Method of using image recognition processes for improved operation of a laundry appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines face difficulties in accurately estimating the amount of wash fluid in the tub due to varying water pressure and malfunctioning pressure sensors, leading to degraded cycle performance and potential damage to clothes.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine system that includes a camera assembly for image recognition, which takes images of the wash chamber and uses machine learning to determine the water level, allowing for precise adjustment of operating parameters to ensure optimal water levels during the fill process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional pressure sensors are used to detect water level, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to sensor malfunction and pressure variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pressure sensors with an optical imaging system (camera assembly) that captures images of the wash chamber. The controller analyzes these images to determine water level, substituting a mechanical sensing system with an optical-digital system that is not susceptible to pressure variations or sensor malfunction.
2Productivity
If fill time is reduced to improve productivity, then the washing cycle becomes faster, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates because water pressure variations cause inaccurate water volume delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the actual water level using image analysis during the fill process. The controller compares the detected water level with the target level and adjusts the water valve operation accordingly, ensuring accurate water volume delivery even when water pressure varies or fill time is reduced.
3Reliability
If predetermined fill time is used to simplify operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to water pressure variations causing incorrect water levels
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting water level and controlling the fill process without user intervention. The camera assembly continuously monitors the wash chamber, and the controller autonomously adjusts water intake based on real-time image analysis, ensuring reliable water level accuracy while maintaining simple operation for the user.
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine appliance includes a wash basket that is rotatably mounted within a wash tub and that defines a wash chamber for receiving a load of clothes. A water supply adds water to the wash tub during a fill cycle and a camera assembly is used to monitor the water level. Specifically, the camera assembly obtains one or more images of the wash chamber during and/or after a fill cycle and a controller analyzes the images using a machine learning image recognition process to determine when the water within the wash tub has reached a predetermined water level, e.g., optimized based on load size or other load parameters. If the water in the wash tub is below or above the predetermined water level, the controller may implement responsive action, e.g., by adjusting at least one operating parameter of the washing machine appliance.