System and method of laundry sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry systems fail to effectively evaluate and sort laundry items based on functional and aesthetic qualities, such as discoloration, fraying, or tearing, which are critical for customer-facing applications in industries like food, beverage, and hospitality.
Innovation Solution
An automated laundry sorting system utilizing a housing with platforms and cameras that rotate to capture images of laundry from multiple angles, combined with weight measurement and image processing, to assess and sort items based on predetermined quality standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple cameras and rotating platforms are used to capture comprehensive images of laundry, then measurement precision and evaluation accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the evaluation process into multiple stages using separate platforms (first platform for initial evaluation, second platform for re-evaluation). Each platform has dedicated cameras positioned to capture specific views. This segmentation allows comprehensive multi-angle imaging while maintaining modular system architecture that manages complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from single-view to multi-view evaluation by implementing rotating platforms that present laundry items from multiple angles and orientations. The first and second platforms provide different evaluation perspectives, effectively adding dimensional complexity to the measurement process without overwhelming system complexity through structured progression.
2Productivity
If automated image processing and multi-platform evaluation are implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary evaluation on the first platform before committing to full processing. Items are pre-screened using the first camera system, and only those requiring detailed assessment are transferred to the second platform. This preliminary action filters the workload, improving overall productivity while managing complexity through selective processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated image processing system evaluates laundry items independently without manual intervention. The controller automatically processes images from both platforms, compares evaluations, and determines final sorting decisions. This self-service automation significantly improves productivity while the standardized evaluation criteria keep system complexity manageable.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive quality evaluation including weight and multi-angle imaging is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Weight measurement and initial imaging are performed on the first platform as preliminary actions before detailed visual evaluation. This preliminary data collection establishes baseline quality metrics quickly, reducing the time needed for subsequent detailed assessment on the second platform while maintaining comprehensive measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous evaluation flow by seamlessly transitioning items between platforms without interruption. The first platform's evaluation feeds directly into the second platform's re-evaluation, creating a continuous quality assessment process. Weight and image data are continuously collected and integrated, maintaining measurement precision while minimizing idle time between measurement actions.
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry system includes a robotic singulator. The robotic singulator includes an articulating arm and an end effector configured to grasp an item of laundry from a loading zone and to transport the item of laundry to a destination location. A camera is positioned in proximity to the end effector and configured to obtain at least one laundry image representing the item of laundry. A controller is configured to receive the at least one laundry image and create a point-cloud from the at least one image. A peak of the point-cloud is selected in reference to a reference point. The end effector is controlled to close on a predetermined position relative to the peak of the point-cloud to grasp the item of laundry. The articulating arm and effector are operated to release the item of laundry at the destination location.