Dishwasher Filter Occlusion Detection Using Optical Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwashing machines face performance decline and potential drainage issues due to dirt accumulation in the filtering system, requiring frequent user intervention for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that uses optical devices to automatically evaluate the cleanliness of the filtering system by comparing digital images of the filter before and after use, generating signals for maintenance needs, and adjusting wash parameters to prevent noise and optimize performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the filtering system is not monitored, then the dishwashing machine operates without additional components, but washing performance declines due to dirt accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The filter monitoring system enables the filtering system to self-diagnose its cleanliness status through optical sensors and image processing algorithms. The system automatically detects dirt accumulation on the filter without requiring external intervention, triggering maintenance alerts when threshold values are exceeded, thus maintaining reliable washing performance through autonomous monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection of the filter with an automated optical monitoring system using cameras and image processing algorithms. This substitution of mechanical/manual checking with optical/electronic detection enables continuous automatic monitoring of filter cleanliness, resolving the contradiction between maintaining washing performance and avoiding additional system complexity
2Reliability
If manual filter cleaning is performed frequently, then washing performance is maintained, but user time and operational effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously captures images of the filter using optical sensors and processes these images to determine the degree of dirt accumulation. When the filter cleanliness falls below a predetermined threshold, the system provides feedback through maintenance alerts to the user, enabling timely intervention only when necessary. This feedback mechanism maintains washing performance while minimizing unnecessary maintenance operations and user time investment
3Reliability
If filter occlusion is not detected early, then the system structure remains simple, but drainage function fails due to complete occlusion
Solution Approach 1:
The optical monitoring system performs preliminary detection of filter occlusion by continuously analyzing images of the filter and comparing dirt accumulation levels against threshold values. The system triggers maintenance alerts before complete occlusion occurs, enabling proactive filter cleaning that prevents drainage failure. This preliminary action approach ensures reliable drainage function while using a relatively simple detection system based on image processing
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
The system informs users of maintenance requirements, preventing performance decline, reducing noise, and ensuring cleanliness, while optimizing wash performance and preventing detergent residue.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring, under the control of the control unit (4), a picture representing a condition of the filter (F)
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for automatically evaluating the degree of cleanliness of the filtering system in a dishwashing machine (1) comprising a washing zone (2) provided with a washing fluid collection zone (2"') in which a filter (F) is positioned, comprising steps of: acquiring (11) a first digital image (11A) representative of a first condition of the filter (F), digitally processing (12) the first digital image 11A so as to obtain a first processed image 11B, wherein the first processed image (11B) identifies a first surface value related to the surface area of the collection tank (F") of the filter (F) in a first condition in which the filter (F) is clean, acquiring (13) a second digital image (13A) representative of a second condition of the filter (F), digitally processing (14) the second digital image (13A) so as to obtain a second processed image (13B), wherein the second processed image (13B) identifies a second surface value related to the surface area of an accumulation of dirt present in the collection tank (F") in a second condition in which the filter (F) contains an accumulation of dirt, comparing (15) the second surface value with the first surface value to calculate an occlusion percentage value (OCL) of the filter (F) when passing between the first condition and the second condition, generating (16) a dirt presence signal (Sig) indicative of the presence of an accumulation of dirt in said filter (F), when the occlusion percentage value (OCL) of the filter (F) exceeds a predefined threshold value, generating (17) a sound and/or visual signal indicative of an obstructed filter condition, when the dirt presence signal (Sig) is generated.