Refrigerator having automatic food ordering function and method for operating the same

• US 20020178066A1
• Filed: 04/30/2002
• Published: 11/28/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 05/25/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc. (LG Corporation)
• Original Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc. (LG Corporation)
• Inventors: Kim, Jung Ho, Roh, Young Hoon, Kim, Kwang Choon, Cho, Jin Chul
• Granted Patent: US 7,340,414 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/22
• CPC Class Codes: F25B 2600/07 Remote controls
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 23/04 with special compartments, e.g. butter conditioners
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 2323/023 Door in door constructions
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 2331/807 Eggs
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 2400/36 Visual displays
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 2500/06 Stock management
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 2700/06 Sensors detecting the presence of a product
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 29/00 Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/203 Inventory monitoring
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/208 Input by product or record sensing, e.g. weighing or scanner processing
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/06 Buying, selling or leasing transactions

Abstract

A refrigerator capable of transmitting and receiving information over a network and having an automatic food ordering function and a method for operating the same, wherein the residual amounts of food articles stored in containers of the refrigerator are measured through sensors installed in the containers and then displayed on a screen of a display unit, thereby enabling a user to easily recognize the residual amounts of the food articles stored in the refrigerator without opening the door of the refrigerator. The measured residual amounts of the food articles are compared with minimum proper amounts of the food articles preset by the user, respectively. In the case where the measured residual amount of a specific one of the food articles is smaller than the minimum proper amount of the specific food article, the specific food article is automatically ordered and delivered. Therefore, less time elapses from the food consumption to the food purchase, thus making it possible for the user to use the refrigerator more efficiently and conveniently.

Claims

1. A refrigerator having an automatic food ordering function, comprising:

network connection means for transmitting and receiving data to/from an external network over the Internet;

a network microcomputer for processing data inputted through a key operation of a user and transmitting and receiving the processed data and external network data associated therewith through said network connection means;

a display unit installed in the front of said refrigerator for outputting an image signal through its screen;

at least one container formed in said refrigerator for storing at least one type of food article;

at least one sensor installed in said container for sensing the residual amount of said food article stored in said container; and

a controller for displaying the residual amount of said food article sensed through said sensor on said screen of said display unit when it is smaller than a predetermined minimum proper amount of said food article.

2. The refrigerator as set forth in claim 1, further comprising an input unit for selectively inputting a food purchase command in response to said image signal outputted through said screen of said display unit.

3. The refrigerator as set forth in claim 1, wherein said display unit includes a touch pad for selecting or inputting data.

4. The refrigerator as set forth in claim 1, wherein said container has at least one recess formed at a predetermined portion thereof, said recess having a shape matching that of said food article.

5. The refrigerator as set forth in claim 1, wherein said sensor is adapted to sense the presence or absence and the residual amount of said food article stored in said container by sensing the amount of light being transmitted through said food article.

6. The refrigerator as set forth in claim 1, wherein said sensor is adapted to sense the presence or absence and the residual amount of said food article stored in said container by sensing a voltage level varying with said food article.

7. The refrigerator as set forth in claim 1, wherein said sensor is adapted to sense the presence or absence and the residual amount of said food article stored in said container by sensing a pressure varying with said food article.

8. The refrigerator as set forth in claim 1, wherein said controller is adapted to store data regarding said minimum proper amount of said food article stored in said container, previously inputted by the user.

9. The refrigerator as set forth in claim 1, wherein said controller is adapted to compare the residual amount of said food article sensed through said sensor with said minimum proper amount of said food article and send a food purchase request control signal to said network microcomputer when the sensed residual amount is smaller than said minimum proper amount.

10. The refrigerator as set forth in claim 9, wherein said network microcomputer is adapted to send a food purchase request signal to an external food store over the Internet in response to said food purchase request control signal sent from said controller.

11. A method for operating a refrigerator having an automatic food ordering function, comprising the steps of:

a) setting a minimum proper amount of at least one type of food article stored in at least one container of said refrigerator;

b) measuring a current residual amount of said food article stored in said container;

c) comparing said residual amount of said food article measured at said step b) with said minimum proper amount set at said step a) to determine whether the measured residual amount is smaller than said minimum proper amount; and

d) automatically ordering said food article over a network if it is determined at said step c) that the measured residual amount is smaller than said minimum proper amount.

12. The method as set forth in claim 11, wherein said step d) includes the step of:

d-1) allowing a user to determine whether to automatically purchase said food article.

13. The method as set forth in claim 12, wherein said step d-1) includes the step of:

d-1-1) outputting a food ordering window to display means installed in said refrigerator to enable the user to order said food article if it is determined at said step c) that the measured residual amount of said food article is smaller than said minimum proper amount of said food article.

14. The method as set forth in claim 12, wherein said step d) further includes the steps of:

d-2) inputting user information and food article information if the user determines the automatic purchase at said step d-1);

d-3) sending said user information and food article information inputted at said step d-2) to a food store connected to said network; and

d-4) allowing said food store to deliver said food article to the user'"'"'s home in response to said information sent at said step d-3).

15. The method as set forth in claim 14, wherein said user information inputted at said step d-2) includes delivery address information and settlement information, and said food article information inputted at said step d-2) includes specifications of said food article.