Parcel Dimension Measurement Using Grid Reference Image
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mail handling systems struggle to automatically determine the dimensions of parcels, especially at low cost and for non-rectangular shapes, due to the high cost and limitations of ultrasound or LED systems that typically only measure three edges.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus using an orthogonal reference support with a grid and an image sensor, along with a processor unit, to acquire images of parcels and determine their dimensions by counting grid intervals along the edges, allowing for accurate measurement of length, width, and height in millimeters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasound or LED systems are used to determine parcel dimensions, then measurement capability is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a digital image (copy) of the parcel captured by a standard webcam to determine dimensions, rather than using expensive ultrasound or LED systems. The image serves as a surrogate for direct physical measurement, allowing dimension extraction through image processing algorithms that detect edges and reference grid patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or acoustic measurement systems (ultrasound transducers, LED arrays) with a simple optical system using a standard webcam. The mechanical/acoustic field is substituted with an optical field that can be captured and processed digitally, dramatically reducing hardware costs while maintaining measurement capability.
2Device complexity
If only three edges of the parcel are measured, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement accuracy deteriorates for non-rectangular shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from measuring only three edges in 3D space to capturing a two-dimensional image that contains information about all visible edges and faces of the parcel. By adding the image plane dimension, the system can extract dimensional information from multiple perspectives simultaneously, enabling accurate measurement of non-rectangular shapes without increasing physical sensor complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the image-based measurement system universal by enabling it to handle various parcel shapes (rectangular, irregular, non-rectangular) with the same hardware setup. The edge detection and grid reference methodology works across different geometries, making the system adaptable to any parcel form factor without requiring shape-specific measurement configurations.
3Device complexity
If manual dimension determination is used, then cost is reduced, but automation level decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic dimension determination through self-service image processing. The webcam captures the image, and software algorithms automatically detect edges, identify the reference grid, and calculate dimensions without human intervention. This eliminates the need for manual measurement while keeping hardware costs low, achieving automation through intelligent software rather than complex hardware.
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 simple, automatic, and cost-effective determination of parcel dimensions, improving accuracy and reducing errors for non-rectangular shapes without the need for expensive ultrasound or LED systems, suitable for low-cost franking systems.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor for acquiring an image of said parcel against said orthogonal reference support
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining the dimensions of a parcel, in which method the parcel to be measured is placed against an orthogonal reference support made up of at least two perpendicular vertical side panels, each of which is provided with a grid, and an image of the support and of the parcel together is acquired so as to determine at least three perpendicular edges of the parcel, and then the number of intervals of the grid that form each of the edges is counted so as to obtain the dimensions in mm of the parcel.