Machine-Readable Tape Measure for Freight Dimensioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for measuring the dimensions of freight items, such as manual recording methods and electronic cubing machines, are costly, inefficient, prone to errors, and require maintenance, while being limited in mobility and scalability.

Innovation Solution

A portable handheld apparatus combining a modified mechanical tape measure with machine-readable codes and a mobile computing device, allowing for image capture and processing of dimensions using a camera and software to determine length, width, and height, and calculate volumetric data without the need for charging or maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If manual recording methods are used to measure freight dimensions, then the solution cost is almost zero, but the manual labour involvement is high and the process is inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolution costVSAvoidmeasurement efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual inspection and recording with an automated optical scanning system. A camera captures images of the extended tape measure, and image processing algorithms automatically extract measurement data, eliminating the need for manual reading and recording while maintaining low hardware costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses photographic images as copies of the physical measurement scene. Instead of manually reading the tape measure, the system captures a visual copy via camera and processes it digitally to extract measurement information, enabling automated data capture without human intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Extent of automation

If electronic cubing machines with fixed camera installations are used, then automated measurement is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated measurementVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the mobile computing device perform multiple functions: it serves as both the measurement instrument (housing the virtual tape measure) and the imaging device (camera for data capture). This eliminates the need for separate dedicated cubing machines while achieving automated measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical cubing machines with a software-based virtual tape measure combined with standard mobile device cameras. The automation is achieved through software algorithms rather than complex mechanical or optical systems, significantly reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If electronic measurement apparatus are used, then automated data capture is possible, but ongoing charging and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata capture speedVSAvoidoperational cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages the existing battery and processing capabilities of mobile computing devices that users already possess. The system uses the device's own resources (camera, processor, battery) to perform measurement and data capture, eliminating the need for separate power sources or maintenance infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent repurposes standard mobile computing devices for measurement tasks. These devices already have built-in cameras, processors, and batteries, so no additional operational costs for charging or maintaining dedicated measurement equipment are required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If fixed cubing machines are deployed, then large volume measuring is automated, but mobility and position flexibility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelarge volume measuring capabilityVSAvoidmobility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the measurement system from a fixed installation to a dynamic, mobile solution. The measuring apparatus is integrated into portable devices that can be moved freely to different locations, enabling automated measurement in diverse environments without fixed infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12158337B2Apparatus and system for measuring dimensions of freight items

Publication Date: 2024.12.03 LEOPARD SYST PTY LTD

AI summary

An apparatus for measuring a dimension of a freight item. The apparatus includes an elongate gauge member having a sequence of machine-readable codes visible along its length. Each of the machine-readable codes represents a length value corresponding to a position along the gauge member. The apparatus also includes a marker device, movable along the gauge member, for designating a selected position. The marker device includes a machine-readable reference symbol on an external surface thereof, with the reference symbol being located on the marker device such that in use the reference symbol on the marker device and a subset of the machine-readable codes on the gauge member are simultaneously visible. In a preferred embodiment the elongate gauge member includes a coilable tape and the marker device includes a housing within which the coilable tape is enclosed. A system including the measuring apparatus together with a mobile computing device is also disclosed.