Intelligent control system for water output of water purifier

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of control system, and specifically relates to an intelligent control system for water output of a water purifier, which comprises an induction control unit, a recognition container and an opening of the container, an analysis and calculation of the opening height of the container, a generation of a water output instruction when a water flow landing point is located in the opening of the container, a water output control unit, an analysis and calculation to determine a calculated capacity of a target container, a determination of the calculated capacity of the target container as a maximum water output, a control of water output based on cumulative water output after the generation of the water output instruction, a monitoring of a real-time weight of the target container during water taking, a determination of a maximum water holding weight of the target container based on water taking records, and a generation of a closing instruction when the real-time weight of the target container is equal to the corresponding maximum water holding weight. The present application can obtain data to calculate the calculated capacity of the target container through image analysis, and determine the maximum water output of each target container in combination with subsequent instruction monitoring, thereby realizing targeted water output control for different containers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of control system technology, and specifically to an intelligent control system for the water output of a water purifier. Background Technology

[0002] A water purifier, also called a water filter machine or water purifier, is a water treatment device that performs deep filtration and purification of water according to usage requirements. The term "water purifier" usually refers to a small purifier used in homes, which removes impurities such as floating matter, heavy metals, bacteria, viruses, and residual chlorine from the water. Common household models employ five- or six-stage filtration technology, using multi-stage filtration systems such as microfiltration membranes, compressed activated carbon, and ultrafiltration membranes to purify the water.

[0003] Existing inductive water dispensing control systems mostly use simple infrared photoelectric sensors for water dispensing control. While this method can control water dispensing by identifying obstructions to the water outlet to meet the user's water demand, it cannot intelligently analyze the user's water demand and stop dispensing in time. In addition, the above method is prone to controlling water dispensing when the container opening is not aligned with the water outlet, resulting in water waste and affecting the water dispensing experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides an intelligent control system for the water output of a water purifier, which can effectively solve the problems of inaccurate water output command triggering and difficulty in controlling the water output in existing technologies.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0006] This invention provides an intelligent control system for the water output of a water purifier, comprising at least:

[0007] The sensing control unit identifies water demand through sensors and a camera. Based on the water demand, it triggers water dispensing and shut-off commands in conjunction with the water dispensing and stop buttons.

[0008] When the sensor detects an object obstructing the water outlet, it calls the camera to continuously capture images of the area directly below the water outlet and performs image analysis to identify the container and its opening in the image, calculate the height of the container opening, determine the corresponding water flow landing point in the image, and generate a water discharge command when the water flow landing point is located inside the container opening.

[0009] The water output control unit distinguishes containers based on the collected container data and records them as target containers. It analyzes and calculates to determine the measured capacity of the target containers and uses the measured capacity of the target containers as the maximum water output. After the water output command is generated, it records the cumulative water output. When the cumulative water output equals the maximum water output, it triggers the shutdown command.

[0010] During the water intake process, the real-time weight of the target container is monitored, and the maximum water holding weight of the target container is determined based on the water intake record. When the real-time weight of the target container is equal to its corresponding maximum water holding weight, a shutdown command is generated.

[0011] The water speed control unit determines the corresponding control water flow rate based on the maximum water output and maximum water weight of each target container, and adjusts the water flow rate by decreasing the remaining water output.

[0012] Furthermore, the image analysis process is as follows:

[0013] Images captured in succession are recorded as real images. Real images are numbered according to the order in which they are captured. Images captured when there are no obstructions below the outlet are recorded as comparison images. Real images are compared with comparison images. The outline of obstructions in the real images is drawn and recorded as obstruction outlines. The area of ​​the obstruction outline in each real image is recorded in turn and a line graph of area change is drawn. The slope of change corresponding to the last two area values ​​is calculated. When the slope of change is less than or equal to 0, the last real image captured is recorded as an image to be determined.

[0014] Edge detection is performed on the occluded contour region in the image to be determined, the structured contour features of the image are extracted, and a binary edge map is obtained. Based on the elliptical features of each edge contour line in the binary edge map, the container opening contour line and its corresponding target ellipse are selected and determined. The target elliptical region corresponding to the opening contour line is recorded as the opening region.

[0015] The opening height of the container is analyzed based on the occlusion contour. The position of the water flow landing point in the image to be determined is recorded as the landing point position. When the landing point position is within the opening area, a water discharge command is generated.

[0016] Furthermore, the process of determining the opening contour line is as follows:

[0017] Filter out multiple closed contours from the binary edge map. The closed contours must satisfy the following conditions:

[0018] Condition 1: The outer perimeter length of the closed contour is greater than a preset length threshold;

[0019] Condition 2: The rate of change of curvature at any point on the outer periphery of the closed contour is less than or equal to the preset curvature change threshold;

[0020] Condition 3: There is no overlapping area between any two closed contours;

[0021] For each closed contour, a fitting ellipse is constructed. The fitting ellipse is the largest ellipse within the closed contour. The area difference between the fitting ellipse and its corresponding closed contour is calculated and divided by the area of ​​the fitting ellipse to obtain the goodness of fit of each fitting ellipse. Fitting ellipses with a goodness of fit greater than or equal to a preset goodness of fit threshold are selected and recorded as target ellipses. The closed contour corresponding to the target ellipse with the largest area is recorded as the opening contour line.

[0022] Furthermore, the analysis process for the occlusion contour opening height is as follows:

[0023] A horizontal rectangular coordinate system corresponding to the container placement plane is constructed and denoted as the positioning coordinate system. The projection points of the camera and the water outlet on the positioning coordinate system are respectively denoted as the first projection point and the second projection point. The line connecting the first projection point and the second projection point is denoted as the shooting baseline.

[0024] Draw a shooting baseline in the image to be determined. Record the intersection of the shooting baseline and the edge of the occlusion contour as the first anchor point. Record the intersection of the extension of the shooting baseline and the opening contour as the second anchor point. Obtain the distance between the first anchor point and the second anchor point as the image length value. Combine the coordinates of the first anchor point in the horizontal Cartesian coordinate system to analyze and calculate the opening height.

[0025] Furthermore, multiple test points are pre-set and evenly distributed on the shooting baseline. A ruler with length markings is placed vertically at any test point. The height change mapping function corresponding to the test point is obtained based on the image height value corresponding to each height value of the ruler in the image.

[0026] The test point corresponding to the first anchor point is obtained and denoted as the target test point. The image length value is substituted into the height change mapping function corresponding to the target test point to obtain the corresponding height value, which is denoted as the opening height.

[0027] Furthermore, the process for determining the landing point is as follows:

[0028] The height change mapping function corresponding to the second projection point is denoted as the target mapping function. The opening height of the container is substituted into the target mapping function to obtain the corresponding image height value, which is denoted as the water flow image height. In the image to be determined, a line segment with a length equal to the water flow image height and located outside the second projection point is drawn with the second projection point as the first endpoint. This line segment is the target line segment. The position of the second endpoint of the target line segment is denoted as the landing position.

[0029] Furthermore, the process for obtaining the maximum water output is as follows:

[0030] The opening height of the target container is obtained and recorded as the target container height. The minor axis of the target ellipse corresponding to the opening outline is drawn. The height change mapping function corresponding to multiple test points located outside the first anchor point is obtained and recorded as the test function. The opening height is substituted into each test function in turn to obtain the corresponding image height value and recorded as the test height.

[0031] Based on the test height and the test point location, draw the corresponding simulated line segments in the image to be determined, and record the upper endpoints of each simulated line segment as distribution points. Connect each distribution point in sequence to obtain the distance measuring line.

[0032] Based on the distribution of each point on the ranging line and the length of the projection line segment of the minor axis of the target ellipse onto the surveying line, the actual length corresponding to the minor axis of the target ellipse is calculated and recorded as the opening radius. Based on the opening radius and the opening height, the measured capacity of the target container is calculated.

[0033] Furthermore, the calculation process for the opening radius is as follows:

[0034] Obtain the ranging line and multiple distribution points on the ranging line. Record any two adjacent distribution points as an adjacent group. Obtain the image distance between two distribution points in the adjacent group as the adjacent image distance. Calculate the distance between two adjacent test points and divide it by the adjacent image distance to obtain the image ratio corresponding to the adjacent group.

[0035] The projection line segment representing the minor axis of the target ellipse on the ranging line is called the minor axis projection line. The number of adjacent groups covered by the minor axis projection line is obtained. The points distributed within the range of the minor axis projection line are called coverage points. The distance between the two endpoints of the minor axis projection line and the nearest coverage point is obtained and multiplied by the corresponding image scale to obtain the distance between the two endpoints.

[0036] Multiply the number of adjacent groups by the distance between two adjacent test points and add the distance between the two endpoints to calculate the radius of the target container opening.

[0037] Furthermore, when the shut-off command is triggered by the real-time water output equaling the maximum water output, if the user immediately clicks the water output button to control the water output, the subsequent cumulative water output is recorded until the user clicks the stop water output button to trigger the shut-off command. The subsequent cumulative water output is added to the calculated capacity as the maximum water output of the target container.

[0038] Furthermore, the real-time weights of the target container at the start and end of each water extraction process are recorded as the first weight and the second weight, respectively. A maximum water-holding capacity is set for each target container, and a value is assigned to it based on the second weight obtained after each water extraction process, wherein:

[0039] When the second weight is greater than the existing maximum water holding weight, the second weight shall be used as the maximum water holding weight.

[0040] If the second weight is less than or equal to the existing maximum water holding weight, the original value of the maximum water holding weight is retained.

[0041] The technical solution provided by this invention has the following advantages compared with the known prior art:

[0042] On the one hand, this invention can identify container openings and estimate their height through image analysis technology, overcoming the deficiency of existing technologies that cannot analyze container opening heights. Compared to general infrared photoelectric sensing devices, it can minimize accidental water discharge and control the water flow to accurately fall into the container, effectively improving the accuracy of water discharge sensing in existing technologies and reducing water waste. On the other hand, it can obtain data through image analysis to calculate the measured capacity of the target container, and combine it with subsequent command monitoring to determine the maximum water output of each target container, thereby achieving targeted water discharge control for different containers. Attached Figure Description

[0043] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0044] Figure 1 This is an overall module block diagram of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0045] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0046] The present invention will be further described below with reference to embodiments.

[0047] See Figure 1 An intelligent control system for water purifier output is disclosed. This system is applicable to water purifiers with intelligent sensing water output. The water purifier can detect the user's water demand and output water by using a sensor and camera located near the water outlet, providing intelligent water output service. A mesh tray is provided below the water outlet for placing containers such as water cups and kettles. A water pool or trough is provided below the tray for users to easily empty wastewater and handle excess water output from the water purifier.

[0048] It should be noted that the use of sensing devices (such as infrared photoelectric sensors and capacitive sensors) and cameras are existing technologies and are used in many water discharge devices, so they will not be discussed in detail here.

[0049] At least including:

[0050] The sensing control unit, which includes the water purifier's water outlet sensing device and camera, is collectively referred to as the water outlet sensing module. It has preset water outlet commands and shut-off commands. The water outlet command controls the water purifier to start dispensing water, and the shut-off command controls the water purifier to stop dispensing water. The water outlet command is triggered by the water outlet sensing module when it detects the user's water demand, and the shut-off command is triggered when it detects that the user's water demand has disappeared.

[0051] Furthermore, the water purifier is also equipped with a water dispensing button and a stop button, which correspond to the water dispensing command and the shutdown command, respectively, and are triggered by the user. The water dispensing button and the stop button serve as a supplementary device for the water dispensing function, which can meet the user's active water dispensing and stopping needs. That is, when the user wants to stop the water dispensing, he / she can directly trigger it by pressing the stop button, thereby improving the problem of poor water dispensing experience caused by the fact that the water dispensing function of the existing technology can only be passively controlled.

[0052] Specifically, the water discharge command sensor triggering process is as follows:

[0053] The sensing device continuously monitors the area directly below the water outlet. When it detects an object obstructing the water outlet, it calls the camera to continuously capture images of the area directly below the water outlet and performs image analysis. Through image analysis, it identifies the container and its opening in the image and determines the corresponding water flow point in the image. When the water flow point is located inside the container's opening, it generates a water discharge command.

[0054] In one specific embodiment, the sensing device adopts an infrared photoelectric sensing device. By installing an infrared emitting tube and an infrared receiving tube near the water outlet, the emitting tube continuously emits infrared rays. When there is an object blocking the light, the infrared rays are reflected back and captured by the receiving tube. At this time, the receiving tube converts the light signal into an electrical signal, thereby identifying the object blocking the light.

[0055] More specifically, the image analysis process is as follows:

[0056] Images captured in succession are recorded as real images. Real images are numbered according to the order in which they are captured. Images captured when there are no obstructions below the outlet are recorded as comparison images. Real images are compared with comparison images. The outline of obstructions in the real images is drawn and recorded as obstruction outlines. The area of ​​the obstruction outline in each real image is recorded in turn and a line graph of area change is drawn. The slope of change corresponding to the last two area values ​​is calculated. When the slope of change is less than or equal to 0, the last real image captured is recorded as an image to be determined.

[0057] Edge detection is performed on the occluded contour region in the image to be determined, the structured contour features of the image are extracted, and a binary edge map is obtained. Based on the elliptical features of each edge contour line in the binary edge map, the container opening contour line and its corresponding target ellipse are selected and determined. The target elliptical region corresponding to the opening contour line is recorded as the opening region.

[0058] The opening height of the container is analyzed based on the occlusion contour. The position of the water flow landing point in the image to be determined is recorded as the landing point position. When the landing point position is within the opening area, a water discharge command is generated.

[0059] It should be noted that the edge detection algorithm and the construction of the binary edge map are existing technologies, and will not be elaborated on further here. Identifying the container opening and determining water discharge through image analysis technology can effectively improve the accuracy of water discharge sensing in existing technologies. Compared with general infrared photoelectric sensing devices, it avoids accidental water discharge and can control the water flow to fall accurately into the container.

[0060] More specifically, the process for determining the opening contour line is as follows:

[0061] Filter out multiple closed contours from the binary edge map. The closed contours must satisfy the following conditions:

[0062] Condition 1: The outer perimeter length of the closed contour is greater than the preset length threshold (based on empirical values, excluding the influence of closed contours that are too short).

[0063] Condition 2: The rate of change of curvature at any point on the outer perimeter of the closed contour is less than or equal to the preset curvature change threshold (set based on empirical values ​​to ensure the smoothness of the edge lines).

[0064] Condition 3: There is no overlapping area between any two closed contours;

[0065] For each closed contour, a fitting ellipse is constructed. The fitting ellipse is the largest ellipse within the closed contour. The area difference between the fitting ellipse and its corresponding closed contour is calculated and divided by the area of ​​the fitting ellipse to obtain the goodness of fit of each fitting ellipse. Fitting ellipses with a goodness of fit greater than or equal to a preset goodness of fit threshold are selected and recorded as target ellipses. The closed contour corresponding to the target ellipse with the largest area is recorded as the opening contour line.

[0066] It should be noted that a typical container usually has a circular opening at the top. When viewed from below at an angle, the opening usually appears as an ellipse. Therefore, by selecting smooth edges and performing ellipse fitting, the closed contour corresponding to the container opening can be quickly determined.

[0067] More specifically, the analysis process for the occlusion contour opening height is as follows:

[0068] A horizontal Cartesian coordinate system (i.e., the Cartesian coordinate system corresponding to the mesh tray) corresponding to the container placement plane is constructed and denoted as the positioning coordinate system. The projection points of the camera and the water outlet on the positioning coordinate system are obtained and denoted as the first projection point and the second projection point, respectively. The line connecting the first projection point and the second projection point is denoted as the shooting baseline. The shooting baseline is drawn in the comparison image. Then, using the comparison image as a reference, the shooting baseline is drawn in the image to be determined. The intersection of the shooting baseline and the occlusion contour line is denoted as the first anchor point. The intersection of the extension of the shooting baseline and the opening contour line is denoted as the second anchor point. The distance between the first anchor point and the second anchor point is denoted as the image length value. Combining the coordinates of the first anchor point in the horizontal Cartesian coordinate system, the opening height is analyzed and calculated.

[0069] It should be noted that because the camera is tilted towards the outlet, it can capture a downward-sloping side view of the container. Since most containers are designed to stand upright, the opening and bottom can be considered to be on the same vertical line. Therefore, the height of the container can be calculated based on the distance between the container opening and the bottom in the image, combined with the camera's shooting angle.

[0070] in:

[0071] Multiple test points are pre-set and evenly distributed on the shooting baseline. A ruler with length markings is placed vertically on any test point. The height change mapping function corresponding to the test point is obtained based on the image height value (height in the image) corresponding to each height value (actual height) of the ruler in the image. The test point corresponding to the first anchor point (the test point closest to the first anchor point) is recorded as the target test point. The image length value is substituted into the height change mapping function corresponding to the target test point to obtain the corresponding height value, which is recorded as the opening height.

[0072] By constructing a height change mapping function corresponding to different test points, the image at different locations and heights can be compared with the actual height, thus enabling the opening height to be determined based on the position of the first anchor point and the image length.

[0073] More specifically, the process for determining the landing point is as follows:

[0074] The height change mapping function corresponding to the second projection point is denoted as the target mapping function. The opening height of the container is substituted into the target mapping function to obtain the corresponding image height value, which is denoted as the water flow image height. In the image to be determined, a line segment with a length equal to the water flow image height and located outside the second projection point (away from the first projection point) is drawn as the target line segment (including the first and second endpoints). The position of the second endpoint of the target line segment is denoted as the landing position.

[0075] It should be noted that the camera is obviously not placed inside the water outlet, but rather on the inside of the outlet (opposite to the side used by the user). There is an angle between the axis of the captured image and the vertical line, which means that the water drop point in the captured image is not fixed, but depends on the height of the water drop or the height of the container opening. Therefore, by analyzing the height of the container opening, we can determine the drop point of the water at the corresponding height, and thus determine whether the water can accurately fall into the container.

[0076] The water output control unit distinguishes multiple target containers based on the target ellipse area corresponding to the container opening and the container opening height. Based on the collected target container data, further analysis and calculation are performed to determine the calculated capacity of the target container. The calculated capacity of the target container is used as the maximum water output. After the water output command is generated, the cumulative water output (single time) is recorded. When the cumulative water output equals the maximum water output, the shutdown command is triggered.

[0077] Specifically, the process for obtaining the maximum water output is as follows:

[0078] The opening height of the target container is obtained and recorded as the target container height. The minor axis of the target ellipse corresponding to the opening outline is drawn. The height change mapping function corresponding to multiple test points located outside the first anchor point is obtained and recorded as the test function. The opening height is substituted into each test function in turn to obtain the corresponding image height value and recorded as the test height. Based on the test height and the position of the test points, the corresponding simulated line segments are drawn in the image to be determined. The upper endpoints of each simulated line segment are recorded as distribution points. The distribution points are connected in turn to obtain the ranging line. Based on the distribution of each distribution point on the ranging line and the length of the projection line segment of the minor axis of the target ellipse on the measuring line, the actual length corresponding to the minor axis of the target ellipse is calculated and recorded as the opening radius. Based on the opening radius and the opening height, the measured capacity of the target container is calculated.

[0079] It should be noted that, given the height change mapping function of multiple test points, it is possible to simulate the distribution points corresponding to multiple test points on the same height plane. These distribution points are also on a straight line, and since the multiple test points are equidistant from each other, these distribution points are also (actually) equidistant from each other. Therefore, the actual distance under the height plane can be fitted by the distribution distance of these distribution points in the image, and the radius of the target container opening can be analyzed based on the image distance of the minor axis of the target ellipse (actually the opening diameter).

[0080] More specifically, the capacity calculation process is as follows:

[0081] Obtain the ranging line and multiple distribution points on the ranging line. Record any two adjacent distribution points as an adjacent group. Obtain the image distance between two distribution points in an adjacent group and record it as the adjacent image distance. Calculate the distance between two adjacent test points and divide it by the adjacent image distance to obtain the image scale corresponding to the adjacent group. The projection line segment representing the minor axis of the target ellipse on the ranging line is recorded as the minor axis projection line. Obtain the number of adjacent groups covered by the minor axis projection line. Record the distribution points within the range of the minor axis projection line as coverage points. Obtain the distance between the two endpoints of the minor axis projection line and the nearest coverage point and multiply it by the corresponding image scale (the image scale corresponding to the adjacent group where the endpoint is located) to obtain the distance between the two endpoints. Multiply the number of adjacent groups by the distance between two adjacent test points and add the distance between the two endpoints to calculate the radius of the target container opening. Multiply the area of ​​the target container opening (using the formula for the area of ​​a circle) by the opening height and multiply by a preset redundancy coefficient (generally, the target container is not usually filled too full when taking water; in a specific embodiment, the value is 0.9).

[0082] The formula for calculating the opening radius is expressed as follows: Where r represents the target container opening radius, and n represents the number of adjacent groups covered by the minor axis projection line. This represents the actual distance between two adjacent test points. These represent the distance between the two endpoints.

[0083] It should be noted that by drawing the minor axis projection line on the distance measuring line and analyzing the number of distribution points within the minor axis projection line, the length of the minor axis of the target ellipse can be estimated. The error range of this estimation step is at least less than the actual distance between two adjacent test points. Therefore, it can approximately represent the actual length of the minor axis of the target ellipse, which is the diameter of the circular opening of the target container, thereby estimating the capacity of the target container (which obviously conforms to the construction rules of target containers in daily life).

[0084] Furthermore, when the shut-off command is triggered by the real-time water output equaling the maximum water output, if the user immediately clicks the water output button to control the water output, the subsequent cumulative water output is recorded until the user clicks the stop water output button to trigger the shut-off command. The subsequent cumulative water output is added to the calculated capacity to obtain the maximum water output of the target container.

[0085] By monitoring subsequent instructions, it is possible to identify user behavior when the desired water intake is not met, thereby distinguishing containers with non-cylindrical internal spaces (possibly teapots shaped like lanterns), and updating the maximum water output of such containers to facilitate targeted water output control for different containers in subsequent processes.

[0086] Furthermore, a pressure sensor located under the mesh tray monitors the real-time weight of the container. The real-time weight of the target container at the start and end of each water retrieval process is recorded as the first weight and the second weight, respectively (the water retrieval process consists of at least one set of water dispensing command and a closing command; the start of the water retrieval process corresponds to the first water dispensing command, and the end of the water retrieval process corresponds to the last closing command). A maximum water-holding weight is set for each target container, and a value is assigned to it based on the second weight obtained after each water retrieval process (initial value is 0). If the real-time weight of the target container is equal to its corresponding maximum water-holding weight during the water retrieval process, a closing command is generated.

[0087] Specifically, the process for assigning the maximum water holding capacity is as follows:

[0088] When the second weight is greater than the existing maximum water holding weight, the second weight shall be used as the maximum water holding weight.

[0089] If the second weight is less than or equal to the existing maximum water holding weight, the original value of the maximum water holding weight is retained.

[0090] The water speed control unit determines the corresponding controlled water output (i.e., the total amount of water actually controlled) based on the maximum water output and maximum water weight of each target container, and adjusts the water output speed according to the controlled water output.

[0091] Specifically, the process for adjusting the water flow rate is as follows:

[0092] The water output weight is obtained by subtracting the real-time weight of the target container when the water output command is triggered from the maximum water holding weight. The second total water output is obtained by dividing the water output weight by the density of water. The minimum value between the second total water output and the maximum water output is selected as the control water output. The remaining water output is obtained by subtracting the cumulative water output during the water output process from the control water output. There are multiple preset decreasing water output speeds, and each water output speed corresponds to a remaining water output range. The multiple remaining water output ranges correspond to the water output speeds (the left endpoint values ​​also maintain a gradient decrease). The water output speed is adjusted based on the remaining water output range to which the remaining water output belongs.

[0093] Adjusting the water flow rate based on the remaining water volume allows the water flow rate to decrease as the remaining water volume decreases, thereby avoiding water splashing when the container is almost full, improving the user's water dispensing experience, and maximizing water dispensing efficiency compared to uniform water dispensing (increasing the water flow rate at the beginning of water dispensing, when there is enough space in the container, and splashing will not occur).

[0094] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions will not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the protection scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An intelligent control system for the water output of a water purifier, characterized in that, include: The sensing control unit identifies water demand through sensors and a camera. Based on the water demand, it triggers water dispensing and shut-off commands in conjunction with the water dispensing and stop buttons. When the sensor detects that there is an object blocking the water outlet, it continuously takes pictures of the area directly below the water outlet and performs image analysis to identify the container and its opening in the image, calculates the height of the container opening, and determines the corresponding water flow landing point in the image. When the water flow landing point is located inside the container opening, a water discharge command is generated. The water output control unit distinguishes containers based on the collected container data and records them as target containers. It analyzes and calculates to determine the measured capacity of the target containers and uses the measured capacity of the target containers as the maximum water output. After the water output command is generated, it records the cumulative water output. When the cumulative water output equals the maximum water output, it triggers the shutdown command. During the water intake process, the real-time weight of the target container is monitored, and the maximum water holding weight of the target container is determined based on the water intake record. When the real-time weight of the target container is equal to its corresponding maximum water holding weight, a shutdown command is generated. The water speed control unit determines the remaining water output based on the maximum water output and maximum water weight of each target container, combined with the cumulative water output during the water output process. The water output speed is then adjusted to decrease based on the reduction of the remaining water output. The image analysis process is as follows: Images captured consecutively are recorded as real images. Real images are numbered according to the order in which they are captured. Images captured when there are no obstructions below the outlet are recorded as comparison images. Real images are compared with comparison images. The outline of obstructions in the real images is drawn and recorded as obstruction outlines. The area of ​​the obstruction outline in each real image is recorded in turn and a line graph of area change is drawn. The slope of change corresponding to the last two area values ​​is calculated. When the slope of change is less than or equal to 0, the last real image captured is recorded as an image to be determined. Edge detection is performed on the occluded contour region in the image to be determined, the structured contour features of the image are extracted, and a binary edge map is obtained. Based on the elliptical features of each edge contour line in the binary edge map, the container opening contour line and its corresponding target ellipse are selected and determined. The target elliptical region corresponding to the opening contour line is recorded as the opening region. The opening height of the container is analyzed based on the occlusion contour. The position of the water flow landing point in the image to be determined is recorded as the landing point position. When the landing point position is within the opening area, a water discharge command is generated.

2. The intelligent control system for the water output of a water purifier according to claim 1, characterized in that, The process of determining the opening outline is as follows: Filter out multiple closed contours from the binary edge map. The closed contours must satisfy the following conditions: Condition 1: The outer perimeter length of the closed contour is greater than a preset length threshold; Condition 2: The rate of change of curvature at any point on the outer periphery of the closed contour is less than or equal to the preset curvature change threshold; Condition 3: There is no overlapping area between any two closed contours; For each closed contour, a fitting ellipse is constructed. The fitting ellipse is the largest ellipse within the closed contour. The area difference between the fitting ellipse and its corresponding closed contour is calculated and divided by the area of ​​the fitting ellipse to obtain the goodness of fit of each fitting ellipse. Fitting ellipses with a goodness of fit greater than or equal to a preset goodness of fit threshold are selected and recorded as target ellipses. The closed contour corresponding to the target ellipse with the largest area is recorded as the opening contour line.

3. The intelligent control system for the water output of a water purifier according to claim 2, characterized in that, The process of analyzing the height of the occluded contour opening is as follows: A horizontal rectangular coordinate system corresponding to the container placement plane is constructed and denoted as the positioning coordinate system. The projection points of the camera and the water outlet on the positioning coordinate system are respectively denoted as the first projection point and the second projection point. The line connecting the first projection point and the second projection point is denoted as the shooting baseline. Draw a shooting baseline in the image to be determined. Record the intersection of the shooting baseline and the edge of the occlusion contour as the first anchor point. Record the intersection of the extension of the shooting baseline and the opening contour as the second anchor point. Obtain the distance between the first anchor point and the second anchor point as the image length value. Combine the coordinates of the first anchor point in the horizontal Cartesian coordinate system to analyze and calculate the opening height.

4. The intelligent control system for the water output of a water purifier according to claim 3, characterized in that, Multiple test points are pre-set and evenly distributed on the shooting baseline. A ruler with length markings is placed vertically on any test point. The height change mapping function corresponding to the test point is obtained based on the image height value corresponding to each height value of the ruler in the image. The test point corresponding to the first anchor point is obtained and denoted as the target test point. The image length value is substituted into the height change mapping function corresponding to the target test point to obtain the corresponding height value, which is denoted as the opening height.

5. The intelligent control system for the water output of a water purifier according to claim 4, characterized in that, The process of determining the landing point is as follows: The height change mapping function corresponding to the second projection point is denoted as the target mapping function. The opening height of the container is substituted into the target mapping function to obtain the corresponding image height value, which is denoted as the water flow image height. In the image to be determined, a line segment with a length equal to the water flow image height and located outside the second projection point is drawn with the second projection point as the first endpoint. This line segment is the target line segment. The position of the second endpoint of the target line segment is denoted as the landing position.

6. The intelligent control system for the water output of a water purifier according to claim 5, characterized in that, The process for obtaining the maximum water output is as follows: The opening height of the target container is obtained and recorded as the target container height. The minor axis of the target ellipse corresponding to the opening outline is drawn. The height change mapping function corresponding to multiple test points located outside the first anchor point is obtained and recorded as the test function. The opening height is substituted into each test function in turn to obtain the corresponding image height value and recorded as the test height. Based on the test height and the test point location, draw the corresponding simulated line segments in the image to be determined, and record the upper endpoints of each simulated line segment as distribution points. Connect each distribution point in sequence to obtain the distance measuring line. Based on the distribution of each point on the ranging line and the length of the projection line segment of the minor axis of the target ellipse onto the surveying line, the actual length corresponding to the minor axis of the target ellipse is calculated and recorded as the opening radius. Based on the opening radius and the opening height, the measured capacity of the target container is calculated.

7. The intelligent control system for the water output of a water purifier according to claim 6, characterized in that, The specific calculation process for the opening radius is as follows: Obtain the ranging line and multiple distribution points on the ranging line. Record any two adjacent distribution points as an adjacent group. Obtain the image distance between two distribution points in the adjacent group as the adjacent image distance. Calculate the distance between two adjacent test points and divide it by the adjacent image distance to obtain the image ratio corresponding to the adjacent group. The projection line segment representing the minor axis of the target ellipse on the ranging line is called the minor axis projection line. The number of adjacent groups covered by the minor axis projection line is obtained. The points distributed within the range of the minor axis projection line are called coverage points. The distance between the two endpoints of the minor axis projection line and the nearest coverage point is obtained and multiplied by the corresponding image scale to obtain the distance between the two endpoints. Multiply the number of adjacent groups by the distance between two adjacent test points and add the distance between the two endpoints to calculate the radius of the target container opening.

8. The intelligent control system for the water output of a water purifier according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the shut-off command is triggered by the real-time water output equaling the maximum water output, if the user clicks the water output button to control the water output, the subsequent cumulative water output is recorded until the user clicks the stop water output button to trigger the shut-off command. The subsequent cumulative water output plus the calculated capacity is used as the maximum water output of the target container.

9. The intelligent control system for the water output of a water purifier according to claim 6, characterized in that, The real-time weights of the target container at the start and end of each water extraction process are recorded as the first weight and the second weight, respectively. A maximum water-holding capacity is set for each target container, and this maximum weight is assigned based on the second weight obtained after each water extraction process. When the second weight is greater than the existing maximum water holding weight, the second weight shall be used as the maximum water holding weight. If the second weight is less than or equal to the existing maximum water holding weight, the original value of the maximum water holding weight is retained.

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