Interleaved Image Capture for Dimensioning Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Systems for dimensioning objects in motion face accuracy issues due to object orientation and speed, which affect the precision of capturing images for measurement.
Innovation Solution
A dimensioning system comprising an emitter assembly to project a planar light beam and two image sensors capturing images from overlapping fields of view, with a controller that interleaves image capture to generate a three-dimensional representation of the object, allowing for higher imaging frequency and improved detail in object representation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single image sensor captures images of a moving object, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to insufficient point distribution in the point cloud
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the imaging task into multiple segments by using multiple image sensors (first image sensor and second image sensor) that capture images from different positions. Each sensor contributes to capturing different portions of the moving object, and the controller combines these segmented images to generate a complete three-dimensional image with improved point cloud distribution and measurement precision.
2Productivity
If images are captured at a lower frequency to simplify the control system, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity deteriorates due to reduced imaging frequency and slower capture of moving objects
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements periodic alternating operation where the first image sensor and second image sensor are activated in alternating time intervals. During a first time interval, the first sensor captures images while the second sensor is inactive, and during a second time interval, the second sensor captures images while the first sensor is inactive. This periodic action allows the system to achieve high overall imaging frequency while keeping individual sensor requirements manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is pre-configured with the alternating capture sequence and coordinates the activation of multiple sensors in advance. By establishing the periodic alternating operation pattern beforehand, the system achieves high imaging frequency without requiring complex real-time coordination during operation.
3Measurement precision
If multiple image sensors capture images simultaneously to improve point cloud distribution, then the measurement precision improves, but the use of energy increases due to simultaneous operation of multiple sensors and emitters
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of operating multiple image sensors and emitter assemblies simultaneously, the system uses periodic alternating operation where sensors and emitters are activated in alternating time intervals. This approach maintains good point cloud distribution through multiple sensor inputs while significantly reducing energy consumption by ensuring that not all components are active at the same time.
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
The system enhances measurement accuracy by enabling a closer distribution of points in the point cloud, improving the detail with which objects are represented and measured, particularly for objects in motion.
Implementation Method 1
an emitter assembly to project a planar light beam into a scan volume
Implementation Method 2
a first image sensor to capture images of a first portion of the scan volume; a second image sensor to capture images of a second portion of the scan volume
Data Source
AI summary
A dimensioning system includes: an emitter assembly to project a planar light beam into a scan volume; first and second image sensors to capture images of overlapping first and second portions of the scan volume; and a controller configured to: in response to an object travelling through the scan volume, for a successive pair of intervals defined by an operational frequency: at a first interval of the pair, (i) control the emitter assembly to project the planar beam and (ii) control the first image sensor to capture a first image of a top and a first side of the object; at a second interval of the pair, (i) control the emitter assembly to project the planar beam and (ii) control the second image sensor to capture a second image of the top and a second side of the object; and generate a three-dimensional image from the first and second images.