Package Size Measurement With Floating Support for Thin Packages
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing package measuring apparatuses struggle to accurately measure the size of thin packages like envelopes due to the small difference in distance between the depth sensor and the package, leading to deteriorated measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a mounting table with projections or transmissive members that float the package above the surface, allowing the depth sensor to capture images from directly above, and a control unit to calculate the package size based on these images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the depth sensor measures the distance to a thin package placed directly on the mounting table, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to the small distance difference between the sensor and the package
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a floatation member as an intermediary element between the mounting table and the package. This floatation member creates a visible distance difference by floating above the mounting table surface, allowing the depth sensor to clearly distinguish the package boundaries and measure its size accurately without direct contact between the package and the table
2Ease of operation
If the package is placed directly on the mounting table surface, then the setup is simple, but the depth sensor cannot clearly identify thin packages due to minimal distance variation
Solution Approach 1:
The floatation member serves as a mediator that creates visual and measurable separation between the mounting table and the package. By floating above the table surface, it amplifies the distance difference, making thin packages easily identifiable and measurable by the depth sensor while maintaining simple package placement procedures
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
This configuration enhances the accuracy of size measurement for thin packages by ensuring a clear distinction between the sensor and package distances, enabling precise contour extraction and improved measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
floatation member configured to float a package above an upper surface of the mounting table
Implementation Method 2
a depth sensor configured to capture an image of the package being floated by the floatation member above the upper surface of the mounting table and thereby detect a distance between the depth sensor and the package
Data Source
AI summary
A package measuring apparatus according to the present disclosure includes: a mounting table; floatation member configured to float a package above an upper surface of the mounting table; a depth sensor configured to capture an image of the package being floated by the floatation member above the upper surface of the mounting table and thereby detect a distance between the depth sensor and the package, the depth sensor being disposed at a position where the depth sensor is able to capture the image of the package from substantially directly above it; and a control unit configured to calculate a size of the package based on data acquired from the depth sensor.