Washer Drum Imaging for Accurate Laundry Load Sizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry treating appliances face inefficiencies due to users' inaccurate estimation of laundry load size, as current systems rely on mass measurement which does not account for volume, leading to suboptimal performance and user confusion.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating graduated markings on the drum and using an imaging device to capture images for image analysis, allowing the controller to determine the laundry load size based on the presence and number of markings, thereby providing a more accurate assessment of load volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mass measurement is used to determine load size, then the measurement is simple, but it does not provide accurate understanding of load volume and causes user confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of an imaging device and image analysis process that mediates between the physical load and the controller. Instead of directly measuring mass, the system captures images of the load, analyzes them to determine volume, and provides this information to the controller, resolving the contradiction between simple measurement and accurate volume determination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical mass measurement system with an optical imaging system. By substituting the mechanical weighing mechanism with an optical-based volume measurement system, the patent achieves more accurate load size determination that aligns with user perception while maintaining system simplicity through automated image analysis
2Measurement precision
If user manually inputs load size, then the system is simple to operate, but the user often overestimates or underestimates the load size resulting in suboptimal performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically detect and determine load size without user intervention. The imaging device automatically captures images, the image analysis algorithm automatically processes the data, and the controller automatically receives the load size information, eliminating the need for manual user input while ensuring accurate measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces feedback by providing visual information to the user through the interface display. The system captures images of the load, analyzes them, and presents the determined load size back to the user, creating a feedback loop that allows users to verify the measurement while the system automatically performs the detection function
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Method of determining a laundry load size in a laundry treating appliance (10) comprising a rotatable drum (16) at least partially defining a treating chamber for receiving laundry for treatment in accordance with a treating cycle of operation, an imaging device (95), and a controller (96) having a processor, the method includes generating an images, detecting, marking in the generated image, and determining, by the controller (96), a load size based on the image.