Line Scanner Point Cloud Dimensioning for Moving Freight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the dimensions of moving freight using 3D point clouds require stopping the freight-moving vehicle, leading to delays and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing one or more line scanners, such as LIDAR, oriented to scan in a vertical plane to identify the lower bound of the freight, allowing for real-time dimensioning of the freight while it is in motion by generating a reduced point cloud that only includes points above the identified lower bound.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the freight-moving vehicle stops to dimension the freight using 3D point clouds, then the measurement precision is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 3D point cloud data into two distinct parts: a lower bound portion captured by the line scanner and an upper portion captured by the depth sensor. This segmentation allows each sensor to specialize in specific dimensional measurements, enabling accurate dimensioning without stopping the vehicle while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The line scanner acts as an intermediary device that captures the lower bound of the freight while the vehicle is in motion. This intermediary measurement approach complements the depth sensor data, allowing continuous dimensioning operations without requiring the vehicle to stop, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and productivity.
2Productivity
If a line scanner is added to capture the lower bound of freight, then the productivity is improved by enabling continuous dimensioning, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The line scanner is integrated with the existing depth sensor system to create a multi-functional measurement apparatus. The line scanner captures the lower bound while the depth sensor captures the upper portion, and both datasets are fused to provide complete dimensional information. This universal approach enables continuous dimensioning without requiring multiple separate systems, thus managing device complexity while improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point depth measurement approach to a line-scanning approach that captures dimensional information across a vertical plane. This dimensional expansion allows the system to capture the lower bound of freight in motion, enabling continuous dimensioning while the vehicle moves, thereby improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.
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 accurate and efficient dimensioning of moving freight without the need to stop the vehicle, facilitating continuous freight movement and reducing delays.
Implementation Method 1
using one or more line scanners, such as LIDAR, oriented to scan in a vertical plane
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are methods and systems for processing point-cloud data with a line scanner. One embodiment takes the form of a method that includes: receiving a 3D point cloud that is representative of an object; using one or more line scanners to identify one or more respective outer bounds of the object; and dimensioning the object based on points in the point cloud, wherein each of the points in the point cloud that are used for dimensioning the object is at or inside every identified outer bound.