Methods and devices for individualized laundry

Abstract

A computer-implemented method for creating a bespoke laundry treatment recipe includes receiving fabric data related to one or more of stain identity, fabric identity, user requirements and user preference; comparing by means of a data processing system said input data with ingredient combination data stored on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, and formulating one or more laundry treatment recipes, said recipes being bespoke to the user input data; wherein said ingredient combination data comprises: multiple ingredient composition data; multiple combinations of said ingredient compositions; and multiple treatment (e.g. stain) categories related to said ingredient composition combinations.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for creating a laundry treatment recipe, the method comprising: receiving fabric data input by a user, wherein the fabric data includes data related to one or more of a stain identity, a fabric identity, user requirements, or user preference; determining conflicting data, by a data processing system, wherein the data processing system determines conflicting data based on conflicting data combinations within the fabric data and based on conflicting data within a comparison of the fabric data with functionality and inter-relationships of individual laundry treatment ingredients within ingredient data stored on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium; performing conflict resolution, by the data processing system, in response to the determined conflicting data, the conflict resolution comprising: displaying the determined conflicting data; and determining an overriding a laundry treatment and/or ingredient priority based on an input from the user or based on rules pertaining to the fabric data, the ingredient data, and the determined conflicting data; formulating one or more laundry treatment recipes, wherein the laundry treatment recipes combine individual laundry treatment ingredients from the ingredient data according to the treatment and/or ingredient priority; and supplying a dose of laundry treatment product according to the one or more laundry treatment recipes by a controllable dispensing device, the device having multiple reservoirs, wherein each reservoir comprises an individual laundry treatment ingredient within the ingredient data, wherein the ingredient data includes: multiple individual laundry treatment ingredients available for the laundry treatment recipe; multiple combinations of the individual laundry treatment ingredients for the laundry treatment recipe; and multiple stain treatment categories related to the multiple combinations of the individual laundry treatment ingredients for the laundry treatment recipe.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising displaying one or more lists of choices from which the user may select to input the fabric data input by the user.

3. The method according to claim 2 wherein the one or more lists of choices from which the user may select are displayed according to different operating modes, each operating mode having a different list of choices from which the user may select, the method further comprising receiving a selection of a mode of operation.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising displaying one or more lists of individual stains to the user to select or de-select.

5. The method according to claim 1 wherein fabric data related to the stain identity is determined from one or more of user activity, location of activity, weather, dining, garment user, garment type, and user location within the data input by the user.

6. The method according to claim 1 wherein fabric data related to fabric identity is determined from one or more of user behavior, user location, location environment, and weather within the data input by the user.

7. The method according to claim 1 wherein the fabric data input by the user is transmitted from a location remote from a laundry treatment location.

Description

(1) Various non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the following drawings in which;

(2) FIG. 1: shows a general schematic of a method of creating a laundry product recipe;

(3) FIG. 2: shows a more detailed schematic of the method of FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3: shows a specific example of user data input;

(5) FIGS. 4a-4j: show example user interfaces for the method of the invention;

(6) FIGS. 5a-5c: shows example user interfaces for user selection of stain by category; and

(7) FIG. 6: shows a method of conflict resolution.

(8) Referring to FIG. 1, this shows a schematic of one example of a method of creating a laundry product recipe. The computer-implemented method 10 shown in FIG. 1 for creating a bespoke laundry treatment recipe comprises the steps: display fabric data (step 12), receive input of fabric data (step 14), compare user input with ingredient composition data (step 16); formulate treatment recipe (step 18), and display treatment recipe (step 20).

(9) The display steps 12 and 20 are optional in some embodiments of the method 10, and it is not always necessary for any data to be displayed to a user, e.g., when data is simply collected and transmitted to be used in formulating the recipe and a user prefers to see little to no data. If displayed, a graphical user interface (GUI) or any other user interface such as a display screen of a smart phone (see FIG. 3, 5) may be used.

(10) Fabric data can be a variety of different data depending on systems, user preferences, etc., and can be, for example, based the following criteria: (I) stain identity; (ii) fabric identity; (iii) user requirements; and (iv) user preferences.

(11) Each of these categories are discussed in detail above, and should be understood to comprise any data related to the fabric, user, machine and/or washing conditions which can be used to help formulate a bespoke laundry product recipe.

(12) Receiving fabric data input (step 14) can be from direct input by a user, previously recorded input, input collected by other electronic devices and transmitted (automatically or manually) or any other method available for receiving input related to fabric data. The data may be displayed, which can enable the user to review data for accuracy and completeness and correct any mistakes or earlier input preferences which are desired to be changed. This display can be in a number of different forms and/or locations, and can allow a user to directly interact with the data or may require another device or input for changing any data.

(13) Comparing input with ingredient data composition (step 16) can be done by means of a data processing system comparing said input data with ingredient combination data stored on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium to ensure that the bespoke recipe does not conflict in terms of requirements and/or preferences. If there is a conflict, a conflict resolution method (see FIG. 6) can be performed.

(14) After the comparison and any conflict resolution, one or more laundry treatment recipes (step 18) can be created which are individualized for the user and/or the fabrics to be laundered. The recipe may optionally be displayed (step 20).

(15) By receiving fabric data and using this specific data to formulate a treatment recipe in combination with composition data, individualized recipes which are tailored to better treat the specific items and which comply with user preferences can be formulated. This can result in better stain treatment and wash tailored only to the levels needed and for the specific fabrics, which can increase the look and usable life of garments. Such a method can also be economical in saving resources, for example, only doing light wash or using very little components in the bespoke laundry recipe when input received indicates that a fabric is only lightly worn or used. Further, the recipe could be formulated and then transmitted to be displayed elsewhere, e.g., to a laundry service, such that another laundry service or system could formulate individualized laundry products tailored to the customer and/or fabrics.

(16) FIG. 2 shows a more details schematic showing user data 205 input via a graphical user interphase (GUI), 203 of a smartphone 201. The smartphone 201 further comprises non-transitory computer readable storage (memory) and a processor (not shown).

(17) Stored in memory is a recipe generator program comprising instructions which can be executed by the processor to carry out the steps of the method. Also stored in memory is the data required to implement the method: the data for displaying, and any input data including any selected data. These could also be stored remotely and transmitted to the system in some applications.

(18) The ingredient combination data 207 comprises: i. multiple ingredient composition data 209. This comprises multiple compositions of laundry treatment ingredients. The method of the invention combines these ingredients based on user input to design a bespoke laundry treatment recipe. ii. multiple combinations of said ingredient compositions 211, which includes multiple combinations of the ingredient compositions (i) and also includes ingredient composition ratios (which may be by volume, weight etc.) The multiple combinations of the ingredients represent the bespoke recipes. iii. multiple treatment (e.g. stain) categories comprise multiple stains which are mapped/related to said ingredient composition combinations 211.

(19) In this example, the multiple ingredient compositions comprise a combination of one or more of:

(20) (i) an ingredient composition comprising a surfactant,

(21) (ii) one or more separate ingredient composition(s) each comprising a different enzyme

(22) (iii) an ingredient composition comprising a bleach component,

(23) (iv) an ingredient composition comprising an alkaline component,

(24) (v) a perfume ingredient composition; and

(25) (vi) a care/refresh ingredient composition.

(26) The compositions of these are as described hereinabove.

(27) For example it may be arranged in data arrays or databases, which are used by the programme to compare input data as shown in Table 1, which shows an example array methodology used for calculating ingredient needs based on stains or stain types:

(28) TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 1 Data Array Ingredient Recipe Combination Data Stain Stain type Recipe 1 Ingredient Stain 1 (baby oil) Stain type 1 composition: (i) (cosmetics, baby) base detergent Recipe 2 Ingredient Stain 2 (jam) Stain type 2 (food) composition: (i) Ingredient composition (ii) (enzyme)

(29) Using Table 1, user input data regarding stains is compared with the Stain or Stain Type column data to identify the associated ingredient composition for the stain/stain type. If for example it is ‘stain 1’ which might be e.g. baby oil, then the associated ingredient is a base detergent.

(30) In the second example, in the second row, if the stain data input by the user is jam, then the program identifies this in the Stain column and reads across to the Ingredient Combination Column where the data indicates that the combination is ingredient compositions (i) and (ii) (enzyme).

(31) Because the recipe compositions are arranged additively, i.e., with a ‘base’ surfactant, and additive functional components, the array can be simplified.

(32) The precise composition of each ingredient composition can stored in multiple ingredient composition data set. This will ideally be stored separately in, e.g., an array or arrays, containing data regarding ingredients, chemistries, suppliers, safety data, etc. These are referenced by the program if necessary (e.g., if the precise information needs to be sent to a laundry service or calibrated with ingredients in a recipe dispenser device).

(33) The table may comprise further data with, e.g., amounts of respective ingredient compositions and/or relative ratios of respective ingredient compositions and in the case where it is to be used to activate a washing machine, the times in the wash cycle that the ingredient compositions should be dosed.

(34) The determined recipe 215 may be transmitted by connection (wireless or wired) to the internet/network to

(35) (i) a laundry service 219 which carries out the laundry treatment operation on the user's behalf,

(36) (ii) the user's washing machine 221, or

(37) (iii) a recipe dispenser 223.

(38) The recipe dispenser 223 may comprise an apparatus for providing laundry product(s). The apparatus can be a dosing unit and/or a dispensing device having one or more reservoirs for containing laundry product components that is located within or outside of a wash machine. Wherein the device comprises a dispensing unit, it can be controlled to selectively dispense portions of components from the reservoir(s) so as to provide a dose of laundry product in the dosing unit as a result of input by a user and the determined recipe. The dispenser may comprise a computing or controlling device itself to effect controlled dosing according to the method and/or can be controlled from a remote location.

(39) A reservoir cartridge which may be used with a dispenser or with a washing machine itself may contain a stock of a composition in an amount sufficient for two or more doses, sometimes for three or more and in other cases, for five or more doses of laundry product. A cartridge may be disposable or be designed to be refillable and could be for inside the washing machine, inside the drum, inside another reservoir or outside a washing machine. In some cases, a cartridge may even be dissolvable.

(40) The apparatus is configured such that the dosing unit and dispensing device are typically located externally of the washing machine, though the dosing unit may be adapted to be placed in the washing machine, especially in the washing machine drum. The dose of laundry product may also be supplied to the drum via a drawer, or other fluid connection.

(41) In the various aspects of the invention, the dosing unit may be conventional dosing ball. Alternatively, the dosing unit may be a bottle, pouch or other receptacle. After the recipe is dispensed into the bottle, a spray head may be fitted to create a refresh spray product.

(42) Additional water may be added to a fill-level indicator to create a sprayable composition if the ingredient compositions used require thinning.

(43) FIG. 3 shows a detailed example of possible user data input 300. This includes input regarding

(44) i. whether a new, recent or ‘favourite’ recipe is to be accessed 302,

(45) ii. the load size 304,

(46) iii. fabric colour 306,

(47) iv. specific fabric type 308,

(48) v. if any stains are to be treated 310, and

(49) vi. if fabric conditioner is to be part of the treatment 312.

(50) These are merely a number of examples of types of user input which could be a part of the system and method, and different systems would have much different input and/or input options. The amount and type of input options can be based on past collected data, known user preferences, already known fabric or user data, etc. The input format and order are also for example purposes only, and could vary greatly in different systems and methods.

(51) The ability for a user to input data in a system such as this does allow for making individualized laundry products and recipes that are specifically tailored to the user and/or fabric to be washed. Such a system also allows a user to understand and have more control regarding preferences and laundry treatment, which can result in better laundry outcomes and/or higher customer satisfaction.

(52) FIGS. 4a-4j show example GUIs for the method. These are similar to the user data input shown in FIG. 3, and include the screen of FIG. 4i for entering completely new input (as opposed to simply picking from options), and the screen shown in FIG. 4j for reviewing and editing the input data. In certain embodiments where the device is connected to a dispensing device, e.g., a washing machine or standalone dispenser with replaceable cartridges containing ingredient compositions, the GUI may show levels of ingredient compositions in the cartridges. An example of this is shown in FIG. 4a at 401.

(53) Also shown is a signal connection strength 403 for connecting with other devices or systems, for example, a remote connection to a laundry service or for downloading updates to the software or firmware. This could be through household wi-fi, the internet, a local network, etc. In some embodiments, this could also indicate a hard wired connection, e.g., the UI could be connected to a docking station at the washing machine or another computer system for communicating and/or recharging.

(54) FIGS. 5a-5c shows shows example GUIs for user selection of stain by category as part of the method of the invention. The user first selects the stain type from a list of types (Food and Drink, Outdoor, Kids Play, Sport/Gym, Bedding etc.), as shown in FIG. 5a. FIG. 5b shows the selection Outdoor which then may initiate a further choice from grass, dirt, petrol, diesel, cement etc. (FIG. 5c). The output of this user input data is then used as above to determine ingredient composition data to generate a recipe.

(55) FIG. 6 shows an example method of conflict resolution 600, which could be implemented with methods of creating laundry treatment recipes. Method 600 includes displaying conflicting data (step 602); determining priority (step 604); and formulating a laundry recipe based on priority (step 606). Such a method is useful as part of a method which allows a user to input preferences and/or information to the system and alert a user to a situation where wash performance, safety or other performance factors may be compromised by combinations of particular components. As some users are not very knowledgeable about laundry recipe components, there will be occasions where treatment and ingredient compositions selected (or determined indirectly from user input) are not compatible. Such a situation can trigger conflict resolution method 600.

(56) Step 602 of displaying conflicting input data can be done on a user interface, the wash machine or any other location appropriate. This can include combinations of fabric data selected by the user, compositions selected based on user input (directly or indirectly), stain identity data, fabric identity data, user requirement and/or user preferences. Displaying the conflicting data can help a user understand what is happening and why all the user input and/or preferences cannot be followed. This can help to avoid user frustrating and resulting disengagement.

(57) Step 604 of determining priority can be based on different set rules, e.g., stain treatment always takes priority, or can be determined based on user input. If based on user input, the user could be given choices on the user interface such that they can determine the overriding priority, e.g., non-enzyme vs. stain treatment, for that wash. The user may also be given the option to save that priority, which the system would use for further conflict resolution.

(58) Step 606 then goes on to formulate one or more bespoke laundry recipes according to the priority of step 604. Method 600 provides a method to resolve conflicts that naturally arise when users with little to no chemistry background make choices related to an individualized laundry product recipe. Such a method keeps a user informed and can give a user greater control and information to design a recipe and create a bespoke recipe despite inputs which result in initial conflicting components.

(59) It is to be understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to a person skilled in the art and are included in the spirit and scope of the invention and the appended claims.