Integrated Dimensioning System for Package Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for determining package dimensions and weight are prone to errors due to manual measurements and guessing, leading to inaccuracies in shipping charges, which can reduce customer satisfaction and increase costs for shipping companies and retail customers.
Innovation Solution
An integrated dimensioning and weighing system that includes a scale, a range camera, and a computing device to accurately measure package dimensions and weight, using range images and visible images to determine dimensions and weight, and transmit data for billing purposes, with optional features like audio input for reducing manual data entry errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement and guessing methods are used to determine package dimensions and weight, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement tools (tape measures, scales) with automated optical and imaging systems. A camera captures images of the package, and image processing algorithms automatically determine dimensions, eliminating the need for physical contact and manual operation. Weight is determined through computer vision analysis of scale displays rather than direct mechanical sensing
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates visual copies (images) of the package and its measurement data. The camera captures images of the package on the scale, and the system processes these visual copies to extract dimensional and weight information, replacing the need for direct physical measurement and manual data transcription
2Loss of information
If manual data entry is used to input package information into billing systems, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of information increases due to transcription errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual data entry operations with automated optical character recognition and image processing systems. The camera captures the scale display and package information, and software automatically transcribes this data into the billing system, eliminating human transcription errors entirely
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service data capture and transcription. The imaging system automatically identifies and extracts package dimensions, weight, and other relevant information from the visual scene, and self-transcribes this data into the billing system without requiring manual intervention
3Measurement precision
If automated imaging systems are used to capture package dimensions and weight, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases due to multiple cameras and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the imaging system multi-functional to reduce overall energy consumption. The same camera that captures package dimensions also captures the scale display for weight determination, and can capture billing information. This single device performs multiple measurement functions that would otherwise require separate instruments
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple measurement functions into a single integrated process. Dimension measurement, weight determination, and data transcription are combined into one simultaneous imaging and processing operation, rather than requiring separate powered devices for each function
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal for measuring at least one dimension of an object includes a range camera, a visible camera, and a display that are fixed in position and orientation relative to each other. The range camera is configured to produce a range image of an area in which the object is located. The visible camera is configured to produce a visible image of an area in which the object is located. The display is configured to present information associated with the range camera's field of view and the visible camera's field of view.