Optical Dimensional Measuring System with Orthogonal Reference Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for obtaining three-dimensional measurements of items are time-consuming and prone to errors, requiring manual measurement with tape measures or rulers.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device and system that includes a three-dimensional measuring device with orthogonal arms for reference measurements, a camera for image capture, and a processor to determine dimensions from images, along with a scale for weight measurement, integrated into a distribution network for efficient shipping parameter determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional manual measurement methods (tape measure, ruler) are used, then measurement capability is provided, but measurement time and error rate increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement tools (tape measures, rulers) with an automated optical measurement system. A camera captures images of the item, and image processing algorithms automatically determine dimensions by detecting edges, corners, and geometric features. This substitution of mechanical measurement with optical-digital measurement eliminates manual operation time and reduces human error, achieving both high precision and efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If multiple independent manual measurements are taken, then three-dimensional measurement capability is achieved, but complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement functions into a single integrated system. Instead of requiring separate manual measurements for length, width, and height, the system uses one camera to capture an image containing all dimensional information, and image processing simultaneously extracts all three dimensions. This consolidation reduces the number of operational steps from multiple separate measurements to a single capture-and-process operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by capturing all measurement data in a single image before any calculation or analysis is needed. The camera captures the entire item with reference objects or markers in one shot, pre-establishing all geometric relationships. Subsequent image processing then efficiently extracts dimensions from this pre-captured data, eliminating the need for sequential manual measurements.
3Reliability
If manual measurement processes are used, then dimensional data is obtained, but error probability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback through automated image processing that continuously refines measurement results. The algorithm detects geometric features, calculates dimensions, and can verify results against expected ranges or reference data. This automated feedback loop eliminates human reading errors and provides consistent, repeatable measurements, improving both reliability and precision compared to manual methods.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-dimensional measuring system is disclosed. The measuring system includes a dimensional measuring device that fits over an exterior portion of an item and provides reference measurements in three orthogonal directions. The measuring system also includes a camera to take an image of the item with the dimensional measuring placed thereon and a hardware processor that receives and processes the image to determine the dimensions of the item based upon the reference measurements of the dimensional measuring device.