Shape identification device and delivery box

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing delivery box measurement devices can only automatically measure dimensions of rectangular parallelepiped-shaped objects, limiting the types of shapes that can be measured and requiring improvement for broader applicability.

Innovation Solution

A shape identification device integrated with a delivery box, featuring a first imaging unit and image processing unit that recognizes the external shape of objects by comparing captured images with stored sample shapes, allowing for automatic identification and dimension measurement of various shapes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the measurement device uses a fixed imaging method for rectangular parallelepipeds, then the measurement process is simple, but the types of shapes that can be measured are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetypes of shapes that can be measuredVSAvoidimage processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by capturing images from multiple directions (front, side, top) before shape recognition. These pre-captured images are stored and processed to identify the three-dimensional shape of delivery parcels, enabling the system to handle various shapes including non-rectangular ones without increasing operational complexity during actual measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from two-dimensional image analysis to three-dimensional shape recognition by capturing images from multiple directions (front, side, top). This multi-dimensional approach allows the system to recognize various parcel shapes including cylindrical, irregular, and non-standard forms, significantly expanding the types of measurable objects beyond simple rectangular parallelepipeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If manual shape input is required, then measurement accuracy can be ensured, but operational convenience decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of delivery processVSAvoidshape identification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement device performs self-service by automatically capturing images, recognizing shapes, and determining dimensions without requiring manual shape input from users. The system uses image processing algorithms to automatically identify parcel shapes and calculate dimensions, maintaining measurement precision while significantly improving operational convenience and enabling unattended delivery box operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with automated optical imaging and digital image processing. Instead of requiring users to physically measure and input dimensions, the system uses cameras to capture images and algorithms to automatically recognize shapes and calculate dimensions, eliminating manual intervention while maintaining or improving measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If multiple imaging units are used to capture images from different directions, then shape recognition accuracy improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshape recognition accuracyVSAvoidnumber of imaging units

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging system is segmented into multiple specialized imaging units positioned at different locations (front, side, top) within the delivery box. Each imaging unit is responsible for capturing images from its specific direction, and the control device processes these segmented image sets to reconstruct three-dimensional parcel shapes. This segmentation approach improves shape recognition accuracy while keeping each individual imaging unit relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control device performs multiple functions by processing images from different imaging units to achieve both shape recognition and dimension measurement. The same control device that manages the imaging units also executes the image processing algorithms, performs shape identification, and calculates dimensions, reducing overall system complexity through functional integration despite using multiple imaging units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11514596B2Shape identification device and delivery box

Publication Date: 2022.11.29 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A shape identification device includes an accommodation chamber for accommodating an object to be measured such that the same can be removed from and inserted into the accommodation chamber, a first imaging unit for imaging the object accommodated in the accommodation chamber, and an image processing unit for carrying out image processing on the basis of the image information imaged by the first imaging unit and recognizing the external shape of the object. The image processing unit includes a storage unit having, stored therein beforehand, a plurality of types of sample external shapes corresponding to objects to be measured and a shape recognition unit for comparison and discrimination of the external shape information from the first imaging unit and the external shape information stored in the storage unit and recognition of an external shape matching or approximating the external shape information from the first imaging unit.