Determination of treatment parameters via a geometry information item of a textile

Abstract

A method performed by one or more devices is disclosed. The method includes obtaining a geometry information item representative of a spatial location of a plurality of points of a surface of a textile (52), determining at least one treatment parameter for treating the textile (52) at least partially based on a geometry information item, and outputting or triggering an output of the at least one treatment parameter.

Claims

1. A method performed by a cleaning device having a loading opening and a container for textile treatment comprising: detecting a spatial location of a plurality of points of a surface of a textile as the textile passes through the loading opening by applying an excitation by a laser beam to the surface of the textile and the detecting the spatial location of the plurality of points of the surface of the textile includes triangulation with a stereo detector; determining a plurality of cross sections of the textile in response to the detecting the spatial location of the plurality of points; determining an area of the surface of the textile in response to the determining the plurality of cross sections of the textile; determining at least one treatment parameter for treating the textile based at least in part on the area of the surface of the textile; and performing a treatment of the textile based on the at least one treatment parameter.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein determining the at least one treatment parameter is based on determining a volume spanned by the surface of the textile.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one treatment parameter indicates at least one cleaning parameter.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the excitation is one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally spatially structured.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the spatial location of the plurality of points of the surface of the textile is recorded in a temporal sequence.

6. The method according to claim 1, performed by a first device and a second device, wherein the area of the surface of the textile is obtained at the first device mounted at the loading opening and sent to the second device; wherein the area of the surface of the textile is received on the second device; wherein the at least one treatment parameter for treating the textile is determined by the second device based at least in part on the area of the surface of the textile and sent to the first device; and wherein the at least one treatment parameter is received at the first device.

7. The method according to claim 3, wherein the at least one cleaning parameter is an amount of cleaning agent.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the performing step is further defined as performing a cleaning treatment of the textile based at least partially on the at least one treatment parameter.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The present disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and:

(2) FIG. 1 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method;

(3) FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a further embodiment of a method;

(4) FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a treatment device;

(5) FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a sensor device;

(6) FIG. 5a, b are schematic representations of an embodiment of a geometry information item;

(7) FIGS. 6a-c are schematic representations of further embodiments of a sensor device;

(8) FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device;

(9) FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a device; and

(10) FIG. 9 illustrate different embodiments of a storage medium.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(11) The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the disclosure or the application and uses of the subject matter as described herein. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or the following detailed description.

(12) FIG. 1 shows a flow chart 2 of an embodiment of a method according to the first aspect, which is performed by a device, for example, by one of the devices from the following figures or in cooperation with one of the devices from the following figures.

(13) A geometry information item representative of the spatial position of a plurality of points of the surface of a textile is determined in action 4. In particular, the geometry information item can comprise a point cloud representative of the spatial position of a plurality of points of the surface of a textile and can be characteristic of the spatial extent or shape of the textile. The determination of a geometry information item can, in particular, comprise applying an excitation to the surface of the textile, for example, using a laser beam, and the use of a laser range finder or laser depth meter. A stereo camera can also be used, for example.

(14) The geometry information item representative of the spatial location of a plurality of points of the surface of the textile is obtained in action 6. For example, action 4 is performed by a device having a sensor device and the geometry information item is received from a further device in action 6.

(15) At least one treatment parameter for treating the textile is determined based at least in part on a geometry information item in action 8. The determination includes, for example, a modeling or interpolation of the spatial position of the points for modeling the surface, for example, via polygons or splines. The determination can comprise, for example, the determination of the area of the surface, of the spanned volume and of cross-sections.

(16) A recommendation of an optimal treatment of the textile can be given via the at least one treatment parameter, since the treatment parameters, for example, depend on the volume and/or surface of the textile to be treated. The determination of the at least one treatment parameter can be performed, for example, on the basis of mathematical functions and/or a comparison with comparison values. The at least one treatment parameter comprises, in particular, an amount of cleaning agent or an amount of washing agent for a cleaning treatment.

(17) The at least one treatment parameter is output in action 10 or its output is triggered and, for example, made available to the user on a display. Likewise, the at least one treatment parameter can be output to a treatment device.

(18) A treatment of the textile is performed with action 12, wherein the treatment is based at least partially on the at least one treatment parameter, which is determined in action 8. In particular, a cleaning treatment of the textile is performed, for example, using an amount of cleaning agent which was determined on the basis of a geometry information item.

(19) FIG. 2 shows a flowchart 14 of a further embodiment of a method according to the first aspect, which is performed by one or more devices.

(20) Sensor values are recorded by a sensor device in action 16. In this exemplary embodiment, sensor values are recorded on a moving textile or via a moving sensor device at different time intervals, so that sensor values representative of different cross-sections of the surface of the textile are recorded for different time intervals. For example, a sensor device based on a transit time measurement is used and the sensor values are representative of the transit time of a signal. Likewise, a triangulation-based sensor device can be used, and the sensor values are representative of a measurement angle, for example.

(21) In action 18, depth information or distance information is determined from the sensor values, for example, on the basis of the transit time or the measurement angle in connection with the geometry of the sensor device. Information representative of the spatial position of points of the surface of the textile can be determined via the depth information or distance information and the arrangement of the sensor device in action 20. Points of a cross-section of the surface can thus be determined for each time interval.

(22) The cross-sections are combined in action 22, in particular, taking into account the respective measurement times. A geometry information item is thus created.

(23) The area of the surface (action 24) and/or the spanned volume (action 26) can be determined from this geometry information item, for example, via a modeling or interpolation of the spatial position of the points of the surface.

(24) Actions 16-26 can be performed on a variety of textiles to be treated together. The geometry information item of the various textiles is combined in action 26, in particular, via a summation of the determined surfaces and the determined volumes.

(25) Finally, at least one treatment parameter for the textiles is determined from the combined a geometry information item in action 30 and output in action 32.

(26) FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a treatment device 33 for treating textiles according to the second aspect in a perspective schematic representation. The treatment device 33 is designed as a household washing machine for cleaning textiles. The treatment device 33 has a sensor device 34 for determining a geometry information item representative of the spatial position of a plurality of points of a surface of a textile.

(27) The treatment device 33 has a loading opening 36 for textiles, wherein the sensor device 34 is arranged on the loading opening 36. A drum 38 as a container for the textiles to be treated and a door 40 for closing the loading opening 36 are provided, wherein the sensor device 34 can also be arranged in principle on the drum 38 and/or door 40. The determination of a geometry information item can take place via the sensor device 34 at the loading opening 36 when the user loads the treatment device 33.

(28) Via the sensor device 34, sensor values can be recorded which can be used to determine a geometry information item and are used, for example, via a method according to the first aspect for determining optimal treatment parameters, for example, for determining an optimal amount of cleaning agent. The method can be performed by the treatment device 33 itself or by another device (not shown in FIG. 3) that is in communication with the treatment device 33. The treatment parameters can be provided to the user on a display 42, for example. Furthermore, a dosing device 44 can be provided which is used for dosing the amount of cleaning agent and, for example, automatically provides the determined, optimal amount of cleaning agent for a treatment.

(29) An embodiment of a sensor device 46 is shown schematically in FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, the sensor device 46 is arranged at the loading opening 36 of a treatment device, however, the sensor device 46 can also be arranged at other locations of a treatment device or else at a further device.

(30) The sensor device 46 has a range finder in the form of a laser range finder 48, the operation of which is based, for example, on a transit time measurement or a triangulation. Furthermore, a rail 50 is provided as a movement device for movement of the sensor device 46, wherein the movement is indicated by the arrow 49. In the embodiment, the rail 50 runs along the circumference of the loading opening 36. As a result, distances between the sensor device 46 and an object such as the textile 52 can be recorded at various angles along the circumference of the loading opening 36. The corresponding rotation angle is referred to as ϕ in this embodiment. A reflective element 54 is provided opposite the laser range finder 48 and is used, for example, as a reference for the distance measurement. The reflective element 54 is also movably arranged, for example, via the rail 50.

(31) If a textile 52 is now introduced into the loading opening 36, a geometry information item about the sensor device 46 can be determined. The determination is time-dependent in this embodiment, wherein the textile 52 is moved, as indicated by the arrow 56. The movement of the textile 52 is based, for example, on a loading of a treatment device by the user. Distances are recorded at different angles ϕ via the laser range finder 48 along a cross-section 58 of the surface of the textile 52. In particular, different cross-sections 58′ of the textile 52 are thus scanned over the time t with the movement of the textile 52 in order to determine a geometry information item representative of at least sections of the surface of the textile 52. In principle, the rotational speed of the sensor device 46 along the circumference can also be in the order of magnitude of the movement speed of the textile 52 and a spiral course of points along the surface of the textile 52 can be recorded.

(32) As shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, the spatial position of points of the surface can be determined using the described distance measurement. The measured distance from the laser range finder 48 to the surface of the textile 52 is shown in FIG. 5a as a gray level for various angles ϕ and times t. From this, the spatial position of the surface in Cartesian coordinates x, y can be determined, for example, for different times t, as shown in FIG. 5b.

(33) FIGS. 6a-c show further embodiments of a sensor device 46. In FIG. 6a, stereo cameras 60a, b are provided on the loading opening 36, in particular, at least on two sides. The stereo cameras 60a, b each have at least two cameras 62a, 62a′; 62b, 62b′, which record the surface of the textile 52 from different perspectives. A geometry information item which represents the spatial position of points of the surface of the textile 52 can be determined by comparing the images of the cameras 62a, 62a′; 62b, 62b′.

(34) A sensor device 46 is shown in FIG. 6b, wherein a plurality of sensors 64 is distributed as a sensor array along the circumference of the loading opening 36. The sensors are based, for example, on stereo cameras, line scan cameras, range finders and/or depth sensors, and can simultaneously detect a plurality of points on the surface of the textile 52. For example, the sensors 64 are evenly distributed at substantially equal intervals along the circumference.

(35) FIG. 6c shows a sensor device having scanning laser devices or laser depth sensors 66a, 66b, which are arranged on opposite sides of the loading opening 36. The laser depth sensors 66a, 66b have, for example, a movable laser source or a laser source for spatially structured excitation of the surface of the textile 52. For example, a plurality of points of the surface can thus be measured simultaneously.

(36) FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a device 68 according to the third aspect. The device 68 is configured as or comprises corresponding features for performing and/or controlling a method according to the first aspect.

(37) In particular, the device 68 determines at least one treatment parameter based on a geometry information item representative of the spatial location of a plurality of points of a surface of a textile 52 and thus provides a recommendation about treatment parameters.

(38) At least a part of the device 68 can be configured to determine the geometry information item. For example, a treatment device 70 having a sensor device 72 is provided, wherein the geometry information item is determined via the sensor device 72. The treatment device 70 is, in particular, a treatment device according to the second aspect. Alternatively or cumulatively, a mobile device, here a smart phone 74 having a sensor unit 76 for determining a geometry information item can be configured.

(39) The geometry information item can be obtained, for example, from the smart phone 74 or a communication system 78 which is in communication with the treatment device 70 and the smart phone 74.

(40) For example, the smart phone 74 is configured to determine the at least one treatment parameter based at least in part on a geometry information item. Alternatively or cumulatively, an evaluation device 80 can also be provided, which can execute at least part of the determination of the at least one treatment parameter. The determination can, for example, also comprise a comparison with comparison values which are stored, in particular, on a database 82.

(41) The at least one treatment parameter can be output, for example, on a display 84 of the smart phone 74. The at least one treatment parameter can also be output to the treatment device 70 and, for example, be made available there to the user on a display 86.

(42) The user can then perform a treatment according to the output treatment parameter. In addition, an automated version of such a treatment can be provided. For example, the treatment device 70 has a dosing device 88 for metering an amount of cleaning agent when performing a cleaning treatment. The dosing device 88 can provide a recommended amount of cleaning agent in accordance with the determined treatment parameters and supply them during a cleaning treatment.

(43) FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a device 400, which, in particular, can execute an exemplary method according to the first aspect. The device 400 is, for example, a device according to the third aspect. Furthermore, a device according to the second aspect can also comprise such a device according to FIG. 8.

(44) The device 400 can 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 smart phone. For example, the device can fulfill the function of a server or a client.

(45) Processor 410 of device 400 is particularly formed as a microprocessor, microcontrol unit, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or field programmable gate array (FPGA).

(46) Processor 410 executes program instructions stored in program memory 412 and, for example, stores intermediate results or the like in working or main memory 411. For example, program memory 412 is a nonvolatile 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 non-volatile memory, in particular, a random access memory (RAM) such as a static RAM (SRAM), a dynamic RAM (DRAM), a ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM), and/or a magnetic RAM memory (MRAM).

(47) Program memory 412 is preferably a local data carrier permanently attached to device 400. Data carriers permanently connected to the device 400 are, for example, hard disks which are built into the device 400. Alternatively, the data carrier may, for example, also be a data carrier which can be connected in separable manner to the device 400, such as a memory stick, a removable data carrier, a portable hard disk, a CD, a DVD, and/or a diskette.

(48) Program memory 412 contains, for example, the operating system of device 400, which is at least partially loaded into main memory 411 and executed by processor 410 when device 400 is started. In particular, when device 400 starts, at least a part of the kernel of the operating system is loaded into main memory 411 and executed by processor 410. The operating system of device 400 is, for example, a Windows, UNIX, Linux, Android, Apple iOS, and/or MAC operating system.

(49) In particular, the operating system enables the use of the device 400 for data processing. It manages, for example, resources such as main memory 411 and program memory 412, communications interface 413, input and output device 414, provides basic functions, among other things through programming interfaces, to other programs and controls the execution of programs.

(50) Processor 410 controls communications interface 413, which can be, for example, a network interface and can be in the form of a network card, network module and/or modem. The communications interface 413 is, in particular, configured to establish a connection of the device 400 to other devices, in particular, via a (wireless) communication system, for example, a network, and to communicate with them. The communications interface 413 can, for example, receive data (via the communication system) and forward it to processor 410 and/or receive and send data (via the communication system) from processor 410. 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 network, a mobile network, a telephone network, and/or the Internet.

(51) Furthermore, processor 410 can control at least one input/output device 414. Input/output device 414 is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a display unit, a microphone, a touch-sensitive display unit, a loudspeaker, a reading device, a drive and/or a camera. For example, input/output device 414 can receive inputs from a user and forward them to processor 410 and/or receive and output information to the user of processor 410.

(52) Finally, FIG. 9 shows different embodiments of storage media on which an embodiment of a computer program as contemplated herein can be stored. The storage medium can be, for example, a magnetic, electrical, optical and/or other type of storage medium. For example, the storage medium can be part of a processor (for example, processor 410 of FIG. 8), such as a (non-volatile or volatile) program memory of the processor or a part thereof (such as program memory 412 in FIG. 8). Embodiments of a storage medium are a flash memory 510, an SSD hard disk 511, a magnetic hard disk 512, a memory card 513, a memory stick 514 (for example, a USB stick), a CD-ROM or DVD 515, or a diskette 516.

(53) The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure 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 to be understood in this case as meaning that the feature is essential or fundamental for the function of the 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 that an implementation in software (by program instructions), hardware, or a combination of both to implement the method steps is conceivable.

(54) Terms used in the patent claims, such as “comprising”, “having”, “including”, “containing” and the like, do not exclude further elements or steps. The phrase “at least partially” includes both the “partial” and “completely” cases. The phrase “and/or” is to be understood as meaning that both the alternative and the combination is intended to be disclosed, that is, “A and/or B” means “(A) or (B) or (A and B)”. The use of the indefinite article does not exclude a plurality. A single device can execute the functions of a plurality of units or devices mentioned in the patent claims. Reference numerals indicated in the claims are not to be regarded as limitations on the means and steps used.

(55) While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the various embodiments in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment as contemplated herein. It being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the various embodiments as set forth in the appended claims.