Object Dimensioning System Using Single Imaging Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining object dimensions are often complex, require extensive calibration, and are not well-suited for portable or dynamic environments, as they typically involve multiple cameras, patterned light, and stringent lighting conditions, making them difficult to implement reliably and efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a single imaging sensor, a lens arrangement, and a processor to determine object dimensions based on a single grayscale image, without the need for complex calibration or patterned light, using trigonometric relationships and features identified within the image, such as edges and corners, and incorporating a range finder and angular sensor for distance and orientation measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple cameras and patterned light are used to determine object dimensions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions (dimension measurement, distance measurement, angle measurement) into a single imaging system. The processor integrates data from the imaging sensor, range finder, and angular sensor to calculate object dimensions, eliminating the need for separate measurement devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a processor as an intermediary that mediates between the imaging sensor and the dimension measurement task. The processor uses trigonometric relationships and geometric calculations based on imaging parameters (focal length, sensor-lens distance) combined with range finder and angular sensor data to derive object dimensions, simplifying the measurement approach compared to direct multi-camera methods.
2Measurement precision
If extensive calibration and patterned light are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system performs self-calibration using its own imaging parameters (focal length, sensor-lens distance) and automatically calculates object dimensions based on the captured image features, range finder distance, and angular sensor orientation. This eliminates the need for external calibration procedures and patterned light targets, making the system easier to operate while maintaining measurement precision through automated geometric calculations.
3Measurement precision
If multiple cameras and stringent lighting conditions are required, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is designed to be universal and adaptable to various environmental conditions by using a single imaging sensor combined with a range finder and angular sensor. The system can determine object dimensions in different lighting conditions, for both stationary and moving objects, and in various orientations, making it highly versatile while maintaining measurement precision through its multi-functional sensing approach.
4Measurement precision
If complex computational analysis is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical multi-camera systems with a single imaging sensor combined with electronic sensors (range finder, angular sensor) and computational processing. The processor efficiently calculates object dimensions using trigonometric relationships and geometric models based on imaging parameters and sensor data, achieving both high measurement precision and fast processing speeds by substituting mechanical complexity with streamlined electronic sensing and computation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Determining dimensions of an object can include determining a distance between the object and an imaging device, and an angle of an optical axis of the imaging device. One of more features of the object can be identified in an image of the object. The dimensions of the object can be determined based upon the distance, the angle, and the one or more identified features.