Laundry Drum Imaging for Bulky Item Detection and Drying Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry treating appliances, such as clothes dryers, face challenges in automatically detecting bulky items, which can affect the efficiency and effectiveness of the drying process, as existing systems rely on user input or default settings rather than real-time item detection.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an imaging system within the appliance that captures images of the laundry load and uses image analysis to determine the presence of bulky items, allowing for real-time adjustment of operational parameters like drum speed, temperature, and air flow to optimize the drying process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If user manually selects cycle or controller uses default settings, then appliance operation is simple, but drying efficiency is reduced due to inability to detect bulky items
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual user input or simple default settings with an automated imaging system that uses computer vision to detect bulky items. The imaging device captures images of the laundry load, and image analysis algorithms automatically identify bulky items, replacing the need for manual detection or simple mechanical sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The appliance performs self-detection of bulky items through the integrated imaging system. The system automatically analyzes the laundry load without requiring user intervention or external assistance, enabling the appliance to adapt its operation based on detected items while maintaining ease of use.
2Productivity
If imaging system is integrated for real-time detection, then drying efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system serves multiple functions: detecting bulky items, analyzing laundry load characteristics, and providing information for cycle optimization. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive benefits beyond simple detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system acts as an intermediary between the laundry load and the controller. It captures visual information and translates it into actionable data that the controller uses to optimize drying parameters, bridging the gap between physical laundry characteristics and digital control systems.
3Measurement precision
If image analysis is used to detect bulky items, then measurement precision is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical imaging and computer vision algorithms to detect bulky items, replacing complex mechanical sensing approaches. The imaging system captures visual data that can be processed through image analysis to identify item characteristics with high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system creates a visual copy or representation of the laundry load, allowing the controller to analyze item characteristics without physically interacting with the laundry. This digital copy enables precise detection while simplifying the physical detection mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry treating appliance and method for controlling the operation of a laundry treating appliance having a rotatable drum at least partially defining a treating chamber for receiving laundry for treatment in accordance with a treating cycle of operation by determining the presence of a bulky laundry item based on image data of the laundry within the treating chamber.