U.S. patent application number 11/773043 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-10 for input device for refrigerator.
Invention is credited to Ik-kyu LEE.
Application Number | 20080006042 11/773043 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38917958 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080006042 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LEE; Ik-kyu |
January 10, 2008 |
INPUT DEVICE FOR REFRIGERATOR
Abstract
The present invention discloses an input device for a
refrigerator through which the user can input a control command for
controlling the operation of the refrigerator. The input device for
the refrigerator can reduce an operation error and cut down a
production cost by using optical signals. The input device for the
refrigerator includes a display device having at least one button
region, and an optical sensor unit mounted on the front or side
surface of the display device, for advancing optical signals at the
front portion of the button region.
Inventors: |
LEE; Ik-kyu; (Gimhae-shi,
KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KED & ASSOCIATES, LLP
P.O. Box 221200
Chantilly
VA
20153-1200
US
|
Family ID: |
38917958 |
Appl. No.: |
11/773043 |
Filed: |
July 3, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/163 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 29/00 20130101;
F25D 2400/361 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/163 |
International
Class: |
F25D 29/00 20060101
F25D029/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 5, 2006 |
KR |
10-2006-0063145 |
Claims
1. An input device for a refrigerator, comprising: a display device
including at least one button region; and an optical sensor unit
mounted on the front or side surface of the display device, for
advancing optical signals at the front portion of the button
region.
2. The input device for the refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the
display device comprises a display unit for electrically displaying
the button region.
3. The input device for the refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the
display device comprises: a display unit for displaying state
information of the refrigerator; and a button unit including
various printed button regions around the display unit.
4. The input device for the refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the
optical sensor unit comprises: a plurality of light emitting units
for generating the optical signals; and a plurality of light
receiving units for receiving the optical signals.
5. The input device for the refrigerator of claim 4, wherein the
button region is formed in the crossing point of the optical
signals transferred from the light emitting units to the light
receiving units, respectively.
6. The input device for the refrigerator of claim 4, wherein the
light emitting units and the light receiving units are respectively
installed on the facing surfaces at regular intervals.
7. The input device for the refrigerator of claim 4, wherein the
light emitting units and the light receiving units comprise
waterproof units for preventing infiltration of moisture.
8. The input device for the refrigerator of claim 7, wherein the
waterproof units are waterproof films molded on the light emitting
units and the light receiving units.
9. The input device for the refrigerator of claim 7, wherein the
waterproof units are waterproof covers covered on the light
emitting units and the light receiving units.
10. The input device for the refrigerator of claim 1, comprising a
button activation means for activating the operation of the optical
sensor unit.
11. The input device for the refrigerator of claim 10, wherein the
button activation means comprises at least one of a means for
sensing the use of the refrigerator by the user, a means for
sensing the approach of the user to the refrigerator, and an input
means for acquiring a button activation command from the user.
12. The input device for the refrigerator of claim 1, comprising a
button region recognition unit for recognizing interception
positions of the optical signals, when the optical signals are
intercepted.
13. The input device for the refrigerator of claim 12, comprising a
control unit for performing a selection and/or command for the
button region corresponding to the positions of the optical signals
recognized by the button region recognition unit.
14. An input device for a refrigerator, comprising: a display
device for displaying at least state information of the
refrigerator; a generation means for generating optical paths at
the front portion of the display device; and a recognition means
for recognizing interception of the optical paths, and transferring
a corresponding signal to a control unit.
15. The input device for the refrigerator of claim 14, wherein the
display device comprises at least one button region corresponding
to the optical paths.
16. The input device for the refrigerator of claim 14, wherein the
optical paths are formed between a plurality of light emitting
units and a plurality of light receiving units.
17. The input device for the refrigerator of claim 14, comprising a
button activation means for activating the operation of the
generation means and/or the recognition means.
18. An input method for a refrigerator, comprising: forming a
button region; generating an optical path corresponding to the
button region; sensing interception of the optical path; and
performing a selection or command corresponding to the button
region according to the sensing result.
19. The input method for the refrigerator of claim 18, which
performs the step for generating the optical path according to the
use of the refrigerator by the user, an optical path generation
command, or the approach of the user, after the step for forming
the button region.
20. The input method for the refrigerator of claim 18, which ends
the step for generating the optical path, when the optical path is
not intercepted for a set time.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an input device for a
refrigerator through which the user can input a control command for
controlling the operation of the refrigerator, and more
particularly, to an input device for a refrigerator which can
reduce an operation error and cut down a production cost by using
optical signals.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In general, a refrigerator is an apparatus for keeping the
food fresh for an extended period of time. The refrigerator
includes a freezing chamber for freezing the food, a refrigerating
chamber for refrigerating the food, and a freezing cycle for
cooling the freezing chamber and the refrigerating chamber. The
operation of the refrigerator is controlled by a built-in control
unit.
[0003] In order to maintain the freezing chamber and the
refrigerating chamber at an appropriate temperature or a wanted
temperature of the user, an operation panel with a plurality of
buttons for selecting the freezing intensity or refrigerating
temperature is installed on a door of the refrigerator.
[0004] In detail, in the operation panel, a PCB for controlling the
operations of the components according to an external signal is
installed in a casing caved in the door, and the operation buttons
connected to the PCB are disposed on the front surface of the door.
The operation panel includes a display window for displaying the
state of the refrigerator according to selection of the operation
buttons.
[0005] The display window displays a plurality of functions such as
power freezing, power refrigeration, a refrigerating chamber
temperature level, a freezing chamber temperature level, door
control and deodorization. The user can select each of the
functions by using the operation buttons of the operation
panel.
[0006] The operation panel can include mechanical buttons for input
of the user. In addition, the operation panel can include a touch
screen or static electricity switches, so that the user can input a
command for a specific function by contact.
[0007] In the case that the operation panel includes the touch
screen for the refrigerator, when a menu is displayed on a screen
of an LCD monitor, the user can selectively make an input. However,
the touch screen is expensive. When the operation panel includes
the static electricity switches for the refrigerator, the user
cannot select an input on the screen of the LCD monitor. Moreover,
an input error may be caused by moisture.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention is achieved to solve the above
problems. An object of the present invention is to provide an input
device and method for a refrigerator which can reduce an operation
error and cut down a production cost by using optical signals.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
input device and method for a refrigerator which can recognize an
input of the user by interception of optical paths without
requiring clicking of the user.
[0010] In order to achieve the above-described objects of the
invention, there is provided an input device for a refrigerator,
including: a display device having at least one button region; and
an optical sensor unit mounted on the front or side surface of the
display device, for advancing optical signals at the front portion
of the button region.
[0011] In another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided an input device for a refrigerator, including: a display
device for displaying at least state information of the
refrigerator; a generation means for generating optical paths at
the front portion of the display device; and a recognition means
for recognizing interception of the optical paths, and transferring
a corresponding signal to a control unit.
[0012] In yet another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided an input method for a refrigerator, including: forming a
button region; generating an optical path corresponding to the
button region; sensing interception of the optical path; and
performing a selection or command corresponding to the button
region according to the sensing result.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The present invention will become better understood with
reference to the accompanying drawings which are given only by way
of illustration and thus are not limitative of the present
invention, wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a side-by-side type
refrigerator using an input device in accordance with the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating an input device for a
refrigerator in accordance with a first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of
FIG. 2;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a front view illustrating an input device for a
refrigerator in accordance with a second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the input device for
the refrigerator in accordance with the present invention; and
[0019] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing sequential steps of the input
method for the refrigerator in accordance with the present
invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0020] An input device for a refrigerator in accordance with the
preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be
described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0021] FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a side-by-side type
refrigerator using an input device in accordance with the present
invention, FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating an input device for
a refrigerator in accordance with a first embodiment of the present
invention, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of
FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a front view illustrating an input device for a
refrigerator in accordance with a second embodiment of the present
invention, and FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the input
device for the refrigerator in accordance with the present
invention.
[0022] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, in the side-by-side type
refrigerator, a freezing chamber door 2 and a refrigerating chamber
door 4 are hinge-coupled to a refrigerator main body (not shown)
having a freezing chamber and a refrigerating chamber at both
sides, an ice supply device 6 for supplying ice or cold water is
installed on the freezing chamber door 2, and a home bar 8 for
easily supplying beverages is installed on the refrigerating
chamber door 4.
[0023] A freezing cycle (not shown) consisting of a compressor, a
condenser, a capillary tube or an electronic expansion valve, and
an evaporator is built in one side of the refrigerator main body. A
cool air circulation fan (not shown) is provided to supply the cool
air heat-exchanged in the evaporator side to the freezing chamber
or the refrigerating chamber. The whole components are operated by
a control unit 30 for controlling the operation of the
refrigerator.
[0024] Especially, a display 10 for displaying the operation state
of the refrigerator, and an optical sensor unit 20 for inputting a
selection of the user to control the operation of the refrigerator
are installed at the upper portion of the ice supply device 6. The
display 10 displays at least one button region 14a, and the optical
sensor unit 20 recognizes the selection of the user by interception
of optical signals, and transfers the selection of the user to the
control unit 30.
[0025] In detail, as shown in FIG. 2, the display 10 includes a
display unit 12 such as an LCD monitor, and a button unit 14 having
the printed button regions 14a on its periphery. Preferably, the
display unit 12 is the LCD monitor needing a relatively thin
mounting space, and the button unit 14 is made of an elastic
material to be clicked and restored.
[0026] The user can select various items such as a menu, a
freezing/refrigerating intensity, a temperature level and a service
type (cubic ice, flake ice, etc.) of a dispenser through the button
regions 14a. The button regions 14a are printed on the button unit
14.
[0027] The display unit 12 displays the state information of the
refrigerator, such as the menu, the freezing/refrigerating
intensity, the temperature level and the service type of the
dispenser. Still referring to FIG. 2, the display unit 12 displays
an interface screen for selection of the user. The display unit 12
electrically displays button regions 16a, 16b and 16c which can be
selected by the user like the functions of the button regions 14a.
The button regions 16a, 16b and 16c are operated complementarily
with the button regions 14a, so that the user can make various
selections and commands (control command, set command, etc.).
[0028] As another example, as shown in FIG. 4, the display unit 12
electrically displays button regions 14b, and the button unit 14
does not have any printed button region.
[0029] The optical sensor unit 20 is mounted on the front surface
or the periphery of the front surface of the button unit 14 or the
display unit 12. The optical sensor unit 20 includes a plurality of
light emitting units 22a to 22h (22) for generating the optical
signals, a plurality of light receiving units 24a to 24h (24) for
receiving the optical signals, and a recognition unit 26 for
recognizing interception of the optical signals between the light
emitting units 22 and the light receiving units 24, and
transferring a corresponding signal to the control unit 30. That
is, the light emitting units 22 and the right receiving units 24
are formed in pairs, respectively, for generating optical paths.
The recognition unit 26 recognizes interception of the optical
paths by a selection input of the user (for example, a selection
input by an object such as a finger, ball pen, etc.). Here, the
recognition unit 26 and the control unit 30 can be provided as one
microcomputer.
[0030] One straight line type optical signal is transferred from
the light emitting unit 22 to the light receiving unit 24, for
forming the optical path L (or optical signal). The light emitting
units 22 and the light receiving units 24 are installed to face
each other at regular intervals with optical signal crossing
points. The light emitting units 22 and the light receiving units
24 are arranged on the front surface or the periphery of the front
surface of the button unit 14 or the display unit 12, so that the
optical signals L can perpendicularly cross each other.
[0031] The light emitting units 22 and the light receiving units 24
are prepared as infrared lamps/sensors or light emitting diodes,
and installed on inside top, bottom and both side surfaces of an
installation space H of the freezing chamber door 4. The light
emitting units 22 and the light receiving units 24 are installed on
the front surface of the installation space H, maintaining a depth
of 3 to 5 mm from the inner wall of the installation space H. When
the user approaches a finger or another object to the button
regions 14a, 16a, 16b and 16c, the optical signals L (or optical
paths) are intercepted. Especially, the display unit 12 displays
the button regions 16a, 16b and 16c in the points in which the
optical signals L of the optical sensor unit 20 perpendicularly
cross each other.
[0032] The optical signals L (or optical paths) can be continuously
transferred from the light emitting units 22 to the light receiving
units 24. In addition, the light emitting units 22 and the light
receiving units 24 can be operated by a special input of the user.
In this case, a button activation means 40 is preferably provided
to supply power to the light emitting units 22 and the light
receiving units 24.
[0033] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the button activation means 40 can
be a general input means 15 formed in a button type or a static
electricity type. According to the clicking input of the user, the
input means 15 supplies power to activate the optical sensor unit
20, thereby generating the optical signals or optical paths L and
recognizing the input of the user. The input means 15 can be an
exclusive use button for activating the optical sensor unit 40, or
a general input button corresponding to the use of the refrigerator
by the user as described below.
[0034] The button activation means 40 can be an access sensor (not
shown) mounted on the front surface of the refrigerator. That is,
the access sensor can be formed in the position of the input means
15 to replace the input means 15. When the user approaches the
refrigerator within a predetermined distance, the optical sensor
unit 20 is activated. In addition, the button activation means 40
can be a means for sensing the use of the refrigerator by the user
(for example, input selection of the input means 15 by the user).
For example, identically to a door opening/closing sensor of the
refrigerator, when the user opens the refrigerator door 2 or 4, the
button activation means 40 activates the optical sensor unit 20
directly or by the control of the control unit 30.
[0035] In order to prevent an operation error by infiltration of
moisture, the light emitting units 22 and the light receiving units
24 include waterproof units 28 made of a waterproof material which
transmits light but intercepts moisture. The waterproof units 28
can be formed in various types, such as waterproof films molded on
the light emitting units 22 and the light receiving units 24, or
waterproof covers covered on the light emitting units 22 and the
light receiving units 24.
[0036] The recognition unit 26 can be connected respectively to the
light emitting units 22 and the light receiving units 24. While
each of the light emitting units 22 generates the optical signals,
the recognition unit 26 judges reception of the optical signals by
each of the light receiving units 24, recognizes the interception
positions of the optical signals, and transfers the corresponding
selection signal to the control unit 30.
[0037] Here, the recognition unit 26 recognizes the crossing point
of the two optical signals as coordinates (the mounting positions
of the light emitting units 22 and the light receiving units 24),
and transfers the selection signal for selecting the menu, the
freezing/refrigerating intensity or the temperature level
electrically displayed on the display unit 12 to the control unit
30 according to the coordinates. The control unit 30 controls the
operations of each component according to the selection signal. In
another case, the recognition unit 26 applies the selection signal
including the intercepted coordinates to the control unit 30, and
the control unit 30 checks the selection and command of the button
region corresponding to the coordinates, and performs the operation
control or setting according to the selection and command.
[0038] Preferably, the recognition unit 26 is formed as a circuit
for judging the coordinates of the crossing points of the optical
signals between the light emitting units 22 and the light receiving
units 24, and the selection signals or the control commands
corresponding to the coordinates. For example, the recognition unit
26 stores the coordinates of the A button region 14a as (24e, 24f)
or (e, f) according to the mounting positions of the light
receiving units 24e and 24f. If the optical signals transferred to
the light receiving units 24e and 24f are intercepted, the
recognition unit 26 generates a selection signal notifying the
selection of the A button region 14a, and applies the selection
signal to the control unit 30. In the state of FIG. 2, if the user
selects the button region 16a, the recognition unit 26 recognizes
interception of the optical signals transferred to the light
receiving units 24d and 24h, and applies a selection signal
notifying `lowering the refrigerating temperature` to the control
unit 30. The above process is applied in the same manner to the
other button regions 14a (B to F), 16b and 16c.
[0039] As described above, when the button regions 14a, 14b and 16a
to 16c are formed on the periphery of the button unit 14 or the
display unit 12, and the optical sensor unit 20 is formed on the
front surface or the periphery of the front surface of the button
unit 14 or the display unit 12, this configuration can serve as
general buttons or a kind of touch screen.
[0040] The operation of the input device for the refrigerator in
accordance with the present invention will now be described in
detail.
[0041] When the user clicks the button activation means 40, power
is supplied to the light emitting units 22 and the light receiving
units 24, so that the optical signals can be transferred from the
light emitting units 22 to the light receiving units 24,
respectively. In this state, if the user approaches a finger or
object to one of the button region 14a, the optical signals
crossing each other in the selected button region 14a are
intercepted.
[0042] The items selected by the button regions 14a can be
electrically displayed on the display unit 12, or printed on the
button regions 14a. Therefore, the user can select the button
regions 14 by referring to the information.
[0043] While the light emitting units 22 generate the optical
signals, the recognition unit 26 senses the light receiving units
24 which do not receive the optical signals among the light
receiving units 24. Here, the recognition unit 26 recognizes the
coordinates of the interception point of the optical signals on the
basis of the two light receiving units 24 which do not receive the
optical signals, judges a corresponding selection signal, and
transfers the selection signal to the control unit 30.
[0044] The control unit 30 controls the operations of each
component or stores the selection of the user according to the
selection signal, and displays the operation state of the
refrigerator relating to the selected item through the display unit
12, so that the user can check the operation state of the
refrigerator.
[0045] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing sequential steps of the input
method for the refrigerator in accordance with the present
invention.
[0046] In detail, in step S61, whether the user attempts the button
input by using the button activation means 40 is decided according
to clicking of the input means 15, the approach of the user, or the
use of the refrigerator by the user as described above. If the
button activation is required, the routine goes to step S62.
[0047] In step S62, the optical sensor unit 20 is activated by the
button activation means 40. That is, the optical paths L formed by
generation of the optical signals by the light emitting units 22
and reception of the optical signals by the light receiving units
24 cross each other in the button regions 14a, 14b and 16a to
16c.
[0048] In step S63, the optical sensor unit 20 decides whether the
user input exists according to interception of the optical signals
or optical paths L. If the user input causing interception of the
optical signals or optical paths L exists, the routine goes to step
S66, and if not, the routine goes to step S64.
[0049] In step S64, the optical sensor unit 20 or the control unit
30 decides whether a set time elapses. If the set time elapses, the
routine goes to step S65, and if not, the routine goes to step S63.
In the case that the user does not make an input causing
interception of the optical signals or optical paths L within the
set time in the steps S63 and S64, it is deemed that the user will
not make an input. It is thus not necessary to maintain the optical
signals or optical paths L. The routine goes to step S65. In order
to check the set time, the optical sensor unit 20 can include an
individual time counting means (not shown). Meanwhile, the control
unit 30 normally includes a time counting means. Therefore, the
control unit 30 can decide whether the set time elapses.
[0050] In step S65, the optical sensor unit 20 stops generation of
the optical signals or optical paths L by counting of the self time
counting means, so that the user cannot make an input any more. In
another case, the control unit 30 checks whether the set time
elapses, and applies a stop command to the optical sensor unit 20,
and the optical sensor unit 20 stops the operation.
[0051] In step S66, the recognition unit 26 judges whether it can
recognize the coordinates according to the user input. That is,
when the optical signals or optical paths L are intercepted by the
user, if such interception occurs in the plurality of button
regions 14a at the same time or at intervals of a short time, the
recognition unit 26 cannot easily recognize the coordinates. In
addition, such interception may be caused by a mischief of a child.
If the recognition unit 26 cannot recognize the coordinates, the
recognition unit 26 ignores interception of the optical signals or
optical paths L, goes to step S63, and waits for an additional
input of the user. If the recognition unit 26 can recognize the
coordinates, the routine goes to step S67.
[0052] In step S67, the recognition unit 26 applies the selection
signal including only the coordinates to the control unit 30, or
recognizes the selection signal including the selection for the
button region 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b or 16c corresponding to the
coordinates, and applies the selection signal to the control unit
30. The control unit 30 judges the selection of the user according
to the coordinates, or performs the selection and command according
to the selection of the user included in the selection signal.
[0053] In FIG. 6, after step S62, if the input means 15 is clicked
by the user again, the optical sensor unit 20 or the control unit
30 can stop generation of the optical signals or optical paths
L.
[0054] As discussed earlier, in accordance with the present
invention, the input device for the refrigerator cuts down the
production cost and improves productivity, by deciding the button
input position and the corresponding selection signal by
interception of the optical signals or optical paths.
[0055] The input device for the refrigerator improves accuracy of
the button input by recognizing the button input by interception of
the optical signals. In addition, the waterproof units made of the
material which transmits the optical signals but intercepts
moisture are provided to the light emitting units and the light
receiving units, thereby preventing an error or mis-operation by
infiltration of moisture. As a result, operation reliability is
improved.
[0056] Moreover, the user does not have to click or touch the
button regions for input. That is, the user can easily make an
input by intercepting the optical signals or optical paths simply
by the approach.
[0057] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention
have been described, it is understood that the present invention
should not be limited to these preferred embodiments but various
changes and modifications can be made by one skilled in the art
within the spirit and scope of the present invention as hereinafter
claimed.
* * * * *