3D Filling Rate Measurement for Fast Storage Space Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a lack of sufficient discussion on calculating the filling rate of measurement targets within storage spaces, which hinders efficient use of storage space, particularly in distribution sites where multiple measurements need to be performed quickly.

Innovation Solution

A method involving generating a space three-dimensional model of a storage with a range sensor, extracting a target portion from this model, and calculating a filling rate using a target three-dimensional model and a storage three-dimensional model, based on a three-dimensional coordinate system derived from the storage's shape or marker position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a range sensor measures the entire storage space to calculate filling rate, then measurement completeness is improved, but measurement time and processing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilling rate measurement completenessVSAvoidmeasurement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the storage space measurement into two segments: (1) measuring the empty storage space model in advance, and (2) measuring only the target objects when calculating filling rate. This segmentation allows the system to avoid re-measuring the entire storage space including fixed structures, thereby reducing measurement time while maintaining complete filling rate calculation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary measurement of the empty storage space to create a reference three-dimensional model before actual filling rate measurement. This preliminary action stores the storage space geometry information, so that during actual measurement, only the target objects need to be measured, significantly reducing the time required for subsequent filling rate calculations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the range sensor measures through openable covers, then measurement accessibility is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to cover obstruction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accessibilityVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the cover state detection and measurement strategy dynamic. The system automatically detects whether the cover is open or closed and adapts the measurement approach accordingly: when open, direct measurement is performed; when closed, the system uses alternative measurement strategies such as measuring from outside or using the pre-stored empty storage model to compensate for obstructions, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while preserving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of information

If the system processes complete three-dimensional models including storage structures, then model completeness is improved, but processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodel completenessVSAvoidprocessing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and separates the target object data from the complete storage space model by subtracting the pre-stored empty storage model from the measured full model. This extraction process isolates only the relevant target object information needed for filling rate calculation, eliminating unnecessary storage structure data and thereby reducing processing complexity while maintaining model completeness for the calculation purpose.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Enables rapid and precise calculation of filling rates by estimating the target three-dimensional model using a reduced processing amount, improving processing speed and precision, and accommodating cover parts that may obstruct direct measurement.

Implementation Method 1

measuring being performed through the opening using a range sensor facing the first storage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20260044976A1Filling rate measurement method, information processing device, and recording medium

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A filling rate measurement method includes: obtaining a space three-dimensional model generated by measuring a first storage having an opening and a first storage space in which a measurement target is to be stored, the measuring being performed using a range sensor facing the first storage; obtaining a storage three-dimensional model that is a three-dimensional model of the first storage in which the measurement target is not stored; extracting a target portion corresponding to the measurement target from the space three-dimensional model using the space three-dimensional model and the storage three-dimensional model; calculating a first three-dimensional coordinate system; estimating a target three-dimensional model using the target portion and the first three-dimensional coordinate system, the target three-dimensional model being a three-dimensional model of the measurement target in the first storage space; and calculating a first filling rate of the measurement target with respect to the first storage space.