Method for detecting an item of laundry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting and separating laundry items after washing are inefficient, often resulting in multiple items being picked up at once or none at all, leading to incorrect further treatment and loss of performance due to inadequate grasping of laundry items by detection means.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing three-dimensional imaging measures, such as 3D cameras or laser scanning, to determine the topography of laundry items, identifying optimal locations for detection and grasping, particularly at areas of greatest curvature, folds, edges, or corners, allowing targeted detection and handling by detection means like grippers or suction devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional detection methods are used to pick laundry items, then the detection process is simple, but multiple items are picked up simultaneously or no item is picked up at all, leading to low reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional image capture to three-dimensional topography determination using laser scanning. This dimensional enhancement allows the system to identify precise grasping points on laundry items by analyzing surface curvature and geometric features, thereby reliably detecting single items without picking up multiple items simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical or simple optical detection methods with a laser-based scanning system. The laser scanner generates detailed topographic data of laundry items, enabling precise identification of grasping points through computational analysis of surface geometry, thus improving detection reliability.
2Manufacturing precision
If laundry items are picked up without precise location identification, then the handling process is fast, but incorrect items or no items are grasped, leading to errors in further processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary scanning and topography determination of laundry items before the grasping action. The laser scanner captures the complete surface geometry in advance, allowing the control system to pre-calculate optimal grasping points based on curvature analysis, ensuring precise location identification before the actual picking operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital topographic copy of the laundry item surface using laser scanning. This virtual model contains all necessary geometric information about curvature and surface features, allowing the system to identify grasping points in the digital domain and transfer this information to guide the physical grasping mechanism with high precision.
3Productivity
If the detection means targets arbitrary locations on laundry items, then the system is easy to operate, but the grasping is unfavorable and requires repositioning, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from simple presence/absence detection to topographic parameter analysis. By scanning the surface and calculating curvature values at different points, the system identifies locations with maximum curvature as optimal grasping points, automatically adapting to the arbitrary shape of each laundry item without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-positioning by automatically analyzing the topography of each laundry item and determining its own optimal grasping points. The laser scanner and control algorithm work together to identify favorable locations based on surface geometry, eliminating the need for external guidance or manual positioning.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures reliable and efficient separation of individual laundry items by accurately determining suitable grasping points, reducing errors and improving the handling process, enabling direct transfer to further treatment steps like sorting or ironing.
Implementation Method 1
determining a topography of the piece of laundry (11) by means of three-dimensional imaging measures
Implementation Method 2
The topography of the garment is created by a laser scanner
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention creates a method for reliably and efficiently detecting an item of laundry (11). The topography of the item of laundry (11) is determined and, based on this topography, at least one point (15) of the item of laundry (11) is determined at which the item of laundry (11) should and/or preferably can be detected by a detection means (16). . By specifically controlling the detection means (16) at this point (15), the item of laundry (11) is detected by the detection means (16).