Area Wide Object Dimensioning for Moving Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in efficiently determining the dimensions of objects of varying sizes and shapes, particularly in motion, due to limitations in space, obstacles, and the need for static measurement processes.
Innovation Solution
An area wide object dimensioning system that uses one or more sensors, such as radar, acoustic, or image capture systems, mounted on vehicles or within areas to capture data on object dimensions in real-time, allowing for dynamic measurement and tracking of objects in motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If static measurement processes are used, then measurement precision can be maintained, but productivity decreases due to inability to measure objects in motion
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static measurement processes to dynamic measurement by using multiple sensors positioned at different locations to capture data from moving objects. The sensors track objects as they move through the measurement area, enabling continuous dimension measurement without requiring objects to stop, thereby maintaining measurement precision while improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds temporal and spatial dimensions to the measurement process by deploying sensors across multiple locations and time points. Instead of a single static measurement point, the system collects data from multiple positions as objects move through the area, creating a multi-dimensional dataset that enables accurate dimension determination of moving objects.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are deployed across the area, then measurement coverage and accuracy improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs universal sensors that can detect multiple types of objects and dimensions using the same hardware platform. The sensors are designed to handle various object shapes, sizes, and materials through consistent detection mechanisms, reducing the need for specialized sensors for different measurement scenarios and thereby managing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a centralized control system that acts as an intermediary between multiple sensors and the measurement processing functions. This intermediary coordinates sensor operations, manages data collection from multiple sources, and processes the combined information to determine object dimensions, simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing complexity.
3Productivity
If real-time measurement of moving objects is implemented, then productivity improves, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to motion artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning sensors at strategic locations before objects enter the measurement area. The sensors are pre-configured to track specific object features, and the measurement process begins as objects enter the sensor field, allowing continuous measurement without interrupting object motion, thus maintaining both productivity and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where sensor data from multiple locations is continuously processed and used to adjust measurements in real-time. The control system receives data from all sensors, processes the information to account for object motion, and refines dimension calculations based on the combined feedback from multiple measurement points, maintaining precision despite object movement.
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
This system enables accurate and efficient determination of object dimensions, shape, volume, orientation, and area, even when objects are in motion, optimizing storage and transport processes by reducing errors and unused space.
Implementation Method 1
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
Implementation Method 2
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
Data Source
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.