Refrigerator and server device capable of diagnosing state and methods thereof

Abstract

According to the present device and method, at least one processor of a server device or a refrigerator: acquires state information, measured from a plurality of sensors, about the refrigerator; calculates the degree of frost and dew formation inside the refrigerator on the basis of the state information; and calculates an appropriate diagnosis code. The acquired state information and the diagnosis code are stored in a memory of at least one of the server device or the refrigerator or transmitted to a display device via the communication unit to be displayed. Accordingly, it is possible to more effectively respond to customers and improve the quality of the refrigerator.

Description

Refrigerator and server devices capable of status diagnosis and methods thereof

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator and server device capable of status diagnosis and a status diagnosis method thereof.

[0002] Thanks to the abundance of food and advancements in electronic technology, refrigerators have become a necessity in most homes. Refrigerators must maintain a constant, cool interior temperature to preserve food freshness. However, if the user frequently opens and closes the refrigerator door, hot, humid air from outside can enter, causing frost or condensation on the walls.

[0003] While this is a natural phenomenon caused by differences in temperature and humidity between the outside and inside air, it can be perceived as a product defect by consumers. Consequently, consumers may contact a service center to remove the frost and dew or resolve any resulting issues. Conventional technology has made it difficult for service representatives to accurately diagnose the refrigerator's condition remotely, even if they receive a complaint, to provide a concrete solution.

[0004] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a server device includes a communication unit for communicating with at least one refrigerator, a memory, and a processor for receiving status information of at least one refrigerator through the communication unit and storing the status information in the memory. The processor calculates an index value for frost or dew formation of each of the at least one refrigerator based on the stored status information and stores the index value in the memory, and predicts the frost or dew formation status of the at least one refrigerator based on the index values ​​accumulated and stored over a certain period of time.

[0005] In addition, a refrigerator according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of sensors, a memory, and a processor. The processor obtains status information of the refrigerator based on sensing values ​​of the plurality of sensors, calculates an index value for frost or dew formation of the refrigerator based on the status information, stores the calculated index value in the memory, and predicts the frost or dew formation state based on the index value accumulated and stored over a certain period of time.

[0006] In addition, a condition diagnosis method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a step of acquiring and storing condition information of a refrigerator, a step of calculating and storing an index value for frost or dew formation of the refrigerator based on the stored condition information, and a step of predicting the degree of frost or dew formation based on the index values ​​accumulated and stored over a certain period of time.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining the operation of a server device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a server device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIGS. 3 to 5 are graphs showing examples of status information according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an operation of a server device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure transmitting a diagnosis result to a display device.

[0011] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a refrigerator according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining the operation of a refrigerator according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a mobile device capable of communicating with a refrigerator according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a process of a server device transmitting a warning notification according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are flowcharts for variously explaining a condition diagnosis method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] The terms used in this specification will be briefly explained, and the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0017] The terms used in the embodiments of this disclosure have been selected from widely used, current terms, taking into account the functions of this disclosure. However, these terms may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Furthermore, in certain cases, terms may be arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the relevant disclosure. Therefore, the terms used in this disclosure should not be defined simply as names of terms, but rather based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of this disclosure.

[0018] The embodiments of the present disclosure may be modified and have various embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosed concepts and techniques. In describing the embodiments, detailed descriptions of related known technologies will be omitted if they are deemed to obscure the main point.

[0019] Terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0020] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprises" or "consists of" are intended to indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood not to preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0021] Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In addition, in the drawings, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted for clarity of description of the present disclosure, and similar parts are designated with similar reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a server device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The server device (100) is configured to communicate with various electronic devices. The server device (100) may be implemented as a cloud server or local server that is connected to various home appliances equipped with IoT (Internet of Things) functions, such as refrigerators, TVs, air conditioners, electric rice cookers, air purifiers, vacuum cleaners, dehumidifiers, heaters, lighting, and washing machines, according to various wired or wireless communication protocols. In addition, the server device (100) may also be connected to various electronic devices, such as PCs, laptop PCs, tablet PCs, and smartphones.

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a state in which a server device (100) is connected to a plurality of refrigerators (200-1 to 200-n). Each refrigerator (200-1 to 200-n) can be used in various environments, such as homes, businesses, and government offices. Each refrigerator (200-1 to 200-n) can transmit various status information to the server device (100) periodically or whenever a specific event occurs.

[0024] Status information includes information for notifying the operating status of each refrigerator (200-1 to 200-n) or the surrounding environmental status. The operating status information may include various information on the status, such as the turn on / off time of the refrigerators (200-1 to 200-n), the set temperature, the number of times defrosting work is performed and the time for that work, the number of times dew removal work is performed and the time for that work, the number of times the door is opened, the cumulative time of door opening, and the operating mode. The surrounding environmental status information may include information on the surrounding temperature, humidity, and daily temperature range based on the installation location of the refrigerators (200-1 to 200-n).

[0025] The server device (100) can store status information transmitted from each refrigerator (200-1 to 200-n) in internal memory or external storage media.

[0026] The server device (100) can diagnose the status of each refrigerator (200-1 to 200-n) based on the stored status information and store the diagnosis results. The diagnosis target can be set to various conditions, such as normal operation status, malfunction status, frost occurrence status, and dew formation status of each refrigerator (200-1 to 200-n).

[0027] For example, in order to diagnose frost or dew formation, the server device (100) may use, among the above-described status information, information on the number of times the defrosting or dew removal operation was performed in each refrigerator (200-1 to 200-n), information on the external humidity sensed in each refrigerator (200-1 to 200-n), information on the cumulative door opening time of each refrigerator (200-1 to 200-n), etc.

[0028] Specifically, the server device (100) calculates and stores an index value for frost or dew formation in each of at least one refrigerator (200-1 to 200-n) based on the received status information. The server device (100) can accumulate and store the index values ​​for a certain period of time or longer. The server device (100) can diagnose the frost or dew formation status of each refrigerator (200-1 to 200-n) based on the accumulated index values ​​and store the diagnosis results. If an abnormality is found in the diagnosis results, the server device (100) can store a diagnosis code indicating the abnormality.

[0029] The server device (100) can utilize the diagnostic results in various ways.

[0030] For example, if users of each refrigerator (200-1 to 200-n) confirm that frost or condensation has formed on their refrigerator and contact the A / S center, the A / S representative can check the status information and diagnostic code of the user's refrigerator by referring to the diagnostic result information stored in the server device (100). Accordingly, more effective and accurate measures can be taken by analyzing the user's usage pattern, etc.

[0031] Alternatively, if the server device (100) determines that there is a high risk of frost or dew forming in the refrigerator or that it has actually formed, based on the diagnosis results, it may transmit a notification message to the refrigerator or terminal device of each user.

[0032] Alternatively, if the server device (100) determines, based on the diagnosis results, that there is a high risk of frost or condensation forming in the refrigerator, or that frost or condensation has actually formed, it may generate a remote control signal to perform a removal operation to remove the frost or condensation, and transmit the signal to the refrigerator. In this case, prior to transmitting the remote control signal, the server device (100) may transmit a message to the refrigerator or terminal device owned by the user to inquire whether remote control is permitted. Accordingly, if the user permits remote control, the server device (100) may transmit the above-described remote control signal. On the other hand, if remote control is not permitted or there is no response for a certain period of time, the server device (100) does not transmit the remote control signal. In this case, the server device (100) may additionally store history information indicating the relevant situation.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a server device (100) according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] According to FIG. 2, the server device (100) includes a communication unit (110), a memory (130), and a processor (120).

[0035] The communication unit (110) is configured to communicate with various external devices. In an environment such as Fig. 1, the communication unit (110) can communicate with at least one refrigerator.

[0036] The communication unit (110) can transmit and receive various signals and data with the refrigerator (200-1 to 200-n) or other external devices through various wired and wireless communication methods such as Bluetooth, AP-based Wi-Fi (Wireless LAN network), Zigbee, wired / wireless LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), Ethernet, IEEE 1394, HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), USB (Universal Serial Bus), MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link), AES / EBU (Audio Engineering Society / European Broadcasting Union), optical, coaxial, etc.

[0037] The processor (120) is configured to control the overall operation of the server device (100).

[0038] The processor (120) may include one or more of a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), a micro controller unit (MCU), a micro processing unit (MPU), a controller, an application processor (AP), a communication processor (CP), an ARM processor, or an artificial intelligence (AI) processor, or may be defined by the terms thereof. In addition, the processor (120) may be implemented as a system on chip (SoC) or large scale integration (LSI) having a built-in processing algorithm, or may be implemented in the form of a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The processor (120) may perform various functions by executing computer executable instructions stored in the memory (130).

[0039] Specifically, when the processor (120) receives status information of at least one refrigerator through the communication unit (110), the processor (120) can store the received status information in the memory (130).

[0040] The processor (120) can calculate an index value for frost or dew formation in each of at least one refrigerator (200-1 to 200-n) based on the stored status information. The index value includes data that numerically expresses the degree to which frost or dew formation has occurred or the degree of possibility of occurrence. The index value may be referred to by various other names such as a feature value, an error value, a degree value, a status value, etc., but is hereinafter referred to as an index value.

[0041] The processor (120) stores the calculated index values ​​in the memory (130). The processor (120) may calculate the index values ​​periodically or on a regular basis and accumulate and store them in the memory (130). The index values ​​may be calculated individually, such as index values ​​related to frost and index values ​​related to dew formation, or may be calculated jointly for both phenomena. The following description will be based on the case where index values ​​for frost and index values ​​for dew formation are calculated separately.

[0042] In this state, when a specific event occurs, the processor (120) diagnoses the frost or dew state of at least one refrigerator (200-1 to 200-n) based on an index value accumulated and stored for a certain period of time. The type of event can be set in various ways. For example, the processor (120) can perform a diagnosis when an event occurs in which a preset time period arrives, an event in which a diagnostic command is input through an input means connected to the server device (100), an event in which a diagnostic request is received from an external device, an event in which an A / S application is received for a specific refrigerator, etc.

[0043] Frost refers to a phenomenon in which moisture-laden outside air flows into the refrigerator and freezes when it hits the cold walls inside the refrigerator. Condensation refers to a phenomenon in which moisture contained in the outside air condenses like dew inside the refrigerator. Frost or dew condensation can occur in either the refrigerator or the freezer, but generally, frost occurs mainly in the freezer and dew condensation occurs mainly in the refrigerator. Therefore, the following description will be based on the case in which frost occurs in the freezer and dew condensation occurs in the refrigerator. In order to calculate an index value for frost, the processor (120) may perform an operation based on the following mathematical equation 1.

[0044] [Mathematical Formula 1]

[0045] f_ index n = (OH × fDAT × A) + (fNDF × B) +(f_index n-1 × C)

[0046] Mathematical expression 1 is an example of an operational expression for calculating an index value for frost. In the present disclosure, the index value for frost may refer to the size of the possibility of frost occurring, the area of ​​occurrence of frost if it occurs, the thickness of frost, etc.

[0047] In mathematical expression 1, f_ index nis the frost index value indicating the degree of frost measured at the nth time, OH is the external humidity, fDAT is the cumulative time of opening the freezer door, fNDF is the number of times defrosting work is performed for the freezer, and f_indexn-1 is the frost index value measured and stored at the n-1st time. A, B, and C represent preset weights for frost diagnosis. Specifically, A represents the weight for the external humidity and the cumulative time of opening the door, B represents the weight for the number of times of defrosting work, and C represents the weight for the accumulation without opening. The weight for the accumulation without opening is the weight for the time excluding the cumulative time of opening the door and the time when the defrosting operation of the freezer does not occur, which is the section in which the freezer door is not opened.

[0048] Each weight is a numerical value for a factor that affects the humidity inside the freezer.

[0049] A is the weight for the phenomenon in which the humidity inside the freezer increases when the freezer door is opened due to outside humidity flowing into the freezer, and B is the weight for the phenomenon in which the humidity inside the freezer increases due to the sublimation phenomenon of frost caused by the defrosting operation.

[0050] C is the weighting factor for the phenomenon where, when the freezer door is closed, the internal air is cooled, the refrigerant in the evaporator circulates, and the fan motor also turns, circulating the air inside the freezer. This weighting factor accounts for the phenomenon where the moist air passes through the evaporator and becomes condensed, lowering the humidity inside the freezer.

[0051] A, B, and C can be set to optimal values ​​through repeated experiments that combine various conditions, such as the cumulative door opening time, the number of defrosting operations performed, and external humidity. For example, A, B, and C can be set to 0.02, 0.05, and 0.89, respectively.

[0052] The process of removing stains is called "stain removal." The specific steps of the stain removal process are described below.

[0053] In order to calculate an index value for dew formation, the processor (120) can perform an operation based on the following mathematical expression 2.

[0054] [Equation 2]

[0055] r_index n = (OH × rDAT × D} + (rNDF × E)+(r_index n-1 × F)

[0056] Mathematical Equation 2 is an example of an operational formula for calculating an index value for dew formation. In the present disclosure, the index value for dew formation may refer to the size of the possibility of dew formation, the area of ​​dew formation, the amount of dew, etc.

[0057] r_ index in mathematical expression 2 n is the dew index value indicating the dew formation measured at the nth time, OH is the external humidity, rDAT is the cumulative time of opening the refrigerator door, rNDF is the number of times the dew removal work was performed for the refrigerator, r_ index n-1 represents the dew formation index value measured and stored in the n-1 time. D, E, and F represent preset weights for dew formation diagnosis. D represents the weight for external humidity and accumulated door opening time, E represents the weight for the number of dew removal operations performed, and F represents the weight for accumulated non-opening. The explanation of each weight is omitted as it has been described above.

[0058] D, E, and F can be set to optimal values ​​through repeated experiments that combine various conditions, such as the cumulative door-open time, the number of dew removal operations performed, and external humidity. For example, D, E, and F can be set to 0.18, 5, and 0.025, respectively.

[0059] When the processor (120) initially calculates the implantation index value or the dew formation index value (i.e., when n=1), there cannot be an implantation index value or a dew formation index value calculated immediately before (i.e., n-1 times). In this case, the processor (120) can use a default value (e.g., 1) stored in the memory (130) as the immediately previous implantation index value or dew formation index value. Alternatively, the processor (120) can perform the operation by setting the immediately previous implantation index value or dew formation index value to 0.

[0060] The processor (120) may periodically or intermittently calculate and accumulate the implantation index or dew formation index values. For example, the processor (120) may calculate a new implantation index or dew formation index value each time each refrigerator transmits status information.

[0061] The processor (120) can diagnose the temperature or dew state of each refrigerator based on the accumulated stored index value.

[0062] For example, the processor (120) may diagnose the condition of the refrigerator as good or dangerous if the average of the accumulated stored indicator values ​​satisfies a preset condition. A dangerous condition may mean a condition in which frost or dew has formed or is likely to form.

[0063] When the processor (120) is diagnosed as a dangerous state, it can generate a diagnostic code indicating the occurrence of frost or dew condensation and store it in the memory (130).

[0064] The preset conditions may include conditions in which the average of the implantation index values ​​accumulated for the previous X hours and the average of the dew formation index values ​​exceed the critical index value (or critical range) calculated when the frost is formed and the critical index value (critical range) calculated when the dew is formed, respectively. The accumulation time may be set in various ways. For example, when set to 5 days, the processor (120) may determine that the condition is good if the implantation index value or the dew formation index value accumulated for 5 days is lower than or equal to the respective critical index values, and may determine that the condition is dangerous if it exceeds the critical index values.

[0065] If the processor (120) is determined to be in a good state, the diagnosis can be terminated without storing a separate diagnostic code. On the other hand, if the processor (120) is determined to be in a dangerous state, the processor (120) can generate a diagnostic code and store it in the memory (130). A good state means a state in which frost or dew has not formed or the possibility of forming it is low below a standard value. A good state can also be referred to as a normal state or a general state. A dangerous state means a state in which frost or dew has already formed or the possibility of forming it is high above a standard value. A dangerous state can also be referred to as a warning state, an unusual state, an abnormal state, a condensation state, etc.

[0066] A diagnostic code is a code that indicates the occurrence of frost or dew formation. A diagnostic code may consist of a text message or a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. A diagnostic code may also be referred to as an error code, error information, error message, or risk code. A diagnostic code may be generated individually for frost and dew formation, or it may be generated jointly for both.

[0067] The above describes a case where a condition is set to exceed a threshold indicator value. However, the condition is not necessarily limited to this. For example, even if the indicator value increases by a certain percentage or value compared to previously measured indicator values, the processor (120) may determine that the condition is met. The processor (120) may store the diagnostic results in the memory (130).

[0068] Meanwhile, the processor (120) can diagnose the cause of occurrence of, or possibility of occurrence of, condensation or dew formation, in addition to diagnosing the occurrence of, condensation or dew formation.

[0069] Specifically, the processor (120) can compare diagnostic results for a single refrigerator, and compare variables used to calculate indicator values ​​for good and dangerous conditions, i.e., condition information. For example, if the cumulative door opening time in a dangerous condition is significantly greater than the cumulative door opening time in a good condition, the processor (120) can infer that the cause is that the user has opened the refrigerator door for a long period of time or has opened and closed it too frequently.

[0070] Alternatively, the processor (120) may estimate the cause by comparing the status information and diagnosis results of multiple different refrigerators. For example, if the door opening cumulative time information and the number of defrosting operations of the first refrigerator (200-1) do not differ significantly from the door opening cumulative time information and the number of defrosting operations of the second refrigerator (200-2) and the external humidity information does differ significantly, and if the first refrigerator (200-1) is diagnosed as being in good condition and the second refrigerator (200-2) is diagnosed as being in a dangerous condition, the processor (120) may estimate that the high external humidity of the second refrigerator (200-2) is the cause. If the cause can be estimated, the processor (120) may also store the cause estimate result in the memory (130). The cause estimate result may also be composed of a combination of letters, numbers, symbols, etc., similar to the diagnostic code, or may be configured in the form of a text message.

[0071] The memory (130) is a configuration for storing various software and data required for the operation of the server device (100). The memory (130) may be implemented as at least one of various memories such as DRAM (dynamic RAM), SRAM (static RAM), SDRAM (synchronous dynamic RAM), OTPROM (one time programmable ROM), PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable and programmable ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable and programmable ROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, flash memory, a hard drive, or a solid state drive (SSD). Although only one memory (130) is illustrated in FIG. 2, it is not limited thereto, and the memory (130) may be implemented to include a plurality of memories that each store different types of data or each store data generated in different stages.

[0072] In addition, in FIG. 2, the memory (130) is depicted as being a separate configuration from the processor (120), but it may be formed integrally with the processor (120).

[0073] As described above, when data is received from refrigerators connected through the communication unit (110), the memory (130) can store the received information under the control of the processor (120). The memory (130) may also store information related to the user account of the refrigerator. For example, when a user purchases a refrigerator, the user can access a website operated by a refrigerator manufacturer, sales company, or a third party to register a user account. To register a user account, the user can input various identification information, such as his or her name, age, address, phone number, email address, ID, password, etc., and product purchase information, such as the product name, product number, type, and purchase date, through the website.

[0074] The processor (120) can create an account for the user using the information entered by the user and store information about the account in the memory (130). In this state, when status information of the refrigerator is transmitted from the refrigerator owned by the user or the user's terminal device, the processor (130) can receive it through the communication unit (110) and store it by matching it to the user's account in the memory (130). The memory (130) can accumulate and store status information whenever it is transmitted. In addition, the memory (130) can also store index values ​​and diagnostic results (e.g., diagnostic codes, diagnostic times, etc.) calculated by the processor (120) using the status information.

[0075] As described above, status information received from refrigerators may include various information such as the operating status of the refrigerator or the surrounding environmental status.

[0076] Figures 3 to 5 illustrate examples of status information according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 3 to 5 are diagrams representing graphs measured in units of time.

[0077] FIG. 3 is a graph showing the periodically transmitted door open cumulative time (fDAT or rDAT). Each refrigerator can accumulate and store the door open time for a certain unit of time and then transmit it periodically. For example, the door open cumulative time received at time t2 in FIG. 3 can be time information accumulated and accumulated by the door open time from time t1 to time t2. If a predetermined time (e.g., t') is required for time accumulation and information transmission, information on the accumulated time for the unit of time from time t1 to time t2 - t' = t2' can also be transmitted. The door open cumulative time transmitted at each time point can be expressed in various units such as seconds, minutes, and hours. The refrigerator can count the total accumulated time that the door has been open for the unit of time whenever each unit of time in FIG. 3 elapses, and then transmit a communication signal having a bit value corresponding to the time to the server device (100).

[0078] Figure 4 is a graph showing information (fNDF or rNDF) on the number of times the frost removal operation or dew removal operation was performed.

[0079] According to FIG. 4, when a defrosting operation or dew removal operation is performed in a refrigerator, a pulse signal may be output at each time the operation is performed. The processor (120) may count the number of pulse signals received over a certain period of time to identify the number of times the defrosting operation or dew removal operation has been performed. In the case of FIG. 4, a total of three defrosting operations are performed during the time period from time t1 to time t10.

[0080] Fig. 5 is a graph showing external humidity information sensed by each refrigerator. According to Fig. 5, each refrigerator generates a communication signal including a bit value corresponding to the magnitude of external humidity measured over a certain unit of time (e.g., t1-t2) and transmits the signal to the server device (100). The processor (120) may receive the transmitted signal through the communication unit (110), detect humidity information from the signal, and then store the detected humidity information in the memory (130).

[0081] In FIGS. 3 to 5, units such as t1, t2, etc. can be set in various ways, such as hour, day, week, month, etc.

[0082] Meanwhile, depending on the embodiment, some information may be omitted, such as the accumulated door opening time, the number of times the defrosting or dew removal operation has been performed, and the external humidity information. In other words, frost and dew formation are condensation phenomena of water vapor and are most significantly affected by the amount of humidity entering the installed space.

[0083] Accordingly, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, an indicator value may be calculated using only external humidity information and information on the cumulative opening time of the door.

[0084] Alternatively, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the index values ​​may be calculated using only the currently received information without considering the previously stored implantation index values ​​or dew formation index values ​​in the above-described mathematical formula. Alternatively, various status information other than those in FIGS. 3 to 5 may be further included. For example, the index values ​​described above may be calculated not only by using information on the number of times the frost operation or dew removal operation was performed, but also by utilizing information on the cumulative time over which the operation was performed.

[0085] Manufacturers of refrigerators or server devices, or other developers, can determine the status information they want to use, measure the degree of frost or condensation by changing the weights for each status information in various combinations, and then determine the weights that best match the measurement results to obtain the mathematical formulas described above. This task can also be performed using an artificial intelligence model. In addition, the processor (120) can adjust the values ​​of each constant (i.e., A, B, C, D, E, F) used in the mathematical formulas described above while updating the actual usage results of each refrigerator on a regular or periodic basis.

[0086] As described above, the diagnostic results of the server device (100) can be utilized in various ways.

[0087] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a server device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure transmitting a diagnostic result to an external display device.

[0088] According to FIG. 6, the server device (100) stores status information received from each refrigerator (200-1 to 200-n) and diagnostic result information acquired based thereon. When a user with data access authority requests data through his / her terminal device (400), the server device (100) can transmit the requested data to the terminal device (400).

[0089] Specifically, if a user finds frost or dew in his or her refrigerator, he or she can call the A / S center or inquire online via email, messenger, etc. When the A / S representative receives an inquiry from a user, he or she can use his or her terminal device (400) to view information about the refrigerator owned by the user. When a request to view data is received from the terminal device (400), the processor (120) controls the communication unit (110) to transmit status information, index values, diagnostic result information, etc. about the refrigerator to the terminal device (400). The diagnostic result information may be expressed in the form of a diagnostic code, but is not necessarily limited thereto, and may also be expressed in the form of a text message. The A / S representative can check the user's refrigerator usage history and diagnostic code through the terminal device (400), and can provide more effective service by performing a customized diagnosis for each user.

[0090] For example, after reviewing the user's refrigerator usage patterns and diagnostic codes, the service representative can accurately and specifically explain the cause of frost or condensation. They can also provide suggestions for removing or preventing frost or condensation. For example, if the accumulated door opening time is high, the representative may recommend not leaving the door open for too long. If the ambient humidity is excessively high, the representative may recommend changing the refrigerator's surroundings.

[0091] As another example, the A / S representative can remotely activate the fan or heater inside the refrigerator to immediately remove frost or condensation. In this case, the A / S representative may first confirm with the user via phone, email, or messenger whether they allow remote control of the refrigerator before proceeding.

[0092] In the above, embodiments of diagnosing the status of each refrigerator from a server device capable of communicating with each refrigerator have been described, but such diagnosis may also be performed by the refrigerator itself.

[0093] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a refrigerator (200) according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0094] According to FIG. 7, the refrigerator (200) includes a plurality of sensors (210-1 to 210-m), a processor (220), and a memory (230).

[0095] Multiple sensors (210-1 to 210-m) are configured to obtain status information of the refrigerator.

[0096] Specifically, the plurality of sensors (210-1 to 210-m) may include a first sensor (210-1) for sensing a door open / closed state, a second sensor (210-2) for sensing an external humidity state, a third sensor (210-3) for sensing a dew formation phenomenon inside a refrigerator, a fourth sensor (210-4) for sensing a frost phenomenon inside a freezer, etc.

[0097] The processor (220) is configured to control the overall operation of the refrigerator (200).

[0098] The memory (230) is configured to store various programs, commands, data, etc. required for the operation of the refrigerator (200).

[0099] The processor (220) and memory (230) can be implemented in various examples as described in the server device described above, and thus, redundant description thereof is omitted.

[0100] The processor (220) obtains status information of the refrigerator (200) based on sensing values ​​of a plurality of sensors, and calculates an index value for the temperature or dew formation of the refrigerator (200) based on the status information and stores the index value in the memory (230).

[0101] The processor (220) can diagnose the condition of the frost or dew formation based on an index value accumulated and stored for a certain period of time.

[0102] Specifically, the processor (220) can identify whether each door is open or closed based on the sensing value of the first sensor (210-1). In FIG. 7, one first sensor (210-1) is illustrated, but the number of first sensors (210-1) may be provided in multiples as many as the number of doors. For example, if the refrigerator (200) includes one refrigerator compartment and one freezer compartment, and the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment are each opened and closed by one door, two first sensors (210-1) may be provided. The first sensor (210-1) may be provided on the door side or on the main body side with which the door comes into contact.

[0103] The body of a refrigerator is a component that forms the overall appearance and internal space of the refrigerator (100). The body may largely include an inner case, an outer case arranged on the outside of the inner case, and an insulating material provided therebetween. The inner case is a component that forms a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment, respectively. The freezer compartment refers to a storage compartment in which the set temperature is set below the freezing point of an object, and the refrigerator compartment refers to a storage compartment in which the set temperature is set above the freezing point and below room temperature. Depending on the use of the refrigerator (200), various items such as food, medicine, and cosmetics may be stored in the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment. The refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment may each be opened and closed by at least one door. At least one magnet capable of engaging with the inner case of the body may be included on the inner edge of each door. The first sensor (210-1) may output signals of different magnitudes depending on whether the door is closed or open.

[0104] When a signal of a first value is output from the first sensor (210-1), the processor (220) can identify the door as being closed, and when a signal of a second value is output, the processor (220) can identify the door as being open. When a signal of a second value is output from the first sensor (210-1), the processor (220) can drive a timer (not shown) to count the door opening time. When a signal of the first value is output again, the processor (220) can store the counted time until that time in the memory (230).

[0105] The processor (220) can calculate the accumulated door opening time by adding up the counted times for each unit of time. As described above, a plurality of first sensors (210-1) may be provided depending on the number of doors, and the processor (220) can determine whether the storage compartment in which each door is installed is open based on the output values ​​of the plurality of first sensors (210-1). For example, in the case of a French-type refrigerator in which two doors can open and close a single refrigerator compartment without an internal partition, the processor (220) can determine that the storage compartment is open even if only one of the two doors is open. Under this structure, when both doors are open, more external humidity may be introduced than when only one door is open.

[0106] Accordingly, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, in a French-type refrigerator, the processor (220) may distinguish between the time when both doors are open and the time when only one door is open and reflect this in the diagnosis. In this case, although fDAT or rDAT is described individually in the above-described mathematical expressions 1 or 2, in this embodiment, fDAT or rDAT may be set as two variables (e.g., rDAT1, rDAT2). Here, rDAT1 may be the cumulative time when both doors are open, and rDAT2 may be the cumulative time when only one door is open.

[0107] As described above, the processor (220) can obtain door opening cumulative time information for each door of the refrigerator being opened for a preset unit time based on the sensing value of the first sensor (210-1). The second sensor (210-2) is a humidity sensor for sensing the external humidity status. In Fig. 7, only one second sensor (210-2) is illustrated, but a plurality of second sensors (210-2) may be provided depending on the size or type of the refrigerator. The second sensor (210-2) may be placed at various locations on the main body of the refrigerator (200).

[0108] Specifically, the second sensor (210-2) may be placed on the front of the door of the refrigerator (200) or on the rear of the refrigerator (200). Alternatively, it may be placed on the upper side of the refrigerator (200). According to one example, a top table detachable from the main body may be provided on the upper side of the refrigerator (200), and the second sensor (210-2) may be placed within the top table. The processor (220) may obtain humidity information around the refrigerator (200), i.e., external humidity information, based on the sensing value of the second sensor (210-2).

[0109] Meanwhile, external humidity information does not necessarily have to be acquired directly through the second sensor (210-2) equipped in the refrigerator (200). For example, the processor (220) may also receive and use humidity information sensed by another device (e.g., an air conditioner) located around the refrigerator (200).

[0110] Alternatively, the processor (220) may receive and use humidity information from an external server device (not shown) that provides weather information for the area where the refrigerator (200) is located.

[0111] The third sensor (210-3) is configured to sense the phenomenon of dew formation inside the refrigerator, and the fourth sensor (210-4) is configured to sense the phenomenon of frost formation inside the freezer.

[0112] The third sensor (210-3) and the fourth sensor (210-4) may each be configured in various forms. For example, the third sensor (210-3) and the fourth sensor (210-4) may each include an upper sensor for detecting the upper temperature of a cooler that supplies cold air to a refrigerator or a freezer, and a lower sensor for detecting the lower temperature of the cooler. The processor (220) may determine that frost or condensation has occurred if the temperature difference detected by the upper sensor and the lower sensor is greater than or equal to a threshold. For example, if the temperature difference between the upper and lower sensors of a cooler connected to a refrigerator is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the processor (220) may predict that condensation will occur in the refrigerator. Alternatively, if the temperature difference between the upper and lower sensors of a cooler connected to a freezer is greater than or equal to a second threshold, the processor (220) may predict that condensation will occur in the freezer.

[0113] As another example, the third sensor (210-3) and the fourth sensor (210-4) may each be implemented as a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element. The light-emitting element and the light-receiving element may be arranged to face each other based on a part where frost or dew mainly forms (i.e., around the cooler). If the light emitted from the light-emitting element is normally received by the light-receiving element, the processor (220) may determine that dew or frost has not formed, and if the light is not received or the intensity of the received light is below a reference value, the processor may determine that dew or frost has formed.

[0114] As another example, each of the third sensor (210-3) and the fourth sensor (210-4) may be implemented as an image sensor. The processor (220) may analyze the captured images captured by the third sensor (210-3) and the fourth sensor (210-4) to identify whether frost or dew has formed.

[0115] In addition, the third sensor (210-3) and the fourth sensor (210-4) can be implemented in various forms.

[0116] The processor (220) can perform a dew removal operation to remove dew inside the refrigerator based on the sensing value of the third sensor (210-3). In addition, the processor (220) can perform a defrosting operation to remove frost inside the freezer based on the sensing value of the fourth sensor (210-4).

[0117] When the processor (220) performs a dew removal operation or a defrosting operation, the processor (220) may accumulate and store the number of times it has performed the operation in the memory (230). Depending on the embodiment, the processor (220) may also store and manage information on the accumulated time for performing the dew removal operation and the accumulated time for performing the defrosting operation in the memory (230). For example, the accumulated fan operation time, the accumulated heater operation time, etc. may be stored in the memory (230).

[0118] As described above, the processor (220) can acquire various status information based on the sensing values ​​of the multiple sensors (210-1 to 210-m). Based on the acquired status information, the processor (220) can calculate an index value for the frost or dew formation of the refrigerator. The specific mathematical formula and calculation method for calculating the index value can be implemented almost identically to the server device described above. Therefore, a redundant description thereof will be omitted.

[0119] The processor (220) calculates a diagnostic code indicating the occurrence of frost or dew formation when the average of the accumulated and stored index values ​​satisfies a preset condition and stores it in the memory (230). As described above, the preset condition may be a condition in which the average of the accumulated implantation index values ​​for the preceding X hours exceeds a critical index value or critical range calculated when actual frost is formed, or a condition in which the average of the accumulated dew formation index values ​​for the preceding X hours exceeds a critical index value or critical range calculated when actual dew is formed, but is not necessarily limited thereto and various conditions may be set.

[0120] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an example of a detailed configuration of a refrigerator (200) according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0121] According to FIG. 8, the refrigerator may be configured with a plurality of sensors (210-1 to 210-m), a processor (220), a memory (230), as well as a display (280), a motor (240) and a fan (270), a heater driving unit (250) and a heater (260), a display (280), and a communication unit (290). Among the configurations of FIG. 8, duplicate descriptions of the same configurations as those described in FIG. 7 will be omitted.

[0122] The processor (220) can calculate an average value of the generated sex and dew formation indicator values. If the calculated average value satisfies a preset condition, the processor (220) controls the display (270) to display a diagnostic result indicating the occurrence of sex or dew formation.

[0123] The display (270) is formed on the outer surface of the refrigerator (200) and is configured to display various types of information under the control of the processor (220). The display (270) may include a self-luminous element, or may be implemented as a display including a non-luminous element and a backlight. For example, it may be implemented as various types of displays such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes) display, an LED (Light Emitting Diodes), a micro LED, a Mini LED, a PDP (Plasma Display Panel), a QD (Quantum dot) display, a QLED (Quantum dot light-emitting diodes), etc. The display (270) may also include a driving circuit, a backlight unit, etc., which may be implemented in a form such as an a-si TFT, an LTPS (low temperature poly silicon) TFT, an OTFT (organic TFT), etc.

[0124] The display (270) may be implemented in a form attached to the door of the refrigerator (200), but is not limited thereto. For example, the display (270) may be implemented in a form built into the door of the refrigerator (200) so as to be invisible under normal circumstances, and to be revealed on the outer surface of the door only when turned on and illuminated.

[0125] When the diagnostic results are displayed on the display (270) under the control of the processor (220), the user can immediately know that there is a possibility of frost or dew forming in his refrigerator.

[0126] According to another embodiment, the processor (220) may perform a defrosting operation or a dew removal operation when the average value of the index values ​​calculated over a certain period of time satisfies a preset condition. The defrosting operation is an operation to remove frost that has formed. The defrosting operation may be performed in various ways. According to one example, the processor (220) transmits a control signal for driving a heater (260) provided on one side of a cooler provided in a freezer to a heater driving unit (250). The heater driving unit (250) drives the heater by applying current or voltage to the heater. The heat generated by the heater may melt the frost around the evaporator included in the cooler.

[0127] The dew removal process is a process for removing dew formed inside a refrigerator. Dew is caused by differences in humidity and temperature within the refrigerator. When moist air inside the refrigerator comes into contact with a cooled surface inside the refrigerator, moisture in the air condenses, forming dew. The dew removal process can be performed in various ways. For example, the processor (220) transmits a control signal to the motor (240), thereby driving the motor (240). The motor (240) rotates the connected fan (270). As the air inside the refrigerator circulates due to the rotation of the fan (270), the dew can be removed.

[0128] The communication unit (290) is a component for performing communication with the server device (100) or other external devices. The processor (220) can transmit and receive various signals and data with various external devices through the communication unit (290). Specific examples of the communication unit (290) may also be similar to the communication unit of the server device described above, so redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0129] The processor (220) can transmit various information, such as status information of the refrigerator (200), index values ​​calculated based on the status information, and diagnostic results diagnosed based on the index values, to the server device (100) or other external devices through the communication unit (290). For example, if an application for controlling the refrigerator (200) is installed on the user's smart phone, the processor of the smart phone can communicate with the processor (220) of the refrigerator (200) according to the execution of the application. The processor (220) can also transmit the above-described information to the smart phone, allowing the user to immediately check the status of the refrigerator through his or her smart phone.

[0130] In Fig. 8, a case is illustrated where both the display (280) and the communication unit (290) are mounted on the refrigerator (200), but at least some of these may be omitted.

[0131] Although FIGS. 7 and 8 describe a refrigerator (200) that independently calculates an index value, identifies a diagnosis result based on the index value, and displays the diagnosis result or performs a task based on the diagnosis result, the configuration of FIGS. 7 and 8 can be equally used in an embodiment that is linked with a server device (100). In this case, the processor (220) may transmit status information obtained based on the sensing values ​​of a plurality of sensors (210-1 to 210-m) to the server device (100) or other terminal devices through the communication unit (290).

[0132] Figure 9 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a terminal device capable of communicating with a refrigerator according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The terminal device may be implemented as various types of electronic devices, such as a smartphone, a PC, a laptop PC, a tablet PC, a TV, a wireless speaker, or a kiosk.

[0133] According to FIG. 9, the terminal device (300) includes a communication unit (310), a processor (320), a display (340), and a memory (330). Specific examples of each configuration are almost identical to those described for other devices described above, so redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0134] The communication unit (310) can communicate with various devices including the refrigerator (200) and the server device (100). In FIG. 1, the refrigerator (200) is described as directly transmitting status information to the server device (100), but according to at least one embodiment, the status information of the refrigerator (200) may first be provided to the terminal device (300) through the communication unit (310). The processor (320) of the terminal device (300) may store the status information of the refrigerator (200) in the memory (330) and then transmit it to the server device (100) through the communication unit (310).

[0135] In addition, the communication unit (310) may receive indicator values ​​or other diagnostic result information calculated by the server device (100). The processor (320) may control the display (340) to display status information, indicator values, diagnostic result information, etc. The display (340) may display a UI screen including the various information described above. At least one menu selectable by the user may be displayed within the UI screen. For example, an execution menu for performing a defrosting operation or a dew removal operation, an adjustment menu for adjusting the set temperature of a refrigerator or freezer, etc. may be displayed. When the user selects one of these menus, the processor (320) controls the communication unit (310) to transmit a control signal corresponding to the selected menu to the refrigerator (200) or the server device (100). The processor (220) of the refrigerator (200) may perform an operation according to this control signal.

[0136] Fig. 10 illustrates an example of a UI screen displayed on a terminal device (300). According to Fig. 10, the processor (220) can control the display (340) to display a UI screen (301) based on information received from the server device (100). Fig. 10 illustrates a configuration of a UI screen (301) including a text message informing a user that there is a high possibility of frost forming in his or her refrigerator and menus (302, 303) related thereto. When a user selects a first menu (302), the processor (220) generates a control signal to perform a defrosting operation to prevent or remove frost, and transmits the control signal to the refrigerator (200) or the server device (100) via the communication unit (310). If the user selects a second menu (303), the processor (220) can remove the UI screen without performing any other operation. In this case, the processor (220) may store the user's selection history (i.e., the situation in which yes or no was selected) in the memory (330) along with a diagnostic code indicating a high possibility of occurrence of condensation or dew condensation.

[0137] An application for linking with the refrigerator (200) may be stored in the memory (330). The processor (320) executes the application and controls the display (340) to display the execution screen. The execution screen of the application may be the UI screen described above.

[0138] Meanwhile, in the above-described embodiments, it has been described that the server device (100) or the refrigerator (200) calculates an index value based on the status information of the refrigerator and diagnoses the status. However, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (320) of the terminal device (300) may perform such operations. When the processor (320) obtains the index value and the diagnosis result based thereon, it may transmit the obtained information to the refrigerator (200) or the server device (100), respectively. In this case, the processor (320) may generate a UI screen as illustrated in FIG. 10 and control the display (340) to display the UI screen. When the user inputs a user command to perform a seeding operation or a dew removal operation on the UI screen, the processor (320) may generate a control signal to perform such operation and transmit the control signal to the refrigerator (200) via the communication unit (310).

[0139] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a condition diagnosis method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the condition diagnosis method of FIG. 11 can be performed on any of a server device, a refrigerator, and a terminal device. However, the following description will be based on a case where the server device performs the diagnosis.

[0140] According to FIG. 11, the server device acquires and stores status information of the refrigerator (S1110), and calculates and stores an index value for frost or dew formation in the refrigerator based on the stored status information (S1120). The server device diagnoses the degree of frost or dew formation based on the index values ​​accumulated and stored over a certain period of time (S1130). Since the specific index value calculation method and diagnosis method have been specifically described in the various embodiments described above, a redundant description will be omitted.

[0141] Status information may include various information, such as external humidity information sensed by the refrigerator as described in FIGS. 3 to 5, information on the cumulative door opening time of the refrigerator door being opened for a preset unit time, and information on the number of times a defrosting operation or dew removal operation has been performed.

[0142] FIG. 12 is a flowchart specifically explaining a diagnostic method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0143] According to Fig. 12, the server device checks whether the status information of the refrigerator for a certain unit of time (e.g., the previous 5 days) has been secured (S1210).

[0144] If data exceeding a certain unit time has been secured, the server device determines whether the average of indicator values ​​calculated based on the secured data exceeds the reference value (S1220).

[0145] If the server device determines that the average of the indicator values ​​is below the reference value, it may recognize it as normal and not generate or display a separate diagnostic code (S1230).

[0146] On the other hand, if the server device determines that the average of the indicator values ​​exceeds the reference value, it recognizes the state as dangerous and generates and stores a diagnostic code for it. (S1240)

[0147] The diagnostic code stored in the server device may be displayed through a display device connected to the server device or provided to the user's terminal device or refrigerator.

[0148] Alternatively, the server device may further perform a step of generating a control signal and transmitting it to the refrigerator, which causes the refrigerator to perform a defrosting or dew removal operation when generating a diagnostic code. Accordingly, the refrigerator can automatically perform the defrosting or dew removal operation.

[0149] As described above, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to diagnose the condition or cause of frost or condensation that occurs during use of a refrigerator. In particular, since the condition of frost or condensation can be quantified and recorded, even when an A / S representative or repair technician cannot directly visually check the condition of the refrigerator, the possibility of frost or condensation occurring in the future can be remotely predicted, or the extent of its current occurrence can be remotely diagnosed.

[0150] Quantified information can be utilized in various ways. For example, when an after-sales service request is received, specific responses can be made based on quantified information, thereby enhancing customer service response capabilities. Previously, if a refrigerator user requested after-sales service for frost or condensation, which occurred under normal circumstances rather than due to a malfunction, the service representative could not accurately determine the condition or cause, ultimately requiring a repair technician to be dispatched to the site. However, according to the various embodiments described above, even when inquiries are made remotely, the condition of the refrigerator can be accurately identified, allowing the service representative to explain the situation and suggest solutions, significantly increasing user satisfaction. In particular, users can directly diagnose the condition of their refrigerator using the refrigerator or terminal device and take appropriate action based on the diagnosis results, minimizing inconvenience. Another example is that quantified information can be actively incorporated into new product development processes.

[0151] Meanwhile, the various embodiments described above may be applied to a product as an embodiment alone, but at least some of the contents may be implemented in combination with other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0152] In addition, the various embodiments described above can be implemented as software including instructions stored in a machine-readable storage medium that can be read by a machine (e.g., a computer). The device is a device that can call instructions stored in the storage medium and operate according to the called instructions, and may include an electronic device (e.g., a server device, a refrigerator, a terminal device) according to the disclosed embodiments. When an instruction is executed by a processor, the processor can perform a function corresponding to the instruction directly or by using other components under the control of the processor. The instruction may include code generated or executed by a compiler or interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium can be provided in the form of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' means that the storage medium does not contain a signal and is tangible, but does not distinguish between data being stored semi-permanently or temporarily in the storage medium.

[0153] 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.

[0154] Specifically, a non-transitory readable storage medium or a computer program product storing computer instructions for causing an operation to be performed, including a step of acquiring and storing status information of at least one refrigerator, a step of calculating and storing an index value for frost or dew formation of the refrigerator based on the stored status information, and a step of diagnosing the degree of frost or dew formation based on the index value accumulated and stored for a certain period of time, may be provided.

[0155] 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 an intermediary server.

[0156] In addition, computer instructions or programs for performing the index value calculation method or the status diagnosis method according to the various embodiments described above may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The computer instructions stored in such a non-transitory computer-readable medium, when executed by a processor of a specific device, cause the specific device to perform processing operations in the device according to the various embodiments described above. A non-transitory computer-readable medium refers to a medium that stores data semi-permanently and can be read by a device, rather than a medium that stores data for a short period of time, such as a register, cache, or memory. Specific examples of the non-transitory computer-readable medium may include a CD, DVD, hard disk, Blu-ray disk, USB, memory card, ROM, etc.

[0157] Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications may be made by a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains without departing from the gist of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or prospect of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A communication unit for communicating with at least one refrigerator; memory; and A processor that receives status information of at least one refrigerator through the communication unit and stores it in the memory; The above processor, Based on the stored status information, an index value for frost or dew formation of each of the at least one refrigerators is calculated and stored in the memory, A server device that diagnoses the temperature or dew state of at least one refrigerator based on accumulated stored indicator values ​​over a certain period of time.

2. In paragraph 1, The above status information is, A server device including information on the number of times a defrosting operation or a dew removal operation is performed in at least one refrigerator, information on the external humidity of the at least one refrigerator, and information on the cumulative door opening time of the at least one refrigerator door being opened during a preset unit time.

3. In paragraph 2, The above processor, f_index n = (OH × fDAT × A) + (fNDF × B) + (f_index n-1 × C) Using the mathematical expression 1, the index value for the above surname is calculated, r_index n = (OH × rDAT × D} + (rNDF × E) + (r_index n-1 × F) Using the mathematical formula 2, the index value for the above dew formation is calculated, In the above mathematical formulas 1 and 2 The above f_ index n is the implantation index value for the above-mentioned sex, the OH is the external humidity, the fDAT is the cumulative time of the door opening of the freezer, the fNDF is the number of times the defrosting operation is performed, and the f_index n-1 is the implantation index value saved just before, the above A, B, C are the weights set for diagnosing the sex, r_ index n is a dew formation index value for the above dew formation, the rDAT is the accumulated time of opening the door of the refrigerator, the rNDF is the number of times the dew removal operation is performed, and the r_ index n-1 A server device in which D, E, and F represent preset weights for diagnosing dew formation, and the dew formation index values ​​stored just before are indicated.

4. In paragraph 3, The above processor, A server device that transmits a diagnostic code indicating the occurrence of the above-described phenomenon or dew formation to a terminal device through the communication unit when the average value of the above-described implantation index values ​​or the average value of the above-described dew formation index values ​​accumulated and stored for the above-described period of time satisfies a preset condition.

5. In paragraph 3, The above processor, A server device that generates a remote control signal to perform a removal operation to remove the frost or dew formation when the average value of the implantation index values ​​or the average value of the dew formation index values ​​accumulated and stored for the above-mentioned predetermined period of time satisfies a preset condition, and transmits the remote control signal to the at least one refrigerator through the communication unit.

6. In the refrigerator, Multiple sensors; memory; and Processor; including; The above processor, Obtain status information of the refrigerator based on the sensing values ​​of the plurality of sensors, and calculate an index value for frost or dew formation of the refrigerator based on the status information and store it in the memory. A refrigerator that diagnoses the condition of the temperature or dew based on the accumulated stored index values ​​over a certain period of time.

7. In paragraph 6, The above processor, Based on the sensing value of the first sensor among the plurality of sensors, information on the accumulated door opening time of the refrigerator door being opened for a preset unit time is obtained, Based on the sensing value of the second sensor among the above multiple sensors, external humidity information of the refrigerator is obtained, A dew removal operation is performed according to the sensing value of a third sensor among the plurality of sensors, and a defrosting operation is performed according to the sensing value of a fourth sensor among the plurality of sensors. The above status information is, A refrigerator comprising information on the number of times the above-mentioned freezing operation or the above-mentioned dew removal operation was performed, information on the external humidity, and information on the accumulated time of the door being opened.

8. In paragraph 7, The above processor, f_ index n = (OH × fDATХ A) + (fNDF × B) + (f_index n-1 × C) Using the mathematical expression 1, the index value for the above surname is calculated, r_index n = (OH × rDATХ D} + (rNDF × E) + (r_index n-1 × F) Using the mathematical formula 2, the index value for the above dew formation is calculated, In the above mathematical formulas 1 and 2 The above f_ index n is the implantation index value for the above-mentioned sex, the OH is the external humidity, the fDAT is the cumulative time of the door opening of the freezer, the fNDF is the number of times the defrosting operation is performed, and the f_index n-1 is the implantation index value saved just before, the above A, B, C are the weights set for diagnosing the sex, r_ index n is a dew formation index value for the above dew formation, the rDAT is the accumulated time of opening the door of the refrigerator, the rNDF is the number of times the dew removal operation is performed, and the r_ index n-1 A refrigerator in which D, E, and F represent preset weights for diagnosing dew formation, and is a dew formation index value stored just before.

9. In paragraph 8, including display; The above processor, A refrigerator that controls the display to display a diagnostic code indicating the occurrence of frost or dew formation when the average value of the implantation index value or the dew formation index value calculated over the above-mentioned period of time falls within a preset range.

10. In paragraph 8, The above processor, A refrigerator that performs a defrosting operation or a dew removal operation when the average value of the above-mentioned implantation index value or the above-mentioned dew formation index value calculated over the above-mentioned period of time falls within a preset range.

11. In a method for diagnosing the status of a server device, A step of acquiring and storing status information of at least one refrigerator; A step of calculating and storing an index value for frost or dew formation of the refrigerator based on the stored status information; and A condition diagnosis method, comprising: a step of diagnosing the degree of the formation of moisture or dew based on indicator values ​​accumulated and stored over a certain period of time.

12. In paragraph 11, The above status information is, A condition diagnosis method including information on the number of times a defrosting operation or a dew removal operation has been performed in at least one refrigerator, information on external humidity sensed in at least one refrigerator, and information on the cumulative door opening time of the at least one refrigerator door being opened for a preset unit time.

13. In paragraph 12, The step of calculating and storing the index value for the degree of condensation or dew is as follows: f_index n = (OH × fDAT × A) + (fNDF × B) + (f_index n-1 × C) A step of calculating an indicator value for the above-mentioned surname using mathematical expression 1; r_index n = (OH × rDAT × D} + (rNDF × E) + (r_index n-1 × F) It includes a step of calculating an index value for the dew formation using the mathematical expression 2, In the above mathematical formulas 1 and 2 The above f_ index n is the implantation index value for the above-mentioned sex, the OH is the external humidity, the fDAT is the cumulative time of the door opening of the freezer, the fNDF is the number of times the defrosting operation is performed, and the f_index n-1 is the implantation index value saved just before, the above A, B, C are the weights set for diagnosing the sex, r_ index n is a dew formation index value for the above dew formation, the rDAT is the accumulated time of opening the door of the refrigerator, the rNDF is the number of times the dew removal operation is performed, and the r_ index n-1 A condition diagnosis method, wherein D, E, and F represent preset weights for diagnosing dew formation, and are dew formation index values ​​stored immediately before.

14. In paragraph 13, A condition diagnosis method further comprising: a step of displaying a diagnostic code indicating the occurrence of the seed or dew formation when the average value of the implantation index value or the dew formation index value accumulated and stored for the predetermined period of time satisfies a preset condition.

15. In paragraph 13, A condition diagnosis method further comprising: a step of generating and transmitting to the refrigerator a remote control signal to perform a removal operation to remove the frost or dew formation when the average value of the implantation index value or the dew formation index value accumulated and stored for the predetermined period of time satisfies a preset condition.

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