Autonomous Cargo Volume Detection Using Electro-Optical Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cargo handling systems fail to accurately determine the volume of cargo, leading to shipping inefficiencies and compliance issues due to subjective visual inspections and reliance on weight measurements, which are inadequate for varied cargo sizes and dimensions.

Innovation Solution

A computing device equipped with electro-optical sensors and processing circuitry that captures images of cargo, uses semantic segmentation and machine learning algorithms to identify and calculate the volume, position, and dimensions of cargo, minimizing operator intervention and providing real-time data analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If visual inspection by operator is used to identify cargo, then the system is simple to operate, but the measurement precision of cargo volume is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator visual inspectionVSAvoidcargo volume determination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/visual inspection system with an electro-optical sensing system that captures images and uses computer vision algorithms to automatically determine cargo volume. The system uses electro-optical sensors to capture images of cargo containers and applies image processing techniques to calculate volume measurements, eliminating the need for manual visual inspection by operators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If weight measurement is used to identify cargo, then the system is simple to implement, but the measurement precision of cargo volume is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem implementationVSAvoidcargo volume from weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces weight-based identification systems with electro-optical imaging systems. Instead of using scales or weight sensors to infer cargo characteristics, the system uses multiple electro-optical sensors to capture images from different angles and applies computer vision algorithms to directly measure cargo dimensions and calculate volume, providing accurate volume data without relying on weight conversions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If multiple electro-optical sensors are used to capture cargo images, then the measurement precision of cargo volume is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo volume estimationVSAvoidsensor system configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple electro-optical sensors into a unified imaging system that captures cargo from different angles simultaneously or sequentially. The system merges the data from multiple sensors through image processing algorithms to construct a comprehensive 3D model of the cargo, allowing accurate volume measurement while managing system complexity through integrated processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from 2D images to 3D volume measurement by using multiple electro-optical sensors to capture cargo from different perspectives. The system processes these multi-dimensional image data to reconstruct the three-dimensional geometry of cargo containers, enabling accurate volume calculation that cannot be achieved with single-plane imaging alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Productivity

If accurate cargo volume determination is implemented, then the productivity of loading process is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading process efficiencyVSAvoidvision system implementation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements an autonomous vision system that automatically captures images, processes data, and determines cargo volume without requiring manual intervention. The system performs self-service by integrating electro-optical sensing, image processing, and volume calculation capabilities into a unified automated workflow, improving loading productivity while managing complexity through automation rather than manual processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

The system enables accurate and efficient cargo volume estimation and positioning, reducing loading inefficiencies and enabling additional packing or repacking to optimize vehicle capacity, with autonomous operation and reduced data transmission requirements.

Implementation Method 1

receive images of the cargo from at least one electro-optical sensor affixed to the vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20240242514A1Autonomous Vision System for Monitoring Cargo

Publication Date: 2024.07.18 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

Devices and methods for monitoring cargo that is loaded onto a vehicle. The computing device includes memory circuitry and processing circuitry configured to operate according to programming instructions stored in the memory circuitry to: receive images of the cargo; identify the cargo within the images; based on the identification, determine one or more aspects the cargo including the volume of the cargo; and determine a position on the vehicle where the cargo is loaded based on the one or more aspects.