U.S. patent application number 12/306659 was filed with the patent office on 2009-08-06 for refrigerator with wireless communication function.
Invention is credited to Jin-Hoon Jung, Ik-Kyu Lee.
Application Number | 20090193823 12/306659 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38894682 |
Filed Date | 2009-08-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090193823 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lee; Ik-Kyu ; et
al. |
August 6, 2009 |
REFRIGERATOR WITH WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FUNCTION
Abstract
The present invention discloses a refrigerator with a wireless
communication function which can receive data and information by a
wireless signal. The refrigerator with the wireless communication
function includes a reception module (20) mounted at one side of
the refrigerator, for receiving a wireless signal, and a display
(14) means for displaying an image and sound according to the
received wireless signal.
Inventors: |
Lee; Ik-Kyu; (Gimhae-si,
KR) ; Jung; Jin-Hoon; (Seoul, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
PO BOX 747
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22040-0747
US
|
Family ID: |
38894682 |
Appl. No.: |
12/306659 |
Filed: |
December 27, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
December 27, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR2006/005753 |
371 Date: |
December 24, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/125 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 23/12 20130101;
F25D 2400/361 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/125 |
International
Class: |
F25B 49/00 20060101
F25B049/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 4, 2006 |
KR |
10-2006-0062710 |
Jul 4, 2006 |
KR |
10-2006-0062711 |
Jul 4, 2006 |
KR |
10-2006-0062712 |
Claims
1. A refrigerator with a wireless communication fraction,
comprising: a reception module mounted at one side of the
refrigerator, for receiving a wireless signal; and a display means
for displaying an image and sound according to the received
wireless signal.
2. The refrigerator with the wireless communication junction of
claim 1, wherein the wireless signal comprises at least one of
multimedia data, a playback signal and a TV signal.
3. The refrigerator with the wireless communication function of
claim 2, comprising a means for playing back or converting the
multimedia data into the image and sound.
4. The refrigerator with the wireless communication function of
claim 1 comprising a reception selection means for deciding
reception of the wireless signal.
5. A refrigerator with a wireless communication function,
comprising: a reception module for wirelessly receiving multimedia
data through a communication network; and a selection means for
deciding reception of the multimedia data using the reception
module.
6. The refrigerator with the wireless communication function of
claim 5, wherein the selection means comprises an input unit for
receiving the reception decision of the multimedia data from the
user.
7. The refrigerator with the wireless communication function of
claim 5, further comprising a storing means for storing the
multimedia data received by the reception module.
8. The refrigerator with the wireless communication function of
claim 5, further comprising a display means for displaying the
multimedia data as a menu screen.
9. A refrigerator with a wireless communication function,
comprising: the refrigerator; and a reception module mounted at one
side of the refrigerator, for receiving a playback signal from an
external multimedia apparatus by wireless communication.
10. The refrigerator with the wireless communication function of
claim 9, wherein the reception module is installed on the top
surface of the refrigerator.
11. The refrigerator with the wireless communication Sanction of
claim 10, wherein the reception module is installed on a hinge
cover installed at a connection portion between a refrigerator door
and a top surface of a refrigerator main body, for hinge-coupling
the refrigerator door to the refrigerator main body.
12. The refrigerator with the wireless communication junction of
claim 10, wherein the reception module is installed at an
installation portion of a control box on the top surface of the
refrigerator.
13. The refrigerator with the wireless communication function of
claim 9, wherein the reception module comprises an antenna, and the
antenna is installed on the front surface of the refrigerator.
14. The refrigerator with the wireless communication function of
claim 13, wherein the antenna of the reception module is built in a
handle installed on the refrigerator door.
15. The refrigerator with the wireless communication function of
claim 9, further comprising a multimedia player installed on the
refrigerator, for outputting a playback signal received by the
reception module.
16. A refrigerator with a wireless communication function,
comprising: a TV reception device built in the refrigerator, for
receiving and reproducing a TV signal; a signal transfer means for
transferring information of multimedia data and playback data
between an external apparatus and the TV reception device; a
selection means for selecting one of reproduction of the TV signal
and playback of the multimedia data; and an output means for
outputting one of reproduction of the TV signal and playback of the
multimedia data from the TV reception device according to selection
of the selection means.
17. The refrigerator with the wireless communication function of
claim 16, wherein the signal transfer means makes the TV reception
device recognize connection of the external apparatus, and
transfers a control command of the TV reception device to the
external apparatus.
18. The refrigerator with the wireless communication function of
claim 16, wherein the signal transfer means transfers the playback
data obtained by converting the multimedia data by a Codec from the
external apparatus to the TV reception device according to the
control command of the TV reception device.
19. The refrigerator with the wireless communication function of
claim 18, wherein the external apparatus is detachably installed in
the TV reception device through the signal transfer means.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator with a
wireless communication function which can receive data and
information by a wireless signal.
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] The refrigerator is the most basic widely-used core element
of a kitchen space. The refrigerator has been gradually enlarged in
size due to increase of consumption and influence of the western
life style.
[0004] Nowadays, the kitchen space is not simply a space for
eating, but a living space for eating and conversation of family
members. It is thus necessary to change the refrigerator which is
the core element of the kitchen space in quality and quantity with
the size enlargement, so that the family members can easily use the
refrigerator.
[0005] The multimedia tendency of electronic products has been
accelerated with the rapid development of information and
communication technologies. It is expected that the electric home
appliances will perform not one or two functions but associated
functions.
[0006] For example, if a computer is coupled to the refrigerator
and a liquid crystal display (LCD) is adhered to a refrigerator
door, the user can watch TV and enjoy the internet by accessing a
web site.
[0007] The LCD installed on the refrigerator door can display not
only the current temperature and operation state of the
refrigerator but also the keeping state of the food, nutrition
information and cooking information.
[0008] Accordingly, in order to satisfy various demands of the
user, the refrigerator is required to receive various multimedia
data through a wireless communication network and provide the data
to the user.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0009] The present invention is achieved to solve the above
problems. An object of the present invention is to provide a
refrigerator with a wireless communication function which can
select and receive multimedia data through a wireless communication
network.
Technical Solution
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
refrigerator with a wireless communication function which can
select and receive a TV signal and multimedia data, so that the
user can watch TV or multimedia.
[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
refrigerator with a wireless communication function which can
wirelessly receive a playback signal from an external multimedia
apparatus, and output the playback signal.
[0012] In order to achieve the above-described objects of the
invention, there is provided a refrigerator with a wireless
communication function, including: a reception module mounted at
one side of the refrigerator, for receiving a wireless signal; and
a display means for displaying an image and sound according to the
received wireless signal.
[0013] In another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a refrigerator with a wireless communication function,
including: the refrigerator; and a reception module mounted at one
side of the refrigerator, for receiving a playback signal from an
external multimedia apparatus by wireless communication.
[0014] In yet another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a refrigerator with a wireless communication function,
including: a TV reception device built in the refrigerator, for
receiving and reproducing a TV signal; a signal transfer means for
transferring information of multimedia data and playback data
between an external apparatus and the TV reception device; a
selection means for selecting one of reproduction of the TV signal
and playback of the multimedia data; and an output means for
outputting one of reproduction of the TV signal and playback of the
multimedia data from the TV reception device according to selection
of the selection means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] 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:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a refrigerator with a
wireless communication function in accordance with a first
embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the refrigerator of
FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the
refrigerator of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a front view illustrating a refrigerator with a
wireless communication function in accordance with a second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the refrigerator of
FIG. 4;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the
refrigerator of FIG. 4;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a front view illustrating a refrigerator with a
wireless communication function in accordance with a third
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0023] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating the refrigerator of
FIG. 7.
MODE FOR THE INVENTION
[0024] A refrigerator with a wireless communication function in
accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention
will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0025] FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a refrigerator with a
wireless communication function in accordance with a first
embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram
illustrating the refrigerator of FIG. 1.
[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in the refrigerator with the
wireless communication function, 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.
[0027] 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 18 for controlling the operation of the
refrigerator.
[0028] A display 10 for controlling the operation of the
refrigerator and displaying the operation state of the refrigerator
is installed at the upper portion of the ice supply device 6. A
reception module 20 for wirelessly receiving multimedia data,
namely, a wireless signal through a communication network A is
installed on the top surface of the refrigerator main body. The
reception module 20 stores the received multimedia data in the
control unit 18, or plays back the data through the display 10
[0029] The multimedia data are formed by combining the associated
data such as characters, images, graphics, audio and video. At
least two kinds of multimedia data can be selected, edited and
outputted as the wanted information of the user.
[0030] In detail, the display 10 includes a selection means 12 for
deciding reception of the multimedia data using the reception
module 20, and a display means 14 for displaying the multimedia
data related information.
[0031] The selection means 12 can be formed in a button or touch
screen type. The selection means 12 includes an input unit which is
a kind of button for receiving the reception decision of the
multimedia data, and can further include a search keyboard for
searching for the multimedia data.
[0032] The display means 14 includes an LCD monitor for displaying
information of the multimedia data, and playing back an image
signal of the multimedia data, and a speaker for playing back an
audio signal of the multimedia data. The operation of the display
means 14 is controlled by the control unit 18, for displaying a
menu for displaying the information of the multimedia data and
controlling playback of the multimedia data.
[0033] In addition, the selection means 12 includes buttons for
controlling the operation of the refrigerator, and the display
means 14 displays the operation state of the refrigerator by the
control unit 18.
[0034] The reception module 20 receives a wireless signal from a
multimedia data supply server through the wireless communication
network A. Here, the reception module 20 receives the wireless
signal of the air, extracts the multimedia data from the wireless
signal, and transfers the multimedia data to the control unit
18.
[0035] Preferably, in addition to an antenna for receiving the
wireless signal, the reception module 20 includes a decoder for
converting the wireless signal into the multimedia data
recognizable by the control unit 18, and a storing means 16 for
storing the multimedia data, or a communication unit for
communicating with the control unit 18.
[0036] That is, the reception module 20 can be formed as a
relatively small printed circuit board (not shown) on which the
antenna (not shown), a plurality of chipsets and electronic
components have been installed. Although the printed circuit board
is built in, the antenna is exposed to the top surface of the
refrigerator main body, for easily receiving the wireless signal of
the air.
[0037] The control unit 18 receives the user input from the
selection means 12, transmits the multimedia data through the
reception module 20, and stores the multimedia data in the storing
means 16. The storing means 16 can be formed in the control unit
18.
[0038] The control unit 18 displays the information of the
multimedia data such as a name, capacity, etc. in each list through
the display means 14, or plays back the image information and sound
information of the multimedia data through the display means
14.
[0039] The control unit 18 can be formed as part if a main control
unit (not shown) for controlling the operation of the refrigerator,
or comprised of a driving circuit (not shown) for receiving power
from the main control unit, a communication unit (not shown) for
receiving the multimedia data by wire/wireless communication with
the reception module 20, a memory (not shown) which is the storing
means 16 for storing the multimedia data from the communication
unit, and an output conversion unit (not shown) for converting the
multimedia data into information data or playback data.
[0040] The control unit 18 is built in one side of the refrigerator
main body to be wire or wireless-connected to the reception module
20 and wire-connected to the display means 14.
[0041] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the
refrigerator of FIG. 1.
[0042] When reception of the multimedia data is selected, the
multimedia data are received by the wireless communication, and
stored (refer to S1 and S2).
[0043] Here, reception of the multimedia data can be selected by
the request of the user using the selection means 12. In addition,
the reservation can be periodically set in the control unit 18 to
automatically select reception of new multimedia data.
[0044] Accordingly, when reception of the multimedia data is
selected, the control unit 18 receives the wireless signal of the
air from the wireless communication network A by using the
reception module 20, converts the wireless signal into the
multimedia data through a Codec, and stores the multimedia data in
the storing means 16.
[0045] The multimedia data are formed by combining the associated
data such as characters, images, graphics, audio and video. The
representative example of the multimedia data is MP3 data
containing at least character data and audio data.
[0046] The newly-received or previously-stored multimedia data are
displayed in each list (refer to S3).
[0047] In the same manner, the multimedia data can be displayed in
each list by the request of the user using the selection means 12.
In addition, the reservation can be set in the control unit 18 to
automatically display new multimedia data in each list.
[0048] The information of the multimedia data such as a name and a
capacity is displayed in each list by characters on the LCD monitor
of the display means 14.
[0049] When the user selects playback of the wanted multimedia
data, the multimedia data are converted into playback data and
outputted (refer to S4 and S5).
[0050] In detail, the user selects the multimedia related menu
among the menus displayed on the display means 14 through the
selection means 12. When the information of the multimedia data is
displayed in each list on the display means 14, the user selects
the specific multimedia data through the selection means 12, and
plays back the multimedia data.
[0051] The user can search for the specific multimedia data through
the selection means 12, and select and play back the multimedia
data.
[0052] In order to play back the multimedia data, the control unit
18 converts the multimedia data into the playback data such as
image data and sound data by using the Codec, and outputs the
playback data through the display means 14. The user can listen to
or watch the wanted multimedia data.
[0053] FIG. 4 is a front view illustrating a refrigerator with a
wireless communication function in accordance with a second
embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a block diagram
illustrating the refrigerator of FIG. 4.
[0054] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, in the refrigerator with
the wire communication function, a freezing chamber door 22 and a
refrigerating chamber door 24 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 26 for supplying ice or
cold water is installed on the freezing chamber door 22, an
operation panel 28 for controlling the operation of the
refrigerator is installed at the upper portion of the ice supply
device 26, and a TV-shaped output means 50 for enabling TV watching
or playback of another multimedia is installed on the refrigerating
chamber door 24.
[0055] 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 (not shown) for controlling the operation of the
refrigerator.
[0056] A TV reception device 40 is provided to selectively enable
TV watching or multimedia playback through the output means 50 An
external apparatus is connected to the TV reception device 40
through a signal transfer means 35, and a selection means 45 for
selecting one of TV watching and multimedia playback is also
connected to the TV reception device 40.
[0057] Exemplary external apparatuses include a cassette player, a
CD player, an MP3 player, a video player and a DVD player. In this
embodiment, it is presumed that the external apparatus is the MP3
player 30.
[0058] In detail, the MP3 player 30 can be detachably connected to
the TV reception device 40 through the signal transfer means 35, or
built in the refrigerator.
[0059] The MP3 player 30 includes a storing unit 31 for storing MP3
data and a Codec, a communication unit 32 for receiving a control
command from the TV reception device 40, and a sound output unit 33
for converting the specific MP3 data into playback sound data by
the Codec and outputting the sound data according to the control
command received by the communication unit 32.
[0060] The MP3 player 30 has a terminal connected to the signal
transfer means 35. In addition, the MP3 player 30 can convert the
MP3 data into the sound data by the Codec and output the sound
data, regardless of the control command of the TV reception device
40, by adding a data transmission related button (not shown).
[0061] The signal transfer means 35 enables the MP3 player 30 and
the TV reception device 40 to recognize the mutual contact and
transfer the control command, information data, and playback data
such as sound data or image data to each other.
[0062] The signal transfer means 35 is divided into a first
connection line (not shown) for transferring the control command
from the TV reception device 40 to the MP3 player 30, and receiving
the information data and contact recognition, and a second
connection line (not shown) for transferring the playback data from
the MP3 player 30 to the TV reception device 40.
[0063] The signal transfer means 35 is formed as a kind of cable.
Terminals connected respectively to the MP3 player 30 and the TV
reception device 40 are formed at both ends of the signal transfer
means 35.
[0064] The TV reception device 40 includes an antenna (not shown)
for receiving a TV signal which is a predetermined frequency band
wireless signal of the air through a broadcasting communication
network, and a TV control unit 41 for receiving and reproducing the
TV signal.
[0065] The TV reception device 40 also includes an MP3 control unit
42 for transferring the control command by communication with the
communication unit 32 of the MP3 player 30, an image output unit 43
for outputting image data to the output means 50, and a sound
amplification unit 44 for amplifying sound data and outputting the
sound data to the output means 50.
[0066] The TV reception device 40 can be formed as a relatively
small printed circuit board (not shown) on which the antenna (not
shown), a plurality of chipsets and electronic components have been
installed.
[0067] The selection means 45 includes a switch 46 connected to the
TV reception device 40, for switching a TV function into an MP3
player function by selection of the user, and a selection unit 47
for adjusting a channel and a volume and displaying or selecting
the playback list by the operation of the user during the execution
of the TV function or the MP3 function.
[0068] The switch 46 is connected to the TV control unit 41 and the
MP3 control unit 42. When the switch 46 is turned on, the TV
control unit 41 is turned off to stop the TV function, and the MP3
control unit 42 is turned on to operate the MP3 player function.
When the switch 46 is turned off, the TV control unit 41 and the
MP3 control unit 42 are conversely operated.
[0069] The selection means 45 can be buttons exposed to the output
means 50, or a remote controller for performing long distance
control.
[0070] The output means 50 is installed on the refrigerating
chamber door 24, and connected to the TV reception device 40 The
output means 50 includes a display 52 such as an LCD monitor for
displaying an image, and a speaker 54 for outputting a sound.
[0071] The display 52 is connected to the image output unit 43, for
reproducing the TV signal as an image, or displaying the
information data and/or image data of the MP3 data, and the speaker
54 is connected to the sound amplification unit 44, for reproducing
the TV signal as a sound, or displaying the sound data of the MP3
data.
[0072] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the
refrigerator of FIG. 4.
[0073] First, power is supplied to operate the TV (refer to
S11).
[0074] In more detail, when power is inputted to the TV reception
device 40, the TV control unit 41 is turned on, but the MP3 control
unit 42 is turned off.
[0075] Therefore, when the TV control unit 41 receives the specific
frequency band wireless TV signal from the broadcasting
communication network, and reproduces the wireless TV signal
through the image output unit 43 and the sound amplification unit
44, the TV image is displayed on the display 52 and the TV sound is
outputted through the speaker 54.
[0076] The channel, volume, etc. can be adjusted through the
selection unit 47. The user can watch TV through the display 52 and
the speaker 54 installed on the refrigerating chamber door 24.
[0077] While the TV is operated, if the switch 46 is operated to
convert the TV function into the MP3 function, the control command
is transferred to the MP3 player 30, and the information data of
the MP3 data are received and outputted (refer to S12, S13 and
S14).
[0078] After the MP3 player 30 is connected to the TV reception
device 40 through the signal transfer means 35, when the switch 46
is operated, the TV function is converted into the MP3 function.
Here, the TV reception device 40 recognizes connection of the MP3
player 30 through the signal transfer means 35, and changes its
function according to the operation of the switch 46. If the TV
reception device 40 does not recognize connection of the MP3 player
30, even if the switch 46 is operated, the TV reception device 40
does not change its function.
[0079] In detail, when the TV reception device 40 recognizes
connection of the MP3 player 30 through the signal transfer means
35, the MP3 control unit 42 of the TV reception device 40 transfers
the control command to the communication unit 32 of the MP3 player
30 The communication unit 32 of the MP3 player 30 transfers the
information data of the MP3 data stored in the storing unit 31 of
the MP3 player 30 to the MP3 control unit 42 of the TV reception
device 40.
[0080] The information data of the MP3 data received by the MP3
control unit 42 of the TV reception device 40, such as a name, a
playback time and a capacity, is displayed in each list on the
display 52 through the image output unit 43 of the TV reception
device 40.
[0081] As soon as the MP3 player 30 is connected to the TV
reception device 40, the above operation can be automatically
carried out. In addition, when the user makes an input request
through the selection unit 47, the above operation can be performed
to display the information data of the MP3 data on the display
52.
[0082] Besides the MP3 player 30, various external multimedia
apparatuses can be connected to the TV reception device 40 through
the signal transfer means 35. The information data of the
multimedia data can be displayed in the same manner.
[0083] When the selection unit 47 is operated to select the
specific MP3 data, the playback data of the MP3 data are received
and outputted (refer to S15 and S16).
[0084] The user can select and play back the wanted MP3 data
through the selection unit 47, by referring to the information data
of the MP3 data on the display 52.
[0085] In more detail, when playback of the specific MP3 data is
selected by the selection unit 47, the MP3 control unit 42 of the
TV reception device 40 transfers a playback related control command
for the specific MP3 data to the communication unit 32 of the MP3
player 30. The communication unit 32 of the MP3 player 30 transfers
the playback data of the MP3 data stored in the storing unit 31 of
the MP3 player 30 to the MP3 control unit 42 of the TV reception
device 40.
[0086] Here, the playback data of the MP3 data are obtained by
converting the MP3 data by the Codec to be directly played back
into image data and sound data. The image data can be words of a
song or a music video, and the sound data can be the song
itself.
[0087] The playback data of the MP3 data received by the MP3
control unit 42 of the TV reception device 40 are outputted through
the image output unit 43 and the sound amplification unit 44 of the
TV reception device 40 The image data are displayed on the display
52, and the sound data are outputted through the speaker 54.
[0088] In the same manner, the screen, volume, etc. can be adjusted
through the selection unit 47. The user can enjoy the MP3 through
the display 52 and the speaker 54 installed on the refrigerating
chamber door 24.
[0089] FIG. 7 is a front view illustrating a refrigerator with a
wireless communication function in accordance with a third
embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a block diagram
illustrating the refrigerator of FIG. 7.
[0090] As depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8, in the refrigerator with the
wire communication function, a freezing chamber door 22 and a
refrigerating chamber door 24 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 26 for supplying ice or
cold water is installed on the freezing chamber door 22, an
operation panel 28 for controlling the operation of the
refrigerator is installed at the upper portion of the ice supply
device 26, and an LCD monitor 8a and a speaker 8b, namely, a kind
of multimedia player for enabling TV watching or playback of
another multimedia is installed on the refrigerating chamber door
24.
[0091] 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 (not shown) for controlling the operation of the
refrigerator.
[0092] A reception module 60 for receiving a playback signal from
another multimedia apparatus 80, and outputting the playback signal
through the LCD monitor 8a and the speaker 8b is installed at the
upper portion of the refrigerator main body. The reception module
60 receives the playback signal by wireless communication with a
transmission module 70 of the external multimedia apparatus 80.
[0093] The reception module 60 is connected to a control unit 64.
The control unit 64 is connected to the LCD monitor 8a and the
speaker 8b of the refrigerator. The transmission module 70 is
detachably installed in the multimedia apparatus 80, such as a
cassette player, a CD player, an MP3 player, a video player and a
DVD player. The reception module 60 and the transmission module 70
are formed in a pair to perform wireless communication.
[0094] The reception module 60 can be formed as a printed circuit
board (not shown) on which an antenna 62 for receiving the playback
signal, a plurality of chipsets and electronic components have been
installed. However, the antenna 62 can be individually formed from
the printed circuit board.
[0095] Accordingly, preferably, the antenna 62 of the reception
module 60 is installed outside the refrigerator to improve
reception of the playback signal, and the printed circuit board of
the reception module 60 is built in one side of the
refrigerator.
[0096] In more detail, although not seen, the antenna 62 of the
reception module 60 can be installed on the top surface of the
refrigerator main body to improve reception of the playback
signal.
[0097] For example, the antenna 62 of the reception module 60 can
be exposed to or built in a hinge cover 22a or 24a for
hinge-connecting the freezing chamber door 22 or the refrigerating
chamber door 24 to the refrigerator main body, or a control box 29
for housing the control unit 64.
[0098] However, if the antenna 62 of the reception module 60 cannot
be installed on the top surface of the refrigerator, namely, if the
gap between the refrigerator and the ceiling is narrow, or if the
refrigerator is a built-in type refrigerator, the antenna 62 of the
reception module 60 can be installed on the front surface of the
freezing chamber door 22 or the refrigerating chamber door 24.
[0099] For example, the antenna 62 of the reception module 60 can
be installed on the freezing chamber door 22 or the refrigerating
chamber door 24. As the antenna 62 of the reception module 60 comes
into the vision field of the user, it is preferably built in the
freezing chamber door 22 or the refrigerating chamber door 24.
[0100] On the other hand, as identical to the reception module 60,
the transmission module 70 can be formed as a printed circuit board
(not shown) on which an antenna 72 for transmitting the playback
signal, a plurality of chipsets and electronic components have been
installed, and detachably installed in an output terminal of the
multimedia apparatus 80.
[0101] As soon as the transmission module 70 is installed in the
multimedia apparatus 80, the transmission module 70 can
automatically receive and transmit the playback signal. In
addition, the transmission module 70 can transmit the playback
signal by a special input request.
[0102] The multimedia apparatus 80 includes a decoder for
converting the multimedia data into the playback signal. When the
transmission module 70 receives the playback signal from the
multimedia apparatus 80 and transmits the playback signal, the
reception module 60 receives the playback signal and applies the
playback signal to the control unit 64. The control unit 64 outputs
the playback signal through the LCD monitor 8a and the speaker 8b.
Therefore, special data or standard standardization is not required
between the multimedia apparatus 80 and the LCD monitor 8a and the
speaker 8b of the refrigerator.
[0103] In another case, the transmission module 70 includes an
encoder for converting a playback signal into a transmission
signal. The reception module 60 making a pair with the transmission
module 70 includes a decoder for converting the transmission signal
into the playback signal. Here, special data or standard
standardization is not required between the multimedia apparatus 80
and the LCD monitor 8a and the speaker 8b of the refrigerator which
include the transmission module 70 and the reception module 60.
[0104] The control unit 64 is connected to an input unit 48, for
performing control according to a playback signal selection command
inputted by the user. When the user intends to receive the playback
signal by the reception module 60 and apply the playback signal to
the control unit 64, the input unit 48 acquires the corresponding
selection command from the user. In addition, the input unit 48
acquires a cancel command for the selection command from the user.
According to the selection of the user, the reception module 60
receives the playback signal, and the LCD monitor 8a and the
speaker 8b display and output the playback signal.
[0105] The functions of the input unit 48 can be performed by the
operation panel 28.
[0106] As discussed earlier, in accordance with the present
invention, the refrigerator with the wireless communication
function allows the user to rapidly easily receive and play back
the multimedia data. The product value of the refrigerator can be
improved by satisfying various demands of the user.
[0107] The refrigerator with the wireless communication function
can cut down the production cost, by playing back the playback data
without a special playback component for outputting the playback
data. Moreover, the refrigerator allows the user to easily
selectively enjoy the TV function and the multimedia function in
the kitchen, thereby improving the convenience and satisfying
various demands of the user.
[0108] The refrigerator with the wireless communication function
can play back various multimedia data, thereby improving the
convenience and satisfying various demands of the user.
[0109] The special stand standardization is not required between
the refrigerator and the multimedia apparatus. Therefore, the
present invention can be applied to various products regardless of
the specifications of the products.
[0110] 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.
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