Optically Encoded Consumable Graphics for Precise Resource Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Physical resource consuming appliances, such as laundry treating machines and refrigerators, face challenges in optimizing the use of consumable resources like water and chemicals during operations due to lack of efficient identification and control systems.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an optical reading system within these appliances to identify the presence, characteristics, and quantity of consumable resources through optically encoded data, allowing the controller to adjust operational parameters such as dispensing amounts and cycle steps based on the detected information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional identification methods are used for consumable resources, then the system is simpler, but the precision of resource identification and control is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or manual identification methods with an optical reading system that uses light to read optically encoded information (such as OCR barcodes or depth-coded features) on consumable resources. This substitution enables precise automated identification of resource characteristics without requiring complex mechanical sensors or manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (light) and optically encoded information as a mediator between the consumable resource and the control system. The optically encoded information serves as an intermediary carrier that conveys resource characteristics to the optical reading system, enabling precise identification without direct complex interaction between the sensor and resource.
2Productivity
If manual input of resource information is used, then the device complexity is lower, but the productivity and operational efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The consumable resource itself carries optically encoded information that automatically identifies its characteristics. When the resource is placed in the apparatus, the optical reading system automatically reads this self-contained information without requiring manual input from the user, enabling the resource to essentially identify itself to the control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The optically encoded information is pre-applied to the consumable resource before it is used in the apparatus. This preliminary encoding of resource characteristics allows the system to immediately identify and adapt to the specific resource upon insertion, eliminating the need for manual information entry during operation.
3Loss of information
If single-layer optical encoding is used, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the information capacity and measurement precision are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional surface printing to three-dimensional depth-based optical encoding. By encoding information in the depth dimension (such as varying depths of features that affect light reflection or transmission), the system achieves higher information capacity while using the same physical surface area, effectively adding a third dimension to the encoding scheme.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multiple layers of optically encoded information nested within each other at different depths. Each layer can contain additional information or serve different identification purposes, allowing multiple sets of data to be stored in a compact overlapping structure similar to nested dolls, thereby increasing information density without proportionally increasing surface area.
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
This solution enables precise control over resource usage, ensuring optimal performance and preventing unauthorized or incompatible resource use, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
an optical reading system configured to illuminate the graphic and detect an output from the graphic
Data Source
AI summary
A graphic may include a consumable and having optically encoded information.