Refrigerator and control method of refrigerator

Abstract

The present disclosure discloses a refrigerator and a control method of the refrigerator. The refrigerator may comprise: at least one storage compartment; at least one door for opening or closing the at least one storage compartment; a door driving unit for controlling opening or closing of the at least one door; a communication circuit; a memory including at least one storage medium storing instructions; and at least one processor. The at least one processor may: receive, via the communication circuit, a first communication signal transmitted from at least one external electronic device; acquire first channel state information (CSI) related to the first communication signal on the basis of the first communication signal; acquire location information of a user on the basis of a change in the first CSI; identify whether a first condition for opening at least a portion of the at least one door is satisfied, on the basis of the location information of the user; and control the door driving unit to open the at least a portion of the at least one door, on the basis of the first condition being satisfied.

Description

Refrigerator and refrigerator control method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator and a method for controlling the refrigerator.

[0002] A refrigerator is a device for keeping food fresh by having a main body having a storage compartment and a cold air supply system that supplies cold air to the storage compartment. The storage compartment may include a refrigerator compartment that is maintained at approximately 0 to 5 degrees Celsius to refrigerate food, and a freezer compartment that is maintained at approximately 0 to minus 30 degrees Celsius to freeze food. The storage compartment is provided so that the front is open for the retrieval and retrieval of food.

[0003] A refrigerator can repeat a cooling cycle in which the refrigerant is compressed, condensed, expanded, and evaporated using a compressor, condenser, expander, and evaporator. In this case, both the freezer and refrigerator compartments can be cooled by a single evaporator installed on the freezer side, or cooling can be achieved independently by installing evaporators in the freezer and refrigerator compartments, respectively.

[0004] The refrigerator may include a door configured to open and close the storage compartment. The door is rotatably configured relative to the main body to open and close the storage compartment.

[0005] The refrigerator may include a door opening and closing structure configured to allow the door to be easily opened or closed.

[0006] The door may include a manual opening / closing type door configured to be opened and closed directly by a user, and an automatic opening / closing type door configured to be opened and closed automatically using a door opening / closing device according to user input. In the automatic opening / closing type door, the user may move the door by applying force directly at any time while the door is automatically opening or closing.

[0007] The information described above may be provided as related art for the purpose of aiding understanding of the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the foregoing may be applied as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may be provided. The refrigerator may include at least one storage compartment; at least one door for opening and closing the at least one storage compartment; a door driving unit for controlling the opening and closing of the at least one door; a communication circuit; a memory including at least one storage medium storing at least one instruction; and at least one processor capable of executing the at least one instruction. The at least one processor may control the operation method of the refrigerator by executing the at least one instruction.

[0009] According to one embodiment, at least one processor receives a first communication signal transmitted from at least one external electronic device through a communication circuit, acquires a first CSI (channel state information) associated with the first communication signal based on the first communication signal, acquires user location information based on a change in the first CSI, identifies whether a first condition for opening at least a part of at least one door is satisfied based on the user location information, and controls a door drive unit to open at least a part of at least one door based on the satisfaction of the first condition.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the first condition may be a condition in which the user is located within a first threshold distance from the refrigerator for a first threshold time or longer. According to one embodiment, the first condition may be a condition in which the user performs a predetermined door opening gesture within a second threshold distance from the refrigerator.

[0011] According to one embodiment, at least one processor can acquire a second communication signal transmitted from at least one external electronic device through a communication circuit, acquire a second CSI associated with the second communication signal based on the second communication signal, recognize a user's gesture based on a change in the second CSI, and perform a control operation corresponding to the recognized gesture.

[0012] According to one embodiment, at least one processor identifies an external device through a communication circuit, obtains location information of the external device, and identifies that the external device moves at a time before or after obtaining the location information.

[0013] When it is identified that the external device is moving, it is possible to identify whether the first condition is satisfied based on the location information of the external device. The location information of the external device can be obtained based on the strength of the third communication signal transmitted by the external device.

[0014] According to one embodiment, at least one processor can receive a communication signal directly from an external electronic device or receive it through one or more nodes.

[0015] According to one embodiment, at least one processor can obtain at least three distance information corresponding to the received signal strength (RSS) of the third communication signal measured at at least three of the refrigerator or a plurality of external electronic devices, and obtain location information of the external device based on the at least three distance information.

[0016] According to one embodiment, at least one processor can acquire a CSI related to an amplified communication signal based on an amplified communication signal acquired by amplifying a communication signal.

[0017] According to one embodiment, at least one processor can identify an RSS change of a first communication signal and verify or correct the user's location information based on the RSS change of the first communication signal.

[0018] According to one embodiment, while at least a portion of at least one door is open, at least one processor can identify that the user has moved out of a third threshold distance based on the user's location information, and control the door drive unit to close the open door based on the identification that the user has moved out of the third threshold distance.

[0019] According to one embodiment, while at least a part of at least one door is open, at least one processor identifies whether a user performs a predetermined door closing gesture based on a change in the second CSI, and can control a door drive unit to close the open door based on whether the user performs the door closing gesture.

[0020] According to one embodiment, at least one of the first communication signal, the second communication signal, or the third communication signal may include a Wi-Fi signal.

[0021] According to one embodiment, at least one processor acquires user location information transmitted by at least one external electronic device through a communication circuit, identifies whether a first condition for opening at least a part of at least one door is satisfied based on the user location information, and controls a door drive unit to open at least a part of at least one door based on the satisfaction of the first condition. The user location information may be information acquired based on a change in the CSI of a communication signal from at least one external electronic device.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of operating a refrigerator may be provided. The method of operating the refrigerator may include at least one operation. The at least one operation may include: receiving a first communication signal transmitted from at least one external electronic device through a communication circuit of the refrigerator; acquiring a first CSI (channel state information) associated with the first communication signal based on the first communication signal; acquiring user location information based on a change in the first CSI; identifying whether a first condition for opening at least a part of at least one door of the refrigerator is satisfied based on the user location information; and controlling a door drive unit of the refrigerator to open at least a part of at least one door based on the satisfaction of the first condition.

[0023] In relation to the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates a refrigerator with a top table separated according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from above.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a communication signal received by a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining the processing of a communication signal according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 6 illustrates a CSI (channel state information) graph of a communication signal according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 7 illustrates a refrigerator and users at different locations according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a refrigerator recognizing a user gesture according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining signal amplification according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 13 illustrates a mesh network environment according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the RSS of a mesh network environment and an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in various different forms and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of the embodiments described herein, rather than being limited to the embodiments described herein. The present disclosure is capable of various modifications by those skilled in the art without departing from the gist of the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical spirit or perspective of the present disclosure.

[0041] The purposes and effects of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned in the drawings and the following related description, and various modifications may be made within the technical scope of the present disclosure. The effects according to the embodiments of the present disclosure mentioned below are merely illustrative and are not limited thereto; depending on various modifications, different or additional effects may be realized.

[0042] In the following drawings and related descriptions, functions, configurations, technical terms, and technical details well known in the art to which this disclosure pertains may be omitted. This is intended to convey the essentials of this disclosure more clearly and concisely by minimizing unnecessary detailed descriptions.

[0043] In the drawings, each block of the flowcharts and combinations of the flowcharts may be performed by at least one instruction. The instruction may be loaded into a processor of a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to generate means for performing the functions described in the drawings. The instruction may also provide steps for performing the functions described in the drawings by being executed on a computer or other programmable data processing equipment.

[0044] Meanwhile, various elements and areas in the drawings are depicted schematically, and the technical concept of the present disclosure is not limited by the relative sizes, spacing, or arrangements depicted in the attached drawings. The refrigerator of the present disclosure is not limited to the configuration and / or operation shown in the drawings and may include all other configurations capable of performing the same or similar functions.

[0045] In this disclosure, terms such as "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "side," "left," "right," "top," and "bottom" are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0046] The individual components depicted in the drawings are not required to be implemented in a physically separate form, but are shown separately to aid in the description and understanding of the present disclosure. The present disclosure may be implemented in a form in which the individual components shown in the drawings are merged, modified, or have some components deleted and / or added. Each component may perform functions in conjunction with one another while existing in physically separated locations via a network or communication link.

[0047] Likewise, the operations depicted in the drawings are illustrative to aid in the description and understanding of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure may be modified by merging, changing the order of, or deleting and / or adding parts of the operations shown in the drawings. For example, two or more operations shown consecutively in the drawings may be performed simultaneously, in reverse order as necessary, repeatedly, or omitted depending on the actual situation.

[0048] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a main body.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the “body” may include an inner body, an outer body disposed on the outside of the inner body, and / or an insulating material provided between the inner body and the outer body.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the “inner body” may include at least one of a case, plate, panel, or liner forming a storage chamber. The inner body may be formed as a single body or may be formed by assembling a plurality of plates. The “outer body” may form the exterior of the main body and may be coupled to the outer side of the inner body so that an insulating material is disposed between the inner body and the outer body.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the “insulating material” can insulate the inside and outside of the storage room so that the temperature inside the storage room can be maintained at a set optimal temperature without being affected by the external environment of the storage room. According to one embodiment, the insulating material may include a foamed insulating material. The foamed insulating material can be formed by injecting and foaming urethane foam, which is a mixture of polyurethane and a foaming agent, between the inner and outer layers.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the insulation material may additionally include a vacuum insulation material in addition to a foam insulation material, or the insulation material may consist solely of a vacuum insulation material instead of a foam insulation material. The vacuum insulation material may include a core material and an outer shell material that accommodates the core material and seals the interior under vacuum or near-vacuum pressure. However, the insulation material is not limited to the foam insulation material or vacuum insulation material described above and may include various materials that can be used for insulation.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the “storage room” may include a space defined by an internal structure. The storage room may further include an internal structure defining a space corresponding to the storage room. Various items such as food, medicine, and cosmetics may be stored in the storage room, and the storage room may be formed so that at least one side is open to allow for the retrieval and retrieval of items.

[0054] According to one embodiment, a refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. When two or more storage compartments are formed in the refrigerator, each storage compartment may have a different use and may be maintained at a different temperature. To this end, each storage compartment may be partitioned from one another by a partition containing an insulating material.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the storage room may be configured to be maintained within an appropriate temperature range depending on the use, and may include a "refrigeration room," a "freezing room," or a "variable temperature room" distinguished according to the use and / or temperature range. The refrigerator room may be maintained at a temperature suitable for refrigerating items, and the freezing room may be maintained at a temperature suitable for freezing items. "Refrigeration" may mean cooling items to a temperature that does not freeze, for example, the refrigerator room may be maintained within a range of 0 degrees Celsius to 7 degrees Celsius. "Freezing" may mean cooling items to freeze or maintain them in a frozen state, for example, the freezing room may be maintained within a range of -20 degrees Celsius to -1 degree Celsius. The variable temperature room may be used as either the refrigerator room or the freezing room, with or without the user's choice.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the storage room may be called by various names such as "vegetable room," "fresh room," "cooling room," and "ice-making room" in addition to names such as "refrigerated room," "freezer room," and "variable temperature room."

[0057] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include at least one door configured to open and close one side of the storage compartment. The door may be configured to open and close each of one or more storage compartments, or a single door may be configured to open and close multiple storage compartments. The door may be installed to be rotatable or sliding on the front of the main body.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the “door” may be configured to seal the storage room when the door is closed. The door may include an insulating material to insulate the storage room when the door is closed.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the door may include a door outer panel forming the front of the door, a door inner panel forming the rear of the door and facing the storage room, an upper cap, a lower cap, and a door insulation material provided inside them.

[0060] According to one embodiment, a gasket may be provided on the edge of the door inner plate to seal the storage compartment by adhering to the front of the main body when the door is closed. The door inner plate may include a dyke protruding backward to allow a door basket capable of storing items to be mounted.

[0061] According to 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 a door insulation material provided inside them.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device arranged to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the “cold air supply device” may include a machine, apparatus, electronic device and / or a system combining the same that can generate cold air and guide cold air to cool a storage room.

[0064] According to one embodiment, a 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 may include a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator capable of driving the refrigeration cycle. According to one embodiment, the cold air supply device may include a semiconductor such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can cool a storage chamber through heat generation and cooling action via the Peltier effect.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a machine room arranged to accommodate at least some parts belonging to a cold air supply device.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the “machine room” may be configured to be partitioned and insulated from the storage room to prevent heat generated from components placed in the machine room from being transferred to the storage room. The interior of the machine room may be configured to communicate with the exterior of the main body to dissipate heat from components placed inside the machine room.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a dispenser provided to provide water and / or ice. The dispenser may be provided on the door so that it is accessible to the user without opening the door.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include an ice-making device configured to generate ice. The ice-making device may include an ice-making tray that stores water, an ice-removing device that separates ice from the ice-making tray, and an ice bucket that stores the ice generated from the ice-making tray.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the “control unit” may include a memory for storing or remembering a program and / or data for controlling a refrigerator, and a processor for outputting a control signal for controlling a component of the refrigerator, such as a cold air supply device, according to the program and / or data stored in the memory.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the memory can store or record various information, data, commands, programs, etc., necessary for the operation of the refrigerator. The memory can store temporary data generated while generating control signals for controlling components included in the refrigerator. The memory may include at least one of volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the processor includes a processing circuit and can control the overall operation of the refrigerator. The processor can control the components of the refrigerator by executing a program stored in memory. The processor may include a separate NPU that performs the operation of an artificial intelligence model. Additionally, the processor may include a central processing unit, a graphics-only processor (GPU), etc. The processor can generate a control signal to control the operation of the cold air supply unit. For example, the processor may receive temperature information of the storage compartment from a temperature sensor and generate a cooling control signal to control the operation of the cold air supply unit based on the temperature information of the storage compartment.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the processor can process user input of a user interface and control the operation of the user interface according to a program and / or data stored in memory. The user interface may be provided using an input interface and an output interface. The processor can receive user input from the user interface. Additionally, the processor can transmit display control signals and image data to the user interface to display an image on the user interface in response to the user input.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the processor and memory may be provided integrally or separately. The processor may include one or more processors. For example, the processor may include a main processor and at least one sub-processor. The memory may include one or more storage spaces.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control all components included in the refrigerator, and may include a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories that individually control the components of the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control the operation of a cold air supply device according to the output of a temperature sensor. Additionally, the refrigerator may separately provide a processor and memory that control the operation of a user interface according to user input.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the communication module includes a communication circuit and can communicate with external electronic devices, such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances, through a nearby access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the refrigerator or user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The refrigerator or user device can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN).

[0077] According to one embodiment, the input interface may include, for example, a key, a touchscreen, and a microphone. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to a processor.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the output interface may include, for example, a display or a speaker. The output interface may output information such as various notifications or messages generated by the processor.

[0079] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0080] Meanwhile, terms such as "upward," "downward," "front," and "rear" used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and location of each component are not limited by these terms. For example, the terms "front" and "rear" below may refer to the front and rear of the refrigerator in the X-direction, respectively, based on the drawings. The terms "upward" and "downward" below may refer to the upward and downward directions of the refrigerator in the Z-direction, respectively, based on the drawings. The terms "left" and "right" below may refer to the left and right directions of the refrigerator in the Y-direction, respectively, based on the drawings.

[0081] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 1, the refrigerator (1) may include a main body (10), a storage room (20), a door (30), and / or a cold air supply device.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the storage room (20) may be partitioned inside the main body (10) and formed into multiple spaces. A door (30) may be positioned at the front of the main body (10) to open and close the storage room (20). A cold air supply device may be provided inside the main body (10) to supply cold air to the storage room (20).

[0084] According to one embodiment, the main body (10) may include an inner housing (11) and / or an outer housing (12). The inner housing (11) may be provided to form, for example, the exterior of the storage room (20). The inner housing (11) may be, for example, made of a plastic material and injection molded integrally. The outer housing (12) may be provided to form, for example, at least a part of the exterior of the refrigerator (1). The outer housing (12) may be made of, for example, a metal material with excellent durability and aesthetic appeal. A receiving space may be formed between the inner housing (11) and the outer housing (12). A main body insulation material (not shown) that insulates the storage room (20) may be provided in part of the receiving space.

[0085] According to one embodiment, a cold air supply device can generate cold air by using a cooling circulation cycle that compresses, condenses, expands, and evaporates a refrigerant.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the storage room (20) may be divided into multiple sections by partitions (14). The storage room (20) may be formed by the internal housing (11) of the main body (10) and the partitions (14). Inside the storage room (20), a plurality of shelves (24) or storage containers (25) may be provided to store food. The plurality of shelves (24) and storage containers (25) may be provided, for example, to be separable.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the storage room (20) may be divided into a plurality of storage rooms by partitions (14). For example, the storage room (20) may include one first storage room (21) located at the top (e.g., upper storage room) and two second storage rooms (22) (e.g., lower storage rooms) and a third storage room (23) (e.g., lower storage room) located at the bottom, as illustrated.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the partition (14) may include a first partition (141) and a second partition (142). The partition (14) may, for example, have a T-shaped cross-section. The first partition (141) may be provided horizontally, for example, to partition the first storage room (21) and the second and third storage rooms (22, 23). The second partition (142) may be provided vertically, for example, to partition the second storage room (22) and the third storage room (23). The second partition (142) may be formed to protrude downward from the first partition (141), for example. The illustrated second partition (142) is formed protruding from the center of the first partition (141), but is not limited thereto, and the size of the second storage room (22) and the third storage room (23) may vary depending on the position of the second partition (142).

[0089] According to one embodiment, among the illustrated storage rooms (20), the first storage room (21) may be used as a refrigerator room, and the second and third storage rooms (22, 23) may be used as freezer rooms, but are not limited thereto, and the location and number of each of the refrigerator room and freezer room may change according to the user's needs.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the number, size, or shape of the storage rooms (20) may vary depending on the shape or location of the partition wall (14). The storage rooms (20) may be insulated, for example, by the partition wall (14).

[0091] According to one embodiment, the storage room (20) may be divided into left and right sections by a single vertical partition. Here, the vertical partition may be formed such that one end contacts the upper part of the inner housing (11) and the other end contacts the lower part of the inner housing (11). Depending on the position of the vertical partition, the size of the storage room (20) divided into left and right sections may vary. For example, the vertical partition may be provided in the center so that the storage room (20) divided into left and right sections is provided in a mirror-symmetric manner. According to one embodiment, there may be multiple vertical partitions. If there are multiple vertical partitions, three or more storage rooms (20) may be provided in the left and right directions.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the storage room (20) may be divided only into upper and lower sections by a single horizontal partition. That is, the storage room (20) may be divided into two sections, an upper storage room and a lower storage room. Here, the horizontal partition may be formed such that one end contacts the left side of the inner housing (11) and the other end contacts the right side of the inner housing (11). Depending on the position of the horizontal partition, the size of the upper and lower divided storage room (20) may vary. According to one embodiment, there may be multiple horizontal partitions. If there are multiple horizontal partitions, three or more storage rooms (20) may be provided in the upper and lower directions. In addition to the above-described embodiment, multiple storage rooms (20) of various types may be configured depending on the shape and number of the partitions (14).

[0093] According to one embodiment, the door (30) may include a first door (31) (e.g., upper door) and / or a second door (32) (e.g., lower door) as illustrated. The door (30) may be provided to open and close, for example, an opening (10a) of the main body (10). The first door (31) may be provided as a pair (e.g., double door) to open and close, for example, the first storage room (21). The second door (32) may be provided as a pair (e.g., double door) to open and close, for example, the second storage room (22) or the third storage room (23). In addition, the number and shape of the door (30) may vary in correspondence with the number and shape of the storage room (20), and the door (30) may be configured to rotate around the hinge (16) as well as to slide.

[0094] According to one embodiment, a rotating bar (316) may be provided on one of the pair of first doors (31). The rotating bar (316) may be positioned, for example, on the side opposite to the side forming the axis of rotation in one of the pair of first doors (31). The rotating bar (316) may be provided, for example, so that the axis of rotation is fixed to the side of one of the pair of first doors (31) and can rotate around the axis of rotation. The rotating bar (316) may be provided, for example, to be positioned in the center of the front of the main body (10) when one of the pair of first doors (31) is closed. The rotating bar (316) can seal the gap between the pair of first doors (31) when the pair of first doors (31) are closed. The main body (10) may be provided with a rotating bar guide (15) that guides the movement of the rotating bar (316) when one of the pair of first doors (31) is closed.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the door (30) (e.g., first door (31) or second door (32)) may include a door panel (30a) or a door body (30b). The door panel (30a) and the door body (30b) may be joined so as to be separable.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the door body (30b) may be fixed to the main body (10) at one side by a hinge (16), for example. The door body (30b) may be provided to be rotatable relative to the main body (10). The door panel (30a) may form part of the front exterior of the refrigerator (1), for example. The door panel (30a) may be an important aesthetic element, particularly when the refrigerator (1) is placed indoors. Accordingly, the user may customize the front exterior of the refrigerator (1) as desired by replacing the door panel (30a) with one having a different color or design. According to some embodiments, the door panel (30a) and the door body (30b) may be formed as a single unit.

[0097] For convenience of explanation, only one first door (31) and one second door (32) are described below, and the description of the remaining first door (31) and the remaining second door (32) is omitted. However, the first door (31) and the second door (32) for which the description is omitted may have the same or similar configuration as the first door (31) and the second door (32) described below. Additionally, the second door (32) may have the same configuration as the first door (31), and a detailed description may be omitted.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the first door (31) may include a first door shelf (313), a first shelf support (314), or a first gasket (315). The first door (31) may be rotatably coupled to the main body (10), for example, to open and close at least a portion of the first storage room (21).

[0099] According to one embodiment, the first door shelf (313) may be provided to store food, for example. On both the left and right sides of the first door shelf (313), a first shelf support (314) may be provided to support the first door shelf (313). The first shelf support (314) may be formed to extend vertically from the first door (31), for example. That is, the first shelf support (314) may be provided to protrude rearward from the back surface of the first door (31) and extend in the vertical direction. The first shelf support (314) may be provided detachably to the first door (31) as a separate component, for example, or may be formed integrally. The first shelf support (314) may be formed to protrude rearward from the rear surface of the door body (30b), for example.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the first gasket (315) may be provided to wrap around the back edge of the first door (31), for example. Specifically, the first gasket (315) may be provided to wrap around the edge of the door body (30b). The first gasket (315) may be provided to seal the gap with the main body (10) when the first door (31) is closed.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the second door (32) may include a second gasket (322). The second door (32) may be rotatably coupled to the main body (10), for example, to open and close the second storage room (22) or the third storage room (23).

[0102] According to one embodiment, the second gasket (322) may be provided to wrap around, for example, the back edge of the second door (32). The second gasket (322) may be provided to seal the gap with the main body (10) when the second door (32) is closed.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the second door (31) may further include a configuration that is wholly or partially identical to the first door shelf (313) and the first shelf support (314) of the first door (32).

[0104] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) may include a top table (13) provided on the upper part of the main body (10). The top table (13) may be coupled to the upper part of the outer housing (12). For example, the top table (13) may be coupled to the upper surface of the outer housing (12). For example, the top table (13) may be fixed to the outer housing (12).

[0105] According to one embodiment, the top table (13) can cover the hinge bracket (40) of the upper door. In this case, the top table (13) may be referred to as a hinge bracket cover.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the top table (13) can cover various electrical components. A receiving space for accommodating various electrical components may be formed on the inside of the top table (13). For example, the top table (13) can cover a door drive unit (400) described later in FIG. 2, and the door drive unit (400) can be accommodated on the inside of the top table (13). In this case, the top table (13) may be referred to as a door drive unit cover.

[0107] Although the refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure has been described as an example of the present disclosure on the premise that it is a cold-cooling refrigerator, the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto and can also be applied to a direct-cooling refrigerator.

[0108] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a refrigerator with the top table separated, viewed from above, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) may include a main body (10), a door (30), and / or a door drive unit (400).

[0110] According to one embodiment, the configuration of the main body (10) and / or door (30) of the refrigerator (1) of FIG. 2 may be partially or entirely identical to the configuration of the main body (10) and / or door (30) of the refrigerator (1) of FIG. 1. The embodiment of FIG. 2 may be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 through FIG. 15.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the door drive unit (400) may be configured to automatically open the door (30). For example, the door drive unit (400) may be configured to automatically rotate the door (30) relative to the main body (10) so that the front of the main body (10) and / or the storage room (20) is opened.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the door drive unit (400) may be configured to automatically close the door (30). For example, the door drive unit (400) may be configured to automatically rotate the door (30) relative to the main body (10) so that the front of the main body (10) and / or the storage room (e.g., the storage room (20) of FIG. 1) is closed.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the door drive unit (400) may be mounted on the main body (10). The door drive unit (400) may open the door (30) by pressing the door (30) in an opening direction while mounted on the main body (10). The door drive unit (400) may be configured to press the door (30) based on conditions for opening the door (30).

[0114] According to one embodiment, the door drive unit (400) may be configured to automatically open the first storage room (21). For example, the door drive unit (400) may include a first door drive unit (400A) configured to open the first-1 door (30A) and a second door drive unit (400B) configured to open the first-2 door (30B).

[0115] According to one embodiment, the first door drive unit (400A) may be configured to open the first-1 door (30A). The first door drive unit (400A) may be configured to automatically open the first-1 door (30A) based on conditions for opening the first-1 door (30A). The first door drive unit (400A) may be configured to rotate the first-1 door (30A) relative to the main body (10) so that a part of the first storage room (21) is opened.

[0116] According to one embodiment, a second door drive unit (400B) may be provided to open the first-2 door (30B). The second door drive unit (400B) may be provided to automatically open the first-2 door (30B) based on conditions for opening the first-2 door (30B). The second door drive unit (400B) may be provided to rotate the first-2 door (30B) relative to the main body (10) so that another part of the first storage room (21) is opened.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the first door drive unit (400A) and the second door drive unit (400B) may be configured to open the first storage room (21) independently of each other.

[0118] According to one embodiment, the door drive unit (400) may be mounted on the upper part of the main body (10). For example, the door drive unit (400) may be accommodated inside a top table (e.g., the top table (13) of FIG. 1). The upper part of the door drive unit (400) may be covered by the top table (13). The door drive unit (400) may be placed on the upper surface of the outer housing (12). Referring to FIG. 2, the first door drive unit (400A) may be placed to the left of the center on the upper part of the main body (10), and the second door drive unit (400B) may be placed to the right of the center on the upper part of the main body (10). For example, the first door drive unit (400A) and the second door drive unit (400B) may be placed side by side in the horizontal direction (Y).

[0119] According to one embodiment, a door driving unit (400) may be mounted on the upper part of the main body (10) and configured to press the upper part of the door (30). For example, a first door driving unit (400A) may be configured to press the upper part of the first-1 door (30A). Additionally, a second door driving unit (400B) may be configured to press the upper part of the first-2 door (30B).

[0120] The location and structure of the door drive unit (400) are not limited to the above disclosure and may be mounted at various locations on the main body (10), and may be configured to open the first storage room (21) by pressing various parts other than the upper part of the first-1 door (30A) or the first-2 door (30B).

[0121] For example, the door drive unit (400) may be mounted on a horizontal partition (e.g., the first partition (141) of FIG. 1) and configured to press the lower part of the first-1 door (30A) or the first-2 door (30B).

[0122] For example, the door drive unit (400) may be configured to open the second storage room (e.g., the second storage room (22) of FIG. 1). The door drive unit (400) may be configured to press the door based on conditions for opening the second storage room (22). The door drive unit (400) may be mounted on the lower part of the main body (10) or may be mounted on a horizontal partition (e.g., the first partition wall (141) of FIG. 1).

[0123] For example, the door drive unit (400) may be configured to open the third storage room (e.g., the third storage room (23) of FIG. 1). The door drive unit (400) may be configured to press the door based on conditions for opening the third storage room (23). The door drive unit (400) may be mounted on the lower part of the main body (10) or may be mounted on a horizontal partition (e.g., the first partition wall (141) of FIG. 1).

[0124] For convenience of explanation, the following description is based on an example in which the door drive unit (400) is mounted on the upper part of the main body (10) and configured to open the first storage room (21) by pressing the first-1 door (30A) or the first-2 door (30B).

[0125] In the following, for convenience of explanation, the first door drive unit (400A) among the first door drive unit (400A) and the second door drive unit (400B) will be described as an example, and for convenience, the first door drive unit (400A) may be referred to as the 'door drive unit (400)'. The features of the door drive unit (400) described below may also be applied to the second door drive unit (400B) accordingly.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) may include a guide (200). The guide (200) may be provided to guide the rotation of the door (30) when the door (30) is opened or closed. According to one embodiment, the guide (200) may be provided to induce the door (30) to rotate in a specific direction depending on the position of the door (30). According to one embodiment, the guide (200) may be provided to assist the door (30) in opening or closing depending on the position of the door (30).

[0127] According to one embodiment, the guide (200) may be provided such that when the door (30) is opened or closed, force is applied to the door (30) in a direction in which the door (30) is opened or closed, depending on the position of the door (30) (or the position of a part connected to the door (30) (e.g., lever device (100)). Hereinafter, the position of the door (30) may include the position of a part connected to the door (30) and moving together (e.g., lever device (100)).

[0128] According to one embodiment, the door (30) may receive force in the direction of opening or in the direction of closing by the guide (200) depending on the relative position of the door (30) to the guide (200). For example, when the door (30) is opened, if the door (30) is positioned at a specific position relative to the guide (200), the guide (200) may guide the rotation of the door (30) so that the door (30) rotates in the direction of opening. For example, when the door (30) is closed, if the door (30) is positioned at a specific position relative to the guide (200), the guide (200) may guide the rotation of the door (30) so that the door (30) rotates in the direction of closing.

[0129] According to one embodiment, if the direction of rotation when the door (30) is opened is the first direction and the direction of rotation when the door (30) is closed is the second direction, then when the door (30) rotates in the first direction or the second direction, depending on the position of the door (30) relative to the guide (200), the guide (200) can transmit a force to rotate in the first direction to the door (30) to guide the door (30) to rotate in the first direction, or transmit a force to rotate in the second direction to guide the door (30) to rotate in the second direction.

[0130] According to one embodiment, the guide (200) may be fixed to the main body (10). For example, the guide (200) may be coupled to the hinge bracket (40). The guide (200) may be coupled to the hinge bracket (40) of the upper door. For example, the guide (200) may be formed integrally with the hinge bracket (40) of the upper door.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) may include a lever device (100). The lever device (100) may be mounted on the door (30). For example, the lever device (100) may be mounted on the upper part of the door (30).

[0132] According to one embodiment, the lever device (100) may include a lever configured to contact the guide (200) when the door (30) is opened or closed. The lever device (100) may receive force from the guide (200) when the lever (130) contacts the guide (200). When the lever (130) contacts the guide (200), the force applied from the guide (200) may vary depending on the relative position of the lever (130) with respect to the guide (200). Here, the phrase "the force applied from the guide (200) to the lever device (100) varies" can be understood to mean that the magnitude or direction of the force received by the lever device (100) from the guide (200) may change depending on the relative position of the lever (130) in contact with the guide (200).

[0133] According to one embodiment, the lever device (100) may transmit force to the door (30) in a direction in which the door (30) is opened or in a direction in which the door (30) is closed, depending on the relative position of the lever (130) to the guide (200) when the lever (130) contacts the guide (200). For example, when the door (30) is opened, the lever device (100) may transmit force to the door (30) in a direction in which the door (30) is opened, depending on the position of the lever connected to the door (30). For example, when the door (30) is closed, the lever device (100) may transmit force to the door (30) in a direction in which the door (30) is closed, depending on the position of the lever connected to the door (30).

[0134] According to one embodiment, if the direction of rotation when the door (30) is opened is the first direction and the direction of rotation when the door (30) is closed is the second direction, the lever device (100) can transmit a force to rotate in the first direction or a force to rotate in the second direction to the door (30) depending on the position of the lever connected to the door (30) when the door (30) rotates in the first direction or the second direction.

[0135] For convenience of explanation, the following description is based on an example in which the guide (200) is coupled to the hinge bracket (40) of the upper door and the lever device (100) is mounted on the upper part of the first-1 door (30A) or the upper part of the first-2 door (30B) to guide the rotation of the first-1 door (30A) or the first-2 door (30B). However, the design can be modified in various ways, such as the guide being coupled to the lower door hinge bracket and the lever device being mounted on the upper part of the lower door to guide the rotation of the lower door.

[0136] According to one embodiment, the door (30) can be opened by rotating in a first direction and closed by rotating in a second direction opposite to the first direction. That is, the door (30) can be arranged to rotate in a first direction from a closed position toward an open position and can be closed by rotating in a second direction from an open position toward a closed position.

[0137] According to one embodiment, the opening angle of the door (30) may be defined as the angle to which the door (30) is rotated from the closed position. For example, the opening angle of the door (30) may be defined as the angle to which the door (30) is rotated in a first direction from the closed position. As the opening angle of the door (30) increases, the degree to which the door (30) opens the storage room (20) may increase. The opening position of the door (30) may be defined as the position of the door (30) when the opening angle of the door (30) is at its maximum.

[0138] According to one embodiment, the door (30) may be rotatably provided around a rotation axis extending in one direction. For example, as illustrated, the door (30) may be rotatably provided around a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction (Z).

[0139] According to one embodiment, the rotation axis of the door (30) may be determined differently depending on the connection relationship between the door (30) and the main body (10). The rotation axis of the door (30) may pass through the door (30) and the hinge bracket (40). Thus, the door (30) may be rotatably provided with respect to the hinge bracket (40) around the rotation axis.

[0140] According to one embodiment, when a hinge bracket (40) is fixed to a main body (10) and the part connecting the door (30) and the hinge bracket (40) is fixed to the main body (10), the axis of rotation of the door (30) can be defined as a virtual straight line fixed to the main body (10). For example, the door (30) can be arranged to rotate between an open position and a closed position around an axis of rotation fixed to the main body (10).

[0141] According to one embodiment, when the door (30) opens or closes the storage room (20), the hinge bracket (40) moves relative to the main body (10), or the part connecting the door (30) and the hinge bracket (40) moves relative to the main body (10) (for example, a multi-joint hinge type in which the hinge brackets are rotatably connected to each other), the rotation axis of the door (30) may not be fixed relative to the main body (10). Even in this case, the opening angle of the door (30) may be defined as the angle in which the door (30) is rotated from the closed position in a first direction, and the opening angle of the door (30) may increase as the door (30) rotates from the closed position to the open position.

[0142] The aforementioned door drive unit (400) may be configured to rotate the door (30) from a closed position toward an open position. The door drive unit (400) may press the door (30) to rotate the door (30) toward an open position.

[0143] The aforementioned guide (200) may be provided to guide the rotation of the door (30) when the door (30) is opened or closed. The guide (200) may apply force to the door (30) while the door (30) is being opened or closed. When the door (30) is opened, the magnitude or direction of the force applied to the door (30) by the guide (200) may vary depending on the opening angle of the door (30). Additionally, when the door (30) is closed, the magnitude or direction of the force applied to the door (30) by the guide (200) may vary depending on the opening angle of the door (30).

[0144] The aforementioned lever device (100) is mounted on the door (30) and can move together with the door (30) when the door (30) is opened or closed. The lever device (100) can transmit force to the door (30) by contacting the guide (200) when the door (30) is opened or closed. The relative position of the lever device (100) with respect to the guide (200) may vary depending on the opening angle of the door (30), and the point where the lever (130) of the lever device (100) contacts the guide (200) may vary depending on the opening angle of the door (30). Depending on which point on the guide (200) the lever (130) of the lever device (100) contacts, the magnitude and direction of the force applied to the door (30) may vary.

[0145] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0146] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) may include a door driving unit (150), a sensor unit (160), a cooling unit (170), a communication unit (180), a control unit (190), and / or a display (200).

[0147] According to one embodiment, the door drive unit (150) can control the opening or closing of at least one door. The door drive unit (150) may include at least one of a motor drive unit (151), a motor (152), a pusher (153), a link (154), or a gear (155). For example, the door drive unit (150) can precisely control the movement of at least one door (30) (e.g., control of opening speed, opening angle) depending on whether or not the at least one door (30) is opened or the degree of opening.

[0148] According to one embodiment, the motor drive unit (151) can control the motor. For example, the motor drive unit (151) can activate or deactivate the motor (152). For example, the motor drive unit (151) can control the operating state of the motor (152) by supplying or cutting off power to the motor (152).

[0149] According to one embodiment, the motor (152) can open at least one door by moving (e.g., rotational movement). For example, the motor (152) can open at least one door by being activated based on the control of the motor drive unit. For example, the motor (152) can close at least one door by being deactivated based on the control of the motor drive unit.

[0150] According to one embodiment, the pusher (153) can push the door (30) to open the door (30) with respect to the main body (10) or storage room (20). For example, the pusher (153) can receive power transmitted from the motor (152) through the gear (155) and slide forward with respect to the main body (10) or storage room (20).

[0151] According to one embodiment, the link (154) can push the door (30) to open the door (30) with respect to the main body (10) or storage room (20). One side of the link (154) may be connected to the main body (10), and the other side may be rotatably connected to the door (30). For example, the link (154) may open the door (30) by receiving power transmitted from the motor (152) through the gear (155) and moving forward with respect to the main body (10) or storage room (20).

[0152] According to one embodiment, the gear (155) can transmit power provided from the motor (152) to the pusher (153) and / or link (154). For example, the gear (155) may include a pinion gear for transmitting power to the pusher (153) as a plurality of power transmission members. For example, the gear (155) may include a link gear for transmitting power to the link (154) as a plurality of power transmission members.

[0153] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (160) may include a temperature sensor (161), a proximity sensor (162), a camera sensor (163), a door sensor (164) and / or an angle sensor (165).

[0154] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor (161) can detect the temperature around the refrigerator (1) or inside the refrigerator (1). For example, the temperature sensor (161) may include a plurality of temperature sensors that detect the temperature inside the storage room (20). For example, the temperature sensor (161) may include a plurality of temperature sensors that detect the external temperature around the refrigerator (1). For example, the plurality of temperature sensors may be installed in each of the plurality of storage rooms (20) to detect the temperature of each of the plurality of storage rooms (20) and output an electrical signal corresponding to the detected temperature to the control unit (190). Each of the plurality of temperature sensors may include a thermistor whose electrical resistance changes according to the temperature.

[0155] According to one embodiment, the proximity sensor (162) may be a sensor that detects whether the distance to a person or object is within a predetermined distance by detecting a change in distance from a person or object. For example, the proximity sensor (162) may identify the approach of a user and detect the distance between the user and the refrigerator (1). For example, the proximity sensor (162) may include at least one of an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a capacitive sensor, and an inductive sensor.

[0156] According to one embodiment, the camera sensor (163) may be a sensor that converts light collected in a sensing area into an electrical signal to generate a digital image. For example, the camera sensor (163) may capture an object around the refrigerator (1) or inside the refrigerator (1) and generate a digital image. For example, the camera sensor (163) may include at least one of a CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) sensor, a ToF (time-of-flight) sensor, a CCD (charge-coupled device) sensor, an IR camera, or an RGB camera.

[0157] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (160) may include a distance sensing sensor (not shown). The distance sensing sensor may detect the distance between the door (30) and an external object (e.g., a user) and transmit a value determined according to a specified distance to the processor (191). According to one embodiment, the distance sensing sensor may include a proximity sensor (162).

[0158] According to one embodiment, the distance sensing sensor and / or proximity sensor (162) may be implemented using a camera sensor (163). For example, the function of the aforementioned proximity sensor (162) may be performed through the camera sensor (163), such as when the camera sensor (163) is a depth camera (e.g., a ToF camera).

[0159] According to one embodiment, the door sensor (164) can identify whether the door is open or closed and transmit information regarding whether the door is open or closed to the processor (191). For example, the door sensor (164) may be configured to detect the magnetic field of a magnet mounted adjacent to the door drive unit (150). The door sensor (164) may detect changes in the magnetic field caused by the magnet as the door (30) moves. For example, the door sensor (164) may include a Hall sensor that detects the magnetic field. However, the type of door sensor (164) is not limited thereto and may include various types of sensors capable of detecting the opening or closing of the door (30).

[0160] According to one embodiment, the angle sensor (165) can detect the angle between the refrigerator body (10) and the door (30) and transmit the detected angle value to the processor (191). The angle sensor (165) can detect the position of the door (30) in various ways. For example, the angle sensor (165) can measure the rotation angle of the door using a gyroscope or accelerometer, or detect changes in the magnetic field according to the angle using magnets and / or magnetic sensors attached to the body (10) and the door (30). Meanwhile, according to one embodiment, the angle sensor (165) and the door sensor (164) may be implemented as a single combined configuration.

[0161] According to one embodiment, all or part of the above-described sensor unit (160) may be omitted from the refrigerator (1) or implemented to be included in another unit (e.g., communication unit (180)). For example, the refrigerator (1) may detect distance using the communication unit (180), and in this case, since the function of the proximity sensor (162) is included in the communication unit (180), a separate sensor may not be included.

[0162] According to one embodiment, the cooling unit (170) can supply cooled air to the storage room. For example, the cooling unit (170) can maintain the temperature of the storage room within a specified temperature range by utilizing the circulation of a refrigerant in a refrigerant circuit.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the cooling unit (170) may include a compressor (171) that compresses a refrigerant in a gaseous state, a condenser (172) that converts the compressed gaseous refrigerant into a liquid state, an expander (173) that reduces the pressure of the liquid refrigerant, and an evaporator (174) that converts the reduced pressure liquid refrigerant into a gaseous state. The cooling unit (170) can cool the air in the storage room by utilizing the phenomenon in which the liquid refrigerant absorbs thermal energy from the surrounding air while converting into a gaseous state.

[0164] According to one embodiment, the cooling unit (170) may not necessarily use a refrigerant. For example, the cooling unit (170) may include a Peltier element utilizing the Peltier effect or a magnetic cooling material utilizing the magneto-caloric effect.

[0165] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (180) includes a communication circuit and can exchange data with external electronic devices such as a server device, a user device, a display (200) and / or a cooking device.

[0166] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (180) may include a wired communication module (182) that exchanges data with external electronic devices via a wire and / or a wireless communication module (181) that exchanges data with external electronic devices wirelessly.

[0167] According to one embodiment, the wired communication module (182) can connect to a wired communication network and communicate with external electronic devices through the wired communication network. For example, the wired communication module (182) can connect to a wired communication network via Ethernet (Ethernet, IEEE 802.3 technical standard) and receive data from external electronic devices through the wired communication network.

[0168] According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (181) can communicate wirelessly with a base station or an access point (AP) and can connect to a wired communication network through the base station or access point. The wireless communication module (181) can also communicate with external electronic devices connected to the wired communication network via the base station or access point. For example, the wireless communication module (181) can communicate wirelessly with the access point (AP) using Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 technical standard) or communicate with the base station using wireless communication technologies such as CDMA, WCDMA, GSM, LET (Long Term Evolution), or WiBro. The wireless communication module (181) can also receive data from external electronic devices via the base station or access point. Additionally, the wireless communication module (181) can communicate directly with external electronic devices. For example, the wireless communication module (181) can receive data wirelessly from external electronic devices using wireless communication technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (Bluetooth, IEEE 802.15.1 technical standard), and ZigBee (ZigBee, IEEE 802.15.4 technical standard).

[0169] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (180) can transmit and receive data with external electronic devices (e.g., APs (access points)) and output the received data to the control unit (190). The data received by the communication unit (180) from the external electronic devices may include, for example, information regarding the CSI of the communication signal.

[0170] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (180) may replace some or all of the functions of the sensor unit (160). For example, the communication unit (180) may perform the function of a sensor for distance detection and / or gesture detection, as described in detail below. The replacement of some or all of the functions of the sensor unit (160) by the communication unit (180) may be expressed as being implemented such that some or all of the components of the sensor unit (160) are included in the communication unit (180).

[0171] According to one embodiment, the control unit (190) processes user input and / or door opening / closing detection data and / or communication signals, and can control the components included in the refrigerator (1) based on the data processing.

[0172] According to one embodiment, the control unit (190) may include a memory (192) for storing programs and / or data, and a processor (191) for processing user input, door opening / closing detection data and / or communication signals according to the programs and / or data stored in the memory (192) and controlling the operation of the refrigerator (1).

[0173] According to one embodiment, the memory (192) may store / remember programs and / or data. A program may include a plurality of instructions combined to perform a specific function, and data may be processed and / or manipulated by a plurality of instructions included in the program. Additionally, the programs and / or data may include system programs and / or system data directly related to the operation of the refrigerator (1), and application programs and / or application data that provide convenience to the user.

[0174] According to one embodiment, the memory (192) may include a non-volatile memory that stores a program and / or data for controlling components included in the refrigerator (1), and a volatile memory that stores temporary data generated while controlling components included in the refrigerator (1).

[0175] According to one embodiment, the non-volatile memory may store, for example, programs and / or data electrically, magnetically, or optically. The non-volatile memory may include, for example, ROM (read-only memory) or flash memory for storing data for a long period. Additionally, the non-volatile memory may include storage devices such as a solid disk drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), or an optical disk drive (ODD).

[0176] According to one embodiment, the volatile memory may load programs and / or data from, for example, non-volatile memory and electrically store programs and / or data. The volatile memory may include, for example, storage devices such as static random access memory (S-RAM) and dynamic random access memory (D-RAM) for temporarily storing data.

[0177] This memory (192) can store / remember programs and data such as an operating system (OS), middleware, and applications, and can provide programs and data to the processor (191) in response to a request from the processor (191).

[0178] According to one embodiment, the processor (191) can process user input of the display (200), detection data of the sensor unit (160), driving data of the door driving unit (150), and / or communication signals of the communication unit (180) according to a program and / or data stored in memory (192). Based on the data processing, the processor (191) can generate control signals to control the sensor operation of the sensor unit (160), the door driving operation of the door driving unit (150), and / or the operation of the communication unit (180).

[0179] According to one embodiment, the processor (191) can obtain data related to the communication signal from the communication signal received from the communication unit (180). For example, the processor (191) can obtain information such as channel state information (CSI) and / or received signal strength (RSS) of the communication signal by analyzing the amplitude, phase, and / or waveform of the communication signal. CSI may include information indicating the state of the channel of the wireless communication signal (e.g., amplitude change, phase change). RSS may include information indicating the strength of the wireless communication signal. RSS is a value that measures the physical strength of the received signal and may be expressed in a unit that expresses power on a logarithmic scale (e.g., dBm). RSS may also be expressed as an indicator such as RSSI, RSRP, or RSRQ, which is related to the strength or quality of the signal. Operations using the RSS of the communication signal mentioned in the following description (e.g., distance measurement operation) can be performed in the same way using the value of another indicator related to the strength of the communication signal (e.g., RSSI value). The CSI and / or RSS of the communication signal can be used to detect the movement, location, shape, and / or gesture of an obstacle (e.g., a user), as described below.

[0180] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a communication signal received by a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0181] Referring to FIG. 4, according to one embodiment, a refrigerator (1) can receive a communication signal (e.g., a Wi-Fi signal) from an external electronic device (450). The external electronic device (450) transmits the communication signal through a plurality of channels, and the communication signal can be transmitted through a plurality of paths between the external electronic device (450) and the refrigerator (1) (e.g., a first path (410), a second path (420), a third-1 path (431), and / or a third-2 path (432)).

[0182] According to one embodiment, the path of the communication signal may include a line-of-sight (LoS) path and a non-line-of-sight (NLoS) path. For example, in FIG. 4, the first path (410) is a LoS path, and the second path (420) and the third path (third-1 path (431) and third-2 path (432)) may be NLoS paths.

[0183] According to one embodiment, the LoS path may refer to the shortest path with the least signal attenuation, where there are no obstacles between the transmitter (e.g., external electronic device (450)) and the receiver (e.g., refrigerator (1)). The NLoS path may be a path where the communication signal is transmitted by being reflected, diffracted, and / or scattered by obstacles.

[0184] According to one embodiment, the second path (420) may be a path that is reflected, diffracted, and / or scattered by a static obstacle (e.g., a wall). The third path (third-1 path (431) and third-2 path (432)) may be a path that is reflected, diffracted, and / or scattered by a dynamic obstacle (e.g., a moving user). The third-1 path (431) may be a path caused by a dynamic obstacle at a first location, and the third-2 path (432) may be a path caused by said dynamic obstacle that has moved to a second location different from the first location.

[0185] According to one embodiment, the first path (410), which is a LoS path, and the second path (420) caused by a static obstacle are fixed, so there may be little change in the communication signal received by the refrigerator (1). On the other hand, according to one embodiment, a change in the third path (third-1 path (431) and third-2 path (432)) caused by the movement of a dynamic obstacle may cause a change in the communication signal received by the refrigerator (1).

[0186] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) processes a received communication signal to obtain information such as CSI and / or RSS of the received communication signal and can identify changes in information such as CSI and / or RSS. From changes in information such as CSI and / or RSS, the refrigerator (1) can recognize the movement and / or location of a dynamic obstacle.

[0187] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining the processing of a communication signal according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0188] Referring to FIG. 5, according to one embodiment, a refrigerator (1) can receive a communication signal (510) from an external electronic device (450). The external electronic device (450) may include any electronic device (e.g., AP) capable of acting as a transmitter in wireless communication. The communication signal (510) may include various multi-carrier based wireless communication signals in a multipath environment, such as Wi-Fi, 5G, LTE, and UWB.

[0189] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) can obtain Channel State Information (hereinafter CSI (520)) related to the communication signal (510) based on the communication signal (510). For example, the refrigerator (1) can obtain the corresponding CSI (520) from the amplitude and / or phase information of each subcarrier by analyzing the multipath characteristics of the communication signal (510) received from the external electronic device (450). For example, the communication signal (510) received by the refrigerator (1) from the external electronic device (450) may contain information regarding the CSI (520), and in this case, the CSI (520) may be the CSI corresponding to the communication signal received by the external electronic device (450) (e.g., the communication signal transmitted by the refrigerator (1)).

[0190] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) can extract (530) data regarding the amplitude and / or phase of a communication signal (510) from the CSI (520), e.g., amplitude change data, phase change data. The refrigerator (1) can obtain information regarding the movement and / or location of a dynamic obstacle from the amplitude change data and / or phase change data, for example, by using a machine learning model, a deep learning model and / or a statistical algorithm.

[0191] FIG. 6 illustrates a CSI (channel state information) graph (600) of a communication signal according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0192] Referring to FIG. 6, according to one embodiment, the CSI graph (600) may be a graph representing the CSI amplitude according to packets of a communication signal (e.g., communication signal (510) of FIG. 5) received from a refrigerator (e.g., refrigerator (1) of FIG. 1) periodically, semi-periodically, non-periodically, continuously, upon request, on an event basis, or in a combination of at least one of the above methods. The x-axis may represent the number of packets over time. The y-axis may represent the CSI amplitude value corresponding to the amount of amplitude change (attenuation) during the transmission process of the communication signal (e.g., communication signal (510) of FIG. 5).

[0193] According to one embodiment, in a situation where there is little change in the surrounding environment affecting the communication path, the CSI amplitude value may appear close to 0. For example, the left part of section A (610) or the right part of section B (620) of the graph may correspond to a stable network environment where there is little movement of dynamic obstacles (e.g., users).

[0194] Referring to section A (610) of the graph, according to one embodiment, the CSI amplitude value may increase in a situation where there is movement of a dynamic obstacle. The change in CSI amplitude may be caused, for example, by the movement of a user around the refrigerator (1) or by a user gesture.

[0195] Referring to section B (620) of the graph, according to one embodiment, the CSI amplitude value may increase in a situation where there is movement of a dynamic obstacle. The change in CSI amplitude may be caused, for example, by the movement of a user around the refrigerator (1) or by a user gesture.

[0196] According to one embodiment, if the amplitude value of part B (620) is greater than the amplitude value of part A (610), it can be understood that the influence of the dynamic obstacle in part B (620) is greater than the influence of the dynamic obstacle in part A (610). The CSI amplitude may be influenced by factors such as, for example, the degree of movement of the dynamic obstacle and / or the distance of the dynamic obstacle from the receiver. For example, if both parts are distorted by the movement of the same dynamic obstacle (e.g., the same user), it may mean that the degree of movement of the dynamic obstacle is greater in part B (620) than in part A (610), or that the distance between the dynamic obstacle and the refrigerator (1) is closer.

[0197] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) can more precisely obtain information about dynamic obstacles (e.g., movement, location, shape, gesture) from the patterns of the CSI graph (600) using a machine learning and / or deep learning model (e.g., CNN model, LSTM model). For example, the refrigerator (1) can segment the patterns of part A (610) and / or part B (620) and extract feature vectors, and input the extracted feature vectors into a machine learning and / or deep learning model to obtain information about the corresponding dynamic obstacles. The feature vectors may include information such as, for example, changes in the amplitude and phase of the CSI.

[0198] FIG. 7 illustrates a refrigerator and users at different locations according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0199] Referring to FIG. 7, according to one embodiment, an environment in which an external electronic device (450) and a refrigerator (1) transmit and receive a communication signal (e.g., a communication signal (510) of FIG. 5) may include a user (710) and a second user (720) who are stationary or moving at different locations. The first user (710) and the second user (720) may affect the CSI of the communication signal (510) while moving.

[0200] According to one embodiment, the influence of the movement of the first user (710) on the CSI and the influence of the movement of the second user (720) may appear differently in amplitude and / or pattern. The refrigerator (1) can obtain information such as the distance of each user from the refrigerator (1), the location of each user, and the movement pattern of each user from the amplitude and / or pattern of the CSI using a machine learning and / or deep learning model, for example, as described in FIG. 6.

[0201] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a refrigerator recognizing a user gesture according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0202] Referring to FIG. 8, the refrigerator (1) receives a communication signal periodically, semi-periodically, non-periodically, continuously, upon request, on an event basis, or in a combination of at least one of the above ways, and can recognize a user gesture using the CSI of the received communication signal (e.g., the communication signal (510) of FIG. 5). For example, the refrigerator (1) can recognize a user gesture from the amplitude and / or pattern of the CSI using a machine learning and / or deep learning model.

[0203] According to one embodiment, a user gesture is a predetermined gesture for controlling a refrigerator (1), and the refrigerator (1) can perform at least one control action (e.g., door opening, door closing) corresponding to the user gesture in response to recognizing the user gesture.

[0204] According to one embodiment, the user gesture may include a door opening gesture for opening at least a portion of the door (e.g., the door (30) of FIG. 1) and / or a door closing gesture for closing the open door. The door opening gesture and / or door closing gesture may include, for example, a user gesture of waving a hand toward the refrigerator (1). Meanwhile, according to one embodiment, the door opening gesture and / or door closing gesture may be customized by the user.

[0205] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) may recognize only user gestures within a predetermined threshold distance to prevent malfunction. For example, the refrigerator (1) may not respond to door opening gestures performed by the user outside the threshold distance, but may respond to door opening gestures performed within the threshold distance to open at least a part of the door (30).

[0206] According to one embodiment, the operation of obtaining information (e.g., location, movement, shape, gesture) about a dynamic obstacle (e.g., user) through the analysis of CSI described in FIGS. 6 to 8 may be performed on an external electronic device (e.g., server, AP) rather than on the refrigerator (1). In this case, the refrigerator (1) may receive information about the dynamic obstacle from the external electronic device through a communication circuit (e.g., the communication unit (180) of FIG. 3). For example, the refrigerator (1) may receive location information of the user obtained by the external electronic device based on changes in CSI from the external electronic device.

[0207] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a refrigerator (e.g., the refrigerator (1) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0208] In operation 910, the refrigerator (1) can receive a first communication signal transmitted from at least one external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (450) of FIG. 4) through a communication circuit (e.g., communication unit (180) of FIG. 3). The first communication signal may include, for example, a multi-carrier-based wireless communication signal such as Wi-Fi, 5G, LTE, or UWB. The refrigerator (1) can receive the first communication signal periodically, semi-periodically, non-periodically, continuously, upon request, on an event basis, or in a manner combining at least one of the above methods.

[0209] In operation 920, the refrigerator (1) can acquire a first CSI based on a first communication signal. The first CSI may be, for example, a CSI included in the first communication signal or a CSI corresponding to the first communication signal (acquired through a CSI acquisition operation based on the first communication signal). The first CSI may include, for example, information regarding amplitude attenuation and / or phase change of the communication signal due to the surrounding environment.

[0210] In operation 930, the refrigerator (1) can obtain user location information based on changes in the first CSI. For example, as described in FIGS. 6 and 7, the refrigerator (1) can obtain user location information by analyzing the pattern and / or amplitude of the first CSI.

[0211] In operation 940, the refrigerator (1) can identify whether a first condition for opening at least a portion of the door (e.g., door (30) in FIG. 1) is satisfied based on the user's location information. The first condition may include, for example, a condition regarding the user's location information and, if satisfied, a condition for automatically opening at least a portion of the door.

[0212] According to one embodiment, the first condition may include a condition in which a user is located within a predetermined first threshold distance from the refrigerator (1) for a predetermined first threshold time or longer. For example, the refrigerator (1) may automatically open at least a portion of the door when the user is located within a first threshold distance from the refrigerator (1) for a first threshold time or longer.

[0213] According to one embodiment, the first condition may include a condition in which a user performs a predetermined door opening gesture within a predetermined second threshold distance from the refrigerator (1). For example, the refrigerator (1) may automatically open at least a portion of the door in response to recognizing that the user performs a door opening gesture within a second threshold distance from the refrigerator (1).

[0214] According to one embodiment, the second threshold distance regarding the first condition described above may be set to be the same as or different from the first threshold distance regarding the first condition described above, depending on the purpose. For example, to prevent misrecognition of a gesture, the second threshold distance (e.g., 1 m) may be set to a distance less than the first threshold distance (e.g., 2 m). For example, to conveniently control the refrigerator door via a gesture from a distance, the second threshold distance (e.g., 5 m) may be set to a distance exceeding the first threshold distance (e.g., 2 m). For example, the second threshold distance may be set to be the same as the first threshold distance.

[0215] In operation 950, the refrigerator (1) can control a door drive (e.g., door drive (150) of FIG. 3) to open at least a portion of the door (30) based on the fulfillment of a first condition. Through this, the refrigerator (1) can automatically open the door using only a communication circuit without additional sensors for detecting separate position and / or gesture, thereby reducing costs and providing a convenient user experience.

[0216] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a refrigerator (e.g., the refrigerator (1) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0217] In operation 1010, the refrigerator (1) can receive a second communication signal transmitted from at least one external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (450) of FIG. 4) through a communication circuit (e.g., communication unit (180) of FIG. 3). The second communication signal may be a communication signal identical or different from the first communication signal of FIG. 9. For example, the second communication signal may be a communication signal identical or different from the first communication signal, received from an external device identical or different from the device that transmitted the first communication signal, at a time identical or different from the time at which the first communication signal was received. The refrigerator (1) may receive the second communication signal periodically, semi-periodically, non-periodically, continuously, upon request, on an event basis, or in a manner combining at least one of the above methods.

[0218] In operation 1020, the refrigerator (1) can acquire a second CSI based on a second communication signal. The second CSI may be, for example, a CSI that is included in the second communication signal or corresponds to the second communication signal (acquired through a CSI acquisition operation based on the second communication signal). It may include information regarding amplitude attenuation and / or phase change of the communication signal due to the surrounding environment.

[0219] In operation 1030, the refrigerator (1) can recognize a user gesture based on a change in the second CSI. For example, as described in FIGS. 6 and FIGS. 8, the refrigerator (1) can recognize a user gesture by analyzing the pattern and / or amplitude of the second CSI. The user gesture may include, for example, a predetermined door opening gesture and / or door closing gesture.

[0220] According to one embodiment, the results of user location detection and / or gesture recognition using CSI described in FIG. 9 and FIG. 11 may be cross-validated using other information (e.g., RSS). For example, the refrigerator (1) may measure the change in RSS of a communication signal (e.g., the first communication signal in FIG. 9, the second communication signal in FIG. 10) and validate and / or correct the location information obtained in FIG. 9 or the gesture information recognized in FIG. 10 based on the change in RSS. For example, if the user location information obtained based on CSI is substantially the same as the user location information obtained based on RSS within a preset error range, the refrigerator (1) may validate that the location information is accurate. For example, if the user location information obtained based on CSI differs from the user location information obtained based on RSS beyond a preset error range, the refrigerator (1) may correct the obtained location information (e.g., using the average value or weighted average value of the two location information).

[0221] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining signal amplification according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0222] According to one embodiment, the strength of the communication signal (e.g., communication signal (510) of FIG. 5) received by the refrigerator (1) may be weak, such as when the distance from the transmitter (e.g., external electronic device (450) of FIG. 4) is far or there is a large obstacle (e.g., a wall) between them. In this case, the refrigerator (1) may amplify the received communication signal in hardware and / or software.

[0223] Referring to part 1100 (a) of FIG. 11, according to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) can hardware-amplify a received communication signal using an amplifier circuit. The amplifier circuit may include, for example, a hardware device that physically increases the amplitude of the input signal to improve the strength of the signal.

[0224] Referring to part 1100 (b) of FIG. 11, according to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) can amplify a received communication signal by software using upsampling. Upsampling may include, for example, an operation to improve the resolution of the signal by increasing the number of samples of the input digital signal and reducing the interval between samples.

[0225] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a refrigerator (e.g., the refrigerator (1) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0226] In operation 1210, the refrigerator (1) can identify whether at least one door (e.g., door (30) of FIG. 1) is open. For example, the refrigerator (1) can identify whether at least one door is open or whether all doors are closed by using the door sensor (164) and / or angle sensor (165) of FIG. 3.

[0227] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) may perform the following operations 1221 and / or operations 1222 based on identifying that at least one door is open.

[0228] In operation 1221, the refrigerator (1) can identify that the user has moved out of a second threshold distance. The second threshold distance of operation 1221 may be the same as or different from the first threshold distance or the second threshold distance of operation 940 of FIG. 9. The refrigerator (1) can identify that the user has moved out of the second threshold distance based, for example, on the CSI of a received communication signal.

[0229] In operation 1222, the refrigerator (1) can recognize that the user performs a predetermined door closing gesture. The refrigerator (1) can recognize the user's door closing gesture, for example, based on the CSI of the received communication signal.

[0230] Following operation 1221 and / or operation 1222, in operation 1230, the refrigerator (1) can control a door drive (e.g., door drive (150) of FIG. 3) to close an open door. By doing so, the refrigerator (1) can automatically close the door using only a communication circuit without the need for additional sensors, thereby reducing costs and providing a convenient user experience.

[0231] FIG. 13 illustrates a mesh network environment according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0232] Referring to FIG. 13, according to one embodiment, the network environment in which an external electronic device (450) and a refrigerator (1) transmit and receive communication signals may be a mesh network environment comprising a first node (1310), a second node (1320), and a third node (1330). The mesh network environment may mean, for example, a network structure in which at least one node is interconnected and each node transmits and receives communication signals directly or relays them through another node. Unlike what is illustrated, the network environment according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include fewer or more than three nodes.

[0233] According to one embodiment, a node may include any external electronic device capable of transmitting and receiving communication signals. For example, the first node (1310) may be a PC, the second node (1320) may be a mobile device or a wearable electronic device, and the third node (1330) may be a router. According to one embodiment, an external electronic device (450) and / or a refrigerator (1) may also function as a node.

[0234] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) may receive a communication signal transmitted from an external electronic device (450) directly or through one or more nodes (e.g., a first node (1310), a second node (1320) and / or a third node (1330)). The mesh network can increase the reliability and stability of data transmission by providing path diversity through multiple nodes interconnected.

[0235] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a refrigerator (e.g., the refrigerator (1) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0236] In operation 1410, the refrigerator (1) can identify whether an external device is moving. This may be because, if an external device is moving, it can be assumed that the external device is being carried by the user who is moving.

[0237] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) can obtain location information of an external device. For example, the refrigerator (1) can obtain location information of the external device precisely based on the strength of a communication signal received from the external device and / or the angle of arrival (AoA). The external device may include a device that a user can carry, such as a smartphone or a wearable electronic device. The strength of the communication signal may be represented by a signal quality indicator (or signal strength indicator), such as RSS, RSSI (received signal strength indicator), RSRP (reference signal received power), and / or RSRQ (reference signal received quality).

[0238] According to one embodiment, the operation of the refrigerator (1) acquiring location information of an external device may be performed at a time before or after operation 1410. For example, the refrigerator (1) may first acquire location information of an external device and identify that the external device is moving based on a change in location information. For example, the refrigerator (1) may first identify that the external device is moving based on a change in a communication signal received from the external device, and then acquire accurate location information using the strength of the communication signal (e.g., RSS) and / or AoA.

[0239] In operation 1420, the refrigerator (1), when an external device moves, can identify whether a first condition for opening at least one door (e.g., door (30) of FIG. 1) is satisfied based on the location information of the external device, and the location information of the external device is considered as the location information of the user. The first condition may be the same as the first condition described in operation 940 of FIG. 9, for example.

[0240] In operation 1430, the refrigerator (1) can control a door drive (e.g., door drive (150) of FIG. 3) to open at least a portion of at least one door based on the first condition being satisfied.

[0241] By combining the series of operations of Fig. 9 and the series of operations of Fig. 14, the reliability of the user's location information is increased, thereby providing a more accurate user experience regarding automatic door opening.

[0242] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the RSS of a mesh network environment and an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0243] According to one embodiment, the mesh network environment of FIG. 15 may be the same as the mesh network environment of FIG. 13. Unlike FIG. 13, FIG. 15 does not show an external electronic device (450) and a refrigerator (1), but the mesh network environment of FIG. 15 may include an external electronic device (450) and / or a refrigerator (1).

[0244] Referring to FIG. 15, according to one embodiment, a mesh network environment may include an external device (1550). The external device (1550) may include a device that a user can possess, as described in FIG. 14. For example, the external device (1550) may be a smartphone.

[0245] According to one embodiment, an external device (1550) may transmit a communication signal to a first node (1310), a second node (1320), and / or a third node (1330) located at different locations. The first node (1310) may measure a first RSS (1510) of the communication signal received from the external device (1550), the second node (1320) may measure a second RSS (1520) of the communication signal received from the external device (1550), and the third node (1330) may measure a third RSS (1530) of the communication signal received from the external device (1550).

[0246] According to one embodiment, first distance information between a first node (1310) and an external device (1550) can be obtained from a first RSS (1510), second distance information between a second node (1320) and an external device (1550) can be obtained from a second RSS (1520), and third distance information between a third node (1330) and an external device (1550) can be obtained from a third RSS (1530). By using trilateration, the location information of the external device (1550) can be accurately obtained from the first distance information, the second distance information, and the third distance information.

[0247] Meanwhile, according to one embodiment, the operation to determine the location information of an external device (1550) through the aforementioned trilateration may be performed using the same principle by using two nodes and RSS values ​​from the refrigerator (1) instead of three nodes.

[0248] According to one embodiment, the operation to determine the location information of the external device (1550) described above may be performed in the refrigerator (1), or it may be performed in an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (450) of FIG. 4, the external node, the external device (1550), the server) and the result (location information) may be received in the refrigerator (1).

[0249] According to one embodiment, at least part of the operation of FIG. 14 can be performed using the position information of the external device (1550) obtained through the trilateration described above. For example, based on the position information of the external device (1550) obtained through the trilateration, the refrigerator (1) can identify whether the external device is moving (operation 1410) or whether the first condition is satisfied (operation 1420).

[0250] According to one embodiment, in addition to RSS, other indicators representing signal strength or quality (e.g., RSSI, RSRP) can be used to obtain location information of an external device (1550) through distance measurement and / or trilateration as described in FIG. 15.

[0251] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a refrigerator (e.g., the refrigerator (1) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0252] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) may directly obtain the user's location information from a communication signal (e.g., operations 910 to 930 of FIG. 9), but may also receive the user's location information from an external electronic device. For example, based on the CSI of a communication signal received by the first node (1310) of FIG. 13 or an external electronic device (e.g., an external electronic device (450) of FIG. 4) (e.g., an AP), the first node (1310) or the external electronic device (450) may obtain the user's location information, and the first node (1310) or the external electronic device (450) may transmit the obtained user's location information to the refrigerator (1).

[0253] In operation 1610, the refrigerator (1) can obtain user location information transmitted by at least one external electronic device through a communication circuit (e.g., the communication unit (180) of FIG. 3). For example, the refrigerator (1) can receive user location information obtained by the first node (1310) from the first node (1310) or the external electronic device (450) periodically, semi-periodically, non-periodically, continuously, upon request, on an event basis, or in a manner combining at least one of the above methods.

[0254] In operation 1620, the refrigerator (1) can identify whether a first condition for opening at least a portion of at least one door (e.g., door (30) in FIG. 1) is satisfied based on the user's location information. For example, the first condition may be the same as the first condition in operation 940 of FIG. 9.

[0255] In operation 1630, the refrigerator (1) can control a door drive unit (e.g., door drive unit (150) of FIG. 3) to open at least a portion of at least one door based on the first condition being satisfied. In this way, if the refrigerator (1) does not directly perform the operation of acquiring and / or analyzing CSI, the processing load of the refrigerator (1) can be reduced. Accordingly, the refrigerator (1) does not need to include a high-performance processor, thereby reducing costs or reducing the computational load of the refrigerator (1)'s processor (e.g., processor (191) of FIG. 3).

[0256] Meanwhile, the various embodiments described above may be implemented as software containing instructions stored on a device-readable storage medium, included in a computer program product in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., flash memory, SSD, HDD, optical disc, magnetic tape, etc.), or distributed online through an application store, website, or cloud service. Additionally, they may be implemented within a recording medium readable by a computer or similar device using software, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0257] Each component according to the various embodiments described above may be composed of a single or multiple entities, and some auxiliary components may be omitted or additionally included. Some components may be integrated into a single entity to perform the same or similar functions as those performed by each corresponding component prior to integration.

[0258] Each component according to the various embodiments described above may be composed of a single or multiple entities, and some auxiliary components may be omitted or additionally included. Some components may be integrated into a single entity to perform the same or similar functions as those performed by each corresponding component prior to integration.

[0259] The operations according to the various embodiments described above may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or at least some operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or other operations may be added.

Claims

1. Regarding refrigerators, At least one storage room; At least one door for opening and closing the above at least one storage room; A door driving unit for controlling the opening or closing of at least one door; Communication circuit; Memory comprising at least one storage medium for storing instructions; and It includes at least one processor; and The above at least one processor is: Through the above communication circuit, a first communication signal transmitted from at least one external electronic device is received; Based on the first communication signal, obtain a first CSI (channel state information) associated with the first communication signal; Based on the change in the first CSI above, the user's location information is obtained; Based on the location information of the user, identify whether a first condition for opening at least a part of the at least one door is satisfied; Based on the satisfaction of the above first condition, controlling the door drive unit to open at least a portion of the above at least one door, refrigerator.

2. In Paragraph 1, The first condition above includes a condition in which the user is located within a first threshold distance from the refrigerator for a first threshold time or longer. refrigerator.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above first condition is, The above includes a condition in which the user performs a predetermined door opening gesture within a second threshold distance from the refrigerator, wherein the second threshold distance is the same as or different from the first threshold distance. refrigerator.

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 3, The above at least one processor is: Through the above communication circuit, a second communication signal transmitted from at least one external electronic device is obtained, and the second communication signal is a communication signal that is identical or different from the first communication signal; Based on the second communication signal, obtain a second CSI associated with the second communication signal; Recognizing the user's gesture based on the change in the second CSI above; Configured to perform a control action corresponding to the recognized gesture, refrigerator.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 4, The above at least one processor is: Identifying an external device through the above communication circuit; Acquiring location information of the above external device, and identifying that the external device moves at a time before or after acquiring the location information; Based on identifying that the external device moves, it is configured to identify whether the first condition is satisfied based on the location information of the external device, and The location information of the external device is information obtained based on the strength of a third communication signal transmitted by the external device, refrigerator.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 5, The above-mentioned at least one processor is, The above first communication signal is configured to be received directly or through one or more nodes, wherein the one or more nodes include an external electronic device different from the external electronic device that transmitted the communication signal. refrigerator.

7. In Paragraph 5, The above at least one processor is: A plurality of distance information of the above external device is obtained, and the plurality of distance information includes at least three distance information corresponding to the strength of the third communication signal measured at at least three of the refrigerator or the plurality of external electronic devices; Based on the above plurality of distance information, configured to acquire location information of the external device, refrigerator.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 7, The operation of acquiring the first CSI associated with the first communication signal is: The operation of amplifying the first communication signal to obtain the first amplified communication signal; and Based on the first amplified communication signal, the operation of acquiring the first CSI, refrigerator.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 8, The above at least one processor is: Identifying changes in the RSS (received signal strength) of the first communication signal; Configured to validate or correct the user's location information based on the RSS change of the first communication signal, refrigerator.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 3, While at least a part of the above-mentioned at least one door is open, the above-mentioned at least one processor: Based on the location information of the user, it is identified that the user has left outside a third threshold distance, and the third threshold distance is the same as or different from the first threshold distance; Configured to control the door drive unit to close the open door based on identifying that the user has left the third threshold distance. refrigerator.

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 3, While at least a part of the above-mentioned at least one door is open, the above-mentioned at least one processor: Through the above communication circuit, a second communication signal transmitted from at least one external electronic device is obtained, and the second communication signal is a communication signal that is identical or different from the first communication signal; Based on the second communication signal, obtain a second CSI associated with the second communication signal; Identifying whether the user performs a predetermined door closing gesture based on the change in the second CSI above; Configured to control the door drive unit to close the open door based on the user performing the door closing gesture. refrigerator.

12. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 11, The first communication signal above includes a Wi-Fi signal, refrigerator.

13. Regarding the method of operating the refrigerator, The operation of receiving a first communication signal transmitted from at least one external electronic device through the communication circuit of the refrigerator; Based on the first communication signal, an operation of obtaining a first CSI (channel state information) related to the first communication signal; An operation to acquire user location information based on the change in the first CSI above; An operation to identify whether a first condition for opening at least a part of at least one door of the refrigerator is satisfied based on the location information of the user; and Based on the satisfaction of the first condition above, the operation of controlling the door drive unit of the refrigerator to open at least a part of the at least one door; comprising method.

14. In Paragraph 13, The first condition above includes at least one of a condition in which the user is located within a first threshold distance from the refrigerator for a first threshold time or longer, or a condition in which the user performs a predetermined door opening gesture within a second threshold distance from the refrigerator. method.

15. In Paragraph 13 or 14, Operation of acquiring a second communication signal transmitted from at least one external electronic device through the above communication circuit, wherein the second communication signal is a communication signal identical or different from the first communication signal; An operation to obtain a second CSI related to the second communication signal based on the second communication signal; An operation to recognize the user's gesture based on the change in the second CSI; and A movement that performs a control movement corresponding to the recognized gesture; further comprising method.

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