WO2023020499A1 - 制冷设备 - Google Patents

制冷设备 Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023020499A1
WO2023020499A1 PCT/CN2022/112830 CN2022112830W WO2023020499A1 WO 2023020499 A1 WO2023020499 A1 WO 2023020499A1 CN 2022112830 W CN2022112830 W CN 2022112830W WO 2023020499 A1 WO2023020499 A1 WO 2023020499A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
camera
corner
cooling device
less
cameras
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CN2022/112830
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
迈克尔 古德曼 施罗德
Original Assignee
海尔智家股份有限公司
青岛海尔电冰箱有限公司
海尔美国电器解决方案有限公司
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 海尔智家股份有限公司, 青岛海尔电冰箱有限公司, 海尔美国电器解决方案有限公司 filed Critical 海尔智家股份有限公司
Priority to CN202280054320.8A priority Critical patent/CN117751264A/zh
Publication of WO2023020499A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023020499A1/zh

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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
    • F25D29/005—Mounting of control 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
    • F25D29/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety 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
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • 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
    • 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
    • H04N7/181—Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast for receiving images from a plurality of remote sources
    • 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
    • F25D2700/00—Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor
    • F25D2700/04—Sensors detecting the presence of a person
    • 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
    • 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
    • H04N23/90—Arrangement of cameras or camera modules, e.g. multiple cameras in TV studios or sports stadiums

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a refrigeration device with a camera system.
  • Refrigeration appliances generally comprise a cabinet provided with a refrigerated compartment for receiving food for storage. Additionally, the refrigeration appliance includes one or more doors that are rotatably hinged to the cabinet to allow selective access to food products stored in the refrigeration compartment.
  • the refrigerating device may also include various storage components installed in the refrigerating compartment and designed to facilitate storing food therein. Such storage components may include shelves, boxes, shelves or drawers that receive food items within the refrigerated compartment and assist in organizing and arranging such food items.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a refrigeration device capable of accurately identifying items stored therein.
  • the present invention provides a box body having a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment, and a plurality of camera assemblies mounted to the box body at the front of the refrigerator compartment,
  • the plurality of camera assemblies includes a first camera, a second camera, a third camera, and a fourth camera, wherein the refrigerator compartment includes a first corner, a second corner, a third corner, and a fourth corner, and wherein The first camera is disposed at the first corner, the second camera is disposed at the second corner, the third camera is disposed at the third corner, and the fourth camera disposed at the fourth corner.
  • the box body includes a top wall and a pair of side walls; and the first corner and the second corner of the refrigerator compartment are disposed between the top wall and the pair of side walls at the connection location.
  • the distance between the first camera and the second camera is no more than eight centimeters from the top wall.
  • first camera and the third camera are set at a distance of no more than eight centimeters from the first side wall of the pair of side walls; and the second camera and the fourth camera are set at a distance of The second side wall in the pair of side walls is no more than eight centimeters.
  • the refrigerating chamber extends vertically between the top and the bottom and laterally extends between the first side and the second side; and the first camera is disposed close to the refrigerating chamber the top and the first side of the refrigerator compartment, the second camera is arranged close to the top and the second side of the refrigerator compartment, and the third camera is arranged close to all the refrigerator compartment The bottom and the first side, and the fourth camera is disposed close to the bottom and the second side of the refrigerating compartment.
  • the plurality of cameras are arranged coplanarly on a plane perpendicular to the horizontal direction, and the vertical direction, the lateral direction and the horizontal direction are perpendicular to each other.
  • a plurality of shelves are installed to the box body in the refrigerator; the first camera and the second camera are arranged above the plurality of shelves; and the third camera and the second camera The four cameras are arranged at the bottommost shelf among the plurality of shelves.
  • the third camera and the fourth camera are arranged to be no more than eight centimeters away from the bottommost shelf among the plurality of shelves.
  • the lens of the first camera is directed downward at an angle of not less than forty degrees and not greater than sixty degrees relative to the vertical; the lens of the second camera is directed downward at an angle of not less than forty degrees relative to the vertical degrees and not greater than sixty degrees downward; the lens of the third camera is directed upward at an angle not less than forty degrees and not greater than sixty degrees relative to the vertical; and the lens of the fourth camera is directed upward at an angle not less than forty degrees and not greater than sixty degrees; The lens is oriented upward at an angle of not less than forty degrees and not more than sixty degrees relative to the vertical.
  • the lens of each of the first camera, the second camera, the third camera and the fourth camera has a field of view not less than seventy degrees and not more than one hundred degrees.
  • each of the first camera, the second camera, the third camera and the fourth camera has an aspect ratio, and the longer dimension of the aspect ratio is oriented parallel to the vertical .
  • the aspect ratio of each of the first camera, the second camera, the third camera and the fourth camera is not less than 1920 pixels*1008 ten pixels.
  • one or more of the first camera, the second camera, the third camera and the fourth camera includes a microphone.
  • first camera, the second camera, the third camera and the fourth camera are oriented to capture images of a plane.
  • the plurality of cameras captures no less than 45 percent of the images for the plane and has no less than 150 pixels per centimeter.
  • the refrigerating device of the present invention can accurately identify a specific object, distinguish similar products, and accurately identify the position of an object in a refrigerated room.
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the refrigeration equipment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the refrigeration device shown in Fig. 1, wherein the door body of the refrigerator compartment is shown in an open position.
  • Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of certain components of the refrigeration equipment shown in Fig. 1 .
  • Fig. 4 is a pixel diagram of the camera system of the cooling device shown in Fig. 1 .
  • Approximate language is used to modify any quantitative representation that is amenable to variation without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by terms such as “about,” “approximately,” and “approximately” is not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some cases, the approximate language may correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the value. For example, approximate language may mean within a ten percent (10%) margin.
  • FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an exemplary refrigeration device 100
  • FIG. 2 illustrates some refrigeration devices 100 with doors in open positions.
  • the cooling device 100 generally has a vertical V, a lateral L and a lateral T, which are perpendicular to each other and form an orthogonal coordinate system.
  • the refrigerating device 100 includes a box body 102, which is generally used to accommodate and/or support various components of the refrigerating device 100, and may also be provided with one or more internal cavities of the refrigerating device 100 room or compartment.
  • the terms "casing", “housing” and the like are generally intended to refer to the outer frame or support structure for refrigeration unit 100, including, for example, any suitable number of , type and configuration of support structures, such as systems of elongated support members, multiple interconnected panels, or some combination thereof.
  • the enclosure 102 need not necessarily be enclosed, but may simply comprise an open structure that supports the various elements of the refrigeration unit 100 . Rather, the case 102 may enclose some or all of the interior of the case 102 .
  • the tank 102 may have any suitable size, shape and configuration while remaining within the scope of the present invention.
  • the box 102 generally extends along a vertical direction V between a top 104 and a bottom 106, and along a lateral direction L between a first side 108 (e.g., the left side when viewed from the front as in FIG. 1 ) and Second side portions 110 extend between (eg, the right side as viewed from the front in FIG. 1 ) and extend along the transverse direction T between a front portion 112 and a rear portion 114 .
  • terms such as “left”, “right”, “front”, “rear”, “top” or “bottom” are used with reference to the viewing angle from which a user approaches the appliance 100 .
  • the box body 102 may include a top wall 160 and a pair of side walls 162 , for example, the pair of side walls are spaced apart along a lateral direction L.
  • FIG. 2 the box body 102 may include a top wall 160 and a pair of side walls 162 , for example, the pair of side walls are spaced apart along a lateral direction L.
  • the case 102 is provided with a refrigerated compartment for receiving food for storage.
  • the cabinet 102 is provided with a refrigerator compartment 122 disposed at or adjacent to the top 104 of the cabinet 102 and a freezer compartment 124 disposed at or adjacent to the bottom 106 of the cabinet 102 .
  • the refrigeration device 100 is generally called a bottom-mounted refrigerator.
  • the benefits of the present invention are applicable to other types and styles of refrigeration appliances, such as top-mounted refrigeration appliances, side-by-side refrigeration appliances, or single-door refrigeration appliances.
  • the present invention can also be applied to other electric appliances. Accordingly, the descriptions set forth herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to be limiting in any respect to any particular appliance or device.
  • Refrigerator door 128 is rotatably hinged to the edge of cabinet 102 for selective access to refrigerator compartment 122 .
  • a freezer door 130 is provided below the refrigerator door 128 for selectively entering the freezer compartment 124 .
  • Freezer door 130 is coupled to a freezer drawer (not shown) slidably mounted within freezer compartment 124 .
  • refrigerator door 128 forms a seal over front opening 132 provided by bin 102 .
  • a user may place items within the refrigerator compartment 122 through the front opening 132 and may then close the refrigerator door 128 to facilitate climate control.
  • Refrigerator door 128 and freezer door 130 are shown in a closed configuration in FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 1 Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other chamber and door configurations are possible and within the scope of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of refrigeration appliance 100 shown with refrigeration door 128 in an open position.
  • various storage components are installed within the refrigerator compartment 122 to facilitate storage of food products therein, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.
  • storage components may include boxes 134 and shelves 136 . Each of these storage components is used to receive food (eg, beverages or/or solid food) and can assist in organizing such food.
  • the box 134 may be mounted on the refrigerator door 128 or may be slid into a receiving space in the refrigerator compartment 122 .
  • the storage components shown are for illustrative purposes only and that other storage components may be used and may have different sizes, shapes, and configurations.
  • the dispensing assembly 140 is generally used for dispensing liquid water and/or ice.
  • the dispensing assembly 140 and its various components may be at least partially disposed within a dispenser recess 142 on one of the refrigeration doors 128 .
  • the dispenser recess 142 is disposed on the front side 112 of the refrigeration appliance 100 such that a user can operate the dispensing assembly 140 without opening the refrigeration door 128 .
  • the dispenser recess 142 is provided at a predetermined height, which is convenient for a user to take ice and enables the user to take ice without bending over.
  • the dispenser recess 142 is positioned near the level of the user's chest.
  • Dispensing assembly 140 includes an ice dispenser 144 that includes a drain 146 for discharging ice from dispensing assembly 140 .
  • An actuation mechanism 148 shown as a paddle, is mounted below the drain opening 146 to operate the ice or water dispenser 144 .
  • any suitable actuation mechanism may be used to operate the ice dispenser 144 .
  • ice dispenser 144 may include a sensor (eg, an ultrasonic sensor) or a button instead of a paddle.
  • Drain 146 and actuation mechanism 148 are external parts of ice dispenser 144 and are mounted in dispenser recess 142 .
  • the refrigerator door 128 is provided with an ice bin compartment 150 (FIG. 2) that houses an ice maker and ice storage bin (not shown) configured to supply ice to the dispensing device recess 142.
  • a control panel 152 is provided to control the mode of operation.
  • the control panel 152 includes one or more selection input ports 154, such as knobs, buttons, touch screen interface, etc., such as a water dispense button and an ice dispense button, for selecting a desired mode of operation, such as crushed or non-crushed ice.
  • input port 154 may be used to specify a fill volume or method of operating dispense assembly 140 .
  • the input port 154 may communicate with a processing device or controller 156 . Signals generated in controller 156 operate refrigeration unit 100 and dispensing assembly 140 in response to selector input port 154 .
  • a display 158 such as an indicator light or a screen, may be provided on the control panel 152 . Display 158 is in communication with controller 156 and may display information in response to signals from controller 156 .
  • processing device may refer to one or more microprocessors or semiconductor devices, and is not necessarily limited to a single element.
  • the processing device may be programmed to operate the refrigeration appliance 100 , the dispensing assembly 140 , and other components of the refrigeration appliance 100 .
  • the processing device may include or be associated with one or more storage elements (eg, persistent storage media).
  • the storage element comprises an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM).
  • EEPROM electrically erasable programmable read-only memory
  • a memory element may store information accessible to a processing device, including instructions executable by the processing device.
  • the instructions may be software or any collection of instructions and/or data which, when executed by the processing means, cause the processing means to perform operations.
  • FIG. 1 it is a schematic diagram of an external communication system 170 of the present invention.
  • external communication system 170 is used to allow interaction, data transfer, and other communications between refrigeration appliance 100 and one or more external devices.
  • the communication may be used to provide and receive operating parameters, user instructions or notifications, performance characteristics, user preferences, or any other suitable information for improved performance of refrigeration appliance 100 .
  • external communication system 170 may be used to communicate data or other information to enhance the performance of one or more external devices or appliances and/or to improve user interaction with such devices.
  • external communication system 170 allows controller 156 of refrigeration appliance 100 to communicate with a separate device external to refrigeration appliance 100 , generally referred to herein as external device 172 . These communications may be facilitated using wired or wireless connections (eg, via network 174 ), as described in more detail below.
  • external device 172 may be any suitable device separate from refrigeration appliance 100 that is configured to provide and/or receive communications, information, data, or commands to and/or from a user.
  • the external device 172 may be, for example, a personal phone, smart phone, tablet, laptop or personal computer, wearable device, smart home system, or another mobile or remote device.
  • remote server 176 may communicate with cooling appliance 100 and/or external device 172 over network 174 .
  • the remote server 176 may be a cloud-based server 176 and thus be located at a remote location, such as in a separate city, state, country, or the like.
  • external device 172 may communicate with remote server 176 via network 174 (such as the Internet) to send/receive data or information, provide user input, receive user notifications or instructions, interact with or control refrigeration appliance 100, etc. .
  • external device 172 and remote server 176 may communicate with cooling appliance 100 to communicate similar information.
  • remote server 176 may be configured to receive and analyze images obtained by cameras 190 , 192 , 194 , 196 of refrigeration unit 100 , eg, to facilitate inventory analysis.
  • cooling appliance 100 may be performed using any type of wired or wireless connection and using any suitable type of communication network, provided below A non-limiting example of .
  • external device 172 may communicate directly or indirectly with cooling device 100 via any suitable wired or wireless communication connection or interface (eg, network 174).
  • network 174 may include one or more of a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), personal area network (PAN), the Internet, a cellular network, any other suitable short-range or long-range wireless network, and the like.
  • any suitable communication means or protocol may be used (eg, via radio, laser, infrared, Ethernet type devices and interfaces, etc.) to send communications.
  • Such communications may use various communication protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, HTTP, SMTP, FTP), encodings or formats (e.g., HTML, XML), and/or protection schemes (e.g., VPN, Secure HTTP, SSL) .
  • TCP/IP Transmission Control Protocol/IP
  • HTTP HyperText Transfer Protocol
  • SMTP Simple Transfer Protocol
  • FTP FTP
  • encodings or formats e.g., HTML, XML
  • protection schemes e.g., VPN, Secure HTTP, SSL
  • An external communication system 170 of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described herein.
  • the exemplary functions and configurations of the external communication system 170 provided herein are used as examples only in order to facilitate describing aspects of the present invention.
  • System configurations may vary, other communication means may be used to communicate directly or indirectly with one or more associated appliances, other communication protocols and procedures may be implemented, etc. Such changes and modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.
  • the refrigeration unit 100 also includes an inventory management system that is typically configured to monitor one or more chambers of the refrigeration unit 100 to monitor the addition or removal of inventory.
  • the inventory management system may include a plurality of sensors, cameras, or other detection devices for monitoring the refrigerated compartment 122 to detect items placed in or removed from the refrigerated compartment 122 ( For example, generally identified by reference numeral 182).
  • the inventory management system may use data from each of these devices to obtain a complete representation or knowledge of the identity, location, and/or other qualitative or quantitative characteristics of the items 182 within the cold room 122 .
  • the inventory management system is described herein as monitoring the cold room 122 to detect items 182, it should be understood that aspects of the invention may be used to monitor items in any other suitable appliance, compartment, or the like.
  • the inventory management system includes a plurality of camera assemblies that are typically configured and used to capture images of the refrigeration unit 100 during operation.
  • the inventory management system includes four cameras, namely, a first camera 190, a second camera 192, a third camera 194, and a fourth camera 196, which are mounted to the case 102 or otherwise configured to visually refrigerate Room 122.
  • the four cameras 190, 192, 194, 196 are described herein as being used to monitor the cold room 122 of the refrigeration appliance 100, it should be understood that the cameras 190, 192, 194, 196 may be used to monitor any other suitable appliance. Any other suitable area, such as freezer 124 .
  • each of the four cameras 190, 192, 194, 196 is mounted to the cabinet 102 at the front opening 132 of the refrigerator compartment 122 and is Opening 132 and/or into the field of view in refrigerator compartment 122 .
  • Four cameras 190 , 192 , 194 , 196 may be used to facilitate the inventory management process of refrigeration unit 100 .
  • four cameras 190 , 192 , 194 , 196 may be positioned at the opening of the refrigerator compartment 122 to monitor food items (generally identified as objects 182 ) being added to or removed from the refrigerator compartment 122 .
  • One or more (eg, all) of the four cameras 190, 192, 194, 196 may also include a microphone for capturing audio.
  • the refrigerating compartment 122 may include a first corner 191 , a second corner 193 , a third corner 195 and a fourth corner 197 .
  • the refrigeration compartment 122 may have a rectangular cross-section, for example in a plane perpendicular to the transverse direction T. As shown in FIG. 2 , four cameras 190 , 192 , 194 , 196 may be mounted to cabinet 102 at the front of refrigerator compartment 122 , eg, adjacent front opening 132 and/or front 112 of cabinet 102 .
  • the refrigerating compartment 122 may include a first corner 191 , a second corner 193 , a third corner 195 and a fourth corner 197 .
  • the refrigeration compartment 122 may have a rectangular cross-section, for example in a plane perpendicular to the transverse direction T. As shown in FIG.
  • the first camera 190 is arranged at the first corner 191, the second camera 192 is arranged at the second corner 193, the third camera 194 is arranged at the third corner 195, and the fourth camera 196 is arranged at the fourth corner 197. place.
  • the first corner 191 and the second corner 193 of the refrigerating compartment 122 are disposed at connection positions between the top wall 160 and the side walls 162 (eg, where the top wall 160 intersects the respective side walls 162 ).
  • the third corner 195 and the fourth corner 197 may be disposed below the first corner 191 and the second corner 193 along the vertical direction V. Referring to FIG.
  • the third corner portion 195 and the fourth corner portion 197 are provided at corresponding connection positions between the bottommost shelf 137 and the side walls 162 in the refrigerator compartment 122 (e.g., where the bottommost shelf 137 meets each side wall 162 or set at the position of each side wall).
  • the bottommost shelf 137 may be disposed directly above the box 134 and/or be formed by the top of the box 134 .
  • the first camera 190 and the second camera 192 are disposed above the shelf 136 in the refrigerating compartment 122
  • the third camera 194 and the fourth camera 196 are disposed at the bottommost shelf 137 in the refrigerating compartment 122 .
  • the first camera 190 and the second camera 192 are disposed at the same vertical height inside the refrigerating compartment 122 .
  • the first camera 190 and the second camera 192 are positioned no more than eight centimeters from the top wall 160 .
  • the third camera 194 and the fourth camera 196 are also disposed at the same vertical height within the refrigerating compartment 122 (eg, different from the vertical height of the first camera 190 and the second camera 192 ).
  • the third camera 194 and the fourth camera 196 are positioned no more than eight centimeters from the bottommost shelf 137 .
  • the first camera 190 and the third camera 194 are disposed at the same lateral position within the refrigerating compartment 122 .
  • first camera 190 and third camera 194 are positioned no more than eight centimeters from a first one of side walls 162 .
  • the second camera 192 and the fourth camera 196 are disposed at the same lateral location within the refrigerator compartment 122 (eg, different from the first camera 190 and the third camera 194).
  • second camera 192 and fourth camera 196 are positioned no more than eight centimeters from a second one of side walls 162 .
  • the first camera 190 is disposed near the top and the first side of the refrigerator compartment 122
  • the second camera 192 is disposed near the top and the second side of the refrigerator compartment 122
  • the third camera 194 is disposed near the top and the second side of the refrigerator compartment 122.
  • the fourth camera 196 may be disposed near the bottom and the second side of the refrigerating room 122 .
  • the four cameras 190 , 192 , 194 , 196 may be coplanarly arranged in a plane perpendicular to the transverse direction T. As shown in FIG.
  • Each of the four cameras 190, 192, 194, 196 includes a lens.
  • the first camera 190 includes a lens 198.
  • An angle of approximately fifty degrees (50°)) is directed downward.
  • the optical axis of the lens 198 of the first camera 190 shown in FIG. An angle not greater than sixty degrees (60°), such as about fifty degrees (50°).
  • the lenses of the second camera 192 , the third camera 194 and the fourth camera 196 all include a lens 198 .
  • the lens 198 of the second camera 192 may also be oriented downward at an angle of not less than forty degrees (40°) and not more than sixty degrees (60°), such as about fifty degrees (50°), relative to vertical V .
  • Lens 198 of third camera 194 may be oriented upward at an angle no less than forty degrees (40°) and no more than sixty degrees (60°), such as about fifty degrees (50°), relative to vertical V.
  • the optical axis of the lens 198 of the third camera 194 shown by the dashed line extending from the lens 198 of the third camera 194 in FIG. An angle not greater than sixty degrees (60°), such as about fifty degrees (50°).
  • the lens 198 of the fourth camera 196 may be directed upward at an angle of not less than forty degrees (40°) and not more than sixty degrees (60°), such as approximately fifty degrees (50°), relative to the vertical V. orientation.
  • the lenses of each of the four cameras 190, 192, 194, 196 may have an angle of no less than seventy degrees (70°) and no greater than one hundred degrees (100°), such as no greater than eighty-five degrees (85°). field of view.
  • the four cameras 190, 192, 194, 196 also have an aspect ratio.
  • the four cameras 190, 192, 194, 196 may be oriented such that the longer dimension of the aspect ratio is aligned vertically.
  • the longer dimension of the aspect ratio of each of the four cameras 190, 192, 194, 196 may be oriented approximately parallel to vertical V, and the longer dimension of the four cameras 190, 192, 194, 196
  • the shorter dimension of the aspect ratio of each may be oriented approximately parallel to the transverse direction T.
  • the aspect ratio of the four cameras 190, 192, 194, 196 may be no less than 1920 pixels*1080 pixels.
  • the aspect ratio dimensions of the four cameras 190, 192, 194, 196 comprising no less than 1920 pixels may be oriented approximately parallel to vertical V and comprising no less than one
  • the aspect ratio dimensions of the four cameras 190 , 192 , 194 , 196 of thousand and eighty pixels may be oriented approximately parallel to the vertical T.
  • FIG. 3 four cameras 190 , 192 , 194 , 196 are used to capture images of, for example, a plane 200 perpendicular to the transverse direction T. As shown in FIG. 4 illustrates the pixels per inch captured by the four cameras 190 , 192 , 194 , 196 for the plane 200 . As shown in FIG. 4 , the four cameras 190 , 192 , 194 , 196 can capture no less than forty-five percent (45%) high-quality images for the plane 200 .
  • Images from four cameras 190, 192, 194, 196 may Considered a high-quality image in the context of this article.
  • High quality images may be used for sorting items 182, reading text on items 182, reading barcodes on items 182, and the like.
  • the arrangement of the four cameras 190, 192, 194, 196 described above may advantageously assist in providing high quality images for inventory analysis purposes.
  • the images obtained by the four cameras 190 , 192 , 194 , 196 may vary in number, frequency, angle, resolution, detail, etc., in order to enhance the clarity of specific areas around or within the cooling device 100 .
  • the controller 156 is configured to illuminate the refrigerated compartment with one or more light sources prior to obtaining an image.
  • controller 156 (or any other suitable dedicated controller) of cooling device 100 may be communicatively coupled to camera assembly 190 and may be programmed or used to analyze images obtained by camera assembly 190, for example, to identify Items added to or removed from refrigeration unit 100.
  • controller 156 is operatively coupled to four cameras 190, 192, 194, 196 for analyzing one or more images obtained by four cameras 190, 192, 194, 196 to extract information about Useful information for items 182 within.
  • the images obtained by the four cameras 190 , 192 , 194 , 196 may be used to extract barcodes, identify products, monitor the movement of products, or obtain other product information related to item 182 .
  • the analysis can be performed locally (eg, on controller 156 ), or can be sent to a remote server (eg, remote server 176 via external communication network 170 ) for analysis.
  • a remote server eg, remote server 176 via external communication network 170
  • Such analysis is intended to facilitate inventory management, for example by identifying food products that are added to or removed from the refrigerated compartment.

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Abstract

一种制冷设备（100），其包括箱体（102）及多个相机组件（190、192、194、196），该箱体（102）具有冷藏室（122）和冷冻室（124）；该多个相机组件（190、192、194、196）在所述冷藏室（122）的前部处安装到所述箱体（102），所述多个相机组件（190、192、194、196）包括第一相机（190）、第二相机（192）、第三相机（194）和第四相机（196），所述冷藏室（122）包括第一角部（191）、第二角部（193）、第三角部（195）和第四角部（197），并且所述第一相机（190）设置在所述第一角部（191）处，所述第二相机（192）设置在所述第二角部（193）处，所述第三相机（194）设置在所述第三角部（195）处，并且所述第四相机（196）设置在所述第四角部（197）处。

Description

制冷设备 技术领域
本发明涉及一种具有相机系统的制冷设备。
背景技术
制冷设备通常包括箱体，该箱体设有用于接收食品以便储存的制冷间室。另外，制冷设备包括一个或多个门体，这些门体可旋转地铰接到箱体，以允许选择性地接近制冷间室中储存的食品。制冷设备还可以包括安装在制冷间室内并且设计成便于在其中储存食品的各种储存部件。这种储存部件可以包括在制冷间室内接收食品并且辅助组织和布置这种食品的搁架、盒、层架或抽屉。
特别地，经常期望具有存在于制冷设备内的物品的更新的库存，例如以便于重新排序，确保食物新鲜或避免变质等。由此，可能期望监测添加到制冷设备或从制冷设备取出的食品，并且获得与这些食品的存在、数量或质量有关的其他信息。某些传统的制冷设备具有用于监测制冷设备中的食品的系统。然而，这种系统通常需要用户交互，例如，经由通过控制面板进行的关于添加或取出的食品的直接输入。作为对比，某些电器包括用于在食品被添加到制冷设备或从制冷设备取出时监测食品的相机。然而，传统的相机系统可能难以识别特定物品、区分类似产品以及精确地识别制冷间室内的物品的位置。
有鉴于此，有必要对现有的制冷设备予以改进，以解决上述问题。
发明内容
本发明的目的在于提供一种能够精准识别其内储存的物品的制冷设备。
为实现上述目的，本发明提供了一种箱体以及多个相机组件，该箱体具有冷藏室和冷冻室；该多个相机组件在所述冷藏室的前部处安装到所述箱体，所述多个相机组件包括第一相机、第二相机、第三相机和第四相机，其中所述冷藏室包括第一角部、第二角部、第三角部和第四角部，并且其中所述第一相机设置在所述第一角部处，所述第二相机设置在所述第二角部处，所述第三相机设置在所述第三角部处，并且所述第四相机设置在所述第四角部处。
进一步地，所述箱体包括顶壁和一对侧壁；并且所述冷藏室的所述第一角部和所述第二角部设置在所述顶壁与所述一对侧壁之间的连接位置处。
进一步地，所述第一相机和所述第二相机设置为距离所述顶壁不超过八厘米。
进一步地，所述第一相机和所述第三相机设置为距离所述一对侧壁中的第一侧壁不超过八厘米；并且所述第二相机和所述第四相机设置为距离所述一对侧壁中的第二侧壁不超过八厘米。
进一步地，所述冷藏室沿着竖向在顶部与底部之间延伸并且沿着侧向在第一侧部与第二侧部之间延伸；并且所述第一相机设置为接近所述冷藏室的所述顶部和所述第一侧部，所述第二相机设置为接近所述冷藏室的所述顶部和所述第二侧部，所述第三相机设置为接近所述冷藏室的所述底部和所述第一侧部，并且所述第四相机设置为接近所述冷藏室的所述底部和 所述第二侧部。
进一步地，所述多个相机在垂直于横向的平面中共面地设置，并且所述竖向、所述侧向和所述横向相互垂直。
进一步地，多个层架在所述冷藏室内安装到所述箱体；所述第一相机和所述第二相机设置在所述多个层架上方；并且所述第三相机和所述第四相机设置在所述多个层架中的最底部层架处。
进一步地，所述第三相机和所述第四相机设置为距离所述多个层架中的所述最底部层架不超过八厘米。
进一步地，所述第一相机的镜头相对于竖向以不小于四十度并且不大于六十度的角度向下定向；所述第二相机的镜头相对于所述竖向以不小于四十度并且不大于六十度的角度向下定向；所述第三相机的镜头相对于所述竖向以不小于四十度并且不大于六十度的角度向上定向；并且所述第四相机的镜头相对于所述竖向以不小于四十度并且不大于六十度的角度向上定向。
进一步地，所述第一相机、所述第二相机、所述第三相机和所述第四相机中的每一个的所述镜头具有不小于七十度并且不大于一百度的视场。
进一步地，所述第一相机、所述第二相机、所述第三相机和所述第四相机中的每一个具有纵横比，并且所述纵横比的较长尺寸被定向为平行于竖向。
进一步地，所述第一相机、所述第二相机、所述第三相机和所述第四相机中的每一个的所述纵横比不小于一千九百二十个像素*一千零八十个像素。
进一步地，所述第一相机、所述第二相机、所述第三相机和所述第四相机中的一个或多个包括麦克风。
进一步地，所述第一相机、所述第二相机、所述第三相机和所述第四相机被定向为用于捕捉平面的图像。
进一步地，所述多个相机为所述平面捕捉不少于百分之四十五且具有不小于每厘米一百五十像素的图像。
本发明的有益效果是：本发明的制冷设备能够准确地识别特定对象、区分类似产品以及精确地识别制冷间室内的对象的位置。
附图说明
图1是本发明制冷设备的立体图。
图2是图1所示制冷设备的立体图，其中冷藏室的门体被示出为处于打开位置。
图3是图1所示制冷设备的某些部件的示意图。
图4是图1所示制冷设备的相机系统的像素图。
具体实施方式
为了使本发明的目的、技术方案和优点更加清楚，下面结合附图和具体实施例对本发明 进行详细描述。
如本文在整个说明书和权利要求书中使用的近似语言被应用于修饰任何定量表示，该定量表示可容许在不导致其相关的基本功能改变的情况下变化。因此，由诸如“大约”、“近似”以及“大致”的术语修饰的值不限于所指定的精确值。在至少一些情况下，近似语言可对应于用于测量值的仪器的精度。例如，近似语言可以指在百分之十(10％)的裕度内。
现在参见附图，将描述根据本发明的示例性方面的示例性电器。具体地，图1提供了示例性制冷设备100的立体图，图2示例了一些门体处于打开位置的制冷设备100。如图示例，制冷设备100通常具有竖向V、侧向L和横向T，它们相互垂直并且形成正交坐标系。
在本实施例中，所述制冷设备100包括箱体102，该箱体通常用于容纳和/或支撑制冷设备100的各种部件，并且还可设有制冷设备100的一个或多个内部腔室或间室。在这点上，如本文所用的，术语“箱体”、“壳体”等通常旨在指用于制冷设备100的外框架或支撑结构，例如，包括由任何合适的材料形成的任何合适数量、类型和构造的支撑结构，例如细长支撑构件、多个互连面板或其一些组合的系统。应当理解，箱体102不一定需要围合，而是可以简单地包括支撑制冷设备100的各种元件的开放结构。相反，箱体102可以包围箱体102内部的一些或所有部分。应当理解，箱体102可具有任何合适的尺寸、形状和构造，同时保持在本发明的范围内。
如图示例，箱体102通常沿着竖向V在顶部104与底部106之间延伸，沿着侧向L在第一侧部108(例如，如图1中从前方观察时的左侧)与第二侧部110(例如，如图1中从前方观察时的右侧)之间延伸，并且沿着横向T在前部112与后部114之间延伸。一般而言，诸如“左”、“右”、“前”、“后”、“顶部”或“底部”的术语是参考用户接近电器100的视角来使用的。如图2所示，箱体102可以包括顶壁160和一对侧壁162，例如，该对侧壁沿着侧向L隔开。
箱体102设有用于接收食品以便储存的制冷间室。特别地，箱体102设有设置在箱体102的顶部104处或与其相邻设置的冷藏室122和布置在箱体102的底部106处或与其相邻布置的冷冻室124。由此可见，制冷设备100通常被称为底置式冰箱。然而，认识到，本发明的益处适用于其他类型和样式的制冷设备，例如，顶置式制冷设备、对开门式制冷设备或单门制冷设备。而且，本发明也可以适用于其他电器。因此，本文阐述的描述仅出于示例目的，而无意于在任何方面限制任何特定的电器或装置。
冷藏门体128可旋转地铰接到箱体102的边缘，以便选择性地进入冷藏室122。另外，在冷藏门体128的下方设置有冷冻门体130，以便选择性地进入冷冻室124。冷冻门体130联接至可滑动地安装在冷冻室124内的冷冻抽屉(未示出)。通常，冷藏门体128在由箱体102设置的前开口132上形成密封。在这点上，当冷藏门体128打开时，用户可以通过前开口132将物品放置在冷藏室122内，然后可以关闭冷藏门体128以便于气候控制。冷藏门体128和冷冻门体130在图1中被示出为处于关闭构造。本领域技术人员将理解，其它腔室和 门体构造是可行的，并且在本发明的范围内。
图2提供了在冷藏门体128处于打开位置的情况下示出的制冷设备100的立体图。如图2所示，如本领域技术人员将理解的，各种储存部件被安装在冷藏室122内，以促进食品在其中的储存。特别地，储存部件可以包括盒134和层架136。这些储存部件中的每一个用于接收食品(例如，饮料或/或固体食品)，并且可以辅助组织这种食品。如图所示，盒134可以安装在冷藏门体128上或者可以滑入冷藏室122中的容纳空间中。应当理解，所示的储存部件仅用于说明的目的，并且可以使用其它储存部件，并且其它储存部件可以具有不同的尺寸、形状以及构造。
请参照图1所示，分配组件140通常用于分配液态水和/或冰。分配组件140及其各种部件可以至少部分地设置在位于冷藏门体128中的一个上的分配器凹部142内。如此，分配器凹部142设置在制冷设备100的前侧112上，使得用户可以在不打开冷藏门体128的情况下操作分配组件140。另外，分配器凹部142设置在预定高度处，该预定高度方便用户取冰，并且使得用户能够在不需要弯腰的情况下取冰。在示例性实施方式中，分配器凹部142设置在靠近用户的胸部水平的位置处。
分配组件140包括冰分配器144，该分配器包括用于从分配组件140排出冰的排放口146。被示出为拨片的致动机构148安装在排放口146下方，以便操作冰或水分配器144。在其他实施方式中，可以使用任意合适的致动机构来操作冰分配器144。例如，冰分配器144可以包括传感器(例如超声传感器)或按钮，而不是拨片。排放口146和致动机构148是冰分配器144的外部零件，并且安装在分配器凹部142中。与之相比，冷藏门体128设有容纳制冰机和储冰盒(未示出)的冰盒室150(图2)，该制冰机和储冰盒被构造成将冰供应至分配器凹部142。
设置控制面板152，以便控制操作模式。例如，控制面板152包括一个或多个选择输入端口154，例如旋钮、按钮、触摸屏界面等，例如水分配按钮和冰分配按钮，用于选择期望的操作模式，例如碎冰或非碎冰。另外，输入端口154可以用于指定填充容积或操作分配组件140的方法。在这点上，输入端口154可以与处理装置或控制器156通信。在控制器156中生成的信号响应于选择器输入端口154操作制冷设备100和分配组件140。另外，可以在控制面板152上设置显示器158，例如指示灯或屏幕。显示器158与控制器156通信，并且可以响应于来自控制器156的信号而显示信息。
如本文中使用的，“处理装置”或“控制器”可以指一个或多个微处理器或半导体装置，并且不必限于单个元件。处理装置可以被编程为操作制冷设备100、分配组件140以及制冷设备100的其他部件。处理装置可以包括一个或多个存储元件(例如，永久存储介质)或与其关联。在一些这种实施方式中，存储元件包括电可擦可编程只读存储器(EEPROM)。通常，存储元件可以存储处理装置可访问的信息，包括可以由处理装置执行的指令。可选地，指令可以是软件或指令和/或数据的任意集合，该软件或指令和/或数据的任意集合在由处理 装置执行时，使得处理装置执行操作。
仍然参阅图1，其为本发明的外部通信系统170的示意图。通常，外部通信系统170用于允许制冷设备100与一个或多个外部装置之间的交互、数据传送和其他通信。例如，该通信可以用于提供和接收操作参数、用户指令或通知、性能特性、用户偏好或用于制冷设备100的改进性能的任何其它合适的信息。另外，应当理解，外部通信系统170可用于传送数据或其它信息，以提高一个或多个外部装置或电器的性能和/或改进与这种装置的用户交互。
例如，外部通信系统170允许制冷设备100的控制器156与制冷设备100外部的单独装置通信，该单独装置在本文中通常被称为外部装置172。如以下更详细描述的，这些通信可以使用有线或无线连接(例如经由网络174)来促进。通常，外部装置172可以是与制冷设备100分开的任何合适的装置，该装置被配置为向用户提供和/或从用户接收通信、信息、数据或命令。在这点上，外部装置172可以是例如个人电话、智能电话、平板电脑、膝上型或个人计算机、可穿戴装置、智能家庭系统或者另一移动或远程装置。
另外，远程服务器176可以通过网络174与制冷设备100和/或外部装置172通信。在这点上，例如，远程服务器176可以是基于云的服务器176，由此位于远处位置，例如在单独的城市、州、国家等。根据该实施方式，外部装置172可通过网络174(例如因特网)与远程服务器176通信，以发送/接收数据或信息、提供用户输入、接收用户通知或指令、与制冷设备100交互或控制制冷设备等。另外，外部装置172和远程服务器176可以与制冷设备100通信以传送类似的信息。根据该实施方式，远程服务器176可被配置为接收和分析由制冷设备100的相机190、192、194、196获得的图像，例如以便于库存分析。
通常，可以使用任何类型的有线或无线连接并且使用任何合适类型的通信网络来进行制冷设备100、外部装置172、远程服务器176和/或其它用户装置或电器之间的通信，下面提供了通信网络的非限制性示例。例如，外部装置172可以通过任何合适的有线或无线通信连接或接口(例如网络174)与制冷设备100直接或间接通信。例如，网络174可以包括局域网(LAN)、广域网(WAN)、个域网(PAN)、因特网、蜂窝网络、任何其他合适的短程或远程无线网络等中的一个或多个。另外，可以使用任何合适的通信装置或协议(例如经由
Figure PCTCN2022112830-appb-000001
无线电、激光、红外、以太网类型的装置和接口等)来发送通信。另外，这种通信可以使用各种通信协议(例如，TCP/IP、HTTP、SMTP、FTP)、编码或格式(例如，HTML、XML)和/或保护方案(例如，VPN、安全HTTP、SSL)。
本文描述了本发明的示例性实施方式的外部通信系统170。然而，应当理解，本文提供的外部通信系统170的示例性功能和配置仅用作示例，以便于描述本发明的各方面。系统配置可以变化，其他通信装置可以用于直接或间接地与一个或多个关联的电器通信，可以实施其他通信协议和步骤等。这些变化和修改被认为在本发明的范围内。
请参阅图2所示，制冷设备100还包括库存管理系统，该库存管理系统通常配置为监测制冷设备100的一个或多个腔室，以监测库存的添加或取出。更具体地，如以下更详细地描 述的，库存管理系统可以包括多个传感器、相机或其他检测装置，其用于监测冷藏室122，以检测设置在冷藏室122中或从其取出的物品(例如，通常由附图标记182标识)。在这点上，库存管理系统可以使用来自这些装置中的每一个的数据来获得冷藏室122内的物品182的身份、位置和/或其它定性或定量特性的完整表示或知识。尽管库存管理系统在本文中被描述为监测冷藏室122，以便检测物品182，但是应当理解，本发明的各方面可以用于监测任何其他合适的电器、腔室等中的物品。
如图2所示，库存管理系统包括多个相机组件，这些相机组件通常设置和用于在运行期间捕获制冷设备100的图像。具体地，库存管理系统包括四个相机，即，第一相机190、第二相机192、第三相机194和第四相机196，这些相机安装到箱体102或者以其他方式设置为看得见冷藏室122。尽管本文将四个相机190、192、194、196描述为用于监测制冷设备100的冷藏室122，但是应当理解，所述相机190、192、194、196可以用于监测任何其他合适的设备的任何其他合适的区域，例如冷冻室124。
如图2所示的较佳实施方式，四个相机190、192、194、196中的每一个在冷藏室122的前开口132处安装到箱体102，并且被定向为具有被引导跨过前开口132和/或进入冷藏室122中的视场。四个相机190、192、194、196可以用于促进制冷设备100的库存管理过程。由此可见，四个相机190、192、194、196可以设置在冷藏室122的开口处，以监测被添加到冷藏室122或从其中取出的食品(通常标识为对象182)。四个相机190、192、194、196中的一个或多个(例如，全部)还可以包括用于捕捉音频的麦克风。
如图2所示，四个相机190、192、194、196可以在冷藏室122的前部处安装到箱体102，例如与箱体102的前开口132和/或前部112相邻。例如，冷藏室122可以包括第一角部191、第二角部193、第三角部195和第四角部197。由此，例如，冷藏室122可以具有矩形横截面，例如在垂直于横向T的平面中。第一相机190设置在第一角部191处，第二相机192设置在第二角部193处，第三相机194设置在第三角部195处，并且第四相机196设置在第四角部197处。冷藏室122的第一角部191和第二角部193设置在顶壁160与侧壁162之间的连接位置处(例如，顶壁160与各个侧壁162相交的位置)。例如，第三角部195和第四角部197可以沿着竖向V设置在第一角部191和第二角部193下方。例如，第三角部195和第四角部197设置在冷藏室122中的最底部层架137与侧壁162之间的相应连接位置处(例如，最底部层架137与各个侧壁162相遇或设置在各个侧壁的位置)。最底部层架137可以直接设置在盒134上方和/或由盒134的顶部形成。第一相机190和第二相机192设置在冷藏室122中的层架136上方，并且第三相机194和第四相机196设置在冷藏室122中的最底部层架137处。
第一相机190和第二相机192设置在冷藏室122内的相同竖直高度处。例如，第一相机190和第二相机192设置为距离顶壁160不超过八厘米。第三相机194和第四相机196也设置在冷藏室122内的相同竖直高度(例如，不同于第一相机190和第二相机192的竖直高度)。 例如，第三相机194和第四相机196设置为距离最底部层架137不超过八厘米。第一相机190和第三相机194设置在冷藏室122内的相同侧向位置处。例如，第一相机190和第三相机194设置为距离侧壁162中的第一侧壁不超过八厘米。第二相机192和第四相机196设置在冷藏室122内的相同侧向位置(例如，不同于第一相机190和第三相机194)。例如，第二相机192和第四相机196设置为距离侧壁162中的第二侧壁不超过八厘米。如从上文可以看到的，第一相机190设置为靠近冷藏室122的顶部和第一侧部，第二相机192设置为靠近冷藏室122的顶部和第二侧部，第三相机194设置为靠近冷藏室122的底部和第一侧部，并且第四相机196可以设置为靠近冷藏室122的底部和第二侧部。在某些示例性实施方式中，四个相机190、192、194、196可以在垂直于横向T的平面中共面地设置。
四个相机190、192、194、196中的每一个均包括镜头。例如，第一相机190包括镜头198，如图3所示，第一相机190的镜头198相对于竖向V以不小于四十度(40°)并且不大于六十度(60°)(例如大约五十度(50°))的角度向下定向。由此，例如，在图4中用从第一相机190的镜头198延伸的虚线示出的第一相机190的镜头198的光轴可以与竖向V形成不小于四十度(40°)并且不大于六十度(60°)(例如大约五十度(50°))的角度。第二相机192、第三相机194以及第四相机196的镜头均包括镜头198。第二相机192的镜头198也可以相对于竖向V以不小于四十度(40°)并且不大于六十度(60°)(例如大约五十度(50°))的角度向下定向。第三相机194的镜头198可以相对于竖向V以不小于四十度(40°)并且不大于六十度(60°)(例如大约五十度(50°))的角度向上定向。由此，例如，在图4中用从第三相机194的镜头198延伸的虚线示出的第三相机194的镜头198的光轴可以与竖向V形成不小于四十度(40°)并且不大于六十度(60°)(例如大约五十度(50°))的角度。同样地，第四相机196的镜头198可以相对于竖向V以不小于四十度(40°)并且不大于六十度(60°)(例如大约五十度(50°))的角度向上定向。四个相机190、192、194、196中的每一个的镜头可以具有不小于七十度(70°)并且不大于一百度(100°)(例如不大于八十五度(85°))的视场。
四个相机190、192、194、196也具有纵横比。四个相机190、192、194、196可以定向为使得纵横比的较长尺寸竖直对齐。由此，例如，四个相机190、192、194、196中的每一个的纵横比的较长尺寸可以被定向为大约平行于竖向V，并且四个相机190、192、194、196中的每一个的纵横比的较短尺寸可以被定向为大约平行于横向T。在某些示例性实施方式中，四个相机190、192、194、196的纵横比可以不小于一千九百二十个像素*一千零八十个像素。由此，例如，包括不少于一千九百二十个像素的四个相机190、192、194、196的纵横比的 尺寸可以被定向为大约平行于竖向V，并且包括不少于一千零八十个像素的四个相机190、192、194、196的纵横比的尺寸可以被定向为大约平行于竖向T。
如图3所示，四个相机190、192、194、196用于捕捉例如垂直于横向T的平面200的图像。图4展示了由四个相机190、192、194、196对平面200捕捉的每英寸像素。如图4所示，四个相机190、192、194、196可以为平面200拍摄不少于百分之四十五(45％)的高质量图像。来自四台相机190、192、194、196的图像，如果每厘米不低于一百五十个像素(150p/cm)和/或每英寸不低于六十个像素(60p/in)，可以被认为是本文所说的高质量图像。高质量图像可以用于物品182的分类、读取物品182上的文本、读取物品182上的条形码等。上述四个相机190、192、194、196的布置可以有利地辅助提供用于库存分析目的高质量图像。
应当理解，由四个相机190、192、194、196获得的图像可以在数量、频率、角度、分辨率、细节等方面变化，以便提高制冷设备100周围或内的特定区域的清晰度。另外，在本实施例中，控制器156用于在获得图像之前使用一个或多个光源照亮制冷间室。特别地，制冷设备100的控制器156(或任意其他合适的专用控制器)可以通信地联接到相机组件190，并且可以被编程或用于分析由相机组件190获得的图像，例如，以便识别被添加到制冷设备100或从其取出的物品。
通常，控制器156可操作地联接到四个相机190、192、194、196，用于分析由四个相机190、192、194、196获得的一个或多个图像，以提取关于位于冷藏室122内的物品182的有用信息。在这点上，例如，由四个相机190、192、194、196获得的图像可以用于提取条形码、识别产品、监测产品的运动、或获得与物品182有关的其他产品信息。特别地，该分析可以在本地(例如，在控制器156上)执行，或者可以被发送到远程服务器(例如，经由外部通信网络170的远程服务器176)以用于分析。这种分析旨在例如通过识别被添加到制冷间室或从制冷间室取出的食品来促进库存管理。
以上实施例仅用以说明本发明的技术方案而非限制，尽管参照较佳实施例对本发明进行了详细说明，本领域的普通技术人员应当理解，可以对本发明的技术方案进行修改或者等同替换，而不脱离本发明技术方案的精神和范围。

Claims (15)

  1. 一种制冷设备，其特征在于，包括：
    箱体，该箱体具有冷藏室和冷冻室；以及
    多个相机组件，该多个相机组件在所述冷藏室的前部处安装到所述箱体，所述多个相机组件包括第一相机、第二相机、第三相机和第四相机，
    其中，所述冷藏室包括第一角部、第二角部、第三角部和第四角部，并且
    其中，所述第一相机设置在所述第一角部处，所述第二相机设置在所述第二角部处，所述第三相机设置在所述第三角部处，并且所述第四相机设置在所述第四角部处。
  2. 根据权利要求1所述的制冷设备，其特征在于，所述箱体包括顶壁和一对侧壁；并且所述冷藏室的所述第一角部和所述第二角部设置在所述顶壁与所述一对侧壁之间的连接位置处。
  3. 根据权利要求2所述的制冷设备，其特征在于，所述第一相机和所述第二相机设置为距离所述顶壁不超过八厘米。
  4. 根据权利要求2所述的制冷设备，其特征在于，所述第一相机和所述第三相机设置为距离所述一对侧壁中的第一侧壁不超过八厘米；并且所述第二相机和所述第四相机设置为距离所述一对侧壁中的第二侧壁不超过八厘米。
  5. 根据权利要求1所述的制冷设备，其特征在于，所述冷藏室沿着竖向在顶部与底部之间延伸并且沿着侧向在第一侧部与第二侧部之间延伸；并且所述第一相机设置为接近所述冷藏室的所述顶部和所述第一侧部，所述第二相机设置为接近所述冷藏室的所述顶部和所述第二侧部，所述第三相机设置为接近所述冷藏室的所述底部和所述第一侧部，并且所述第四相机设置为接近所述冷藏室的所述底部和所述第二侧部。
  6. 根据权利要求5所述的制冷设备，其特征在于，所述多个相机在垂直于横向的平面中共面地设置，并且所述竖向、所述侧向和所述横向相互垂直。
  7. 根据权利要求1所述的制冷设备，其特征在于，多个层架在所述冷藏室内安装到所述箱体；所述第一相机和所述第二相机设置在所述多个层架上方；并且所述第三相机和所述第四相机设置在所述多个层架中的最底部层架处。
  8. 根据权利要求7所述的制冷设备，其特征在于，所述第三相机和所述第四相机设置为距离所述多个层架中的所述最底部层架不超过八厘米。
  9. 根据权利要求1所述的制冷设备，其特征在于，所述第一相机的镜头相对于竖向以不小于四十度并且不大于六十度的角度向下定向；所述第二相机的镜头相对于所述竖向以不小于四十度并且不大于六十度的角度向下定向；所述第三相机的镜头相对于所述竖向以不小于四十度并且不大于六十度的角度向上定向；并且所述第四相机的镜头相对于所述竖向以不小于四十度并且不大于六十度的角度向上定向。
  10. 根据权利要求9所述的制冷设备，其特征在于，所述第一相机、所述第二相机、所述第三相机和所述第四相机中的每一个的所述镜头具有不小于七十度并且不大于一百度的视场。
  11. 根据权利要求1所述的制冷设备，其特征在于，所述第一相机、所述第二相机、所述第三相机和所述第四相机中的每一个具有纵横比，并且所述纵横比的较长尺寸被定向为平行于竖向。
  12. 根据权利要求11所述的制冷设备，其特征在于，所述第一相机、所述第二相机、所述第三相机和所述第四相机中的每一个的所述纵横比不小于一千九百二十个像素*一千零八十个像素。
  13. 根据权利要求1所述的制冷设备，其特征在于，所述第一相机、所述第二相机、所述第三相机和所述第四相机中的一个或多个包括麦克风。
  14. 根据权利要求1所述的制冷设备，其特征在于，所述第一相机、所述第二相机、所述第三相机和所述第四相机被定向为用于捕捉平面的图像。
  15. 根据权利要求14所述的制冷设备，其特征在于，所述多个相机为所述平面捕捉不少于百分之四十五且具有不小于每厘米一百五十像素的图像。
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JP2020058714A (ja) * 2018-10-12 2020-04-16 サインポスト株式会社 ショーケース

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