Camera-Based Load Detection for Adaptive Dishwasher Cleaning Process
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cleaning devices lack the ability to reliably and efficiently adapt their cleaning processes based on the load state within the device, leading to suboptimal cleaning performance due to the inability to accurately assess and respond to the type, size, and condition of items being cleaned.
Innovation Solution
A method and control device that utilize an interior camera to read image signals, determine object areas and parameters such as type, size, and condition of items, and adapt the cleaning process accordingly, including the option to issue warning signals and adjust parameters for optimal cleaning performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a camera is installed in the cleaning device to detect the loading state, then the ability to adapt the cleaning process is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is designed to serve multiple functions: detecting loading state, identifying object types, determining object positions, and assessing soiling conditions. This multi-functionality allows the system to gather comprehensive cleaning information from a single device, improving cleaning process adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
An image processing unit acts as an intermediary between the camera and the cleaning control system. This intermediary processes the raw image data to extract relevant parameters (loading state, object type, position, soiling), thereby shielding the complexity of image analysis from the cleaning control system while enabling sophisticated adaptability
2Measurement precision
If image analysis is used to determine object parameters, then the measurement precision of loading state is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image analysis process is segmented into distinct functional steps: detecting the loading state, identifying object types, determining object positions, and assessing soiling conditions. This segmentation allows each aspect to be processed independently using appropriate algorithms, improving measurement precision while managing complexity through modular processing
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses digital image copies and processing rather than direct physical measurement. By working with image data representations rather than direct sensor measurements of each parameter, the system achieves high measurement precision for multiple parameters simultaneously while keeping the detection mechanism simple (just the camera)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for adapting a cleaning process in a cleaning device (100). The cleaning device (100) has a camera for capturing the interior (105). The method comprises a step of reading an image signal, a step of determining an object area (200), a step of determining a parameter, and a step of providing an adaptation signal. In the reading step, the image signal is read via an interface to the camera, wherein the image signal represents an image captured by the camera. In the determining step, the object area (200) is determined using the image signal, wherein the object area (200) represents at least one object depicted in the image.In the determination step, the parameter is determined using the object area (200), where the parameter represents a type and/or size and/or condition and/or location of the depicted object in the interior (105) of the cleaning device (100). In the provisioning step, the adjustment signal for adapting and/or modifying a cleaning process is provided using the parameter.