DE102017209859A1 - Method and device for determining a treatment parameter of a textile based on the contaminant composition and textile property - Google Patents

Abstract

In particular, a method performed by one or more devices is disclosed, the method comprising: obtaining first intensity information (210) representative of a spectral image (208) resulting from an impurity (202, 302) of a textile (200, 304); Obtaining second intensity information (212, 214) representative of a spectral image (216) characteristic of at least one property of at least a portion of the textile (200, 304); Determining at least one treatment parameter, wherein the determination of the treatment parameter depends both on the composition of the impurity (202, 302) from the first intensity information (210) and on the at least one property of at least the part of the textile (200, 304) from the second Intensity information (212, 214) takes place; and outputting or triggering output of the at least one treatment parameter.

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to methods and devices with which at least one treatment parameter is determined via a spectral image resulting from an impurity on a textile and at least one property of at least one part of the textile, in particular at least one treatment parameter for a cleaning of the textile.

Background of the invention

Impurities on a textile such as garments, curtains or bedding are often difficult to identify. Impurities can not only affect the aesthetics of the textiles, but also represent a hygienic problem for the user of the textile.

Although many impurities are easy to detect by eye, it is often unclear to the user of the textile which composition or origin of the contaminant. Impurities with various compositions can provide a very similar appearance to the eye, for example, blood stains and tomato stains, especially after a certain period of time, can no longer be distinguished from the eye. In addition, contaminants having similar compositions may, for example, look different on textiles of different materials.

Thus, it is desirable for the user to obtain an indication of the composition of the contaminant in order to obtain a recommendation for a treatment of the fabric, for example, to remove the contamination by a cleaning process. Such cleaning processes can be considerably facilitated or even made possible by indications of the composition of the impurity.

However, the nature of the optimal treatment of a textile also depends on the properties of the textile, for example the nature of the materials in the textile, the color and the shape of the fabric of the textile. Treatments of the fabric are therefore usually selected by the user, irrespective of the contamination, on the basis of textile care signs or the details of the structure on a label affixed to the textile.

However, the corresponding textile texture treatment recommendations often fail to meet the aforementioned requirements for specific treatment of the particular contaminant composition. In the end, the user often relies on the recommendation for a treatment based on the textile care symbols, whereby the treatment of the contamination is insufficient. Conversely, if the textile is treated by identification of the contaminant, harmful treatment parameters may be used for the structure of the fabric.

General Description of Some Exemplary Embodiments of the Invention It is therefore an object of the invention to at least partially alleviate or avoid the problems described, that is, to further improve the recommendation for optimum treatment of contaminated fabrics. In particular, the proposed methods and devices should allow more effective and thorough treatment of the contamination on the textiles while sparing the textiles.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is described a method performed by one or more devices comprising: obtaining a first intensity information representative of a spectral image resulting from contamination of a textile; Obtaining a second intensity information representative of a spectral image characteristic of at least one property of at least a portion of the textile; Determining at least one treatment parameter, wherein the determination of the treatment parameter takes place both as a function of the composition of the impurity from the first intensity information and as a function of the at least one property of the at least one part of the textile from the second intensity information; and outputting or triggering output of the at least one treatment parameter.

"At least one" as used herein means 1 or more, i. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or more. This applies to all aspects and embodiments described herein.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a device is described which is set up or comprises corresponding means for carrying out and / or controlling a method according to the first aspect. Devices of the method according to the first aspect are or comprise in particular one or more devices according to the second aspect.

Reflecting and emitting radiation, such as electromagnetic radiation, from the contaminant results in a spectral image. The resulting spectral image, which is the Intensity and energy distribution of the resulting radiation is directly influenced by the composition of the impurity. The composition of the contamination of the textile may be understood to mean the chemical composition and thus the type of contamination, the degree of contamination and / or the spatial distribution of the contaminant, such as the form of the contaminant.

An impurity is understood in particular to be an accumulation of foreign matter on a material of a textile or a discoloration of the surface of the textile, in particular in the form of a stain, dirt or imperfections. For example, on the surface are particles such as dust, traces of liquids, dyes or greasy residues. Furthermore, unfixed textile dyes may also have been incorporated in the textile material, with the unfixed textile dyes being able to detach from the material, for example in a cleaning process such as washing. An impurity can also be understood as meaning such dissolved textile constituents as textile dyestuffs.

Under a textile in particular garments, curtains or bedding are understood. Garments and bedding include, for example, shirts, T-shirts, dresses, jackets, sweaters, pants, blankets, covers, and covers. The textiles may comprise various materials, for example natural fibers, chemical fibers or other materials such as leather.

The first intensity information obtained according to the first aspect is representative of a spectral image resulting from contamination of a textile. In this case, the obtained first intensity information need only be representative of at least part of the spectral image. In particular, the first intensity information contains at least one value representative of the intensity of the spectral image within an energy range. With a value representative of the intensity of the spectral image within an energy range, for example, a monochrome or intensity integrated over an energy range can be detected. With a plurality of values, each representative of the intensity in different energy ranges, a spectral intensity distribution with energy resolution can be obtained. Such intensity information is accessible to a physical measurement.

Since the composition of the impurity affects the resulting spectral image, the resulting first intensity information is also determined by the composition of the impurity.

The second intensity information is representative of a spectral image characteristic of at least one property of at least a part of the textile, wherein under a property of at least a part of the textile in particular the structure of the textile, material structure, material type, material distribution, a finishing of the material of the textile, color and / or color distribution of the textile, material wear of the textile, type and / or shape of a fabric, a knit fabric, nonwoven fabric, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the structure of the textile can be determined by the presence and / or the type of closure means, of coating material and / or of applications in, on and / or on the textile. The various possible properties of the textile make certain demands on an optimal treatment of the textile.

It has been found that by determining at least one treatment parameter, wherein the determination of both the composition of the impurity and at least one property of at least one part of the textile is made dependent on the fact that the first intensity information and the second intensity information both contribute to the determination of the incorporate at least one treatment parameter, the recommendation for optimal treatment can be decisively improved. The determination of the at least one treatment parameter takes place here both on the basis of the requirements determined by the contamination, for example with regard to the removal of the contamination as far as possible through the treatment, as well as on the basis of the requirements of the property of the textile, for example, the gentlest possible treatment of the textile. In particular, the determination of the at least one treatment parameter comprises a correlation of first and second intensity information and / or intermediate variables, which are determined from the first and / or second intensity information.

In this case, a treatment result can be achieved, which goes beyond a mere aggregation of the two requirements. Rather, with the method according to the first aspect, a determination of the at least one treatment parameter can take place, which represents an advantageous compromise of the requirements of the composition of the impurity and the requirements of the property of the textile. In this case, the determination of the at least one treatment parameter may be supplemented on the basis of the composition of the impurity and the property in particular. For example, among various alternatives for treatment parameters, it is possible to select those which comply with the requirements of the composition of the Pollution and the property are both compatible and overall advantageous. Furthermore, in particular the accuracy of the determination of the at least one treatment parameter can be increased. Finally, the method according to the first aspect makes it possible to provide at least one treatment parameter which is advantageous for the specific combination of impurity and textile.

By outputting or triggering the output of the at least one treatment parameter, it is thus possible for the user to be provided with information for the recommended treatment of the textile with the contaminant. For example, information about the chemical composition or the presence of individual elements or compounds in the contaminant may be provided to the user. For example, it may be determined whether the contaminant contains levels of certain organic or inorganic components, such as dyes or lipids, and, optionally, what source the contaminant has. This information is set in particular in connection with information about the property of the textile. For example, the at least one treatment parameter may provide the user with information about a possible hygienic objectivity of the contaminant, in particular with regard to the present property, for example the type of material and / or the color of the textile. For example, certain treatments of the textile can be excluded, which would be detrimental in particular to the structure of the textile.

The method according to the first aspect or the device according to the second aspect thus makes it possible in particular to facilitate the identification of the composition or the origin of the contamination for the user and to provide corresponding treatment parameters. If, for example, contamination can not be identified with the eye, at least one treatment parameter dependent on the composition of the contaminant can be determined via the method or device. At the same time, the treatment parameter is also dependent on the property of the textile. Overall, a treatment of the contaminated textile can be recommended by which collateral damage such as shrinkage or loss of shape of the textile, unwanted bleaching or decolorization, the promotion of pills, damage to coatings and / or discoloration are avoided. On the other hand, if, as in the prior art, the treatment is adjusted either merely to the impurity or merely to the property of the textile, such collateral damage and inadequate treatment can arise.

It is conceivable that as a contaminant from the material of the fabric dissolved substances, such as unfixed textile dyes on the at least one treatment parameters are detected. In one embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the first intensity information is at least partially representative of a spectral image resulting from an illuminated surface of the contaminant on a textile. When the contaminant is illuminated, such as with radiation such as electromagnetic radiation, a spectral image results from reflection and emission to and from the surface of the contaminant. The illumination of the impurity can be effected in particular by means of the radiation spectrum of the sun comprising natural light or by means of an artificial radiation spectrum, for example the spectrum of a thermal or non-thermal radiator such as incandescent lamps, fluorescent tubes or LEDs. Also conceivable is an excitation via monochrome radiation.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the second intensity information is representative of a spectral image resulting from an illuminated surface of at least part of the structure of the textile. The lighting can be done as described above for the first intensity information.

Alternatively or cumulatively, the second intensity information may be representative of a spectral image resulting from an illuminated surface of a marker on the textile. A marking is understood in particular to mean a label which is attached in particular to the textile. The marking can also be arranged partially or completely on the structure of the textile itself. The marking is in particular indicative of parameters characteristic of at least one property of the textile, in particular the structure of the textile, the material structure, material type, material distribution, a finishing of the material of the textile, color and / or color distribution of the textile, material wear of the textile, type and / or shape of a fabric, a knit fabric, nonwoven fabric, or a combination thereof. The marking is particularly indicative of parameters characteristic of a treatment parameter. For example, such parameters may be indicated by a code, for example, a two-dimensional or three-dimensional bar code in the marker. In one embodiment, such a parameter is indicated by a label of the label and / or the structure of the textile. Thus, the second intensity information on the basis of a characteristic, which is characteristic in particular for the composition of the structure of the textile, for example, a license plate according to the Textilkennzeichgesetz (TKG), and / or a Pflegehinweisetikett, which preferred treatments of the textile provided. Care symbols can be provided, in particular standardized care symbols, for example care symbols according to the Ginetex standard. In particular, codes, for example two-dimensional or three-dimensional bar codes, are excluded from a label.

In particular, in the case of a second intensity information representative of the spectral image of a marking on the textile, the determination of the at least one treatment parameter may comprise one or more text recognition actions, for example in an optical character recognition (OCR) method and / or an intelligent character recognition (ICR) method , In particular, the second intensity information is processed via one or more filters, for example for adjusting brightness, contrast and / or color depth. The second intensity information can be subjected to a classification for text recognition, in particular in combination with a context analysis. This is particularly useful for markings on textiles, as the markings may already be affected by the age of the textiles and, for example, are already faded or incomplete. With the help of the context analysis an incomplete or only partly legible inscription can be added. With text recognition, for example, common labels on labels on textiles can be recognized, so that the textiles do not have to have any special markings or labels.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the determination of the at least one treatment parameter comprises a comparison with comparison values. Corresponding comparison values can be stored in a database. Comparison values can be used both to derive the at least one treatment parameter and / or intermediate variables from the first and / or second intensity information and also to derive intermediate variables for further determination of the treatment parameter from the first and / or second intensity information. The comparison with comparison values may comprise a classification, wherein the at least one treatment parameter is obtained or influenced by a result of the classification. A classification can for example be based on a comparison of the first and / or second intensity information with a database of already known intensity information.

The comparative values or a database provided for this purpose can in particular contain intensity information of typical impurities and / or properties of the textile occurring in the fields of application of the textiles. For example, in the household sector, intensity information can be accessed from typical contaminants such as various food residues, traces of beverages, grass or colors. For the property of the textile, comparative values of, for example, material structure, material type, material distribution, a finishing of the material of the textile, color and / or color distribution of the textile, material wear of the textile, type and / or shape of a fabric can be stored. Similarly, comparative values can be used for specific combinations of impurity and textile properties. The comparison values may comprise at least one value for the intensity in a certain energy range of a spectral image and / or continuous values for at least one energy interval of a spectral image. Furthermore, at least one treatment parameter can be assigned to the corresponding comparison values.

The determination of the treatment parameter may include one or more steps of feature extraction and / or feature matching. For example, methods are used which correspond to those of the evaluation of biometric photos.

Intermediate variables can be determined and evaluated for the determination of the at least one treatment parameter. In one embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, at least one first intermediate parameter is determined as a function of the first intensity information, and a second intermediate parameter is determined as a function of the second intensity information; and the determination of the at least one treatment parameter comprises a comparison of the first intermediate parameter with the second intermediate parameter. For example, at least one treatment parameter will be determined from the first and second intensity information as the first and second intermediate parameters. Thus, at least one treatment parameter containing a recommendation of a treatment based on the composition of the contaminant and at least one treatment parameter providing a recommendation of a treatment based on the property of the textile are provided. These various treatment parameters are balanced, in particular to find a compromise between the various requirements of contamination and property, or to provide an optimal solution for the treatment of the specific combination of contaminant and textile.

An adjustment of the first and second intermediate parameters takes place, in particular, in that, with regard to the composition of the impurity in each case, a set of possible treatment parameters and with regard to the property of the Textilie a set of possible treatment parameters is set up. These first and second intermediate parameters are then selected for the greatest possible match. For example, matching and / or intermediate parameters which are similar within predetermined limit values are identified and, in the result, output as treatment parameters. For example, similar intermediate parameters are identified and, in particular, an averaging or weighting is performed. In particular, based on the first and second intensity information, in each case a first and second set of treatment parameters are determined including regions, for example temperature ranges, concentration ranges (for cleaning agents, for example) and / or time ranges. The areas of the first and second set of treatment parameters are selected for maximum overlap. Thus, according to a principle of "least common multiples", the matching characteristics for the treatment of impurity and property can be found and optimal treatment parameters for both criteria, property of the textile and composition of the impurity, determined.

Furthermore, the determination of the at least one treatment parameter can also include exclusion criteria. For example, it may be predetermined that certain contaminant compositions and certain textiles properties may not be treated with particular treatment parameters. Such exclusion criteria serve, for example, to avoid damage to the textile and can be included, for example, in the comparison of intermediate sizes.

In one embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the determination of the at least one treatment parameter comprises the determination of a composition information of the contamination from the first intensity information. In particular, the compositional information may be one or more values representative of the chemical composition of the contaminant, the degree of contamination, and / or the spatial distribution of the contaminant. For example, the compositional information includes at least one value for the presence and / or concentration of a chemical element or compound, the amount of contamination, or the areal extent of the contaminant. The composition information can be determined by a comparison with comparison values and / or a classification of the first intensity information.

The determination of the at least one treatment parameter may include the determination of a structure information of the textile from the second intensity information. The structural information may, in particular, be one or more values which are representative of the type and / or shape of a woven fabric, a knit fabric or non-woven fabric. The corresponding structural information may in particular be characteristic of the type of interweaving of fibers, such as those made for example by weaving, knitting or knitting, or characteristic of a nonwoven fabric. An entanglement pattern or a thread crossover pattern and a thread weave can in this case be included in the structure information. Yarn density, fiber thickness, fiber length, fiber fineness and / or fiber orientation can be detected in particular in the structure information. The material structure of the textile has a direct influence on the requirements for the treatment of the textile, for example, a non-woven fabric may have different requirements for a cleaning treatment than a knitted or woven structure.

The second intensity information may also be characteristic of a refinement of the material of the textile. For example, the material of the textile has been refined during the production, in particular chemically treated, whereby a modification of the material structure can take place. Such a refinement can be detected via the second intensity information and incorporated into the determination of the at least one treatment parameter, in particular under a determination of a structure information. It is also conceivable that information is provided for the refinement, for example via an indication by the user and / or via an intensity information of a marking on the textile, and this information is incorporated into the evaluation of the second intensity information for refinement.

The type of material is understood in particular to mean the composition of at least part of the material of the textile. For example, the structural information is indicative of natural fibers, chemical fibers or natural materials such as wool or leather in the textile. The type of material also has a considerable influence on an optimal treatment of the textile, for example a cleaning treatment or ironing.

With the material distribution of the textile can be detected, for example, whether the textile has a mixed fabric of different fiber types or fiber materials and / or whether parts of the fabric are made of a different material. Here, the ratio of the different materials to each other, for example, a density ratio, mass ratio or area ratio can be detected. Further in the structure information can be contained the kind and number of Junctions, such as seams, welds or splices.

With the structural information indicative of the wear of the material can be recorded in particular whether there are pills, cracks, holes, wear or other structural damage to the textile. In particular, for pills, which arise by dissolving fibers from the textile composite and occur in the form of knots on the textile surface, the type, shape, size or height, number and / or distribution of the material wear can be detected. By determining at least one treatment parameter based on the wear of the material, the treatment of the textile can be adapted according to the material wear in order to curb further increased wear of the material or, for example, to replace the pills in order to restore the appearance of the textile.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the structural information is indicative of the presence and / or type of closure means, of coating material and / or of applications in, on and / or on the textile.

Zippers on the fabric are understood in particular zippers, hook-and-loop fasteners, buttons or similar arrangements, which are in particular adapted to produce a connection of parts of the textile over a positive connection and which can be made detachable.

The textile may comprise one or more coating materials, in particular the fibers are coated or a coating is applied to the structure of the material of the textile, for example on the fabric. The coating can be, for example, a functional layer such as a protective layer or sealing layer or change the appearance or feel of the textile.

Textiles, in particular garments, may further comprise applications such as imprints, sequins, lace, patches or the like, which can also be characterized with the structural information. Likewise, functional textiles may have functional elements as applications or electronic elements may be arranged in the textile or on the surface of the textile.

If the structural information is indicative of such closure means, coatings and / or applications on the textile, consideration can also be given to the protection of the corresponding elements during treatment. On the one hand, a wear of such closure means, coatings and / or applications can be reduced in a treatment and on the other hand, for example, a detachment of coatings or applications can be avoided.

Further, the texture information may be indicative of one or more colors of the textile. For example, the structural information indicates an average color, a color distribution and / or a measure of the homogeneity of the color distribution. For example, the structure information contains values in a color space such as an RGB color space and / or a L * a * b * color space. In particular, a color reference indicative of the color of the textile is used to determine the structural information, for example a color chart, which is recorded with the second intensity information. The determination of the structure information indicative of the color of the textile may include a white balance, for example, based on a reference such as a gray card, which is recorded with the second intensity information. The determination of the structural information indicative of the color of the textile can be used in particular aspects of the WO2016 / 126470 A1 described method, wherein the subject of the WO2016 / 126470 A1 is included in the disclosure of the present application.

In particular, the first and / or the second intensity information comprises one or more parameters of size information, for example a spatial extent or the volume of the contamination and / or the property of the textile. In particular, it is also possible to determine the dimensioning of the structure of the textile, for example the fiber thickness, fiber density, mesh size, mesh density, the size of wear such as, for example, pills. In particular, the sizing is determined in conjunction with a reference.

In particular, the first and / or the second intensity information is a measure of the roughness of the surface, for example in conjunction with a three-dimensional spatial resolution. The measure of the roughness can include, for example, the mean roughness R _A , the average roughness depth Rz and / or the maximum roughness depth R _max . By roughness, the composition of the contaminant and / or the property of the textile can be further determined. In particular, the roughness may also be an indication of the degree of wear of the textile and the age of the contamination.

In particular, the first and / or the second intensity information contains a measure of the gloss of the property of the textile and / or the contaminant, which is characterized, for example, by the reflection of the surface of the textile and / or the contaminant, in particular by the diffuse reflection of the surface. For example, the first and / or the second intensity information comprises an angle dependence of the reflectivity of the respective surface.

In one embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the determination of the composition information is based in part on the structure information and / or the determination of the structure information is based in part on the composition information. For example, contaminants having the same composition can give a different appearance to textiles having different properties. Due to the fact that the determination of the composition information is based in part on the structure information, a corresponding influencing of the first intensity information by the property of the textile can be taken into account in the determination. Consequently, the first intensity information can be evaluated more accurately and the composition information can be determined more accurately, resulting overall in a better recommendation of the treatment parameter. Likewise, by including the composition information, the determination of the structure information from the second intensity information can be performed more accurately. This decisively improves the determination of the treatment parameters compared to the prior art, which takes into account either only the composition of the impurity or only the property of the textile, since interactions between the composition and the property are also taken into account in the evaluation of the intensity distributions.

Usually, the contamination should be removed by a cleaning process again. In one embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the at least one treatment parameter comprises at least one parameter of a cleaning strategy of the textile. The user can thus be given a recommendation about an optimum cleaning process with regard to the impurity present.

In particular, if a user of the textile can not identify the property of the textile and the contamination with the eye and it is therefore unclear how the contaminant is to be removed again, with the method according to the first aspect or the device according to the second aspect Recommendation on an optimal cleaning strategy can be provided. For example, it may be unclear to the user whether an impurity contains lipids or certain dyes that can not be reliably removed through commonly used cleaning strategies. By means of the purification strategy determined by the composition of the impurity and the property of the textile, a recommendation for a cleaning strategy adapted to the individual combination of impurity and textile can be identified with the identification of corresponding impurity constituents and with regard to the property of the textile to be hit.

It is also conceivable that contaminants from the material of the textile, dissolved substances, such as unfixed textile dyes are detected. This happens in particular during the execution of a cleaning strategy, so that the user is thus given a conclusion on the effectiveness of the cleaning strategy. For example, the user can recognize whether an excessive amount of textile dyes dissolves from the material of the textile, whereby the user gets an idea to change the cleaning strategy and, if necessary, to make it more gentle with regard to the textile dye. Likewise, a decolorization of a textile can be intended and a conclusion on the degree of discoloration can be drawn by a cleaning strategy.

In particular, the at least one parameter of the cleaning strategy represents a type of detergent, a detergent composition, a quantity of detergent, a cleaning temperature, a type of cleaning device, settings of a cleaning device, or combinations thereof.

Detergents are used for example in the household for the cleaning of different objects. For example, for washing machines, a cleaning agent, for example a detergent, is used for cleaning textiles. However, a cleaning agent should also be understood as meaning also cleaning auxiliaries or cleaning auxiliaries, for example a bleaching additive, a fabric softener or laundry starch. A cleaning agent can also be a liquid, a dispersed system, for example a gel or foam, or a solid, in particular a tab, powder or granules.

A cleaning agent may, for example, one or more components from the group of components comprising surfactants, alkalis, builders, grayness inhibitors, optical brighteners, enzymes, bleach, soil release polymers, fillers, plasticizers, perfumes, dyes, conditioners, acids, starch, isomalt , Sugar, cellulose, cellulose derivatives, carboxymethylcellulose, polyetherimide, silicone derivatives and / or polymethylimines.

A cleaning agent may further comprise one or more other ingredients. These ingredients include, but are not limited to, the group consisting of bleach activators, chelants, builders, Electrolytes, non-aqueous solvents, pH adjusters, perfume carriers, fluorescers, hydrotropes, silicone oils, bentonites, anti redeposition agents, anti-shrinkage agents, anti-crease agents, color transfer inhibitors, antimicrobial agents, germicides, fungicides, antioxidants, preservatives, corrosion inhibitors, antistatic agents, bittering agents, ironing auxiliaries, repellents or impregnating agents , Swelling or slipping agents and / or UV absorbers.

The at least one parameter of the cleaning strategy may represent the type of cleaning agent and thus be indicative of the composition of the cleaning agent. For example, if some level of colorant is included in the contaminant composition, the use of certain bleach additives may be recommended to the user. For example, if certain levels of lipids are present in the contaminant composition, the use of specific surfactants and / or lipases may be included in the recommended purification strategy.

The at least one parameter may represent the amount of detergent and in particular indicate an absolute amount of the detergent. Likewise, a relative amount of the cleaning agent can be displayed by means of the at least one parameter, for example based on the mass of textiles to be cleaned or a liquor ratio or amount of detergent based on a water volume to be used for cleaning. By means of the first intensity information dependent on the composition of the impurity and the second intensity information dependent on the property of the textile, it is thus possible to determine a type of detergent and / or a quantity of detergent which ensures optimum removal of the impurity.

In particular, a detergent composition may be based on a base composition which is supplemented and / or modified via individual components. One or more predefined detergent modules may be provided, wherein the detergent composition may be provided by a selection of one or more detergent modules.

With a parameter representative of the cleaning temperature, an optimum contaminant removal temperature for the particular composition of the contaminant may be given, especially in combination with a detergent type. On the one hand, the cleaning temperature may be high enough to ensure the complete removal of the impurity and, on the other hand, be kept low in view of the energy consumption and the protection of the textile.

A cleaning device is understood in particular to mean a washing machine, in particular an automatic household washing machine. In this case, a parameter of the cleaning strategy can specify a specific type of such a cleaning device. It is also conceivable that the parameter at least partially pretends to be performed cleaning strategies, such as a hand wash. The at least one parameter may also include settings of a cleaning device, for example a program of an automatic household washing machine or a sequence of such programs.

A waxing machine may be in various forms. A distinction is made between top loaders, where the hatch is located at the top, and front loaders, where a porthole serves as a hatch on the front. The advantage of the top loader is that the sealing of the door can be made easier and the drum can be supported on two sides by rolling bearings. A top loader can also be set up in very confined spaces where there is not enough space to open a front door. A front loader, however, offers space on the top for z. As a tumble dryer or for a work surface and is therefore occasionally installed in a kitchenette instead of a base.

The American top loaders always have a rotating drum and mixing elements (agitator or discs), whereby the mixing elements can move with or against the drum rotation direction. The machines may include liquor recirculation and lye sprayers. Basically, a distinction is made between deep fill and HE toploader. Deep Fill Toploaders work with given water levels, so they have no load detection. HE machines usually have a load detection and then control the water volumes. In general, the machines have no built-in heating, but are connected to hot water.

The at least one treatment parameter may include a recommendation for a pretreatment of the textile. Such a pretreatment comprises, for example, a manual or automatic application of a cleaning agent to the contaminant, in particular with a predetermined contact time, the duration of which may also be recorded as a treatment parameter. Subsequently, the textile can be cleaned in a cleaning device, for example an automatic household washing machine. For example, at least one treatment parameter gives one Pre-cleaning or pre-washing, in particular a soaking of the textile in a particular solution or a pre-cleaning program of a cleaning device. Various pretreatment agents may be provided for manual or automatic application, for example, the application of a stain remover or bleach is indicated. Furthermore, an arrangement of the textile can be given in particular in that the textile should be turned "on the left" before the actual treatment or arranged in another device, for example in a laundry bag. Further, the pre-treatment may also include closing the closure means, for example, the user may receive an indication of closure of a zipper for subsequent treatment.

As a treatment of the textile can be provided, for example, that the textile is dyed or subjected to a gentle treatment. For example, based on the intensity information, a coloration recommendation can be determined, the textile being given a refreshing and / or a change in the color in accordance with the at least one treatment parameter by coloring.

The recommendation of the treatment parameter for a final treatment can relate, for example, to drying or smoothing, in particular ironing of the textile. The at least one treatment parameter may specify, among other things, the treatment temperature, treatment length and / or a treatment mode. A final treatment takes place, for example, after a cleaning treatment. It is also possible to carry out finishing operations such as drying or smoothing independently of a cleaning treatment.

The at least one treatment parameter determined by the method according to the first aspect can be made available to the user. The at least one treatment parameter can be output to the user on a display or a corresponding output can be triggered, for example an output on a screen, in particular in text form, and / or an acoustic output, such as a voice message. The user can then perform the treatment. Alternatively or additionally, in one embodiment of the method, the at least one treatment parameter can be output to a treatment device. For example, the at least one treatment parameter may represent at least one parameter of a cleaning strategy, which is output to the cleaning device, so that the cleaning device, for example, takes over the corresponding cleaning strategy as a default and the user only has to start the cleaning device. It is also conceivable that the cleaning device automatically performs the cleaning strategy with the output. For example, the cleaning device may include a detergent dosing device to automatically provide the detergent type and detergent amount according to the recommended cleaning strategy. As a result, the usability of the method is improved.

In particular, the method further comprises performing a treatment of the textile on a treatment device based on the at least one treatment parameter, for example, performing a recommended cleaning strategy via a cleaning device.

In this case, the first intensity information and / or second intensity information can be obtained before, during and / or after the treatment of the textile has been carried out. With a pre-treatment received, for example, the user may be given a recommendation about the treatment strategy to be used prior to treatment to be performed. For example, in obtaining the intensity information during the treatment, the treatment may be performed dynamically, i. a treatment device can adapt to the currently determined at least one treatment parameter during the treatment, in particular by continuously determining the treatment parameter. For example, a washing machine adjusts the temperature and / or the amount of detergent in accordance with the determined treatment parameters during the wash program. In this case, in particular the second intensity information can also be obtained from textile components dissolved from the textile such as textile dyes. By obtaining the first and / or second intensity information after a treatment, for example, the result or the effectiveness of a treatment can be recorded and checked.

In one embodiment of the method, the method further comprises determining the first intensity information and / or second intensity information, in particular via at least one optical sensor. An optical sensor here means sensors which can determine an intensity of incident radiation, in particular electromagnetic radiation in the visible range and beyond. In particular, the optical sensor is configured to provide an energy resolution and / or spatial resolution of the intensity information. The optical sensor may comprise an image sensor, in particular a digital image sensor. In particular, at least one semiconductor element, diodes, CCD elements, for example a Bayer sensor, or CMOS elements, for example a sensor of the Foveon X3 type, can be used to determine the intensity of the radiation. be used. The optical sensor may include optical filters and in particular a spectrometer. Also conceivable is the use of monochrome sensors without color resolution. Similarly, sensors can be used which are limited to certain wavelength ranges. By way of example, the optical sensor can be based on at least one photodiode and / or at least one LED element. Individual elements or arrays of elements, such as photodiodes or photosensitive devices such as LEDs, may be used. It may be advantageous to optimize the size of the individual sensor elements, for example the individual photodiodes, in terms of dynamics, resolution and / or sensitivity.

In this case, in particular an optical sensor or an optical sensor arrangement can be provided which determines both the first intensity information and the second intensity information. Accordingly, the method is simplified because only one device is needed to provide the intensity information. The determination of the first intensity information and the second intensity information can take place simultaneously and / or successively.

Furthermore, a radiation source, for example a light source such as a lighting device and / or a flashlight, can be provided, which is tuned in particular to the optical sensor and serves to illuminate the surface of the contaminant. Such a radiation source can be combined with the optical sensor in a structural unit. If the method comprises exposing the contaminant and / or the textile to radiation, for example illumination, a determination of the intensity information can be based on a defined excitation. For example, the contaminant and / or the textile is exposed to radiation via a light source, the radiation used having a specific intensity and / or specific spectral distribution. Such lighting ensures that sufficient lighting is ensured regardless of the external conditions. This makes it possible to determine the intensity information (s) even in poor external conditions, such as low daylight in a dark room, or in any case to improve the quality of the determination.

A lighting is understood to mean that light is generated by means of an artificial light source, so that in particular a (better) visualization of the contamination and / or the textile can take place. The illumination is effected in particular by radiation which lies at least partially in the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum, for example with a radiation whose wavelength covers at least part of the wavelength range from 380 nm to 780 nm.

For example, LEDs are used for lighting. LEDs can cover a well-defined frequency range. LEDs with different color temperatures can be used individually or in combination, for example with red, green, blue and / or white LEDs.

The wavelength range can be further tuned specifically to the determination of the intensity information. For example, an optical sensor comprising a CMOS element having a sensitivity maximum in the near infrared region (NIR) is used. In this case, illumination with radiation in the NIR range is advantageous. The NIR range is understood as meaning a wavelength range of the electromagnetic spectrum of at least 750 nm, in particular up to a maximum of 2000 nm, in particular of at least 800 nm to a maximum of 1400 nm.

The duration of the excitation can be varied. In particular, the time duration may be relatively short, i. below one second using, for example, a flash. The duration of the excitation can be further less than 0.1 seconds, in particular less than 0.01 seconds. A short excitation or a flashlight can be used alone or combined with another illumination means. For example, a flashlight is used in combination with a continuously operating illumination means, wherein flashlight and illumination means are combined in a combined illumination unit. It is also possible to temporally modulate the light intensity.

Illumination means and optical sensor can also at least partially use the same elements, which allows significant cost advantages in the manufacture of the device, especially when using LEDs. If illumination means and optical sensor are given over at least partially identical elements, also a coordination of excitation and detection to certain wavelength ranges is facilitated. For example, LEDs can both emit and detect light. The contaminant and / or textile may be placed between a lighting means comprising at least one transmitter LED and an optical sensor comprising at least one receiver LED. If transmitter LED and receiver LED are identical, transmission or attenuation of the radiation by the contaminant can be determined in a particularly simple and direct manner. Likewise, an arrangement of Transmitter LED and receiver LED may be provided in a reflection or emission measurement.

In a further embodiment of the method, the first intensity information and / or the second intensity information is representative of a hyperspectral image. An intensity information representative of a hyperspectral image is understood in particular to mean that the intensity information has as intensity distribution intensity values in a plurality of channels for different energy intervals, at least two of the energy intervals joining or overlapping one another. In particular, a hyperspectral image of a multispectral image may be delineated in that although a multispectral image also has intensity values in multiple channels for different energy intervals, the energy intervals are spaced apart, i. in a multispectral image, intensities of individual, distinct energies are represented. In contrast, in a hyperspectral image, in particular, "adjacent" intensity values are reproduced by connecting or overlapping at least two of the energy intervals. A hyperspectral image can thus at least partially reflect a continuous spectrum. In particular, an intensity information representative of a hyperspectral image has the advantage that information that is not visible to the eye, which is indicative of the composition of the contaminant and / or the property of the textile, can also be detected.

The intensity information may in this case comprise values in at least 20 channels, each channel representing an intensity for one energy interval. If values of the intensity information are provided in at least 20 channels, the resolution of the spectral image and thus also the accuracy of the determination of the at least one treatment parameter can be improved. In particular, the first and / or second intensity information comprises at least 20 channels to 250 channels, whereby a more exact dependency of the treatment parameter on the composition of the impurity and / or the property of the textile is achieved. With at least 20 channels, in an intensity information representative of a spectral image, in particular for a hyperspectral image, energy intervals can be represented which can not be resolved by the human eye, which has only three channels in the visible region.

According to a further embodiment of the method, if the first intensity information and / or the second intensity information is representative of spectral components of a spectral image, with at least one of the spectral components being outside the visible energy range, the composition of the contamination and / or the property of the textile can be enhanced with increased accuracy into the determination of the treatment parameter. By taking into account non-visible spectral components, it is also possible to identify various compositions of impurities and / or properties of textiles, although these are indistinguishable to the eye.

In one embodiment of the method, the method further comprises: performing a referencing of the determination of the first and / or second intensity information. For example, in order to determine spectral components of the spectral image, in particular a comparison with a sensitivity spectrum can take place, for example based on predetermined settings or by comparison with a reference. The reference may in particular be designed as a card, for example in the form of a color chart, gray card and / or a size scale, which can be placed on the textile or the contaminant. Likewise, a reference may be mounted in and / or on a treatment device. For example, a surface inside the treatment device, such as the surface of a cleaning container, is provided with a reference. The reference may also be part of an overpack of a means for performing a washing, cleaning, care or dyeing operation, e.g. in the form of an imprint, a removable part of the package or as digital information e.g. in the form of an electronic label.

In particular, the first and / or second intensity information is representative of spectral components of a spectral image in the ultraviolet energy range. Likewise, spectral components in the infrared energy range can be taken into account. The first and / or second intensity information is in particular representative of spectral components of a spectral image from the infrared energy range to the ultraviolet energy range, for example at least for spectral components of a spectral image with wavelengths from 1400 nm to 315 nm, preferably for wavelengths from 3000 nm to 280 nm The first and / or second intensity information is in particular representative of spectral components of a spectral image in the (near) infrared energy range, for example for wavelengths from 700 nm to 2400 nm, in particular 750 nm to 2000 nm, in particular up to 1450 nm.

The first and / or second intensity information may be representative of a single pixel of the spectral image. In particular, however, in one embodiment of the method, the first intensity information and / or the second intensity information is representative of spatially resolved Shares (each) of a spectral image. A spatially resolved intensity pattern comprises the information about the intensity of the radiation at at least two positions in space. The spatially resolved intensity pattern can for example be measured by a movable optical sensor, wherein the position of the optical sensor is varied and an intensity is measured at each position. However, it is preferred to use an optical sensor with a plurality of spatially-spaced sensor elements, for example pixels, wherein spatially resolved intensity information can be obtained via the intensity information in the various pixels.

Conceivable here is a one-dimensional, for example, linear resolution. In one embodiment of the method, however, a two-dimensional spatial resolution is undertaken. In particular, the spatial resolution is carried out via a planar arrangement of sensor elements or at least one sensor field, for example pixels.

In one embodiment of the method or the device, the determination of the first and / or second intensity information is carried out representative of spatially resolved portions of a spectral image via an integrated camera of a mobile device, in particular via a hyperspectral camera, which is set up for a hyperspectral Image to determine representative intensity information.

In one embodiment, an optical sensor element or a plurality of optical sensor elements provides a three-dimensional spatial resolution. With a three-dimensional spatial resolution, the accuracy of determining the composition of the impurity and the property of the textile can be further increased. It is conceivable to use a plurality of images from different perspectives on the same optical sensor or the same sensor arrangement, in particular with a plurality of optical sensor elements. Likewise, optical elements designed specifically for a three-dimensional resolution, such as attachment lenses or lenses, or a 3D camera can be used. Additional optical elements, for example add-on lenses or lenses, can also be arranged on conventional, essentially two-dimensional optical sensors, for example digital cameras or cameras integrated in mobile devices. This also existing devices for a three-dimensional resolution can be retrofitted (retrofitting). With the three-dimensional resolution, for example, the textile structure, for example the shape and arrangement of the fabric, the mesh or the nonwoven fabric, can be determined in more detail and thus a more comprehensive and accurate structural information can be obtained.

In a particularly simple embodiment, at least one optical sensor element used comprises at least one camera-like element and provides image information. Accordingly, digital cameras or cameras integrated in mobile devices can be used for the method or serve as at least one device for carrying out the method. In this case, essays for a three-dimensional spatial resolution can be used on the camera-like element.

In particular, the first intensity information and the second intensity information are determined via the same optical sensor element, for example the same camera. In particular, the first intensity information and the second intensity information are determined simultaneously and / or sequentially via the same optical sensor element. For example, image information about both the contamination and the property of the textile is determined via a camera. Depending on this image information, the first intensity information and the second intensity information can then be determined.

In particular, the user can also influence the determination of the first and / or second intensity information, for example the user is provided with image information on a display and the user can select regions of the image information which are used to determine the first and / or second intensity information should serve.

In one embodiment, the image information comprises at least two individual images of the contaminant and / or the textile. The individual images can represent a temporal sequence, for example one or more film sequences, or also a variation of the position and perspective of the camera-like element. As a result, the accuracy of the intensity information (s) can be further increased. In particular, as already described above, a three-dimensional spatial resolution can be achieved via a plurality of individual images.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, at least one acoustic sensor element is used to determine the second intensity information. The device according to the second aspect may accordingly have a structure sensor comprising at least one acoustic sensor element.

In this case, an acoustic sensor element can detect the sound emanating from an excitation of the textile and use it to determine a second intensity information, with which a non-destructive structure determination becomes possible. In particular, sound waves with different frequencies or frequency ranges are detected with the acoustic sensor element and used in an evaluation of the second intensity information. Advantageously, these frequencies or frequency ranges also include frequencies outside the audible range of 16 Hz to 20 kHz and are for example in the ultrasonic range, so that the user is not affected by the outgoing sound waves. The acoustic sensor element can in particular measure sound on the textile in transmission and / or reflection.

In one embodiment, a determination of the first and / or second intensity information can be made via a sensor, wherein the sensor is arranged on a treatment device such as a cleaning device. For example, the sensor is at least partially disposed on the outer housing of a treatment device and outside of a treatment container in which a treatment can be performed. The user therefore always has access to the sensor, even when the treatment device is in operation or switched off. Thus, a method according to the first aspect can be made at any time. The sensor can be fixed to the treatment device, for example via fastening means such as a screw connection and / or adhesive bonding. Likewise, the sensor can also be arranged freely positionable on the treatment device via positioning means, for example via a magnetic holder. A mobile device such as a smart pen can be provided, which is detachably arranged on and / or in the treatment device and can communicate with the treatment device, for example via a cable and / or by radio, in particular in combination with a further mobile device such as a mobile telephone ,

Furthermore, the sensor can be arranged at least partially in the interior of the treatment device, in particular in the region of a cleaning container of a cleaning device in which cleaning can be carried out. In particular, the sensor is arranged here at a position accessible to the user. The sensor can also be fixed here on the treatment device, for example, be freely positionable via fastening means or positioning means. The sensor is arranged, for example, on an opening of the treatment container, in particular on a door. In a washing machine, the sensor is arranged, for example, on the loading hatch of the laundry drum and / or on the seal of the hatch.

Likewise, the sensor can be freely movable in the interior of the treatment container. In one embodiment, a determination device is provided, the determination device comprising at least one sensor element for determining the intensity information (s) and optionally at least one illumination means, wherein the device is adapted, during the implementation of a cleaning strategy in a cleaning container of a cleaning device, the first and / or provide second intensity information. For example, the determining device is adapted to be freely movably arranged in a washing drum of a washing machine during a washing process. The determining device may have a shape corresponding to the cleaning treatment and, for example, have a rounded, in particular spherical shape. The detection device may also have a corresponding density and mechanical resistance, so that a washing solution and also aggressive cleaning agents do not affect the function of the detection device. The determining device may thus provide intensity information during a cleaning operation to monitor the cleaning strategy. A determination of the first intensity information can be provided both for an impurity on the surface of a textile and / or also comprise impurities such as dissolved textile constituents such as textile dyes, for example by an examination of the washing solution. A determination of the first and / or second intensity information can take place in transmission, reflection and / or emission.

In particular, at least one sensor, which is located at least partially outside the cleaning container, is combined with at least one sensor, which is located at least partially within the cleaning device or within the cleaning container and which in particular is freely movable. Several sensors of the same or different design can be provided. This improves the accuracy of the determination of the at least one treatment parameter, since the sensors with different positions can provide corresponding intensity information. In particular, at least one of the sensors operates continuously at least at times, so that intensity information is obtained at different points in time and in particular continuously during a cleaning treatment.

Likewise, at least one sensor may be arranged on a part of a detergent packaging and, for example, in one Cap be integrated or to be arranged on a flap, in particular by a plugging. A dosing aid for the cleaning agent can be provided, wherein the sensor can be integrated into the dosing aid and in particular designed to be removable from the dosing aid. Thus, the sensor is free and independent of a cleaning device movable and can be used by the user in a simple way to contamination of a textile. Likewise, the sensor may then be used in conjunction with a variety of different treatment devices.

In a further embodiment of the method, the method further comprises determining a user profile based at least in part on the treatment parameter, in particular based on a plurality of determined treatment parameters, wherein the determination of the at least one treatment parameter is based at least partially on the user profile. Thus, a user profile can be created via the treatment parameter, which is adapted to the particular composition of the contaminant and the property of the textile. In particular, a plurality of treatment parameters in the sense of a history of determined treatment parameters can be included in a user profile so that future investigations can at least partially be based on the user profile. Thus, the determination of the at least one treatment parameter can be made adaptive and more precisely adapted to the respective requirements via the user profile. The determination of the treatment parameter can be carried out more precisely, in particular with regard to the dependence on the chemical composition of the impurity and the property of the textile.

For example, a user profile may be created in view of the frequent combination of impurities and textiles compositions. For the output of at least one parameter of a cleaning strategy, in particular the type of cleaning agent, cleaning agent composition and / or the cleaning device type can also be taken into account in a user profile.

It is also conceivable that information about the effectiveness of the treatment is included in the user profile. For example, after a cleaning process, an intensity information can again be determined in order to determine the effectiveness of the cleaning strategy. This will allow further optimization of future treatment strategies via the user profile.

Likewise, after the treatment, the user can carry out an evaluation of the at least one treatment parameter, for example an evaluation of the effectiveness of the cleaning strategy, which enters into the user profile. Thus, a personal adaptation of the determination of the treatment parameters, in particular the cleaning strategy can be achieved. It is also possible that the determination of the at least one treatment parameter comprises machine learning, in particular when using a user profile. For example, the user profile may be determined based at least in part on machine learning. Machine learning is understood to mean that an artificial system (for example, a device according to the second aspect or a system according to the third aspect) learns from examples and can generalize them after completion of the learning phase. That is, the examples are not simply learned by heart, but patterns and laws are identified in the learning data. For this purpose, different approaches can be followed. For example, supervised learning, partially supervised learning, unsupervised learning, empowered learning, and / or active learning can be used, especially in conjunction with deep learning techniques. Monitored learning can be done, for example, by means of an artificial neural network (such as a recurrent neural network) or by means of a support vector machine. Unmonitored learning can also take place, for example, by means of an artificial neural network (for example an auto-encoder). For example, the repeatedly obtained and / or determined first and / or second intensity information or the at least one treatment parameter are then used as the learning data.

Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the obtained and / or determined first and / or second intensity information or the at least one treatment parameter are associated with further information, for example with the number and / or the respective age of the persons of a household to create a personal user profile or, for example, with the season to create a seasonal user profile.

In particular, the user profile can also be influenced by other user profiles of other persons. For example, preferences and / or comparison values can be compared with those of other users or introduced as a suggestion. In the context of such crowdsourcing, the evaluation of the intensity information can be further optimized.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, user-related information is included in the determination of the at least one treatment parameter. About the inclusion of user-related Information can be achieved an individualized treatment of the textile, in particular with an individualized cleaning agent.

The method of the first aspect may include providing or triggering the provision of an individualized cleaning agent. The method according to the first aspect may comprise the packaging of an individualized cleaning agent, wherein the packaging contains in particular information about the composition of the cleaning agent, and / or the provision of a packaged individualized cleaning agent.

In particular, user-related information can be provided by the user via a user interface in order to influence the determination of the at least one treatment parameter and / or to specify at least one treatment parameter. For example, the user may provide information on the properties of contaminant, textile and / or user preferences. The user-related information can be checked for compatibility with one another and / or for compatibility with the first and / or second intensity information, in particular compatibility with first and second intermediate variables such as composition information and / or contamination information. In particular, the user may be notified of a possible incompatibility or be triggered such a display.

For example, user-related information about the contaminant may be indicative of the chemical composition and thus the nature of the contaminant, the level of impurity and / or the spatial distribution of the contaminant, such as the form of the contaminant, or a combination thereof.

User-related information about the textile can be, for example, the material structure, material type, material distribution, a finishing of the material of the textile, color and / or color distribution of the textile, material wear of the textile, type and / or shape of a fabric, a knitted fabric, nonwoven fabric, the presence and / or the nature of closure means, coating material and / or applications in, on and / or on the textile, or a combination thereof.

User preferences may include, for example, preferences with respect to fragrances, allergies, hygiene requirements, cleaning requirements, biodegradability, a preferred detergent composition, or a combination thereof.

In particular, according to the first aspect, a structure sensor or surface sensor is used or according to the second aspect, in particular, a structure sensor is provided which is adapted to provide structure information about a textile. In this case, the structure sensor can determine, for example, information about the shape, nature, appearance and composition of the textile and the material of the textile.

In a further embodiment of the method, at least one of the devices for carrying out the method is a mobile device. In particular, a communication can be carried out via a communication system between a mobile device, for example a smartphone, laptop, tablet, wearable, smartwatch, smart pen or a camera, and at least one further device, for example a cleaning device and / or an optical sensor. One of the devices may also be a cleaning robot. According to one embodiment, the device according to the second aspect comprises a communication interface. For example, the communication interface is set up for wired or wireless communication. For example, the communication interface is a network interface. The communication interface is preferably configured to communicate with a communication system. Examples of a communication system are a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless network (for example, according to the IEEE 802.11 standard, the Bluetooth (LE) standard and / or the NFC standard), a wired one Network, a mobile network, a telephone network and / or the Internet. A communication system may include communication with an external computer, for example via an internet connection.

In particular, an optical sensor for determining the first and / or second intensity information is provided and in particular integrated in a mobile device. This facilitates the determination of the intensity information (s) for the user. It is also conceivable that an optical sensor is provided in a treatment device and / or a mobile device is used to display the at least one treatment parameter.

An optical sensor here means sensors which can determine an intensity of incident radiation, in particular electromagnetic radiation in the visible range and, if appropriate, beyond. In particular, the optical sensor is set up to provide spatial resolution and / or color information of the radiation incident on the sensor. The optical sensor can be an image sensor include, in particular a digital image sensor. To determine the incident radiation, it is possible in particular to use at least one semiconductor element, diodes, CCD elements, for example a Bayer sensor, or CMOS elements, for example a sensor of the Foveon X3 type. The optical sensor may include optical filters and in particular a spectrometer. There may be further optical elements such as lenses and / or filters, for example an external monochromator.

According to one embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the method further comprises subjecting the first and / or second intensity information to a processing algorithm. In this way, on the one hand, a better differentiation of different compositions of the impurity and the property of the textile can be achieved. For example, the intensity information is subjected to a conversion algorithm. For example, a conversion of the determined intensity information (for example, one or more image information) from a first presentation space into a second presentation space, for example, from a first color space to a second color space. Examples of color spaces are, for example, an RGB color space or an L * a * b * color space. By way of example, the image information determined is converted from an RGB color space into an L * a * b * color space.

Under an RGB color space, an additive color space, the color perceptions by the additive mixing of three basic colors (red, green and blue) is to understand. An example of an L * a * b * color space is, for example, the CIELAB color space used in the EN ISO 11664-4 "Colorimetry - Part 4: CIE 1976 L * a * b * Color space" (CIE 1976 color space) is standardized. It is advantageous here that colors are defined independently of the type of their generation or reproduction technique, as they are perceived by a normal observer in a standard lighting condition (device independence and perceptuality).

To determine the at least one treatment parameter, in particular an evaluation of color differences between pixels of an image information can be made. For this purpose, in particular methods based on the color difference or the color difference ΔE can be used. In particular, the calculation of ΔE is made in the CIELAB color space. Likewise, the brightness in the intensity information can be used to determine the at least one treatment parameter.

According to the second aspect of the invention, an alternative device is described, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory with computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are adapted to execute with the at least one processor at least one method according to the first aspect, and / or to control. For example, a processor is understood to mean a controller, a microprocessor, a microcontroller such as a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

For example, an exemplary apparatus further includes means for storing information such as program memory and / or main memory. For example, an exemplary inventive device further includes means for receiving and / or transmitting information over a network, such as a network interface. For example, exemplary devices of the invention are interconnected and / or connectable via one or more networks.

An example device according to the second aspect is or includes a computing device that is software and / or hardware configured to perform the respective steps of an example method according to the second aspect. Examples of a data processing system include a computer, a desktop computer, a server, a thin client and / or a portable computer (mobile device), such as a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a wearable, a personal digital assistant or a smartphone ,

Individual method steps of the method according to the first aspect (for example, obtaining or determining intensity information, determining the at least one treatment parameter and / or determining a user profile) can be carried out with a sensor device which also has at least one sensor element. Likewise, individual method steps (for example, obtaining or determining intensity information, determining the at least one treatment parameter and / or determining a user profile), which for example do not necessarily have to be performed with the sensor device, can be performed by a further device, which in particular has a Communication system with the device, which has at least one sensor element in communication.

Other devices may be provided, for example a server and / or for example a part or a component of a so-called computer cloud, which provides data processing resources dynamically to various users in a communication system. A computer cloud is understood in particular to mean a data processing infrastructure as defined by the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) for the English term "cloud computing". An example of a computer cloud is a Microsoft Windows Azure Platform.

According to the second aspect of the invention, there is also described a computer program comprising program instructions that cause a processor to execute and / or control a method according to the first aspect when the computer program is run on the processor. An exemplary program according to the invention may be stored in or on a computer-readable storage medium containing one or more programs.

According to the second aspect of the invention, there is also described a computer-readable storage medium containing a computer program according to the second aspect. A computer-readable storage medium may e.g. be formed as a magnetic, electrical, electromagnetic, optical and / or different storage medium. Such a computer-readable storage medium is preferably representational (ie "touchable"), for example, it is designed as a data carrier device. Such a data carrier device is for example portable or permanently installed in a device. Examples of such a data carrier device are volatile or non-volatile random access memory (RAM) such as e.g. NOR flash memory or with sequential access such as NAND flash memory and / or read only access (ROM) memory or read / write access. For example, computer readable is to be understood as meaning that the storage medium can be read (and / or written) by a computer or a data processing system, for example by a processor.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is also described a system comprising a plurality of devices, in particular a mobile device and a treatment device, which together perform a method according to the first aspect.

An exemplary system according to the third aspect comprises an exemplary treatment device and additionally another device, for example a mobile device or a server for carrying out an exemplary method according to the first aspect.

The exemplary embodiments of the present invention described above in this description are also to be understood as being disclosed in all combinations with one another. In particular, exemplary embodiments are to be understood in terms of the different aspects disclosed.

In particular, the preceding or following description of method steps according to preferred embodiments of a method also discloses corresponding means for carrying out the method steps by preferred embodiments of a device. Likewise, by the disclosure of means of a device for carrying out a method step, the corresponding method step should also be disclosed.

Further advantageous exemplary embodiments of the invention can be found in the following detailed description of some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in particular in conjunction with the figures. However, the figures should only serve the purpose of clarification, but not to determine the scope of the invention. The figures are not to scale and are merely intended to exemplify the general concept of the present invention. In particular, features included in the figures should by no means be considered as a necessary part of the present invention.

list of figures

• 1 ein Ablaufdiagramm eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Verfahrens;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung von ersten und zweiten Intensitätsinformationen;
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Vorrichtung;
• 4 ein Blockdiagramm eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Vorrichtung; und
• 5 unterschiedliche Ausführungsbeispiele eines Speichermediums.

In the drawing shows

• 1 a flowchart of an embodiment of a method;
• 2 a schematic representation of first and second intensity information;
• 3 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device;
• 4 a block diagram of an embodiment of a device; and
• 5 different embodiments of a storage medium.

Detailed Description of Some Exemplary Embodiments of the Invention 1 shows a flowchart 100 an embodiment of a method according to the first aspect, which by a device, for example, one of the devices 3 and 4 is carried out.

In action 102 For example, a first intensity information is determined, for example, in the form of an intensity distribution via an optical sensor, wherein the first intensity distribution is representative of one of an illuminated surface of a Contamination on a textile resulting spectral image is. In particular, the intensity distribution is representative of a hyperspectral image and includes intensity values in multiple channels for different energy intervals, with at least two of the energy intervals joining or overlapping one another. This first intensity distribution is in action 104 receive.

In action 106 For example, a second intensity information is determined via an optical sensor, wherein the second intensity distribution is characteristic of at least one property of at least a portion of the textile (in this example for at least part of the structure, but other properties may be used). For example, the intensity distribution is representative of a spatially resolved image and / or a spectral image of the property of the textile and / or a marking of the textile. This second intensity distribution is in action 108 receive.

Since the first intensity distribution depends on the chemical composition of the contamination of the textile and the second intensity distribution is dependent on the property of the textile, in action 110 at least one treatment parameter dependent on the composition of the impurity as well as the property of the textile is determined from the first and second intensity distribution. Here, based on the chemical composition of the impurity and the property of the textile, for example, at least one parameter of a cleaning strategy of the contaminated textile is determined, the cleaning strategy being a recommendation for an optimal cleaning of the fabric from the contaminant. In this case, an optimal recommendation can be made with regard to the present specific combination of impurity composition and textile structure, so that on the one hand the impurity is removed as effectively as possible and on the other hand the structure of the textile is preserved.

Optionally, the actions can still 112 and or 114 be provided with which at least one first intermediate parameter from the first intensity information and at least one second intermediate parameter from the second intensity information are determined. Hereby, as by the arrow 116 indicated, the determination of the first intermediate parameter partially on the second intermediate parameter and / or vice versa. For example, the structure of the textile is identified via the second intensity information and in action by the at least one second intermediate parameter 114 detected. The structure of the textile is then in the evaluation of the first intensity information to at least a first intermediate parameter in action 112 , which indicates, for example, the chemical composition of the impurity, taken into account. For example, contaminants having the same composition can give a different appearance to textiles having a different structure. Due to the fact that the determination of the composition information is based in part on the structure information, a corresponding influencing of the first intensity information by the property of the textile can be taken into account in the determination of the treatment parameter. Consequently, the first intensity information can be evaluated more accurately and the composition information can be determined more accurately, resulting overall in an improved recommendation of the treatment parameter.

In action 118 an output of the at least one treatment parameter is caused, for example an output on a display element, wherein the user in particular notes on the composition of the impurity and the property of the textile and at least one treatment parameter are displayed. For example, the user may perform cleaning of the textile based on the displayed information or recommendation.

In addition or alternatively, in action 120 an output of the at least one treatment parameter, in particular of the at least one parameter of the cleaning strategy, to a treatment device. The output treatment parameters are in action 122 used to carry out a treatment by means of the treatment device.

In addition, in action 124 a user profile is determined which is based at least in part on the treatment parameter. Thus, the determination of the at least one treatment parameter can be made adaptive and more precisely adapted to the respective requirements via the user profile.

In 2 is a schematic representation of a textile 200 with a pollution 202 and a marker 204 shown. A spectral image 206 results in particular from the illumination of the surface of the structure of the textile 200 and the pollution 202 with radiation, in particular by reflection and emission emanating from the surface of radiation, which can be physically measured, in particular via an optical sensor. An intensity distribution which is representative of the spatial resolution of the spectral image 206 is, in particular, via a plurality of sensor elements, such as pixels, are held, the pixels are arranged two-dimensionally on a surface. For example, the optical sensor a camera in a mobile device or in a treatment device.

A first intensity information 210 is shown which is representative of spectral components of the spectral image 206 are. For a limited spatial portion of the spectral image 206 which is representative of the pollution 202 is, the spectrum results 208 , Will the spectrum 208 Measured via an optical sensor element, for example a pixel of an optical sensor, a first intensity information 210 obtained, wherein the first intensity information 210 for that from the lit surface of pollution 202 on the textile 200 resulting spectral image 206 is representative. The first intensity distribution 210 is in 2 shown as a patterned area. The first intensity information 210 is here for example representative of a hyperspectral image, wherein the first intensity information 210 Values in at least 20 Channels up 250 Channels, each channel representing an intensity for one energy interval. The first intensity information 210 has intensity values in channels for energy intervals, with the energy intervals joining or overlapping one another. Thus, the first intensity information is 210 representative of an at least partially continuous spectrum.

In addition, the first intensity information 210 representative of spectral components of the spectral image 208 which are outside the visible energy range. The first intensity information 210 is representative of spectral components from the infrared energy range to the ultraviolet energy range. This has the particular advantage that information that is not visible to the eye, which is indicative of the composition of the contaminant, about the first intensity information 210 can be held.

A second intensity information 212 . 214 characteristic of at least one property of at least part of the textile 200 is over a limited spatial portion of the spectral image 206 determines what the property of the textile 200 represents. For example, the second intensity information 212 - as for the first intensity information 210 executed - representative of a spectrum 216 , in particular representative of a hyperspectral image. Also, a spatial resolution of the spectral image 206 be used, for example, an image information, and of the second intensity information 214 be included.

The second intensity information 212 . 214 is thus characteristic of at least one property of at least a part of the textile 200 , In particular, via the second intensity information 212 representative of the spectrum 216 the composition of the structure of the textile 200 and thus the type of material, coatings and / or applications are identified. Further, for example, the color of the textile on the second intensity information 212 representative of the spectrum 216 be determined. From the second intensity information 214 Representative of the spatial resolution, for example, the type of tissue, fiber thickness, fiber density and / or thickness of the tissue can be determined in order to influence the determination of the treatment parameter.

Alternatively or additionally, the second intensity information can also be representative of a spectral image, in particular for image information of the marking 204 be. The marking is, for example, a label with a description of the composition of the textile and / or care instructions. In particular, a text recognition of a label of the marker 204 carried out.

3 shows an embodiment of a device 300 according to the second aspect or a system according to the third aspect. The device 300 is set up for this purpose or comprises corresponding means for carrying out and / or controlling a method according to the first aspect.

In particular, the device allows 300 the recommendation for at least one treatment parameter or for a cleaning strategy to remove the contamination 302 from the textile 304 ,

With a mobile device, here a smartphone 306 , a first intensity distribution becomes representative of one of the illuminated surface of the contaminant 302 resulting spectral image and a second intensity information characteristic of at least one property of at least a portion of the textile 304 determined. For this purpose, in particular an optical sensor 308 used, which may include, for example, a hyperspectral camera. In addition, there is a radiation source 310 provided which illuminate the surface of the contaminant 302 serves. The smartphone 306 also has a display element 312 ,

The determined first and second intensity distribution is determined by a communication system 314 receive. In connection with the communication system 314 is an investigative device 316 , which is arranged from the first and second intensity distribution at least one of the composition of the impurity 302 and the property of the textile 302 determine dependent treatment parameters.

The determination of the treatment parameter here comprises a comparison of the first and / or second intensity distribution with comparison values. The comparison values are in a database 318 deposited, which also in communication with the communication system 314 stands. The comparison values of the database 318 contain in particular intensity distributions of typical household impurities and properties of textiles. Next contains the database 318 data relating to the comparative values in the form of a chemical composition, information on the type of material and shape of textiles and parameters with regard to an optimum cleaning strategy to be recommended for the corresponding combination of composition and property.

The treatment parameters comprise parameters of such a cleaning strategy, the parameters being a type of detergent, a quantity of detergent, a cleaning temperature, a type of cleaning device and settings of a cleaning device 320 specify. These treatment parameters are displayed on the display element 312 of the smartphone 306 displayed and thus made available to the user. The user is thus given a recommendation about one for the specific combination of contamination 302 and textile 304 optimal cleaning strategy provided.

The cleaning device 320 is also in communication with the communication system 314 , causing the treatment parameters to the cleaning device 320 be issued. The cleaning device 320 has a display element 322 which, in particular, can display the treatment parameters. Next, the cleaning device 320 a dosing device 324 for cleaning up. The dosing device 324 In this case, it is possible to provide a cleaning agent in accordance with the parameters of the cleaning strategy with respect to the type of cleaning agent and / or the amount of cleaning agent, or to check whether the cleaning agent has entered the dosing device in accordance with the recommended cleaning strategy 324 was filled.

Next, the cleaning device 320 a control 326 on which the control of the cleaning device 320 allowed by a user. The cleaning device 320 Adopts the parameters of the cleaning strategy as default. The user then has the option of following the cleaning strategy recommendation and the cleaning device 320 just over the control 326 to start or your own, manual setting of the cleaning device 320 via the operating element 326 perform. The cleaning is done in a cleaning tank 328 , here a laundry drum, performed.

Next is in 3 a detection device 330 shown. The investigative device 330 includes sensor elements 332 and optionally at least one illumination means (not shown). The detecting device has a spherical shape and is adapted to perform cleaning in the cleaning container 328 to be arranged. The investigative device 330 is free to move and against the action of the washing solution in the cleaning tank 328 resistant. The investigative device 330 Thus, during a cleaning process, it may provide first and second intensity distributions to monitor the cleaning strategy. The investigative device 330 can also determine intensity distributions of soluble, unfixed textile dyes in the wash solution. This can be a detachment of the corresponding textile dyes from the textile 304 be monitored.

4 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a device 400 which can in particular carry out an exemplary method according to the first aspect. The device 400 is for example a device according to the second or a system according to the third aspect.

The device 400 may be, for example, a computer, a desktop computer, a server, a thin client or a portable computer (mobile device), such as a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA) or a smartphone. For example, the device may perform the function of a server or a client.

processor 410 the device 400 is particularly designed as a microprocessor, microcontroller, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA).

processor 410 Executes program statements stored in program memory 412 stored, and stores, for example, intermediate results or the like in working or main memory 411 , For example, program memory 412 a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, a magnetic memory, an EEPROM memory (electrically erasable programmable read only memory) and / or an optical memory. main memory 411 is, for example, a volatile or nonvolatile memory, in particular a random access memory (RAM) such as a static RAM (SRAM), a dynamic RAM (DRAM), a ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM) and / or or a magnetic RAM (MRAM).

program memory 412 is preferably a local with the device 400 firmly connected volume. With the device 400 hard-attached data carriers are, for example, hard disks inserted in the device 400 are installed. Alternatively, the data carrier, for example, a with the device 400 be separable connectable disk such as a memory stick, a removable disk, a portable hard disk, a CD, a DVD and / or a floppy disk.

program memory 412 contains, for example, the operating system of the device 400 That when starting the device 400 at least partially in main memory 411 loaded and from the processor 410 is performed. In particular, when starting device 400 at least part of the kernel of the operating system in the main memory 411 loaded and by processor 410 executed. The operating system of device 400 is for example a Windows, UNIX, Linux, Android, Apple iOS and / or MAC operating system.

The operating system in particular allows the use of the device 400 for data processing. For example, it manages resources such as main memory 411 and program memory 412 , Network interface 413 , Input and output device 414 , Among other things, through programming interfaces provides other functions to other programs and controls the execution of programs.

processor 410 controls the communication interface 413 which can be, for example, a network interface and can be designed as a network card, network module and / or modem. The communication interface 413 is particularly adapted to a connection of the device 400 with other devices, in particular via a (wireless) communication system, such as a network to produce and communicate with them. The communication interface 413 For example, it can receive data (via the communication system) and to the processor 410 forward and / or data from processor 410 receive and send (via the communication system). Examples of a communication system are a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless network (for example, according to the IEEE 802.11 standard, the Bluetooth (LE) standard and / or the NFC standard), a wired one Network, a mobile network, a telephone network and / or the Internet.

Furthermore, processor 410 at least one input / output device 414 Taxes. Input / output device 414 is for example a keyboard, a mouse, a display unit, a microphone, a touch-sensitive display unit, a speaker, a reader, a drive and / or a camera. Input / output device 414 For example, it can record input from a user and to the processor 410 forward and / or information to the user of processor 410 receive and spend.

5 finally shows different embodiments of storage media on which an embodiment of a computer program according to the invention can be stored. The storage medium may be, for example, a magnetic, electrical, optical and / or different storage medium. The storage medium may, for example, be part of a processor (eg the processor 410 of the 4 ), for example, a (non-volatile or volatile) program memory of the processor or a part thereof (such as program memory 412 in 4 ). Embodiments of a storage medium are a flash memory 510 , an SSD hard drive 511 , a magnetic disk 512 , a memory card 513 , a memory stick 514 (eg a USB stick), a CD-ROM or DVD 515 or a floppy disk 516 ,

The exemplary embodiments of the present invention described in this specification and the respective optional features and properties cited in this context should also be understood to be disclosed in all combinations with one another. In particular, the description of a feature encompassed by an exemplary embodiment is - unless explicitly explained to the contrary - not be understood in this case as meaning that the feature is essential or essential for the function of the exemplary embodiment. The sequence of the method steps described in this specification in the individual flowcharts is not mandatory, alternative sequences of the method steps are conceivable. The method steps can be implemented in various ways, so an implementation in software (by program instructions), hardware, or a combination of both to implement the method steps is conceivable.

Terms used in the claims, such as "comprising,""comprising,""including,""containing," and the like, do not exclude other elements or steps. The phrase "at least partially" includes both the "partial" and "full" cases. The expression "and / or" should be understood to mean that both the alternative and the combination should be disclosed, ie "A and / or B" means "(A) or (B) or (A and B)". The use of the indefinite article does not exclude a majority. A single device can perform the functions of several units or devices mentioned in the claims. Reference signs indicated in the claims are not considered To consider restrictions on the means and steps used.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2016/126470 A1 [0042]

Cited non-patent literature

• EN ISO 11664-4 [0112]

Claims (19)

Method performed by one or more devices, comprising: Obtaining first intensity information (210) representative of a spectral image (208) resulting from an impurity (202, 302) of a textile (200, 304); Obtaining second intensity information (212, 214) representative of a spectral image (216) characteristic of at least one property of at least a portion of the textile (200, 304); - Determining at least one treatment parameter, wherein the determination of the treatment parameter both depending on the composition of the contaminant (202, 302) from the first intensity information (210) as well depending on the at least one property of the at least one part of the textile (200, 304) from the second intensity information (212, 214) takes place; and - Issuing or triggering an output of the at least one treatment parameter. Method according to Claim 1 wherein the first intensity information (210) is representative of a spectral image (208) resulting from an illuminated surface of the contaminant (202, 302) on the fabric (200, 304). Method according to Claim 1 or 2 wherein the second intensity information (212, 214) is representative of a spectral image (216) resulting from an illuminated surface of at least a portion of the structure of the textile (200, 304) and / or representative of a lit surface of a marker on the textile (200 , 304) is the resulting spectral image. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 3 wherein the second intensity information (212, 214) is representative of a spectral image (216) characteristic of the type of materials of the textile (200, 304), the color of the textile (200, 304) and / or the shape of the fabric of the textile (200, 304). Method according to one of Claims 1 to 4 in which - at least one first intermediate parameter is determined as a function of the first intensity information (210) and a second intermediate parameter is determined as a function of the second intensity information (212, 214); and - the determination of the at least one treatment parameter comprises a comparison of the first intermediate parameter with the second intermediate parameter. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 5 wherein determining the at least one treatment parameter comprises determining composition information of the contaminant (202, 302) from the first intensity information (210) and / or determining texture information of the fabric (200, 304) from the second intensity information (212, 214) , Method according to Claim 6 wherein the determination of the composition information is based in part on the structure information and / or the determination of the structure information is based in part on the composition information. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 8th wherein the at least one treatment parameter comprises at least one parameter of a cleaning strategy of the textile, in particular wherein the at least one parameter of the cleaning strategy represents a cleaning agent type, a cleaning agent quantity, a cleaning temperature, a cleaning device type, settings of a cleaning device, a recommendation via a pretreatment or combinations thereof. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 8th wherein the at least one treatment parameter is output to a treatment device (320). Method according to one of Claims 1 to 9 , the method further comprising: - performing a treatment of the textile (200, 304) via a treatment device (320). Method according to one of Claims 1 to 10 , the method further comprising: determining the first intensity information (210) and / or second intensity information (212, 214) in particular via an optical sensor (308). Method according to one of Claims 1 to 11 wherein the first intensity information (210) and / or second intensity information (212, 214) are representative of spatially resolved portions of a spectral image (206). Method according to one of Claims 1 to twelve The method further comprises: determining a user profile based at least in part on the treatment parameter, in particular based on a plurality of determined treatment parameters, wherein the determination of the at least one treatment parameter is based at least in part on the user profile. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 13 wherein determining the at least one treatment parameter comprises machine learning, in particular supervised learning Partially supervised learning, unsupervised learning, empowered learning, active learning and / or at least one deep learning procedure. Device which is adapted or comprises corresponding means, a method according to one of Claims 1 to 14 perform and / or control. Device comprising at least one processor (410) and at least one memory (411, 412) with computer program code, wherein the at least one memory (411, 412) and the computer program code are arranged with the at least one processor (410), at least one method according to one of the Claims 1 to 14 execute and / or control. A computer program comprising program instructions comprising a processor (410) for executing and / or controlling a method according to any one of Claims 1 to 14 when the computer program is running on the processor (410). Computer-readable storage medium, which is a computer program according to Claim 17 contains. A system comprising: - a plurality of devices (306, 314, 316, 318, 320), in particular at least one mobile device (306) and a treatment device (320), which together form a method according to one of the Claims 1 to 14 carry out.

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