Patent Description:
In construction industry, curable compositions are widely used for various applications. Examples of such compositions are mortar, concrete, grout, or screed compositions. These compositions typically comprise binders in combination with solid aggregates.

Binders might be selected from mineral binders, such as e.g. hydraulic binders, as well as organic binders, e.g. curable polymer compositions. Aggregates are chosen depending on the desired properties of the curable compositions. Typically aggregates include sand, gravel, rock flour, and/or polymeric particles.

Regarding sands, for example, usually high-quality river sands have been used up to now. In the future, however, high-quality sands will become rare and hard to obtain. Thus, more and more low-quality sands have to be used, either from natural sources, e.g. low-grade river sands, or from special manufacturing processes, e.g. crushed rocks. This will have a huge impact on the formulations of curable compositions, especially concrete and mortar compositions, since the specific nature of the sands have a significant impact on the properties of the curable compositions. This has to be taken into account properly because, despite the decreasing sand quality, the technical requirements for cured compositions, e.g. hardened concrete or mortar, will remain unchanged or even be raised.

In general, in order to produce curable compositions with desired properties in a targeted manner, it is important to take into account the specific nature of the aggregates. Regarding low-quality sands, for example, it is in particular important to check if with the low-quality sand (i) the nature of fines is critical, (ii) the particle shape is critical and/or if (iii) the fines content is sufficient.

Specifically, the behavior of sand in curable compositions, especially concrete and mortar compositions, depends inter alia on the crushing technique, particle shape, surface texture, fines content, mineral contamination, and grading curve.

Grading curves of sand and aggregates is a key element to calculate the grading of a concrete mix design to ensure a dense packing of sand and aggregates. Thereby, in particular, the particle shape, which in turn depends on the production method or the sand and/or aggregate source, typically influences the needed grading of the concrete mix design.

For manufactured sand, especially items (ii) and (iii) are relevant. The fines content can be determined via sieve analysis. Although it is a standard procedure, it is very time consuming. Sieving shows if the grading curve is as desired or if it has to be modified by mixing with other sand fractions.

In contrast, the particle shape, i.e. the above-mentioned item (ii), is hardly analyzed in daily work in order to optimize the grading curve of a curable composition. This is normally only done if it is needed to control whether the aggregates comply with certain standards. This is due to the fact that analyzing the particle shape of a specific sand is very time consuming and needs special equipment, for example as defined in standard EN <NUM>-<NUM>:<NUM> to -<NUM>:<NUM>.

US <NUM>/<NUM> discloses a system for measuring an angle of repose including a device that holds granular material, and a portable smart device having a camera and a processor. The device is configured to allow part of the granular material to move freely, due to gravity, from an upper chamber to a lower chamber.

<CIT> discloses an analysing apparatus attachable to a smartphone or tablet device and which can interact with an image capture device of said smartphone or tablet to analyse sample material.

The analysis of particle morphology and surface texture of quartz sands by digital image analysis combined with fractal theory is described in the Article "<NPL>.

The imaging of powder materials by transmission electron microscope is described, for example, in the Article "<NPL>).

Thus, there is still a need to provide improved solutions which allow for comprehensively characterizing aggregates.

It is an object of the present invention to provide improved solutions for characterizing aggregates. Aggregates include in particular sands. Thereby, preferably, the solutions should allow for a fast and reliable characterization process with a minimum of equipment required. Especially preferred, the solutions should allow for performing a complete characterization of aggregates in daily practice, in particular with regard to grading curve and their particle shape parameters. Preferably such that with the characterized aggregates, formulations of curable compositions with desired properties can be produced in a targeted manner.

Surprisingly, it has been found that the features of claim <NUM> achieve this object.

The inventive method is a unique approach which can be implemented on conventional mobile devices, such as e.g. smartphones. Thus, there is no need for complex and expensive analysis equipment. The method furthermore allows for a very fast, flexible and accurate digital characterization of solid particles, both in terms of size and shape. Thereby, solid particles of different nature and size can easily be characterized with one and the same hardware devices.

Thanks to the fast and easy way to carry out characterization of solid particles, daily mix design optimization for curable compositions, e.g. for concrete compositions, is possible with neglectable additional effort.

Specifically, the method can be implemented in various ways, e.g. in the form of a standalone application running on the mobile device without need for any further resources such as for example server systems. This is in particular helpful in areas with limited access to communication networks, e.g. far away from urban centers or underground. However, the method can be implemented as well in a distributed computing environment, e.g. comprising the mobile device as a client in combination with a dedicated server as a storage unit and a specialized processing unit.

Also, the inventive method can be implemented in a flexible manner with known software architectures, e.g. as native application, a progressive web application (PWA), or a hybrid application (combination of native and PWA). Thereby, helpful internet links to tutorials or support sites as well as sharing functions (e.g. via e-mail, Bluetooth, Airdrop, or others communication means) can be included in such applications as well. Also, the inventive method can be implemented in one single application or it may be divided into two or more separate applications with appropriate software interfaces for data exchange between the applications. Furthermore, the application(s) can be extended with additional functions in a flexible manner.

Applications can be implemented for any kind of operating systems such as e.g. iOS, Android, Microsoft Windows and/or Linux.

The applications can be made available easily for anyone via different distribution channels, such as e.g. public download centers (for example Apple® Store and Google Play®) private company operated websites and/or dedicated download sites.

Additional aspects of the invention are subject of further independent claims. Particularly preferred embodiments are outlined throughout the description and the dependent claims.

A first aspect of the present invention is directed to a computer-implemented method for characterization of solid particles, especially sand particles, comprising the steps of:.

wherein in step a) the sample area is a two-dimensional sample area which is aligned horizontally and wherein the solid particles are arranged in a single layer and/or such that there is essentially no overlap of particles in the sample area.

In the present context, a mobile computer device in particular is meant to be a handheld computer, i.e. a computer small enough to hold and operate in the hand of a human.

Especially the mobile computer device comprises a human interface device, especially comprising an input device and a display, and, preferably a communication interface, most preferably a wireless communication interface.

The mobile computer device in particular is selected from a mobile phone, a mobile computer or a portable computer. Especially, the mobile computer device is selected from a smartphone, a phablet, a tablet computer, a portable computer, a smartwatch, and/or a head-mounted display with camera. Highly preferred are mobile phones and/or smartphones.

Mobile phones and smartphones typically are equipped with high resolution cameras, an input device and a display. Thereby the input device and the display typically are combined in a touch sensitive display. Therefore, mobile phones and smartphones provide all of the hardware components required for performing the inventive method. Furthermore, such kind of devices can be held stably in the hand, which makes them highly suitable for taking images. At the same time mobile phones and smartphones typically have displays that are large enough for displaying complex data in well readable manner.

The expression "a camera of a mobile computer device" is meant to be an internal camera, which is integrated in the mobile computer device. In contrast, "a camera connected to a mobile computer device" means an external camera, which is a separate device connected to the mobile computer device. For example, the external camera is a camera attachable to the mobile computer device or a standalone camera. The connection between the external camera and the mobile computer device can be a wired and/or a wireless connection. A camera connected to a mobile computer device is not part of the present invention.

Preferably, the camera is a camera for taking images in the visible spectrum, especially color images. Color images allow for considering color properties of the solid particles and/or the predefined sample area in step c) of the inventive method. Thus, preferably, the at least one digital image taken in step b) is a color image. However, if color information is not required, other cameras, e.g. monochromatic cameras, can be used as well. In this case, the image is a monochromatic image, e.g. a black-and-white image.

Also, it is possible to use a camera for taking images outside the visible spectrum, e.g. in the infrared and/or ultraviolet range of the electromagnetic spectrum. Such cameras can be used alternatively or in addition to other cameras. In this case the properties of the solid particles in spectral ranges outside the visible spectrum can be considered in step c).

Preferably, the camera has a resolution of at least <NUM> megapixels, especially at least <NUM> megapixels, preferably at least <NUM> megapixels, particularly at least <NUM> megapixels, highly preferred at least <NUM> megapixels, even more preferred at least <NUM> megapixels or at least more than <NUM> megapixels. Especially, the camera has a resolution of at least <NUM>'<NUM> pixels × at least <NUM>'<NUM> pixels or a so called <NUM>, preferably <NUM>, more preferably <NUM>, especially <NUM> resolution. The higher the resolution the smaller solid particles can be identified in the sample area. However, for special embodiments, cameras with lower resolutions might be suitable as well. Especially, the mobile computer device is configured for automatically recognizing the camera resolution.

Especially, a size of the optical sensor of the camera is at least <NUM> (<NUM>/<NUM>"), in particular at least <NUM> (<NUM>/<NUM>"), preferably at least <NUM> (<NUM>/<NUM>"), preferably at least <NUM> (<NUM>/<NUM>"), particularly at least <NUM> (<NUM>/<NUM>") or at least <NUM> (<NUM>/<NUM>"). Particularly, a size of the optical sensor of the camera is from <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM>/<NUM>" to <NUM>").

Put differently, a size of the optical sensor of the camera in terms of width × height preferably is at least <NUM> × <NUM>, in particular at least <NUM> × <NUM>, preferably at least <NUM> × <NUM>, preferably at least <NUM> × <NUM>, particularly at least <NUM> × <NUM> or at least <NUM> × <NUM>. Particularly, a size of the optical sensor of the camera in terms of width × height is from <NUM> × <NUM> to <NUM> × <NUM>.

In general, the larger the sensor size, the more light can be captured by the sensor, which in turn improves the image quality. However, cameras with other sensor sizes might be suitable as well.

Additionally, supplementary lenses might be added to the camera, e.g. for extending or shortening the focal length of the camera.

Also, if available, additional internal wide angle and/or magnification lenses, both optical and/or digital, of the mobile computer device can be accesses on demand for taking the at least one digital image.

The predefined sample area is a two-dimensional sample area.

The two-dimensional sample area preferably is a flat area, especially a flat rectangular area. The two-dimensional sample area is aligned horizontally and/or it is a horizontal sample area.

In the predefined two-dimensional sample area, the solid samples are arranged in a single layer and/or such that there is essentially no overlap of particles in the sample area.

Alternatively or in addition, image processing algorithms that are designed for identifying individual solid particles in particle agglomerates can be used in step c). These special measures will prevent that overlapping of solid particles is biasing the analysis.

Preferably, the predefined two-dimensional sample area, comprises a reference scale and/or has a known size. A reference scale might for example be a character, a geometrical form, a ruler and/or a reference object of known size in the sample area. This allows for a precise determination of the size of the predefined sample area and a precise extraction of particle size parameters in step c).

Preferably, the mobile computer device is configured for automatically determining the size of the predefined two-dimensional sample area, based on the reference scale.

In addition or alternatively, the predefined two-dimensional sample area, has a predefined known size. In this case, preferably, the mobile computer device is configured for setting a predefined size, e.g. from a list of predefined sizes. In this case, no reference scale is required.

Especially, a thin sheet material, preferably of predefined size, is used as the predefined two-dimensional sample area. For example a sheet of paper, e.g. a DIN A5, A4, or A3 paper, is used as the thin sheet material. Also, papers with other formats, such as e.g. tabloid, letter or statement format, can be used. Additionally, a reference scale can be present on the thin sheet material. Preferably, the mobile computer device is configured for automatically determining the size of the predefined two-dimensional sample area.

Papers as predefined sample areas are readily available and rather cheap.

In general, the size of the predefined two-dimensional sample area, affects the minimum identifiable particle size. The smaller the size of the sample area, the smaller solid particles can be identified in the predefined two-dimensional sample area. Thus, for characterizing small particles, small predefined two-dimensional sample areas, are beneficial. Small particles in particular are particles with a particle size D90 not higher than <NUM>, preferably not higher than <NUM>, especially no higher than <NUM>.

Especially, the predefined sample area, in particular the thin sheet material, has a specific color different from the color of the solid particles. This helps to identify individual solid particles in step c) because the grain dimensions and the identification of particles close to the limit of the camera resolution can be identified better. Thus, preferably, the imaging particle analysis comprises a step of subtracting a specific background color.

Especially, the specific color of the predefined two-dimensional sample area, is white. This results in a high contrast when characterizing solid particles typically used in curable compositions, such as e.g. sand particles. However, for other particles, different specific colors of the predefined sample area might be preferable.

Preferably, the predefined two-dimensional sample area, in particular the thin sheet material, is placed on a surface, which in all directions of space is larger than the predefined two-dimensional sample area, and that has a color that is different than the color of the predefined sample area. In particular, the color of the surface is chosen to show a high contrast with regard to the predefined two-dimensional sample area. For example, if the color of the predefined sample area is white, the color of the surface is black.

In these cases, the predefined two-dimensional sample area, is fully surrounded by a frame of a different color. This helps to identify the predefined two-dimensional sample area, in the digital image.

According to a further preferred embodiment, a light emitting luminous surface is used as the predefined two-dimensional sample area. Thereby, the luminous surface in particular is illuminated with a light source such that the luminous surface emits light with a homogeneous light distribution over the whole surface.

Especially, a light table pad, in particular a light pad, is used as the predefined sample area. This is an advantageous possibility to provide a light emitting luminous surface. A light table comprises a flat and luminous surface to be oriented horizontally that is illuminated with a light source from the backside. Especially, the luminous surface consists of a translucent layer that is illuminated from the backside with the light source.

A light pad in particular is a thin light table which a thickness of less than <NUM>% or less than <NUM>% of the width and less than <NUM>% or less than <NUM>% of the length of the luminous surface. Light tables and light pads are known, e.g. in the field of graphics, and commercially available.

When using a light emitting luminous surface, especially a light table, as the sample area, the sample of solid particles is arranged on top of the luminous surface, especially on the frontside of the luminous surface.

Compared to other predefined sample areas, such as e.g. papers, luminous surfaces, especially light tables or light pads, are in particular beneficial since shadows of the sample particles can be omitted, the contrast can be increased, less artefacts are produced, better particle recognition, especially of bright particles and/or small particles, is possible, and the fit of calculated outlines can be improved which in turn increases accuracy of particle shape parameter and particle size determination. Overall, the accuracy of the results can be improved.

Especially, the luminous surface is illuminated such that it emits a color different than the color of the solid particles, preferably the luminous surface is illuminated such that it emits white light.

In particular, the light source comprises a source of withe light. Optionally the light source additionally comprises a source of light of a color different from white. In particular, the color of the light source is switchable between the different colors. Colors different than white enhance detection of whitish, bright sands.

In particular, the light source is an LED light source. Compared to other light sources, this allows for minimizing heat evolution on the translucent surface or in the sample area, respectively. This reduces the risk of thermally induced changes of the sample.

LED may cause temporal light modulation disturbances. Temporal light modulation is a change in the luminous quantity or spectral distribution of light over time. Such modulations may result in undesirable visual perceptions such as flickering, stroboscopic effects and phantom array effects. Such effects are also known as temporal light artefacts. Such effects are described for example by <NPL>. It is preferable within the present context, to avoid such temporal light modulation and effects resulting therefrom. Thus, according to some embodiments, the light source is configured to avoid effects resulting from temporal light modulation.

Preferably, the light emitting luminous surface, especially a light table or a light pad, is configured such that the light intensity of the luminous surface can be adjusted, especially continuously or in discrete steps. For example, the light emitting luminous surface, especially the light table or the light pad, is configured such that the light intensity can be switched between <NUM> - <NUM>, especially <NUM> - <NUM>, different light intensities.

In a further preferred embodiment, the light emitting luminous surface, especially the light table or the light pad, is configured such that it emits polarized light. This can e.g. be achieved by using a light source producing polarized light and/or a polarization filter arranged behind, on top of and/or within the luminous surface. A polarization filter can e.g. be selected from a foil. Polarized light can be used to further enhance the determination of the particle parameters and shapes. A foil can also be a colored foil.

In further preferred embodiments, the emitted light is such that it does not cause interferences.

Furthermore, the luminous surface, especially of a light table or a light pad can, be covered with a protective foil, e.g. for increasing scratch resistance, whereby preferably the protective foil is transparent with respect to the emitted light of the luminous surface. In particular, the protective foil is made of synthetic material. Especially, the protective foil is a replaceable foil.

Particularly, the light emitting luminous surface, especially the light table or the light pad, comprises a frame surrounding the light emitting luminous surface, whereby, the frame has a color different than the light emitting luminous surface, especially a darker color than the light emitting luminous surface, in particular a black color. This helps to identify the predefined two-dimensional sample area, in the digital image.

For example, as size of the light emitting luminous surface, especially of the light table or the light pad, is equal to the size of a DIN A5, A4, or A3 paper or has the size of the tabloid, letter or statement format. Typically, light pads are slightly bigger in size than any of the afore mentioned formats to ensure that a paper of a given format would fit perfectly to a light pad of such format. Thus, the actual size of the light emitting luminous surface, especially of the light table or the light pad, may also be slightly bigger than any of the afore mentioned formats. Preferably, the mobile computer device is configured for manually and/or automatically determining the size of the light emitting luminous surface.

Taking the at least one digital image of the sample of solid particles with the camera preferably is performed under daylight conditions and/or with a light source, e.g. a flashlight, for illuminating the solid particles. Thereby, the light used for illuminating the solid particles preferably is well dispersed in order to avoid shadows and light inhomogeneities. The mobile computer device preferably is configured for automatically adjusting light conditions in order to obtain a balanced exposure.

In a further preferred embodiment, the camera is aligned plane-parallel, especially horizontally, to the predefined two-dimensional sample area. Preferably, the mobile computer device is configured for automatically warning the user and/or for preventing taking the at least one image as long as there is a non-plane-parallel alignment. In this case, the mobile computer device preferably comprises at least one position sensor which can be assessed when performing the inventive method.

Especially, the camera is aligned horizontally, in particular horizontally and plane-parallel to the predefined sample area, when taking the at least one digital image of the sample of solid particles in step b). Thereby, preferably, the predefined sample area is a horizontal area and/or it is aligned horizontally. Horizontal alignment can be conducted manually or by using a supporting function that are known to the skilled person.

Especially, the camera is aligned horizontally if its optical axis runs vertically. The optical axis is an imaginary line that defines the path along which light propagates through the camera system.

Taking the at least one digital image of the sample of solid particles in step b) with the camera in horizontal alignment, in particular horizontally and plane-parallel to the predefined sample area, greatly simplifies the image capturing process. Specifically, by adjusting the height of the camera over the predefined sample area, a share of the sample area in the image can be easily maximized with the horizontal alignment.

Also, a horizontal alignment of the predefined sample area or a horizontal sample area is beneficial since the solid particles will automatically remain stable and motionless in their position during the image capturing process. Thereby, the predefined sample area can for example be located on a table or any other essentially horizontal surface.

With the camera in vertical alignment and a non-horizontal alignment of the sample area, this is less convenient and requires special measures to keep the solid particles of the sample in place.

However, the method can be implemented as well with a non-plane-parallel alignment of the camera.

In particular, when taking the at least one digital image of the sample of solid particles with a camera of a mobile computer device in step b), the solid particles of the sample remain motionless. This significantly improves the image quality and the imaging particle analysis in step c).

In a further preferred embodiment, at least two consecutive digital images of the sample area are taken. In this case, preferably, step c) is performed with the at least two digital images. This can be helpful for increasing the number of statistical counts and for more precisely determining the at least one particle size parameter and at least one particle shape parameter. In particular, in step c), the at least two digital images are superimposed.

Especially, when taking the at least one image, the camera is aligned so that a share of the sample area in the image is maximized. This can be implemented for example by providing alignment instructions to the user and/or by automatically adjusting at least one setting of the camera, e.g. the focal length of the camera. Thus, preferably, the mobile computer device is configured accordingly.

Highly preferred, a minimum detectable particle size is calculated, preferably by taking into account the resolution of the camera, the area share of the sample area in the total area of the image, and the real size of the sample area. Preferably, the mobile computer device is configured accordingly.

Especially, if the minimum detectable particle size is below a predetermined threshold, a warning is provided to the user, alignment instructions are provided to the user and/or a setting of the camera, e.g. the focal distance, is adjusted. The predetermined threshold can e.g. be set manually. This helps to avoid taking images under unsuitable conditions.

The imaging particle analysis of the at least one digital image in step c) can be implemented with known and readily available image analysis algorithms, e.g. by using software packages and/or libraries provided in Matlab (by MathWorks®), OpenCV (cf. https://opencv. org), ImageJ (by Wayne Rasband; cf. https://imagej. net) and/or artificial intelligence algorithms.

The at least one particle size parameter extracted preferably comprises at least one of the following parameters:.

According to especially preferred embodiments, the at least one particle size parameter extracted comprises or is the particle size distribution of the population of particles identified in the at least one digital image.

These are highly relevant parameters when providing formulations of curable compositions with solid particles. However, other parameters might be provided as well.

Thereby, the extracted particle size distribution in particular is meant to correspond to the particle size distribution as defined in standard EN <NUM>-<NUM>:<NUM>.

Another possible way to determine particle size distribution is laser light diffraction as described in ISO <NUM>:<NUM>. Thus, the extracted particle size distribution in especially is meant to correspond to the particle size distribution as defined in standard ISO <NUM>:<NUM>.

A Dx value has the meaning that a proportion of the given assembly of particles of x% has a lower particle size than the given value. Thus, a D<NUM> value, for example, means that <NUM>% of the assembly of particles has a particle size smaller than the D<NUM> value given. Accordingly, the average particle size corresponds in particular to the D<NUM> value (<NUM>% of the particles are smaller than the given value, <NUM>% are correspondingly bigger).

In general, the at least one particle size parameter extracted preferably comprises at least the particle size distribution of the population of particles identified in the at least one digital image.

Especially, for particle sizes below the minimum detectable particle size, the particle size distribution may be extrapolated based on the extracted particle size distribution. For example, polynomial extrapolation is used, especially based on Lagrange interpolation or using Newton's method of finite differences to create a Newton series that fits the extracted particle size distribution.

Especially, the at least one particle shape parameter extracted comprises at least one of the following parameters:.

These are parameters that so far are hardly analyzed in daily work. However, they have significant influence for optimizing the grading curve of a curable composition.

Especially, the particle shape parameters are meant to correspond to the shape parameters as defined in standards EN <NUM>-<NUM>:<NUM> to -<NUM>:<NUM>.

Especially, the particle shape parameters include the aspect ratio expressed as the maximum Feret diameter to the minimum Feret diameter.

Further shape parameters which can be extracted are given in <NPL>.

In particular, the at least one particle shape parameter is extracted with regard to particles of a predetermined size only, especially to particles larger than a given threshold size. For relatively small particles, the particle shape of solid particles affects the properties of curable compositions less. For example, the at least one particle shape parameter is extracted with regard to particles > <NUM>, in particular > <NUM>.

Nevertheless, it is possible to analyze the shape parameters of all solid particles if desired.

Furthermore, it is possible to extract the at least one particle shape parameter with regard to particles larger than a given lower threshold size and particles smaller than a given upper threshold size. Thereby, in particular, at least two, at least three or more different particle shape parameters can be extracted simultaneously within the range between the lower threshold and the upper threshold.

This allows for identifying shape parameters of particles with specific sizes, which are for example known to affect certain properties of interest of curable compositions, such as e.g. the rheology of a curable composition.

According to another preferred implementation, for each of at least two or more predefined size fractions, e.g. sieve size fractions, of the particles, at least one individual particle shape parameter is extracted. Thereby, especially, at least one individual mean value of the at least one particle shape parameter is extracted for each size fraction. This allows for providing detailed information about the size dependent distribution of the particle shape parameters.

For example, a mean value of the at least one particle shape parameter is provided for each of the least two or more predefined particle size fractions, e.g. sieve size fractions, separately. Optionally, the particle counts per size fraction can be normalized by the volume of the particles considered, e.g. in order to obtain data comparable to particle size distributions. In addition, in this case, at least two, at least three or more different particle shape parameters can be provided simultaneously.

Such data can e.g. be presented in a bar plot with the predefined particle size fractions as categories and the corresponding mean values of the at least one particle shape parameters in the form of bars with heights or lengths proportional to the values that they represent.

Furthermore, it is possible to provide the mean value of the at least one particle shape parameter with regard to particles in several selected size fractions, e.g. particles being present in size fractions above and/or below a given fraction threshold. Similar to the above, this allows for identifying shape parameters of particles in size fractions, which are for example known to affect certain properties of interest of curable compositions.

In a further preferred implementation, for each of the at least one digital image, an outline image is generated. An outline image is also called a contour image and comprises the outlines of all of the identified particles in the digital image. The outline image can be made available in step d) via a user interface, via a machine interface and/or on a data storage medium. For example, the outline image can be displayed within the application and/or stored on an external server. The outline image can serve as tool to evaluate the quality of the digital image and/or the analysis performed.

Especially, in step b), at least two, preferably at least three, in particular at least five or at least ten, digital images are taken and for each image a particle analysis is performed in step c), and by taking into account each of the at least one particle size parameter, and optionally the at least one particle shape parameter, individually extracted from the at least two images, a deviation, especially the standard deviation, of the at least one particle size parameter, and optionally the at least one particle shape parameter is determined. The deviation can serve as tool to evaluate the quality of the digital images and/or the analysis performed.

Especially, if a deviation is above a predetermined threshold, a warning can be provided to the user and/or if a deviation is above a predetermined threshold, a digital image and/or an outline image giving rise to diverging parameters might be identified and/or indicated.

Preferably, the inventive method further comprises the step of assigning at least one attribute of the sample of solid particles. Especially, the attribute is selected from:.

Especially, the "manufactured" particles are meant to be aggregates as defined e.g. in the <NPL>.

Preferably, the mobile computer device is configured to query the at least one attribute of the sample of solid particles attributes, especially before, during and/or after steps a) to b).

Especially, a unique identifier of the sample of solid particles is generated automatically.

In particular, the method is at least partly, especially completely, performed on the mobile computer device.

In case the method is completely performed on the mobile computer device, the complete characterization can take place on the mobile computer device without requiring any communication network. Also, the at least one digital image, preferably together with the at least one attribute can be stored on the mobile computer device, e.g. for sharing, recalling and/or further evaluation.

Preferably, the mobile computer device is configured such that the at least one digital image, preferably together with the at least one attribute can be transferred to an external device via communication means, e.g. a communication interface of the mobile device, for storing. Likewise, the mobile computer device preferably is configured for recalling the stored data from the external device. According to another preferred implementation, the image analysis in step c) and/or the making available in step d) is/are conducted on a separate computer device, e.g. on a server.

In this case, preferably, the at least one digital image, preferably together with the at least one attribute is transferred to the external device via communication means, e.g. a communication interface of the mobile device. Such a decentralized solution is beneficial since computationally intensive step c) can be performed on another device which in turn helps to increase runtime of the mobile computer device. Furthermore, steps c) and/or d) can be optimized by updating the software part on the side of the external device without the user having to update the software part on the mobile computer device.

Thereby, if there is no communication network available, the at least one digital image, preferably together with the at least one attribute, can be stored temporarily on the mobile computer device and transferred to the external device later on when the communication network is available.

In this case, the image, preferably together with the at least one attribute, is stored on an external computer device, e.g. a server, in particular for sharing, recalling and/or further evaluation.

In step d) the at least one particle size parameter and the at least one particle shape parameter are made available via a user interface, via a machine interface and/or on a data storage medium. If desired, the at least one digital image, optionally together with the at least one attribute, can be made available in addition. However, this is not a requirement since for daily work the image as such is hardly important for a user.

If the data is made available via a user interface, this can be done directly on the mobile computer device and/or an external computer device. Thereby, for example the at least one particle size parameter and the at least one particle shape parameter are plotted in a graph, e.g. the particle size distribution, and/or presented in an animated plot, e.g. in a roundness versus sphericity plot or the bar plot of mean particle size parameter versus sieve opening.

Making available the data via a machine interface allows for transferring the data to an external computer device, e.g. a server and/or a desktop computer.

Also it is possible to make available the data on a data storage medium, e.g. on an internal data storage medium of the mobile computer device, a storage device attached to the mobile computer device and/or on a storage device of an external computer.

Especially, the at least one particle size parameter and the at least one particle shape parameter, optionally together with the at least one attribute, and optionally with the at least one image, are written in a data file with predefined file format. the file format is chosen from json, csv, txt and/or pdf. However, other file formats can be used as well. Typically, the data file does not include the at least one image. This helps to reduce the file size.

In particular, the data file is transferred to another application, a further mobile computer device and/or an external computer device. Transfer can be effected by any kind of communication means, e.g. wireless communication and/or wired communication. This allows a user to share the characterization of the solid particles with other users, transfer it to another application for further evaluation and/or to a data storage server. Thus, preferably, the mobile computer device is configured for transferring a data file to another application, a further mobile computer device and/or an external computer device.

A size of the solid particles for example ranges from ><NUM> to <NUM>, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>, especially from <NUM> to <NUM>. Such kind of particles are typically used in curable compositions. However, the method can be used for characterization of other particles as well.

In particular, the solid particles of the sample are selected from sand, aggregates, fibers and/or glass spheres. However, other solid particles can be used as well, especially sand replacements, manufactured sands, crushed and/or recycled construction materials, bio aggregates, natural or synthetic fibers and/or polymeric particles.

Further advantageous configurations of the invention are evident from the exemplary embodiments.

<FIG> shows a flow chart of an inventive computer-implemented method <NUM>. In a first step <NUM>, a sample of solid particles to be analyzed, e.g. a sand sample with particle sizes ranging from ><NUM> to <NUM>, is provided on a two-dimensional sample area of known size. The sample area is for example formed by a sheet of paper of A4 size.

In a second step <NUM>, a digital image of the sample of solid particles is taken with a camera of a mobile computer device, e.g. a smartphone. The camera for example has a <NUM> resolution.

Thereafter, in a third step <NUM>, an imaging particle analysis of the digital image is performed for extracting at least one particle size parameter, e.g. the particle size distribution, and/or at least one particle shape parameter, e.g. roundness or sphericity, of the population of particles identified in the at least one digital image.

In a fourth step <NUM>, the at least one particle size parameter and the at least one particle shape parameter are made available via a user interface, e.g. a display of the mobile computer device.

In an optional fifth step 15a, a formulation of a curable composition comprising at least a binder and solid particles is provided, whereby nature and/or proportion of at least one component of the formulation, especially an additive, e.g. a plasticizer, in the formulation, is determined by taking into account the at least one particle size parameter and the at least one particle shape parameter.

Alternatively or in addition, in an optional step 15b, a curable composition comprising at least a binder and solid particles is provided,
whereby step 15b comprises mixing the solid particles with the binder and any optional further component, whereby, the at least one particle size parameter and the at least one particle shape parameter are considered for determining nature and/or proportion of at least one of the components, especially of an additive, in the composition.

<FIG> shows a schematic overview of a system <NUM> (not claimed) comprising means for carrying out the method shown in <FIG>.

Specifically, the system <NUM> comprises a smartphone <NUM> with a camera <NUM>, a touch sensitive display comprising input device <NUM> and a display <NUM>, a data processing unit <NUM> with a random access memory, a data storage device <NUM> and a wireless communication interface <NUM>.

In operation, an application <NUM> is executed in the data processing unit <NUM>, whereby the application is configured for performing steps <NUM> and <NUM> of the method described with <FIG>.

Specifically, the application <NUM> assists a user in taking an image of solid particles in a two-dimensional sample area <NUM> with the built-in smartphone camera <NUM>. Thereby, the application is for example configured for automatically warning the user and/or for preventing taking the image as long as there is a non-plane-parallel alignment. This can be achieved by assessing the position sensors of the smartphone (not shown). Also, the application is configured for automatically adjusting light conditions in order to obtain a balanced exposure. The digital image taken is stored in the random access memory and/or the data storage <NUM>.

Additionally, the application <NUM> asks the user to enter one or more attributes of the sample via the input device and assigns a unique identifier to the sample. Attributes are e.g. the maximum grain size of the solid particles, the type of the solid particles (natural, crushed, manufactured, recycled; re-used solid particles), the state of the solid particles (wet or dry), the pretreatment (washed or untreated), the location of the source of the solid particles, the intended use (project name, customer name); and/or a general comment.

The query can e.g. be made by presenting to the user input fields, selection fields, maps and/or text input fields on the display <NUM> and storing the data provided by the user via the input device <NUM> together with the at least digital image in the random access memory and/or the data storage <NUM>.

For example, the location of the source of particles can be provided manually by the user, e.g. by entering geo coordinates in input fields and/or by marking the position on a map shown on the display <NUM>. It is however possible to automatically provide the location of the source of the solid particles e.g. by sensors of a global navigation satellite system, such as e.g. GPS, Galileo, Beidou and/or Glonass sensors. Thereby, the user might be requested to confirm the automatically determined position.

In the system <NUM> shown in <FIG>, step <NUM> of the method shown in <FIG> is performed on an external server 21a. Specifically, the image taken with the smartphone camera <NUM>, optionally together with the attributes, is transferred via the wireless communication interface <NUM> (or any other communication interface) and a network (e.g. the internet; not shown) to the server 21a. The server 21a receives the data via its communication interface 28a and forwards it to an imaging particle analysis application 26a running in a processing unit 25a.

The image, optionally together with the attributes can be stored on a data storage 29a of the server 21a for later sharing, recalling and/or further evaluation.

The application 26a performs an imaging particle analysis of the digital image whereby at least one particle size parameter, e.g. the particle size distribution, and at least one particle shape parameter, e.g. roundness or sphericity, of the population of particles identified in the at least one digital image is extracted. Thereby one or more attributes may be considered in the analysis as well.

The application 26a is implemented for example with image analysis algorithms such as e.g. software packages and/or libraries provided in Matlab, OpenCV and/or ImageJ, and/or with artificial intelligence software.

After the image analysis is finished, the at least one particle size parameter, e.g. the particle size distribution, and at least one particle shape parameter, e.g. roundness or sphericity, are sent back to the smartphone <NUM> or the application <NUM> being executed on it, respectively, via the communication interfaces 28a, <NUM>.

The application 25a then makes available the at least one particle size parameter and/or the at least one particle shape parameter via the display <NUM>, or saves the parameters on the data storage <NUM>, preferably together with the attributes, for later sharing, recalling and/or further evaluation. This data can be stored for example in the form of a data file having a file format chosen from json, csv, txt, pdf, and/or a proprietary file format. Especially, a file format capable of being read by the application called "Sika Mix Design App" and/or any other additional application is chosen. See <FIG> for an example.

Additionally, the application <NUM> is configured for sharing the at least one particle size parameter and the at least one particle shape parameter and the attributes with another user by sending them, in particular as a data file, via the communication interface <NUM> to a further computer device <NUM>, e.g. a smartphone of another user. This can for example be initiated by the user via input device <NUM>, e.g. by pressing a button shown on the display <NUM>.

Furthermore, the system <NUM> may comprise an optional mix design application <NUM>, which can be executed with the processing unit <NUM>. The mix design application is configured for providing a formulation of a curable composition comprising at least a binder and solid particles is provided, whereby nature and/or proportion of at least one component of the formulation, especially an additive, e.g. a plasticizer, in the formulation, is determined by taking into account the at least one particle size parameter and the at least one particle shape parameter obtained with the first application <NUM>.

Thus, for example, the first application can forward the at least one particle size parameter and the at least one particle shape parameter, and optionally the attributes, to the mix design application <NUM> via an appropriate application interface. Also the data to be sent to the mix design application <NUM> can be provided and transferred to the mix design application <NUM> in the form of a data file. In addition or alternatively, the mix design application can be configured for loading this data from the data storage <NUM> and/or in the form of a data file.

The mix design application <NUM> is configured for making available the formulation provided on the display <NUM>, sending it via the communication interface <NUM> to another computer system, e.g. server 21a, or to a further smartphone <NUM>, and/or save it on the data storage <NUM> for later sharing, recalling and/or further evaluation.

<FIG> shows a schematic view of step <NUM> of the method shown in <FIG>. Thereby, a user (not shown), holding a smartphone <NUM> in his hands, takes an image of a sample of solid particles L (large), M (medium), S (small) of different sizes, e.g. sand particles with particle sizes ranging from ><NUM> to <NUM>, being provided on a white sheet of paper of A4 size serving as a two-dimensional sample area <NUM>. The sheet of paper is placed on a surface with high contrast, e.g. black surface, 30a that in all directions of space is larger than the two-dimensional sample area <NUM>. Thus, the two-dimensional sample area <NUM> is fully surrounded by a frame of a different color.

<FIG> shows an example of the structure of a data file <NUM> in pdf file format. The data file <NUM> comprises a table <NUM> with attributes provided by the user, e.g. the type of the solid particles (natural, crushed, manufactured, recycled; re-used solid particles), the state of the solid particles (wet or dry), the pretreatment (washed or untreated), the location of the source of the solid particles, the intended use (project name, customer name); and/or a general comment.

Also, the file <NUM> comprises a graph <NUM> representing the particle size distribution, a table <NUM> comprising the calculated sieve size pass rate of the solid particles and/or the calculated proportion of retained solid particles, and a table <NUM> with statistical parameters, such as D<NUM>, D<NUM>, D<NUM>, and D<NUM> values as well as the fineness modulus of the solid particles analyzed.

Furthermore, the file <NUM> comprises a two-dimensional plot <NUM> indicating the mean particle shape (for example roundness or sphericity) with a marker 55a. Additionally, the file <NUM> comprises a bar plot <NUM> displaying the mean value of selected particle shape parameters (for example roundness, sphericity and aspect ratio) per particle sieve size fraction. A more detailed view of the bar plot <NUM> is shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a flow chart of another computer-implemented method <NUM> (not claimed). Thereby, the particle size distribution and at least one particle shape parameter of a sample of solid particles are provided in a first step <NUM>. These parameters can be obtained with the method shown in <FIG> or with any other method, e.g. manually.

Subsequently, in next step 62a, a formulation of a curable composition comprising at least a binder and solid particles is provided, whereby nature and/or proportion of at least one component of the formulation, especially an additive, e.g. a plasticizer, in the formulation, is determined by taking into account the particle size distribution and the at least one particle shape parameter.

This can be achieved with a mix design application as described above, i.e. mix design application <NUM>. This application is configured for making available the formulation provided on the display <NUM>, sending it via the communication interface <NUM> to another computer system, e.g. server 21a, or to a further smartphone <NUM>, and/or save it on the data storage <NUM> for later sharing, recalling and/or further evaluation.

Alternatively or in addition, in an optional step 62b, a curable composition comprising at least a binder and solid particles is provided, whereby step 62b comprises mixing the solid particles with the binder and any optional further component, whereby, the at least one particle size parameter and/or the at least one particle shape parameter are considered for determining nature and/or proportion of at least one of the components, especially of an additive, in the composition.

As a representative example, a curable mortar composition comprising cement (CEM I), water, a plasticizer (Sika® Viscocrete® <NUM> P) and silica sand (D85-value = <NUM>) was produced as follows:.

Thus, when considering the shape parameters, it is possible to predict a mortar composition that has a slump flow very close to the desired target value. Without the shape parameters, the deviation from the target slum flow is significantly higher.

Similar tests have been performed with other sands (not shown here). A statistical evaluation of the data has shown that considering the particle shape parameters for calculating a mortar composition having a desired target slump flow is highly relevant in general and results in significantly better predictions when compared with calculations that are not taking into account the shape parameters.

<FIG> shows an outline plot overlaid over the corresponding digital image. The outline plot can be used in addition to check the quality of the digital image and/or the analysis performed.

<FIG> shows a schematic view of a light pad <NUM> which can be used as the two dimensional sample area <NUM> instead of the sheet of paper used in the setup of <FIG>. The light pad comprises of a light emitting luminous surface <NUM> made of a translucent layer that is illuminated with a white LED light source <NUM> (indicated by a dashed rectangle) from the backside. The light emitting luminous surface <NUM> has a size of a DIN A4 paper and is fully surrounded by a black frame <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a sample of particles on the non-illuminated surface of the light pad <NUM> of <FIG> (left side) and the same sample of particles on the illuminated surface of the light pad <NUM> of <FIG> (right side). As evident from the comparison, the contrast on the right side is clearly better and there are no shadows visible.

<FIG> shows an example of the particle counts of a sample of sand particles with a particle size > <NUM> per particle sieve size fractions (right axis), and additionally the corresponding mean values of three different particle shape parameters (roundness/R, sphericity/SP and aspect ratio/AR) per particle sieve size fraction (left axis).

The data shown in <FIG> was obtained with the method and the system described in <FIG>. The application <NUM> used in this method may be further configured to calculate an overall mean value of the particle shape parameters for a selectable range of particle sieve size fractions, e.g. from a lower threshold of <NUM> to an upper threshold of <NUM> or alternatively from a lower threshold of <NUM> up the maximum sieve size fraction of <NUM>.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms. The presently disclosed implementations and embodiments are therefore considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restricted.

For example, instead of using server 21a, the application <NUM> can be configured as a standalone application capable of executing all of the steps <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and optionally 15a of the method of <FIG>.

Likewise, it is possible to omit optional functions of the system <NUM> (not claimed), e.g. sharing of data with other computer devices, or adding additional functions, such as for example automatically retrieving of positional data via positioning sensors.

The method can as well be used for characterizing solid particles other than sands.

Claim 1:
Computer-implemented method for characterization of solid particles, especially sand particles, comprising the steps of:
a) Providing a sample of solid particles to be analyzed in a predefined sample area;
b) Taking at least one digital image of the sample of solid particles with a camera of a mobile computer device;
c) Performing an imaging particle analysis of the at least one digital image for extracting at least one particle size parameter, and optionally at least one particle shape parameter, of the population of particles identified in the at least one digital image;
d) Making available the at least one particle size parameter, and optionally the at least one particle shape parameter, via a user interface, via a machine interface and/or on a data storage medium,
characterized in that in step a) the sample area is a two-dimensional sample area which is aligned horizontally and wherein the solid particles are arranged in a single layer and/or such that there is essentially no overlap of particles in the sample area.