Electronic Garment Tag Reading for Automatic Appliance Care Settings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for tracking and managing care instructions for clothing are inefficient, often leading to misinterpretation and damage due to the manual reading of labels, which can be confusing, especially for imported items with non-native language labels.
Innovation Solution
An electronically readable tag or label, such as an RFID tag, barcode, or QR code, is embedded in clothing items, allowing appliances like washers and dryers to automatically read and interpret care instructions, suggesting optimal settings and configuring the appliance accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual reading of care labels is used, then users can obtain care instructions, but misinterpretation and damage occur due to confusing symbols and non-native languages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of electronic tags (RFID, barcode, QR code) and a processing device that mediates between the care instructions and the user. The tag stores machine-readable care data, and the processing device automatically retrieves and presents this data in a user-friendly format, eliminating the need for users to directly interpret confusing symbols and foreign language text on traditional labels.
2Reliability
If traditional fabric tags are used, then care information is provided, but the tags become unreadable or are cut off due to wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical fabric tag with an electronic copy of the care information stored in a durable electronic format (RFID tag, barcode, or QR code). These electronic tags can be attached to or embedded in the garment and are far more resistant to wear and tear than traditional fabric labels. The care instructions are copied into a machine-readable format that can be reliably retrieved multiple times without degradation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sophisticated washer and dryer options are provided, then specialized care needs can be met, but users find it overwhelming to remember individual care instructions for each garment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the garment itself to provide its own care information through the electronic tag. When the tagged garment is placed in the washing machine or dryer, the appliance's processing device automatically reads the tag and retrieves the care instructions. This self-service approach eliminates the need for users to manually track and remember care requirements for each item, as the system automatically matches the garment's encoded instructions with the appropriate appliance settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The care instructions are pre-encoded into the electronic tag during manufacturing, before the garment ever reaches the user. This preliminary action ensures that all necessary care information is already prepared and stored in a machine-readable format, ready for automatic retrieval by the washing machine or dryer without requiring any user input or decision-making at the time of use.
4Extent of automation
If RFID tags are used for electronic tagging, then automated reading is enabled, but the system complexity increases with additional hardware components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a universal electronic tagging system that can accommodate multiple types of tags (RFID, barcode, QR code) and can be integrated with various washing machine and dryer models. The processing device is designed to handle different tag formats and communicate with different appliance interfaces, making the system broadly applicable rather than requiring specialized hardware for each tag type or appliance model.
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 system reduces user workload by ensuring accurate and automated care for clothing items, preventing damage and simplifying the process of managing diverse care requirements for different garments.
Implementation Method 1
Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is a conventional technology that uses communication via radio waves to exchange data between a reader and an electronic tag attached to an object
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for electronically tagging items for use in controlling electrical devices are disclosed. A particular embodiment includes: a controller; a tag reader interface in data communication with the controller, the tag reader interface being configured to receive item information read from an electronically readable tag attached to an item placed in an electrical device; a display device driver in data communication with the controller for driving the display of operational messages for a user/operator of the electrical device, the operational messages being based on the item information; and an appliance interface in data communication with the controller for receiving control commands from the controller and for issuing corresponding control signals for controlling the electrical device, the control commands being based on the item information.