Smart Clothing Storage With Remote Retrieval and Ensemble Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals face challenges in organizing and retrieving clothing, leading to inefficiencies in choosing outfits, potential mold and mildew issues due to uncontrolled storage environments, and difficulties for people with disabilities or those traveling, as existing storage solutions lack automation and remote access capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A computer-controlled storage unit that uses sensors, a manipulator, barcode scanner, camera, and voice recognition system to maintain organized clothing, visualize ensembles, and monitor environmental conditions, allowing remote access and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual organization and retrieval of clothing is used, then the system is simple and low-cost, but it leads to loss of time in finding items and inability to visualize ensembles
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual copy of the physical clothing storage environment through digital imaging and database representation. Cameras capture images of clothing items and their locations, while the database stores detailed information about each item. Users can view this virtual representation on a display device to search for and select clothing items without physically searching through the storage unit, dramatically reducing time to find items while maintaining a relatively simple physical storage structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a computer system as an intermediary between the user and the physical clothing storage. This intermediary includes image capture devices, processing units, database systems, and display devices that mediate the interaction between users and their clothing. The intermediary handles the complexity of organizing, tracking, and presenting clothing information, allowing users to access their wardrobe efficiently without directly managing the physical organization.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If storage unit is entered from bathroom, then access is convenient, but moisture enters causing mold and mildew
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the clothing storage function from the bathroom environment by providing remote access capabilities. Users can select and have clothing items delivered to them without needing to physically enter the storage unit or be in proximity to it. The manipulator system retrieves selected items and brings them to an accessible location, separating the access function from the storage location and eliminating moisture exposure issues while maintaining convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical approach of physically entering the storage unit to access clothing with an automated robotic system. A manipulator with grippers mechanically retrieves clothing items based on digital selections, substituting the user's physical presence and manual retrieval actions with an automated mechanical system that operates remotely controlled or autonomously.
3Productivity
If automatic manipulator system is implemented, then retrieval efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulator system is designed with multi-functionality to justify its complexity. It can perform multiple operations including picking up clothing items, transporting them to different locations, placing items in the presentation area, and returning to storage positions. The same manipulator mechanism serves various retrieval and organization tasks, maximizing its utility and reducing the need for multiple specialized mechanisms, thereby improving productivity while managing complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If remote access capability is added, then accessibility for travelers and disabled persons is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a computer system and network communication as intermediaries to enable remote access. Users can interact with the storage system through a remote interface, selecting clothing items and receiving them at their location without being physically present. This intermediary layer provides adaptability for travelers and disabled persons while managing the complexity of remote control through standardized communication protocols and user-friendly interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, and device for computer control of access to a storage unit. The computer monitors the physical environment inside the storage unit, assists in placing and retrieving desired articles of clothing, and provides a method of visualizing possible ensembles without the need to physically pull out the individual items. Remote access to the database is provided and optional voice control for blind users.