compartment 3 and the imaging camera 18b of the vegetable compartment 4 are in positions that do not face any of the first spraying port 29a, the second spraying port 29b, and the third spraying port 29c. Is provided. For this reason, since the mist sprayed from each spraying port 29a, 29b, 29c is not sprayed directly toward a camera, it is reduced that it adheres to the imaging cameras 18a, 18b. Therefore, it is possible to suppress dew condensation on a camera lens, a cover or the like, and a clear image can be taken. Further, mist-like water fine particles are generated from the outlet by the mist, and there is no possibility that the storage chamber cannot be clearly imaged due to the presence of fog in front of the camera.
- the above-described covering cover or the like may be used as a cover for the interior lighting, and the lighting cover is often provided with irregularities for diffusing light. If mist is directly applied to the unevenness, water may accumulate and water may accumulate at a position facing the camera, so that clear imaging cannot be performed. However, this problem can be solved by preventing the air outlet from facing the camera.
- the concentration of the mist is reduced, and the problem due to the occurrence of condensation or thick fog can be solved. And it can reduce that the charged mist produced
- the imaging cameras 18a and 18b and the spray ports 29a, 29b, and 29c are provided in different sections. This also solves the above-mentioned problem of clearly showing the condensation and foggy fog, and the mist sprayed from the spray ports 29a, 29b, 29c adheres to the imaging cameras 18a, 18b and is charged. Is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the influence of the mist charged at a high voltage by being attached to and charged on the imaging cameras 18a and 18b. As a result, the mist generator 80 can operate the imaging cameras 18a and 18b normally. It is possible to suppress obstruction.
- the main control unit 30 intermittently drives the mist generating device 80 and the humidifying device 90, and intermittently drives the imaging cameras 18a and 18b to take an image of the interior. According to this, by adjusting the amount of mist to adjust the imaging environment in the storage room, it is possible to reduce the influence by adjusting the amount of condensation and adjusting the amount of fog, and the mist generator 80 continuously generates high voltage. By doing so, the influence on the imaging cameras 18a and 18b can be reduced.
- the main control unit 30 synchronously controls driving of the mist generating device 80 and the humidifying device 90 and imaging by the imaging cameras 18a and 18b. That is, the main control unit 30 synchronizes so that the driving of the mist generating device 80 and the humidifying device 90 and the imaging by the imaging cameras 18a and 18b do not occur simultaneously. In this case, the main control unit 30 stops supplying the mist from the spray ports 29a, 29b, and 29c by stopping the mist generating device 80 and the humidifying device 90 during imaging by the imaging cameras 18a and 18b. According to this, since imaging is not performed at the moment when mist-like mist is generated, the imaging environment in the storage room can be adjusted, and the inside of the storage can be easily captured.
- mist generated from the mist generating device 80 and the humidifying device 90 is prevented from adhering to the imaging cameras 18a and 18b, so that dew condensation occurs and the amount of moisture increases.
- the influence of noise on the imaging due to the mist charged at a high voltage adhering to the imaging cameras 18a and 18b during imaging by the imaging cameras 18a and 18b can be reduced.
- the main control unit 30 drives the damper 28a to close the third spray port 29c during imaging by the vegetable room side imaging camera 18b, and does not supply the mist to the vegetable chamber 4 from the third spray port 29c. This also has the same effect.
- the imaging cameras 18a and 18b are accommodated in outer cases 18c and 18d made of a conductive material. Further, the outer cases 18c and 18d are grounded to the outer box of the main body 2 by ground wires 18e and 18f. According to this, even if the mist charged to a high voltage is attached to the imaging cameras 18a and 18b, the charge can be removed, so that the influence of the mist charging can be reduced.
- the main control unit 30 may be configured as follows when driving the imaging camera 18a on the refrigerator compartment side, triggered by a signal transmitted from the outside. For example, as shown in FIG. 36, the main control unit 30 overlaps with driving of the mist generating device 80 and the humidifying device 90 when a signal that triggers imaging of the imaging camera 18a on the refrigerator compartment side is input from the outside. In the case where there is, the image pickup by the image pickup camera 18a on the refrigerator compartment side is prioritized and the driving of the mist generating device 80 and the humidifying device 90 is delayed. In this case, the main control unit 30 drives the mist generating device 80 and the humidifying device 90 after a predetermined time dT has elapsed after imaging by the imaging camera 18a on the refrigerator compartment side. Also by this, there exists an effect similar to the said 3rd Embodiment.
- the main control unit 30 may perform the following. For example, as shown in FIG. 37, the main control unit 30 overlaps with the driving of the mist generating device 80 and the humidifying device 90 when a signal that triggers the imaging of the imaging camera 18a on the refrigerator compartment side comes from the outside. In the case where the mist generator 80 and the humidifier 90 are driven, the imaging by the imaging camera 18a is delayed. In this case, after driving the mist generator 80 and the humidifier 90, the main controller 30 performs imaging with the imaging camera 18a on the refrigerator compartment side after a predetermined period dT has elapsed. Also by this, there exists an effect similar to the said 3rd Embodiment.
- the mist generating means is provided in the duct 29, the mist is not directly discharged into the storage chamber. Therefore, the fog density in the storage chamber can be reduced, and as a result, an imaging environment that facilitates imaging can be prepared. Moreover, since the several blower outlet is provided in the duct 29, the density
- the duct 29 may be a cover that covers the mist generating means.
- the mist outlet is not provided in front of the camera, but the outlet is shifted to the left and right and back and forth with respect to the location where the camera is projected relative to the front wall of the camera. More preferably, it is better to arrange it on an adjacent wall which is different from the wall where the camera is installed and which is not the front wall. In this case, the camera is mounted on the door wall. Therefore, the outlet of the mist generating means may be arranged not on the rear wall of the front but on the wall adjacent to the door, such as the left and right side walls and the upper and lower side walls. This makes it difficult for the mist ejected from the outlet to hit the camera.
- mist does not face the extended line in the direction in which the camera is directed. For example, if a mist rises from another location in the direction in which the camera captures an image, the image can be taken up to the front of the mist, but a location on the far side from the location where the mist rises cannot be imaged.
- the extension area in the direction the camera is directed and the extension area in the direction the mist is directed do not overlap, i.e. It is better to shift it from side to side and back and forth so as not to. According to this, it is reduced that it becomes difficult to see due to fog appearing in the captured image captured by the camera, and as a result, it is possible to capture more clearly to the back of the storage room.
- the center point of the camera lens and the extension line of the direction of the CMOS sensor do not overlap with the extension area of the direction of the mist outlet. It is also possible to prevent the vertical projection area of the opening of the mist outlet from overlapping the area on the extension line in the direction in which the camera is directed.
- mist comes out from the opening of the mist outlet 29a, but the mist easily diffuses in the vertical direction due to its lightness or its own weight. For example, when the mist rises upward, if the tip of the mist overlaps the area of the projection plane viewed from the front side of the door of the imaging camera 18a, the location behind the opening from the vertical direction can be seen by fog. It will disappear.
- the supply port 27a of the duct 27 for circulating the cold air is arranged so as not to face the camera. Thereby, even if it is a small amount of mist, it can reduce contacting with a camera.
- mist generating means for example, ions that generate charged mist of H + (H 2 O) m which is a positive ion and O 2-(H 2 O) n which is a negative ion (hereinafter, m and n indicate natural numbers) in the air. It may be a generator.
- a means for turning on the fan 26, which is a dew condensation removing means, and performing a process for removing the dew condensation to dry the lens or the like may be provided.
- a fan other than the blower fan 26 is provided in the duct 27 and the fan 27 is simultaneously driven by two fans to control the amount of blown air and the total number of rotations of the two fans, the condensation is further increased. Can be removed at once.
- the fan 26 or the like may be rotated when taking an image. By doing so, even when the field of view is poor due to the mist-like mist, the fan can blow off the mist, and the field of view becomes good and a clear image can be obtained. Even in this case, a configuration may be adopted in which two fans are driven simultaneously.
- the fan provided in the duct 27 is provided near the ceiling above the duct 27, a better effect can be obtained.
- the cold air blown from above the duct 27 is pushed forward by the fan and can be applied to the upper part of the door.
- the cool wind that hits the upper part of the door travels downward, it is possible to send the wind in a direction that allows the condensation of the camera to be blown away.
- the fogging of the lens and the cover can be eliminated and a clear image can be obtained.
- mist generating means intermittently and rotating the fan in the OFF time zone, dry cold air generated by passing through the evaporator of the cooler is born, and the dry air is applied to the lens etc. Cloudiness can be eliminated.
- the mist generation means should be turned off.
- the excess moisture due to mist is no longer necessary. Therefore, for example, when there is a storage amount detection means such as a weight sensor on a shelf or storage container on which food is placed, and when control is performed to capture an image with the camera when it is detected that the storage amount has changed, It is good also as such a structure. That is, when it is detected that the storage amount has increased, the capability of the mist generating means is reduced or stopped. According to this, it is possible to reduce the amount of mist discharged from the mist discharge means while ensuring moisture in the cabinet, thereby preventing condensation on the camera lens and the like.
- the mist generator 80 is provided in the ceiling part of the vegetable compartment 4. As shown in FIG. The mist generator 80 is provided in the middle of the air path shown by the white arrow.
- the mist generating device 80 is provided on the high voltage generating substrate 89a.
- the high voltage generation substrate 89a has a circuit that generates a high voltage for charging the mist to a high voltage.
- the mist generating device 80 and the high voltage generating substrate 89a are covered with a cover 89b.
- the cover 89b is open on the windward side and leeward side of the wind path, and a part of the wind flowing on the wind path indicated by the white arrow flows through the inside of the cover 89b. At this time, the mist generated by the mist generator 80 is supplied into the vegetable compartment 4 on the wind passing through the inside of the cover 89b.
- the imaging camera 18a which is an imaging means, is provided in the refrigerator compartment 3 at a position shifted from the air path indicated by the white arrow. Moreover, in the vegetable compartment 4, the imaging camera 18a which is an imaging means is not provided on the air path shown by the white arrow and on the high voltage generation board 89a. In this case, the imaging camera 18 a is provided on the windward side of the mist generator 80.
- the imaging camera 18a as an imaging means is not provided on the air passage to which the mist charged with a high voltage is supplied and on the high voltage generation substrate 89a. For this reason, the imaging camera 18 can be disposed away from the location where the dense fog is generated. As a result, the imaging camera 18 cannot be imaged due to fogging due to condensation on the surface of the lens, the cover, etc. of the imaging camera 18 or the influence of fog. In addition, the imaging camera 18a can be prevented from being charged by the mist or the high voltage generation substrate 89a. Moreover, since the imaging camera 18a is provided on the windward side of the mist generating device 80, it is suppressed that the mist is discharged from the mist generating device 80 and attached to the imaging camera 18a along the wind flow.
- the refrigerator 1 was the structure which cools the storage room of a refrigeration temperature zone, and the storage chamber of a freezing temperature zone by each two coolers 20 and 21.
- the refrigerator 1 of 5th Embodiment cools each store room of a refrigerating temperature zone and a freezing temperature zone with one cooler.
- the refrigerator 1 of the fifth embodiment is provided with a refrigerator room 3 which is a storage room in a refrigerator temperature zone at the top of the main body 2.
- a vegetable room 4 that is a storage room in a refrigerated temperature zone is provided at the bottom of the main body 2.
- the freezer compartment 7 which is a storage room of a freezing temperature zone is provided between the refrigerator compartment 3 and the vegetable compartment 4.
- the refrigerator compartment 3 and the vegetable compartment 4 are connected by a connection duct 70.
- the connection duct 70 is provided near the rear part of the refrigerator compartment 3 and the vegetable compartment 4, and is provided across the freezer compartment 7. Cold air in the refrigerator compartment 3 is supplied into the vegetable compartment 4 through the connection duct 70.
- a cooler room 71 is formed at the back of the freezer room 7.
- a cooler 72 and a blower fan 73 are provided in the cooler chamber 71.
- the cooler room 71 is connected to the inside of the refrigerating room 3 through the cold air supply duct 27 and is connected to the freezer room 7 through the freezing cold air duct 75.
- a refrigeration damper 76 and a freezing damper 77 are provided in the cooler chamber 71.
- the refrigeration damper 76 is provided at a connection portion between the cooler chamber 71 and the cold air supply duct 27 and opens and closes the connection portion.
- the refrigeration damper 77 is provided at a connection portion between the cooler chamber 71 and the refrigeration cold air duct 75 and opens and closes the connection portion.
- the dampers 76 and 77 are connected to the main control unit 30, and the main control unit 30 adjusts the supply destination and the supply amount of the cold air generated by the cooler 72 by opening and closing the dampers 76 and 77.
- the refrigerator compartment 3, the freezer compartment 7, and the vegetable compartment 4 are cooled to an appropriate temperature.
- the refrigerator 1 includes an imaging camera 18a on the refrigerator compartment side and a mist generator 80.
- the refrigerating room side imaging camera 18a is provided on the door 3a of the refrigerating room 3 and images the inside of the refrigerating room 3 as in the third embodiment.
- the mist generating device 80 is provided in the ceiling portion of the vegetable compartment 4.
- the cold air generated by the cooler 72 is supplied to the refrigerating chamber 3 through the cold air supply duct 27 and to the freezer compartment 7 through the freezing cold air duct 75 by the blowing action of the blower fan 73. Supplied. And the cold air supplied to the refrigerator compartment 3 is supplied to the vegetable compartment 4 through the connection duct 70. The mist discharged from the mist generating device 80 travels through the vegetable compartment 4 and is then sucked into the cooler compartment 71 and then supplied to the refrigerator compartment 3 through the cold air supply duct 27.
- the main control unit 30 stops driving the blower fan 73 when imaging the vegetable compartment 4 with the imaging camera 18a. According to this, supply of mist into the refrigerator compartment 3 is stopped when imaging is performed by the imaging camera 18a. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the imaging camera 18a from being charged by the charged mist when taking an image by the imaging camera 18a.
- the mist generating means is arranged in a storage room (vegetable room 4) different from the storage room (refrigeration room 3) having the camera device, and the mist is arranged between the storage room having the camera device via a duct. Further, since the supply is performed with another storage chamber (freezer compartment 7) being sandwiched, the distance between the camera and the mist generating means can be increased, and the mist directly hitting the camera can be further prevented. Further, when the mist-like mist is supplied far, the concentration is reduced, and the entire storage room having the camera device can be imaged.
- mist particle size becomes smaller or disappears as the mist is supplied farther away, the mist becomes so-called water vapor when supplied to a storage room equipped with a camera, and the mist becomes invisible. It is possible to overcome the poor visibility due to the above, so that the image can be clearly captured.
- mist when supplying mist to a refrigerator compartment, it is not necessary to let the cooler chamber 71 pass, and the duct connected from an independent vegetable compartment to a refrigerator compartment may be provided for exclusive use, and it may supply via the exclusive duct.
- the size of the mist will not be visible.
- the field of view is better.
- the camera can capture the entire area of the storage room, so that a clearer image can be obtained.
- the tip of the discharge electrode of the electrostatic atomizer is needle-shaped, and a voltage of about ⁇ 6 kV is applied between the counter electrode and the discharge electrode. Cooling the metal member using a metal member obtains condensed water of moisture in the air, and electrostatically atomizes the condensed water to obtain charged fine particle water having a particle size of nanometer size. be able to.
- the particle size distribution is more preferably about 3 to 50 nm, and the particle size peak is preferably about 20 nm.
- a nanometer-sized charged fine particle water generating means positive ions H + (H2O) m and negative ions O2- (H2O) n (hereinafter, m and n represent natural numbers) are charged in the air.
- An ion generator that generates fine particle water a corona discharge device that emits blue-white light by breakdown of air and reacts with moisture in the air to generate clustered charged fine particle water can be used.
- the above apparatus can reduce the mist size more than the ultrasonic mist generating means, it is not used in combination with the ultrasonic apparatus as in the third embodiment, but used alone. It is preferable to do.
- the charged fine particle water should be distributed more than the micrometer size.
- the size is preferably controlled to a nanometer size, and more preferably smaller than 400 nm which is the wavelength of blue light.
- the mist is made of nanometer-sized charged fine particle water, the lens is not easily fogged, so that the camera can be arranged near the charged fine particle water generating device (for example, on the same wall (including the door)).
- a visible light catalyst is applied to the surface of a transparent covering cover that covers the camera device, and a cover member that covers the lens of the camera device and the main part in which the camera is accommodated. Also good. Then, the visible light catalyst is excited by illumination or the like in the cabinet to perform deodorization and sterilization so that dirt is not deposited on the surfaces of the lens and the cover. In that case, as the light for irradiating the visible light catalyst, first light emitting means such as a blue LED having a color different from white may be used.
- a visible light catalytic device composed of a visible light catalyst and a first light emitting means may function as a hydrophilizing means. If the lens or cover of the camera is exposed to the storage room, it will become cloudy due to condensation and the captured image will be blurred, but the photocatalyst will be irradiated by the first light emitting means. As a result, the surfaces of the lens, the cover and the like are activated by moisture in the air and become hydrophilic by the action of OH radicals (which are also soil removing means) which are hydrophilic means.
- the image captured by the camera can be clearly captured without blurring by applying hydrophilic means to the lens positioned in the image capturing direction of the camera device, a cover, or the like.
- silver oxide or titanium oxide can be used as this photocatalyst.
- the wavelength of light is about 400 nm to 580 nm, and the visible light blue region is used.
- a light source of a light emitting diode capable of irradiating the light wavelength of 380 nm.
- the OH radical has an effect of floating or removing dirt easily, and the visible light catalytic device also functions as a dirt removing device.
- the charged fine particle water generating means may contain active species such as OH radicals and hit the lens or cover of the camera. Although it may hit the lens or the like by mist, although not directly, by applying the charged fine particle water having the active species in this way, a clear image is picked up similarly to the effect by the hydrophilic means of the visible light catalytic device. I can expect to do it.
- the mist generating means may generate mists having different particle diameters by changing the magnitude of the applied voltage or using the mist generating means in combination with another mist generating means. Accordingly, it is possible to alternately use a mist for moisturizing and a mist for removing the dirt on the lens.
- a mist for removing dirt by means of dirt removal means (OH radicals) of nanometer-sized charged fine particle water
- the fan located above the duct described in the third embodiment is turned on and applied to the camera to get dirt. It may be controlled to function as a removal mode.
- charged fine particle water generating means for generating ozone at the same time or alternately with charged fine particle water may be used.
- Ozone has a strong ability to decompose dirt, and can remove dirt such as lenses more effectively.
- ozone can be generated by dielectric breakdown of the air by corona discharge or the like, and it can be generated in a small amount by an electrostatic atomizer having a counter electrode. When ozone is generated, it is sometimes released. There may be pale light from the tip of the electrode.
- blue light (wavelength 400 nm to 500 nm) as the first light emitting means may be applied to the charged fine particle water containing the active species generated from the charged fine particle generating means. This can be expected to extend the life of the active species.
- This first light emitting means is preferably arranged so as to irradiate between the camera device and the mist outlet, and this arrangement makes it easier for the active species to reach the lens or the like.
- the charged fine particle generating means for generating active species also functions as a hydrophilic means.
- the storage amount detection means such as a weight sensor
- the camera is controlled to detect that the storage amount has changed
- the storage amount is When it is detected that there is a decrease or when the user operates the switch, the energy saving operation is performed by reducing the number of rotations of the fan, etc.
- the fan is turned on after the door is closed by the door opening detection means, and the dirt removing device is driven by turning on the first light emitting means or turning on the charged particulate water generating device to generate the dirt removing means. After that, it is better to turn on the imaging of the camera.
- the stored item is often put in and out, and there is a possibility that the stored item hits the lens of the camera, etc., but it may become dirty, but by releasing the dirt means each time, it can be easily removed At the same time, the user can easily clean the lens by wiping the lens and the like.
- the refrigerator 1 includes both imaging means (imaging cameras 18a and 18b) for imaging the interior of the refrigerator and mist generating means (mist generator 80 and humidifier 90) for supplying mist to the interior of the refrigerator.
- imaging means imaging cameras 18a and 18b
- mist generating means mist generator 80 and humidifier 90
- the mist generated from the mist generating means 80 and 90 may obstruct the imaging by the imaging means 18a and 18b. That is, it is preferable that the imaging by the imaging cameras 18a and 18b is performed when a change occurs in the usage state in the warehouse, that is, the stored item stored in the warehouse.
- mist generating apparatus 80 and the humidification apparatus 90 it is preferable to increase / decrease the supply of mist by the mist generating apparatus 80 and the humidification apparatus 90 according to the quantity of the stored matter stored in a store
- imaging is performed by the imaging cameras 18a and 18b while the mist is supplied by the mist generating device 80 and the humidifying device 90, there is a risk that the mist becomes dull and a clear captured image cannot be obtained.
- the refrigerator 1 further includes usage status detection means for detecting the usage status inside the refrigerator as compared with the refrigerator 1 of the third embodiment shown in FIG. Then, the main control unit 30 as the control means generates mist by the mist generating device 80 and the humidifying device 90 as the mist generating means, and the imaging camera 18a as the imaging means based on the detection result of the usage status detecting means. Imaging by 18b is performed. That is, the main control unit 30 appropriately selects the mist generating device 80 and the humidifying device 90 that are mist generating means and the imaging cameras 18a and 18b that are imaging means based on the usage status detected by the usage status detecting means. By controlling, it is possible to obtain a clear image while appropriately supplying mist.
- the usage status in the warehouse refers to the storage status of stored items in the target storage room such as the refrigerator room 3 and the vegetable room 4.
- chamber can be estimated from the opening / closing situation of a door, for example.
- the object to be detected is the refrigerator compartment 3
- the usage state in the warehouse is the amount of energy required to cool and maintain the target storage room to the set temperature, that is, the work load of the compressor 22a of the refrigeration cycle, in other words, the cooling load of the target storage room. It can also be estimated from the change in. For example, when the stored item is taken out from the refrigerator compartment 3 and the amount of the stored item in the refrigerator compartment 3 is reduced, the cooling load of the refrigerator compartment 3 is reduced. Therefore, when the cooling load of the refrigerator compartment 3 is low, it is estimated that there are few things stored in the refrigerator compartment 3, and a use condition is low. On the other hand, when a new store is stored in the refrigerator compartment 3 and the amount of the store in the refrigerator compartment 3 increases, the cooling load of the refrigerator compartment 3 increases. Therefore, when the cooling load of the refrigerator compartment 3 is high, it is estimated that there are many stored items in the refrigerator compartment 3 and a usage condition is high.
- a left door sensor 34, a right door sensor 35 (hereinafter referred to as a refrigerator compartment door sensor 34, 35), a vegetable compartment door sensor 701, a refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 702, or a vegetable compartment temperature.
- a sensor 703 or the like is conceivable.
- the refrigerator compartment door sensors 34, 35 detect the open / closed state of the left and right doors 3a, 3b of the refrigerator compartment 3, which is a compartment having the spray ports 29a, 29b.
- the vegetable compartment door sensor 701 detects the open / closed state of the door 4a of the vegetable compartment 4 which is a section having the spray port 29c.
- the refrigerating room temperature sensor 702 detects the temperature in the refrigerating room 3 which is a section having the spray ports 29a and 29b.
- the vegetable room temperature sensor 703 detects the temperature in the vegetable room 4 which is a section having the spraying port 29c.
- the refrigerator compartment door sensors 34 and 35, the vegetable compartment door sensor 701, the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 702, and the vegetable compartment temperature sensor 703 are respectively connected to the main controller 30 as shown in FIG.
- the detection results of the refrigerator compartment door sensors 34 and 35, the vegetable compartment door sensor 701, the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 702, and the vegetable compartment temperature sensor 703 are transmitted to the main controller 30, respectively.
- the case where the object is the refrigerating room 3 and the refrigerating room door sensors 34 and 35 are used as means for detecting the use state of the refrigerating room 3 will be described with reference to FIG.
- the main control unit 30 detects that the left and right doors 3a and 3b of the refrigerator compartment 3 are opened based on the outputs from the refrigerator compartment door sensors 34 and 35, the usage status of the refrigerator compartment 3 has changed. to decide.
- the main control unit 30 stops driving the mist generating device 80 and the humidifying device 90 which are mist generating means. Thereby, the production
- the main control unit 30 does not necessarily need to completely stop the mist generator 80 and the humidifier 90.
- the main control unit 30 may be configured to reduce the amount of mist to be generated, for example, by driving the mist generator 80 and the humidifier 90 intermittently.
- the main control unit 30 detects that the left and right doors 3a, 3b of the refrigerator compartment 3 are closed based on the outputs from the refrigerator compartment door sensors 34, 35, the image pickup camera 18a on the refrigerator compartment side uses the imaging camera 18a on the refrigerator compartment side. The inside is imaged. Thereafter, the main control unit 30 resumes driving of the mist generating device 80 and the humidifying device 90, and resumes the supply of mist to the inside of the refrigerator compartment 3.
- the main controller 30 images the inside of the refrigerator compartment 3 with the imaging camera 18a.
- the user who sees the imaging result can accurately grasp the stored items in the refrigerator compartment 3.
- the main control unit 30 stops driving the mist generating device 80 and the humidifying device 90 and stops the supply of mist into the refrigerator compartment 3, so that the mist generating device 80 and the humidifying device 80 are humidified.
- the mist supplied from the device 90 does not interfere with imaging, and a clear captured image can be obtained.
- the refrigerating room 3 is targeted, and the refrigerating room temperature sensor 702 is used as the use state detecting means.
- the main control unit 30 detects that the stored item is not stored in the refrigerating chamber 3 by the refrigerating chamber temperature sensor 702 which is a use state detecting unit, the mist generation by the mist generating device 80 and the humidifying device 90 is generated. Is stopped or reduced, and imaging by the imaging cameras 18a and 18b is performed.
- the main control unit 30 detects that the stored items in the refrigerator compartment 3 are stored by the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 702, the main controller 30 generates a normal amount of mist from the mist generator 80 and the humidifier 90. At the same time, the imaging cameras 18a and 18b are not imaged.
- the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 702 detects a high temperature as indicated by “high” in the “temperature sensor” of FIG. . Then, the main control unit 30 performs a cooling operation to cool the inside of the refrigerator compartment 3. Thereafter, when the refrigerating room 3 is cooled to the set temperature, the refrigerating room temperature sensor 702 detects that the set temperature has been reached, as indicated by “appropriate temperature” of the “temperature sensor” in FIG.
- the main control unit 30 indicates that the stored item is not stored in the refrigerator room 3 during the predetermined period T4. Judgment is made, and the amount of mist generated from the mist generator 80 and the humidifier 90 is reduced more than usual.
- the main controller 30 may not necessarily be configured to reduce the amount of mist generated by the mist generator 80 and the humidifier 90.
- the structure which stops the drive of the mist generator 80 and the humidifier 90 may be sufficient.
- the main control unit 30 performs imaging in the refrigerator compartment 3 by the imaging camera 18a on the refrigerator compartment side. Thereafter, the main control unit 30 resumes driving of the mist generating device 80 and the humidifying device 90, and resumes the supply of mist to the inside of the refrigerator compartment 3.
- the main control unit 30 determines that the stored item is stored in the refrigerator room 3 during the predetermined period T4. Then, the mist generator 80 and the humidifier 90 are driven to generate a normal amount of mist. In this case, the main control unit 30 does not perform imaging in the refrigerator compartment 3 by the imaging camera 18a on the refrigerator compartment side.
- the main control unit 30 stops driving the mist generating device 80 and the humidifying device 90 to stop the supply of mist into the refrigerator compartment 3. Therefore, the mist supplied from the mist generating device 80 and the humidifying device 90 does not interfere with imaging, and a clear captured image can be obtained.
- the refrigerator 1 has a mist amount for reducing the amount of mist generated by the mist generating means (the mist generating device 80 and the humidifying device 90) with respect to the refrigerator 1 of the third embodiment shown in FIG. Adjustment means is further provided.
- the main control unit 30 is configured to perform imaging with the imaging unit (imaging cameras 18a and 18b) when the mist amount adjusting unit is operated to reduce the amount of mist.
- the refrigerator 1 includes a mist adjustment damper 28b as mist adjustment means, as shown in FIG.
- the mist adjustment damper 28b is provided so that the communication port 29d of the humidifying duct 29 can be opened and closed.
- the mist adjustment damper 28b is controlled by the main control unit 30 to open and close the communication port 29d.
- the mist adjustment damper 28b is configured by providing a large number of fine through holes in a metal plate or the like.
- the particle size of the generated mist is also different.
- the particle size of the mist is relatively large, such as a micrometer size.
- generates mist by the electrostatic atomization which applies a high voltage the particle size of the mist is comparatively small with nanometer size.
- the diameter of a large number of through holes provided in the mist amount adjusting damper 28 is, for example, a nanometer size, larger than the particle diameter of the mist by the electrostatic atomizer 80, and by the ultrasonic humidifier 90.
- mist amount adjusting damper 28b It is assumed to be smaller than the mist particle size. Therefore, in the state where the mist amount adjusting damper 28b is closed and the communication port 29d is closed, the mist generated by the electrostatic atomizer 80 passes through the mist amount adjusting damper 28b, but the mist generated by the ultrasonic humidifier 90 is the mist amount adjusting damper. 28b is not passed. Thereby, the amount of mist supplied to the refrigerator compartment 3 can be adjusted by opening and closing the mist amount adjusting damper 28b.
- the main control unit 30 performs imaging by the imaging camera 18a when the mist amount adjusting damper 28b is operated and the communication port 29d is closed as shown in FIG.
- the amount of mist having a large particle size which is mainly generated in the humidifier 90 and supplied into the refrigerator compartment 3 through the communication port 29d, is reduced, so that the mist does not interfere with imaging and clear imaging is performed.
- An image can be obtained.
- the mist amount adjusting damper 28b may not be formed with a through hole, and the amount of mist passing may be adjusted by the opening amount of the communication port 29d.
- the specific control contents of the mist generating device 80, the humidifying device 90, and the imaging cameras 18a and 18b are different from those in the third embodiment. That is, in the ninth embodiment, the mist generating device 80 that generates a mist by electrostatic atomization by applying a high voltage functions as a first mist generating unit that generates a mist charged to a high voltage.
- the humidifier 90 that generates mist by ultrasonic vibration functions as a second mist generating unit that generates mist that is charged or not charged to a lower voltage than the mist generated by the mist generator 80.
- the particle sizes of the mist generated by the mist generator 80 and the humidifier 90 are different from each other. That is, the particle size of the mist generated by the mist generating device 80 is smaller than the particle size of the mist generated by the humidifying device 90.
- the main control unit 30 operates the mist generating device 80 to generate a mist with a high voltage and a small particle size, and does not operate the humidifying device 90.
- imaging is performed by the imaging cameras 18a and 18b. According to this, when taking an image with the imaging cameras 18a and 18b, it is possible to prevent the mist having a large particle size supplied from the humidifying device 90 from staying around the imaging cameras 18a and 18b. Thereby, the haze by a mist with a large particle size is reduced. As a result, a clearer image can be taken compared to the case where mist is supplied from both the mist generator 80 and the humidifier 90.
- the specific control contents of the mist generator 80, the humidifier 90, and the imaging cameras 18a and 18b are different from those in the ninth embodiment. That is, in the tenth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 46, the main control unit 30 operates the humidifier 90 to generate a mist having a large particle size that is not charged or charged at a low voltage. And when the mist generator 80 is not operated, the imaging by the imaging cameras 18a and 18b is performed. This prevents the mist charged with the high voltage supplied from the mist generating device 80 from staying around the imaging cameras 18a and 18b when imaging with the imaging cameras 18a and 18b.
- mist mist gives to the imaging cameras 18a and 18b.
- the eleventh embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that the refrigerator 1 includes a power saving operation.
- the power saving operation is an electrical component that consumes electric power, including the compressor 22a and the blower fans 24 and 26 constituting the refrigeration cycle, the mist generator 80, the humidifier 90, and the like based on the control of the main control unit 30. It means that the operation of the electric load component is suppressed or stopped. By performing the power saving operation, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the entire refrigerator 1, that is, to save power.
- the refrigerator 1 is used as a usage status detecting means for detecting the usage status in the refrigerator, such as the refrigerator compartment door sensors 34 and 35, the vegetable compartment door sensor 701, and the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor. 702, a vegetable room temperature sensor 703, and the like.
- the main control unit 30 executes power saving operation based on detection results of the refrigerator compartment door sensors 34 and 35, the vegetable compartment door sensor 701, the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 702, the vegetable compartment temperature sensor 703, and the like.
- the amount of mist generated by the mist generating device 80 and the humidifying device 90 is stopped or reduced, and imaging by the imaging cameras 18a and 18b is performed.
- the main control unit 30 executes, for example, the following control. That is, after the refrigeration room door sensors 34 and 35 detect opening and closing, when the predetermined period T5 has passed without the refrigeration room door sensors 34 and 35 detecting opening and closing again, the main control unit 30 determines that the use state of the refrigeration room 3 is Judged to be low. Then, the main control unit 30 performs power saving operation to reduce the amount of mist generated by the mist generating device 80 and the humidifying device 90. In this case, the mist generator 80 and the humidifier 90 may be stopped. Thereafter, the main control unit 30 performs imaging with the imaging camera 18a during the power saving operation.
- the main control unit 309 executes, for example, the following control. That is, when the stored item is stored in the refrigerator compartment 3 and the temperature in the refrigerator compartment 3 rises, and the temperature increase in the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 702 is detected, the main control unit 30 executes the cooling operation to execute the cooling operation. Cool inside. Thereafter, when the refrigerating room 3 is cooled to the set temperature, the refrigerating room temperature sensor 702 detects that the set temperature has been reached, as indicated by “appropriate temperature” of the “temperature sensor” in FIG.
- the main control unit 30 does not store stored items in the refrigerator room 3 during the predetermined period T4. It is determined that the usage status of the refrigerator compartment 3 is low. Then, the main control unit 30 performs power saving operation to reduce the amount of mist generated by the mist generating device 80 and the humidifying device 90. Also in this case, the mist generator 80 and the humidifier 90 may be stopped. Thereafter, the main control unit 30 performs imaging with the imaging camera 18a during the power saving operation.
- the imaging camera 18a can perform imaging while the mist supplied from the mist generator 80 and the humidifier 90 is relatively small. Therefore, the mist supplied from the mist generating device 80 and the humidifying device 90 does not interfere with imaging, and a clear captured image can be obtained.
- the damper 28a is referred to as a vegetable room side switching damper 28a
- the damper 28b is referred to as a refrigeration room side switching damper 28b.
- the dampers 28a and 28b are premised on those that do not have fine through holes. However, the dampers 28a and 28b may have fine through holes as in the mist amount adjusting damper 28b of the eighth embodiment. .
- the dampers 28a and 28b function as switching means for switching supply of mist generated by the mist generator 80 and the humidifier 90 to the refrigerator compartment 3 and the vegetable compartment 4.
- the main controller 30 drives the imaging camera 18a on the refrigerator compartment side and the imaging camera 18b on the vegetable compartment side, which are separately provided in a plurality of sections, in an asynchronous manner.
- asynchronous driving means that the imaging camera 18a on the refrigerator compartment side and the imaging camera 18b on the vegetable compartment side do not capture images simultaneously.
- synchronous driving means that the imaging camera 18a on the refrigerator compartment side and the imaging camera 18b on the vegetable compartment side are simultaneously imaged.
- the main control unit 30 opens the refrigeration room-side switching damper 28b and closes the vegetable room-side switching damper 28a while the image is captured by the vegetable room-side imaging camera 18b. To do. Thereby, the main control unit 30 prevents the mist from being supplied to the vegetable room 4 which is a section provided with the imaging camera 18a of the vegetable room while the imaging camera 18b of the vegetable room is imaging.
- the main control unit 30 opens the switching damper 28a on the vegetable room side and closes the switching damper 28b on the cold room side while imaging with the imaging camera 18a on the cold room side. Thereby, the main control unit 30 prevents the mist from being supplied to the refrigerating room 3 which is a section in which the refrigerating room side imaging camera 18b is provided while the refrigerating room side imaging camera 18a is imaging.
- the mist generator with respect to each storage chamber 3,4.
- 80 and the humidifying device 90 can be imaged by the imaging cameras 18a and 18b during a period when the mist supplied from the humidifying device 90 is relatively small. Therefore, the mist supplied from the mist generating device 80 and the humidifying device 90 does not interfere with imaging, and a clear captured image can be obtained.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Cold Air Circulating Systems And Constructional Details In Refrigerators (AREA)
- Studio Devices (AREA)
Abstract
Description
しかしながら、外出先等の遠隔地で冷蔵庫の庫内を確認したいと考えるユーザが存在する。
以下、第1実施形態について、図1から図12を参照しながら説明する。
図1に示すように、本実施形態の冷蔵庫1を採用した家電ネットワークシステム100では、冷蔵庫1は、ルータ101を介して外部の通信回線102に通信可能に接続されている。このルータ101は、いわゆる無線アクセスポイントであり、無線通信方式にて冷蔵庫1と通信可能に接続されている。この冷蔵庫1は、通信回線102に接続されている通信端末103およびサーバ104(いずれも外部の装置に相当する)との間で各種の情報をやり取りする。なお、本実施形態の家電ネットワークシステム100では、後述するように、冷蔵庫1の庫内を撮像した画像情報はサーバ104にて記憶され、通信端末103は、サーバ104から庫内の画像を取得する構成となっている。ここで、画像情報とは、庫内の画像を示す情報(データ)であり、例えばビットマップ形式やJPEG形式或いはMPEG形式などの周知のフォーマットの画像データ(静止画、動画)、画像データを圧縮や暗号化あるいは第2実施形態のように画像処理することにより変換したデータ等、通信手段を介した送信が可能であって最終的に庫内の様子を確認できるものであれば、どのような形式のデータであってもよい。また、本実施形態では、通信端末103として、住宅105の外部に携帯可能ないわゆるスマートフォン(高機能携帯電話)やタブレット型パソコン、家電ネットワークシステム100に接続されているテレビ等を想定している。
主制御部30は、庫内センサにて取得した庫内の環境、および庫外センサ33cにて取得した庫外の環境に基づいて、また、操作パネル33からの設定に基づいて、冷蔵庫1の運転状態を制御する。また、主制御部30は、左ドアセンサ34や右ドアセンサ35とから、扉の開閉状態を取得する。この主制御部30は、制御部50と通信可能に接続されており、扉の開閉状態を制御部50に送信したり、天井ライト13や側面ライト36の点灯指示を制御部50から受信したりすることができる。
庫内を撮像する場合、撮像カメラ18を駆動するとともに、撮像ライト19等を点灯する必要がある。すなわち、庫内を撮像するためには、電力を消費する必要がある。このため、常に撮像可能な状態になっていると、不要な電力を消費してしまうことになる。そこで、冷蔵庫1では、庫内を撮像するタイミングを制御することで、また、そのタイミングに合わせて必要なときだけ撮像環境(つまり、撮像ライト19等の点灯)を制御することで、消費電力の削減を図っている。
・撮像条件1:冷蔵室3のいずれかの扉が一旦開放された後に閉鎖されたタイミング。すなわち、庫内の食材の貯蔵状況が変化した可能性があるタイミング。
・撮像条件2:冷蔵室3のいずれかの扉が開放されたタイミング。すなわち、庫内の食材の貯蔵状況が変化する可能性があるタイミング。
・撮像条件3:通信端末等の外部の装置から指令を受け付けたタイミング。
・撮像条件4:外出スイッチが操作された場合。外出スイッチが操作されたタイミングで撮像してもよいし、外出スイッチが操作されてから所定の待ち時間が経過したタイミングで撮像してもよい。また、いずれのタイミングを採用するかは予め設定しておけばよい。
・撮像条件5:一旦開放された扉が閉鎖された後であって、所定期間が経過したタイミング(本実施形態では、撮像カメラ18の広角レンズの結露が除去されるまでに要すると想定される遅延撮像時間が経過したタイミングを採用している)。すなわち、広角レンズの結露が除去されたタイミング。なお、遅延撮像時間は、予め固定値を設定してもよいし、庫外センサ33cで取得した庫外の湿度や温度に基づいてその都度設定してもよい。
・撮像条件6:一旦開放された扉が閉鎖された後であって、撮像カメラ18の広角レンズの結露がレンズヒータ51により除去されたタイミング。すなわち、広角レンズの結露が除去されたタイミング。
冷蔵庫1の冷蔵室3には、図5に示すように各種の食材が貯蔵されている。冷蔵庫1は、図6に示す撮像処理を実行しており、撮像カメラ18にて庫内を撮像するための撮像条件が満たされたか否かを判定しており(A1)、上記した判定条件のいずれかが満たされたと判定すると(A1:YES)、すなわち、撮像するタイミングになったと判定すると、ライト(撮像ライト19)を点灯し(A2)、庫内を撮像する(A3)。これにより、図7に示すような庫内の画像が撮像される。
冷蔵庫1は、食品を貯蔵する冷蔵室3等の貯蔵庫の庫内を撮像する撮像カメラ18と、撮像カメラ18で撮像した庫内の画像情報を外部の装置に送信するための通信部52とを備えているので、例えば通信端末103のような外部の装置にて庫内の画像を取得することができる。これにより、外出先等の遠隔地で容易に冷蔵庫の庫内を確認することができる。
この場合、撮像カメラ18を冷蔵室3の上下方向の中央付近、且つ、冷蔵室3の左右方向の中央付近に設けるとともに、広角レンズを採用しているので、撮像カメラ18は、冷蔵室3の庫内のほぼ全域を、庫内の中央部付近から画像(つまり、ユーザが通常冷蔵庫1内を見ている状態と近似した状態での画像)として撮像することができる。このとき、棚板11を透明性材料で形成していることから、例えば最上段の棚板11に載置されている食材についても、棚板11を透かして視認可能に撮像することができる。
以下、第2実施形態について、図13から図25を参照しながら説明する。なお、冷蔵庫の構成は第1実施形態とほぼ共通するので、図2等も参照しながら説明する。
磁石206は、図17に示すように、保持部202において、カメラ装置300の背面つまり検知部307に対応する位置に設けられている。このため、カメラ装置300が保持されている状態では、検知部307が磁石206と対向した状態、且つ、磁石206と接近した状態となる。この場合、磁石206は、カメラ装置300と対向する側がN極となるように配置されている。このため、検知部307は、N極からの磁界の強さを検知することになる。
図21に示すように、カメラ装置300は、制御部309を備えている。この制御部309は、CPU309a、ROM309b、RAM309cおよびRTC309d等を有するマイクロコンピュータで構成されており、カメラ装置300の全体を制御するカメラ側制御手段として機能する。具体的には、制御部309は、レンズ301や撮像素子を有する撮像部308による撮像タイミングの制御、撮像ランプ302による撮像する際の撮像環境を整える制御(点灯制御)、通信モジュール306による画像情報の送信および後述する指令の受信等のための制御、検知部307による設置状態を判断・識別するための制御を行う。また、制御部309は、本実施形態では、撮像した画像の補正等を行う画像処理も行っている。
カメラ装置300は、予め定められている所定時間が経過した場合、および、外部の装置からの指令を受信した場合のいずれかを判定している。すなわち、撮像条件が満たされか否かを判定している(A1)。この場合、カメラ装置300は、RTC309dにより計時を行うことで、所定期間が経過したかを判定するとともに、指令を受信したか否かを、照度センサ313で検知した照度に基づいて判定する。
カメラ装置300は、上記したように縦置きまたは横置きすることができるが、その場合、画像は、90度(あるいは270度)回転した状態となっている。そのため、カメラ装置300は、サーバ104に送信する前に、画像の変換を行っている。これにより、図24(A)と、(B)又は(C)とに示すように、カメラ装置300の向きが異なっている場合であっても、上下方向が統一された画像、すなわち、ユーザが冷蔵庫1を直接確認するときと同様の状態の画像を通信端末103にて表示させることができる。
外出先等の遠隔地で冷蔵庫1の庫内を確認したいと考えるユーザが存在するが、庫内を撮像するための撮像部308(撮像手段)と、撮像部308で撮像した庫内の画像情報をサーバ104等の外部の装置に送信するための通信モジュール306(通信手段)と冷蔵庫1に設けているので、外出先等において、通信端末103により庫内の画像を取得でき、庫内を確認することができる。
また、家電ネットワークシステム500、庫内画像表示プログラムが奏する効果は、第1実施形態と共通する。
本発明は、上記した実施形態にて例示したものに限定されることなく、次のように変形又は拡張することができる。また、以下に示す変形例及び拡張例の一部または全部は、任意に組み合わせることができる。
各実施形態では撮像した画像をそのままサーバ104に送信したが、広角レンズを用いたことにより生じる画像の歪みを補正した画像をサーバ104に送信してもよい。この場合、サーバ104にて画像の歪みを補正するようにしてもよい。
第1実施形態では撮像カメラ18を予め冷蔵庫1に設けた構成を示したが、撮像カメラ18は、冷蔵庫1から着脱可能な構成としてもよい。具体的には、冷蔵庫1を購入したユーザが、購入後に撮像カメラ18を取り付けることができる構成としてもよい。つまり、第2実施形態のカメラ装置300のように、撮像カメラ18を着脱可能なカメラユニットとする構成としてもよい。
冷蔵庫1の庫内の特定の場所に、カメラ装置の有無を検出するICチップ等の検知手段を設け、カメラ装置の有無に応じて例えば通信部52の動作を許可する構成としてもよい。この場合、特定の場所は、少なくとも冷蔵庫1の庫内を含んでいる。なお、操作パネル33からカメラ装置を取り付けたこと入力する構成としてもよい。
第2実施形態の所定期間を、温度や湿度に基づいて結露が除去される期間(あるいは少なくともそれ以上の期間)に設定してもよい。勿論、例えば2時間等の固定期間を設定してもよい。
次に、第3実施形態について図30~37を参照して説明する。
従来、冷蔵庫の庫内を潤す等の目的で、庫内へミストを供給するものがある。この様な冷蔵庫は、ミストを生成し供給するミスト生成手段を備える。ミスト生成手段は、例えば貯水された水を超音波でミストにしたり、静電霧化の作用によりミストを放出する。そして冷蔵庫が、庫内を撮像するための撮像手段と、ミスト生成手段との両方を備える場合、撮像手段は、ミスト生成手段から供給されるミストやミスト生成手段に生じる高電圧等によって、画像がうまく映らないなどの、正常な動作が妨げられることがある。
そして、この撮像カメラ18aと対向しない位置から吹き出されたミストは、カメラ表面に直接吹き付けられないような態様で、貯蔵室内を潤すようにめぐる。
撮像カメラは、冷蔵庫の貯蔵室内という野菜などの鮮度を保持するために必要な潤いを与えることが必要な特別な環境下におかれるものである。そして、撮像カメラについて、この様な環境下に露出する部分であるレンズやカバー等を通してその環境内を撮影する場合、レンズやカバー状況または貯蔵室内の環境によって、画像を鮮明に写せなくなり正常の動作が妨げられるという特有の課題があることが見出された。
この場合、撮像カメラ18a、18bの外郭を構成する外郭ケース18c、18dは、導電性を有する材料、例えば導電性樹脂や金属材料で構成されている。すなわち、撮像カメラ18a、18bは、導電性材料で構成された収容箱たる外郭ケース18c、18d内に収容されている。撮像カメラ18aの外郭ケース18cは、アース線18eを介して右扉3bの外板に接地されている。撮像カメラ18bの外郭ケース18dは、アース線18fを介して冷蔵庫1の外箱に接地されている。右扉3bの外板及び冷蔵庫1の外箱は、導電性を有する金属で構成されている。そのため、ミスト発生装置80から噴霧された帯電したミストによって撮像カメラ18a、18bが帯電されることを防ぐことが出来る。
そして高電圧生成手段により生成した帯電したミストが、撮像カメラ18a、18bに付着して帯電することを低減することができ、その結果、ミスト発生装置80によって撮像カメラ18a、18bの正常な動作が妨げられ難い。
また、ミストの吹き出し口の開口部の上下方向の投影領域と、カメラが指向する方向の範囲の延長線上の領域とが重ならないようにすることもよい。たとえば図30、31において、ミスト吹き出し口29aの開口部からミストが出るが、そのミストは、その軽さ又は自重により上下方向に拡散しやすい。例えば、ミストが上方に立ち上るときに、立ち上った先が撮像カメラ18aの扉側の正面からみた投影面の領域の範囲に重なっていると、その開口部の上下方向から後ろの場所が霧により見えなくなってしまう。そのため、ミスト吹き出し口29aの開口部の左右方向の長さの部分を上下方向に投影した領域が、撮像カメラ18aの扉側の正面からみた投影面の領域の範囲にラップしないように、避けて配置することが好ましい。これにより、画像を鮮明に写すことができる。
次に、第4実施形態について図38を参照して説明する。第4実施形態において、ミスト発生装置80は、野菜室4の天井部分に設けられている。ミスト発生装置80は、白抜き矢印で示す風路の途中に設けられている。ミスト発生装置80は、高電圧発生基板89a上に設けられている。高電圧発生基板89aは、ミストを高電圧に帯電させるための高電圧を発生する回路を有している。また、ミスト発生装置80及び高電圧発生基板89aは、カバー89bに覆われている。カバー89bは、風路の風上側及び風下側が開口しており、白抜き矢印で示す風路上を流れる風の一部は、カバー89bの内側を抜けて流れる。このとき、ミスト発生装置80で発生したミストは、カバー89bの内側を抜ける風に乗って、野菜室4内へ供給される。
次に第5実施形態について図39を参照して説明する。
上記各実施形態において、冷蔵庫1は、冷蔵温度帯の貯蔵室及び冷凍温度帯の貯蔵室を、二つの各冷却器20、21によって冷却する構成であった。これに対し、第5実施形態の冷蔵庫1は、一つの冷却器によって冷蔵温度帯及び冷凍温度帯の各貯蔵室を冷却する。
またミストを冷蔵室に供給する場合は、冷却器室71を通過させる必要はなく、独立した野菜室から冷蔵室に繋がるダクトを専用に設け、その専用ダクトを介して供給してもよい。
また霧状のミストにより視界が悪くなりカメラにより鮮明に写せないという課題については、ミストの粒径を小さくすることでも解消ができる。
そして他のナノメートルサイズの帯電微粒子水生成手段としては、空気中にプラスイオンであるH+(H2O)m及びマイナスイオンのO2-(H2O)n(以下、m、nは自然数を示す)の帯電微粒子水を発生させるイオン発生装置や、空気絶縁破壊することにより青白く発光して空気中の水分と反応してクラスター状の帯電微粒子水を生成するコロナ放電装置などが利用できる。この場合、超音波式のミスト生成手段よりも上記の装置がよりミストのサイズを小さくすることができるから、第3実施形態のように超音波式装置と併用して利用せず、単独で利用することが好ましい。
そしてミストをナノメータサイズの帯電微粒子水とする場合は、レンズが曇りにくいため帯電微粒子水生成装置の近く(例えば同一の壁(扉も含む))にカメラを配置することも可能となる。
次に第6実施形態について図40から図42を参照して説明する。
冷蔵庫1が、庫内を撮像する撮像手段(撮像カメラ18a、18b)と、庫内に対してミストを供給するミスト生成手段(ミスト発生装置80及び加湿装置90)と、の両方を備えている場合、ミスト生成手段80、90から発生したミストが、撮像手段18a、18bによる撮像を阻害する場合がある。すなわち、撮像カメラ18a、18bによる撮像は、庫内の使用状況つまり庫内に収納される貯蔵物に変化が生じた場合に行うことが好ましい。また、ミスト発生装置80及び加湿装置90によるミストの供給は、庫内に収納される貯蔵物の量に応じて増減することが好ましい。しかしながら、ミスト発生装置80及び加湿装置90によるミストの供給中に、撮像カメラ18a、18bによる撮像を行うと、そのミストが例えばモヤとなって鮮明な撮像画像が得られないおそれがある。
次に第7実施形態について図40及び図42を参照して説明する。
第7実施形態では、上記第6実施形態と同様に例えば冷蔵室3を対象にし、冷蔵室温度センサ702を使用状況検出手段としている。この場合、主制御部30は、使用状況検出手段である冷蔵室温度センサ702により冷蔵室3内へ貯蔵物が収納されないことを検出した場合に、ミスト発生装置80及び加湿装置90によるミストの発生を停止又は低減するとともに撮像カメラ18a、18bによる撮像を行う。一方、主制御部30は、冷蔵室温度センサ702により冷蔵室3内への貯蔵物が収納されたことを検出した場合に、ミスト発生装置80及び加湿装置90によるミストの発生を通常の量で行うとともに撮像カメラ18a、18bによる撮像を行わないようにする。
次に第8実施形態について図43及び図44を参照して説明する。
第8実施形態において、冷蔵庫1は、図30に示す第3実施形態の冷蔵庫1に対し、ミスト生成手段(ミスト発生装置80及び加湿装置90)で発生したミストの量を低減するためのミスト量調整手段をさらに備えている。そして、主制御部30は、ミスト量調整手段を作動させてミストの量を低減させている場合に、撮像手段(撮像カメラ18a、18b)により撮像を行うようにしている。
この場合、ミスト量調整ダンパ28bを貫通孔が形成されていないものとし、連通口29dの開放量によって、ミストの通過する量を調整しても良い。
次に第9実施形態について図45を参照して説明する。
第9実施形態では、ミスト発生装置80、加湿装置90、及び撮像カメラ18a、18bの具体的な制御内容が、上記第3実施形態と異なる。
すなわち、第9実施形態において、高電圧を印加して静電霧化によりミストを発生させるミスト発生装置80は、高電圧に帯電したミストを生成する第1ミスト生成手段として機能する。超音波振動によりミストを発生させる加湿装置90は、ミスト発生装置80により生成したミストよりも低電圧に帯電又は帯電してないミストを生成する第2ミスト生成手段として機能する。この場合、上述した通り、ミスト発生装置80と加湿装置90とで生成したミストの粒径はそれぞれ異なる。つまり、ミスト発生装置80で生成したミストの粒径は、加湿装置90で生成したミストの粒径よりも小さい。
次に第10実施形態について図46を参照して説明する。
第10実施形態では、ミスト発生装置80、加湿装置90、及び撮像カメラ18a、18bの具体的な制御内容が、上記第9実施形態と異なる。
すなわち、第10実施形態において、主制御部30は、図46に示すように、加湿装置90を作動させて低電圧に帯電又は帯電しておらずかつ粒径の大きいミストを生成しているときで、かつ、ミスト発生装置80を作動させていないときに、撮像カメラ18a、18bによる撮像を行う。これによれば、撮像カメラ18a、18bで撮像する際に、ミスト発生装置80から供給される高電圧に帯電したミストが、撮像カメラ18a、18bの周囲に滞在することが防がれる。これにより、高電圧のミストが撮像カメラ18a、18bに与えるノイズの影響を低減することができる。その結果、ミスト発生装置80及び加湿装置90の両方からミストが供給される場合に比べて、鮮明な画像を写すことができる。
次に第11実施形態について図47及び図48を参照して説明する。
第11実施形態では、冷蔵庫1が、節電運転を備えている点で、上記第3実施形態と異なる。節電運転とは、主制御部30の制御に基づいて、冷凍サイクルを構成する圧縮機22aや送風ファン24、26、さらにはミスト発生装置80や加湿装置90などを含む電力を消費する電気部品つまり電気負荷部品の駆動を抑制又は停止して運転することを言う。節電運転を行うことで、冷蔵庫1全体の消費電力を通常よりも低減すなわち節電することができる。
次に第12実施形態について図43及び図49を参照して説明する。
第12実施形態では、ミスト発生装置80、加湿装置90、撮像カメラ18a、18b、ダンパ28a、28bの具体的な制御内容が、上記各実施形態と異なる。なお、本実施形態において、ダンパ28aを野菜室側切替ダンパ28aと称し、ダンパ28bを冷蔵室側の切替ダンパ28bと称する。また、ダンパ28a、28bは、微細な貫通孔を有していないものを前提としているが、上記第8実施形態のミスト量調整ダンパ28bと同様に、微細な貫通孔を有していても良い。ダンパ28a、28bは、冷蔵室3及び野菜室4に対し、ミスト発生装置80及び加湿装置90により生成したミストの供給を切り替えるための切替手段として機能する。
Claims (48)
- 庫内を撮像するための撮像手段と、
前記庫内へ供給するためのミストを生成するミスト生成手段と、
前記ミスト生成手段で生成したミストを前記庫内へ供給するための噴霧口と、
を備え、
前記撮像手段は、前記噴霧口と対向しない位置に設けられている冷蔵庫。 - 前記庫内は複数の区画に別けられ、
前記噴霧口と前記撮像手段とは異なる区画に設けられている請求項1に記載の冷蔵庫。 - 前記区画は少なくとも冷蔵室及び野菜室であって、
前記撮像手段は、前記冷蔵室を開閉する扉に設けられ、
前記噴霧口は、前記野菜室に設けられている請求項2に記載の冷蔵庫。 - 前記撮像手段は、前記噴霧口の風上に設けられている請求項1から3のいずれか一項に記載の冷蔵庫。
- 前記ミスト生成手段を制御する制御手段を備え、
前記制御手段は、前記ミスト生成手段から前記ミストを低減して発生させているとき、又は前記ミスト生成手段からミストが発生していないときに前記撮像手段により前記庫内を撮像するように制御する請求項1から4のいずれか一項に記載の冷蔵庫。 - 前記撮像手段及び前記ミスト生成手段を制御する制御手段を備え、
前記制御手段は、前記ミスト生成手段と前記撮像手段とを同期して動作させる請求項1から5のいずれか一項に記載の冷蔵庫。 - 前記制御手段は、前記撮像手段による撮像中に前記噴霧口から前記ミストを供給しない請求項6に記載の冷蔵庫。
- 前記制御手段によって制御されて前記噴霧口を開閉するダンパを備え、
前記制御手段は、前記撮像手段による撮像中に前記ダンパを閉鎖して前記庫内に対する前記ミストの供給を停止する請求項1から6のいずれか一項に記載の冷蔵庫。 - 前記撮像手段は、導電性材料で構成された収容箱の内部に収容されている請求項1から8のいずれか一項に記載の冷蔵庫。
- 前記ミストを生成するための水を前記ミスト生成手段へ供給する水供給手段を備える請求項1から9のいずれか一項に記載の冷蔵庫。
- 前記ミスト生成手段は、前記ミストを帯電させるための高電圧発生手段を有している請求項1から10のいずれか一項に記載の冷蔵庫。
- 前記撮像手段は、前記高電圧発生手段が設けられている基板には設けられていない請求項11に記載の冷蔵庫。
- 前記庫内には冷気が流れる風路が形成され、
前記撮像手段は、前記風路上からずらして設けられている請求項1から12のいずれか一項に記載の冷蔵庫。 - 前記ミストはナノメートルサイズであることを特徴とする請求項1から13のいずれか一項に記載の冷蔵庫。
- 前記撮像手段が備えるレンズ、または、レンズ又は撮像手段を覆うカバー手段には親水性手段を施して曇りを抑制することを特徴とする請求項1から14のいずれか一項に記載の冷蔵庫。
- 前記撮像手段で撮像した庫内の画像情報を外部の装置に送信するための通信手段をさらに備える請求項1から15のいずれか一項に冷蔵庫。
- 前記撮像手段を取り付けるための被取り付け部をさらに備え、
前記通信手段は、前記被取り付け部に取り付けられた前記撮像手段によって撮像された庫内の画像情報を外部の装置に送信する請求項16に記載の冷蔵庫。 - 前記撮像手段により庫内を撮像するタイミングを制御する制御手段をさらに備える請求項1から17のいずれか一項に記載の冷蔵庫。
- 前記制御手段は、扉が閉鎖された後のタイミングで前記撮像手段により庫内を撮像する請求項18に記載の冷蔵庫。
- 前記制御手段は、扉が閉鎖された後に所定期間が経過したタイミングで、前記撮像手段により庫内を撮像する請求項18または19に記載の冷蔵庫。
- 前記撮像手段のレンズ面の結露を除去するための除去手段をさらに備え、
前記制御手段は、前記除去手段によりレンズ面の結露を除去した後のタイミングで、前記撮像手段により庫内を撮像する請求項18から21のいずれか一項に記載の冷蔵庫。 - 前記通信手段は、庫内を撮像するための指令を外部の装置から受信可能であり、
前記制御手段は、外部の装置からの前記指令に基づいたタイミングで庫内を撮像する請求項18から21のいずれか一項に記載の冷蔵庫。 - 前記撮像手段は、該冷蔵庫に着脱可能なカメラ装置であり、
前記通信手段は、該冷蔵庫に設けられ、庫内を撮像するための指令を外部の装置から受信するための庫側通信手段、および、前記カメラ装置に設けられ、画像情報を外部の装置に送信するためのカメラ側通信手段により構成されており、
前記カメラ装置は、庫内を撮像するための指令を受信した該冷蔵庫側から撮像指示が報知されると庫内を撮像し、撮像した画像情報をカメラ側通信手段から外部の装置に対して送信する請求項16から22のいずれか一項に記載の冷蔵庫。 - 前記制御手段は、外出時に冷蔵庫の運転状態を省電力モードに移行するための外出スイッチが操作された場合に前記撮像手段により庫内を撮像する請求項18から23のいずれか一項に記載の冷蔵庫。
- 前記制御手段は、庫内を撮像するタイミングに合わせて、庫内を撮像するための撮像環境を整えるための制御をさらに実行する請求項18から24のいずれか一項に記載の冷蔵庫。
- 前記制御手段は、前記撮像手段で庫内を撮像する際、照明手段を点灯することで前記撮像環境を整える請求項25に記載の冷蔵庫。
- 前記撮像手段は、扉に取り付けられる請求項1から26のいずれか一項に記載の冷蔵庫。
- 前記撮像手段は、扉に設けられている縦仕切りに設けられている請求項1から27のいずれか一項に記載の冷蔵庫。
- 前記撮像手段は、扉の内板に設けられている請求項1から28のいずれか一項に記載の冷蔵庫。
- 前記撮像手段は、扉に設けられているドアポケットに隣接して設けられており、
前記撮像手段に隣接するドアポケットは、庫内を撮像するための当該撮像手段の視野の外縁に沿った形状に形成されている、または、当該撮像手段の視野の外側に配置されている請求項1から29のいずれか一項に記載の冷蔵庫。 - 扉の前面は、非金属材料で形成されている請求項1から30のいずれか一項に記載の冷蔵庫。
- 冷蔵庫の庫内を撮像するためのカメラ装置であって、
前記冷蔵庫の庫内を撮像するための撮像手段と、
外部の装置と通信するためのカメラ側通信手段と、
前記庫内へミストを噴霧するために前記冷蔵庫に設けられたミスト生成手段と同期して動作可能な制御手段と、を備えるカメラ装置。 - 前記冷蔵庫の庫内を照らすためのカメラ側照明手段をさらに備え、
前記撮像手段により庫内を撮像する際、前記カメラ側照明手段を点灯する請求項32に記載のカメラ装置。 - 前記冷蔵庫に前記撮像手段を取り付けるために設けられている被取り付け部に、前記撮像手段を取り付けるための取り付け部をさらに備える請求項32または33に記載のカメラ装置。
- 前記通信手段は、無線通信方式により、前記冷蔵庫に設けられている前記通信手段と通信する請求項34に記載のカメラ装置。
- 冷蔵庫の扉に設けられる冷蔵庫用ドアポケットであって、
前記冷蔵庫の庫内を撮像するための撮像手段を取り付けるための被取り付け部を備え、
前記被取り付け部は、前記庫内へミストを供給するための噴霧口と対向しない位置となるように前記撮像手段を取り付ける冷蔵庫用ドアポケット。 - 冷蔵庫の庫内に設けられ、庫内を撮像するための撮像手段を保持するためのものであって、前記庫内へミストを供給するための噴霧口と対向しない位置となるように前記撮像手段を保持する保持部を備える冷蔵庫用ホルダ。
- 庫内の使用状況を検出する使用状況検出手段をさらに備え、
前記制御手段は、前記使用状況検出手段の検出結果に基づいて前記ミスト生成手段によるミストの発生及び前記撮像手段による撮像を行う請求項5に記載の冷蔵庫。 - 前記使用状況検出手段は、庫内の使用状況として前記噴霧口を有する区画の扉の開閉を検出し、
前記制御手段は、所定期間以上前記使用状況検出手段が前記扉の開閉を検出しない場合に前記ミスト生成手段によるミストの発生を停止又は低減するとともに前記撮像手段による撮像を行い、前記使用状況検出手段が前記扉の開閉を検出した場合に前記前記ミスト生成手段によるミストの発生を行うとともに前記撮像手段による撮像を行わないようにする請求項38に記載の冷蔵庫。 - 前記制御手段は、前記使用状況検出手段により前記庫内へ貯蔵物が収納されないことを検出した場合に、前記ミスト生成手段によるミストの発生を停止又は低減するとともに前記撮像手段による撮像を行う請求項38に記載の冷蔵庫。
- 前記制御手段は、前記使用状況検出手段により前記庫内へ貯蔵物が収納されたことを検出した場合に、前記ミスト生成手段によるミストの発生を行うとともに前記撮像手段による撮像を行わないようにする請求項38に記載の冷蔵庫。
- 前記ミスト生成手段で発生したミストの量を低減することができるミスト量調整手段をさらに備え、
前記制御手段は、前記ミスト量調整手段を作動させて前記ミストの量を低減させた場合に前記撮像手段により撮像を行う請求項38に記載の冷蔵庫。 - 前記ミスト生成手段は、高電圧に帯電したミストを生成する第1ミスト生成手段と、前記第1ミスト生成手段により生成したミストの粒径と異なる粒径であって前記第1ミスト生成手段により生成したミストよりも低電圧に帯電又は帯電してないミストを生成する第2ミスト生成手段と、を有し、
前記制御手段は、前記第1ミスト生成手段を作動させているときでかつ前記第2ミスト生成手段を作動させていないときに、前記撮像手段による撮像を行う請求項5に記載の冷蔵庫。 - 前記ミスト生成手段は、高電圧に帯電したミストを生成する第1ミスト生成手段と、前記第1ミスト生成手段により生成したミストの粒径と異なる粒径であって前記第1ミスト生成手段により生成したミストよりも低電圧に帯電又は帯電してないミストを生成する第2ミスト生成手段と、を有し、
前記制御手段は、前記第2ミスト生成手段を作動させているときでかつ前記第1ミスト生成手段を作動させていないときに、前記撮像手段による撮像を行う請求項5に記載の冷蔵庫。 - 前記制御手段は、前記使用状況検出手段の検出結果に基づいて庫内の使用状況が低いと判断した場合に電気負荷部品の駆動を抑制又は停止する節電運転を実行し、その節電運転中に、前記ミスト生成手段で発生するミストの量を低減するとともに前記撮像手段による撮像を行う請求項38に記載の冷蔵庫。
- 複数の区画を有し、
少なくとも二つの前記撮像手段が、前記複数の区画に分かれて設けられ、
前記制御手段は、前記各撮像手段を非同期で駆動させる請求項5に記載の冷蔵庫。 - 前記撮像手段が設けられた複数の区画へそれぞれミストを供給するように複数の前記噴霧口が設けられ、
前記ミスト生成手段により生成したミストの前記各区画に対する供給を切り替える切替手段をさらに備え、
前記制御手段は、前記複数の撮像手段のうち一の撮像手段により撮像している間は当該一の撮像手段が設けられた区画へミストを供給しないように前記切替手段を駆動する請求項5に記載の冷蔵庫。 - 前記切替手段は、前記噴霧口を開閉するダンパである請求項47に記載の冷蔵庫。
Priority Applications (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
KR1020187027430A KR102233583B1 (ko) | 2013-03-12 | 2014-03-11 | 냉장고, 카메라 장치, 냉장용 도어 포켓, 및 냉장고용 홀더 |
CN201480014316.4A CN105074364B (zh) | 2013-03-12 | 2014-03-11 | 冰箱、相机装置、冰箱用门上搁物架、冰箱用支架 |
KR1020157028146A KR20150132263A (ko) | 2013-03-12 | 2014-03-11 | 냉장고, 카메라 장치, 냉장용 도어 포켓, 및 냉장고용 홀더 |
EP14765282.0A EP2975344B1 (en) | 2013-03-12 | 2014-03-11 | Refrigerator, camera device, refrigerator door pocket, and refrigerator holder |
US14/776,728 US20160047587A1 (en) | 2013-03-12 | 2014-03-11 | Refrigerator, camera device, refrigerator door pocket, and refrigerator holder |
KR1020177005759A KR101903448B1 (ko) | 2013-03-12 | 2014-03-11 | 냉장고, 카메라 장치, 냉장용 도어 포켓, 및 냉장고용 홀더 |
Applications Claiming Priority (8)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2013049073 | 2013-03-12 | ||
JP2013-049073 | 2013-03-12 | ||
JP2013-147562 | 2013-07-16 | ||
JP2013147562 | 2013-07-16 | ||
JP2013226970 | 2013-10-31 | ||
JP2013-226970 | 2013-10-31 | ||
JP2014038459A JP6411753B2 (ja) | 2013-03-12 | 2014-02-28 | 冷蔵庫、及びカメラ装置 |
JP2014-038459 | 2014-02-28 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2014142118A1 true WO2014142118A1 (ja) | 2014-09-18 |
Family
ID=51536772
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/JP2014/056325 WO2014142118A1 (ja) | 2013-03-12 | 2014-03-11 | 冷蔵庫、カメラ装置、冷蔵庫用ドアポケット、冷蔵庫用ホルダ |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20160047587A1 (ja) |
EP (1) | EP2975344B1 (ja) |
JP (1) | JP6411753B2 (ja) |
KR (3) | KR102233583B1 (ja) |
CN (6) | CN107356042A (ja) |
TW (3) | TWI638970B (ja) |
WO (1) | WO2014142118A1 (ja) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3048399A1 (en) * | 2015-01-20 | 2016-07-27 | LG Electronics Inc. | Refrigerator and method for controlling the same |
EP3059535A1 (en) * | 2015-02-23 | 2016-08-24 | BSH Hausgeräte GmbH | Camera and domestic refrigerator comprising a camera |
EP3336464A4 (en) * | 2015-09-01 | 2018-08-22 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Refrigerator |
WO2022014144A1 (ja) * | 2020-07-14 | 2022-01-20 | ダイキン工業株式会社 | 撮像ユニット及び空気処理ユニット |
Families Citing this family (43)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP6391943B2 (ja) | 2013-03-12 | 2018-09-19 | 東芝ライフスタイル株式会社 | 冷蔵庫、カメラ装置、庫内画像表示プログラム |
JP6498866B2 (ja) * | 2013-03-12 | 2019-04-10 | 東芝ライフスタイル株式会社 | 冷蔵庫、カメラ装置 |
DE102013211097A1 (de) * | 2013-06-14 | 2014-12-18 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | Kältegerät mit einem Kameramodul |
DE102013216769B4 (de) * | 2013-08-23 | 2017-07-27 | BSH Hausgeräte GmbH | Kältegerät mit einem Türabsteller |
DE102013216764B3 (de) * | 2013-08-23 | 2014-09-04 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | Kältegerät mit einem Kameramodul |
JP6573166B2 (ja) * | 2015-10-27 | 2019-09-11 | パナソニック株式会社 | 撮像装置 |
CN105444514B (zh) * | 2015-12-10 | 2018-06-08 | 黄信开 | 一种智能冰箱 |
CN105444504B (zh) * | 2015-12-10 | 2018-07-03 | 黄信开 | 一种可分类监控的智能冰箱 |
CN105444513B (zh) * | 2015-12-10 | 2018-07-03 | 黄信开 | 一种可与手机通信的智能冰箱 |
KR20170087705A (ko) * | 2016-01-21 | 2017-07-31 | 삼성전자주식회사 | 보관장치 및 그 제어방법 |
US9784497B2 (en) * | 2016-02-03 | 2017-10-10 | Multimedia Image Solution Limited | Smart refrigerator |
CN105571238B (zh) * | 2016-02-25 | 2018-05-11 | 合肥美的智能科技有限公司 | 冰箱 |
WO2017155269A1 (ko) * | 2016-03-07 | 2017-09-14 | 삼성전자주식회사 | 냉장고 |
WO2017199439A1 (ja) * | 2016-05-20 | 2017-11-23 | 三菱電機株式会社 | 冷蔵庫 |
JP6910113B2 (ja) * | 2016-07-20 | 2021-07-28 | 三菱電機株式会社 | 冷蔵庫 |
KR102557816B1 (ko) * | 2016-08-31 | 2023-07-21 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | 냉장고 |
CN108507250A (zh) * | 2017-02-24 | 2018-09-07 | 富泰华工业(深圳)有限公司 | 冰箱及其摄像系统 |
TR201706864A3 (tr) * | 2017-05-10 | 2018-12-21 | Arcelik As | Bi̇r soğutucu |
WO2018216234A1 (ja) * | 2017-05-26 | 2018-11-29 | シャープ株式会社 | 冷蔵庫 |
US11698219B2 (en) | 2017-08-10 | 2023-07-11 | Cooler Screens Inc. | Smart movable closure system for cooling cabinet |
US11763252B2 (en) | 2017-08-10 | 2023-09-19 | Cooler Screens Inc. | Intelligent marketing and advertising platform |
US11768030B2 (en) | 2017-08-10 | 2023-09-26 | Cooler Screens Inc. | Smart movable closure system for cooling cabinet |
ES2901702T3 (es) | 2017-08-28 | 2022-03-23 | Daikin Ind Ltd | Dispositivo de procesamiento de aire |
JP7012262B2 (ja) * | 2017-10-06 | 2022-01-28 | パナソニックIpマネジメント株式会社 | 冷蔵庫 |
US9995528B1 (en) | 2017-10-12 | 2018-06-12 | Whirlpool Corporation | Refrigerator having a camera selectively enclosed by a rotating mullion assembly |
CN109683435A (zh) * | 2017-10-18 | 2019-04-26 | 富泰华工业(深圳)有限公司 | 摄像头防雾装置及具有该摄像头防雾装置的冰箱 |
CN109682149A (zh) * | 2017-10-18 | 2019-04-26 | 富泰华工业(深圳)有限公司 | 摄像机构的安装方法 |
KR102378032B1 (ko) * | 2017-11-27 | 2022-03-24 | 미쓰비시덴키 가부시키가이샤 | 냉장고 및 냉장고 시스템 |
JP6491303B2 (ja) * | 2017-12-08 | 2019-03-27 | 東芝ライフスタイル株式会社 | 冷蔵庫 |
US11022361B2 (en) | 2018-08-29 | 2021-06-01 | Whirlpool Corporation | Air filtration system for antimicrobial refrigerators |
TWI656311B (zh) * | 2018-09-11 | 2019-04-11 | 捷騰光電股份有限公司 | Power supply structure of refrigerator door panel |
TR201820755A2 (tr) * | 2018-12-27 | 2020-07-21 | Arcelik As | Gidalarin taze tutulduğu bi̇r oda i̇çeren soğutucu ci̇haz |
JP2019074310A (ja) * | 2019-02-22 | 2019-05-16 | パナソニックIpマネジメント株式会社 | 冷蔵庫 |
US20200345021A1 (en) * | 2019-05-02 | 2020-11-05 | Tomi Environmental Solutions, Inc. | Method and system for enhancing the efficacy using ionized/aerosolized hydrogen peroxide in reducing microbial populations, method of use thereof |
JP7297563B2 (ja) * | 2019-07-03 | 2023-06-26 | シャープ株式会社 | 冷蔵庫 |
CN115298495A (zh) | 2020-03-18 | 2022-11-04 | 伟视达电子工贸有限公司 | 用于捕获并优选地处理冰箱的隔室的图像的系统和冰箱 |
US11122203B1 (en) * | 2020-05-26 | 2021-09-14 | Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. | Refrigerator camera modules and methods for preventing lens fog |
KR20220023599A (ko) * | 2020-08-21 | 2022-03-02 | 주식회사 위니아전자 | 냉장고용 카메라 이슬맺힘 제거장치 및 그 제어방법 |
US20220099357A1 (en) * | 2020-09-28 | 2022-03-31 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Refrigerated device with door open sensor fault identification |
EP4020341A1 (de) * | 2020-12-23 | 2022-06-29 | Red Bull GmbH | System für die echtheitsprüfung von produkten |
CN114885090A (zh) * | 2021-04-27 | 2022-08-09 | 青岛海尔电冰箱有限公司 | 冰箱内图像获取方法、冰箱及计算机存储介质 |
CN113203245A (zh) * | 2021-04-30 | 2021-08-03 | 无锡酒龙仓定制酒科技发展有限公司 | 酒柜的控制系统和方法 |
CN114034154B (zh) * | 2021-11-08 | 2022-11-18 | 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 | 冰箱除菌控制方法、装置、计算机可读存储介质和冰箱 |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2002243335A (ja) * | 2001-02-21 | 2002-08-28 | Toshiba Corp | 食品保存庫、ホームネットワーク装置、携帯情報端末、食品情報提供サーバ、献立情報提供サーバ及び保存庫内収納情報提供サーバ |
JP2003207258A (ja) * | 2002-01-16 | 2003-07-25 | Toshiba Corp | 冷蔵庫 |
JP2007046834A (ja) * | 2005-08-09 | 2007-02-22 | Funai Electric Co Ltd | 物品保存庫、物品保存庫監視システム及び冷蔵庫監視システム |
JP2011069499A (ja) * | 2009-08-31 | 2011-04-07 | Panasonic Corp | 冷蔵庫 |
JP2012078086A (ja) * | 2009-08-12 | 2012-04-19 | Hitachi Appliances Inc | 冷蔵庫 |
JP2012226748A (ja) | 2011-04-15 | 2012-11-15 | Lg Electronics Inc | ネットワークシステム及びその制御方法 |
Family Cites Families (29)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
ATE326513T1 (de) * | 1995-03-20 | 2006-06-15 | Toto Ltd | Verwendung eines materials mit ultrahydrophiler und photokatalytischer oberfläche |
AU1170797A (en) * | 1995-12-22 | 1997-07-17 | Toto Ltd. | Photocatalytic process for making surface hydrophilic and composite material having photocatalytically hydrophilic surface |
TW313630B (en) | 1996-03-21 | 1997-08-21 | Toto Ltd | The surface substrate with light catalyst and hydrophilicity and its manufacturing method |
JP2000131747A (ja) * | 1998-10-26 | 2000-05-12 | Ricoh Co Ltd | カメラハウジング |
KR20000009521U (ko) * | 1998-11-06 | 2000-06-05 | 전주범 | 물통 분리형 냉장고 가습장치 |
JP3701826B2 (ja) * | 1999-11-12 | 2005-10-05 | 株式会社村上開明堂 | 有色防曇鏡 |
SE522000C2 (sv) * | 2000-08-18 | 2004-01-07 | Rutger Roseen | Förfarande och anordning för att hålla reda på lagringstiden för i ett utrymme förvarade varor |
JP2002156181A (ja) * | 2000-11-16 | 2002-05-31 | Yozan Inc | 冷蔵庫 |
CN2478043Y (zh) * | 2001-04-23 | 2002-02-20 | 青岛市家用电器研究所 | 一种智能网络冰箱 |
JP2003004366A (ja) * | 2001-06-20 | 2003-01-08 | Hitachi Ltd | 内部状態転送装置付冷蔵庫 |
JP3819745B2 (ja) | 2001-07-27 | 2006-09-13 | 三洋電機株式会社 | 冷蔵庫 |
JP2004183987A (ja) * | 2002-12-04 | 2004-07-02 | Hitachi Home & Life Solutions Inc | 冷蔵庫 |
ES2222812B1 (es) * | 2003-07-23 | 2006-03-16 | Jose Ramon Conde Hinojosa | Procedimiento y dispositivo de enfriamiento rapido de bebidas envasadas. |
DE602004031056D1 (de) * | 2004-11-12 | 2011-02-24 | Murakami Corp | Anti-nebel-einrichtung und aussenspiegel |
CN2811883Y (zh) * | 2005-04-01 | 2006-08-30 | 张鑫峰 | 智能型保鲜柜 |
KR101023401B1 (ko) * | 2006-07-14 | 2011-03-21 | 유겐가이샤 세라짓쿠스 | 콘택트 렌즈용 액제 및 이것을 사용한 콘택트 렌즈의 친수화 처리 방법 |
GB2459595B (en) * | 2007-04-26 | 2011-03-23 | Panasonic Corp | A Refrigerator with Means to Provide Mist into a Storage Compartment |
RU2473025C2 (ru) * | 2007-10-09 | 2013-01-20 | Панасоник Корпорэйшн | Холодильник |
CN101504238A (zh) * | 2009-03-12 | 2009-08-12 | 青岛澳柯玛股份有限公司 | 具有摄像监控功能的冷柜 |
KR101162845B1 (ko) * | 2009-03-27 | 2012-07-06 | 가부시끼가이샤 도시바 | 냉장고 |
EP2412441B1 (en) * | 2009-03-27 | 2014-07-02 | Mitsubishi Electric Corporation | Electrostatic atomizing device, appliances, air conditioner, and refrigerator |
CN102003864A (zh) * | 2009-08-31 | 2011-04-06 | 松下电器产业株式会社 | 冰箱 |
US20110233289A1 (en) * | 2010-03-24 | 2011-09-29 | Whirlpool Corporation | Systems and methods for ultrasound-based atomizer for humidity control in refrigerators |
JP5609457B2 (ja) * | 2010-03-29 | 2014-10-22 | パナソニック株式会社 | 冷蔵庫 |
TWI481803B (zh) * | 2010-05-27 | 2015-04-21 | Toshiba Kk | 冰箱 |
KR101813030B1 (ko) * | 2010-12-29 | 2017-12-28 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | 냉장고 |
CN102183120A (zh) * | 2011-03-31 | 2011-09-14 | 四川长虹电器股份有限公司 | 基于视频技术的远程食品查询冰箱及其工作方法 |
JP5440644B2 (ja) * | 2011-05-09 | 2014-03-12 | パナソニック株式会社 | 冷蔵庫 |
JP2012251724A (ja) * | 2011-06-03 | 2012-12-20 | Panasonic Corp | 冷蔵庫 |
-
2014
- 2014-02-28 JP JP2014038459A patent/JP6411753B2/ja active Active
- 2014-03-11 EP EP14765282.0A patent/EP2975344B1/en active Active
- 2014-03-11 KR KR1020187027430A patent/KR102233583B1/ko active IP Right Grant
- 2014-03-11 CN CN201710251293.4A patent/CN107356042A/zh active Pending
- 2014-03-11 TW TW105109957A patent/TWI638970B/zh not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2014-03-11 TW TW103108275A patent/TWI532964B/zh not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2014-03-11 CN CN201710251444.6A patent/CN107421191B/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2014-03-11 CN CN201710251390.3A patent/CN107388684B/zh active Active
- 2014-03-11 KR KR1020177005759A patent/KR101903448B1/ko active IP Right Grant
- 2014-03-11 CN CN201710251344.3A patent/CN107345733B/zh active Active
- 2014-03-11 KR KR1020157028146A patent/KR20150132263A/ko active Search and Examination
- 2014-03-11 TW TW107127902A patent/TW201842293A/zh unknown
- 2014-03-11 CN CN201710251398.XA patent/CN107314608A/zh active Pending
- 2014-03-11 US US14/776,728 patent/US20160047587A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2014-03-11 WO PCT/JP2014/056325 patent/WO2014142118A1/ja active Application Filing
- 2014-03-11 CN CN201480014316.4A patent/CN105074364B/zh active Active
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2002243335A (ja) * | 2001-02-21 | 2002-08-28 | Toshiba Corp | 食品保存庫、ホームネットワーク装置、携帯情報端末、食品情報提供サーバ、献立情報提供サーバ及び保存庫内収納情報提供サーバ |
JP2003207258A (ja) * | 2002-01-16 | 2003-07-25 | Toshiba Corp | 冷蔵庫 |
JP2007046834A (ja) * | 2005-08-09 | 2007-02-22 | Funai Electric Co Ltd | 物品保存庫、物品保存庫監視システム及び冷蔵庫監視システム |
JP2012078086A (ja) * | 2009-08-12 | 2012-04-19 | Hitachi Appliances Inc | 冷蔵庫 |
JP2011069499A (ja) * | 2009-08-31 | 2011-04-07 | Panasonic Corp | 冷蔵庫 |
JP2012226748A (ja) | 2011-04-15 | 2012-11-15 | Lg Electronics Inc | ネットワークシステム及びその制御方法 |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
See also references of EP2975344A4 |
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3048399A1 (en) * | 2015-01-20 | 2016-07-27 | LG Electronics Inc. | Refrigerator and method for controlling the same |
US10670328B2 (en) | 2015-01-20 | 2020-06-02 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Refrigerator and method for controlling the same |
EP3059535A1 (en) * | 2015-02-23 | 2016-08-24 | BSH Hausgeräte GmbH | Camera and domestic refrigerator comprising a camera |
EP3336464A4 (en) * | 2015-09-01 | 2018-08-22 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Refrigerator |
US10852053B2 (en) | 2015-09-01 | 2020-12-01 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Refrigerator |
WO2022014144A1 (ja) * | 2020-07-14 | 2022-01-20 | ダイキン工業株式会社 | 撮像ユニット及び空気処理ユニット |
JP7014983B1 (ja) | 2020-07-14 | 2022-02-15 | ダイキン工業株式会社 | 撮像ユニット及び空気処理ユニット |
JP2022032007A (ja) * | 2020-07-14 | 2022-02-24 | ダイキン工業株式会社 | 撮像ユニット及び空気処理ユニット |
CN115777054A (zh) * | 2020-07-14 | 2023-03-10 | 大金工业株式会社 | 拍摄单元和空气处理单元 |
CN115777054B (zh) * | 2020-07-14 | 2023-11-07 | 大金工业株式会社 | 拍摄单元和空气处理单元 |
US11874000B2 (en) | 2020-07-14 | 2024-01-16 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Imaging unit and air treatment unit |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
TWI638970B (zh) | 2018-10-21 |
KR20180108889A (ko) | 2018-10-04 |
KR101903448B1 (ko) | 2018-10-02 |
EP2975344A4 (en) | 2016-12-07 |
CN107388684A (zh) | 2017-11-24 |
EP2975344A1 (en) | 2016-01-20 |
US20160047587A1 (en) | 2016-02-18 |
TW201443379A (zh) | 2014-11-16 |
JP2015111024A (ja) | 2015-06-18 |
CN107345733B (zh) | 2021-10-29 |
TW201627621A (zh) | 2016-08-01 |
CN107314608A (zh) | 2017-11-03 |
KR20150132263A (ko) | 2015-11-25 |
CN107356042A (zh) | 2017-11-17 |
JP6411753B2 (ja) | 2018-10-24 |
CN105074364A (zh) | 2015-11-18 |
KR20170026665A (ko) | 2017-03-08 |
CN107421191B (zh) | 2021-04-27 |
CN107421191A (zh) | 2017-12-01 |
CN107345733A (zh) | 2017-11-14 |
CN107388684B (zh) | 2021-08-03 |
EP2975344B1 (en) | 2021-10-06 |
KR102233583B1 (ko) | 2021-03-30 |
TW201842293A (zh) | 2018-12-01 |
CN105074364B (zh) | 2017-05-17 |
TWI532964B (zh) | 2016-05-11 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
JP6411753B2 (ja) | 冷蔵庫、及びカメラ装置 | |
JP6498866B2 (ja) | 冷蔵庫、カメラ装置 | |
JP7223054B2 (ja) | 冷蔵庫 | |
JP2018200171A (ja) | 冷蔵庫、カメラ装置、冷蔵庫用ドアポケット、冷蔵庫用ホルダ |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 201480014316.4 Country of ref document: CN |
|
121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application |
Ref document number: 14765282 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: A1 |
|
NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: DE |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 14776728 Country of ref document: US |
|
ENP | Entry into the national phase |
Ref document number: 20157028146 Country of ref document: KR Kind code of ref document: A |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 2014765282 Country of ref document: EP |