Bi-Optic Scanner Volume Estimation Using Orthogonal Imaging Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatically calculating the volume of an item in a retail environment is costly and challenging, requiring additional equipment and controlled environments, making it infeasible at the point of sale.
Innovation Solution
A system using multiple imaging assemblies with orthogonal fields of view to capture images of an item, determining distances from the imaging assemblies, and generating an estimated volume based on these images and distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional equipment such as 3D vision cameras or depth sensors is installed to calculate item volume, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging assemblies originally designed for barcode scanning are made multi-functional by enabling them to perform both barcode recognition and volumetric measurement. The same camera systems capture images for both purposes, eliminating the need for dedicated 3D vision cameras or depth sensors. This is achieved by using the existing imaging infrastructure to extract multiple types of information (barcode data and geometric data) from the captured images through different processing techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex physical 3D measurement equipment, the patent creates a digital copy or representation of the item's geometry through image processing. By analyzing the 2D images from multiple angles and using segmentation techniques to identify outer boundaries, the system reconstructs volumetric information computationally, replacing the need for physical depth sensors or 3D cameras.
2Measurement precision
If controlled environments with stationary items are used for volume calculation, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from requiring static, controlled environments to handling dynamic, moving items. The imaging assemblies capture images of items as they move through the scanning region, and the processing system compensates for motion by analyzing multiple images taken at different positions. This allows volume measurement to occur during normal scanning operations without requiring items to be placed in controlled stationary positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary capture of multiple images at different positions before conducting the actual volume calculation. By collecting image data during the natural movement of items through the scanner, the system prepares all necessary measurement data in advance, allowing the volume computation to be performed subsequently without requiring the item to remain stationary during the calculation phase.
3Productivity
If real-time volumetric assessment is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the barcode scanning function and volumetric measurement function into a single integrated process. The same imaging assemblies and processing system that handle barcode recognition are extended to simultaneously perform volume calculation. This merging of functions allows real-time volumetric assessment without adding separate dedicated equipment, as the existing scanning infrastructure is enhanced to handle multiple tasks concurrently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical 3D measurement systems with computational image processing methods. Instead of using mechanical depth sensors or complex optical setups, the system uses software-based segmentation and geometric reconstruction algorithms to calculate volume from standard 2D images. This substitution of mechanical systems with computational methods enables real-time processing while keeping hardware complexity low.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for volumetric assessment of a product based on images captured by a bi-optic scanner are disclosed herein. An example system includes a first imaging assembly, having a field of view of a product scanning region, configured to capture a first image of an item passing through the product scanning region; a second imaging assembly, having an orthogonal field of view, configured to capture a second image of the item passing through the product scanning region at the same time; processors; and a memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the processors to: determine a first distance of the item from an edge of the first field of view based on the first image; determine a second distance of the item from the a corresponding edge of the second field of view based on the second image; and generate an estimated volume of the item based on the first image, the first distance, the second image, and the second distance.