US20060096303A1 - Home refrigerator systems imaging their interior and methods - Google Patents

Abstract

A home refrigerator system (200) includes an enclosure (202) that defines an interior (203) for storing food (223, 224), a machine (209) for cooling the interior (203), a door (205) usable for accessing the interior (203), and a camera (252) for imaging the interior (203) while the door (205) is shut. The camera generates a signal (284) encoding the image of the interior. The signal (284) can be viewed on a screen (286) outside the interior, to assist in decision-making without opening the door (205).

Description

BACKGROUND
• 1. Field of the Invention
• The present document is related to the field of home refrigerators, and more specifically to energy saving devices and methods for assisting in deciding which food to take by viewing the interior of the home refrigerator without opening the door.
• 2. Description of the Related Art
• Home refrigerators, including freezers, are used for preserving foods by keeping them cool. A refrigerator includes a machine that cools the air in its interior. In general the machine works until the air in the interior is cooled down to a set low temperature. Then the machine stops, and the air temperature slowly rises again. When it has risen above a set temperature, the machine starts again.
• The machine works by drawing electricity from a home wall outlet. Accordingly, its operation contributes to the energy cost that a consumer has to pay for.
• Every time the refrigerator door is opened, cold air pours out, because it is heavier than the warmer air at the usual ambient temperature of a home. The cold air is replaced in the interior by the warmer air in the room. This increases the average air temperature inside the refrigerator enclosure, and the cooling machine has to work again to reduce it.
• Opening the refrigerator door is necessary to move food in and out of the refrigerator, and therefore that loss is unavoidable. A larger problem, however, is that the refrigerator door is often kept open for longer times, and that is in mere contemplation of what food to remove. This unnecessarily increases the consumer's energy cost. The larger problem is now described in more detail.
• FIG. 1A is a perspective diagram of arefrigerator100 in the prior art.Refrigerator100 includes anenclosure102 that defines an interior for storing food, and keeping it cold. It also has twodoors105 and108, which can be opened for accessing the interior. For example,door105 can be opened by being pulled according to the direction of arrow10. Whendoors105,108 are shut, they seal the interior substantially airtightly.
• Whiledoors105,108 are closed, a user is prevented from seeing the interior. In a number of instances, a user might not even know what foods are in the interior, and thus be able to make a decision as to what food to remove.
• FIG. 1B is a combination perspective and conceptual diagram illustrating a use ofrefrigerator100, with itsdoor105 opened to expose aninterior compartment103.Items123,124 incompartment103 are viewed according toarrow120. In some instances, vieweditems123,124 are further being considered, according tocloud125, for making a decision. During that time,cold air126 is pouring out ofinterior compartment103.
• FIG. 1C is a combination perspective and conceptual diagram illustrating a use ofrefrigerator100.Door105 is still open, and a decision has been made.Item124 is being removed frominterior103 according toarrow130.Cold air136 is still pouring out ofinterior compartment103, but generally not as much as while making a decision, because it takes less time to remove a decided upon item.
• FIG. 1D is a perspective diagram ofrefrigerator100, after the removing step ofFIG. 1C.Door105 has been closed again, by being moved in a direction according toarrow140. No more cold air is pouring out, but the cooling machine needs to work again, to replenishcold air126 and136. As already stated above, replenishingcold air126 unnecessarily increases the consumer's energy cost.
BRIEF SUMMARY
• The present document describes how some of the problems and limitations of the prior art can be overcome. In one embodiment, a home refrigerator system includes an enclosure that defines an interior for storing food, a machine for cooling the interior, a door usable for accessing the interior, and a camera for imaging the interior while the door is shut. The camera generates a signal encoding the image of the interior, and the signal is suitable for inputting in a screen.
• This way, a person can view on a screen a generated image of the refrigerator interior, and make their decision, while the door remains closed. If they want nothing from the refrigerator, they need not open the door at all. If they want something, then they need to open the refrigerator door only for the short time it takes to remove the desired item.
• An advantage is that no cold air pours out from the refrigerator, while the person is making their decision. This way, the cooling machine needs to operate for less time, which saves on the consumer's energy cost.
• These and other features and advantages will become more readily apparent from the following Detailed Description, which proceeds with reference to the drawings, in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1A is a perspective diagram of a home refrigerator in the prior art.
• FIG. 1B is a combination perspective and conceptual diagram illustrating a use of the refrigerator ofFIG. 1A, with its door opened while the items stored therein are being viewed to make a decision.
• FIG. 1C is a combination perspective and conceptual diagram illustrating a use of the refrigerator ofFIG. 1A, with its door opened while taking an item decided upon during the decision session ofFIG. 1B.
• FIG. 1D is a perspective diagram of the refrigerator ofFIG. 1A, with its door closed again, after the taking session ofFIG. 1C.
• FIG. 2 is a section diagram of an elevation of components of a home refrigerator system made according to an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 3 is a system diagram showing the interoperability of salient components of home refrigerator systems.
• FIG. 4A is a perspective diagram of a home refrigerator system that includes a screen.
• FIG. 4B is a combination perspective and conceptual diagram illustrating an operation of the home refrigerator system ofFIG. 4A.
• FIG. 5 is a perspective diagram of a home refrigerator system, shown with its doors opened so as to reveal aspects of its interior.
• FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a network connection of a controller.
• FIG. 7 is a section diagram of an elevation of a home refrigerator system.
• FIG. 8 is a diagram showing reflection properties of a possible mirror that can be used in the refrigerator system ofFIG. 7.
• FIG. 9 is a combination time and conceptual diagram to illustrate the advantage of the described home refrigerator system over the prior art.
• FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method.
• FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating another method.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• As has been mentioned, the present document describes home refrigerator systems that image their interior, and methods. As will be appreciated from the below, the teachings of this document may be practiced either by retrofitting a prior art refrigerator, or by manufacturing it anew according to this description. The description is now provided in more detail.
• FIG. 2 is a section diagram of an elevation ofcomponents200 of a home refrigerator system. Thesesystem components200 include anenclosure202, formed similarly toenclosure102.Enclosure202 defines an interior for storing food.
• In the example ofFIG. 2, the interior is divided in twointerior compartments203 and204.Compartment203 is for a regular refrigerator, andcompartment204 is for a freezer section. Whilefreezer section204 is shown located abovecompartment203, that is only by way of example, and not of limitation. In otherembodiments freezer section204 may be arranged other ways, such as in parallel withcompartment203 and having the same full height.
• The refrigerator system ofFIG. 2 includes adoor205 usable for accessinginterior compartment203, and anotherdoor208 usable for accessinginterior compartment204.Doors205,208 can be opened for accessing their respective interiors, and can be shut for sealing them substantially airtightly, to keep the cool air in.
• In the example ofFIG. 2, twofood items223,224 are shown ininterior203. This is by way of example and not of limitation, however, and an embodiment may be implemented while the refrigerator is empty.
• The refrigerator system ofFIG. 2 also includes amachine209 for cooling the interior.Machine209, along with the above described elements ofrefrigerator200, may be practiced as in the prior art.
• The refrigerator system ofFIG. 2 also includes acamera252, for generating an image of at least a portion ofinterior compartment203 whendoor205 is shut. Furthermore, one or more additional cameras may optionally be provided, such as to imageinterior compartment204 whendoor208 is shut, different views ofinterior compartment203, and so on.
• Camera252 is preferably aimed atinterior compartment203, and arranged to image as much as possible of it. In the embodiment ofFIG. 2,camera252 would generate an image ofitems223,224.
• The components ofcamera252 may be configured in a number of ways. In one embodiment,camera252 is disposed wholly ininterior compartment203. In other embodiments, some of its components are distributed, with at least one of them outsideinterior compartment203.
• Camera252 is coupled withenclosure202 in a number of ways. Coupling may be either fixed or removable. In one embodiment, at least one component ofcamera252 is mounted ondoor205, as also shown inFIG. 2. In another embodiment, at least one component ofcamera252 is attached toenclosure202, such as to one of the inside walls.
• Camera252 is made preferably as a digital camera, still or video. Being digital, it has an array of sensors at its focal plane for forming an electronic image of the interior. The sensors, if implemented using Charged Coupled Device (CCD) technology, usually work better when the ambient temperature is not too high. They are therefore bound to work well ininterior compartment203 that is cooled.
• In an optional embodiment, the refrigerator system ofFIG. 2 also includes at least a portion of aconductor282.Conductor282 may be coupled with a component ofcamera252, for transferring as a signal the generated image of the interior.
• The signal may be transferred alongconductor282 according to the direction of anarrow284.Conductor282 may be coupled to ascreen286, located outside the interior. As will be also understood from the below,screen286 may, but need not be a part of a refrigerator system according to the invention.
• Upon receiving the signal,screen286 is suitable for displaying the imaged interior. A user can thus view an image ofitems223,224, without openingdoor205, and decide whether they want any of them.
• FIG. 3 is a diagram of asystem300.System300 shows some salient elements of home refrigerators, to explain their interoperability.
• Camera252 is adapted to imagefood items223,224 ininterior compartment203. In one embodiment,camera252 operates in the dark, with its sensors working in the infrared. This is not preferred, however, for at least two reasons. First, being from the infrared, any generated image will seem unnatural to the human eye. Second, sincefood items223,224 will probably be at about the same temperature, and since infrared imaging is temperature dependent, there may not be enough differentiation betweenfood items223 and224 to form a useful image. If the image is not useful, then, when the door is opened,items223,224 would seem different, and the decision process may start again anew.
• In the preferred embodiment, alight source372 is provided according to the invention, such as a light bulb.Light source372 illuminatesinterior compartment203, whilecamera252 imagesinterior compartment203.
• In one optional embodiment, a light bulb already located insideinterior compartment203 according to the prior art is advantageously used to also assist in imaging. While that light bulb is turned on automatically upon openingdoor205,light source372 can then also be turned on whendoor205 is shut, and imaging is performed.
• Camera252 may be arranged so that its field of view avoids a light source, if one is provided, such aslight source372. This way, such a light source is prevented from dominating the image and saturating the sensors of the focal plane array. One way of accomplishing that is to locatelight source372 behindcamera252. In one embodiment,light source372 is provided along withcamera252. Additionally, iflight source372 is provided close tocamera252, shadows will further be minimized. In other embodiments, more than one light sources may be used to minimize shadows, but it will be harder to keep them all out of the field of view ofcamera252.
• By way of operation,light source372 transmits alight beam371 towardsitems223,224.Items223,224 thus reflect respectivelight beams373,374 towardscamera252.Camera252 receives reflectedlight beams373,374, and thus generates a signal encoding an image ofitems223,224.
• The generated signal propagates alongconductor282 towardsscreen286.Screen286 receives the signal, and displays the image. Not all actual components are shown here—forexample screen286 is preferably associated with a screen driver, and so on.
• It should be noted thatscreen286, along with a portion ofconductor282 may or may not be part ofsystem300. In some embodiments, all components are on board the refrigerator, while in others they are distributed. In yet others, the signal can produce an image on a selected one of different screens.
• The invention further optionally includes animaging switch359. In some embodiments switch359 is part ofsystem300, while in others it is not.Switch359 may be advantageously implemented also in conjunction with other switches, mechanical, electrical or implemented in software, and also with a switch that controlslight source372 both when the door opens and also for imaging.
• Switch359 activatescamera252 for imaging, when the refrigerator door is shut. In some embodiments, actuatingimaging switch362 activates concurrently bothcamera252 andlight source372, if the latter is provided. In some embodiments, activation continues for a period of time, such as a few seconds, after imagingswitch362 is no longer actuated.
• In the embodiment ofFIG. 3,imaging switch359 is adapted to be actuated by apushbutton362. Actuation is by theuser pushing button362 in a direction according toarrow319.
• In another optional embodiment,imaging switch359 is adapted to be actuated by an electrical signal, wired or wireless. Such an actuating electrical signal may be received, for example, by a home computer network such as is described later in this document.
• In addition,switch359 may control receipt of electrical power by the components ofsystem300, and so on. It is most advantageous to supply electrical power to these components power from a wall outlet.
• System300 also preferably includes acontroller358, which may be implemented either by itself, or in conjunction with another controller ofrefrigerator200.Controller358 may be implemented as a microprocessor, or in conjunction with software, and controls operation of the components ofsystem300. Additional components may be included, such as a memory for storing a program to controlcontroller358, and to store data, such as acquired images.
• In an optional embodiment, at least the last the generated image is stored in the memory. In a further optional embodiment, a SAME flag is set, upon storing the last image. The SAME flag refers to whether the image is likely to have changed, and may be stored in hardware or in software. The image is not likely to have changed if the door is not opened. Accordingly, the SAME flag may be unset if the door is subsequently opened. According to this embodiment, no new image is generated if the switch is actuated and the SAME flag is set. Indeed, the same image may be returned to the user who actuatesswitch359, further conserving energy.
• In the example ofFIG. 3,controller358 and switch359 are shown outsideinterior compartment203. This is only for illustration, however, and not required. In other implementations, one or both ofcontroller358 and switch359 may be insideinterior compartment203.
• FIG. 4A is a perspective diagram of ahome refrigerator system400.Refrigerator system400 includes anenclosure402 that defines an interior for storing food, anddoors405 and408 for accessing its interior.
• Refrigerator system400 also includes ascreen486, which is provided on abase485. In the example ofFIG. 4A,base485 andscreen486 are provided ondoor405. In one embodiment they are coupled todoor405, and in another embodiment they are formed integrally withdoor405.
• Screen486 is suited for viewing the imaged interior ofrefrigerator400 from the outside.Screen486 receives a signal with the image of the interior from a camera (not shown inFIG. 4) insiderefrigerator400.
• In an optional embodiment,base485 andscreen486 are also adapted to display television images (“TV”). Indeed, a company by the name LG Electronics headquartered in Seoul, Korea manufactures and sells refrigerators with a flat screen on a door that is adapted to show TV. Such a screen could be adapted to also display an image of the interior of the refrigerator.
• In addition,pushbutton462, and controls463,464 are further provided onbase485 to control operation ofscreen486 and the imaging process. If the invention is embodied with a screen that can also show TV, then pushbutton462, and controls463,464 are used to control which image will be displayed byscreen486.
• Pushbutton462 and controls463,464 are preferably implemented to work with an imaging switch, such as was described withimaging switch359 inFIG. 3. For example,pushbutton462 can have the function ofpushbutton362 ofFIG. 3. This way, the imaging switch can controlscreen486 in addition to the other components ofsystem300.
• In general, when the doors of a refrigerator are closed, the user does not know what items are in it, except by memory. And memory is not accurate guide, when the refrigerator is accessed by more than one people in a household independently of each other. The invention, however, enables knowing without opening the door.
• FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating a possible operation ofrefrigerator system400 ofFIG. 4A.
• Pushbutton462 is first pushed according to direction ofarrow419. This causes animage418 of the interior ofrefrigerator400 to appear onscreen486.
• Image418 is then viewed according toarrow420, and contemplated according to acloud425. This takes place while a decision is being reached, without needing toopen door405.
• FIG. 5 is a perspective diagram of arefrigerator system500.Refrigerator system500 includes anenclosure502 that defines an interior divided into aninterior compartment503 and aninterior compartment504.Refrigerator system500 also has twodoors505 and508, usable for accessing respectivelyinterior compartments503 and504.
• Doors505,508 are shown opened.Refrigerator system500 includes acamera552 mounted ondoor505, and acamera553 mounted ininterior compartment503.Refrigerator system500 also includes acamera592 mounted ondoor508, and acamera593 mounted ininterior compartment504.Refrigerator system500 further includes alight source557 mounted ininterior compartment503, and alight source597 mounted ininterior compartment504.
• Themultiple cameras552,553,592,593 may be operated by multiple controls, such aspushbutton462 and controls463,464 shown inFIG. 4A. A number of different implementations are possible. For example, actuatingpushbutton462 can toggle between activating thecamera552 andcamera553, for receiving different views ofinterior503.
• The described home refrigerator systems may optionally have additional features. For example, imaging can be associated with controllable temporary locking. Activating the display can unlock the door after a while, such as a few seconds. This way, children may be trained to look first, without opening the door. Of course, the locking feature can be deactivated when not desired.
• Another optional feature may have to do with recording images. The refrigerator may have a recording feature, which may be optionally activated and deactivated. Opening one of the doors can cause imaging, and also initiate recording of the generated images. This type of door-activated imaging need not cause displaying the interior, which can be viewed anyway since the door is open. Closing the door would discontinue imaging and recording.
• The images can be stored in a memory, such as one associated withcontroller358, and can even be password protected. A playback feature can be used to track recent activity. A clock can further be used to date stamp and time stamp images, and make playback more informative. For such increased functionalities, controls463,464 may also include a keypad.
• In another embodiment, a home network connection can be additionally included, for guiding the image to a screen. This way the contents of the home refrigerator system may be checked remotely. The connection may include a wireless segment, as will be described in the example below.
• FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a network connection of acontroller658.Controller658 can be a controller such ascontroller358 ofFIG. 3.Controller658 can be assisted by an electronichome communications network670 formed by a router and so on. Or network670 can be similar to the one described in U.S. patent application published as Document Number US 20010054291 A1 on Dec. 27, 2001.
• Controller658 can be coupled tonetwork670 by aconnection682.Network670 can be coupled to ahome desktop computer685 by aconnection683. One or more ofconnections682,683 may be wireless. A connection is thus formed betweencontroller658 andcomputer685, and is considered to havesegments682,683.
• Computer685 includes an interface for generating acommand signal674 that encodes a viewing command.Signal674 is transmitted alongconnection683.Network670 routes command signal674 alongconnection682 tocontroller658.Controller658 thus receivescommand signal674 and generates asignal684 encoding an image of the interior of the refrigerator. The image is generated by actuating one or more cameras, and also optionally a light source, as described above.Signal684 is transmitted alongconnection682.Network670 routes signal684 alongconnection683 back tocomputer685.Computer685 then displaysimage618 that is encoded insignal684 on ascreen686.
• In addition,network670 may be coupled to a global network such as the internet, and also to any number of other devices, such as personal digital assistants (PDAs), and so on. This enables a shopper to make an updated check of the contents of the home refrigerator, while they are physically in a store shopping for food items.
• In yet another optional embodiment, a home refrigerator system additionally includes a mirror to assist in the imaging. An example is described below.
• FIG. 7 is a section diagram of an elevation of ahome refrigerator system700.Refrigerator system700 includes anenclosure702 that defines an interior divided into aninterior compartment703 and aninterior compartment704.Food items723,724 are shown ininterior compartment703.Refrigerator system700 also has twodoors705 and708, for accessing respectivelyinterior compartment703 andinterior compartment704. Amachine709 is provided to coolinterior compartments703 and704.
• Refrigerator system700 includes a camera752 mounted ondoor705, and a screen768 for imaging what is viewed by camera752. Apushbutton762 activates imaging. Alight source757 is also turned on ininterior compartment703, to assist in imaging as described above.
• Amirror777 is additionally attached to an inside wall ofinterior compartment703, such as the back wall opposite camera752.Mirror777 assists camera752 in imagingfood items723,724, such as by showing aspects outside the direct field of view of camera752.
• Mirror777 may be a regular mirror, reflecting uniformly from its entire surface. In other embodiments, the surface ofmirror777 may have alternating areas of a first reflection characteristic and of a second reflection characteristic, as will be described in the example below.
• FIG. 8 is a diagram showing reflection properties ofmirror777, which is made according to one of many possible options.Mirror777 hasareas812 of a first reflection characteristic, which is to reflect normally. In addition,mirror777 hasareas814 of a second reflection characteristic, which is not to reflect light at all. In this example,areas814 are formed in terms of a line grid, and can be made as line marks onmirror777.
• The result is that objects viewed viamirror777 will be marked by a superimposed image of the line grid ofnon-reflecting areas814. This way, the user will be able to differentiate image portions received directly by the camera from those received by reflection frommirror777.
• FIG. 9 is a combination time and conceptual diagram to illustrate the advantage of a home refrigerator system described in this document over one in the prior art. An axis TIME illustrates significant time periods (BEFORE, DECIDING, TAKING and AFTER) for an event when something is taken from a refrigerator.
• For the prior art, the events of the significant time periods BEFORE, DECIDING, TAKING and AFTER are depicted byFIG. 1A,FIG. 1B,FIG. 1C, andFIG. 1D respectively. The door is closed during time periods BEFORE and AFTER. The door is open during time periods DECIDING and TAKING. Time period DECIDING is shown as longer than time period TAKING, because it generally takes longer to decide about an item in the refrigerator, than to take it out. And time period TAKING lasts zero time if, upon viewing, a decision is made to not take any of the items stored in the interior.
• While the door is open during time periods DECIDING and TAKING,cold air126 and136 respectively is pouring out, as seen above.Cold air126 is shown as more thancold air136, because time period DECIDING is generally longer than time period TAKING, as discussed above.
• Using a home refrigerator system that images the interior, however, an image of the interior is displayed during the DECIDING time period. Such is shown, for example, inFIG. 4B, andFIG. 6. During that time, the refrigerator door need not be open. The user can decide while looking at the image only. Since the door remains closed,cold air126 is prevented from pouring out. This results in saving as discussed above. These savings are reduced somewhat by the electrical energy expended to generate and the display the image of the interior.
• Referring now toFIG. 10, aflowchart1000 is used to illustrate one of many possible methods of operation of a home refrigerator system. The method offlowchart1000 may also be practiced by home refrigerator systems made according to the invention, such ashome refrigerator system200,home refrigerator system400,home refrigerator system500 andhome refrigerator system700.
• According to abox1010, actuation of a switch is perceived. The switch may be implemented as described in connection withimaging switch359. For example, the switch may be actuated by pushing a button, or by receiving an electrical signal.
• According to anext box1020, at least a portion of an interior of the refrigerator is imaged. Imaging is performed by a camera aimed at the interior, while a door usable for accessing the interior remains shut.
• According to anoptional box1030, the interior is illuminated while imaging. In one embodiment, illuminating is performed in response to perceiving the switch being actuated.
• According to anext box1040, a signal is generated that encodes the imaged interior. The signal is guided to a screen for displaying the image.
• According to an optionalnext box1050, the imaged interior is displayed on a screen located outside the refrigerator interior. Displaying is performed from the received signal. In one embodiment, displaying is performed in response to perceiving a switch being actuated.
• Referring now toFIG. 11, aflowchart1100 is used to illustrate one of many possible methods of using a home refrigerator system. The method offlowchart1100 may also be practiced by a user using home refrigerator systems made according to the invention, such ashome refrigerator system200,home refrigerator system400,home refrigerator system500 andhome refrigerator system700.
• According to anoptional box1110, the user actuates a switch. Actuating is performed while a door usable for accessing the refrigerator interior remains shut. The switch may be implemented as described in connection withimaging switch359. For example, the switch may be actuated by pushing a button, or by transmitting an electrical signal. The switch and/or the button may be located on the refrigerator. Alternately, actuating may be performed remotely, as per the above.
• According to anoptional box1120, actuating the switch causes the interior to be illuminated, while the door remains shut. This may be implemented by a light source, such aslight source372.
• According to anext box1130, the user views on a screen a displayed image of the interior of the refrigerator. In an optional but preferred embodiment, actuating the switch causes the screen to display the imaged interior, while the door remains shut.
• The screen may be implemented in any convenient way for displaying an image, such asscreens286,486 and686 described above. Of those, atleast screen486 is located on the refrigerator, whilescreen686 is not located on the refrigerator.
• A person skilled in the art will be able to practice the present invention in view of the description present in this document, which is to be taken as a whole. Numerous details have been set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail in order not to obscure unnecessarily the invention.
• While the invention has been disclosed in its preferred form, the specific embodiments as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense. Indeed, it should be readily apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the present description that the invention may be modified in numerous ways. The inventor regards the subject matter of the invention to include all combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed herein.
• The following claims define certain combinations and subcombinations, which are regarded as novel and non-obvious. Additional claims for other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be presented in this or a related document.

Claims (71)

1. A home refrigerator system comprising:

an enclosure defining an interior for storing food;

at least one door that can be opened for accessing the interior, and shut for sealing the interior substantially airtightly;

a machine for cooling air in the interior; and

a first camera coupled with the enclosure for generating an image of at least a portion of the interior when the door is shut.

2. The system ofclaim 1, in which

a component of the camera is fixedly attached to the enclosure.

3. The system ofclaim 1, wherein

a component of the camera is mounted on the door.

4. The system ofclaim 1, wherein

the camera is disposed wholly in the interior, and

further comprising at least a portion of a conductor for transferring the image from the interior to a screen outside the interior.

5. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising:

an imaging switch for activating the camera to generate the image when the door is shut.

6. The system ofclaim 5, in which

the imaging switch is adapted to be actuated by a pushbutton.

7. The system ofclaim 5, in which

the imaging switch is adapted to be actuated by an electrical signal.

8. The system ofclaim 5, in which

when the imaging switch is actuated, it activates the camera, and

when the actuation is discontinued, activating is continued for a period of time.

9. The system ofclaim 5, further comprising:

a memory for storing the image.

10. The system ofclaim 9, wherein

a SAME flag is set upon storing the image, and

the SAME flag is unset if the door is subsequently opened.

11. The system ofclaim 10, wherein

no new image is generated if the switch is actuated and the SAME flag is set.

12. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising:

a home network connection for guiding the image to a screen.

13. The system ofclaim 12, wherein

the connection includes a wireless segment.

14. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising:

a mirror to assist in the imaging.

15. The system ofclaim 14, wherein

the mirror has alternating areas of a first reflection characteristic and of a second reflection characteristic.

16. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising:

a light source for illuminating the interior while the camera images the interior.

17. The system ofclaim 16, in which

a component of the camera is fixedly attached to the enclosure.

18. The system ofclaim 16, wherein

a component of the camera is mounted on the door.

19. The system ofclaim 16, further comprising:

an imaging switch for activating, when the door is shut, at least one of the light source and the camera.

20. The system ofclaim 19, in which

the imaging switch is adapted to be actuated by a pushbutton.

21. The system ofclaim 19, in which

the imaging switch is adapted to be actuated by an electrical signal.

22. The system ofclaim 19, in which

when the imaging switch is actuated, it activates the one of the light source and the camera, and

when the actuation is discontinued, activating is continued for a period of time.

23. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising:

a screen outside the interior for displaying the imaged interior.

24. The system ofclaim 23, in which

a component of the camera is fixedly attached to the enclosure.

25. The system ofclaim 23, wherein

a component of the camera is mounted on the door.

26. The system ofclaim 23, in which

the screen is coupled to the door.

27. The system ofclaim 23, in which

the screen is formed integrally with the door.

28. The system ofclaim 23, in which

the screen is further adapted to display television images.

29. The system ofclaim 23, further comprising:

a conductor for transferring from the camera to the screen a signal encoding the image.

30. The system ofclaim 23, further comprising:

an imaging switch for activating, when the door is shut, at least one of the screen and the camera.

31. The system ofclaim 30, in which

the screen is further adapted to display television images, and

the imaging switch is further adapted to control which one of the imaged interior and television images is displayed by the screen.

32. The system ofclaim 30, in which

the imaging switch is adapted to be actuated by a pushbutton.

33. The system ofclaim 30, in which

the imaging switch is adapted to be actuated by an electrical signal.

34. The system ofclaim 30, in which

when the imaging switch is actuated, it activates the one of the screen and the camera, and

when the actuation is discontinued, activating is continued for a period of time.

35. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising:

a second camera coupled with the enclosure and positioned to image at least a portion of the interior when the door is shut.

36. The system ofclaim 35, in which

a component of the first camera is fixedly attached to the door, and a component of the second camera is fixedly attached to the enclosure.

37. The system ofclaim 35, further comprising:

an imaging switch for activating, when the door is shut, at least one of the screen, the first camera and the second camera.

38. The system ofclaim 37, in which

the imaging switch is adapted to be actuated by a pushbutton.

39. The system ofclaim 37, in which

the imaging switch is adapted to be actuated by an electrical signal.

40. The system ofclaim 37, in which

the imaging switch is adapted to activate the first camera and the second camera.

41. A device comprising:

means for imaging at least a portion of an interior of a home refrigerator while a door usable for accessing the interior remains shut;

means for generating a signal that encodes the imaged interior; and

means for displaying the imaged interior on a screen located outside the interior responsive to receiving the signal.

42. The refrigerator ofclaim 41, further comprising:

means for storing the image.

43. The refrigerator ofclaim 41, in which

the means for imaging images in response to perceiving a switch being actuated.

44. The refrigerator ofclaim 43, in which

the switch is actuated by pushing a button.

45. The refrigerator ofclaim 43, in which

the switch is actuated by receiving a command signal.

46. The refrigerator ofclaim 45, in which

the command signal is received over a network.

47. The refrigerator ofclaim 41, further comprising:

means for illuminating the interior while imaging.

48. A method for a home refrigerator comprising:

imaging at least a portion of an interior of the refrigerator while a door usable for accessing the interior remains shut.

49. The method ofclaim 48, in which

imaging is performed in response to perceiving a switch being actuated.

50. The method ofclaim 49, in which

the switch is actuated by pushing a button.

51. The method ofclaim 49, in which

the switch is actuated by receiving a command signal.

52. The method ofclaim 51, in which

the command signal is received over a network.

53. The method ofclaim 49, further comprising:

storing the image.

54. The method ofclaim 53, further comprising:

setting a SAME flag upon storing the image; and

unsetting the SAME flag if the door is subsequently opened.

55. The method ofclaim 54, wherein

no new image is generated if the switch is actuated and the SAME flag is set.

56. The method ofclaim 48, further comprising:

illuminating the interior while imaging.

57. The method ofclaim 56, in which

illuminating is performed in response to perceiving a switch being actuated.

58. The method ofclaim 57, in which

the switch is actuated by pushing a button.

59. The method ofclaim 57, in which

the switch is actuated by receiving a command signal.

60. The method ofclaim 48, further comprising:

generating a signal that encodes the imaged interior; and

displaying the imaged interior on a screen located outside the interior responsive to receiving the signal.

61. The method ofclaim 60, in which

displaying is performed in response to perceiving a switch being actuated.

62. The method ofclaim 61, in which

the switch is actuated by pushing a button.

63. The method ofclaim 61, in which

the switch is actuated by receiving a command signal.

64. A method for using a home refrigerator comprising:

viewing on a screen a displayed image of an interior of the refrigerator while a door usable for accessing the interior remains shut.

65. The method ofclaim 64, in which

the screen is attached to the refrigerator.

66. The method ofclaim 64, further comprising:

actuating a switch to cause the screen to display the imaged interior while the door remains shut.

67. The method ofclaim 66, in which

the switch is located on the refrigerator.

68. The method ofclaim 66, in which

the switch is actuated by pushing a button.

69. The method ofclaim 66, in which

actuating the switch also causes the interior to be illuminated.

70. The method ofclaim 66, in which

the switch is actuated by transmitting a command signal.

71. The method ofclaim 70, in which

the command signal is transmitted over a network.

Images