FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to the field of windowsills, and in particular, to a method of replacing, renovating or refacing an existing windowsill.

BACKGROUND

Renovating an old residential windowsill is conventionally done in one of two ways: either the old windowsill is removed, and a new windowsill constructed in place, or new windowsill elements are placed over the existing windowsill.

The first option is expensive, and requires skilled labor and familiarity with windowsill construction, while the second option requires expert knowledge for measuring and producing new windowsill elements.

However, the accurate measurement and adaptation of the windowsill is very laborious and requires expert knowledge. As such, measurements needed for the renovation of an existing windowsill, are often inaccurate, require specialized knowledge and infer significant manual labor, especially if the surface of the windowsill comprises more than 4 corners. In case of 3D modeling of a windowsill, known methods often require a high number of images and significant computational capacity. US20160012611 describes a method of estimating at least one dimension of a target object within a digital image which includes a reference object and one or more pane ancillary objects for aiding in determining the dimension of the target object. Often markers are used to determine the dimensions of a target object. However, such methods merely allow for determining the dimensions of an existing windowsill and cannot simply be used for determining the dimensions of new windowsill elements to be placed on top of the existing windowsill.

In view of the above, there is a need for further improvement of methods for obtaining an accurate three-dimensional representation of a windowsill in need of renovation. The present invention aims to resolve at least some of the problems and disadvantages mentioned above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention and embodiments thereof serve to provide a solution to one or more of above-mentioned disadvantages. To this end, the present invention relates to a method for measuring a windowsill according to claim 1. More in particular, the method comprises a digital measuring step, said digital measuring step comprises the extraction of information regarding the dimensions of said windowsill, wherein one or more markers are positioned on said windowsill and wherein said markers are captured by a recording device such as a camera, thereby capturing one or more images of said windowsill and corresponding markers and analyzing said one or more images by means of image analysis techniques, thereby defining the dimensions of the windowsill.

According to the invention, the method presents a digital measurement of a windowsill based on the use of markers. The markers are positioned on a surface of a windowsill followed by capturing the markers by a recording device. Hereby, one or more images or videos of the windowsill and corresponding markers is captured. The one or more images are analyzed by image analysis techniques and dimensions of the windowsill are calculated. Based on the determined dimensions, a renovation windowsill element, to be placed on the corresponding windowsill, is produced. This method eliminates the need for manual measurements and reduces the chance of measuring errors. Because of the use of markers, measuring a windowsill is straightforward and independent from the need for expensive and specialized equipment. A digital measurement can also be communicated directly to the production facility where a renovation windowsill element is produced. This adaptation saves time and labor during the process.

In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a system according to claim 15. More particular, the system as described herein provides a system for measuring and/or producing a windowsill element suited for placing, renovating or replacing a windowsill, said system comprising a digital measurement system designed to extract information regarding the dimensions of said windowsill, a recording device for capturing one or more images, a processing unit designed to process said dimensional information, a transmitting device for relaying said information to a production unit and a production unit for producing a windowsill element, wherein the system further comprises markers, wherein a marker is a positional tracking component used for the extraction of information, wherein said markers are designed to be positioned and/or attached to a surface of a windowsill.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

The following description of the figures of specific embodiments of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present teachings, their application or uses. Throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

Figures 1 and 2 show schematic representations of markers positioned on a windowsill according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 shows a detailed representation of an edge marker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 shows a detailed representation of a center marker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 shows a flow diagram of steps associated with the windowsill measuring method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns a method and a system for producing a renovation windowsill element suited for replacing, renovating or refacing a windowsill.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. By means of further guidance, term definitions are included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention.

As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:

Renovations (also called remodeling) is the process of improving a broken, damaged, or outdated structure. Renovations are typically either commercial or residential. In the current invention, renovating a windowsill can include providing a new windowsill element to replace or renovate an existing windowsill, providing a windowsill element to be fitted onto an existing windowsill, or applying protective and/or decorative elements to a windowsill.

"A", "an", and "the" as used herein refers to both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. By way of example, "a compartment" refers to one or more than one compartment.

"Comprise", "comprising", and "comprises" and "comprised of" as used herein are synonymous with "include", "including", "includes" or "contain", "containing", "contains" and are inclusive or open-ended terms that specifies the presence of what follows e.g. component and do not exclude or preclude the presence of additional, non-recited components, features, element, members, steps, known in the art or disclosed therein.

Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order, unless specified. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within that range, as well as the recited endpoints.

Whereas the terms "one or more" or "at least one", such as one or more or at least one member(s) of a group of members, is clear per se, by means of further exemplification, the term encompasses inter alia a reference to any one of said members, or to any two or more of said members, such as, e.g., any >3, >4, >5, >6 or >7 etc. of said members, and up to all said members.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. By means of further guidance, definitions for the terms used in the description are included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention. The terms or definitions used herein are provided solely to aid in the understanding of the invention. Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

In a first aspect, the invention provides a method for measuring a windowsill or any part of a windowsill that might need renovation or replacement. In the context of the current invention, "windowsill" might refer to the entire windowsill or to a part of the windowsill that needs to be replaced, renovated or refaced.

The method includes the extraction of information regarding the dimensions of the windowsill or windowsill part. By more preference, the invention also provides a method suitable for producing standard size renovation windowsill elements which can be adjusted according to obtained information regarding the dimensions of the windowsill (part) and can be used to replace, renovate or reface said windowsill.

The measurement of the windowsill (part) comprises a digital measurement step, in contrast to the standard methods where this is performed manually. According to the state of the art this manual measurement required the intervention of a skilled person with the knowledge on how to efficiently and accurately measure a windowsill (part). Windowsills with irregular shape and increased number of corners takes a considerably higher amount of time and effort according to the state of the art. In the current invention one or more markers are positioned on a single windowsill (part). These markers are positioned in corners as well as the center surface of the windowsill. The markers on the surface are captured by recording device, thereby capturing one or more imaging of said windowsill (part) and corresponding markers. The image is analyzed by means of image analysis techniques, thereby defining the dimensions of the windowsill (part).

When making a 3D model of a windowsill (part) according to the state-of-the-art, it was necessary to capture a high number of photographs followed by a processing step of the information on a computer. An operator would also have difficulty knowing whether enough pictures have been taken and whether they have been taken correctly and with sufficient overlap for making a sufficiently accurate 3D model.

In a preferred embodiment, only one image of said windowsill (part) and corresponding markers needs to be captured and analysed by means of image analysis techniques. Use of the markers limits manual labor associated with the process and reduces the overall processing time. It represents a quick and reliable method of obtaining information about the windowsill (part).

In an embodiment, based on the dimensions determined from the one or more images, a windowsill element is produced. The windowsill element is to be placed on the corresponding windowsill or replace the current windowsill. In recent years it has been gaining ground to renovate an existing windowsill by means of windowsill elements. This known windowsill element provides in a typical possibility to improve and renovate household, public or industrial windowsills in a typical way. Such windowsill elements are generally made from a suitable material such as MDF with a laminated top layer to provide a radiance.

In a preferred embodiment, a contour or surface outline of a captured windowsill (part) is determined based on the information relayed by the one or more captured images and optionally said contours are fitted on said one or more images. The determination of an outline is based on the information relayed by the image containing the position of the plurality of markers. The software will identify the markers and perform an iterative analysis connecting the outmost point of each marker. Connection lines are subsequentially drawn between these points, thus generating the contour. The contour is fitted on the captured image in order to transfer the contour onto the captured image. This adapts the image to the contour determined by use of the markers. In an embodiment, contours of a captured windowsill (part) are corrected by a predetermined offset. A renovation windowsill element is designed and produced based on the size calculations of the windowsill (part), wherein the renovation windowsill element fits on top of the measured surface of the windowsill (part). However, if the produced renovation windowsill element would have the exact dimensions as the existing windowsill, it would be impossible to fit the element on the existing windowsill without causing damage to the original windowsill. According to the current invention, the dimensions of the renovation windowsill element are therefore corrected by a predetermined offset. This offset allows to fit the renovation windowsill element on the existing windowsill without causing tension or damage. The adaptation increases windowsill remodeling speed and reduces manual labor.

The data obtained can be utilized by any means known to the skilled person in the downstream production flow. Preferably, said data is inputted and processed in a computer-controlled production environment. In a preferred embodiment, data regarding the obtained image and corrected contours are transferred to one or more Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines suited for production of a renovation windowsill element. Said machines may include but are not limited to drilling machines, sawing machines, planing machines...

In the current invention, a CNC environment will direct the production of a renovation windowsill element based on the input provided by the image and corrected contours. Preferably, a renovation windowsill element is produced with a finishing coating on the surface of the windowsill element facing outward of the windowsill. This adaptation allows to efficiently renovate various types of windowsills. By preference, a renovation windowsill element can be produced by any suitable material in the art, such as wood, plywood, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), high-density fiberboard (HDF), high-pressure laminate (HPL), low-pressure laminate (LPL), low-pressure melamine (LPM), metal (such as aluminum, stainless steel or bronze), stone (such as marble or granite), concrete (with or without reinforcement), resin, glass, plexi-glass or acrylic. In a preferred embodiment, said renovation windowsill element is manufactured from wood, plywood, mediumdensity fiberboard (MDF), high-density fiberboard (HDF), high-pressure laminate (HPL), low-pressure laminate (LPL), low-pressure melamine (LPM).

In an embodiment, at least two types of markers are used. Said different types of markers are divided into edge markers and center markers. Edge markers are positioned at a corner of the surface and indicate where a surface has indentations or protrusions. The center markers are positioned at a substantial center of the surface and indicate the inner section of the surface. The inventors have unexpectedly observed that the position of the center markers allows for an accurate surface measurement and ensures that the position of the edge markers is calculated correctly. Without the use of the center markers, the position of the edge markers is less accurately registered.

In an embodiment, each marker comprises one or more submarkers on its surface. A submarker is comprised of an outer and inner circle with pre-determined radius and center point, wherein the center of said circles coincides. As such, the circles are concentric. The design of the submarkers determines the accuracy by which the submarkers are recognized by the computer software. The inventors determined that the combination of concentric circles allows for a very accurate analysis. By using the specific design of the submarkers, the information obtained is much more accurate and reproducible. This increases the accuracy of the measurement of a windowsill (part) significantly, permitting an accurate three-dimensional representation. Additionally, the submarkers are designed to contain high contrast. Preferably the submarkers are designed in black-and-white. The high contrast allows the efficient readout by an analysis software.

In an embodiment, an individual submarker comprises a unique identification (ID) code. The ID code of the submarkers allows determination of the orientation of a marker that is positioned on the surface, wherein the ID code of the submarkers allows determination of the identity of an individual marker. As such, the submarkers each have their own unique, detectable feature. The information gathered from the submarkers is stored as an algorithm in an operating system. This information is utilized during digital measurement and image analysis.

Preferably, the markers are placed on a surface of a windowsill (part) before an image is recorded by means of the device. The submarkers have a shape such that they can take up a detectable spatial orientation in an image. The computer program is designed to determine the spatial position and orientation of the markers on the basis of the features in the submarkers detected in the image, and to use the information of the determined position and orientation of the markers during the recording of each of the images upon extracting the aforesaid information about a surface. As a result, a set of clearly recognizable points is measured, so that the position of the camera can be determined with a high degree of precision.

In an embodiment, a recording device is a camera that captures one or more images of the windowsill (part) provided with markers positioned on its surface and transmits the image to a processing unit comprising a computer program. Capturing an image by a camera will be performed by a client or by a skilled person in charge of renovating a windowsill. Both in case of a client or a skilled person taking the image, the captured image will be transmitted to the computer program for downstream analysis. Therefore this method is suitable for both unexperienced persons and persons with skills and knowledge, making the method widely available and applicable.

Potential types of cameras include the DSLR cameras, point-and-shoot cameras, mirrorless cameras, tablet cameras and smart phone cameras. The camera is preferably a tablet or a smartphone camera, which are commercially available. The recording device preferably comprises an acceleration sensor and/or gyroscope, which is connected to the central processing unit, wherein the program is designed to determine, based on information from the acceleration sensor and/or gyroscope, whether the camera is at least substantially stationary in the space, and to record an image from the camera in the sequence of images at that moment. In this way sharp images can automatically be recorded.

The transmission of the captured images occurs by a wireless signal or by a storage medium. Preferably, the transmission happens wireless. Wireless communication (or just wireless, when the context allows) is the electromagnetic transfer of information between two or more points that do not use an electrical conductor as a medium by which to perform the transfer. The most common wireless technologies use radio waves. With radio waves, intended distances can be short, such as a few meters for Bluetooth or as far as millions of kilometers for deep-space radio communications. It encompasses various types of fixed, mobile, and portable applications, including two-way radios, cellular telephones, digital cameras, and wireless networking.

In an embodiment, the computer program processes the one or more images, wherein the program identifies the markers by means of the submarkers and wherein positional data is retrieved by means of the center points of said submarkers.

Photogrammetry is the science and technology of obtaining reliable information about physical objects and the environment through the process of recording, measuring and interpreting photographic images and patterns of electromagnetic radiant imagery and other phenomena. There are many variants of photogrammetry. One example is the extraction of three-dimensional measurements from two-dimensional data (i.e. images); for example, the distance between two points that lie on a plane parallel to the photographic image plane can be determined by measuring their distance on the image, if the scale of the image is known. According to the current invention, the markers comprising the submarkers provide data regarding the scale, the direction and the orientation. Preferably, the software equipped with the custom algorithm used in the invention allows also the definition of a position of a marker on the picture, as being either horizontal or vertical. This allows for accurate 3D measurement from as little as a single image. This adaptation provides a significant improvement compared to the state of the art.

Photogrammetry has been used for the precise three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of objects from images for many years. Generally the 3D reconstruction of objects can be performed using stereo image pairs. The primary approach for 3D object reconstruction using 2D images (photographs) is based on a bunch of overlapped images in close-range photogrammetry. Recovering a complete, detailed and accurate 3D model from images is a difficult task if uncalibrated images are used. Additionally precise calibration and orientation procedures, which are all based on manual or semi-automated measurements, are required.

The current invention allows for reliable reconstruction and measurements, sometimes even when only a single photograph or image is taken. Providing metric information and 3D object reconstruction from a single image is difficult. In an embodiment, the markers of the current invention make it possible to extract measurement information about the windowsill (part) and to reconstruct the 3D model by means of a single photo or image. The current invention utilizes algorithms to derive measurement data from one or more images. In order to achieve a measurement, the algorithm will thus process the identity and orientation of the markers in the image. Preferably the algorithm will assume a horizontal and/or vertical orientation of a marker. Using said collected data, the algorithm will determine the position and orientation of the camera in relation to the markers and correct said image for potential distortions. The algorithm will assign designated points on the image determined by the markers and generate a contour of a windowsill (part) based on the calculated and assigned points. The algorithm will connect every point and classify the connecting lines as contour lines. Based on the generated contour, the algorithm will correct said contour with a predetermined offset prior to production. In another embodiment, the offset correction may occur at a later stage, for instance just prior to production, by means of thereto designed software tools.

In an embodiment, the computer program determines the validation of the transmitted image, wherein parameters regarding image quality and identification of the markers are evaluated, wherein image analysis proceeds upon confirmation of the parameters. In order to perform a valid analysis, the image quality is determined. Image quality can refer to the level of accuracy in which different imaging systems capture, process, store, compress, transmit and display the signals that form an image. Identification of the markers is evaluated by the ability of the software to register and identify the markers and associated submarkers.

In an embodiment, the actual size of the captured surface of the windowsill (part) is calculated by the computer program based on the contour or surface outline. The computer program may correct the generated outline for lens distortion, angle variation and distance of the camera. These types of corrections allow for the calculation of real dimensions from a 2D image.

In an embodiment, said method comprises the following steps:

- capturing one or more images of a windowsill (part) with a camera, wherein the windowsill is provided with one or more markers, wherein said one or more markers comprise submarkers on their surface, and wherein said one or more images display said windowsill provided with said one or more markers;

- analyzing said one or more images by means of a computer-implemented algorithm, said algorithm defines positional information of said markers based on said one or more captured images; positional information of said camera in view of said markers and information on the lens distortion of said camera;

-defining a contour of said windowsill based on information obtained in said previous step;

- defining, based on said obtained contours, a model for a windowsill element.

In a preferred embodiment, a method flow will be as follows:

In a first step, an image is captured of a windowsill (part) provided with one or more markers as described herein.

In a second step, the image is processed. More specifically, both the position as well as the identity of the marker(s) (including the distance of the submarkers present on said markers) present on the captured image are defined by a trained computer- implemented algorithm. Said algorithm will also define the position of the marker on the image and thus windowsill (part), being either horizontal or vertical.

Subsequently, said algorithm will define, based on the deducted information of the marker:

- The position and orientation of said marker(s) on said windowsill

- The position and orientation of the camera in view of said marker(s)

- The lens distortion

In a fourth step, all submarkers of each marker present in said image are calculated.

Based on the information that is obtained in the previous steps, a contour of the windowsill part of the image is defined. All outlines of said contour are classified. The calculated contour is subsequently mapped on the windowsill (part) of the image. Finally, in a last step, margins are calculated, based on the classification of said outlines.

In an embodiment, a marker is produced out of a plastic polymer. The use of plastic polymer, such as polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene or polypropylene, ensures that a marker retains its form. As the image analysis is calibrated on the dimensions of the markers, it is imperative that these dimensions stay unaltered over time. If a marker would shrink or bend, it would seriously hamper the windowsill measurements. For this reason, markers constructed out of paper, cardboard or wood are less suited. Alternatively, a marker can be constructed out of a ferritic alloy under the condition that oxidation or corrosion does not occur, a resin, a high-quality medium-density fiberboard (MDF) or high-density fiberboard (HDF), polyurethane board.

In a second aspect, the invention provides a system for measuring and/or producing a windowsill element suited for placing, renovating or replacing a windowsill, said system comprising a digital measurement system designed to extract information regarding the dimensions of said windowsill, a recording device for capturing one or more images, a processing unit designed to process said dimensional information, a transmitting device for relaying said information to a production unit and a production unit for producing a windowsill element, wherein the system further comprises markers, wherein a marker is a positional tracking component used for the extraction of information, wherein said markers are designed to be positioned and/or attached to a surface of a windowsill.

In preference, the recording device records a single image containing the markers and the supporting surface. This is in contrast with the state-of-the-art where multiple images need to be taken to allow a software to calculate a three- dimensional position and to derive a measurement regarding the windowsill. In the current invention, the use of a single image reduces the incidence of false measurements and decreases the processing time needed for the calculations.

In an embodiment, markers are divided into edge markers and center markers, wherein edge markers are positioned at a corner of the surface, wherein center markers are positioned at a substantial center of the surface. The use of center markers, which identify the surface area not in contact with a corner or edge, allows for a correct determination of the position of the edge markers, which define the corners of the surface to be measured.

In an embodiment, a marker comprises one or more submarkers, wherein a submarker is comprised of an outer and inner circle with predetermined radius and center point, wherein the center of said circles coincides. As stated above, the design of the submarkers determines the accuracy by which the submarkers are recognized by the computer software. The inventors determined that the combination of concentric circles allows for a very thorough analysis. By using the specific design of the submarkers, the information obtained is much more efficient and reproducible. This increases the accuracy of the measurement of a windowsill (part) significantly, permitting an optimal three-dimensional representation.

In an embodiment, an individual submarker comprises a unique identification code (ID). In this regard, the ID code of the submarkers allows a determination of the orientation of a marker that is positioned on the surface, and the ID code of the submarkers also allows a determination of the identity of an individual marker.

In a preferred embodiment, the recording device is able to capture one or more images of said windowsill and corresponding markers, wherein the processing unit is able to process the one or more images, wherein the processing unit is capable of identifying the markers by analysis of the position of the submarkers, wherein the center point of the circles of the submarkers is able to determine the position of the marker, wherein the processing unit is capable of determining the validation of the one or more transmitted images, permissive of an evaluation of parameters regarding image quality and identification of the markers, wherein image analysis is able to proceed upon confirmation of the parameters.

In a third aspect, the invention relates to a kit to be used for performing a digital measurement of a windowsill (part) for the purpose of renovating said windowsill, said kit comprises a plurality of edge and center markers, a recording device, a processing unit, a transmitting device and a production unit.

A marker comprises one or more submarkers, wherein a submarker is comprised of an outer and inner circle with predetermined radius and center point, wherein the center of said circles coincides, wherein an individual submarker contains a unique identification (ID) code, wherein the ID code of the submarkers is instrumental for a determination of the orientation of a marker, wherein the ID code of the submarkers is instrumental for a determination of the identity of an individual marker.

Preferably, the markers in the kit are divided into edge markers and center markers. Edge markers are designed to be positioned at a corner of the surface, wherein center markers are designed to be positioned at a substantial center of the surface. In an embodiment of the kit, a marker is produced out of a plastic polymer. The use of plastic polymer, such as polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene or polypropylene, ensures that a marker retains its form. As the image analysis is calibrated on the dimensions of the markers, it is imperative that these dimensions stay unaltered over time. If a marker would shrink or bend, it would seriously hamper the windowsill measurements. For this reason, markers constructed out of paper, cardboard or wood are unsuited. Alternatively, a marker can be constructed out of a ferritic alloy under the condition that oxidation or corrosion does not occur, a resin, a high-quality medium-density fiberboard (MDF) or high-density fiberboard (HDF), polyurethane board.

The present invention may be described by the following embodiments:

1. A method for measuring a windowsill, said method comprises a digital measuring step, said digital measuring step comprises the extraction of information regarding the dimensions of said windowsill, wherein one or more markers are positioned on said windowsill and wherein said markers are captured by a recording device such as a camera, thereby capturing one or more images of said windowsill and corresponding markers and analyzing said one or more images by means of image analysis techniques, thereby defining the dimensions of the windowsill.

2. Method according to embodiment 1, wherein based on said dimensions, a windowsill element is produced, which can be placed on the corresponding windowsill or replace said corresponding windowsill.

3. Method according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein contours of the windowsill are determined based on the information relayed by the one or more captured images and wherein optionally said contours are fitted on said one or more images.

4. Method according to embodiment 3, wherein said contours of a captured windowsill are corrected by a predetermined offset.

5. Method according to embodiment 4, wherein data regarding the one or more images and the corrected contours are transferred to a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine for production of the windowsill element.

6. Method according to any of the previous embodiments 1-5, wherein edge markers and center markers are utilized, wherein said edge markers are positioned at a corner of the windowsill, and wherein said center markers are positioned at a substantial center of the surface of the windowsill. 7. Method according to any of the previous embodiments, wherein each marker comprises on its surface one or more submarkers, wherein a submarker is comprised of an outer and inner circle with predetermined radius and center point, wherein the center of said circles coincides.

8. Method according to embodiment 7, wherein each submarker comprises a unique identification code, wherein said code allows determining the orientation and identity of said marker positioned on said windowsill.

9. Method according to any of the previous embodiments, wherein a camera captures one or more images of the windowsill provided with markers positioned on its surface and transmits the one or more images to a processing unit comprising a computer program, wherein the transmission occurs by a wireless signal or by a storage medium.

10. Method according to embodiment 9, wherein the computer program processes the one or more images, wherein the program identifies the markers by means of the submarkers and wherein positional data is retrieved by means of the center points of said submarkers.

11. Method according to any of the embodiments 9-10, wherein the computer program determines the validation of the one or more transmitted images, wherein parameters regarding image quality and identification of the markers are evaluated, wherein image analysis proceeds upon confirmation of the parameters.

12. Method according to any of the embodiments 9-11, wherein, the actual size of the captured surface of the windowsill is calculated by the computer program based on the contours of said surface, wherein the computer program corrects for lens distortion, angle variation and distance of the camera.

13. Method according to any of the previous embodiments 1-12, said method comprises:

- capturing one or more images of a windowsill with a camera, wherein the windowsill is provided with one or more markers, wherein said one or more markers comprise submarkers on their surface, and wherein said one or more images display said windowsill provided with said one or more markers; - analyzing said one or more images by means of a computer-implemented algorithm, said algorithm defines positional information of said markers based on said one or more captured images; positional information of said camera in view of said markers and information on the lens distortion of said camera;

-defining a contour of said windowsill based on information obtained in said previous step;

- defining, based on said obtained contours, a model for a windowsill element.

14. Method according to any of the embodiments 1-13, wherein, said markers are made of a polymer such as polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene or polypropylene.

15. A system for measuring and/or producing a windowsill element suited for placing, renovating or replacing a windowsill, said system comprising a digital measurement system designed to extract information regarding the dimensions of said windowsill, a recording device for capturing one or more images, a processing unit designed to process said dimensional information, a transmitting device for relaying said information to a production unit and a production unit for producing a windowsill element, wherein the system further comprises markers, wherein a marker is a positional tracking component used for the extraction of information, wherein said markers are designed to be positioned and/or attached to a surface of a windowsill.

16. System according to embodiment 15, wherein markers are divided into edge markers and center markers.

17. System according to any of embodiments 15 or 16, wherein each marker comprises one or more submarkers, wherein a submarker is comprised of an outer and inner circle with predetermined radius and center point, wherein the center of said circles coincides.

18. System according to embodiment 17, wherein an individual submarker comprises a unique identification code, wherein said identification codes of the submarkers allow determination of the orientation of a marker that is positioned on the surface, wherein the identification codes of the submarkers allow determination of the identity of an individual marker. 19. System according to any of the embodiments 15-18, wherein the recording device is able to capture one or more images of said windowsill and corresponding markers, wherein the processing unit is able to process the one or more images, wherein the processing unit is capable of identifying the markers by analysis of the position of the submarkers, wherein the center point of the circles of the submarkers is able to determine the position of the marker, wherein the processing unit is capable of determining the validation of the one or more transmitted images, permissive of an evaluation of parameters regarding image quality and identification of the markers, wherein image analysis is able to proceed upon confirmation of the parameters.

The invention is further described by the following non-limiting examples which further illustrate the invention, and are not intended to, nor should they be interpreted to, limit the scope of the invention.

The present invention will be now described in more details, referring to examples that are not limitative.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

With as a goal illustrating better the properties of the invention the following presents, as an example and limiting in no way other potential applications, a description of a number of preferred applications of the method for examining the state of the grout used in a mechanical connection based on the invention, wherein:

Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of markers 1 positioned on a surface 2 of a windowsill 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The process starts by placing markers 1 on the surface 2 of the windowsill 3. Markers 1 are divided into edge markers 1' and center markers 1". Edge markers 1' are arrowshaped and designed to be placed near corners 7, whereby the tip 6 of the edge markers 1' points to the corner. Center markers 1" are rectangular and are placed around the middle 10 of the surface 2. It will be clear to a skilled person that also other forms, other than rectangular markers, can be used. A single edge marker 1' is positioned in each corner 7 of the surface 2 of the windowsill. One or a multitude of center markers 1" are positioned around the middle of the windowsill 3. A camera (not shown) records an image of the surface 2 containing the various markers 1. The image is sent from the camera to a software program (not shown) for image analysis. The software program first checks the quality of the recorded image by verifying the identification of the surface 2 of the windowsill 3 and the markers 1 present on the surface. In a next step the software detects the specific markers 1 in the image. The position and direction of the various markers 1 is analyzed and transformed into two-dimensional coordinates.

Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of markers 1 positioned on a surface 2 of a windowsill 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention, thereby focussing on one side of the windowsill 3 and edge markers 1' pointing towards the corners 7 of the windowsill 3. Based on the captured image, the imaging software determines an outline of the imaged surface 2. The outline is based on the connection of the corners 7 identified in the surface 2 of the windowsill 3. A corner 7 is determined by the position and orientation of an edge marker 1'. The outline is in a first step adjusted by the analysis of the center markers 1" to ensure that the corners 7 are correctly connected. The image is subsequently corrected for potential lens distortions caused by the angle of the camera and the distance of the camera to the surface 2. The two-dimensional coordinates obtained from the captured image and the parameters obtained from the camera are next computationally processed into three-dimensional coordinates. The software finally determines the actual dimensions of the surface 2.

Figure 3 shows a detailed representation of an edge marker 1' according to an embodiment of the present invention. An edge marker 1' is arrow-shaped with the tip 6 of the arrow pointed at a corner 7 of the surface 2 of a windowsill 3. An edge marker 1' comprises one or a multitude of submarkers 13. A submarker 13 comprises two or more concentric circles 14 with the filling of the concentric circles alternating between black 15 and white 16, the largest circle 14' starting with a black 15 filling. A largest circle 14' of a submarker 13 comprises a unique ID code 17, allowing an identification of a marker 1.

Figure 4 shows a detailed representation of a center marker 1" according to an embodiment of the present invention. A center marker 1" is rectangle-shaped 9 and is positioned on the inner section away from the edges of the surface 2 of a windowsill 3. A center marker 1" comprises one or a multitude of submarkers 13. A submarker 13 comprises two or more concentric circles 14 with the filling of the concentric circles alternating between black 15 and white 16, the largest circle 14' starting with a black 15 filling. A largest circle 14' of a submarker 13 comprises a unique ID code 17, allowing an identification of a marker 1. Figure 5 shows a flow diagram of steps associated with the windowsill measuring method. The method starts by placing markers on the surface of a windowsill (part) that is to be renovated 18. Markers are divided into edge markers that are placed at the corners, and center markers that are placed around the middle of the surface of a windowsill (part) 19. An image is captured with a camera, wherein the windowsill part and markers are displayed 20. A first quality control of the image is performed 21. The quality control verifies that the windowsill (part) and markers are in frame and visible. Upon confirmation, the image is wirelessly transmitted to a computer system 22. The software will find all submarkers of each marker present in the image 23. The computer system comprises a computer-implemented algorithm 24. The algorithm first defines positional information of the markers based on the captured image 25. Both the position as well as the identity of the marker(s) (including the distance of the submarkers present on the markers) present on the captured image are defined. The algorithm will also define the position of the marker on the picture and thus windowsill, being either horizontal or vertical. Next, the algorithm will define positional information of the camera in view of the markers, thus defining the position and orientation of the camera 26. Thirdly, the algorithm will define potential lens distortion of the camera 27. Based on the information that is obtained in the previous steps, the algorithm will define a contour of the windowsill (part) of the image 28. All outlines of the contour are classified 29. The calculated contour is subsequently mapped on the windowsill (part) of the image 30. In a next step, the algorithm or a second algorithm will apply a predetermined offset to the contour and calculate margins 31, based on the previous classification of the outlines 29. Finally, the margins are transmitted to a production unit for the production of a renovation windowsill element 32.