Methods for determining measurement data of an item

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for determining the weight of irregularly shaped items, such as produce, in a store setting require physical scales and are not practical for use with smartphones or mobile electronic devices, limiting their application in providing accurate sale prices.

Innovation Solution

A system and method using a single camera, mirrors, and optical recognition technology to calculate the volume and weight of items from digital images, where the camera captures multiple angles with the help of mirrors to determine average areas and depth, and a processor calculates the weight based on average weight per volume measurements stored in a database.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If physical scales are used to determine weight, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to requiring separate weighing equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight measurement accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the weighing function with the imaging function by integrating a scale with the camera system. The scale and camera are merged into a single device that simultaneously captures images and measures weight, eliminating the need for separate weighing equipment while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging device is given multiple functions: it serves both as a camera for capturing images and as a weighing device for measuring weight. This multi-functional device replaces the need for separate specialized equipment, improving ease of operation while maintaining accurate weight measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If physical scales are used to determine weight, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to requiring separate weighing equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight measurement accuracyVSAvoidoperational convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the weighing function with the imaging function by integrating a scale with the camera system. The scale and camera are merged into a single device that simultaneously captures images and measures weight, eliminating the need for separate weighing equipment while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging device is given multiple functions: it serves both as a camera for capturing images and as a weighing device for measuring weight. This multi-functional device replaces the need for separate specialized equipment, improving ease of operation while maintaining accurate weight measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If multiple cameras are used to capture item views, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolume measurement accuracyVSAvoidcamera system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces mirrors as intermediary elements that reflect light from different angles to the single camera. The mirrors act as mediators that enable the camera to capture multiple views of the item without requiring multiple cameras, thereby maintaining measurement precision while reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses mirrors to capture images from different spatial dimensions and angles, reflecting light paths to provide multi-perspective views to a single camera. This dimensional approach allows one camera to gather information that would otherwise require multiple cameras positioned at different locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 determination of volume and weight of irregularly shaped items using mobile devices, eliminating the need for physical scales and allowing for efficient pricing in retail environments.

Implementation Method 1

at least two mirrors for determining an average volume of the item

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10318976B2Methods for determining measurement data of an item

Publication Date: 2019.06.11 WALMART APOLLO LLC

AI summary

Provided are a system and method for determining a weight of an item for purchase, comprising determining from a digital image of an item generated by a single camera a volume of the item, the single camera separated from the item at a distance in a horizontal and vertical direction established by a stationary rigid fixture; identifying the item; accessing a database to determine an average weight per volume measurement unit of the identified item; and calculating a weight of the item from the volume and the average weight per volume measurement unit.