Camera-Guided Faucet Control for Object-Based Water Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatically controlled faucets lack the ability to adapt fluid flow characteristics based on the type of object positioned beneath the spout, typically offering only binary 'on' and 'off' states, which is insufficient for various uses requiring different fluid flow characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A faucet control system that includes a camera to capture images of the object, a processing circuit to analyze and classify the object, and a valve control system to adjust fluid flow characteristics such as temperature, rate, and duration based on the object classification, allowing for dynamic adaptation of water flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a proximity sensor is used to automatically detect object presence, then the faucet can be automatically turned on and off, but the fluid flow characteristics cannot be customized for different uses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the simple proximity sensor detection with a camera-based image recognition system. The camera captures images of objects beneath the spout, and image processing algorithms automatically identify and classify the object type (e.g., hand, cup, bottle). This substitution enables the system to not only detect presence but also understand the specific object, allowing for customized fluid flow characteristics without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes fluid flow parameters (temperature, flow rate, duration) based on the classified object type. Different object classifications trigger different parameter settings: hands receive warm water at moderate flow for washing, while cups or bottles receive cold water at controlled flow for filling. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by enabling versatility while maintaining automatic control.
2Device complexity
If the faucet provides only binary on/off states, then the control system remains simple, but it is insufficient for different purposes requiring different fluid flow characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically classifying objects and adjusting fluid parameters without user input. The image recognition system independently identifies the object type and selects appropriate flow characteristics, eliminating the need for manual controls or complex user interfaces. This maintains operational simplicity while achieving high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system transitions from static binary states to dynamic multi-state operation. Based on real-time image analysis, the system continuously adjusts fluid flow parameters to match the detected object type. This dynamic adaptation enables versatile fluid delivery while the automated nature of the system keeps the user-facing interface simple.
3Adaptability or versatility
If image recognition is implemented to classify objects, then fluid flow characteristics can be adapted to object type, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera serves multiple functions: it detects object presence, identifies object type, and provides input for flow parameter control. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate sensing systems into a single device, reducing overall system complexity while enabling sophisticated object-based fluid control.
Solution Approach 2:
The image processing algorithm acts as an intermediary between the camera and the fluid control system. It automatically classifies objects and translates visual information into control signals for appropriate fluid flow characteristics. This intermediary layer simplifies the integration between sensing and actuation while enabling adaptable control based on object type.
Data Source
AI summary
A faucet includes a spout configured to direct fluid into a sink, a camera arranged to capture images of the sink, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit may receive an image from the camera. The image may include an object positioned beneath the spout. The processing circuit may analyze the image received from the camera to assign a classification to the object included in the image. The processing circuit may cause the spout to direct fluid into the sink with fluid flow characteristics that correspond to the classification of the object in the image.