Clothing material information acquisition method and washing and caring device

Abstract

The application discloses a clothes material information acquisition method and a washing and protecting device. The clothes material information acquisition method comprises the following steps: acquiring the near-infrared spectrum of a detection area in an empty cylinder state; and after clothes are put into the cylinder, acquiring the near-infrared spectrum of the detection area for multiple times. The near-infrared spectrum acquired after the clothes are put in is analyzed, the spectrum close to the near-infrared spectrum acquired in the empty cylinder state is excluded, and the remaining near-infrared spectrum is analyzed. The clothes material information acquisition method of the application excludes the interference of the near-infrared spectrum of the empty cylinder on the near-infrared spectrum of the clothes, and the clothes material information detected and acquired is high in accuracy, simple and convenient, and harmless to the fabric. The washing and protecting device has the characteristics of improved washing and protecting effect, reduced energy consumption and higher intelligence.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of intelligent device technology, specifically, it relates to a method for acquiring clothing material information and a washing and care device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, smart home appliances have permeated various categories, with washing machines increasingly incorporating smart features in addition to televisions, refrigerators, and air conditioners. However, for many ordinary consumers, the more intelligent and feature-rich a product is, the more cumbersome its operation becomes. Smart washing machines also face this problem, with increasingly complex control panels. Traditional fully automatic washing machines use a pre-set program on the washing machine's computer control panel. The machine offers different washing program options based on the fabric of the clothes being washed. When washing clothes, a program is selected, and the washing machine automatically completes a series of operations such as soaking, washing, rinsing, and spin-drying. It automatically stops when the washing is complete, and a buzzer sounds to notify the user to hang the clothes to dry. However, most users do not have the ability to accurately distinguish the fabric of the clothes being washed, which may lead to inappropriate selections. More often than not, they simply choose a standard mode, reducing the washing effect.

[0003] Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the textile fibers contained in clothing is key to the intelligent upgrading of clothing washing and care technologies. With the advent of the AI ​​era, people have increasingly higher expectations for the intelligence of washing machines. Washing machines that automatically and accurately acquire material information of the clothes being washed and adjust the washing program accordingly can provide users with a more intelligent washing experience.

[0004] Currently, clothing is made from a variety of materials using different weaving methods and mixed with various dyes, resulting in countless combinations and thus requiring different washing methods. If the washing requirements of different material combinations are ignored, the clothing can easily suffer severe deformation or wear. Therefore, it is necessary to use a special washing program for clothing based on its material combination.

[0005] Existing technologies include methods for detecting the material of clothing. For example, water is added to the inner drum / bucket of the garment to a set level, the garment is agitated to absorb water, and a water level sensor detects changes in the water level. The degree of water absorption is used to determine the extent of water absorption, thus providing information about the garment's material. Another method involves capturing images of the garment to detect its material. However, existing automatic methods for detecting garment materials suffer from limitations. Methods for detecting water absorption cannot accurately determine the type and content of the fabric material, resulting in low accuracy. Image detection methods are also significantly affected by lighting conditions, leading to low accuracy. Therefore, it is difficult to accurately detect the material of clothing, making it challenging to identify the material and apply appropriate care methods.

[0006] In view of this, the present invention is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a method for obtaining clothing material information. By comparing the near-infrared spectrum detected after clothing is put in with the near-infrared spectrum detected in the empty tube state, the interference of the near-infrared spectrum of the empty tube on the near-infrared spectrum of the clothing can be eliminated, thereby improving the accuracy of obtaining the near-infrared spectrum of clothing, and thus improving the accuracy of clothing material information, without damaging the clothing.

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: a method for obtaining clothing material information, comprising:

[0009] S1: Obtain the near-infrared spectrum of the detection area under empty tube conditions;

[0010] S2: After clothes are placed in the cylinder, near-infrared spectra in the detection area are acquired multiple times;

[0011] S3: Analyze the near-infrared spectra obtained multiple times after clothes are put in, exclude the spectra that are close to the near-infrared spectra obtained in the empty state, and then analyze the remaining near-infrared spectra.

[0012] In step S2, the near-infrared spectrum of the detection area is acquired while the drum is rotating; or, the near-infrared spectrum of the detection area is acquired while the drum is stationary. The drum can rotate periodically or in other rotation modes. When the drum rotates, it causes the clothing to tumble inside. This tumbling changes the contact surface between the clothing and the detection area of ​​the drum each time, meaning the surface of the clothing being detected changes each time. Through multiple detections, it is possible to ensure that the near-infrared spectrum of every part of the clothing material is detected as comprehensively as possible, thus obtaining more comprehensive material information and avoiding the reduction in accuracy caused by only detecting partial material information.

[0013] Furthermore, step S3 includes determining whether the number of remaining near-infrared spectra meets a predefined quantity requirement.

[0014] When the number of remaining near-infrared spectra meets the predefined quantity requirements, it indicates that most of the detected data is the near-infrared spectrum of clothing, rather than the near-infrared spectrum of an empty tube. This eliminates the interference of the tube on obtaining information about the clothing material and improves accuracy.

[0015] Furthermore, step S3 also includes returning to step S2 if it is determined that the number of remaining near-infrared spectra does not meet the predefined quantity requirements.

[0016] When it is determined that the number of remaining near-infrared spectra does not meet the predefined quantity requirements, it means that most of the detected near-infrared spectra are of empty tubes, rather than of clothing. Therefore, it is necessary to return to step S2 and reacquire the near-infrared spectra of the detection area.

[0017] Furthermore, in step S3, the step of determining whether the number of remaining near-infrared spectra meets the predefined quantity requirement includes:

[0018] S31: Obtain the number of times i, i≤n, that the near-infrared spectra of n measurements after clothes are put in meet the requirements. The definition of meeting the requirements is: the near-infrared spectra of the measurements after clothes are put in are different from the near-infrared spectra of the measurements in the empty tube state.

[0019] S32: Calculate the ratio of the number of tests i to the number of tests n that meet the requirements. If the ratio i / n is greater than or equal to the preset value A, then the predefined quantity requirement is met.

[0020] When i / n is greater than or equal to the preset value A, it means that the measured i-th near-infrared spectrum is valid data and can be used as clothing material information for subsequent identification.

[0021] Furthermore, step S32 also includes repeating steps S2 to S3 if the ratio i / n is less than a preset value A, where i / n ≤ 1 and n ≥ 1.

[0022] Preferably, 1 ≥ A ≥ 0.5.

[0023] When i / n is less than the preset value A, it means that the measured near-infrared spectrum of the ith time is invalid data and cannot be used as clothing material information for subsequent identification. Therefore, steps S2 to S3 need to be repeated until i / n is greater than or equal to the preset value A.

[0024] Furthermore, it also includes:

[0025] S4: Transmit the near-infrared spectrum that meets the requirements to the material information database for comparison and identify the material information of the clothing.

[0026] In step S4, the material information of clothing can be identified by performing overall or segmented differentiation on the near-infrared spectrum and using the differentiation value to calculate the similarity; alternatively, the material information of clothing can be identified by using the differentiation value and the similarity calculated based on the distance difference between near-infrared spectral data, etc. There are no specific limitations on this.

[0027] Furthermore, the near-infrared spectra detected in steps S1 and S2 are obtained after filtering.

[0028] Near-infrared spectroscopy detection is easily affected by ambient light, especially light intensity. Directly received near-infrared spectra are influenced by ambient light, leading to significant errors and reducing the accuracy of clothing material information. Filtering eliminates the influence of ambient light and removes invalid spectral information, ensuring more accurate clothing material information.

[0029] The near-infrared spectra obtained in steps S1 and S2 are preprocessed.

[0030] Preferably, the near-infrared spectra obtained in steps S1 and S2 are normalized to facilitate data processing and subsequent identification of clothing materials using near-infrared spectroscopy.

[0031] A washing and care device having the method for obtaining clothing material information as described above.

[0032] Furthermore, sensors are included for emitting and receiving near-infrared spectra.

[0033] Preferably, the sensor is an infrared photosensitive sensor.

[0034] Furthermore, it also includes:

[0035] The processor is used to receive clothing material information identified by the material information database and determine the corresponding washing and care mode based on the clothing material information.

[0036] The controller, connected to the processor, is used to receive washing and care mode information and control the washing and care device to wash and care for clothes according to the corresponding washing and care mode.

[0037] The information on clothing materials includes, but is not limited to, the composition and proportion of the materials used in the clothing; the washing and care modes include, but are not limited to, washing time, washing water temperature, washing water volume, number of rinses, and drying requirements. By finding a suitable washing and care mode based on the information on clothing materials, the washing effect can be guaranteed without damaging the clothing, reducing energy consumption and improving the intelligence of the washing and care device.

[0038] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

[0039] When the drum rotates, it causes the clothes to tumble inside. As the clothes tumble, the contact surface between the clothes and the detection area of ​​the drum changes each time. In other words, the surface of the clothes being detected changes each time. By conducting multiple tests, it is possible to ensure that the near-infrared spectrum of every part of the material on the clothes can be detected as comprehensively as possible, thereby obtaining more comprehensive material information of the clothes and avoiding the reduction in accuracy caused by only detecting partial material information of the clothes.

[0040] When the number of remaining near-infrared spectra meets the predefined quantity requirements, it indicates that most of the detected data is the near-infrared spectrum of clothing, rather than the near-infrared spectrum of an empty tube. This eliminates the interference of the tube on obtaining information about the clothing material and improves accuracy.

[0041] Near-infrared spectroscopy detection is easily affected by ambient light, especially light intensity. Directly received near-infrared spectra are influenced by ambient light, leading to significant errors and reducing the accuracy of clothing material information. Filtering eliminates the influence of ambient light and removes invalid spectral information, ensuring more accurate clothing material information.

[0042] The information on clothing materials includes, but is not limited to, the composition and proportion of the materials used in the clothing; the washing and care modes include, but are not limited to, washing time, washing water temperature, washing water volume, number of rinses, and drying requirements. By finding a suitable washing and care mode based on the information on clothing materials, the washing effect can be guaranteed without damaging the clothing, reducing energy consumption and improving the intelligence of the washing and care device.

[0043] This invention provides a method for obtaining clothing material information, which has the advantages of high accuracy in detecting and obtaining clothing material information, simplicity and convenience, and no damage to the fabric.

[0044] This invention provides a washing and care device with the above-mentioned method for obtaining clothing material information, which has the characteristics of improving washing and care effect, reducing energy consumption, and being more intelligent.

[0045] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0046] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, 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:

[0047] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the steps of the method for obtaining clothing material information in this invention;

[0048] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the method for obtaining clothing material information in this invention;

[0049] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the washing and care device in this invention.

[0050] In the diagram: 1. Washing drum; 2. Viewing window; 3. Sensor; 4. Detection area; 5. Clothes.

[0051] 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

[0052] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention are described clearly and completely below with reference to some embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that the following embodiments are only used to explain the technical solutions of this invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention. For example, although this application describes the steps of the method of this invention in a specific order, these orders are not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can perform the steps in different orders without departing from the basic principles of this invention.

[0053] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the term "installation," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, it can refer to detachable installation, mechanical installation, direct installation, or indirect installation 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.

[0054] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, the present invention provides a method for obtaining clothing material information, comprising the following steps:

[0055] S1: Obtain the near-infrared spectrum of the detection area under empty tube conditions;

[0056] S2: After clothes are placed in the cylinder, near-infrared spectra in the detection area are acquired multiple times;

[0057] S3: Analyze the near-infrared spectra obtained multiple times after clothes are put in, exclude the spectra that are close to the near-infrared spectra obtained in the empty state, and then analyze the remaining near-infrared spectra.

[0058] According to the above scheme, in step S2, the near-infrared spectrum in the detection area is acquired when the cylinder rotates; or, the near-infrared spectrum in the detection area is acquired when the cylinder stops.

[0059] The drum can rotate periodically or in other rotation modes. When the drum rotates, it will cause the clothes to tumble inside the drum. The tumbling will change the contact surface between the clothes and the detection area of ​​the drum each time. That is, the surface of the clothes will change each time it is detected. In this way, through multiple detections, it can be ensured that the near-infrared spectrum of each material on the clothes can be detected as comprehensively as possible, so as to obtain more comprehensive material information of the clothes and avoid reducing the accuracy due to only detecting part of the material information of the clothes.

[0060] The near-infrared spectra in steps S1 and S2 are obtained after filtering.

[0061] Near-infrared spectroscopy detection is easily affected by ambient light, especially light intensity. Directly received near-infrared spectra are influenced by ambient light, leading to significant errors and reducing the accuracy of clothing material information. Filtering eliminates the influence of ambient light and removes invalid spectral information, ensuring more accurate clothing material information.

[0062] Preferably, the component that performs the filtering process is a filter sheet.

[0063] The near-infrared spectra obtained in steps S1 and S2 are preprocessed to facilitate data processing and subsequent identification of clothing materials using near-infrared spectroscopy.

[0064] Step S3 includes determining whether the number of remaining near-infrared spectra meets the predefined quantity requirements.

[0065] When the number of remaining near-infrared spectra meets the predefined quantity requirements, it indicates that most of the detected data is the near-infrared spectrum of clothing, rather than the near-infrared spectrum of an empty tube. This eliminates the interference of the tube on obtaining information about the clothing material and improves accuracy.

[0066] Step S3 also includes returning to step S2 if it is determined that the number of remaining near-infrared spectra does not meet the predefined quantity requirements.

[0067] When it is determined that the number of remaining near-infrared spectra does not meet the predefined quantity requirements, it means that most of the detected near-infrared spectra are of empty tubes, rather than of clothing. Therefore, it is necessary to return to step S2 and reacquire the near-infrared spectra of the detection area.

[0068] In step S3, the step of determining whether the number of remaining near-infrared spectra meets the predefined quantity requirement includes:

[0069] S31: Obtain the number of times i, i≤n, that the near-infrared spectra of n measurements after clothes are put in meet the requirements. The definition of meeting the requirements is: the near-infrared spectra of the measurements after clothes are put in are different from the near-infrared spectra of the measurements in the empty tube state.

[0070] S32: Calculate the ratio of the number of tests i to the number of tests n that meet the requirements. If the ratio i / n is greater than or equal to the preset value A, then the predefined quantity requirement is met.

[0071] When i / n is greater than or equal to the preset value A, it means that the measured i-th near-infrared spectrum is valid data and can be used as clothing material information for subsequent identification.

[0072] Step S32 also includes repeating steps S2 to S3 if the ratio i / n is less than a preset value A, where i / n ≤ 1 and n ≥ 1.

[0073] Preferably, 1 ≥ A ≥ 0.5.

[0074] When i / n is less than the preset value A, it means that the measured near-infrared spectrum of the ith time is invalid data and cannot be used as clothing material information for subsequent identification. Therefore, steps S2 to S3 need to be repeated until i / n is greater than or equal to the preset value A.

[0075] Furthermore, it also includes:

[0076] S4: Transmit the near-infrared spectrum that meets the requirements to the material information database for comparison and identify the material information of the clothing.

[0077] In step S4, the material information of clothing can be identified by performing overall or segmented differentiation on the near-infrared spectrum and using the differentiation value to calculate the similarity; alternatively, the material information of clothing can be identified by using the differentiation value and the similarity calculated based on the distance difference between near-infrared spectral data, etc. There are no specific limitations on this.

[0078] As one implementation method, such as Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides a method for obtaining clothing material information, comprising the following steps:

[0079] S1: Obtain the near-infrared spectrum of the detection area under empty tube conditions;

[0080] S2: After clothes are put into the cylinder, control the cylinder to rotate and obtain the near-infrared spectrum of n detections in the detection area, where n≥1;

[0081] S31: Obtain the number of times i, i≤n, that the near-infrared spectra of n measurements after clothes are put in meet the requirements. The definition of meeting the requirements is: the near-infrared spectra of the measurements after clothes are put in are different from the near-infrared spectra of the measurements in the empty tube state.

[0082] S32: Calculate the ratio of the number of tests i that meet the requirements to the number of tests n, and determine whether the ratio i / n is greater than or equal to the preset value A;

[0083] S4: Transmit the near-infrared spectrum that meets the requirements to the material information database for comparison and identify the material information of the clothing.

[0084] As one implementation method, such as Figure 2 As shown, the present invention provides a method for obtaining clothing material information, comprising the following steps:

[0085] S1: Obtain the near-infrared spectrum of the detection area under empty tube conditions;

[0086] S2: After clothes are put into the cylinder, control the cylinder to rotate and obtain the near-infrared spectrum of n detections in the detection area, where n≥1;

[0087] S31: Obtain the number of times i, i≤n, that the near-infrared spectra of n measurements after clothes are put in meet the requirements. The definition of meeting the requirements is: the near-infrared spectra of the measurements after clothes are put in are different from the near-infrared spectra of the measurements in the empty tube state.

[0088] S32: Calculate the ratio i / n of the number of tests i that meets the requirements to the number of tests n. When it is determined that i / n is greater than or equal to the preset value A, proceed to step S4.

[0089] S33: In step S32, when it is determined that i / n is less than the preset value A, repeat steps S2 to S32.

[0090] S4: Transmit the near-infrared spectrum that meets the requirements to the material information database for comparison and identify the material information of the clothing.

[0091] As one implementation scheme, the present invention provides a method for obtaining clothing material information, which normalizes the near-infrared spectra obtained in steps S1 and S2 to facilitate data processing and subsequent identification of clothing materials using near-infrared spectroscopy.

[0092] As one implementation scheme, the present invention provides a method for obtaining clothing material information. In step S4, clothing material information can be identified by performing overall or segmented differentiation processing on the near-infrared spectrum and using the differentiation value to calculate the similarity. Alternatively, clothing material information can be identified by using the differentiation value and calculating the similarity based on the distance difference between near-infrared spectral data, etc. No specific limitation is made in this regard.

[0093] For example, if i is 5, and 3 out of the 5 near-infrared spectra in the detection area are highly similar to the near-infrared spectra of pure cotton, and 2 out of the 5 near-infrared spectra are highly similar to the near-infrared spectra of pure polyester, then 3 / 5 represents the content of pure cotton in the clothing, and 2 / 5 represents the content of pure polyester in the clothing. Therefore, the material of the clothing is pure cotton and pure polyester, with the content of pure cotton being 3 / 5 and the content of pure polyester being 2 / 5. This is the material information of the clothing.

[0094] Information on clothing materials includes, but is not limited to, the composition and proportion of the materials used in the clothing.

[0095] As one implementation, the present invention provides a washing and care device having the above-mentioned method for obtaining clothing material information.

[0096] like Figure 3 As shown, for example, the washing and care device is a drum washing machine, which includes a washing drum 1 and a viewing window 2.

[0097] Install sensor 3 on window 2 so that sensor 3 can scan the entire bottom area of ​​washing drum 1.

[0098] The sensor 3 is used to emit and receive near-infrared spectra. Preferably, the sensor 3 is an infrared photosensitive sensor.

[0099] The bottom area of ​​the washing drum 1 is the detection area 4. When the clothes 5 are in the detection area 4, the sensor 3 can emit near-infrared spectrum onto the clothes 5 and receive the near-infrared spectrum reflected back from the clothes 5.

[0100] It also includes a processor and a controller. The processor is used to receive clothing material information identified by the material information database and determine the corresponding washing and care mode based on the clothing material information; the controller is connected to the processor and is used to receive washing and care mode information and control the washing and care device to wash and care for the clothing 5 according to the corresponding washing and care mode.

[0101] The washing and care modes include, but are not limited to, washing time, washing water temperature, washing water volume, rinsing times, and drying requirements. Based on the information of the clothing material, a suitable washing and care mode is found, which can ensure the washing effect without damaging the clothing, reduce energy consumption, and improve the intelligence of the washing and care device.

[0102] The washing and care device can also be a top-loading washing machine, a dryer, a washer-dryer combo, a clothes dryer, etc., without specific limitations.

[0103] 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 obtaining clothing material information, characterized in that, include: S1: Obtain the near-infrared spectrum of the detection area under empty tube conditions; S2: After clothes are placed in the cylinder, near-infrared spectra in the detection area are acquired multiple times; S3: Analyze the near-infrared spectra obtained multiple times after clothes are put in, exclude the spectra that are close to the near-infrared spectra obtained in the empty state, and then analyze the remaining near-infrared spectra to determine whether the number of remaining near-infrared spectra meets the predefined quantity requirements. The steps for determining whether the number of remaining near-infrared spectra meets the predefined quantity requirement include: S31: Obtain the number of times i, i≤n, that the near-infrared spectra of n measurements after clothes are put in meet the requirements. The definition of meeting the requirements is: the near-infrared spectra of the measurements after clothes are put in are different from the near-infrared spectra of the measurements in the empty tube state. S32: Calculate the ratio of the number of tests i to the number of tests n that meet the requirements. If the ratio i / n is greater than or equal to the preset value A, then the predefined quantity requirement is met, where 1≥A≥0,5; if the ratio i / n is less than the preset value A, then return to step S2. It also includes step S4: transmitting the near-infrared spectrum that meets the requirements to the material information database for comparison, identifying the material information of the clothing, and determining the content ratio of each material in the mixed material clothing based on the proportion of times the near-infrared spectrum that meets the requirements is identified as different material spectra.

2. The method for obtaining clothing material information according to claim 1, characterized in that, The near-infrared spectra detected in steps S1 and S2 are obtained after filtering. The near-infrared spectra obtained in steps S1 and S2 are preprocessed.

3. The method for obtaining clothing material information according to claim 2, characterized in that, The near-infrared spectra obtained in steps S1 and S2 are normalized.

4. A method for obtaining clothing material information according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, In step S4, the material information of clothing is identified by calculating the similarity of the near-infrared spectrum by performing overall or segmented differentiation processing on the near-infrared spectrum.

5. A method for obtaining clothing material information according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, In step S4, the material information of clothing is identified by performing overall or segmented differentiation on the near-infrared spectrum and using the differentiation value and the similarity calculated based on the distance difference between the near-infrared spectral data.

6. A washing and care device, characterized in that, It has a method for obtaining clothing material information as described in any one of claims 1-5.

7. A washing and care device according to claim 6, characterized in that, Includes sensors for emitting and receiving near-infrared spectra.

8. A washing and care device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The sensor is an infrared photosensitive sensor.

9. A washing and care device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The washing and care device is a drum washing machine, which includes a washing drum and a viewing window. A sensor is installed on the viewing window so that the sensor can scan the entire bottom area of ​​the washing drum.

10. A washing and care device according to any one of claims 6-9, characterized in that, Also includes: The processor is used to receive clothing material information identified by the material information database and determine the corresponding washing and care mode based on the clothing material information. The controller, connected to the processor, is used to receive washing and care mode information and control the washing and care device to wash and care for clothes according to the corresponding washing and care mode.

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