Method and system for preparing and performing a laundry washing cycle

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in selecting appropriate washing programs for laundry due to uncertainty about garment types and washing parameters, leading to unsatisfactory results and inefficiencies in energy, water, and detergent consumption.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that use digital image processing to identify laundry characteristics, such as color and volume, to automatically generate and validate washing instructions, bypassing manual user interface selection and optimizing washing parameters for energy and ecological impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If users manually select washing programs using the user control interface, then users can choose washing parameters, but users experience uncertainty and hesitation leading to errors in selecting appropriate programs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of washing program selectionVSAvoidease of selecting washing program

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables the washing machine to automatically determine washing parameters by capturing an image of the laundry pile, analyzing its characteristics (color, volume, weight), and autonomously selecting appropriate washing programs without requiring manual user input, thus eliminating user uncertainty while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical interaction (user pressing buttons on the control interface) with an automated optical system (image capture and processing) that automatically determines washing parameters, substituting human decision-making with machine-based image analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If users manually adjust washing parameters based on experience, then users can select programs, but the process is time-consuming and produces unsatisfactory results

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of washing program selectionVSAvoidquality of washing result

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of the laundry characteristics through image capture and processing before the washing cycle begins, pre-determining the optimal washing parameters based on the actual laundry pile properties, thereby enabling both rapid selection and high-quality results

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by stationary object

If users select washing programs without accurate information, then the process is simple, but energy, water, and detergent consumption are not optimized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidcomplexity of parameter determination

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex manual assessment of laundry characteristics with automated image processing technology that captures visual data and algorithmically determines washing parameters, achieving energy optimization through accurate parameter selection without requiring complex user judgment or manual measurement processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3751454B1Method and system for preparing and performing a laundry washing cycle

Publication Date: 2023.05.31 CANDY

Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6

AI summary

A method for preparing and performing a laundry washing cycle by means of a washing machine (1) comprises: - providing a washing machine (1), - arranging the laundry (2) to be washed in the form of a bulk pile (3) at the washing machine (1), - acquiring a digital color image (4) of the bulk laundry pile (3) and of at least one part (5) of the washing machine (1), - determining a volume (Vb) of the laundry pile (3) and/or a weight (Pb) of the laundry pile (3) as a function of characteristics of the digital color image (4), - determining a weighed presence of predetermined color categories (11) in the laundry pile (3) as a function of characteristics of the digital color image (4), - determining washing parameters depending on the weighed presence of color categories (11) in the determined laundry pile (3) and depending on the calculated weight (Pb) and/or volume (Vb) of the laundry pile (3), - generating a washing preparation notification, which can be consulted by the user, said washing preparation notification containing at least one washing instruction, based on said determined washing parameters and which is executable by the washing machine (1), as well as one or more from: - a request for confirmation, - auxiliary washing preparation advices in addition to the washing instruction which is executable by the washing machine (1).