Depth Camera Load Dimension Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the dimensions and volume of moving loads, particularly pallets, are costly, inaccurate, and require complex hardware and software infrastructure, failing to provide real-time data and accurately count pallets or handle non-standard shapes.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with upper and side detection means that acquire images and depth data from the top and sides of moving loads, using depth cameras and software modules to calculate volume, count pallets, and determine load dimensions and inclination, without the need for complex infrastructure, allowing real-time processing and integration with existing logistics systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laser scanning procedures with multiple contour detection sensors are used to measure load volume, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of volume measurement from complex multi-sensor laser scanning systems and implements it using a single depth camera that directly captures depth information, eliminating the need for multiple contour detection sensors and complex image stitching procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a depth camera to capture optical copies of the load with depth information, replacing the physical measurement process of multiple laser scanners with a simplified optical copying approach that directly provides volume data
2Measurement precision
If laser scanners with high resolution are used to detect load contour, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, high-resolution laser scanners with a more affordable depth camera that provides sufficient measurement precision through depth mapping, reducing hardware cost while maintaining acceptable measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical laser scanning system with an optical depth camera system, replacing physical laser measurement mechanisms with optical field-based depth capture that is both cheaper and faster
3Measurement precision
If multiple depth cameras are used to measure load volume from different angles, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single depth camera perform multiple functions by capturing both width and depth information simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple cameras positioned at different angles while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the measurement function into independent width detection and depth detection capabilities within a single camera system, allowing volume calculation without requiring multiple cameras working in coordination
4Measurement precision
If image processing is performed to identify and extract target zones from low-resolution images, then measurement precision is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary depth capture and load identification in a single shot, eliminating the need for subsequent image processing steps to extract target zones from low-resolution images, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining precision
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
Enables accurate, real-time determination of load dimensions and volume, pallet counting, and load optimization without increasing operational costs or complexity, supporting efficient load handling and management.
Implementation Method 1
US 8599303 B2 describes the structure of a time of flight camera which can be used to optically detect the dimensions of an object moved on a conveyor belt
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (1) for determining the dimensions and/or volume of at least one load (24) moving across a work area (20), preferably of at least one load (24) which comprises at least one pallet (30) handled by a carrier (22) across said work area (20), characterized in that it comprises: - upper detection means (8), which are positioned so as to frame said work area (20) from the top and which are configured to acquire a sequence of image of the framed scene from the top and to acquire depth data of the elements present in said framed scene, - at least one control and processing unit (12), which is connected to said upper detection means (8) and in which a software program (40) is loaded configured for: - selecting at least one significant image for the purpose of determining the dimensions and/or volume of said load (24) from the sequence of images of the framed scene which were acquired by said detection means (8), - identifying the portion corresponding to said load (24) in said image thus selected, - determining the dimensions and/or the volume of said load (24) on the basis of the dimensions of the load (24) detected in said portion thus identified and of said depth data associated to said image thus selected (58).