WO2023007459A2

WO2023007459A2 - Modular smart refrigerator apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2023007459A2
Application number: PCT/IB2022/057071
Authority: WO
Inventors: László Rajmund HAVASI; József PINTÉR
Original assignee: Havasi Laszlo Rajmund; Pinter Jozsef
Priority date: 2021-07-29
Filing date: 2022-07-29
Publication date: 2023-02-02
Also published as: WO2023007459A3

Abstract

The subject of the patent application is a modular smart refrigerator apparatus, which has a central module (1), any number of freely accessible cooling modules (6), any number of compartment cooling-heating modules (18) and mechanical modules (28). The freely accessible cooling module (6) includes at least one middle smart shelf (7a), at least one top smart shelf (7b), and at least one bottom smart shelf (7c). The compartment cooling-heating module (18) has at least one motor and includes at least one storage unit (19). The apparatus works safely, without any contact, and it can create and keep an inventory of the products placed in the refrigerator with up to 100% accuracy.

Description

Modular smart refrigerator apparatus

The subject of the patent application is a modular smart refrigerator apparatus.

The state of the art includes the following solutions.

The smart refrigerator presented in patent document No. US2020387122A1 is equipped with sensors, analyses the habits of users, and is fitted with cameras to identify the contents of the refrigerator.

Korean patent description No. KR20170115699A presents a smart refrigerator that was developed primarily for household purposes. The refrigerator keeps track of stored products, their expiration dates and quantities, and can show such data on a built-in display. It has several processors and sensors to operate the refrigerator, and voice control is also available. The refrigerator can also show the data recorded by the sensors (e.g. humidity, product weight, temperature) on the display. The smart refrigerator can be connected to a WiFi network, and data can be entered and viewed from a smartphone, watch or computer.

US patent description No. US10591348B1 describes a container with a door (special identification is not required to open the door). The container identifies products based on weight, but the description also mentions the use of cameras and RFID. The system can handle a circumstance where several users may use the container at the same time. Patent application No. JP2020071747A describes a storage cabinet with a transparent, lockable door, which storage cabinet can also be a cooling, freezing and warming unit. The patent application also mentions RFID as a product identification system. The application does not mention weighing. The door is equipped with an authentication unit, which opens after the user has been identified.

Chinese utility model description No. CN210493494U describes a self-service smart food storage cabinet. It has a touch display and several refrigerated or frozen drawers that are fitted with scales and are filled with fresh food. The user takes out the desired product from the drawer, and the smart container automatically deducts the amount from the customer based on the weight. The cabinet is also equipped with an advertising surface and cameras. In summary, it seems clear that most available smart refrigerators were either created for household purposes or are used as food vending machines. The ultra-high radio frequency readers used in smart refrigerators are both too expensive and too powerful, i.e. they can see outside the refrigerator, possibly within a radius of up to 10 meters. This prevents the creation of a reliable inventory of the contents of the refrigerator, since objects outside the refrigerator are also scanned. A disadvantage of solutions that use only scales for identification is that most available scales cannot reliably differentiate between different products of similar weight. Another significant disadvantage is that currently known refrigerators require the user to touch the refrigerator, for example to select food on the display, or to open and close drawers and doors. This increases the possibility of transmitting infections, which can be a great risk, especially during a pandemic.

The purpose of the invention is to eliminate the shortfalls of known solutions and to create an apparatus that works safely, without any contact, and can create and keep an inventory of the products placed in the refrigerator with up to 100% accuracy. Another purpose is to create a refrigerator that can be assembled from modules including at least one central module, at least one mechanical module, at least one freely accessible cooling module, and at least one compartment cooling-heating module. A purpose is to be able to tell, with the greatest possible accuracy, on which shelf of the freely accessible cooling module and exactly where a given product is located. Another purpose is that all compartment cooling-heating modules, i.e. storage units, can be opened and closed without any contact, and without this design causing any unnecessary burden either in the weight or cost of the equipment. The inventive step is based on the recognition that a solution, which is more advantageous than the previous ones, may be created by implementing the apparatus according to claim 1

In line with the desired purpose, the most general implementation form of the solution according to the invention may be realized according to claim 1. The various implementation forms are described in the sub-claims. In line with the desired purpose, the solution according to the invention is a modular smart refrigerator apparatus, which has a central module, a freely accessible cooling module, a compartment cooling-heating module, and a mechanical module, and the central module includes a computer and a camera, and the computer and the camera are connected to each other electronically. A distinctive feature of the invention is that the freely accessible cooling module is equipped with a door and an optional monitoring sensor, and it includes at least one middle smart shelf, at least one top smart shelf, and at least one bottom smart shelf, and the middle smart shelf is located below the top smart shelf, and the bottom smart shelf is located below middle smart shelf. The door is equipped with an EMF shielding film and at least one electric lock; the electric lock and the optional monitoring sensor are connected to the central module. The middle smart shelf is equipped with at least one radio frequency reader unit, a camera, a scale, a LED, control electronics, a temperature sensor, and a load-bearing surface. The top smart shelf is equipped with at least one radio frequency reader unit, a camera, a LED, and control electronics; and the bottom smart shelf is equipped with at least one scale, control electronics, a temperature sensor, and a load-bearing surface. The radio frequency reader units, cameras, scales, LEDs, control electronics, and temperature sensors are connected to the central module. Furthermore, the compartment cooling-heating module has at least one motor and includes at least one storage unit, and the storage unit is connected to the motor; the motor is connected to the central module; the storage unit is equipped with at least one access detection sensor, a scale, a LED, control electronics, a temperature sensor, a monitoring sensor, and a latch; the storage unit has a door or drawer cover; the access detection sensor, the scale, the LED, the control electronics, the temperature sensor, the monitoring sensor, and the latch are connected to the central module.

Another distinctive feature may be that the central module includes a display and/or a reader unit.

Another distinctive feature may be that the drawer door and/or the drawer cover are equipped with PDLC film, and the PDLC film is connected to the central module. Another distinctive feature may be that the compartment cooling-heating module contains at least two storage units with drawers located one above the other; the compartment cooling-heating module includes a moving system; the moving system is mechanically connected to the motor and each of the storage units with drawers located one above the other; the moving system includes rollers and a cogbelt; the rollers are located on the storage units and have a mechanical connection with the cogbelt. Another distinctive feature may be that the middle smart shelf and/or the top smart shelf and/or the bottom smart shelf are fitted with EMF shielding film.

Another distinctive feature may be that the door is fitted with a PDLC film, and the PDLC film is connected to the central module.

Another distinctive feature may be that the freely accessible cooling module and/or the central module is equipped with a proximity sensor.

Another distinctive characteristic may be that the middle smart shelf is equipped with two radio frequency reader units.

Another distinctive feature may be that the boundary sides of the freely accessible cooling module are covered with EMF shielding film. Another distinctive feature may be that the freely accessible cooling module is equipped with a monitoring sensor, and the monitoring sensor is connected to the central module.

The invention is presented in more detail using drawings of the possible implementation forms. On the attached drawings,

Figure 1 shows the axonometric view of an implementation form of the apparatus,

Figure 2 shows the axonometric view of the implementation form according to Figure 1 seen from the back,

Figure 3 shows an exploded spatial drawing of a smart shelf of the apparatus viewed from above,

Figure 4 shows an exploded spatial drawing of a smart shelf of the apparatus viewed from below,

Figure 5 shows an exploded spatial drawing of a storage unit with drawer,

Figure 6 shows a spatial drawing of storage units with drawers on top of each other, Figure 7 also shows a spatial drawing of stacked storage units with drawers equipped with a moving system,

Figure 8 shows a spatial drawing of the freely accessible cooling module of a possible implementation form of the apparatus, and Figure 9 shows a spatial drawing of a compartment cooling-heating module of a possible implementation form of the apparatus.

Figure 1 shows a spatial drawing of a possible implementation form of the apparatus. In this example, the apparatus has a central module 1, a freely accessible cooling module 6, a compartment cooling-heating module 18, and a mechanical module 28. In the present example, a compartment cooling-heating module 18 is installed, and it includes six storage units 19, i.e. compartments. The number of storage units 19 is completely optional.

In general, the apparatus has at least one central module 1, at least one 6 freely accessible cooling module, at least one compartment cooling-heating module 18, and at least one 28 mechanical module. Optionally, several freely accessible cooling modules 6 and/or several compartment cooling-heating modules 18 can be implemented, e.g. next to each other, back to back, or on both sides of the central module 1. Thus, the apparatus can be expanded in a modular manner.

The central module 1 constitutes the central part of the apparatus, and it is responsible for communicating with customers and the logistical background, completing purchases, and displaying information. Regardless of its type, the apparatus must be fitted with at least one central module 1. Suitably, the central module 1 is equipped with a computer 2 and a display 3, and at least one camera 4a, and these are suitably connected to each other. The computer 2 communicates with a server and the various internal controllers of the apparatus, such as the control electronics 11 of the smart shelves 7 or the storage units 19, and even with a mobile application connected to the equipment. Suitably, the computer 2 is in wireless connection with a server, or servers, and mobile application. Suitably, the display 3 is a touch screen, but it can also operate in a contactless manner, i.e. without a customer touching it; for example, it can display information, identify customers, request means of payment, and complete payment transactions. Suitably, the camera 4a is a modern camera with a face recognition function, and it is capable of advanced multimodal recognition using a 3D and thermal camera. When the camera 4a detects the proximity of the customer, it wakes up the computer 2, it turns on the display 3 suitably, and, if there is a PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal) film layer on some surfaces, it also activates the transparency feature of the PDLC film 15a on the door 14a and/or the PDLC film 15b on the door 14b or drawer cover 29 of the storage unit 19 at least approximately at the same time as the display 3 is turned on. Then, the selection and purchase process can be started. Thus, the camera 4a is responsible for both security and attracting the attention of customers by waking up the apparatus and making the contents of the smart refrigerator visible. The central module 1 is also responsible for customer identification using, for example, an optional reader unit 5. The reader unit 5 enables contactless identification, e.g. an RFID or NFC reader. However, identification can still take place without a reader unit 5 by displaying a QR code on the display 3, which can be scanned by a user or customer with a mobile application.

The freely accessible cooling module 6 is a serving area, which is suitably a relatively large cooling space equipped with separated smart shelves 7. There is at least one, but preferably several middle smart shelves 7a, as well as one top smart shelf 7b and one bottom smart shelf 7c in a freely accessible cooling module 6.

The freely accessible cooling module 6 is suitably equipped with a door 14a. The door 14a can be connected to at least one monitoring sensor 17, which monitors the closed/open state of the door 14a and transmits it to the central module 1. On this drawing, the door 14a is fitted with a handle, but it is optional. The door 14a can be operated, i.e. it can be opened and closed, without any contact; for this purpose, the door 14a can optionally be equipped with a motor and/or a proximity sensor 26. Contactless operation is a rather advantageous function in terms of hygiene; in such situations, the camera 4a and/or the proximity sensor 26 in the central module 1 detects the approach of a customer and opens the door 14a by operating the motor. The proximity sensor 26 can be located, for example, in the glass or the handle of the door 14a. Naturally, the door 14a is not necessarily equipped with a handle where it is operated in a contactless manner; in such a scenario, it may be necessary to build the proximity sensor 26 into the door 14a. The door 14a has at least one, suitably two, electric locks 16, which allow the door 14a to be opened only after the customer's access privileges have been verified. Suitably, the electric lock 16 is a motorized compression lock, which tightens the door, so that the air gaps are eliminated. The 16 electric lock also protects the apparatus against burglary. Instead of using motorized compression locks, fitting the door 14a with a magnetic rubber seal 27 can also provide a workable solution for proper sealing. Furthermore, the door 14a can also be fitted with a PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal) film 15a layer, which is in fact a switchable transparency film. The PDLC film 15a is optional. The PDLC film 15a is dark when the smart refrigerator apparatus is inactive, meaning that the door 14a is not transparent in this state, and the products in the freely accessible cooling module 6 are not visible. Any approaching customer is detected by the camera 4a and/or the proximity sensor 26 of the apparatus, and the central module 1 switches the transparency of the PDLC film 15a, thereby waking up the apparatus in a sense, so that the customer can see the available products. In this state, the door 14a is transparent. In such situations, the lights of the entire apparatus, such as advertising lights, leading lights, and background lights, can also be switched on. Optionally, all sides of the freely accessible cooling module 6 can be made of glass, which can be covered with PDLC film 15a. Thus, even the entire apparatus can switch to and from dark inactive and transparent states. The PDLC film 15a can stop both UV and infrared light. Thus, the food does not expire early or heat up unnecessarily. Suitably, all sides of both the door 14a and the freely accessible cooling module 6 are covered with an EMF (electromagnetic force) shielding film 13b. The 13b EMF shielding film is made of a material that provides electromagnetic shielding, and it stops and prevents radio waves from escaping from the refrigerator. This makes it possible to keep an inventory that is 100% accurate, as products outside the refrigerator will not be read by the radio frequency reader unit 8. Otherwise, the radio frequency reader units 8 could see far away, possibly up to 10 meters, meaning that, in the absence of an EMF shielding film 13b, they would possibly scan and inventory products that are, for example, in a customer's bag, pocket, or in an adjacent vending machine. A transparent EMF shielding film 13b, for example a copper mesh film or an ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) film, can be placed on the door 14a. Thus, the EMF shielding film 13b placed on the door 14a does not interfere with the operation of the PDLC film 15a or the transparency of the door 14a. The other sides of the freely accessible cooling modules 6, where those are not transparent but made of a composite sheet for example, can be covered with another type of EMF shielding film 13b, for example with copper fabric or aluminium foil. For proper shielding, it is important that the EMF shielding film 13b is continuous and covers the interior space without gaps, otherwise the waves can escape and spread out (diffraction). The use of an EMF shielding film 13b cover creates in fact a Faraday cage. The products in the freely accessible cooling module 6, which can be foodstuff, drinks, pre-packaged ready meals, etc., can be identified and inventoried by the central module 1 by having the tags on the products scanned by the radio frequency reader unit 8. Suitably, the scale 9a can be used to verify the inventory prepared by the radio frequency reader units 8. The movement of products can best be followed by reading the tags and examining the scale 9a together. There may be cases where the tags cover each other in such a way that even a radio frequency reader unit 8 cannot scan a product, but the scale 9a indicates the products. In such a situation, the central module 1 can request the products to be adjusted, for example by showing a warning on the display 3 or on the mobile application. After closing the door 14a, the radio frequency reader units 8 can be operated with maximum energy. In such situations, they are able to recognize even most of the covered tags. If suitable EMF shielding foils 13, i.e. internal shielding covers, are used, they do not absorb but reflect the waves. Thus, the waves bounce multiple times inside the freely accessible cooling module 6, so that radio frequency reader unit 8 can read the tags more efficiently. Legibility is an important aspect of tags that are to be placed on products. When placing the tags, the impact of the product and its packaging on the radio frequency signal must be taken into account, and it must be kept 2 to 4 mm away from the product if necessary, for example when using a metal box, so that the tag can be read by the radio frequency reader unit 8.

When using a freely accessible cooling module 6, a customer can pick any number of any product from the cooling space, and a product can be removed from and placed back to any spot on any shelf. A purchase is finalized and the payable amount is calculated after the door 14a is closed. At that time, the apparatus also takes an inventory of the products left on the smart shelves 7.

The storage units 19 in the compartment cooling-heating module 18 offer a civilized and optimal way of storing ready-made food. The storage units 19 and compartments that can be cooled, heated or kept warm are suitable for storing most ready meals. A storage unit 19 is equipped either with drawers or a door 14b. A drawer and/or a door 14b can be made of a transparent or translucent material, so that the customer can see inside even before opening the storage unit 19. In such a situation, the drawer and/or the door 14b can be made of glass and can even optionally be fitted with PDLC film 15b. The properties of the PDLC film 15b were described in detail during the presentation of the freely accessible cooling module 6. In another implementation form, the drawer and/or the door 14b can also be made of sheet metal, but several materials can also be used within the same apparatus naturally. Suitably and taking comfort aspects into account, storage units 19 located higher are equipped with doors 14b, while storage units 19 located at lower levels are equipped with drawers and drawer covers 29. A distinctive feature of both types of compartment cooling-heating modules 18 is that they work safely and in a contactless manner: a motor opens and closes the door(s) 14b or drawer(s). The motor can be equipped with its own control unit. In an implementation form including drawers, motorized opening can be affected in two ways, i.e. either by a built-in moving system 22, or each storage unit 19 having its own motor and, suitably, a control unit. The moving system 22 is described in detail in Figures 6 and 7. Figure 2 shows an axonometric view of the implementation form of the smart refrigerator apparatus according to Figure 1, as seen from the back without the rear cover and wall. For the realization of the freely accessible cooling module 6 and the compartment cooling-heating module 18, it is important to create the best possible thermal insulation; to this end, we use, among others, thermal insulation windows, airtight joints, and a 20 to 40 mm thick (or 10 mm when advanced materials are used) insulating material. In this implementation form, the mechanical module 28 is realized in a way so that heat loss is minimal and the thermal envelope formed by the freely accessible cooling module 6 and/or the compartment cooling-heating module 18, in which the air flows around, is ideally airtight. If the smart refrigerator has both a freely accessible cooling module 6 and a compartment cooling-heating module 18, a wall is formed between the two modules, in which at least one circulation fan is placed, so that the two modules together form a thermal envelope. Advantageously, cooling is done by air mixing, an important advantage of which is that humidity or mould will not build up in the apparatus. Its main components include a condenser, a compressor, an evaporator, circulating fans and a control unit. Naturally, the mechanical module 28 may be realized in other ways that are known to professionals, e.g. by cooling the surfaces as it is done in traditional refrigerators. Figures 3 and 4 show the parts of one type of the smart shelf 7, i.e. the middle smart shelf 7a, in an exploded spatial drawing. A middle smart shelf 7a has the following parts: at least one, but preferably two radio frequency reader units 8 and scale 9a, at least one camera 4b, any number of LEDs 10a, control electronics 11, and at least one temperature sensor 12. These parts are suitably integrated into the middle smart shelf 7a. Optionally, other types of sensors, such as a humidity sensor, can also be installed. There can be any number of sensors. The middle smart shelf 7a has a load-bearing surface 21, which is the topmost part of the shelf, and products can be placed on it. Suitably, it is made of tempered glass. Figures 3 and 4 also show the various covering parts of the middle smart shelf 7a.

The top smart shelf 7b and the bottom smart shelf 7c have slightly different structures due to their position. The top smart shelf 7b is the top shelf of the freely accessible cooling module 6, and no products are stored on it. The top smart shelf 7b has the following parts: at least one, suitably two radio frequency reader units 8, at least one camera 4b, any number of LEDs 10a and control electronics 11. Optionally, other types of sensors, such as a humidity sensor, can also be installed.

The bottom smart shelf 7c is the lowest shelf of the freely accessible cooling module 6, and products are also stored on it. The bottom smart shelf 7c has the following parts: scale 9a, control electronics 11, load-bearing surface 21 and at least one temperature sensor 12. Optionally, other types of sensors, such as a humidity sensor, can also be installed. There can be any number of sensors.

The number of radio frequency reader units 8 is determined depending on the shelf size, but two units are used for each smart shelf in typical cases. The radio frequency reader unit 8 includes an antenna, and it reads downwards, meaning that it reads the tags of products located on a middle smart shelf 7a or bottom smart shelf 7c below it. Suitably, low-power reading units are used that only read nearby products. Several types of reader units can be used, the RFID type is preferred. Optionally, EMF (electromagnetic force) shielding film 13a can be placed inside smart shelves 7 or any smart shelf 7a, 7b, 7c in order to prevent cross-reading by a radio frequency reader unit 8 across smart shelves 7. Suitably, the EMF shielding film 13a is placed above the antennas of the radio frequency reader unit 8, below the top cover glass plate of the smart shelf 7. The EMF shielding film 13a is an electromagnetic field shielding material, and a foil suitably made of copper fabric or aluminium foil is used. As shown in Figure 4, the EMF shielding film 13a can be located, for example, on the bottom of the load-bearing surface 21. The scale 9a can check products located on the given smart shelf 7, i.e. that are above the smart shelf 7. In the present implementation form, four scales (cells) 9a are built into a middle smart shelf 7a and a bottom smart shelf 7c. The number of cameras 4b is determined depending on the shelf size. Similarly to radio frequency reader units 8, a camera 4b built into a given smart shelf 7 monitors the products below, so it can read products and foodstuff that are located on the middle smart shelf 7a or the bottom smart shelf 7c below. The number of LED 10a lighting units is arbitrary, and their intensity and colour can be varied and adjusted freely and individually. The LEDs 10a can be switched on and off for each area, and they illuminate the products below the given smart shelf 7, i.e. the products located on the middle smart shelf 7a or bottom smart shelf 7c under the given smart shelf 7. The control electronics 11 is connected to the internal data bus of the smart refrigerator apparatus, and it communicates with the central module 1 and the computer 2. The temperature sensor 12 detects the temperature and communicates it to the central module 1

Figure 5 shows one of the storage units 19 of the compartment cooling-heating module

18 in detail, in an exploded spatial view. Each of the 19 storage units is ideally equipped with the following parts: access detection sensor 20, LED 10b, scale 9b, temperature sensor(s) 12, control electronics 11, monitoring sensor 17, and latch 25. The control electronics 11 is connected to the internal data bus of the apparatus, and it communicates with the central module 1. The fact that the storage units 19 have their own control electronics 11 enables expandability, i.e. the expansion of the compartment cooling- heating module 18 with additional storage units 19. Any storage unit 19, but ideally those located at higher positions, can be equipped with a door 14b. However, the storage unit

19 shown on Figure 7 has drawers, and it is equipped with a drawer cover 29. The monitoring sensor 17 or sensors monitor the closed/open state of the drawer or the door 14b and indicate it to the central module 1. The access detection sensor 20 monitors whether the customer is still active and whether the customer's hand or arm is still inside the storage unit 19, or whether the apparatus can close the drawer or door 14b and close the storage unit 19. The LED 10b is suitably located inside the storage unit 19, and it switches on automatically when the monitoring sensor 17 notifies the central module 1 of the open state of the storage unit 19. The LED 10b is optional, but it is advantageous to conveniently illuminate the inside of the storage unit 19, thereby facilitating the actions of the customer. A storage unit 19 can be cooled or heated depending on the product or prepared food stored in it. The temperature can be monitored with at least one temperature sensor 12. Optionally, a humidity sensor can also be placed in the storage unit 19. The temperature can be set remotely using the mechanical module 28, or with the central module 1. There can be any number of access detection sensors 20, LEDs 10b, scales 9b, and temperature sensors 12. Such an advantageous, environmentally friendly mechanical implementation form is also possible, where the apparatus can use the heat generated from cooling for heating. In such a scenario, the cooled and/or heated storage units 19 are suitably placed in separate columns so that the air flows are separated. The latch 25 is suitably a magnetic cabinet lock that utilizes an electromagnet. One latch 25 is sufficient to lock a storage unit 19. Figure 7 shows two latches 25 as an optional implementation form.

When using the compartment cooling-heating module 18, the customer purchases the entire contents of a storage unit 19. Several storage units 19 can be open at the same time, either by one customer choosing food from several storage units 19, or by several customers using the apparatus at the same time. The central module 1 is therefore able to manage the operation of several storage units 19 at the same time. The central module 1 keeps track of which product or ready-made foodstuff is located in which storage units 19, and the scale 9b can also facilitate this identification. The scale 9b can also facilitate the completion of a purchase: it can signal to the central module 1 when a product has been removed, so the closing process can be initiated; among other things, the price of the product can be suitably indicated to the customer.

Figures 6 and 7 show storage units 19 with drawers located on top of each other with a moving system 22. This is an advantageous moving solution for this implementation form. The moving system 22 is a moving system that uses, for example, a wire, a cogbelt, or a belt. If a moving system 22 is used, one system can open, close and control each column of storage units 19 with drawers, meaning that it can open and close the storage units 19 located on top of each other with one control unit and one motor. When a stronger drive is applied, the moving system 22 can move and control not only storage units 19 that are on top of each other, but also those that are next to each other. The moving system 22 includes rollers 23, among which there are rollers 23a that move together with the drawer, and rollers 23b that are attached to the frame of the drawer and do not move with the drawer. In the most advantageous implementation form, separate moving systems 22 are implemented for each column, with one motor and one control unit per column. Thus, the apparatus requires much fewer motors, and this makes the implementation of the apparatus much cheaper and easier. The moving system 22 can even open and close several storage units 19 at the same time. The moving system 22 is driven by the cogbelt 24 that connects the rollers 23.

Figure 8 shows a spatial drawing of a freely accessible cooling module 6. When implemented in a modular form, such a unit can be used with any number, but at least one compartment cooling-heating module 18. When an apparatus includes several modules, it is sufficient to include one central module 1 in the apparatus. In this drawing, the location of the smart shelves 7 in the freely accessible cooling module 6 is clearly visible.

Figure 9 shows a spatial drawing of a compartment cooling-heating module 18. The drawing shows that the storage units 19 of a compartment cooling-heating module 18 are either drawers or are equipped with doors 14b.

For example, the presented compartment cooling-heating module 18 can be placed side by side with the freely accessible cooling module 6 shown in Figure 8. The apparatus described above has numerous advantages. One of the advantages of the apparatus is that it can operate without any contact during the entire process of choosing, paying for and removing the food, and it is not necessary to open or close the door or drawer, and the apparatus can perform all steps automatically, and it can open and close the door(s) and/or drawer(s) with a motor. Another advantage is that payment can also be made without cash. There are several options for payment depending on the customer's needs: payment can be made from a pre-registered and pre-paid balance, by payment card, or using a module that accepts money and coins. An advantage of the modular structure (central module, mechanical module, and freely accessible cooling module and/or compartment cooling-heating module) is easy installation and possible ex-post expansion. An advantage of the compartment cooling-heating module is that the product offering can be customized even more, and both cooled and heated (warm) compartments can also be used. This makes it possible to avoid having foodstuff delivered to office buildings end up in piles at reception desks, and to have the ordered meals wait for customers in a personalized manner in warm compartments. An advantage of the freely accessible cooling module, or the free-shelf display area in other words, is that restaurant- quality, pre-prepared meals can be presented and stored in a tasteful manner, and thus the refrigerator does not give the impression of a mere food vending machine. Another advantage of the freely accessible cooling module is that the apparatus can identify product items and each product individually, very reliably, and mostly with 100% accuracy. It can also differentiate between foods of the same type. The location of each product can also be determined within an individual shelf, and this creates an opportunity for proactive user interaction. Thus strengthening a homely atmosphere, products can be removed from any place, and they can also be put back if a customer decides not want to finalize the purchase. A summary of purchased products is always provided after closing the door. So, if a product has only been moved within the refrigerator, for example within a shelf or to another shelf, it will not be charged to the customer. Another advantage is that the refrigerator can check and keep track of the products in several ways, as the shelves are equipped with scales, cameras, and radio frequency reader units. If the tags happen to cover and prevent each other from being read, the scale helps to identify the products, and it may also request that the products be adjusted. An advantage of having at least one radio frequency reader unit installed per shelf is that their performance can be set quite low, so that only the tags of the products on the given shelf (the shelf below the radio frequency reader unit) are read. This has the advantage of having less disturbance, causing lower radiation, using cheaper radio frequency reader units, and the radio frequency reader unit having to handle fewer tags. The apparatus is capable of taking an inventory automatically, maintaining an online connection with the server and the logistics centre. The apparatus can automatically prepare any kind of summary of or statistics from the consumption, thereby supporting the planning of logistics, e.g. production and procurement processes. An important advantage is that advertising surfaces can be realized on the refrigerator, and animated guiding lights can be displayed on the sides of the apparatus. Also in relation to its implementation, the refrigerator itself is a quite tasteful attraction, which can even be implemented in a two-sided manner, so that customers can approach it from any direction and choose food at the same time. In this way, the apparatus can also be a central element of public buildings and foyers. As a consequence of using PDLC film, the refrigerator can keep the door(s) and/or drawer(s) dark during inactive periods, which feature can also be significant in terms of energy saving. Another advantage of using PDLC film is that it can stop both UV light and infrared light. Thus, the food does not expire early or heat up unnecessarily. A significant advantage of the transparent, suitably copper-mesh foil or ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) EMF shielding film that can be placed on the refrigerator door is that it stops radio waves and prevents them from escaping from the refrigerator. This makes it possible to keep a 100% reliable inventory, as the radio frequency reading unit will not be able to read products that are outside the refrigerator. From a visual perspective, it is advantageous that the surfaces of the refrigerator can be highlighted by edge lighting. From a safety perspective, it is a significant advantage that the refrigerator is safe to use. First, the different latches and compression locks ensure that the door(s) and/or drawer(s) cannot be broken into, and second, sensors are also used to monitor the status of the door(s) and/or drawer(s). Furthermore, the installation of modern cameras prevents users from bypassing the face recognition function by using a rubber mask or a photo. From an environmental perspective, an important advantage is that the refrigerator keeps track of the expiration dates of the food and drinks stored in it, and it can illuminate the near-expiry products with a different colour LED light during purchase. This way, users can easily find and buy food that might otherwise be discarded. All this is possible without having to inspect the entire refrigerator. The refrigerator can also provide comfort functions by illuminating products preferred by a user with LED lights of different colours, thus making the choice easier and faster and making the use of the refrigerator more convenient. Intelligent LED lighting also has additional advantages, as the LED lights can be switched on and off for different areas separately, and their intensity and colour can also be adjusted. An important advantage of air-mixed cooling is that the apparatus does not become humid or mouldy.

Typically, the apparatus is applied on the field of storing and offering for purchase foodstuff, beverages, perishable products, and serving pre-packaged meals in a high- quality manner. The smart refrigerator apparatus is placed mainly in office buildings and other public buildings.

In addition to the above examples, the invention can be implemented in other forms within the scope of protection.

Claims

1. A modular smart refrigerator apparatus, comprising a central module (1), a freely accessible cooling module (6), a compartment cooling-heating module (18), and a mechanical module (28), the central module (1) comprising a computer (2) and a camera (4a), the computer (2) and the camera (4a) being connected to each other electronically, characterized in that the freely accessible cooling module (6) is equipped with a door (14a) and comprises at least one middle smart shelf (7a), at least one top smart shelf (7b), and at least one bottom smart shelf (7c), the middle smart shelf (7a) is located below the top smart shelf (7b), and the bottom smart shelf (7c) is located below middle smart shelf (7a); the door (14a) is equipped with an EMF shielding film (13b) and at least one electric lock (16); the electric lock (16) is connected to the central module (1); the middle smart shelf (7c) is equipped with at least one radio frequency reader unit (8), a camera (4b), a scale (9a), a LED (10), control electronics (11), a temperature sensor (12), and a load-bearing surface (21); the top smart shelf (7b) is equipped with at least one radio frequency reader unit (8), a camera (4b), a LED (10a), and control electronics (11); the bottom smart shelf (7c) is equipped with at least one scale (9a), control electronics (11), a temperature sensor (12), and a load-bearing surface (21); the radio frequency reader units (8), the cameras (4b), the scales (9a), the LEDs (10a), the control electronics (11), and the temperature sensors (12) are connected to the central module (1); and the compartment cooling-heating module (18) comprises at least one motor and at least one storage unit (19), and the storage unit (19) is connected to the motor; the motor is connected to the central module (1); the storage unit (19) is equipped with at least one access detection sensor (20), a scale (9b), a LED (10b), control electronics (11), a temperature sensor (12), a monitoring sensor (17), and a latch (25); the storage unit (19) has a door (14b) or a drawer cover (29); the access detection sensor (20), the scale (9b), the LED (10b), the control electronics (11), the temperature sensor (12), the monitoring sensor (17), and the latch (25) are connected to the central module (1).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the central module (1) includes a display (3) and/or a reader unit (5).

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the door (14b) and/or the drawer cover (29) is fitted with a PDLC film (15b), and the PDLC film (15b) is connected to the central module (1).

4. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the compartment cooling-heating module (18) comprises at least two storage units (19) with drawers, the storage units (19) being located one above the other; the compartment cooling-heating module (18) comprises a moving system (22); the moving system (22) is mechanically connected to the motor and each of the storage units (19) with drawers located one above the other; the moving system (22) comprises rollers (23a, 23b) and a cogbelt (24); the rollers (23a, 23b) are located on the storage units (19) and have a mechanical connection with the cogbelt (24).

5. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the middle smart shelf (7a) and/or the top smart shelf (7b) and/or the bottom smart shelf (7c) is fitted with an EMF shielding film (13a).

6. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the door (14a) is fitted with a PDLC film (15a), and the PDLC film (15a) is connected to the central module (1).

7. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the freely accessible cooling module (6) and/or the central module (1) is equipped with a proximity sensor (26).

8. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the middle smart shelf (7a) is equipped with two radio frequency reader units (8).

9. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the boundary sides of the freely accessible cooling module (6) are covered with EMF shielding film

(13b).

10. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the freely accessible cooling module (6) is equipped with a monitoring sensor (17), and the monitoring sensor (17) is connected to the central module (1).