AI Spool Color Detection for Print Monitoring#461

Integrate an AI failure detection feature that can identify the color of the filament actively being printed. This would serve as an optional safety check and a valuable tool for print farm management, especially for users who need to ensure prints are made with the correct material.

The AI model, when used with a well-lit build plate and a camera, could analyze the video feed to determine the color of the filament being extruded. This would require the user to pre-select the expected filament color from their material list before starting the print.

If the AI detects a significant and sustained difference between the expected and actual colors, it could:

Trigger an alert: Send a notification to the user, suggesting that the wrong filament color might be in use.

Pause the print: With a configurable setting, the AI could automatically pause the print, preventing further waste of the wrong material.

Provide a recommendation: The system could suggest changing the "active material" in the SimplyPrint material list to match the detected color, allowing for accurate logging and inventory management.

Possible Benefits:

Preventing Errors: This feature would provide an extra layer of failure detection, catching a specific and often costly error: printing with the wrong color filament.

Improved Efficiency: For users with multiple printers or a print farm, this would save significant time and material by catching mistakes early in the printing process.

Enhanced Material Management: By automatically identifying the filament and suggesting updates to the material list, the AI would help users keep their inventory accurate and up-to-date. This is a crucial feature for anyone managing a large number of prints.

This functionality complements SimplyPrint’s existing AI detection for issues like spaghetti, warping, and blobs, extending its capabilities to include a critical aspect of print preparation.