3D Point Cloud Cargo Counting for Bulk Placement Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual counting of bulk-cargoes is time-consuming and labor-intensive, leading to low efficiency in cargo counting.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for cargo counting using 3D point cloud data to determine the placement state of cargoes within a preset region, allowing for accurate calculation of cargo quantity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual counting method is used for bulk-cargoes, then counting can be performed without specialized equipment, but counting efficiency is low and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecounting efficiencyVSAvoidcounting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical counting with an automated optical measurement system using 3D laser scanners to capture point cloud data and calculate cargo quantities through algorithmic processing, thereby substituting human labor with automated technological systems to improve efficiency and reduce time loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service counting by automatically capturing 3D point cloud data of cargoes and computing their quantities without requiring manual intervention, allowing the counting process to serve itself through automated data acquisition and processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If 3D point cloud data analysis is used for cargo counting, then counting efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecounting efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a universal 3D laser scanning system that can count various types of bulk-cargoes (coal, ore, grain, etc.) using the same technical platform and processing algorithms, allowing one system to perform multiple counting functions across different cargo types, thereby managing complexity through standardization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces 3D point cloud data as an intermediary representation between the physical cargo and the counting result, transforming complex physical measurement problems into standardized data processing tasks that can be handled by uniform algorithms, thus managing complexity through data abstraction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Improves the efficiency of bulk-cargo counting by accurately determining the placement state and quantity of cargoes using 3D point cloud data processing.

Implementation Method 1

obtain three-dimensional (3D) point cloud data of a set of cargoes within a preset placement region based on a cargo-counting instruction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLIDAR: LIDAR

Data Source

PatentEP4202858B1Method and device for cargo counting, computer equipment, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2026.05.20 VISIONNAV ROBOTICS USA INC

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AI summary

A method for cargo counting, a computer equipment, and a storage medium are provided in the disclosure. The method includes the following. Three-dimensional (3D) point cloud data of a set of cargoes within a preset placement region is obtained based on a cargo-counting instruction. Whether the set of cargoes are in a first placement state is determined according to the 3D point cloud data. Based on a determination that the set of cargoes are in the first placement state, a quantity of the set of cargoes is calculated.