Dimensioner Calibration Using Reference Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dimensioners used for calculating the volume of packages require regular calibration due to potential damage or accuracy compromise, and there is a need for a system to ensure accurate measurements to prevent fraudulent manipulation of pricing.
Innovation Solution
A calibration system utilizing standardized reference objects with unique identifiers, such as barcodes or RFID tags, allows dimensioners to self-calibrate or be validated by a certifying agency, ensuring compliance with accuracy standards like those set by NIST, and includes multiple reference objects for comprehensive calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If dimensioners are used for high-speed package volume calculation, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to potential damage or accuracy compromise
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration using reference objects with known dimensions before actual package measurement. The calibration process adjusts processing components to compensate for potential inaccuracies, ensuring measurement precision is maintained even during high-speed operation. Multiple reference objects are used to pre-establish correction factors that are applied during production measurement.
2Measurement precision
If regular calibration is performed to maintain measurement precision, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The dimensioner system performs self-calibration automatically using reference objects with known dimensions. The processing components autonomously adjust their parameters based on measurements of reference objects, eliminating the need for manual calibration intervention. This self-service approach maintains measurement precision while minimizing time loss, as the calibration can be performed quickly and repeatedly without human involvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference objects serve multiple functions: they are used for initial calibration, ongoing accuracy verification, and compensation for environmental variations. The same reference objects can be used by multiple dimensioners or for different measurement axes, reducing the overall calibration time and resource requirements across the system.
3Measurement precision
If multiple reference objects are used for comprehensive calibration, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration process is segmented into distinct stages, each using specific reference objects for particular measurement aspects. For example, different reference objects may be used for calibrating different dimensions (length, width, height) or different measurement ranges. This segmentation allows comprehensive calibration without requiring all reference objects to be present simultaneously, reducing system complexity while maintaining precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for calibrating a volume dimensioner are provided. In one embodiment, a calibrating system comprises a dimensioner and a reference object. The dimensioner is configured to remotely sense characteristics of an object and calculate physical dimensions of the object from the sensed characteristics. The reference object has predefined physical dimensions and an outside surface that exhibits a pattern of reference markings. The dimensioner is configured to be calibrated using the reference object as a basis for comparison.