Camera-Guided Refrigerator Dispenser Fill Level Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator dispensers lack a hands-free select-fill capability, relying on mechanical or electrical switches that require user interaction to control ice and water dispensing, often leading to inconsistent fill levels and potential overflow.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser system equipped with a camera that senses the user's finger position within the dispenser well to determine the desired fill level, using image processing to regulate the dispensing operation based on container shape and size, preventing overflow by adjusting the dispensing rate accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a camera-based image processing system is implemented to detect container shape and finger position, then hands-free select-fill capability and measurement precision are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switches and manual control elements with a camera-based optical sensing system. The camera captures images of the container and user's finger, and image processing algorithms automatically determine container dimensions and desired fill level, eliminating the need for mechanical actuators and manual switch operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy (image) of the physical container and finger position. The camera captures visual information that is then processed to extract geometric data about the container shape and the user's indicated fill level, allowing the system to work with digital representations rather than physical measurements.
2Manufacturing precision
If the dispensing rate is regulated based on container shape and size detection, then manufacturing precision of fill level is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the camera continuously monitors the container fill level, compares it against the detected desired fill level (indicated by the user's finger position), and adjusts the dispensing rate accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures precise fill levels while adapting to different container shapes and sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the dispensing system dynamic by adjusting the dispensing rate in real-time based on detected container characteristics. The system adapts its operation to match the specific geometry of each container, optimizing the fill process for different container types rather than using a fixed dispensing mechanism.
3Productivity
If automatic container detection and fill level control is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to automatically detect container presence, determine container dimensions, identify the user's desired fill level through finger position detection, and control the dispensing process without any manual intervention. The system serves itself by using image processing to extract all necessary control parameters from the visual scene.
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
Enables precise, hands-free selection of fill levels and optimized dispensing rates, ensuring accurate and efficient filling without user intervention, reducing the risk of overflow.
Implementation Method 1
Image data from the camera is transmitted to a controller and processed for distortion correction, and edge based image segmentation and morphological operations are carried out to remove background noise
Data Source
AI summary
A select-fill dispensing system and method for a dispenser assembly utilizes a camera to sense a desired fill level based on the location of a user's finger with respect to a container. In use, a consumer places his or her finger along a container to indicate the desired fill level of the container. Image data from the camera is transmitted to a controller and processed for distortion correction, edge based image segmentation and morphological operations are carried out to remove background noise. The processed image data is utilized to detect the presence of the container, as well as the shape of the container, the position of the container opening, and the top and bottom points of the container. The controller provides a means for controlling the dispensing operation, including a fill rate, based on the desired fill level and the shape of the container.