Adaptive Laundry Detergent Dosing Using Image Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of correctly dosing detergent in laundry machines is exacerbated by the multitude of detergent suppliers, formulations, washing machine capacities, dispenser types, and varying laundry loads, leading to suboptimal cleaning and increased expenses due to overdosing or underdosing.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive dosing system that uses a mobile device with a camera and image recognition to identify detergent containers and recommend the appropriate dosage based on shape, color, text, and brand logo, communicating with the laundry appliance to update dosing rules or provide recommendations through a human-machine interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If consumers manually determine detergent dosage based on supplier recommendations and machine requirements, then they can control dosing, but the complexity increases due to multiple suppliers, formulations, machine capacities, and varying load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the washing machine to automatically identify the detergent type through image recognition and autonomously determine the correct dosage based on detected parameters (detergent type, load size, soil level, machine capacity), eliminating the need for consumers to manually calculate dosages across multiple suppliers and formulations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual consumer judgment and mechanical dosing with an automated optical detection system (camera-based image recognition) that identifies detergent containers and a control system that calculates optimal dosage, substituting human decision-making with machine intelligence
2Ease of operation
If consumers use pre-programmed cycles with fixed dosing recommendations, then operation is simplified, but dosing accuracy deteriorates due to varying detergent formulations and load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static fixed dosing recommendations to dynamic adaptive dosing by continuously detecting detergent container parameters (type, concentration, volume) and load conditions, then adjusting the dosing recommendation in real-time based on the specific combination of detergent and washing conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by using the camera to detect detergent container characteristics, comparing them against database information, and adjusting the dosing recommendation based on the identified detergent type, concentration, and volume, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to actual conditions
3Measurement precision
If image recognition technology is used to identify detergent containers and determine dosage, then dosing accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to camera and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system serves multiple functions: identifying detergent container type, reading text/labels, detecting container volume, and determining detergent concentration, allowing a single component to perform what would otherwise require multiple specialized sensors and measurement devices
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for improved laundry dosing are provided. An image of a detergent container captured by a user is received. Image recognition is performed on the image of the detergent container to identify a detergent to be used based on shape, color, text, and/or brand logo of the detergent container. Parameters of the detergent are identified based on the image recognition. A dose of the detergent is recommended and/or a controlled release of a dose of the detergent is performed for a laundry cycle of a laundry appliance according to the parameters.