Mobile Dimensioning with Laser Rangefinder and Pose Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dimensioning systems are inadequate for measuring distances between arbitrary points on objects due to limitations such as parallax error, image capture quality, and the need for costly angular resolvers, and are often restricted in their range of motion and accuracy when measuring variable-sized objects at varying distances.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device equipped with a rangefinder and a tracking sensor that can track its pose in three dimensions, allowing for the measurement of distances between external points without additional hardware like angular resolvers, using laser or ultrasound range-finding technologies to generate three-dimensional coordinates for accurate distance calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional dimensioning systems are used to measure objects at variable distances, then the systems can accommodate a range of distances, but the dimensioning accuracy deteriorates due to parallax error and image capture quality limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional image-based dimensioning systems with a laser range-finding system. The laser rangefinder directly measures distances to multiple points on objects using time-of-flight or phase-shift methods, eliminating parallax errors inherent in image-based systems. The mobile device with tracking sensor substitutes fixed mechanical dimensioning systems, enabling accurate measurements at variable distances through direct laser ranging rather than image analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a tracking sensor as an intermediary to monitor the pose of the mobile device. This tracking data serves as a mediator between the laser range measurements and the final dimensioning calculations, enabling the system to compensate for device movement and maintain accuracy across variable distances through coordinate transformation based on tracked pose information.
2Measurement precision
If additional hardware like angular resolvers is added to measure distances between arbitrary points, then the measurement capability improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device performs self-positioning and self-orientation tracking using integrated tracking sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers). The device determines its own pose in three-dimensional space without requiring external reference systems or additional hardware like angular resolvers. The system uses the mobile device's own motion sensors to track its position and orientation, eliminating the need for complex external measurement infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device integrates multiple functions into a single platform: laser range-finding for distance measurement, tracking sensors for pose monitoring, and processing capabilities for coordinate transformation. This multi-functional device replaces specialized equipment like angular resolvers and fixed dimensioning systems, achieving arbitrary point measurement capability while reducing overall system complexity through consolidation.
3Measurement precision
If the device is restricted in range of motion to maintain accuracy, then the measurement precision is maintained, but the ease of operation and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static to dynamic operation by continuously tracking the mobile device's pose throughout its movement. The tracking sensor monitors position and orientation changes in real-time, enabling the system to dynamically adjust coordinate transformations based on current device pose. This allows the device to move freely while maintaining measurement accuracy through real-time pose compensation rather than restricting motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the measurement system into the temporal dimension by continuously tracking pose over time. Rather than requiring the device to remain stationary in a fixed dimension, the system captures pose information across multiple time points, enabling accurate dimensioning calculations even when the device moves through three-dimensional space. This temporal tracking dimension compensates for spatial movement.
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 flexible measurement of various distances between objects, including arbitrary points, with improved accuracy and reduced setup time, while allowing for free movement of the device, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
a tracking sensor; and a controller connected with the tracking sensor, the controller configured to: track successive poses of the mobile device in a frame of reference via the tracking sensor
Implementation Method 2
using laser or ultrasound range-finding technologies to generate three-dimensional coordinates
Implementation Method 3
using laser or ultrasound range-finding technologies to generate three-dimensional coordinates
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device includes a rangefinder to measure ranges to points external to the device; a tracking sensor; and a controller connected with the rangefinder and the tracking sensor, the controller configured to: track successive poses of the mobile device in a frame of reference via the tracking sensor; responsive to a first activation of the rangefinder at a first one of the poses, generate a first position, in the frame of reference, of a first external point based on a first range from the rangefinder and the first pose; responsive to a second activation of the rangefinder at a second one of the poses, generate a second position, in the frame of reference, of a second external point based on a second range from the rangefinder and the second pose; and determine a distance between the first and second external points based on the first and second positions.