Automated Laundry Sorting Using Camera-Based Quality Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated laundry systems lack efficient methods for evaluating and sorting laundry based on functional and aesthetic qualities, particularly in commercial settings where items must meet quality standards for discoloration, fraying, or tearing, which are not adequately addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
An automated laundry sorting and evaluation system that uses a series of platforms with cameras and motors to evaluate laundry items based on weight, color, and condition, with image processing algorithms to identify damage and determine acceptability, and a robotic singulator to handle individual items, ensuring accurate sorting and segregation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated laundry systems are implemented, then productivity is improved, but the ability to detect and measure quality conditions (discoloration, fraying, tearing) is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated optical inspection system using cameras and image processing algorithms. The system captures images of laundry items and uses computer vision to detect discoloration, fraying, tearing, and other quality defects, enabling automated quality assessment without mechanical contact with the laundry items.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary evaluation system that acts as a bridge between the automated laundry processing system and quality control requirements. The camera-based imaging system and image processing algorithms serve as intermediaries to assess laundry quality conditions, providing detailed information about discoloration, fraying, and tearing that would be difficult to obtain through direct mechanical inspection.
2Measurement precision
If multiple cameras and platforms are added to evaluate laundry conditions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the laundry evaluation system into multiple independent platforms, each equipped with cameras for specific evaluation tasks. The system processes laundry items sequentially through different evaluation zones, allowing each camera system to focus on specific quality aspects (discoloration, fraying, tearing) without requiring all cameras to simultaneously analyze all items, thereby managing complexity through modular segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the camera systems and platforms to perform multiple functions: capturing images for quality assessment, determining laundry item orientation, and providing data for automated sorting decisions. The same imaging infrastructure supports various evaluation criteria, reducing the need for separate specialized systems for each quality parameter.
3Loss of time
If automated evaluation and sorting is implemented, then loss of time is reduced, but reliability of quality assessment may be compromised without proper detection capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual inspection with automated image capture and processing systems that can rapidly analyze multiple laundry items simultaneously. The computer vision algorithms process images to detect quality defects automatically, providing reliable assessment results in fractions of the time required for manual inspection while maintaining consistent evaluation criteria.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the imaging system continuously monitors laundry quality and provides real-time data to the control system. The system uses the captured images and analysis results to make immediate sorting decisions, creating a closed-loop feedback system that ensures reliable quality assessment while maintaining high-speed automated processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry sorting and evaluation system includes a housing having an opening and defining a laundry path. First and second platforms are positioned within the housing, each operably connected to a motor. First and second cameras are respectively associated with the platforms and are configured to acquire at images of an item of laundry on each of the first and second platforms. A controller is configured to receive the images and produce an evaluation of a condition of the item of laundry based upon the received images.