Portable device with image sensor and illumination system for textile classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in determining the optimal temperature settings for ironing different textiles, often relying on care labels which can be lost or inconvenient to use, leading to inefficient ironing processes, especially for tougher materials like jeans and linen.
Innovation Solution
A portable textile treatment device equipped with an image sensor, illumination system, and control unit that classifies textiles based on images taken, allowing for automatic adjustment of operating parameters such as temperature and steam levels, eliminating the need for manual settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the maximum temperature of the ironing device is reduced to avoid manual control, then safety and ease of operation are improved, but ironing efficiency for tougher materials deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically detects textile 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 optimal ironing parameters, enabling the device to serve itself in determining operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical adjustment of temperature controls is replaced by an automated optical detection system. The image sensor captures visual information from care labels or textile patterns, and the control unit processes this data to electronically adjust temperature settings, substituting manual mechanical operation with automated optical-electronic control.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual temperature adjustment is required for optimal ironing results, then ironing quality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically detects textile 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 optimal ironing parameters, enabling the device to serve itself in determining operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses image sensor data and care label information as feedback to automatically adjust temperature settings. The control unit continuously monitors the detected textile characteristics and adjusts operating parameters accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains optimal ironing quality without manual intervention.
3Measurement precision
If care labels are used to determine temperature settings, then accuracy of temperature selection is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to label loss
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor serves multiple functions: it reads care labels when present and also directly analyzes textile visual characteristics when labels are absent. This multi-functionality ensures the system can reliably determine textile type through either method, making the device universally applicable regardless of label presence.
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor acts as an intermediary that can process both care label information and direct textile visual characteristics. When care labels are present, it reads them; when absent, it analyzes the textile's visual properties directly, providing a reliable intermediate detection method that bridges the gap between label-dependent and label-independent operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If image sensor and control unit are integrated in the portable device, then device functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor and control unit are merged into a single integrated portable device. The image sensor captures visual data from textiles or care labels, and the control unit processes this data locally to determine textile type and recommend treatment parameters, combining detection and processing functions in one unified device.
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 enables efficient and safe textile treatment by accurately classifying fabrics and adjusting settings accordingly, reducing ironing time for tougher materials and preventing damage, while being convenient and reliable.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor for taking an image of a textile
Implementation Method 2
an illumination system for illuminating a portion of the textile when said image is being taken
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a portable device (1100) comprising a bottom surface (BS) intended to be in contact with a textile (TXT). The portable device comprises an image sensor (5) for taking an image of a textile, and 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 (8a) for executing an algorithm stored in the portable device, using the taken image as an input of said algorithm, to obtain a classification of the textile. The image sensor and the control unit are integrated within the portable device. The image sensor has an active surface sensitive to light, which is oriented compared to said bottom surface (BS), with an absolute value of the orientation angle being in the range 15-70 degrees; and/or the illumination system (6) has a light source oriented compared to the said bottom surface (BS), with an absolute value of the orientation angle being in the range 15-70 degrees.