Depth-Sensing Imaging for Pallet Package Dimensioning

The patent replaces complex mechanical laser-based dimensioning systems with a simplified camera-based imaging system. Instead of using laser scanners with moving parts and elaborate framing, the invention uses standard or depth-sensing cameras to capture images of packages, which are then processed through image analysis algorithms to extract dimensional information. This substitution of mechanical/optical systems with electronic imaging and computational methods reduces device complexity while maintaining measurement capability.

The patent creates a digital copy (image) of the physical package and performs dimensioning operations on this copy rather than directly measuring the physical object with complex equipment. By capturing the package appearance through imaging and analyzing the image data to derive dimensions, the system avoids the need for direct physical measurement apparatus, thereby simplifying the overall system while achieving accurate dimensioning.

The patent uses visual imaging to create a digital representation of the package, from which dimensional information is extracted through image processing. This approach captures geometric information including cubic shape characteristics without requiring physical contact or manual placement, thereby improving precision over ultrasonic methods while keeping costs low through the use of standard or depth-sensing cameras.

The patent transitions from one-dimensional ultrasonic distance measurements to two-dimensional or three-dimensional visual imaging. By capturing the package in multiple dimensions simultaneously through imaging, the system can determine cubic shape characteristics and full dimensional information in a single operation, improving both precision and productivity compared to sequential ultrasonic measurements.

The patent implements an automated system where the imaging device captures package images and the processing system automatically extracts dimensional information without requiring human operators to manually measure each package. The system self-performs the dimensioning task by processing images through algorithms that identify package boundaries and calculate dimensions, thereby dramatically improving productivity while keeping equipment costs low compared to automated laser systems.

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement operations with automated electronic imaging and computational analysis. Instead of workers physically measuring packages with tapes or rulers, the system uses cameras to capture images and software to automatically compute dimensions, eliminating the need for manual labor while maintaining simplicity and reducing costs compared to complex automated mechanical measurement systems.

The patent uses imaging to create a digital model of the package and its surroundings, from which dimensional information is extracted through image processing algorithms. This approach eliminates the need for physical framing structures to define measurement zones, as the software can identify package boundaries and measurement regions automatically from the captured images, greatly simplifying system setup and operation while maintaining measurement precision.

The patent implements a flexible, software-defined measurement system that can adapt to different package sizes, shapes, and positions without requiring physical reconfiguration of framing structures. The imaging system captures the entire scene, and the processing algorithms dynamically identify and measure each package based on its actual geometry, providing precision comparable to framed systems while allowing easy operation and rapid reconfiguration for different shipping scenarios.