Portable Iron Image Sensor Integration for Automatic Fabric Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing garment ironing devices require manual adjustment of temperature settings, which can lead to inefficient ironing times for tougher materials like jeans and linen, and often rely on care labels that may be lost or inconvenient to use.
Innovation Solution
A portable textile treatment device with a heatable soleplate and an integrated image sensor that captures images of the fabric at an angled orientation, using a control unit to classify the fabric type and adjust operating parameters such as temperature and steam application automatically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the maximum temperature of the ironing device is reduced to omit manual control, then the ease of operation is improved, but the productivity deteriorates because ironing of tougher materials requires more time
Solution Approach 1:
The ironing device automatically detects fabric type through image sensor and care label recognition, then self-adjusts temperature settings without user intervention. The control unit processes the detected information and autonomously selects appropriate ironing parameters, enabling the device to serve itself in the temperature adjustment task.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical adjustment of temperature controls is replaced by an automated optical detection system (image sensor) combined with digital image processing and electronic control. The system substitutes the mechanical user-adjustment mechanism with an automated sensing and control loop that reads care labels and sets temperature electronically.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual temperature adjustment is required to achieve optimal ironing results, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback through image sensor detection of care labels and fabric characteristics, which provides information to the control unit. The control unit then adjusts temperature settings based on this feedback loop, automatically achieving the precise temperature settings that would otherwise require manual user adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical adjustment of temperature controls is replaced by an automated optical detection system (image sensor) combined with digital image processing and electronic control. The system substitutes the mechanical user-adjustment mechanism with an automated sensing and control loop that reads care labels and sets temperature electronically.
3Measurement precision
If care labels are used to determine temperature settings, then the measurement precision is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because labels often get lost with years of use
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple detection approaches with different local qualities: optical recognition of care labels for structured information, and image analysis of fabric texture and weave patterns for material identification. This multi-modal detection strategy ensures that if one method fails (e.g., lost label), the other can still provide reliable fabric type detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for potential label loss by having alternative detection methods ready. The image sensor captures images that can be processed to identify fabric characteristics even when care labels are absent, providing a backup detection pathway that cushions against the unreliability of label-dependent systems.
4Extent of automation
If an image sensor is integrated into the ironing device to detect fabric type, then the extent of automation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor serves multiple functions: detecting care labels, analyzing fabric texture patterns, identifying fabric color, and determining weave structure. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive fabric detection capabilities that enable sophisticated automated temperature control and ironing parameter selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the image sensor, control unit with digital image processing capabilities, and temperature control system into an integrated automated ironing device. By merging these components into a unified system, the complexity is consolidated and managed through a single control architecture that coordinates detection and actuation functions.
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 treatment of various fabrics by automatically adjusting settings, reducing the risk of damage and eliminating the need for manual temperature adjustments, thus improving ironing efficiency and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a heatable soleplate intended to be in contact with a textile for treating the textile
Implementation Method 2
thermal insulation means arranged in-between said heatable soleplate and said module for insulating said module from heat dissipated by said heatable soleplate
Implementation Method 3
an image sensor for taking an image of the textile to be treated through said soleplate opening
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a portable textile treatment device comprising a heatable soleplate (4) intended to be in contact with a textile (TXT) for treating the textile. The heatable soleplate (4) comprises a soleplate opening (H). The device comprises a module (MD) comprising an image sensor (5) for taking an image of the textile to be treated through the soleplate opening (H), and a control unit (8) configured for a) executing an algorithm stored in said portable textile treatment device, using the taken image as an input of the algorithm, to obtain a classification of the textile, and for b) controlling, based on the classification, at least one operating parameter of the portable textile treatment device. The module (MD) and the control unit (8) are integrated within the portable textile treatment device. The image sensor comprises an active surface sensitive to light which is oriented with respect to the surface of the heatable soleplate (4), with an absolute value of an orientation angle being in the range from 15 to 70 degrees. The portable textile treatment device further comprises thermal insulation means arranged in-between the heatable soleplate (4) and the module (MD) for insulating the module (MD) from heat dissipated by the heatable soleplate (4).