Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator comprises a main body including a first door and a second door, a door opening device for opening the first door and the second door, a first proximity sensor disposed adjacent to the first door, a second proximity sensor disposed adjacent to the second door, and a control unit. The control unit controls the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor to operate alternately, and based on sensing data acquired from the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor, identifies a door close to an external object that has approached within a threshold distance from the refrigerator, and controls the door opening device to open the identified door among the first door and the second door.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator and a method for controlling the same, and more specifically, to a refrigerator that automatically opens a door by identifying an external object and a method for controlling the same. Background Technology

[0002] The refrigerator can determine whether a person is near it through a sensor. If it is determined that a person is nearby, the refrigerator can perform a pre-set action. Here, the pre-set action may include turning the display on or outputting a voice notification.

[0003] In addition, the refrigerator can perform the action of automatically opening or closing the refrigerator door according to predefined conditions. However, additional human action may be required for the action of automatically opening or closing the door, and there was a problem in that the automatic opening or closing action could not be performed through completely contactless commands.

[0004] In addition, even when using at least one sensor to identify people, there was a problem with low accuracy in determining whether a person was approaching.

[0005] Therefore, there was a problem in that it was difficult to determine which of the multiple doors the user intended to open. The problem to be solved

[0006] The present disclosure is designed to improve upon the aforementioned problem, and the purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator and a control method thereof that alternately operate a plurality of proximity sensors to identify a door intended by a user among a plurality of doors. means of solving the problem

[0007] A refrigerator according to the present embodiment for achieving the above-described purpose comprises a main body including a first door and a second door, a door opening device for opening the first door and the second door, a first proximity sensor disposed adjacent to the first door, a second proximity sensor disposed adjacent to the second door, and a control unit. The control unit controls the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor to operate alternately, and based on sensing data acquired from the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor, identifies a door close to an external object that has approached within a threshold distance from the refrigerator, and controls the door opening device to open the identified door among the first door and the second door.

[0008] Here, the main body further includes a third door positioned below the first door and a fourth door positioned below the second door, and the first proximity sensor is positioned in the third door, and the second proximity sensor may be positioned between the fourth door.

[0009] Here, the refrigerator may further include a first light-emitting unit disposed on the first door and a second light-emitting unit disposed on the second door, and the control unit may identify access distance information of the external object and control at least one of the first light-emitting unit or the second light-emitting unit based on the identified access distance information of the external object.

[0010] Here, the control unit may turn on at least one of the first light-emitting unit or the second light-emitting unit when the external object approaches within a first threshold distance, and may flash the light-emitting unit placed on the identified door among the first light-emitting unit or the second light-emitting unit when the external object approaches within a second threshold distance shorter than the first threshold distance.

[0011] Here, the control unit controls the door opening device to open the identified door when the external object is identified to have moved out of the second threshold distance after being located within the second threshold distance for a first threshold time, and controls the door opening device not to open the identified door when the external object is identified to have moved out of the second threshold distance for a second threshold time greater than the first threshold time within the second threshold distance.

[0012] Here, the refrigerator may further include an output unit, and the control unit may output guide information through the output unit when the external object is identified within the second threshold distance and exceeds the second threshold time.

[0013] Meanwhile, the refrigerator may further include a third proximity sensor disposed on the third door and a fourth proximity sensor disposed on the fourth door, and the control unit may control the third proximity sensor and the fourth proximity sensor to operate alternately.

[0014] Here, the control unit can control the door opening device to stop the opening of the first door if it is identified that an external object exists in a preset area corresponding to the third proximity sensor while the first door is being opened, and control the door opening device to stop the opening of the second door if it is identified that an external object exists in a preset area corresponding to the fourth proximity sensor while the second door is being opened.

[0015] Meanwhile, the control unit may turn off the second proximity sensor and the fourth proximity sensor while turning on the first proximity sensor and the third proximity sensor, and turn on the second proximity sensor and the fourth proximity sensor while turning off the first proximity sensor and the third proximity sensor.

[0016] Meanwhile, the third proximity sensor may be placed on the bottom surface (or cap door) of the third door, and the fourth proximity sensor may be placed on the bottom surface (or cap door) of the fourth door, and the sensing direction of the third proximity sensor and the sensing direction of the fourth proximity sensor may be different.

[0017] Meanwhile, the refrigerator may further include a third proximity sensor and a fifth proximity sensor placed on the third door, and a fourth proximity sensor and a sixth proximity sensor placed on the fourth door, and the control unit turns off the second proximity sensor, the fourth proximity sensor, and the sixth proximity sensor while the first proximity sensor, the third proximity sensor, and the fifth proximity sensor are turned on, and turns on the second proximity sensor, the fourth proximity sensor, and the sixth proximity sensor while the first proximity sensor, the third proximity sensor, and the fifth proximity sensor are turned off, and the sensing direction of at least two of the third to sixth proximity sensors may be different.

[0018] A control method for a refrigerator comprising a main body including a first door and a second door according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a door opening device for opening the first door and the second door, a first proximity sensor disposed adjacent to the first door, and a second proximity sensor disposed adjacent to the second door, comprises the steps of: controlling the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor to operate alternately; identifying a door close to an external object that has approached within a threshold distance from the refrigerator based on sensing data acquired from the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor; and controlling the door opening device to open the identified door among the first door and the second door.

[0019] Here, the main body may further include a third door positioned below the first door and a fourth door positioned below the second door, and the first proximity sensor may be positioned in the third door and the second proximity sensor may be positioned in the fourth door.

[0020] Here, the refrigerator may further include a first light-emitting unit disposed on the first door and a second light-emitting unit disposed on the second door, and the control method of the refrigerator may further include the step of identifying access distance information of the external object and the step of controlling at least one of the first light-emitting unit or the second light-emitting unit based on the identified access distance information of the external object.

[0021] Here, the step of controlling at least one of the first light-emitting unit or the second light-emitting unit may be to turn on at least one of the first light-emitting unit or the second light-emitting unit when the external object approaches within a first threshold distance, and to flash the light-emitting unit placed on the identified door among the first light-emitting unit or the second light-emitting unit when the external object approaches within a second threshold distance shorter than the first threshold distance.

[0022] Here, the control method of the refrigerator may further include the step of controlling the door opening device to open the identified door when the external object is identified to have moved out of the second threshold distance after being located within the second threshold distance for a first threshold time, and the step of controlling the door opening device not to open the identified door when the external object is identified to have exceeded a second threshold time greater than the first threshold time within the second threshold distance.

[0023] Here, the refrigerator may further include an output unit, and may further include a step of outputting guide information through the output unit when the external object is identified within the second threshold distance and exceeds the second threshold time.

[0024] Meanwhile, the refrigerator may further include a third proximity sensor disposed on the third door and a fourth proximity sensor disposed on the fourth door, and may further include a step of controlling the third proximity sensor and the fourth proximity sensor to operate alternately.

[0025] Here, the control method of the refrigerator may further include the step of controlling the door opening device to stop the opening of the first door when it is identified that an external object exists in a preset area corresponding to the third proximity sensor while the first door is being opened, and the step of controlling the door opening device to stop the opening of the second door when it is identified that an external object exists in a preset area corresponding to the fourth proximity sensor while the second door is being opened.

[0026] Meanwhile, the control method of the refrigerator may further include the step of turning off the second proximity sensor and the fourth proximity sensor while turning on the first proximity sensor and the third proximity sensor, and the step of turning on the second proximity sensor and the fourth proximity sensor while turning off the first proximity sensor and the third proximity sensor. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0027] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a refrigerator (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram of a refrigerator (100) according to FIG. 1. Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating a proximity sensor. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the characteristic graph of a proximity sensor. FIG. 5 is a front view illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment. Fig. 6 is a perspective view taken from the AA direction of Fig. 5. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the alternating control operation of a refrigerator according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a front view illustrating a refrigerator according to another embodiment. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a third door (113) according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a plan view of the third door (113) and the fourth door (114) according to one embodiment. FIG. 11 is a plan view of the third door (113) and the fourth door (114) according to another embodiment. FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining the alternating control operation of a refrigerator according to another embodiment. FIG. 13 is a front view of a refrigerator (100) according to another embodiment. FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the third door (113) and the fourth door (114) according to another embodiment. FIG. 15 is a front view of a third door (113) according to one embodiment. FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the third door (113) and the fourth door (114) according to another embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the alternating control operation of a refrigerator according to another embodiment. FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the first door (111) and the second door (112) according to one embodiment. Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating the sensing area of ​​a refrigerator. FIG. 20 is a drawing for explaining the door opening operation of a refrigerator (100) according to one embodiment. FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining the subsequent operation of the door opening operation of FIG. 20. FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the subsequent operation of the door opening operation of FIG. 21. FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining the subsequent operation of the door opening operation of FIG. 22. FIG. 24 is a drawing for explaining the door opening operation of a refrigerator (100) according to another embodiment. FIG. 25 is a drawing for explaining the control operation of a refrigerator (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 26 is a drawing for explaining the control operation of a refrigerator (100) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating the danger area detection rate according to the placement of the proximity sensor of the refrigerator (100). FIG. 28 is a flowchart of a control method for a refrigerator according to one embodiment. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0028] The present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0029] The terms used in the embodiments of this disclosure have been selected to be as widely used as possible, taking into account their functions within this disclosure; however, these terms may vary depending on the intent of those skilled in the art, case law, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Additionally, in specific cases, terms have been arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the relevant explanatory section of this disclosure. Therefore, terms used in this disclosure should be defined not merely by their names, but based on their meanings and the overall content of this disclosure.

[0030] In this specification, expressions such as “have,” “may have,” “include,” or “may include” indicate the presence of such features (e.g., numerical values, functions, operations, or components such as parts) and do not exclude the presence of additional features.

[0031] The expression "at least one of A or / and B" should be understood as representing either "A" or "B" or "A and B".

[0032] Expressions such as "first," "second," "first," or "second" used in this specification may modify various components regardless of order and / or importance, and are used only to distinguish one component from another and do not limit said components.

[0033] Where it is stated that a component (e.g., Component 1) is "(operatively or communicatively) coupled with / to" or "connected to" another component (e.g., Component 2), it should be understood that the component may be directly connected to the other component or connected through the other component (e.g., Component 3).

[0034] The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "consisting of" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0035] In the present disclosure, a "module" or "part" performs at least one function or operation and may be implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software. Additionally, a plurality of "modules" or a plurality of "parts" may be integrated into at least one module and implemented by at least one processor (not shown), except for a "module" or "part" that needs to be implemented in specific hardware.

[0036] In this specification, the term "user" may refer to a person using an electronic device or a device using an electronic device (e.g., an artificial intelligence electronic device).

[0037] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a refrigerator (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 1, the refrigerator (100) may be composed of a main body (110), a proximity sensor (120), a door opening device (130), and a control unit (140).

[0040] Here, the refrigerator (100) may be a device for refrigerating or freezing a body by cooling it with cold air generated through a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator according to a refrigeration cycle.

[0041] The main body (110) may include a first door (111) and a second door (112).

[0042] The proximity sensor (120) is a sensor that detects objects without contact and can be used to detect the presence of an object near the refrigerator (100). The proximity sensor (120) can be placed on the front of at least one of the multiple doors, and one or multiple sensors can be placed. The proximity sensor (120) can be implemented, for example, as an optical proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, an inductive proximity sensor, etc. The proximity sensor (120) can be an IR proximity sensor (120). The refrigerator (100) can detect the approach of an external object not only through the proximity sensor (120) but also through a front camera or microphone.

[0043] The proximity sensor (120) may include a first proximity sensor (121) and a second proximity sensor (122).

[0044] The door opening device (130) may refer to a module that automatically opens a plurality of doors attached to the main body of the refrigerator (100). Meanwhile, the door opening device (130) may be included in a door opening / closing module, and the door opening / closing module may include a door opening device (130) and a door closing device (not shown). Accordingly, the door opening / closing module may automatically open at least one door using the door opening device (130) or automatically close at least one door using the door closing device (not shown).

[0045] The control unit (140) can perform overall control operations of the refrigerator (100). Specifically, the control unit (140) functions to control the overall operation of the refrigerator (100).

[0046] The control unit (140) may be implemented as a digital signal processor (DSP) that processes digital signals, a microprocessor, or a time controller (TCON). However, it is not limited thereto, and may include or be defined by one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), a micro controller unit (MCU), a micro processing unit (MPU), a controller, an application processor (AP), a graphics-processing unit (GPU), a communication processor (CP), or an ARM processor. Additionally, the control unit (140) may be implemented as a System on Chip (SoC) or a large-scale integration (LSI) with a built-in processing algorithm, or may be implemented in the form of a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). Furthermore, the control unit (140) can perform various functions by executing computer executable instructions stored in memory.

[0047] A refrigerator (100) according to the present embodiment may include a main body (110) including a first door (111) and a second door (112), a door opening device (130) for opening the first door (111) and the second door (112), a first proximity sensor (121) disposed adjacent to the first door (111), a second proximity sensor (122) disposed adjacent to the second door (112), and a control unit (140).

[0048] Here, the control unit (140) controls the first proximity sensor (121) and the second proximity sensor (122) to operate alternately, and based on the sensing data obtained from the first proximity sensor (121) and the second proximity sensor (122), identifies a door close to an external object that has approached within a threshold distance from the refrigerator (100), and controls the door opening device (130) to open the identified door among the first door (111) and the second door (112).

[0049] Alternate control means that the first proximity sensor (121) and the second proximity sensor (122) do not operate simultaneously, but rather when the first proximity sensor (121) operates, the second proximity sensor (122) does not operate, and when the first proximity sensor (121) does not operate, the second proximity sensor (122) operates. A detailed explanation of the alternating control will be described later in FIGS. 7, FIGS. 12, and FIGS. 17.

[0050] Additionally, as the first proximity sensor (121) and the second proximity sensor (122) operate according to a preset period, the control unit (140) can acquire sensing data from the first proximity sensor (121) and the second proximity sensor (122). Furthermore, based on the acquired sensing data, the control unit (140) can identify whether there is an external object in the sensing direction of the first proximity sensor (121) or the sensing direction of the second proximity sensor (122), and if it is identified that there is an external object, it can identify how far the external object is.

[0051] Additionally, the control unit (140) can compare the sensing data obtained from the first proximity sensor (121) with the sensing data obtained from the second proximity sensor (122). Since the first proximity sensor (121) and the second proximity sensor (122) operate alternately, they may not simultaneously determine the approach of an external object. However, if the cycle of the alternating operation is shortened to a short time, the external object can be detected by both the first proximity sensor (121) and the second proximity sensor (122). Here, the control unit (140) can identify whether the external object is closer to either the first proximity sensor (121) or the second proximity sensor (122). And, if it is determined that the external object is close to the first proximity sensor (121), the control unit (140) can identify that the external object has approached the first door (111). And, if it is determined that an external object is close to the second proximity sensor (122), the control unit (140) can identify that the external object has approached the second door (112).

[0052] And, the control unit (140) can control the door opening device (130) to open at least one of the identified first door (111) or second door (112) based on a preset event. Here, a specific description of the preset event is provided later in FIGS. 19 to 26.

[0053] Meanwhile, according to an implementation example, the control unit (140) can control the door opening device (130) to open both the first door (111) and the second door (112) when it is determined that an external object is within a threshold distance from the first proximity sensor (121) and the second proximity sensor (122).

[0054] Here, the main body (110) further includes a third door (113) positioned below the first door (111) and a fourth door (114) positioned below the second door (112), and a first proximity sensor (121) may be positioned in the third door (113) and a second proximity sensor (122) may be positioned in the space of the fourth door (114).

[0055] A second door (112) may be positioned adjacent to the first door (111) in the horizontal direction, a third door (113) may be positioned adjacent to the first door (111) in the vertical direction, and a fourth door (114) may be positioned adjacent to the first door (111) in the vertical direction.

[0056] Additionally, the first proximity sensor (121) may be positioned in the upper area of ​​the third door (113) and may be positioned adjacent to the first door (111). Additionally, the second proximity sensor (122) may be positioned in the upper area of ​​the fourth door (114) and may be positioned adjacent to the second door (112).

[0057] Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the first proximity sensor (121) and the second proximity sensor (122) may be placed in a bezel area rather than a door. The first proximity sensor (121) may be placed in the space between the first door (111) and the third door (113) on the main body (110), and the second proximity sensor (122) may be placed in the space between the second door (112) and the fourth door (114) on the main body (110).

[0058] The description of each door (111, 112, 113, 114) and the proximity sensors (121, 122) is given later in FIG. 5.

[0059] Here, the refrigerator (100) may further include a first light-emitting unit (151) disposed on a first door (111) and a second light-emitting unit (152) disposed on a second door (112), and the control unit (140) may identify information on the approach distance of an external object and control at least one of the first light-emitting unit (151) or the second light-emitting unit (152) based on the identified information on the approach distance of an external object.

[0060] The first light-emitting unit (151) and the second light-emitting unit (152) may be units comprising at least one light-emitting element. Each light-emitting unit (151, 152) may emit light. The first light-emitting unit (151) may be placed on the bottom surface of the first door (111), and the second light-emitting unit (152) may be placed on the bottom surface of the second door (112).

[0061] Additionally, the control unit (140) can identify approach distance information of an external object based on sensing data obtained from the first proximity sensor (121) and the second proximity sensor (122). Then, if the approach distance information of the external object is within a first threshold distance, the control unit can control at least one of the first light-emitting unit (151) or the second light-emitting unit (152) to operate in a first light-emitting mode. Furthermore, if the approach distance information is within a second threshold distance, the control unit can control at least one of the first light-emitting unit (151) or the second light-emitting unit (152) to operate in a second light-emitting mode.

[0062] For example, assume that the first threshold distance is 60 cm and the second threshold distance is 30 cm. If the approach distance information of an external object is 50 cm, the control unit (140) can control at least one of the first light-emitting unit (151) or the second light-emitting unit (152) to operate in the first light-emitting mode. Additionally, if the approach distance information of an external object is 20 cm, the control unit (140) can control at least one of the first light-emitting unit (151) or the second light-emitting unit (152) to operate in the second light-emitting mode.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the control unit (140) can control both the first light-emitting unit (151) and the second light-emitting unit (152) to operate in the first light-emitting mode when the approach distance information of the identified external object is within the first threshold distance. Then, after both the first light-emitting unit (151) and the second light-emitting unit (152) have operated in the first light-emitting mode, if the approach distance information of the external object is within the second threshold distance, the control unit (140) can identify the door closer to the external object among the first door (111) and the second door (112), and control only the light-emitting unit attached to the identified door to operate in the second light-emitting mode. That is, when the external object approaches within the first threshold distance, both the first light-emitting unit (151) and the second light-emitting unit (152) operate in the first light-emitting mode, and thereafter, when the external object approaches within the second threshold distance, only one light-emitting unit closer to the external object can operate in the second light-emitting mode. Here, according to an implementation example, if it is determined that an external object approaches within a second threshold distance and both the first door (111) and the second door (112) are opened, both the first light-emitting unit (151) and the second light-emitting unit (152) can be controlled to operate in a second light-emitting mode.

[0064] According to another embodiment, if the approach distance information of the identified external object is within a first threshold distance, the control unit (140) can control only the light-emitting unit identified as being closer to the external object among the first light-emitting unit (151) and the second light-emitting unit (152) to operate in the first light-emitting mode. Then, after the identified light-emitting unit operates in the first light-emitting mode, the control unit (140) can acquire sensing data only from the proximity sensor placed adjacent to the door containing the identified light-emitting unit. Then, the control unit (140) can acquire the approach distance information of the external object based on the acquired sensing data. If the approach distance information of the external object is within a second threshold distance, the control unit (140) can control the identified light-emitting unit to operate in the second light-emitting mode. That is, when the external object approaches within the first threshold distance, only the light-emitting unit closer to the external object among the first light-emitting unit (151) and the second light-emitting unit (152) operates in the first light-emitting mode, and the proximity sensor adjacent to the light-emitting unit operating in the first light-emitting mode can be identified. And, the control unit (140) can acquire sensing data only through the proximity sensor, and if the approach distance information is within the second threshold distance, the light-emitting unit that operated in the first light-emitting mode can be controlled to operate in the second light-emitting mode.

[0065] Here, the control unit (140) can turn on at least one of the first light-emitting unit (151) or the second light-emitting unit (152) when an external object approaches within a first threshold distance, and can flash the light-emitting unit placed on the identified door among the first light-emitting unit (151) or the second light-emitting unit (152) when an external object approaches within a second threshold distance shorter than the first threshold distance.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the first light emission mode may mean a mode in which a light-emitting element irradiates light with a constant illuminance, and the second light emission mode may mean a mode in which a light-emitting element irradiates light in a blinking manner.

[0067] According to another embodiment, the first light emission mode may be a mode that emits light of a first color, and the second mode may be a mode that emits light of a second color different from the first color.

[0068] According to another embodiment, the first emission mode and the second emission mode may be modes in which at least one of the emission time, emission frequency, and emission wavelength is different.

[0069] Meanwhile, the control unit (140) can control the door opening device (130) to open the identified door if the external object is identified as having moved out of the second threshold distance after being located within the second threshold distance for a first threshold time, and can control the door opening device (130) not to open the identified door if the external object is identified as having exceeded the second threshold time, which is greater than the first threshold time, within the second threshold distance.

[0070] Here, the criteria for calculating the first threshold time and the second threshold time may be the point in time when an external object is first detected within the second threshold distance. For example, when an external object first approaches within 30 cm of the refrigerator (100), the control unit (140) can determine whether the external object is within 30 cm of the refrigerator (100) at the first threshold time or the second threshold time from the time the approach begins.

[0071] The control unit (140) can control the door opening device (130) to automatically open the door based on a preset event. Here, the preset event may refer to an event in which an external object is detected within a first threshold distance, an external object is detected within a second threshold distance, and an external object is not detected within the second threshold distance. A detailed explanation related to this will be described later in FIGS. 19 to 23.

[0072] Here, the refrigerator (100) may further include an output unit, and the control unit (140) may output guide information through the output unit when an external object is identified within a second threshold distance and exceeds a second threshold time.

[0073] Here, the output unit may include at least one of a display (172) or a speaker (173). Here, if an external object is identified within a second threshold distance and exceeds a second threshold time, the control unit (140) may output guide information through the output unit to convey to the user that they must move away from the door. For example, the control unit (140) may display image information through the display (172) informing the user that the door can be opened automatically only if they move away from the door. Additionally, the control unit (140) may output audio information through the speaker (173) informing the user that the door can be opened automatically only if they move away from the door.

[0074] Meanwhile, the refrigerator (100) may further include a third proximity sensor (123) placed on the third door (113) and a fourth proximity sensor (124) placed on the fourth door (114), and the control unit (140) may control the third proximity sensor (123) and the fourth proximity sensor (124) to operate alternately.

[0075] A detailed explanation related to this will be described later in FIGS. 8 to 12.

[0076] Here, the control unit (140) can control the door opening device (130) to stop opening the first door (111) when it is identified that an external object exists in a preset area corresponding to the third proximity sensor (123) while the first door (111) is being opened, and can control the door opening device (130) to stop opening the second door (112) when it is identified that an external object exists in a preset area corresponding to the fourth proximity sensor (124) while the second door (112) is being opened.

[0077] Meanwhile, although it is expressed here as "while the first door (111) is being opened," the control unit (140) can control the door opening device (130) to stop the opening of the door even when the first door (111) is not actually being opened but is being prepared to be opened.

[0078] Meanwhile, the control unit (140) can turn off the second proximity sensor (122) and the fourth proximity sensor (124) while turning on the first proximity sensor (121) and the third proximity sensor (123), and turn off the second proximity sensor (122) and the fourth proximity sensor (124) while turning off the first proximity sensor (121) and the third proximity sensor (123).

[0079] That is, the control unit (140) can alternately control the first proximity sensor (121) to the fourth proximity sensor (124), and a detailed explanation will be provided later in FIG. 12.

[0080] Meanwhile, the third proximity sensor (123) may be placed on the bottom surface of the third door (113), and the fourth proximity sensor (124) may be placed on the bottom surface of the fourth door (114), and the sensing direction of the third proximity sensor (123) and the sensing direction of the fourth proximity sensor (124) may be different.

[0081] The arrangement of the third proximity sensor (123) and the fourth proximity sensor (124) will be described later in FIG. 8. Furthermore, the reason the sensing directions of the third proximity sensor (123) and the fourth proximity sensor (124) are different may be due to the difference in position between the light receiving part and the light emitting part. Since the light receiving part of the proximity sensor is always skewed in a certain direction, if the sensing directions of the third proximity sensor (123) and the fourth proximity sensor (124) were the same, the external object detection area of ​​the refrigerator (100) could be skewed in a certain direction. Therefore, to solve this problem, the third proximity sensor (123) and the fourth proximity sensor (124) can be arranged so that their sensing directions are different. A detailed explanation related to this will be described later in FIG. 27.

[0082] Meanwhile, the refrigerator (100) may further include a third proximity sensor (123) and a fifth proximity sensor (125) disposed on the third door (113), and a fourth proximity sensor (124) and a sixth proximity sensor (126) disposed on the fourth door (114), and the control unit (140) turns off the second proximity sensor (122), the fourth proximity sensor (124), and the sixth proximity sensor (126) while the first proximity sensor (121), the third proximity sensor (123), and the fifth proximity sensor (125) are turned on, turns on the second proximity sensor (122), the fourth proximity sensor (124), and the sixth proximity sensor (126) while the first proximity sensor (121), the third proximity sensor (123), and the fifth proximity sensor (125) are turned off, and at least two of the sensors among the third proximity sensor (123) to the sixth proximity sensor (126) The sensing direction may vary.

[0083] The third proximity sensor (123) and the fifth proximity sensor (125) may be positioned adjacent to the third door (113), and the fourth proximity sensor (124) and the sixth proximity sensor (126) may be positioned adjacent to the fourth door (114).

[0084] A detailed explanation related to this will be described later in FIGS. 13 to 17.

[0085] Meanwhile, a refrigerator (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can identify which of a plurality of doors to automatically open. Here, a plurality of proximity sensors may be used, and the sensors may be controlled alternately so that interference does not occur between the plurality of proximity sensors. If interference does not occur between the plurality of proximity sensors, the accuracy of identifying the door corresponding to the user's intention can be improved.

[0086] In addition, a refrigerator (100) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure can control a light-emitting part such that the light-emitting mode differs depending on the detection distance of an external object. This can improve user convenience in that it can intuitively guide the user to an automatic opening operation.

[0087] FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram of a refrigerator (100) according to FIG. 1.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 2, the refrigerator (100) may include a main body (110), a proximity sensor (120), a door opening device (130), a control unit (140), a first light-emitting unit (151), a second light-emitting unit (152), a first infrared sensor (161), a second infrared sensor (162), a memory (171), a display (172), a speaker (173), an input unit (174), a driving unit (175), a power supply unit (176), a door sensor (177), a communication unit (178), and a memory (179).

[0089] Meanwhile, regarding the operations of the first door (111), the second door (112), the first proximity sensor (121), the second proximity sensor (122), the door opening device (130), and the control unit (140), redundant descriptions of operations identical to those previously described are omitted.

[0090] Here, the main body (110) may include a first door (111), a second door (112), a third door (113), and a fourth door (114).

[0091] Here, the proximity sensor (120) may include a first proximity sensor (121), a second proximity sensor (122), a third proximity sensor (123), a fourth proximity sensor (124), a fifth proximity sensor (125), and a sixth proximity sensor (126).

[0092] The first light-emitting unit (151) and the second light-emitting unit (152) may include a plurality of light-emitting elements and may irradiate light.

[0093] The first infrared sensor (161) and the second infrared sensor (162) may refer to sensors that output infrared light and receive infrared light reflected by an object to detect the position of the object.

[0094] The memory (171) may be implemented as internal memory such as ROM (e.g., EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory)) or RAM included in the control unit (140), or as a memory separate from the control unit (140). In this case, the memory (171) may be implemented as a memory embedded in the refrigerator (100) or as a memory that can be attached to the refrigerator (100) depending on the purpose of data storage. For example, data for operating the refrigerator (100) may be stored in the memory embedded in the refrigerator (100), and data for the expansion function of the refrigerator (100) may be stored in the memory that can be attached to the refrigerator (100).

[0095] The display (172) can be implemented as various types of displays such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes) display, and a PDP (Plasma Display Panel). The display (172) may also include a driving circuit, a backlight unit, etc., which can be implemented in forms such as an a-si TFT, an LTPS (low temperature poly silicon) TFT, and an OTFT (organic TFT). Meanwhile, the display (172) can be implemented as a touch screen combined with a touch sensor, a flexible display, a 3D display, etc.

[0096] The speaker (173) may be a component that outputs various audio data processed at the input / output interface, as well as various notification sounds or voice messages.

[0097] The input unit (174) can receive user input and transmit it to the control unit (140). The input unit (174) may be, for example, at least one of a touch sensor, a (digital) pen sensor, a pressure sensor, a key, etc. The touch sensor may use at least one of, for example, a capacitive, pressure-sensitive, infrared, or ultrasonic method. The (digital) pen sensor may, for example, be part of a touch panel or include a separate recognition sheet. The key may include, for example, a physical button, an optical key, or a keypad.

[0098] The driving unit (175) may include a compressor (175-1), a fan (175-2), a filter (175-3), or a heater (175-4) that operates under the control of the control unit (140). The driving unit (175) may further include a light (not shown) or an odor deodorizer (not shown).

[0099] The compressor (175-1) can compress the refrigerant, which is the working fluid of the refrigeration cycle, under the control of the control unit (140). The refrigeration cycle may include a condenser (not shown) that converts the gaseous refrigerant compressed by the compressor (175-1) into a liquid refrigerant, an expander (not shown) that reduces the pressure of the liquid refrigerant, and an evaporator (not shown) that vaporizes the reduced-pressure liquid refrigerant. The control unit (140) can control the temperature of the storage room through the vaporization of the liquid refrigerant. Additionally, the refrigerator may control the temperature of the storage room through a Peltier element (not shown) utilizing the Peltier effect and a magnetic cooling device (not shown) utilizing the magnetocaloric effect.

[0100] The fan (175-2) can circulate external air under the control of the control unit (140). Air heated by the cooling cycle can be cooled by heat exchange through the external air.

[0101] The filter (175-3) can sterilize (or remove) bacteria floating or attached within the storage room under the control of the control unit (140). The filter (175-3) may include an ion sterilization cleaning unit.

[0102] The heater (175-4) can remove frost generated by the control of the control unit (140). The heater (175-4) may include a defrosting heater.

[0103] The power supply unit (176) can supply power to the components of the refrigerator under the control of the control unit (140). The power supply unit (176) can supply power input from an external power source through a power cord (not shown) to each component of the refrigerator under the control of the control unit (140).

[0104] The door sensor (177) may be a sensor capable of identifying whether the door attached to (included in) the refrigerator (100) is open or closed. The door sensor (177) may generate information corresponding to the opening or closing of the door, and the door sensor (177) may transmit the generated sensing information to the control unit (140). The door sensor (177) may detect whether the refrigerator door or the freezer door of the refrigerator is open or closed. The door sensor (177) may be implemented in a form that generates an event and outputs data when a user opens the door. Specifically, the door sensor (177) may check for contact with a physical configuration to verify whether the door is open or closed.

[0105] The communication interface (178) is a configuration that performs communication with various types of external devices according to various types of communication methods. For example, the communication interface (178) may include a Wi-Fi module, a Bluetooth module, an infrared communication module, and a wireless communication module. The Wi-Fi module and the Bluetooth module perform communication according to the Wi-Fi method and the Bluetooth method, respectively. The wireless communication module may include at least one communication chip that performs communication according to various wireless communication standards such as Zigbee, 3G (3rd Generation), 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (LTE Advanced), 4G (4th Generation), and 5G (5th Generation), in addition to the communication methods described above.

[0106] Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating a proximity sensor.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 3, the first proximity sensor (121) may consist of a light-emitting part (121-1) and a light-receiving part (121-2).

[0108] The first proximity sensor (121) may be a sensor for identifying external objects (things or people, etc.). According to one embodiment, the first proximity sensor (121) may output light of a predetermined wavelength through a light-emitting part (121-1) and receive the output light through a light-receiving part (121-2). For example, the first proximity sensor (121) may be an infrared sensor.

[0109] Meanwhile, according to another embodiment, the first proximity sensor (121) can identify an external object using electromagnetic waves or sound waves of a predetermined wavelength.

[0110] Meanwhile, the details regarding the first proximity sensor (121) can be applied in the same way to the second proximity sensor (122) to the sixth proximity sensor (126).

[0111] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the characteristic graph of a proximity sensor.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 4, the proximity sensors (121 to 126) may output voltages that vary depending on the distance from an external object. Based on the graph (405), the proximity sensors output a maximum output voltage at a predefined distance (5 cm to 10 cm), and the output voltage of the proximity sensors may decrease at a distance greater than that (a distance greater than 5 cm to 10 cm). Additionally, the reflectivity may vary depending on the color of the external object. For example, a light color (e.g., white) may have a reflectivity of about 90%, and a dark color (e.g., gray) may have a reflectivity of about 18%.

[0113] Meanwhile, at a distance greater than the previously defined distance, the output voltage of the proximity sensor decreases, but within a distance shorter than the previously defined distance, the output voltage of the proximity sensor may increase. Therefore, a distance at which the output voltage of the proximity sensor is the same may occur. For example, the distance corresponding to an output voltage of 2V of the proximity sensor may be approximately 4cm and approximately 18cm. Therefore, at least two proximity sensors may be used to calculate the accurate distance to an external object. For example, the approach of an external object can be detected using a first proximity sensor (121) and a second proximity sensor (122). The refrigerator (100) can detect the approach of an external object based on sensing data obtained from at least two proximity sensors.

[0114] FIG. 5 is a front view illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 5, the refrigerator (100) may include a first door (111), a second door (112), a third door (113), a fourth door (114), a first proximity sensor (121), and a second proximity sensor (122).

[0116] According to one embodiment, the first proximity sensor (121) and the second proximity sensor (122) may be placed on the bottom doors (113 and 114), respectively. Specifically, the first proximity sensor (121) may be placed on the third door (113), and the second proximity sensor (122) may be placed on the fourth door (114).

[0117] Meanwhile, according to another embodiment, the first proximity sensor (121) and the second proximity sensor (122) may be positioned in the central part of the refrigerator body. Here, the central part of the refrigerator body may refer to a central bezel that can distinguish between the first door (111) and the second door (112) and the third door (113) and the fourth door (115).

[0118] The refrigerator (100) can acquire sensing data using a first proximity sensor (121) and a second proximity sensor (122), and can perform a door opening operation based on the acquired sensing data.

[0119] Fig. 6 is a perspective view taken from the AA direction of Fig. 5.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 6, the first proximity sensor (121) may be positioned at the top of the third door (113). Specifically, the first proximity sensor (121) may be positioned at the top right of the third door (113). Here, the first proximity sensor (121) may be positioned so as not to be in contact with the bottom surface of the first door (111).

[0121] Likewise, the second proximity sensor (122) may be positioned at the top of the fourth door (114). Specifically, the second proximity sensor (122) may be positioned at the top left of the fourth door (114). Here, the second proximity sensor (122) may be positioned so as not to be in contact with the bottom surface of the second door (112).

[0122] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the alternating control operation of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 7, graphs (705, 710) may represent the applied voltage over time for each proximity sensor (121, 122).

[0124] When the first proximity sensor (121) is turned on, the second proximity sensor (122) may be turned off. Here, the state in which the proximity sensor is turned off may mean that the voltage applied to the proximity sensor corresponds to a value of vi, and the state in which the proximity sensor is turned off may mean that the voltage applied to the proximity sensor corresponds to 0. v1 may mean the voltage applied to the first proximity sensor (121), and v2 may mean the voltage applied to the second proximity sensor (122).

[0125] The refrigerator (100) can control the proximity sensors so that the second proximity sensor (122) is turned off when the first proximity sensor (121) is turned on from time 0 to time t1. Additionally, the refrigerator (100) can control the proximity sensors so that the second proximity sensor (122) is turned on when the first proximity sensor (121) is turned off from time t1 to time t2. Additionally, the refrigerator (100) can control the proximity sensors so that the second proximity sensor (122) is turned off when the first proximity sensor (121) is turned on from time t2 to time t3. Additionally, the refrigerator (100) can control the proximity sensors so that the second proximity sensor (122) is turned on when the first proximity sensor (121) is turned off from time t3 to time t4.

[0126] FIG. 8 is a front view illustrating a refrigerator according to another embodiment.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 8, the refrigerator (100) may include a first door (111), a second door (112), a third door (113), a fourth door (114), a first proximity sensor (121), a second proximity sensor (122), a third proximity sensor (123), and a fourth proximity sensor (124).

[0128] The descriptions of the first door (111), second door (112), third door (113), fourth door (114), first proximity sensor (121), and second proximity sensor (122) have already been described in FIG. 5, so redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0129] According to one embodiment, the third proximity sensor (123) and the fourth proximity sensor (124) may be placed on the bottom surface of the refrigerator (100). Specifically, the third proximity sensor (123) and the fourth proximity sensor (124) are placed on the bottom surface of the refrigerator to detect an external object located in front of the refrigerator (100).

[0130] Here, the third proximity sensor (123) and the fourth proximity sensor (124) may have different sensing directions facing the front of the refrigerator (100). Specifically, having different sensing directions may mean that the angle of placement of the sensors is different relative to a plane parallel to the bottom surface of the door.

[0131] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a third door (113) according to one embodiment.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 9, a third proximity sensor (123) may be positioned on the bottom surface of the third door (113), and the third proximity sensor (123) may be attached to the third proximity sensor (123) by means of a fixing part (123-1) and a cover (123-2). Here, the fixing part (123-1) may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the third proximity sensor (123) so as to be in contact with the bottom surface of the third door (113) and to be attached to the third proximity sensor (123). Additionally, the cover (123-2) may have a shape corresponding to the fixing part (123-1) and the third proximity sensor (123) to protect the third proximity sensor (123).

[0133] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the third door (113) and the fourth door (114) according to one embodiment.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 10, the first proximity sensor (121) may be positioned at the top of the third door (113), and the second proximity sensor (122) may be positioned at the top of the fourth door (114). The first proximity sensor (121) and the second proximity sensor (122) may be positioned in the same sensing direction toward the front of the refrigerator (100).

[0135] When the first proximity sensor (121) and the second proximity sensor (122) are positioned in the same sensing direction, the sensing area of ​​the first proximity sensor (121) and the sensing area of ​​the second proximity sensor (122) may partially overlap. Here, the sensing area may refer to a pre-configured area in which the proximity sensor can detect an external object. The pre-configured area may be divided into multiple areas (danger area, detection area) according to user settings.

[0136] FIG. 11 is a plan view of the third door (113) and the fourth door (114) according to another embodiment.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 11, the first proximity sensor (121) and the second proximity sensor (122) may be positioned facing forward, with the sensing direction shifted to the left or right relative to the front. Specifically, the first proximity sensor (121) may be positioned rotated to the right by a first threshold angle toward the front of the refrigerator (100), and the second proximity sensor (122) may be positioned rotated to the left by a second threshold angle toward the front of the refrigerator (100). Here, the first threshold angle and the second threshold angle may be different.

[0138] Unlike the embodiment of FIG. 10, which is positioned facing forward without rotation, the first proximity sensor (121) and the second proximity sensor (122) of FIG. 11 may be positioned with their sensing direction shifted to the left or right. Therefore, unlike the embodiment of FIG. 10, the sensing area of ​​the first proximity sensor (121) and the sensing area of ​​the second proximity sensor (122) may not overlap. That is, the first proximity sensor (121) and the second proximity sensor (122) may be positioned so that their sensing areas do not overlap.

[0139] However, the rotation angle at which the first proximity sensor (121) and the second proximity sensor (122) are positioned may be smaller than the rotation angle of the third proximity sensor (123) to the sixth proximity sensor (126). The first proximity sensor (121) and the second proximity sensor (122) can detect the central area of ​​the front of the refrigerator (100), and the third proximity sensor (123) to the sixth proximity sensor (126) can detect the left area or the right area of ​​the front of the refrigerator (100).

[0140] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining the alternating control operation of a refrigerator according to another embodiment.

[0141] Referring to FIG. 12, graphs (1205, 1210, 1215, 1220) may represent the applied voltage over time of each proximity sensor (121, 122, 123, 124).

[0142] v3 may mean a voltage applied to the third proximity sensor (123), and v4 may mean a voltage applied to the fourth proximity sensor (124). The rest of the description is the same as that in FIG. 7, so it is omitted from the description.

[0143] The refrigerator (100) can control the proximity sensors so that the second proximity sensor (122) and the fourth proximity sensor (124) are turned off when the first proximity sensor (121) and the third proximity sensor (123) are turned on from time 0 to time t1. Additionally, the refrigerator (100) can control the proximity sensors so that the second proximity sensor (122) and the fourth proximity sensor (124) are turned on when the first proximity sensor (121) and the third proximity sensor (123) are turned off from time t1 to time t2. Additionally, the refrigerator (100) can control the proximity sensors so that the second proximity sensor (122) and the fourth proximity sensor (124) are turned off when the first proximity sensor (121) and the third proximity sensor (123) are turned on from time t2 to time t3. Additionally, the refrigerator (100) can control the proximity sensors so that when the first proximity sensor (121) and the third proximity sensor (123) are off from time t3 to time t4, the second proximity sensor (122) and the fourth proximity sensor (124) are turned on.

[0144] FIG. 13 is a front view of a refrigerator (100) according to another embodiment.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 13, the refrigerator (100) may include a first door (111), a second door (112), a third door (113), a fourth door (114), a first proximity sensor (121), a second proximity sensor (122), a third proximity sensor (123), a fourth proximity sensor (124), a fifth proximity sensor (125), and a sixth proximity sensor (126).

[0146] Here, the third proximity sensor (123) and the fifth proximity sensor (125) may be placed on the third door (113), and the fourth proximity sensor (124) and the sixth proximity sensor (126) may be placed on the fourth door (114). Specifically, the third proximity sensor (123) and the fifth proximity sensor (125) may be placed on the bottom surface of the third door (113), and the fourth proximity sensor (124) and the sixth proximity sensor (126) may be placed on the bottom surface of the fourth door (114).

[0147] Here, the first proximity sensor (121) may be positioned at the top of the third door (113), and the second proximity sensor (122) may be positioned at the top of the fourth door (114).

[0148] FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the third door (113) and the fourth door (114) according to another embodiment.

[0149] Referring to FIG. 14, the third proximity sensor (123) and the fifth proximity sensor (125) may be placed on the bottom surface of the third door (113), and the fourth proximity sensor (124) and the sixth proximity sensor (126) may be placed on the bottom surface of the fourth door (114).

[0150] Here, the sensing directions of at least two of the third proximity sensor (123) to the sixth proximity sensor (126) may be different. Here, the sensing direction may mean the direction in which the proximity sensor faces the front of the refrigerator (100).

[0151] The third proximity sensor (123) may be positioned rotated to the right by a third critical angle toward the front of the refrigerator (100), the fourth proximity sensor (124) may be positioned rotated to the left by a fourth critical angle toward the front of the refrigerator (100), the fifth proximity sensor (125) may be positioned rotated to the right by a fifth critical angle toward the front of the refrigerator (100), and the sixth proximity sensor (126) may be positioned rotated to the left by a sixth critical angle toward the front of the refrigerator (100). Here, at least two of the third to sixth critical angles may be different.

[0152] A refrigerator (100) according to an embodiment in which the critical angles of the third proximity sensor (123) to the sixth proximity sensor (126) are arranged differently can sense a wider detection area than a refrigerator (100) according to an embodiment in which the same critical angle is used.

[0153] FIG. 15 is a front view of a third door (113) according to one embodiment.

[0154] Referring to FIG. 15, the third proximity sensor (123) and the fifth proximity sensor (125) may be positioned on the bottom surface of the third door (113). Additionally, the third proximity sensor (123) and the fifth proximity sensor (125) may have different sensing directions. For example, the third proximity sensor (123) may be positioned rotated to the right by a third critical angle toward the front of the refrigerator (100), and the fifth proximity sensor (125) may be positioned rotated to the right by a fifth critical angle toward the front of the refrigerator (100).

[0155] Here, according to one embodiment, the third threshold angle may be greater than the fifth threshold angle. Since the central area of ​​the front area of ​​the refrigerator (100) can be detected through the first proximity sensor (121) and the second proximity sensor (122), the third proximity sensor (123) and the fifth proximity sensor (125) may be positioned with their sensing directions rotated so as to sense the right area of ​​the front area of ​​the refrigerator (100) facing the front of the refrigerator (100). Here, the reason the fifth threshold angle must be greater than the third threshold angle may be that since the third proximity sensor (123) is positioned towards the center of the refrigerator (100), it must be positioned rotated at a greater angle than the fifth proximity sensor (125) to sense the right area of ​​the front area of ​​the refrigerator (100) facing the front of the refrigerator (100).

[0156] Meanwhile, although not illustrated, the fourth proximity sensor (124) and the sixth proximity sensor (126) may be positioned on the bottom surface of the fourth door (114), and the sensing directions of the fourth proximity sensor (124) and the sixth proximity sensor (126) may be different. For example, the fourth proximity sensor (124) may be positioned rotated to the left by a fourth threshold angle toward the front of the refrigerator (100), and the sixth proximity sensor (126) may be positioned rotated to the left by a sixth threshold angle toward the front of the refrigerator (100). Meanwhile, the fourth threshold angle may be a value greater than the sixth threshold angle.

[0157] FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the third door (113) and the fourth door (114) according to another embodiment.

[0158] Referring to FIG. 16, the third proximity sensor (123) to the sixth proximity sensor (126) may all have different sensing directions. By controlling the sensing directions differently, the refrigerator (100) can accurately identify external objects in the danger zone and detection zone.

[0159] According to one embodiment, the third proximity sensor (123) and the fifth proximity sensor (125) can be arranged so that the sensing area detectable by the third proximity sensor (123) and the sensing area detectable by the fifth proximity sensor (125) partially overlap.

[0160] According to another embodiment, the third proximity sensor (123) and the fifth proximity sensor (125) can be positioned so that the sensing area detectable by the third proximity sensor (123) and the sensing area detectable by the fifth proximity sensor (125) do not overlap.

[0161] The refrigerator (100) according to one embodiment has a reduced sensing area compared to the refrigerator (100) according to another embodiment, but can perform sophisticated analysis. This is because the sensing data obtained from the third proximity sensor (123) and the sensing data obtained from the fifth proximity sensor (125) can be combined and analyzed since the area for detecting external objects partially overlaps.

[0162] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the alternating control operation of a refrigerator according to another embodiment.

[0163] Referring to FIG. 17, the graph (1705, 1710, 1715, 1720, 1725, 1730) may represent the applied voltage over time for each proximity sensor (121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126).

[0164] v4 may mean a voltage applied to the fourth proximity sensor (124), and v6 may mean a voltage applied to the sixth proximity sensor (126). Other descriptions are the same as those in FIG. 7 and FIG. 12, so they are omitted from the description.

[0165] The refrigerator (100) can control the proximity sensors so that when the first proximity sensor (121), the third proximity sensor (123), and the fifth proximity sensor (125) are turned on from time 0 to time t1, the second proximity sensor (122), the fourth proximity sensor (124), and the sixth proximity sensor (126) are turned off. Additionally, the refrigerator (100) can control the proximity sensors so that when the first proximity sensor (121), the third proximity sensor (123), and the fifth proximity sensor (125) are turned off from time t1 to time t2, the second proximity sensor (122), the fourth proximity sensor (124), and the sixth proximity sensor (126) are turned on. Additionally, the refrigerator (100) can control the proximity sensors so that the second proximity sensor (122), the fourth proximity sensor (124), and the sixth proximity sensor (126) are turned off when the first proximity sensor (121), the third proximity sensor (123), and the fifth proximity sensor (125) are turned on from time t2 to time t3. Additionally, the refrigerator (100) can control the proximity sensors so that the second proximity sensor (122), the fourth proximity sensor (124), and the sixth proximity sensor (126) are turned on when the first proximity sensor (121), the third proximity sensor (123), and the fifth proximity sensor (125) are turned off from time t3 to time t4.

[0166] FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the first door (111) and the second door (112) according to one embodiment.

[0167] Referring to FIG. 18, at least one of the first light-emitting unit (151) or the first infrared sensor (161) may be placed in the first door (111). Additionally, at least one of the second light-emitting unit (152) or the second infrared sensor (162) may be placed in the second door (112).

[0168] Specifically, at least one of the first light-emitting part (151) or the first infrared sensor (161) may be placed on the bottom surface of the first door (111). Here, at least one of the first light-emitting part (151) or the first infrared sensor (161) may be placed on the right edge area of ​​the bottom surface of the first door (111) (the left edge area facing the front of the refrigerator (100)).

[0169] Additionally, at least one of the second light-emitting part (152) or the second infrared sensor (162) may be placed on the bottom surface of the second door (112). Here, at least one of the second light-emitting part (152) or the second infrared sensor (162) may be placed on the left edge area of ​​the bottom surface of the second door (112) (the right edge area facing the front of the refrigerator (100)).

[0170] Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating the sensing area of ​​a refrigerator.

[0171] Referring to FIG. 19, the refrigerator (100) can detect whether an external object is identified in a preset area based on sensing data obtained through a proximity sensor. The preset area may vary depending on the user's settings.

[0172] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (100) may determine the area corresponding to the distance (d1) from the refrigerator (100) to a first threshold distance and the distance (d2) from the refrigerator (100) to a second threshold distance as a detection area. Additionally, the refrigerator (100) may determine the area corresponding to the distance (d2) from the refrigerator (100) to a second threshold distance as a danger area. Here, the danger area may be a Product Liability area. A Product Liability area may refer to an area where a user of the product may suffer injury during the essential operation of the product.

[0173] According to another embodiment, the refrigerator (100) may determine a distance (d1) from the refrigerator (100) to a first threshold distance as a detection area, and determine a region corresponding to a distance (d2) from the refrigerator (100) to a second threshold distance as a danger area.

[0174] The difference between one embodiment and another embodiment may be the extent to which the detection area is set. In one embodiment, the danger area does not correspond to the detection area, whereas in another embodiment, the danger area may be included in the detection area. Assuming that a person has directly approached the danger area, in one embodiment, it can be identified that an external object has not approached, whereas in another embodiment, it can be identified that an external object has approached.

[0175] FIG. 20 is a drawing for explaining the door opening operation of a refrigerator (100) according to one embodiment.

[0176] Referring to FIG. 20, the refrigerator (100) may further include a first light-emitting part (151) and a second light-emitting part (152).

[0177] The refrigerator (100) can identify whether an external object exists in the detection area. Here, the detection area may be divided into an upper detection area and a lower detection area. The upper detection area may refer to an area identifiable by the first proximity sensor (121) and the second proximity sensor (122). Additionally, the lower detection area may refer to an area identifiable by the third proximity sensor (123) through the sixth proximity sensor (126).

[0178] Here, the detection area is assumed to extend from the refrigerator (100) to a threshold distance (d1). The refrigerator (100) can identify whether an external object (1000) is present in the detection area based on sensing data obtained from at least one of the first proximity sensor (121) to the sixth proximity sensor (126). If an external object (1000) is present in the detection area, the refrigerator (100) can control the first light-emitting unit (151) and the second light-emitting unit (152) to operate in a first light-emitting mode. Here, the first light-emitting mode may be a mode that continuously emits light with the same illuminance (or a mode that turns on the light-emitting unit).

[0179] Since light is emitted in the first light-emitting mode when no light is emitted through the light-emitting part, the user can easily recognize that it is the stage before automatic door opening is performed.

[0180] FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining the subsequent operation of the door opening operation of FIG. 20.

[0181] Referring to FIG. 21, the refrigerator (100) identifies that an external object (1000) is present in the detection area and controls the first light-emitting unit (151) and the second light-emitting unit (152) to operate in the first light-emitting mode. Afterward, the refrigerator (100) can identify whether the external object (1000) is present in the danger area based on sensing data obtained from at least one of the first proximity sensor (121) to the sixth proximity sensor (126).

[0182] Here, the danger area may be divided into an upper danger area and a lower danger area. The upper danger area may refer to an area detectable by the first proximity sensor (121) and the second proximity sensor (122), and the lower danger area may refer to an area detectable by the third proximity sensor (123) to the sixth proximity sensor (126).

[0183] Here, the danger zone is assumed to extend from the refrigerator (100) to a critical distance (d2). If an external object (1000) is present in the danger zone, the refrigerator (100) can control at least one light-emitting unit so that at least one of the first light-emitting unit (151) or the second light-emitting unit (152) operates in a second light-emitting mode. Here, the second light-emitting mode may be a mode that emits light in a blinking form.

[0184] Since light is output in a second light-emitting mode different from the first light-emitting mode, the user can easily recognize that it is the stage before automatic door opening is performed.

[0185] FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the subsequent operation of the door opening operation of FIG. 21.

[0186] Referring to FIG. 22, after an external object (1000) is identified in a detection area, if the external object (1000) is identified in a danger area, the refrigerator (100) can identify whether the external object (1000) is not present in the danger area again. And, if the external object (1000) is not present in the danger area, the refrigerator (100) can control to open at least one of the first door (111) or the second door (112).

[0187] FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining the subsequent operation of the door opening operation of FIG. 22.

[0188] Referring to FIG. 23, the refrigerator (100) can be controlled to automatically open at least one of the first door (111) or the second door (112) based on a preset event. Here, the preset event may mean an event in which an external object (1000) is identified in a detection area, the external object (1000) is identified in a danger area after being identified in the detection area, and the external object (1000) is not identified in the danger area after being identified in the danger area. The external object (1000) being not identified in the danger area after being identified in the danger area may mean that the external object (1000) approaches the refrigerator (100) and then moves away again.

[0189] Here, the refrigerator (100) can control the door opening device (130) to automatically open at least one of the first door (111) or the second door (112) based on a preset event.

[0190] Additionally, the refrigerator (100) can control at least one light-emitting unit so that at least one of the first light-emitting unit (151) or the second light-emitting unit (152) operates from the second light-emitting mode back to the third light-emitting mode based on a preset event.

[0191] Here, the third emission mode may refer to a mode different from the first emission mode and the second emission mode. For example, it may be a mode that outputs light at a constant intensity, similar to the first emission mode, while outputting light of a different color at a constant intensity. As another example, it may be a mode that outputs light to blink, similar to the second emission mode, while outputting light at a different blinking speed than the second emission mode.

[0192] Since light is output in a third light-emitting mode different from the first light-emitting mode and the second light-emitting mode, the user can easily recognize that the door of the refrigerator (100) is being automatically opened.

[0193] FIG. 24 is a drawing for explaining the door opening operation of a refrigerator (100) according to another embodiment.

[0194] Referring to FIG. 24, the refrigerator (100) can control the door opening device (130) to automatically open the door based on a preset event.

[0195] Here, the pre-configured event can be performed in 3 steps.

[0196] In the first step, the refrigerator (100) can determine whether an external object (1000) is identified in the detection area (the area from the refrigerator (100) to d1).

[0197] In the second step, the refrigerator (100) can determine whether the external object (1000) is identified in the trigger area when the external object (1000) is identified in the detection area. Here, the trigger area may refer to the area from the refrigerator (100) to d3. Generally, when a user extends their hand or foot, the proximity sensor recognizes this and identifies that the external object (1000) is present in the trigger area.

[0198] In the third step, the refrigerator (100) can determine whether the external object (1000) is not identified in the trigger area when the external object (1000) is identified in the trigger area. If the external object (1000) is subsequently identified in the trigger area, the refrigerator (100) can determine that the door is not opened. If the external object (1000) is identified in the trigger area but then the external object (1000) is not identified in the trigger area, the refrigerator (100) can control the door opening device (130) to automatically open at least one of the first door (111) or the second door (112).

[0199] Meanwhile, the refrigerator (100) may use at least one of the first proximity sensor (121) or the second proximity sensor (122) to determine whether an external object (1000) is identified in the trigger area, and the first proximity sensor (121) and the second proximity sensor (122) may be positioned above a preset threshold height. That is, for the final event for automatic door opening, the refrigerator (100) may determine whether an external object (1000) is identified in the trigger area by using only at least one of the first proximity sensor (121) or the second proximity sensor (122) without using the third proximity sensor (123) to the sixth proximity sensor (126).

[0200] Meanwhile, the refrigerator (100) can determine whether an external object (1000) is identified in a danger area when the door is automatically opened based on a preset event. When an external object (1000) is identified in a danger area when the door is automatically opened, the refrigerator (100) can control the door opening device (130) to stop the door opening. If a user is located near the refrigerator (100) without noticing the automatic opening operation, the opening operation can be automatically stopped to protect the user.

[0201] FIG. 25 is a drawing for explaining the control operation of a refrigerator (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0202] Referring to FIG. 25, the refrigerator (100) can control the door opening device (130) to automatically open at least one of the first door (111) or the second door (112) based on a preset event.

[0203] Here, a second light-emitting part (152) and a second infrared sensor (162) may be placed on the second door (112). When an external object (1000) is detected through the second infrared sensor (162), the refrigerator (100) can control the door opening device (130) so that the second door (112) is not opened.

[0204] Likewise, a first light-emitting part (151) and a first infrared sensor (161) may be placed on the first door (111). When an external object (1000) is detected through the first infrared sensor (161), the refrigerator (100) can control the door opening device (130) so that the first door (111) is not opened.

[0205] Meanwhile, the above-described embodiment may also be applied during the operation in which at least one of the first door (111) or the second door (112) is opened by the control of the refrigerator (100). For example, if an external object (1000) is detected through the second infrared sensor (162) while the second door (112) is being opened based on a preset event, the refrigerator (100) may control the door opening device (130) so that the second door (112) is no longer opened.

[0206] Here, the situation in which the infrared sensor detects an external object (1000) may mean a situation in which the external object (1000) reaches out and grabs the handle of the door or puts its hand near the handle.

[0207] FIG. 26 is a drawing for explaining the control operation of a refrigerator (100) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0208] Referring to FIG. 26, the proximity sensor may have different sensed values ​​depending on whether an external object approaches. Here, the sensed reference is assumed to be voltage Vo. Additionally, it is assumed that when an external object is sensed, a value Va is output, and when an external object is not sensed, a value of 0 is output.

[0209] According to one embodiment (2605), an external object may be detected by the proximity sensor at time to and may not be detected any further before time t1. Here, the refrigerator (100) may control the door opening device (130) so as not to open the door.

[0210] According to another embodiment (2610), an external object may be detected by the proximity sensor at time t1 and may no longer be detected after time t1 and before time t2. Here, the refrigerator (100) may control the door opening device (130) to open the door.

[0211] According to another embodiment (2615), an external object may be detected by the proximity sensor at time to and may no longer be detected after time t2. Here, the refrigerator (100) may control the door opening device (130) so as not to open the door.

[0212] According to another embodiment (2620), an external object is detected by the proximity sensor at time t1 and is no longer detected before time t2, and the external object may be detected again after time t2. Here, the refrigerator (100) controls the door opening device (130) to open the door, and when the external object is detected again after time t2, the opening of the door that is being opened may be stopped.

[0213] FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating the danger area detection rate according to the placement of the proximity sensor of the refrigerator (100).

[0214] Referring to FIG. 27, it is assumed that a first proximity sensor (121) is placed on the first door (111) and a second proximity sensor (122) is placed on the second door (112), and that the placement directions are the same.

[0215] According to one embodiment, a third proximity sensor (123) may be positioned on the bottom surface of the third door (113) and a fourth proximity sensor (124) may be positioned on the bottom surface of the fourth door (114). Here, the third proximity sensor (123) may be positioned rotated to the right by 30 degrees toward the front of the refrigerator (100). Here, the fourth proximity sensor (124) may be positioned rotated to the left by 30 degrees toward the front of the refrigerator (100). The danger zone detection rate of the refrigerator (100) according to one embodiment may be 65%.

[0216] According to another embodiment, a third proximity sensor (123) and a fifth proximity sensor (125) may be positioned on the bottom surface of the third door (113), and a fourth proximity sensor (124) and a sixth proximity sensor (126) may be positioned on the bottom surface of the fourth door (114). Here, the third proximity sensor (123) may be positioned rotated to the right by 32 degrees toward the front of the refrigerator (100). Here, the fourth proximity sensor (124) may be positioned rotated to the left by 29 degrees toward the front of the refrigerator (100). Here, the fifth proximity sensor (125) may be positioned rotated to the right by 27 degrees toward the front of the refrigerator (100). Here, the sixth proximity sensor (126) may be positioned rotated to the left by 33 degrees toward the front of the refrigerator (100). In addition, the danger zone detection rate of the refrigerator (100) according to another embodiment may be 100%.

[0217] In summary, the refrigerator (100) can determine whether an external object (1000) is identified in the upper detection area using the first proximity sensor (121) and the second proximity sensor (122). Additionally, the refrigerator (100) can determine whether an external object (1000) is identified in the lower detection area using at least two of the third proximity sensor (123) to the sixth proximity sensor (126).

[0218] A refrigerator (100) according to another embodiment can detect a danger area using a larger number of proximity sensors than a refrigerator (100) according to one embodiment. Therefore, the danger detection rate of the refrigerator (100) according to another embodiment may be higher.

[0219] Unlike the refrigerator (100) of one embodiment, the refrigerator (100) of another embodiment may have different arrangement directions for each proximity sensor. In the arrangement of proximity sensors according to one embodiment, the third proximity sensor (123) and the fourth proximity sensor (124) are arranged rotated to the left or right at the same angle, but since the position of the light-emitting part (121-1) included in the proximity sensor is positioned to the left of the position of the light-receiving part (121-2), the range capable of detecting a danger area may differ between the left and right sides. Therefore, to overcome this disadvantage, the proximity sensors may be arranged such that the angle at which the sixth proximity sensor (126) is rotated has a greater value than the angle at which the fourth proximity sensor (124) is rotated.

[0220] FIG. 28 is a flowchart of a control method for a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0221] Referring to FIG. 28, a control method for a refrigerator (100) comprising a main body (110) including a first door (111) and a second door (112), a door opening device (130) for opening the first door (111) and the second door (112), a first proximity sensor (121) positioned adjacent to the first door (111), and a second proximity sensor (122) positioned adjacent to the second door (112) can control the first proximity sensor (121) and the second proximity sensor (122) to operate alternately (S2705).

[0222] Additionally, the control method of the refrigerator (100) can identify a door close to an external object that has approached within a threshold distance from the refrigerator (100) based on sensing data obtained from the first proximity sensor (121) and the second proximity sensor (122) (S2710).

[0223] Additionally, the control method of the refrigerator (100) can control the door opening device (130) to open the identified door among the first door (111) and the second door (112) (S2715).

[0224] Here, the main body (110) may further include a third door (113) positioned below the first door (111) and a fourth door (114) positioned below the second door (112), and a first proximity sensor (121) may be positioned in the third door (113), and a second proximity sensor (122) may be positioned between the fourth door (114).

[0225] Here, the refrigerator (100) may further include a first light-emitting unit (151) disposed on a first door (111) and a second light-emitting unit (152) disposed on a second door (112), and the control method of the refrigerator (100) may further include the step of identifying access distance information of an external object and the step of controlling at least one of the first light-emitting unit (151) or the second light-emitting unit (152) based on the identified access distance information of the external object.

[0226] Here, the step of controlling at least one of the first light-emitting unit (151) or the second light-emitting unit (152) may be to turn on at least one of the first light-emitting unit (151) or the second light-emitting unit (152) when an external object approaches within a first threshold distance, and to flash the light-emitting unit placed on the identified door among the first light-emitting unit (151) or the second light-emitting unit (152) when an external object approaches within a second threshold distance shorter than the first threshold distance.

[0227] Here, the control method of the refrigerator (100) may further include the step of controlling the door opening device (130) to open the identified door when the external object is identified to have moved out of the second threshold distance after being located within the second threshold distance for a first threshold time, and the step of controlling the door opening device (130) not to open the identified door when the external object is identified to have exceeded the second threshold time, which is greater than the first threshold time, within the second threshold distance.

[0228] Here, the refrigerator (100) may further include an output unit, and may further include a step of outputting guide information through the output unit when an external object is identified within a second threshold distance and exceeds a second threshold time.

[0229] Meanwhile, the refrigerator (100) may further include a third proximity sensor (123) placed on the third door (113) and a fourth proximity sensor (124) placed on the fourth door (114), and may further include a step of controlling the third proximity sensor (123) and the fourth proximity sensor (124) to operate alternately.

[0230] Here, the control method of the refrigerator (100) may further include the step of controlling the door opening device (130) to stop the opening of the first door (111) when it is identified that an external object exists in a preset area corresponding to the third proximity sensor (123) while the first door (111) is being opened, and the step of controlling the door opening device (130) to stop the opening of the second door (112) when it is identified that an external object exists in a preset area corresponding to the fourth proximity sensor (124) while the second door (112) is being opened.

[0231] Meanwhile, the control method of the refrigerator (100) may further include the step of turning off the second proximity sensor (122) and the fourth proximity sensor (124) while turning on the first proximity sensor (121) and the third proximity sensor (123), and the step of turning off the second proximity sensor (122) and the fourth proximity sensor (124) while turning off the first proximity sensor (121) and the third proximity sensor (123).

[0232] Meanwhile, the control method of the refrigerator (100) as shown in FIG. 28 can be executed on the refrigerator (100) having the configuration of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, and can also be executed on the refrigerator (100) having other configurations.

[0233] Meanwhile, the methods according to the various embodiments of the present disclosure described above can be implemented in the form of an application that can be installed on an existing electronic device.

[0234] In addition, the methods according to the various embodiments of the present disclosure described above can be implemented by software upgrades or hardware upgrades alone for existing electronic devices (refrigerators).

[0235] In addition, the various embodiments of the present disclosure described above may also be performed through an embedded server equipped in an electronic device (refrigerator), or through an external server among at least one of the electronic device (refrigerator) and the display device.

[0236] Meanwhile, according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the various embodiments described above may be implemented as software comprising instructions stored on a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a computer). The machine may include an electronic device (refrigerator) according to the disclosed embodiments, which is a device capable of calling instructions stored from the storage medium and operating according to the called instructions. When instructions are executed by a processor, the processor may perform a function corresponding to the instructions directly or by using other components under the control of the processor. Instructions may include code generated or executed by a compiler or an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, "non-transitory" means only that the storage medium does not contain a signal and is tangible, and does not distinguish whether data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0237] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the method according to the various embodiments described above may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or online through an application store (e.g., Play Store™). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created in a storage medium such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0238] Additionally, each component (e.g., module or program) according to the various embodiments described above may be composed of a single or multiple entities, and some of the aforementioned sub-components may be omitted, or other sub-components may be further included in the various embodiments. Generally or additionally, some components (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into a single entity to perform the functions performed by each of the respective components prior to integration in the same or similar manner. The operations performed by the module, program, or other components according to the various embodiments may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or at least some operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or other operations added.

[0239] Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. It is understood that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the essence of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical spirit or perspective of the present disclosure. Explanation of the symbols

[0240] 110: Main body 111: First door 112: Door 2 120: Proximity sensor 121: 1st proximity sensor 122: 2nd proximity sensor 130: Door opening device 140: Control unit

Claims

Claim 1 A refrigerator comprising: a main body including a first door and a second door; a door opening device for opening the first door and the second door; a first proximity sensor disposed adjacent to the first door; a second proximity sensor disposed adjacent to the second door; and a control unit; wherein the control unit controls the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor to operate alternately, identifies a door close to an external object that has approached within a threshold distance from the refrigerator based on sensing data acquired from the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor, and controls the door opening device to open the identified door among the first door and the second door. Claim 2 A refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the main body further comprises a third door disposed below the first door and a fourth door disposed below the second door, wherein the first proximity sensor is disposed on the third door and the second proximity sensor is disposed on the fourth door. Claim 3 A refrigerator according to claim 2, further comprising: a first light-emitting unit disposed in the first door; and a second light-emitting unit disposed in the second door; wherein the control unit identifies access distance information of the external object and controls at least one of the first light-emitting unit or the second light-emitting unit based on the identified access distance information of the external object. Claim 4 A refrigerator according to paragraph 3, wherein the control unit turns on at least one of the first light-emitting unit or the second light-emitting unit when the external object approaches within a first threshold distance, and flashes the light-emitting unit disposed on the identified door among the first light-emitting unit or the second light-emitting unit when the external object approaches within a second threshold distance shorter than the first threshold distance. Claim 5 A refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein the control unit controls the door opening device to open the identified door when the external object is identified to have moved out of the second threshold distance after being located within the second threshold distance for a first threshold time, and controls the door opening device not to open the identified door when the external object is identified to have moved out of the second threshold distance for a second threshold time greater than the first threshold time within the second threshold distance. Claim 6 A refrigerator according to claim 5, further comprising an output unit; wherein the control unit outputs guide information through the output unit when the external object is identified within the second threshold distance and exceeds the second threshold time. Claim 7 A refrigerator according to paragraph 2, further comprising: a third proximity sensor disposed on the third door; and a fourth proximity sensor disposed on the fourth door; wherein the control unit controls the third proximity sensor and the fourth proximity sensor to operate alternately. Claim 8 A refrigerator according to claim 7, wherein the control unit controls the door opening device to stop the opening of the first door when it is identified that an external object exists in a preset area corresponding to the third proximity sensor while the first door is being opened, and controls the door opening device to stop the opening of the second door when it is identified that an external object exists in a preset area corresponding to the fourth proximity sensor while the second door is being opened. Claim 9 A refrigerator according to claim 7, wherein the control unit turns off the second proximity sensor and the fourth proximity sensor while turning on the first proximity sensor and the third proximity sensor, and turns on the second proximity sensor and the fourth proximity sensor while turning off the first proximity sensor and the third proximity sensor. Claim 10 A refrigerator according to claim 7, wherein the third proximity sensor is positioned on the bottom surface of the third door and the fourth proximity sensor is positioned on the bottom surface of the fourth door, and the sensing direction of the third proximity sensor and the sensing direction of the fourth proximity sensor are different. Claim 11 A refrigerator according to paragraph 2, wherein a third proximity sensor and a fifth proximity sensor disposed on the third door; a fourth proximity sensor and a sixth proximity sensor disposed on the fourth door; and the control unit turns off the second proximity sensor, the fourth proximity sensor, and the sixth proximity sensor while the first proximity sensor, the third proximity sensor, and the fifth proximity sensor are turned on, and turns on the second proximity sensor, the fourth proximity sensor, and the sixth proximity sensor while the first proximity sensor, the third proximity sensor, and the fifth proximity sensor are turned off, and the sensing directions of at least two of the third to sixth proximity sensors are different. Claim 12 A method for controlling a refrigerator comprising a main body including a first door and a second door, a door opening device for opening the first door and the second door, a first proximity sensor disposed adjacent to the first door and a second proximity sensor disposed adjacent to the second door, the method comprising: a step of controlling the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor to operate alternately; a step of identifying a door close to an external object that has approached within a threshold distance from the refrigerator based on sensing data obtained from the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor; and a step of controlling the door opening device to open the identified door among the first door and the second door. Claim 13 A method for controlling a refrigerator according to claim 12, wherein the main body further comprises a third door disposed below the first door and a fourth door disposed below the second door, wherein the first proximity sensor is disposed in the third door and the second proximity sensor is disposed in the fourth door. Claim 14 A method for controlling a refrigerator according to claim 13, wherein the refrigerator further comprises: a first light-emitting unit disposed in the first door; and a second light-emitting unit disposed in the second door; and further comprises the steps of: identifying information on the approach distance of the external object; and controlling at least one of the first light-emitting unit or the second light-emitting unit based on the identified information on the approach distance of the external object. Claim 15 A method for controlling a refrigerator according to claim 14, wherein the step of controlling at least one of the first light-emitting unit or the second light-emitting unit is to turn on at least one of the first light-emitting unit or the second light-emitting unit when the external object approaches within a first threshold distance, and to flash the light-emitting unit placed on the identified door among the first light-emitting unit or the second light-emitting unit when the external object approaches within a second threshold distance shorter than the first threshold distance. Claim 16 A method for controlling a refrigerator according to claim 15, further comprising: a step of controlling a door opening device to open the identified door when the external object is identified to have moved out of the second threshold distance after being located within the second threshold distance for a first threshold time; and a step of controlling a door opening device not to open the identified door when the external object is identified to have exceeded a second threshold time greater than the first threshold time within the second threshold distance. Claim 17 A method for controlling a refrigerator according to claim 16, wherein the refrigerator further comprises an output unit, and further comprises the step of outputting guide information through the output unit when the external object is identified within the second threshold distance and exceeds the second threshold time. Claim 18 A method for controlling a refrigerator according to claim 13, wherein the refrigerator further comprises: a third proximity sensor disposed on the third door; and a fourth proximity sensor disposed on the fourth door; and further comprises the step of controlling the third proximity sensor and the fourth proximity sensor to operate alternately. Claim 19 A method for controlling a refrigerator according to claim 18, further comprising: a step of controlling the door opening device to stop the opening of the first door when it is identified that an external object exists in a preset area corresponding to the third proximity sensor while the first door is being opened; and a step of controlling the door opening device to stop the opening of the second door when it is identified that an external object exists in a preset area corresponding to the fourth proximity sensor while the second door is being opened. Claim 20 A method for controlling a refrigerator according to claim 18, further comprising: a step of turning off the second proximity sensor and the fourth proximity sensor while turning on the first proximity sensor and the third proximity sensor; and a step of turning on the second proximity sensor and the fourth proximity sensor while turning off the first proximity sensor and the third proximity sensor.

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