WO2022048564A1 - 具有可移动相机的制冷电器 - Google Patents
具有可移动相机的制冷电器 Download PDFInfo
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- WO2022048564A1 WO2022048564A1 PCT/CN2021/115972 CN2021115972W WO2022048564A1 WO 2022048564 A1 WO2022048564 A1 WO 2022048564A1 CN 2021115972 W CN2021115972 W CN 2021115972W WO 2022048564 A1 WO2022048564 A1 WO 2022048564A1
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- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- camera
- camera module
- refrigeration appliance
- extended position
- compartment
- Prior art date
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D29/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
- F25D29/005—Mounting of control devices
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D25/00—Charging, supporting, and discharging the articles to be cooled
- F25D25/02—Charging, supporting, and discharging the articles to be cooled by shelves
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2325/00—Charging, supporting or discharging the articles to be cooled, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2325/021—Shelves with several possible configurations
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2400/00—General features of, or devices for refrigerators, cold rooms, ice-boxes, or for cooling or freezing apparatus not covered by any other subclass
- F25D2400/36—Visual displays
- F25D2400/361—Interactive visual displays
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2500/00—Problems to be solved
- F25D2500/06—Stock management
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D27/00—Lighting arrangements
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2700/00—Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor
- F25D2700/02—Sensors detecting door opening
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2700/00—Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor
- F25D2700/06—Sensors detecting the presence of a product
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- 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
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to refrigeration appliances, and more particularly to a refrigeration appliance having one or more cameras for capturing images or video of a portion of the refrigeration appliance.
- refrigeration appliances typically include a box that defines a refrigeration compartment.
- the user can place food or objects in the refrigerated compartment in order to prevent the spoilage of such food. Thereby, the useful life of the perishable item or object can be increased.
- a large number of stored items may accumulate in the refrigeration compartment of the refrigerator.
- the stored items may accumulate, it may be difficult for a user of the refrigeration appliance to see or identify the items located within the refrigeration appliance. Additionally, the user may have difficulty determining the quantity of certain items within the refrigeration appliance. This is especially true when multiple users are adding/removing items to/from a common refrigeration appliance without communicating with other users. As a result, the user may accidentally purchase excessive or unwanted items. For example, certain food products do not perish easily in the refrigerated compartment, and such food products may be consumed infrequently. As a result, the food can be kept in the refrigerated compartment for a longer period of time.
- the user may forget about these foods and purchase alternatives despite already having acceptable items, which may inconvenience the user or spend money unnecessarily. Additionally or alternatively, some users may not be aware that certain items have been removed or consumed. As such, the user may not be able to replace or replenish such items.
- Certain existing appliances have attempted to address some of these problems by installing cameras within the refrigerated compartment to capture images of the refrigerated compartment. However, such appliances can still have difficulty capturing useful images, especially with items placed on lower shelves, placed under other items, or with other items between the camera and the stored items.
- a refrigeration appliance with features for assisting a user in capturing, viewing or tracking the contents of the refrigeration compartment of the refrigeration appliance.
- a refrigeration appliance may include a box body, a door body, a shelf and a camera module.
- the box may define a refrigerated compartment.
- the door may be rotatably hinged to the cabinet to provide selective access to the refrigerated compartment. Shelving can be installed in the cooling compartment.
- the rack may extend laterally between a leading edge proximate the door body and a trailing edge remote from the door body.
- the camera module can be removably mounted to the box above the shelf.
- the camera module is movable along a predetermined direction on the case between a retracted position proximate the first end of the case and an extended position proximate the second end of the case. When in the extended position, the camera module can be pointed at the refrigerated compartment to capture its image.
- the camera module may be laterally arranged between the door body and the front edge of the shelf in the extended position.
- a refrigeration appliance may include a box body, a door body, a camera bracket, a camera module and a light source.
- the box may define a refrigerated compartment.
- the door may be rotatably hinged to the cabinet to provide selective access to the refrigerated compartment.
- the camera bracket can be removably mounted to the case. The camera bracket is movable on the case in a predetermined direction between a retracted position proximate the first end of the case and an extended position proximate the second end of the case.
- the camera module may be supported on the camera bracket for movement with the camera bracket between a retracted position and an extended position in which the camera module is directed toward the refrigerated compartment to capture images of the refrigerated compartment.
- the light source may be supported on the camera cradle for movement with the camera cradle between a retracted position and an extended position. The light source may be directed towards the refrigerated compartment when in the extended position to illuminate the refrigerated compartment.
- Figure 1 provides a front elevational view of a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 provides a front elevational view of a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the refrigerated door shown in an open position.
- Figure 3 provides a schematic diagram of a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary two-dimensional image of a shelf within a food preservation compartment of a refrigeration appliance captured at a camera assembly of a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 provides a simplified cross-sectional elevation view of a refrigeration appliance in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 provides a simplified cross-sectional view of a camera assembly of a refrigeration appliance with the camera assembly in a retracted position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 provides a simplified cross-sectional view of the exemplary camera assembly of FIG. 6 in an extended position.
- FIG. 8 provides a simplified cross-sectional view of a camera assembly of a refrigeration appliance in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 provides a simplified cross-sectional view of a camera assembly of a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 10 provides a simplified cross-sectional view of a camera assembly of a refrigeration appliance in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 11 provides a perspective view of the top of the refrigeration compartment and camera assembly of a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 12 provides a perspective view of a portion of the exemplary camera assembly of FIG. 11 .
- FIG. 13 provides a side perspective view of the exemplary camera assembly of FIG. 11 with the camera assembly in a retracted position.
- FIG. 14 provides a side perspective view of the exemplary camera assembly of FIG. 11 with the camera assembly in a retracted position.
- 15 provides a perspective view of the top of the refrigeration compartment and camera assembly of a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 16 provides a perspective view of a portion of the exemplary camera assembly of FIG. 15 .
- Figure 1 provides a front elevational view of a refrigeration appliance 100 with a refrigeration door 128 of the refrigeration appliance 100 shown in a closed position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 provides a front elevation view of the refrigeration appliance 100 with the refrigerator door 128 shown in an open position to reveal the food preservation compartment 122 of the refrigeration appliance 100 .
- the refrigeration appliance 100 includes a housing or box 120 extending along the vertical direction V between the top 101 and the bottom 102 .
- the box 120 also extends along the lateral direction L between the first side 105 and the second side 106 , and along the transverse direction T between the front end 103 and the rear end 104 .
- Each of the vertical V, lateral L, and lateral T directions are perpendicular to each other to define a system of orthogonal directions.
- the bin 120 defines a refrigerated compartment for receiving food items for storage.
- the case 120 defines a food preservation compartment 122 disposed at or adjacent to the top 101 of the case 120 and a freezer compartment 124 disposed at or adjacent to the bottom 102 of the case 120 .
- the refrigeration appliance 100 is generally referred to as a bottom-mounted refrigerator.
- the benefits of the present invention are applicable to other types and styles of refrigeration appliances, such as overhead refrigeration appliances, side-by-side refrigeration appliances, and the like. Accordingly, the descriptions set forth herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit any particular storage enclosure or refrigerator cavity configuration in any way, unless otherwise indicated.
- the refrigerator door 128 is rotatably hinged to the edge of the box 120 for selective access to the food preservation compartment 122 .
- a freezing door 130 is arranged below the refrigerating door 128 so as to selectively enter the freezing compartment 124 .
- the freezer door 130 is coupled to a freezer drawer 142 (not shown) slidably mounted within the freezer compartment 124 . As described above, the refrigerator door 128 and the freezer door 130 are shown in the closed position in FIG. 1 , and the refrigerator door 128 is shown in the open position in FIG. 2 .
- the refrigerated door 128 is provided in a French door arrangement.
- the refrigerated door 128 may include a pair of independently movable refrigerated doors 128 (ie, door 128 segments) that pivot at opposing sides of the bin 120 .
- the first door body 128 is pivotally mounted to the first side 105 and the second door body 128 is pivotally mounted to the second side 106 to move or pivot independently of the first door body 128 .
- the storage part includes a box body 140 , a drawer 142 and a shelf 144 installed in the fresh food compartment 122 .
- Cassette 140, drawer 142, and shelf 144 are configured to receive stored items (eg, beverages or solid foods) and may help organize such foods.
- the drawer 142 may receive fresh food (eg, vegetables, fruit, or cheese) and increase the useful life of such fresh food.
- Refrigeration appliance 100 also includes features to assist a user in identifying food items located within food preservation compartment 122 or freezer compartment 124 .
- a user may utilize this feature, for example, to view, or to create an inventory of, food products stored in food preservation compartment 122 or freezer compartment 124. This feature is discussed in more detail below.
- FIG. 3 provides a schematic diagram of the refrigeration appliance 100 .
- the refrigeration appliance 100 includes a controller 150 operatively coupled or in communication with components of a refrigeration system (not shown) of the refrigeration appliance 100 configured to cool the food preservation compartment 122 or the freezer compartment 124 .
- Components include compressor 170 , evaporator fan 172 and condenser fan 174 .
- Controller 150 may selectively operate such components to cool food preservation compartment 122 or freezer compartment 124 .
- the controller 150 is also in communication with a thermostat (eg, a thermocouple or thermistor).
- the thermostat may be located in the food preservation compartment 122 or the freezer compartment 124 (FIG. 2).
- the controller 150 may receive a signal corresponding to the temperature of the food preservation compartment 122 or the freezer compartment 124 from the thermostat.
- the controller 150 may also include an internal timer for calculating the elapsed time period.
- the controller 150 may include memory and one or more microprocessors, CPUs, etc., such as a general-purpose or special-purpose microprocessor, for executing programmed instructions or micro-control code associated with the operation of the refrigeration appliance 100 .
- the memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH.
- the processor executes permanently programmed instructions stored in memory.
- the instructions include a software package configured to operate the refrigeration appliance 100, or to execute an operating routine.
- the memory may be a separate component from the processor, or may be contained on a board within the processor.
- controller 150 may be implemented without the use of a microprocessor (eg, using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuits; such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, etc.) To perform control functions instead of relying on software.
- a microprocessor eg, using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuits; such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, etc.
- the controller 150 may be provided at various locations throughout the refrigeration appliance 100 . Input/output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between the controller 150 and various operating components of the refrigeration appliance 100 .
- I/O Input/output
- One or more components of refrigeration appliance 100 may be in operative communication (eg, in electrical communication) with controller 150 via one or more conductive signal lines or a shared communication bus. Additionally or alternatively, one or more components of refrigeration appliance 100 may be in operative communication (eg, wireless communication) with controller 150 via one or more wireless signal bands.
- the refrigeration appliance 100 also includes a camera or camera module 160 .
- Camera 160 may be any type of device suitable for capturing a two-dimensional photograph or image, such as the image shown in FIG. 4 .
- the camera 160 may be a video camera or a digital camera with an electronic image sensor (eg, a charge coupled device (CCD) or CMOS sensor).
- the camera 160 communicates with the controller 150 (eg, in electrical or wireless communication) so that the controller 150 can receive signals from the camera 160 corresponding to images captured by the camera 160 .
- the controller 150 eg, in electrical or wireless communication
- camera 160 is mounted to refrigeration appliance 100 and may be directed toward one or more refrigeration compartments (eg, food preservation compartment 122 in FIG. 2 ).
- camera 160 is mounted within food preservation compartment 122 along with camera assembly 300 and is located on top of food preservation compartment 122 (eg, adjacent to top 101).
- the camera assembly 300 may be secured to or guided through the top wall of the bladder defining the food preservation compartment 122 .
- the camera 160 may be directed generally downward, and during use, the camera 160 may be directed at at least a portion of any particular one or combination of the drawer 142 and the shelf 144 ( FIG. 2 ).
- camera 160 may capture images of one of drawers 142, all drawers 142, one of racks 144, all racks 144, or any suitable combination thereof.
- the refrigeration appliance 100 includes an integrated display 180 .
- the integrated display 180 may be mounted on the refrigerator door 128 ( FIG. 1 ) or at any other suitable location on the refrigeration appliance 100 .
- the integrated display 180 is in operative communication with the controller 150 such that the integrated display 180 can receive signals from the controller 150 corresponding to images captured by the camera 160 .
- the integrated display 180 may receive such signals from the controller 150 and visually present the image to the user.
- the integrated display 180 may include, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), a plasma display panel (PDP), or any other suitable mechanism for displaying images (eg, a projector).
- refrigeration appliance 100 includes a network interface (not shown) that couples refrigeration appliance 100 (eg, controller 150 ) to network 190 such that refrigeration appliance 100 can transmit over network 190 and receive information.
- Network 190 may be any wired or wireless network, such as a WAN, LAN or HAN.
- refrigeration appliance 100 communicates with mobile display 182 via network 190 .
- Mobile display 182 may be any device configured to communicate over network 190 and display images received therefrom.
- mobile display 182 may be a computer, smartphone or tablet.
- Mobile display 182 is in communication with controller 150 such that mobile display 182 can receive signals from controller 150 (via network 190 ) corresponding to the user interface or images captured by camera 160 .
- Mobile display 182 may receive such signals from controller 150 and visually present one or more images to the user.
- Mobile display 182 may include, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), a plasma display panel (PDP), or any other suitable mechanism for displaying images (eg, a projector).
- Mobile display 182 may also include an interface (eg, a tactile input such as a button, or a graphical user interface) that allows mobile display 182 to initiate communication with refrigeration appliance 100 over network 190 .
- an interface eg, a tactile input such as a button, or a graphical user interface
- camera 160 may capture one or more two-dimensional images (eg, as a video feed or a series of consecutive still images) that may be transmitted to controller 150 (eg, as a data signal) , as commonly understood.
- controller 150 eg, as a data signal
- items within the field of view of the camera 160 eg, stored items such as food, or non-stored items such as user extremities, shelves, removable drawers, etc.
- controller 150 identify.
- identifying or authenticating such items may be accomplished by edge matching, divide-and-conquer search, grayscale matching, histogram of receptive field responses, or another suitable routine (eg, based on one or more captured from camera 160 ). image is executed at the controller 150).
- FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary two-dimensional image such as may be captured at camera 160 as part of an image capture sequence.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a possible field of view of the camera 160 directed towards the refrigerated compartment.
- both Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a series of individual images that may be viewed at either display 180 or 182 after being separated or generated from an initial image captured at camera 160 as part of an image capture sequence An exemplary 2D image of .
- camera 160 and controller 150 are configured to capture multiple, continuous two-dimensional images (eg, at a predetermined rate or pattern) as part of an image capture sequence. Sequential images (eg, a previously captured image and a most recently captured image) may be recorded (eg, temporarily) and compared at the controller 150 . Based on the comparison, changes or differences between consecutive images can be detected. In some embodiments, an image capture sequence is prompted or initiated in response to detected movement within the refrigeration compartment (eg, food preservation compartment 122). The image capture sequence may then be stopped or paused based on one or more end conditions, such as expiration of a predetermined time period, failure to detect further changes in consecutive images, or closing of door 128 .
- the refrigeration compartment eg, food preservation compartment 122
- At least a portion of the plurality of racks 144A, 144B, 144C, 144D, 144E are visible within the field of view of the camera 160 (FIG. 2), such as when the camera 160 is in the extended position Time.
- the leading edges 210A, 210B, 210C, 210D, 210E of the shelves 144A, 144B, 144C, 144D, 144E may be within the field of view of the camera 160 (FIG. 2).
- Each leading edge 210A, 210B, 210C, 210D, 210E may represent the frontmost surface of the corresponding shelf 144A, 144B, 144C, 144D, 144E, which may be the shelf surface closest to the opening of the food preservation compartment 122 .
- leading edge 210A corresponds to rack 144A
- leading edge 210B corresponds to rack 144B
- leading edge 210C corresponds to rack 144C
- leading edge 210D corresponds to rack 144D
- Leading edge 210E corresponds to shelf 144E.
- one or more of the racks 144A, 144B, 144C, 144D, 144E are disposed at different heights (ie, relative vertical positions within the food preservation compartment 122).
- the leading edges 210A, 210B, 210C, 210D, 210E of the shelves 144A, 144B, 144C, 144D, 144E at separate heights within the food preservation compartment 122 may be within the camera 160 field of view.
- controller 150 is configured to identify one or more of racks 144A, 144B, 144C, 144D, 144E based on signals or images received from camera 160 (eg, during an image capture sequence) fiducial mark or area. For example, based on the two-dimensional image captured from the camera 160, the controller 150 may identify the reference edges 212A, 212B, 212C, 212D, 212E of one or more of the racks 144A, 144B, 144C, 144D, 144E. Optionally, a corresponding reference edge 212A, 212B, 212C, 212D, 212E may be identified for each shelf 144A, 144B, 144C, 144D, 144E.
- the reference edges 212A, 212B, 212C, 212D, 212E may together establish a vertical coordinate system within the food preservation compartment 122 .
- the controller 150 can determine which racks 144A, 144B, 144C, 144D, 144E or between which vertically adjacent racks 144 (eg, 144A and 144C), items, or users Limbs 214A, 214B (eg, hands, arms, etc.).
- the user's left arm 214A is shown crossing the reference edge 212C, but not the upper reference edge 212A.
- it can be determined that the user's left arm 214A is passing between the racks 144A and 144C.
- the user's right arm 214B is shown intersecting the reference edge 212E, but not the upper reference edges 212D and 212B. Thus, it can be determined that the user's right arm 214B is passing between the racks 144D and 144E.
- Camera module 310 may include or be included with camera 160 (eg, provided with camera assembly 300, as described above). Also, at least a portion of the camera assembly 300 including the camera module 310 can be moved between independent retracted and extended positions (eg, in a predetermined direction) while remaining attached to a portion of the case 120 .
- the camera module 310 can be proximate to the first end of the case 120 (and thus away from the second end of the case 120 ) in the retracted position, and away from the first end of the case 120 (thus away from the second end of the case 120 ) in the extended position near the second end of the case 120). Also, as described above, in the extended position, the camera module 310 is directed toward a refrigerated compartment (eg, the food preservation compartment 122 ) to capture one or more images. Optionally, the camera module 310 may capture images as it moves between retracted and extended positions, facilitating capture of a larger viewing area or field of view (eg, compared to a still camera).
- a refrigerated compartment eg, the food preservation compartment 122
- a portion of the camera assembly 300 including the camera module 310 can be moved along the transverse direction T (eg, pushed by the mechanical drive assembly 318 ).
- the predetermined movement direction may include or be provided as the transverse direction T.
- FIG. Movement from the retracted position (eg, FIG. 6 ) to the extended position (eg, FIG. 7 ) may bring the camera module 310 closer to the user in front of the case 120 .
- the extended position may include the camera module 310 proximate the front end 103 (eg, the second end), while the retracted position includes the camera module 310 proximate the rear end 104 (eg, the first end).
- the camera module 310 is supported on a camera bracket 312 that is removably mounted to the case 120 as part of the camera assembly 300 .
- the camera bracket 312 may be anchored or otherwise coupled to the case 120 via the assembly bracket 314 (eg, at a portion of the lining defining the food preservation compartment 122 ) for movement between retracted and extended positions.
- the component brackets 314 may be secured relative to the case 120 (eg, via one or more suitable adhesives, mechanical fasteners, etc.).
- the camera module 310 can be fixed relative to the camera bracket 312, and thus can move along the transverse direction T in tandem with the camera bracket 312.
- one or more other functions may be supported on the camera bracket 312 .
- the light source 316 may be supported on the camera bracket 312 for movement between a retracted position and an extended position.
- the light source 316 is spaced horizontally (eg, laterally or laterally) from the camera module 310 .
- light source 316 may be provided as any suitable (eg, electrically powered) light emitter, such as incandescent light bulbs, halogen light bulbs, fluorescent light bulbs, light emitting diodes (LEDs), and the like.
- the light source 316 When activated (eg, in the extended position), the light source 316 may illuminate at least a portion of a refrigerated compartment (eg, the food preservation compartment 122). In some embodiments, the light source 316 is directed toward the refrigeration compartment when in the extended position.
- the extended position may include a light source 316 directed toward the refrigerated compartment to illuminate the refrigerated compartment.
- the light source 316 may generally be directed at the same area as the camera module 310 , thereby providing illumination to improve the accuracy or quality of images captured at the camera module 310 .
- the light source 316 provides the primary lighting for the refrigerated compartment (eg, instead of or in series with a separate stationary light source installed in the refrigerated compartment).
- camera assembly 300 (including camera module 310, camera bracket 312, or assembly bracket 314) can be disposed in any suitable location on case 120 when in the extended position to capture a refrigerated compartment (eg, food preservation compartment 122) Image.
- a refrigerated compartment eg, food preservation compartment 122
- the camera assembly 300 is mounted on top of the case 120 within the refrigerated compartment.
- the camera assembly 300 may be coupled to the top wall of the liner (eg, at the assembly bracket 314 at the top 101).
- the camera assembly 300 is mounted such that the camera module 310 can be positioned on the leading edge 210 (eg, fiducial) of one or more shelves 144 mounted within a refrigerated compartment (eg, the food preservation compartment 122 ). edge).
- the camera module 310 in the extended position may be forward from the front edge 210 of the one or more racks 144 .
- the camera module 310 may be disposed between the leading edge 210 and the opening to the food preservation compartment 122 or the door 128 . Additionally or alternatively, the camera module 310 may be disposed forward from the opening when in the extended position.
- the one or more racks 144 may include the rack 144 closest to the camera assembly 300 with respect to vertical V (eg, the uppermost rack) or two or more racks 144 (eg, in the above drawer 142).
- the extended position may hold the camera module 310 in a position where a substantial portion of the lower shelf 144 or drawer 142 is visible.
- the retracted position may provide the camera module 310 behind the leading edge 210 of the one or more racks 144 (eg, between the leading edge 210 and the rear end 104 along the transverse direction T).
- camera assembly 300 may provide camera assembly 300, and particularly camera module 310, within a refrigerated compartment (eg, food preservation compartment 122)
- other embodiments may provide camera assembly 300, and in particular camera module 310, within a corresponding refrigerated compartment (eg, A camera module 310 is provided outside the fresh food compartment 122).
- the camera module 310 can remain away from the refrigeration compartment in the extended and retracted positions.
- the camera bracket 312 may be mounted above the refrigerated compartment (eg, to a portion of the case 120 remote from the lining (such as an outer panel)) to extend forward of the opening of the refrigerated compartment in the extended position.
- the camera assembly 300 may include a drive assembly 318 configured to urge or bias the camera carriage 312 to the extended position.
- the drive assembly 318 includes a rail 320 and a prong 322 in mechanical communication with the camera bracket 312 .
- the prongs 322 can extend from the camera bracket 312 (eg, detachably or integrally) and selectively engage the inner surface of the door body 128 to force the camera bracket 312 rearward (eg, , when the door 128 is closed), and holds the camera bracket 312 in the retracted position when the door 128 is in the closed position.
- a spring 324 (eg, coil spring, leaf spring, pneumatic spring cylinder, etc.) may be provided in further mechanical communication with the camera bracket 312 .
- the spring 324 can be biased into engagement with the camera bracket 312 (including the camera module 310 ) to bias the camera module 310 to the extended position.
- the position of the camera bracket 312 may be based on or correspond to the position of the at least one door body 128 .
- the retracted position may correspond to the closed position of the mating door 128 and the extended position may correspond to the open position (or at least partially open or non-closed position) of the mating door 128 .
- linear guides 320 and prongs 322 are illustrated, another suitable mechanical drive system (eg, a gear train) may be provided to urge between the extended and retracted positions based on the position of the mating door 128 Camera mount 312 .
- a gear train may be provided to urge between the extended and retracted positions based on the position of the mating door 128 Camera mount 312 .
- a portion of camera assembly 300 including camera module 310 can be moved along transverse direction T (eg, pushed by electronic drive assembly 318 ).
- the predetermined movement direction may include or be provided as the transverse direction T.
- FIG. Movement from the retracted position to the extended position may bring the camera module 310 closer to the user in front of the case 120 .
- the extended position may include the camera module 310 proximate the front end 103 (eg, the second end), while the retracted position includes the camera module 310 proximate the rear end 104 (eg, the first end).
- the camera module 310 is supported on a camera bracket 312 that is removably mounted to the case 120 as part of the camera assembly 300 .
- the camera bracket 312 may be anchored or otherwise coupled to the case 120 via the assembly bracket 314 (eg, at a portion of the lining defining the refrigerated compartment) for movement between retracted and extended positions.
- the assembly bracket 314 may be secured relative to the case 120 (eg, via one or more suitable adhesives, mechanical fasteners, etc.).
- the camera module 310 when assembled, the camera module 310 may be fixed relative to the camera bracket 312 and thereby movable along the transverse direction T in tandem with the camera bracket 312 .
- one or more other functions may be supported on the camera bracket 312 .
- the light source 316 may be supported on the camera bracket 312 for movement between a retracted position and an extended position.
- the light source 316 is spaced horizontally (eg, laterally or laterally) from the camera module 310 .
- light source 316 may be provided as any suitable (eg, electrically powered) light emitter, such as incandescent light bulbs, halogen light bulbs, fluorescent light bulbs, light emitting diodes (LEDs), and the like. When activated (eg, in the extended position), the light source 316 may illuminate at least a portion of the refrigerated compartment.
- the light source 316 is directed toward the refrigeration compartment when in the extended position.
- the extended position may include a light source 316 directed toward the refrigerated compartment to illuminate the refrigerated compartment.
- the light source 316 may generally be directed at the same area as the camera module 310 , thereby providing illumination to improve the accuracy or quality of images captured at the camera module 310 .
- the light source 316 provides the primary lighting for the refrigerated compartment (eg, instead of or in series with a separate stationary light source installed in the refrigerated compartment).
- the camera assembly 300 (including the camera module 310, camera bracket 312, or assembly bracket 314) can be positioned at any suitable location on the case 120 when in the extended position to capture an image of the refrigerated compartment.
- the camera assembly 300 is mounted on top of the case 120 within the refrigerated compartment.
- the camera assembly 300 may be coupled to the top wall of the liner (eg, at the assembly bracket 314 at the top 101).
- the camera assembly 300 is mounted such that the camera module 310 can move forward of the leading edge 210 (eg, the reference edge) of one or more racks 144 mounted within the refrigerated compartment.
- the camera module 310 in the extended position may be forward from the front edge 210 of the one or more racks 144 .
- the camera module 310 may be disposed between the leading edge 210 and the opening or door body 128 when in the extended position. Additionally or alternatively, the camera module 310 may be disposed forward from the opening when in the extended position.
- the one or more racks 144 may include the rack 144 closest to the camera assembly 300 with respect to vertical V (eg, the uppermost rack) or two or more racks 144 (eg, in the above drawer 142).
- the extended position may hold the camera module 310 in a position where a substantial portion of the lower shelf 144 or drawer 142 is visible.
- the retracted position may provide the camera module 310 behind the leading edge 210 of the one or more racks 144 (eg, between the leading edge 210 and the rear end 104 along the transverse direction T).
- the electronic drive assembly 318 may be configured to urge or guide the camera carriage 312 to an extended or retracted position.
- the electronic drive assembly 318 includes an electronic drive motor 326 in mechanical communication with the camera mount 312 .
- the electronic drive motor 326 can guide the camera module 310 between the extended and retracted positions.
- the electronic drive motor 326 may be operably coupled to the controller 150 (FIG. 3) (eg, to transmit/receive signals therebetween).
- the electronic drive assembly 318 may receive one or more signals (eg, from the controller 150 ) based on the position of the one or more doors 128 .
- the controller 150 may be operably coupled to one or more sensors (eg, proximity sensors, position sensors, etc.) configured to detect, such as when the door body 128 is in a closed position The location of one or more door bodies 128 . Based on the detected position of one or more of the doors 128, the controller 150 may send a signal to the electronic drive motor 326 to guide the camera carriage 312 to the extended or retracted position.
- the position of the camera bracket 312 may be based on or correspond to the position of the at least one door body 128 .
- the retracted position may correspond to the closed position of the mating door 128 and the extended position may correspond to the open position (or at least partially open or non-closed position) of the mating door 128 .
- the electronic drive motor 326 may be configured to operate between the retracted and extended positions based on received input signals, such as from sensors configured to detect the position of the one or more doors 128 . Push the camera module 310 in between.
- a linear rack and pinion is illustrated, another suitable electric drive system (eg, gear train) coupled to the electronic drive motor 326 may be provided based on the position of the matching door body 128 (eg, as determined by The camera carriage 312 is urged between the extended and retracted positions as indicated by a signal received at the electronic drive motor 326 via the controller 150).
- a suitable electric drive system eg, gear train
- a portion of the camera assembly 300 including the camera module 310 can be moved along the lateral direction L (eg, pushed by the electronic drive assembly 318).
- the predetermined movement direction may include or be provided as the lateral direction L.
- the movement from the retracted position to the extended position may bring the camera module 310 closer to one side of the cabinet 120 in the refrigerated compartment.
- the extended position may include the camera module 310 proximate the first side 105 (eg, the second end), while the retracted position includes the camera module 310 proximate the second side 106 (eg, the first end).
- the camera module 310 is supported on a camera bracket 312 that is removably mounted to the case 120 as part of the camera assembly 300 .
- the camera bracket 312 may be anchored or otherwise coupled to the case 120 via the assembly bracket 314 (eg, at a portion of the lining defining the refrigerated compartment) for movement between retracted and extended positions.
- the component brackets 314 may be secured relative to the case 120 (eg, via one or more suitable adhesives, mechanical fasteners, etc.).
- the camera module 310 when assembled, the camera module 310 may be fixed relative to the camera bracket 312 and thus movable in the lateral direction L in tandem with the camera bracket 312 .
- one or more other functions may be supported on the camera bracket 312 .
- the light source 316 may be supported on the camera bracket 312 for movement between a retracted position and an extended position.
- the light source 316 is spaced horizontally (eg, laterally or laterally) from the camera module 310 .
- light source 316 may be provided as any suitable (eg, electrically powered) light emitter, such as incandescent light bulbs, halogen light bulbs, fluorescent light bulbs, light emitting diodes (LEDs), and the like. When activated (eg, in the extended position), the light source 316 may illuminate at least a portion of the refrigerated compartment.
- the light source 316 is directed toward the refrigeration compartment when in the extended position.
- the extended position may include a light source 316 directed toward the refrigerated compartment to illuminate the refrigerated compartment.
- the light source 316 may generally be directed at the same area as the camera module 310 , thereby providing illumination to improve the accuracy or quality of images captured at the camera module 310 .
- the light source 316 provides the primary lighting for the refrigerated compartment (eg, instead of or in series with a separate stationary light source installed in the refrigerated compartment).
- the camera assembly 300 (including the camera module 310, camera bracket 312, or assembly bracket 314) can be positioned at any suitable location on the case 120 when in the extended position to capture an image of the refrigerated compartment.
- the camera assembly 300 is mounted on top of the case 120 within the refrigerated compartment.
- the camera assembly 300 may be coupled to the top wall of the liner (eg, at the assembly bracket 314 at the top 101).
- the camera assembly 300 is mounted such that the camera module 310 is maintained or held in front of the leading edge 210 (eg, the reference edge) of one or more racks 144 mounted within the refrigerated compartment.
- the camera modules 310 in both the extended and retracted positions may be forward from the leading edge 210 of the one or more racks 144 .
- the camera module 310 may be disposed between the leading edge 210 and the opening or door body 128 when in the extended position.
- the one or more racks 144 may include the rack 144 closest to the camera assembly 300 with respect to vertical V (eg, the uppermost rack) or two or more racks 144 (eg, in the above drawer 142).
- the camera module 310 may be positioned where a substantial portion of the lower shelf 144 or drawer 142 is visible.
- the electronic drive assembly 318 can be configured to push or guide the camera carriage 312 to an extended or retracted position.
- the electronic drive assembly 318 includes an electronic drive motor 326 in mechanical communication with the camera mount 312 .
- the electronic drive motor 326 can guide the camera module 310 between the extended and retracted positions.
- the electronic drive motor 326 may be operably coupled to the controller 150 (FIG. 1) (eg, to transmit/receive signals therebetween).
- the electronic drive assembly 318 may receive one or more signals (eg, from the controller 150 ) based on the position of the one or more doors 128 .
- the controller 150 may be operably coupled to one or more sensors (eg, proximity sensors, position sensors, etc.) configured to detect, such as when the door body 128 is in a closed position The location of one or more door bodies 128 . Based on the detected position of one or more of the doors 128, the controller 150 may send a signal to the electronic drive motor 326 to guide the camera carriage 312 to the extended or retracted position.
- sensors eg, proximity sensors, position sensors, etc.
- electronic drive motor 326 may guide or move camera carriage 312 to the side of door 128 that is open. In response to a door opening signal received from a sensor configured to detect the position of the door body 128 pivotally mounted at the first side 105 , the electronic drive motor 326 may direct the camera carriage 312 to the carriage proximate the first side 105 . Shelf position (eg, extended position). Similarly, in response to a door opening signal received from a sensor configured to detect the position of the door body 128 pivotally mounted at the second side 106, the electronic drive motor 326 may direct the camera carriage 312 proximate the second side The carriage position (eg, retracted position) of 106 .
- the electronic drive motor 326 may be responsive from a sensor configured to detect the position of the door body 128 pivotally mounted at the first side 105 and configured to detect the pivotally mounted door 128 at the second side 106 . Both sensors for the position of the door body 128 at the door receive the door opening 128 signal to guide the camera carriage 312 to an intermediate position between the extended and retracted positions. In turn, opening the two doors 128 may allow the camera bracket 312 to be directed to an intermediate position.
- the electronic drive motor 326 may be configured to urge the camera module 310 between the retracted and extended positions based on input signals corresponding to the pivotal positions of the pair of independently movable door bodies 128 .
- the position of the camera bracket 312 may be based on or correspond to at least the position of the door body 128 .
- the retracted position may correspond to the open position (or at least partially open or non-closed position) of one door 128 of the pair
- the extended position may correspond to the opening of the other door 128 of the pair position (or at least partially open or non-closed position).
- the intermediate position may correspond to the simultaneous open position (or at least partially open or non-closed position) of both doors 128 of the pair of doors.
- a linear rack and pinion is illustrated, another suitable electric drive system (eg, gear train) coupled to the electronic drive motor 326 may be provided to be based on the position of the door 128 (eg, as determined by the electronic drive 326 ).
- the camera carriage 312 is pushed between the extended and retracted positions as indicated by the signal received at the drive motor 326).
- a portion of camera assembly 300 including camera module 310 can be moved at least partially along transverse direction T (eg, pushed by mechanical drive assembly 318).
- the predetermined movement direction may include the lateral direction T. Movement from the retracted position (eg, FIG. 13 ) to the extended position (eg, FIG. 14 ) may bring the camera module 310 closer to the user in front of the case 120 .
- the extended position may include the camera module 310 proximate the front end 103 (eg, the second end), while the retracted position includes the camera module 310 proximate the rear end 104 (eg, the first end).
- the camera module 310 is supported on a camera bracket 312 that is movably (eg, pivotably) mounted to the case 120 as part of the camera assembly 300 .
- the camera bracket 312 may be anchored or otherwise coupled to the case 120 via the assembly bracket 314 (eg, at a portion of the lining defining the refrigerated compartment) for movement between retracted and extended positions.
- one or more pivot arms 328 may connect the camera bracket 312 to the assembly bracket 314 .
- the component brackets 314 may be secured relative to the case 120 (eg, via one or more suitable adhesives, mechanical fasteners, etc.).
- the camera module 310 when assembled, the camera module 310 may be fixed relative to the camera bracket 312 and thereby movable along the transverse direction T in tandem with the camera bracket 312 .
- the camera module 310 may be received within a module slot defined within camera bracket 312 .
- one or more other functions may be supported on the camera bracket 312 .
- the light source 316 may be supported on the camera bracket 312 for movement between a retracted position and an extended position.
- the light source 316 is spaced horizontally (eg, laterally or laterally) from the camera module 310 .
- light source 316 may be provided as any suitable (eg, electrically powered) light emitter, such as incandescent light bulbs, halogen light bulbs, fluorescent light bulbs, light emitting diodes (LEDs), and the like. When activated (eg, in the extended position), the light source 316 may illuminate at least a portion of the refrigerated compartment.
- the light source 316 is directed toward the refrigeration compartment when in the extended position.
- the extended position may include a light source 316 directed toward the refrigerated compartment to illuminate the refrigerated compartment.
- the light source 316 may generally be directed at the same area as the camera module 310 , thereby providing illumination to improve the accuracy or quality of images captured at the camera module 310 .
- the light source 316 provides the primary lighting for the refrigerated compartment (eg, instead of or in series with a separate stationary light source installed in the refrigerated compartment).
- the camera assembly 300 (including the camera module 310, camera bracket 312, or assembly bracket 314) can be positioned at any suitable location on the case 120 when in the extended position to capture an image of the refrigerated compartment.
- the camera assembly 300 is mounted on top of the case 120 within the refrigerated compartment.
- the camera assembly 300 may be coupled to the top wall of the liner (eg, at the assembly bracket 314 at the top 101).
- the camera assembly 300 is mounted such that the camera module 310 can move and pivot forward of the leading edge 210 (eg, the reference edge) of one or more racks 144 mounted within the refrigerated compartment.
- the camera module 310 in the extended position may be forward from the front edge 210 of the one or more racks 144 .
- the camera module 310 may be disposed between the leading edge 210 and the opening or door body 128 when in the extended position. Additionally or alternatively, the camera module 310 may be disposed forward from the opening when in the extended position.
- the one or more racks 144 may include the rack 144 closest to the camera assembly 300 with respect to vertical V (eg, the uppermost rack) or two or more racks 144 (eg, in the above drawer 142).
- the extended position may hold the camera module 310 in a position where a substantial portion of the lower shelf 144 or drawer 142 is visible.
- the retracted position may provide the camera module 310 behind the leading edge 210 of the one or more racks 144 (eg, between the leading edge 210 and the rear end 104 along the transverse direction T).
- the angle of the camera module 310 changes between a retracted position and an extended position.
- one or both of the retracted and extended positions may be non-parallel with respect to the fixed direction (eg, vertical V).
- the camera module 310 may be directed forward in the retracted position (e.g., generally directed toward the refrigeration compartment or the opening of the door body 128).
- the line of sight of the camera module 310 may define an acute, non-parallel angle (eg, forward along the transverse direction T).
- the camera module 310 may be pointed rearward (eg, generally away from the door 128 or toward the rear end 104 ). As shown in FIG. 14 , with respect to vertical V, the line of sight of camera module 310 may define an acute, non-parallel angle that is different from the angle defined in the retracted position (eg, rearward along lateral T).
- the camera assembly 300 may include a drive assembly 318 configured to push or bias the camera carriage 312 to the extended position.
- a pair of pivot arms 328 having independent arm lengths coupled to the camera bracket 312 at laterally spaced points on the camera bracket 312 can be used to change the view of the camera (eg, relative to vertical V ) defines the angle between the retracted and extended positions.
- the camera bracket 312 can selectively engage the inner surface of the door body 128 to force the camera bracket 312 rearward (eg, when the door body 128 is closed), and to move the camera bracket 312 back when the door body 128 is in the closed position The camera bracket 312 remains in the retracted position.
- springs may be provided in further mechanical communication with the camera bracket 312 .
- the spring may be biased into engagement with the camera bracket 312 (including the camera module 310 ), which biases the camera module 310 to the extended position.
- the position of the camera bracket 312 may be based on or correspond to the position of the at least one door body 128 .
- the retracted position may correspond to the closed position of the mating door 128 and the extended position may correspond to the open position (or at least partially open or non-closed position) of the mating door 128 .
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Abstract
一种制冷电器(100),包括箱体(120)、门体(128)和相机模块(160),相机模块(160)可移动地安装到箱体(120)上,并在箱体(120)上沿着预定方向在接近箱体(120)第一端的缩回位置与接近箱体(120)第二端的伸出位置之间移动。相机模块(160)在伸出位置时指向制冷间室以捕获其图像。
Description
本发明总体涉及制冷电器,更具体地涉及一种具有用于捕获制冷电器的一部分的图像或视频的一个或多个相机的制冷电器。
诸如制冷电器和储藏柜的储存室通常提供用于接收多个物品或物体的封闭腔室。例如,制冷电器通常包括限定制冷间室的箱体。用户可以将食品或物体放置在制冷间室内,以便阻止这种食品的腐烂。从而,可以增加易腐物品或物体的可用寿命。
随着时间的推移,大量的储存物品(例如,食品)可能累积在冰箱的制冷间室内。随着所储存的物品的累积,制冷电器的用户可能难以看到或识别位于制冷电器内的物品。另外,用户可能难以确定制冷电器内的某些物品的数量。当多个用户在不与其他用户通信的情况下向公共制冷电器添加/从其移除物品时,尤其如此。因此,用户可能意外地购买了过多或不需要的物品。例如,某些食品在制冷间室内不容易腐烂,并且这种食品可能不经常消耗。由此,这种食品可以在制冷间室内保持较长的时间。用户可能忘记这些食品,尽管已经具有可接受的物品,但还是会购买替代品,这样,用户可能感到不便或者不必要地花钱。另外或可选地,一些用户可能不知道某些物品已经被取出或消耗。由此,用户可能无法更换或补充这种物品。
某些现有电器已经尝试通过在制冷间室内安装相机以捕获制冷间室的图像来解决这些问题中的一些。然而,这种电器仍然可能难以捕获有用的图像,尤其是对于放置在下搁物架上的物品、放置在其他物品下方的物品、或者在相机与所储存的物品之间有其他物品的情况下。
因此,具有用于辅助用户捕获、查看或跟踪制冷电器的制冷间室的内容物的特征的制冷电器将是有用的。特别地,提供一种具有用于捕获放置在制冷间室内或从制冷间室取出的物品的图像的改进特征的制冷电器将是有利的。
发明内容
本发明的各个方面以及优点将会在下文的描述中进行阐述,或者是通过描述可以显而易见的,或者是可以通过实施本发明而学到。
在本发明的一个示例性方面,提供了一种制冷电器。该制冷电器可以包括箱体、门体、搁物架以及相机模块。箱体可以限定制冷间室。门体可以可旋转地铰接到箱体,以提供选择性地达到制冷间室的途径。搁物架可以安装在制冷间室内。搁物架可沿着横向在接近门体的前缘与远离门体的后缘之间延伸。相机模块可以可移动地安装到搁物架上方的箱体。相机模块可以在箱体上沿着预定方向在接近箱体的第一端的缩回位置与接近箱体的第二端的伸出位置之间移动。相机模块在伸出位置时可以指向制冷间室以捕获其图像。相机模块在伸出位置时可沿着横向布置在门体与搁物架的前缘之间。
在本发明的另一个示例性方面,提供了一种制冷电器。该制冷电器可以包括箱体、门体、相机托架、相机模块以及光源。箱体可以限定制冷间室。门体可以可旋转地铰接到箱体,以提供选择性地达到制冷间室的途径。相机托架可以可移动地安装到箱体。相机托架可以在箱体上沿着预定方向在接近箱体的第一端的缩回位置与接近箱体的第二端的伸出位置之间移动。相机模块可以支撑在相机托架上,以与相机托架一起在缩回位置与伸出位置之间移动,相机模块在伸出位置时指向制冷间室,以捕获制冷间室的图像。光源可以支撑在相机托架上,以与相机托架一起在缩回位置与伸出位置之间移动。光源在伸出位置时可以指向制冷间室以照亮制冷间室。
参照下文的描述以及所附权利要求,本发明的这些和其它的特征、方面以及优点将变得更容易理解。结合在本说明书中并且构成本说明书一部分的附图显示了本发明的实施方式并且与描述一起用于对本发明的原理进行解释。
参照附图,说明书中阐述了面向本领域普通技术人员的本发明的完整公开,这种公开使得本领域普通技术人员能够实现本发明,包括本发明的最佳实施例。
图1提供了根据本发明的示例性实施方式的制冷电器的前立面图。
图2提供了根据本发明的示例性实施方式的制冷电器的前立面图,其中,冷藏门体被示出为处于打开位置。
图3提供了根据本发明的示例性实施方式的制冷电器的示意图。
图4示例了在根据本发明的示例性实施方式的制冷电器的相机组件处捕获的制冷电器的食物保鲜室内的搁物架的示例性二维图像。
图5提供了根据本发明的示例性实施方式的制冷电器的简化剖视立面图。
图6提供了根据本发明的示例性实施方式的制冷电器的相机组件的简化剖视图,其中相机组件处于缩回位置。
图7提供了图6的示例性相机组件处于伸出位置的简化剖视图。
图8提供了根据本发明的示例性实施方式的制冷电器的相机组件的简化剖视图。
图9提供了根据本发明的示例性实施方式的制冷电器的相机组件的简化剖视图。
图10提供了根据本发明的示例性实施方式的制冷电器的相机组件的简化剖视图。
图11提供了根据本发明的示例性实施方式的制冷电器的制冷间室和相机组件的顶部的立体图。
图12提供了图11的示例性相机组件的一部分的立体图。
图13提供了图11的示例性相机组件的侧面立体图,其中,相机组件处于缩回位置。
图14提供了图11的示例性相机组件的侧面立体图,其中,相机组件处于缩回位置。
图15提供了根据本发明的示例性实施方式的制冷电器的制冷间室和相机组件的顶部的立体图。
图16提供了图15的示例性相机组件的一部分的立体图。
现在将详细地参照本发明的实施方式,其中的一个或多个示例示于附图中。每个示例都以对发明进行解释的方式给出,并不对本发明构成限制。实际上,对于本领域技术人员而言显而易见的是,能够在不偏离本发明的范围的前提下对本发明进行多种改型和变型。例如,作为一个实施方式的一部分示出或者进行描述的特征能够用于另一个实施方式,从而产生又一个实施方式。因此,期望的是,本发明覆盖落入所附权利要求及其等同形式的范围内的这些改型以及变型。
如本文所用的,术语“或”通常旨在是包括的(即,“A或B”旨在意指“A或B或两者”)。术语“第一”、“第二”和“第三”可以互换使用以将一个部件与另一个部件区分开,并且这些术语并不旨在表示各个部件的位置或重要性。
现在转向附图,图1提供了根据本发明的示例性实施方式的制冷电器100的前 立面图,其中,制冷电器100的冷藏门体128被示出为处于关闭位置。图2提供了制冷电器100的前立面图,其中,冷藏门体128被示出为处于打开位置,以露出制冷电器100的食物保鲜室122。
制冷电器100包括壳体或箱体120,该壳体或箱体120沿着竖向V在顶部101与底部102之间延伸。箱体120还沿着侧向L在第一侧面105与第二侧面106之间延伸,而且沿着横向T在前端103与后端104之间延伸。竖向V、侧向L和横向T中的每一个彼此相互垂直,以限定正交方向***。
箱体120限定用于接收食品以便储存的制冷间室。特别地,箱体120限定设置在箱体120的顶部101处或与顶部101相邻设置的食物保鲜室122和布置在箱体120的底部102处或与底部102相邻布置的冷冻室124。由此可见,制冷电器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电器,诸如顶置式制冷电器、对开门式制冷电器等。因此,本文阐述的描述仅出于例示性目的,而无意于在任何方面限制任何特定的储存外壳或冰箱腔室构造,除非另外指示。
冷藏门体128可旋转地铰接到箱体120的边缘,以便选择性地进入食物保鲜室122。另外,在冷藏门体128的下方布置冷冻门体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142(未示出)。如上所述,冷藏门体128和冷冻门体130在图1中被示出为处于关闭位置,并且冷藏门体128在图2中被示出为处于打开位置。
在图1和图2的示例性实施方式中,冷藏门体128设置成法式门体的布置。由此,冷藏门体128可以包括一对在箱体120的相对侧面处枢转的独立可移动的冷藏门体128(即,门体128段)。换言之,第一门体128可枢转地安装到第一侧面105,而第二门体128可枢转地安装到第二侧面106,以独立于第一门体128移动或枢转。
现在转向图2,如本领域技术人员将理解的,各种储存部件被安装在食物保鲜室122内,以促进食品在其中的储存。特别地,储存部件包括安装在食物保鲜室122内的盒体140、抽屉142以及搁物架144。盒体140、抽屉142以及搁物架144被构造为接收所储存物品(例如,饮料或固体食品),并且可以帮助组织这种食品。作为示例,抽屉142可以接收新鲜食品(例如,蔬菜、水果或奶酪),并且增加这种新鲜食品的使用寿命。
制冷电器100还包括用于辅助用户识别位于食物保鲜室122或冷冻室124内的食品的特征。用户可以利用这种特征,例如,来查看储存在食物保鲜室122或冷冻 室124内的食品,或创建这种食品的库存。下面更详细地讨论这种特征。
图3提供了制冷电器100的示意图。制冷电器100包括控制器150,该控制器150与制冷电器100的制冷***(未示出)的部件可操作地联接或通信,该制冷***被配置为冷却食物保鲜室122或冷冻室124。部件包括压缩机170、蒸发器风扇172以及冷凝器风扇174。控制器150可以选择性地操作这种部件,以便冷却食物保鲜室122或冷冻室124。控制器150还与温控器(例如,热电偶或热敏电阻)通信。温控器可以设置在食物保鲜室122或冷冻室124(图2)中。控制器150可以从温控器接收与食物保鲜室122或冷冻室124的温度对应的信号。控制器150还可以包括用于计算经过的时间段的内部计时器。
控制器150可以包括存储器和一个或多个微处理器、CPU等,诸如通用或专用微处理器,该微处理器用于执行与制冷电器100的运行关联的编程指令或微控制代码。存储器可以表示诸如DRAM的随机存取存储器或诸如ROM或FLASH的只读存储器。在一些实施方式中,处理器执行存储在存储器中的永久编程指令。对于某些实施方式,指令包括软件包,该软件包被配置为操作制冷电器100,或者执行操作例程。存储器可以是与处理器分开的部件,或者可以包含在处理器内的板上。可选地,控制器150可以在不使用微处理器的情况下(例如,使用离散的模拟或数字逻辑电路的组合;诸如开关、放大器、积分器、比较器、触发器、与门等)构建为执行控制功能,而不是依靠软件。
控制器150可以设置在整个制冷电器100中的各种位置。输入/输出(“I/O”)信号可以在控制器150与制冷电器100的各种操作部件之间路由。制冷电器100的一个或多个部件可以经由一条或多条传导信号线或共享的通信总线与控制器150可操作地通信(例如,电气通信)。另外或可选地,制冷电器100的一个或多个部件可以经由一个或多个无线信号带与控制器150可操作地通信(例如,无线通信)。
制冷电器100还包括相机或相机模块160。相机160可以是适于捕获二维照片或图像的任何类型的装置,该照片或图像诸如图4所示的图像。作为示例,相机160可以是具有电子图像传感器【例如,电荷耦合器件(CCD)或CMOS传感器】的摄像机或数字相机。当组装时,相机160与控制器150通信(例如,电通信或无线通信),使得控制器150可以从相机160接收与由相机160捕获的图像对应的信号。
如下面将详细描述的,相机160安装到制冷电器100并且可以指向一个或多个制冷间室(例如,图2中的食物保鲜室122)。在一些实施方式中,相机160与相机组件300一起安装在食物保鲜室122内,并位于食物保鲜室122顶部(例如,邻近 顶部101)。比如,相机组件300可以固定到或被引导穿过限定食物保鲜室122的内胆的顶壁。在这种实施方式中,如图2所示,相机160通常可以指向下方,在使用期间,相机160可以指向抽屉142和搁物架144(图2)中的任何特定一个或组合的至少一部分。由此,相机160可以捕获抽屉142中的一个、所有抽屉142、搁物架144中的一个、所有搁物架144或其任何合适组合的图像。
在某些实施方式中,制冷电器100包括集成显示器180。集成显示器180可以安装在冷藏门体128(图1)上或制冷电器100上的任何其它合适位置处。集成显示器180与控制器150可操作地通信,使得集成显示器180可以从控制器150接收与由相机160捕获的图像对应的信号。集成显示器180可以从控制器150接收这种信号,并且向用户可视地呈现图像。集成显示器180可以包括例如液晶显示面板(LCD)、等离子显示面板(PDP)或用于显示图像的任何其他合适的机构(例如投影仪)。
在另外或可选的实施方式中,制冷电器100包括网络接口(未示出),该网络接口将制冷电器100(例如,控制器150)联接到网络190,使得制冷电器100可以通过网络190传输和接收信息。网络190可以是任何有线或无线网络,诸如WAN、LAN或HAN。
在一些这种实施方式中,制冷电器100(例如,控制器150)经由网络190与移动显示器182通信。移动显示器182可以是被配置为通过网络190通信并显示从其接收的图像的任何装置。例如,移动显示器182可以是电脑、智能电话或平板电脑。移动显示器182与控制器150通信,使得移动显示器182可以从控制器150(经由网络190)接收与用户界面或由相机160捕获的图像对应的信号。移动显示器182可以从控制器150接收这种信号,并且向用户可视地呈现一个或多个图像。移动显示器182可以包括例如液晶显示面板(LCD)、等离子显示面板(PDP)或用于显示图像的任何其他合适的机构(例如投影仪)。移动显示器182还可以包括允许移动显示器182通过网络190启动与制冷电器100的通信的界面(例如,触觉输入,诸如按钮,或图形用户界面)。
在使用期间,诸如在图像捕获序列期间,相机160可以捕获可被传输到控制器150(例如,作为数据信号)的一个或多个二维图像(例如,作为视频馈送或一系列连续静态图像),如通常理解的。根据所捕获的图像,在相机160的视场内的物品(例如,诸如食物的所储存物品、或诸如用户肢体部、搁物架、可移动抽屉等的非储存物品)可以由控制器150自动识别。如所理解的,识别或鉴定这种物品可以通过边缘匹配、分治搜索、灰度匹配、感受野响应的直方图或另一适当的例程(例 如,基于从相机160捕获的一个或多个图像在控制器150处执行)来执行。
作为示例,图4示例了诸如可以作为图像捕获序列的一部分在相机160处捕获的示例性二维图像。换言之,图4示例了指向制冷间室的相机160的可能视场。作为额外的或可选的示例,图5和图6都示例了在从作为图像捕获序列的一部分在相机160处捕获的初始图像中分离或生成之后可以在显示器180或182处查看的一系列单独的示例性二维图像。
在某些实施方式中,相机160和控制器150被配置成捕获多个、连续的二维图像(例如,以预定速率或模式),作为图像捕获序列的一部分。可以记录(例如,暂时)顺序图像(例如,先前捕获的图像和最近捕获的图像)并且在控制器150处进行比较。根据比较,可以检测连续图像之间的变化或差异。在一些实施方式中,响应于检测到的在制冷间室(例如,食物保鲜室122)内的移动,提示或启动图像捕获序列。随后,可以根据一个或多个结束条件,诸如预定时间段的到期、未能检测到连续图像的进一步变化、或门体128的关闭,来停止或暂停图像捕获序列。
作为示例,并且如图4所示,多个搁物架144A、144B、144C、144D、144E的至少一部分在相机160的视场内是可见的(图2),诸如当相机160处于伸出位置时。比如,搁物架144A、144B、144C、144D、144E的前缘210A、210B、210C、210D、210E可以在相机160的视场内(图2)。各个前缘210A、210B、210C、210D、210E可代表对应的搁物架144A、144B、144C、144D、144E的最前表面,该最前表面可以是最接近食物保鲜室122的开口的搁物架表面。在图4所示的示例中,前缘210A对应于搁物架144A,前缘210B对应于搁物架144B,前缘210C对应于搁物架144C,前缘210D对应于搁物架144D,并且前缘210E对应于搁物架144E。在一些实施方式中,搁物架144A、144B、144C、144D、144E中的一个或多个设置在不同的高度(即,在食物保鲜室122内的相对竖直位置)处。可选地,在食物保鲜室122内处于独立高度的搁物架144A、144B、144C、144D、144E的前缘210A、210B、210C、210D、210E可以在相机160的视场内。
在某些实施方式中,控制器150被配置为基于从相机160接收(例如,在图像捕获序列期间)的信号或图像识别搁物架144A、144B、144C、144D、144E中的一个或多个的基准标记或区域。比如,根据从相机160捕获的二维图像,控制器150可以识别搁物架144A、144B、144C、144D、144E中的一个或多个的基准边缘212A、212B、212C、212D、212E。可选地,可以对于各个搁物架144A、144B、144C、144D、144E识别对应的基准边缘212A、212B、212C、212D、212E。基准边缘212A、 212B、212C、212D、212E可以一起在食物保鲜室122内建立竖直坐标系。使用该竖直坐标系,控制器150能够确定哪个搁物架144A、144B、144C、144D、144E或者在哪些竖直相邻的搁物架144(例如,144A和144C)之间、物品或用户肢体部214A、214B(例如,手、臂等)。作为示例,在图4的示例图像中,用户的左臂214A被示出为与基准边缘212C交叉,而不与较高基准边缘212A交叉。由此,可以确定用户的左臂214A正在搁物架144A与搁物架144C之间通过。作为额外的示例,在图4的示例图像中,用户的右臂214B被示出为与基准边缘212E交叉,而不与较高基准边缘212D和212B交叉。由此,可以确定用户的右臂214B正在搁物架144D与搁物架144E之间通过。
现在一般转向图5至图16,详细描述包括安装到制冷电器100(图1和图2)的相机模块310的相机组件300。相机模块310可以包括相机160或与相机160一起被包括(例如,如上所述,与相机组件300一起提供)。而且,包括相机模块310的相机组件300的至少一部分可以在独立的缩回位置与伸出位置之间移动(例如,沿着预定方向),同时保持附接到箱体120的一部分。转而,相机模块310在缩回位置时可以接近箱体120的第一端(由此远离箱体120的第二端),而在伸出位置时远离箱体120的第一端(由此接近箱体120的第二端)。而且,如上所述,在伸出位置,相机模块310指向制冷间室(例如,食物保鲜室122),以捕获一个或多个图像。可选地,相机模块310可以在其在缩回位置与伸出位置之间移动时捕获图像,有利于捕获更多的可视区域或视场(例如,与静止相机相比)。
特别转向图5至图7,在一些实施方式中,包括相机模块310的相机组件300的一部分可沿着横向T移动(例如,由机械驱动组件318推动)。换言之,预定的移动方向可以包括或被提供为横向T。从缩回位置(例如,图6)到伸出位置(例如,图7)的移动可以使相机模块310更靠近箱体120前面的用户。由此,伸出位置可以包括接近前端103(例如,第二端)的相机模块310,而缩回位置包括接近后端104(例如,第一端)的相机模块310。
在某些实施方式中,相机模块310被支撑在相机托架312上,该相机托架312作为相机组件300的一部分可移动地安装到箱体120。相机托架312可以经由组件支架314锚定或以其他方式联结到箱体120(例如,在限定食物保鲜室122的内衬的一部分处),以在缩回位置与伸出位置之间移动。如将理解的,组件支架314可以相对于箱体120固定(例如,经由一种或多种合适的粘合剂、机械紧固件等)。然而,当组装时,相机模块310可相对于相机托架312固定,由此可与相机托架312串联 沿着横向T移动。
在可选实施方式中,除相机模块310之外,一个或多个其它功能件可以支撑在相机托架312上。比如,光源316可以支撑在相机托架312上,以在缩回位置与伸出位置之间移动。在一些这样的实施方式中,光源316与相机模块310水平地(例如,侧向地或横向地)隔开。通常,光源316可以被提供为任何合适的(例如,电力供电的)光发射器,诸如白炽灯泡、卤素灯泡、荧光灯泡、发光二极管(LED)等。当被激活时(例如,在伸出位置),光源316可以照亮制冷间室(例如,食物保鲜室122)的至少一部分。在一些实施方式中,光源316在伸出位置时指向制冷间室。比如,伸出位置可以包括指向制冷间室以照亮制冷间室的光源316。有利地,光源316通常可以指向与相机模块310相同的区域,由此提供照明,以提高在相机模块310处捕获的图像的准确度或质量。在可选的实施方式中,光源316为制冷间室提供主要照明(例如,代替安装在制冷间室内的单独的静止光源或者与其串联)。
通常,相机组件300(包括相机模块310、相机托架312或组件支架314)在伸出位置时可以布置在箱体120上的任何合适的位置,以捕获制冷间室(例如食物保鲜室122)的图像。在示例性实施方式中,相机组件300安装在制冷间室内的箱体120的顶部。比如,相机组件300可以联结到内衬的顶壁(例如,在顶部101处的组件支架314处)。
在某些实施方式中,相机组件300被安装为使得相机模块310可以在安装在制冷间室(例如,食物保鲜室122)内的一个或多个搁物架144的前缘210(例如,基准边缘)的前方移动。换言之,相对于横向T,处于伸出位置的相机模块310可以从一个或多个搁物架144的前缘210向前。比如,在伸出位置时,相机模块310可以布置在前缘210与通向食物保鲜室122或门体128的开口之间。额外地或可选地,相机模块310在伸出位置时可以从开口向前布置。一个或多个搁物架144可以包括相对于竖向V最靠近相机组件300的搁物架144(例如,最上面的搁物架)或两个或更多个搁物架144(例如,在抽屉142上方)。有利地,伸出位置可以将相机模块310保持在下搁物架144或抽屉142的相当一部分可见的位置。可选地,缩回位置可以在一个或多个搁物架144的前缘210的后面(例如,沿着横向T在前缘210与后端104之间)提供相机模块310。
暂时转到图10,尽管一些实施方式可以在制冷间室(例如,食物保鲜室122)内提供相机组件300,并且特别是相机模块310,但是其他实施方式可以在对应的制冷间室(例如,食物保鲜室122)外部提供相机模块310。具体地,相机模块310可 以在伸出位置和缩回位置时保持远离制冷间室。比如,相机托架312可以安装在制冷间室上方(例如,安装至箱体120的远离内衬(诸如外面板)的部分),以在伸出位置时延伸到制冷间室的开口的前方。
一般地返回到图5至图7和图10,相机组件300可包括驱动组件318,其被构造为将相机托架312推动或偏置到伸出位置。在所示实施方式中,驱动组件318包括导轨320和与相机托架312机械连通的尖头322。如图所示,尖头322可从相机托架312伸出(例如,可分离地或一体地),并且选择性地与门体128的内表面接合,以迫使相机托架312向后(例如,当门体128关闭时),并且在门体128处于关闭位置时将相机托架312保持在缩回位置。可选地,弹簧324(例如,螺旋弹簧、片簧、气动弹簧缸等)可以被设置成与相机托架312进一步机械连通。具体地,弹簧324可以与相机托架312(包括相机模块310)偏置接合,以将相机模块310偏置到伸出位置。
如图所示,相机托架312的位置可以基于或对应于至少一个门体128的位置。比如,缩回位置可对应于匹配的门体128的关闭位置,而伸出位置可对应于匹配的门体128的打开位置(或至少部分打开或非关闭位置)。
注意,尽管示例了线性导轨320和尖头322,但是可以提供另一合适的机械驱动***(例如,齿轮系),以基于匹配的门体128的位置在伸出位置与缩回位置之间推动相机托架312。
现在转向图5和图8以及图15和图16,在一些实施方式中,包括相机模块310的相机组件300的一部分可沿着横向T移动(例如,由电子驱动组件318推动)。换言之,预定的移动方向可以包括或被提供为横向T。从缩回位置到伸出位置的移动可以使相机模块310更靠近箱体120前面的用户。由此,伸出位置可以包括接近前端103(例如,第二端)的相机模块310,而缩回位置包括接近后端104(例如,第一端)的相机模块310。
在某些实施方式中,相机模块310被支撑在相机托架312上,该相机托架作为相机组件300的一部分可移动地安装到箱体120。相机托架312可以经由组件支架314锚定或以其他方式联结到箱体120(例如,在限定制冷间室的内衬的一部分处),以在缩回位置与伸出位置之间移动。可以理解,组件支架314可以相对于箱体120固定(例如,经由一种或多种合适的粘合剂、机械紧固件等)。然而,当组装时,相机模块310可相对于相机托架312固定,由此可与相机托架312串联沿着横向T移动。
在可选实施方式中,除相机模块310之外,一个或多个其它功能件可以支撑在相机托架312上。比如,光源316可以支撑在相机托架312上,以在缩回位置与伸出位置之间移动。在一些这样的实施方式中,光源316与相机模块310水平地(例如,侧向地或横向地)隔开。通常,光源316可以被提供为任何合适的(例如,电力供电的)光发射器,诸如白炽灯泡、卤素灯泡、荧光灯泡、发光二极管(LED)等。当被激活时(例如,在伸出位置),光源316可以照亮制冷间室的至少一部分。在一些实施方式中,光源316在伸出位置时指向制冷间室。比如,伸出位置可以包括指向制冷间室以照亮制冷间室的光源316。有利地,光源316通常可以指向与相机模块310相同的区域,由此提供照明,以提高在相机模块310处捕获的图像的准确度或质量。在可选的实施方式中,光源316为制冷间室提供主要照明(例如,代替安装在制冷间室内的单独的静止光源或者与其串联)。
通常,相机组件300(包括相机模块310、相机托架312或组件支架314)在伸出位置时可以布置在箱体120上的任何合适的位置,以捕获制冷间室的图像。在示例性实施方式中,相机组件300安装在制冷间室内的箱体120的顶部。比如,相机组件300可以联结到内衬的顶壁(例如,在顶部101处的组件支架314处)。
在某些实施方式中,相机组件300被安装为使得相机模块310可以在安装在制冷间室内的一个或多个搁物架144的前缘210(例如,基准边缘)的前方移动。换言之,相对于横向T,处于伸出位置的相机模块310可以从一个或多个搁物架144的前缘210向前。比如,在伸出位置时,相机模块310可以布置在前缘210与开口或门体128之间。额外地或可选地,相机模块310在伸出位置时可以从开口向前布置。一个或多个搁物架144可以包括相对于竖向V最靠近相机组件300的搁物架144(例如,最上面的搁物架)或两个或更多个搁物架144(例如,在抽屉142上方)。有利地,伸出位置可以将相机模块310保持在下搁物架144或抽屉142的相当一部分可见的位置。可选地,缩回位置可以在一个或多个搁物架144的前缘210的后面(例如,沿着横向T在前缘210与后端104之间)提供相机模块310。
如图所示,电子驱动组件318可以被配置为将相机托架312推动或引导到伸出位置或缩回位置。通常,电子驱动组件318包括与相机托架312机械连通的电子驱动马达326。由此,电子驱动马达326可以在伸出位置与缩回位置之间引导相机模块310。而且,电子驱动马达326可以可操作地联接到控制器150(图3)(例如,以在其间发送/接收信号)。在使用期间,电子驱动组件318可以基于一个或多个门体128的位置接收一个或多个信号(例如,从控制器150)。比如,如通常理解的,控制器 150可以可操作地联接到一个或多个传感器(例如,接近传感器、位置传感器等),一个或多个传感器被配置为诸如当门体128处于关闭位置时检测一个或多个门体128的位置。基于一个或多个门体128的检测位置,控制器150可将信号发送到电子驱动马达326,以将相机托架312引导到伸出位置或缩回位置。相机托架312的位置可以基于或对应于至少一个门体128的位置。比如,缩回位置可对应于匹配的门体128的关闭位置,而伸出位置可对应于匹配的门体128的打开位置(或至少部分打开或非关闭位置)。由此,电子驱动马达326可以被构造为基于接收到的输入信号(诸如从被配置为检测一个或多个门体128的位置的传感器接收到的输入信号)来在缩回位置与伸出位置之间推动相机模块310。
注意,尽管示例了线性齿条和小齿轮,但是可以提供联接到电子驱动马达326的另一合适的电驱动***(例如,齿轮系),以基于匹配的门体128的位置(例如,如由经由控制器150在电子驱动马达326处接收的信号所指示的)在伸出位置与缩回位置之间推动相机托架312。
现在特别转向图9,在一些实施方式中,包括相机模块310的相机组件300的一部分可沿着侧向L移动(例如,由电子驱动组件318推动)。换言之,预定的移动方向可以包括或被提供为侧向L。从缩回位置到伸出位置的移动可以使相机模块310更靠近制冷间室内的箱体120的一个侧面。例如,伸出位置可以包括接近第一侧面105(例如,第二端)的相机模块310,而缩回位置包括接近第二侧面106(例如,第一端)的相机模块310。
在某些实施方式中,相机模块310被支撑在相机托架312上,该相机托架312作为相机组件300的一部分可移动地安装到箱体120。相机托架312可以经由组件支架314锚定或以其他方式联结到箱体120(例如,在限定制冷间室的内衬的一部分处),以在缩回位置与伸出位置之间移动。如将理解的,组件支架314可以相对于箱体120固定(例如,经由一种或多种合适的粘合剂、机械紧固件等)。然而,当组装时,相机模块310可相对于相机托架312固定,由此可与相机托架312串联沿着侧向L移动。
在可选实施方式中,除相机模块310之外,一个或多个其它功能件可以支撑在相机托架312上。比如,光源316可以支撑在相机托架312上,以在缩回位置与伸出位置之间移动。在一些这样的实施方式中,光源316与相机模块310水平地(例如,侧向地或横向地)隔开。通常,光源316可以被提供为任何合适的(例如,电力供电的)光发射器,诸如白炽灯泡、卤素灯泡、荧光灯泡、发光二极管(LED)等。 当被激活时(例如,在伸出位置),光源316可以照亮制冷间室的至少一部分。在一些实施方式中,光源316在伸出位置时指向制冷间室。比如,伸出位置可以包括指向制冷间室以照亮制冷间室的光源316。有利地,光源316通常可以指向与相机模块310相同的区域,由此提供照明,以提高在相机模块310处捕获的图像的准确度或质量。在可选的实施方式中,光源316为制冷间室提供主要照明(例如,代替安装在制冷间室内的单独的静止光源或者与其串联)。
通常,相机组件300(包括相机模块310、相机托架312或组件支架314)在伸出位置时可以布置在箱体120上的任何合适的位置,以捕获制冷间室的图像。在示例性实施方式中,相机组件300安装在制冷间室内的箱体120的顶部。比如,相机组件300可以联结到内衬的顶壁(例如,在顶部101处的组件支架314处)。
在某些实施方式中,相机组件300被安装为使得相机模块310被维持或保持在安装在制冷间室内的一个或多个搁物架144的前缘210(例如,基准边缘)的前面。换言之,相对于横向T,处于伸出位置和缩回位置两者的相机模块310可以从一个或多个搁物架144的前缘210向前。比如,在伸出位置时,相机模块310可以布置在前缘210与开口或门体128之间。一个或多个搁物架144可以包括相对于竖向V最靠近相机组件300的搁物架144(例如,最上面的搁物架)或两个或更多个搁物架144(例如,在抽屉142上方)。有利地,相机模块310可以布置在下搁物架144或抽屉142的相当一部分可见的位置。
如图所示,电子驱动组件318可以被配置位将相机托架312推动或引导到伸出位置或缩回位置。通常,电子驱动组件318包括与相机托架312机械连通的电子驱动马达326。由此,电子驱动马达326可以在伸出位置与缩回位置之间引导相机模块310。而且,电子驱动马达326可以可操作地联接到控制器150(图1)(例如,以在其间发送/接收信号)。在使用期间,电子驱动组件318可以基于一个或多个门体128的位置接收一个或多个信号(例如,从控制器150)。比如,如通常理解的,控制器150可以可操作地联接到一个或多个传感器(例如,接近传感器、位置传感器等),一个或多个传感器被配置为诸如当门体128处于关闭位置时检测一个或多个门体128的位置。基于一个或多个门体128的检测位置,控制器150可将信号发送到电子驱动马达326,以将相机托架312引导到伸出位置或缩回位置。
作为示例,电子驱动马达326可以将相机托架312引导或移动到打开的门128的侧面。响应于从被配置为检测可枢转地安装在第一侧面105处的门体128的位置的传感器接收的开门信号,电子驱动马达326可以将相机托架312引导到接近第一 侧面105的托架位置(例如,伸出位置)。类似地,响应于从被配置为检测可枢转地安装在第二侧面106处的门体128的位置的传感器接收的开门信号,电子驱动马达326可以将相机托架312引导到接近第二侧面106的托架位置(例如,缩回位置)。可选地,电子驱动马达326可以响应于从被配置为检测可枢转地安装在第一侧面105处的门体128的位置的传感器和被配置为检测可枢转地安装在第二侧面106处的门体128的位置的传感器两者接收开门128信号而将相机托架312引导到在伸出位置与缩回位置之间的中间位置。转而,打开两个门体128可以使相机托架312被引导到中间位置。
由此,电子驱动马达326可以被构造为基于与一对独立可移动门体128的枢转位置相对应的输入信号在缩回位置与伸出位置之间推动相机模块310。相机托架312的位置可以基于或对应于至少门体128的位置。比如,缩回位置可对应于该对门体中的一个门体128的打开位置(或至少部分打开或非关闭位置),而伸出位置可对应于该对门体中的另一个门体128的打开位置(或至少部分打开或非关闭位置)。可选地,中间位置可对应于该对门体中的两个门体128的同时打开位置(或至少部分打开或非关闭位置)。
注意,尽管示例了线性齿条和小齿轮,但是可以提供联接到电子驱动马达326的另一合适的电驱动***(例如,齿轮系),以基于门体128的位置(例如,如由在电子驱动马达326处接收的信号所指示的)在伸出位置与缩回位置之间推动相机托架312。
现在转向图5和图11以及图14,在一些实施方式中,包括相机模块310的相机组件300的一部分可至少部分地沿着横向T移动(例如,由机械驱动组件318推动)。换言之,预定的移动方向可以包括横向T。从缩回位置(例如,图13)到伸出位置(例如,图14)的移动可以使相机模块310更靠近箱体120前面的用户。由此,伸出位置可以包括接近前端103(例如,第二端)的相机模块310,而缩回位置包括接近后端104(例如,第一端)的相机模块310。
在某些实施方式中,相机模块310被支撑在相机托架312上,该相机托架312作为相机组件300的一部分可移动(例如,可枢转)地安装到箱体120。相机托架312可以经由组件支架314锚定或以其他方式联结到箱体120(例如,在限定制冷间室的内衬的一部分处),以在缩回位置与伸出位置之间移动。可选地,一个或多个枢转臂328可以将相机托架312连接到组件支架314。如将理解的,组件支架314可以相对于箱体120固定(例如,经由一种或多种合适的粘合剂、机械紧固件等)。 然而,当组装时,相机模块310可相对于相机托架312固定,由此可与相机托架312串联沿着横向T移动。比如,相机模块310的至少一部分可以容纳在相机托架312内限定的模块狭槽内。
在可选实施方式中,除相机模块310之外,一个或多个其它功能件可以支撑在相机托架312上。比如,光源316可以支撑在相机托架312上,以在缩回位置与伸出位置之间移动。在一些这样的实施方式中,光源316与相机模块310水平地(例如,侧向地或横向地)隔开。通常,光源316可以被提供为任何合适的(例如,电力供电的)光发射器,诸如白炽灯泡、卤素灯泡、荧光灯泡、发光二极管(LED)等。当被激活时(例如,在伸出位置),光源316可以照亮制冷间室的至少一部分。在一些实施方式中,光源316在伸出位置时指向制冷间室。比如,伸出位置可以包括指向制冷间室以照亮制冷间室的光源316。有利地,光源316通常可以指向与相机模块310相同的区域,由此提供照明,以提高在相机模块310处捕获的图像的准确度或质量。在可选的实施方式中,光源316为制冷间室提供主要照明(例如,代替安装在制冷间室内的单独的静止光源或者与其串联)。
通常,相机组件300(包括相机模块310、相机托架312或组件支架314)在伸出位置时可以布置在箱体120上的任何合适的位置,以捕获制冷间室的图像。在示例性实施方式中,相机组件300安装在制冷间室内的箱体120的顶部。比如,相机组件300可以联结到内衬的顶壁(例如,在顶部101处的组件支架314处)。
在某些实施方式中,相机组件300被安装为使得相机模块310可以在安装在制冷间室内的一个或多个搁物架144的前缘210(例如,基准边缘)的前方移动枢转。换言之,相对于横向T,处于伸出位置的相机模块310可以从一个或多个搁物架144的前缘210向前。比如,在伸出位置时,相机模块310可以布置在前缘210与开口或门体128之间。额外地或可选地,相机模块310在伸出位置时可以从开口向前布置。一个或多个搁物架144可以包括相对于竖向V最靠近相机组件300的搁物架144(例如,最上面的搁物架)或两个或更多个搁物架144(例如,在抽屉142上方)。有利地,伸出位置可以将相机模块310保持在下搁物架144或抽屉142的相当一部分可见的位置。可选地,缩回位置可以在一个或多个搁物架144的前缘210的后面(例如,沿着横向T在前缘210与后端104之间)提供相机模块310。
在示例性实施方式中,相机模块310的角度(例如,视线相对于固定方向的方向)在缩回位置与伸出位置之间改变。由此,缩回位置和伸出位置的一个或两个可以相对于固定方向(例如,竖向V)不平行。作为示例,相机模块310在缩回位置时 可以指向前(例如,通常指向制冷间室或门体128的开口)。如图13所示,相对于竖向V,相机模块310的视线可以限定锐角、非平行的角度(例如,沿着横向T向前)。作为额外的或可选的示例,相机模块310可以指向后(例如,通常远离门体128或朝向后端104)。如图14所示,相对于竖向V,相机模块310的视线可以限定锐角的非平行的角度,该角度不同于在缩回位置(例如,沿着横向T向后)限定的角度。
相机组件300可包括驱动组件318,其被构造为将相机托架312推动或偏置到伸出位置。如图所示,一对具有独立臂长的、在相机托架312上横向隔开的点处联结到相机托架312的枢转臂328可以用于改变由视线(例如,相对于竖向V)在缩回位置与伸出位置之间限定的角度。可选地,相机托架312可以选择性地与门体128的内表面接合,以迫使相机托架312向后(例如,当门体128关闭时),并且在门体128处于关闭位置时将相机托架312保持在缩回位置。可选地,弹簧(未示出——例如,螺旋弹簧、片簧、气动弹簧缸等)可以被设置成与相机托架312进一步机械连通。具体地,弹簧可以与相机托架312(包括相机模块310)偏置接合,这将相机模块310偏置到伸出位置。
如图所示,相机托架312的位置可以基于或对应于至少一个门体128的位置。比如,缩回位置可对应于匹配的门体128的关闭位置,而伸出位置可对应于匹配的门体128的打开位置(或至少部分打开或非关闭位置)。
本书面描述使用示例对本发明进行了公开(其中包括最佳实施例),并且还使本领域技术人员能够实施本发明(其中包括制造和使用任意装置或***并且执行所包含的任意方法)。本发明的可专利范围通过权利要求进行限定,并且可以包括本领域技术人员能够想到的其它的示例。如果这种其它的示例包括与权利要求的字面语言没有区别的结构元件,或者如果这种其它的示例包括与权利要求的字面语言没有实质区别的等同结构元件,则期望这种其它的示例落入权利要求的范围中。
Claims (19)
- 一种制冷电器,其特征在于,该制冷电器包括:箱体,该箱体限定制冷间室;门体,该门体旋转地铰接到所述箱体,以提供选择性地达到所述制冷间室的途径;搁物架,该搁物架安装在所述制冷间室内,所述搁物架沿着横向在接近所述门体的前缘与远离所述门体的后缘之间延伸;以及相机模块,该相机模块可移动地安装到所述搁物架上方的所述箱体,所述相机模块可在所述箱体上沿着预定方向在接近所述箱体的第一端的缩回位置与接近所述箱体的第二端的伸出位置之间移动,所述相机模块在所述伸出位置时指向所述制冷间室以捕获其图像,其中,所述相机模块在所述伸出位置时沿着所述横向布置在所述门体与所述搁物架的所述前缘之间。
- 根据权利要求1所述的制冷电器,其特征在于,还包括:相机托架,该相机托架可移动地安装到所述箱体,所述相机托架将所述相机模块支撑在所述缩回位置和所述伸出位置;以及光源,该光源支撑在所述相机托架上,以与所述相机托架一起在所述缩回位置与所述伸出位置之间移动,所述光源在所述伸出位置时指向所述制冷间室,以照亮所述制冷间室。
- 根据权利要求1所述的制冷电器,其特征在于,其还包括:弹簧,该弹簧与所述相机模块偏置接合,所述弹簧将所述相机模块偏置到所述伸出位置。
- 根据权利要求3所述的制冷电器,其特征在于,所述门体选择性地接合所述相机模块,以将所述相机模块保持在所述缩回位置。
- 根据权利要求1所述的制冷电器,其特征在于,其还包括:电子模块马达,该电子模块马达与所述相机模块机械连通,所述电子模块马达被构造为基于接收到的输入信号在所述缩回位置与所述伸出位置之间推动所述相机模块。
- 根据权利要求1所述的制冷电器,其特征在于,所述预定方向包括所述横向,其中,所述箱体的所述第一端是后端,并且,所述箱体的所述第二端是沿着所 述横向与所述后端隔开的前端。
- 根据权利要求1所述的制冷电器,其特征在于,所述预定方向包括垂直于所述横向的侧向,其中,所述箱体的所述第一端是第一侧面,并且,所述箱体的所述第二端是第二侧面。
- 根据权利要求7所述的制冷电器,其特征在于,所述门体包括一对可独立移动的门体段,所述一对可独立移动的门体段在所述箱体的相对侧面处枢转,并且其中,所述制冷电器还包括:电子模块马达,该电子模块马达与所述相机模块机械连通,所述电子模块马达被构造为基于与所述一对可独立移动的门体段的枢转位置对应的输入信号在所述缩回位置与所述伸出位置之间推动所述相机模块。
- 根据权利要求1所述的制冷电器,其特征在于,所述相机模块在所述缩回位置时与所述制冷间室一起布置。
- 根据权利要求1所述的制冷电器,其特征在于,所述相机模块在所述缩回位置时指向前,并且在所述伸出位置时指向后。
- 一种制冷电器,其特征在于,该制冷电器包括:箱体,该箱体限定制冷间室;门体,该门体旋转地铰接到所述箱体,以提供选择性地达到所述制冷间室的途径;相机托架,该相机托架可移动地安装到所述箱体,所述相机托架可在所述箱体上沿着预定方向在接近所述箱体的第一端的缩回位置与接近所述箱体的第二端的伸出位置之间移动;相机模块,该相机模块支撑在所述相机托架上,以与所述相机托架一起在所述缩回位置与所述伸出位置之间移动,所述相机模块在所述伸出位置时指向所述制冷间室,以捕获所述制冷间室的图像;以及光源,该光源支撑在所述相机托架上,以与所述相机托架一起在所述缩回位置与所述伸出位置之间移动,所述光源在所述伸出位置时指向所述制冷间室,以照亮所述制冷间室。
- 根据权利要求11所述的制冷电器,其特征在于,其还包括:弹簧,该弹簧与所述相机托架偏置接合,所述弹簧将所述相机模块偏置到所述伸出位置。
- 根据权利要求12所述的制冷电器,其特征在于,所述门体选择性地接合所 述相机托架,以将所述相机托架保持在所述缩回位置。
- 根据权利要求11所述的制冷电器,其特征在于,其还包括:电子模块马达,该电子模块马达与所述相机模块机械连通,所述电子模块马达被构造为基于接收到的输入信号在所述缩回位置与所述伸出位置之间推动所述相机模块。
- 根据权利要求11所述的制冷电器,其特征在于,所述预定方向包括横向,其中,所述箱体的所述第一端是前端,并且,所述箱体的所述第二端是沿着所述横向与所述前端隔开的后端。
- 根据权利要求11所述的制冷电器,其特征在于,所述预定方向包括垂直于横向的侧向,其中,所述箱体的所述第一端是一个侧面,并且,所述箱体的所述第二端是另一个侧面。
- 根据权利要求16所述的制冷电器,其特征在于,所述门体包括一对可独立移动的门体段,所述一对可独立移动的门体段在所述箱体的相对侧面处枢转,并且其中,所述制冷电器还包括:电子模块马达,该电子模块马达与所述相机托架机械连通,所述电子模块马达被构造为基于与所述一对可独立移动的门体段的枢转位置对应的输入信号在所述缩回位置与所述伸出位置之间推动所述相机托架。
- 根据权利要求11所述的制冷电器,其特征在于,所述相机模块在所述缩回位置时与所述制冷间室一起布置。
- 根据权利要求11所述的制冷电器,其特征在于,所述相机模块在所述缩回位置时指向前,并且在所述伸出位置时指向后。
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