3D Shape Scanner for Automatic Parcel Volume Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Store clerks face difficulties in manually measuring the volume of parcels during home delivery services, making the sales data processing cumbersome and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A sales data processing apparatus with a POS terminal equipped with a scanner device that can read both three-dimensional shapes and two-dimensional images, allowing for automatic calculation of delivery charges based on the three-dimensional shape of the parcel, and registration of the amount contained in the two-dimensional image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual measurement of parcel volume is performed using a tape measure, then delivery charge calculation can be performed, but the sales data processing becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical tape measure system with an optical scanning system. The scanner device captures images of the parcel, and image processing algorithms automatically calculate volume from these images, eliminating the need for manual mechanical measurement and significantly improving processing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the parcel through imaging. Instead of physically measuring the parcel with a tape measure, the system captures an image copy and derives volume information from the digital representation, which automates the process and reduces time loss
2Extent of automation
If a scanner device reads three-dimensional shape of an article, then automatic delivery charge calculation is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the scanner device multi-functional by enabling it to perform both two-dimensional image reading (for article identification) and three-dimensional shape reading (for volume calculation). This universal device replaces multiple separate tools, and while the device itself is more complex, the overall system complexity is managed by consolidating functions into one unit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of volume measurement and image reading into a single scanner device. By merging these functions, the system achieves automatic delivery charge calculation without requiring separate measurement tools, and the control unit integrates the processing logic for both two-dimensional and three-dimensional data
Data Source
AI summary
A sales data processing apparatus comprises a control module which switches between a first mode for enabling a reading section, which reads a three-dimensional shape of an article and a two-dimensional image of the article, to read the three-dimensional shape of the article and a second mode for reading the two-dimensional image of the article; a calculation module which calculates a delivery charge of the article based on the three-dimensional shape of the article read in the first mode and a list in which the charge is determined for each volume of the article to be delivered; a registration module which registers an amount of the article contained in the two-dimensional image based on the two-dimensional image read in the second mode; and a first display control module which displays the delivery charge calculated by the calculation module or the amount registered by the registration module.