Depth-Sensor Dimensioning for Small Handheld Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dimensioning technologies struggle with accurately measuring small objects that are not in contact with a reference surface, leading to reduced resolution and accuracy due to increased distance from the dimensioning device.
Innovation Solution
A dimensioning device equipped with a depth sensor and processor that captures depth data, selects a dimensioning function based on a predefined target region, validates the object's orientation, and applies the function to obtain dimensions, allowing for handheld measurement of small objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the dimensioning device measures small objects on the floor while the user stands, then the user can maintain a standing position, but the distance from the dimensioning device increases causing decreased resolution and accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a single reference plane (floor) to multiple reference planes by introducing a handheld reference object with known dimensions. This allows the dimensioning device to establish measurement benchmarks in different spatial dimensions and distances, compensating for the increased distance when measuring small objects on the floor while the user stands.
Solution Approach 2:
A reference object with known dimensions serves as an intermediary between the dimensioning device and the target object. This intermediary provides a known measurement baseline that enables the system to calculate and compensate for distance variations, maintaining measurement accuracy even when the user is standing and the object is on the floor.
2Measurement precision
If the dimensioning device uses a reference surface for measurement, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but small objects not in contact with the reference surface cannot be accurately dimensioned
Solution Approach 1:
The reference object serves multiple functions: it acts as a distance reference, an orientation reference, and a scale calibration tool. This multi-functional reference object enables the system to accurately dimension various types of objects (small objects, objects not on reference surfaces, objects at different distances) using a single unified measurement approach, eliminating the limitation of requiring contact with a reference surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts measurement parameters based on the reference object's detected position, orientation, and dimensions. By changing measurement parameters (distance compensation factors, scale factors, orientation angles) according to the reference object's state, the system can accurately dimension objects in various configurations without requiring them to contact a reference surface.
3Measurement precision
If the dimensioning device is placed closer to small objects for better resolution, then measurement accuracy improves, but the user must bend down or the object must be elevated
Solution Approach 1:
The reference object acts as a mediator that allows the dimensioning device to maintain a greater working distance while still achieving accurate measurements. By using the reference object's known dimensions to establish scale and the system's depth sensing capabilities to calculate distances, the device can measure small objects on the floor without requiring the user to bend down or elevate the object.
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 precise dimensioning of small, handheld objects by ensuring accurate alignment and measurement without reliance on external reference surfaces, improving resolution and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a depth sensor configured to obtain depth data within a field of view
Data Source
AI summary
An example dimensioning device includes: a depth sensor configured to obtain depth data within a field of view; a processor interconnected with the depth sensor, the processor configured to: obtain depth data within the field of view including an object to be dimensioned; obtain a subset of the depth data from a predefined target region within the field of view; select a dimensioning function for the object, the dimensioning function having a target orientation of the object; validate the target orientation of the object based on the subset of the depth data in the predefined target region; and when the target orientation is validated, apply the dimensioning function to obtain dimensions of the object.