Optical Wash Control Using Image-Based Cleanliness Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining cleanliness rely on subjective expert judgments and are time-consuming, requiring standardized scales and trained personnel, which limits efficiency and accuracy in various industries.
Innovation Solution
An automated system that captures digital images of surfaces and analyzes luminosity values to determine cleanliness, using a light-tight housing, camera, and processor to provide controlled environmental settings and adjust based on the type of ware, enabling automatic washing apparatus control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated image analysis is used to determine cleanliness, then productivity and objectivity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual inspection process with an automated optical inspection system. A camera captures images of wares, and a processor automatically analyzes luminosity values to determine cleanliness, eliminating the need for trained experts to visually inspect each item manually. This substitution dramatically improves productivity while the modular system design keeps complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system is designed to autonomously perform cleanliness determination without human intervention. The processor automatically processes captured images, calculates luminosity values, compares them against thresholds, and generates cleanliness determinations. The system serves itself by integrating all necessary functions (image capture, processing, analysis, and decision-making) into a single automated workflow.
2Measurement precision
If controlled environmental settings are used to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a controlled inspection environment by enclosing the inspection area with light-tight housing and using targeted illumination sources. The lighting is specifically positioned and directed to illuminate only the relevant surfaces of the wares being inspected, while the housing blocks external light interference. This localized environmental control ensures accurate luminosity measurements without requiring complex facility-wide environmental systems.
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
The system objectively assesses cleanliness, reducing reliance on human experts and improving efficiency by automatically determining when washing cycles are complete, thus optimizing resource use and enhancing precision.
Implementation Method 1
capturing a digital image of the surface being inspected
Implementation Method 2
capturing a digital image of the surface being inspected
Data Source
AI summary
A control unit may automatically enable and/or disable a washing apparatus based on processing of an image of wares to be washed by the washing apparatus. In one example, a system includes a camera configured to capture an image of one or more wares to be washed by a washing apparatus, a computer-readable medium comprising a plurality of item profiles, each of the item profiles comprising a visual signature and one or more wash cycle characteristics, and a control unit configured to retrieve the image, detect one of the visual signatures of the plurality of item profiles in the image, select the one of the item profiles corresponding to the detected visual signature, enable the washing apparatus, and automatically disable the washing apparatus after the ware is determined to be clean in accordance with the selected one of the item profiles.