JP6316017B2 - Product detection device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a product detection device, and more particularly to a detection device that detects a substance having a dielectric constant higher than that of air.

A refrigerator having a detection device for accurately detecting stored items in the refrigerator is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
In the refrigerator described in Patent Document 1, the detection device includes load amount detection means for detecting the load amount in the refrigerator and position detection means for detecting the position of the stored item. The load amount detection means is a temperature sensor. The position detection means is an optical sensor.
In addition, a refrigerator that performs inventory management using a weight sensor, and a refrigerator that performs inventory management by providing a switch on a storage shelf are known.

JP 2011-99579 A

However, in the conventional refrigerator, the cost is increased by providing a plurality of various sensors.
Moreover, in the conventional refrigerator, it was difficult to detect the remaining amount of the product.

An object of the present invention is to detect a product by inexpensive means.
Another object of the present invention is to detect the remaining amount of the product.

  Hereinafter, a plurality of modes will be described as means for solving the problems. These aspects can be arbitrarily combined as necessary.

The product detection device according to an aspect of the present invention is a product having a dielectric constant higher than that of air (hereinafter referred to as “product”), and / or at least one of the type and the remaining amount when the product is installed. , And includes a detection electrode, a reference electrode, and a determination unit.
The detection electrode is provided at a planned position where the product is arranged or in the vicinity of the planned position.
The reference electrode is provided at a position away from the detection electrode.
The determination unit detects and further compares the capacitance values of the detection electrode and the reference electrode, thereby determining whether or not the product is mounted and / or at least one of the type and the remaining amount when the product is mounted. to decide.
In this apparatus, products can be detected efficiently by relatively inexpensive means.
The reference electrode is preferably placed in the same environment as the detection electrode, and further away from the product to be mounted by a predetermined distance or more. The reference for the distance between the reference electrode and the product is that the capacitance formed between the reference electrode and the mounted product is the electrostatic capacitance formed between the detection electrode and the mounted product. It is to be sufficiently smaller than the capacity. The reference electrode does not have to be placed in the same environment as the detection electrode, but in that case, it is preferable that correction processing for removing the influence of the environment on the capacitance value of the reference electrode is performed in advance.
The product only needs to have a higher dielectric constant than air, and is mainly a liquid or a solid containing a predetermined amount or more of moisture, but may be extremely low in moisture (for example, a cigarette case). Examples of types of products having a dielectric constant higher than that of air include food products such as milk and juice in a paper pack, eggs, meat, and vegetables, as long as they are food. However, the product having a dielectric constant higher than that of air may be an industrial liquid such as a chemical or a solution, or may be an industrial material containing moisture.

The detection electrode may have a plurality of product placement detection electrodes provided corresponding to respective positions where a plurality of products are to be placed.
The reference electrode may have one placement determination reference electrode.
In this apparatus, by using a plurality of placement detection electrodes, it is possible to detect the number of placed products and the placed positions.

The detection electrode may have a plurality of type determination detection electrodes provided corresponding to positions where the product is to be placed.
The plurality of type determination detection electrodes may be arranged so that the type of the product can be specified by the position where the product is actually placed.
The reference electrode may have one type determination reference electrode.
In this apparatus, the type of the placed product can be detected by using a plurality of type determination detection electrodes.

The detection electrode is provided at a position on the side of the product, and a plurality of remaining amount determination detection electrodes arranged in the height direction of the product or a remaining amount determination detection electrode arranged extending along the height direction of the product You may have
The reference electrode may have one remaining amount determination reference electrode.
In this apparatus, the remaining amount of the product can be detected based on the product height information. Specifically, in the case of multiple detection electrodes for determining the remaining amount arranged in the height direction of the product, the remaining amount of the product is detected by using a combination of capacitance values detected by the multiple detection electrodes. it can. Further, in the case of the detection electrode for remaining amount determination arranged extending along the height direction of the product, the remaining amount of the product can be detected by using the capacitance value of one detection electrode.
In addition, if the detection unit has already determined the type of the product placed from the plurality of type determination detection electrodes before detecting the remaining amount of the product, the type information is detected when the remaining amount of the product is detected. Based on the above, it is possible to accurately determine the meaning of the remaining amount of the product (the ratio of the current amount to the initial amount that differs depending on the type).

The determination unit may determine at least one of the presence or absence of the product and / or the type and the remaining amount when the product is placed only at a predetermined timing.
In this apparatus, since the determination by the determination unit is performed at a predetermined timing, power consumption is reduced. For example, in the case of a refrigerator, the predetermined timing may be a timing for closing the door.

The apparatus may further include a notification unit.
The notification unit notifies the determination result determined by the determination unit.
In this apparatus, the user can know information about the product by the notification from the notification unit. The notification unit may be a display screen or a speaker. The notification unit may be a personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet used by the user, or may be a center terminal that collects a large amount of data or a terminal connected thereto.

  In the product detection apparatus according to the present invention, a product having a dielectric constant higher than that of air can be detected by inexpensive means.

Schematic of the refrigerator with which the product detection apparatus which is one Embodiment of this invention is applied. The schematic diagram which shows schematic structure of the product detection apparatus of 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the display part in 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which controls the detection of a product. The schematic diagram which shows the 1st modification of 1st Embodiment corresponding to FIG. The schematic diagram which shows the 2nd modification of 1st Embodiment corresponding to FIG. The schematic diagram which shows the 3rd modification of 1st Embodiment corresponding to FIG. The schematic diagram which shows schematic structure of the product detection apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart which controls the detection of a product. The flowchart which controls the detection of a product. The figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the display part in 2nd Embodiment. The graph which compared the electrostatic capacitance of the state in which the drink pack is not mounted in each electrode, and the state in which the remaining amount of the drink of a drink pack is 40%. The schematic diagram which shows schematic structure of the product detection apparatus of 3rd Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows schematic structure of the product detection apparatus of 3rd Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows schematic structure of the product detection apparatus of 4th Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the electrode arrangement | positioning in 5th Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the electrode arrangement | positioning in 6th Embodiment.

1. First Embodiment (1) Configuration A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a refrigerator to which a product detection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the product detection device according to the first embodiment.
In FIG. 1, the refrigerator 1 has a main body 3 and a door 5, and an egg placement portion 7 and a beverage placement portion 9 are provided in an inner pocket of the door 5.

  The structure of the product detection apparatus 17 is demonstrated using FIG. The product detection device 17 is a device for detecting whether or not a product having a dielectric constant higher than that of air is placed and / or at least one of the type and the remaining amount when the product is placed. Products with a higher dielectric constant than air include moisture-containing products (liquid and solid). The dielectric constant of air is about 1.0, while the dielectric constant of water is about 80. Note that products whose dielectric constant is higher than that of air include products that contain little or no moisture in addition to moisture-containing products.

First, the general structure of the product and the refrigerator 1 in which it is used will be described.
In this embodiment, the product is an egg 15 and the egg 15 is stored in an egg pack 13. The egg pack 13 has a plurality of storage portions 13a that protrude downward and have concave shapes on the upper side. The storage part 13a has a bottom part 13b and a peripheral wall 13c whose diameter decreases downward.
The egg pack 13 is disposed on the pack placement unit 11 in the egg placement unit 7 of the refrigerator 1. The pack mounting unit 11 includes a plurality of storage units 11 a in which the storage units 13 a of the egg packs 13 are stored. The storage part 11a has a shape corresponding to the storage part 13a, and is provided at a corresponding position. The storage part 11a has a bottom part 11b and a peripheral wall 11c whose diameter decreases downward.

Next, the product detection apparatus 17 will be specifically described.
The product detection device 17 includes a plurality of detection electrodes 21, a reference electrode 23, and a determination unit 27.
The plurality of detection electrodes 21 are a plurality of placement detection electrodes for each product provided in correspondence with the storage portions 11a that are positions where the plurality of eggs 15 are to be placed. This is for detecting that the egg 15 is placed. Therefore, one detection electrode 21 is provided corresponding to each storage portion 11a. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the detection electrode 21 is provided on the outer side of the peripheral wall 11c of the storage portion 11a, more specifically, on the upper portion of the outer side of the peripheral wall 11c. A plurality of detection electrodes 21 may be provided in the storage portion 11a.

  The reference electrode 23 is a placement determination reference electrode, and is provided at a position away from the detection electrode 21. In this embodiment, the reference electrode 23 is provided at a position away from the storage portion 11 a in the pack placement portion 11. The reference electrode 23 is preferably placed in the same environment as the detection electrode 21, and further away from the detection electrode 21, that is, away from the placed egg 15 by a predetermined distance or more. The standard of the distance between the reference electrode 23 and the egg 15 is that the capacitance formed between the reference electrode 23 and the placed egg 15 is between the detection electrode 21 and the placed egg 15. The capacitance is sufficiently smaller than the capacitance formed in the above. The reference electrode 23 may not be placed in the same environment as the detection electrode 21, but in that case, it is preferable that correction processing for removing the influence of the environment on the capacitance value of the reference electrode 23 is performed in advance. .

  The determination unit 27 detects the respective capacitance values of the detection electrodes 21 and the reference electrode 23 and further compares them to determine whether or not the egg 15 is placed and / or the type and the remaining state when the egg 15 is placed. It has a function of judging at least one of the quantities. The determination unit 27 includes, for example, a capacitance detection circuit and a CPU (not shown). The determination unit 27 includes a storage unit 34. The determination unit 27 is connected to the plurality of detection electrodes 21 and the reference electrode 23.

The product detection device 17 further includes a display unit 31 to which the determination unit 27 outputs a detection result. The display unit 31 is a device for notifying the user of the determination result by displaying the determination result of the determination unit 27. The display unit 31 is a display such as an LCD. The medium for notifying the user of the determination result may be audio instead of an image (figure or character), or a combination of an image and audio. Further, the output destination of the determination result from the determination unit 27 may not be the notification means as described above, and may be, for example, a center terminal that collects and analyzes the determination results from a plurality of refrigerators.
The determination unit 27 is connected to an open / close sensor 32 for detecting an open / closed state of the door 5 of the refrigerator 1.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the number of eggs 15 in the refrigerator 1 is displayed on the display unit 31. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the display unit in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, graphic and text information is displayed as an image, but either one may be displayed.

(2) Detection Control Operation Next, product detection control by the determination unit 27 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for controlling product detection.
The determination unit 27 receives a closing signal from the opening / closing sensor 32 when the door 5 of the refrigerator 1 is closed. Thereby, the determination part 27 detects that the door 5 of the refrigerator 1 was closed (step S1).

Subsequently, the determination unit 27 waits for a specified time (step S2). The specified time is arbitrarily set.
Further, the determination unit 27 measures the capacitance value of the detection electrode 21 (step S3). This measurement is performed for all the detection electrodes 21. That is, the measurement is repeated a specified number of times.

The determination unit 27 detects the capacitance value of the reference electrode 23, and further compares the capacitance value of the reference electrode 23 with the capacitance value of the detection electrode 21 (step S4).
If the difference value between the two is equal to or greater than the threshold value (Yes in step S5), the determination unit 27 determines that the egg 15 is present in the storage unit 11a corresponding to the detection electrode 21 (step S6). If the difference value between the two is not greater than or equal to the threshold (No in step S5), the determination unit 27 determines that the egg 15 does not exist in the storage unit 11a corresponding to the detection electrode 21 (step S7). Note that the determination result is stored in the storage unit 34.

The determination control in steps S4 to S7 described above is performed by the number of detection electrodes 21. As a result, the presence or absence of the eggs 15 in the storage portions 11a corresponding to all the detection electrodes 21 is determined. In other words, since the plurality of detection electrodes 21 are provided corresponding to the respective positions where the plurality of eggs 15 are to be placed, the number of the placed eggs 15 and the placed positions are determined. It can be detected.
Next, the determination unit 27 transmits the determination result to the outside (step S8). The transmission destination is, for example, the display unit 31.

(3) First Modification In the embodiment, the detection electrode 21 is provided on the peripheral wall 13c of the egg pack 13. However, the detection electrode only needs to be provided at a location corresponding to each egg. The provided position is not particularly limited.
A first modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a first modification of the first embodiment corresponding to FIG.
In this example, the detection electrode 21A is provided at a position directly below the egg 15 on the lower surface of the flat plate 11A on which the egg pack 13 is placed. Since the other structure is the same as that of the said embodiment, description is abbreviate | omitted.

(4) Second Modification In the embodiment, the egg 15 and the egg pack 13 are stored in the refrigerator. However, the egg 15 may be stored in the refrigerator 1 without using the pack.
A second modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a second modification of the first embodiment corresponding to FIG.
In this embodiment, the egg placement unit 7 of the refrigerator 1 is provided with a first plate 33 in which a hole 37 for accommodating the egg 15 is formed. Thereby, the egg 15 is arrange | positioned on the 1st plate 33 without an egg pack.
Further, the second plate 35 is disposed below the first plate 33. A plurality of detection electrodes 21 </ b> B are provided on the lower surface of the second plate 35. Specifically, the plurality of detection electrodes 21 </ b> B are provided corresponding to the holes 37. In this modification, one detection electrode 21 </ b> B corresponds to one hole 37.
The reference electrode 23 is provided on the second plate 35 at a position away from the detection electrode 21B.
Since the other structure is the same as that of the said embodiment, description is abbreviate | omitted.

(5) Third Modification It is preferable that the distance between the detection electrode and the product is short, and the arrangement position of the detection electrode is not limited to the embodiment and the modification. Next, an example in which the distance between the detection electrode and the product is shorter than that of the modification will be described.
A third modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a third modification of the first embodiment corresponding to FIG.
In this embodiment, similarly to the second modified example, the egg placement unit 7 of the refrigerator 1 is provided with a first plate 33 in which a hole 37 for accommodating the egg 15 is formed. Thereby, the egg 15 is arrange | positioned on the 1st plate 33 without an egg pack.
In this modification, the detection electrode 21 </ b> C is provided at a position close to the hole 37 on the lower surface of the first plate 33. In this modification, a plurality of detection electrodes 21 </ b> C correspond to one hole 37.

2. Second Embodiment (1) Configuration A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the product detection device of the second embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, the product is a beverage pack. In the second embodiment, not only the number of products but also the type of product and the remaining amount of contents can be detected.

The beverage placement unit 9 includes a first plate 39 and a second plate 40. The first plate 39 is a member whose upper surface is disposed horizontally. The first plate 39 preferably has a larger area than the beverage pack having the largest bottom area. The second plate 40 extends upward in the vicinity of the first plate 39. The second plate 40 is preferably longer than the tallest beverage pack.
As shown in FIG. 8, the product detection apparatus 18 includes a type determination electrode (41, 43), a remaining amount detection electrode (45A, 45B, 45C, 45D, 45E, 47), and a determination unit 51. have.

The type determination electrode includes a detection electrode 41 and a reference electrode 43. The detection electrode 41 is a plurality of type determination detection electrodes provided on the first plate 39 corresponding to the position where the beverage pack 49 is to be placed. The detection electrode 41 is arranged so that the type of the beverage pack 49 can be specified by the position where the beverage pack 49 is actually placed.
For example, the detection electrodes 41 are provided at five predetermined locations on the first plate 39. The number of detection electrodes 41 for type determination and the arrangement position are not limited to this embodiment.
The reference electrode 43 is a type determination reference electrode, is provided at a position different from the first plate 39, and is arranged away from the detection electrode 41, that is, away from the beverage pack 49 to be placed. In FIG. 8, the beverage pack 49 is placed on the three detection electrodes 41 and is not placed on the two detection electrodes 41.

The remaining amount determination electrode includes detection electrodes (45 </ b> A to 45 </ b> E) and a reference electrode 47. The detection electrodes (45 </ b> A to 45 </ b> E) are provided on the side of the beverage pack 49 in the second plate 40, and are arranged in the height direction of the beverage pack 49. The detection electrodes (45 </ b> A to 45 </ b> E) are arranged so that the remaining amount (water level) of the beverage remaining in the beverage pack 49 can be determined. The detection electrodes (45A to 45E) have a rectangular shape that extends long in the horizontal direction.
Specifically, the first detection electrode 45A, the second detection electrode 45B, the third detection electrode 45C, the fourth detection electrode 45D, and the fifth detection electrode 45E are arranged in order from the bottom along the second plate 40. It has been. The first detection electrode 45A is provided at a position slightly higher than the first plate 39. The fifth detection electrode 45E is provided at a position corresponding to the upper part of the tallest beverage pack.
The reference electrode 47 is a remaining amount determination reference electrode, and is provided above the uppermost portion of the second plate 40, that is, the fifth detection electrode 45E. The detection electrodes (45A to 45E), that is, the beverage pack 49 to be placed. Placed away from.

  The determination unit 51 has a function of determining whether or not the beverage pack 49 is mounted and the type of the beverage pack 49 by detecting the respective capacitance values of the detection electrode 41 and the reference electrode 43 and further comparing them. Have. The determination unit 51 includes, for example, a capacitance detection circuit and a CPU (not shown). The determination unit 51 includes a storage unit 56. The determination unit 51 is connected to the plurality of detection electrodes 41 and the reference electrode 43.

  The determination unit 51 has a function of determining the remaining amount of the beverage pack 49 by detecting and further comparing the capacitance values of the detection electrodes (45A to 45E) and the reference electrode 47. The determination unit 51 is connected to the plurality of detection electrodes (45A to 45E) and the reference electrode 47.

The product detection apparatus 18 further includes a display unit 52 to which the determination unit 51 outputs a detection result. The display unit 52 is a device for notifying the user of the determination result by displaying the determination result of the determination unit 51. The display unit 52 is a display such as an LCD.
The determination unit 51 is connected to an open / close sensor 54 for detecting the open / closed state of the door 5 of the refrigerator 1.

(2) Detection Control Operation Next, product detection control by the determination unit 51 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. 9 and 10 are flowcharts for controlling product detection.
The determination unit 51 receives a closing signal from the opening / closing sensor 54 when the door 5 of the refrigerator 1 is closed. Thereby, the determination part 51 detects that the door 5 of the refrigerator 1 was closed (step S1).

Subsequently, the determination unit 51 waits for a specified time (step S2). The specified time is arbitrarily set.
Further, the determination unit 51 measures the capacitance value of the detection electrode 41 (step S3). This measurement is performed for all the detection electrodes 41. That is, the measurement is repeated a specified number of times.

  The determination unit 51 also detects the capacitance value of the reference electrode 43, and further compares the capacitance value of the reference electrode 43 with the capacitance value of the detection electrode 41 (step S4).

The determination control in steps S3 to S4 described above is performed by the number of detection electrodes 41. As a result, the presence or absence of the beverage pack 49 at positions corresponding to all the detection electrodes 41 is determined.
If there is even one detection electrode whose difference value is equal to or greater than the threshold value (Yes in step S5), the determination unit 51 determines that the beverage pack 49 exists on the first plate 39 (step S6). If there is no detection electrode whose difference value is equal to or greater than the threshold value (No in step S5), the determination unit 51 determines that the beverage pack 49 does not exist on the first plate 39 (step S7). After step S6, the process proceeds to step S11. After step S8, the process proceeds to step S18.

  Subsequently, the determination unit 51 performs shape identification based on a combination of detection electrodes that are equal to or greater than the threshold (step S11). Thereby, the kind of beverage pack 49 is determined. In FIG. 8, the capacitance difference value is equal to or greater than the threshold value for only the three detection electrodes 41. Information regarding the detection electrode equal to or greater than the threshold is stored in the storage unit 56.

Next, the determination unit 51 detects the remaining amount of beverage in the beverage pack 49.
First, the determination unit 51 measures the capacitance value of each detection electrode (45A to 45E) (step S12). This measurement is performed for all the detection electrodes 45A to 45E. That is, the measurement is repeated a specified number of times.

The determination unit 51 also detects the capacitance value of the reference electrode 47, and further compares the capacitance value of the reference electrode 47 with the capacitance value of each detection electrode (45A to 45E) (step S13).
If the difference value between the two is equal to or greater than the threshold value (Yes in step S14), the process proceeds to step S15, and the determination unit 51 determines that the beverage is present up to a height corresponding to the detection electrodes (45A to 45E) (step S15). ). If the difference value between the two is not greater than or equal to the threshold value (No in step S14), the process proceeds to step S16, and the determination unit 51 determines that there is no beverage at the height corresponding to the detection electrodes (45A to 45E). (Step S17). The determination result is stored in the storage unit 56.

  The determination control in steps S12 to S16 described above is performed by the number of detection electrodes (45A to 45E). As a result, the presence / absence of a beverage at a height corresponding to all the detection electrodes (45A to 45E) is determined. In other words, the remaining amount of beverage, that is, the water level can be detected by providing a plurality of detection electrodes (47A to 47E) corresponding to each position in the height direction of the side of the beverage. In other words, in the case of a plurality of remaining amount determination detection electrodes arranged in the height direction of the product, the remaining amount of the product can be detected using a combination of capacitance values detected by the plurality of detection electrodes.

The determination unit 51 further determines the meaning of the remaining amount detected this time according to the type of the beverage pack detected earlier (step S17). That is, since the determination unit 51 has already determined the type of the beverage pack based on the plurality of detection electrodes 41 before detecting the remaining amount of the beverage pack, the type information is used when detecting the remaining amount of the beverage pack. Based on the above, it is possible to accurately determine the meaning of the remaining amount of the beverage pack (the ratio of the current amount to the initial amount that is different for each type). For example, as shown in FIG. 8, in the case of a beverage pack whose highest position corresponds to the fifth detection electrode 45E, the fifth detection electrode 45E has a remaining amount of 100%, the fourth detection electrode 45D has a remaining amount of 80%, The third detection electrode 45C corresponds to a remaining amount of 60%, the second detection electrode 45B corresponds to a remaining amount of 40%, and the first detection electrode 45A corresponds to a remaining amount of 20%. On the other hand, in the case of a beverage pack whose highest position corresponds to the third detection electrode 45C, the third detection electrode 45C has a remaining amount of 100%, the second detection electrode 45B has a remaining amount of 66%, and the first detection electrode 45A has a remaining amount. The amount corresponds to 33%.
The determination unit 51 can detect the remaining amount of the beverage more precisely by accurately determining the capacitance value of the detection electrode corresponding to the water level of the beverage or the detection electrodes arranged on both sides of the water level of the beverage. .
Next, the determination unit 51 transmits the determination result to the outside (step S19). The transmission destination is, for example, the display unit 52.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the display unit 52 displays number information and remaining amount information of the beverage packs 49 in the refrigerator 1. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the display unit in the second embodiment. In this embodiment, graphic and text information is displayed as an image, but either one may be displayed. Further, as described above, the notification method may be only sound or a combination of sound and image.

  FIG. 12 is a graph comparing the capacitance of each electrode in a state where no beverage pack is placed and a state where the remaining amount of beverage in the beverage pack is 40%. As shown in FIG. 8, when the remaining amount of beverage is 40%, the water level of the beverage has reached the vicinity of the second detection electrode 45B. That is, the beverage is close to the first detection electrode 45A and the second detection electrode 45B, but is separated from the third detection electrode 45C, the fourth detection electrode 45D, and the fifth detection electrode 45E. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 12, the capacitance values of the first detection electrode 45A and the second detection electrode 45B are larger than the capacitance values of the other detection electrodes (that is, the first detection electrode 45A and the second detection electrode 45B). In the electrode 45B, the change in the capacitance value compared between the state where nothing is placed and the state where the beverage pack is placed is larger than that of the other detection electrodes). The difference between the capacitance value of the first detection electrode 45A and the capacitance value of the reference electrode 47 is equal to or greater than the threshold value, and the capacitance value of the second detection electrode 45B and the capacitance value of the reference electrode 47 are Above the threshold. Accordingly, the determination unit 51 can determine that the remaining amount of beverage is 40% in this embodiment.

(3) Modification In the second embodiment described above, the determination unit performs both the type determination and the remaining amount determination. However, only one of them may be performed. That is, one of the type determination detection electrode and the remaining amount determination detection electrode may be omitted.
Further, the first plate 39 may be provided with only one electrode for detecting the presence or absence of the beverage pack 49 instead of the plurality of detection electrodes.

  In the second embodiment, the determination unit 51 measures the capacitance values of all the detection electrodes (45A to 45E). However, in the case where the detection is performed sequentially from the first detection electrode 45A, If the difference between the capacitance value of the detection electrode and the capacitance value of the reference electrode is equal to or smaller than the threshold value, the measurement of the capacitance value of the detection electrode above it may be omitted.

In the second embodiment, the remaining amount of the product contents is detected, but this is possible when the dielectric constant of the contents is higher than the dielectric constant of the case. For example, in the case of milk cartons, plastic bottles, and glass bottle juices. In other words, if the dielectric constant of the case is higher than the dielectric constant of the contents, the presence of the product can be detected, but the remaining amount of the contents cannot be detected. For example, in the case of canned or steel can juice.
As another example, a product such as a cigarette case in which silver paper is used inside the case can check the presence of each cigarette case because the metal has a high dielectric constant. However, since the dielectric constant of silver paper is considerably larger than that of tobacco, the amount (number) of contents cannot be confirmed.

3. Third Embodiment In the second embodiment, the threshold value for the difference between the capacitance value of the reference electrode and the capacitance value of the detection electrode is constant, but the capacitance depending on the distance between the product and the remaining amount detection electrode. This threshold value may be changeable in order to eliminate the influence on the sensitivity.
Such an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14 are schematic diagrams illustrating a schematic configuration of the product detection apparatus according to the third embodiment. Since the basic configuration of the third embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment, the description of the same configuration is omitted.

The detection electrode 41 </ b> A is a plurality of type determination detection electrodes provided on the first plate 39 corresponding to the position where the beverage pack 49 is to be placed. The detection electrode 41A is arranged so that the type of the beverage pack 49 can be specified by the position where the beverage pack 49 is actually placed.
For example, the detection electrodes 41A are provided in a total of nine places on the first plate 39 in a 3 × 3 grid. The bottom surface of the beverage pack 49 has an area corresponding to a 2 × 2 combination of the detection electrodes 41A. That is, the beverage pack 49 is placed on two of the detection electrodes 41A in one direction, but is not placed on the three.

  With the above configuration, it is possible to determine whether the beverage pack 49 is disposed at a position closer to or far from the remaining amount determination electrodes (45A to 45E). FIG. 13 shows a case where the distance between the beverage pack 49 and the remaining amount determination electrodes (45A to 45E) is large. In FIG. 13, the beverage pack 49 is not placed on the detection electrode 41A closest to the remaining amount determination electrodes (45A to 45E). FIG. 14 shows a case where the distance between the beverage pack 49 and the remaining amount determination electrodes (45A to 45E) is small. In FIG. 14, the beverage pack 49 is not placed on the detection electrode 41A farthest from the remaining amount determination electrodes (45A to 45E).

Thereby, the determination part 51 can determine said distance based on an electrostatic capacitance value in the case of shape recognition of 2nd Embodiment, and the electrode (45A-45E) for residual amount determination based on the distance. ) And the threshold value relating to the capacitance value of the reference electrode 47 are changed. For example, when determining the shape (step S11 of the second embodiment), the determination unit 51 determines the distance based on the detected combination of the detection electrodes 41A, and thereby changes the threshold value. And the judgment part 51 determines the residual amount of the drink of the drink pack 49 using said threshold value (step S13 of 2nd Embodiment, step S14).
In a specific example, since the electrostatic capacity value at the time of beverage detection of the remaining amount determination electrodes (45A to 45E) is small in the case of FIG. 13, the threshold value is set small in order to cope with it. On the other hand, in the case of FIG. 14, the capacitance value at the time of beverage detection of the remaining amount determination electrodes (45A to 45E) is increased, so that the threshold value is set large in order to cope with it. As a result, the influence on the detection sensitivity due to the distance between the beverage pack 49 and the remaining amount detection electrodes (45A to 45E) is reduced. For example, the remaining amount can be detected with high sensitivity even when the beverage pack 49 is arranged somewhat apart from the remaining amount detection electrodes (45A to 45E).
Note that the number and arrangement positions of the type determination detection electrodes 41A are not limited to this embodiment.
In addition, thresholds for both short distance and long distance may be set for each detection. For example, the threshold for short distance may be set as a standard, and the threshold may be changed to be small for long distance. Or vice versa.

4). 4th Embodiment In 2nd and 3rd embodiment, in order to detect the residual amount of the drink of a drink pack, the detection electrode for several remaining amount determination arrange | positioned along with the height direction of the drink pack was used. However, as long as the remaining amount can be determined based on the capacitance value, the number, shape, and arrangement position of the detection electrodes are not limited.

With reference to FIG. 15, a case will be described in which a remaining amount determination detection electrode that extends along the height direction of a product is used. The description of the same configuration as that of the second embodiment is omitted.
As shown in FIG. 15, the remaining amount determination electrode includes a detection electrode 48 and a reference electrode 47A. The detection electrode 48 is provided at a position on the side of the beverage pack 49 in the second plate 40 and extends long in the height direction of the beverage pack 49, that is, in the vertical direction. In this way, the detection electrode 48 is arranged so that the remaining amount (water level) of the beverage remaining in the beverage pack 49 can be determined.
More specifically, the lower end of the detection electrode 48 is provided at a position slightly higher than the first plate 39. The upper end of the detection electrode 48 is provided at a position corresponding to the upper part of the tallest beverage pack.
The reference electrode 47A is a reference electrode for remaining amount determination, and is provided above the uppermost portion of the second plate 40, that is, the upper end of the detection electrode 48, and is separated from the detection electrode 48, that is, a beverage pack 49 to be placed. Placed away from.

  The determination unit 51 has a function of determining the remaining amount of the beverage pack 49 by detecting and further comparing the capacitance values of the detection electrode 48 and the reference electrode 47A. The determination unit 51 is connected to the detection electrode 48 and the reference electrode 47A.

In this embodiment, as the remaining amount of the beverage increases, the area of the detection electrode 48 where the capacitance is generated increases, and as a result, the capacitance value increases. Therefore, the same effect as the above embodiment can be obtained.
In the case of this embodiment, since the distance between the product and the detection electrode 48 greatly affects the capacitance value obtained by the detection electrode 48, the mounting position of the product is fixed for accurate detection. It is preferable. As such an example, for example, a medicine warehouse can be considered.

5. 5th Embodiment In the said embodiment, although the plane of the plate in which a drink pack is mounted was flat, determination of the kind of drink pack can be made more exact by devising a shape.
Such an embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing an electrode arrangement in the fifth embodiment.
The types of beverage packs used here are a beverage pack 49 and a beverage pack 50. The beverage pack 49 is, for example, a milk pack. The beverage pack 50 is, for example, a soy milk pack. Soy milk packs are characterized by a larger bottom area and lower height than milk packs.

  As shown in FIG. 16A, the beverage placement unit has a plate 53. The plate 53 is a member whose upper surface is disposed horizontally. The plate 53 preferably has a larger area than the beverage pack having the largest bottom area.

The plate 53 has a flat portion 53a and a guide recess 53b. The guide recess 53b is, for example, a square recess formed in the center of the flat portion 53a, and is slightly lower than the flat portion 53a. The guide recess 53 b has the same shape as the bottom surface of the beverage pack 49. Moreover, the whole shape of the plate 53 is the same shape as the bottom face of the drink pack 50, for example.
As shown in FIG. 16, the product detection device 18 has electrodes (55, 57) for type determination. The description of the determination unit is omitted.

  The type determination electrodes include detection electrodes (55, 57) and a reference electrode (not shown). The detection electrodes (55, 57) are a plurality of type determination detection electrodes provided on the plate 53 in correspondence with positions where the beverage packs 49, 50 are to be placed. The detection electrodes (55, 57) are arranged so that the type of the beverage packs 49, 50 can be specified by the position where the beverage packs 49, 50 are actually placed.

  For example, the first detection electrode 55 is provided at three predetermined positions of the guide recess 53 b of the plate 53, and the second detection electrode 57 is provided at two predetermined positions of the flat portion 53 a of the plate 53. In this embodiment, the two second detection electrodes 57 are arranged on the same side.

  In this embodiment, when the user places the beverage pack 49 on the plate 53, the beverage pack 49 is naturally placed in the guide recess 53b as shown in FIG. 16 (b). Therefore, it is determined from the capacitance values obtained from the three first detection electrodes 55 that the beverage pack 49 is placed and that it is a milk pack. At this time, the misalignment of the beverage pack 49 (the beverage pack 49 is placed on the second detection electrode 57) is less likely to occur due to the guide recess 53b.

  On the other hand, when the user places the beverage pack 50 on the plate 53, the beverage pack 50 is naturally placed on the entire plate 53, as shown in FIG. Therefore, it is determined from the capacitance values obtained from the three first detection electrodes 55 and the two second detection electrodes 57 that the beverage pack 50 is placed and that it is a soy milk pack.

6). Sixth Embodiment The present invention can be applied not only to refrigerators but also to shelves of stores such as supermarkets and convenience stores.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing an electrode arrangement in the sixth embodiment.
The product detection device 19 includes a plurality of detection electrodes 69, a reference electrode (not shown), and a determination unit 71. Since it is the same as that of the above-mentioned embodiment, explanation of a reference electrode and judgment part 71 is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 17, in the sales shelf 60 for placing beverage bottles, lanes 61, 63, 65, 67 for each type are provided. In each lane, a detection electrode 69 is provided for each beverage bottle placement position. Thereby, the determination part 71 can determine the presence or absence and the number of beverage bottles for each lane. Further, the determination unit 71 can transmit inventory information to the remote center terminal 75 via the communication unit 73. Thereby, the inventory information can be confirmed by the display unit 77 connected to the center terminal 75.
Note that inventory information may be sent to the mobile terminal instead of the center terminal.
Note that a communication module may be provided for each lane, and beverage bottle inventory information may be sent directly to the center terminal. In that case, the determination unit is provided in the center terminal.
In the above configuration, inventory management and remaining amount management can be performed by the same sensor. Moreover, since it is not necessary to use a complicated sensor, cost reduction can be realized.

7). Common Items of Embodiments The first to fifth embodiments have the following configurations and functions in common.
The product detection device (for example, product detection devices 17, 18, and 19) according to an aspect of the present invention is a product having a dielectric constant higher than that of air (for example, egg 15, beverage pack 49, beverage pack 50). , And / or a device for detecting at least one of the type and the remaining amount in the case where there is a load, for example, a detection electrode (for example, detection electrode 21, detection electrode 21A, detection electrode 21B, detection electrode 41, detection electrode) 41A, first detection electrode 45A, second detection electrode 45B, third detection electrode 45C, fourth detection electrode 45D, fifth detection electrode 45E, detection electrode 48, first detection electrode 55, second detection electrode 57, detection electrode 69), a reference electrode (for example, reference electrode 23, reference electrode 43, reference electrode 47, reference electrode 47A), and a determination unit (for example, determination unit 27, determination unit 51, determination unit 71).

The detection electrode is provided at a planned position where the product is arranged or in the vicinity of the planned position.
The reference electrode is provided at a position away from the detection electrode.
The determination unit detects and further compares the capacitance values of the detection electrode and the reference electrode, thereby determining whether or not the product is mounted and / or at least one of the type and the remaining amount when the product is mounted. to decide.
In this apparatus, a product having a dielectric constant higher than that of air can be efficiently detected by a relatively inexpensive means.

8). Other Embodiments Although a plurality of embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, a plurality of embodiments and modifications described in this specification can be arbitrarily combined as necessary.

  The present invention can also be applied to the management of liquid chemicals or beverage liquids stored in storages other than refrigerators and refrigerator rooms. For example, the present invention can be applied to facilities that store beverages over a long period of time, such as wine, whiskey, and sake.

  The present invention is not limited to the type of product and the type of product mounting place, and can be applied to a detection device that detects products having a wider dielectric constant than air.

1: Refrigerator 3: Main body 5: Door 7: Egg placement unit 9: Beverage placement unit 11: Pack placement unit 13: Egg pack 15: Egg 17: Product detection device 18: Product detection device 19: Product detection device 21 : Detection electrode 23: reference electrode 27: judgment unit 31: display unit

Claims (3)

Dielectric constant is a product detector for detecting the type and remaining amount when there are a presence or absence of mounting of the higher air drink pack, the mounting location,
A beverage placement unit and a determination unit;
The beverage placement unit is:
The upper surface is disposed horizontally, and the beverage pack is divided into a portion where the beverage pack is placed and a portion where the beverage pack is not placed according to the position where the beverage pack is placed and the size of the bottom area of the beverage pack. A first plate provided with a plurality of type determining detection electrodes arranged in a dispersed manner;
One type determination reference electrode arranged away from the beverage pack to be placed;
A plurality of remaining amount detection electrodes arranged in the height direction of the beverage pack or in the height direction of the beverage pack that extend upward from the side portion of the first plate and are lateral to the beverage pack. A second plate provided with detection electrodes for remaining amount determination arranged extending along;
One reference electrode for remaining amount determination arranged away from the beverage pack to be placed;
Have
The determination unit obtains the capacitance values of the type determination detection electrode and the type determination reference electrode, and the capacitance values of the remaining amount determination detection electrode and the remaining amount determination reference electrode. A product detection device that determines the presence / absence of the product and the type and remaining amount of the product when the product is placed by detecting and comparing . The product detection device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not the product is placed and the type and remaining amount when the product is placed only at a predetermined timing. The product detection apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies a determination result determined by the determination unit.

Images