Abstract: An apparatus is for diagnosing a valve failure of a refrigerator by detecting whether or not a first valve configured to control flow of a refrigerant circulating in a first refrigeration compartment and a second valve configured to control flow of a refrigerant circulating in a second refrigeration compartment are abnormal. The apparatus includes a first temperature sensor measuring a temperature in the first refrigeration compartment, a second temperature sensor measuring a temperature in the second refrigeration compartment, and a controller configured to determine whether or not the first valve and the second valve are abnormal by comparing changes in temperatures measured by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor in a state where the first valve or the second valve is opened. The apparatus further includes a display configured to display the determination result indicating whether or not the first valve and the second valve are abnormal.

Abstract: A refrigerator capable of dispensing functional beverages. A user can request a functional beverage and specifies the desired concentration via an input unit on the refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a solute supplying unit storing the solute for making the functional beverage and a dissolution chamber. The solute mixes with water into the user-selected functional beverage in the dissolution chamber. The amount of solute introduced to the dissolution chamber is controlled based on the user desired concentration. The produced functional beverage is then dispensed for user to consume.

Abstract: A refrigerator capable of dispensing water adapted to an individual user's body temperature and a control method thereof. The refrigerator includes a selection unit for the user to select form body temperature water, cold water, and hot water. A temperature detecting unit is configured to detect a temperature of an external object through contact, for example a user's finger. The detected object temperature is interpreted as the user's body temperature. A controller is configured to receive a signal from the selection unit and a signal from the temperature detecting unit. Water stored in the refrigerator can be heated to the detected external object temperature before dispensing.

Abstract: A refrigerator providing automatically adjustable inside illumination and compressor operation speed. An optical sensing unit is used to sense the ambient light brightness proximate to the refrigerator. The brightness of the inside lamps are adjusted based on the sensed ambient light brightness so as to prevent glare to a user who opens the refrigerator in the dark. The sensed ambient light brightness is also used to control the operation speed of the compressor. If the ambient lighting condition indicates it is night time, the compressor can run at a reduced speed and so produce less operation noise.

Abstract: A refrigerator capable of dispensing water adapted to an individual user's body temperature and a control method thereof. The refrigerator includes a selection unit for the user to select form body temperature water, cold water, and hot water. A temperature detecting unit is configured to detect a temperature of an external object through contact, for example a user's finger. The detected object temperature is interpreted as the user's body temperature. A controller is configured to receive a signal from the selection unit and a signal from the temperature detecting unit. Water stored in the refrigerator can be heated to the detected external object temperature before dispensing.

Abstract: A refrigerator capable of dispensing functional beverages. A user can request a functional beverage and specifies the desired concentration via an input unit on the refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a solute supplying unit storing the solute for making the functional beverage and a dissolution chamber. The solute mixes with water into the user-selected functional beverage in the dissolution chamber. The amount of solute introduced to the dissolution chamber is controlled based on the user desired concentration. The produced functional beverage is then dispensed for user to consume.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus and a method for controlling a washing machine that automatically select a washing method when a user uses the washing machine and saves the user an effort to choose a washing method suitable for the laundry. The apparatus includes at least one sensor unit in the washing machine configured to measure a value of a natural frequency of laundry in the washing machine; a database unit storing information regarding a washing method of the laundry; a control unit that compares the value of the natural frequency from the sensor unit with value(s) of a natural frequency or frequencies stored in the database unit to determine the type of laundry, select a washing method corresponding to the determined type of laundry, and output a signal to perform the selected washing method; and a driving unit that receives the signal from the control unit and operates the washing machine in accordance with the signal.