Shipment Fee Calculation via 3D Hologram Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual process of determining shipment fees is time-consuming and error-prone, and existing automated methods are complex and costly, making them unsuitable for logistics service providers.
Innovation Solution
A method that automatically determines shipment fees by projecting a three-dimensional hologram of a body onto the shipment, allowing visual verification of enclosure, and iteratively selecting the appropriate body size to calculate fees based on weight and volume, using a combination of laser projection and existing hardware like scales and scanners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement methods are used to determine shipment dimensions, then employees can directly measure and compare shipments to standard categories, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical copying to create a digital representation of the physical shipment. A camera captures images of the shipment from multiple angles, and software processes these images to generate accurate dimensional measurements, replacing manual measurement with automated optical copying and image analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual measurement process (using tape measures and physical comparison) with an automated optical-mechanical system. The system uses cameras, image processing algorithms, and computer software to automatically determine dimensions, eliminating the need for manual mechanical measurement tools and human operation.
2Productivity
If automated optical measurement systems are used to determine shipment dimensions, then the process becomes faster and more accurate, but the systems become technically complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the measurement system universal by using standard camera equipment that can capture various types of shipments regardless of size or shape. The same camera and software system handles all shipment types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized measurement devices and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses simple optical copying with standard cameras instead of complex specialized measurement instruments. By capturing images and processing them through software algorithms, the system achieves accurate measurements without requiring expensive, technically complex dedicated measurement hardware.
3Loss of time
If existing automated measurement systems are implemented, then measurement speed increases, but calibration requirements and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical copying with standard cameras to create digital images of shipments. These images are then processed by software that automatically calculates dimensions without requiring physical calibration artifacts or complex calibration procedures, reducing both time and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration through software algorithms that automatically reference known camera parameters and image geometry. The measurement process is self-sufficient, requiring no external calibration equipment or manual calibration steps, thereby reducing implementation costs and simplifying operation.
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 method simplifies and streamlines the fee determination process, reducing errors and operational costs by enabling automated, accurate calculation of shipment fees without manual measurement.
Implementation Method 1
Projecting the three-dimensional object onto the shipment, including superimposing a hologram of the three-dimensional object using a laser
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining a fee for sending a shipment (1), comprising the steps: a) determining the weight and/or volume of the shipment (1), b) selecting a three-dimensional body (4) corresponding to the weight and/or volume of the shipment (1), c) projecting the three-dimensional body (4) onto the shipment (1), d) checking whether the three-dimensional body (4) can enclose the shipment (1), e) if the three-dimensional body (4) cannot enclose the shipment (1), selecting a larger three-dimensional body (4') and repeating steps c) and d), f) if the three-dimensional body (4) can enclose the shipment (1), determining the fee for sending the shipment (1) depending on the determined weight and/or volume and the selected three-dimensional body (4).