Air Treatment Unit Imaging Control to Reduce Mist Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air treatment devices face issues with unclear image data due to mist formation within the casing, which affects the accuracy of imaging systems used for monitoring components.
Innovation Solution
An air treatment unit equipped with an imaging device and a control unit that captures images only when the fan is operational, thereby reducing mist presence within the casing by discharging mists outside along with the air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the imaging device captures images continuously inside the casing, then more image data can be acquired for monitoring components, but mist formation causes unclear image data
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging control unit dynamically adjusts the imaging timing based on the operational state of the air treatment device. When the fan is determined to be operating, the control unit instructs the imaging device to capture images. This dynamic adaptation to changing conditions (fan on/off states) resolves the contradiction by capturing images only when environmental conditions (reduced mist) are favorable, rather than using a static continuous or periodic imaging schedule.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the operational state detection (fan status) to control the imaging operation. The imaging control unit receives information about whether the fan is operating and uses this feedback to determine appropriate imaging timing. This feedback mechanism ensures images are captured when mist conditions are minimized, improving image clarity without requiring continuous imaging.
2Reliability
If the fan operates continuously to discharge mist, then mist is removed from the casing, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous fan operation, the system uses periodic or conditional fan operation based on imaging requirements. The fan operates periodically when image capture is needed to ensure clear images, then stops when imaging is not required. This periodic action pattern maintains image data quality while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The air treatment device uses its own operational cycles (fan operation for air treatment) to simultaneously achieve mist removal for imaging purposes. The fan's primary function of air circulation and treatment naturally serves the secondary function of clearing mist during imaging periods, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated mist removal system and reducing additional energy consumption.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively reduces the chances of acquiring unclear image data, allowing for clearer inspection of imaging targets by ensuring minimal mist interference during image capture.
Implementation Method 1
Mists in the casing (25) can be discharged to the outside of the casing (25) together with the air when the fan (23, 71) is in operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
An air treatment unit (5) includes: an imaging device (41) configured to capture an image of an imaging target (T) in a casing (25) of an air treatment device (10) and acquire image data of the imaging target (T); and a control unit (45) configured to cause the imaging device (41) to capture an image under a condition indicating that there are no mists or fewer mists in the casing (25), based on a state of the air treatment device (10).