EP2175413A1 - Method and device for allocating a WC seat fitting - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves storing geometry datasets of a set of water closet seat fittings. An image of a specified ceramic target is recorded in a support area for the seat fittings by digital photography. Data of the image is transferred to an image evaluation unit. Ceramic-geometry data sets are computed from the image data and compared with the water closet seat fitting geometry datasets. The seat fittings are selected based on the comparison result. A reference pattern such as preset surface product e.g. DIN-A4sheet, is attached to the target. An independent claim is also included for a device for allocating a water closet seat fitting to a specified ceramic target.

Description

The invention relates to a method for assigning a toilet seat set to a predetermined target ceramic and a device for assigning a toilet seat set to a target ceramic.

The fit of a toilet seat set to the ceramic plays a crucial role, since the overall impression of the toilet is essentially influenced by the toilet seat set. In addition to this aesthetic function of the toilet seat set this course has to meet a variety of other functional requirements. So the toilet seat should be designed so that it allows a comfortable sitting during the performance of the needs. On the other hand, the interior of the ceramic is to be covered by the toilet seat and cover and the lid itself should be stable enough so that it can also be used as a seat. One problem is that toilet seats and ceramics often come from different manufacturers, and in particular the WC ceramic bowl market is served by many brands and no-name manufacturers. There are no reliable standard dimensions for the contour of the ceramic. In addition, even the dimensions given by the ceramic manufacturers to the ceramic contour are inaccurate, so that the consumer or the craftsman must measure when installing the toilet. The quality of the fit of the toilet seat set on the ceramic is - as stated above - crucial for the aesthetic overall impression and thus for the purchase decision of the customer.

The applicant is one of the leading manufacturers of toilet seat sets and so far offers their customers a comparatively comfortable system to pick out a suitable toilet seat set from the product range for an existing target ceramic. To this end, a guide to selection of toilet seat sets is added with www.haro.de. In a first step, the basic shape of the ceramics is assessed, ie the ceramics are shaped according to the basic shapes oval - narrow - oval - D-shape - pointed - angular or - shortly classified. In a following step, the distance between the mounting holes of the ceramic is measured, the measurement being from the middle hole to the middle hole. In a further measuring step, the length of the ceramic, ie, the distance from the front edge of the ceramic to the mounting holes is then detected. Depending on the distance between the mounting holes and the length of the ceramic, a suitable hinge (bow hinge, eccentric hinge, slotted disc) is then selected for the toilet seat set, whereby asymmetrical hinges allow a certain width and length compensation.

In a final measuring step, the width of the ceramic is measured and selected depending on the aforementioned data (length, width of the ceramic and hole spacing) and the ceramic mold one or more suitable toilet seat sets.

It is obvious that this method is comparatively complicated and also requires a certain amount of experience, since the customer firstly has to carry out the necessary measurements in the correct way and secondly he has to assign the target ceramic form to the given basic shapes.

In contrast, the invention has the object to provide a method and a device for assigning a toilet seat set to a predetermined target ceramic, this assignment should be made with the least possible effort and low error rate.

This object is achieved by a method having the features of patent claim 1 and a device having the features of independent patent claim 13.

According to the invention, the Applicant has a route without any model in the prior art, whereby the customer does not have to make any decisions about shape classification or measurements.

According to the invention, the WC seat set geometric data sets of a plurality of toilet seat sets are stored in a database of a provider.

To associate one or more of these toilet seat sets with an existing target ceramic, an image capture of the ceramic contour in the support area of the toilet seat set is initially carried out. The image data thus acquired are transferred to an image evaluation unit, which then calculates a ceramic geometry data record from these image data. This can contain geometric information as well as color information.

In a subsequent step, the digital ceramic geometry dataset is computationally compared with the plurality of toilet seat geometry datasets and selected one or more toilet seat sets depending on predetermined passport criteria. This selection then takes place so that the toilet seat set is optimally adapted to the ceramic both in terms of fit and in terms of functionality.

D. h., According to the inventive concept of the customer only an image capture of the relevant ceramic must be made - the selection of matching toilet seat set is independent and computer / software-assisted at the toilet seat set provider. The criteria for selecting the suitable toilet seat set can then be optimally adapted by the provider to the respective task.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the image capture of the target ceramic takes place by means of digital photography. Of course, other methods such as 2D or 3D scanning may alternatively be used.

In a particularly simple method variant, the digital photos are computer-aided transfer to 2D or 3D data sets. These records preferably represent the contour of an inner and outer water edge of the ceramic and a relative position of mounting holes for a toilet seat hinge, but may also include color information (color, gray value, etc.). These Color information may be an average color value or a plurality of local color values.

Since the quality of the photos is extremely different both in terms of the resolution and in terms of the selected exposure angle, in a variant according to the invention a correction of the acquired image data is undertaken. A particularly simple possibility of correction consists in that a reference pattern is applied to the ceramic during the image acquisition, the geometry of which is chosen such that it enables a correction of the image registration errors.

This reference pattern can be, for example, a DIN A4 sheet or a check card with predetermined dimensions and color scales, or else a suitable surface pattern. Depending on the known data of this reference pattern and on the corresponding image data, a perspective correction of the image acquisition can then be carried out, so that an exact evaluation is made possible. The reference pattern can also be used for color matching.

When comparing the ceramic geometry dataset to the plurality of toilet seat geometric datasets, different selection criteria may be predetermined. In one variant of the invention, a focus of comparison is placed on the fit between standard toilet seat joints of the toilet seat set and the mounting holes and / or the accuracy of fit of the toilet seat in the front of the ceramic. As a subordinate criterion, the fitting accuracy of the toilet seat set in the rear area of the ceramic can also be included in the selection criteria. At the same time, color matching can also be used as a criterion.

Depending on the value of the toilet seat set can then be avoided depending on the standard toilet seat joints used in the comparison to appropriate high-quality toilet seat joints.

The device according to the invention essentially consists, on the one hand, of a device for acquiring the image data, i. h., a digital camera or, in the case of an analog camera, a scanner for converting an analogue photograph into a digital photograph.

On the part of the toilet seat set provider then an image evaluation unit for calculating the ceramic geometry data set (possibly including color data) must be present from the image data and a comparison device for comparing this ceramic geometry data set with the existing toilet seat geometry data sets. The result of this comparison is then read out via an output unit, wherein this output unit can be connected to the customer, for example, via the Internet. In principle, however, the evaluation can be delivered offline via e-mail or the like.

Other advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of further subclaims.

• Figur 1 ein Ablaufschema eines Verfahrens zum Zuordnen einer WC-Sitzgarnitur zu einer Zielkeramik;
• Figur 2 eine Bilderfassung einer Zielkeramik;
• Figur 3 Keramik-Geometriedaten aus der Bilderfassung gemäß Figur 2;
• Figur 4 die Keramik-Geometriedaten aus Figur 3 ohne Bilddaten;
• Figur 5 ein WC-Sitzgarnitur-Geometriedatensatz und
• Figur 6 eine Prinzipdarstellung einer Passformauswertung.

In the following, a preferred embodiment of the invention will be explained with reference to schematic drawings. Show it:

• FIG. 1 a flowchart of a method for assigning a toilet seat set to a target ceramic;
• FIG. 2 an image capture of a target ceramic;
• FIG. 3 Ceramic geometry data from image acquisition according to FIG. 2 ;
• FIG. 4 the ceramic geometry data FIG. 3 without image data;
• FIG. 5 a toilet seat set geometry dataset and
• FIG. 6 a schematic representation of a fit evaluation.

It is assumed that a customer or end user wants to purchase a new toilet seat set for his existing toilet ceramics - hereinafter referred to as target ceramics. After a careful pre-selection, he has chosen a particular manufacturer, which offers a variety of high-quality toilet seats in different geometries and designs. The customer is now faced with the task of selecting a toilet seat set suitable for the fit with respect to its target ceramics. This is done in place of the conventional, in the beginning described measurement, the new, designed by the applicant method and the device for fitting alignment between target ceramic and toilet seat set used.

The individual process steps are shown schematically in FIG FIG. 1 played.

Accordingly, the customer first takes a photo of the existing target ceramic on site. For this photograph, a digital camera is preferably used, since then the images created in this way are immediately further processed electronically, without scanning or the like. The problem is that on the one hand, the cameras have different resolutions and that, on the other hand, the camera edge point with respect to the target ceramic varies depending on the environmental condition. It would be optimal if the camera edge point is exactly in a vertical above the target ceramic and while a predetermined distance between the camera lens and ceramic is maintained. Such an effort, however, is unreasonable for a customer, so that different image viewing angles and distances must be compensated for when evaluating the digital photo. For this purpose, before recording according to FIG. 2 first a reference pattern 4 on the in FIG. 2 visible surface of the toilet seat set 2 attached. In the illustrated embodiment, a DIN A4 sheet is used as a reference pattern 4, which is placed on a suitable carrier in the present case, a V-shaped opened folding rule 6, which in turn is supported on the toilet seat set 2. In this case, an arbitrary position of the reference pattern 4 can be selected. In the exemplary embodiment, the reference pattern 4 is arranged above a basin 8 of the seat set 2. When recording the digital photo, this reference pattern is also photographed. Since the dimensions of the reference pattern are known, it is possible to deduce the camera position by means of conventional image processing algorithms from the image of the reference pattern 4 on the digital photos. For this purpose, for example, the edge lines 10, 12, 14, 16 running through the side edges of the reference pattern 4 can be used to compensate for distortions or distortions due to a not exactly selected camera position. In this case, conventional algorithms used in the image evaluation can be used, in which, for example, the angle between the edge lines 10, 12; 14, 16 and enter their distances.

However, the image data evaluation and correction takes place at the provider: For this purpose, the digital photo or other image capture devices, such as scanners, the image data with the image of the reference pattern 4, for example by e-mail or in any other electronic form sent to the provider. For this purpose, for example, an Internet portal of the provider can be used, which is accessible to the customer via a password. The transmitted image data with the image of the ceramic contour and the reference pattern 4 is transferred by means of an image evaluation unit into a ceramic geometry data record. This can for example have a plurality of measuring points in a 2D coordinate system, which according to FIG. 3 For example, the contour of the inner water edge 18 and the outer water edge 20, the water edge width d1, d2 and the relative position of the mounting holes and their distance X to define a toilet seat hinge play. In addition to the distance between the mounting holes, the distance to the front of the inner water edge and the distance to the rear of the wall can be recorded.

In the illustration according to FIG. 3 the contours resulting from the ceramic geometry dataset are drawn into the photograph taken.

FIG. 4 this is shown by the ceramic geometry dataset contours in isolation. It can be seen that from the image evaluation, the length of the basin L, the width of the basin B, the water edge widths d1, d2 and the relative position and the distance X of the mounting holes is detected. The resulting from the image analysis ceramic geometry data set is designed so that it in a 2D coordinate system in addition to the aforementioned dimensions L, B, d1, d2, X and the contours of the ceramic and the mounting holes 24, 26 reproduces (if visible). This ceramic geometry data set is then stored in a data memory.

According to FIG. 1 the vendor also stores corresponding geometry datasets of the toilet seat sets during construction. FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of such a WC geometry data set, which is adapted in terms of the basic structure of the resulting from the image acquisition ceramic geometry data set. In according to the representation FIG. 5 are still a variety of additional information included, which are not necessarily required for the below-mentioned assignment of a suitable toilet seat. In principle, it is sufficient if the toilet seat and the toilet lid of the toilet seat set the prescribed contour lines and dimensions corresponding data are stored, with the toilet seat set is carried out to a first approximation with a standard toilet seat hinge.

According to FIG. 1 Then, in a further method step, the ceramic geometry data set ( FIG. 4 ) are compared with the toilet seat set geometry datasets stored in memory, in simple terms, the toilet seat set geometry datasets are overlaid digitally over the corresponding ceramic geometry datasets, detecting the corresponding deviations between the relevant contour lines.

From this comparison of the geometric data records can then be concluded very simply, to what extent the contours of the ceramic 2 are covered by the contours and corresponding bearing surfaces of the toilet seat set and whether the selected standard hinge to the mounting holes 24, 26 fits. For each toilet seat geometry data set the deviations from the ceramic contour are then determined, for example, surface calculations can be based. Based on this evaluation, the overhangs and residues of the individual toilet seat sets with reference to the target ceramic are then recorded and evaluated. Of particular importance is the relative positioning of the mounting holes 24, 26 of the ceramic with respect to the attachment corridors of the individual toilet seat joints. It should be noted that each toilet seat set can be equipped with different toilet seat joints. In order to facilitate the adaptation of the toilet seat sets to the ceramics, different sets of hinges can be assigned to the individual toilet seat sets in the data sets, which have different adjustment options with certain adjustment ranges.

For example, temple hinges, eccentric hinges or slotted discs can be used for stepless adjustability. In the design of the toilet seat set geometry datasets is also to be noted that not all toilet seat joints can be combined with all toilet seats, as there are certain restrictions in the form of pivot points, equipment and opening angles.

After carrying out the above-described comparison between the existing toilet seat geometric data sets and the ceramic geometry datasets (taking into account the individual toilet seat joints), a prioritization of the minimum deviations and thus a "hit list" of the fit recommendations can then be developed.

According to FIG. 6 In the case of the fit recommendation, emphasis is placed on achieving a good fit accuracy with the two mounting holes 24, 26 even with the simplest toilet seat hinge. Equally important, in the front area marked V (to the left of the solid line), the toilet seat sits evenly, but by a comparatively small amount (for example, 0 to +5 mm). In the rear area marked H, the toilet seat set can be set back by a comparatively small amount (again, for example, also 0 to -5 mm), the latter measure in the rear area H being of secondary importance. Those toilet seat sets with which the highest accuracy of fit is achieved in the area V and with respect to the fastening holes 24, 26 are included in the above-mentioned list of recommendations. In a further step, then a fine adjustment with regard to the toilet seat hinge selection and on the aesthetic design of the toilet lid and / or the toilet seat can be done.

Following this comparison, a recommendation list is then output, which contains, for example, a model number of the toilet seat set and the matching toilet seat hinge. It can still be accompanied by a perspective view of the target ceramic with the respective attached toilet seat sets, so that the customer can make a good impression of the aesthetic appearance of the selected toilet seat set.

In principle, an Internet-based evaluation is preferred, whereby the customer informs on the website of the provider, that loads according to the described before executions digital photo on the server of the provider and then within a shortest possible processing time the recommendation list with the model recommendation and possibly the order numbers and possibly a reference to the nearest dealer.

The inventive concept makes it possible to select a suitable toilet seat set with very little effort and in a very fast way to an existing target ceramic. In kinematic reversal, the system can of course also be designed so that a matching ceramic is selected to existing toilet seats. In principle, the concept according to the invention can also be extended to other areas of technology in which it is important to make a selection from a plurality of components and to assign them to an existing structure. The Applicant reserves the right to generalize the patent application by corresponding wording of the claims.

In the above embodiment, geometry data is processed and the main emphasis is placed on the geometric match. In a development of this concept, in addition to the geometric data and the color match can be detected.

For this purpose, in the image analysis, the color, d. h., the hue and the color intensity (gray value) are detected and compared with corresponding WC geometry data records, which then contain color data in addition to the pure geometry data. When comparing the ceramic data with the toilet seating data then in addition to the geometric match and the color match is taken into account and made an appropriate selection.

Due to the different lighting conditions and the color sensitivities of the digital cameras or scanners, the applied reference pattern can be provided with color information in this development Color balance or a color correction and thus an objective comparison of the ceramic color data with the toilet seat color data allows.

In accordance with the above-described development of the invention, it is thus clear that the geometry datasets mentioned contain not only pure geometry data but also color data. These can in turn contain individual data and 2D / 3D data records, so that, for example, a multiplicity of color points in the coordinate system can be determined and an average color value calculated therefrom.

This development makes it possible to select a toilet seat set, which is adapted in both the accuracy of fit and in the aesthetic appearance in an optimal way to the ceramic.

Disclosed are a method and a device for assigning a toilet seat set to a predetermined target ceramic.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2

ceramics

4

reference pattern

6

ruler

8th

pool

10

edge line

12

edge line

14

edge line

16

edge line

18

inner water edge

20

outer water edge

24

mounting hole

26

mounting hole

Claims (14)

Method for assigning a toilet seat set to a predetermined target ceramic (2) comprising the steps of: Storing toilet seat set geometry datasets of a plurality of toilet seat sets; - Image capture of the target ceramic (2) in the area of a support for the toilet seat set; - transfer of the image data to an image evaluation unit; - calculating a ceramic geometry data set from the image data; Comparing the ceramic geometry dataset with the plurality of toilet seat set geometry datasets and - Selection of one or more toilet seats depending on the comparison Method according to claim 1, wherein the image acquisition is done by digital photography. The method of claim 2, wherein image data of the photo is transferred to a 2D or 3D data set. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a reference pattern (4) is applied to the ceramic (2), which enables a color correction and / or a correction of distortions or distortions of the image angle or the like in the image acquisition. Method according to claim 4, wherein a correction of the image data takes place in dependence on the image of the reference pattern (4). Method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the reference pattern (4) is a surface product predetermined in terms of dimensions and color, for example a DIN A4 sheet or a check card. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ceramic geometry dataset reflects the contour of an inner and an outer water edge (18, 20) and the relative position of mounting holes (24, 26). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ceramic geometry data set contains color information. Method according to one of the preceding claims with a transmission of the image data to a provider-side database. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the comparison of the color match and / or the fit of standard toilet seat joints of the toilet seat set to the mounting holes (24, 26) and / or the accuracy of fit in a front, from the mounting holes ( 24, 26) is received prioritized area (V). Method according to claim 10, wherein also the fitting accuracy in a rear area (H) is included in the comparison. A method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein a final selection of the toilet seat joints is made in dependence on the comparison. Device for assigning a toilet seat set to a target ceramic, with
a memory for depositing toilet seat geometry records;
means for capturing and outputting image data of the target ceramic; an image evaluation unit for calculating a ceramic geometry data set from the image data;
a comparator for comparing the ceramic geometry dataset with the toilet seat set geometry datasets and
an output unit for selecting and / or visualizing one or more toilet seat geometry datasets as a result of the comparison. Device according to claim 13, wherein the image evaluation unit also processes color data.

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