Abstract: An operation method of an interactive refrigerator system, includes displaying information about stored items corresponding to a speech input by a user, generating and outputting a response message for the information about the stored items, checking whether or not storage periods of the stored items are expired; and outputting expiration information about storage periods of the stored items or expected expiration information about storage periods of the stored items.

Abstract: A refrigerator is disclosed which is capable of performing data transmission and reception with an external electric appliance (60), or enabling data transmission and reception among a plurality of display units (30, 40) included in the refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a refrigerator body (10), and a plurality of display units provided at the refrigerator body. Each display unit (30, 40) includes a display for displaying an image or audio data, or data as to a status of the refrigerator, a connector (31, 45) for performing transmission and reception of the data with the remaining display units, and a controller (37, 47) for controlling the data transmission and reception. Since data transmission reception with the external of the refrigerator and in the internal of the refrigerator is possible, an improvement in the convenience of the user is achieved.

Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator. A refrigerator according to an embodiment includes a main body configured with a plurality of parts, a door coupled to the main body, an RF reader provided in the main body to read out information recorded in each RF tag attached to the parts, a display part provided on the door to display replacement information or abnormal states of the parts, and a controller for controlling the operation of the display part.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided that allows a user to watch a TV broadcast program or listen to a radio broadcast. The refrigerator includes a main controller that selects a TV function or a radio function according to a user's request, a radio tuner that receives voice data included in a frequency band of a radio set when the radio function is selected by the main controller, a TV driving circuit that receives a TV broadcast program when the TV function is selected by the main controller and outputs image data and voice data included in the TV broadcast program, a TV screen that displays the image data, and a speaker that outputs the voice data included in the TV broadcast program or the voice data included in the frequency band.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control unit for a refrigerator and a method of controlling the same. A control unit for a refrigerator according to the present invention comprises an input means for receiving an operation signal for setting a service mode of a dispenser provided at the refrigerator; a storage means for storing a plurality of mode image data corresponding to the service mode of the dispenser; a display means for displaying mode images of the mode image data; and a control means for performing control such that mode image data corresponding to the service mode of the dispenser are read from the storage means according to an operation signal received by the input means and a mode image corresponding to the service mode of the dispenser is displayed on the display means. According to the present invention, there are advantages in that more various menus can be displayed in different manners, and the configuration of the input unit is simplified and thus can be more conveniently used.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a display apparatus (30) for a refrigerator which can be operated by using a touch screen (60). The display apparatus for the refrigerator includes a control unit (40) for controlling the refrigerator, a display unit (50) installed on the front surface of the control unit, for displaying information from the control unit, and a transparent touch screen (60) installed to cover the front surface of the display unit (50) and the front surface of the control unit (40), and electrically connected to the control unit, for applying a clicking input of the user to the control unit. The display unit (50) is externally shown through the transparent touch screen (60). A printed matter (70) is printed on the touch screen except the portion corresponding to the display unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator for providing a user with a variety of information using an avatar. The present invention comprises a storage device for storing avatar data including a figure and/or a motion of the avatar, a display device provided on an outer surface of the refrigerator to display the avatar, a control device for selecting the avatar to be displayed on the display device among the avatar data stored in the storage device and causing the display device to display the avatar, and an input device for receiving a command or information input from the outside. According to the present invention so configured, there is an advantage in that the display device can display a variety of avatars stored in the storage device in conformance with a condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a receiver unit for receiving information required for every day life, a control unit for determining information a user is in need from the information required for every day life, and a display unit for displaying the information the user is in need to an outside of the refrigerator.

Abstract: A display unit installing structure for a refrigerator includes an accommodating unit which is formed by depressing a portion on a front surface of a door and in which a display unit for displaying a variety of information thereon and inputting operating signals are retractably installed; a link mechanism for guiding accommodation and withdrawal of the display unit and tiltably supporting the display unit withdrawn from the accommodating unit at a predetermined angle; and a locking arrangement for preventing the display unit from being inadvertently escaping from the accommodating unit. The display unit can be retractably installed on the front surface of the refrigerator door.

Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator. A refrigerator according to an embodiment includes a main body configured with a plurality of parts, a door coupled to the main body, an RF reader provided in the main body to read out information recorded in each RF tag attached to the parts, a display part provided on the door to display replacement information or abnormal states of the parts, and a controller for controlling the operation of the display part.

Abstract: An inputting device for a refrigerator, comprises: a display having one or more button regions; and an optical sensor for sensing the button region selected by a user according to whether optical signals have been shielded; and a controller for receiving a signal indicating the sensed state from the optical sensor thereby controlling an operation of a refrigerator. Since the optical sensor for sensing the button region selected by a user is provided, an operation error is reduced. Furthermore, since the optical sensor has a low cost, a fabrication cost is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a receiver unit for receiving information required for every day life, a control unit for determining information a user is in need from the information required for every day life, and a display unit for displaying the information the user is in need to an outside of the refrigerator.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a display apparatus (30) for a refrigerator which can be operated by using a touch screen (60). The display apparatus for the refrigerator includes a control unit (40) for controlling the refrigerator, a display unit (50) installed on the front surface of the control unit, for displaying information from the control unit, and a transparent touch screen (60) installed to cover the front surface of the display unit (50) and the front surface of the control unit (40), and electrically connected to the control unit, for applying a clicking input of the user to the control unit. The display unit (50) is externally shown through the transparent touch screen (60). A printed matter (70) is printed on the touch screen except the portion corresponding to the display unit.

Abstract: An operation method of an interactive refrigerator system, includes displaying information about stored items corresponding to a speech input by a user, generating and outputting a response message for the information about the stored items, checking whether or not storage periods of the stored items are expired; and outputting expiration information about storage periods of the stored items or expected expiration information about storage periods of the stored items.

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.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided in which a communication pad is installed in one of the doors to open and close storage spaces formed in a refrigerator main body. The communication pad is detachably installed in a seating space of the door. While an upper end of the communication pad is seated in the seating space by an upper clamp, a lower end of the communication pad is seated in the seating space by a lower clamp. The upper clamp and the lower clamp are installed in the seating space through hinge assemblies. The hinge assemblies are configured so that the upper and lower clamps rotate only by a force of a predetermined value or higher. With such structure, die communication pad may be securely mounted to and easily dismounted from the door.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control unit for a refrigerator and a method of controlling the same. A control unit for a refrigerator according to the present invention comprises an input means for receiving an operation signal for setting a service mode of a dispenser provided at the refrigerator; a storage means for storing a plurality of mode image data corresponding to the service mode of the dispenser; a display means for displaying mode images of the mode image data; and a control means for performing control such that mode image data corresponding to the service mode of the dispenser are read from the storage means according to an operation signal received by the input means and a mode image corresponding to the service mode of the dispenser is displayed on the display means. According to the present invention, there are advantages in that more various menus can be displayed in different manners, and the configuration of the input unit is simplified and thus can be more conveniently used.

Abstract: A mounting structure for a display unit in a refrigerator includes an accommodating space formed by depressing a portion of a front surface of a door, an installation space formed in the door to communicate with a portion of the accommodating space, a display unit retractably mounted to the accommodating space to display a variety of information and receive a plurality of operating signals, a first lead wire of which one end is led into the installation space through the door, and a second lead wire of which one end is connected to the display unit and the other end is led into the installation space and connected to the first lead wire. With such an arrangement the external appearance of the refrigerator can be improved, the durability and operational reliability of the refrigerator can be ensured, and the usability can also be enhanced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator for providing a user with a variety of information using an avatar. The present invention comprises a storage device for storing avatar data including a figure and/or a motion of the avatar, a display device provided on an outer surface of the refrigerator to display the avatar, a control device for selecting the avatar to be displayed on the display device among the avatar data stored in the storage device and causing the display device to display the avatar, and an input device for receiving a command or information input from the outside. According to the present invention so configured, there is an advantage in that the display device can display a variety of avatars stored in the storage device in conformance with a condition.

Abstract: Refrigerator including a body forming an outer appearance of the refrigerator, a terminal detachably mounted on the body for controlling the refrigerator, a power supply device at one side of the body, for receiving power from an outside of the refrigerator, converting to a predetermined charge power, and supplying to the terminal, and an electric connection part connected between the power supply device and the terminal.