U.S. patent application number 09/759460 was filed with the patent office on 2001-10-04 for refrigerator and its method for controlling the same.
Invention is credited to Kim, Kwang Choon, Roh, Young Hoon.
Application Number | 20010025498 09/759460 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 19660375 |
Filed Date | 2001-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010025498 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Roh, Young Hoon ; et
al. |
October 4, 2001 |
Refrigerator and its method for controlling the same
Abstract
There are provided a refrigerator and method for controlling the
same in which a data error generated in a main controller of the
refrigerator can be repaired with an easy key operation. The
refrigerator includes a refrigerator controller for controlling
configurations related with refrigerating functions according to an
algorithm previously set, a main controller for controlling the
refrigerator controller or configurations related with additional
functions other than the refrigerating functions to correspond to a
command of a user, and for returning to an initial setup state
according to a request of the user when there is generated a data
error therein, and a restoration switch, set at a predetermined
outer portion of the main controller, for inputting a restoration
command of the user when the data error is generated in the main
controller.
Inventors: |
Roh, Young Hoon; (Seoul,
KR) ; Kim, Kwang Choon; (Kyonggi-do, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
PO BOX 747
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22040-0747
US
|
Family ID: |
19660375 |
Appl. No.: |
09/759460 |
Filed: |
January 16, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/132 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 12/2814 20130101;
F25D 29/00 20130101; F25B 49/00 20130101; H04L 12/2803
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/132 |
International
Class: |
F25B 049/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 30, 2000 |
KR |
2000-16658 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A refrigerator, comprising: a refrigerator controller for
controlling configurations related with refrigerating functions
according to an algorithm previously set; a main controller for
controlling the refrigerator controller or configurations related
with additional functions other than the refrigerating functions to
correspond to a command of a user, and for returning to an initial
setup state according to a request of the user when there is
generated a data error therein; and a restoration switch, set at a
predetermined outer portion of the main controller, for inputting a
restoration command of the user when the data error is generated in
the main controller.
2. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main
controller includes: a memory storing at least an operating system
and application programs related with the refrigerator; a storage
storing BIOS according as the restoration command is inputted
through the restoration switch or not; and a CPU for performing a
control operation corresponding to a command of the user according
to the programs stored in the memory.
3. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 2, wherein the storage is a
ROM.
4. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 2, the memory includes: a
first memory for storing a system booting program, an operating
system for operating the main controller, and application programs
related with the refrigerator provided by a its manufacturer; and a
second memory for storing a system booting program and a
restoration program.
5. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 4, wherein the restoration
program is an operating system installation program.
6. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 4, wherein the program is a
program for installation of the application programs related with
the refrigerator provided by its manufacturer.
7. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 1 or 4, further comprising
an Internet connection part for connecting the main controller to
the Internet to upgrade the programs stored in the second memory
through data communication between the main controller and the
Internet.
8. A method for controlling a refrigerator including a first memory
storing an operating system and application programs, a second
memory storing a restoration program and a system booting program,
a restoration switch through which a restoration command is
inputted and a storage storing BIOS, the method comprising the
steps of: when a user inputs the restoration command through the
restoration switch, booting up the system and transferring an
booting-up sequence to the second memory; executing the restoration
program previously stored in the second memory to install the
programs of the second memory in the first memory; and resetting
the system upon completion of the program installation in the first
memory.
9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the booting-up
sequence is transferred to the second memory by the BIOS of the
storage according to the restoration command inputted through the
restoration switch after booting up of the entire system.
10. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the step of
installing the programs of the second memory in the first memory
includes the steps of: booting up the system by using the system
booting program previously stored in the second memory; and
re-installing the operating system and application programs in the
first memory by using the restoration program of the second memory.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a refrigerator and, more
particularly, to a refrigerator and its method for controlling the
same in which a data error generated in a main controller of the
refrigerator can be repaired with an easy key operation.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] A refrigerator is an appliance for making or keeping foods
cold so that they stay fresh for a long period. It generally is
configured of a freezing room for freezing the foods to store
therein, a cooling room for keeping them cold and a freezing cycle
for cooling the freezing room and cooling room. The refrigerator is
a basic and important element in the kitchen and it becomes
large-sized with increase in consumption and variation in living
style into Western. Meantime, the kitchen is changed from a space
for simply eating foods into a main living space for a family to
spend time together, having conversations and taking meals. This
requires a refrigerator with high-quality and large-size.
[0005] With a recent rapid development in information communication
technology, electronic appliances also become multimedia.
Accordingly, it is anticipated that a home electronic appliance has
multiple functions related with various other appliances and,
actually, there has been recently developed a refrigerator combined
with a computer constructed in a manner that a liquid crystal
display (LCD) is attached onto its door enabling its user to watch
TV and connect a web site to enjoy the Internet. This refrigerator
having the LCD and LAN connecting device provides the Internet and
video telephone functions.
[0006] The above refrigerator including a high-speed
micro-processor and a large-capacity hard disk operates by pushing
a touch screen of a monitor attached onto its door or by a voice
command through a microphone set therein. The user can check the
current temperature of the refrigerator and the condition of food
kept therein and also can obtain nutrition information, cooking
information, etc. through the information window of the LCD. In
addition, by using a camera set above the LCD, moving pictures and
messages of the family can be recorded/reproduced and data such as
MP3 file can be downloaded. This refrigerator can be employed as
general headquarters of "home automation" when it is connected with
other home electronic appliances such as telephone, air
conditioner, TV, etc.
[0007] The configuration of a conventional refrigerator is
described below with reference of attached drawings. FIG. 1 is a
block diagram of a conventional refrigerator, and FIG. 2 is a block
diagram of the main controller of the conventional
refrigerator.
[0008] Referring to FIG. 1, the conventional refrigerator includes
a refrigerator controller 11 for controlling functions and
components thereof, a key input part 15 for inputting a
predetermined key signal, a display 16 set at a predetermined
portion of the outer face of the refrigerator to display image
thereon, a main controller 13 for controlling the refrigerator
controller 11 to perform an operation of the refrigerator
corresponding to a key signal inputted and generally controlling
the components, an Internet connecting part 14 for communicating
with a remote terminal through the Internet, and a communication
controller 12 for controlling data communication between the main
controller 13 and refrigerator controller 11.
[0009] Referring to FIG. 2, the main controller 13 consists of a
ROM 21 storing a basic input output software (BIOS) operating
whenever the main controller is powered, a memory 22 for storing
basic data such as a system booting data, operating system, etc.
and application programs related with the refrigerator, manual
information and corresponding image information, and a central
processing unit (CPU) 23 executing control, operation and memory
functions.
[0010] However, the aforementioned conventional refrigerator has
the following problems. When the data stored in the memory of the
main controller is damaged, the main controller must be externally
connected to receive restoration data to recover the damaged data.
This requires an additional after sale service in case that a
device externally connected to the main controller and the
restoration data are not kept at home.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a
refrigerator and its method for controlling the same that
substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to
limitations and disadvantages of the related art.
[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide a
refrigerator and method for controlling the same in which damage to
data stored in the memory of the main controller thereof can be
easily repaired by a simple operation of a switch at home.
[0013] To accomplish the object of the present invention, there is
provided a refrigerator, comprising: a refrigerator controller for
controlling configurations related with refrigerating functions
according to an algorithm previously set; a main controller for
controlling the refrigerator controller or configurations related
with additional functions other than the refrigerating functions to
correspond to a command of a user, and for returning to an initial
setup state according to a request of the user when there is
generated a data error therein; and a restoration switch, set at a
predetermined outer portion of the main controller, for inputting a
restoration command of the user when the data error is generated in
the main controller.
[0014] To accomplish the object of the present invention, there is
also provided a method for controlling a refrigerator including a
first memory storing an operating system and application programs,
a second memory storing a restoration program and a system booting
program, a restoration switch through which a restoration command
is inputted and a storage storing BIOS, the method comprising the
steps of: when a user inputs the restoration command through the
restoration switch, booting up the system and transferring an
booting-up sequence to the second memory; executing the restoration
program previously stored in the second memory to install the
programs of the second memory in the first memory; and resetting
the system upon completion of the program installation in the first
memory.
[0015] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of
the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention and together with the description serve to explain
the principles of the invention:
[0017] In the drawings:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a conventional
refrigerator;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the main controller of the
conventional refrigerator;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a front view of a refrigerator according to the
present invention;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the main controller of the
refrigerator according to the present invention; and
[0022] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing a method for controlling
the refrigerator according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred
embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. FIG. 3 is a front view of
a refrigerator according to the present invention, FIG. 4 is a
block diagram of the main controller of the refrigerator according
to the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing a
method for controlling the refrigerator according to the present
invention.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 3, the refrigerator of the invention
includes a key input/display part 50 for inputting a request of its
user and displaying a screen corresponding to the request, a main
controller 40 for controlling parts related with additional
functions other than refrigerating function, to correspond to the
request inputted through the key input part 50, and, in case of
generation of a data error, returning the state of the refrigerator
to an initial setup state according to a request of the user, and a
restoration switch 41, set at a predetermined outer portion of the
main controller 40, by which the user inputs a restoration command
when the data error is generated in the main controller 40. Here,
The display part 50 uses a liquid crystal display (LCD) and the key
input part 50 uses a touch panel.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 4, the main controller 40 includes a
storage (ROM) 42 storing a basic input output software (BIOS)
according as the restoration command is inputted through the
restoration switch 41 or not, a memory 43 storing at least an
operating system and application programs related with the
refrigerator, and a CPU 44 for performing a control operation
corresponding to operation commands of the user in accordance with
the programs stored in the memory 43. Further, the main controller
40 may additionally includes a multimedia function such as video
card and sound card, or hardware with a variety of functions.
[0026] The memory 43 consists of a first memory 43a for storing a
system booting program, an operating system for operating the main
controller and application programs related with the refrigerator
provided by its manufacturer, and a second memory 43b for storing a
system booting program and a restoration program. Here, the first
memory 43a functions as the memory of the main controller of the
conventional refrigerator. That is, when the main controller 40 is
powered, the system is booted up by the ROM 42 and first memory 43a
and the operating system and application programs previously stored
in the first memory 43a are executed.
[0027] The second memory 43b stores the restoration program
including data for restoring the first memory 43a when the data
previously stored in the first memory 43a is damaged, that is, the
system booting data for booting the main controller. Here, the
system booting data includes COMMAND.COM, IO.SYS, MSDOS.SYS, etc.
and the restoration program includes an operating system
installation program and a program for installing the application
programs related with the refrigerator. In addition, there may be
further included an Internet connection part (not shown) for
upgrading the data of the memories through the Internet.
[0028] The method for controlling the refrigerator according to the
present invention is explained with reference to FIG. 5.
[0029] First of all, it is judged if the restoration command is
inputted to the restoration switch (S51). This restoration command
is inputted by a user using the refrigerator having the main
controller attached thereto to the restoration switch when the user
finds through the LCD attached onto a predetermined portion of the
door of the refrigerator that the main controller does not operate
normally or it is not booted up due to damage to the system booting
data or operating system data of the first memory, or the
application programs related with the refrigerator are not
executed.
[0030] When it has been judged that the restoration command is
inputted to the restoration switch (S51), the system is reset and
the ROM contained in the main controller boots up the main
controller through the system booting data previously stored in the
second memory (S52). Then, the ROM executes the restoration program
previously stored in the second memory (S53).
[0031] Upon execution of the restoration program, the system
booting data, operating system and application programs which are
previously stored in the second memory are installed in the first
memory (S54). Subsequently, it is judged if the programs of the
second memory have been installed in the first memory (S55). Upon
completion of the program installation in the first memory, the
system is booted up (S56). The restoration program has the
operation system installation file and file for installing various
application programs related with the refrigerator.
[0032] Moreover, the main controller of the refrigerator according
to the present invention can be connected to the Internet through
the Internet connecting part. Accordingly, the main controller can
be upgraded in terms of software by downloading the operating
system and application programs stored in the second memory through
periodic Internet access.
[0033] As described above, according to the refrigerator and method
for controlling the same of the present invention, when the data of
the memory of the main controller of the refrigerator is damaged,
this damaged can be easily repaired through a simple operation of
the switch without externally connecting the main controller to
restore the data.
[0034] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the refrigerator and
method for controlling the same of the present invention without
departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is
intended that the present invention cover the modifications and
variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of
the appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *