Dishwasher Object Recognition for Automated Drawer Loading Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers lack active assistance for efficient loading, leading to inefficient use of space, increased energy and water consumption, and wear on components due to manual determination of rack space by users.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher equipped with an image sensor, computer system, and actuators that use object recognition to identify suitable drawer locations for washware, automatically extending or retracting drawers to aid in efficient loading and reduce user effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If users manually determine rack space availability by pulling out racks, then they can identify available space, but this causes undue wear on dishwasher components (rack tracks, glides, and rollers)
Solution Approach 1:
The dishwasher system performs self-detection of rack space availability using sensors and image processing, eliminating the need for users to manually check rack space. The system automatically determines whether racks are full or have available space, thereby preventing wear on rack tracks, glides, and rollers from repeated manual pulling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical action of manually pulling racks to check space with an electronic/optical detection system. Image sensors and processing circuits detect rack position and space availability without physical contact, substituting mechanical wear-prone operations with non-contact sensing.
2Productivity
If users load dishwasher racks inefficiently, then fewer dishes are washed per load, but this leads to increased water and energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of rack space availability and provides guidance to users before loading begins. By pre-identifying which racks have space and their capacity, the system enables users to plan efficient loading strategies, maximizing the number of dishes washed per load and minimizing water and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors rack loading status using sensors and provides real-time information to users via a user interface. This feedback enables users to optimize their loading approach, ensuring maximum rack utilization and efficient resource consumption.
3Ease of operation
If the dishwasher provides no active assistance for loading, then the system remains simple, but users cannot efficiently load washware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of sensors, processing circuits, and a user interface that mediates between the user and the rack loading process. This intermediary provides active assistance by detecting rack status and guiding users on where to place items, improving loading efficiency without requiring complex automated mechanical loading mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher comprises an image sensor, first and second drawers, first and second actuators configured to respectively extend or retract the first and second drawers, and a computer system. The computer system is configured to receive images from the image sensor, determine whether an object is within a threshold distance, and in response to determining that an object is moved to within the threshold distance, use a washwear recognition system to determine whether the object comprises an washwear item. A determined washwear type and a washwear dimension are used to identify an unoccupied location in of a size and configured suitable to receive the washwear item. In response to identifying an unoccupied location of a size and configured suitable to receive the washwear item, an actuator among the first actuator and the second actuator is caused to extend a corresponding drawer to thereby receive the item of dishware.