Method for identifying a fluidic regulator

Abstract

In order to improve the accuracy and robustness of the method for identifying a fluidic regulator (1) from a taken photograph of a hole pattern (4) of an outlet structure (3) of the fluidic regulator (1), it is proposed that the taken photograph is first compared in a first step in a computer-implemented manner with different stored hole pattern types (15), that a hole pattern type (15) on which the taken hole pattern (4) is based is determined based on an evaluation of the degree of agreement between the taken photograph and the respective hole pattern types (15), and that the determined hole pattern type (15) is subsequently checked in a further step in a computer-implemented manner for deviations from the taken hole pattern (4), that the determined or undetermined deviations are used to determine and output, if necessary, identification information which uniquely identifies the fluidic regulator (1) in a computer-implemented manner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for identifying a jet regulator (also commonly referred to as a mixing nozzle), the jet regulator having a housing with an outlet structure having an orifice pattern on the outlet side of the housing. The outlet structure can be integrally constructed with or separately from the housing. In this method, a photograph of the orifice pattern is taken in a photographing step; the photograph is evaluated in a computer-implemented manner in an evaluation step; identification information about the jet regulator is determined in a computer-implemented manner based on the evaluation results in an identification step; and the identification information is output in an output step.

[0002] The present invention also relates to the implementation of this method in portable electronic terminal devices and its application in classifying jet regulators. Background Technology

[0003] A jet regulator can be designed, for example, as a nozzle that is installed on the outlet of a faucet. The jet regulator can thus, for example, unify, widen, or slow the jet of water flowing from the fitting. For this purpose, air is typically added to the water. In particular, the amount of water required for washing or rinsing can be reduced by using a jet regulator.

[0004] The identification method described at the beginning has been implemented and tested to provide potential buyers of jet regulators—characterized by their ability to set the outflow of water jets—with a simple and quick way to identify jet regulators that the buyer is not yet aware of. This may be necessary, for example, to determine the relevant functional characteristics of the jet regulator from a catalog or simply to determine the correct selling price of the jet regulator.

[0005] In the practical implementation of this method, it has now been shown that the similarity in size between different jet modulators poses a problem. To differentiate sizes, a reference scale is typically photographed along with the jet modulator during the imaging process to distinguish between different, but very similar, jet modulators through precise measurement. However, in practice, optical effects such as distortion or even simply the tilt of the reference scale during imaging inevitably lead to inaccurate measurements. Therefore, in practice, the reference scale cannot often be accurately evaluated, making it practically impossible to reliably distinguish between different jet modulators with very similar sizes. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to improve the method described at the beginning so as to achieve greater accuracy and statistical certainty in identifying different jet modulators, especially jet modulators with similar dimensions.

[0007] To address the aforementioned task, a method for identifying jet regulators is provided according to the present invention. Therefore, according to the present invention, in order to address the aforementioned task, particularly in a method for identifying jet regulators of the type mentioned at the beginning, it is proposed that, in the evaluation step, the aperture pattern type of the photographed aperture pattern and at least one deviation between the photographed aperture pattern and the aperture pattern type be determined based on the photograph, and that, in the identification step, identification information be determined at least based on the determined at least one deviation.

[0008] Therefore, unlike the situation commonly seen in known methods to date, the goal of the method according to the invention is not to accurately measure the jet regulator, but to adopt an alternative approach, namely, to identify the jet regulator based on the characteristic orifice pattern in the outlet structure.

[0009] Hole patterns can typically be based on the type of hole pattern they are based on, such as a regular grid structure, and can also have characteristic deviations, such as defects or protrusions, especially in the form of filled holes or spacers that are different from the type of hole pattern.

[0010] Here, the actual size of the jet regulator and therefore the orifice pattern is not important. The size of the orifice pattern shown in the photograph is also unimportant, because the orifice pattern type can be determined independently of the actual size of the orifice pattern in the photograph, for example, by means of a scaling function implemented in the software. Therefore, before determining the orifice pattern type, the photograph can be scaled so that the orifice pattern in the photograph has a standard size. Thus, the precise size determination of the jet regulator can be eliminated. Therefore, in this method, it can be specified that the photograph is scaled to determine the orifice pattern type, and specifically, scaled in such a way that the orifice pattern in the photograph has a preset target size.

[0011] To identify a large number of different jet modulators, a fixed set of orifice pattern types can be stored, and the corresponding captured orifice patterns can be compared with them. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the deviation between the orifice pattern of the jet modulator to be identified and the orifice patterns of the stored orifice pattern types is designed in such a way that the deviation can be automatically determined using a simple image recognition algorithm.

[0012] The advantage of the method according to the invention is that it improves the robustness of identification relative to the image quality fluctuations of the photograph and thus achieves higher statistical certainty in identifying jet regulators, which can be understood as determining the "jet regulator type" in the sense of product information.

[0013] Another advantage for customers is that the use of a reference scale can be eliminated. More precisely, it is only necessary to take a clear image of the corresponding hole pattern of the outlet structure and analyze it using the corresponding software that implements the method according to the present invention.

[0014] According to the present invention, the task can also be solved by other advantageous embodiments.

[0015] For example, it may be advantageous to determine identification information based on the determined hole pattern type during the identification step. This can supplement or replace the determination of identification information based on at least one deviation portion during the identification step. This feature may be independently inventive and can also be combined with the method described at the beginning.

[0016] Therefore, in order to solve the aforementioned task, particularly in the method for identifying jet regulators of the type mentioned at the beginning, it is proposed that, in the identification step, identification information be determined at least based on the determined orifice pattern type.

[0017] To determine the hole pattern type during the evaluation step, a comparison can be made between the photographed hole pattern and the stored hole pattern types. The hole pattern type can be determined, for example, based on the degree of consistency between the separated hole pattern and the corresponding stored hole pattern type. This can be done by examining features of the photographed hole pattern, such as the location and orientation of edges or intersections, or the location and / or shape of prominent lines, or the frequency distribution of specific geometric structures of the hole pattern.

[0018] Preferably, the hole pattern type is determined based on the shape and / or relative arrangement of the cells in the captured hole pattern. For example, the hexagonal cell shape is characteristic of a honeycomb grid, as is the relative offset between the individual cell cells.

[0019] These features, extracted from the hole pattern features captured, can then be compared with corresponding features that characterize the corresponding stored hole pattern type.

[0020] In summary, to determine the hole pattern type during the evaluation step, the features of the captured hole pattern can be compared with the features of multiple stored hole pattern types. This comparison, along with all the steps explained above, can preferably be performed computer-based.

[0021] When determining the orifice pattern type using a computer-implemented method, it can be specified that deviations from the corresponding orifice pattern type are permitted in the captured images. This allows these deviations to be used in subsequent steps to identify the jet regulator. To simplify this comparison, especially to identify and / or separate the orifice pattern in the captured photographs beforehand, and more specifically, this is preferably also done using a computer-implemented method.

[0022] Preferably, the deviation can be determined in the evaluation step by separating the hole pattern in the captured photograph into image regions and then calculating the difference between the separated image regions and the determined hole pattern type. Preferably, the separated image regions are aligned with the hole pattern type before calculating the difference.

[0023] To obtain more valuable information, the identified deviations can then be compared with a defined hole pattern type. This can be done, for example, by making the deviations as consistent as possible with the hole pattern type. The relative positions of the deviations can be determined through this comparison. These relative positions can be related to the based hole pattern and / or to the deviations themselves and / or to the outlet structure or housing. More information about the relative arrangement of the deviations can thus be obtained. According to this method, the defined hole pattern type can therefore be used as a reference scale and / or coordinate system for determining the relative positions of the deviations.

[0024] To facilitate customer operation, it is preferable that the determination of the orifice pattern type and / or the determination of at least one deviation portion of the captured orifice pattern are performed computer-based. This can be accomplished, for example, by running appropriate software on a smartphone, using the smartphone's camera to capture a photograph of the orifice pattern of the jet regulator to be identified. The software can then perform these two determinations, thus saving the user from time-consuming manual checks. Consequently, the method can operate very quickly, increasing user convenience and therefore user-friendliness.

[0025] Therefore, the aperture pattern type can be determined, in particular, through pattern recognition and / or correlation calculation, especially in the case of a reference stored aperture pattern type. These stored aperture pattern types are thus used as a reference, with the corresponding captured aperture pattern being compared to them, preferably in a computer-implemented and automated manner. This reference aperture pattern type can be stored in memory or, for example, retrieved from the Internet through continuous software updates. This ensures that the method can be continuously adapted to new jet regulators to be identified, as the list of reference aperture pattern types can be continuously expanded or adjusted.

[0026] Depending on whether the orifice pattern of the jet regulator to be identified is a regular pattern or an irregular pattern with defects, the corresponding stored orifice pattern type can be either a regular pattern or an irregular pattern with defects.

[0027] In addition, the two patterns, namely the orifice pattern of the jet regulator to be identified and the stored orifice pattern type, can be regular or irregular patterns / grids.

[0028] What is helpful for the operation of this method is that, in all these cases, the orifice pattern of the jet regulator to be identified shows a deviation compared to the stored orifice pattern type that matches the jet regulator to be identified, and this deviation allows for the identification of the jet regulator. In other words, it is advantageous that the deviation is so obvious that it can still be identified in a computer-implemented manner using a simple image recognition algorithm, even on photographs with less than optimal image sharpness.

[0029] Furthermore, different jet controllers to be identified may belong to a common, matching, stored orifice pattern type. In this case, if the difference between the corresponding deviations between the orifice patterns of the respective jet controllers to be identified and the common orifice pattern is sufficient for clear identification, then the two jet controllers can still be identified.

[0030] According to a preferred variation of the method according to the invention, the hole pattern type of the captured hole pattern can therefore be a regular pattern / grid. Additionally or alternatively, it can also be specified that the stored hole pattern type is a regular pattern / grid. Using regular patterns can be advantageous, as it allows for the design of the associated image recognition software to be as simple as possible.

[0031] However, as an alternative, the hole pattern type of the captured hole pattern can be an irregular pattern / grid. In this case, the stored hole pattern type can be an irregular pattern / grid accordingly.

[0032] The advantage of using regular patterns is that different arrangements of the deviation portions can be formed. Therefore, the deviation portions between the orifice pattern of the jet regulator to be identified and the orifice pattern type on which it is based can be arranged either exactly symmetrically or asymmetrically with respect to the regular pattern of the orifice pattern type. Thus, for a predetermined orifice pattern type, two fundamentally different types of matching orifice patterns can be formed: an orifice pattern with asymmetrically arranged deviation portions and an orifice pattern with symmetrically arranged deviation portions.

[0033] To identify jet modulators as robustly as possible using the method according to the invention, the photograph can be scaled and rotated during the evaluation step when determining the aperture pattern type of the captured aperture pattern, i.e., in particular aligned so that the captured aperture pattern matches the aperture pattern type on which it is based. This rotation can, of course, be done at the software level. Therefore, the jet modulator to be identified can be identified independently of rotation, eliminating the need for the user to align the jet modulator to be identified with the camera that captured the photograph in a specific orientation. The robustness of the method can be further improved if, during the evaluation step, the number of deviations and / or at least one relative position of the at least one deviation are detected relative to the determined aperture pattern type of the captured aperture pattern. Of course, such detection can also be performed computer-implemented.

[0034] More information can be used for evaluation to identify the jet regulator by including a greater number of deviations or additional information about the relative positions of the at least one deviation, particularly information about the relative positions of multiple deviations between the determined hole pattern type and the photographed hole pattern. Accordingly, it is preferable to detect, for example, at least two, and most preferably at least four, deviations between the photographed hole pattern and the determined hole pattern type in the evaluation step.

[0035] This can be particularly meaningful for distinguishing one jet regulator from another jet regulator whose orifice pattern is of the same type as that of the jet regulator to be identified, but the other jet regulator can be distinguished from the jet regulator to be identified by its specific deviation.

[0036] Specifically, this deviation can be achieved, for example, by filling a specific hole at a specific location in the captured hole pattern relative to a matching hole pattern type—for example, in the inherent coordinate system of the hole pattern type, such as relative to two specific Cartesian or oblique coordinates or a specific radius and optionally a specific angle relative to the center point of the hole pattern. Accordingly, at least one filled hole in the captured hole pattern can be detected relative to the determined hole pattern type during the evaluation step when determining the at least one deviation.

[0037] It can also be specified that, during the evaluation step, when determining the at least one deviation, at least one hole that has changed in shape and / or size and / or position and / or orientation compared to the determined hole pattern type is detected.

[0038] Alternatively or additionally, deviations can be achieved through incomplete units of the hole pattern type and / or through restrictions on the hole pattern type. This is particularly advantageous, for example, for identifying unauthorized imitations (copycats), because such imitations may differ from the jet regulator to be identified in detail, for example, because certain units or holes in the hole pattern are constructed incompletely in some places.

[0039] Alternatively or additionally, such deviations can be achieved by altering the spacers in the captured hole pattern compared to a spacer of a matching hole pattern type. Such spacers can, for example, be constructed as partitions separating the holes in the hole pattern from each other. Accordingly, at least one spacer in the captured hole pattern that has changed, particularly in its shape, size, position, or orientation, relative to the determined hole pattern type, can be detected during the evaluation step when determining said at least one deviation.

[0040] Different arrangement types can be formed, representing the corresponding jet regulators, depending on where and / or in which the deviation is realized in the orifice pattern of the jet regulator relative to the matching orifice pattern type. In other words, the arrangement type in the sense of the present invention can therefore define where and / or in which the deviation between the orifice pattern to be identified and the orifice pattern type on which it is based is realized.

[0041] If the arrangement type can be identified, the corresponding jet regulator is also identified according to the teachings of the present invention. A preferred variant of the method according to the present invention specifies that the arrangement type of the identified at least one deviation portion is determined in a computer-implemented manner during the evaluation step.

[0042] To determine the arrangement type of the orifice pattern characterizing the jet controller to be identified, in particular, the relative position of a deviation portion with respect to the determined orifice pattern type and / or the relative positions of at least two deviation portions to each other can be considered. Alternatively or additionally, the corresponding relative positions of at least two deviation portions with respect to the determined orifice pattern type can also be considered. In all these methods, identification information can then be determined in the identification step based at least—that is, only or in addition to other information—on the determined arrangement type.

[0043] Identifying jet controllers is particularly challenging when different jet controllers have the same orifice pattern and, especially, belong to the same arrangement type. To enable identification even in such cases using the method according to the invention, a photograph of the outlet structure, including the orifice pattern, can be taken during the photographing step. Then, during the evaluation step, characteristic shapes of the outlet structure, such as the outer edge and / or the location of markings on the outlet structure, can be determined based on the photograph.

[0044] Alternatively or additionally, characteristic dimensions, such as diameter, of the outlet structure or hole pattern can also be determined during the evaluation step based on the photographs taken.

[0045] According to another embodiment of the method, the characteristic dimension can also be the characteristic dimension of a cell of the hole pattern type, such as the net width, such as the net width of a honeycomb basic cell of the hole pattern, or the septum width, such as the septum width of such a cell or the septum width of a radially symmetrical grid.

[0046] The methods described above have the following advantages: identification information can be determined in the identification step based at least on the determined characteristic shape and / or at least on the determined mark position and / or at least on the determined characteristic size. By determining this corresponding additional information, even if another jet regulator with the same or at least very similar orifice pattern exists, regardless of whether the two orifice patterns differ in size, the jet regulator can be identified as long as there is another distinguishing feature (edge ​​shape, mark, characteristic size, etc.) between the outlet structures of the two jet regulators that can be identified by image recognition.

[0047] To accomplish demanding recognition tasks, the geometric dimensions of the hole pattern can be determined from the captured photograph during the evaluation step. For example, the width of the border surrounding the hole pattern can be used in the recognition step to determine the recognition information based on the determined geometric dimensions.

[0048] One implementation method, which is particularly easy to implement in terms of software, specifies that the characteristic dimension is the diameter of the outlet structure, the geometric dimension is the diameter of the hole pattern, and the identification information is determined in the identification step based at least on the ratio of these two diameters.

[0049] Another preferred embodiment of the above method specifies that the characteristic dimensions and / or geometric dimensions are determined with reference to a stored type constant of the determined hole pattern type, such as the dimensions of a cellular structure. This type constant may in particular be a grid constant, such as the center-to-center distance between adjacent cells in a grid (in a horizontal, vertical, or inclined direction).

[0050] This method has proven particularly robust for identifying jet modulators with aperture patterns based on cellular structures or other regular patterns / grids. Stored type constants, such as the horizontal and / or vertical grid constants, are used here as reference scales, such that the diameter of, for example, a cellular structure can be estimated particularly easily as a multiple of these type constants.

[0051] For other types of hole patterns, such as those with star-shaped or especially radially symmetrical structures, robust identification is facilitated by determining the number of axes of symmetry and / or the position of at least one axis of symmetry in the photograph of the hole pattern relative to the determined hole pattern type during the evaluation step. Here, the determined hole pattern type can provide a coordinate system by which the positions of the axes of symmetry can be determined.

[0052] In this case, the number of symmetry axes and / or the at least one position of the symmetry axes determined in the evaluation step can be used to determine the hole pattern type. It is highly advantageous if identification information is subsequently determined in the identification step based at least on the determined number of symmetry axes and / or the at least one position of the symmetry axes, as this additional information further improves the error tolerance and thus the robustness of the determination.

[0053] To provide additional distinguishing features between jet controllers to be identified, the outlet structure forming the orifice pattern can be locked in different relative rotational positions relative to the jet controller housing during assembly or installation. Furthermore, particularly in one-piece designs of the housing and outlet structure, the outlet structure forming the orifice pattern can be positioned in a specific relative rotational position relative to the housing. In all these cases, identification information can then be determined in the identification step based on the relative rotational position between the outlet structure and the jet controller housing. This is because further information, such as information related to certain characteristic attributes of the jet controller, such as flow rate, can be encoded by the different rotational positions occupied by the outlet structure, especially the orifice pattern, relative to the housing in the installed or finished manufacturing state.

[0054] In other words, the relative rotational position of the outlet structure relative to the jet controller housing in the installed or finished manufacturing state of the jet controller can thus be used to encode certain characteristic properties of the jet controller. If the housing and outlet structure are constructed as an integral part, the specific rotational position between the outlet structure and the housing can be determined during the manufacture of the jet controller. Conversely, if the outlet structure is designed separately from the housing, the specific relative rotational position can be predetermined, for example, through structural precautions at the connection between the housing and the outlet structure, in which the outlet structure and therefore the orifice pattern can be locked relative to the housing in that relative rotational position.

[0055] In this embodiment, it is preferable that the housing has asymmetry, which can be identified in the evaluation step and used to determine the relative rotational position. Furthermore, it is preferable that the hole pattern also has asymmetry, such that the hole pattern itself has an orientation that can be identified in the evaluation step and used to determine the relative rotational position.

[0056] All the previously discussed aspects of the method according to the invention have a decisive advantage: the jet regulator can be identified without the aid of a reference scale in the captured photograph. This greatly simplifies the method for the user, as neither a reference scale nor precise alignment with the jet regulator to be identified is required.

[0057] In most practical applications, the above methods are highly advantageous to users if implemented on portable electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, or tablets, as these devices typically provide all the necessary hardware to enable the methods discussed earlier.

[0058] Furthermore, the method for identifying jet regulators according to the present invention (identification method) can be used in the manufacturing process of sanitary components. Therefore, the present invention particularly proposes using the identification method described above to classify jet regulators. For example, in cases where different jet regulators are supplied together, it is necessary to distinguish which jet regulator is which type.

[0059] The identification method for classifying jet regulators described above can also be used in the manufacturing or assembly process of sanitary components. Thus, for example, it is possible to identify and separate those types of jet regulators applied to the ongoing manufacturing or assembly process from a loose set of different jet regulator types.

[0060] To summarize again, the deviation between the corresponding hole pattern and the hole pattern type on which it is based can be formed by changing the shape, size, position, or orientation of the septum or hole in the hole pattern; and / or by changing the geometry of the corresponding hole pattern; and / or by changing the number of symmetry axes and / or the position of at least one of the symmetry axes in the corresponding hole pattern; and / or by additional rotation between the deviation and the hole pattern type on which it is based; and / or by the asymmetry of the hole pattern, in which case it is preferable that the hole pattern type on which the hole pattern is based has a symmetrical grid.

[0061] Furthermore, differences between different arrangement types can be formed by differences in the number of deviation parts; and / or differences in the relative positions of the deviation parts with respect to the hole pattern type on which they are based and / or to each other; and / or differences in the characteristic types of the corresponding deviation parts.

[0062] Finally, other differences that can be detected in the evaluation steps may be formed in the characteristic shape of the outlet structure; and / or the characteristic dimensions of the outlet structure; and / or the relative position of the markings of the outlet structure with respect to the corresponding orifice pattern; and / or the geometric dimensions of the corresponding orifice pattern—especially measured according to the type constant of the orifice pattern type; and / or the relative rotational position of the outlet structure forming the corresponding orifice pattern with respect to the corresponding housing of the jet regulator, in which case the housing preferably has a computer-implemented, detectable asymmetry.

[0063] All these deviations or differences can be considered individually or in combination in the evaluation step of the method so that the jet regulator can be identified in the identification step based on these deviations or differences.

[0064] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0065] Other embodiments arise from combinations of features between one or more of the protection claims and / or combinations of one or more features of the corresponding embodiments. Therefore, embodiments of the invention, in particular, can be obtained from the following description of preferred embodiments in conjunction with the general description, claims, and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0066] The attached image is as follows:

[0067] Figure 1 Seven different jet modulators that can be identified separately using the method according to the invention are shown;

[0068] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 Some details of the jet regulator in the middle of the upper row;

[0069] Figure 3 Shown in perspective Figure 1 The jet regulator is located in the middle of the second row from the top;

[0070] Figure 4 Show Figure 3 A photograph of a jet regulator, which has a nozzle fitted onto the jet regulator, and a top view showing the orifice pattern of the jet regulator;

[0071] Figure 5 Shown by Figure 4 Computer graphics obtained from photographs through image processing;

[0072] Figure 6 Shown in accordance with Figure 4 Or according to Figure 5 The type of hole pattern identified in the photograph;

[0073] Figure 7 Showing according to Figure 6 The type of hole pattern to be identified and based on Figure 5 Comparison results of images that have undergone image processing;

[0074] Figure 8 Show Figure 7 graphics and Figure 6 Overlay of hole pattern types;

[0075] Figure 9 Explanation based on Figure 6 The determined hole pattern type and Figure 3 or Figure 4 Identification of the deviation between the actual orifice patterns of the jet regulator;

[0076] Figure 10 Further explanation based on Figure 6 The determined hole pattern type and Figure 3 or Figure 4 To identify the deviation between the actual orifice pattern of the jet regulator, in order to identify the jet regulator, the characteristic shape of the outlet structure and the characteristic dimensions and geometry of the orifice pattern are additionally determined;

[0077] Figure 11 Showing the basis and the grounds upon which it is based Figure 6 An example of a jet regulator with a first type of deviation arrangement, compared to the hole pattern type;

[0078] Figure 12 Another example of a jet regulator is shown, whose orifice pattern is also based on... Figure 6 The hole pattern type, but with the same as Figure 11 The second type of deviation part arrangement is different from the deviation part arrangement type;

[0079] Figure 13 An example of a jet regulator with such a hole pattern is shown, which has multiple axes of symmetry and segmental units or holes;

[0080] Figure 14 An example of a jet regulator with such an orifice pattern is shown, the orientation of which can be used relative to a mark on the outlet structure when determining the jet regulator;

[0081] Figure 15 Show again Figure 3 The jet regulator, so as to be compatible with the jet regulator according to Figure 16 A better direct comparison can be made with another jet regulator; and

[0082] Figure 16 Showing the use of with Figure 15 Another jet regulator for comparison, in which Figure 16 The orifice pattern of the jet regulator has the same Figure 15 The hole pattern is of the same type as the hole pattern. Detailed Implementation

[0083] Figure 1 A series of jet regulators 1 of different sizes and designs are shown, each having an outlet structure 3 with a hole pattern 4 based on a regular hexagonal base grid with a constant grid constant (center-to-center distance between adjacent cells / units), which displays a honeycomb grid structure. More precisely, the corresponding hole pattern 4 consists of holes 5 and spacers 6 separating the holes 5, some of which are filled (filled holes 7).

[0084] As an alternative, in other embodiments, hole pattern type 15 with concentric circles or rectangular grids or combinations of several basic types can be implemented, for example, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figures 11 to 14 .

[0085] For example in Figure 1 In the orifice pattern 4 of the jet regulator 1 in the upper left corner, a total of four defects are visible to the naked eye within the regular grid. These defects are formed by filling holes 7, which are prominently displayed as black dots. Here, one of the filling holes 7 is positioned at the center relative to the outer edge of the orifice pattern 4, while the other three filling holes are concentrically positioned with the central filling hole 7 and form an isosceles triangle, which is represented by white dots (the portion not of the jet regulator 1). These four defects thus form deviations (Abweichungen) of the first arrangement type 16 relative to the hexagonal basic grid upon which the orifice pattern type 15 is based.

[0086] According to the method of the invention, a photograph of the outlet structure 3 or the orifice pattern 4 is taken during the photographing step. Here, the photograph reproduces the orifice pattern 4 of the jet regulator 1, as well as, where necessary, other parts of the jet regulator 1, such as the entire outlet structure 3. In addition to the orifice pattern 4, the outlet structure 3 may also have other elements, such as a frame 8, which is formed, in particular, by a nozzle 17 fitted onto the jet regulator 1, as in… Figure 4 As can be seen in the example of jet regulator 1, and Figure 3 The same jet regulator 1 without the nozzle part 17 is shown.

[0087] Subsequently, in the photographs taken, image recognition was first used to identify the hole pattern 4 and separate it from the rest of the jet regulator 1.

[0088] The separated hole pattern 4 is then compared with the stored hole pattern type 15, i.e., a specific basic grid type, such as hexagonal, radial, or square grids. Subgroups can also be formed here, for example, different hexagonal hole pattern types with different grid constant dimensions.

[0089] During the comparison process, various parameters can be used to evaluate the degree of consistency between the separated orifice pattern 4 of the jet regulator 1 to be identified and the corresponding stored orifice pattern type 15, so as to determine the orifice pattern type 15 on which the captured orifice pattern 4 is based.

[0090] For example, an image recognition algorithm can be used to calculate the correlation between the captured hole pattern 4 and the corresponding stored hole pattern type 15 as a consistency quality factor.

[0091] Alternatively, features such as the shape and / or number of cells 18 in the grid of the captured hole pattern 4 can be determined and compared with corresponding features of the stored hole pattern type 15. Based on this comparison, the hole pattern type 15 that shows the highest degree of consistency with the captured hole pattern 4 and is therefore the type it is based on can then be determined from the stored hole pattern types.

[0092] In the subsequent steps, the photographed hole pattern 4 is compared with the previously determined hole pattern type 15 to determine whether there are any deviations.

[0093] This can be achieved by using Figure 3 The jet regulator 1 shown is used as an example. This jet regulator has an orifice pattern 4, which is as follows: Figure 3 It can be clearly seen that it is composed of honeycomb-shaped units 18. More precisely, Figure 3 The hole pattern 4 is based on a stored hole pattern type 15, which in Figure 6 It is shown in the diagram and has / forms a regular hexagonal grid. Here, Figure 3 The mesh constant of hole pattern 4 and the shape of hole 5 / unit 18 are consistent with those of hole pattern 4. Figure 6 The hole pattern type is the same as 15.

[0094] After rotating and scaling the captured aperture pattern 4 of the jet regulator 1 accordingly, the captured aperture pattern 4 can thus match the aperture pattern type 15 on which it is based (at the software level). This allows for the detection of deviations, which... Figure 3 The hole pattern 4 shown exists in four filled holes 7.

[0095] For example, if Figure 1 The orifice pattern 4 of the jet regulator 1 in the middle row and the basis upon which it is based. Figure 6 When comparing the "honeycomb" hole pattern type 15, the advantages of considering image rotation become apparent. This is because, upon closer observation... Figure 1 When examining the hole pattern 4 described above, it can be noticed that its honeycomb grid is not perfectly horizontally oriented, but rather... Figure 6 The "honeycomb" pattern type 15 has been rotated a few degrees compared to clockwise. Therefore, when rotated counterclockwise... Figure 1 After obtaining the image of the hole pattern 4 in the image, a result will be obtained that is consistent with... Figure 4 In similar images, one can immediately notice that the two upper filling holes 7 are positioned in different rows of the cell grid, or that the center filling hole 7 and the bottommost filling hole 7 are horizontally offset from each other. Thus, Figure 4 The impression given is that the three-armed star, formed by four filling holes 7, has been rotated a few degrees counterclockwise. Figure 1 The three-armed star of the hole pattern 4 in the image appears symmetrical about the vertical axis.

[0096] This subtle feature will Figure 4 Hole pattern 4 or Figure 1 The pattern of the hole in the middle row or Figure 12 The hole patterns, for example, are respectively with Figure 1 The top leftmost hole pattern and Figure 11 The hole patterns are distinguished. In other words, in the two last mentioned hole patterns 4, the filled holes 7 are symmetrically oriented with respect to the hole pattern type 15 on which they are based (e.g., in...). Figure 11 The two upper filling holes 7 are located in the same row and the two middle filling holes 7 are located in the same column of the hole pattern type 15 on which they are based, while for example Figure 4 The filling holes 7 of the hole pattern 4 are asymmetrically arranged with respect to the hole pattern type 15 on which they are based. Therefore, the hole pattern has a different arrangement type 16 in terms of the arrangement of the filling holes 7.

[0097] When, for example, the image is rotated to make the captured hole pattern 4 as consistent as possible with the hole pattern type 15, the defect / deviation portion is symmetrically arranged with respect to the hole pattern type 15 on which it is based (e.g., Figure 11 (as shown) and the asymmetrical arrangement of defective / deviation parts (such as) Figure 12 The differences between (as shown) always become very obvious. Because... Figure 12 The asymmetry in the example is achieved by rotating the axis of symmetry of the defect / fill hole 7 relative to the axis of symmetry of the hole pattern type 15 on which it is based, the arrangement type 16 used here—the three-armed star explained here—has symmetry.

[0098] However, it goes without saying that an arrangement type 16, which inherently possesses asymmetry, can also be formed. In this case, even if arrangement type 16 is not rotated relative to hole pattern type 15, the asymmetry of the deviation arrangement with respect to the hole pattern type 15 on which it is based still exists. Therefore, in Figure 11 In the hole pattern 4 shown, an asymmetrical arrangement type 16 can be formed, for example, by moving the upper right filling hole 7 upward by one unit and to the left by half a unit. In this case, the three arms of the star-shaped arrangement type 16 will no longer be of equal length, which can be easily detected by image recognition.

[0099] according to Figures 3 to 10 The steps of the method according to the invention can be understood in a particularly simple way. Figure 3 Show Figure 1 The perspective view of the jet regulator in the middle position of the second row from the top clearly shows the arrangement of the deviation portion in the form of the filling hole 7 relative to the hole pattern type 15 in the form of the honeycomb grid on which it is based.

[0100] Figure 4 Show Figure 3The actual photo of the jet regulator 1, in which the hole pattern 4 together with the nozzle 17 connected to the jet regulator 1 is taken from the front with the help of a smartphone, which is common in practice.

[0101] Then, using a specific application on a smartphone—which implements the method of the invention through software and the smartphone's digital camera—the solid portion of the jet regulator relevant to identification is identified, while irrelevant details are suppressed. This is accomplished through image processing that significantly increases contrast and thus produces a shadow projection of the jet regulator 1, particularly by its aperture pattern 4, such as... Figure 5 The computer graphics shown are from Figure 4 The photos were obtained.

[0102] In the subsequent steps, the regular grid upon which hole pattern 4 is based is now identified, i.e., hole pattern type 15 in the sense of this invention, as an infinitely extending sum—in Figure 6 In the case of regularity - grid (see Figure 6 ).

[0103] Then, the application uses image processing to determine the type of hole pattern being identified (based on...) Figure 6 ) and the hole pattern 4 (based on the photographed and image-processed image) Figure 5 The deviation between the two, that is, the defective part in particular. This particularly includes the comparison of scaling and rotation of hole pattern 4 or hole pattern type 15, resulting in the deviation between the two. Figure 7 The result.

[0104] More precisely, in the evaluation process, based on Figure 5 A circular image region 20 was separated from the photograph taken (see Figure 5 (The dotted line in the image), this image area reproduces the hole pattern 4. Then, (within this image area 20—see...) Figure 7 (The dashed line in the image) in the separated image region 20 and according to Figure 6 The difference is determined between the identified hole pattern types 15. For this purpose, the photograph and therefore the image area are aligned with the hole pattern type 15 before the difference is determined. This alignment may include image rotation and / or image stretching. The result of this difference determination is four protruding filled holes 7, which are located in... Figure 7 The separated image region 20 is shown.

[0105] according to Figure 7 As a result, the software is thus able to identify not only the characteristic filling holes 7 of the hole pattern 4 to be identified, but also the number of filling holes and their relationship to each other and to other structures of the jet regulator 1 (such as the surrounding border 8, the mark 13, or the outer edge 12 of the hole pattern 4 or the outlet structure 3—see Figure 7 The relative position of ).

[0106] In another (optional) step, the identified deviation can be correlated with the hole pattern type 15 (in this case, ). Figure 6 The regular, infinitely extending honeycomb grid in the structure should be as consistent as possible, such as... Figure 8 As shown. Thus, the filling hole 7 reaches the matching grid position exactly. By comparing the previously determined deviation portion with the determined hole pattern type 15, the relative position of the deviation portion can be determined, especially the relative position with respect to the hole pattern itself and / or with respect to each other and / or with respect to the outlet structure 3 or housing 2 of the jet regulator 1.

[0107] Therefore, for example, it can be determined whether the corresponding fill holes are set in the same row or different rows of the grid (e.g., in...). Figure 8 (This can be clearly seen in the image). In other words, the specific geometric arrangement of the deviation can be determined, which is possible for both regular and irregular meshes. From this information, in particular, arrangement type 16 can be determined, which characterizes / defines the arrangement of the defect relative to the hole pattern type 15 on which it is based.

[0108] like Figure 8 As shown, other advantages of comparing the determined deviation with the hole pattern type 15 on which it is based can be seen in Figure 9 and 10 I saw in: Figure 9 This illustrates how the relative positions of two defects in the form of a filled hole 7 can be determined using the hole pattern type 15 on which they are based. The grid 15 on which they are based can be used here as a scale and coordinate system. Therefore, Figure 9 The horizontal and vertical center distances between the filling holes 7 shown in the detailed diagram are exactly two grid constants (the grid constants here correspond to the center distances of adjacent cells). A feature of the matching hole pattern 4 characterizing the jet regulator 1.

[0109] according to Figure 10 It is also shown that the geometric dimensions of hole pattern 4 can be determined from the photographs taken during the evaluation step. Therefore, Figure 10 The corresponding computer-implemented determination of the width 9 of the border 8 surrounding the hole pattern 4 and the diameter 10 of the hole pattern 4 is shown.

[0110] In this determination, the application uses the stored mesh constants of the hole pattern type 15 on which it is based and is based on Figure 10 The comparison between the determined deviation shown and the hole pattern type 15 on which it is based determines the geometric dimensions as a multiple of the mesh constant. Therefore, in Figure 10 The details in the image can be estimated by the naked eye. Figures 2 to 4 The orifice pattern 4 of the jet regulator 1 has a diameter of more than twelve grid constants, while the width is less than one grid constant.

[0111] The dimensions of a single honeycomb of hole pattern type 15 are used here as a virtual reference scale. This measurement is achieved by ensuring optimal graphical matching between the determined deviation portion (i.e., specifically the filled hole 7) and the based hexagonal grid, as already referenced. Figure 8 The example of using different arrangement types 16 of the deviation portion relative to the based hole pattern type 15 according to the present invention is explained by Figure 1 The two jet regulators 1, the leftmost and rightmost in the middle row, are shown. They have the same hole pattern type 15, i.e., a regular honeycomb grid. However, it can be noted that the number of unfilled holes 5 between the corresponding filled holes 7 differs: for example, in Figure 1 In the hole pattern 4 on the left side of the middle row, there are five honeycomb-shaped holes 5 between the two topmost filling holes 7, and... Figure 1 In the middle row, the right side of the hole pattern 4 contains only one unique honeycomb-shaped hole 5, which is indicated by the reference numeral 5.

[0112] It can also be noted that, Figure 1 The vertical center distance between the two topmost filling holes 7 and the center filling hole 7 in the hole pattern 4 on the left side of the middle row is exactly two grid constants, and it is... Figure 1 The hole pattern 4 on the right side of the middle row has only one grid constant. In other words, the outer filling holes 7 in the left hole pattern 4 are farther from the center filling holes 7 than the right hole pattern 4. These differences in the arrangement of the filling holes 7 can be easily identified by image recognition algorithms, provided the type of hole pattern on which they are based is identified. Therefore, based on these differences, the two arrangement types 16a and 16c, which are used respectively, can be distinguished, even though both arrangement types 16a and 16c are based on a three-armed symmetrical star shape consisting of a total of four filling holes 7.

[0113] Upon closer inspection, it can now be seen that the central hole pattern 4 indicates a third arrangement type 16b, which is different from the previously discussed arrangement types 16a and 16c (for example, comparing the number of cells between the two uppermost filling holes 7).

[0114] Figure 1 The lowest jet regulator 1—whose orifice pattern 4 is also based on a hexagonal basic grid and whose four filling holes 7 show the above arrangement type 16b—can also be combined with Figure 1 The pattern of the holes in the middle row is distinguished by 4. For example, in... Figure 1 The diameter of the orifice pattern 4 in the lowest jet regulator 1 is approximately nine grid constants, while it is... Figure 1 The middle jet regulator 1 in the middle row has approximately eleven grid constants. In other words, the corresponding hole pattern 4 is therefore different in at least one geometric dimension in the sense of the present invention.

[0115] Figure 11 and 12 Other jet modulators 1 that can be identified by means of the method according to the invention are shown, such as Figure 11 and 12 As the comparison shows, the rotation of the arrangement of defects or deviations relative to the type of hole pattern on which they are based can also be combined with the use of different arrangement types 16 so that the jet regulators 1 can be distinguished from each other. Because, in addition to what has already been described... Figure 12 In addition to the rotation of the three-armed star composed of four filling holes 7, it can also be noted that... Figure 11 and 12 The jet regulator 1 shows different arrangement types 16a and 16b, which have been derived from Figure 1 The two left-side jet regulators in the middle row are known.

[0116] Based on all the information determined through the computer-based evaluation of photographs of the jet regulator 1 in the evaluation steps, identification information can finally be determined in the identification step of the method according to the invention. This identification information uniquely identifies the jet regulator 1 to be identified. It is also possible that the photographed aperture pattern is the same type as the previously determined aperture pattern, thus without any deviation. In this case, the identification information can also be uniquely assigned. After outputting this identification information, such as a product number, the user is thus able to identify the jet regulator 1.

[0117] The entire method described above can be implemented, for example, on a commercially available smartphone equipped with only a standard camera and corresponding software. If the software identifies a jet regulator using this method, it can, for example, retrieve the current selling price of the identified jet regulator from the internet and display it to the user. This retrieval of additional information about the identified jet regulator can be automated and / or is part of the method.

[0118] exist Figure 1 As can be seen in the jet regulators 1 shown, they are all based on the same basic hole pattern type, namely a regular hexagonal grid, and also have almost identical defects. Because Figure 1 Each jet regulator 1 has four filling holes 7, which are arranged symmetrically about the center point of the corresponding hole pattern 4 with the same orientation. Therefore, Figure 1 All the hole patterns 4 shown exhibit a high degree of similarity to arrangement type 16 in terms of deviations from the hole pattern type 15 on which they are based. However, based solely on the different horizontal distances between the filled holes 7—measured respectively by the grid constant of the hole pattern type 15 on which they are based—three different arrangement types 16a, 16b, and 16c can be identified, for example, in the middle row.

[0119] In order to continue identifying the corresponding jet regulator 1 in this situation, additional information can be used as described above in the method according to the invention to enable the identification of the jet regulator 1. For example, the diameter 10 of the orifice pattern 4, the width 9 of the border 8, or the diameter 11 of the outlet structure 3 can be determined, such as... Figure 2 As shown, this is so that identification information can be determined in the identification step. Accordingly, in these cases, it may be necessary to photograph not only the hole pattern 4, but also the entire outlet structure 3 in the photographing step. Stored type constants, such as grid constants for the determined hole pattern type in millimeters, can also be used during determination so that, for example, the diameter can be easily estimated.

[0120] Figures 11 to 14 Other jet modulators 1 that can be identified by means of the method according to the invention are shown. It can be seen here that, in addition to the honeycomb aperture pattern type 15 (such as...), Figure 11 and 12 Besides the standard grid, other regular grids can also be used as hole pattern type 15, such as jet-shaped grids (e.g., Figure 13 (in the middle) or grids with right angles (such as...) Figure 14 (As shown). Mixed shapes can also appear here, such as... Figure 14 As shown in the jet regulator 1, its orifice pattern 4 has both horizontally and vertically extending septa and radially arranged septa 6.

[0121] according to Figure 14 It is easy to understand how, according to the present invention, the orifice pattern 4 and the matching jet regulator 1 can be identified based on the position of the mark 13 on the outlet structure 3. Because... Figure 14 In the hole pattern 4, four radially arranged spacers 6 are immediately noticeable. Their intersections with the outer edge 12 of the hole pattern 4 are predetermined target positions, and therefore their functions are analogous to clock hands. The external protrusion formed by the housing 2 of the jet regulator 1 forms a mark 13 in the sense of this invention, the position of which can be compared with the position of the radial spacers 6 using a corresponding algorithm. Thus, for example, another spacer that can be compared with... Figure 14 The jet regulator 1 is distinguished from the jet regulator 1, in which the mark 13 is rotated a few degrees clockwise or counterclockwise relative to the radial spacer 6 of the hole pattern 4.

[0122] In other embodiments, it may be additionally or alternatively specified that the dimension of a septum width and / or the extension of a unit is set relative to another dimension or even multiple dimensions. This comparison can also identify characteristic deviations, so as to ultimately identify the jet regulator 1 using the method according to the invention.

[0123] This can be achieved through Figure 13 The figure illustrates, well, another jet regulator 1 that can be identified by means of the method according to the invention. Figure 13 The matching aperture pattern 4 is based on a regular star-shaped aperture pattern type 15 and is accordingly constructed in a jet shape. It can be noted that three units 18a, 18b, and 18c—each in the form of a planar annulus—are formed, separated from each other by the outermost edge of the aperture pattern 4 and concentrically arranged circular spacers 19a and 19b. Radially oriented spacers 6 are provided in each annulus. The spacers 6 of the innermost, middle, and outermost annulus are aligned here, i.e., pointing in the same radial direction, which is easily seen by following the three spacers 6 of the innermost annulus 18c.

[0124] It can also be seen that the radial spacers 6 of the outermost ring 18a are centered relative to the outer mark 13 formed by the housing 2 of the jet regulator 1.

[0125] exist Figure 13 Based on this hole pattern 4, various variations can now be designed, and these variations can be distinguished individually using the method according to the invention. For example, in Figure 13 It can be noted that the spacer 6 of the innermost annulus / innermost unit 18c is constructed to be wider than the radial spacer 6 of the middle unit 18b and the radial spacer of the outermost unit 18a. In other words, the radial spacer 6 of the innermost annulus is therefore constructed to be wider than the predetermined relative spacer width 14 of the hole pattern type 15 on which it is based (see [reference]). Figure 13 The two arrows in the diagram indicate the spacer width 14 of the radial spacer 6 of the innermost ring. It goes without saying that a new arrangement type 16 can be formed simply by making the radial spacers 6 of the intermediate unit 18b and / or the radial spacers of the outermost unit 18c thicker, while retaining the inner spacers 6 within the predetermined relative spacer width 14 of the matching hole pattern type 15. This detectable difference is therefore also based on the different geometries of the corresponding hole patterns 4.

[0126] Furthermore, by rotating the radial spacer 6 of the intermediate unit 18b clockwise / counterclockwise by a few degrees relative to the radial spacer 6 of the innermost unit 18c, so that the spacers 6 are no longer aligned, another arrangement type 16 can be obtained, and thus a new arrangement can be achieved by means of the method according to the invention. Figure 13 The jet regulator 1 shown is distinct from the jet regulator 1. Therefore, this is an example of a septum changing in its position and / or orientation, which can be used to identify the jet regulator 1.

[0127] In addition, Figure 13As can be seen, the radial extension of the intermediate unit 18b is greater than that of the outer unit 18a and the inner unit 18c. Therefore, the distance between the radial spacers 6 in the region of the intermediate unit 18b, i.e., the two circular spacers 19a and 19b, is designed to be longer than the corresponding lengths of the radial spacers 6 in the inner unit 18c and the outer unit 18a. Furthermore, due to the larger number of spacers 6, the number of holes 5 in the outer unit 18a is also higher than that in the intermediate unit 18b and the inner unit 18c. Therefore, these parameters can also be used to generate identifiable deviations from the based regular hole pattern type 15, which can be detected by the method of the present invention. For example, the based radially symmetrical hole pattern type 15 can be designed such that units 18a, 18b, and 18c each have the same large radial extension, which, in addition to the arrangement of the spacers or the width of the annular circular spacers 19a and 19b, also constitutes a possible feature of the hole pattern type 15.

[0128] Finally, Figure 13 It can also be seen that the outer annular circular tab 19a is constructed to be thicker, i.e., wider, than the inner circular tab 19b. This also constitutes a characteristic feature in the sense of the present invention, which can be specifically identified and thus used to identify the hole pattern 4 and therefore the jet regulator 1.

[0129] The above reference Figure 13 All deviations or features explained, especially

[0130] - Characteristics of the corresponding thickness of the spacers 6 (i.e., radial spacers 6 and / or circular spacers 19).

[0131] - The number and / or shape of the holes 5 within the separate units 18.

[0132] - Dimensions of Unit 18

[0133] - The length of spacer 6 and / or

[0134] - The orientation / orientation of the septa relative to each other and / or with respect to the characteristic mark 13.

[0135] (These deviations or features exist respectively relative to the radially symmetrical hole pattern type 15 on which they are based.) The corresponding arrangement type 16 of the deviations can be defined in the sense of the present invention, which can be identified by means of the method according to the present invention and used to identify the associated jet regulator 1.

[0136] When using the method according to the invention, there are no fundamental limitations on the desired design of the outlet structure 3. All possible forms can be taken. As long as the orifice pattern type 15 on which the outlet structure 3 is based is defined, the deviation portion that allows identification of the jet regulator 1 can be determined. In extreme cases, there may be no deviation portion at all, thus the jet regulator 1 is characterized by its orifice pattern 4 being the same as the orifice pattern type 15 on which it is based; in this case, other deviation portions based on the housing 2 or the nozzle 17 may of course also exist.

[0137] In summary, to improve the accuracy and robustness of the method for identifying the jet regulator 1 based on photographs of the orifice pattern 4 of the outlet structure 3 of the jet regulator 1, it is recommended that: firstly, in a first step, the photographs are compared with different stored orifice pattern types 15 in a computer-implemented manner; the orifice pattern type 15 on which the photographed orifice pattern 4 is based is determined based on an assessment of the corresponding degree of consistency between the photographs and the corresponding orifice pattern type 15; and subsequently, in a further step, the deviation between the determined orifice pattern type 15 and the photographed orifice pattern 4 is examined in a computer-implemented manner; and based on the determined or undetermined deviation, identification information uniquely identifying the jet regulator 1 is determined in a computer-implemented manner and, if necessary, output.

[0138] In the final step, it is advantageous to use a set of stored arrangement types 16, which define the corresponding deviations between the hole pattern 4 to be identified and the hole pattern type 15 on which it is based (and has already been identified).

[0139] at last, Figure 15 and 16 This demonstrates that different types of jet regulators 1 can still be distinguished by the method of the present invention, even though they each have such an outlet structure 3, their orifice pattern 4 orifice pattern type 15 is consistent: Figure 15 and 16 The jet regulator 1 has two hole patterns 4, with hole pattern type 15 based on a regular hexagonal grid. Furthermore, each of the two hole patterns 4 has four filling holes 7 as deviations from hole pattern type 15. These four filling holes 7 are also asymmetrically arranged relative to the hole pattern type 15 they are based on, as already referred to... Figure 4 Described. Regarding the arrangement of the filled holes 7 relative to the hole pattern type 15 on which they are based, Figure 15 and 16 The hole pattern 4 thus has an arrangement type 16 that is very similar even if they are not the same (compare the distance between the filling holes 7).

[0140] In direct comparison Figure 15 and 16 It can be clearly seen at that time, Figure 15The deviation, namely the distance between the filling hole 7 and the corresponding hole pattern 4 border 8—measured using the grid constant of the hexagonal grid—is compared to... Figure 16 The center should be large (measured starting from the center-placed filling hole 7 according to the dotted line). Although both hole patterns 4 have a diameter of approximately 11 grid constants, as can be read from the dotted line, the distances between the filling holes 7 are different. Therefore, Figure 15 and 16 The hole patterns 4 can be distinguished based on their respective deviation arrangement types 16a and 16b.

[0141] Another possibility for distinguishing jet regulators is to use different diameters of the corresponding orifice patterns 4—relative to the orifice pattern type 15 on which they are based. That is, in the method according to the invention, it can also be specified that the diameter of the orifice pattern 4 is determined and identification information is determined at least based on this determined dimension in the identification step. This also allows for the identification of a corresponding jet regulator 1, even if its orifice pattern type 15 and the arrangement type 16 of its deviation portion are the same as the orifice pattern 4 of another jet regulator 1.

[0142] List of reference numerals

[0143] 1 jet regulator

[0144] 2 shells

[0145] 3 Export Structure

[0146] 4-hole pattern

[0147] 5 holes

[0148] 6 spacers

[0149] 7. Filling Hole

[0150] 8 (hole pattern) border

[0151] 9 (border width)

[0152] 10 (hole pattern) diameter

[0153] 11 (exit structure) diameter

[0154] 12 (Outer edge of the export structure)

[0155] 13 Marks

[0156] 14 Spacing width

[0157] 15-hole pattern type

[0158] 16 Layout Types

[0159] 17 Mouth parts

[0160] Unit 18

[0161] 19 Circular partitions

[0162] 20 Separated image regions

Claims

1. A method for identifying a jet regulator (1), the jet regulator having a housing (2) and an outlet structure (3) having an aperture pattern (4) formed on the outlet side of the housing, wherein a photograph of the aperture pattern (4) is taken in a photographing step, the photograph is evaluated in a computer-implemented manner in an evaluation step, identification information about the jet regulator (1) is determined in a computer-implemented manner based on the evaluation result in an identification step, and the identification information is output in an output step, characterized in that, - In the evaluation step, the hole pattern type (15) of the photographed hole pattern (4) and at least one deviation between the photographed hole pattern (4) and the hole pattern type (15) are determined based on the photograph, wherein the hole pattern (4) has a characteristic deviation compared to the hole pattern type (15). - To determine the hole pattern type (15), the photographed hole pattern (4) is compared with the stored hole pattern type (15) by evaluating the degree of consistency between the hole pattern (4) separated from the photograph and the stored hole pattern type (15), and thus determining the characteristics of the hole pattern (4). - Based on the identified deviation, an arrangement type (16) characterizing the jet regulator (1) is formed, and - In the identification step, identification information is determined at least based on the determined at least one deviation portion, in such a way as to identify the jet regulator (1) according to the arrangement type (16).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The characteristic deviation is a defect or a filled hole (7).

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The hole pattern (4) is characterized by the position and / or shape of the intersections or lines, or by the frequency distribution of the structure of the hole pattern (4).

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, In the identification step, identification information is determined supplementarily or alternatively, at least based on the determined hole pattern type (15).

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, In the evaluation step, in order to determine the hole pattern type (15), the features of the captured hole pattern (4) are compared with the features of multiple stored hole pattern types (15).

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein, The hole pattern type (15) is determined based on the shape and / or relative arrangement of the units (18) of the hole pattern (4) in the photograph, prior to which the hole pattern (4) in the photograph is identified and / or separated.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The determination of the hole pattern type (15) of the photographed hole pattern (4) and / or the determination of the at least one deviation portion are performed in a computer-implemented manner.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, In the evaluation step, the deviation is determined by separating the hole pattern (4) in the photograph into image regions (20) and then calculating the difference between the separated image regions (20) and the determined hole pattern type (15).

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, Before calculating the difference, align the separated image regions (20) with the hole pattern type (15).

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The determined deviation is then compared with the determined hole pattern type (15) to determine the relative position of the deviation.

11. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The determined deviation is then compared with the determined hole pattern type (15) to determine the relative position of the deviation relative to the based hole pattern (4) and / or relative to each other and / or relative to the outlet structure (3) or the housing (2).

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The determined hole pattern type (15) is used as a reference scale and / or coordinate system.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The hole pattern type (15) is determined by pattern recognition and / or by correlation calculation.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The hole pattern type (15) is determined by pattern recognition and / or by correlation calculation with reference to a stored hole pattern type (15), where deviations from the hole pattern type (15) are allowed.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The hole pattern type (15) of the photographed hole pattern (4) is a regular or irregular pattern, and / or the hole pattern type (15) stored is a regular or irregular pattern respectively.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, In the evaluation step, when determining the hole pattern type (15) of the hole pattern (4) being photographed, the photograph is rotated or aligned so that the photographed hole pattern (4) matches the hole pattern type (15) on which the hole pattern is based.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, In the evaluation step, when determining the at least one deviation, the number of deviations and / or at least one relative position of the at least one deviation are detected relative to the determined hole pattern type (15).

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, Detect at least two deviations.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein, Detect at least four deviations.

20. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, In the evaluation step, when determining the at least one deviation, at least one filled hole (7) of the photographed hole pattern (4) is detected relative to the determined hole pattern type (15), and / or at least one hole (7) of the photographed hole pattern (4) that has changed in shape and / or size and / or position and / or orientation compared to the determined hole pattern type (15).

21. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, In the evaluation step, when determining the at least one deviation, at least one septum (6) of the photographed hole pattern (4) is detected to be different in shape, size, position or orientation relative to the determined hole pattern type (15).

22. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, In the evaluation step, the arrangement type of the at least one deviation portion is determined in a computer-implemented manner (16).

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein, For this purpose, consider the relative position of a deviation part with respect to the determined hole pattern type (15) and / or consider the relative position of at least two deviation parts with respect to each other and / or consider the corresponding relative position of at least two deviation parts with respect to the determined hole pattern type (15).

24. The method according to claim 22, wherein, In the identification step, identification information is determined at least based on the determined arrangement type (16).

25. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, In the shooting step, a photograph of the outlet structure (3) including the hole pattern (4) is taken, and in the evaluation step, the characteristic shape of the outlet structure (3) and / or the location of the mark (13) of the outlet structure (3) and / or the characteristic dimensions of the outlet structure (3) are determined based on the photograph taken.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein, In the evaluation step, the outer edge (12) of the outlet structure (3) and / or the diameter (11) of the outlet structure (3) are determined based on the photographs taken.

27. The method according to claim 25, wherein, In the identification step, identification information is determined at least based on the determined characteristic shape and / or at least based on the determined mark (13) position and / or at least based on the determined characteristic size.

28. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, In the evaluation step, the geometric dimensions of the hole pattern (4) are determined based on the photographs taken.

29. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, In the evaluation step, the width (9) of the border (8) of the surrounding hole pattern (4) is determined based on the photograph taken.

30. The method according to claim 28, wherein, In the identification step, identification information is determined at least based on the determined geometric dimensions.

31. The method according to claim 25, wherein, In the evaluation step, the geometric dimensions of the hole pattern (4) are determined based on the photographs taken, the characteristic dimension being the diameter (11) of the outlet structure (3) and / or the geometric dimension being the diameter (10) of the hole pattern (4).

32. The method according to claim 31, wherein, In the identification step, the identification information is determined at least based on the ratio of these two diameters (10, 11).

33. The method according to claim 25, wherein, The characteristic dimension is the characteristic dimension of the unit (18) of the hole pattern type (15).

34. The method according to claim 33, wherein, The characteristic dimension of the unit (18) is the net width of the hole pattern type (15) or the width of the spacer (14).

35. The method according to claim 25, wherein, The characteristic dimensions and / or geometric dimensions are determined by means of a stored type constant of the determined hole pattern type (15).

36. The method according to claim 35, wherein, The storage type constant is the size of the cellular structure.

37. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, In the evaluation step, the number of axes of symmetry and / or at least one position of the axis of symmetry of the hole pattern captured is determined based on the photograph.

38. The method according to claim 37, wherein, The number of symmetry axes and / or the location of at least one of the symmetry axes determined in the evaluation step are used to determine the hole pattern type (15).

39. The method according to claim 38, wherein, In the identification step, identification information is determined at least based on the determined number of axes of symmetry and / or the position of at least one of the axes of symmetry.

40. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, In the identification step, identification information is determined based on the relative rotational position between the outlet structure (3) and the housing (2).

41. The method according to claim 40, wherein, The housing (2) has asymmetry, which is identified in the evaluation step and used to determine the relative rotational position; and / or the hole pattern (4) has asymmetry, which is identified in the evaluation step and used to determine the relative rotational position.

42. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The identification of the jet regulator (1) is performed without the aid of a reference scale in the photograph.

43. The method according to claim 42, wherein, Zoom in on the photograph to determine the hole pattern type (15).

44. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The method is performed on a portable electronic terminal device.

45. The method according to claim 44, wherein, The portable electronic terminal device is a smartphone, laptop, or tablet computer.

46. ​​The application of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 45 for classifying jet regulators (1).

47. The application according to claim 46, wherein, The classification is used as a subprocess in the manufacturing or assembly process of sanitary components.

Images