초록 ▼

A system and method for controlling a refrigerator capable of transmitting and receiving information over an external communication network. A display unit is installed on the front surface of the refrigerator, and a touch panel is connected to the display unit to input a variety of user commands. A

A system and method for controlling a refrigerator capable of transmitting and receiving information over an external communication network. A display unit is installed on the front surface of the refrigerator, and a touch panel is connected to the display unit to input a variety of user commands. A schedule management function, a self-diagnosis management function and a component replacement time management function are performed and, if an emergency situation occurs while those functions are performed, a pop-up message is outputted to the screen and information related to the pop-up message is transmitted over the external communication network. Therefore, the user can recognize an emergency situation at an accurate date, manage the refrigerator more efficiently and rapidly and handle information more conveniently. A touch panel and a radio remote controller are selectively used to input a variety of function key signals enabling a user to watch television through the display unit. Therefore, during housekeeping, the user can conveniently watch the television, enter desired key signals or check delivered mails or character messages based on key inputs entered by himself or herself. A camera and microphone are provided to send and receive image and voice mails, thereby removing the inconvenience of key input.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A system for controlling a communication-executable refrigerator, comprising:a refrigerator microcomputer for controlling all components in the refrigerator to perform refrigeration and freezing functions of said refrigerator; a display unit installed on a front surface of said refrigerator for d

1. A system for controlling a communication-executable refrigerator, comprising:a refrigerator microcomputer for controlling all components in the refrigerator to perform refrigeration and freezing functions of said refrigerator; a display unit installed on a front surface of said refrigerator for displaying an image on its screen in response to an external video control signal; a touch panel connected to said display unit for calculating coordinate values of a contact point with a user, detecting a position of the calculated coordinate values from the screen and inputting a command corresponding to the detected position; and a main control unit for controlling an image output to said display unit and performing a function associated with the command inputted by said touch panel.