Package Length Calculation Using Depth Image Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing package measurement techniques require a reference label of known size to be attached to the package, which is burdensome and time-consuming for store clerks.
Innovation Solution
A package measuring apparatus equipped with a depth sensor that can capture images of packages from directly above, allowing for the calculation of package size without the need for a reference label. The apparatus acquires depth image data, compares it to background data, and calculates the package's dimensions based on vertex positions and distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a reference label of known size is attached to the package, then measurement precision can be improved, but device complexity and operation burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reference label requirement from the measurement system. By using a depth sensor to capture three-dimensional spatial information directly, the system eliminates the need for external reference labels while maintaining measurement precision through computational geometry algorithms that process vertex coordinates and spatial relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/reference-based measurement approach with an optical-computational approach. Instead of using physical reference labels for scale calibration, the system uses a depth sensor to capture spatial data and computational algorithms to derive dimensions, substituting mechanical reference with optical sensing and digital processing.
2Device complexity
If manual size measurement is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service measurement where the depth sensor automatically captures package dimensions without human intervention. The system autonomously processes images, identifies package vertices, calculates spatial coordinates, and determines package size through computational algorithms, eliminating manual measurement operations and significantly improving processing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement with automated optical sensing and computational processing. The depth sensor captures three-dimensional spatial data, and algorithms automatically calculate dimensions based on vertex positions and spatial relationships, substituting human manual measurement with automated electronic systems.
3Productivity
If a depth sensor is used to capture package images, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the depth sensor multi-functional by using it for both capturing package images and acquiring three-dimensional spatial information. The same sensor serves dual purposes: visual recognition and depth measurement, eliminating the need for separate reference labels and reducing overall system complexity despite the advanced sensor requirements.
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 efficient and accurate measurement of package size, reducing the burden on store clerks and allowing for streamlined shipping order processing, even without a reference label.
Implementation Method 1
a depth sensor disposed at a position at which the depth sensor is able to pick-up an image of a package having a rectangular parallelepiped shape and placed on a mounting table from substantially directly above the package, and configured to acquire a distance to the package by picking-up the image of the package
Data Source
AI summary
A package measuring apparatus includes a control unit and a depth sensor that picks up a package having a rectangular parallelepiped shape placed on a mounting table from substantially directly above the package. The control unit is configured to: specify data of the package in an acquired depth image data by comparing with background depth image data; calculate a height of the package and specify positions of three vertices located on a leftmost, rightmost, and uppermost or lowermost side in the depth image data; obtain two-dimensional coordinates of the three vertices based on a view angle of the depth sensor, data of a distance from the depth sensor corresponding to the three vertices, data of a position of each sensor element, and the number of sensor elements; and calculate a length of two sides defined between a third vertex and other two vertices based on the two-dimensional coordinates.