Laundry Load Imaging for Accurate Drum Size Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry treating appliances often face suboptimal performance due to users' inaccurate estimation of laundry load size, as current systems rely on mass measurement which does not provide a full understanding of load size, leading to confusion and inefficient operations.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using a laundry treating appliance with a rotatable drum and at least one imaging device, where multiple images of the laundry load are generated from different viewpoints or locations within the treating chamber, and a controller processes these images to determine the load size, which can then set appropriate operating parameters for the cycle of operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mass measurement is used to determine load size, then the measurement is simple and direct, but it does not provide a full understanding of load size and causes user confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical mass measurement system with an optical imaging system. Instead of using sensors to measure the weight of laundry, the system uses cameras to capture images of the laundry load and processes these images to determine load size. This substitution provides visual feedback that users can understand while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces image processing as an intermediary between the physical laundry load and the control system. Images serve as a visual mediator that bridges the gap between the physical object and the digital control system, providing both measurement data and user-friendly visualization of the load size.
2Measurement precision
If a single imaging device is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but multiple images from different viewpoints are needed to accurately determine load size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the imaging system dynamic by rotating the drum to different positions and capturing images at multiple viewpoints. Instead of using multiple static cameras, a single camera captures images from different angles as the drum rotates, providing comprehensive load size information while keeping the hardware simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the time dimension to the imaging process by capturing images at different drum rotation positions. This transforms a potentially complex multi-camera spatial problem into a simpler temporal sequence using a single camera, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If the drum is rotated to capture multiple images, then load size determination accuracy is improved, but the measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the periodic rotation of the drum to its advantage, capturing images at specific intervals during the rotation cycle. This periodic imaging approach ensures comprehensive coverage of the load from multiple viewpoints while minimizing the total measurement time by utilizing the drum's existing rotational motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by capturing images during the natural drum rotation before the washing cycle begins. The system takes advantage of the drum's pre-existing motion to gather all necessary imaging data, so no additional time-consuming rotation is required specifically for measurement.
4Measurement precision
If image processing is used to determine load size, then user understanding and accuracy are improved, but the device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates visual copies of the laundry load through imaging, allowing the controller to analyze the load size without physically measuring it. The image serves as a digital replica that can be processed to extract load size information, providing accurate measurement while maintaining user-friendly visualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with optical imaging and digital image processing. Instead of using multiple sensors and mechanical measurement devices, the system uses camera imaging combined with software analysis, reducing mechanical complexity while improving measurement accuracy and user understanding.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of determining a laundry load size in a laundry treating appliance comprising a rotatable drum at least partially defining a treating chamber for receiving laundry for treatment in accordance with a treating cycle of operation, at least one imaging device, and a controller having a processor, the method includes generating multiple images and determining, by the controller, a load size based on the multiple images.