3D Point Cloud Surface Highlighting for Mobile Box Dimensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurate measurement of package sizes in the transportation and logistics industry is hindered by the difficulty in distinguishing package images from background images in graphical user interfaces, necessitating methods to highlight box surfaces and edges effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a handheld device equipped with a depth sensor and user interface to obtain a 3D point cloud, process it to identify and differentiate between surfaces, and display them in contrasting colors for clear visualization and data capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If package images are displayed in a graphical user interface with background data, then measurement capability is provided, but differentiation between package images and background image becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by displaying package surfaces in distinct colors different from the background image colors. This allows users to easily differentiate package images from background data in the graphical user interface, directly resolving the differentiation difficulty while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the package into multiple surfaces (first surface, second surface, edges) and displays each segment with different colors. This segmentation approach enables clear visual distinction between package components and background, improving differentiation while preserving measurement functionality
2Measurement precision
If 3D point cloud is processed to identify multiple surfaces, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 3D point cloud into distinct surfaces (first surface, second surface) and edges, processing each segment separately to identify geometric properties. This segmentation enables precise measurement while managing processing complexity through structured analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 2D image data to 3D point cloud data, adding the depth dimension to enable accurate measurement of package dimensions. This dimensional change provides the necessary information for precise measurement while the systematic processing approach manages complexity
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 accurate and efficient measurement of package sizes by clearly highlighting box surfaces and edges, improving the accuracy of package dimensioning and data capture.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining a three-dimensional (3D) point cloud from a depth sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are methods and systems for highlighting box surfaces and edges in mobile box dimensioning. An embodiment takes the form of a method that includes obtaining a three-dimensional (3D) point cloud from a depth sensor when the depth sensor is positioned such that an aiming indicator appears on a first surface of an object; processing the 3D point cloud to identify an extent of the first surface; further processing the 3D point cloud to identify a second surface that is adjacent and normal to the first surface, and to identify an extent of the second surface; and displaying at least part of the 3D point cloud via a user interface, including displaying the identified first surface in a first color and the identified second surface in a second color different from the first color.