Smart washing machine and method for detecting foreign objects in laundry

Smart washing machine with foreign object detection using X-ray imaging and deep learning analysis

This technology features a smart washing machine and detection method that captures X-ray images of laundry inside the drum using an X-ray generator at the top of the tub and a detector at the bottom. A control unit then compares these images against a neural network model to identify foreign objects such as tissues, banknotes, earphones, e-cigarettes, or USB drives.

Failure to remove items like banknotes, tissues, earphones, or e-cigarettes from pockets before washing often leads to damaged electronics and paper residue clogging laundry and filters. Households currently have no way to screen for these items other than manual inspection, and the annual financial loss from damaged banknotes alone reaches tens of billions of won.

This technology scans laundry using an X-ray tube aligned with the drum's perforations and automatically identifies foreign objects by comparing quantized image features against deep learning vectors. If an object is detected, the system displays the X-ray image and triggers an audio alert, allowing the user to remove the item before the cycle begins. Applicable to both residential and commercial drum and top-load washers, this premium feature prevents damage to currency, electronics, and filters.

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Key Features:

• An X-ray generator mounted on the top of the tub that directs X-rays downward through the drum's perforations to scan the laundry.
• An X-ray detector mounted on the bottom of the tub that captures X-rays passing through the laundry to generate an X-ray image.
• A control unit that compares the received X-ray image with trained neural network data to determine if foreign objects are present.
• A process that displays the X-ray image on the screen and triggers an audio alert to remove the foreign object if one is detected.

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