Washing machine and washing system

Abstract

To provide a washing machine and a washing system, capable of mending an unbalanced state in a faster stage than before.SOLUTION: A washing machine includes a housing having a washing tank, a camera for photographing the inside of the tank, a projection unit for projecting a pattern inside the tank, and a control unit. The control unit performs photographic processing that allows the projection unit to project a pattern inside the washing tank and allows the camera to photograph the inside of the tank with the pattern projected, and estimation processing for estimating the shape data of the content in the washing tank based on the image obtained by the photographic processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following disclosure relates to a washing machine and a washing system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a method of correcting the imbalance of clothes in a dehydration tank with a small amount of water during the dehydration process.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine and a washing system capable of improving an unbalanced state at an earlier stage than in the prior art.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The washing machine of the present disclosure includes a housing having a washing tub, a camera for photographing the inside of the washing tub, a projection unit for projecting a pattern into the washing tub, and a control unit. The control unit causes the projection unit to project a pattern into the washing tub, and performs a photographing process of causing the camera to photograph the inside of the washing tub where the pattern is projected, and an estimation process of estimating information regarding the shape of the contents in the washing tub based on an image obtained by the photographing process.

[0006] The laundry system of the present disclosure includes a washing machine, a server capable of communicating with the washing machine, and a control unit. The washing machine includes a housing having a washing tub, a camera for photographing the inside of the washing tub, a projection unit for projecting a pattern into the washing tub, and a receiving unit for communicating with the server. The control unit performs a photographing process of causing the projection unit to project a pattern into the washing tub and causing the camera to photograph the inside of the washing tub where the pattern is projected, and an estimation process of estimating information regarding the shape of the contents in the washing tub based on the image obtained by the photographing process.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a washing machine and a washing system that can improve an unbalanced state at an earlier stage than in the prior art.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5A

Figure 5B

Figure 6A

Figure 6B

Figure 7

Figure 8A

Figure 8B

Figure 9A

Figure 9B

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of a washing machine and the like according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the content described in the following embodiments, and design changes can be appropriately made within the scope that satisfies the configuration of the present disclosure. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the main parts and the parts related to the present disclosure.

[0010] In the present disclosure, the "washing machine" generally means all devices that perform various processes such as washing on the objects to be washed. Examples of the treatment of the objects to be washed include, for example, washing, drying, deodorizing, sterilizing, etc. The objects to be washed are not particularly limited. Examples of the objects to be washed include, for example, fabric products. Specific examples of the objects to be washed include, for example, clothing such as clothes, hats, and gloves; belongings such as shoes, bags, handkerchiefs, and towels; curtains; bedding such as blankets, towel blankets, and futon covers; carpets; stuffed toys; etc.

[0011] The "vertical washing machine" means a washing machine in which the rotation axis of the tub extends substantially along the vertical direction in the installed state.

[0012] The "drum-type washing machine" means a washing machine in which the rotation axis of the tub extends substantially in the horizontal direction or obliquely upward toward the front side in the installed state.

[0013] Two lines or planes are "perpendicular" if the angle (absolute value) formed by the two is within the range of 90° ± 3°.

[0014] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the internal structure of the washing machine 1. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the inside of the washing machine 1 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface of the washing tub 13. The arrows in FIGS. 2 and 3 indicate the rotation direction of the washing tub 13, but the washing tub 13 may rotate in the direction opposite to this arrow. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the washing machine 1. Only the main parts are shown in these drawings. For example, in FIG. 2, the structures other than the washing tub 13, the camera 21, and the projection unit 22 are omitted. In FIG. 3, the structures other than the washing tub 13 and the projection unit 22 are omitted.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine 1 is preferably a vertical washing machine. The washing machine 1 includes a housing 10 including a washing tub 13 and the like, a camera 21 that photographs the inside of the washing tub 13, a projection unit 22 that projects a pattern into the washing tub 13, and various functional units such as a control unit 31. The functional units are, for example, an operation display unit 32 that displays various information and receives operations from the user, a water supply unit 15 that supplies water (water supply) to the washing tub 13, a drainage unit 16 that drains the water in the washing tub 13, a control unit 31, a drive unit 33, and the like. The drainage unit 16 includes a drain valve.

[0016] The housing 10 is formed of, for example, metal or synthetic resin and is substantially rectangular in plan view. Usually, the washing machine 1 further includes a lid 11, and the housing 10 has an opening 14 inside the lid 11. The lid 11 opens or closes the opening 14. The lid 11 is maintained openable and closable by, for example, a hinge (also called a hinge).

[0017] Inside the housing 10, a water tank, a washing tub 13, various functional parts, etc. are accommodated. The washing tub 13 is disposed inside the water tank. The water tank and the washing tub 13 each have a bottomed cylindrical shape with one end (preferably the upper end) of the cylindrical body being open. Examples of the bottomed cylindrical shape include a bottomed cylindrical shape and a bottomed rectangular tube shape. Further, the water tank and the washing tub 13 each have a bottom opening at a substantially central portion of the bottom surface. The bottom opening can function as a drainage portion 16 that penetrates the lower portion of the water tank and the washing tub 13 and drains the water in the washing tub 13.

[0018] With the lid 11 open, laundry is put into the washing tub 13 through the opening 14. The drive unit 33 includes a drive motor, a clutch-brake mechanism, a drive shaft, a stirring member, etc., and rotates the washing tub 13. The stirring member (also referred to as a pulsator) is a member for stirring the laundry accommodated in the washing tub 13 and is disposed at the bottom of the washing tub 13. The stirring member rotates or oscillates independently of the washing tub 13 by the drive of the drive motor via the drive shaft. The drive shaft is inserted through the bottom opening (i.e., the drainage portion 16) of the washing tub 13. The drive motor and the clutch-brake mechanism drive the washing tub 13 and the stirring member based on an instruction from, for example, the control unit 31. The drive motor is, for example, a DC (direct current) motor unit and can switch the rotation direction in both the forward and reverse directions. The drive shaft has a double-shaft structure of a stirring shaft and a dehydration shaft. The stirring shaft is connected to the stirring member and rotates the stirring member. The dehydration shaft is connected to the washing tub 13 and rotates the washing tub 13.

[0019] The washing machine 1 includes a camera 21 that photographs the inside of the washing tub 13 and a projection unit 22 that projects a pattern into the washing tub 13. It is preferable that the camera 21 and the projection unit 22 are configured such that the projection unit 22 projects a pattern into the washing tub 13 based on an instruction from the control unit 31, and the camera 21 receives the reflected light thereof. In particular, in the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, as will be described later, the control unit 31 performs a plurality of photographing processes by rotating the washing tub 13, performs a plurality of photographing processes using different patterns (see Embodiment 4 described later), or uses a plurality of projection units 22 (see Embodiment 5 described later), and preferably analyzes the change in the pattern between the projected light and the reflected light. Thereby, the control unit 31 can easily obtain three-dimensional information in which the influence of the light directionality and the shadow is sufficiently eliminated as information regarding the shape of the contents 40 in the washing tub 13. Therefore, the accuracy of the estimation process is further improved. Thus, it is particularly preferable that the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment improves the unbalanced state by using the pattern projection method.

[0020] The camera 21 may be a monochrome camera or a color camera. The camera 21 may also be a two-dimensional camera (2D camera), a three-dimensional camera (3D camera), or a 2D·3D integrated camera.

[0021] The camera 21 and the projection unit 22 are preferably arranged inside the housing 10, and more preferably arranged inside the housing 10 and above the washing tub 13. Specifically, the camera 21 is more preferably arranged inside the lid 11, and even more preferably arranged at a substantially central portion inside the lid 11. The projection unit 22 is also more preferably arranged inside the lid 11, and even more preferably arranged at a peripheral portion inside the lid 11. Note that the camera 21 and the projection unit 22 are preferably fixed to predetermined positions (for example, the above-described preferable positions) of the washing machine 1, respectively.

[0022] Also, when viewed in plan from a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface of the washing machine 1, it is preferable that the camera 21 and the projection unit 22 are arranged at positions where their centroids do not overlap each other (see FIG. 2). Specifically, in FIG. 2, the straight line (c) represents a straight line perpendicular to the bottom surface of the washing tub 13 from the centroid of the camera 21, and it is preferable that the centroid of the projection unit 22 is not located on this straight line (c). Thereby, the accuracy of the estimation process by the control unit 31 is improved.

[0023] The control unit 31 is composed of a CPU, an MPU, etc., and executes a program stored in a storage device that can be provided inside or outside the washing machine 1. The control unit 31 may be a microcomputer including a CPU and a storage device, etc. As will be described later, at least a part of the processing performed by the control unit 31 may be performed outside the washing machine 1 (for example, a server 50 capable of communicating with the washing machine 1) (see Embodiment 6).

[0024] After acquiring an operation instruction for the washing machine 1, for example, the control unit 31 performs at least a photographing process and an estimation process. The operation instruction for the washing machine 1 is an instruction from a user or the like regarding, for example, setting or changing operation start (operation ON), operation stop (operation OFF), operation type (for example, washing, drying, tub cleaning, deodorizing, etc.), operation mode (for example, standard mode, urgent mode, dry mode, etc.), operation time, etc.

[0025] The photographing process is a process in which the control unit 31 causes the projection unit 22 to project a pattern into the washing tub 13 and causes the camera 21 to photograph the inside of the washing tub 13 where the pattern is projected. The pattern is, for example, a stripe pattern (striped pattern), a check pattern (checkered pattern), or the like.

[0026] In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the pattern is projected onto the entire bottom surface of the washing tub 13 in a plan view (see FIGS. 3, 5A, and 5B). That is, the projection unit 22 performs pattern projection so that the pattern is projected onto the entire bottom surface of the washing tub 13 in a plan view. In the normal usage mode of the washing machine 1, since the laundry 40 is accommodated in the washing tub 13, the "entire bottom surface of the washing tub 13" here refers to the part when it is assumed that the laundry 40 is not accommodated in the washing tub 13. When it is assumed that the laundry 40 is not accommodated in the washing tub 13, in a plan view, the part that includes the substantially central portion of the bottom surface of the washing tub 13 and occupies 80% or more (preferably 90% or more) of the total bottom surface area is referred to as the "entire bottom surface of the washing tub 13".

[0027] FIGS. 5A and 5B are images of specific projection patterns. These figures are also views of the bottom surface of the washing tub 13 in a plan view from a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface of the washing tub 13. FIG. 5A is an image when the bottom surface shape of the washing tub 13 is circular in a plan view, and FIG. 5B is an image when the bottom surface shape of the washing tub 13 is rectangular in a plan view. In these drawings, it can be seen that the pattern is projected onto the entire bottom surface at the locations where the hatched pattern is projected.

[0028] The estimation process is a process in which the control unit 31 estimates information regarding the shape of the contents (i.e., the laundry) 40 in the washing tub 13 based on the image obtained by the imaging process. The image obtained by the imaging process may be a black-and-white image, a color image, a two-dimensional image, or a three-dimensional image. The information regarding the shape of the contents 40 is, for example, the degree of bias, the degree of inclination, the two-dimensional shape, or the three-dimensional shape of the contents 40.

[0029] The control unit 31 may perform an estimation process based on the image obtained by the imaging process, or may perform an estimation process based on a part of the image obtained by the imaging process. Among the images obtained by the imaging process, a part thereof is, for example, a part corresponding to the shape when a pattern is projected onto the peripheral portion of the bottom surface of the washing tub 13 in a plan view (see, for example, FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B described later). Usually, for the bias of the laundry 40, the state of the laundry 40 located at the peripheral portion of the washing tub 13 rather than the central portion of the washing tub 13 is important. Therefore, when the location where the estimation process is performed is limited, the amount of calculation required for the estimation process is reduced, and when the estimation process is performed in the server 50 as described later, the communication volume between the server 50 and the washing machine 1 is also reduced (see Embodiment 6).

[0030] The control unit 31 preferably performs the imaging process a plurality of times by rotating the washing tub 13. "Performing the imaging process a plurality of times by rotating the washing tub 13" includes performing the above imaging process a plurality of times while rotating the washing tub 13, and performing the above imaging process a plurality of times with the rotation of the washing tub 13 stopped (including temporarily stopped). The control unit 31 may rotate the washing tub 13 in a state where the projection unit 22 projects a pattern into the washing tub 13.

[0031] In particular, it is preferable that the control unit 31 performs the above-described imaging process a plurality of times by rotating the washing tub 13, and then performs the above-described estimation process based on the differences between the plurality of images obtained by the plurality of imaging processes. Thereby, the accuracy of the estimation process is further improved. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, when the washing tub 13 rotates, even when the camera 21 and the projection unit 22 are in fixed positions within the washing machine 1, the same position of the contents 40 of the washing tub 13 (for example, in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the intersection (b) of the straight line extending from the camera 21 and the straight line extending from the projection unit 22) is projected with patterns from different directions. Therefore, the control unit 31 can more easily estimate the shape of the contents 40 of the washing tub 13 from the differences between the plurality of obtained images. Thus, the accuracy of the estimation process by the control unit 31 is further improved. FIG. 6A is an image diagram showing the state before the rotation of the washing tub 13, and FIG. 6B is an image diagram showing the state after rotating the washing tub 13 shown in FIG. 6A. Note that the straight line (c) is a straight line representing the direction perpendicular to the bottom surface of the washing tub 13 from the center of the camera 21.

[0032] When rotating the washing tub 13 for the imaging process, it is preferable that the rotation amount of the washing tub 13 is smaller than the rotation amount of the washing tub 13 during the dehydration process, that is, in other words, the rotation speed of the washing tub 13 is lower than the rotation speed of the washing tub 13 during the dehydration process. In particular, it is preferable that the rotation speed of the washing tub 13 is such that the laundry in the washing tub 13 can maintain its state. In this case, the accuracy of the estimation process is further improved. For example, the rotation amount of the washing tub 13 for the imaging process is preferably 200 rpm or less because the slower the rotation amount (i.e., the rotation speed), the more possible it is to take images without stopping. When the rotation speed is slow, the shutter speed can be set low, so that images can be taken even when the brightness inside the washing tub 13 is low. Further, the control unit 31 may continuously capture images inside the washing tub 13 while rotating the washing tub 13 at a speed lower than the rotation speed of the washing tub 13 during the dehydration process.

[0033] The washing machine 1 preferably further includes a rotation amount detection unit that detects the rotation amount of the washing tub 13. As the rotation amount detection unit, for example, a sensor that detects the rotation amount of the drive motor can be mentioned. However, as will be described later, it is preferable to use the rotation position detection unit 23 as the rotation amount detection unit (see Embodiment 3).

[0034] The processing executed by the control unit 31 will be further described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a preferred example of the processing by the control unit 31.

[0035] For example, after the start of operation (operation ON) of the washing machine 1, the control unit 31 causes the projection unit 22 to project a pattern into the washing tub 13, and causes the camera 21 to photograph the inside of the washing tub 13 on which the pattern is projected (step S1). After that, the control unit 31 rotates the washing tub 13 by a specified amount (step S2). In step S2, the control unit 31 performs the photographing process again while rotating the washing tub 13 or stopping the rotation of the washing tub 13. Note that the projection unit 22 may once end the projection of the pattern after the photographing of the inside of the washing tub 13 by the camera 21, or may continue to project the pattern until the next photographing.

[0036] After that, when the control unit 31 determines that a plurality of images necessary for performing the estimation process have been obtained ((x) reference), the control unit 31 performs the estimation process (step S5). On the other hand, in step S2, when the control unit 31 determines that a plurality of images necessary for performing the estimation process have not yet been obtained ((y) reference), after performing the photographing process once or a plurality of times (step S3), the washing tub 13 is rotated again (steps S4 and S2).

[0037] After the estimation process is completed, it is preferable for the control unit 31 to determine whether or not the contents 40 of the washing tub 13 are in an unbalanced state based on the estimation result obtained in the estimation process. When the control unit 31 determines that it is in an unbalanced state, it is preferable for the control unit 31 to execute an unbalance correction process. As the unbalance correction process, for example, the control unit 31 rotates the pulsator or the washing tub 13 in the presence of a small amount of water or in the absence of water.

[0038] In the washing machine 1, a series of washing processes such as washing, rinsing, and dehydration are usually performed. At the end of the rinsing process, the drain valve of the washing machine 1 is opened, and the water level in the washing tub 13 drops. Then, after the water level in the washing tub 13 has dropped sufficiently, the dehydration process is started. In the present embodiment, it is preferable that the control unit 31 performs imaging processing after the drain valve of the washing machine 1 is opened, and it is more preferable that the control unit 31 performs imaging processing after the water level in the washing tub 13 becomes equal to or lower than a threshold value. The threshold value (also referred to as a reference value) can be set in advance in consideration of the weight of the washing machine 1 and the contents 40, etc. The threshold value may be zero. Note that the washing machine 1 preferably includes a water level sensor.

[0039] Also, it is preferable that the control unit 31 performs imaging processing before the dehydration process is started, it is more preferable that the control unit 31 performs imaging processing and estimation processing before the dehydration process is started, and it is still more preferable that the control unit 31 performs imaging processing, estimation processing, and imbalance correction processing before the dehydration process is started.

[0040] In particular, it is preferable that the control unit 31 performs imaging processing and estimation processing after the drain valve of the washing machine 1 is opened and before the dehydration process is started, and it is more preferable that the control unit 31 performs imaging processing, estimation processing, and imbalance correction processing after the drain valve of the washing machine 1 is opened and before the dehydration process is started. Also, it is still more preferable that the control unit 31 performs imaging processing and estimation processing after the water level in the washing tub 13 becomes equal to or lower than the threshold value and before the dehydration process is started, and it is most preferable that the control unit 31 performs imaging processing, estimation processing, and imbalance correction processing after the water level in the washing tub 13 becomes equal to or lower than the threshold value and before the dehydration process is started.

[0041] In conventional washing machines, correction work for an unbalanced state was usually performed in the dehydration process (see, for example, Patent Document 1). However, as described above, the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment can perform unbalance correction processing before the dehydration process is started. That is, the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment can acquire the state of the laundry 40 inside the washing tub 13 before starting dehydration, and can improve the unbalanced state without attempting dehydration. The washing machine 1 of the present embodiment can also estimate the shape of the contents of the washing tub 13 without using a dedicated shape measurement sensor or the like, which is useful in terms of cost.

[0042] The washing machine 1 of the present embodiment may also be a washing machine with a drying function. Generally, if there is a bias in the contents 40 of the washing tub 13 during the drying process, the drying performance will deteriorate. However, as described above, the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment includes the housing 10, the camera 21, the projection unit 22, and the control unit 31 that performs imaging processing and estimation processing, so the internal state of the washing tub 13 can be monitored regularly. Therefore, it is possible to regularly check whether the contents 40 are in a state suitable for drying. For example, when the control unit 31 determines that the state is not suitable for drying (for example, the contents 40 are in an unbalanced state), it is preferable for the control unit 31 to perform unbalance correction processing. Thereby, a decrease in drying performance is sufficiently suppressed. The washing machine 1 with a drying function that includes the housing 10, the camera 21, the projection unit 22, and the control unit 31, and in which the control unit 31 performs imaging processing and estimation processing at least during the drying process, is also included in the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment.

[0043] (Embodiment 2) In the present embodiment, the features specific to the present embodiment will be mainly described, and the description of the content overlapping with the above embodiment will be omitted. The washing machine 1 of the present embodiment is substantially the same as the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1 except that the projection location of the pattern is different.

[0044] In the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, the pattern is projected onto the peripheral portion of the bottom surface of the washing tub 13 in a plan view (see FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B). That is, the projection unit 22 performs projection so that the pattern is projected onto the peripheral portion of the bottom surface of the washing tub 13 in a plan view. In the normal usage mode of the washing machine 1, since the laundry 40 is accommodated in the washing tub 13, the "peripheral portion of the bottom surface of the washing tub 13" here refers to the portion when it is assumed that the laundry 40 is not accommodated in the washing tub 13. When it is assumed that the laundry 40 is not accommodated in the washing tub 13, in a plan view, the portion that does not include the substantially central portion of the bottom surface and includes at least a part of the end portion of the bottom surface is referred to as the "peripheral portion of the bottom surface of the washing tub 13".

[0045] FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B are image diagrams of specific projection patterns. These figures are also views of the bottom surface of the washing tub 13 in a plan view from a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface of the washing tub 13. FIGS. 8A and 9A are image diagrams when the bottom surface shape of the washing tub 13 is circular in a plan view, and FIGS. 8B and 9B are image diagrams when the bottom surface shape of the washing tub 13 is rectangular in a plan view. FIGS. 9A and 9B are image diagrams of the projection patterns of FIGS. 8A and 8B, respectively, in a further limited case. In these drawings, it can be seen that the pattern is projected only on the peripheral portion of the bottom surface, although the hatched pattern is the portion where the pattern is projected.

[0046] In the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, the location where the pattern is projected is limited as compared with the case where the pattern is projected onto the entire bottom surface of the washing tub 13 (see FIGS. 5A and 5B). Therefore, the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment can sufficiently reduce the amount of calculation required for the estimation process, and also, when the estimation process is performed in the server 50 as described later, the communication volume between the server 50 and the washing machine 1 can be reduced.

[0047] (Embodiment 3) In this embodiment, the features specific to this embodiment will be mainly described, and the description of the content overlapping with the above embodiment will be omitted. The washing machine 1 of this embodiment further includes a rotation position detection unit 23 that detects the rotation position of the washing tub 13 (see FIGS. 10 and 11). Except for this point, the washing machine 1 of this embodiment is substantially the same as the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1 or 2.

[0048] FIGS. 10 and 11 are views when the inside of the washing machine 1 is viewed in plan from a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface of the washing tub 13. In FIGS. 10 and 11, the structures other than the washing tub 13, the projection unit 22, and the rotation position detection unit 23 are omitted.

[0049] The rotation position detection unit 23 is used as a means for detecting the rotation position of the washing tub 13. The position where the rotation position detection unit 23 is arranged is preferably within the imaging range of the camera 21 and is a position that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the washing tub 13. FIG. 11 shows that when the washing tub 13 in FIG. 10 rotates, the rotation position detection unit 23 also rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the washing tub 13. The arrow (a) indicates that the washing tub 13 has rotated in the direction of this arrow by the length of this arrow.

[0050] The rotation position detection unit 23 is, for example, an attachment (such as a seal or a label) to the washing tub 13, or a printed matter directly printed on the washing tub 13. For example, by attaching a mark to the upper part of the washing tub 13 by means of a seal or printing, etc., the mark can be used as the rotation position detection unit 23.

[0051] The number of the rotation position detection units 23 is one or more for one washing machine 1. When the washing machine 1 is provided with a plurality of rotation position detection units 23, the rotation position detection units 23 can also be preferably used for distortion correction of the image obtained by the imaging process.

[0052] Since the washing machine 1 is provided with the rotation position detection unit 23, the control unit 31 can calculate, for example, the rotation amount of the washing machine 1 based on the image obtained by the imaging process. That is, the rotation position detection unit 23 can also function as a rotation amount detection unit that detects the rotation amount of the washing tub 13. When the washing machine 1 is provided with a sensor that detects the rotation amount of, for example, a drive motor as the rotation amount detection unit, the control unit 30 needs to perform a process of associating the rotation amount acquired from the sensor with the image obtained by the above imaging process when performing the estimation process, and it is also necessary to consider the sensor error. However, when the washing machine 1 is provided with the rotation position detection unit 23 as the rotation amount detection unit, the control unit 31 can calculate the rotation amount based on the image obtained by the imaging process, so the association process becomes unnecessary and the sensor error can also be suppressed.

[0053] (Embodiment 4) In this embodiment, the features specific to this embodiment will be mainly described, and the description of the content overlapping with the above embodiments will be omitted. In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 31 performs the imaging process a plurality of times, and at least one pattern used in at least one of the imaging processes is different from the pattern projected in at least one of the other imaging processes. Except for this point, the washing machine 1 of this embodiment is substantially the same as the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1, 2, or 3.

[0054] Among the imaging processes performed by the control unit 31, any two imaging processes are respectively referred to as the first imaging process and the second imaging process.

[0055] In the first imaging process, the pattern projected by the control unit 31 onto the projection unit 22 is defined as the first pattern. In the second imaging process, the control unit 31 causes the projection unit 22 to project a second pattern different from the first pattern. The first pattern and the second pattern only need to be different from each other. For example, they may be stripe patterns with different thicknesses, or stripe patterns with different stripe directions.

[0056] The control unit 31 preferably performs an estimation process by comparing the image obtained by the first imaging process with the image obtained by the second imaging process.

[0057] In the present embodiment, the control unit 31 can perform a more accurate estimation process without rotating the washing tub 13 during the imaging process. Note that the control unit 31 may rotate the washing tub 13 during the imaging process.

[0058] (Embodiment 5) In the present embodiment, the features specific to the present embodiment will be mainly described, and the description of the content overlapping with the above embodiments will be omitted. The washing machine 1 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of projection units 22. Except for this point, the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment is substantially the same as the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1, 2, 3, or 4.

[0059] The number of the projection units 22 is 2 or more with respect to one washing machine 1, and for example, it is preferably 2 or more and 10 or less. Among the projection units 22 included in the washing machine 1, any two projection units 22 are respectively referred to as a first projection unit and a second projection unit.

[0060] It is more preferable that both the first projection unit and the second projection unit are arranged inside the lid 11, and it is even more preferable that they are arranged at the peripheral part inside the lid 11. The first projection unit and the second projection unit are arranged at positions separated from each other. For example, the first projection unit may be arranged at the end inside the lid 11, and the second projection unit may be arranged at a diagonal position sandwiching the first projection unit and the central part inside the lid 11. However, when the number of the projection units is small, from the viewpoint of improving the accuracy, it is preferable that the plurality of projection units are not arranged on a straight line passing through the same center. Also, it is preferable that both the first projection unit and the second projection unit are arranged at positions where the centroid does not overlap with the camera 21 when viewed in a plan view from a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface of the washing machine 1. Note that the first projection unit and the second projection unit are preferably fixed to predetermined parts of the washing machine 1 respectively.

[0061] Since the washing machine 1 is provided with a plurality of projection units 22, the washing machine 1 can project a plurality of patterns from a plurality of different directions. Therefore, the control unit 31 can perform more accurate estimation processing without rotating the washing tub 13 during the imaging process. Note that the control unit 31 may rotate the washing tub 13 during the imaging process.

[0062] (Embodiment 6) In the present embodiment, features specific to the present embodiment will be mainly described, and descriptions of the contents overlapping with the above embodiments will be omitted. In the present embodiment, a washing system 100 will be described in which at least a part of the processing performed by the control unit 31 described in Embodiments 1 to 5 is performed outside the washing machine 1.

[0063] The washing system 100 of the present embodiment includes a washing machine 1, a server 50 capable of communicating with the washing machine 1, and a control unit. The washing machine 1 includes a housing 10 having a washing tub 13, a camera 21 for imaging the inside of the washing tub 13, a projection unit 22 for projecting a pattern into the washing tub 13, and a receiving unit 34 for communicating with the server 50. The control unit performs an imaging process of causing the projection unit 22 to project a pattern into the washing tub 13 and causing the camera 21 to image the inside of the washing tub 13 where the pattern is projected, and an estimation process of estimating information regarding the shape of the contents 40 in the washing tub 13 based on the image obtained by the imaging process. FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the washing system 100.

[0064] The receiving unit 34 may be connected to a communication line via a router, a gateway, etc., and be capable of communicating with the server 50 via the communication line, or may be capable of directly communicating with the server 50 by, for example, short-range wireless communication without passing through the communication line. The server 50 may be a cloud-type server.

[0065] The server 50 includes a control unit 51, and the washing machine 1 includes a control unit 31 (see FIG. 12). The control unit 51 is composed of a CPU, an MPU, etc., and executes a program stored in a storage device that can be provided inside or outside the server 50. The control unit 51 may be a microcomputer including a CPU and a storage device, etc. The control unit 51 included in the server 50 may perform the photographing process and the estimation process, or the control unit 31 included in the washing machine 1 may perform some of these processes, and the control unit 51 included in the server 50 may perform the remaining processes.

[0066] For example, when the control unit 51 included in the server 50 executes at least the estimation process, the control unit 51 may perform the estimation process based on the image obtained by the photographing process, similar to the control unit 31 in the first embodiment, or may perform the estimation process based on a part of the image obtained by the photographing process. In the latter case, not only the amount of calculation required for the estimation process is reduced, but also the communication amount between the server 50 and the washing machine 1 is reduced. Also, in the washing system 100 of the present embodiment, similar to the washing machine 1 of the second embodiment, the location where the pattern is projected may be limited. That is, the pattern may be projected on the peripheral portion of the bottom surface of the washing tub 13 in plan view. Also in this case, not only the amount of calculation required for the estimation process is reduced, but also the communication amount between the server 50 and the washing machine 1 is reduced.

[0067] As described above, the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be implemented in various aspects without departing from the gist thereof. Also, a plurality of components disclosed in the above embodiments can be modified as appropriate. For example, a certain component among all the components shown in one embodiment may be added to the components of another embodiment, or some of the components among all the components shown in one embodiment may be deleted from the embodiment.

[0068] In addition, for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the invention, the drawings schematically show each component mainly. The thickness, length, number, interval, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may be different from the actual situation for the convenience of drawing creation. Also, the configuration of each component shown in the above embodiments is an example and is not particularly limited. Needless to say, various changes can be made without substantially departing from the effects of the present disclosure.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0069] 1: Washing machine 10: Housing 11: Lid 13: Washing tub 14: Opening 15: Water supply section 16: Drainage section 21: Camera 22: Projection section 23: Rotation position detection section 31, 51: Control section 32: Operation display section 33: Driving section 34: Receiving section 40: Contents (laundry) in the washing tub 50: Server 100: Washing system

Claims

1. A housing including a washing tub, a camera for photographing inside the washing tub, a projection unit for projecting a pattern inside the washing tub, and a control unit, wherein the control unit performs a photographing process of causing the projection unit to project a pattern inside the washing tub and causing the camera to photograph the inside of the washing tub on which the pattern is projected, and an estimation process of estimating information regarding the shape of the contents in the washing tub based on an image obtained by the photographing process. A washing machine.

2. When viewed in plan from a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface of the washing machine, the camera and the projection unit are arranged at positions where their centroids do not overlap with each other. The washing machine according to Claim 1.

3. The control unit performs the estimation process based on the difference between a plurality of images obtained by performing the photographing process a plurality of times after rotating the washing tub to perform the photographing process a plurality of times. The washing machine according to Claim 1.

4. Further including a rotation amount detection unit for detecting the rotation amount of the washing tub. The washing machine according to Claim 3.

5. The rotation speed of the washing tub is lower than the rotation speed of the washing tub during the dehydration process. The washing machine according to Claim 3.

6. Further including a rotation position detection unit for detecting the rotation position of the washing tub. The washing machine according to Claim 3.

7. The control unit performs the photographing process a plurality of times, wherein at least one pattern used in at least one of the photographing processes is different from the pattern projected in at least one of the other photographing processes. The washing machine according to Claim 1.

8. Including a plurality of the projection units. The washing machine according to Claim 1.

9. The pattern is projected onto the entire bottom surface of the washing tub in plan view. The washing machine according to any one of Claims 1 to 8.

10. The pattern is projected onto the peripheral portion of the bottom surface of the washing tub in plan view. The washing machine according to any one of Claims 1 to 8.

11. The control unit performs the photographing process after the drain valve of the washing machine is opened. The washing machine according to any one of Claims 1 to 8.

12. The control unit performs the photographing process after the water level in the washing tub becomes equal to or lower than a threshold value. The washing machine according to any one of Claims 1 to 8.

13. The control unit performs the photographing process before the dehydration process is started. The washing machine according to any one of Claims 1 to 8.

14. A washing machine, a server capable of communicating with the washing machine, and a control unit, The washing machine includes a housing having a washing tub, a camera for photographing inside the washing tub, a projection unit for projecting a pattern inside the washing tub, and a receiving unit for communicating with the server. The control unit performs a photographing process of causing the projection unit to project a pattern inside the washing tub and causing the camera to photograph the inside of the washing tub on which the pattern is projected, and an estimation process of estimating information regarding the shape of the contents in the washing tub based on the image obtained by the photographing process. Washing system.

Images