3D Cargo Model Synthesis for Tracking and Liability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dimensioning systems for cargo objects are prone to errors in determining dimensional weight, especially in high-speed, large-scale facilities, leading to potential overcharging or undercharging, and lack the capability to effectively track objects during transportation for liability and insurance purposes.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes existing dimensioning systems to create a three-dimensional model of cargo objects based on intensity data from laser scanners, allowing for the synthesis of images from any viewing angle, which can be used to document the object's presence and condition, thereby enhancing tracking and liability determination without requiring additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual measurement methods are used to determine dimensional weight, then the process is simple to implement, but errors in dimensional weight calculation increase leading to overcharging or undercharging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an automated optical measurement system using laser scanners. The system uses laser beams to automatically scan objects and calculate dimensional weight, eliminating human error while maintaining ease of implementation through automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system performs self-measurement by automatically scanning objects with laser beams and calculating dimensional weight without human intervention. The system serves itself by integrating measurement, data processing, and calculation functions into an autonomous operational workflow.
2Device complexity
If existing dimensioning systems are used without additional capabilities, then the system complexity remains low, but the ability to track and document objects during transportation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances existing dimensioning systems by integrating multiple functions: dimensional weight calculation, 3D model generation, image synthesis from multiple viewing angles, and tracking documentation. The system performs both traditional dimensioning and additional imaging/tracking functions using the same hardware infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from 2D scanning to 3D modeling by generating three-dimensional representations of objects. This dimensional enhancement allows for comprehensive tracking and documentation while maintaining system simplicity through software-based processing.
3Reliability
If multiple viewing angles are captured to document object condition, then the documentation completeness improves, but the measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures comprehensive multi-angle data during the initial dimensioning scan before the object moves to the next processing stage. By performing the measurement action in advance during the required dimensioning process, no additional time is spent on separate documentation scans.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the dimensional weight measurement process with the imaging and documentation process. Both functions are performed simultaneously using the same laser scanning system, eliminating the need for separate measurement and documentation operations.
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 method reduces errors in dimensional weight calculation, enables efficient tracking of cargo objects during transportation, and simplifies the documentation of damage or loss, thereby improving liability assessment and reducing operational costs by leveraging existing dimensioning systems.
Implementation Method 1
uses LIDAR (the term is thought to be a composite of 'light' and 'radar'), a remote sensing technology that measures distance by illuminating a target with a laser and analyzing the reflected light
Implementation Method 2
a collimated light beam is moved across a belt conveyor by means of a deflector unit... so that objects moving on the conveyor belt are scanned line-by-line. The plane of the scanning beam is inclined by a small angle of incidence θ relative to the surface normal of the conveyor belt, and the height of a point of incidence on the object from the level of the conveyor belt is determined by photographic triangulation of the reflected light returning from the object
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
In a method of operating a dimensioning system (20) with a plurality of laser scanners (21), with processor means controlling the operations of the scanners and processing the scanner signals (11), and further with memory means to store data delivered by the processor means, the data acquired by the dimensioning system in its regular mode of operation are used to construct a three-dimensional model of surface points of the object (7) including spatial coordinates and image intensity for each surface point. The three-dimensional model is stored in the memory means. Based on the three-dimensional model, two-dimensional images from any desired viewing angle that was exposed to the scanner rays (11) can be produced on demand to document the appearance of the object (7) at the time the scan was taken.