3D Depth Camera Package Wall Segmentation for Trailer Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inefficient packing of packages in commercial trailers leads to increased shipping costs and poor loading habits, as the construction of package walls obstructs visibility and efficient arrangement within the trailer.
Innovation Solution
A 3D imaging system and method for segmenting and tracking package walls using a 3D-depth camera and segmentation application, providing real-time metrics on wall quality, depth, and height to improve loading operations and employee training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If package walls are constructed from rear to front in commercial trailers, then packing efficiency is improved, but visibility of previous package walls is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses imaging devices to create visual copies (images) of package walls that are blocked from direct view. These images are transmitted to display devices, allowing dock managers to see copies of package walls that would otherwise be obscured by newly constructed walls, thus maintaining visibility while preserving the efficient rear-to-front construction sequence
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary imaging and display mechanism between the physical package walls and the human observer. Instead of directly viewing the package walls, dock managers observe images transmitted through the system, which acts as a mediator that bypasses the physical obstruction caused by the loading sequence
2Productivity
If more package walls are constructed to improve packing efficiency, then shipping costs are reduced, but tracking and monitoring becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it captures images of package walls, transmits them to display devices, and enables monitoring of loading operations. This multi-functional approach simplifies tracking by consolidating surveillance, documentation, and monitoring capabilities into a single system, making it easier to track numerous package walls without proportionally increasing complexity
3Productivity
If real-time monitoring of package walls is implemented, then loading operations are optimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dock managers to independently monitor and assess loading operations in real-time through displayed images, allowing them to identify and correct loading habit issues without requiring complex centralized control or additional personnel intervention. The system serves itself by providing all necessary monitoring information directly to the operator
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances visibility and efficiency in loading operations by allowing real-time monitoring and optimization of package wall construction, reducing shipping costs and improving loading practices.
Implementation Method 1
A 3D imaging system and method for segmenting and tracking package walls using a 3D-depth camera
Data Source
AI summary
Three-dimensional (3D) imaging systems and methods for segmenting and tracking package walls in commercial trailer loading are described. A 3D-depth camera is oriented in a direction to capture 3D image data of a vehicle storage area. A first portion of the 3D image data is captured by the 3D-depth camera during a first time period and a second portion of the 3D image data is captured by the 3D-depth camera during a second time period. A segmentation application (app) determines, based on the 3D image data, a first data wall slice corresponding to a first package wall and a second data wall slice corresponding to a second package wall, where each of the first package wall and the second package wall is defined by a plurality of packages each having a respective similar depth dimension and each packed within the vehicle storage area during a respective time period.