KR102515330B1 - Refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a main body having a storage compartment, a door coupled to the main body and formed to open and close the storage compartment, a first condition disposed on one surface of the door and being transparent so that one area of the storage compartment is visible, and an opaque In the second state, a touch screen formed to be mutually converted from one state to another state, a sensor unit having at least one gas sensor for detecting gas inside the storage compartment, and based on the gas detection result of the sensor unit and a control unit that executes a deodorizing function, wherein the control unit controls the touch screen to switch the touch screen to a first state and display screen information indicating the deodorizing function for a specific period of time when the deodorizing function is executed. It provides a refrigerator including a control unit to do.

Description

Refrigerator {REFRIGERATOR}

The present invention relates to a refrigerator equipped with a touch screen capable of adjusting transparency.

In general, a refrigerator is a device that freezes or refrigerates food by discharging cool air generated by a refrigeration cycle including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, and the like to lower the internal temperature of the refrigerator.

In recent years, the functions of refrigerators have been diversified from their original function of refrigerating or freezing food. That is, a dispenser is installed on the door of the refrigerator to provide purified water and ice, and a display is installed on the front of the door to show and manage the state of the refrigerator.

In general, the door of the refrigerator is made opaque and is provided to open and close the storage compartment of the main body. Such a door may be opened and closed so that a user can access a refrigerating or freezing compartment. Therefore, it is common for a user to be unable to determine the type and location of food stored in the refrigerator before opening the door.

A display area capable of displaying image information may be formed outside the refrigerator door made to be opaque. Accordingly, menus and various information for controlling functions of the refrigerator may be displayed through the display area, and various functions of the refrigerator may be controlled according to a user's input applied through the display area.

Meanwhile, when the door of the refrigerator is made opaque, there is a problem in that the user cannot check the food stored in the refrigerator without opening the refrigerator door. In order to solve this problem, refrigerators having transparent doors have appeared so that users can check food inside the refrigerator without opening the door. However, when the door of the refrigerator is formed transparent as described above, there is an advantage in that the state of stored food can be checked without opening the door, but there is a problem in that it is difficult to display information related to the function of the refrigerator due to the absence of a display area.

Accordingly, a method that can have all the advantages of the display area provided through the door while maintaining the advantages of using a transparent door is currently being actively researched.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems and other problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a user with a refrigerator including a touch screen that outputs a screen indicating execution of a specific function of the refrigerator.

According to one aspect of the present invention to achieve the above or other object, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main body having a storage compartment, a door coupled to the main body and formed to open and close the storage compartment, and one side of the door. A touch screen disposed in the storage compartment and formed to be mutually switched from one state to another among a transparent first state and an opaque second state so that one area of the storage compartment can be seen, and a gas inside the storage compartment. A sensor unit having at least one gas sensor for detecting gas and a control unit for executing a deodorization function based on a gas detection result of the sensor unit, wherein the control unit displays the touch screen in a first step when the deodorization function is executed. state and the touch screen can be controlled to display screen information indicating the deodorizing function for a specific time.

In one embodiment, the controller may control the touch screen to change the transparency of the screen information according to the degree of progress of the deodorizing function while the deodorizing function is being performed.

In one embodiment, the screen information may be displayed on an area on the touch screen corresponding to at least one storage space in which the gas is sensed among a plurality of storage spaces of the storage compartment.

In an embodiment, the controller may control the touch screen to display information on an object disposed inside the storage compartment and related to the sensed gas together with the screen information based on the gas detection result.

In one embodiment, the storage chamber partitions a plurality of storage spaces, the sensor unit includes a plurality of gas sensors respectively disposed in the plurality of storage spaces, and the controller determines a gas detection result by the plurality of gas sensors. Based on this, it is possible to selectively execute a deodorizing function in some of the plurality of storage spaces.

In one embodiment, the controller may increase the transparency of one region of the touch screen corresponding to one storage space in which gas is sensed among the plurality of storage spaces.

In one embodiment, a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication is further included, and when gas is detected by the sensor unit, food information related to the detected gas and/or information about the storage space in which the gas is detected The wireless communication unit may be controlled to transmit notification information including a to a preset external device.

In one embodiment, the storage chamber partitions a plurality of storage spaces, the sensor unit includes a plurality of gas sensors respectively disposed in the plurality of storage spaces, and the control unit uses the plurality of gas sensors for each storage space. The touch screen may be controlled to output a gas detection image corresponding to the space, and a deodorizing function of each storage space may be executed based on a touch input applied to the gas detection image.

In one embodiment, the sensor unit includes a plurality of gas sensors respectively disposed in the plurality of storage spaces, and the controller divides the touch screen into a plurality of areas corresponding to each of the plurality of storage spaces, Transparency of the area corresponding to the storage space identified as requiring deodorization and the remaining area may be differently adjusted.

In one embodiment, the control unit may adjust the transparency of the touch screen to indicate the concentration of the gas detected by the sensor unit and/or whether or not deodorization is necessary.

In one embodiment, the control unit determines the transparency of the touch screen in at least one of cases where the concentration of the gas is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference concentration, when a specific type of gas is detected, and when a gas is detected for a specific time or longer. can be changed from a transparent state to an opaque state or from an opaque state to a transparent state.

Effects of the refrigerator and its control method according to the present invention will be described below.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, since the transparency of the touch screen is changed or screen information is output while the deodorization function is executed or gas is sensed, the user can more intuitively check the execution of the function.

In addition, since the function of each storage space is performed through the control image representing the partitioned storage space, it is possible to perform the function in the area desired by the user while reducing power consumption.

1A is a block diagram for explaining the structure of a refrigerator related to the present invention.
1b and 1c are exemplary views showing a refrigerator related to the present invention.
1D is an exemplary view showing a refrigerator according to another embodiment related to the present invention.
2A to 2E are cross-sectional views showing a cross section of a door provided in a refrigerator related to the present invention.
FIG. 3A is a flowchart illustrating an exaggerated operation of displaying specific screen information indicating the deodorization function while the transparency of the touch screen is changed while the deodorization function is performed in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3b is a conceptual diagram for explaining the control method of Figure 3a.
3C and 3D are conceptual diagrams for explaining a control method of outputting screen information representing a deodorizing function according to another embodiment.
4A to 4C are conceptual diagrams for explaining a control method of outputting a notification image notifying when gas is detected in a plurality of storage spaces.
5 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a feature of transmitting notification information of detected gas to an external device.
6 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a feature of gas detection by adjusting the transparency of screen information according to another embodiment.
7 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a control method for displaying control of a temperature change in a refrigerator.
8A is a flowchart for explaining a control method of outputting a photographed image using a camera.
8B is a conceptual diagram for explaining the control method of FIG. 8A.
9A to 9B are conceptual views illustrating a control method of outputting a photographed image in a first transparent state in which the inside of the storage compartment is visible.

Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the same or similar reference numerals are given to the same or similar components, and overlapping descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and "unit" for components used in the following description are given or used together in consideration of ease of writing the specification, and do not have meanings or roles that are distinct from each other by themselves. In addition, in describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiment disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the accompanying drawings are only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the technical idea disclosed in this specification is not limited by the accompanying drawings, and all changes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention , it should be understood to include equivalents or substitutes.

* The order of description of the following drawings is explained in clockwise order, starting with the drawing at the top left, the drawing at the top left is the 'first drawing', the drawing at the top right is the 'second drawing', and the drawing at the bottom right is the 'first drawing'. The 'third drawing' and the lower left drawing are named 'fourth drawing' and described.

First, referring to FIG. 1A, FIG. 1A is a block diagram for explaining a refrigerator 100 related to the present invention.

The refrigerator 100 may include a communication unit 130, a sensing unit 140, a display unit 150, a user input unit 160, and a memory 170. The components shown in FIG. 1 are not essential to implement the refrigerator 100, so the refrigerator 100 described herein may have more or fewer components than the components listed above.

More specifically, among the components, the communication unit 130 is between the refrigerator 100 and a predetermined communication system, between the refrigerator 100 and at least one external device, or between the refrigerator 100 and a specific external server. may include one or more modules enabling wireless communication of Also, the communication unit 130 may include one or more modules connecting the refrigerator 100 to one or more networks.

The sensing unit 140 may include one or more sensors for sensing at least one of information within the refrigerator 100, surrounding environment information surrounding the refrigerator 100, and user information. For example, the sensing unit 140 may detect a camera 141, a weight sensor 142 capable of detecting the weight of each of at least one storage space in the refrigerator 100, and a user adjacent to the refrigerator 100. When a user's touch input is detected through a proximity sensor (143) that can detect a touch input, a pressure sensor (144) that can measure pressure applied through the touch input, a gas sensor (145), and an infrared sensor (IR sensor: infrared sensor), fingerprint recognition sensor (finger scan sensor), ultrasonic sensor (ultrasonic sensor), microphone (microphone), environmental sensor (eg hygrometer, thermometer, odor sensor, etc.), iris recognition sensor and It may include at least one of the same biometric sensors. Meanwhile, the refrigerator 100 disclosed in this specification may combine and utilize information sensed by at least two or more of these sensors.

The gas sensor 145 may be disposed in an internal storage compartment of the refrigerator, and the refrigerator 100 may include a plurality of gas sensors 145 disposed in different partitioned spaces. The gas sensor 145 can detect various types of gas generated in the storage compartment and check the type and concentration of the detected gas.

Meanwhile, the display unit 150 may be implemented in the form of a transparent liquid crystal display panel. The display unit 150 may form a mutual layer structure with the touch sensor or be integrally formed, thereby realizing a touch screen. Such a touch screen may function as a user input unit 160 providing an input interface between the refrigerator 100 and the user, and may provide an output interface between the refrigerator 100 and the user.

The user input unit 160 may include a microphone for inputting an audio signal, an audio input unit, and at least one key for receiving information from a user. These keys are composed of virtual keys, soft keys, or visual keys displayed on the touch screen through software processing, or touch keys disposed on a part other than the touch screen. key) can be made. Meanwhile, the virtual key or visual key can be displayed on the touch screen while having various forms, for example, graphic, text, icon, video, or can be made of a combination of

Also, the memory 170 stores data supporting various functions of the refrigerator 100 . The memory 170 may store a plurality of application programs (application programs or applications) that are driven in the refrigerator 100, data for operation of the refrigerator 100, and commands. At least some of these application programs may be downloaded from an external server through wireless communication. In addition, at least some of these application programs may exist on the refrigerator 100 from the time of shipment for basic functions of the refrigerator 100 (eg, temperature management function for each storage area).

Meanwhile, the controller 180 controls overall operations of the refrigerator 100 . The control unit 180 may provide or process appropriate information or functions to the user by processing signals, data, information, etc. input or output through the components described above or by running an application program stored in the memory 170.

In addition, the controller 180 may control at least some of the components reviewed in conjunction with FIG. 1A in order to drive an application program stored in the memory 170 . Furthermore, the controller 180 may combine and operate at least two or more of the components included in the refrigerator 100 to drive the application program.

Also, even if the touch input is applied to the same point on the touch screen, the controller 180 may classify the touch input into different inputs based on the duration of the touch input or the pressure measured through the touch input. . That is, when a touch input (first touch input) is applied to a point on the touch screen for the first time, the controller 180 performs a function corresponding to the applied touch input, and the touch input is maintained for a predetermined time or longer, When the pressure applied through the touch input is changed, the touch input may be detected as a second touch input. In addition, another function corresponding to the second touch input may be performed.

Meanwhile, when a plurality of touch inputs that are continuously applied within a predetermined time are applied, the controller 180 determines the plurality of touch inputs as a predetermined touch input for controlling one or more functions of the refrigerator 100. can That is, when a plurality of touch inputs that are continuously applied within a preset time are detected, the controller 180 may detect a predefined pattern that matches a pattern formed by points on the touch screen where the touch inputs are detected. As a result of the detection, if there is a pattern matching the pattern formed from the plurality of touch inputs, the controller 180 controls the refrigerator 100 to execute at least one function according to a specific pattern matching the plurality of touch inputs. You can control each component of

Meanwhile, the refrigerator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a water purification system and a water purification unit 191 to provide a water purification function of discharging purified water from the water purification system. The water purification unit 191 may include a dispenser and a discharge unit (not shown) capable of dispensing the purified water according to a user's selection. The water purification unit 191 may discharge water heated to a predetermined temperature or higher or liquid water at a predetermined temperature or lower through the discharge unit. Alternatively, according to a user's selection, some of the purified water may be cooled to form ice, and the ice may be discharged through the discharge unit.

Meanwhile, the water purification unit 191 may be managed under the control of the control unit 180 . For example, when water or ice is discharged through the water purification unit 191, the controller 180 may measure the amount of water discharged for a certain period of time (eg, one day) based on the amount of water and ice discharged. there is. In addition, various information related to the amount of discharged water may be displayed through the touch screen. In this case, when the water purification function is selected, the controller 180 may recognize the user and display the amount of water discharged during the predetermined period in relation to the recognized user as the amount of water consumed by the recognized user. In this case, the water intake amount information may be displayed based on a recommended daily water intake amount for each user based on personal information approved by each user.

The deodorizing unit 192 included in the refrigerator 100 performs a function of deodorizing odors generated in the storage compartment. The deodorizing part 192 may be disposed in one area of the storage compartment. When the storage compartment is divided into a plurality of spaces, the deodorizing unit 192 may include a plurality of deodorizing devices disposed in each of the plurality of spaces.

At least some of the components may operate in cooperation with each other in order to implement an operation, control, or control method of the refrigerator 100 according to various embodiments described below. Also, the operation, control, or control method of the refrigerator 100 may be implemented on the refrigerator 100 by running at least one application program stored in the memory 170 .

Meanwhile, FIGS. 1B and 1C are exemplary diagrams for explaining the refrigerator 100 related to the present invention.

The refrigerator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a main body 200 including a storage compartment therein, and at least one door formed on at least one surface of the main body 200 to selectively open and close the storage compartment. can Further, a water purifying device 290 for discharging purified water or ice according to the water purifying function of the water purifying device 190 may be formed in one of the doors (for example, 210) of the refrigerator 100.

Here, the transparency of any one of the doors 210 can be adjusted from a completely opaque state to a transparent state by adjusting the transparency. In addition, the door 210 may have a display area 201 including a transparent display panel (Transparent Liquid Crystal Display) to display various image information such as text, image, or video. As described above, the transparent display area 201 may form a touch screen by forming a mutual layer structure or integrally with the touch sensor. In the following description, it will be assumed that the transparent display area 201 forms a touch screen.

The touch screen 201 may be formed on the entire front surface of the door 210 or a portion of the front surface of the door 210 . In addition, a plurality of touch screens 201 form a plurality of different touch screens on the door 210, or one touch screen 201 formed on the front surface of the door 210 is divided into a plurality of pieces to form the plurality of touch screens 201. Two different touch screens may be formed.

Meanwhile, when a plurality of touch screens are formed, the plurality of touch screens may correspond to the front area of each storage area partitioned by a shelf or the like in the storage compartment. That is, the vertical width of any one of the plurality of touch screens corresponds to the height between shelves adjacent to each other in the vertical direction inside one storage area, and the left-right width of any one of the touch screens corresponds to the door 210 It may correspond to the width of the door 210 excluding the frame portion of. However, it is not limited to this division method, and any one of the touch screens may be formed smaller than the front area of a specific storage space or formed to correspond to the combined area of the front areas of a plurality of storage areas.

Meanwhile, when a preset touch input is applied to the touch screen 201, the controller 180 can detect this touch input as a touch input for changing the state of the touch screen 201. Here, the preset touch input may be a touch input applied to a specific area of the touch screen 201, a touch input in which a touch state is maintained for a predetermined period of time, or a touch input in which an applied pressure is higher than a predetermined level. Alternatively, it may be a plurality of touch inputs applied in a preset pattern.

Meanwhile, the controller 180 can change the state of the touch screen 201 when a preset touch input is applied to the touch screen 201 . That is, as shown in FIG. 1B, if the touch screen 201 is in a transparent state in which food stored in the corresponding storage space is identifiable, the controller 180 displays the touch screen 201 as shown in FIG. 1C. It is possible to switch to a state in which identification of the stored food is impossible and opaquely displayed. Conversely, if the touch screen 201 is opaque, the controller 180 may switch the touch screen 201 to a transparent state based on the preset touch input.

Meanwhile, the preset touch input may be a touch input in which a plurality of continuously inputted touch inputs form a specific pattern as described above. In this case, the controller 180 may perform at least one function of the refrigerator 100 corresponding to the plurality of touch inputs. For example, the controller 180 may change the transparency of a touch screen of a specific door to which the plurality of touch inputs are applied according to a pattern formed from a plurality of touch inputs. Alternatively, the controller 180 may display specific information corresponding to a pattern formed from the plurality of touch inputs among various pieces of information related to food stored in the refrigerator 100 on the touch screen. For example, the various information related to the food may include information measuring the remaining amount of food stored in a specific storage space or expiration date information of the food. The remaining amount measurement information and expiration date information may be information corresponding to different patterns, respectively.

Meanwhile, the preset touch input may be a touch input for displaying a management menu for controlling various functions of the refrigerator 100 . In this case, the controller 180 may display a management menu for controlling various functions provided by the refrigerator 100 around a point where the touch input is applied on the touch screen. Further, a specific function may be executed based on other inputs of the user applied to the management menu.

Meanwhile, in FIGS. 1B to 1C, the touch screen is formed on one of the doors formed in the refrigerator 100 as an example, but unlike this, the touch screen is formed on each of the doors formed in the refrigerator 100. Of course it could be. 1d shows an example of the refrigerator 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1D, when the refrigerator 100 is formed including a plurality of doors 210, 220, 230, and 240 formed on at least one surface of the main body 200, the respective doors 210, 220, and 230 The touch screens 201, 221, 231, and 241 may be formed independently of the , 240. Also, the controller 180 may control each of the touch screens 201, 221, 231, and 241 independently of each other. That is, the controller 180 controls the touch screens 221, 231, and 241 formed on the other doors 220, 230, and 240 to be converted to a transparent state or an opaque state, as in the door 210 shown in FIG. 1B. each can be controlled. In addition, the storage spaces corresponding to the doors 201, 221, 231, and 241 are independent of each other so that various functions related to food in the storage space corresponding to the doors 201, 221, 231, and 241 are performed. You can control it. In this case, the controller 180 may display a management menu on a touch screen formed on each door, and a user may select a function that may be performed in each storage space through the displayed management menu.

Meanwhile, FIGS. 2A to 2E are cross-sectional views showing a cross section of a door 210 on which a touch screen is formed in the refrigerator 100 related to the present invention.

First, referring to FIG. 2A , when a specific voltage V3 is applied to the first electrode 211b and the second electrode 212b, all three lights 210a, 210b, and 210c may be reflected. Therefore, when the second electrode substrate 212a is implemented flat, the touch screen 201 of the door 210 can be seen like a mirror. In particular, when the electric field dependent layer 217 is made of a photonic crystal, the touch screen of the door 210 may have a higher reflectance.

Meanwhile, the electric field dependent layer 217 may be formed by filling each cell with an electric field dependent material.

The electric field dependent material charged in the electric field dependent layer 217 is a material whose characteristics are changed by the electric field formed between the first electrode 211b and the second electrode 212b, such as a liquid crystal material and a fluorescent material. , photonic crystal (photonic crystal) material, it may be at least one selected from the group consisting of electrophoresis (electrophoresis) material and electrowetting (electrowetting) material.

Here, the electrophoretic material may refer to a material exhibiting an electrophoretic phenomenon, the electrowetting material may refer to a material exhibiting an electrowetting phenomenon, and the photoelectric discoloration material may refer to a material exhibiting a photoelectric discoloration phenomenon. Briefly, several electric field-dependent materials are described. A photonic crystal is a structure in which a photonic band gap is formed by a regular arrangement of spatially repeated fine structures to reflect only a specific wavelength of external incident light. The color produced by the color is called the structure color.

The formation of the photonic bandgap is determined by the size, spacing, and difference in refractive index of the particles constituting the photonic crystal. Therefore, by adjusting the intensity or direction of the electric field to change the characteristics of the photonic crystal, the color expressed can be controlled.

Electrophoresis is a phenomenon in which charged particles move by an electric field formed between two electrodes. When colored charged particles are dispersed in a fluid with high resistance and low viscosity and a voltage is applied to the two electrodes, the charged particles can display colors while moving.

The electrowetting display adopts the principle that a conductive fluid (water) and a non-conductive fluid (oil) do not mix. When an external voltage is applied to control the surface tension of the conductive fluid, the contact angle of the conductive fluid and the interface between the two fluids As the shape of is changed, the wavelength of the reflected light is changed.

In the description of the refrigerator 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, any of the electric field dependent materials may be used. However, for convenience of explanation, in the following description, a cholesteric liquid crystal material among liquid crystal materials capable of implementing excellent light transmittance will be described as an example.

Meanwhile, FIG. 2B shows the arrangement of liquid crystals in a homeotropic state. The liquid crystal in the homeotropic state means a state in which the helical structure is untwisted and the liquid crystal molecules are aligned in the direction of the electric field. The arrangement of the liquid crystal molecules in the homeotropic state is the arrangement when a high electric field is formed between the first electrode 211b and the second electrode 212b, and has a characteristic of transmitting light. Accordingly, incident light is transmitted as it is, as shown in FIG. 2B, and the touch screen 201 of the door 210 can be seen transparently. Therefore, in this case, the user can identify the food stored in the container through the door 210 .

Meanwhile, FIG. 2C shows a liquid crystal arrangement in a planar state. The planar state means a state in which the helical axis of the cholesteric liquid crystal is aligned substantially perpendicular to a substrate, for example, the first electrode substrate 211a. The planar liquid crystal layer 217 is an arrangement formed when the high electric field applied to the homeotropic liquid crystal is rapidly lowered, and when the cholesteric liquid crystal is in the planar state, light of a specific wavelength among incident light can reflect.

At this time, the specific wavelength is determined according to the helical pitch in the helical structure of the cholesteric liquid crystal. That is, since the wavelength of the reflected light can be determined by adjusting the helical pitch, the reflected color can be adjusted by adjusting the helical pitch of the cholesteric liquid crystal. Therefore, a desired color can be displayed without using a separate color filter.

Figure 2d shows the liquid crystal arrangement in the focal conic state. The focal conic state may mean a state in which the helical axis of the cholesteric liquid crystal is substantially parallel to the first electrode substrate 211a. The liquid crystal structure in the focal conic state is an arrangement formed when a high electric field applied to the liquid crystal in the homeotropic state is slowly lowered, and has a characteristic of scattering or diffusely reflecting light. Accordingly, when the liquid crystal is in a focal conic state, the touch screen 201 may be in an opaque state.

For example, when an electric field is applied to the cholesteric liquid crystal in a planar state, the spiral axis, which was perpendicular to the first electrode substrate 211a, changes to a state parallel to the first electrode substrate 211a, resulting in a focal conic state. . Here, the electric field applied to the cholesteric liquid crystal may be 10-20V.

When a larger electric field is applied to the cholesteric liquid crystal in the focal conic state, the helical structure is untwisted and the liquid crystal molecules may be in a homeotropic state in which they are aligned in the direction of the electric field. Here, the electric field applied to the cholesteric liquid crystal may be 30-50V. In the homeotropic state, when the electric field is gradually removed, the focal conic state can be returned, and when the electric field is rapidly removed, the planar state can be achieved.

Meanwhile, in order to convert the cholesteric liquid crystal in the focal conic state into the planar state, as described above, a larger electric field is applied to the cholesteric liquid crystal to make it into the homeotropic state, and then the electric field is rapidly removed. can

Accordingly, when a user applies a preset touch input, the controller 180 may apply a high voltage to the first electrode 211b and the second electrode 212b to make the cholesteric liquid crystal into a homeotropic state. Then, the touch screen 201 may transmit light and be displayed transparently.

In this state, the controller 180 may receive another touch input from the user. Here, another touch input may be a touch input with a different touch duration or a touch input with a different applied pressure. In this way, when another touch input is applied, the controller 180 may gradually or rapidly remove the high electric field formed in the cell to bring it into a focal conic state or a planar state. Then, the liquid crystal may be converted from a transparent state to an opaque state or a state capable of displaying image information such as a graphic object.

Meanwhile, FIG. 2E shows an example of a case in which the door 210 according to an embodiment of the present invention has a laminated structure of PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crustal) and a transparent display panel (T-LCD).

Referring to FIG. 2E , in the door 210 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the PDLC layer 260 is laminated between the first and second tempered glass layers 250a and 250b, and the second tempered glass layer ( 250b) and the third tempered glass layer 250c may have an add-on structure in which the T-LCD layer 270 and the touch film 280 are laminated.

Hereinafter, embodiments related to a control method that can be implemented in the refrigerator 100 configured as described above will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit and essential characteristics of the present invention.

In the following description, for convenience of description, the case where the touch screen 201 is formed on the door 210 will be described as an example. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the touch screen may be formed on any one of the other doors 220, 230, and 240 of the refrigerator 100, or may be formed on each of the other doors 220, 230, and 240. Of course. In this case, any one of the other doors or a touch screen formed on each of the other doors can be controlled similarly to the description below.

First, FIG. 3A is a flowchart illustrating an exaggerated operation of displaying specific screen information indicating the deodorization function while the transparency of the touch screen 201 is changed while the deodorization function is performed in the refrigerator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. .

The gas sensor 145 of the sensor unit 140 senses the gas in the storage chamber (S301). The controller 180 executes the deodorizing function based on the gas sensed by the gas sensor 145 (S302). The control unit 180 performs a deodorizing function when the concentration of the gas detected by the gas sensor 145 is equal to or higher than a predetermined reference level, and when the type of gas corresponds to a gas harmful to the human body. When gas is sensed by the gas sensor 145, the control unit 180 may perform a deodorization function without a user's specific control command, or may switch to a standby mode for receiving a control command for the deodorization function.

Based on the execution of the deodorizing function, the touch screen 201 is converted to a transparent first state (S303). Referring to FIG. 3B , screen information 400 may be displayed in an inactive state in which no visual data is output when the deodorizing function is executed, or in an opaque second state as shown in FIG. 3B . The screen information 400 may include an area 410 where text characters related to the current date and weather are displayed. In this case, the weather information may include current temperature and humidity (Humidity, 'HUM.'), and information related to the current weather condition. That is, if the current weather is rainy weather, the controller 180 converts weather information including rainfall ('RAIN') information as information related to the current weather situation, that is, the rainy weather situation, to the screen information 400. It can be displayed in one area.

When the deodorization function is executed, the control unit 180 switches the touch screen 201 to a first state, and thus the state inside the storage compartment of the refrigerator can be checked. The touch screen 201 outputs first screen information 510 indicating a deodorization function in the first state. The first screen information 510 is in a transparent state, and the inside of the storage compartment is confirmed through the first screen information 510 (S304). The controller 180 can output the first screen information 510 for a specific time period. Here, the specific time may correspond to the time during which the deodorizing function is being performed, or may be controlled to be output only for a short specific time to notify the execution of the deodorizing function.

Referring to FIG. 3B , the controller 180 controls the touch screen 201 so that the first screen information 510 disappears when the deodorization function is completed or a specific time elapses. Accordingly, the user can fully check the space inside the storage compartment. When the first screen information 510 is output while the deodorizing function is being performed, the user can confirm the completion of the deodorizing function.

3C and 3D are conceptual diagrams for explaining a control method of outputting screen information representing a deodorizing function according to another embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 3C , when the deodorizing function is executed, the controller 180 controls the touch screen 201 to output the first screen information 510 in an opaque second state. That is, when the deodorizing function starts, the first screen information 510 is output in a first state S1 in which the inside of the storage compartment cannot be checked.

The control unit 180 adjusts the transparency of the touch screen according to the duration of the deodorizing function. When the deodorization function is executed for a specific period of time or longer, the controller 180 improves the transparency to the extent that the inside of the storage compartment can be partially recognized. The touch screen outputs the first screen information 510 in a second state S2 in which transparency is improved.

When the deodorization function is terminated, the control unit outputs the first screen information 510 in a third state (S3) in which the touch screen is converted to a transparent state. The touch screen 201 continuously outputs the first screen information 510 while the deodorizing function is being performed, and the degree of performing the deodorizing function is indicated by the transparency of the touch screen.

Since transparency improves as the deodorization function proceeds in an opaque state, the user can grasp the progress state of the deodorization function according to the transparent state of the touch screen.

Referring to FIG. 3D , when gas is sensed by the sensing unit 140, the control unit 180 converts the touch screen 201 to a transparent third state (S3), and displays second screen information 520. ) is output. The second screen information 520 may be formed in the form of a pop-up window output to one area of the touch screen 201 .

The second screen information 520 receives a touch input to execute the deodorization function. The second screen information 520 may include the type of detected gas, the concentration of the gas, and food information related to the type of gas.

According to the present embodiments, the user can check through the touch screen when gas is detected by the gas sensor and when the deodorizing function is executed.

4A to 4C are conceptual diagrams for explaining a control method of outputting a notification image notifying when gas is detected in a plurality of storage spaces.

The storage compartment of the refrigerator 100 according to FIG. 4A includes a plurality of partitioned storage spaces, and the sensor unit includes a plurality of gas sensors disposed in each storage space. The number of the plurality of gas sensors need not correspond to the number of the plurality of storage spaces.

When gas is detected in a specific storage space by the plurality of gas sensors 145, the control unit 180 outputs a first notification image 521 notifying this. The first notification image 521 is formed to indicate a region where gas is generated. For example, the first notification image 521 may include an image pointing to a specific region. That is, the graphic image may be displayed to indicate the position of the gas sensor 145 that senses a specific gas.

The controller 180 executes a deodorizing function based on a touch input applied to the first notification image 521 and converts the first notification image 521 to first screen information 510 .

Meanwhile, the touch screen 201 may convert the first and second regions A1 and A2 corresponding to the specific region where the gas is sensed into a transparent state and the remaining region A3 into an opaque state. there is. In addition, a second notification image 522 is displayed on one area of the touch screen 201 .

According to the present embodiments, the user can determine the location where the gas (smell) is generated in the storage compartment of the refrigerator, and can take measures to provide the cause of the odor both before and after the deodorizing function is performed.

Referring to FIG. 4B , when the gas (smell) is detected by the gas sensor 145 in a state in which the screen information 400 is output, the control unit 180 determines the gas (smell) based on pre-stored specific data. A third notification image 523 indicating the type of food and the type of food corresponding thereto is output. The third notification image 523 may correspond to an actual photographed image of food pre-stored in the storage compartment or a pre-stored image.

According to this embodiment, the user can more easily identify the source of the gas (smell), and can take measures against it.

Referring to FIG. 4C , when gas is sensed by the gas sensor 145, the touch screen 201 outputs a storage space image 710 showing a plurality of storage spaces. The storage space image 710 is partitioned into a plurality of regions corresponding to the plurality of storage spaces, and displays regions where gas is sensed. In FIG. 4C , the touch screen 201 highlights the first and second areas a1 and a2 among the plurality of areas to distinguish them from the rest of the space and indicate that they are areas that need to be deodorized.

The storage space image 710 may include an image of a storage room, and may receive a touch input applied to a plurality of storage spaces. The controller 180 may execute a deodorizing function based on a touch input applied to the storage space image 710 . In this case, the deodorizing unit 192 may include the plurality of deodorizing devices, and the controller 180 may activate only some of the plurality of deodorizing devices.

The touch screen 201 displays an image 511 representing the deodorizing function adjacent to the specific area when the deodorizing function is executed by a touch input of the specific area. Although not specifically shown in the drawing, the control unit may execute the deodorization function by a touch input applied to the remaining area of the storage space image 710 that is not indicated as a space requiring deodorization.

5 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a feature of transmitting notification information of detected gas to an external device.

Referring to FIG. 5 , when gas is sensed by the sensor unit 140, the touch screen 201 is controlled to display notification information. The notification information may be output for a specific time. The controller 180 transmits information about the detected gas to the external device 900 . The external device 900 may correspond to a preset user's mobile terminal. The number of set external devices is not limited to one.

The display unit 951 of the external device 900 receives information about the gas and outputs a storage space image 710' accordingly. Here, the information about the gas may include food information related to the detected gas, information about the storage space in which the gas is detected, and the like.

The display unit 951 displays a specific area where gas is sensed on the storage space image 710' and receives a touch input. A control signal for controlling the deodorizing function is formed based on the touch input. The controller 180 executes the deodorizing function based on the control signal received from the external device 900 .

The touch screen 201 outputs first screen information 510 representing the deodorizing function while it is being executed.

Accordingly, the user can recognize the need for the deodorization function and control it through an external device.

6 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a feature of gas detection by adjusting the transparency of screen information according to another embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6 , on the other hand, the screen information 400 may include an area 420 in which at least one graphic object corresponding to current weather information is displayed. Therefore, if the current weather situation is a rainy weather situation as described above, the controller 180 displays at least one graphic object having various sizes that mimics the shape of a raindrop on one area of the screen information 400. can do. In this case, the number of graphic objects may be determined according to the current amount of precipitation. That is, the controller 180 can display more raindrop-shaped graphic objects on one area 420 of the screen information 400 when the amount of precipitation is greater than when the amount of precipitation is small.

Meanwhile, the screen information 400 may include an area 430 in which information related to a subject preset by the user is displayed. For example, the controller 180 may display information related to the preset subject through image information such as text, image, or video. Accordingly, the controller 180 can display news information broadcast through a news broadcasting channel through the screen information 400 when news information is selected by the user.

Meanwhile, when stock price information of a specific stock is selected by the user, the controller 180 may receive information related to the stock price information of the specific stock through the communication unit 130, and convert the received information to one of the screen information 400. It can be displayed through area 430 . In this case, the controller 180 may display not only stock price information, but also information on stock price fluctuations (eg, stock price fluctuations compared to the previous day) during a predetermined period.

When gas is sensed by the gas sensor 145, the control unit 180 adjusts the transparency of the area where the graphic object 420 is output. The touch screen 201 may be controlled to transparently display an area where the first and second graphic objects 422 and 421 are output close to the area where the gas is sensed.

Alternatively, based on the concentration of the sensed gas, the touch screen 201 is controlled so that more graphic objects 420 are converted to a transparent state as the concentration increases. A plurality of graphic objects 420 whose transparency has been changed may move closer to the region where the gas is sensed and be output.

According to this embodiment, the output of the screen screen 400 is maintained while the screen screen 400 is outputted by default and includes specific information, such as the concentration of the detected gas, the area where the gas is detected, etc. can represent

7 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a control method for displaying control of a temperature change in a refrigerator.

The touch screen 201 outputs a cooling image 513 in a transparent state based on a control command for controlling temperature change. The cooling image 513 may include an image indicating a cooling state and a number indicating a set temperature. In addition, although not specifically shown in the drawing, text related to the cooling function may be included.

When a temperature change gradually occurs according to the execution of the cooling function, the controller 180 may control an image representing the changed temperature to be output on the touch screen 201 as a whole. The image may correspond to an image in which ice is frozen on a window.

When the cooling function is executed, if the touch screen 201 is in a transparent state, the controller 180 controls the touch screen to reduce the transparency when the temperature gradually decreases as the cooling function is performed. . That is, in a state in which the image of ice is output, the transparency gradually increases, so that the ice becomes thicker and thicker.

Accordingly, the user can visually recognize that the cooling function is being executed without opening the refrigerator or checking the temperature by text.

8A is a flowchart for explaining a control method for outputting a photographed image using a camera, and FIG. 8B is a conceptual diagram for explaining the control method of FIG. 8A.

A camera according to this embodiment may be mounted in one area of a plurality of partitioned storage spaces, and the refrigerator 100 may include a plurality of cameras 141 . The plurality of cameras 141 may be implemented as a wide-angle camera having a wide-angle lens in order to photograph a wider space. Alternatively, the controller 180 may control the shooting range of the camera 141 to form a panoramic view of a specific angle based on a specific control command.

The control unit 180 obtains a photographed image of the storage room by the camera 141 (S311). The control unit 180 forms a captured image of the storage compartment based on a specific control command. Here, the specific control command may be applied by a user or formed when the door 210 is closed.

The touch screen 201 receives a user's touch input in a transparent first state or an opaque second state (S312). Referring to FIG. 8B , when a user's touch input is received in a first state in which the touch screen 201 is transparent, the storage space image 710 is output (S313). The storage space image 710 is divided into a plurality of areas, which may correspond to the partitioned storage space of the storage room, but is not limited thereto. For example, the storage space image 710 may be partitioned into each area where a camera is mounted. Each partitioned area independently receives a touch input. That is, the storage space image 710 corresponds to a control image for controlling the output of a photographed image.

The controller 180 controls the touch screen 201 to display a previously captured image 811 in a second opaque state based on a touch input applied to the storage space image 710. .

When a plurality of areas are selected on the storage space image 710, the controller controls the touch screen 201 to output a plurality of captured images 811 corresponding to the plurality of areas. The touch screen 710 may change the location of the storage space image 710 to output the captured image 811 .

8C is a conceptual diagram for explaining a control method of outputting a photographed image according to another embodiment.

The storage space image 710 includes first and second regions 710a and 710b adjacent to each other. The first and second regions 710a and 710b correspond to the divided first and second storage spaces, and may correspond to a case where the first and second storage spaces are disposed adjacent to each other.

When the first area 710a is selected, the controller 180 controls the touch screen 201 to output a first captured image 811a corresponding to the first area 710a. On the other hand, the controller 180 controls the display of the captured image when the first applied touch input in the first area 710a gradually moves to the second area 710b, that is, when a dragging touch input is applied. The touch screen 201 is controlled so that one area is gradually changed.

According to this embodiment, a user may be continuously provided with one area of a pre-captured image based on continuously applied touches.

9A to 9B are conceptual views illustrating a control method of outputting a photographed image in a first transparent state in which the inside of the storage compartment is visible.

Referring to FIG. 9A , a touch input is received in a first state in which at least one region of the touch screen 201 is transparent. When the touch input reaches the edge area of the touch screen 201, the controller 180 converts the touch screen 201 to an opaque second state and outputs the storage space image 710. do. The controller 180 outputs a captured image 811 corresponding to one region of the storage space image 710 . The one area may correspond to a storage space adjacent to an edge area of the touch screen 201 to which the touch input is applied.

The touch screen 201 may display an indicator at an edge when a touch input adjacent to the edge area is applied. Accordingly, the user can easily grasp the area inside the refrigerator that does not correspond to the touch screen.

Referring to FIG. 9B , the controller 201 may output the captured image 811 based on a specific type of touch input applied to the transparent touch screen 201 . Here, the touch input may correspond to a touch input of a pinch-in method or a pinch-out method.

In this case, the controller 180 may control the touch screen 201 to enlarge and output the photographed image.

The above-described present invention can be implemented as computer readable code on a medium on which a program is recorded. The computer-readable medium includes all types of recording devices in which data that can be read by a computer system is stored. Examples of computer-readable media include Hard Disk Drive (HDD), Solid State Disk (SSD), Silicon Disk Drive (SDD), ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage device, etc. , and also includes those implemented in the form of a carrier wave (eg, transmission over the Internet). Also, the computer may include the controller 180 of the refrigerator 100. Therefore, the above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in all respects and should be considered as illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims (11)

A main body provided with a storage compartment;
a door coupled to the main body and configured to open and close the storage compartment;
a touch screen disposed on one side of the door and configured to be mutually switched from one state to another among a transparent first state and an opaque second state so that one region of the storage compartment can be seen;
a sensor unit having at least one gas sensor for detecting gas in the storage chamber; and,
Based on the gas detection result of the sensor unit, a control unit for executing a deodorization function,
When the deodorizing function is executed, the control unit switches the touch screen to a first state and controls the touch screen to display screen information indicating the deodorizing function for a specific period of time;
The storage compartment is divided into a plurality of storage spaces,
The sensor unit includes a plurality of gas sensors respectively disposed in the plurality of storage spaces,
The refrigerator according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit selectively executes a deodorization function in some of the plurality of storage spaces based on gas detection results by a plurality of gas sensors. According to claim 1,
The refrigerator according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the touch screen to change the transparency of the screen information according to the progress of the deodorizing function while the deodorizing function is being performed. According to claim 1,
The screen information is displayed on an area on the touch screen corresponding to at least one storage space in which the gas is sensed among a plurality of storage spaces of the storage compartment. According to claim 1,
The refrigerator, characterized in that the control unit controls the touch screen to display information of an object disposed inside the storage compartment and related to the sensed gas together with the screen information based on a result of the gas detection. delete According to claim 1,
The refrigerator, characterized in that the control unit increases the transparency of one region of the touch screen corresponding to one storage space in which gas is sensed among the plurality of storage spaces. The method of claim 1, wherein the control unit,
Further comprising a wireless communication unit for performing wireless communication,
When gas is detected by the sensor unit, the wireless communication unit controls the wireless communication unit to transmit notification information including food information related to the detected gas and/or information about the storage space where the gas is detected to a predetermined external device. A refrigerator characterized in that for doing. A main body provided with a storage compartment;
a door coupled to the main body and configured to open and close the storage compartment;
a touch screen disposed on one side of the door and configured to be mutually switched from one state to another among a transparent first state and an opaque second state so that one region of the storage compartment can be seen;
a sensor unit having at least one gas sensor for detecting gas in the storage chamber; and
Based on the gas detection result of the sensor unit, a control unit for executing a deodorization function,
When the deodorizing function is executed, the control unit switches the touch screen to a first state and controls the touch screen to display screen information indicating the deodorizing function for a specific period of time;
The storage compartment is divided into a plurality of storage spaces,
The sensor unit includes a plurality of gas sensors respectively disposed in the plurality of storage spaces,
The control unit controls the touch screen to output a gas detection image corresponding to each storage space by the plurality of gas sensors, and executes a deodorization function of each storage space based on a touch input applied to the gas detection image. A refrigerator characterized in that for doing. According to claim 1,
The control unit partitions the touch screen into a plurality of areas corresponding to each of the plurality of storage spaces,
The refrigerator characterized in that the transparency of the region corresponding to the storage space identified as requiring deodorization and the remaining region are differently adjusted. According to claim 1,
The refrigerator, characterized in that the control unit adjusts the transparency of the touch screen to indicate the concentration of the gas detected by the sensor unit and/or whether or not deodorization is necessary. According to claim 10,
The control unit changes the transparency of the touch screen from a transparent state to an opaque state in at least one of cases where the concentration of the gas is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference concentration, when a specific type of gas is detected, and when a gas is detected over a specific period of time. A refrigerator characterized in that it changes from an opaque state to a transparent state.

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