Laundry Load Size Detection Using Imaging and 3D Volume Analysis
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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 account for volume, leading to confusion and inefficient operations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method using imaging devices and image analysis to determine the size of the laundry load by capturing multiple images from different viewpoints, creating a 3D model, and calculating the load size based on the detected laundry, allowing for accurate volume estimation and type identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mass measurement is used to determine load size, then the measurement process is simple, but the load size determination is inaccurate and does not reflect actual volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical mass measurement system with an optical imaging system. Imaging devices capture images of the laundry load, and image analysis algorithms process these images to determine load size based on volume and spatial occupation rather than mass. This substitution enables accurate load size determination that reflects actual laundry volume and distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces image analysis as an intermediary between the imaging devices and load size determination. The image analysis component processes raw images to extract meaningful information about load size, volume, and distribution, serving as a mediator that translates optical data into actionable load characterization without requiring direct mechanical measurement.
2Measurement precision
If user manually inputs load size, then the system is simple to operate, but the load size estimation is inaccurate leading to suboptimal performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to automatically determine load size without requiring user input. The imaging devices and image analysis system perform self-service by autonomously capturing images, processing them, and calculating load size parameters. This eliminates user estimation errors while maintaining ease of operation as the system works automatically once the load is placed in the appliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback through captured images that can be displayed to users, allowing them to verify the detected load size. This feedback mechanism builds user trust in the automatic measurement system while maintaining operational simplicity, as users can visually confirm the system's assessment without needing to manually input data.
3Measurement precision
If multiple images from different viewpoints are captured and processed, then the load size determination is more accurate, but the processing time and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by capturing multiple images from different viewpoints before the actual load size calculation. These pre-captured images are stored and then processed using image analysis algorithms to reconstruct three-dimensional information about the load. This preliminary imaging approach enables accurate volumetric measurement without requiring time-consuming sequential processing during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple two-dimensional images into a unified three-dimensional representation of the laundry load. By combining information from multiple viewpoints through image analysis, the system creates a comprehensive spatial model that accurately represents load volume and distribution, achieving precise measurement efficiency through integrated processing.
Data Source
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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.