3D Package Dimensioning via Dynamic Point Cloud Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining package dimensions in high-volume commercial transportation are inefficient, causing delays and increased labor costs due to the need for manual measurements or stationary measurement systems that require packages to be unloaded and reloaded at fixed locations.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising sensors with different fields of view that generate 3-D images of packages being moved, with a computing apparatus translating these images into a common coordinate system to determine package dimensions and bounding box dimensions without the need for packages to be stationary, using time-of-flight sensors and a package processing unit to merge and clean point cloud data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual measurement methods are used, then measurement flexibility is maintained, but measurement speed and productivity are significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement systems with an automated optical sensing system. Sensors mounted on the transport device capture 3D images of packages using optical fields, and a processing system automatically determines dimensions from these images, eliminating the need for manual tape measures while dramatically increasing measurement speed and productivity.
2Measurement precision
If stationary sensor systems are used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but handling time and labor costs increase due to required unloading and reloading operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a stationary measurement system to a dynamic measurement system where sensors are mounted on the transport device itself. This allows the measurement to occur while the package is being transported, eliminating the need for separate unloading and reloading operations at fixed target locations, thereby reducing handling time while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous measurement during the transport process. The sensors continuously capture images as the package moves through the sensing zone, and the processing system continuously analyzes these images to determine dimensions in real-time, eliminating interruptions for unloading and reloading operations.
3Measurement precision
If packages are stopped for measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but transport productivity and speed are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic measurement approach where the transport device moves at constant speed through a sensing zone equipped with multiple sensors. The system captures multiple 3D images during the movement and processes them to determine package dimensions, allowing measurement to occur during transport rather than requiring the package to be stopped, thus maintaining both precision and speed.
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 efficient and accurate determination of package dimensions while in motion, reducing delays and labor costs by allowing continuous measurement without the need for packages to be unloaded, thereby improving the efficiency of high-volume package transport.
Implementation Method 1
using time-of-flight sensors and a package processing unit to merge and clean point cloud data
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary apparatus determines the dimensions of a package while being moved by a transport through a scanning zone. Sensors with different respective fields of view are disposed about a scanning zone and generate corresponding frames of 3-D images where some of the points represent the transport and package. A computing apparatus translates the points in the images into a transport coordinate system with a common point of origin on the transport so that the package does not appear to be in motion from frame to frame. The computing apparatus merges the translated points in different frames into a combined point cloud image and deletes points representing the transport resulting in a final point cloud image of the package. The computing apparatus determines the dimensions of the package based on the location of points representing the package in the final point cloud image.