Dishwasher Camera Failure Detection Using Image Processing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwashers face high failure rates of dish recognition cameras due to high temperature, humidity, physical collisions, and contamination from food and oil stains, leading to incorrect dish image capture and potential malfunction.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dish recognition camera failure detection system that uses image processing to identify panel contamination, lens damage, defective pixels, and color filter issues by comparing dish images and analyzing pixel and brightness changes, allowing for timely repair or replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dish recognition camera is installed inside the dishwasher to capture dish images, then the dishwasher can identify dish types and adjust washing parameters, but the camera is exposed to high temperature, humidity, and physical collisions that cause frequent failures
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of camera status by analyzing dish images before the washing cycle begins. The controller checks whether the captured image meets predetermined standards (clarity, brightness, color accuracy) and detects abnormalities such as panel contamination, lens damage, defective pixels, or color filter issues before they cause washing malfunctions. This preliminary action prevents the camera from failing during the actual washing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors the quality of images captured by the dish recognition camera. By analyzing image characteristics (brightness, color, clarity) and comparing them against predetermined standards, the system receives feedback on camera health status. When abnormalities are detected, the controller can alert users or automatically adjust operations, creating a closed-loop feedback system that maintains camera reliability.
2Device complexity
If the dishwasher operates without detecting camera failures, then the device complexity remains low, but the dishwasher may malfunction due to incorrect dish image capture
Solution Approach 1:
The dishwasher performs self-diagnosis by using its existing image processing capabilities to detect camera failures. The controller analyzes dish images for abnormalities (panel contamination, lens damage, defective pixels, color filter issues) without requiring external detection devices. This self-service approach allows the system to monitor its own camera health using resources already available in the dishwasher.
Solution Approach 2:
The dish image itself serves as an intermediary that carries information about camera health status. By analyzing characteristics of the captured image (brightness distribution, color accuracy, presence of artifacts), the controller can indirectly detect camera failures without needing direct electrical or physical contact with the camera components. This intermediary approach enables failure detection through the camera's normal operating output.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
According to the present invention, a dishwasher comprises a case (1) defining an outer appearance and an opening at a front side thereof; a door (2) configured to close the open front side of the case (1); a tub (18) configured to provide a washing chamber; a rack (11, 12) disposed inside the tub (18) and configured to accommodate a dish; a dish recognition camera (20, 20a-20d) disposed on at least one of an inner surface of the door (2) or an inner surface of the tub (18) and configured to capture an upper portion of the rack (11, 12); and a controller (500) configured to control driving of the dishwasher and the dish recognition camera (20, 20a-20d), wherein the controller (500) is configured to: obtain a first dish image (601a) and a second dish image (601b) captured at different time points by the dish recognition camera (20, 20a-20d) based on a preset operation, process the obtained first dish image (601a) and second dish image (601b), and determine an abnormal operation of the dish recognition camera (20, 20a-20d) based on a result of processing the images. Furthermore, a corresponding method is disclosed.