METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING ESPECIALLY A CLEANING STRATEGY

Abstract

A method for determining a cleaning strategy for a soiled textile is provided. The method includes obtaining intensity information representative of a spectral image resulting from soiling of a textile. Further, the method includes determining at least one output variable that is dependent on the composition of the soiling on the basis of the intensity information. Also, the method includes outputting or triggering the output of the at least one output variable. Also provided are corresponding devices for carrying out such a method.

Claims

1. A method for determining a cleaning strategy for a soiled textile, the method comprising: obtaining intensity information representative of a spectral image resulting from soiling of a textile; determining at least one output variable that is dependent on the composition of the soiling on the basis of the intensity information; and outputting or triggering the output of the at least one output variable.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the intensity information is representative of a spectral image resulting from an illuminated surface of the soiling on a textile.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one output variable comprises at least one parameter of a cleaning strategy of the textile.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the at least one parameter of the cleaning strategy constitutes a type of cleaning agent, an amount of cleaning agent, a cleaning temperature, a type of cleaning device, settings of a cleaning device or combinations thereof, and/or wherein the at least one parameter of the cleaning strategy includes a recommendation on pretreatment of the soiling.

5. The method according to claim 3, the method further comprising: carrying out the cleaning strategy by means of a cleaning device.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the determination of the at least one output variable includes comparing the intensity information with comparative values.

7. The method according to claim 1, the method further comprising: determining the intensity information by means of an optical sensor.

8. The method according to claim 1, the method further comprising: determining a soiling profile based at least in part on the output variable, in particular based on a plurality of determined output variables, wherein the determination of the at least one output variable is based at least in part on the soiling profile.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the intensity information is representative of a hyperspectral image.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the intensity information comprises values in at least 20 channels, wherein each channel represents an intensity for one energy interval.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the intensity information is representative of spectral components of a spectral image, wherein at least one of the spectral components lies outside the visible energy range.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the intensity information is representative of spectral components of a spectral image from the infrared energy range as far as the ultraviolet energy range.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein the intensity information is representative of spatially resolved components of a spectral image.

14. A device that is designed or comprises corresponding means for carrying out and/or controlling a method according to claim 1.

15. A system comprising: a plurality of devices, including at least one mobile device and a cleaning device, which together carry out a method according to claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0109] The present disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and:

[0110] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method;

[0111] FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 2c schematically show a spectral image and intensity information representative thereof;

[0112] FIG. 3 schematically shows one embodiment of a device;

[0113] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a device; and

[0114] FIG. 5 shows different embodiments of a memory medium.

[0115] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram 100 of one embodiment of a method according to the first aspect, which is carried out by a device, such as one of the devices from FIGS. 3 and 4. In the action 102, intensity information in the form of an intensity distribution is determined by employing an optical sensor, the intensity distribution being representative of a spectral image resulting from an illuminated surface of soiling on a textile. The intensity distribution is in particular representative of a hyperspectral image and comprises intensity values in a plurality of channels for different energy intervals, at least two of the energy intervals adjoining or overlapping one another.

[0116] Said intensity distribution is obtained in the action 104. Since the intensity distribution is dependent on the chemical composition of the soiling on the textile, in action 106 at least one output variable that is dependent on the composition of the soiling can be determined from the intensity distribution. Here, at least one parameter of a cleaning strategy of the textile is determined on the basis of the chemical composition of the soiling, the cleaning strategy constituting a recommendation on optimally cleaning the soiling from the textile.

[0117] In addition, in action 108, a recommendation can be made on pretreatment of the textile. For certain compositions of the soiling, corresponding pretreatment may be required which is for example carried out by another device in action 110.

[0118] In action 112, the at least one output variable is prompted to be output, for example output to a display element, with in particular information regarding the composition of the soiling and at least one parameter of the cleaning strategy being displayed to the user. The user can carry out cleaning of the textile on the basis of the displayed information or recommendation.

[0119] Additionally, or alternatively, in action 114 the at least one output variable, in particular the at least one parameter of the cleaning strategy, can be output to a cleaning device. The output parameters of the cleaning strategy are used in action 116 to carry out cleaning by employing the cleaning device.

[0120] Additionally, in action 118 a soiling profile can be determined which is based at least in part on the output variable. Therefore, the determination of the at least one output variable can be designed to be adaptive, and is more precisely adjusted to the respective requirements by employing the soiling profile.

[0121] FIG. 2a schematically shows a spectral image 200 of a textile 202 with soiling 204. The spectral image 200 results in particular from the illumination of the surface of the soiling 204 by radiation, with radiation emanating from the surface of the soiling 204 in particular by reflection and emission, which radiation can be measured physically, in particular by employing an optical sensor. An intensity distribution which is representative of the spatial resolution of the spectral image 200 can be recorded in particular by employing a plurality of sensor elements, for example pixels, the pixels being arranged two-dimensionally on a surface.

[0122] FIG. 2b and FIG. 2c schematically show intensity distributions 210, 212 which are representative of spectral components of the spectral image 200. The spectrum 208 results for a limited spatial portion of the spectral image 200, represented by the arrow 206. If the spectrum 208 is measured by employing an optical sensor element, for example a pixel of an optical sensor, an intensity distribution 210 can be obtained, the intensity distribution 210 being representative of the spectral image 200 resulting from the illuminated surface of the soiling 204 on the textile 202. The intensity distribution 210 is shown in FIG. 2b as a patterned area.

[0123] The intensity distribution 210 in FIG. 2b is in this case representative of a hyperspectral image, the intensity distribution 210 comprising values in at least 20 channels up to 250 channels, each channel representing an intensity for one energy interval. The intensity distribution 210 has intensity values in channels for energy intervals, the energy intervals adjoining or overlapping one another. Thus, the intensity distribution 210 as shown in FIG. 2b is representative of an at least partially continuous spectrum.

[0124] In addition, the intensity distribution 210 is representative of spectral components of the spectral image 208, which is outside the visible energy range. The visible energy range is indicated in FIG. 2b by the lowest visible energy ε.sub.1 and the highest visible energy ε.sub.2. The intensity distribution 210 is in this case representative of spectral components from the infrared energy range (energy ε less than ε.sub.1) as far as the ultraviolet energy range (energy ε greater than ε.sub.2). This is in particular advantageous in that information which is not visible to the naked eye and is indicative of the composition of the soiling can also be recorded by employing the intensity distribution 210.

[0125] FIG. 2c schematically shows an intensity distribution 212 that is representative of a multispectral image. The intensity distribution 212, like the intensity distribution 210, likewise comprises intensity values in a plurality of channels for different energy intervals. However, the energy intervals are spaced apart and intensities of individual, distinct energies or lines are reproduced. Thus, the intensity distribution 212 is in particular not representative of a continuous spectrum. The intensity distribution 212 is also representative of spectral components from the infrared energy range as far as the ultraviolet energy range such that information that is not visible to the naked eye can also be detected therewith.

[0126] FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of a device 300 according to the second aspect and a system according to the third aspect. The device 300 is designed or comprises corresponding means for carrying out and/or controlling a method according to the first aspect. In particular, the device 300 makes it possible to identify a composition of soiling 302 on a textile 304 and/or gives a recommendation on a cleaning strategy for removing the soiling 302 from the textile 304.

[0127] Using a mobile device, in this case a smartphone 306, an intensity distribution that is representative of a spectral image resulting from the illuminated surface of the soiling 302 is initially determined. For this purpose, in particular an optical sensor 308 is used which may comprise a hyperspectral camera, for example. In addition, a radiation source 310 is provided which is used to illuminate the surface of the soiling 302. The smartphone 306 also has a display element 312.

[0128] The determined intensity distribution is received by a communication system 314. A determination device 316 designed to determine output variables that are dependent on the composition of the soiling 302 from the intensity distribution is connected to the communication system 314.

[0129] The determination of the output variables includes comparing the intensity distribution with comparative values in this case. The comparative values are stored in a database 318, which is likewise in communication with the communication system 314. The comparative values in the database 318 in particular contain intensity distributions for soiling typically occurring in a domestic setting. In addition, the database 318 contains data assigned to the comparative values in the form of a chemical composition and parameters relating to a recommended cleaning strategy that is optimal for the corresponding composition.

[0130] The output variables include parameters of a cleaning strategy of this type, the parameters specifying a type of cleaning agent, an amount of cleaning agent, a cleaning temperature, a type of cleaning device, and settings of a cleaning device 320. These output variables are displayed on the display element 312 of the smart phone 306 and are thus made available to the user. The user is therefore provided with a recommendation on a cleaning strategy that is optimal for the specific soiling 302.

[0131] The cleaning device 320 is also in communication with the communication system 314, by employing which the output variables are output to the cleaning device 320. The cleaning device 320 comprises a display element 322, which in particular can display the output variables. In addition, the cleaning device 320 comprises a dosing device 324 for the cleaning agent. In this case, the dosing device 324 can provide a cleaning agent in accordance with the parameters of the cleaning strategy in relation to the type of cleaning agent and/or the amount of cleaning agent, or may check whether the dosing device 324 has been filled with the cleaning agent in accordance with the recommended cleaning strategy.

[0132] In addition, the cleaning device 320 comprises a control element 326 which allows the cleaning device 320 to be controlled by a user. Here, the cleaning device 320 adopts the parameters of the cleaning strategy as a preset. The user then has the choice either to follow the recommendation on the cleaning strategy and simply start the cleaning device 320 by employing the control element 326, or to manually set the cleaning device 320 themselves by employing the control element 326. The cleaning is carried out in a cleaning container 328, in this case a washing drum.

[0133] In addition, FIG. 3 shows a determination device 330. The determination device 330 comprises sensor elements 332 and optionally at least one illumination means (not shown). The determination device has a spherical shape and is designed to be arranged in the cleaning container 328 while cleaning is being carried out. In this case, the determination device 330 is freely movable and is resistant to the action of the washing solution in the cleaning container 328. The determination device 330 can therefore provide intensity distributions for the soiling 302 during a cleaning process in order to monitor the cleaning strategy. The determination device 330 can also determine intensity distributions for soluble, non-fixed textile dyes in the washing solution. Therefore, the corresponding textile dyes dissolving out of the textile 304 can be monitored.

[0134] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a device 400, which in particular can carry out an exemplary method according to the first aspect. The device 400 is for example a device according to the second aspect or a system according to the third aspect. In this respect, the device 400 may for example be 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 wearable, a personal digital assistant (PDA) or a smartphone. The device may for example perform the function of a server or a client.

[0135] The processor 410 of the device 400 is in particular designed as a microprocessor, a microcontrol unit, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0136] The processor 410 executes program instructions that are stored in the program memory 412, and for example stores intermediate results or the like in a working memory or main memory 411. For example, the program memory 412 is 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. The main memory 411 is for example a volatile or non-volatile memory, in particular a memory with random access (RAM) such as a static RAM memory (SRAM), a dynamic RAM memory (DRAM), a ferroelectric RAM memory (FeRAM), and/or a magnetic RAM memory (MRAM).

[0137] The program memory 412 is preferably a local data carrier that is permanently connected to the device 400. Data carriers that are permanently connected to the device 400 are for example hard drives that are integrated in the device 400. Alternatively, the data carrier may for example also be a data carrier that can be detachably connected to the device 400, such as a memory stick, a removable storage device, a portable hard drive, a CD, a DVD, and/or a floppy disk.

[0138] The program memory 412 for example contains the operating system of the device 400, which is loaded in the main memory 411 at least in part and is executed by the processor 410 when the device 400 is started up. In particular, when the device 400 is started up, at least part of the core of the operating system is loaded in the main memory 411 and executed by the processor 410. The operating system of the device 400 is for example a Windows, UNIX, Linux, Android, Apple iOS and/or MAC operating system. The operating system in particular allows the device 400 to be used for data processing. It for example manages operating equipment such as the main memory 411 and the program memory 412, the network interface 413, and the input and output apparatus 414, makes basic functions available to other programs inter alia by programming interfaces, and controls the execution of programs.

[0139] The processor 410 controls the communication interface 413, which for example may be a network interface and may be designed as a network card, network module, and/or modem. The communication interface 413 is in particular designed to establish a connection between the device 400 and other devices, in particular via a (wireless) communication system, for example a network, and to communicate therewith. The communication interface 413 may for example receive data (via the communication system) and forward said data to the processor 410, and/or receive data from the processor 410 and transmit said data (via the communication system). Examples of a communication system are a local network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless network (for example in accordance with 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.

[0140] Furthermore, the processor 410 can control at least one input/output apparatus 414. An input/output apparatus 414 is for example a keyboard, a mouse, a display unit, a microphone, a touch-sensitive display unit, a speaker, a read apparatus, a drive, and/or a camera. An input/output apparatus 414 may for example receive user inputs and forward said inputs to the processor 410, and/or receive and output information for the user of the processor 410.

[0141] Finally, FIG. 5 shows different embodiments of memory media on which one embodiment of a computer program as contemplated herein can be stored. The memory medium may for example be a magnetic, electrical, optical and/or different kind of memory medium. The memory medium may for example be part of a processor (e.g. the processor 410 in FIG. 4), for example a (non-volatile or volatile) program memory of the processor, or a part thereof (such as the program memory 412 in FIG. 4). Embodiments of a memory medium are a flash memory 510, an SSD hard drive 511, a magnetic hard drive 512, a memory card 513, a memory stick 514 (e.g. a USB stick), a CD-ROM or DVD 515, or a floppy disk 516.

[0142] The following embodiments are also to be understood as disclosed:

Embodiment 1

[0143] 1. Method carried out by one or more devices, comprising:

[0144] obtaining intensity information (210, 212) representative of a spectral image (208) resulting from soiling (204, 302) of a textile (202, 304);

[0145] determining at least one output variable that is dependent on the composition of the soiling (204, 302) on the basis of the intensity information (210, 212); and

[0146] outputting or triggering the output of the at least one output variable.

Embodiment 2

[0147] Method according to embodiment 1, wherein the intensity information (210, 212) is representative of a spectral image (208) resulting from an illuminated surface of the soiling (204, 302) on a textile (202, 304).

Embodiment 3

[0148] Method according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the at least one output variable comprises at least one parameter of a cleaning strategy of the textile.

Embodiment 4

[0149] Method according to embodiment 3, wherein the at least one parameter of the cleaning strategy constitutes a type of cleaning agent, an amount of cleaning agent, a cleaning temperature, a type of cleaning device, settings of a cleaning device (320) or combinations thereof.

Embodiment 5

[0150] Method according to embodiment 3 or 4, wherein the at least one parameter of the cleaning strategy includes a recommendation on pretreatment of the soiling (204, 302).

Embodiment 6

[0151] Method according to one of embodiments 3 to 5, the method further comprising:

[0152] carrying out the cleaning strategy by employing a cleaning device (320).

Embodiment 7

[0153] Method according to one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the at least one output variable is output to a cleaning device (320).

Embodiment 8

[0154] Method according to one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the determination of the at least one output variable includes comparing the intensity information (210, 212) with comparative values.

Embodiment 9

[0155] Method according to one of embodiments 1 to 8, the method further comprising:

[0156] determining the intensity information (210, 212) by employing an optical sensor (308).

Embodiment 10

[0157] Method according to one of embodiments 1 to 9, the method further comprising:

[0158] determining a soiling profile based at least in part on the output variable, in particular based on a plurality of determined output variables,

[0159] wherein the determination of the at least one output variable is based at least in part on the soiling profile.

Embodiment 11

[0160] Method according to one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein at least one of the devices for carrying out the method is a mobile device (306).

Embodiment 12

[0161] Method according to one of embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the intensity information (210) is representative of a hyperspectral image.

Embodiment 13

[0162] Method according to one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the intensity information (210, 212) comprises values in at least 20 channels, wherein each channel represents an intensity for one energy interval.

Embodiment 14

[0163] Method according to one of embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the intensity information (210, 212) is representative of spectral components of a spectral image (200), wherein at least one of the spectral components lies outside the visible energy range.

Embodiment 15

[0164] Method according to embodiment 14, wherein the intensity information (210, 212) is representative of spectral components of a spectral image (200) from the infrared energy range as far as the ultraviolet energy range.

Embodiment 16

[0165] Method according to one of embodiments 1 to 15, wherein the intensity information (210, 212) is representative of spatially resolved components of a spectral image (200).

Embodiment 17

[0166] Device that is designed or comprises corresponding means for carrying out and/or controlling a method according to one of embodiments 1 to 16.

Embodiment 18

[0167] Device comprising at least one processor (410) and at least one memory (411, 412) comprising computer program code, wherein the at least one memory (411, 412) and the computer program code are designed to carry out and/or control at least one method according to one of embodiments 1 to 16 using the at least one processor (410).

Embodiment 19

[0168] Computer program comprising program instructions that prompt a processor (410) to execute and/or control a method according to one of embodiments 1 to 16 when the computer program is running on the processor (410).

Embodiment 20

[0169] Computer-readable memory medium which contains a computer program according to embodiment 19.

Embodiment 21

[0170] System comprising:

[0171] a plurality of devices (306, 314, 316, 318, 320), in particular at least one mobile device (306) and a cleaning device (320), which together carry out a method according to one of embodiments 1 to 16.

[0172] The embodiments of the present disclosure described in this specification and the optional features and properties set out in this regard are also intended to be understood to be disclosed in any combination with one another. In particular, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the description of a feature included in an embodiment should not be understood in the present case to mean that the feature is indispensable or essential for the function of the embodiment. The sequence of the method steps set out in this specification in the individual flow diagrams is not compulsory, and alternative sequences of the method steps are conceivable. The method steps can be implemented in different ways, and therefore implementation in software (by employing program instructions), hardware, or a combination of the two are conceivable for implementing the method steps.

[0173] Terms used in the claims such as “include”, “comprise”, “contain” and the like do not exclude additional elements or steps. The wording “at least in part” covers both “in part” and “completely”. The wording “and/or” is intended to be understood such that both the alternative and the combination are intended to be disclosed, i.e. “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 perform the functions of a plurality of units or devices mentioned in the claims. Reference signs in the claims should not be considered limiting to the means and steps used.

[0174] 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.