Method for determining ceramic-compliant exchange wc seat set, computer-readable storage medium and computer-supported device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining a suitable replacement toilet seat set for ceramics are cumbersome and require physical storage space, making it difficult for laypersons to find an accurate fit.

Innovation Solution

A method using AI, specifically a neural network trained with images of toilet seats, which allows users to capture images or depth images of the ceramic to determine the appropriate replacement toilet seat set by comparing geometric features, eliminating the need for physical comparison objects and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If physical reference objects (DIN A4 sheet, credit card, folding ruler) are used to determine ceramic geometry, then the method can identify suitable toilet seat sets, but the process becomes cumbersome and requires physical storage space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of determining replacement toilet seat setVSAvoidcomplexity of requiring physical reference objects and storage space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical reference objects with digital images captured by a camera. Instead of requiring physical DIN A4 sheets, credit cards, or folding rulers to measure ceramic geometry, the system captures images of the ceramic bowl and uses image processing to extract geometric features. This eliminates the need for physical storage space and simplifies the operation for users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the mechanical measurement process (physically placing reference objects against the ceramic) with an optical system (camera imaging) and computational analysis (image processing and AI model). This replacement eliminates the need for physical reference objects and automated the measurement process, improving ease of operation while reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If traditional methods using reference objects are used, then ceramic geometry can be measured, but it is difficult for laypersons to perform accurately

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of determining fit characteristicsVSAvoiddifficulty for laypersons to perform measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the ceramic bowl to serve itself in the measurement process. By capturing images of the ceramic and automatically extracting geometric features through image processing and AI analysis, the system eliminates the need for users to manually measure or understand complex fitting parameters. The ceramic's own visual features are used to determine compatibility, making the process accessible to laypersons while maintaining high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary AI model that acts as a bridge between the captured images and the fit determination. The AI model automatically processes images, extracts geometric features, and compares them with database entries to determine compatibility. This intermediary handles the complex measurement and analysis tasks, allowing laypersons to simply capture images and receive accurate fit recommendations without needing to understand the underlying measurement processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple toilet seat set options are provided with probability scores, then user choice is improved, but processing and output complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of replacement options provided to userVSAvoidcomplexity of processing and displaying multiple options with probabilities
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces probability scores as a new parameter to quantify the compatibility between captured ceramic geometry and database entries. Instead of simply returning binary match/no-match results or requiring users to manually evaluate multiple options, the system calculates and displays probability scores that indicate the likelihood of a good fit. This parameter transformation simplifies user decision-making while maintaining the ability to provide multiple suitable options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4428837A1Method for determining ceramic-compliant exchange wc seat set, computer-readable storage medium and computer-supported device
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 HAMBERGER INDUSTRIEWERKE GMBH
  • EP4428837A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4428837A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4428837A1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4c

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for determining a replacement toilet seat set, consisting of a toilet seat and a toilet lid, that fits a ceramic toilet bowl. The invention further relates to computer-readable storage media in which instructions are stored that cause a computer-aided device to execute the method according to the invention. The invention also relates to a computer-aided device comprising the computer-readable storage medium and configured to execute the method according to the invention using a corresponding depth-image acquisition device that is present in or connectable to the computer-aided device.