A method of detecting foam of a washing apparatus and a washing apparatus

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of foam detection method of washing equipment and washing equipment, the washing equipment includes down lamp, the down lamp is illuminated towards inner tube, the foam detection method includes the following steps: S1: first image information of observation window is captured before starting down lamp, second image information of observation window is captured after starting down lamp;S2: first image and / or second image are compared with the image threshold value set;S3: selectively start foam cleaning program according to the comparison result.The application compares the different image information captured before and after starting down lamp, judges that the observation window is residual foam, improves the accuracy of foam detection, avoids resource waste.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of washing equipment technology, specifically, it relates to a foam detection method for washing equipment and washing equipment. Background Technology

[0002] With the improvement of people's living standards, drum washing machines are playing an increasingly important role in daily life as a type of household appliance. In existing drum washing machines, when too much detergent is used or high-foaming detergent is used, the continuous contact between air and detergent due to agitation and water flow impacting the detergent can easily produce excessive foam. However, during the spin-drying process, foam can easily remain on the observation window of the drum washing machine.

[0003] Currently, the technology for foam recognition before the dehydration stage of drum washing equipment is not yet mature. Therefore, it is possible that the spray valve will be opened to clean the observation window based on incorrect foam information, resulting in water waste.

[0004] In view of this, the present invention is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a foam detection method for washing equipment. By comparing different image information before and after turning on the downlight, it can be determined whether there is residual foam on the observation window, thereby improving the accuracy of foam detection and avoiding waste of resources.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0007] A method for detecting foam in a washing machine, the washing machine including a recessed light that illuminates the inner drum.

[0008] The foam detection method includes the following steps:

[0009] S1: Capture the first image information of the observation window before turning on the downlight, and capture the second image information of the observation window after turning on the downlight;

[0010] S2: Compare the first image and / or the second image with a set image threshold;

[0011] S3: Based on the comparison results, selectively activate the foam cleaning program.

[0012] Furthermore, step S2 is followed by:

[0013] S20: Process the first image and the second image in HSV space respectively;

[0014] S21: Determine the corresponding HSV component values ​​of the first image and / or the second image based on the HSV range;

[0015] S23: Determine whether there is foam in the observation window based on the HSV component values ​​of the first image and / or the HSV component values ​​of the second image;

[0016] S24: If yes, then perform foam cleaning;

[0017] S25: The foam cleaning program is over, and the dehydration program is started.

[0018] Furthermore, step S23 also includes:

[0019] S230: Obtain the first color component value of the HSV of the first image, and / or obtain the second color component value of the HSV of the second image;

[0020] S231: Compare and analyze the difference between the first color component value and the second color component value;

[0021] S232: Based on the comparison results, determine whether there is foam on the observation window.

[0022] Furthermore, step S232 is followed by:

[0023] If the comparison result is greater than the color component threshold, then proceed to step S24;

[0024] Furthermore, step S232 is followed by:

[0025] If the comparison result is less than or equal to the color component threshold, then proceed to step S25.

[0026] Furthermore, step S232 also includes: if the comparison result is greater than the second threshold of the color component, the foam content is determined;

[0027] The foam cleaning time is determined based on the foam content, where the second threshold is greater than the first threshold.

[0028] Furthermore, prior to step S1, the foam detection method further includes:

[0029] Determine if the inner drum of the washing equipment has stopped rotating. If so, proceed to step S1.

[0030] A second object of the present invention is to provide a washing device, the washing device including a controller configured to perform the foam detection method of the washing device described above.

[0031] Furthermore, the washing device also includes a camera, which is disposed on the surface of the observation window facing the inner drum. The camera is communicatively connected to the controller and is used to capture foam image information of the observation window of the washing device.

[0032] Furthermore, the washing equipment also includes a sprayer, which is mounted on the door mat of the observation window, is connected to the controller, and is positioned facing the camera.

[0033] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0034] 1. The foam detection method of the washing equipment of the present invention determines whether there is residual foam on the observation window by comparing different image information before and after the drum light is turned on, thereby improving the accuracy of foam detection, avoiding resource waste, and achieving the purpose of water conservation.

[0035] 2. The foam detection method of the present invention determines whether there is residual foam based on the difference between the first color component value and the second color component value. While ensuring the accuracy of foam recognition, it avoids the need for users to perform statistical processing on other component data of the image, improves the speed of data analysis, and allows users to determine whether there is foam more quickly.

[0036] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0037] The accompanying drawings, as part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the invention are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0038] Figure 1 This is the flow chart of the foam detection method of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0039] Figure 2 This is the flow chart of the foam detection method of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0040] Figure 3 This is the flow chart of the foam detection method of the present invention. Figure 3 ;

[0041] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the heat collection device of the present invention with a range hood;

[0042] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the door and controller of the present invention.

[0043] In the diagram: 10. Observation window; 101. Door mat; 102. Downlight; 103. Sprinkler; 1031. Water outlet; 1032. Water inlet; 11. Controller.

[0044] It should be noted that these accompanying drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0045] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. For example, although the embodiments described below are introduced in conjunction with drum washing machines, the technical solutions of the present invention are also applicable to other washing equipment, such as dishwashers, fruit and vegetable washing machines, juicers, soy milk makers, etc. Such adjustments and changes to the application objects do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should be limited within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0046] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0047] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0048] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a foam detection method for a washing machine includes a drum lamp 102 that illuminates the inner drum. The foam detection method includes the following steps:

[0049] S1: Capture the first image information of the observation window 10 before turning on the downlight 102, and capture the second image information of the observation window 10 after turning on the downlight 102;

[0050] S2: Compare the first image and / or the second image with a set image threshold;

[0051] S3: Based on the comparison results, selectively activate the foam cleaning program.

[0052] Generally, before starting the spin-drying program, the washing machine needs to check whether there is residual detergent foam on the viewing window 10. That is, the captured image information is analyzed and processed, and the foam detection method of this invention is used to detect whether the sprayer 103 needs to be started. If there is no foam in the viewing window 10, the washing machine can start the spin-drying program, thereby achieving the purpose of saving water.

[0053] It is important to emphasize that this invention identifies foam based on the principle of light interference. Specifically, foam displays a variety of colors under light. Therefore, when detecting foam, white light can be used to illuminate the foam when the downlight 102 is turned on, and the image information of the observation window 10 in this state can be captured and recorded as the first image information. After the downlight 102 is turned off, the image information of the observation window 10 can be captured again and recorded as the second image information. In addition, an image information without foam can be preset and recorded as the image threshold. Since the foam film has a certain curvature and the thickness of the foam film is much smaller than that of the observation window 10, the foam usually gathers in one area, and the area covered by the foam gradually increases. Over time, the position of the foam will gradually move downwards, and the number of foams will also change accordingly. It can be seen that there is a significant difference between the image information captured after illuminating the foam and the corresponding image threshold. Therefore, multiple images after illumination can be compared with an image threshold. If there is a significant difference, i.e., the comparison result is greater than the image threshold, it indicates that foam remains, and the foam cleaning program is started. If the comparison result is less than the corresponding image threshold, it indicates that there is no foam on the observation window 10, and the dehydration program is started.

[0054] It is understandable that the switching frequency of the downlight 102 is related to the number of times image information is captured. For example, if 10 first image information needs to be captured, the downlight 102 can capture one image information once it is turned on, or the downlight 102 can capture multiple image information once it is turned on. When the downlight 102 is turned on, the illumination time is set to 20 seconds, that is, the requirement of capturing 10 first image information is completed within the time interval. Or, when the downlight 102 is turned on, the illumination time is set to 2 seconds, and the downlight 102 needs to be turned on 10 times to achieve the value set by this invention. Then, the average value of the multiple first image information captured is compared with the set image threshold. In this way, the accuracy of foam information judgment can be improved.

[0055] On the other hand, multiple second image information can be acquired when the downlight 102 is off, and the multiple second image information can be compared with the set image threshold. If the comparison result is greater than the set image threshold, it indicates that there is foam, and the foam cleaning program is started.

[0056] In this embodiment of the invention, it is preferable to capture multiple first image information and multiple second image information simultaneously, and compare the multiple first image information and the corresponding multiple second image information with an image threshold to determine whether there is foam residue. This improves the accuracy of foam identification, avoids water waste, and provides a better user experience.

[0057] Preferably, step S2 is followed by:

[0058] S20: Process the first image and the second image in HSV space respectively;

[0059] S21: Determine the corresponding HSV component values ​​of the first image and / or the second image based on the HSV range;

[0060] S23: Determine whether there is foam in the observation window 10 based on the HSV component values ​​of the first image and / or the HSV component values ​​of the second image;

[0061] S24: If yes, then perform foam cleaning;

[0062] S25: The foam cleaning program is over, and the dehydration program is started.

[0063] In detail, to distinguish whether the color is the result of foam interference on the observation window 10, different image information of the observation window 10 was captured under two different conditions: the downlight 102 was switched on and off. The color space image was then processed in the HSV (Hue, Saturation, Value) color model space. Generally, the HSV space has values ​​ranging from H: 0-180, S: 0-255, and V: 0-255, corresponding to the basic colors. Therefore, the HSV components of the first and second images have a defined range (the specific corresponding colors and HSV component ranges are not shown here). This facilitates automatic comparison and analysis by the system, speeds up the analysis, and provides more accurate information.

[0064] Preferably, step S23 further includes:

[0065] S230: Obtain the first color component value of the HSV of the first image, and / or obtain the second color component value of the HSV of the second image;

[0066] S231: Compare and analyze the difference between the first color component value and the second color component value;

[0067] S232: Based on the comparison results, determine whether there is foam on the observation window 10.

[0068] Preferably, after step S232, the method further includes: if the comparison result is greater than the color component threshold, then step S24 is executed.

[0069] Preferably, after step S232, the method further includes: if the comparison result is less than or equal to the color component threshold, then step S25 is executed.

[0070] It should be noted that in the HSV color model, H represents color information, i.e., the position of the spectral color. This parameter is represented by an angle, calculated counterclockwise starting from red: red is 0°, green is 120°, and blue is 240°. Their complementary colors are: yellow is 60°, cyan is 180°, and violet is 300°. That is, H varies considerably with color changes. S represents color saturation, indicating how close a color is to its spectral color. Its value ranges from 0 to 1, representing the ratio between the purity of the selected color and its maximum purity. In other words, color saturation S varies less with color changes; and when S = 0, only grayscale is represented. V represents the brightness of the color, ranging from 0 to 1, and the value of V is not directly related to light intensity. Therefore, in this embodiment, only the color information H is considered; the values ​​of purity S and brightness V are not processed.

[0071] For example, only the change of H value is considered. For instance, if the H value of the image changes before and after the downlight 102 is switched on, the first color component value of the HSV of the first image and the second color component value of the HSV of the second image are obtained. The presence of foam on the door is determined based on the first color component and the second color component. For example, the H value of the first color component is H1 when the downlight 102 is turned on, and the H value of the second color component is H2 when the downlight 102 is turned off. ΔH = H1 - H2.

[0072] It is important to emphasize that the H value given here is the average pixel value in the image. Considering the sensitivity of the H value and to improve the accuracy of the judgment, when ΔH = H1 - H2 ≥ B, it is judged that there is a color change, that is, residual foam on observation window 10, and the foam cleaning program needs to be executed; when ΔH = H1 - H2 < B, it is judged that there is no color change on observation window 10, in which case there is no foam on observation window 10, and the foam cleaning program is not initiated. In this way, the difficulty of data analysis is reduced, the data judgment ability is improved, it is easier to quickly determine whether there is foam, and the work efficiency is improved.

[0073] Preferably, if the comparison result is greater than the second threshold of the color component, the foam content is determined;

[0074] The foam cleaning time is determined based on the foam content; wherein the second threshold is greater than the first threshold.

[0075] Understandably, if the second threshold is much larger than the first threshold, it means that the average pixel value of the current color component is large, that is, there are more color components, and each color component has a corresponding change. Generally speaking, one bubble has one color component value, that is, there is a lot of foam on the observation window 10. At this time, the foam cleaning time can be extended to ensure that the dehydration program can be started after one cleaning program. Alternatively, multiple foam cleaning programs can be started and foam detection can continue. For example, after the first foam cleaning is completed, the presence of foam can be detected again, that is, the difference between the first color component and the second color component can be compared with the first threshold until the comparison result is less than the first threshold. Then the foam cleaning program is stopped and the dehydration program is started.

[0076] Preferably, before step S1, the foam detection method further includes: determining whether the inner drum of the washing equipment has stopped rotating; if so, then step S1 is executed.

[0077] Understandably, before the foam detection process, it is necessary to determine whether the inner drum is rotating. For example, if the inner drum is rotating, foam will be continuously generated, meaning that the foam cleaning program is always on, which prevents the dehydration program from starting. In other words, the foam detection program should be started when the inner drum is stationary.

[0078] Furthermore, sensors can be installed on the washing machine to detect the movement of the inner drum. When the inner drum stops, the sensor sends the information back to the washing machine, which can then promptly activate the foam detection program. This avoids activating the foam detection program only after the inner drum has been stopped for a long time, thus improving work efficiency and providing a better user experience.

[0079] In another aspect of the present invention, such as Figures 4 to 5 As shown, a washing device is provided, the washing device including a controller 11, the controller 11 being configured to perform the foam detection method of the washing device as described above.

[0080] It should be noted that the foam recognition controller 11 can be installed inside the washing machine's cabinet, or it can be installed outside the cabinet. The controller 11 can be set up independently, or it can be integrated with the control panel of the washing machine to form a module of the control panel. Preferably, the controller 11 is integrated with the control panel, which saves installation space. Furthermore, the controller 11 can analyze and judge the feedback image information data in a timely manner to ensure that there is no residual foam on the observation window 10 during spin drying, avoid secondary pollution of clothes during spin drying, improve the cleanliness of clothes, and provide a better user experience.

[0081] Preferably, the washing device further includes a camera, which is disposed on the surface of the observation window 10 facing the inner drum. The camera is communicatively connected to the controller 11 and is used to capture image information of the observation window 10 of the washing device.

[0082] It should be noted that the camera needs to capture the image information of the entire observation window 10. The camera can be set at the center of the bottom of the door and close to the inner cylinder, or it can be set near the downlight 102 and around the door pad 101 of the observation window 10, as long as the camera can capture the image information of the entire door. Preferably, the camera is set at the bottom of the door to avoid other parts of the door from blocking the camera. In addition, the camera can continuously capture image information during the foam detection process, or the camera can automatically capture the image information of the observation window 10 every time the downlight 102 is turned on and off.

[0083] In addition, the camera can be set to autofocus, that is, to adjust the focus according to the intensity of light or the distance of the image being captured. Therefore, through the camera's autofocus, the captured image information can be clearer, ensuring the accuracy of the image information.

[0084] On the other hand, the camera is connected to the controller 11. Furthermore, the camera and the downlight 102 are turned on or off synchronously. That is, the camera and the downlight 102 are connected in series, or the camera and the downlight 102 can be controlled independently. In other words, the location and content of the foam can be determined by the image information captured by the camera, which improves the control accuracy and enables accurate control of the amount of water required for foam cleaning, thereby avoiding the waste of water resources.

[0085] Preferably, the washing device further includes a sprayer 103, which is disposed on the door mat 101 of the observation window 10, is connected to the controller 11, and is positioned facing the camera.

[0086] It should be noted that the sprayer 103 is installed on the door mat 101. Preferably, the water outlet 1031 of the sprayer 103 protrudes from the inner wall of the door mat 101 and faces the camera. Furthermore, an opening is provided at the corresponding position on the door mat 101 so that the water outlet 1031 can spray water onto the door through the opening, ensuring that the sprayer 103 can completely remove the foam on the door. In addition, the water inlet 1032 of the sprayer 103 is connected to the water outlet 1031 through a water supply pipe, and the water inlet 1032 is connected to the water storage box of the washing equipment. Alternatively, the water inlet 1032 of the sprayer 103 can also be connected to a tap water pipe, as long as water can be sprayed out through the water outlet 1031 to the desired position.

[0087] Furthermore, the sprayer 103 is communicatively connected to the controller 11 of the washing equipment. That is, the controller 11 controls the opening and closing of the sprayer 103. When the controller 11 receives a signal that there is foam in the observation window 10, it can promptly turn on the sprayer 103 to spray and eliminate the foam in time. In addition, the controller 11 can also accurately determine the location of the foam. At the same time, it can also prevent the sprayer 103 from continuing to clean the observation window 10 after the washing is finished. This ensures the cleanliness of the clothes during the spin-drying process and can also accurately determine the end time of washing. That is, the spin-drying program can be started in time after the foam is eliminated, which can avoid waste of resources, improve work efficiency, and provide a better user experience.

[0088] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-described technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for detecting foam in a washing machine, the washing machine comprising a recessed lamp that illuminates the inner drum, characterized in that, The foam detection method includes the following steps: S1: Capture the first image information of the observation window before turning on the downlight, and capture the second image information of the observation window after turning on the downlight; S20: Process the first image and the second image in HSV space respectively; S21: Determine the first image and the corresponding HSV component values ​​based on the HSV range; S230: Obtain the first color component value of the HSV of the first image, and obtain the second color component value of the HSV of the second image; S231: Compare and analyze the difference between the first color component value and the second color component value; S232: Based on the comparison results, determine whether there is foam on the observation window; S24: If yes, then perform foam cleaning; S25: The foam cleaning program is over, and the dehydration program is started.

2. The foam detection method for washing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step S232 is followed by: if the comparison result is greater than the first threshold of the color component, then step S24 is executed.

3. The foam detection method for washing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step S232 is followed by: if the comparison result is less than or equal to the first threshold of the color component, then step S25 is executed.

4. The foam detection method for washing equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, Step S232 further includes: if the comparison result is greater than the second threshold of the color component, determine the foam content; Determine the foam washing time based on the foam content. The second threshold is greater than the first threshold.

5. The foam detection method for washing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step S24: After the first foam cleaning is completed, return to step S1 and repeat the foam detection and foam cleaning until the comparison results show that there is no foam on the observation window, then start the dehydration program.

6. The foam detection method for washing equipment according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Prior to step S1, the foam detection method further includes: Determine if the inner drum of the washing equipment has stopped rotating. If so, proceed to step S1.

7. A washing device, characterized in that, The washing equipment includes a controller configured to perform the foam detection method of the washing equipment according to any one of claims 1-6.

8. The washing equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that, The controller may be installed inside the washing equipment or outside the washing equipment.

9. The washing equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that, The controller can be set up independently, or it can be integrated with the control panel of the washing equipment.

10. The washing apparatus according to any one of claims 7-9, characterized in that, The washing equipment also includes a camera, which is disposed on the surface of the observation window facing the inner drum. The camera is communicatively connected to the controller and is used to capture image information from the observation window of the washing equipment.

11. The washing equipment according to claim 10, characterized in that, The washing equipment also includes a sprayer, which is mounted on the door mat of the observation window. The sprayer is connected to the controller and is positioned facing the camera.

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