REFRIGERATOR AND CONTROL METHOD THEREFOR

A refrigerator that comprises a storage compartment; a case disposed in the storage compartment; a heater disposed in the case; a cooling fan configured to introduce air outside the case into an inside of the case; and a processor configured to determine a target time based on information about an object, configured to operate the heater for the target time, and configured to intermittently operate the cooling fan while operating the heater.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator and a control method therefor, and more particular, to a refrigerator configured to thaw frozen food and a control method therefor.

2. Description of Related Art

In general, a refrigerator cools air in a storage compartment using a circulation of refrigerant, which includes compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation. The refrigerator keeps various foods fresh for a long period of time by supplying air, which is cooled in the vicinity of an evaporator in which refrigerant evaporates, to the storage compartment. The storage compartment of the refrigerator includes a refrigerating compartment in which food is kept refrigerated at a temperature of approximately-3 degrees Celsius, and a freezing compartment in which food is kept frozen at a temperature of approximately-20 degrees Celsius.

A user can freeze foods to store fresh foods such as meat, vegetables, fruits, whole fish, and shellfish for a long period of time. A user can thaw frozen food in order to consume the frozen food.

Thawing food at room temperature may cause contamination by bacteria. Accordingly, thawing of food is generally performed in the refrigerator. However, the thawing in the refrigerator takes a long time due to the low temperature of the refrigerator.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to providing a refrigerator capable of quickly thawing frozen food and a control method therefor.

Further, the present disclosure is directed to providing a refrigerator capable of thawing frozen food without drip loss and a control method therefor.

Further, the present disclosure is directed to providing a refrigerator capable of thawing frozen food in its packaged state and a control method therefor.

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator including a storage compartment; a case disposed in the storage compartment; a heater disposed in the case; a cooling fan configured to introduce air outside the case into an inside of the case; and a processor configured to determine a target time based on information about an object, configured to operate the heater for the target time, and configured to intermittently operate the cooling fan while operating the heater.

The processor may be configured to operate the heater for the target time without stopping the heater.

The processor may be configured to periodically operate the cooling fan while operating the heater.

The information about the object may include information about a packaging means for packaging the object. The processor may be configured to determine a target time based on the information about the packaging means.

The processor may be configured to determine different target times based on different packaging means.

The refrigerator may further include a control panel configured to obtain a user input about the object. The processor may be configured to identify the object and a packaging means therefor based on the user input, and configured to determine the target time based on the identified object and packaging means therefor.

The refrigerator may further include a communication module. The processor may be configured to identify the object and a packaging means therefor based on information obtained from an image obtained by an electronic device, and configured to determine the target time based on the identified object and packaging means therefor.

The processor may be configured to stop the cooling fan for a first period of time while operating the heater, and configured to operate the cooling fan for a second period of time that is less than the first period of time while operating the heater.

The refrigerator may further include a temperature sensor configured to measure an internal temperature of the case. The processor may be configured to operate the cooling fan based on an output signal of the temperature sensor.

The processor may be configured to operate the cooling fan when the measured internal temperature of the case is greater than or equal to a reference temperature, and the processor may be configured to stop the cooling fan when the measured internal temperature of the case is less than the reference temperature.

The processor may be configured to stop the heater and operate the cooling fan when an operating time of the heater is greater than or equal to the target time.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a control method of a refrigerator including a case disposed in a storage compartment, the control method including determining a target time based on information about an object; operating a heater disposed in the case for the target time; and intermittently operating a cooling fan configured to introduce air outside the case into an inside of the case, while operating the heater.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator including a storage compartment; a case disposed in the storage compartment; a heater disposed in the case; a cooling fan configured to introduce air outside the case into an inside of the case; and a processor configured to determine a target time based on information about a packaging means of an object, configured to intermittently operate the heater for the target time, and configured to stop the heater and operate the cooling fan when an operating time of the heater is greater than or equal to the target time.

A refrigerator and a control method therefor may quickly thaw frozen food.

Further, a refrigerator and a control method therefor may thaw frozen food without drip loss.

Further, a refrigerator and a control method therefor may thaw frozen food in its packaged state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification. Well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the one or more exemplar embodiments with unnecessary detail. Terms such as “unit”, “module”, “member”, and “block” may be embodied as hardware or software. According to embodiments, a plurality of “unit”, “module”, “member”, and “block” may be implemented as a single component or a single “unit”, “module”, “member”, and “block” may include a plurality of components.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” another element, it can be directly or indirectly connected to the other element, wherein the indirect connection includes “connection via a wireless communication network”.

Throughout the description, when a member is “on” another member, this includes not only when the member is in contact with the other member, but also when there is another member between the two members.

An identification code is used for the convenience of the description but is not intended to illustrate the order of each step. The each step may be implemented in the order different from the illustrated order unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

FIG.1illustrates an appearance of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.2illustrates a side cross-section of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.3illustrates a flow of air moving into a thawing chamber of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.1,2, and3, a refrigerator1may include a main body10including storage compartments21,22, and23, doors3132, and33configured to open and close the storage compartments21,22, and23and a cooling device configured to supply cooled air to the storage compartments21,22, and23.

The main body10may include an inner box11forming the storage compartments21,22, and23, an outer box12coupled to an outside of the inner box11, and an insulation material13disposed between the inner box11and the outer box12. The inner box11may be formed by injection molding from a plastic material, and the outer box12may be formed of a metal material. The outer box12may be referred to as ‘cabinet12’. Urethane foam insulation is used as the insulation material13, and as needed, a vacuum insulation panel may be used together.

The main body10may include intermediate walls17and18provided to divide the storage compartments21,22, and23into an upper portion and a lower portion. The storage compartments21,22, and23may include a first storage compartment21, a second storage compartment22, and a third storage compartment23. The inner box11may further include an upper surface11a, a rear surface11b, both side surfaces, and a front surface11c.

The storage compartments21,22, and23may include a refrigerating compartment in which food is kept refrigerated by maintaining a temperature between approximately 0 degrees Celsius and 5 degrees Celsius, and a freezing compartment in which food is kept frozen by maintaining a temperature between approximately −30 degrees Celsius and 0 degrees Celsius.

A front surface of the storage compartments21,22, and23may be open to allow food to be taken in and out, and the open front surface of the storage compartments21,22, and23may be opened and closed by the doors31,32, and33. The storage compartments21,22, and23may be provided with a shelf27on which food is placed.

A drawer70may be disposed in the first storage compartment21. The drawer70may include a first drawer70aand a second drawer70barranged side by side. The first drawer70aand the second drawer70bmay be provided with the same size, but are not limited thereto. Alternatively, the number and arrangement of drawers may also be changed. A single drawer may be provided or three or more drawers may be provided. Further, a plurality of drawers may be arranged up and down.

The drawer70may be provided in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped in which an upper surface is open. The drawer70may include a thawing space71formed to accommodate food. Various foods such as meat, vegetables, fruits, whole fish, and shellfish may be thawed in the thawing space71.

A case80provided to accommodate the drawer70may be provided in the first storage compartment21. The case80may be provided in a rectangular parallelepiped shape in which a front surface is open. The drawer70may be inserted into or withdrawn from the case80through the open front surface of the case80.

Thawing chambers100aand100bmay be formed inside the case80. The drawer70may be accommodated in the thawing chambers100aand100bby being inserted into the case80. As the drawer70is accommodated in the thawing chambers100aand100b, the thawing space71may be located within the thawing chambers100aand100b.

The thawing chambers100aand100bmay have an internal temperature different from an internal temperature of the first storage compartment21. For example, the internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bmay be greater than the internal temperature of the first storage compartment21. The internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bmay be the same as the internal temperature of the first storage compartment21, but during thawing, the internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bmay be greater than the temperature of the first storage compartment21.

The thawing chambers100aand100bmay be provided in plurality. As shown inFIG.1, the thawing chambers100aand100bmay include a first thawing chamber100aand a second thawing chamber100barranged side by side. The first thawing chamber100aand the second thawing chamber100bmay have different internal temperatures. For this, a separate heating unit60may be provided in a lower portion of each of the first thawing chamber100aand the second thawing chamber100b. In addition, a first cooling fan50aconfigured to supply cooled air into the first thawing chamber100a, and a second cooling fan50bconfigured to supply cooled air into the second thawing chamber100bmay be provided.

A storage container90may be disposed in the first storage compartment21. The storage container90may be provided to be withdrawn forward. The storage container90may be disposed above the case80. A plurality of storage containers90may be provided.

The doors31,32, and33may include a first door31configured to open and close the first storage compartment21, a second door32configured to open and close the second storage compartment22, and a third door33configured to open and close the third storage compartment23.

The first door31may be coupled to the main body10so as to be rotatable in the left and right directions. The second door32and the third door33may be provided to be slidable so as to be inserted into or withdrawn from the second storage compartment22and the third storage compartment23, respectively.

The cooling device may generate cooled air using the latent heat of evaporation of the refrigerant through the refrigeration cycle. The cooling device may include a compressor2, a condenser, an expansion device, and evaporators3and4. The refrigerator1may include blowing fans6and7configured to move cooled air generated in the evaporators3and4. The evaporators3and4may be referred to as ‘heat exchangers3and4’.

The refrigerator1may include the evaporators3and4. The evaporators3and4may include a first evaporator3disposed in the first storage compartment21and a second evaporator4disposed in the third storage chamber23. Additionally, the blowing fans6and7may include a first blowing fan6disposed in the first storage compartment21and a second blowing fan7disposed in the third storage compartment23. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Unlike the drawing, the refrigerator may include a single evaporator.

Hereinafter for convenience of description, the first storage compartment21will be referred to as ‘storage compartment21’. Further, the first evaporator3will be referred to as ‘evaporator3’. Further, the first blowing fan6will be referred to as ‘blowing fan6’.

The evaporator3may be disposed at the rear of the storage compartment21to cool the air. The evaporator3may be accommodated in a cooling chamber3a. The blowing fan6configured to move air may be disposed in the cooling chamber3aso as to supply cooled air to the storage compartment21.

A guide cover40may be provided in the cooling chamber3ato guide the cooled air in the cooling chamber3a. The guide cover40may include a rear cover41provided in a rear portion of the storage compartment21and an upper cover42provided in the upper portion of the storage compartment21. The guide cover40may be disposed to be spaced apart from the rear surface of the storage compartment21by a predetermined distance, and thus cooling ducts41aand42amay be formed therein. The cooled air may be supplied into the storage compartment21through the cooling ducts41aand42aand a discharge port42b. The discharge port42bmay include a guide40aconfigured to control opening and closing of the discharge port42b, so as to adjust a direction of the cooled air discharged through the discharge port42b.

A portion of the cooled air may be supplied into the storage compartment21through the cooling ducts41aand42aof the guide cover40, and another portion of the cooled air may be supplied to the thawing chambers100aand100b.

A cooling unit50may be configured to supply cooled air through the rear of the thawing chambers100aand100b. The cooling unit50may include cooling fans50aand50bdisposed to face the evaporator3. The cooling fans50aand50bmay supply air cooled in the evaporator3to the inside of the thawing chambers100aand100bthrough a cooling flow path54a. For example, a portion of the air cooled in the evaporator3may move to the first thawing chamber100aby the first cooling fan50aof the cooling unit50or move to the second thawing chamber100bby the second cooling fan50b. Although only the first cooling fan50aand the first thawing chamber100aare shown in the drawing, a movement path of the cooled air is the same in the case of the second cooling fan50band the second thawing chamber100b, and thus a description therefor will be omitted.

As shown inFIG.3, when the first cooling fan50aoperates, a portion of the cooled air in the cooling chamber3amay be introduced into the first thawing chamber100athrough the cooling flow path54a. A case hole80bmay be formed on a rear surface of the case80to allow the cooled air to flow to the first thawing chamber100a. The other end of the cooling flow path54amay be connected to the case hole80b. Particularly, a protrusion55dof a cover member55may be inserted into the case hole80b. With this structure, the cooled air may be supplied directly from the cooling chamber3ato the thawing chambers100aand100bthrough the cooling flow path54aof the cooling unit50, without passing through the storage compartment21.

FIG.4illustrates an example in which a case and a cooling unit of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure are coupled.FIG.5illustrates an exploded view of the cooling unit of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.6illustrates an exploded view of a heating unit of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.4,5, and6, the cooling unit50may be disposed at the rear of the case80. The cooling unit50may be provided to cover a portion of the rear surface of the storage compartment21, and more particularly, may be provided to cover a rear lower portion of the storage compartment21.

As illustrated inFIG.4, the rear surface of the case80may include the case hole80binto which the cover member55of the cooling unit50is inserted. Cooled air may flow into the case80through the case hole80b.

The cooling unit50may be provided in such a way that the cover member55more protrudes than a first body51and a second body52to reduce a size of the cooling chamber3aso as to prevent cooled air from remaining in the cooling chamber3a. The cooling fans50aand50bmay be disposed inside the cover member55, and an insulation member54including the cooling flow path54amay be disposed between the cooling fans50aand50band the cover member55.

The cooling unit50and the case80may be coupled by inserting the protrusion55dof the cover member55into the case hole80b. When the protrusion55dis inserted into the case hole80b, the other end of the cooling flow path54amay be located inside the case80. In other words, the other end of the cooling flow path54ais connected to the inside of the thawing chambers100aand100b.

As the drawer70is accommodated in the thawing chambers100aand100b, the thawing space71of the drawer70may be located within the thawing chambers100aand100b. The cooled air supplied to the thawing chambers100aand100bmay also be supplied to the thawing space71. At this time, the drawer70may include a recessed portion72cformed on a rear surface of the drawer70to allow the cooled air to be smoothly supplied to the thawing space71. The cooled air may easily flow into the thawing chambers100aand100band the thawing space71through the recessed portion72cand the case hole80b. However, the recessed portion72cmay not be provided in the drawer70according to design specifications.

The drawer70may be withdrawn to be separated from the case80. For example, the drawer70may move along a pair of rails83of the case80. The pair of rails83may be movably coupled to the case80and may move together with the drawer70.

A rail connection portion84connecting the pair of rails83may be provided below the drawer70. The rail connection portion84may be formed of a metal material with high thermal conductivity. For example, the rail connection portion84may be formed of aluminum. The rail connection portion84may connect the pair of rails83, which are separated from each other, to allow the pair of rails83to be inserted and withdrawn together. Further, the rail connection portion84may increase a strength by connecting the pair of rails83. In addition, the rail connection portion84may be formed of a material with high thermal conductivity, and thus the rail connection portion84may receive heat from the heating unit60and transfer the heat to the drawer70.

A heater hole80acorresponding to heater covers61aand61bprotruding upward from a lower surface21bof the storage compartment21may be formed on the lower surface of the case80. The heater hole80amay be provided to correspond to the heater covers61aand61b. When the heating unit60is disposed to correspond to the heater hole80a, the heating unit60substantially forms a portion of the lower surface of the case80. Accordingly, an effect similar to that of directly heating the lower surface of the case80may be achieved. Accordingly, the air inside the case80may be directly heated by the heating unit60. Further, the thawing chambers100aand100bmay be heated quickly. As the thawing chambers100aand100bare quickly heated, the thawing space71of the drawer70may also be quickly heated.

The rail connection portion84may be disposed above the heater covers61aand61b, and the drawer70may be disposed above the rail connection portion84. The heater covers61aand61band the rail connection portion84may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance to prevent friction and noise.

Air that is in the thawing chambers100aand100band heated by the heating unit60may be delivered to the thawing space71of the drawer70through the rail connection portion84. A plurality of holes84amay be formed in the rail connection portion84, and the heated air inside the thawing chambers100aand100bmay be directly discharged into the thawing space71of the drawer70through the holes84a. Unlike the drawing, a single hole84adisposed in the rail connection portion84may be formed in the center of the rail connection portion84. Alternatively, the rail connection may not include a hole.

The rail connection portion84may be provided in a plate shape smaller than the heater hole80b. However, the size and shape of the rail connection are not limited thereto. The rail connection portion having a plate shape may be provided to correspond to or be larger than the size of the heater hole. Further, the rail connection portion may be provided in the form of a bar to connect the pair of rails83.

When the drawer70is inserted into the case80, the drawer70may cover the open front surface of the case80, thereby sealing the inside of the case80. Accordingly, the temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100band the temperature of the drawer70may become the same. Accordingly, a temperature sensor53bmay sense the internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100binstead of sensing the internal temperature of the drawer70.

As illustrated inFIG.5, the cooling unit50may include the cooling fans50aand50bdisposed to face the evaporator3. Because the thawing chambers100aand100binclude the first thawing chamber100aand the second thawing chamber100b, the cooling unit50may include the first cooling fan50aconfigured to move cold air into the first thawing chamber100aand the second cooling fan50bconfigured to move cold air into the second thawing chamber100b. The number of cooling fans50aand50bmay be provided to correspond to the number of thawing chambers100aand100b.

The cooling unit50may form a portion of the cooling ducts41aand42a. The cooling unit50may include the first body51that forms a portion of the cooling ducts41aand42aand in which a cold air port51ais formed, the second body52that is coupled to the front of the first body51so as to allow the cooling fans50aand50bto be mounted on a position corresponding to the cold air port51a, and the cover member55coupled to the second body52so as to allow the cooling fans50aand50bto be accommodated therein. Further, the cooling unit50may include the insulation member54disposed inside the cover member55. The insulation member54may be provided to fill a space between the cover member55and the cooling fans50aand50b. In a process in which the cooled air of the cooling ducts41aand42ais guided to the thawing chambers100aand100b, the insulation member54may prevent the cooled air from leaking to the outside of the cooling unit50. Additionally, the insulation member54may form the cooling flow path54aprovided to guide the cooled air of the cooling ducts41aand42ato the thawing chambers100aand100b.

Further, the cooling unit50may include temperature sensors53aand53bconfigured to sense the internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100b.

The first body51may include the cold air port51aprovided to correspond to the number and location of the cooling fans50aand50b. The cold air port51amay be provided in pairs. The first body51may further include a connector accommodating portion51bprovided on one side of the first body51. A plurality of connectors (not shown) may be accommodated in the connector accommodating portion51b, and a wire (not shown) may be connected to each of the plurality of connectors.

The second body52may include a fan accommodating portion52aprovided to accommodate the cooling fans50aand50b. The fan accommodating portion52amay include an internal space to accommodate the cooling fans50aand50b. The fan accommodating portion52amay be formed to protrude forward from the second body52. Alternatively, the fan accommodating portion may be provided on an inner surface of the cover member, or may be provided as a separate structure and coupled to the second body or the inner surface of the cover member.

The second body52may include a connector cover52bprovided to cover the front of the connector accommodating portion51b. Because a user can access the cooling unit50from the front of the storage compartment21, the user can access the plurality of connectors (not shown) by opening the connector cover52bor separating the connector cover52bfrom the second body52.

The insulation member54may be provided to cover the cooling fans50aand50b. Further, the insulation member54may form the cooling flow path54aprovided to guide cold air. One end of the cooling flow path54amay be connected to the cooling fans50aand50b, and the other end of the cooling flow path54amay be connected to the case80. The insulation member54may be formed of various materials, such as, urethane foam or polystyrene.

The temperature sensors53aand53bmay be mounted on one side of the front surface of the insulation member54. The temperature sensors53aand53bmay include a first temperature sensor53afor measuring the temperature of the first thawing chamber100aand a second temperature sensor53bfor measuring the temperature of the second thawing chamber100b. The temperature sensors53aand53bmay include a thermistor in which an electrical resistance value changes according to the temperature.

The cover member55may be provided to accommodate the insulation member54and the cooling fans50aand50bcovered by the insulation member54. In other words, the insulation member54may be provided to fill the space between the cover member55and the cooling fans50aand50b. The cover member55may include a grille55aprovided to cover the other end of the cooling flow path54aconnected to the thawing chambers100aand100b. However, despite the name “grille”, the grille55amay be provided in the form of a hole without a grille. That is, unlike the drawing, the grille may be provided in the form of an opening that forms the other end of the cooling flow path54a. Further, the cover member55may include an opening55bcorresponding to the position of the temperature sensor53bto allow air to flow in and out of the temperature sensor53b. Additionally, the cover member55may include a guide rib55cto prevent cold air discharged through the grille55afrom directly flowing into the opening55b. Further, the cover member55may include the protrusion55dinserted into the case hole80bto connect the other end of the cooling flow path54ato the thawing chambers100aand100b.

By including the cooling unit50, it is possible to quickly supply cooled air to the thawing chambers100aand100b. The cooling unit50is provided with the first cooling fan50aconfigured to move cold air into the first thawing chamber100aand the second cooling fan50bconfigured to move cold air into the second thawing chamber100b, and thus it is possible to quickly supply cooled air to the thawing chambers100aand100b. Further, in addition to the first cooling fan50aand the second cooling fan50b, a separate blowing fan6is provided to move cold air into the storage compartment21and thus the supply of cold air to the thawing chambers100aand100bmay not interrupt the supply of cold air to the storage compartment21.

As illustrated inFIG.8, the heating unit60may include the heater covers61aand61bcoupled to the lower surface21bof the storage compartment21, heaters62aand62bdisposed on an inner upper surface of the heater covers61aand61b, connectors63aand63bconfigured to supply current to the heaters62aand62b, and a bimetal mounting portion64aand64bto which a bimetal (not shown) configured to prevent overheating of the heaters62aand62bis mounted.

The heater covers61aand61bmay be coupled to the lower surface21bof the storage compartment21. A portion of the lower surface21bof the storage compartment21to which the heater covers61aand61bare coupled may be provided to protrude upward. The heater covers61aand61bmay be provided in a rectangular parallelepiped shape in which a lower surface is open. The lower surface21bof the storage compartment21may include a rib21cprovided to correspond to a side surface of the heater covers61aand61b. The rib21cmay be formed to protrude upward from the lower surface21b. The heater covers61aand61bmay be inserted into the rib21c.

The rib21cprotrudes upward from the lower surface21bby a predetermined height and thus even when liquid flows on the outside of the rib21c, it is possible to prevent the liquid from flowing into the inside of the rib21c. An upper surface of the rib21cis open, but the open upper surface of the rib21cmay be covered as the heater covers61aand61bare coupled to the rib21c. Even when water flows in the heater covers61aand61bor water flows on the bottom of the storage compartment21b, it is possible to prevent the water from flowing into the inside of the heater covers61aand61bby the coupling structure of the rib21cand the heater covers61aand61b.

An example, in which the rib21cprotrudes upward from the lower surface21bof the storage compartment21, is shown in the drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Unlike the drawing, the inner portion of the rib21cmay also protrude upward. In this case, because the heater cover is not allowed to be inserted into the inside of the rib, the heater cover may be provided to cover the rib.

The heaters62aand62bmay be coupled to an inner upper surface of the heater covers61aand61b. The heaters62aand62bmay be in contact with the heater covers61aand61bto heat the heater covers61aand61b. When the heaters62aand62bcome into contact with the heater covers61aand61b, the heater covers61aand61bmay be quickly heated through heat conduction. For example, the heaters62aand62bmay be attached to the inner upper surfaces of the heater covers61aand61bwith aluminum tape (not shown). The heaters62aand62bmay include a first heater62aassociated with the first thawing chamber100aand a second heater62bassociated with the second thawing chamber100b.

The heater covers61aand61bmay be removably coupled to the lower surface of the storage compartment21. The heater covers61aand61bmay be coupled to the lower surface21bof the storage compartment21in various ways. For example, the heater covers61aand61bmay be coupled to the lower surface21bof the storage compartment21using a screw S. Alternatively, the heater covers61aand61bmay be provided to be fitted into the rib21c. The heater covers61aand61bmay include a first heater cover61aassociated with the first thawing chamber100aand a second heater cover61bassociated with the second thawing chamber100b.

Although the bimetal is not shown, the bimetal may be mounted on the bimetal mounting portions64aand64b. The bimetal (not shown) may be provided to prevent overheating of the heaters62aand62b.

The heating unit60may be disposed below the thawing chambers100aand100b. The heating unit60may be disposed on the lower surface21bof the storage compartment21. The heating unit60may be provided so as not to be in contact with the thawing chambers100aand100b. Further, the heating unit60may be spaced apart from the drawer70by a predetermined distance so as not to be in contact with the drawer70. This is to prevent noise and wear caused by friction between the heating unit60and the drawer70while the drawer70is being inserted into or withdrawn from the case80. The heating unit60may increase the internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bthrough convection or radiation.

A component configured to cool or heat is not disposed inside the case80, and thus space utilization of the case80may be improved. In other words, because a component configured to cool or heat is not disposed in the thawing chambers100aand100b, space utilization of the thawing chambers100aand100bmay be improved. Further, the case80may be freely separated from the storage compartment21. Further, the drawer70accommodated inside the case80may be freely separated from the case80.

The thawing chambers100aand100bare not provided with a configuration directly related to cooling or heating, and thus the case80forming the thawing chambers100aand100bmay be freely separated to the outside of the storage compartment21. For example, a configuration for supplying cold air to the thawing chambers100aand100bor a configuration for heating the thawing chambers100aand100bis not disposed inside the case80, and thus a configuration such as a wire connected from the outside of the case80to the inside of the case80may be not provided. Accordingly, the case80may be separated from the storage compartment21and withdrawn to the outside of the storage compartment21. Further, the drawer70accommodated in the case80to be withdrawable may be freely separated from the case80in the same manner as a general storage container. In addition, because an electrical component is not provided inside the drawer70and inside the case80, the case80and the drawer70may be freely washed with water after being separated from the storage compartment21.

FIG.7illustrates an exploded view of a drawer of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

As illustrated inFIG.7, the drawer70may include a drawer body72including a plurality of holes72aformed on the lower surface, and the thawing space71, a plate78provided to cover an inner surface of the drawer body72, and a front cover78provided to cover the open front surface of the drawer body72.

The drawer body72may include the plurality of holes72aformed on the lower surface therefor to effectively transfer heat through convection or radiation.

The plate78may be formed of a metal material with high thermal conductivity and may be provided to cover the inner surface of the drawer body72.

The front cover73may be provided to cover the open front surface of the drawer body72. The front cover73may include a gasket74provided to seal a gap between the front cover73and the case80, a transparent member75provided to be transparent to allow the inside of the drawer body72to be seen from the front of the front cover73, an accommodating portion76provided to accommodate the transparent member75and including an opening76a, and a glass77attached to a front surface of the accommodating portion76.

The transparent member75may be provided as a transparent injection molding product and may be provided to block the outflow of heated or cooled air inside the drawer70.

The accommodating portion76may be provided to accommodate the transparent member75and may include the opening76asmaller than the transparent member75.

The glass77may be attached to the front surface of the plate accommodating portion76. Because the glass77and the transparent member75are transparent, a user can see the inside of the drawer body72from the front of the front cover73through the glass77, the opening76a, and the transparent member75. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The cover may include a plate formed of metal instead of glass or a transparent member formed of transparent material. In this case, the inside of the drawer body is not visible from the front of the cover.

As mentioned above, the refrigerator1may include the thawing chambers100aand100bfor thawing food. The thawing chambers100aand100bmay be heated by the heaters62aand62band may be cooled by the cooling fans50aand50b.

Hereinafter controlling the temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bfor thawing food will be described.

FIG.8illustrates a control configuration of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.9illustrates an example of an image including packaged meat and its label.FIG.10illustrates a table of the specific heat of various foods.FIG.11illustrates examples of various packaging containers for food.

Referring toFIG.8, the refrigerator1may include a control panel110, the first temperature sensor53a, the second temperature sensor53a, the compressor2, the first heater62a, the second heater62b, the first cooling fan50a, the second cooling fan50b, and a processor130. The configuration of the refrigerator1is not limited to the drawings, and some of the configurations shown in the drawings may be omitted or a configuration not shown in the drawings may be added.

The control panel110may provide a user with a user interface for interaction with the user. The control panel110may be disposed on the main body10or on the doors31,32, and33.

The control panel110may include an input button111and/or a display112.

The input button111may obtain a user input related to the operation of the refrigerator1. For example, the input button111may include a temperature button through which a target temperature for controlling the temperature of the storage compartment20is received in relation to the refrigerating/freezing operation of the refrigerator1.

In addition, the input button111may include a thawing start button for starting a thawing operation, a food selection button for selecting an object to be thawed, and a container selection button for selecting a packaging container of the object to be thawed, and a level selection button for selecting a thawing level, which are related to the thawing operation of the refrigerator1.

The input button111may provide an electrical signal (user input signal e.g., a voltage signal or a current signal) corresponding to a user input to the processor130. The processor130may identify the user input based on processing the user input signal.

The input button111may include a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, or a touch switch.

The display112may obtain operation information of the refrigerator1from the processor130and display the operation information of the refrigerator1.

For example, the display112may display a target temperature of the storage compartment21selected by a user. The display112may display the type of object to be thawed that is selected by a user, the type of packaging container, and the thawing level. Further, the display112may indicate that thawing of the food is completed.

The display112may include a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) panel, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) panel, or a light emitting diode.

The display112may be integrated with the input button111. For example, a plurality of light emitting diodes for emitting light may be disposed behind the input button111or inside the input button111. As another example, the control panel110may include a touch screen in which a display and a touch pad are integrated.

The first temperature sensor53amay measure the internal temperature of the first thawing chamber100a. For example, the first temperature sensor53amay be disposed on the protrusion55dof the cover member55, thereby measuring the internal temperature of the case80.

The first temperature sensor53amay transmit an electrical signal (e.g., a voltage signal or a current signal) corresponding to the measured temperature to the processor130. The processor130may identify the internal temperature of the first thawing chamber100abased on the electrical signal received from the first temperature sensor53a.

The second temperature sensor53bmay measure the internal temperature of the second thawing chamber100b. The second temperature sensor53bmay transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the measured temperature to the processor130. The processor130may identify the internal temperature of the second thawing chamber100bbased on the electrical signal received from the second temperature sensor53b.

Each of the temperature sensors53aand53bmay include a thermistor in which an electrical resistance value changes according to the temperature.

The cooling device may include the compressor2, the condenser, the expander, and the evaporator, as mentioned above.

The compressor2may compress refrigerant gas to high pressure, and the compressed refrigerant may be transferred to the condenser. High-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas may be condensed into refrigerant liquid in the condenser. The refrigerant liquid may be expanded into low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant liquid in the expander, and may be evaporated into refrigerant gas in the evaporator. While evaporating in the evaporator, the refrigerant may cool the surrounding air by absorbing heat from the surroundings. Air cooled by the evaporator may be supplied to the storage compartment21.

By the compressor2, the refrigerant may circulate through the cooling device and the air cooled in the evaporator may be supplied to the storage compartment21.

The compressor2may compress gaseous refrigerant in response to a control signal from the processor130. The compressor2may include a compression mechanism for compressing the refrigerant gas and a compressor motor configured to provide torque to the compression mechanism. The compressor motor may provide torque for compressing the refrigerant gas to the compression mechanism in response to a control signal from the processor130.

The first heater62amay be disposed below the first thawing chamber100aand may heat the inside of the first thawing chamber100ain response to a control signal from the processor130. Further, the second heater62bmay be disposed below the second thawing chamber100band may heat the inside of the second thawing chamber100bin response to a control signal from the processor130. The heaters62aand62bmay be disposed in the case80and may heat the drawer70disposed in the case80and the thawing space71therein.

The first cooling fan50amay supply cooled air to the first thawing chamber100ain response to a control signal from the processor130. The inside of the first thawing chamber100amay be cooled by the operation of the first cooling fan50a. For example, the first cooling fan50amay draw the cooled air in the cooling chamber3ainto the first thawing chamber100a, and the drawn air may be in contact with the drawer70so as to cool the drawer70. Accordingly, the object food to be thawed in the drawer70may also be cooled together.

The second cooling fan50bmay supply cooled air to the second thawing chamber100bin response to a control signal from the processor130. For example, the second cooling fan50bmay draw the cooled air in the cooling chamber3ainto the second thawing chamber100b, and the drawn air may be in contact with the drawer70so as to cool the drawer70.

Each of the cooling fans50aand50bmay include a fan blade configured to move air and a fan motor configured to provide torque to the fan blade. The fan motor may provide torque to the fan blade to move air in response to a control signal from the processor130.

A communication module120may exchange data with external devices such as servers and/or user devices under the control of the processor130.

The communication module120may include a wired communication module121configured to exchange data with external devices by wire, and a wireless communication module122configured to exchange data with external devices wirelessly.

The wired communication module121may connect to a wired communication network and communicate with external devices through the wired communication network. For example, the wired communication module121may connect to a wired communication network through Ethernet (IEEE 802.3 standard) and receive data from external devices through the wired communication network.

The wireless communication module122may communicate wirelessly with a base station or an access point (AP) and may connect to a wired communication network through the base station or access point. The wireless communication module122may also communicate with external devices connected to a wired communication network via a base station or access point. For example, the wireless communication module122may communicate wirelessly with an access point (AP) using WiFi™ (IEEE 802.11 standard), or may communicate with a base station using Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Wireless Broadband Internet (WiBro), etc. The wireless communication module122may also receive data from external devices via a base station or access point.

In addition, the wireless communication module122may communicate directly with external devices. For example, the wireless communication module122may wirelessly receive data from external devices using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth™ (IEEE 802.15.1 standard), ZigBee™ (IEEE 802.15.4 standard), etc.

As mentioned above, the communication module120may exchange data with external devices. The communication module120may transmit data received from external devices to the processor130and transmit data received from the processor130to external devices.

The processor130may generate a control signal to control the operation of the refrigerator1. The processor130may include a memory131configured to memorize and/or store programs and data for generating control signals. The processor130may include one or two or more processors, and the memory131may be provided integrally with the processor130or may be provided separately from the processor130.

The processor130may process data and/or signals according to a program stored in the memory131and provide control signals to each component of the refrigerator1based on the processing results.

The processor130may receive an electrical signal representing a user input of the control panel110and an electrical signal representing the measured temperature of the temperature sensors53aand53b. The processor130may identify the user input and the measured temperature based on processing electrical signals.

The processor130may provide a control signal, which is for thawing an object to be thawed of the thawing chambers100aand100bbased on a user input of the control panel110, communication data of the communication module120or measured temperatures of the temperature sensors53aand53b, to the heaters62aand62band/or the cooling fans50aand50b.

The processor130may identify a user input regarding the object to be thawed based on an output signal of the control panel110. The processor130may identify the type of object to be thawed, the weight of the object to be thawed, and/or the packaging type of object to be thawed.

Regarding the type of object to be thawed, a user can select meat, vegetables, fruits, whole fish or shellfish, etc. using the control panel110. The processor130may identify the type of the object to be thawed based on an output signal of the control panel110. Particularly, the processor130may identify a specific type based on the output signal of the control panel110. For example, the processor130may identify pork, beef, or lamb, and may identify carrots, broccoli, or spinach.

Regarding the weight of the object to be thawed, a user can input the weight of the object to be thawed, using the control panel110. The processor130may identify the weight of the object to be thawed based on the output signal of the control panel110.

Regarding the packaging type of object to be thawed, a user can select vacuum packaging using vinyl, general packaging using vinyl, packaging using polystyrene (PS) container and vinyl, packaging using polypropylene (PP) container and vinyl, etc. using the control panel110. The processor130may identify the packaging type of the object to be thawed based on the output signal of the control panel110.

The processor130may identify the type of object to be thawed, the weight of the object to be thawed, and/or the packaging type of the object to be thawed, etc. based on communication data of the communication module120.

As shown inFIG.9, fresh foods such as meat, vegetables, fruits, whole fish or shellfish, etc. are generally sold after being packaged in packaging containers. Additionally, a label containing food information may be attached to the packaging container. Food information included in the label may include the type of food and/or the weight of the food.

A user can take pictures of food to be thawed using a camera included in a user device. The obtained image (I) and image data of a label (L) included in the obtained image (I) may be used to identify the type of food (to be thawed), the weight of the food (to be thawed) and/or the packaging type of the food (to be thawed).

The type of food, the weight of the food, and/or the packaging type of the food may be identified in a variety of ways. For example, the type of food, the weight of the food, and/or the packaging type of food may be identified by the trained artificial intelligence model.

The type of food and/or the weight of the food may be identified by identifying letters, numbers, or symbols included in the image data of the label (L) using the trained artificial intelligence model.

Further, the type of food and/or the packaging type of the food may be identified by identifying the characteristics of the packaging container included in the image data of the food using the trained artificial intelligence model. For example, as shown inFIG.11, images of different foods packaged by different packaging types may include different characteristics. In order to identify the packaging type and the food, the artificial intelligence model may be trained by training images of various foods that are packaged by various packaging types. The trained artificial intelligence model may identify the packaging type and the food from input images.

Identifying the type of food, the weight of the food and/or the packaging type of food using the artificial intelligence model may be performed on a user device, a server device, or the refrigerator1.

For example, the user device may identify the type of food, the weight of the food, and/or the packaging type of food using the trained artificial intelligence model, and may transmit communication data including the type of food, the weight of the food, and/or the packaging type of food to the refrigerator1. The processor130may identify the type of food, the weight of the food, and/or the packaging type of the food based on the communication data.

As another example, the user device may transmit the obtained image (I) to the server device. The server device may identify the type of food, the weight of the food, and/or the packaging type of food using the trained artificial intelligence model, and may transmit communication data including the type of food, the weight of the food, and/or the packaging type of food to the refrigerator1. The processor130may identify the type of food, the weight of the food, and/or the packaging type of the food based on the communication data.

As another example, the user device may transmit the obtained image (I) to the refrigerator1. The refrigerator1may identify the type of food, the weight of the food, and/or the packaging type of food using the trained artificial intelligence model.

As mentioned above, by using various methods, the processor130may identify the type of food to be thawed (object to be thawed), the weight of the object to be thawed, and/or the packaging type of the object to be thawed.

The processor130may control the heaters62a,62band/or the cooling fans50a,50bto thaw the object to be thawed, based on the type of object to be thawed, the weight of the object to be thawed, and/or the packaging type of object to be thawed.

For example, the processor130may determine a target time to perform thawing based on the type of object to be thawed, the weight of the object to be thawed, and/or the packaging type of object to be thawed.

The processor130may determine different target times based on different types of objects to be thawed. For example, as shown inFIG.10, food has specific heat as an inherent characteristic. Different foods may have different specific heats. Specific heat may represent the amount of heat that is absorbed by a substance to cause an increase of one unit of mass of the substance in temperature or the amount of heat that is discharged by a substance to cause a decrease of one unit of mass of the substance in temperature. Therefore, in order to thaw an object with a higher specific heat, it is required that a greater amount of heat is supplied to the object, and thus it is required that the thawing operation is performed for a longer time.

A target time according to the type of object to be thawed may be stored in the memory131. At this time, the target time may be set to be approximately proportional to the specific heat of the object to be thawed. For example, a target time for thawing pork may be approximately 33% greater than a target time for thawing carrots. The processor130may determine the target time according to the type of object to be thawed by referring to the memory131.

As mentioned above, by determining the target time based on the type of the object to be thawed, it is possible to suppress, reduce or prevent that the object to be thawed is insufficiently thawed or the object to be thawed is excessively thawed.

The processor130may determine different target times based on different weights of the object to be thawed. The processor130may determine the target time to be approximately proportional to the weight of the object to be thawed.

As mentioned above, by determining the target time based on the weight of the object to be thawed, it is possible to suppress, reduce or prevent that the object to be thawed is insufficiently thawed or the object to be thawed is excessively thawed.

The processor130may determine different target times based on different packaging types of objects to be thawed. In order to thaw the packaged object to be thawed, it is required that heat energy of the object to be thawed passes through the packaging container or packaging means and then is discharged to the outside of the object to be thawed. At this time, the packaging container or packaging means has a unique thermal conductivity depending on the material, and the period of time to perform thawing may be determined according to the thermal conductivity of the packaging container or packaging means. Further, in the case of vacuum packaging, heat energy may be discharged to the outside through only the packaging container or packaging means, but in the case of general packaging, heat energy may be discharged to the outside through not only the packaging container or packaging means but also the air. Therefore, the period of time to perform thawing may be determined depending on whether the object to be thawed is vacuum packaged or not.

Among the vacuum packaging using vinyl, the general packaging using vinyl, the general packaging using polystyrene container and vinyl, and the packaging using polypropylene container and vinyl as illustrated inFIG.11, the vacuum packaging using vinyl is known to have the highest thermal conductivity. The packaging using polystyrene container and vinyl is known to have the lowest thermal conductivity. In addition, the thermal conductivity of the packaging using polypropylene container and vinyl is known to be greater than that of the general packaging using vinyl.

Therefore, when thawing the same object to be thawed, the processor130may determine the shortest target time for an object to be thawed that is vacuum-packaged in vinyl and the longest target time for an object to be thawed packaged in polystyrene container and vinyl. Further, the processor130may determine that a target time for an object to be thawed that is packaged in polypropylene container and vinyl is shorter than a target time for an object to be thawed that is generally packaged in vinyl.

The target time according to the packaging type may be stored in the memory131. At this time, the target time may be set to be approximately inversely proportional to the thermal conductivity of the packaging container or packaging means. The processor130may determine the target time according to the packaging type by referring to the memory131.

As mentioned above, by determining the target time based on the packaging type, it is possible to suppress, reduce or prevent that the object to be thawed is insufficiently thawed or the object to be thawed is excessively thawed.

Further, the processor130may identify a user input regarding the thawing level based on the output signal of the control panel110. The processor130may identify a user input indicating different thawing levels. The thawing level may indicate an extent to which the object to be thawed is thawed. For example, the thawing level may be divided into level1, level2, level3, etc., or strong, medium, weak, etc.

The processor130may determine the target time to perform thawing based on the thawing level by a user input. For example, the processor130may determine that the target time is longer as the thawing level according to the user input is higher.

The target time according to the thawing level may be stored in the memory131. The processor130may determine the target time according to the thawing level by referring to the memory131.

The processor130may control the heaters62aand62band/or the cooling fans50aand50bto thaw the object to be thawed, for the determined target time. The processor130may intermittently or periodically operate the heaters62a,62band/or the cooling fans50a,50bto suppress, reduce, or prevent changes in food quality during thawing of the food. For example, in order to prevent the object to be thawed from being thawed rapidly, the processor130may intermittently or periodically stop the heaters62aand62bor intermittently or periodically operate the cooling fans50aand50b. Accordingly, the internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bmay be maintained approximately constant.

As mentioned above, by intermittently or periodically stopping the heaters62aand62bor intermittently or periodically operating the cooling fans50aand50b, it is possible to suppress, reduce or prevent drip loss of meat.

Further, after thawing of the object to be thawed is completed, the processor130may display a recipe including the thawed object on the display112.

Hereinafter the operation of the refrigerator1for thawing the object to be thawed will be described.

FIG.12illustrates an example of a thawing method of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.13illustrates an operation of heaters and cooling fans according to the thawing method shown inFIG.12.FIG.14illustrates an effect of preventing drip loss by the thawing method shown inFIG.12.FIG.15illustrates an effect of preventing a delay in thawing by the thawing method shown inFIG.12.FIG.16illustrates an effect of preventing drip loss by the thawing method shown inFIG.12.

A thawing method1000of the refrigerator1and an effect therefor will be described with reference toFIGS.12,13,14,15, and16.

The refrigerator1may obtain information for thawing (1010).

The processor130may obtain information for thawing based on the output signal of the control panel110. The processor130may identify the type of object to be thawed, the weight of the object to be thawed, and/or the packaging type of object to be thawed. Further, the processor130may identify the thawing level based on the output signal of the control panel110.

The processor130may obtain information for thawing based on communication data from the communication module120. The processor130may identify the type of object to be thawed, the weight of the object to be thawed, and/or the packaging type of object to be thawed.

The refrigerator1may set a target time based on information for thawing (1015).

The memory131may store in advance a table including target times according to the type of object to be thawed, the weight of the object to be thawed, the packaging type of object to be thawed, and/or the thawing level. The processor130may determine the target time by referring to the table stored in the memory131.

The refrigerator1may operate the heaters62aand62bto thaw the object to be thawed (1020).

The processor130may control a power switch of the heaters62aand62bto allow power to be supplied to an electrical resistor included in the heaters62aand62b.

Heat emitted from the heaters62aand62bmay heat the drawer70and the object to be thawed within the drawer70in the thawing chamber100aand100b. Accordingly, the temperature of the drawer70and the temperature of the object to be thawed contained therein may increase and the object to be thawed may be thawed. For example, as shown inFIG.13, the processor130may operate the heaters62aand62bat time t0.

In addition, the processor130may store an indicator, which indicates operating the heaters62aand62b, in the memory131at approximately the same time as operating the heaters62aand62b. The processor130may store an indicator, which indicates stopping the heaters62aand62b, in the memory131at approximately the same time as stopping the heaters62aand62b.

The refrigerator1may determine whether the cooling fans50aand50bare being operated or not while the heaters62aand62bare being operated (1025).

In order to suppress, reduce, or prevent rapid temperature changes in the object to be thawed, the processor130may intermittently or periodically operate the cooling fans50aand50bwhile operating the heaters62aand62b.

The processor130may store information about the operation of the cooling fans50aand50bin the memory131. For example, the processor130may store an indicator, which indicates operating the cooling fans50aand50b, in the memory131at approximately the same time as starting to operate the cooling fans50aand50b. The processor130may store an indicator, which indicates stopping the cooling fans50aand50b, in the memory131at approximately the same time as stopping the cooling fans50aand50b. The processor130may identify whether the cooling fans50aand50bare being operated or not, by referring to the indicator stored in the memory131.

In response to the cooling fans50aand50bnot being operated (no in1025), the refrigerator1may identify whether a period of time, for which the cooling fans50aand50bare not operated, is greater than or equal to a first reference time (1030).

In response to starting the thawing operation, the processor130may operate the heaters62aand62band may not operate the cooling fans50aand50b. For example, as shown inFIG.13, at time to when the thawing operation starts, the processor130may operate the heaters62aand62band may not operate the cooling fans50aand50b.

The processor130may include a first counter to identify a period of time for which the cooling fans50aand50bare not operated. The processor130may control the first counter to count the period of time, for which the cooling fans50aand50bare not operated, at approximately the same time as operating the heaters62aand62bwithout operating the cooling fans50aand50b. Further, the processor130may control the first counter to count the period of time, for which the cooling fans50aand50bare not operated, at the same time as stopping the cooling fans50aand50bwhile operating the heaters62aand62b. As mentioned above, the processor130may use the first counter to identify the period of time, for which the heaters62aand62bare operated without operating the cooling fans50aand50b.

The processor130may compare the period of time, for which the heaters62aand62bare operated without operating the cooling fans50aand50b, with the first reference time. The first reference time may be a period of time to suppress or prevent the internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bfrom excessively rising, and may be set experimentally or empirically. For example, the first reference time may be approximately between 60 minutes and 120 minutes, and may be effectively between 80 minutes and 100 minutes.

In response to the period of time, for which the cooling fans50aand50bare not operated, being greater than or equal to the first reference time (yes in1030), the refrigerator1may operate the cooling fans50aand50b(1035). Further, in response to the period of time, for which the cooling fans50aand50bare not operated, being less than the first reference time (no in1030), the refrigerator1may continue the next operation without operating the cooling fans50aand50b.

By operating the heaters62aand62bwithout operating the cooling fans50aand50b, the internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bmay continue to rise. At this time, in response to a period of time, for which the heaters62aand62bare operated without operating the cooling fans50aand50b, being approximately greater than or equal to the first reference time, the temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bmay be excessively increased, and the object to be thawed in the thawing chambers100aand100bmay be rapidly thawed. As a result, the quality of the object to be thawed may deteriorate. For example, drip loss may occur in meat.

In order to suppress, reduce or prevent a decrease in the quality of the object to be thawed, the processor130may heat the inside of the thawing chambers100aand100bfor the first reference time T1and then operate the cooling fans50aand50bat time t1to cool the inside of the thawing chambers100aand100b, as shown inFIG.13. Further, the processor130may store an indicator, which indicates operating the cooling fans50aand50b, in the memory131at approximately the same time as operating the cooling fans50aand50b.

By operating the cooling fans50aand50b, the internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bmay decrease and rapid thawing of the object to be thawed may be suppressed, reduced, or prevented.

The refrigerator1may identify whether a period of time, for which the thawing operation is performed, (hereinafter referred to as ‘thawing time’) is greater than or equal to the target time (1040).

The processor130may include a second counter to identify the thawing time. The processor130may control the second counter to count the thawing time approximately at the same time as starting the thawing operation. As mentioned above, the processor130may identify the thawing time using the second counter.

The processor130may compare the thawing time with the target time. The target time may be set based on the type of object to be thawed, the weight of the object to be thawed, the packaging type of object to be thawed, and/or the thawing level.

In response to the thawing time being less than the target time (no in1040), the refrigerator1may determine whether the cooling fans50aand50bare being operated (1025).

The processor130may identify whether the cooling fans50aand50bare being operated by referring to the indicator that indicates whether the cooling fans50aand50bare being operated, and is stored in the memory131.

In response to the cooling fans50aand50bbeing operated (yes in1025), the refrigerator1may identify whether a period of time, for which the cooling fans50aand50bare operated, is greater than or equal to a second reference time (1045).

The processor130may use the first counter to identify the period of time, for which the cooling fans50aand50bare operated. The processor130may control the first counter to count the period of time, for which the cooling fans50aand50bare operated, at approximately the same time as operating the cooling fans50aand50b.

The processor130may compare the period of time, for which the cooling fans50aand50bare operated, with the second reference time. The second reference time may be a period of time to suppress or prevent a delay in thawing of the object to be thawed, and may be set experimentally or empirically. The second reference time may be less than the first reference time. The second reference time may be between 5 minutes and 15 minutes, and may be effectively between 8 minutes and 12 minutes.

In response to the period of time, for which the cooling fans50aand50bare operated, being greater than or equal to the second reference time (yes in1045), the refrigerator1may stop the cooling fans50aand50b(1050). Further, in response to the period of time, for which the cooling fans50aand50bare operated, being less than the target time (no in1045), the refrigerator1may continue the next operation without stopping the cooling fans50aand50b.

By operating the cooling fans50aand50b, the internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bmay decrease. At this time, in response to a period of time, for which cooling fans50aand50bare operated, being approximately greater than or equal to the second reference time, thawing of the object to be thawed may be delayed.

In order to suppress, reduce or prevent the delay of the thawing operation, the processor130may cool the inside of the thawing chambers100aand100bfor the second reference time T2and then stop the cooling fans50aand50bat time t2. Further, the processor130may store an indicator, which indicates stopping the cooling fans50aand50b, in the memory131at approximately the same time as stopping the cooling fans50aand50b.

By operating the heaters62aand62bwithout operating the cooling fans50aand50b, the internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bmay increase, and the thawing operation may continue.

The refrigerator1may identify whether the thawing time is greater than or equal to the target time (1040).

The processor130may identify the thawing time using the second counter, and the processor130may compare the thawing time with the target time.

In response to the thawing time being greater than or equal to the target time (yes in1040), the refrigerator1may stop the heaters62aand62b(1055).

The processor130may end the thawing operation in response to the thawing time being greater than or equal to the target time. The processor130may control the power switch of the heaters62aand62bto stop supplying power to the electrical resistors. For example, as shown inFIG.13, the processor130may periodically turn on or turn off the cooling fans50aand50bwhile operating the heaters62aand62b. Further, in response to the thawing time reaching the target time tTarget, the processor130may end the thawing operation by stopping the heaters62aand62b.

In response to the thawing time being greater than or equal to the target time (yes in1040), the refrigerator1may operate the cooling fans50aand50b(1060).

After the thawing of the object to be thawed is completed, the processor130may operate the cooling fans50aand50bto refrigerate the thawed object. By operating the cooling fans50aand50b, the temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bmay decrease, and the thawed object may be refrigerated.

The refrigerator1may operate the compressor2(1065).

In response to the completion of the thawing of the object to be thawed, the processor130may cool the thawing chambers100aand100bin order to refrigerate the thawed object. In other words, the heat load inside the refrigerator1may increase. As a result, the temperature of the storage compartment21may rise above the appropriate temperature. The processor130may operate the compressor2in preparation for an increase in heat load for cooling the thawing chambers100aand100b.

As mentioned above, during the thawing operation, the refrigerator1may heat or cool the thawing chambers100aand100bwithout reference to the internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100b. As a result, it is possible to suppress or prevent changes in the quality of the thawed object due to deviation of the temperature sensor.

While heating the thawing chambers100aand100bfor the thawing operation, the refrigerator1may intermittently or periodically cool the thawing chambers100aand100b. Accordingly, rapid temperature changes in the object to be thawed may be suppressed or prevented, and drip loss of meat may be suppressed, reduced, minimized or prevented.

FIG.14illustrates drip loss when the thawing chamber is heated without cooling, the drip loss when the thawing chamber is cooled along with heating, and the drip loss when the thawing chamber is cooled after starting to heat the thawing chamber. InFIG.15, the drip loss may represent the ratio of the change in the weight after thawing to the weight before thawing of meat.

As illustrated inFIG.14, it is confirmed that the drip loss is maximum when heating the thawing chamber without cooling, and the drip loss is minimum when cooling the thawing chamber after the first reference time T1elapses after starting to heat the thawing chamber. In other words, it is confirmed that drip loss is minimized by heating the thawing chamber and simultaneously cooling the thawing chamber intermittently or periodically.

FIG.15illustrates the drip loss according to a period of time for cooling the thawing chamber when heating the thawing chamber and simultaneously cooling the thawing chamber intermittently or periodically. InFIG.15, the drip loss may represent the ratio of the change in the weight after thawing to the weight before thawing of meat.

As illustrated inFIG.15, it is confirmed that the drip loss is maximum when the cooling fan is stopped for the first reference time T1and then operated for 9 times the second reference time (9*T2), and it is confirmed that the drip loss is minimum when the cooling fan is stopped for the first reference time T1and then operated for the second reference time T2.

In order to cool the thawing chambers100aand100b, the refrigerator1may operate the cooling fans50aand50bwithout stopping the heaters62aand62b. Accordingly, the delay of the thawing operation due to stopping the heaters62aand62bmay be suppressed or prevented.

FIG.16illustrates the thawing time according to the period of time for cooling the thawing chamber when heating the thawing chamber and simultaneously cooling the thawing chamber intermittently or periodically. InFIG.16, the thawing time may represent a period of time until an internal temperature of the object to be thawed reaches a predetermined temperature.

As illustrated inFIG.16, it is confirmed that the thawing time is maximum when the cooling fan is stopped for the first reference time T1and then operated for 9 times the second reference time (9*T2), and it is confirmed that the thawing time is minimum when the cooling fan is stopped for the first reference time T1and then operated for the second reference time T2.

FIG.17illustrates an example of a thawing method of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.18illustrates an operation of the heaters and the cooling fans according to the thawing method shown inFIG.17.

A thawing method1100of the refrigerator1will be described with reference toFIGS.17and18.

The refrigerator1may obtain information for thawing (1110). The refrigerator1may set a target time based on information for thawing (1115). The refrigerator1may operate the heaters62aand62bto thaw the object to be thawed (1120).

Operations1110,1115, and1120may be the same as operations1010,1015, and1020shown inFIG.12. Descriptions of operations1110,1115, and1120may be replaced with the descriptions of operations1010,1015, and1020shown inFIG.12.

The refrigerator1may determine whether the heaters62aand62bare being operated (1125).

The processor130may intermittently or periodically operate the heaters62aand62bin order to suppress, reduce, or prevent rapid temperature changes in the object to be thawed.

The processor130may store information about the operation of the heaters62aand62bin the memory131. For example, the processor130may store an indicator, which indicates operating the heaters62aand62b, in the memory131at approximately the same time as starting to operate the heaters62aand62b. The processor130may store an indicator, which indicates stopping the heaters62aand62b, in the memory131at approximately the same time as stopping the heaters62aand62b. The processor130may identify whether the heaters62aand62bare being operated or not by referring to the indicator stored in the memory131.

In response to the heaters62aand62bbeing operated (yes in1125), the refrigerator1may identify whether a period of time, for which the heaters62aand62bare operated, is greater than or equal to a first reference time (1130).

In response to starting the thawing operation, the processor130may operate the heaters62aand62b. For example, as shown inFIG.18, at time to when the thawing operation starts, the processor130may operate the heaters62aand62b.

The processor130may include a first counter to identify a period of time for which the heaters62aand62bare operated. The processor130may use the first counter to identify the period of time, for which the heaters62aand62bare operated.

The processor130may compare the period of time, for which the heaters62aand62bare operated, with the first reference time. The first reference time may be a period of time to suppress or prevent the internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bfrom excessively rising, and may be set experimentally or empirically.

In response to the period of time, for which the heaters62aand62bare operated, being greater than or equal to the first reference time (yes in1130), the refrigerator1may stop the heaters62aand62b(1135). Further, in response to the period of time, for which the heaters62aand62bare operated, being less than the first reference time (no in1130), the refrigerator1may continue the next operation without stopping the heaters62aand62b.

By continuously operating the heaters62aand62b, the internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bmay continue to rise. At this time, in response to a period of time, for which the heaters62aand62bare continuously operated, being approximately greater than or equal to the first reference time, the temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bmay be excessively increased, and the object to be thawed in the thawing chambers100aand100bmay be rapidly thawed. As a result, the quality of the object to be thawed may deteriorate. For example, drip loss may occur in meat.

In order to suppress, reduce or prevent a decrease in the quality of the object to be thawed, the processor130may heat the inside of the thawing chambers100aand100bfor the first reference time T1and then stop the heaters62aand62bat time t1to cool the inside of the thawing chambers100aand100b, as shown inFIG.18. Further, the processor130may store an indicator, which indicates stopping the heaters62aand62b, in the memory131at approximately the same time as stopping the heaters62aand62b.

By stopping the heaters62aand62b, the internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bmay decrease and the rapid thawing of the object to be thawed may be suppressed, reduced, or prevented.

The refrigerator1may identify whether a period of time, for which the thawing operation is performed, (hereinafter referred to as ‘thawing time’) is greater than or equal to the target time (1140).

Operation1140may be the same as operation1040shown inFIG.12. Description of operation1140may be replaced with the description of operation1040shown inFIG.12.

In response to the thawing time being less than the target time (no in1140), the refrigerator1may determine whether the heaters62aand62bare being operated (1125).

In response to the heaters62aand62bnot being operated (no in1125), the refrigerator1may identify whether a period of time, for which the heaters62aand62bare stopped, is greater than or equal to a second reference time (1145).

The processor130may use the first counter to identify the period of time, for which the heaters62aand62bare stopped. The processor130may control the first counter to count the period of time, for which the heaters62aand62bare stopped, at approximately the same time as stopping the heaters62aand62b.

The processor130may compare the period of time, for which the heaters62aand62bare stopped, with the second reference time. The second reference time may be a period of time to suppress or prevent a delay in thawing of the object to be thawed, and may be set experimentally or empirically. The second reference time may be less than the first reference time.

In response to the period of time, for which the heaters62aand62bare stopped, being greater than or equal to the second reference time (yes in1145), the refrigerator1may operate the heaters62aand62b(1150). In response to the period of time, for which the heaters62aand62bare stopped, being less than the target time (no in1145), the refrigerator1may continue the next operation without operating the heaters62aand62b.

By stopping the heaters62aand62b, the internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bmay decrease. At this time, in response to the period of time, for which the heaters62aand62bare stopped, being approximately greater than or equal to the second reference time, thawing of the object to be thawed may be delayed.

In order to suppress, reduce or prevent the delay of the thawing operation, the processor130may stop the heaters62aand62bfor the second reference time T2and then operate the heaters62aand62bat time t2, as illustrated inFIG.18. Further, the processor130may store an indicator, which indicates operating the heaters62aand62b, in the memory131at approximately the same time as operating the heaters62aand62b.

By operating the heaters62aand62b, the internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bmay increase, and the thawing operation may continue.

The refrigerator1may identify whether the thawing time is greater than or equal to a target time (1140).

In response to the thawing time being greater than or equal to the target time (yes in1140), the refrigerator1may stop the heaters62aand62b(1155), operate the cooling fans50aand50b(1160), and operate the compressor2(1165).

Operations1155,1160, and1165may be the same as operations1055,1060, and1065shown inFIG.12. Descriptions of operations1155,1160, and1165may be replaced with the descriptions of operations1055,1060, and1065shown inFIG.12.

As mentioned above, during the thawing operation, the refrigerator1may heat or cool the thawing chambers100aand100bwithout reference to the internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100b. As a result, it is possible to suppress or prevent changes in the quality of the thawed object due to deviation of the temperature sensor.

During the thawing operation, the refrigerator1may intermittently or periodically heat the thawing chambers100aand100b. Accordingly, rapid temperature changes in the object to be thawed may be suppressed or prevented, and drip loss of meat may be suppressed, reduced, minimized or prevented.

FIG.19illustrates an example of a thawing method of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.20illustrates an operation of the heaters and the cooling fans according to the thawing method shown inFIG.19.

A thawing method1200of the refrigerator1will be described with reference toFIGS.19and20.

The refrigerator1may obtain information for thawing (1210). The refrigerator1may set a target time based on information for thawing (1215). The refrigerator1may operate the heaters62aand62bto thaw the object to be thawed (1220).

Operations1210,1215, and1220may be the same as operations1010,1015, and1020shown inFIG.12. Descriptions of operations1210,1215, and1220may be replaced with the descriptions of operations1010,1015, and1020shown inFIG.12.

The refrigerator1may determine whether the cooling fans50aand50bare being operated while the heaters62aand62bare being operated (1225).

Operation1225may be the same as operation1025shown inFIG.12. Description of operation1225may be replaced with the description of operation1025.

In response to the cooling fans50aand50bnot being operated (no in1225), the refrigerator1may identify whether the measured internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bis greater than or equal to a reference temperature (1230).

The temperature sensors53aand53bmay be disposed in the thawing chambers100aand100band configured to measure the internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100b. The temperature sensors53aand53bmay transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the measured temperature to the processor130.

The processor130may identify the internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bbased on the output signal of the temperature sensors53aand53b. The processor130may compare the identified temperature with the reference temperature. The reference temperature may be a temperature to suppress or prevent the internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bfrom excessively rising, and may be set experimentally or empirically.

In response to the measured internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bbeing greater than or equal to the reference temperature (yes in1230), the refrigerator1may operate the cooling fans50aand50b(1235). Further, in response to the measured internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bbeing less than the reference temperature (no in1230), the refrigerator1may continue the next operation without operating the cooling fans50aand50b.

By operating the heaters62aand62bwithout operating the cooling fans50aand50b, the internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bmay continue to rise. At this time, in response to the internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bbeing approximately greater than or equal to the reference temperature, the object to be thawed in the thawing chambers100aand100bmay be rapidly thawed. As a result, the quality of the thawed object may deteriorate. For example, drip loss may occur in meat.

In order to suppress, reduce or prevent a decrease in the quality of the object to be thawed, the processor130may operate the cooling fans50aand50bat time t1to cool the inside of the thawing chambers100aand100bin response to the temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100breaching the reference temperature Tr, as illustrated inFIG.20. Further, the processor130may store an indicator, which indicates operating the cooling fans50aand50b, in the memory131at approximately the same time as operating the cooling fans50aand50b.

By operating the cooling fans50aand50b, the internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bmay decrease, and the rapid thawing of the object to be thawed may be suppressed, reduced, or prevented.

The refrigerator1may identify whether a period of time, for which the thawing operation is performed, (hereinafter referred to as ‘thawing time’) is greater than or equal to the target time (1240).

Operation1240may be the same as operation1040shown inFIG.12. Description of operation1240may be replaced with the description of operation1040shown inFIG.12.

In response to the thawing time being less than the target time (no in1240), the refrigerator1may determine whether the cooling fans50aand50bare being operated (1225).

In response to the cooling fans50aand50bbeing operated (yes in1225), the refrigerator1may identify whether the measured internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bis less than the reference temperature (1245).

The processor130may identify the internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bbased on the output signal of the temperature sensors53aand53b. The processor130may compare the identified temperature with the reference temperature.

In response to the measured internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bbeing less than the reference temperature (yes in1245), the refrigerator1may stop the cooling fans50aand50b(1250). Further, in response to the measured internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bbeing greater than or equal to the reference temperature (no in1245), the refrigerator1may continue the next operation without stopping the cooling fans50aand50b.

By operating the cooling fans50aand50b, the internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bmay decrease. At this time, in response to the temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bbeing excessively lowered below the reference temperature, thawing of the object to be thawed may be delayed.

In order to suppress, reduce or prevent the delay of the thawing operation, the processor130may stop the cooling fans50aand50bat time t2in response to the temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bbeing greater than or equal to the reference temperature Tr while operating the cooling fans50aand50b, as illustrated inFIG.20. Further, the processor130may store an indicator, which indicates stopping the cooling fans50aand50b, in the memory131at approximately the same time as stopping the cooling fans50aand50b.

By operating the heaters62aand62bwithout operating the cooling fans50aand50b, the internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bmay increase, and the thawing operation may continue.

The refrigerator1may identify whether the thawing time is greater than or equal to a target time (1240).

In response to the thawing time being greater than or equal to the target time (yes in1240), the refrigerator1may stop the heaters62aand62b(1255), operate the cooling fans50aand50b(1260), and operate the compressor2(1265).

Operations1255,1260, and1265may be the same as operations1055,1060, and1065shown inFIG.12. Descriptions of operations1255,1260, and1265may be replaced with the descriptions of operations1055,1060, and1065shown inFIG.12.

As mentioned above, while heating the thawing chambers100aand100bfor the thawing operation, the refrigerator1may intermittently or periodically cool the thawing chambers100aand100b. Accordingly, rapid temperature changes in the object to be thawed may be suppressed or prevented, and drip loss of meat may be suppressed, reduced, minimized or prevented.

The refrigerator1may operate the cooling fans50aand50bwithout stopping the heaters62aand62bin order to cool the thawing chambers100aand100b. Accordingly, the delay of the thawing operation due to stopping the heaters62aand62bmay be suppressed or prevented.

FIG.21illustrates an example of a thawing method of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.22illustrates an operation of the heaters and the cooling fans according to the thawing method shown inFIG.21.

A thawing method1300of the refrigerator1will be described with reference toFIGS.20and21.

The refrigerator1may obtain information for thawing (1310). The refrigerator1may set a target time based on information for thawing (1315). The refrigerator1may operate the heaters62aand62bto thaw the object to be thawed (1320).

Operations1310,1315, and1320may be the same as operations1010,1015, and1020shown inFIG.12. Descriptions of operations1310,1315, and1320may be replaced with the descriptions of operations1010,1015, and1020shown inFIG.12.

The refrigerator1may determine whether the heaters62aand62bare being operated (1325).

Operation1325may be the same as operation1125shown inFIG.17. Description of operation1325may be replaced with the description of operation1125shown inFIG.17.

In response to the heaters62aand62bbeing operated (yes in1325), the refrigerator1may identify whether the measured internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bis greater than or equal to a reference temperature (1330).

Operation1330may be the same as operation1230shown inFIG.19. Description of operation1330may be replaced with the description of operation1230shown inFIG.19.

In response to the measured internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bbeing greater than or equal to the reference temperature (yes in1330), the refrigerator1may stop the heaters62aand62b(1335). Further, in response to the measured internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bbeing less than the reference temperature (no in1330), the refrigerator1may continue the next operation without stopping the heaters62aand62b.

By continuously operating the heaters62aand62b, the internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bmay continue to rise. At this time, in response to the internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bbeing approximately greater than or equal to the reference temperature, the object to be thawed in the thawing chambers100aand100bmay be rapidly thawed. As a result, the quality of the thawed object may deteriorate. For example, drip loss may occur in meat.

In order to suppress, reduce or prevent a decrease in the quality of the object to be thawed, the processor130may stop the heaters62aand62bat time t1to cool the inside of the thawing chambers100aand100bin response to the temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100breaching the reference temperature Tr, as illustrated inFIG.22. Further, the processor130may store an indicator, which indicates stopping the heaters62aand62b, in the memory131at approximately the same time as stopping the heaters62aand62b.

By stopping the heaters62aand62b, the internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bmay decrease and the rapid thawing of the object to be thawed may be suppressed, reduced, or prevented.

The refrigerator1may identify whether a period of time, for which the thawing operation is performed, (hereinafter referred to as ‘thawing time’) is greater than or equal to the target time (1340).

Operation1340may be the same as operation1040shown inFIG.12. Description of operation1340may be replaced with the description of operation1040shown inFIG.12.

In response to the thawing time being less than a target time (no in1340), the refrigerator1may determine whether heaters62aand62bare being operated (1325).

In response to the heaters62aand62bnot being operated (no in1325), the refrigerator1may identify whether the measured internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bis less than the reference temperature (1345).

Operation1345may be the same as operation1245shown inFIG.19. Description of operation1345may be replaced with the description of operation1245shown inFIG.19.

In response to the measured internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bbeing less than the reference temperature (yes in1345), the refrigerator1may operate the heaters62aand62b(1350). Further, in response to the measured internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bbeing greater than or equal to the reference temperature (no in1345), the refrigerator1may continue the next operation without operating the heaters62aand62b.

By stopping the heaters62aand62b, the internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bmay decrease. At this time, in response to the temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bbeing excessively lowered below the reference temperature, thawing of the object to be thawed may be delayed.

In order to suppress, reduce or prevent the delay of the thawing operation, the processor130may operate the heaters62aand62bat time t2in response to the temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bbeing greater than or equal to the reference temperature Tr while operating the cooling fans50aand50b, as illustrated inFIG.22. Further, the processor130may store an indicator, which indicates operating the heaters62aand62b, in the memory131at approximately the same time as operating the heaters62aand62b.

By operating the heaters62aand62b, the internal temperature of the thawing chambers100aand100bmay increase, and the thawing operation may continue.

The refrigerator1may identify whether the thawing time is greater than or equal to a target time (1340).

In response to the thawing time being greater than or equal to the target time (yes in1340), the refrigerator1may stop the heaters62aand62b(1355), operate the cooling fans50aand50b(1360), and operate the compressor2(1365).

Operations1355,1360, and1365may be the same as operations1055,1060, and1065shown inFIG.12. Descriptions of operations1355,1360, and1365may be replaced with the descriptions of operations1055,1060, and1065shown inFIG.12.

As mentioned above, during the thawing operation, the refrigerator1may intermittently or periodically heat the thawing chambers100aand100b. Accordingly, rapid temperature changes in the object to be thawed may be suppressed or prevented, and drip loss of meat may be suppressed, reduced, minimized or prevented.

Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be embodied in the form of a recording medium storing instructions executable by a computer. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code and, when executed by a processor, may generate a program module to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be embodied as a computer-readable recording medium.

The computer-readable recording medium includes all kinds of recording media in which instructions which can be decoded by a computer are stored. For example, there may be a Read Only Memory (ROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk, a flash memory, and an optical data storage device.

Storage medium readable by machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. “Non-transitory” means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic wave), and this term includes a case in which data is semi-permanently stored in a storage medium and a case in which data is temporarily stored in a storage medium. For example, the non-transitory storage medium may include a buffer where data is temporarily stored.

The method according to the various disclosed embodiments may be provided by being included in a computer program product. Computer program products may be traded between sellers and buyers as commodities. Computer program products are distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or are distributed directly or online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) between two user devices (e.g., smartphones) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or created temporarily in a device-readable storage medium such as the manufacturer's server, the application store's server, or the relay server's memory.