Dimensioner Using Structured Light for 2D Object Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dimensioner apparatuses face challenges in accurately determining the dimensions of two-dimensional objects, such as envelopes or paper, due to negligible height, which makes it difficult to distinguish them from the surface they are placed on, and incorrect detection can occur when the object's color is similar to the background, leading to inaccurate measurements.
Innovation Solution
The dimensioner apparatus employs a structured light projecting system, capturing structured light images, and analyzing them to identify a hole region indicating a structured light absorbing platform, allowing it to operate in a 2D mode to determine the dimensions of objects placed on this platform by generating a 3D point cloud and counting 3D points defining the object's periphery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional dimensioner apparatus uses standard imaging to capture objects, then the system structure remains simple, but 2D objects cannot be distinguished from the surface they are placed on due to negligible height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces structured light projection to create depth information in the z-dimension, transforming a 2D imaging problem into a 3D measurement problem. By projecting light patterns and analyzing their distortion upon contact with the object, the system generates elevation data that distinguishes 2D objects from the background surface, enabling accurate dimension measurement without increasing mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a structured light absorbing platform as an intermediary element between the object and the imaging system. This platform provides a reference surface with known properties that absorbs structured light, creating a contrasting 'hole region' in the captured images. This intermediary enables the system to distinguish objects from the background by providing a stable reference frame for dimension calculation
2Measurement precision
If conventional dimensioner apparatus uses color-based detection, then the system remains simple, but incorrect detection occurs when object color is similar to the background
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces color-based optical detection with structured light projection and 3D point cloud analysis. Instead of relying on color contrast between object and background, the system uses depth information derived from structured light distortion and elevation data from point cloud processing. This substitution eliminates color-based detection failures while maintaining system simplicity through software-based processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from color (2D property) to elevation/depth (3D property). By analyzing the z-coordinate information in the point cloud data rather than color values, the system achieves robust object detection that is independent of color similarity between object and background, transforming the detection basis from optical property to spatial property
3Measurement precision
If the dimensioner apparatus operates in 3D mode for all objects, then the system maintains consistency, but measurement accuracy deteriorates for 2D objects with negligible height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic mode switching capability that adapts the dimensioning algorithm based on detected object characteristics. The system analyzes the point cloud data to determine whether the object is 2D or 3D, then dynamically selects the appropriate measurement mode. This dynamic adaptation enables accurate measurement of both 2D objects (using hole region detection and periphery point counting) and 3D objects (using conventional volumetric methods), maintaining versatility while improving precision for specific object types
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
This approach enables accurate measurement of 2D objects by distinguishing them from the surface and overcoming color similarity issues, providing precise dimensions based on the count of 3D points within the defined periphery.
Implementation Method 1
causing a first image capturing device to capture a first structured light image of the field of view... analyzing the first structured light image to identify a hole region
Implementation Method 2
the hole region in the first structured light image indicates a presence of a structured light absorbing platform in the field of view that absorbs the projected structured light
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments disclose a dimensioner apparatus including a projector configured to project structured light in a field of view of the dimensioner apparatus, a first image capturing device configured to capture a first structured light image of the field of view, and a processor configured to analyze the first structured light image to identify a hole region in the first structured light image. The hole region in the first structured light image indicates a presence of a structured light absorbing platform that absorbs the projected structured light. Further, the processor is configured to operate the dimensioner apparatus in a two-dimensional (2-D) mode based on the identification of the hole region. The dimensioner apparatus, in the 2-D mode, is configured to determine one or more dimensions of a 2-D object placed on the absorbing platform.