Laser aligning device for tiling

Abstract

The present invention relates to a projection device that simulates tiling that comprises a case (1) that houses at least one projector (2) therein, said projector being configured to project vertical and horizontal lines on the wall of the room where the device is placed, simulating the joints made when tiling walls or floors. The projector (2) is controlled by a control module and by an on / off button (5), the electronic components being powered by an electric power source. The device can have depth sensors to map the surface to be tiled and a system for mapping and optimising the placement of tiles.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Laser alignment device for tiling

[0003] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention, as the title of this specification states, is a laser alignment device for tiling. This is an innovation that, within current techniques, offers previously unknown advantages.

[0005] The present invention falls within the sector of various industrial techniques, especially in alignment, aiming or automatic focusing of the laser beam.

[0006] STATE OF THE ART

[0007] The present invention arose from seeing the difficulties that can arise when redesigning an environment when tiling.

[0008] This is because it takes a long time to lay out the work to be done. Furthermore, if proper layout is not performed, parts can often be placed incorrectly, resulting in more work, wasted time, and wasted materials.

[0009] Consequently, this invention offers a laser alignment device for tiling designed to facilitate more precise layout, avoiding the need for unnecessary cuts and achieving a higher-quality aesthetic finish in less time.

[0010] Currently, the existence of any laser alignment device for tiling that has structural and constitutive technical characteristics equal to or similar to those described in this specification, as claimed, is unknown.

[0011] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The object of this invention is to create a laser alignment device for tiling that provides a notable innovation within its field of application in the current state of the art. The characterizing details that make it possible are conveniently included in the final claims that accompany this description. This innovative device solves the difficulties that can arise when staking out a space for tiling, which result in an increased workload, loss of time, and wasted material.

[0013] This invention represents an effective solution for installing tiles with greater precision and efficiency, avoiding errors in layout and optimizing the use of materials.

[0014] To this end, the projection device simulating tiling comprises a casing that houses at least one projector configured to emit a projection of vertical and horizontal lines onto the wall of the room where the device is placed, simulating the joints that are generated in the tiling of walls or floors.

[0015] The projector is controlled by a control module and an on / off button, and the electronic components are powered by a power supply.

[0016] The projector can be equipped with depth sensors, such as 3D cameras, which can be based on LiDAR technology. These 3D cameras can accurately map the area, capturing details such as windows, electrical outlets, and any other interruptions in the surface being tiled.

[0017] This mapping allows the user to perform simulations and optimization calculations for tile placement to ensure optimal placement, minimizing the need for tile cutting and reducing waste, for example by reusing excess cuts. This allows for a complete inventory of the material needed and its cost. This helps to adjust budgets more accurately, as well as avoiding waste of tiles, tile adhesive, wedges, grout, etc.

[0018] To use the laser alignment device for tiling, the user must strategically position it so that it projects toward a central point on a wall. From that point, the device automatically takes measurements in all directions to determine the necessary tile dimensions that best fit the area to be tiled. This provides a visual projection that facilitates planning the final result, ensuring quality and satisfactory work, with perfect alignment and positioning suitable for laying the tiles.

[0019] EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES

[0020] To complete the description being made and in order to help better understand the characteristics of the invention, this descriptive report is attached, as an integral part thereof, with a figure in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented.

[0021] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the laser alignment device for tiling.

[0022] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION.

[0023] The projection device simulating tiling comprises a casing (1) that houses inside at least one projector (2) configured to emit a projection of vertical and horizontal lines on the wall of the room where the device is placed, thus simulating the joints that are generated in the tiling of walls or floors.

[0024] The projector (2) will be controlled by a control module and an on / off button, with the electronic components being powered by an electrical power supply.

[0025] Typically, the projector (2) is a laser projector. The projector (2) can display joint lines, or project textures and colors when the tiles are not homogeneous (because they have different colors or designs, or are asymmetrical), making it easier for the user to recognize which tile to use and in what orientation. Horizontal lines will be projected level, and vertical lines will be projected plumb.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the casing (1) houses four projectors (2) inside, arranged in such a way that the projection of each of them is perpendicular to the adjacent projectors, thus projecting each of them onto a wall of the room where the device is placed.

[0027] The control module will be configured to modify the distance between horizontal lines and the distance between vertical lines. Depending on the size of the tiles being laid, the distance between lines will need to be modified to properly calculate the number of tiles needed to tile the wall.

[0028] Ideally, the control module is configured to modify the thickness of the vertical and horizontal lines. Since the number of tiles required also varies depending on the thickness of the joints, the thicker the joints, the fewer tiles will be needed.

[0029] In order to correctly align the projector so that the vertical and horizontal lines are properly projected onto the wall, the projector (2) is placed on a mobile support with respect to the casing (1), the mobile support being moved by a drive means.

[0030] The mobile support will consist of a platform on which the projector (2) is fixed, the platform having a rack on one of its sides that meshes with a pinion that rotates on an axis fixed to the casing (1), the pinion being moved by a drive means.

[0031] The drive means may be such that the pinion is accessible from the outside of the housing (1) so that the user can rotate it by hand, or it may be driven by an electric motor.

[0032] The housing (1) can have a display screen (3), where you can view the configuration, for example, of the thickness of the joints, the distance between the lines, see the status of the battery...

[0033] The device may comprise a wireless communication module.

[0034] The wireless communication module can be WiFi or Bluetooth type with an electronic device.

[0035] Preferably, the housing (1) houses a memory card with a large storage capacity, capable of storing different tile-laying formats and techniques, and which, through prior programming, allows the projectors (2) to display specific reference lines according to the user's preferences. If it includes one or more depth sensors, such as 3D cameras, it is possible to map or make a plan of the surface to be tiled. This allows a tiling optimization algorithm to be applied.

[0036] The algorithm's steps begin with surface capture using depth sensors, which generate a point cloud defining the tiling area, capturing any obstacles (plugs, windows, doors). These points are processed by a segmentation algorithm to identify and delimit the edges of the area of ​​interest. Common algorithms for this task are CNNs (Convolutional Neural Networks) or computer vision algorithms such as OpenCV for edge detection.

[0037] From this identification, artificial intelligence (AI) estimates the dimensions of the tiled surface using sensor data. Here, pre-trained neural networks can process the images and calculate the length and height of the area, automatically excluding elements that don't require tiling.

[0038] These interrupted elements are recognized by the AI, which adjusts the remaining dimensions. To do this, a semantic segmentation network (such as Mask R-CNN) can be used to identify and classify each element type.

[0039] Once the area to be covered is defined, the system selects the laying pattern (grid, herringbone, etc.) based on the user's preference and the size of the tile or tiles. This pattern can be programmed to align with the walls, and the AI ​​adjusts the virtual tiles to cover the space without unnecessary overlaps or gaps.

[0040] Using heuristic-based simulation algorithms, the system projects the tile in space and detects where cutting or adjustments would be necessary to minimize the number of cuts and waste. Algorithms such as Monte Carlo algorithms can be used to simulate various configurations to minimize material waste in the case of irregular spaces. This artificial intelligence allows for estimating the required materials (tiles, cement, leveling wedges, bags of cement, etc.). This calculation can even be used to estimate the cost of the material and the required labor (time or cost).

[0041] A waste minimization algorithm can also be applied. In this case, the AI ​​runs an optimization algorithm to calculate the exact number of tiles, considering the specific tile size and the percentage of surplus (usually between 10-15%). This algorithm can also automatically adjust the tile layout to minimize waste and maximize cuts.

[0042] Based on input data, for example by placing marks on the surface that are recognized by artificial intelligence, or input via an interface, the projector can even project accessories, such as towel racks, mirrors, sockets, radiator outlets, furniture, light fixtures, etc.

[0043] Generally, the housing (1) has a USB port (4) that allows connection with USB devices, such as a USB memory stick, to project directly onto the wall, for example, the interior design stored on the USB memory stick.

[0044] Typically the power source will be a battery.

[0045] Generally, the USB port (4) allows the connection of a charging cable for power supply to at least one rechargeable battery housed in the housing (1), which facilitates mobility and wireless use of the laser alignment device for tiling.

[0046] The casing (1 ) shall be manufactured in such a way that it resists moisture and dust cannot penetrate inside.

[0047] The device may also include a camera with artificial intelligence that can count the number of spaces generated by horizontal and vertical lines, thus calculating the number of tiles needed to tile the room.

[0048] Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the manner of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to explain it further so that any expert in the field may understand its scope and the advantages derived from it, stating that, within its essence, it may be put into practice in other embodiments that differ in detail from that indicated by way of example, and to which it will also achieve the protection sought provided that its fundamental principle is not altered, changed or modified.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Projection device simulating tiling, characterized by comprising a casing (1) that houses in its interior at least one projector (2) configured to emit a projection of vertical and horizontal lines on the wall of the room where the device is placed, simulating the joints that are generated in the tiling of walls or floors, the projector (2) being controlled by a control module and by an on / off button (5), the electronic components being powered by an electrical power supply.

2. Projection device simulating tiling, according to claim 1, characterized in that the projector (2) is a laser projector.

3. Projection device simulating tiling, according to claim 1, characterized in that the casing (1) houses inside it four projectors (2) arranged in such a way that the projection of each of them is perpendicular to the adjacent projectors, thus projecting each of them onto a wall of the room where the device is placed.

4. Projection device simulating tiling, according to claim 1, characterized in that the control module is configured to modify the distance between the horizontal lines, and the distance between the vertical lines.

5. Projection device simulating tiling, according to claim 1, characterized in that the control module is configured to modify the thickness of the vertical and horizontal lines.

6. Projection device simulating tiling, according to claim 1, characterized in that the projector (2) is placed on a mobile support with respect to the casing (1), the mobile support being moved by a drive means. / .Projection device simulating tiling, according to claim 6, characterized in that the mobile support is formed by a platform on which the projector (2) is fixed, the platform having a rack on one of its sides that meshes with a pinion that rotates on an axis fixed to the casing (1), the pinion being moved by a drive means.

8. Projection device simulating tiling, according to claim 7, characterized in that the drive means is an electric motor that moves the pinion.

9. Projection device simulating tiling, according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (1) has a display screen (3).

10. Projection device simulating tiling, according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (1) houses a memory card and the projector (2) projects the image stored on the memory card.

11. Projection device simulating tiling, according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (1) has a USB port (4).

12. Projection device simulating tiling, according to claim 1, characterized in that the power supply is a battery.

13. Projection device simulating tiling, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a wireless communication module.

14. Projection device simulating tiling, according to claim 1, characterized in that the wireless communication module is of the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth type with an electronic device.

15. Projection device simulating tiling, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a camera with artificial intelligence configured to count the number of spaces generated by the horizontal and vertical lines.

16. Projection device simulating tiling, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises depth sensors.

17. Projection device simulating tiling, according to claim 16, characterized in that it comprises artificial intelligence for optimizing tiling.

18. Projection device simulating tiling, according to claim 1, characterized in that the projector (2) is configured to emit a projection of textures or colors.

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