Water Spout Control via Segmented Camera Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water spout control systems that integrate cameras and sensors at the faucet spout are prone to issues such as water droplets on the camera lens and dirt accumulation, leading to incorrect image analysis and potential misdetection of target objects.
Innovation Solution
A water spout control device that detects the position of a target object and the faucet spout port using regional images, allowing for controlled water discharge without the need for integrated camera and sensor circuits in the faucet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If camera and sensor are integrated in the faucet spout, then automatic detection of target objects is enabled, but water droplets and dirt accumulate on the camera lens and sensor window causing misdetection
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the detection function from the faucet spout by placing the camera in a separate detection device positioned to capture images of the faucet spout and target objects. This segmentation prevents water droplets and dirt from accumulating on the camera lens while still enabling automatic detection and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection device that captures images of the faucet spout and target objects from a remote position. This intermediary device acts as a mediator between the user action and the faucet control system, allowing accurate detection without direct contact with water or dirt-prone areas.
2Device complexity
If camera and sensor circuit are integrated in the faucet, then space for disposal is secured, but faucet design is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection function into a separate module (detection device with camera) that operates independently from the faucet spout. This allows the faucet to maintain its original design flexibility while the detection system can be positioned optimally for image capture without constraining faucet aesthetics or functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection device serves multiple functions: it detects target objects, determines their positions relative to the faucet spout, and provides control signals for automatic water discharge. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need to integrate complex circuits into the faucet while maintaining design versatility.
Data Source
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AI summary
A water spout control device has a target object detector configured to detect a position of a target object as a detection target in a regional image according to an image information of the regional image, the regional image being generated by capturing an imaging target region including a faucet spout; a faucet spout port detector configured to detect a position of a faucet spout port of the faucet spout in the regional image; and a determiner configured to determine whether to discharge water according to the position of the target object detected by the target object detector and the position of the faucet spout port detected by the faucet spout port detector.