Food purchasing method and refrigerator for performing method

Abstract

A home appliance control method and an electronic device for performing the method can be provided. Particularly, a food purchasing method and a refrigerator for performing the method can be provided, the method comprising the operations of: acquiring a food list including a plurality of food items required to be purchased for a refrigerator; selecting the plurality of food items to be purchased from the food list; determining a plurality of candidate purchasing locations on the basis of the plurality of selected food items, a plurality of pre-collected user preference conditions, and priorities among the plurality of user preference conditions; and displaying the plurality of candidate purchasing locations according to the priorities.

Description

How to buy food and how to do it in the refrigerator

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for purchasing food and a refrigerator that performs the method. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a technology for automatically purchasing food items required for purchase through a refrigerator.

[0002] Recently developed refrigerators incorporate communication modules, allowing them to connect to the Internet. Users can purchase food through the refrigerator. The refrigerator can display a list of food items stored within the refrigerator via a display. The refrigerator can also display information related to recently purchased food items via the display. The refrigerator can also display a screen where users can purchase food items.

[0003] Users can purchase food items that are out of stock. Users can easily repurchase the same items they recently purchased. For example, users can select the food they wish to purchase on the screen and proceed with the purchase. In another example, the refrigerator can automatically purchase food items from a shopping website.

[0004] However, when users made purchases using the existing method, they had to manually select the foods they needed to purchase based on a food storage list. This required separate user input for selecting the foods they needed to purchase and entering the selected foods.

[0005] Furthermore, when refrigerators automatically process purchases according to the traditional method, purchases are simply made from pre-stored or pre-connected vendor sites. These automatic purchases do not take into account various factors users consider when purchasing items, such as price, shipping cost, and delivery time. Consequently, they may not satisfy user requirements related to price, shipping cost, and delivery time for each vendor, leading to a negative user preference for automatic refrigerator-driven ordering.

[0006] A food purchasing method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation of obtaining a food list including a plurality of foods that need to be purchased in a refrigerator, an operation of selecting a plurality of foods to be purchased from the food list, an operation of determining a plurality of candidate purchasing locations based on the plurality of selected foods, a plurality of user preference conditions collected in advance, and priorities among the plurality of user preference conditions, and an operation of displaying the plurality of candidate purchasing locations according to priorities.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes a display; a camera; a communication module; and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to obtain a food list including a plurality of food items to be purchased, select a plurality of food items to be purchased from the food list, determine a plurality of candidate purchase locations based on the plurality of selected food items, a plurality of user preference conditions collected in advance, and priorities among the plurality of user preference conditions, and display the plurality of candidate purchase locations according to priorities.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing the external structure of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the internal structure of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a refrigerator and a server according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for purchasing food according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for purchasing food according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating user preference conditions set for purchasing food according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a list of foods to be purchased extracted for purchasing foods according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a list of foods to be purchased extracted for purchasing foods according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a list of foods to be purchased extracted for purchasing foods according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a list of foods to be purchased extracted for purchasing foods according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a list of foods to be purchased extracted for purchasing foods according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating extracting a list of foods to be purchased based on a recipe video in order to purchase foods according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating determining a purchasing location to purchase food according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating determining a purchasing location to purchase food according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating determining a purchasing location to purchase food according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating determining a purchasing location to purchase food according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating determining a purchasing location based on a required arrival date condition for purchasing food according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of the embodiments.

[0026] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0027] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0028] In this disclosure, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0029] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0030] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0031] In addition, terms such as 'front', 'rear', 'top', 'bottom', 'side', 'left', 'right', 'upper', and 'lower' used in the present disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0032] The terms “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the present disclosure, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0033] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0034] When we say that a component is “on” another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0035] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a body.

[0036] The “body” may include an inner case, an outer case placed on the outside of the inner case, and an insulating material provided between the inner case and the outer case.

[0037] The "inner case" may include at least one of a case, plate, panel, or liner forming a storage compartment. The inner case may be formed as a single body, or may be formed by assembling a plurality of plates. The "outer case" may form the outer appearance of the main body, and may be joined to the outer side of the inner case so that insulation is placed between the inner case and the outer case.

[0038] "Insulation" can insulate the interior and exterior of a storage room so that the temperature inside the storage room can be maintained at a set temperature without being affected by the external environment. In one embodiment, the insulation can include foam insulation. The foam insulation can be formed by injecting and foaming urethane foam, a mixture of polyurethane and a foaming agent, between the inner and outer layers.

[0039] In one embodiment, the insulation may include a vacuum insulation material in addition to the foam insulation, or the insulation may consist solely of the vacuum insulation material instead of the foam insulation. The vacuum insulation material may include a core material and an outer shell material that accommodates the core material and seals the interior under a vacuum or near-vacuum pressure. However, the insulation material is not limited to the foam insulation or vacuum insulation material described above, and may include various materials that can be used for insulation.

[0040] A "storage room" may include a space defined by an interior wall. The storage room may further include an interior wall defining a corresponding space. The storage room may store various items, such as food, medicine, and cosmetics, and the storage room may be configured to be open on at least one side for the entry and exit of items.

[0041] A refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. When a refrigerator includes two or more storage compartments, each compartment may have a different purpose and be maintained at different temperatures. To achieve this, each storage compartment may be separated from the others by a partition wall containing insulation.

[0042] The storage room may be designed to maintain an appropriate temperature range depending on its intended use, and may include a “refrigerator,” a “freezer,” or a “variable temperature room,” which are distinguished by their intended use and / or temperature range. The refrigerator may be maintained at a temperature appropriate for refrigerating items, and the freezer may be maintained at a temperature appropriate for freezing items. “Refrigeration” may mean cooling items to a temperature that does not freeze them, and for example, a refrigerator may be maintained at a temperature ranging from 0 degrees Celsius to +7 degrees Celsius. “Freezing” may mean cooling items to freeze them or keep them frozen, and for example, a freezer may be maintained at a temperature ranging from -20 degrees Celsius to -1 degree Celsius. The variable temperature room may be used as either a refrigerator or a freezer, at the user’s option or not.

[0043] In addition to being called “refrigerator,” “freezer,” and “variable temperature room,” a storage room can also be called by various other names, such as “vegetable room,” “fresh room,” “cooling room,” and “ice room.” The terms “refrigerator,” “freezer,” and “variable temperature room” used hereinafter should be understood to encompass storage rooms with corresponding uses and temperature ranges.

[0044] In one embodiment, the refrigerator may include at least one door configured to open and close an open side of a storage compartment. The door may be configured to open and close one or more storage compartments, or a single door may be configured to open and close multiple storage compartments. The door may be installed on the front of the main body in a pivotal or sliding manner.

[0045] The “door” may be configured to seal the storage compartment when the door is closed. The door may include insulation, similar to the body, to insulate the storage compartment when the door is closed.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the door may include a door outer panel forming the front of the door, a door inner panel forming the back of the door and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and door insulation provided on the interior of these.

[0047] The door inner panel may be provided with a gasket that seals the storage compartment by contacting the front of the body when the door is closed. The door inner panel may include a dyke that protrudes rearward to accommodate a door basket for storing items.

[0048] In one embodiment, the door may include a door body and a front panel detachably coupled to the front side of the door body and forming the front of the door. The door body may include a door outer panel forming the front of the door body, a door inner panel forming the rear of the door body and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and door insulation provided inside these.

[0049] Depending on the arrangement of the door and storage compartment, refrigerators can be classified into French door type, side-by-side type, bottom mounted freezer (BMF), top mounted freezer (TMF), or single-door refrigerator.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0051] A “cold air supply device” may include a system of machines, devices, electronic devices and / or combinations thereof that can generate cold air and guide the cold air to cool a storage room.

[0052] In one embodiment, the cold air supply device can generate cold air through a refrigeration cycle that includes the processes of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation of a refrigerant. To this end, the cold air supply device can include a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator capable of driving the refrigeration cycle. In one embodiment, the cold air supply device can include a semiconductor, such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can cool a storage compartment through heat generation and cooling through the Peltier effect.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a machine room in which at least some components belonging to the cold air supply device are arranged.

[0054] The "machine room" may be designed to be partitioned and insulated from the storage room to prevent heat generated by components placed within the machine room from being transferred to the storage room. The interior of the machine room may be configured to be connected to the exterior of the main body to dissipate heat from components placed within the machine room.

[0055] In one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a dispenser provided on the door to provide water and / or ice. The dispenser may be provided on the door so that it is accessible to a user without having to open the door.

[0056] In one embodiment, a refrigerator may include an ice-making device configured to produce ice. The ice-making device may include an ice-making tray configured to store water, an ice-separating device configured to separate ice from the ice-making tray, and an ice bucket configured to store ice produced in the ice-making tray.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0058] The “control unit” may include a memory that stores or memorizes a program and / or data for controlling the refrigerator, and a processor that outputs a control signal for controlling a cold air supply device, etc. according to the program and / or data memorized in the memory.

[0059] Memory stores or records various information, data, commands, programs, etc. necessary for the operation of the refrigerator. Memory can store temporary data generated during the generation of control signals for controlling components within the refrigerator. Memory may include at least one of volatile memory and non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

[0060] The processor controls the overall operation of the refrigerator. The processor can control the components of the refrigerator by executing programs stored in memory. The processor may include a separate NPU that performs the operations of an artificial intelligence model. The processor may also include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or the like. The processor may generate control signals to control the operation of the cooling system. For example, the processor may receive temperature information about the storage compartment from a temperature sensor and generate a cooling control signal to control the operation of the cooling system based on the temperature information.

[0061] Additionally, the processor may process user input of the user interface and control the operation of the user interface based on programs and / or data stored / stored in the memory. The user interface may be provided using an input interface and an output interface. The processor may receive user input from the user interface. Additionally, the processor may transmit display control signals and image data to the user interface for displaying an image on the user interface in response to the user input.

[0062] The processor and memory may be provided as a single unit or separately. The processor may include one or more processors. For example, the processor may include a main processor and at least one subprocessor. The memory may include one or more memories.

[0063] In one embodiment, a refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control all components within the refrigerator, and may include multiple processors and multiple memories that individually control the components within the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control the operation of a cooling device based on the output of a temperature sensor. Additionally, the refrigerator may separately include a processor and memory that control the operation of a user interface based on user input.

[0064] The communication module can communicate with external devices, such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances, via a nearby access point (AP). The AP can connect the local area network (LAN) where the refrigerator or user device is connected to the wide area network (WAN) where the server is connected. The refrigerator or user device can then connect to the server via the WAN.

[0065] The input interface may include keys, a touchscreen, a microphone, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

[0066] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0067] The food purchasing method according to the present disclosure and the refrigerator performing the method can automatically process an order by organizing foods that need to be purchased in the refrigerator in a list format without separate user input.

[0068] The food purchasing method according to the present disclosure and the refrigerator performing the method can search for a purchasing location and recommend it to the user by considering the user's preferred conditions when ordering food.

[0069] The food purchasing method according to the present disclosure and the refrigerator performing the method can recommend an optimal purchasing method to a user by comprehensively considering a method of purchasing in bulk from a single purchasing source and a method of purchasing separately from multiple purchasing sources when ordering multiple foods.

[0070] Hereinafter, a food purchasing method according to the present disclosure and a refrigerator performing the method will be specifically described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0071] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing the external structure of a refrigerator (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The refrigerator (100) according to one embodiment may include a main body (110), at least one door (120, 130, 140, 150), a hinge (160), a display (170), an external camera (180), and a communication module (190).

[0072] The main body (110) can form the exterior of the refrigerator (100). The main body (110) can prevent cold air inside the refrigerator (100) from leaking out to the outside. The main body (110) can prevent warm air outside the refrigerator (100) from flowing into the inside. The main body (110) can include an insulating material that prevents the inflow and outflow of cold and warm air of the refrigerator (100).

[0073] A top table may be placed on the upper surface of the main body (110). The top table may supplement the insulation and support functions of the main body (110). The top table may cover the hinge (160). The top table may cover the electrical components outside the main body (110). The top table may be made of a non-metallic material such as plastic. For example, the top table may be formed of an injection molded product. The top table may have a shape that protrudes in a height direction higher than the upper surface of the main body (110).

[0074] At least one door (120, 130, 140, 150) can open and close the front side of the main body (110). At least one door (120, 130, 140, 150) can open or close the main body (110) by rotating around the front edge of the main body (110) via a hinge (160). For example, at least one door (120, 130, 140, 150) can be arranged at the front upper left side of the main body (110), the front upper right side of the main body (110), the front lower left side of the main body (110), and the front lower right side of the main body (110). However, it is not limited thereto, and the number of at least one door (120, 130, 140, 150) and the arrangement position of at least one door (120, 130, 140, 150) may vary depending on the design of the refrigerator (100).

[0075] A hinge (160) can connect a main body (110) and at least one door (120, 130, 140, 150). The hinge (160) can rotate at least one door (120, 130, 140, 150) by a set angle.

[0076] The display (170) can visually display information related to food stored in the refrigerator (100). For example, the display (170) can display a list of food stored in the refrigerator (100). For example, the display (170) can display a record of food entering and leaving the refrigerator (100).

[0077] The external camera (180) can capture the front exterior of the refrigerator (100). The external camera (180) can monitor the front exterior of the refrigerator (100).

[0078] The communication module (190) can be connected to a network. The communication module (190) can communicate with an external device. For example, the communication module (190) can communicate with a user terminal or a server.

[0079] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the internal structure of a refrigerator (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The refrigerator (100) according to one embodiment may include a storage compartment (210) and a camera module (220).

[0080] A storage compartment (210) may be formed inside the main body (110). The storage compartment (210) may store food in a refrigerated or frozen state. The storage compartment (210) may include a refrigerator compartment (211) and a freezer compartment (212). The refrigerator compartment (211) may be a place where food is kept cold at a temperature above freezing. The freezer compartment (212) may be a place where food is kept frozen at a temperature below freezing.

[0081] The camera module (220) may be placed on a top table above the upper surface of the main body (110). The camera module (220) may include a housing and at least one camera (221, 222, 223).

[0082] At least one camera (221, 222, 223) may be placed on the top table. For example, at least one camera (221, 222, 223) may be placed spaced apart from each other in the central portion, the left portion, and the right portion of the top table.

[0083] At least one camera (221, 222, 223) can capture a scene of food being put in and taken out of the refrigerator (100). For example, at least one camera (221, 222, 223) can capture a picture of a user's hand putting food in and taking out of the refrigerator (100). For example, at least one camera (221, 222, 223) can capture a picture of food being put in and taken out of the refrigerator (100).

[0084] At least one camera (221, 222, 223) can set up a shooting area in front of at least one door (120, 130, 140, 150) to capture a scene of food being put in and taken out of the refrigerator (100). At least one camera (221, 222, 223) can form a shooting area to look at at least one door (120, 130, 140, 150) from the top of the refrigerator (100).

[0085] At least one camera (221, 222, 223) can monitor the shooting area to identify whether a user is entering or exiting food. At least one camera (221, 222, 223) can capture the shooting area when it recognizes that a user is entering or exiting food. At least one camera (221, 222, 223) may be an artificial intelligence vision (AI Vision) camera for recognizing that a user is entering or exiting food.

[0086] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a refrigerator (100) and a server (340) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0087] The refrigerator (100) may include a main processor (310), a subprocessor (320), a compressor (311), a heat exchanger (312), a duct (313), a display (170), a camera (180), and a communication module (190).

[0088] The main processor (310) can control the refrigeration and freezing functions of the refrigerator (100). The main processor (310) can control the compressor (311), the heat exchanger (312), and the duct (313) in general. The main processor (310) can set the compressor (311), the heat exchanger (312), and the duct (313) so that refrigerant circulation occurs in the refrigerator (100).

[0089] The subprocessor (320) can support the electronic functions and communication functions of the refrigerator (100). The subprocessor (320) can control the display (170), the camera (180), and the communication module (190). The subprocessor (320) can display the list of stored foods and the entry / exit records of the refrigerator (100) through the display (170). The subprocessor (320) can be connected to the Internet (330) through the communication module (190). The subprocessor (320) can communicate with the server (340) through the Internet (330). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the subprocessor (320) can communicate with a user terminal or other home appliances through the Internet (330).

[0090] The server (340) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) linkage server (341) and a purchasing server (342). The server (340) may communicate with the refrigerator (100).

[0091] The refrigerator (100) can recognize food being stored. The refrigerator (100) can recognize the arrival and departure of food. The refrigerator (100) can generate food information including a list of stored food and records of arrival and departure. The refrigerator (100) can transmit the food information to an Internet of Things (IoT)-linked server (341). At least one of the subprocessor (320) of the refrigerator (100) and the Internet of Things-linked server (341) can determine a vendor to purchase food. The refrigerator (100) can transmit an order to purchase food to a vendor server (342).

[0092] The Internet of Things (IoT) linkage server (341) can receive food information from the refrigerator (100). When the Internet of Things (IoT) linkage server (341) determines a place to purchase food, the Internet of Things (IoT) linkage server (341) can transmit information related to the determined place to the refrigerator (100).

[0093] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for purchasing food according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0094] In operation 410, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may obtain a food list containing multiple items requiring purchase within the refrigerator. The refrigerator may obtain a list of items currently stored within the refrigerator. Based on the list of items currently stored, the refrigerator may extract a list of items requiring purchase within the refrigerator. The refrigerator may include all items determined to require purchase within the food list.

[0095] In operation 420, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may select multiple foods to purchase from a food list. The refrigerator may select multiple foods from the food list for the user to actually purchase. The refrigerator may receive user input for selecting multiple foods to actually purchase. The refrigerator may select multiple foods based on the user input. For example, the refrigerator may select some of the foods included in the food list. For example, the refrigerator may select all of the foods included in the food list.

[0096] In operation 430, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may determine a plurality of candidate purchase locations based on a plurality of selected foods, a plurality of pre-collected user preference conditions, and priorities among the plurality of user preference conditions. The refrigerator may determine candidate purchase locations likely to purchase a plurality of foods selected from a food list. The refrigerator may determine a plurality of candidate purchase locations for purchasing a plurality of foods based on a plurality of pre-collected user preference conditions and priorities among the plurality of user preference conditions. If there is one user preference condition, the refrigerator may determine a plurality of candidate purchase locations likely to process an order for food based on the pre-collected user preference conditions. If there are two or more user preference conditions, the refrigerator may additionally collect priorities among the user preference conditions. The refrigerator may determine a plurality of candidate purchase locations based on the user preference conditions and priorities among the user preference conditions.

[0097] In operation 440, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may display multiple candidate purchase locations according to priority. The refrigerator may list the multiple candidate purchase locations in an order determined by priority. The refrigerator may display the listed multiple candidate purchase locations in an order determined by priority. For example, the refrigerator may display the first-priority purchase location among the multiple candidate purchase locations at the top, and display the second-priority purchase location among the multiple candidate purchase locations below the first-priority purchase location.

[0098] The refrigerator may determine a recommended purchasing method among multiple purchasing scenarios that select at least one of multiple candidate vendors as a purchasing source for multiple items requiring purchase based on multiple user preferences and priorities. The recommended purchasing method may refer to a method or purchasing source for purchasing multiple items. The recommended purchasing method may be referred to as a recommended purchasing scenario. The refrigerator may select at least one of multiple candidate vendors as a purchasing source based on multiple user preferences and priorities. The refrigerator may process an order for purchasing multiple items requiring purchase based on multiple user preferences and priorities. The refrigerator may determine a bulk purchasing scenario that selects one of the multiple candidate vendors as a purchasing source. The refrigerator may determine a separate purchasing scenario that selects two or more vendors from the multiple candidate vendors. The refrigerator may determine a recommended purchasing scenario from either the bulk purchasing scenario or the separate purchasing scenario based on multiple user preferences and priorities. The refrigerator may process an order for multiple items requiring purchase based on the recommended purchasing scenario.

[0099] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for purchasing food according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0100] In operation 510, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may collect user preferences regarding where to purchase food. The refrigerator may collect or learn user preferences in advance when purchasing food. User preferences may vary, such as preferred purchasing location, lowest price including shipping, arrival time or fast arrival, free shipping, and preferred brands for each food item. If there are two or more user preferences, the refrigerator may additionally collect priorities among the user preferences.

[0101] In operation 520, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may extract a list of foods to be purchased. The refrigerator may obtain information on the incoming and outgoing food items using at least one camera. For example, the refrigerator may track the incoming and outgoing food items using an artificial intelligence vision camera. The refrigerator may track the remaining amount of a specific food item detected by an internal weight sensor. The refrigerator may track food-related conversations on a user's social network service (SNS) to extract information on foods to be purchased. The refrigerator may extract information on foods related to recipes.

[0102] In operation 530, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may output information regarding a purchase location determined to be ordered for each food item. The refrigerator may output information related to a purchase location for each food item that meets the user's preferences. Depending on the user's preferences, the purchase location may be one or multiple locations. The refrigerator may output information related to the determined purchase location through its display. The refrigerator may transmit information related to the determined purchase location to a user terminal, thereby causing the user terminal to output information related to the purchase location.

[0103] In operation 540, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may obtain user approval. The refrigerator may obtain user approval before processing an order for a determined vendor. The user may approve the determined vendor to process the order through the refrigerator's display or user terminal. The refrigerator may automatically approve orders for pre-stored vendors based on user settings.

[0104] In operation 550, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can transmit orders to a purchaser determined for each food item. If there is only one purchaser determined, the refrigerator can process a batch order for multiple foods that require purchase. If there is only one purchaser determined, the refrigerator can process a batch order for multiple foods that require purchase from the single purchaser determined. If there are multiple purchasers determined, the refrigerator can process a separate order for multiple foods that require purchase by dividing them by purchaser.

[0105] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating user preference conditions (610) set for purchasing food according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0106] User preference conditions (610) can be collected in advance before placing an order to purchase food. The refrigerator can receive user preference conditions (610) in advance from the user. The refrigerator can collect user preference conditions (610) through learning. The user preference conditions (610) can include criteria for determining a purchasing location when deciding on a purchasing location to place an order. The user preference conditions (610) can include a method for determining a purchasing location desired by the user. When purchasing food using an application within the refrigerator and an order is linked to multiple candidate purchasing locations, the refrigerator can collect user preference conditions as criteria for determining a purchasing location for each food item among the multiple candidate purchasing locations.

[0107] User preference conditions (610) may include a lowest total price condition including shipping (611), an expedited arrival condition (612), a required date of arrival condition (613), a preferred purchase location condition (614), and a free shipping condition (615). User preference conditions (610) may include a priority designation (616) between conditions.

[0108] The lowest total price condition including shipping costs (611) may be a condition that determines the purchase location with the lowest price, including the purchase cost of the food and shipping costs, among the candidate purchase locations when purchasing a single type of food. The lowest total price condition including shipping costs (611) may be a condition that determines the purchase scenario with the lowest total price, including both cases where multiple types of food are purchased from a single purchase location and the shipping cost is charged once, and where multiple types of food are purchased from multiple purchase locations and the shipping cost is charged multiple times.

[0109] The fast arrival condition (612) may be a condition that allows an order to be placed from a purchasing location that delivers and arrives the ordered food quickly, even if it is not the lowest price, when fast arrival of the food is required.

[0110] A mandatory date arrival condition (613) may be a condition that requires an order to be placed from a purchasing source that guarantees the arrival of the ordered food on or before a specific date, even if it is not the lowest price, if the food must arrive on or before a specific date.

[0111] The preferred purchase location condition (614) may be a condition that allows a user to pre-save preferred purchase locations and only process orders from those locations. For example, if a user has a preferred purchase location for reasons such as subscription services or point accumulation, the preferred purchase location condition (614) can be set to specify the preferred purchase location to process orders. For example, if a user has a preferred purchase location for each food brand, the preferred purchase location condition (614) can be set to specify the preferred purchase location to process orders. For example, the preferred purchase location condition (614) can be set to specify orders by specifying locations that satisfy conditions such as special discounts or allowing advance purchases of excess quantities.

[0112] The free shipping condition (615) may be a condition that determines the purchase location among the candidate purchase locations that offer free shipping when purchasing a product.

[0113] In the case of prioritizing conditions (616), if there are two or more user preference conditions, the refrigerator can recommend the optimal purchasing method according to the priorities by prioritizing the user preference conditions. For example, if the lowest total price condition including shipping cost (611) is specified as the first priority, the fast arrival condition (612) is specified as the second priority, and the preferred purchase location condition (614) is specified as the third priority, and if there are two or more candidate purchase locations with the lowest total cost including shipping cost, the location where the food arrives quickly can be selected as the purchase location. For example, if the fast arrival condition (612) is specified as the first priority, the preferred purchase location condition (614) is specified as the second priority, and the lowest total price condition including shipping cost (611) is specified as the third priority, if there are two or more candidate purchase locations where the food arrives quickly, the location designated as the preferred purchase location can be selected as the purchase location.

[0114] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a list of foods to be purchased (710) extracted for purchasing foods according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0115] The refrigerator may determine that food requires purchase if it has not been restocked within a certain period of time since its last shipment. For example, the refrigerator may determine that food that has not been restocked within one day of its last shipment requires purchase. The refrigerator may add food that has not been restocked within a certain period of time since its last shipment to the list of food items requiring purchase (710).

[0116] The refrigerator may record in the first list (711) that onions have not been received for three days since the last shipment and require replenishment. The refrigerator may record in the first list (711) that onions were received at 4:00 PM on January 18 and shipped at 7:00 PM on January 19.

[0117] The refrigerator may record in the second list (712) that milk has not been received for two days since the last shipment and needs to be purchased. The refrigerator may record in the second list (712) that milk was received at 11:00 AM on January 19 and shipped at 3:00 PM on January 20.

[0118] The refrigerator could record in List 3 (713) that eggs were recently delivered and therefore no longer needed. The refrigerator could record in List 3 (713) that onions were shipped at 9:00 AM on January 20th and received at 5:00 PM on January 21st.

[0119] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a list of foods to be purchased (810) extracted for purchasing foods according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0120] The refrigerator can track food inventory. Using an AI vision camera, the refrigerator can track inventory information by food type. If the number of times a food item is imported or exported within a specific period exceeds a set threshold, the refrigerator can determine that the item is frequently imported or exported and therefore requires purchase. For example, the refrigerator can determine that a food item requires purchase if it has been imported or exported five or more times within the past week. The refrigerator can then add the item to the list of items requiring purchase (810) if the number of times a food item is imported or exported within a specific period exceeds a set threshold.

[0121] The refrigerator could record in the first list (811) that onions were delivered and received twice in the past week, so there's no need to purchase them. The refrigerator could record in the second list (812) that milk was delivered and received six times in the past week, so there's a need to purchase them. The refrigerator could record in the third list (813) that eggs were delivered and received ten times in the past week, so there's a need to purchase them.

[0122] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a list of foods to be purchased (910) extracted for purchasing foods according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0123] A refrigerator may include a weight sensor positioned within the refrigerator. The weight sensor may be positioned at regular intervals on the door's basket or shelf. The refrigerator may sense the weight of food when it is put in or taken out of the refrigerator. Based on the sensed weight, the refrigerator may determine the amount of food consumed and the remaining amount of food. Based on the determined amount of food consumed and the remaining amount of food, the refrigerator may determine whether food requires purchase. The refrigerator may determine that food requires purchase if the sensed weight is less than a certain percentage of the initial weight. For example, food with a sensed weight of less than 20% of the initial weight may be added to the list of necessary foods (910).

[0124] The refrigerator may record in the first list (911) that onions need to be purchased. The refrigerator may record in the first list (911) that 150g of onions have been consumed in the past week and that 50g of onions are remaining.

[0125] The refrigerator may record in the second list (912) that beef needs to be purchased. The refrigerator may record in the second list (912) that the amount of beef consumed in the past week is 600g and that there is 150g of beef left.

[0126] The refrigerator may record in the third list (913) that cheese purchase is unnecessary. The refrigerator may record in the third list (913) that 30g of cheese has been consumed in the past week and that 150g of cheese remains.

[0127] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a list of foods to be purchased extracted for purchasing foods according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0128] A refrigerator can communicate with a user terminal. The refrigerator can obtain conversations from the user terminal's messenger application. The refrigerator can extract food-related content from these conversations. For example, the refrigerator can use deep learning technologies, such as text recognition AI, to track food-related conversations from the user's messenger application. Based on the extracted food-related content, the refrigerator can determine which foods are worth purchasing. The refrigerator can extract words related to the food the user wants to purchase and determine which foods are worth purchasing.

[0129] The refrigerator may indicate in the first list (1011) that eggs and milk need to be purchased. The refrigerator may indicate in the first list (1011) that onions and cheese do not need to be purchased.

[0130] The refrigerator can record message content in the second list (1012). The refrigerator can extract and record food-related conversations from among the message conversations in the second list (1012). For example, the second list (1012) can extract and record conversations such as "My son wants to eat fried eggs," "I've finished the milk, so I need to buy more," and "There's still plenty of onions and cheese left."

[0131] The refrigerator can collect user consumption information in advance. Based on the user's consumption information, the refrigerator can determine specific food items to purchase based on the extracted food word. For example, if the refrigerator extracts the food word "milk," it can extract the user's milk-related consumption information. Based on this consumption information, the refrigerator can determine that the user needs to purchase milk with the product name "Seoul Milk Low-Fat 1.5L."

[0132] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a list of foods to be purchased (1110) extracted for purchasing foods according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0133] A refrigerator can receive recipe information from a user. Based on the input recipe information, the refrigerator can extract food information necessary for cooking. Based on the input recipe information, the refrigerator can calculate the types and quantities of food required for cooking. The refrigerator can compare the types of food required for cooking with the types of food stored in the refrigerator. The refrigerator can compare the amount of food required for cooking with the remaining amount of food stored in the refrigerator. Based on the comparison results, the refrigerator can extract a list of food items to be purchased.

[0134] The refrigerator can record recipe information in the first list (1111). The refrigerator can record that tonight's menu is bulgogi in the first list (1111).

[0135] The refrigerator can record the required food and the remaining quantity in the second list (1112). The refrigerator can record the food needed to make bulgogi and the current quantity of each food item in the second list (1112). For example, the refrigerator can record in the second list (1112) that there is 0g of beef left, 50g of onions left, 0 carrots left, and 200g of garlic left.

[0136] The refrigerator can list the necessary items in the third list (1113). The refrigerator can list the necessary items in the third list (1113) based on recipe information and remaining stock. For example, the refrigerator can list the necessary items in the third list (1113) based on the recipe for making bulgogi and the remaining stock of each item in the refrigerator.

[0137] The refrigerator can receive user schedule information from the user through the refrigerator application. The refrigerator can also receive information related to the date the user plans to use a given recipe. Based on this information, the refrigerator can store the date the user plans to use the recipe. The refrigerator can then reflect the date the user plans to use the recipe as a required arrival date for the food items required for purchase.

[0138] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating extracting a list of foods to be purchased based on a recipe video in order to purchase foods according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0139] In operation 1210, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may detect that a user is watching a recipe video. The refrigerator may detect that the user has started watching the recipe video.

[0140] In operation 1220, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may determine whether the user has watched the recipe video for a set threshold time or longer. The set threshold time may be a specific length of time. For example, the set threshold time may be 5 minutes. The set threshold time may be a specific percentage of the total playback time of the recipe video. For example, the set threshold time may be 50% of the total playback time of the recipe video. If the user has watched the recipe video for a set threshold time or longer (operation 1220 - YES), the refrigerator may proceed to operation 1230. If the user has watched the recipe video for a set threshold time or shorter (operation 1220 - NO), the refrigerator may not proceed to operation 1230 and may remain in a standby state.

[0141] In operation 1230, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may extract food information required for a recipe from a recipe video. If the refrigerator determines that the user has watched the recipe video for a set threshold time or longer, the refrigerator may determine that the user plans to prepare a dish according to the recipe described in the recipe video. If the refrigerator determines that the user has watched the recipe video for a set threshold time or longer, the refrigerator may identify the food items required to prepare the dish according to the recipe from the recipe video.

[0142] In operation 1240, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may compare the amount of food required based on food information with the remaining amount of food stored in the refrigerator. The refrigerator may compare the amount of food required for a recipe with the remaining amount of food stored in the refrigerator.

[0143] In operation 1250, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may extract a list of foods to be purchased based on the comparison results. The refrigerator may add foods whose remaining quantity is insufficient to the list of foods to be purchased based on the comparison with the amount of food required for the recipe.

[0144] The refrigerator can detect when a user watches a video introducing or recommending new food products. If the user watches the video for a set amount of time, the refrigerator can add the new product to the list of foods to purchase. The refrigerator can also recommend where to buy the new product based on the user's pre-stored preferences.

[0145] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating determining a purchasing location to purchase food according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0146] The refrigerator may display a list of foods to purchase (1300). The list of foods to purchase (1300) may include the types of foods to purchase, the quantities of foods to purchase, an emergency purchase menu, and a recommended purchase method menu.

[0147] The refrigerator may display a first item (1310) of the need-to-buy list (1300) indicating that 800g of beef is needed. The refrigerator may display a first emergency purchase menu (1311) for urgently purchasing beef from the first item (1310).

[0148] The refrigerator may display a second list (1320) of the list of necessary purchases (1300) indicating that 1.5 L of milk is needed. The refrigerator may display a second emergency purchase menu (1321) for urgently purchasing milk from the second list (1320).

[0149] The refrigerator may display a third list (1330) of the need-to-buy food list (1300) indicating that 300g of onions are needed. The refrigerator may display a third emergency purchase menu (1331) for urgently purchasing onions from the third list (1330).

[0150] The refrigerator may display that three carrots are needed in the fourth list (1340) of the list of foods to purchase (1300). The refrigerator may display a fourth emergency purchase menu (1341) in the fourth list (1340) that allows for the urgent purchase of carrots.

[0151] The refrigerator may display a recommended purchasing method menu (1350) to indicate recommended purchasing methods when purchasing all foods included in the required purchasing list (1300). When a user selects the recommended purchasing method menu (1350), the refrigerator may present a recommended purchasing method that meets preset user preferences. The recommended purchasing method may be referred to as a recommended purchasing scenario.

[0152] Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating a process for determining a purchasing location for purchasing food according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The refrigerator may display a recommended purchasing method screen (1400) that guides the user through the results of determining a purchasing location.

[0153] The refrigerator may display user preference conditions on the recommended purchase method screen (1400). The refrigerator may display preset user preference conditions on the preference condition indicator (1410) of the recommended purchase method screen (1400). For example, the refrigerator may display "Andrew's preference conditions" on the preference condition indicator (1410), indicating that Andrew has specified "Lowest total price including shipping."

[0154] The refrigerator may display recommended purchasing methods based on preset user preference conditions on the recommended purchasing method screen (1400). The recommended purchasing methods may be referred to as recommended purchasing scenarios. The refrigerator may display recommended scenarios based on preset user preference conditions on the recommended purchasing method screen (1400) using the recommended scenario indicator (1420). For example, the refrigerator may indicate that the recommended scenario is a separate purchasing scenario on the recommended scenario indicator (1420).

[0155] The refrigerator may display at least one purchase location, the type of food purchased from each purchase location, the quantity of food purchased from each purchase location, the price of food purchased from each purchase location, and the delivery fee for food purchased from each purchase location in the recommended scenario indicator (1420). For example, the refrigerator may display the purchase of beef and milk from Mart A in the first part (1421) of the recommended scenario indicator (1420). For example, the refrigerator may display the purchase of onions and carrots from Mart B in the second part (1422) of the recommended scenario indicator (1420).

[0156] The refrigerator can display the total price on the recommended purchase method screen (1400). The recommended purchase method screen (1400) can display a purchase approval menu (1430) for determining whether to proceed with the purchase according to the recommended scenario. If the user selects the purchase approval menu (1430), the refrigerator can proceed with the purchase according to the recommended scenario.

[0157] Based on user preferences, the refrigerator can determine whether a user prefers to purchase a list of foods in bulk from a single source or to purchase them separately from two or more sources. The refrigerator can comprehensively consider both bulk and separate purchase scenarios and determine the scenario that best aligns with the user's preferences as the recommended scenario.

[0158] For example, if a refrigerator follows the lowest price condition including shipping, it can determine whether purchasing a list of foods in bulk from a single vendor results in a lower total cost including shipping, or whether purchasing them separately from two or more vendors results in a lower total cost including shipping. The refrigerator can comprehensively consider scenarios based on bulk purchases and scenarios based on separate purchases and determine the scenario with the lowest total cost including shipping among multiple scenarios as the recommended scenario. Specifically, if the list of foods to be purchased includes potatoes and onions and there are multiple vendors, the refrigerator can derive a scenario in which the first scenario involves purchasing the foods separately from the store with the lowest price for potatoes and the store with the lowest price for onions, while paying the shipping cost for each store. The second scenario involves purchasing the foods together from the store with the lowest price, while paying the shipping cost for one store. The refrigerator can compare the first and second scenarios to determine the optimal scenario.

[0159] For example, if a refrigerator has a pre-designated preferred purchase location based on preferred purchase location conditions, it can determine a recommended scenario by considering the preferred purchase location and other conditions. For example, if the customer purchases all the items on the list of items to be purchased from the preferred purchase location and the free shipping condition is satisfied, the refrigerator can proceed with the order. For example, if the customer purchases all the items on the list of items to be purchased from the preferred purchase location and the free shipping condition is not satisfied, the refrigerator can recommend additional purchases of specific items to satisfy the free shipping condition. For example, the refrigerator can recommend additional quantities of a single item on the list of items to be purchased as additional purchases of a specific item. For example, the refrigerator can recommend additional purchases of specific items not on the list of items to be purchased but expected to be purchased within a set period of time.

[0160] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating determining a purchasing location to purchase food according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0161] The refrigerator may display a list of foods to purchase (1500). The list of foods to purchase (1500) may include the types of foods to purchase, the quantities of foods to purchase, an emergency purchase menu, and a recommended purchase method menu.

[0162] The refrigerator may display a first item (1510) of the need-to-buy list (1500) indicating that 800g of beef is needed. The refrigerator may display a first emergency purchase menu (1511) for urgently purchasing beef from the first item (1510).

[0163] The refrigerator may display a second list (1520) of the list of necessary purchases (1500) indicating that 1.5 L of milk is needed. The refrigerator may display a second emergency purchase menu (1521) for urgently purchasing milk from the second list (1520).

[0164] The refrigerator may display a third list (1530) of the need-to-buy list (1500) indicating that 300g of onions are needed. The refrigerator may display a third emergency purchase menu (1531) for urgently purchasing onions from the third list (1530).

[0165] The refrigerator may display that three carrots are needed in the fourth list (1540) of the list of foods to purchase (1300). The refrigerator may display a fourth emergency purchase menu (1541) in the fourth list (1540) that allows for the urgent purchase of carrots.

[0166] The refrigerator may display a recommended purchasing method menu (1550) to indicate a recommended purchasing method when purchasing all foods included in the list of foods to be purchased (1500).

[0167] If the user selects at least one of the first to fourth emergency purchase menus (1511, 1521, 1531, 1541), the refrigerator may present a recommended purchasing method for purchasing the selected food item while satisfying the user signal condition. For example, if the user selects the second emergency purchase menu (1521), the refrigerator may present a recommended purchasing method for urgently purchasing milk while satisfying the user signal condition. The recommended purchasing method may be referred to as a recommended purchasing scenario.

[0168] Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating a process for determining a purchasing location for purchasing food according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The refrigerator may display a recommended purchasing method screen (1600) that guides the user on the results of determining a purchasing location.

[0169] The refrigerator may display user preference conditions on the recommended purchase method screen (1600). The refrigerator may display preset user preference conditions on the preference condition indicator (1610) of the recommended purchase method screen (1600). For example, the refrigerator may display "Andrew's Preference Conditions" on the preference condition indicator (1610), indicating that Andrew has specified a "required date arrival condition."

[0170] The refrigerator may display recommended purchasing methods based on preset user preference conditions on the recommended purchasing method screen (1600). The recommended purchasing methods may be referred to as recommended purchasing scenarios. The refrigerator may display recommended scenarios based on preset user preference conditions on the recommended purchasing method screen (1600) using the recommended scenario indicator (1620). For example, the refrigerator may display that the recommended scenario is a bulk purchasing scenario on the recommended scenario indicator (1620).

[0171] The refrigerator may display, in the recommended scenario indicator (1620), a preferred purchase location among the recommended scenarios, the amount of food purchased at the purchase location, the price of the food purchased at the purchase location, the shipping cost of the food purchased at the purchase location, and the expected arrival date of the food purchased at the purchase location. For example, the refrigerator may display C Mart as a preferred purchase location in the first part (1621) of the recommended scenario indicator (1460), and the price and expected arrival date when purchasing milk at C Mart. For example, the refrigerator may display D Mart as a shaded purchase location that is not preferred in the second part (1622) of the recommended scenario indicator (1420), and the price and expected arrival date when purchasing milk at D Mart.

[0172] The refrigerator may display a purchase approval menu (1630) on the recommended purchase method screen (1600) to determine whether to proceed with a purchase at C Mart according to the recommended scenario. If the user selects the purchase approval menu (1630) to proceed with a purchase at C Mart, the refrigerator may proceed with the purchase at C Mart according to the recommended scenario.

[0173] If the refrigerator needs to purchase some of the food items on the list of foods that need to be purchased urgently, it can recommend a place to buy them that is expected to arrive before the required arrival date entered by the user.

[0174] If the refrigerator needs to purchase some of the food items on the list of foods that need to be purchased urgently, it can recommend a place to buy them that is expected to arrive before the required arrival date entered by the user.

[0175] If the user's preference is for fast arrival, the refrigerator can select the vendor with the earliest expected arrival date. For an order listing items requiring purchase, the refrigerator can select a vendor with guaranteed fast delivery as the purchaser. If multiple user preferences exist, the refrigerator can prioritize the vendor with the next best expected arrival date among the vendors with the earliest expected arrival date. For example, the refrigerator may select the vendor with the lowest total price, including shipping, as the purchaser.

[0176] If a user's preferences include a recipe usage schedule, the refrigerator can select a vendor that guarantees delivery on the date the recipe is used. If a user's preferences include a mandatory arrival date, the refrigerator can recommend a vendor that is expected to arrive before that date.

[0177] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating determining a purchasing location based on a required arrival date condition for purchasing food according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0178] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator in operation 1710 may extract a list of foods to be purchased.

[0179] In operation 1720, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can identify whether any of the foods requiring purchase have a required arrival date. The refrigerator can receive a recipe usage schedule from the user's schedule in relation to the required arrival date. The user can input a recipe to be used on a specific date in relation to the user's schedule.

[0180] The refrigerator can extract required food information from the input recipe. The refrigerator can compare the information about the food stored in the refrigerator with the information about the food items in the input recipe to derive a list of foods that need to be purchased. For example, the refrigerator can compare the types of food stored in the refrigerator with the types of food required according to the input recipe to derive a list of foods that need to be purchased. For example, the refrigerator can compare the remaining food in the refrigerator with the required amount of food according to the input recipe to derive the quantity of each food item that needs to be purchased.

[0181] The refrigerator may proceed to operation 1730 if there is a food with a required arrival date condition among the foods that need to be purchased (action 1720 - YES). The refrigerator may proceed to operation 1740 if there is no food with a required arrival date condition among the foods that need to be purchased (action 1720 - NO).

[0182] In operation 1730, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may determine a store among multiple candidate vendors that guarantees an arrival date for a food item with a mandatory arrival date. For a food item with a mandatory arrival date in a list of foods requiring purchase, the refrigerator may prioritize delivery time over pre-stored user preferences to determine a vendor to order. For a food item with a mandatory arrival date in a list of foods requiring purchase, the refrigerator may determine a recommended purchasing method so that the food item can arrive on a specific date using a recipe. The recommended purchasing method may be referred to as a recommended purchasing scenario. For a food item with a mandatory arrival date in a list of foods requiring purchase, the refrigerator may determine a candidate vendor that guarantees delivery that satisfies the mandatory arrival date as a vendor.

[0183] In operation 1740, the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may determine a store that satisfies user preference conditions among multiple candidate stores as a purchase location for food without a mandatory arrival date. If there are other foods that require purchase at the same time as the food required for the input recipe, the refrigerator may determine which store to purchase each order from based on whether or not the required arrival date is present. For foods without a mandatory arrival date, the refrigerator may determine a purchase location based on pre-stored user preference conditions.

[0184] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator at step 1750 can output purchase information determined for each food item. The refrigerator can organize and display which food item is ordered from which purchase location.

[0185] A food purchasing method according to the present disclosure may include an operation of obtaining a food list including a plurality of foods that need to be purchased in a refrigerator, an operation of selecting a plurality of foods to be purchased from the food list, an operation of determining a plurality of candidate purchasing locations based on the plurality of selected foods, a plurality of user preference conditions collected in advance, and priorities among the plurality of user preference conditions, and an operation of displaying the plurality of candidate purchasing locations according to priorities.

[0186] The operation of obtaining a food list according to the present disclosure may include an operation of including in the food list a first food item that has not been restocked for a certain period of time since the last shipment from among a plurality of foods in the refrigerator.

[0187] The operation of obtaining a food list according to the present disclosure may include an operation of including a second food item, among a plurality of foods in a refrigerator, whose number of times of entry and exit is greater than a set threshold number, in the food list.

[0188] The operation of obtaining a food list according to the present disclosure may include an operation of obtaining the consumed amount and remaining amount of each of a plurality of foods in a refrigerator and an operation of obtaining a food list based on the consumed amount and remaining amount.

[0189] An operation of obtaining a food list according to the present disclosure may include an operation of obtaining conversation content related to a plurality of foods in a refrigerator from a user terminal and an operation of obtaining a food list based on the conversation content.

[0190] An operation of obtaining a food list according to the present disclosure may include an operation of obtaining recipe information related to a plurality of foods in a refrigerator and an operation of obtaining a food list based on the recipe information.

[0191] The operation of determining multiple candidate purchase locations according to the present disclosure may include an operation of determining, as a recommended purchase method, a method corresponding to the lowest price among a single purchase location bulk purchase method or a separate purchase method from multiple purchase locations based on the prices of each of the multiple candidate purchase locations and the shipping costs of each of the multiple candidate purchase locations, when the multiple user preference conditions include a condition for a total lowest price including shipping costs.

[0192] The operation of determining a plurality of candidate purchasing locations according to the present disclosure may include an operation of determining a recommended purchasing method by giving priority to the delivery period over a plurality of user preference conditions when the list of foods includes food requiring urgent arrival with a mandatory arrival date condition.

[0193] The operation of determining multiple candidate purchase locations according to the present disclosure may include, when multiple user preference conditions include a preferred purchase location condition and a free shipping condition, an operation of ordering multiple purchase-required food items from a preferred purchase location if the free shipping condition is satisfied, and recommending an additional purchase of a specific food item to satisfy the free shipping condition if the free shipping condition is not satisfied.

[0194] The operation of determining a plurality of candidate purchasing locations according to the present disclosure may include an operation of selecting a purchasing location that guarantees delivery of a plurality of purchase-required food items prior to a date of using the recipe, if the plurality of user preference conditions include a recipe usage schedule condition.

[0195] A refrigerator according to the present disclosure includes a display, a camera, a communication module, and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to obtain a food list including a plurality of food items to be purchased, select a plurality of food items to be purchased from the food list, determine a plurality of candidate purchase locations based on the plurality of selected food items, a plurality of user preference conditions collected in advance, and priorities among the plurality of user preference conditions, and display the plurality of candidate purchase locations in order of priority.

[0196] A method for purchasing food according to the present disclosure and a refrigerator performing the method can improve user convenience by creating a list of items that need to be purchased in the refrigerator without user intervention and recommending a place to purchase each food item according to the user's preferred conditions.

[0197] A method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented in the form of program commands that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program commands, data files, data structures, etc., alone or in combination. The program commands recorded on the medium may be those specially designed and configured for the present disclosure or may be those known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and hardware devices specially configured to store and execute program commands, such as ROMs, RAMs, and flash memories. Examples of program commands include not only machine language codes generated by a compiler, but also high-level language codes that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc.

[0198] Some embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, executed by a computer. Computer-readable media may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer, and include both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. Furthermore, computer-readable media may include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically includes computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave, or other transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery media. Furthermore, some embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented as a computer program or computer program product containing computer-executable instructions, such as a computer program that is executed by a computer.

[0199] A device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory storage medium" simply means a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0200] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through an application store or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

Claims

1. An action to obtain a food list containing multiple food items that need to be purchased in the refrigerator; An action of selecting multiple foods to purchase from the above food list; An operation of determining a plurality of candidate purchasing locations based on the plurality of selected foods, a plurality of pre-collected user preference conditions, and priorities among the plurality of user preference conditions; and A food purchasing method, comprising an action of displaying the plurality of candidate purchasing locations according to the priority.

2. In paragraph 1, The action of obtaining the above food list is: A method comprising an action of including in the food list a first food item that has not been restocked for a certain period of time since the last shipment among a plurality of foods in the refrigerator.

3. In at least one of paragraphs 1 and 2, The action of obtaining the above food list is: A method comprising an action of including a second food product among a plurality of foods in the refrigerator, the number of times the second food product has been brought in and out exceeding a set threshold number of times, in the food list.

4. In at least one of the clauses 1 to 3, The action of obtaining the above food list is: An operation of obtaining the consumption amount and remaining amount of each of a plurality of foods in the refrigerator; and A method comprising the operation of obtaining the food list based on the consumption amount and the remaining amount.

5. In at least one of the clauses 1 to 4, The action of obtaining the above food list is: An operation of obtaining conversation contents related to multiple foods in the refrigerator from a user terminal; and A method comprising an action of obtaining the food list based on the conversation content.

6. In at least one of the clauses 1 to 5, The action of obtaining the above food list is: An operation of obtaining recipe information related to a plurality of foods in the refrigerator; and A method comprising an action of obtaining the food list based on the recipe information.

7. In at least one of the clauses 1 to 6, The operation of determining the above multiple candidate purchasing locations is as follows: A method comprising an action of determining a scenario corresponding to the lowest price among a single purchase site bulk purchase method or a separate purchase method from multiple purchase sites as a recommended purchase method based on the prices of each of the multiple candidate purchase sites and the shipping costs of each of the multiple candidate purchase sites when the multiple user preference conditions include a condition for the lowest total price including shipping costs.

8. In at least one of the clauses 1 to 6, The operation of determining the above multiple candidate purchasing locations is as follows: A method comprising an action of determining a recommended purchase method by giving priority to the delivery period over the plurality of user preference conditions when the above food list includes food requiring urgent arrival with a mandatory arrival date condition.

9. In at least one of the clauses 1 to 6, The operation of determining the above multiple candidate purchasing locations is as follows: A method comprising: when the plurality of user preference conditions include a preferred purchase location condition and a free shipping condition, when purchasing the plurality of necessary purchase foods from the preferred purchase location, if the free shipping condition is satisfied, ordering them as is; and if the free shipping condition is not satisfied, recommending an additional purchase of a specific food to satisfy the free shipping condition.

10. In at least one of the clauses 1 to 6, The operation of determining the above multiple candidate purchasing locations is as follows: A method comprising an action of selecting a purchasing location that guarantees delivery of the plurality of purchase-required foods prior to a date of using the recipe, when the plurality of user preference conditions include a recipe use schedule condition.

11. Display (170); Camera (180); Communication module (190); and comprising at least one processor (320), At least one processor, Obtain a list of foods that contain multiple foods that need to be purchased, Select multiple foods you wish to purchase from the above food list, Determine a plurality of candidate purchasing locations based on the plurality of selected foods, a plurality of pre-collected user preference conditions, and priorities among the plurality of user preference conditions, A refrigerator (100) that displays the above multiple candidate purchasing locations according to the above priority.

12. In paragraph 11, At least one processor, A refrigerator that includes in the food list a first food item that has not been restocked for a certain period of time since the last shipment among a plurality of foods in the refrigerator.

13. In at least one of paragraphs 11 and 12, At least one processor, A refrigerator that includes a second food item among a plurality of foods in the refrigerator, the number of times the food item has been brought in and taken out exceeding a set threshold number of times, in the food list.

14. In at least one of the clauses 11 to 13, At least one processor, Obtain the consumption amount and remaining amount of each of the multiple foods in the refrigerator, A refrigerator that obtains the food list based on the consumption amount and the remaining amount.

15. In at least one of the clauses 11 to 14, At least one processor, Obtain conversation content related to multiple foods in the refrigerator from the user terminal, A refrigerator that obtains the food list based on the above conversation.

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