Refrigerator Multi-Display Interface for Data Sharing and Audio Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators lack an audio output unit, are limited in displaying multiple information types simultaneously, and cannot transmit or receive data to control their displays.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating multiple display units with audio output, data storage, and editing capabilities, along with an external-appliance connector for data transmission and reception, allowing for stereo audio output and simultaneous data display on multiple screens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single display is used in conventional refrigerators, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to display multiple information types simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is divided into multiple independent display units (first display unit with first display, second display unit with second display) that can be distributed at different locations on the refrigerator. Each display unit can independently show different information types, enabling simultaneous display of multiple information types while maintaining modular complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Each display unit is equipped with universal functionality including audio output units, storage units, and data editing capabilities. The display units can universally display various information types (temperature, service status, external appliance data) and perform multiple operations (audio output, data storage, data editing) through the same hardware components
2Adaptability or versatility
If no audio output unit is provided, then the device complexity remains low, but the ability to output audio signals from external appliances is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The audio output unit is merged with the display units, creating integrated audio-visual components. The first display unit includes a first audio output unit and the second display unit includes a second audio output unit, allowing audio signals to be output through the same interfaces where visual information is displayed, eliminating the need for separate audio output devices
Solution Approach 2:
The display units are designed with universal functionality that includes both visual display and audio output capabilities. This multi-functionality allows a single component to serve multiple purposes (displaying information and outputting audio), increasing versatility without proportionally increasing complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If no external-appliance connector is provided, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to transmit and receive data with external appliances is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The external-appliance connector is extracted as a separate, dedicated component from the main refrigerator system. This isolated interface unit handles all data transmission and reception operations with external appliances, including data for display and control commands, separating the communication functionality from the core refrigeration system
Solution Approach 2:
The external-appliance connector acts as an intermediary between the refrigerator system and external appliances. It receives data from external appliances (such as image or audio data) and transmits it to the display units, and also transmits control commands from the refrigerator to external appliances, facilitating bidirectional communication
4Adaptability or versatility
If no storage unit and data editor are provided, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to store and edit displayed data is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The storage unit and data editor are merged into the display units, creating integrated data management components. The first display unit includes a first storage unit and first data editor, while the second display unit includes a second storage unit and second data editor, allowing data to be stored and edited directly at the display location
Data Source
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AI summary
A refrigerator is disclosed which is capable of performing data transmission and reception with an external electric appliance (60), or enabling data transmission and reception among a plurality of display units (30, 40) included in the refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a refrigerator body (10), and a plurality of display units provided at the refrigerator body. Each display unit (30, 40) includes a display for displaying an image or audio data, or data as to a status of the refrigerator, a connector (31, 45) for performing transmission and reception of the data with the remaining display units, and a controller (37, 47) for controlling the data transmission and reception. Since data transmission reception with the external of the refrigerator and in the internal of the refrigerator is possible, an improvement in the convenience of the user is achieved.