Area-Wide Object Dimensioning for Moving Warehouse Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems face challenges in efficiently determining the dimensions of objects of varying shapes and sizes, particularly in confined spaces like warehouses, due to the need for static measurement locations and limited flexibility in tracking and dimensioning moving objects.
Innovation Solution
An area wide object dimensioning system that uses sensors mounted on vehicles and stationary structures to capture data from multiple perspectives, allowing for real-time determination of object dimensions, shape, volume, and orientation while the object is in motion, using radar, acoustic, and image capture systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If static measurement locations are used to determine object dimensions, then measurement accuracy is improved, but system flexibility and productivity deteriorate due to limited tracking capability of moving objects
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static measurement locations to dynamic measurement capabilities by mounting sensors on moving vehicles (lift trucks, forklifts). This allows the measurement system to move with the object being measured, maintaining measurement capability while the object is in motion, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and system flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensors (cameras, LIDAR, radar) are introduced as intermediaries to capture object dimensions from various perspectives simultaneously. This intermediary approach enables accurate dimension determination of moving objects without requiring static measurement locations, as the sensors process data from multiple angles to calculate precise dimensions.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are deployed to capture object data from multiple perspectives, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs multiple types of sensors (cameras, LIDAR, radar) that serve universal functions of capturing spatial and dimensional data. Each sensor type contributes different aspects of object information, and their data is integrated through control circuitry to achieve comprehensive and accurate dimension measurement, justifying the increased device complexity through enhanced measurement capability.
3Productivity
If objects are measured while in motion, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to motion-induced measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary data capture from multiple perspectives simultaneously as the object moves, rather than attempting to measure after motion stops. The control circuitry processes this multi-perspective data to calculate dimensions during motion, preventing motion-induced errors by capturing all necessary measurement data before the object changes position.
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 efficiency in warehousing and loading operations by optimizing space utilization, reducing transport routes, and improving accuracy in object tracking and billing, while minimizing errors in dimension estimation.
Implementation Method 1
One or more radar systems may be included in the sensors and may be configured to generate a signal representative of the object dimensions
Implementation Method 2
One or more LIDAR (light detection and ranging) systems may be included in the sensors
Implementation Method 3
One or more image capture systems may be included in the sensors
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides an area wide object dimensioning system for an object in motion, such as mounted to a vehicle (e.g., a lift truck). One or more sensors (e.g., a radar system, an acoustic sensor, an image capture system, a LIDAR system, a microwave system, etc.) are located within the area to capture data corresponding to one or more dimensions of the object as it travels through the area. Control circuitry receives the data from the sensors, which is converted into multiple dimensions corresponding to one or more surfaces of the object. Surface dimensions are employed to determine a shape, volume, orientation, or area of the surfaces of the object, and/or the object itself, based on the multiple surface dimensions.