EP4332291A1

EP4332291A1 - Method and system for preparing and performing a laundry drying cycle

Info

Publication number: EP4332291A1
Application number: EP23192941.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Nicola Marino; Alessandra CAROBENE; Michele DEL GATTO
Original assignee: Candy SpA
Current assignee: Candy SpA
Priority date: 2022-09-01
Filing date: 2023-08-23
Publication date: 2024-03-06
Also published as: IT202200017964A1

Abstract

A method for preparing and performing a laundry drying cycle by means of a drying machine (1), comprises acquiring a digital image (8) of the drying machine (1) so that the digital image (8) comprises at least one perimeter edge (5) of a loading opening (4) of a laundry compartment (3) of the washing machine (1), displaying the digital image (8) and a level indicator (12) overlapping the digital image (8), positioning the level indicator (12) with respect to the digital image (8) at a filling level (13) of the laundry inside the laundry compartment (3) to indicate the filling level (13) in the digital image (8), determining the quantity (Q) of the laundry (7) in the laundry compartment (3) as a function of the filling level (13) indicated by the level indicator (12), determining a drying duration (D) as a function of the quantity parameter (Q) of the laundry (7).

Description

The present invention relates to a method and system for preparing and performing a laundry drying cycle by means of a drying machine (or laundry tumble dryer) or laundry washer dryer, in particular a domestic one.
Known domestic laundry drying machines comprise:

a housing which accommodates a laundry compartment, in particular a cylinder or drum which rotates by means of a motor and is accessible through an opening closable by means of a door hinged to the housing,
a system for drying with a drying air circuit passing through the laundry compartment, and with conveying means, air heating means and means for condensing the humidity of the conveyed air,
a user control interface by means of which it is possible to control the operation of the drying machine, select a drying program from a plurality of drying programs (for example synthetic, cotton) and, for the selected drying program, select drying parameters (for example, temperature, duration, degree of dryness) and adjust such drying parameters (for example, temperature value or drying duration or final degree of dryness).

Known laundry washer dryers comprise:

a housing which accommodates a laundry compartment, in particular a laundry drum which rotates by means of a motor and is accessible through an opening closable by means of a door hinged to the housing,
a system for drying with a drying air circuit passing through the laundry compartment, and with conveying means, air heating means and means for condensing the humidity of the conveyed air,
a system for washing with a washing tank, inside which the washing drum is accommodated, and which is adapted to contain washing liquid during the laundry washing steps,
a user control interface by means of which it is possible to control the operation of the laundry washer dryer, select a drying program from a plurality of drying programs (for example synthetic, cotton) and, for the selected drying program, select drying parameters (for example, temperature, duration, degree of dryness) and adjust such drying parameters (for example, temperature value or drying duration or final degree of dryness),

Controlling household appliances by means of electronic devices (tablet computers, smartphones) which are external to the household appliance itself and can perform a part of the user control interface function is known.
The laundry drying process depends, in addition to the initial water or humidity content of the laundry, on the type of fabric or the combination of types of fabrics of the laundry load, the mass or quantity of laundry to be dried, the duration and intensity of the spin, the duration of the ventilation with drying air, the temperature and humidity of the drying air, the flow rate of the drying air and the desired final level of dryness of the laundry.
Some of the parameters which affect the drying process cannot be freely chosen or adjusted solely as a function of the drying result, since some ranges of parameters can damage the laundry itself, such as, for example, temperatures or spin speeds which are excessively high for some types of fabrics (wool, delicates).
Therefore, it is currently very difficult for a user of a drying machine or laundry washer dryer to set all the parameters which affect the drying of the laundry in an optimal manner, in order to achieve the desired level of dryness of the laundry, to dry the laundry in the shortest time possible, and to dry the laundry with the least possible expenditure of electricity.
Therefore, it is the object of the present invention to improve the known methods and systems for preparing and performing a drying cycle, so as to reduce the difficulty when selecting the drying parameters.
It is a particular object of the invention to provide a method and a system for preparing and performing a drying cycle having features such as to facilitate the selection or determination of drying parameters in a drying machine or laundry washer dryer.
These and other objects are achieved by a method according to claim 1 and by a system according to claim 15.
The dependent claims relate to advantageous and preferred embodiments.
According to an aspect of the invention, a method for preparing and performing a laundry drying cycle by means of a drying machine, in particular a domestic one, comprises:

providing a drying machine with a housing and a laundry compartment arranged in the housing and accessible through a loading opening having a perimeter edge and closable by means of a door connected to the housing,
loosely arranging the laundry to be dried in the laundry compartment,
acquiring a digital image of the housing from the outside of the housing and with the door open such that the digital image comprises at least one contour part of the housing, including the perimeter edge of the loading opening.

Furthermore, advantageously:

using an electronic display to display the acquired digital image and a level indicator overlapping the digital image to indicate a filling level of the laundry inside the laundry compartment in the digital image,
,
optionally, using the electronic display to move the level indicator with respect to the digital image and positioning the level indicator at the filling level (upper contour line) of the laundry inside the laundry compartment to indicate said filling level.

Furthermore, advantageously:

determining a quantity parameter (for example, indicative of the volume or mass) of the laundry in the laundry compartment as a function of features of the contour part of the housing in the acquired digital image and to the filling level indicated by the level indicator and to a predetermined correlation between the features of the contour part of the housing, the filling level, and the quantity parameter of the laundry,
Furthermore, advantageously,
using the electronic display to select at least one drying parameter, for example selected from the group consisting of:
desired final dryness level
type of fabric,
types of fabric,
temperature,
spin speed,
determining a drying duration as a function of the determined quantity parameter of the laundry and to the at least one selected drying parameter.

Furthermore, advantageously:

generating, and displaying by means of the electronic display, a notification with the recommended drying program, processed based on the determined quantity parameter of the laundry, the determined drying duration and at least one selected drying parameter, said recommended drying program notification containing:
- optionally, an indication of a quantity of laundry,
- an indication of the drying duration,
- an indication of the at least one selected drying parameter,
- a request for confirmation of the execution of the recommended drying program,
- executing the recommended drying program in response to the confirmation of execution.

The objects of the invention are also achieved by a system for preparing and performing a laundry drying cycle, comprising:

a drying machine with a housing and a laundry compartment arranged in the housing and accessible through a loading opening having a perimeter edge and closable by means of a door connected to the housing,
an electronic data processing system comprising an electronic control system of the drying machine, a handheld electronic device and, possibly, a remote electronic device (cloud),

image acquisition means configured and positionable for acquiring a digital image of the housing from the outside of the housing,
framing aid means to frame in the digital image at least one contour part of the housing, including the perimeter edge of the loading opening,
an electronic display to display the acquired digital image and a level indicator overlapping the digital image to indicate a filling level of the laundry inside the laundry compartment in the digital image,
command insertion means in signal communication with the electronic display and configured to:
- optionally, allow the level indicator to move with respect to the digital image and position the level indicator at the filling level (upper contour line) of the laundry inside the laundry compartment to indicate said filling level,
- allow the selection of at least one drying parameter, for example selected from the group consisting of:
  - desired final dryness level
  - type of fabric,
  - types of fabric,
  - temperature,
  - spin speed,
- quantity determination means configured to determine a quantity parameter (for example, indicative of the volume or mass) of the laundry in the laundry compartment as a function of features of the contour part of the housing in the acquired digital image and to the filling level indicated by the level indicator and to a predetermined correlation between the features of the contour part of the housing, the filling level, and the quantity parameter of the laundry,

Further, advantageously,

duration determination means configured to determine a drying duration as a function of the determined quantity parameter of the laundry and to the at least one selected drying parameter,
notification means configured to generate, and display by means of the electronic display, a notification with the recommended drying program, processed based on the determined quantity parameter of the laundry, the determined drying duration and at least one selected drying parameter, said recommended drying program notification containing:
- optionally, an indication of a quantity of laundry,
- an indication of the drying duration,
- an indication of the at least one selected drying parameter,
- a request for confirmation of the execution of the recommended drying program,
in which the electronic control system of the laundry drying machine is configured to perform the recommended drying program in response to the confirmation of execution.

The method and the system according to the invention allow the user to determine the quantity of laundry to be dried in a quicker and easier manner, and to know the drying duration required to dry the laundry to the desired level of dryness which can be selectable or predetermined, thus avoiding situations of uncertainty and hesitation, and obtaining savings in drying time and energy compared to possible default settings.
Further advantageous aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic view of a system 21 for preparing and performing a washing cycle by means of a drying machine, in particular a domestic one, according to an embodiment;
Figure 2 shows a diagrammatic view of a handheld electronic device of the system in Figure 1, according to an embodiment,
Figure 3 shows a diagrammatic view of a remote electronic device (cloud) of the system in Figure 1, according to an embodiment,
Figure 4 shows a diagrammatic view of a drying machine, which is optionally also a laundry washer dryer, of the system of Figure 1, according to an embodiment,
Figure 5 shows a diagrammatic representation of functional groups of a drying machine (which can also be configured as a laundry washer dryer) of the system according to a further embodiment,
Figure 6 shows a diagrammatic representation of functional groups of a drying machine (which can also be configured as a laundry washer dryer) of the system according to an embodiment,
Figures 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D show a sequence of screens of a tutorial, displayed by means of a handheld electronic device, which show the steps of performing the method for preparing and performing a drying cycle, according to an embodiment,
Figures 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D show a sequence of steps of the method for preparing and performing a drying cycle, according to an embodiment,
Figures 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E show a sequence of further steps of the method for preparing and performing a drying cycle, according to an embodiment,
Figures 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D show a sequence of further steps of the method for preparing and performing a drying cycle, according to an embodiment.

General description of the method

With reference to the Figures, a method for preparing and performing a laundry washing cycle by means of a drying machine 1, in particular a domestic one, comprises:

providing a drying machine 1 with a housing 2 and a laundry compartment 3 arranged in the housing 2 and accessible through a loading opening 4 having a perimeter edge 5 and being closable by means of a door 6 connected to the housing 2,
arranging the laundry 7 to be dried in the laundry compartment 3,
acquiring a digital image 8 of the housing 2 from the outside of the housing 2 and with the door 6 open so that the digital image 8 comprises at least one contour part 9 of the drying machine 1, including the perimeter edge 5 of the loading opening 4,
using an electronic display 11 to display the digital image 8 acquired and to display a level indicator 12 overlapping the digital image 8,
using the electronic display 11 to move the level indicator 12 with respect to the digital image 8 and position the level indicator 12 at a filling level 13 (upper contour line) of the laundry inside the laundry compartment 3 to indicate said filling level 13 in the digital image 8,
determining a quantity parameter Q (for example, indicative of the volume or mass, for example, dry mass) of the laundry 7 in the laundry compartment 3 as a function of features of the contour part 9 of the housing 2 in the acquired digital image 8 and to the filling level 13 indicated by the level indicator 12 and to a predetermined correlation between the features of the contour part 9, the filling level 13, and the quantity parameter Q of the laundry 7,
using the electronic display 11 to select at least one drying parameter P, for example selected from the group consisting of (each single parameter and each combination of two or more parameters are expressly contemplated):
- desired final dryness level
- type of fabric,
- types of fabric,
- proportions of different types of fabric present,
- temperature,
- spin speed,
determining a drying duration D as a function of the determined quantity parameter Q of the laundry 7 and to the at least one drying parameter P selected,
generating, and displaying by means of the electronic display 11, a notification with the recommended drying program, processed based on the determined quantity parameter Q of the laundry 7, the determined drying duration D and at least one selected drying parameter P, said recommended drying program notification containing:
- optionally, an indication of a quantity of laundry,
- an indication of the drying duration,
- an indication of the at least one selected drying parameter P,
- a request for confirmation of the execution of the recommended drying program,
executing the recommended drying program in response to the confirmation of execution.

Description of the step of acquiring the digital image 8 (Figures 8A, 8B)

The step of acquiring the digital image 8 can be carried out by a handheld electronic device 17, for example, a smartphone or a tablet computer, provided with digital image acquisition means 19, for example, a digital camera 46 or an optical sensor.
The step of acquiring the digital image 8 comprises a step of guiding the user in framing the contour part 9 by means of:

displaying (for example, by means of the electronic display 11) a provisional digital image representative of a current image framing and displaying reference contours 47, containing a reference circle 48 and a (continuous or dotted) quadrangular reference frame 49, overlapping said provisional digital image, and
overlapping the reference circle 48 with the perimeter edge 5 in the provisional digital image and overlapping the (continuous or dotted) quadrangular reference frame 49 with an external contour of the housing 2 in the provisional digital image, by adjusting the framing of the provisional digital image, for example, by means of the digital image acquisition means.

This guides and helps the user to acquire the digital image 8 with the most advantageous perspective and framing for the subsequent processing of the information contained therein.
The step of acquiring the digital image 8 can comprise a step of displaying (for example, by means of the electronic display 11) instructions 50 of the framing and image acquisition operation to be performed at the moment of displaying the instructions themselves.
The step of acquiring the digital image 8 can comprise:

a step of displaying (for example, by means of the electronic display 11) an image acquisition button 51 the manual actuation of which results in the acquisition of the digital image 8, and/or
upon reaching a correct overlap of the reference circle 48 with the perimeter edge 5 and of the quadrangular reference frame 49 with the external contour of the housing 2 (a situation indicative of a correct framing), "freezing" the provisional digital image displayed and/or a color variation of the reference contours 47 or of the provisional digital image, to allow the user to acquire the digital image 8, for example by means of the image acquisition button 51, and/or
automatically acquiring the digital image 8 in response to a correct overlap of the reference circle 48 with the perimeter edge 5 and of the quadrangular reference frame 49 with the external contour of the housing 2, and/or
varying the color of the reference contours 47 or of the provisional digital image and/or emitting an acoustic sound, for example of a "photographic click", at the moment of acquiring the digital image 8.

This facilitates the image acquisition and eliminates user uncertainty about the completion and success of the image acquisition.
In order to automatically determine the correct overlap of the reference circle 48 with the perimeter edge 5 and of the quadrangular reference frame 49 with the external contour of the housing 2, the method can further comprise a step of identifying the perimeter edge 5 and the external contour of the housing 2 in the provisional digital image and/or in the digital image 8, by means of an algorithm for identifying contours in digital images, for example by identifying areas of maximum local gradient of an image property. These algorithms are well known per se and thus not described in further detail herein.
According to an embodiment, the method can comprise the step of displaying, by means of the electronic display 11, a sequence of teaching illustrations of the steps of (framing and) acquiring the digital image 8 (Figures 7A, 7B), positioning the level indicator 12 (Figure 7C) and selecting the at least one drying parameter P (Figure 7D).

Description of the steps of displaying and positioning the level indicator 12

According to an embodiment, the overlapping display of the digital image 8 and the level indicator 12 and the positioning of the level indicator 12 are performed by means of the handheld electronic device 17, advantageously, by means of an electronic touch control display of the handheld electronic device 17.
The overlapping display of the digital image 8 and the level indicator 12 comprises displaying the level indicator 12 in the form of a (horizontal) line extending at least within, preferably through, the perimeter edge 5 and/or the reference circle 48 (Figures 7C, 8C) and, preferably, displaying an instruction or animation for moving the level indicator 12, for example "up and down", up to the position of the filling level 13.
The step of positioning the level indicator 12 comprises a step of confirming the positioning, for example by actuating or touching a positioning confirmation button 52 (Figure 8D) displayed by means of the electronic display 11 (of the handheld electronic device 17).
According to an embodiment, if the positioning of the level indicator 12 is confirmed without having previously moved the level indicator 12, a notice prompting the adjustment of the position of the level indicator 12 is displayed.
According to an embodiment, the method comprises the step of automatically determining an estimated filling level in the digital image 8 by analyzing the digital image 8, positioning the level indicator 12 automatically at the estimated filling level, and confirming or modifying the positioning of the level indicator 12 by inserting a command to confirm the level or to modify the level by the user.

Description of the step of determining the quantity parameter Q

According to an embodiment, the step of determining the quantity parameter Q comprises a step of determining the quantity parameter Q as a proportion of a quantity of laundry corresponding to the filling level 13 and a maximum quantity of laundry loadable in the laundry compartment 3.
According to an embodiment, the step of determining the quantity parameter Q comprises the steps of:

identifying a maximum quantity of laundry loadable into the laundry compartment 3 depending on the contour part 9 of the housing 2 in the acquired digital image 8 and on a database which associates geometric features of the contour part 9 of the housing 2 to maximum loadable laundry quantities (or, in other words, volumes of the laundry compartment 3) for a plurality of models of said drying machines 1, and
identifying a quantity of laundry corresponding to the filling level 13 depending on the maximum quantity of laundry loadable into (or on the known volume of) the laundry compartment 3 identified and depending on the filling level 13 indicated by the position of the level indicator 12.

According to an embodiment, the determination of the quantity of laundry (dry mass), i.e., the quantity parameter Q, occurs by means of a predetermined formula depending on a percentage or proportion of filling of the laundry compartment determined as a function of the positioning of the level indicator 12, and depending on the fabric type or fabric types (and presence percentages thereof) selected by the user, and depending on the predetermined volume of the laundry compartment 3 (laundry drum) for the model of drying machine 1.
The quantity parameter Q can be expressed for example as an absolute value, for example in kilograms [Kg] or as a proportion of the maximum quantity of laundry loadable into the laundry compartment 3, for example as a percentage (50%) or as a fraction (1/2).

Description of the step of selecting one or more drying parameters P (Figures 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E)

According to an embodiment, the step of selecting (the term selecting also means setting) the at least one drying parameter P comprises displaying, for example by means of the electronic display 11, a value selection menu 53 for each drying parameter P which allows a desired value to be selected or set for the drying parameter P, for example by actuating one or more displayed value selection buttons 54, for example by touch control. Therefore, the method further includes the step of selecting/setting the value of the drying parameter P by actuating the value selection button 54 by the user.
To access the value selection menu 53 for the drying parameters P, displaying a switching button 55 ("NEXT") from a value selection menu 53 to a next value selection menu 53, or displaying a menu for selecting a higher level parameter with parameter selection buttons (not shown in the Figures), can be included. Therefore, the method also includes accessing the value selection menus 53 by actuating the switching button 55 by the user.
The value selection menus 53 can comprise a menu for selecting the fabric type (Figure 9A, 9B) in which the value selection buttons 54 each indicate a type (combination) of fabric, e.g., cotton, blend, wool, synthetic, delicate.
The value selection menus 53 can comprise a menu for selecting the spin speed (Figures 9C) in which the value selection button 54 indicates the number of rotations of the laundry compartment 3.
The value selection menus 53 can comprise a menu for selecting the final dryness level (Figures 9D, 9E) in which the value selection buttons 54 each indicate a different level of dryness (or residual humidity), e.g., extra dry, cupboard dry, iron dry, dry for hanging without ironing.
According to an embodiment, for at least a first selectable type of fabric (for example, wool), the value selection menus do not display at least one selectable parameter value (for example, spin speed or final dryness level) for at least a second selectable type of fabric (for example, cotton), but incompatible (for example, detrimental) with the first selectable type of fabric. This avoids errors when setting the drying parameters P.
The step of selecting the at least one drying parameter P is preferably performed by means of the handheld electronic device 17, for example a smartphone or tablet computer.

Description of the step of determining the drying duration D

According to an embodiment, the step of determining the drying duration D is preferably performed by means of the handheld electronic device 17, for example a smartphone or tablet computer, or by means of a remote electronic device (cloud) 18 in signal communication with the handheld electronic device 17.
According to an embodiment, the determination of the drying duration D comprises calculating the drying duration D by means of a predetermined algorithm as a function of the determined quantity of laundry (dry mass), i.e., the quantity parameter Q, and the selected fabric type or fabric types.
The determination of the quantity of laundry (dry mass), i.e., the quantity parameter Q, occurs by means of an algorithm of predetermined formula depending on a percentage or proportion of filling of the laundry compartment determined as a function of the positioning of the level indicator 12, and depending on the fabric type or fabric types (and presence percentages thereof) selected by the user, and depending on the predetermined volume of the laundry compartment 3 (laundry drum) for the model of drying machine 1.

Description of the step of displaying the recommended drying program (Figure 10C)

According to an embodiment, the display of the recommended drying program notification occurs by means of the handheld electronic device 17.
The recommended drying program notification contains the values of the drying parameters P selected by the user, e.g., fabric type(s), spin speed, final dryness and/or drying temperature, as well as the estimated drying duration D and, possibly, the determined quantity of laundry (Figure 10C).
The determined quantity of laundry can be expressed as a numeral value, e.g., "7 Kg" and/or in relative explanatory terms, for example

"Small load", e.g., for 0-30% of the maximum nominal capacity of the laundry compartment 3,
"Average load", e.g., for 31%-60% of the maximum nominal capacity of the laundry compartment 3,
"Large load", e.g., for 61 %-100% of the maximum nominal capacity of the laundry compartment 3.

According to an embodiment, the recommended drying program notification further contains a time saving indication obtained by detecting the quantity of laundry with respect to a predetermined standard drying program.
The recommended drying program notification can comprise displaying a modification button ("edit") 57 the actuation of which, for example by touch control by the user, results in displaying a menu for modifying the drying parameters P which allows the insertion of commands for modifying the drying parameters P by the user.
The request for confirmation of the execution of the recommended drying program, or of the recommended drying program modified by the user, can comprise displaying a start button 56 the actuation of which, for example by touch control by the user, results in executing the drying program by the drying machine 1.

Description of the step of performing the drying program

According to an embodiment, the drying program is executed by the drying machine 1 controlled by the electronic control system 16 in signal communication with the handheld electronic device 17, as a function of the drying parameters P selected and displayed.
According to an embodiment, the washing program is terminated, not depending on the determined drying duration D, but upon reaching the final dryness value selected.
In this case, determining and displaying the drying time D allows per se a better organization of the time of the user, without directly affecting the execution of the laundry drying.
According to a further embodiment, the washing program is terminated depending on the determined drying duration D.
According to a further embodiment, the washing program is terminated, depending on the determined drying duration D and upon reaching the selected final dryness value (double termination criterion).

General description of the system 14

Similarly, according to an aspect of the invention, a system 14 for preparing and performing a laundry drying cycle comprises:

a drying machine 1 with a housing 2 and a laundry compartment 3 arranged in the housing 2 and accessible through a loading opening 4 having a perimeter edge 5 and closable by means of a door 6 connected to the housing 2,
an electronic data processing system 15 comprising an electronic control system 16 of the drying machine 1, a handheld electronic device 17 (for example, a (tablet computer or a smartphone) and, possibly, a remote electronic device 18 (cloud),

data processing system

image acquisition means 19 configured and positionable for acquiring a digital image 8 of the housing 2 from the outside of the housing 2,
framing aid means 20 to frame in the digital image 8 at least one contour part 9 of the drying machine 1, including the perimeter edge 5 of the loading opening 4,
an electronic display 11 to display the digital image 8 acquired and to display a level indicator 12 overlapping the digital image 8,
command insertion means 21 in signal communication with the electronic display 11 and configured to:
- allow the level indicator 12 to move with respect to the digital image 8 and position the level indicator 12 at a filling level 13 (upper contour line) of the laundry 7 inside the laundry compartment 3 to indicate said filling level 13,
- allow the selection of at least one drying parameter P, for example selected from the group consisting of:
  - desired final dryness level
  - type of fabric,
  - types of fabric,
  - proportions of different types of fabric present,
  - temperature,
  - spin speed,
quantity determination means 22 configured to determine a quantity parameter Q (for example, indicative of the volume or mass, for example, dry mass) of the laundry 7 in the laundry compartment 3 as a function of features of the contour part 9 of the housing 2 in the acquired digital image 8 and to the filling level 13 indicated by the level indicator 12 and to a predetermined correlation between the features of the contour part 9, the filling level 13, and the quantity parameter Q of the laundry,
duration determination means 23 configured to determine a drying duration D as a function of the determined quantity parameter Q of the laundry and to the at least one drying parameter P selected,
notification means 24 configured to generate, and display by means of the electronic display 11, a notification with the recommended drying program, processed based on the determined quantity parameter Q of the laundry, the determined drying duration D and at least one selected drying parameter P, said recommended drying program notification containing:
- optionally, an indication of a quantity of laundry,
- an indication of the drying duration,
- an indication of the at least one selected drying parameter P,
- a request for confirmation of the execution of the recommended drying program,
in which the electronic control system 16 of the drying machine 1 is configured to perform the recommended drying program in response to the confirmation of execution.

The method and the system 14 according to the invention allow the user to determine the quantity of laundry to be dried in a quicker and easier manner, and to know the drying duration required to dry the laundry to the desired level of dryness which can be selectable or predetermined, thus avoiding situations of uncertainty and hesitation, and obtaining savings in drying time and energy compared to possible default settings.

Description of the (step of providing a) laundry drying machine 1

The drying machine 1 comprises a drying system with a drying air circuit 25 passing through the laundry compartment 3 (in particular a rotating drum or cylinder), and with conveying means 27, air heating means 29, 34 and, possibly, conveyed air humidity condensation means 30, 33.
According to an embodiment, the drying machine 1 comprises an electric resistor drying circuit 25, in which the drying air 26 is conveyed by means of a fan 27 (actuated by a motor 28), heated by means of an electrical resistor 29 and directed into the laundry compartment 3, for example a rotating drum or cylinder, where, as it passes through the wet laundry, it causes the water contained in the fabrics to evaporate. Upon leaving the laundry compartment 3, the drying air 26 laden with humidity is discharged into the room (open drying circuit) or (in the case of a closed drying circuit) it passes through a heat exchanger 30, where it is cooled, for example, by means of a flow of cold water or fresh air 31 conveyed by means of a second fan (operated preferably but not necessarily by means of the same electric motor 28), so as to extract the humidity therefrom by means of condensation. The dehumidified drying air 26 is then sucked in again by the fan 27, heated by means of the electrical resistor 29 and re-directed into the laundry compartment 3 ( Figure 5 ).
In an embodiment with a closed heat pump drying circuit 32, upon exiting the laundry compartment 3, the drying air 26 laden with humidity passes through a first (cold) heat exchanger 33 formed by an evaporator of the heat pump, where the air 26 is cooled so as to extract the humidity thereof by condensation. The dehumidified and cooled drying air 26 is then directed into a second (hot) heat exchanger 34 formed by a heat pump condenser, where the air is heated. The dehumidified and heated air is sucked in by means of a fan 27 and directed again into the laundry compartment 3 so as to continue extracting humidity from the laundry. In a known manner, the heat pump further comprises a compressor 35 and an expansion valve 36 ( Figure 6 ).
According to an embodiment (Figure 4), the drying machine 1 is configured as a washer dryer machine and comprises a washing system with a washing tank 37, inside which a washing drum is housed, forming the laundry compartment 3, and which is adapted to contain washing liquid during the laundry washing steps.
According to an embodiment, the washer dryer machine comprises a washing water loading system 38 connectable to the water mains. The loading system 38 can comprise a plurality of pipes extending, for example, from one or more, for example, two, supply solenoid valves 39, 40, directly or through detergent compartments of a detergent tray 41 (optional), up to the washing tank 37.
A discharge pipe 42 is connected to the bottom 41' of the washing tank 37, the discharge pipe being with an associated discharge pump 43 which removes the washing liquid from the washing tank 37 and which, together with the supply solenoid valves 39, 40, controls the level of liquid in the washing tank 37.
An electrical resistor 44 arranged inside the washing tank 37, in particular at the tank bottom 41', can be provided in the gap between the wall of the washing tank 37 and the laundry drum 3, to heat the washing liquid contained in the washing tank 37.
The laundry drum (laundry compartment 3) can be actuated in rotation by means of an electric motor 45.
The operation of the drying machine 1 is controlled by the electronic control system 16 which allows the selection of washing and/or drying programs (more generally: treatment programs) and parameters thereof. In response to the selections made by the user by means of the control system 16 on the one hand, and/or by means of the electronic data processing system 15, the electronic control unit 16 drives the various components of the drying machine 1 to dry and possibly wash the laundry.

Description of the image acquisition means 19 (Figures 2, 8A, 8B)

The digital image acquisition means 19, e.g., a digital camera 46 or an optical detector, form part of the handheld electronic device 17, for example a smartphone or a tablet computer, and are configured to perform the step of acquiring the digital image 8 described with reference to the method.
Similarly, the framing aid means 20 for framing in the digital image 8 at least one contour part 9 of the drying machine 1, including the perimeter edge 5 of the loading opening 4, form part of the handheld electronic device 17, for example a smartphone or a tablet computer, and are configured to perform the step of guiding the user in framing the contour part 9 described with reference to the method.
In order to automatically determine the correct overlap of the reference circle 48 with the perimeter edge 5 and of the quadrangular reference frame 49 with the external contour of the housing 2, the framing aid means 20 can comprise means for identifying the perimeter edge 5 and the external contour of the housing 2 in the provisional digital image and/or in the digital image 8, by means of an algorithm for identifying contours in digital images, for example by identifying areas of maximum local gradient of an image property.
The electronic display 11 is advantageously part of the handheld electronic device 17.

Description of the command insertion means 21

The command insertion means 21 form part of the handheld electronic device 17 and advantageously comprise an electronic touch control display 11.
The command insertion means 21 are configured to perform and allow displaying and positioning the level indicator 12 described with reference to the method.
The command insertion means 21 are configured to perform and allow the selection of the (values of the) drying parameters P described with reference to the method.

Description of the quantity determination means 22

According to embodiments, the quantity determination means 22 can be implemented by the handheld electronic device 17 or, alternatively, by the remote electronic device (cloud) 18 in signal communication with the handheld electronic device 17.
The quantity determination means 22 are configured to determine the quantity parameter Q by means of the step or steps described with reference to the method.

Description of the duration determination means 23

According to embodiments, the duration determination means 23 can be implemented by the handheld electronic device 17 or, alternatively, by the remote electronic device (cloud) 18 in signal communication with the handheld electronic device 17.
The duration determination means 23 are configured to determine the drying duration D by means of the step or steps described with reference to the method.

Description of the notification means 24

According to embodiments, the notification means 24 are implemented by the handheld electronic device 17 and are configured to generate the recommended drying program notification according to the steps described with reference to the method.
The electronic control system 16 of the drying machine 1 and the handheld electronic device 17 can communicate directly (for example via Bluetooth and/or NFC) or alternatively by means of a home WLAN network, or alternatively indirectly by means of the remote electronic device (cloud) 18 in data communication with the handheld electronic device 17 and with a home WLAN network in communication with the electronic control system 16 of the laundry drying machine 1.
Obviously, in order to meet contingent and specific needs, those skilled in the art may make further changes and variations to the method and system according to the present invention, all contained in the scope of protection of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Reference signs

drying machine 1
housing 2
laundry compartment 3
loading opening 4
perimeter edge 5
door 6
laundry 7
digital image 8
contour part 9
electronic display 11
level indicator 12
filling level 13
system 14
electronic data processing system 15
electronic control system 16
handheld electronic device 17
remote electronic device (cloud) 18
image acquisition means 19
framing aid means 20
command insertion means 21
quantity determination means 22
duration determination means 23
notification means 24
drying circuit 25
drying air 26
conveying means, fan 27
electric motor 28
heating means, electrical resistor 29
condensation means, heat exchanger 30
fresh air 31
heat pump drying circuit 32
condensation means, first (cold) heat exchanger 33
heating means, second (hot) heat exchanger 34
compressor 35
expansion valve 36
washing tank 37
water loading system 38
supply solenoid valves 39, 40
detergent tray 41
tank bottom 41'
discharge pipe 42
discharge pump 43
electrical resistor 44
electric motor 45
digital camera 46
reference contours 47
reference circle 48
quadrangular reference frame 49
displayed instructions 50
image acquisition button 51
positioning confirmation button 52
value selection menu 53
value selection buttons 54
switching button 55
start button 56
modification button 57
quantity parameter Q
drying parameters P
drying duration D

Claims

A method for preparing and performing a laundry drying cycle by means of a drying machine (1), comprising:
- providing a drying machine (1) with a housing (2) and a laundry compartment (3) arranged in the housing (2) and accessible through a loading opening (4) having a perimeter edge (5) and being closable by means of a door (6) connected to the housing (2),

- arranging the laundry (7) to be dried in the laundry compartment (3),

- acquiring a digital image (8) of the housing (2) from the outside of the housing (2) and with the door (6) open so that the digital image (8) comprises at least one contour part (9) of the drying machine (1), including the perimeter edge (5) of the loading opening (4),

- using an electronic display (11) to display the acquired digital image (8) and to display a level indicator (12) overlapping the digital image (8) to indicate a filling level (13) of the laundry inside the laundry compartment (3) in the digital image (8),

- determining a quantity parameter (Q) of the laundry (7) in the laundry compartment (3) according to the features of the contour part (9) in the acquired digital image (8) and to the filling level (13) indicated by the level indicator (12) and to a predetermined correlation between the features of the contour part (9), the filling level (13), and the quantity parameter (Q) of the laundry (7).
Method according to claim 1, further comprising:
- using the electronic display (11) to select at least one drying parameter (P),

- determining a drying duration (D) according to the determined quantity parameter (Q) of the laundry (7) and to the at least one drying parameter (P) selected,

- generating, and displaying by means of the electronic display (11), a notification with the recommended drying program, processed on the basis of the determined quantity parameter (Q) of the laundry (7), of the determined drying duration (D) and of at least one selected drying parameter (P), said recommended drying program notification containing:
- optionally, an indication of a quantity of laundry,

- an indication of the drying duration,

- an indication of the at least one drying parameter (P) selected,

- a request for confirmation of the execution of the recommended drying program,

- executing the recommended drying program in response to the confirmation of execution.
A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the step of acquiring the digital image (8) is executed by means of a handheld electronic device (17) provided with digital image acquisition means (19), and comprises a step of guiding the user when framing the contour part (9) by:
- displaying a provisional digital image representative of a current image framing, and

- displaying reference contours (47), containing a reference circle (48) and a quadrangular reference frame (49), overlapping said provisional digital image, and

- overlapping the reference circle (48) with the perimeter edge (5) in the provisional digital image and overlapping the quadrangular reference frame (49) with an external contour of the housing (2) in the provisional digital image, by adjusting the framing of the provisional digital image by means of the digital image acquisition means (19),
and, optionally:
wherein the step of acquiring the digital image (8) further comprises:
- displaying an image acquisition button (51) whose manual actuation results in the acquisition of the digital image (8), and

- upon reaching a correct overlap of the reference circle (48) with the perimeter edge (5), and of the quadrangular reference frame (49) with the
external contour of the housing (2), "freezing" the displayed provisional digital image to allow the user to acquire the digital image (8) by actuating the image acquisition button (51),
and, optionally:
wherein the step of acquiring the digital image (8) comprises an automatic acquisition of the digital image (8) in response to a sufficiently correct overlap of the reference circle (48) with the perimeter edge (5), and of the quadrangular reference frame (49) with the external contour of the housing (2).
A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the overlapping display of the digital image (8) and of the level indicator (12) comprises:
- displaying the level indicator (12) in the form of a line extended through the perimeter edge (5) or the reference circle (48),

- displaying an instruction or animation of the movement of the level indicator (12).
A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of positioning the level indicator (12) comprises:
- optionally, using the electronic display (11) to move the level indicator (12) with respect to the digital image (8) and to position the level indicator (12) at the filling level (13) of the laundry to indicate said filling level (13),

- confirming the positioning by actuating a positioning confirmation button (52) displayed by means of the electronic display (11).
A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of determining the quantity parameter (Q) comprises a step of determining the quantity parameter (Q) as a proportion of a quantity of laundry corresponding to the filling level (13) and a maximum quantity of laundry loadable in the laundry compartment (3).
A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of determining the quantity parameter (Q) comprises the steps of:
- identifying a maximum quantity of laundry loadable into the laundry compartment (3) depending on the contour part (9) of the housing (2) in the acquired digital image (8) and on a database which associates geometric features of the contour part (9) of the housing (2) to maximum loadable laundry quantities for a plurality of models of said drying machines (1), and

- identifying a quantity or volume of laundry corresponding to the filling level (13) depending on the maximum quantity of laundry loadable into the laundry compartment (3) identified and depending on the filling level (13) indicated by the position of the level indicator (12).
A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the determination of the quantity parameter (Q) occurs by means of a predetermined formula depending on:
- a percentage or proportion of filling of the laundry compartment (3) determined according to the positioning of the level indicator (12), and

- the type of fabric or types of fabric selected by the user, and

- the predetermined volume of the laundry compartment (3) for the model of drying machine (1).
A method according to any one of the claims 2 to 8, wherein the drying parameter (P) is selected from the group consisting of:
- desired final dryness level

- type of fabric,

- types of fabric,

- proportions of different types of fabric present,

- temperature,

- spin speed,
and the step of selecting the at least one drying parameter (P) comprises:
- displaying, by means of the electronic display (11), a value selection menu (53) for each drying parameter (P), with one or more value selection buttons (54),

- selecting a drying parameter value (P) by actuating the value selection button (54) by the user,
A method according to claim 9, wherein the value selection menus (53) comprise:
- a menu for selecting the fabric type, wherein the value selection buttons (54) indicate each a type of fabric,

- a menu for selecting the spin speed, wherein the value selection button (54) indicates the number of rotations of the laundry compartment (3).

- a menu for selecting the final dryness level, wherein the value selection buttons (54) indicate each a different level of dryness or residual humidity.
A method according to any one of the claims 2 to 10, wherein the determination of the drying duration (D) comprises:
- calculating the drying duration (D) by means of a predetermined algorithm according to the determined quantity parameter (Q), and the selected fabric type or fabric types,

- calculating the quantity parameter (Q) by means of a predetermined formula depending on a proportion of filling of the laundry compartment (3) determined according to the positioning of the level indicator (12), and depending on the fabric type or fabric types selected by the user, and depending on the predetermined volume of the laundry compartment (3) for the model of drying machine (1).
A method according to any one of the claims 2 to 11, wherein the recommended drying program notification contains:
- values of the drying parameters (P) selected by the user, the estimated drying duration (D) and the determined quantity of laundry,

- a time saving indication obtained by detecting the quantity of laundry with respect to a predetermined standard drying program,

- the display of a modification button (57) whose actuation results in the display of a menu for modifying the drying parameters (P) and allows the insertion of commands for modifying the drying parameters (P).
A method according to any one of the claims 2 to 10, wherein:
- the steps of acquiring the digital image (8), overlapped display of the digital image (8) and of the level indicator (12), positioning the level indicator (12), determining the quantity parameter (Q), selecting the at least one drying parameter (P), determining the drying duration (D) and generating and displaying the recommended drying program notification are performed by means of a portable electronic device (17) separate from the drying machine (1) and in signal communication with an electronic control device 16 of the drying machine (1), and

- the step of executing the drying program is performed by the drying machine (1) controlled by the electronic control system (16) according to the drying parameters (P) selected and displayed.
A method according to claim 13, wherein the execution of the drying program is terminated not depending on the determined drying duration (D), but upon reaching the final dryness value selected.
A system (14) for preparing and performing a laundry drying cycle comprising:
- a drying machine (1) with a housing (2) and a laundry compartment (3) arranged in the housing (2) and accessible through a loading opening (4) having a perimeter edge (5) and closable by means of a door (6) connected to the housing (2),

- an electronic data processing system (15) comprising an electronic control system (16) of the drying machine (1), a handheld electronic device (17) separate from the drying machine (1) and, possibly, a remote electronic device (18),
wherein said electronic data processing system (15) comprises:
- image acquisition means (19) configured and positionable for acquiring a digital image (8) of the housing (2) from the outside of the housing (2),

- framing aid means (20) to frame the digital image (8) at least one contour part (9) of the washing machine (1), including the perimeter edge (5) of the loading opening (4),

- an electronic display (11) to display the acquired digital image (8) and to display a level indicator (12) overlapping the digital image (8) to indicate a filling level (13) of the laundry inside the laundry compartment (3) in the digital image (8),

- command insertion means (21) in signal communication with the electronic display (11) and configured for:
- allowing the selection of at least one drying parameter (P),

- quantity determination means (22) configured to determine a quantity parameter (Q) of the laundry (7) in the laundry compartment (3) according to the features of the contour part (9) of the housing (2) in the acquired digital image (8) and to the filling level (13) indicated by the level indicator (12) and to a predetermined correlation between the features of the contour part (9), the filling level (13), and the quantity parameter (Q) of the laundry,
and, optionally, further comprising:
- duration determination means (23) configured to determine a drying duration (D) according to the determined quantity parameter (Q) of the laundry and to the at least one drying parameter (P) selected,

- notification means (24) configured to generate, and display by means of the electronic display (11), a notification with the recommended drying program, processed on the basis of the determined quantity parameter (Q) of the laundry, of the determined drying duration (D) and of at least one selected drying parameter (P), said recommended drying program notification containing:
- optionally, an indication of a quantity of laundry,

- an indication of the drying duration,

- an indication of the at least one selected drying parameter P,

- a request for confirmation of the execution of the recommended drying program,
wherein the electronic control system (16) of the drying machine (1) is configured to perform the recommended drying program in response to the confirmation of execution.