How does IA coin recognition work on DirectAlu.com?
This article explains to carpenters, locksmiths and real estate maintenance technicians, in France (Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux) as well as throughout Europe (Germany, Belgium, Spain), the operation of DirectAlu.com's IA Scan: a visual recognition tool that helps identify a detached piece of aluminium carpentry from a simple photo.
1. The problem that Scan IA is trying to solve
On a window, door or sliding aluminium bay installed 15, 20 or 30 years ago, the original reference is almost always erased. There are hundreds of pages in the gammist catalogues, there are many brands (Technal, Schüco, K-Line, Reynaers, Wicona, Giesse, Savio, Fapim...) and two visually close pieces may be incompatible with the millimetre.
The result: finding the right cremon, the right scab or the right waste takes a considerable time, with a high risk of order error. Scan IA aims to reduce this search time by offering an automatic first sort from a photo.
2. The principle: from photo to family of rooms
The Scan IA, developed by our Open Global Solutions (OGSo) technology hub, is based on a visual recognition model driven on aluminum carpentry hardware parts. The user side of the operation is in a few steps:
1. You photograph the disassembled room, from several angles, on a neutral background and with good lighting.
2. The application analyses the overall geometry of the piece: body shape, fixing arrangement, type of mechanism, presence of castors, etc.
3. The model compares this visual signature to its reference base and excludes families of clearly incompatible parts.
4. You get a preselection of families of products and likely references, to be validated on the site's listed technical sheets.
3. Current limitations (and why we assume them)
Let's be transparent: for some families of parts, especially the carts and pebbles of sliding bays, the Scan IA is not yet precise enough to replace a pick-up. A photo does not measure the width of a body to the tenth of a millimetre, nor does it guarantee the exact shape of a roulette throat or attachment bracket.
That's why we always present the IA Scan as a pre-sort aid, not as a verdict. The final purchase decision must be based on the ratings on the back-foot and on the product data sheets. In case of doubt, the measure always prevails over visual recognition.
4. Use the Scan IA: our tips- Photograph on neutral background: a clear and united work plan significantly improves recognition.
- Multiply the angles: face, profile and bottom give the model more information on geometry.
- Clean the room: grease and dust blur the contours analyzed.
- Always confirm by the measure: Raise the key ratings (width, height, distance) before ordering.
5. What if the room is not found?
When neither Scan IA nor the listed cards identify a reference which is still available — a frequent case on the permanently exhausted ranges — DirectAlu activates its industrial network. We can remanufacture some new parts, custom made, from your odds or from the worn piece. Where others require the complete replacement of carpentry, we favour the repairability and circular economy of the second work.
See our complete method: How to identify a sliding bay scoop without reference.
In summary
DirectAlu.com's Scan IA is a diagnostic accelerator: from a photo, it reduces a tedious search to a short list of probable parts. It is not yet a measuring tool: the final confirmation always goes through the ratings and the technical sheets. Combined with our network of leading manufacturers and our custom-made manufacturing capacity, DirectAlu is the most transparent and technical partner for your aluminium carpentry spare parts across Europe.
Identify my piece and order on DirectAlu.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Scan IA recognize all the aluminium carpentry parts?
It covers large hardware families (cremons, handles, pebbles, spoils...), but its accuracy varies according to the type of room. On carts of sliding bays, it is mainly used to pre-sort, the measurement remains indispensable.
Can I directly order the result of Scan IA?
We recommend that the pre-selection be validated on the rated data sheets and ideally confirm with a step-by-step check before placing an order.
Are my photos used to improve the tool?
The model progresses as its image base becomes richer. For any questions about the use of data, refer to DirectAlu.com Terms of Use.
Also read: Top 10 most frequent troubleshoots in aluminium carpentry · Replace a window cremon alu step by step.