Apparatus and method for calculating estimate for installation of water heater
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in accurately estimating the installation cost of a water heater due to complex replacement procedures and lack of prior knowledge, often resulting in higher than expected estimates.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing image analysis to calculate installation estimates for water heaters, including analysis of the water heater region, pipes, and room controllers, to provide accurate and reliable estimates based on the model and required dimensions of the new installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual estimation method is used by service center or dealer, then installation estimate can be provided, but the estimate may be higher than expected and reliability is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical estimation process with an automated image analysis system. The system captures images of the installation site and automatically processes them through image analysis algorithms to calculate the installation estimate, eliminating the need for manual site assessment and reducing both complexity and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service estimation by allowing users to capture images themselves and automatically generating the estimate without requiring service center personnel to perform manual measurements and calculations. The image analysis unit automatically processes the captured images and generates the installation estimate.
2Measurement precision
If detailed manual assessment is performed to ensure accurate estimate, then reliability improves, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by capturing images of the installation site before the actual installation process. The image analysis unit processes these pre-captured images to determine all necessary measurement information, eliminating the need for repeated on-site measurements during the estimation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes manual measurement and calculation processes with automated image analysis. The system automatically extracts measurement information from images and calculates the installation estimate, significantly reducing the time required while maintaining or improving precision compared to manual methods.
3Ease of operation
If user requests service without prior knowledge, then service can be obtained, but user cannot determine if estimate is properly calculated
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback by presenting the captured images and the calculated installation estimate to the user. This allows users to verify that the estimate is based on their actual installation site conditions, giving them transparency and confidence in the calculation without requiring them to understand the complex estimation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The image analysis system acts as an intermediary between the user and the service provider. It automatically processes the installation site information and generates the estimate, eliminating the information asymmetry between the user and the service center while maintaining ease of service request.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for calculating an estimate for installation of a water heater according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an image analysis unit for analyzing a water heater region image including at least one of a previously-installed water heater main body, a previously-installed pipe connected to the previously-installed water heater main body for fluid flow, and a room controller for controlling a water heater, and a processing unit for calculating estimate required for the installation of a water heater to be installed on the basis of at least one of information about the model of the water heater to be installed and required dimensions of a pipe to be installed obtained on the basis of an analysis result of the image analysis unit.