Portable textile treatment device with image sensor and illumination system for textile classification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing garment care technologies require manual adjustment of ironing settings based on fabric type, which is inconvenient and prone to errors due to lost care labels or lack of information, leading to potential damage from improper temperature settings.
Innovation Solution
A portable textile treatment device equipped with a heatable soleplate, image sensor, and control unit that classifies textiles using an algorithm, adjusting operating parameters such as temperature and steam application based on the fabric type, eliminating the need for manual settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the maximum temperature of the ironing device is reduced to avoid manual control, then the risk of fabric damage is reduced, but the ironing efficiency for tougher materials decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The ironing device automatically detects fabric type through image capture and sensor analysis, then self-adjusts temperature and steam parameters without user intervention. This eliminates the need for manual temperature setting while maintaining optimal ironing performance for different fabric types.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual temperature adjustment mechanism is replaced with an automated control system that uses image sensors, algorithms, and actuators to dynamically adjust temperature and steam parameters based on detected fabric characteristics.
2Reliability
If manual temperature adjustment is required for different textiles, then optimal ironing results can be achieved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs automatic fabric detection and parameter adjustment, eliminating the need for users to manually consult care labels or adjust temperature settings. The system independently determines optimal ironing parameters based on real-time fabric analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors fabric characteristics through image sensors and uses algorithmic processing to provide real-time feedback for automatic parameter adjustment, ensuring optimal ironing results without user intervention.
3Ease of operation
If care labels are used to determine temperature settings, then appropriate ironing parameters can be identified, but the reliability decreases due to lost or damaged labels
Solution Approach 1:
The physical care label system is replaced with an electronic image recognition system that directly analyzes fabric characteristics through sensors and algorithms, eliminating dependency on physical labels that can be lost or damaged.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of relying on physical care labels attached to garments, the system creates a digital representation of the fabric through image capture and sensor data, then uses algorithmic analysis to determine fabric type and optimal treatment parameters.
4Ease of operation
If automatic fabric detection and parameter adjustment is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it processes image data from sensors, executes fabric classification algorithms, determines optimal ironing parameters, and controls temperature and steam delivery systems, consolidating complexity into a single multi-functional component.
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor, control unit with algorithm execution capability, temperature control system, and steam delivery system are integrated into a unified automated fabric detection and parameter adjustment system, reducing overall system complexity through functional consolidation.
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 device ensures efficient and safe ironing by automatically determining optimal settings, reducing the risk of fabric damage and simplifying the ironing process by integrating image processing and AI for accurate fabric classification.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor for taking an image of the textile to be treated
Implementation Method 2
an illumination system for illuminating a portion of the textile when said image is being taken
Implementation Method 3
a heatable soleplate intended to be in contact with a textile for treating the textile
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
AI summary
The invention relates to a portable textile treatment device (1) comprising a heatable sole plate (4) intended to be in contact with a textile (TXT) for treating the textile. The portable textile treatment device also comprises an image sensor (5) for taking an image of the textile to be treated, an illumination system (6) for illuminating a portion of the textile when said image is being taken. The portable device also comprises a control unit (8) configured for executing an algorithm stored in said portable textile treatment device, using the taken image as an input of said algorithm, to obtain a classification of the textile; and controlling, based on said classification, at least one operating parameter of the portable textile treatment device. The image sensor and the control unit are integrated within the portable textile treatment device. The image sensor comprises an active surface sensitive to light, the image sensor being oriented with respect to the surface of the heatable sole plate (4), with an absolute value of an orientation angle being in the range from 15 to 70 degrees; and/or the illumination system (6) comprises a light source oriented with respect to the surface of the heatable sole plate (4) being in contact with the textile, with an absolute value of an orientation angle being in the range from 15 to 70 degrees.