Dishwasher Turbidity Sensor Calibration Using Image Recognition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dishwashing appliances face issues with inaccurate sensor readings due to foreign objects and inappropriate calibration of turbidity sensors, especially when water is dirty, leading to ineffective evaluation of water quality.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that includes initiating a rinse cycle, obtaining an image of the wash chamber, determining the calibration viability of the turbidity sensor based on the image, and adjusting its calibration state to ensure accurate readings, using image recognition techniques to assess water conditions and prevent inaccurate calibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the turbidity sensor is calibrated using dirty water, then the calibration process can be performed, but the sensor readings become inaccurate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration frequencyVSAvoidsensor reading accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs image analysis of water conditions before initiating the calibration process. If the water is detected to be dirty based on image characteristics, the calibration is postponed or cancelled, preventing inaccurate calibration from occurring in the first place

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

An image recognition system serves as an intermediary between the dirty water condition and the calibration process. The image analysis acts as a gatekeeper that determines whether calibration should proceed, blocking inappropriate calibration attempts before they can affect sensor accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the sensor operates in dirty water conditions, then it can continuously monitor water quality, but foreign objects accumulate on the sensor surface causing measurement errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor operational continuityVSAvoidturbidity measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors water conditions through image capture and analysis, providing feedback about the current water state. This feedback loop enables the system to detect when water becomes dirty and adjust operations accordingly, such as preventing calibration or triggering cleaning cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The image recognition system detects foreign object accumulation on the sensor surface before it significantly degrades measurement accuracy. By identifying contamination early, the system can take preventive actions such as initiating cleaning cycles or adjusting calibration schedules

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Extent of automation

If calibration is performed according to a predetermined schedule, then calibration frequency is maintained, but calibration may occur during dirty water conditions leading to inaccuracies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration schedulingVSAvoidcalibration accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration schedule transitions from a static predetermined timetable to a dynamic condition-based schedule. The system automatically adjusts calibration timing based on real-time water quality assessment through image analysis, performing calibration only when water conditions are appropriate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical/timed calibration schedule is replaced with an intelligent image recognition-based decision system. Instead of relying on fixed time intervals, the system uses visual analysis of water conditions to intelligently determine the optimal calibration moments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This approach ensures accurate sensor calibration and readings by determining the viability of turbidity sensor calibration based on image analysis, preventing inaccuracies caused by dirty water conditions and maintaining effective water quality evaluation.

Implementation Method 1

obtaining an image of the wash chamber, determining calibration viability for a turbidity sensor based on the obtained image

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImage recognition: Image Processing

Data Source

PatentUS11849901B2Dishwashing appliance and methods for improved calibration using image recognition

Publication Date: 2023.12.26 HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A dishwashing appliance may include a cabinet, a tub, a spray assembly, a drain pump, a turbidity sensor, and a controller. The tub may be positioned within the cabinet and defining a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. The spray assembly may be positioned within the wash chamber. The drain pump may be in fluid communication with the wash chamber. The turbidity sensor may be mounted within the cabinet. The controller may be in operative communication with the turbidity sensor and the drain pump. The controller may be configured to initiate a wash operation. The wash operation may include initiating a rinse cycle, obtaining an image of the wash chamber, determining calibration viability for the turbidity sensor based on the obtained image, and adjusting a calibration state of the turbidity sensor based on the determined calibration viability.