Refrigerator and control method of refrigerator

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigerator, characterized by comprising: a box body forming at least one space; a display door which opens and closes the space and is composed of a display panel for outputting information; a first door, a second door, and a third door that open and close the space and detect a tapping gesture; and a control section controlling the display panel, the control section receiving a tap gesture detected from at least one of the first door, the second door, and the third door, and performing an action based on the received tap gesture.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a refrigerator and a control method of the refrigerator. Background Art

[0002] Generally, a refrigerator is a household appliance that can store food at low temperature in an internal storage space shielded by a refrigerator door. The refrigerator can cool the interior of the storage space by using cold air generated by heat exchange with a refrigerant circulating in a refrigeration cycle, thereby being able to preserve the stored food in an optimal state.

[0003] With the change of dietary habits and the trend of high-end products, refrigerators as described above are gradually becoming larger and more multifunctional, and refrigerators with various structures and convenient devices considering the convenience of users are constantly appearing.

[0004] In order to coordinate with the environment in which the refrigerator is installed or the surrounding furniture or home appliances, technologies for diversifying the appearance of the front surface of the refrigerator door are being continuously developed, and this trend is seen in the entire home appliance.

[0005] U.S. Patent No. 8,789,900 (hereinafter referred to as "existing document 1") discloses a structure in which a decorative panel for forming an appearance is installed on the front of a refrigerator door. The decorative panel is detachably constructed and can form an appearance of the door front that matches the user's preference.

[0006] However, the refrigerator of the prior art document 1 has the following problem: when a user wants to change the appearance, the user needs to separate the entire decorative panel and then replace it, and the decorative panel before replacement cannot be used again.

[0007] In order to solve the problems mentioned above, Chinese Patent No. 103250018 (hereinafter referred to as "existing document 2") discloses a refrigerator having a reflective layer and a transparent panel on the front side of the refrigerator door, and colored light-emitting components are installed on both side ends of the reflective layer, thereby enabling the transparent panel to emit light of a set color.

[0008] However, the existing document 2 does not disclose a technique for operating a light emitting member in a refrigerator or controlling the operation of a light emitting member. Summary of the invention

[0009] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator capable of changing the color of a door and a control method of the refrigerator in order to solve the above-mentioned problem.

[0011] Technical solutions to the problem

[0012] One embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigerator, characterized in that the refrigerator includes: a box body, which forms at least one space; a display door, which opens and closes the space and is composed of a display panel that outputs information; a first door, a second door, and a third door, which open and close the space and detect a tapping gesture; and a control unit, which controls the display panel; the control unit receives a tapping gesture detected from at least one of the first door, the second door, and the third door, and the control unit performs an action based on the received tapping gesture.

[0013] The invention is characterized in that the tapping gesture is detected by a microphone sensor.

[0014] It is characterized in that the microphone sensor is installed on at least one door among the first door, the second door, the third door and the display door.

[0015] The invention is characterized in that the tapping gesture is detected by a touch sensor.

[0016] It is characterized in that the touch sensor is installed on at least one door among the first door, the second door, the third door and the display door.

[0017] It is characterized in that the display door detects the tapping gesture, and the control unit controls the display panel to make the display panel operate in one of a transparent mode, a semi-transparent mode and an opaque mode.

[0018] If a first tap gesture detected through the display door is received, the control part converts the display panel into the transparent mode.

[0019] The refrigerator is characterized in that at least one of the first door, the second door and the third door also includes an internal camera for photographing the interior of the refrigerator, and if a second knock gesture is detected from any one of the first door, the second door and the third door, the control unit outputs the internal image of the refrigerator corresponding to the door where the second knock gesture is detected through the display panel.

[0020] The control unit is characterized in that the control unit outputs a user interface for displaying the refrigerator on the display panel, and the control unit receives an input signal for selecting one of the first door, the second door and the third door in the user interface.

[0021] The control part outputs the refrigerator interior image corresponding to the door selected on the display panel based on the input signal.

[0022] It is characterized in that the first door, the second door and the third door have light sources capable of outputting RGB colors, the first door, the second door and the third door include a front panel and a light guide plate that guides light to the front panel, the control unit irradiates light to the light guide plate by using the light source, the light irradiated to the light guide plate passes through the front panel, and if the light source is turned on, color will be emitted from the front panel.

[0023] It is characterized in that if a third tap gesture is detected from any one of the first door, the second door, and the third door, the control unit changes the color of the door where the third tap gesture is detected.

[0024] It is characterized in that the control unit outputs information about food on the display panel based on the third tap gesture, and the food is located inside the refrigerator corresponding to the door where the third tap gesture is detected.

[0025] It is characterized in that if the third tap gesture is received, the control unit changes the color of the door where the third tap gesture is detected based on information about food located inside the refrigerator corresponding to the door where the third tap gesture is detected.

[0026] It is characterized in that if a fourth tap gesture detected from any one of the first door, the second door and the third door is received, the control unit changes the color of the door matching the fourth tap gesture, and the fourth tap gesture is different from the third tap gesture.

[0027] It is characterized in that if the fourth tap gesture is received, the control unit changes the color of a portion of an area of ​​at least one of the first door, the second door and the third door, and the portion of the area of ​​the at least one door is an area matching the fourth tap gesture.

[0028] It is characterized in that the light source included in at least one of the first door, the second door and the third door is configured as a lower edge type, a side edge type, a lower edge type, a side edge type and a directly below type structure.

[0029] One embodiment of the present invention provides a control method for a refrigerator, characterized in that the refrigerator includes: a cabinet forming at least one space; a display door opening and closing the space and consisting of a display panel that outputs information; a first door, a second door, and a third door opening and closing the space and detecting a tapping gesture; and a control unit controlling the display panel; the control method for the refrigerator includes: a step of receiving a tapping gesture detected from at least one of the first door, the second door, and the third door; and a step of performing an action based on the received tapping gesture.

[0030] Effects of the Invention

[0031] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the location and state of food stored in the refrigerator can be checked at a glance, and management is easy.

[0032] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, there is an advantage that the user can easily confirm the status inside the refrigerator through a tapping gesture even without opening the door of the refrigerator.

[0033] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator can provide different information according to the position of the door where the tap gesture is input.

[0034] The effects that can be obtained by the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other effects that are not mentioned through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 This is a front view of the refrigerator with the door open.

[0036] Figure 3 is a three-dimensional diagram of a refrigerator door according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 It is a diagram showing a state where the panel assembly is separated from the refrigerator door.

[0037] Figure 5 is along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of the 5-5 line, Figure 6 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a light guide plate and a light source.

[0038] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the flow of control signals of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 8 1 is a diagram showing a state in which all doors of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention are illuminated. Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing a state in which a part of a plurality of doors of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention emits light.

[0039] Fig.10 and Fig.11FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a display door having a transparent display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Fig.12 It is a diagram for explaining the positions of the light guide plate and the light source of the LED door according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Fig.13a and Fig.13b FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a method for identifying food in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Fig.14 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a food management user interface of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Fig.15a and Fig.15b FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of changing the color of a door based on the freshness of food in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Fig.16 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of converting a display panel into a transparent mode based on a tap gesture in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Fig.17 The present invention is a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which an image of the interior of the refrigerator is output on a display panel based on a tapping gesture.

[0046] Fig.18 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of changing the color of a door in which a knock gesture is detected in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Fig.19 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of changing the color of a portion of a door area matching a tap gesture in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Fig. 20 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of outputting an image of the interior of a refrigerator through a user interface output on a display panel in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Fig.21 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the same or similar constituent elements are given the same figure marks regardless of the figure numbers, and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and "unit" used in the following description regarding the constituent elements are only given or mixed for the convenience of writing the specification, and they themselves do not have mutually distinguishable meanings or functions. Moreover, in the process of describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that the specific description of the relevant known technology will cause confusion with the technical ideas of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. Moreover, the attached drawings are only for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification should not be limited by the attached drawings, but should cover all changes, equivalents and even substitutes included in the ideas and technical scope of the present invention.

[0051] Terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from other components.

[0052] If a certain component is mentioned as being "connected" or "linked" to another component, it may be directly connected or linked to the other component, but it can also be understood that there are other components between them. Conversely, if a certain component is mentioned as being "directly connected" or "directly linked" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components between them.

[0053] Unless the context clearly indicates a different meaning, an expression in the singular includes an expression in the plural.

[0054] In the present application, terms such as "including" or "having" are only used to specify the existence of features, numbers, steps, actions, constituent elements, parts or their combinations recorded in the specification, and do not preclude the possibility of the existence or addition of one or more other features or numbers, steps, actions, constituent elements, parts or their combinations.

[0055] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 It is a front view of the refrigerator door being opened. Hereinafter, descriptions repeated with the above-mentioned drawings are omitted.

[0056] Reference Figure 1 The refrigerator 1 of the embodiment of the present invention may include: a body 10 forming a storage space (or a storage area); and a door 20 for opening and closing the storage space of the body 10 .

[0057] In one embodiment, the box body 10 can form a storage space divided into upper and lower parts, and a refrigerating chamber can be formed at the upper part, and a freezing chamber can be formed at the lower part. The refrigerating chamber can be referred to as the upper storage space, and the freezing chamber can be referred to as the lower storage space.

[0058] The door 20 can open and close the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment, respectively. In one embodiment, the door 20 can be rotatably mounted on the cabinet 10, and can be opened and closed by rotating the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment, respectively. Of course, the door 20 can be configured to open and close the refrigerator compartment and / or the freezer compartment by entering and exiting.

[0059] The door 20 may include a refrigerator door 201 for opening and closing the refrigerator compartment and a freezer door 202 for opening and closing the freezer compartment. The refrigerator door 201 may be referred to as an upper door, and the freezer door 202 may be referred to as a lower door.

[0060] The refrigerator door 201 may have a left refrigerator door and a right refrigerator door arranged side by side as a pair. The left refrigerator door and the right refrigerator door may be independently rotated to open and close the refrigerator. The left refrigerator door and the right refrigerator door may be arranged adjacent to each other and may be formed in the same size.

[0061] The freezer door 202 may also have a left freezer door and a right freezer door arranged side by side in a pair. The left freezer door and the right freezer door may be independently rotated to open and close the freezer compartment. The left freezer door and the right freezer door may be arranged adjacent to each other and may be formed in the same size.

[0062] Of course, in this embodiment, for ease of explanation and understanding, a refrigerator in which a refrigerating chamber is arranged above a freezing chamber is taken as an example for explanation, but the present invention is not limited to the form of a refrigerator and can be applied to all types of refrigerators with doors.

[0063] On the other hand, the door 20 may form a front appearance of the refrigerator 1 when the door 20 is closed, and may form an appearance of the refrigerator 1 seen from the front when the refrigerator 1 is installed.

[0064] The door 20 may have a structure that can selectively emit light from the front side, and may be configured to emit light at a set color or brightness. Therefore, the user can change the front color or brightness of the door 20 without separating or disassembling the door 20, and the overall appearance of the refrigerator 1 can be changed.

[0065] Hereinafter, the structure of the door 20 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0066] In one embodiment of the present invention, the left refrigerator door 201a and freezer door 202 have the same structure as a whole, and the only difference is the position and size. These doors 201a and 202 can be called panel doors or first doors.

[0067] The right refrigerator door 201b may have a structure different from the doors 201a and 202, and may have a structure capable of seeing through the rear space, i.e., the space inside the refrigerator. Therefore, the right refrigerator door 201b may be referred to as a transparent door, a perspective door, or a second door. The following description will be centered on the right refrigerator door 201b.

[0068] In addition, in one embodiment, the right refrigerator door 201b can be installed with an application display for applying Android. In this case, the right refrigerator door 201b can be equivalent to a transparent door and a display door at the same time. At this time, the right refrigerator door 201b can be called a display door.

[0069] Of course, all doors may be configured as non-transparent doors (panel doors).

[0070] Although, in this embodiment, a case of having one perspective door is used as an example, a plurality of perspective doors may be provided. Furthermore, the perspective door may also be arranged at other positions instead of the right refrigerating chamber door 201b.

[0071] The right refrigerator door 201b may include a main door and a sub-door. The main door may be rotatably mounted on the cabinet 10 and open and close the refrigerator 11 by rotating. An opening portion penetrating the main door may be formed in the main door. The opening portion may be formed to penetrate the remaining portion except the periphery of the main door, and at least a portion of the opening portion may form a portion of the storage space in the refrigerator.

[0072] The main door may be provided with a sub-door. The sub-door may be rotatably mounted on the main door and open and close the opening. In this case, the sub-door may be formed to have the same size as the main door, and the sub-door may form the front appearance of the right refrigerator door when viewed from the front.

[0073] That is, the sub-door can form the front appearance of the right refrigerator door 201b, or it can display the same color as the doors 201a and 202 according to the operation of the lighting device 36. The sub-door can also visualize the inside of the opening or the space inside the refrigerator according to the user's operation. To this end, a perspective area can be formed in the sub-door. The perspective area can appear selectively, and when the perspective area does not appear, a set color can be displayed to form the front appearance of the sub-door. The perspective area can be called a visualization part, a perspective window, a window, etc.

[0074] Although the camera of the refrigerator can be used to identify the shelf life of the stored food and display the information on the display, there is a problem that it is difficult to accurately indicate the location or status of the food.

[0075] Therefore, the present invention can associate the LED panel that displays colors through the front panel with the camera and the display panel, so as to accurately and intuitively display the exact position and detailed status.

[0076] To this end, the present invention intends to enable users to easily identify information related to the refrigerator and food through the LED panel of the refrigerator.

[0077] In addition, by using a camera, a display panel, and an LED panel installed in the refrigerator, information and status of the stored food can be effectively queried and managed.

[0078] In addition, the optimal position of food placed in the refrigerator is given by using a camera, a display panel, and an LED panel installed in the refrigerator.

[0079] To this end, the refrigerator of the present invention is characterized in that it includes at least one panel, and in particular, four panels. It has a structure in which one of the four panels is equipped with an Android-applied display and the remaining three panels can be illuminated with color LEDs. Therefore, it is desired to propose a technology that can input food information and expiration date information about food stored in the refrigerator through an internal / external camera or direct input by a user, and can change the color of the door panel as the expiration date approaches.

[0080] Figure 3 is a three-dimensional diagram of a refrigerator door according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 2 is a diagram showing a state where the panel assembly is separated from the refrigerator door.

[0081] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The door 20 may include: a door body 40, which forms the overall shape of the door 20; and a panel assembly 30, which forms the front appearance of the door 20. That is, the door 20 may be configured such that the panel assembly 30 is installed on the front of the door body 40. A mounting portion 412 for mounting the panel assembly 30 may be provided at the upper end of the front of the door body 40.

[0082] The door body 40 may include a body panel 41 forming a front surface and a door lining 42 forming a rear surface.

[0083] As an example, the body plate 41 may be formed of a metal material and formed in a plate shape having a size corresponding to the panel assembly 30. As an example, the door lining 42 may be formed of a plastic material and formed in a back surface shape of the door 20.

[0084] The door body 40 may further include side trims 44 forming left and right side surfaces of the door body 40. The side trims 44 may connect left and right side ends of the body panel 41 and left and right side ends of the door lining 42.

[0085] The door body 40 may further include an upper cap decoration 43 forming the top surface of the door body 40 and a lower cap decoration 45 forming the bottom surface of the door body 40. The upper cap decoration 43 may be connected to the upper end of the side decoration 44, the upper end of the body plate 41, and the upper end of the door lining 42. The lower cap decoration 45 may be connected to the lower end of the side decoration 44, the lower end of the body plate 41, and the lower end of the door lining 42.

[0086] The exterior appearance of the door body 40 may be formed by a body panel 41, a door lining 42, a side trim 44, an upper cap trim 43, and a lower cap trim 45. A cap trim cover 46 may be coupled to the upper cap trim 43.

[0087] The inner space of the door body 40 formed by combining the main body plate 41, the door lining 42, the side decoration 44, the upper cap decoration 43 and the lower cap decoration 45 may be filled with a heat insulating member, so as to have a heat insulating structure to prevent heat transfer through the door 20. As an example, the heat insulating member may be formed by filling a foaming liquid and then curing. The door body 40 may be provided with an injection port for filling the foaming liquid.

[0088] On the other hand, the panel assembly 30 may be inserted from the front and mounted on the front surface of the door body 40. As an example, the side trim 44 may further protrude forward and contact both side ends of the panel assembly 30.

[0089] The panel assembly 30 may be in a plate shape as a whole and may be formed in a size corresponding to the front face of the door body 40. Therefore, if the panel assembly 30 is mounted to the front face of the door body 40, the panel assembly 30 may shield the front face of the door body 40 and form the front appearance of the door 20. Since the panel assembly 30 forms the front appearance of the door 20, it may be referred to as a door panel, and since it forms the front appearance of the refrigerator 1, it may also be referred to as an external panel.

[0090] When the panel assembly 30 is mounted on the door body 40, the back side of the panel assembly 30 may be closely attached to and fixed to the main body plate 41. The panel assembly 30 may have a structure that is detachable from the door body 40 for repair and maintenance.

[0091] When the panel assembly 30 is mounted on the door body 40, the front surface of the panel assembly 30 may be exposed forward and form a substantial front appearance of the door 20. The panel assembly 30 may be configured to emit light on the entire front surface and emit light of various colors.

[0092] To this end, a lighting device 36 may be provided inside the panel assembly 30. For power supply and control, the lighting device 36 may be connected to an electric wire 369.

[0093] The electric wire 369 may be composed of a plurality of wire-type electric wires and connected to the lighting device of the panel assembly 30 .

[0094] One end of the wire 369 can be connected to the lighting device 36, and the wire 369 can be introduced into the inner side of the door body 40 through the wire hole 411 formed on the front side of the door body 40, and led out to the outer side of the door body 40 through the hinge mounting portion 431 at the upper end of the door body 40. The wire hole 411 can be opened through the main body plate 41.

[0095] The upper hinge 204 may be installed on the hinge installation portion 431 , and the electric wire 369 may be guided to the housing 10 through the upper hinge 204 and connected to the control unit 13 disposed in the housing 10 .

[0096] The electric wire 369 may have a structure in which the panel assembly 30 and the door body 40 are connected by a connector. Therefore, when the panel assembly 30 is separated or attached to the door body 40, the electric wire 369 can be easily connected.

[0097] Hereinafter, the structure of the panel assembly 30 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0098] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of the 5-5 line, Figure 6 2 is a diagram showing the arrangement of a light guide plate and a light source.

[0099] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The panel assembly 30 may include: a front plate 31 forming a front appearance; a lighting device 36 irradiating light to make the front plate 31 emit light; and a light guide plate 33 guiding the light irradiated from the lighting device 36.

[0100] The panel assembly 30 may include a diffusion member 32 that partitions the light guide plate 33 and the front plate 31 and diffuses light. From the aspect of supporting the light guide plate 33, the diffusion member 32 may be referred to as a supporting member.

[0101] The lighting device 36 and the light guide plate 33 may be mounted or supported on the diffusion member 32 .

[0102] The panel assembly 30 may further include a rear cover 39 forming a rear surface of the panel assembly 30 .

[0103] The front plate 31 may be formed in a quadrilateral plate shape, and the front plate 31 may be formed of a material that allows light to pass through. As an example, the front plate 31 may be formed of a glass material such as blue glass, white glass, and deposited glass, or other light-transmitting materials such as ABS, PMMA, and PC. The front plate 31 may also be referred to as a transparent plate or an outer plate.

[0104] The front panel 31 may be formed to be transparent so that the light reflected by the light guide plate 33 can pass through. At this time, the transparency may be defined as a degree to which the light reflected from the light guide plate can pass through and be irradiated to the outside.

[0105] The front plate 31 may be formed to have a color, and may be formed to show different colors according to the operation or on / off state of the lighting device 36. As an example, a specific texture or pattern is also printed on the front plate 31 to have a specific color. A film printed with a pattern having a specific texture or color may be attached to the front plate 31, or the front plate 31 may be subjected to surface treatment such as imprinting, etching, glass printing, or the like, or the appearance of the front plate 31 may be formed by forming a coating or deposition layer having a specific color and texture.

[0106] The front plate 31 can be configured to allow light emitted from the lighting device 36 to pass through without illuminating the structure behind the front plate 31. That is, when the lighting device 36 is turned off, the front plate 31 can prevent the structure inside the panel assembly 30 from being seen through the front plate 31 from the outside by the color of the front plate 31 itself.

[0107] At this time, the front plate 31 can be formed to have at least a color with a brightness of 0 or more that is not black when the lighting device 36 is turned off. That is, when the refrigerator 1 is installed, the front of the refrigerator 1 can be a color other than black, and the color of the front of the refrigerator can be changed according to the operation of the lighting device 36.

[0108] In the panel assembly 30, the entire front surface of the front panel 31 may be exposed to the outside. Thus, the light diffused by the diffusion member 32 may all pass through the front panel 31, so that the entire front surface of the front panel 31 may emit light.

[0109] The rear surface of the front plate 31 may be combined with the front surface of the diffusion member 32 .

[0110] Due to the diffusion member 32 , the light guide plate 33 can be located at the rear spaced apart from the front plate 31 , and can guide light irradiated from the lighting device 36 disposed below the light guide plate 33 to the front.

[0111] As an example, the light guide plate 33 may be formed of a transparent polymer material such as acrylic. A diffusing agent may be added to the light guide plate 33 to diffuse the light incident on the light guide plate 33, or a pattern for diffusing the light may be formed. Thus, the light guide plate 33 may be used to transmit light to the front plate 31, and at this time, the pattern of the light guide plate 33 may be set so that the entire front surface of the front plate 31 emits light with uniform brightness.

[0112] Below, refer to Fig.12, various structures of the light guide plate 33 and the lighting device 36 that can be implemented in one embodiment of the present invention are once again described in detail.

[0113] The load of the light guide plate 33 can be supported by the diffusion member 32 , and the front surface of the light guide plate 33 can be pressed toward the diffusion member 32 side by the rear cover 39 .

[0114] On the other hand, a diffusion member 32 may be provided between the front plate 31 and the light guide plate 33. The diffusion member 32 can maintain a predetermined distance between the light guide plate 33 and the front plate 31 and diffuse light emitted from the light exit surface of the light guide plate 33.

[0115] The diffusion member 32 may include a plate-shaped front portion 321 to which the front plate 31 is mounted, and an extension portion extending from a periphery of the front portion 321. The front portion 321 and the extension portion may form a receiving space 320a for positioning the light guide plate 33.

[0116] The extension portion may be configured to cover the periphery of the light guide plate 33. As an example, the periphery of the light guide plate 33 may include a top surface, a bottom surface, and two side surfaces.

[0117] As an example, the extension portion may include: an upper extension portion 322 extending from the upper end of the back side of the front portion 321; a lower extension portion 324 extending from the lower end of the back side of the front portion 321; and a pair of side portions extending from the left and right side ends of the front portion 321.

[0118] The upper extension part 322 , the lower extension part 324 and the pair of side parts may form a receiving space 320 a for positioning the light guide plate 33 . Thus, the diffusion member 32 may not only diffuse light but also receive and support the light guide plate 33 .

[0119] The front portion 321 may be formed in a plate shape corresponding to the shape of the front plate 31 , and the front surface of the light guide plate 33 may be in close contact with the back surface of the front portion 321 .

[0120] According to this embodiment, the entire front portion 321 of the diffusion member 32 is disposed between the front plate 31 and the light guide plate 33. Therefore, even if the light guide plate 33 is deformed by heat, it is possible to prevent the light guide plate 33 from directly contacting the front plate 31. Therefore, it is possible to prevent dark portions such as stains from appearing on the front plate 31.

[0121] The front portion 321 and the back surface of the front plate 31 may be combined by the adhesive portion 313. As an example, the adhesive portion 313 may include a sealant or a double-sided tape.

[0122] The side surface portion may extend backward from the left and right side ends of the front portion 321 and restrict the left and right side surfaces of the light guide plate 33. The side surface portion may be separated from at least one of the left and right side surfaces of the light guide plate 33. When the light guide plate 33 moves left and right, the side surface portion may restrict the light guide plate 33 by contacting at least one of the left and right side surfaces.

[0123] The upper extension portion 322 and the lower extension portion 324 may each extend rearward from the front portion 321 , and the length of each of the upper extension portion 322 and the lower extension portion 324 may be greater than the thickness of the light guide plate 33 .

[0124] The diffusion member 32 may be formed of a material through which light can be transmitted and diffused, and the entire diffusion member 32 may be formed as a single structure by injection molding or extrusion.

[0125] The entire diffusion member 32 may be formed of a transparent or translucent material. The diffusion member 32 itself may also have a color. Thus, when the panel assembly 30 is viewed from the front, the front color, texture, or shape of the panel assembly 30 may also be determined by the diffusion member 32 .

[0126] The diffusion member 32 may further include a light guide plate support portion 326 supporting the bottom surface 333 of the light guide plate 33. The light guide plate support portion 326 may extend rearward from the back surface of the front portion 321 and be disposed above the lower extension portion 324 and spaced apart from the lower extension portion 324.

[0127] In order to stably support the load of the light guide plate 33, the diffusion member 32 may include a plurality of light guide plate support parts 326. The plurality of light guide plate support parts 326 may be arranged to be spaced apart in the horizontal direction.

[0128] The diffusion member 32 may accommodate the lighting device 36. The diffusion member 32 may include an accommodation groove 324a (or an accommodation portion) for accommodating a portion of the lighting device 36.

[0129] The receiving groove 324a may be formed as a portion of the back surface of the front portion 321 is recessed forward. The receiving groove 324a may be located between the light guide plate support portion 326 and the lower extension portion 324. Therefore, if the lighting device 36 is received in the receiving groove 324a, the lighting device 36 may be located at the lower side of the light guide plate support portion 326.

[0130] The lighting device 36 may include a substrate 361 and a light source 362. The substrate 361 may be formed in a plate form and may be formed long in the left-right direction.

[0131] A plurality of light sources 362 are continuously arranged at predetermined intervals on the substrate 361. The light sources 362 may be arranged to irradiate light toward the bottom surface 333 of the light guide plate 33. That is, the bottom surface 333 of the light guide plate 33 is a light incident surface, and the front surface 331 of the light guide plate 33 is a light emitting surface.

[0132] The substrate 361 may provide a space that enables the light sources 362 to be continuously arranged from the left side end to the other side end of the light guide plate 33 .

[0133] The light source 362 may be configured to face vertically below the bottom surface 333 of the light guide plate 33 , that is, the bottom surface 333 of the light guide plate 33 .

[0134] As an example, the light source 362 may be composed of an LED. The light source 362 may be composed of an RGB LED that can emit light of various colors according to the control of the control unit 13 described later. That is, the light source 362 can emit light of various colors according to the control of the control unit 13 described later, thereby the front plate 31 can emit light in the color set in the control unit 13. The color of the front appearance of the refrigerator 1 can be determined according to the color of the front plate 31.

[0135] In addition to the RGB LED, the light source 362 may also be composed of an LED that emits light of a specific color, or may be composed of a combination of a plurality of LEDs that emit light of different colors. As an example, the plurality of light sources 362 may be composed of red, green, and blue LEDs, and may be repeatedly arranged in sequence. The front panel 31 may emit light of a desired color by combining the light sources 362 under the control of the control unit 13.

[0136] The panel assembly 30 may further include a substrate support 37 disposed at the lower extension 324 of the diffusion member 32 .

[0137] The substrate support member 37 may support the substrate 361 in a state of being placed on the lower extension portion 324. The substrate support member 37 may dissipate heat generated by the lighting device 36 in a conductive manner.

[0138] A portion of the substrate support 37 may be accommodated in the accommodation groove 324a. When the rear cover 39 is assembled, the substrate support 37 may contact the rear cover 39. Thus, the heat generated by the lighting device 36 may be transferred to the rear cover 39 side through the substrate support 37 and dissipated through the rear cover 39.

[0139] The panel assembly 30 may further include a rear supporter 34 supporting the rear surface of the light guide plate 33. The rear supporter 34 may be formed in a plate shape and attached to the rear surface of the light guide plate 33 by an adhesive portion.

[0140] The rear support 34 may be formed of an opaque material through which light cannot pass. The rear support 34 may be accommodated in the accommodation space 320a formed by the diffusion member 32. The upper extension 322 may cover the upper side of the rear support 34, and the side portions 327 and 328 may cover both side surfaces of the rear support 34.

[0141] The light irradiated from the light source 362 can be effectively irradiated to the light guide plate 33 , and the light reflected by the light guide plate 33 can make the front plate 31 emit light at a set brightness.

[0142] The rear support 34 may include an opening 342 through which a portion of the rear cover 39 penetrates. The rear cover 39 may include: a cover body 391; and a bent portion extending from an edge of the cover body 391 in a horizontal direction.

[0143] The cover body 391 may be in contact with the back surface of the rear support 34. The cover body 391 may be adhered to the rear support 34 through an adhesive portion or combined with the rear support 34 through a fastening member such as a bolt.

[0144] The bent portion may extend forward from the edge of the cover body 391 and may include an upper bent portion 393, a lower bent portion 396, and a pair of side bent portions. The bent portion may contact the diffusion member 32. As an example, the bent portion may be bonded to the extension portion of the diffusion member 32 by a bonding portion.

[0145] As an example, the upper bending portion 393 may be seated in an upper seating groove 323 having a concave shape formed in the upper extending portion 322 of the diffusion member 32 .

[0146] The lower bending portion 396 may contact the bottom surface of the lower extension portion 324 of the diffusion member 32. The side bending portion may be seated in a side seating groove having a concave shape formed in the side extension portion.

[0147] In the case of this embodiment, the diffusion member 32 supports the light guide plate 33 and fixes the position of the light guide plate 33, and the back cover 39 is combined with the diffusion member 32 to form a part surrounding the diffusion member 32. Therefore, it has the advantage of being able to reduce the number of components of the panel assembly 30 itself and reduce the thickness of the panel assembly 30 in the front-to-back direction.

[0148] The cover body 391 may further include a pressurizing portion 392 bent toward the light guide plate 33. The pressurizing portion 392 may penetrate the opening 342 of the rear supporter 34 and contact the back surface of the light guide plate 33.

[0149] In the present embodiment, the cover body 391 may pressurize the rear support 34 toward the rear surface of the light guide plate 33 while in contact with the rear surface of the rear support 34 , and the pressurizing portion 392 may directly pressurize the light guide plate 33 .

[0150] The panel assembly 30 of the present embodiment may further include a lower decoration piece 35. The lower decoration piece 35 may be combined with the diffusion member 32 by an adhesive portion or a combining mechanism such as a hook.

[0151] The lower decorative member 35 may include a first portion 351 extending in the up-down direction and a second portion 352 extending in the horizontal direction from the lower end of the first portion 351. At least the first portion 351 may be formed to be opaque or translucent, or may have a specific color as required.

[0152] The first portion 351 may cover a portion of the diffusion member 32 that extends downward from the bottom surface 311 of the front plate 31. As an example, the first portion 351 may be disposed in front of the receiving groove 324a of the diffusion member 32 so as to face the receiving groove 324a.

[0153] The second portion 352 may support the lower extension portion 324. The second portion 352 may include a seating groove 393 for seating the lower bending portion 396 of the rear cover 39.

[0154] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the flow of control signals of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 8 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a part of a door of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention is illuminated. Fig. 9 The figure is a diagram showing a state where all of the plurality of doors of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention are illuminated.

[0155] In the refrigerator 1 of the embodiment of the present invention, the front surface of the door 20 can be illuminated by the operation of the lighting device 36 .

[0156] The front of the door 20 can emit light in any one of a plurality of colors according to the control of the control unit 13. The operation of the lighting device 36 can be realized by the user operating the operating unit 14. The operating unit 14 can be set on one side of the refrigerator 1, as an example, it can be set on one side of the box body 10. Of course, the operating unit 14 can also be set on the door 20 as needed, and can also be input through a touch operation of the front panel 31. That is, the user can set the operation of the lighting device 36 by directly operating the operating unit 14, and can also turn the lighting device 36 on or off.

[0157] The user can set the operating state of the lighting device 36, such as the operating time and operating conditions of the lighting device 36 and the light color of the light source 362, by operating the operating unit 14. In addition, various instructions related to the operation of the refrigerator can be input by operating the operating unit 14. The operating unit 14 can also be composed of a display that can display information and can perform operations as needed.

[0158] The operation of the lighting device 36 and the setting of the operating conditions can also be operated by the remote device 2 separated from the refrigerator 1. The refrigerator 1 can communicate with the remote device 2 using the communication unit 17 connected to the control unit 13, and the user can control the operation of the lighting device 36 through the remote device 2.

[0159] The communication unit 17 can communicate with the remote device 2 and / or the server managing the home appliance in various ways. As an example, the communication unit 17 can have a structure capable of communicating in at least one of wired, wireless, and short-range communication (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, NFC, etc.). The remote device 2 can be a dedicated terminal, a mobile phone, a tablet, a portable computer, a desktop computer, a remote control, a Bluetooth speaker, and other various communicative devices.

[0160] The user can operate and set the operating state of the lighting device 36, such as the operating time, operating conditions, and light color of the light source, by operating the remote device 2. As an example, simple operation and setting can be performed by an application or dedicated program installed in the user's mobile phone.

[0161] The refrigerator 1 may further include a timer 16. The timer 16 may count the elapsed time after a specific event occurs.

[0162] On the other hand, the lighting device 36 may be operated based on the detection result of the detection unit 15 .

[0163] As an example, the detection unit 15 may include a user detection sensor that detects the approach of a user. The user detection sensor may be various devices that can detect the approach of a user near the refrigerator, such as an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a laser sensor.

[0164] The user detection sensor can be provided on one side of the housing 10 or the door 20, and can be configured at various positions for detecting the approach of the user. A plurality of sensors can also be provided at different positions. Thus, if the user approaches to a position at a reference distance from the refrigerator 1 in order to use the refrigerator 1, the user detection sensor can detect it and transmit a signal to the control unit 13, and turn on the lighting device 36. If the user moves away from the refrigerator 1, the user detection sensor can detect it and transmit a signal to the control unit 13, and turn off the lighting device 36.

[0165] The refrigerator may further include an output unit 19. As an example, the output unit 19 may include a speaker for outputting sound. Voice or various sounds or music may be output from the speaker. The output unit 19 may be provided on a door or a cabinet.

[0166] The speaker can be operated directly by communicating with the remote device, or can be controlled by the control unit 13. On the other hand, the operation state of the lighting device operated by the control unit 13 is described as follows. Figure 6As shown, if the lighting device 36 is turned on according to the instruction of the control unit 13 , the light irradiated from the light source 362 may be irradiated to the bottom surface 333 of the light guide plate 33 and guided along the light guide plate 33 .

[0167] At this time, the light guided by the light guide plate 33 can be diffused through the light exit surface and the front portion 321, and then pass through the front plate 31 to the outside. Therefore, the entire front plate 31 emits bright light, and the front of the door 20 can emit light at a set brightness or color.

[0168] By turning on the lighting device 36, the front of the door 20 can emit bright light, and the front of the door 20 can emit light in a set color by the light irradiated from the light source 362. At this time, the color or brightness of the front of the door 20 can be different from the color or brightness in the state where the lighting device 36 is turned off.

[0169] That is, the front color of the door 20 can be regarded as the color of the front plate 31, and the texture and pattern formed on the front plate 31 can also be seen. At this time, the color of the front plate 31 is a color with a brightness greater than 0, and can be formed in other colors except black. The color of the front of the door 20 when the lighting device 36 is turned off can also be called the first color (or background color).

[0170] Therefore, the front side of the door 20 is displayed with the color of the front plate 31. At this time, due to the color of the front plate 31, the internal structure of the panel assembly 30 cannot be seen through the front plate 31 from the outside.

[0171] In the above-described state, the lighting device 36 may be turned on. If the lighting device 36 is turned on, the front surface of the door 20 may emit light in the color set in the control unit 13 .

[0172] The front side of the door 20 may be controlled to emit light in a second color different from the first color, and the lighting device 36 may control the light source 362 according to the control of the control unit 13 so that the door 20 can emit light in the second color.

[0173] At this time, the color irradiated from the light source 362 may be different from the second color. That is, since the front plate 31 includes the first color, if the second color light is irradiated from the light source 362, the light may interact with the first color in the process of passing through the front plate 31, so that the door 20 may substantially emit light in the third color.

[0174] Therefore, in this embodiment, controlling the light source 362 to emit light of a specific color from the door 20 may mean controlling the color emitted from the light source 362 by taking into account the color of the actual front panel 31 itself.

[0175] That is, in a state where the light source 362 is turned on, the color of the light emitted from the door 20 may be a color in which the own color of the front panel 31 and the color of the light irradiated from the light source 362 are mixed.

[0176] On the other hand, the front appearance of the refrigerator 1 may be formed by illuminating a portion of the plurality of doors 20 forming the front appearance of the refrigerator 1, or the front appearance of the refrigerator 1 may be formed in a set color by independently illuminating a plurality of doors 20.

[0177] The refrigerator 1 can be operated so that a part of the doors 20 among the plurality of doors emit light or emit light in a specific color. That is, it can also be configured so that only a part of the doors 20 emit light, rather than all the lighting devices 36 provided on the doors 20 operate. As an example, any one of the refrigerator compartment doors 201 can emit light.

[0178] As required, the left refrigerator door and the right refrigerator door can emit light in different colors. The colors of at least two of the doors 20 can change in sequence, and at least two of the doors 20 can also be opened and closed in sequence.

[0179] At this time, the lighting device 36 provided in the panel assembly 30 may be controlled by the control unit 13 according to the aforementioned various conditions.

[0180] On the other hand, the refrigerator compartment door or the freezer compartment door among the doors may be controlled to emit light in colors different from each other.

[0181] The control unit 13 may control the lighting device 36 so that the pair of refrigerator compartment doors 201 are in a first color. The control unit 13 may control the lighting device 36 so that the pair of refrigerator compartment doors 201 are in a second color.

[0182] On the other hand, the operation control of the lighting device 36 described below is not limited by the structure of the panel assembly or the structure of the door. That is, one or more of the multiple components constituting the panel assembly may be omitted, or one or more of the multiple components may be replaced by other components, or the position of one or more of the multiple components may be changed.

[0183] In the present specification, the state change of the light source 362 may include one or more of the following: the light source 362 changes from an off state to an on state, the light source 362 changes from an on state to an off state, one or more LEDs are turned on when the light source 362 is off, the light source 362 is turned off when more than one LED is on, the brightness of the light emitted from the light source 362 changes when the light source 362 is on, the brightness or color of the light emitted from some of the multiple LEDs changes when the light source 362 is on, the number of LEDs turned on changes (the number of LEDs turned on increases or the number of LEDs turned on decreases), and the color of the light emitted from the light source 362 changes when the light source 362 is on.

[0184] The state in which the light source 362 is turned on indicates that all the plurality of LEDs are turned on, and the state in which the light source 362 is turned off indicates that all the plurality of LEDs are turned off.

[0185] Fig.10 and Fig.11 FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a display door with a transparent display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0186] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As described in the description, the right refrigerator door 201b of the refrigerator can be installed with an Android-enabled display, and the Android-enabled display can use a transparent display panel that can switch between a transparent mode, a semi-transparent mode, and an opaque mode.

[0187] Fig.10 The left side drawing of shows an embodiment in which the display panel included in the display door operates in an opaque mode. Fig.10 The right-hand drawing of shows an embodiment in which the display panel included in the display door operates in a transparent mode.

[0188] like Fig.10 As shown in the left-hand figure, when the display panel operates in opaque mode, since the display door operates as a display using Android, various user interfaces can be output on the display panel.

[0189] On the other hand, Fig.10 As shown in the right side figure of , when the display panel operates in transparent mode, the user can confirm the interior of the refrigerator through the display door.

[0190] Fig.11 (a) is a diagram for explaining the transparent mode. Fig.11 (b) is a diagram for explaining the semi-transparent mode. Fig.11 (c) is a diagram for explaining the opaque mode. Fig.11(d) is a diagram for explaining the light-off mode.

[0191] Fig.11 The display panel 1100 may include an outermost LCD panel 1101, an LCD backlight module 1102, and an internal LED 1103. Here, the LCD backlight module 1102 may be located at the rear side of the LCD panel 1101 and emit light. In addition, Fig.11 The internal LEDs 1103 are shown to be located at the left and right ends of the display panel 1100 , but this is only an example and may be shown differently in subsequent drawings.

[0192] like Fig.11 As shown in (a), in order to operate in the transparent mode, the display panel 1100 can turn on only the internal LED 1103.

[0193] In addition, if Fig.11 As shown in (b), in order to operate in the semi-transparent mode, the display panel 1100 can turn on all the LCD backlight module 1102 and the internal LED 1103. At this time, the display panel 1100 can operate in the semi-transparent mode by adjusting the brightness of the LCD backlight module 1102 and the internal LED 1103.

[0194] In addition, if Fig.11 As shown in (c), in order to operate in the opaque mode, the display panel 1100 may only turn on the LCD backlight module 1102.

[0195] Finally, if Fig.11 As shown in (d) of FIG. 1 , in order to operate in the light-off mode, the display panel 1100 may turn off the LCD backlight module 1102 and the internal LED 1103. As a result, the image being outputted on the display panel 110 is hardly visible.

[0196] Fig.12 1 is a diagram for explaining the positions of the light guide plate and the light source of the LED door according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0197] Fig.12 (a) to Fig.12 (d) is a diagram showing the front side of the door of the refrigerator having a light source. In particular, Fig.12 (a) to Fig.12 (d) shows the doors with different light source positions. Fig.12 (a) to Fig.12 In (d), the configuration of the light source is mainly described. In order to guide the light output from the light source, the front plate and the light guide plate are of course included, and since Figure 6 It has been explained in , so it is omitted.

[0198] In more detail, Fig.12 (a) shows an embodiment in which the light source is located at the lower edge. Fig.12 (b) shows an embodiment in which the light source is located at the side edge, Fig.12 (c) shows an embodiment in which the light source is located at the lower and side edges, Fig.12 (d) shows an embodiment in which the position of the light source is perpendicular to the front plate of the door. Here, the position of the light source is only an example, and the position of the light source can certainly be located at the upper edge or the right side.

[0199] Therefore, in Fig.12 In (a), since the light source is located at the lower edge, if light is irradiated from the light source, the light guide plate (not shown) can transmit the light irradiated from bottom to top to the front plate. Fig.12 As shown in (a), the control unit of the refrigerator can only turn on a part of the light sources 1201 of the plurality of light sources 1200 disposed at the lower edge. In this case, from the user's perspective, only the first area 1202 is illuminated in the first color instead of the entire door.

[0200] Similarly, in Fig.12 In (b), since the light source is located at the side edge, if light is irradiated from the light source, the light guide plate can transmit the light irradiated from the left side to the right side to the front plate. Fig.12 As shown in (b), the control unit of the refrigerator can only turn on a part of the light sources 1204 of the plurality of light sources 1203 disposed on the left side. In this case, from the user's perspective, only the second area 1205 is in the second color, rather than the entire door emitting light.

[0201] like Fig.12 As shown in (c), when all the light sources are located at the lower edge and the left side edge, it can include Fig.12 (a) and Fig.12 In one embodiment, the control unit of the refrigerator can make a part of the light sources 1201 of the light sources 1200 located at the lower edge and a part of the light sources 1204 of the light sources 1203 located at the left side output light of different colors. In this case, from the user's perspective, different colors are output from the third area 1206, the fourth area 1207, and the fifth area 1208.

[0202] Finally, if Fig.12 As shown in (d) of FIG. 1 , the light source can be located perpendicular to the front panel. That is, the light source is located perpendicular to the door and irradiates light in the z-axis direction, rather than being located below or to the side of the door and irradiating light in the x-axis direction or the y-axis direction. This can be called a directly below type structure.

[0203] In one embodiment, the control unit of the refrigerator can independently control the light source located on the front of the door, so that different colors are output from the sixth area 1209, the seventh area 1210, and the eighth area 1211. Thus, the user can see that different colors are output from the sixth area 1209, the seventh area 1210, and the eighth area 1211.

[0204] in addition, Fig.12 (a) to Fig.12 The light source shown in (d) is characterized in that it is LED lighting capable of displaying RGB colors.

[0205] Thus, the refrigerator of one embodiment of the present invention can form various lighting effects according to the light source configuration. In addition, it has the advantage of being able to use the various lighting effects to display various information related to the refrigerator. The following is a detailed description of an embodiment of displaying various information.

[0206] Fig.13a and Fig.13b 1 is a diagram for explaining a method for identifying food in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0207] That is, in order to display various information related to the refrigerator by changing the color of the LED door according to the above-mentioned embodiment, the refrigerator needs to preferentially recognize information about food entering the inside of the refrigerator.

[0208] Fig.13a Indicates the actual user usage scenario. Fig.13a Flowchart showing refrigerator identification of food.

[0209] Reference Fig.13a , the user 1301 can approach the refrigerator 1300 with food 1302. In one embodiment, the display door 1303 as the upper door on the right side of the refrigerator can include a front camera 1304. The front camera 1303 can detect that the user 1301 approaches the refrigerator 1300 with food 1302.

[0210] In one embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator 1300 may include a front camera 1304 on the display door 1303, and at least one of the first door 1305, the second door 1306 and the third door 1307 includes a camera 1308, and may include an internal camera 1309 for photographing the interior of the refrigerator.

[0211] At this time, the refrigerator 1300 may include a camera for photographing food, and at least one camera may be included in the display door 1303 , the first door 1305 , the second door 1306 , the third door 1307 and the inside of the refrigerator 1300 .

[0212] That is, in Fig.13a In the embodiment, although a front camera 1304 provided on the display door 103, a door camera 1308 provided on the first door 1305, and an internal camera 1309 provided inside the refrigerator compartment corresponding to the third door 1307 are shown, this is just an option, and a camera for photographing food may be selectively provided.

[0213] Afterwards, the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention can be Fig.13b The process of identifying food.

[0214] Reference Fig.13b In step S1310, the refrigerator can recognize the user's approach through a front camera set on the display door.

[0215] In step S1311, the refrigerator can determine whether the user is holding food from the image recognized by the front camera. At this time, the display door of the refrigerator can include a front camera. Here, if the user does not hold food, the process ends.

[0216] In the case where the user is holding food in the image recognized by the camera, the refrigerator may perform a food recognition function through the display door in step S1312.

[0217] In step S1313, the refrigerator may determine whether the user has opened one of the refrigerator doors. The refrigerator of one embodiment of the present invention may include a display door to which Android is applied and three LED doors having LEDs as light sources. The refrigerator may determine whether the user has opened any one of the display door, the first door, the second door, and the third door.

[0218] If the user does not open the refrigerator door, step S1317 can be executed.

[0219] When the user opens the refrigerator door, it can be confirmed in step S1314 whether the user puts food into the refrigerator compartment with the opened door without food recognition and then closes the door.

[0220] When the user puts food into the refrigerator compartment with the opened door and closes the door without food recognition, the food may be photographed by a camera in the refrigerator compartment in step S1315.

[0221] When the user puts food into the refrigerator compartment of the opened door without food identification and does not close the door, the food can be photographed by the camera of the opened door in step S1316. That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, a front camera is provided on the display door, so that it can be confirmed whether the user is approaching, whether the user is holding food, and information about the food. In addition, cameras that can photograph food in an open state are provided on each door, and a camera is also provided inside the refrigerator, so that the food in the refrigerator can be photographed.

[0222] In step S1317, the refrigerator can use the front camera to photograph the food that the user is holding without the user opening the refrigerator door.

[0223] If food is photographed through steps S1315 to S1317, the refrigerator can extract information about the food from the photographed image in step S1318. Here, the information about the food may include the name of the food and the shelf life information of the food.

[0224] In step S1319, the refrigerator may display information about the extracted food on the display panel of the display door. Thereafter, the refrigerator may receive a user input from the user as to whether the information about the food displayed on the display panel is accurate.

[0225] In step S1320, as to whether the information about the food displayed on the display panel is accurate, if the user inputs confirmation, step S1322 can be executed, and if the input is inaccurate, step S1321 can be executed.

[0226] If the user confirms that the image is inaccurate, the camera can be used to take another photo of the food in step S1321. At this time, the camera in steps S1315 to S1317 can be used to take another photo of the food.

[0227] In addition, in the case where the user still determines that the information about the food is inaccurate despite repeatedly performing step S1320 and step S1321, the user may directly input the information about the food through the display panel.

[0228] When the user confirms that the information about the food output to the display panel is accurate, in step S1322, the door that the user opened to put the food into the refrigerator can be identified, and the camera inside the refrigerator of the door can be used to identify the location where the food was put in.

[0229] In step S1323, information about the food and the location in the refrigerator may be stored in a database of the food.

[0230] Can be based on Fig.13a and Fig.13bThe embodiments described below are described based on the recognized information about the food and the location in the refrigerator.

[0231] Fig.14 1 is a diagram for explaining a food management user interface of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0232] Since the refrigerator 1400 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a display door having a display panel 1401 capable of outputting content, various information may be output through the display panel 1401 .

[0233] Therefore, the present invention is to provide a food management user interface that matches the structure of the refrigerator storage compartments so that it is easy to understand and can grasp the status of the food and the storage quantity of each storage compartment at a glance.

[0234] That is, Fig.14 As shown in (b), the food management user interface can be output on the display panel 1401 as shown in Fig.14 (a) The actual configuration and size of the food doors and food storage compartments of the refrigerator 1400.

[0235] In more detail, Fig.14 The food management user interface of (b) can distinguish and output the door compartments 1402a, 1402b, 1402c, 1402d of the refrigerator 1400 and the storage compartments 1403a, 1403b, 1403c, 1403d of the refrigerator 1400. This reflects that users usually use the upper door compartments 1402a, 1402b and the storage compartments 1403a, 1403b of the refrigerator 1400 for refrigerated food, and use the lower door compartments 1402c, 1402d and the storage compartments 1403c, 1403d of the refrigerator 1400 for frozen food.

[0236] In one embodiment, the refrigerator 1400 may display the shelf life information 1404 of the food, the image 1405 of each food, and the food storage quantity 1406 of the compartment storing the food through the food management user interface 1401.

[0237] To this end, the refrigerator 1400 may display at least one food in the door compartments 1402a, 1402b, 1402c, 1402d and the storage compartments 1403a, 1403b, 1403c, 1403d using an indicator 1405. Fig.14 In the embodiment of the embodiment, a circular indicator 1405 is shown. In other embodiments, the refrigerator 1400 can display food with an image. Here, the image can correspond to an actual image that has been taken or an imaged virtual image.

[0238] In addition, the refrigerator 1400 can output the shelf life information 1404 of the food through the food management user interface 1401. In one embodiment, the refrigerator 1400 can output the shelf life information 1404 of the food in different colors. According to the above embodiment, since the shelf life information about the food is stored in the database, the refrigerator 1400 can judge the food that is close to the shelf life and the food that has exceeded the shelf life by comparing with the current date.

[0239] Thus, the refrigerator 1400 can output indicators of food that is close to its expiration date or food that has exceeded its expiration date in different colors. For example, the refrigerator 1400 can display the indicator 1404 of food that is close to its expiration date in yellow, and display the indicator 1404 of food that has exceeded its expiration date in red. Therefore, the user can directly know which food in which compartment is close to its expiration date, and which food in which compartment has exceeded its expiration date.

[0240] In addition, the refrigerator 1400 may display the food storage amount 1406 of the storage compartment. Here, the food storage amount 1406 may be output as an indicator 1406 in the form of a progress bar. More specifically, the food storage amount 1406 may be equivalent to a percentage (%) value obtained by dividing the amount of food stored in the door compartments 1402a, 1402b, 1402c, 1402d and the storage compartments 1403a, 1403b, 1403c, 1403d by the compartment.

[0241] For example, when the amount of food stored in the upper right door compartment 1402b of the refrigerator 1400 is 80%, the refrigerator 1400 may notify the user through the storage amount indicator 1406. At this time, the storage amount indicator 1406 may display 80%.

[0242] That is, through the food management user interface 1401 output to the display panel 1401, the user can intuitively know the expiration date information of the food and the amount of food stored in each compartment.

[0243] Fig.15a and Fig.15b 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of changing the door color based on the freshness of food in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0244] Reference Fig.15a(a), the refrigerator 1500 can identify food by at least one camera 1500a, 1500b, 1500c, 1500d included in the refrigerator 1500, and store the location and shelf life information of the food in the database according to the above embodiment. Here, the location of the at least one camera 1500a, 1500b, 1500c, 1500d is only an example, and it can be set at other locations for accurately grasping the location of the food.

[0245] Reference Fig.15a (b), the refrigerator 1500 may change the color of at least one of the first door 1501 , the second door 1502 , and the third door 1503 based on the shelf life of the food stored in the refrigerator 1500 .

[0246] In more detail, when the first door 1501 stores food with a first period (e.g., one week) or more of shelf life remaining, the refrigerator 1500 may change the first door 1501 to a first color (e.g., green). This is a case where the control of the refrigerator 1500 sets the light output from the light source at the lower end of the first door 1501 to green. For this, please refer to the aforementioned drawings.

[0247] In addition, when the second door 1502 stores food whose remaining shelf life is less than the first period, the refrigerator 1500 can change the second door 1502 to a second color (for example, yellow).

[0248] Likewise, when the third door 1503 stores food that has exceeded its shelf life, the refrigerator 1500 may change the third door 1503 to a third color (eg, red).

[0249] In one embodiment, the refrigerator 1500 may change the first period, the first color, the second color, and the third color according to the user's setting. In addition, the first period, the first color, the second color, and the third color may be determined and shipped during manufacturing.

[0250] That is, the door of the compartment storing food approaching the expiration date can be changed to a caution color, and the door of the compartment storing food exceeding the expiration date can be changed to a warning color. Thus, the user can easily grasp the expiration date information.

[0251] In addition, in one embodiment, the location of food that is adjacent to or has exceeded its expiration date may be more specifically indicated. Fig.15a(c), when the third door 1503 stores food that has exceeded its shelf life, the refrigerator 1500 may only change the color of the area where the specific food is located. That is, when the first position 1504 of the third door 1503 stores food that has exceeded its shelf life, the refrigerator 1500 may change the color of the third door 1503 to the first color and the color of the first position 1504 to the third color.

[0252] In addition, if only the color of the door is changed, the user cannot reliably know whether the food that has exceeded the shelf life is in the door compartment or in the storage compartment. Fig.15a (d) In the case where the first door 1501 stores food that has exceeded its shelf life, Fig.15a As shown in (c), the refrigerator 1500 can change the overall color of the first door 1501 to the first color and change the color of the second door 1505 to the third color.

[0253] Thereafter, when the food that has exceeded the shelf life is stored in the door compartment of the first door 1501, the refrigerator 1500 may output an indicator that flashes once at the second position 1505 of the first door 1501. Conversely, when the food that has exceeded the shelf life is stored in the storage compartment of the first door 1501, the refrigerator 1500 may output an indicator that flashes twice at the second position 1505 of the first door 1501. This output of a flashing indicator may be applied to a case where the light source is a directly below type structure.

[0254] In addition, refer to Fig.15b (a), when the food that has exceeded its shelf life is located at the second position 1505 of the first door 1501, the refrigerator 1500 can output light of a darker color at the second position 1505 as the time after the food exceeds its shelf life increases.

[0255] like Fig.12 As shown, the position of the light source of the door of the refrigerator 1500 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be configured in one of the following structures: lower edge type, side edge type, lower and side edge type, and directly below type. Thus, the refrigerator 1500 can output different colors only in a part of the area by adjusting the light source. Fig.15b In addition, Fig.15b (b) to Fig.15b In (d), it is assumed that the food that has exceeded its shelf life is located at the second position 1505 of the first door 1501 of the refrigerator 1500.

[0256] Fig.15b (b) is a diagram showing the position of food that has exceeded its shelf life when a side edge type light source structure is used, Fig.15b(c) is a diagram showing the location of food that has exceeded its shelf life when a lower and side edge type light source structure is used, Fig.15b (d) is a diagram showing the position of food that has exceeded its shelf life when a directly below-type light source structure is used.

[0257] In addition, if Fig.14 As described above, the display door including the display panel in the refrigerator 1500 can output the food management user interface instead of the door including the LED light source. The description of this will be omitted.

[0258] Previously, in a home appliance such as a refrigerator having a storage space, when the internal state thereof needs to be confirmed, the door needs to be opened. Therefore, a refrigerator is proposed, in which the internal state of the refrigerator can be confirmed on the door by inputting a tapping gesture on at least one of the doors, even without opening the door of the refrigerator.

[0259] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that information inside the refrigerator is displayed by inputting a tapping gesture.

[0260] In particular, the display door of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a display panel that can be converted into a transparent mode, a semi-transparent mode, and an opaque mode, and thus an embodiment of outputting various user interfaces on the display panel based on a tapping gesture is proposed.

[0261] Since the display panel has a transparent mode, a semi-transparent mode, and an opaque mode, when receiving a tap gesture from the user, the refrigerator can quickly switch to the transparent mode, the semi-transparent mode, and the opaque mode of the display panel. Fig.16 This is described in detail in .

[0262] In addition, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first door, a second door, and a third door having LED light sources, so even when the interior cannot be viewed through the doors, information about the food in the refrigerator can be roughly determined based on the color output by the LED light sources.

[0263] In addition, in one embodiment, the refrigerator can provide different information to each user based on the action of the received tap gesture. Fig.19 This is described in detail in .

[0264] Fig.16 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of converting a display panel into a transparent mode based on a tap gesture in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0265] Reference Fig.16When a knock gesture 1603 is detected on the display door 1601, the refrigerator 1600 may switch the display panel 1602 to a transparent mode. Fig.10 and Fig.11 One of the modes of the display panel 1602 described above.

[0266] In more detail, the refrigerator 1600 may detect a tap gesture 1603 at the display door 1601. Here, the tap gesture 1603 indicates a gesture of a user tapping the door of the refrigerator 1600 with his hand.

[0267] At this time, in order to recognize the tap gesture 1603, the refrigerator 1600 may be installed with a microphone sensor. In one embodiment, the refrigerator 1600 may install a microphone sensor on at least one of the first door, the second door, the third door, and the display door 1601. The tap gesture 1603 may be recognized by installing at least one microphone sensor inside the refrigerator 1600. At this time, the refrigerator 1600 may determine which door the user tapped based on the volume of the tap gesture 1603 detected by the microphone sensor.

[0268] In addition, in another embodiment, the refrigerator 1600 may recognize the tap gesture 1603 based on a camera installed at least one of the first door, the second door, the third door, and the display door 1601. That is, the refrigerator 1600 may include various sensors for recognizing the tap gesture 1603.

[0269] In addition, in yet another embodiment, the refrigerator 1600 may recognize the tap gesture 1603 through a touch sensor provided on the display panel of the display door 1601. Here, in the case where the display panel itself is implemented by a touch screen or a touch pad, the touch sensor may be included in the display panel.

[0270] When the refrigerator 1600 converts the display panel 1602 into a transparent mode based on the tap gesture 1603 , the user may confirm the state of the internal compartment of the refrigerator 1600 corresponding to the display door 1601 through the display panel 1602 .

[0271] Fig.17 The figure is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which an image of the interior of the refrigerator is output on a display panel based on a tap gesture. Hereinafter, descriptions repeated with the above-mentioned embodiment are omitted.

[0272] According to the above description, the refrigerator 1700 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first door 1701, a second door 1702, a third door 1703 and a display door 1704. Here, the first door 1701, the second door 1702 and the third door 1703 may have LEDs capable of outputting RGB colors as light sources.

[0273] and Fig.16 different, Fig.17 This illustrates an embodiment in which the user inputs a tap gesture 1705 not at the display door 1704 but at one of the first door 1701 , the second door 1702 , and the third door 1703 .

[0274] When a tap gesture 1705 is detected on any one of the first door 1701 , the second door 1702 , and the third door 1703 , the refrigerator 1700 may output an internal image of the refrigerator 1700 corresponding to the door on which the tap gesture 1705 is detected on the display panel 1706 of the display door 1704 .

[0275] For example, when the user inputs a tap gesture 1705 at the first door 1701, the refrigerator 1700 may output an image capturing the interior of the refrigerator 1700 corresponding to the first door 1701 on the display panel 1706. To this end, the refrigerator 1700 may include a camera capable of capturing the interior compartment of the refrigerator 1700 corresponding to the first door 1701. At this time, the refrigerator 1700 may include at least one camera for capturing the interior compartments of the refrigerator 1700 corresponding to the first door 1701, the second door 1702, the third door 1703, and the display door 1704.

[0276] In addition, in one embodiment, when the user inputs a tap gesture 1705 on the first door 1701 , the refrigerator 1700 may light-on the light source of the first door 1701 where the tap gesture 1705 is input.

[0277] Thus, when the user inputs a tap gesture 1705 at the first door 1701 , the internal compartment of the refrigerator 1700 corresponding to the first door 1701 may be confirmed through the display panel 1706 .

[0278] Fig.18 1 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of changing the color of a door of a refrigerator in which a knock gesture is detected according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0279] Reference Fig.18(a), the refrigerator 1800 can output each area of ​​the storage compartment of the refrigerator 1800 corresponding to the first door 1801, the second door 1802 and the third door 1803 in one color on the first door 1801, the second door 1802 and the third door 1803 by using a light source arranged at the rear ends of the first door 1801, the second door 1802 and the third door 1803.

[0280] For example, when the storage compartment of the refrigerator 1800 corresponding to the first door 1801 is divided into a first area 1801a, a second area 1801b and a third area 1801c, the refrigerator 1800 can output light of colors that can distinguish the first area 1801a, the second area 1801b and the third area 1801c from the light source.

[0281] In one embodiment, when the tap gesture 1805 is detected, the refrigerator 1800 may change the color of the door that detects the tap gesture 1805. For example, when the tap gesture 1805 is detected from the first door 1801, the refrigerator 1800 may change the color of the first door 1801.

[0282] Reference Fig.18 (b) , when a tap gesture 1805 is detected, the refrigerator 1800 may output information about food located inside the refrigerator corresponding to a door where the tap gesture 1805 is detected.

[0283] In more detail, when a tap gesture 1805 is detected from the first door 1801, the refrigerator 1800 may output information about food located inside the refrigerator corresponding to the first door 1801 by adjusting the color of the door.

[0284] For example, when the remaining shelf life of the food located in the first area 1801a and the third area 1801c is more than the first period and the remaining shelf life of the food located in the second area 1801b is less than the first period, when the tap gesture 1805 is detected, the refrigerator 1800 may change the first area 1801a and the third area 1801c of the first door 1801 to the first color and change the second area 1801b of the first door 1801 to the second color. Here, the first color may correspond to green and the second color may correspond to yellow.

[0285] Thus, when the user knocks on the first door 1801, it can be confirmed that the remaining shelf life of the food located in the second area 1801b of the first door 1801 is not long.

[0286] In addition, in one embodiment, when a tap gesture 1805 is detected from the first door 1801, the refrigerator 1800 may output information about food located inside the refrigerator corresponding to the first door 1801 on the display panel 1806. At this time, the refrigerator 1800 may output the shape of the first door 1801 of the refrigerator 1800 on the display panel 1806.

[0287] In more detail, the refrigerator 1800 may output information about foods contained in the first area 1801 a , the second area 1801 b , and the third area 1801 c of the first door 1801 on the display panel 1806 .

[0288] In one embodiment, when the remaining shelf life of the food in the first area 1801a is more than the first period, the refrigerator 1800 may output the first area 1801a in the first color on the display panel 1806. Similarly, when the remaining shelf life of the food in the third area 1801c is less than the first period, the refrigerator 1800 may output the third area 1801c in the second color.

[0289] In another embodiment, the refrigerator 1800 may output the names of the foods located in the first area 1801 a , the second area 1801 b , and the third area 1801 c on the display panel 1806 .

[0290] Fig.19 1 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of changing the color of a portion of a door area matching a tap gesture in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0291] Reference Fig.19 (a), the refrigerator 1900 can detect a tap gesture 1905 from at least one of the first door, the second door, and the third door.

[0292] at this time, Fig.19 The tap gesture 1905 and Fig.18 The tap gesture 1805 is different. For example, if Fig.18 The tapping gesture 1805 is a case where the door of the refrigerator 1800 is tapped once. Fig.19 The knock gesture 1905 may be a case of knocking three times on the door of the refrigerator 1900. This knock gesture 1905 may be determined according to user settings in the refrigerator 1900.

[0293] Reference Fig.19(b), when the tap gesture 1905 is received, the refrigerator 1900 may change the color of the door that matches the tap gesture 1905. In addition, when the tap gesture 1905 is received, the refrigerator 1900 may change the color of a portion of at least one of the first door, the second door, and the third door. Here, the portion of at least one door is the region that matches the tap gesture 1905.

[0294] In more detail, the tap gesture 1905 may correspond to a gesture matching the second area 1901b of the first door, the second area 1902b of the second door, and the second area 1903b of the third door. In this case, when the tap gesture 1905 is received, the refrigerator 1900 may change the color of the second area 1901b of the first door, the second area 1902b of the second door, and the second area 1903b of the third door.

[0295] At this time, the matching of the tap gesture 1905 with the door and the matching of the tap gesture 1905 with a partial area of ​​the door can be set through the display panel 1906 of the refrigerator 1900.

[0296] For example, when the user inputs the tap gesture 1905 three times, the refrigerator 1900 can determine that the user has selected the second area 1901b of the first door, the second area 1902b of the second door, and the second area 1903b of the third door, and when the user inputs the tap gesture four times (not shown), the refrigerator 1900 can determine that the user has selected the third area of ​​the first door and the third area of ​​the second door. Thus, the refrigerator 1900 can change the color of the door or the color of a part of the door area that matches the tap gesture 1905 by distinguishing the tap gesture 1905.

[0297] In addition, according to the tap gesture 1905, the refrigerator 1900 can change the color of the second area 1901b of the first door, the second area 1902b of the second door, and the second area 1903b of the third door, and can output information about the food located in the second area 1901b of the first door, the second area 1902b of the second door, and the second area 1903b of the third door on the display panel 1906.

[0298] Fig. 20 The figure is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of outputting an image of the inside of a refrigerator through a user interface output on a display panel in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, descriptions repeated with the above-mentioned embodiment will be omitted.

[0299] Reference Fig. 20(a), the refrigerator 2000 may output a user interface representing the refrigerator 2000 on the display panel 2006. At this time, the refrigerator 2000 may receive an input signal 2005, which selects one of the first door 2001, the second door 2002, and the third door 2004 in the user interface representing the refrigerator 2000. Here, the input signal 2005 may correspond to a signal that the user touches one of the first door 2001, the second door 2002, and the third door 2004 in the user interface representing the refrigerator 2000 output by the display panel 2006. That is, the display panel 2006 is a touchable screen, and thus can receive a touch input signal from the user.

[0300] Reference Fig. 20 (b), the refrigerator 2000 can display the interior of the refrigerator 2000 corresponding to the door corresponding to the input signal 2005 based on the input signal 2005.

[0301] In more detail, Fig. 20 In (a), when the refrigerator 2000 receives an input signal 2005 for selecting the first door 2001 in the user interface through the display panel 2006, the refrigerator 2000 may convert the display panel 2006 into an opaque mode, and may output the interior of the refrigerator 2000 corresponding to the first door 2001 on the display panel 2006. To this end, the refrigerator 2000 may include an internal camera that captures the internal compartments of the refrigerator 2000 corresponding to the first door 2001, the second door 2002, and the third door 2003.

[0302] Fig.21 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0303] In step S2110, the refrigerator may receive the tapping gesture. At this time, the refrigerator may determine from which door the tapping gesture is input through a microphone sensor and a camera.

[0304] When the tap gesture is received, the refrigerator may execute any one of steps S2150 to S2160.

[0305] In step S2120, the refrigerator may switch the display panel to a transparent mode. In particular, when a tap gesture is received from the display panel, the refrigerator may switch the display panel to a transparent mode. Fig.16 Same description as .

[0306] In step S2130, the refrigerator may change the color of the door. In particular, the refrigerator may change the color of the door that receives the tap gesture. The method of changing the color of the door is as follows. The refrigerator irradiates light from an LED light source capable of outputting RGB colors to a light guide plate included in the door, and the light irradiated to the light guide plate passes through a front plate included in the door, so that the color is emitted from the front plate. The description of this is the same as Fig.18 Same description as .

[0307] In step S2140, the refrigerator may change the color of a portion of the door. In particular, the refrigerator may change the color of a portion of the door based on information about food located inside the refrigerator compartment corresponding to the door that received the tap gesture. Fig.18 and Fig.19 Same description as .

[0308] In step S2150, the refrigerator may output an image of the interior of the refrigerator corresponding to the door on the display panel. Fig.17 and Fig. 20 Same description as .

[0309] In step S2160, the refrigerator may output information about the food located inside the refrigerator compartment corresponding to the door receiving the tap gesture on the display panel. For example, the refrigerator may output the name of the food located inside the refrigerator compartment corresponding to the door receiving the tap gesture and the shelf life of the food on the display panel. Fig.18 and Fig.19 Same description as .

[0310] Furthermore, steps S2120 to S2160 may be performed in parallel.

[0311] In this way, in a household appliance with a door, the user can confirm the internal information by inputting a tapping gesture even without opening the door. That is, the user can easily confirm the status of the food inside the refrigerator even without opening the door. In addition, the refrigerator can set different tapping gestures according to different users, thereby providing personalized information (favorite food, etc.).

[0312] The present invention described above can be implemented by a computer-readable code in a medium having a program recorded thereon. Computer-readable media include all kinds of recording devices storing data that can be read by a computer system. Examples of computer-readable media include hard disk drives (HDD: Hard Disk Drive), solid state disks (SSD: Solid State Disk), silicon disk drives (SDD: Silicon Disk Drive), ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, optical data storage devices, etc., and can also be implemented in the form of carrier waves (e.g., Internet-based transmission). In addition, the computer may also include a control unit. Therefore, the detailed description described above should not be construed as restrictive in all respects, but should be construed as exemplary. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the present invention should fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0313] Industrial Applicability

[0314] The present invention can be repeatedly implemented in a refrigerator and a control method of a refrigerator, and thus has industrial applicability.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that: include: A box body, forming at least one space; A display door, which opens and closes the space and is composed of a display panel that outputs information; The first door, the second door and the third door open and close the space and detect a tapping gesture; as well as A control unit, controlling the display panel; The control unit receives a tap gesture detected from at least one of the first door, the second door, and the third door, The control unit performs an action based on the received tap gesture.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tap gesture is detected by a microphone sensor.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The microphone sensor is installed at least one of the first door, the second door, the third door, and the display door.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tap gesture is detected by a touch sensor.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, characterized in that: The touch sensor is installed on at least one of the first door, the second door, the third door, and the display door.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The display door detects the tap gesture, The control unit controls the display panel to operate in one of a transparent mode, a semi-transparent mode and an opaque mode. If a first tap gesture detected through the display door is received, the control part converts the display panel into the transparent mode.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one of the first door, the second door, and the third door further comprises an internal camera for photographing the interior of the refrigerator, If a second tap gesture is detected from any one of the first door, the second door, and the third door, the control unit outputs the refrigerator interior image corresponding to the door where the second tap gesture is detected through the display panel.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 7, characterized in that: The control unit outputs a user interface for displaying the refrigerator on the display panel, The control unit receives an input signal in the user interface for selecting one of the first door, the second door, and the third door, The control part outputs the refrigerator interior image corresponding to the door selected on the display panel based on the input signal.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first door, the second door and the third door have light sources capable of outputting RGB colors. The first door, the second door, and the third door include a front plate and a light guide plate that guides light to the front plate. The control unit irradiates light to the light guide plate by using the light source, The light irradiated to the light guide plate passes through the front plate. If the light source is switched on, a colour will be emitted on the front panel.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 9, characterized in that: If a third tap gesture detected from any one of the first door, the second door, and the third door is received, the control part changes a color of the door where the third tap gesture is detected.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 10, characterized in that: The control part outputs information about food located inside the refrigerator corresponding to the door in which the third tap gesture is detected on the display panel based on the third tap gesture.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 10, characterized in that: If the third tap gesture is received, the control part changes the color of the door where the third tap gesture is detected based on information about food located inside the refrigerator corresponding to the door where the third tap gesture is detected.

13. The refrigerator according to claim 10, characterized in that: If a fourth tap gesture detected from any one of the first door, the second door, and the third door is received, the control portion changes a color of the door matched with the fourth tap gesture, the fourth tap gesture being different from the third tap gesture.

14. The refrigerator according to claim 13, characterized in that: If the fourth tap gesture is received, the control unit changes a color of a partial area of ​​at least one of the first door, the second door, and the third door, the partial area of ​​the at least one door being an area matched with the fourth tap gesture.

15. The refrigerator according to claim 9, characterized in that: The light source included in at least one of the first door, the second door and the third door is configured as one of a lower edge type, a side edge type, a lower edge type, a side edge type and a directly below type structure.

16. A method for controlling a refrigerator, characterized in that: The refrigerator comprises: A box body, forming at least one space; A display door, which opens and closes the space and is composed of a display panel that outputs information; The first door, the second door, and the third door open and close the space and detect a tap gesture; and A control unit, controlling the display panel; The refrigerator control method comprises: receiving a tap gesture detected from at least one of the first door, the second door, and the third door; and The step of performing an action based on the received tap gesture.

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