Handheld scanner for improved stain detection, system comprising such a handheld scanner, and method for operation thereof
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Household laundry treatment devices face challenges in effectively identifying the type of laundry material and suitable treatment processes without labels, leading to inefficient soiling removal and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held scanner equipped with an IR spectrometer and RGB sensor for detecting soiling on laundry, transmitting data to an external server for evaluation, and providing recommendations for optimal treatment programs, allowing users to select suitable laundry treatment options with minimal user expertise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If users manually identify laundry material type and soiling type without automated detection, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and treatment effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The laundry treatment device automatically performs material type identification and soiling detection without requiring user expertise. The device's identification unit self-serviceably scans laundry items, retrieves care label information, and determines treatment parameters autonomously, freeing users from manual identification tasks while maintaining high measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
Manual visual inspection and user judgment are replaced by an automated identification system using optical scanning, image recognition, and data processing technologies. The mechanical/manual process of examining laundry is substituted with electronic sensors and algorithms that objectively identify material types and soiling conditions with higher precision
2Productivity
If generic laundry treatment programs are used without specific identification, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and treatment effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The laundry treatment device dynamically adjusts treatment programs based on real-time identification results. Instead of using fixed generic programs, the system adaptively selects and modifies treatment parameters (temperature, cycle time, detergent type) according to the specifically identified material type and soiling condition, optimizing treatment efficiency for each load
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes treatment parameters (temperature, time, mechanical action intensity) based on identification results. For example, delicate materials receive lower temperature and gentler agitation, while sturdy materials allow more aggressive treatment, thereby improving overall productivity through parameter optimization
3Reliability
If aggressive treatment programs are used to ensure complete soiling removal, then soiling removal effectiveness is improved, but harmful factors to laundry items increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies different treatment intensities to different laundry items within the same load based on their identified material properties. Delicate items receive gentle local treatment while sturdy items receive more aggressive treatment, ensuring each item gets the appropriate level of care to remove soiling without causing damage
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple washing programs are provided for user selection, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device's identification unit automatically performs the task of selecting the appropriate washing program based on scanned care label information and detected laundry characteristics. Users simply load laundry and press start, while the system self-serviceably navigates through program options and selects the most suitable one, maintaining adaptability without compromising ease of operation
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
Enables efficient and gentle laundry treatment with reduced energy consumption by providing tailored treatment programs based on fiber material, fiber content, and color, improving soiling removal and minimizing damage to laundry items.
Implementation Method 1
an IR spectrometer, having a radiation source and a radiation detector
Implementation Method 2
a radiation source and a radiation detector
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a handheld scanner (1), comprising an IR spectrometer (3), having a radiation source (4) and a radiation detector (5), a control unit (6), an interface (11) for wireless data communication, and an RGB sensor (2), the handheld scanner (1) being designed to detect soiling on a laundry item (10). The invention additionally relates to a system (14) comprising a handheld scanner (1) of this kind, and to a method for operating the system (14).