s `\V
Contents
1. 9 The Internet refrigerator as claimed in claim 1 wherein the touch panel comprises a message key used for a memo transferring function among members of a family an MPEC3 key for listening to a music file and accessing a moving image an Internet key for accessing the Internet a food key for grasping information on foodstuffs in the refrigerator an information key for accessing general information including living information a photo key for accessing image and photograph infor mation a schedule key used for scheduling information such as a special anniversary an important appointment day and a phone number list and an operating key for operating the refrigerator 10 The Internet key as claimed in claim 9 wherein the respective key comprises a correction key a delete key and a write key in a corresponding sub window 11 The Internet refrigerator as claimed in claim 9 wherein the message key is provided in a sub window on a screen of the display section and includes an input key for selecting an input of a message and an output key for selecting an output of the message 12 The Internet refrigerator as claimed in claim 11 wherein the input key is provided in a sub window corre sponding to the input of the message and includes a visual message key a text message key for inputting a text mes sage a new message key for inputting a new message and a save key for saving a certain written image 13 T2. 0044 FIG 4 is a diagram illustrating keys in another sub window according to a message key In FIG 4 the message key includes a write key stop key save key and delete key FIG 4 shows the sub window according to the touch of the message key in case that the camera 90 is installed in the Internet refrigerator 0045 The visual message key is a key for inputting an image message accompanying an voice and the text mes sage key is a key for using only a text message 0046 FIG 5 is a diagram illustrating a sub window in the unit of a day according to the touch of a schedule key and FIG 6 is a diagram illustrating a sub window in the unit of a month according to the touch of a schedule key 0047 Referring to FIG 5 in a sub window on the screen of the LCD panel 50 the schedule key includes a write key erase key delete key anniversary key birthday key and special day key In FIG 5 a back key is a key for returning the sub window to the previous window By the symbols appearing on the right upper portion of FIG 5 the user can recognize that Jan 5 2000 is marked for a birthday anni versary special day and memo recorded In FIG 6 the schedule key includes a year up key year down key month up key and month down key In FIG 6 Jan 12 2000 is marked for an anniversary birthday and event Accordingly the user can recognize that such an event is planned 0048 In FIG 5 in the sub window corresponding to the
3. refrigerator microcomputer performs operation command display state information on LCD screen S24 527 return Patent Application Publication Aug 2 2001 Sheet 14 of 15 US 2001 0010516 A1 FIG 14 drive control program for input output of information 40 input outpu equested from outside input outpu requested from inside input outpu equest certified execute program for controlling input output o information execution completed Patent Application Publication Aug 2 2001 Sheet 15 of 15 US 2001 0010516 A1 FIG 15 So1 music file or image provided through internet ser s voice or image directly photographed by S04 store or display user s voice or image directly photographed by user in memory section or store with simultaneous display store store provided music file or image in memory or store with simultaneous display 15 stored voice or Image to be transmitted to outside through internet transmit stored user s voice or image directly photographed by user to outside through internet US 2001 0010516 A1 INTERNET REFRIGERATOR AND OPERATING METHOD THEREOF BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 0001 1 Field of the Invention 0002 The present invention relates an Internet refrigera tor and a method of operating the Internet refrigerator and more particularly to an In
4. screen of the display device enlarging and displaying a constituent element selected from the structure of the refrigerator by the user and displaying information on the operation function and parts of the constituent element of the refrigerator selected by the user 20 The method as claimed in claim 16 further compris ing the steps of if the key signal is a signal related to input output of a message and memo at steps d and e verifying qualification of the user who requested input output of the second information and the third information cor responding to the message and the memo and if the qualification of the user is approved inputting the second information and the third information corre sponding to the message and the memo from the external devices or outputting them to the refrigerator or from the refrigerator to the external devices through the Internet connection device 21 The method as claimed in claim 20 wherein the second information and the third information corresponding to the message and the memo includes text information voice information and image information US 2001 0010516 A1 22 The method as claimed in claim 16 wherein at step e the third information to be stored in the memory is one among a voice of the user a moving image personally prepared by the user and a voice a music file or a moving image provided from program providers through the Inter net 23 The method as claime
5. 130 to 190 through the Internet Also the first to third information may be infor mation on a personal and family schedules corresponding to an appointment day and event day Also the third informa tion may be provided by the provider of the refrigerator and may be an updated version of the user manual of the refrigerator previously stored in the memory 80 Also the first to third information may be information on an Internet after sale service between the refrigerator and the service center 150 That is the user can make inquiries at the service center 150 and the service center 150 can give correspond ing answers to the user At this time the first information is the information for diagnosing trouble of sensors installed in the refrigerator trouble of a compressor and trouble of other components of the refrigerator The second information is the information on the present state of the sensors com pressor and other components to be sent to the service center 150 The third information is the information on the diagnosis result from the service center 150 in accordance with the present state of the components Also the displayed first information may be the information on the present temperature of the freezing room of the refrigerator present temperature of the refrigerating room door open close state of the refrigerator compressor on off state pf the refrigera tor and filter exchange time of the refrigerator 0062 Hereinaf
6. Meanwhile if the key signal is the key signal for state information of the refrigerator step S28 as a result of key signal judgement S22 the main microcomputer 30 reads out from the refrigerator microcomputer 10 the infor mation related to the current operating state of the refrig erator i e the temperature of the refrigerating room and the freezing room and the setting state of the refrigerating room and the freezing room step S29 Then the readout infor mation is displayed on the screen of the LCD panel 120 0068 The user refers to the current operating state of the refrigerator through the screen of the LCD panel 120 and the remote external terminal and gives a desired command to the refrigerator 0069 Also since the refrigerator can be connected to the Internet it can obtain the updated manual information or Aug 2 2001 operating program downloaded from the Internet by the user or through a periodic Internet connection by a predetermined program Accordingly the software of the refrigerator can be upgraded 0070 Hereinafter referring to FIG 14 the operating method of the Internet refrigerator according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be explained in detail 0071 As described above the touch panel 50 includes a message key connected to the system program used for transferring memos among the members of the family a schedule key connected to the system program used for a specif
7. computer 30 The memory 80 stores the voice of the user or the music file and the moving image downloaded from the information provider 160 through the Internet under the control of the main microcomputer 30 The LCD 120 displays the image signals stored in the memory 80 under the control of the main microcomputer 30 Meanwhile the microphone 180 converts the voice of the user into an electric signal and stores converted signal in the memory 80 under the control of the main microcomputer 30 The speaker 110 functions to output the voice of the user to the outside while the user s voice through the microphone 180 is stored in the memory 80 The camera 90 photographs the moving image of the user and his her surroundings under the control of the main microcomputer 30 0096 FIG 15 is a flowchart illustrating the Internet refrigerator operating process for performing the multimedia function As shown in FIG 15 if the user manipulates the keyboard 190 to store his her voice and to photograph by the camera 90 the moving image including himself herself and his her surroundings for example a housewife children and kitchen step S51 the main microcomputer 30 controls the microphone 180 and the camera 90 to store the user s voice and the moving image in the memory 80 step S52 At this time the main microcomputer 30 stores the voice and the moving image in the memory 80 as it displays the image through the LCD 120 and outputs the voice through
8. message operation schedule e info photo Sheet 3 of 15 US 2001 0010516 A1 Aug 2 2001 Patent Application Publication Patent Application Publication Aug 2 2001 Sheet4 of 15 US 2001 0010516 Al FIG 4 IDA Z ZZ LEER LEE 1 1 Z message F A 7 SS SSS SES SS H H H 2 H PETITIE TTITO LOTI TLETT TETTETETT YY 3 Sheet 5 of 15 US 2001 0010516 Al Aug 2 2001 Patent Application Publication amp amp t5 7 asere IJA J L Wy x SSSSSS SS nos jejoads Axes TAUTE lay ojop m SS NS SSS SSIS SS X SS 7 SN WWW V aa SSA SSS sS SSS MNS SS A B 6 mQ 0002 quet a npaqos VA SS N A s SS 7 SN LLL Sheet 6 of 15 US 2001 0010516 Al Aug 2 2001 Patent Application Publication BANA Sas NIG 4j 7 2 oo SS N SS Sheet 7 of 15 US 2001 0010516 A1 Aug 2 2001 Patent Application Publication A SS GGL WW AAD 7 Z SS SS _ Sheet 8 of 15 US 2001 0010516 A1 Aug 2 2001 Patent Application Publication 000000 t5 amp IN ss s SS E SA co goed st Im o SP Besnes asun ams meu z KN Teuor Li uoues ay uo spu d p
9. response to the key signal if it is detected that the key signal is a signal for displaying the first information d transmitting second information of the refrigerator to the external devices in response to the key signal if it is detected that the key signal is a signal for transmit ting the second information to the external devices through the Internet connection device and e storing third information from the refrigerator itself and from the external devices through the Internet connection device in a memory of the refrigerator in response to the key signal if it is detected that the key signal is a signal for storing the third information in the memory 17 The method as claimed in claim 16 wherein the key input device is one among a keyboard attached to the refrigerator a touch panel unitedly formed on a screen of the display device and a remote controller 18 The method as claimed in claim 16 wherein at step a the key signals related to the operation of the refrigerator itself includes a signal for turning on off the power supply of the refrigerator a signal for adjusting a temperature in the refrigerator and a signal for determining or converting a state of the refrigerator into a refrigerating state or a freezing state 19 The method as claimed in claim 16 wherein the step 8 comprises the steps of if the key signal for display is a key signal related to a manual displaying a structure of the refrigerator on a
10. schedule key the anniversary key birthday key and special key are for marking that the corresponding day is the anniversary birthday and special day respectively As described above the information displayed on the LCD panel 120 under the control of the main microcomputer includes the text information and image information and the voice information is also outputted through the speaker 110 along with the text and image information displayed 0049 FIG 7 is a diagram illustrating the sub window screen according to the television broadcasting key In FIG 7 the television broadcasting key includes a channel up key channel down key volume up key volume down key and television broadcasting off key 0050 FIG 8 is a diagram illustrating a sub window screen according to the touch of a food key of FIG 2 In FIG 8 the food key includes a key for selecting a desired food and a key for displaying nutritive elements of the selected food 0051 FIG 9 is a diagram illustrating a sub window screen displayed according to the touch of an information key of FIG 2 In FIG 9 the contents of foods placed on respective parts in the refrigerator are displayed on the LCD panel 120 in accordance with the touch of the information key The information key includes a sub information key for selecting desired information in the sub window environ ment and a key for referring to a user s manual of the refrigerator 0052 FIG 10 is a diagra
11. sent received between the main microcomputer 30 and the external communication devices 130 to 170 through the Internet includes information for informing the operation state of the refrigerator infor mation corresponding to a user manual of the refrigerator information on details of foodstuffs stored in the refrigerator cooking information from the information provider 160 information on a menu for health from the information provider 160 message information memo information information on schedule management voice and image information from the external communication devices 130 to 170 information on a television broadcasting signal infor mation on an MPEC signal information related to an after sale service of the refrigerator information for exter nally controlling the operation of the refrigerator living information from the information provider 160 stock infor mation from the information provider 160 and Internet operation information from the information provider 160 0041 As described above the external communication devices may be a personal computer cellular phone wire telephone set PCS service center and information provider such as a portal service provider Meanwhile the LCD panel 120 is used as a display device of the Internet refrigerator The touch panel 50 is unitedly mounted on a screen of the LCD panel 120 and composed of a number of coordinate values If the user touches one coordinate of the touch pan
12. the Internet and the main control section by a dedicated communication line for the bidirectional communication between the Internet and the main control section 0013 In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of operating an Internet refrigerator comprising the steps of detecting a key signal inputted from a key input device and inputted from external devices through an Internet connection device by a user controlling constituent elements of the refrigerator in response to the key signal if it is detected that the key signal is related to an operation of the refrigerator itself displaying through a display device first information from the refrigerator itself and from the external devices in response to the key signal if it is detected that the key signal is a signal for displaying the first information transmitting second information of the refrigerator to the external devices in response to the key signal if it is detected that the key signal is a signal for transmitting the second information to the external devices through the Internet connection device and storing third information from the refrigerator itself and from the external devices through the Internet connection device in a memory of the refrigerator in response to the key signal if it is detected that the key signal is a signal for storing the third information in the memory 0014 As described above since the refrigerator accord ing to the p
13. as United States 20010010516A a2 Patent Application Publication ao Pub No US 2001 0010516 A1 Roh et al 43 Pub Date Aug 2 2001 54 INTERNET REFRIGERATOR AND OPERATING METHOD THEREOF 76 Inventors Young Hoon Roh Seoul KR Kwang Choon Kim Kyonggi do KR Jin Cheol Cho Kyonggi do KR Correspondence Address BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH amp BIRCH PO BOX 747 FALLS CHURCH VA 22040 0747 US 21 Appl No 09 759 522 22 Filed Jan 16 2001 30 Foreign Application Priority Data Feb 1 2000 KR s 2000 4990 Feb 1 2000 KR Feb 1 2000 KR remote 5 90 TR receiving section 70 Publication Classification GD Int C customs pao dits G09G 5 00 52 USCh siris 345 169 345 173 455 66 379 90 01 57 ABSTRACT An Internet refrigerator and a method of operating the Internet refrigerator are disclosed The Internet refrigerator includes a modem for performing a data communication with remote communication devices through the Internet a first control section for controlling constituent elements of the refrigerator a touch panel for producing key signals in accordance with a user s touch a second control section for controlling other constituent elements of the refrigerator including the first control section in response to the key signals provided from the touch panel and key signals from the remote communication devices a display section for displaying necessary infor
14. ation of the user is approved it inputs the second infor mation and the third information corresponding to the mes sage and the memo from the external communication devices 130 to 190 through the Internet or outputs them from the refrigerator to the external communication devices 130 to 190 through the Internet connection device As described above the second information and the third infor mation corresponding to the message and the memo may be the text information voice information and image informa tion Also the third information to be stored in the memory 80 may be the voice of the user moving image personally prepared by the user or voice music file and moving image provided from the external communication devices 130 to 190 through the Internet 0060 Meanwhile the third information may be displayed on the LCD 120 in real time and may be simultaneously stored in the memory 0 0061 The third information to be stored in the memory 80 may be the information of the refrigerator itself or the information from the external communication devices 130 to 190 For example the third information may be information on foodstuffs stored in the refrigerator written in the memory by the user cooking information and menu information personally prepared by the user in consideration of dieting and health and cooking information and menu information in consideration of dieting and health provided from the external communication devices
15. c file through the speaker 110 and view the moving image program through the LCD 120 step S56 0101 The moving image program includes a drama movie music video documentary etc provided from the information provider 160 such as a broadcasting program 0102 Meanwhile the user can also receive an MP3 music file transmitted from persons close to the user such as his her relatives through the Internet or a moving image directly photographed by them through the Internet connec tion device 40 The main microcomputer 30 may directly store the music file and the moving image in the memory 80 or listen to the music file through the speaker 110 and view the moving image through the LCD 120 in real time while storing them in the memory 80 The music file or the moving image stored in the memory 80 may be read out by the main microcomputer 30 to be outputted or displayed 0103 As described above according to the multimedia function as shown in FIG 15 since the refrigerator can be connected to the Internet the user in the kitchen can store the voice and the moving image and listen to and view the voice and the moving image by reproducing the stored voice and moving image 0104 While the present invention has been described and illustrated herein with reference to the preferred embodi ments thereof it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made therein without departing from th
16. d in claim 16 wherein at step d the the second information to be transmitted from the memory to the external devices through the Internet accord ing to the user s selection is one among a voice of the user a moving image personally photographed by the user and a voice a music file or a moving image provided from program providers through the Internet 24 The method as claimed in claim 16 wherein at step e the third information is displayed on the display device in real time and simultaneously stored in the memory according to the user s selection 25 The method as claimed in claim 16 wherein at step e the third information to be stored in the memory is at least one among information on foodstuffs stored in the refrigerator stored in the memory by the user cooking information and menu information personally prepared by the user in consideration of dieting and health and cooking information and menu information in consideration of diet ing and health provided from program providers through the Internet 26 The method as claimed in claim 16 wherein at steps c d and e the first to third information are information Aug 2 2001 on personal and family schedules corresponding to an appointment day and an event day 27 The method as claimed in claim 16 wherein at step e the third information is provided by a provider of the refrigerator and is an updated version of a user manual of the refrigerator previousl
17. e spirit and scope of the invention Thus it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention that come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents What is claimed is 1 An Internet refrigerator comprising a refrigerator control section for controlling constituent elements of the refrigerator a touch panel for providing key signals related to an operation of the refrigerator itself and key signals for effecting communications with the Internet according to a user s selection a remote controller for remotely providing the key signals related to the operation of the refrigerator itself and the Aug 2 2001 key signals for effecting communications with the Internet according to the user s selection a display section provided on an outer wall of the refrigerator for displaying information related to the operation of the refrigerator itself and information obtained from the Internet in response to the key signals from the touch panel and the key signals from external devices through the Internet a main control section for performing a bidirectional communication with the refrigerator control section and the Internet and controlling the display section in response to the key signals from the touch panel the key signals from the Internet and the key signals from the remote controller a dedicated communication control section for managing the bidirectional co
18. el 50 a voltage value of the corresponding coordinate is transferred to the main microcomputer 30 The main micro computer 30 recognizes the key signal corresponding to the coordinate and performs the corresponding function 0042 FIG 2 is a diagram illustrating keys of the touch panel 50 in the window environment As shown in FIG 2 in the window environment of the LCD the touch panel includes a message key used for a memo transferring function among members of a family an MPEC3 key for listening to a music file and accessing a moving image an Internet key for accessing the Internet a food key for grasping information on the foodstuffs in the refrigerator an information key for accessing general information including living information a photo key for accessing image and photograph information a schedule key for scheduling information such as a special anniversary important appointment day phone number list etc key for accessing an e mail key for receiving a television broadcasting signal and operation key for operating the refrigerator 0043 FIG 3 is a diagram illustrating keys in a sub window according to a message key In FIG 3 the message key has one sub window environment on the screen of the touch panel and includes a visual message key text message key new message key writing key erase key save key and delete key In FIG 3 a main key is for converting the sub window into a main window Aug 2 2001
19. eys in another sub window according to a message key In the drawings 0022 FIG 5 is a diagram illustrating a sub window in the unit of a day according to the touch of a schedule key 0023 FIG 6 is a diagram illustrating a sub window in the unit of a month according to the touch of a schedule key 0024 FIG 7 is a diagram illustrating a sub window screen according to a television broadcasting key 0025 FIG 8 is a diagram illustrating a sub window screen according to the touch of a food key of FIG 2 0026 FIG 9 is a diagram illustrating a sub window screen displayed according to the touch of an information key of FIG 2 0027 FIG 10 is a diagram illustrating another sub window displayed according to the touch of a manual key on the sub window screen of FIG 9 0028 FIG 11 is a diagram illustrating another sub window selected by the touch of a sub information key on the sub window screen of FIG 9 0029 FIG 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating the Internet refrigerator according to the present invention 0030 FIG 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating the Internet refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention 0031 FIG 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating the Internet refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present invention 0032 FIG 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating the Internet refrigera
20. f detecting a key signal inputted from the touch panel 50 and inputted from the external communication devices 130 to 190 through the Internet connection device 40 by a user controlling con stituent elements of the refrigerator in response to the key signal if it is detected that the key signal is related to the operation of the refrigerator itself displaying through the display device 120 first information from the refrigerator itself and from the external communication devices 130 to 190 in response to the key signal if it is detected that the key signal is a signal for displaying the first information trans mitting second information corresponding to a state of the refrigerator itself to the external communication devices 130 to 190 in response to the key signal if it is detected that the key signal is a signal for transmitting the second information to the external communication devices 130 to 190 through the Internet connection device 40 and storing third infor mation from the refrigerator itself and from the external communication devices 130 to 190 through the Internet connection device 40 in a memory 80 of the refrigerator in response to the key signal if it is detected that the key signal Is a signal for storing the third information in the memory 80 0056 As shown in FIG 1 the devices for inputting the key signals are a keyboard that is connected by wire to the main microcomputer 30 and is detachable from the refrig erator a
21. g 2 2001 NS ELI s SS o E NI pu Sheet 11 of 15 US 2001 0010516 A1 SSS INNO oy P SN 77 ZZ 5000000 N 77 47 Patent Application Publication Aug 2 2001 Sheet 12 of 15 US 2001 0010516 A1 FIG 12 key signal ES judge key signal y Signal for controllinp elements of refrigerato control corresponding element key signal for information display display corresponding information key Signal for transmitting information outside 9 transmit corresponding information through internet store corresponding information ey signal for storing information in memory Patent Application Publication Aug 2 2001 Sheet 13 of 15 US 2001 0010516 A1 FIG 13 key signal inputted No of key signal judged S23 S25 judge manual judge key signal for n iJ een or information ke controlling refrigerato state Information signal 2 operation of refrigerator S26 No transmit corresponding operation command to read out current state information of refrigerator from display on sereen manual information according to refrigerator refrigerator user selection microcomputer microcomputer No control corresponding appliance so that
22. he Internet refrigerator as claimed in claim 9 wherein the schedule key is provided in a sub window on a screen of the display section and includes a day key for inputting outputting required information in the unit of a day a month key for inputting outputting required informa tion in the unit of a month and a year key for inputting outputting required information in the unit of a year 14 The Internet refrigerator as claimed in claim 13 the schedule key includes an anniversary key for marking an anniversary on a calendar a birthday key for marking a birthday and a special day key for marking a special day 15 The Internet refrigerator as claimed in claim 1 wherein the information displayed on the display section under the control of the main control section includes text information and image information 16 A method of operating an Internet refrigerator having key input device a display device and an Internet con nection device the method comprising the steps of Aug 2 2001 a detecting a key signal inputted from the key input device by a user and inputted from external devices through the Internet connection device b controlling constituent elements of the refrigerator in response to the key signal if it is detected that the key signal is related to an operation of the refrigerator itself c displaying through the display device first information from the refrigerator itself and from the external devices in
23. he user s selection 5 The Internet refrigerator as claimed in claim 1 wherein the dedicated communication line is an RS232 6 The Internet refrigerator as claimed in claim 1 wherein the information sent received between the main control section and the external devices through the Internet includes a signal for informing the operation state of the refrigerator a signal corresponding to a user manual of the refrigerator a signal corresponding to information on food stuffs stored in the refrigerator a signal corresponding to cooking information a signal corresponding to menu infor mation for health a signal corresponding to a message a signal corresponding to memo information a signal corre sponding to schedule management a signal corresponding to voice and image information a television broadcasting signal an MPEG signal a signal a signal related to an US 2001 0010516 A1 after sale service of the refrigerator a sienal for externally controlling the operation of the refireerator a signal corre sponding to living information a signal corresponding to stock information and a signal for Internet operation 7 The Internet refrigerator as claimed in claim 6 wherein the external devices are a personal computer a celluar phone a wire telephone set and a PCS 8 The Internet refrigerator as claimed in claim 1 wherein the display section is an LCD panel and the touch panel is unitedly provided on a screen of the LCD panel
24. hrough the touch panel 50 using the message key and other members of the family can identify the user s absence and memo through the LCD panel 120 by outputting the message 0086 Meanwhile in case that the user intends to store image and voice memo the user first presses the visual key in the sub window according to the touch of the message key Then the user stores the message of image and voice using the camera 90 and the microphone 180 0087 Also the user can take part in a specified event day without fail by storing in the memory 80 the specified event day with a phone number or address of his her relative or friend using the schedule key The user can also calculate various public imposts in the kitchen using a downloaded calculation program and store payment days of the various public imposts 0088 Meanwhile the user can update and automatically store in the memory 80 the living information and stock information continuously changed using the Internet key Accordingly the user can be provided with the information with image and voice without searching the information one by one through the keyboard 190 That is if the user pre defines the information to be provided from an Internet information provider the corresponding information is auto matically stored in the memory 80 0089 Meanwhile the user can be provided with the information stored in the memory 80 from the outside using the cellular phone 130 or personal c
25. ied anniversary of the family important appointment and telephone directory and an Internet key connected to the system program used for the stock information and living information through the Internet 0072 The message key may comprise an input key and an output key for selecting an input and an output The input key includes a visual key for inputting image and voice information through the camera 90 and the microphone 180 a text key for inputting a text message through the keyboard 190 and so on and a text board key for inputting a desired message directly on the touch panel 50 using a specified pen The output key enables the desired message to be searched through a one touch operation on the touch panel 50 when the input message list is sequentially arranged and displayed on the LCD panel 120 The schedule key may comprise a day key for scheduling in the unit of a day a month key in the unit of a month and a year key in the unit of a year 0073 FIG 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating the Internet refrigerator according to the second embodiment of the present invention In detail FIG 14 shows an example of the system program corresponding to the input and output of the information in the refrigerator 0074 First if the power is supplied to the refrigerator the system control program in the main microcomputer 30 is driven step S40 0075 Then the microcomputer 30 searches whether or not the input out
26. ieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention as embodied and broadly described the Internet refrigerator comprises a refrigerator control section for controlling whole constituent elements of the refrigerator a touch panel for providing key signals related to an operation of the refrigerator itself and key signals for effecting communica tions with the Internet according to a user s selection a remote controller for remotely providing the key signals related to the operation of the refrigerator itself and the key signals for effecting communications with the Internet according to the user s selection a display section provided on an outer wall of the refrigerator for displaying informa tion related to the operation of the refrigerator itself and information obtained from the Internet in response to the key signals from the touch panel and the key signals from external devices through the Internet a main control section for performing a bidirectional communication with the refrigerator control section and the Internet and controlling the display section in response to the key signals from the touch panel the key signals from the Internet and the key signals from the remote controller a dedicated communica tion control section for managing the bidirectional commu nication between the refrigerator control section and the main control section and an Internet connection device connected between
27. ions to connect the main microcomputer 30 to the external communication devices 130 to 170 through the Internet The Internet connection device 40 includes a modem and a local area network LAN connection device 0038 Meanwhile the microphone 180 is connected to the main microcomputer for a voice communication with the Internet The speaker 110 outputs voice information accord ing to the operation of the refrigerator itself and the use of the Internet through the refrigerator under the control of the main microcomputer 30 The memory 80 stores therein necessary text voice and image information and outputs the stored information under the control of the main microcom puter 30 The keyboard 190 is connected by wire to the main microcomputer 30 and provides the key signals to the microcomputer 30 according to the user s selection US 2001 0010516 A1 0039 Meanwhile the text voice and image information stored in the memory 80 may be information made by the user or a music file or a moving image provided from the external communication devices 130 to 170 including the Information provider 160 through the Internet The keyboard 190 is connected by wire to the main microcomputer 30 and provides to the main microcomputer 30 the key signals for operating the refrigerator itself and the key signals for effecting communications with the external communication devices 130 to 170 through the Internet as well 0040 Here the information
28. m illustrating another sub window displayed according to the touch of a manual key on the sub window screen of FIG 9 and shows the internal structure of the refrigerator displayed on the LCD 120 As shown in FIG 10 if the manual key on the sub window screen is touched not only the internal constituent elements of the refrigerator but also methods of using the constituent elements can be recognized US 2001 0010516 A1 0053 FIG 11 is a diagram illustrating another sub window selected by the touch of a sub information key on the sub window screen of FIG 9 According to the screen of FIG 11 the user can identify the current temperature of the refrigerating room and the freezing room and how much ice is filled in an ice container Also the user can identify the time for exchange of a water purifying filter As described above the main microcomputer 30 performs the bidirec tional data communication with the refrigerator microcom puter 10 to identify the state of the constituent elements of the refrigerator itself 0054 Hereinafter the method of operating the Internet refrigerator according to the present invention will be explained in detail based on the above described construc tion of the refrigerator FIG 12 is a flowchart incorporating the operating method according to the present invention which is divided into five steps 0055 Specifically the operating method according to the present invention includes the steps o
29. manual As a result the conventional refrigerator has the drawbacks in that the user should individually make inquir les at a service center in order to accurately user his her refrigerator SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 0007 Accordingly the present invention is directed to an Internet refrigerator and a method of operating the Internet refrigerator that substantially obviate one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art 0008 An object of the present invention is to provide an Internet refrigerator which enables a remote control of the refrigerator and an operating method thereof 0009 It is another object of the present invention to provide an Internet refrigerator having an entertainment function and an operating method thereof 0010 Itis still another object of the present invention to provide an Internet refrigerator which can provide additional other services to a user in addition to its own refrigeration function and an operating method thereof 0011 Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows and in part will be apparent from the description or may be learned by practice of the invention The objectives and other advan Aug 2 2001 tages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims thereof as well as the appended drawings 0012 To ach
30. mation under the control of the second control section and an Internet connection device for connecting the refrigerator to the Internet The Internet refrigerator operating method uses internal information of the Internet refrigerator and information from the external communication devices According to the Internet refrigera tor and the operating method thereof home automation centering around a kitchen can be implemented 180 service 150 center communication 10 20 transmission 40 line refrigerator micro P ai internet qned computer for micro connection A ea ommunicatio D computer device interner ersonal j 170 office line brocarting speaker telephone tuner set 110 200 keyboard cellular phone Patent Application Publication Aug 2 2001 Sheet 1 of 15 US 2001 0010516 Al FIG 1 remote s 80 90 180 LEER n DR IR 70 receiving memory camera microphone section service 150 10 communication center 20 transmission S line refrigerator micro o internet micro computer for DL connection int computer ommunicatio D compu er device interner 30 touch personal panel computer D ZB 170 Vocab office line dd RT 110 200 f t cellular keyboard s orma x phone rovider Patent Application Publication Aug 2 2001 Sheet 2 of 15 US 2001 0010516 Al FIG 2 welcome to the world of digital refrizerator email rr mp3 internet
31. mmunication between the refrigera tor control section and the main control section and a modem connected between the Internet and the main control section by a dedicated communication line for the bidirectional communication between the Internet and the main control section 2 The Internet refrigerator as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a microphone connected to the main control section for an voice communication with the Internet a speaker for outputting voice information according to the operation of the refrigerator itself and the use of the Internet through the refrigerator under the control of the main control section an electric pen for applying required information on the touch panel by being manipulated by the user and a memory for storing necessary text voice and image information and outputting the stored information under the control of the main control section 3 The Internet refrigerator as claimed in claim 1 wherein the voice text and image information stored in the memory are information prepared by the user or a music file or a moving image provided from a service provider through the Internet 4 The Internet refrigerator as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a keyboard connected by wire to the main control section for providing to the main control section the key signals for operating the refrigerator itself and the key for effecting communications with the Internet in accor dance with t
32. n the main microcomputer 30 and the refrigerator microcomputer 10 At this time a dedicated communication line such as an RS232 is used for connecting the main microcomputer 30 to the dedicated communication microcomputer 20 and for connecting the refrigerator microcomputer 10 to the dedi cated communication microcomputer 20 The touch panel 50 is installed on the screen of the LCD 120 and provides the key signals related to the operation of the refrigerator itself and the key signals for effecting communications with the Internet according to the user s selection The remote controller 60 remotely provides the key signals related to the operation of the refrigerator itself and the key signals for effecting communications with the Internet according to the user s selection The LCD 120 is installed on an outer wall of the refrigerator and displays the information related to the operation of the refrigerator itself and the information received from the external communication devices 130 to 170 through the Internet in response to the key signals from the touch panel 50 and the key signals from the external communication devices through the Internet The main microcomputer 30 performs a bidirectional communication with the refrigerator microcomputer 10 and the external communication devices 130 to 170 through the Internet The main microcomputer 30 also controls the LCD 120 in response to the key signals The Internet connection device 40 funct
33. omputer 170 Aug 2 2001 0090 Also the Internet refrigerator according to the present invention can transmit voice and image information including a moving image to the external devices 130 to 190 through the Internet and receive and output the voice and image information from the external devices 130 to 190 through the speaker 110 and the LCD panel 120 0091 The operating method of the Internet refrigerator as shown in FIG 14 has the following working effect 0092 Since the refrigerator is connected to the Internet a housewife spending much time in the kitchen can obtain the useful living information more conveniently 0093 Also the user can search all the messages and schedules received from the outside and stored in the memory during his her absence from home without brining a separate electronic pocket book 0094 Hereinafter the operating method for a multimedia function of the Internet refrigerator will be explained with reference to FIGS 1 to 15 0095 Referring to FIG 1 the main microcomputer 30 controls storage or reproduction of the voice music file and moving image and controls the whole Internet function of the refrigerator The refrigerator microcomputer 10 performs the bidirectional communication with the main microcom puter 30 anc controls the constituent elements of the refrig erator itself The Internet connection device 40 performs the Internet connection under the control of the main micro
34. pue s jdde UI S9LIeA JOALA p9lo OO 9A L tod pue uum aq ppjnous sajdde qsou f dn SUWEM J q puno Cee TO UJ 821 399 260 77 Z S9 1pAW oqxeo ulaj04d SaIIOTeo 9Jn SIOUI 9Jnssour ojeurmoJadde enpeA euorj nnu LLL SSS SSS AAAS AIME sess N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N ES N N N N N jeour uga 991 Z D LZ Sheet 9 of 15 US 2001 0010516 Al SN N rws S LL MM IIN LHA PA SS V A AU wes ue d Q A gomme Jo S u 9 d S I P f ezoel SSSSSSSNSSSS 4 d UMMM MAIN tity J pow CLM LM ui BR 9 I d 9 9 I 2 sssss SSSNSSSS SSNS S SSNS Z Aug 2 2001 SSS 7 LUAU LLY ITLL I 9 ye ur a 2 I a E MAMMA OO Ul e a 5i 2 9 D I z A Z zz NS S SSS QW vv iii lO 9 PI AIAN ss SS But ooo Jouloo f Iodns Airep w SSS SS SS 7 Zm 77777 WWE d pA ZZ Z zz LLLA 6 DI4 Patent Application Publication Patent Application Publication Aug 2 2001 Sheet 10 of 15 US 2001 0010516 A1 SN NG 4 36 EE BBB 7 g lt A Z 7 7 Ll _ Tt LE EEE Le FIG 10 Z 27 Z EJ information NIN SNNNNNNNNNNNNNINNNNNNNSNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNSSSSN Patent Application Publication amp S 8 SS FIG 11 Ur SS e Au
35. put of information is requested from the external communication devices 130 to 190 through the Internet step S41 0076 If such information is not requested from the external communication devices 130 to 190 as a result of search the main microcomputer 30 then searches whether or not the input output of the information is requested through the keyboard 190 of the refrigerator the touch panel 50 ro the remote controller 60 step S42 Here the information means all the information including messages schedules living information etc stored in the memory 80 0077 If the input output of the information is requested in the refrigerator itself or from the external communication devices 130 to 190 the main microcomputer 30 certifies the qualification of the requester step S43 0078 If the qualification of the requester is approved as a result of certification an approval signal is sent to the main microcomputer 30 and in response to the approval signal the main microcomputer 30 executes the system program for controlling the input output of the information stored in the memory 80 step S44 Then the main microcomputer 30 checks whether or not the execution of the system program is completed step S45 US 2001 0010516 A1 0079 The main microcomputer 30 stores in the memory 80 or displays on the LCD panel 120 the corresponding information in accordance with the command of the requester Also the main microcomputer 30 inpu
36. resent invention has the Internet function the user can confirm information on the operation state of the refrigerator itself and foodstuffs stored in the refrigerator only by the simple input of the key signal from a remote place using the external communication devices Also the user can view images from an external database through the display device provided on the Internet refrigerator 0015 According to the Internet refrigerator according to the present invention the user can also control the operation US 2001 0010516 A1 of the refrigerator using the external communication device Also the user can perform the schedule management and can be provided with various kinds of services BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 0016 The accompanying drawings which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification illustrate an embodiment of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the inven tion 0017 0018 FIG 1 is a block diagram illustrating the Internet refrigerator and external communication devices connected to the Internet refrigerator according to the present inven tion 0019 FIG 2 is a diagram illustrating keys of a touch panel 50 in a window environment 0020 FIG 3 is a diagram illustrating keys in a sub window according to a message key 0021 FIG 4 is a diagram illustrating k
37. ter the control method of the Internet refrigerator according to the present invention will be explained with reference to FIG 13 0063 First the main microcomputer 30 judges whether or not any key signal is inputted step S21 At this time the US 2001 0010516 A1 user inputs a desired key sienal throueh the touch panel 50 as he she views the screen of the LCD panel 120 installed on the outer surface of the refrigerator Meanwhile the user at a remote place connects to the main microcomputer 30 of the refrigerator through the Internet using the external commu nication devices 130 to 190 such as a portable terminal notebook desktop etc and inputs the desired key signal through the devices 130 to 190 Then the main microcom puter 30 judges whether or not the key signal is inputted step S21 and the kind of the input key signal is judged by the main microcomputer 30 step S22 Then if it is judged that the input key signal is a manual information key signal step S23 the main microcomputer 30 reads out the cor responding image information for displaying the respective parts of the refrigerator from the memory 80 and displays them on the LCD panel 120 The additional information of the constituent elements selected by the user among the constituent elements of the refrigerator may be also read out from the memory 80 and displayed on the LCD panel 120 step S24 0064 For example if the user designates a specified consti
38. ternet refrigerator that can perform data communications with external communication devices and an operating method thereof 0003 2 Background of the Related Art 0004 Generally a refrigerator comprises a main body a freezing room for storing therein frozen foodstuffs a refrig erating room for cold storing therein foodstuffs a compres sor for cooling the freezing room and the refrigerating room and a control circuit including a microcomputer The refrig erator is a home appliance basically used in a kitchen and its size gradually becomes larger 0005 The kitchen space where the refrigerator is installed is not only the simple space for a dietary life in accordance with the change of the living habit of the moderns In the kitchen members of a family not only take a meal but also have a talk together That is the kitchen is changing to a main living space in the home Accordingly the refrigerator which is a core element in the kitchen space and becomes large sized is required to provide diverse entertainments a remote control function and other service functions 0006 Most conventional refrigerators only have their own refrigeration functions but do not provide the enter tainments remote control function and other service func tions For instance in order to effectively use the refrigera tor the user should refer to a manual but it is difficult for a general user to accurately understand the contents of the
39. the speaker 110 step 52 0097 Atthis time if the user intends to transmit in real time the voice and the moving image stored in the memory 80 to the external communication devices 130 to 190 through the Internet by providing the key signal through the keyboard 190 and so on step S53 the main microcomputer 30 connects to the Internet by controlling the Internet connection device 40 and transmits the image and voice signals stored in the memory 80 to the external communi US 2001 0010516 A1 cation devices 130 to 190 for example to his her relative or friend through the Internet step S54 0098 Accordingly the external communication devices 130 to 190 which correspond to the user s relative and friend can listen to the voice and view the moving image in real time 0099 Also the user can listen to and view the signals stored in the memory 80 through the speaker 110 and the LCD 120 respectively by reproducing the signals under the control of the main microcomputer 30 Also the user can make the main microcomputer 30 connect to the Internet through the Internet connection device 40 by manipulating the keyboard 190 0100 After the connection if the user is provided with a desired MP3 music file or a program of a moving image from the information provider 160 through the Internet step S55 the main microcomputer 30 stores the music file or the moving image in the memory 80 and thus the user can listen to the musi
40. tor for performing a multi media function according to a third embodiment of the present invention DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 0033 Reference will now be made in detail to the pre ferred embodiments of the present invention examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings Aug 2 2001 0034 Hereinafter the embodiments of the present inven tion will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings 0035 FIG 1 is a block diagram illustrating the Internet refrigerator and external communication devices connected to the Internet refrigerator according to the present inven tion 0036 Referring to FIG 1 the Internet refrigerator includes a refrigerator microcomputer 10 a dedicated com munication microcomputer 20 a main microcomputer 30 an Internet connection device 40 a touchpanel 50 a remote controller 60 an infrared ray IR receiving section 70 a memory 80 a camera 90 a tuner 100 a speaker 110 and a liquid crystal display LCD 120 In FIG 1 external com munication devices are a cellular phone 130 an office line telephone set 140 a service center 150 an information provider 160 a personal computer 170 a microphone 180 and a keyboard 190 0037 The refrigerator microcomputer 10 functions to control the essential constituent elements of the Internet refrigerator and the dedicated communication microcom puter 20 functions to control communications betwee
41. touch panel unitedly formed on the LCD 120 and a remote controller for providing remote key signals to the main microcomputer 30 0057 In the flowchart of FIG 12 the key signals for controlling the constituent elements of the refrigerator are a signal for turning on off the power supply of the refrigerator a signal for adjusting the temperature in the refrigerator and a signal for determining or converting the state of the refrigerator into a refrigerating state or a freezing state 0058 Meanwhile in case that the key signal for display ing the corresponding information on the LCD 120 is the key signal related to the manual the system program of the main microcomputer 30 may perform the following operation First it displays the structure of the refrigerator on the screen of the LCD 120 and then enlarges and displays the constituent element selected from the structure of the refrig erator by the user Thereafter it displays the information on the operation function and parts of the constituent element of the refrigerator selected and enlarged by the user Aug 2 2001 0059 Meanwhile according to the system program if the key signal is the key signal related to the input output of the message and memo it verifies the qualification of the person who requested the input output before it inputs outputs the second information and the third information corresponding to the message and the memo respectively If the qualifi c
42. ts to the memory 80 or displays on the LCD panel 50 the information inputted from the external communication devices 130 to 190 through the Internet 0080 Hereinafter storing of a name address and phone number in the memory 80 will be explained In order to input a name the user presses the schedule key or message key among the message key schedule key and Internet key displayed on the touch panel 50 Then the user presses the input key between the input key and the output key dis played on the touch panel 50 0081 Thereafter the user inputs desired information to the main microcomputer 30 using the keyboard 190 remote controller 60 keyboard displayed on the touch panel 50 and specified electronic pen 200 0082 For example if the user inputs the name work place and phone number using the keyboard appearing on the touch panel 50 the main microcomputer 30 recognizes information on the inputted text and figures 0083 Then the main microcomputer 30 stores the infor mation on the inputted text and figures in the memory 80 That is the user inputs information on the text and figures that the user desires to store through the keyboard appearing on the touch panel 50 0084 Meanwhile the user can directly store the infor mation on the text and figures in the memory 80 through the touch panel 50 using the electronic pen 200 0085 As described above the user can store in the memory 80 the user s absence and memo t
43. tuent element on the screen where the constituent elements of the refrigerator are displayed and presses a search key the selected constituent element is enlarged and displayed along with the function of the constituent element Meanwhile if a component key is pressed the information on the components of the selected constituent element is displayed on the screen and if a help key is pressed helping word information for the selected constituent element is displayed step S24 Accordingly the user can view the desired manual information of the refrigerator displayed through the LCD panel 120 or through the screen of the remote external communication devices 130 to 190 0065 Meanwhile if it is judged that the key signal is the key signal for controlling the operation of the refrigerator step S25 i e if the key signal is the operation control key signal such as power on off temperature adjustment setting of refrigerating freezing etc the main microcomputer 30 commands the refrigerator microcomputer 10 to perform the corresponding operation through the dedicated communica tion microcomputer 20 step S26 Here the operation control key signal includes the power on off signal tem perature adjustment signal and refrigerating freezing setting signal 0066 The refrigerator microcomputer 10 controls the corresponding constituent element in response to the com mand transmitted from the main microcomputer 30 step S27 0067
44. y stored in the memory 28 The method as claimed in claim 16 wherein at steps c d and e the first to third information are information related to an Internet after sale service between the refrig erator and a service center 29 The method as claimed in claim 28 the first infor mation is information for diagnosing trouble of sensors installed in the refrigerator trouble of a compressor and trouble of other components of the refrigerator the second information is information on a present state of the sensors compressor and other components to be sent to the service center and the third information is information on the diagnosis result from the service center in accordance with the present state of the components 30 The method as claimed in claim 16 wherein the displayed first information is information on a present temperature of a freezing room of the refrigerator a present temperature of a refrigerating room a door open close state of the refrigerator a compressor on off state pf the refrig erator and a filter exchange time of the refrigerator
Download Pdf Manuals
Related Search