초록 ▼

Method and an apparatus for registering and supervision of the positions and time of storage of articles entered into a cabinet or other delimited space. A preferred fields of application is refrigerators in which one or several cameras at selected occasions take pictures of the interior of the refr

Method and an apparatus for registering and supervision of the positions and time of storage of articles entered into a cabinet or other delimited space. A preferred fields of application is refrigerators in which one or several cameras at selected occasions take pictures of the interior of the refrigerator. These pictures are treated in an image analyzer which transfers clear pictures of all articles stored on each shelf in the refrigerator to a computer for registration. In the computer there is stored for each article information on the time of entry in a list containing article denominations. For distance communication the computer can be connected to a central computer having information about all articles marketed on a national basis and including both pictures and denominations.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method for recording the position and keeping a check on the storage time of articles stored in a room, a cabinet, a refrigerator, or other space, wherein one or several cameras are positioned in or adjacent to the space to photograph articles having been placed on shelves within the space, sai

1. A method for recording the position and keeping a check on the storage time of articles stored in a room, a cabinet, a refrigerator, or other space, wherein one or several cameras are positioned in or adjacent to the space to photograph articles having been placed on shelves within the space, said cameras transferring pictures of the articles to a computer and associated image analyser, which on a monitor displays pictures put together or lists of the contents of the space, characterized in that after the entry of articles into the space, with the articles having a contact surface resting against the shelves, these articles are identified on pictures taken by the cameras in connection with a register programmed into the computer, said articles being registered with regard to orientation and position in the space and/or the time of entry, and that the identification of the articles is effected via depiction of the contact surface of the articles.2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that identification by the computer is based upon those articles present in the space at the preceding registration.3. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that if an article placed in the space cannot be identified by the computer this article is displayed on the monitor in an overview picture in a differing colour or lighter than remaining articles.4. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the computer automatically gives to unidentified articles a unique identification which is registered together with the pictures.5. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that if the computer cannot directly identify an article this article is placed on a marked place in the space to be depicted by at least one camera, the resulting picture or pictures being then registered in the computer.6. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that if the article is not provided with a bar code it is depicted by one or several cameras of which at least one is directed towards one or several mirrors fixedly mounted in the space, whereby the sides of the article is registered in the computer.7. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that inputting of articles or information thereof in the computer takes place by means of voice-controlled communication.8. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that a virtual system of coordinates has been programmed into the computer making possible for correct back sides of the articles to be registered together with front sides of the articles visible to the cameras.9. A method according to claim 8, characterized in that in a space, relatively closely packed with various articles so that the cameras can only transfer picture fragments to the computer, by means of the virtual system of coordinates the computer can keep a check on which articles are represented by the picture fragments.10. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that when the freshness time of an article is about to expire the computer gives a signal on the monitor by showing on an overview picture the article in a framed shape or marked in a list.11. Apparatus for recording the position of articles, said apparatus comprising a space (1) having at least one door (2), one or several cameras (3) for supervising the interior of the space (1), a local and/or a central computer (5) to which taken pictures are transferred by the cameras (3) in order for the pictures to be separated by an image analyser (6) connected to the computer (5) and the articles present on the pictures to be identified for registering in the computer (5), and a monitor (8) connected to the computer and on which pictures of the articles or a list can be displayed on command from a communication means (7) associated with the computer (5), characterized in that a virtual system of coordinates is provided in the computer (5) by means of which the orientation and place of each article is determined, means for registering the time of entry into the space and withdrawal from same of each article, and means for depiction of the contact surface, of the articles, against the shelf.12. Apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that in case the computer (5) cannot identify an article entered into the space the computer (5) can be connected to a central computer (9) which transfers the requested identity to the computer (5) to be added into the register thereof.13. Apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that if the information on an article contained in a picture transferred to the image analyser (6) from the camera (3) is insufficient for the computer (5) to be able to identify the article, the visible part of the article is shown in a differing colour in an overview picture presented on the monitor (8).14. Apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that in case an article is to be entered into the space which is not registered neither in the computer (5) nor the central computer (9) a shelf (10) of transparent material is provided towards which are directed at least two cameras (3) which by means of mirrors fixed mounted in the space depict the article from several sides, eventually including back sides, when the article is placed on the shelf (10).15. Apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that a thermal register for perishables is programmed into the computer (5) according to which the remaining “best-before-time” can be registered individually and adjusted in dependence on the time the article has been out of the temperature zone adapted for preserving freshness.16. Apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that at least one shelf is provided with one or several weight sensors.17. An apparatus for recording the position of articles, comprising;a cabinet with an interior accessed via a door; shelves located in the cabinet interior, the shelves having a supporting surface to hold articles placed within the cabinet interior on the supporting surface, the articles having a contact surface which bears against the supporting surface of the shelves; at least one camera located to photograph articles placed within the cabinet interior and produce digital images of the photographed articles, the digital images including a digital image of the contact surface of each article bearing against the supporting surface of the shelves; a computer connected to receive the digital images from the camera; an image analyser connected to the computer to analyze the digital images, including the digital image of the contact surface, to identify each photographed article for article identifications; and an article database storing the article identifications, wherein, placement of each of the articles within the interior is determined by the computer using an analysis of the contact surface of each article. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein,the camera is programmed to photograph a new article placed within the cabinet interior at a set lapsed time after closing the cabinet door, the apparatus further comprising a light which remains illuminated during the lapsed time to illuminate the new article, during photographing, after the cabinet door has been closed. 19. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising:a load sensor mounted to detect a change in a number of articles on one shelf, the sensor being interfaced to the computer to update the article database upon the sensor detecting the change in the number of articles on the one shelf. 20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein,the shelves are translucent to the camera, and the computer provides a display of the articles showing the articles as placed on the shelves.