I recall brainstorming with someone about this before. The scheme we envisioned
scanned the UPC codes on incoming and exiting food (similar to grocery store
checkout counters). Several databases were maintained. The inital database
stores the actual product, it's nutritional content, the age of the item, how
much of the item remains for each item, how oftern it is eaten and by whon, etc.
Another database keeps track of recipes. From this, I can ask, "What can I make
for dinner?" and the fridge will be able to design a meal based upon current known
ingredients. It can also keep track of what I eat and when and model my dietary
patterns and requirements accordingly.
From this, my fridge can generate a shopping list (I think Dean brought this
function up). This can be expanded by having the fridge support http and video
protocols so that while shopping (shopping does have a social component), I can
examine the contents of the fridge both textually as well as via video (in case
the food ages faster than the computer had expected). Additionally, if price
information is stored, the fridge can optimize food purchases by examining who
eats what when and how much it costs.
But probably the most useful/important feature of the intelligent fridge
would be in reminding me when to throw old and potentially dangerous food away.