Refrigerator and method of controlling the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators often produce continuous auditory notifications for abnormal conditions, such as door open or internal malfunctions, which can be inconvenient for users and cannot be turned off until the issue is resolved by a service engineer.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator with an output interface, a user interface featuring a key for predefined operations in a normal state, and a processor that identifies abnormal states and controls the output interface to provide notifications. The user can input via the key to turn off these notifications while the refrigerator is in an abnormal state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the refrigerator outputs continuous auditory notifications for abnormal conditions, then the reliability of abnormal state indication is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to user inconvenience and inability to silence notifications
Solution Approach 1:
The notification system transitions from a static continuous output mode to a dynamic controllable mode. The processor detects abnormal states and activates notifications, but also responds to user inputs (key presses or touch screen selections) to dynamically adjust notification output, allowing users to silence or dismiss notifications based on their current needs while maintaining the ability to indicate abnormal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerator system enables users to independently control and silence notification outputs without requiring service engineer intervention. The processor monitors user inputs through the user interface and autonomously adjusts the notification output accordingly, allowing users to manage their own auditory experience while the abnormal condition remains indicated but not continuously disruptive.
2Reliability
If the refrigerator outputs auditory notifications until the abnormal state is repaired, then the reliability of abnormal state monitoring is improved, but the loss of time increases due to continuous noise exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The notification system implements periodic or conditional output rather than continuous uninterrupted audio. The processor can pause or dismiss auditory notifications based on user inputs while maintaining the abnormal state detection and indication functionality, creating a rhythm of notification that informs users without forcing continuous attention or delaying usage until repair.
3Measurement precision
If the refrigerator provides detailed abnormal state notifications, then the measurement precision of abnormal condition detection is improved, but the object-generated harmful factors increase due to user annoyance
Solution Approach 1:
The notification system applies different output characteristics to different aspects of abnormal state indication. Detailed detection information is processed and presented, but the auditory notification component can be independently controlled or silenced by users through key inputs or touch screen selections, allowing precise abnormal state monitoring without forcing detailed continuous audio feedback that causes annoyance.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator including an output interface; a user interface including at least one key mapped to a predefined operation to be performed when the refrigerator is in a normal state, the user interface being configured to receive a user input via the at least one key; and at least one processor configured to identify whether the refrigerator is in an abnormal state, based on identifying the refrigerator as being in an abnormal state, control the output interface to output a notification of the abnormal state of the refrigerator, and, based on a user input received via the at least one key while the refrigerator is identified as being in the abnormal state, control the output interface to turn off the notification of the abnormal state of the refrigerator.