Image-Based Faucet Control for Object-Specific Water Settings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatically controlled faucets lack the ability to adapt fluid flow characteristics based on the type of object positioned beneath the spout, typically offering only binary 'on' and 'off' states, which is insufficient for various fluid usage scenarios requiring different temperature and flow rate settings.
Innovation Solution
A faucet control system that includes a camera to capture images of the object, a processing circuit to analyze and classify the object, and a valve control system to adjust fluid flow characteristics such as temperature, rate, and duration based on the object classification, allowing for dynamic adaptation of water flow according to the specific use case.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a proximity sensor is used to automatically detect object presence, then the faucet can be automatically controlled to turn on and off, but the fluid flow characteristics cannot be customized for different usage scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the simple proximity sensor detection system with an advanced image recognition system using a camera and processing circuit. This substitution enables the faucet to not only detect object presence but also classify objects and adapt fluid flow characteristics accordingly, resolving the contradiction between automation and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameters from simple proximity detection to multi-parameter image analysis including object classification, size estimation, and position detection. This enables the system to adjust multiple fluid flow parameters (temperature, flow rate, duration) based on the classified object type, achieving both high automation and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a camera and image analysis system are added to classify objects, then fluid flow characteristics can be adapted to different objects, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single unified control system. The processing circuit performs both image capture and object classification, while the controller adjusts multiple fluid parameters (temperature, flow rate, duration) based on a single object classification result. This multi-functionality approach reduces overall system complexity despite adding intelligence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the camera module, image processing circuit, and fluid control system into an integrated faucet control unit. By combining these components and their control logic into a unified system, the patent reduces the complexity that would otherwise arise from separate independent systems working together.
3Ease of operation
If the faucet provides only binary on/off states, then the control system remains simple, but it is insufficient for different fluid usage scenarios requiring varied temperature and flow rate settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the faucet system to automatically determine the appropriate fluid flow characteristics by classifying the object itself. The system serves itself by using object classification to automatically select temperature, flow rate, and duration settings without requiring user input or complex manual controls, thus maintaining ease of operation while achieving high adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A faucet includes a spout configured to direct fluid into a sink, a camera arranged to capture images of the sink, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit may receive an image from the camera. The image may include an object positioned beneath the spout. The processing circuit may analyze the image received from the camera to assign a classification to the object included in the image. The processing circuit may cause the spout to direct fluid into the sink with fluid flow characteristics that correspond to the classification of the object in the image.