Camera-Based Load Size Detection for Washing Machine Resource Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines require users to guess the load size, leading to inaccurate determinations that can damage clothes or result in insufficient cleaning, and existing automatic detection systems are resource-intensive and costly.
Innovation Solution
A method using image recognition processes to estimate the load size by obtaining images of the external basket with a camera assembly and analyzing them to match the fill level to an estimated load size, directing the wash cycle accordingly without the need for additional sensing assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional washing machines require users to guess the load size, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of load size is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses image capture to create a visual copy of the load in the basket, then processes this image copy to determine load size. Instead of adding complex physical sensors, the system captures an image of the load and uses image processing algorithms to estimate fill level and translate it to load size, replacing physical measurement devices with optical copying and computational analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical or electronic sensing assemblies with an optical system (camera) and computational image processing. Instead of using sensors to physically detect load characteristics, the system uses image recognition processes to analyze the visual appearance of the load and determine its size, substituting mechanical detection with optical-field-based measurement
2Measurement precision
If existing automatic detection systems are implemented, then the measurement precision of load size is improved, but the use of energy and resources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs load size determination before the wash cycle begins by capturing an image of the load in the basket. This preliminary measurement allows the system to pre-determine the load size and use this information to optimize water usage, detergent dosage, and cycle duration, preventing resource waste that would occur if measurements were taken later or if overestimation occurred
Solution Approach 2:
By using image copying and processing instead of continuous sensor monitoring or resource-intensive measurement systems, the patent achieves accurate load size determination with minimal additional resource consumption. The image capture and processing require significantly less energy than deploying and operating dedicated sensing assemblies throughout the wash cycle
3Measurement precision
If existing automatic detection systems are implemented, then the measurement precision of load size is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing camera assembly, originally designed for other functions (such as monitoring or user interface), and repurposes it for load size determination. By making the camera multi-functional, the system achieves new measurement capabilities without adding dedicated sensing hardware, thereby improving measurement precision while avoiding increased device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses image copying and computational processing to extract load size information, avoiding the need for specialized physical sensors. This approach achieves accurate measurement through software-based analysis of visual data rather than hardware-based detection, maintaining simplicity while improving precision
4Reliability
If user guesswork is used for load size determination, then the ease of operation is high, but the reliability of washing outcome is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic load size determination without requiring user input or guesswork. The camera captures the load, the image processing algorithm automatically estimates fill level, and the controller uses this information to select appropriate wash parameters. This self-service measurement eliminates the need for users to manually assess load size while ensuring reliable washing outcomes
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses visual feedback from the captured image to automatically adjust wash parameters based on the actual load size. The image provides objective feedback about the load's fill level and characteristics, allowing the controller to make data-driven decisions about water volume, detergent dosage, and cycle duration, thereby improving washing reliability without burdening the user
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a washing machine appliance may include obtaining one or more images of an external basket spaced apart from the washing machine appliance from a camera assembly and analyzing an obtained image of the one or more images using an image recognition process to estimate a fill level of a load of clothes within the external basket. The method may further include matching the estimated fill level to an estimated load size and directing a wash cycle within the washing machine appliance based on the estimated load size.