Refrigerator and method for controlling the same

A method of controlling a refrigerator, comprising:

• detecting a movement and a position of a user;
• determining whether the user intends to use a dispenser of the refrigerator;
• automatically opening a dispenser door if the user intends to use the dispenser;
• determining whether the user has finished using the dispenser;
• and
• automatically closing the dispenser door if the user has finished using the dispenser,
• wherein the detecting the movement and the position of the user includes sensing that a user has approached within a first predetermined distance of the dispenser, and
• wherein the determining whether the user intends to use the dispenser includes
• waiting a first predetermined period of time after detecting the movement and position of the user for a signal from a contact sensor positioned on a refrigerator door handle of the refrigerator, the contact sensor being configured to provide a signal to a controller when the user touches the refrigerator door handle, and
• determining the user intends to use the dispenser if the user does not touch the refrigerator door handle within the first predetermined period of time after approaching the dispenser within the first predetermined distance.

A refrigerator, comprising:

• a door that opens and closes a food storage chamber;
• a dispenser body positioned on the door, the dispenser comprising an opening and a cavity;
• a dispenser door configured to open and close the opening;
• and
• a door driver that drives the dispenser door,
• wherein the dispenser door includes
• a first rotary door positioned to rotate at a first side of the opening, and
• a second rotary door positioned to rotate at a second side of the opening,
• wherein the door driver includes
• a drive motor configured to rotate the first rotary door, and
• a rotary power transmission configured to transmit rotary power from the drive motor to the second rotary door, and
• wherein the rotary power transmission includes
• a first connecting gear and a second connecting gear connected to the rotary shaft of the drive motor,
• a first interlocking gear connected to a rotary shaft of the first rotary door, and
• a second interlocking gear connected to a rotary shaft of the second rotary door, wherein the first interlocking gear is coupled to the first connecting gear and the second interlocking gear is coupled to the second connecting gear.