3D Cargo Scanner Automates Dimensional Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Warehousing and shipping companies face inefficiencies and high overhead costs due to manual measurement and documentation of cargo dimensions, which can lead to errors and compliance issues with weight and size regulations.
Innovation Solution
A digital three-dimensional scanning system that includes a server system, scanner, and website for collecting and processing sensor data to create three-dimensional models and perform packing calculations, allowing for accurate and efficient documentation of cargo dimensions and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual measurement and documentation methods are used, then workers can physically measure and document cargo, but the process becomes time-consuming, physically demanding, and expensive in overhead costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an automated optical scanning system. The scanner captures three-dimensional data of cargo automatically, eliminating the need for workers to physically measure each item. This substitution of mechanical human labor with an automated optical-mechanical system directly resolves the contradiction by dramatically improving productivity while reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning system enables self-service measurement and documentation. The cargo itself is scanned and measured without requiring active human intervention for each measurement task. The system automatically captures dimensions, creates documentation, and stores data, allowing the measurement process to serve itself without continuous human labor, thus improving efficiency and reducing time consumption.
2Measurement precision
If manual measurement methods are used, then workers can document cargo condition, but accuracy is compromised due to human error and half-inch discrepancies that lead to overage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces imprecise manual measurement tools and methods with precision optical scanning technology. The scanner captures exact three-dimensional measurements digitally, eliminating human error and half-inch discrepancies. This substitution ensures both measurement precision and manufacturing precision by providing accurate data for both documentation and loading calculations, directly resolving the contradiction between these two precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates precise digital copies of cargo dimensions and characteristics through scanning. Instead of relying on human interpretation and manual recording, the scanner produces an accurate digital replica of the cargo's physical dimensions. This digital copying process ensures both measurement accuracy and loading precision by providing exact data that can be used for compliance calculations and packing optimization without human error.
3Reliability
If visual documentation via photos and video is added to manual measurement, then cargo condition is better documented, but the process becomes even more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges measurement and visual documentation functions into a single integrated scanning system. Instead of separate manual measurement processes and separate photo/video documentation, the scanner simultaneously captures both dimensional data and visual images in one operation. This merging reduces system complexity by consolidating multiple functions into one device while improving reliability through comprehensive automated documentation that includes both measurements and visual records.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning system performs multiple functions universally - it simultaneously measures dimensions, captures visual documentation, creates three-dimensional models, and generates compliance reports. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate measurement tools and documentation devices, reducing overall system complexity while enhancing reliability through comprehensive cargo assessment in a single integrated process.
4Reliability
If highway regulations increase weight limits scrutiny, then compliance requirements become stricter, but the complexity of tracking and verifying weight and dimensions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual tracking and verification processes with automated digital scanning and calculation systems. The scanner automatically captures weight and dimension data, and the system performs compliance calculations digitally, eliminating the need for complex manual tracking procedures. This substitution maintains high reliability for regulatory compliance while reducing system complexity by automating the verification process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates comprehensive digital copies of all cargo attributes including weight, dimensions, and condition. These digital records serve as official documentation for compliance verification, replacing complex manual tracking systems. The digital copying and storage of all relevant data simplifies compliance monitoring while maintaining high reliability, as all regulatory requirements can be verified against the stored digital records without complex ongoing tracking.
Data Source
AI summary
A system to digitally scan an object in three dimensions is disclosed. The system includes a server system, a memory system, a website and a scanner that scans an object and transfers any number of scanner data to the memory system, the scanner data resides on the digitally scan an object in three dimensions non-transitory storage media and includes any number of object dimensions such as length, width and height of the object, a three-dimensional object file and any number of raw video or any number of images of the object. The system includes a corresponding method for digitally scanning an object in three dimensions and a non-transitory computer storage media having instructions stored thereon which, when executed, execute the method for digitally scanning an object in three dimensions.


