Automated Object Measurement for Moving Cost Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of moving from one dwelling to another is time-consuming and expensive, often requiring in-person visits from moving companies to estimate the time and cost of the move based on the number, size, and weight of objects being moved.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using video feeds with three-dimensional coordinate data to identify and measure objects, generating an inventory, and calculating estimated moving time and cost, which can be performed using wearable or non-wearable devices like computers, tablets, or smartphones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If in-person visits are conducted to count, identify, measure, and classify objects, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but loss of time and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a digital copy of the physical environment by capturing images or video footage of the location and objects. This digital replica is then processed through computer vision algorithms to identify, measure, and classify objects without requiring physical presence. The copying approach maintains measurement accuracy while eliminating the time loss associated with in-person site visits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual measurement (physical site visits by estimators) with an automated optical and computational system. Cameras capture visual data, and software algorithms automatically perform object identification, measurement, and classification, substituting human physical inspection with automated image processing.
2Reliability
If in-person visits are conducted to estimate moving time and cost, then reliability of estimation is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service estimation where the customer or user can capture images or video of their environment, and the automated system performs the estimation process independently. This eliminates the need for scheduling and conducting in-person visits by moving company representatives, thereby improving service delivery speed while maintaining reliable estimates through automated analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary estimation actions by analyzing visual data to identify objects, estimate their dimensions and weights, and calculate moving time and cost before any physical move occurs. This preliminary automated assessment provides reliable estimates instantly, improving productivity by eliminating the need for sequential in-person evaluation steps.
3Loss of time
If automated object recognition is used to estimate move, then loss of time is reduced and productivity increases, but measurement precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the automated measurement results can be reviewed, validated, and refined. The computer vision algorithms provide initial measurements, which can be fed back into the system for verification or adjustment, ensuring that automated speed does not compromise measurement precision. This feedback loop maintains accuracy while preserving the time efficiency of automated processing.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a computer-implemented method for estimating a move, the method comprising: identifying at least one object of interest from a video feed of an environment, wherein the video feed includes coordinate data for three dimensions of space; estimating a plurality of measurements of the at least one object of interest by reference to the coordinate data and the video feed of the environment; generating an inventory of each identified object of interest and corresponding plurality of measurements; and calculating one of an estimated moving time and an estimated moving cost based on the generated inventory.