Structured Light Container Dimension Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for measuring the dimensions of containers in reverse vending machines are not efficient in using structured light to accurately determine the length and diameter, particularly for cylindrical containers, as they often require complex calculations and multiple light sources or suffer from parallax errors.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing structured light with one or two laser light sources and a camera to measure the length and diameter of cylindrical containers by counting pixels, with a calibrated system that uses known angles and pixel counts to determine dimensions, and can be adapted for use in reverse vending machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple laser light sources are used to measure container dimensions, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple laser light sources (first and second laser line generators) with a single camera to measure both length and diameter of cylindrical containers. The first laser line generator projects a first laser line for length measurement, while the second laser line generator projects a second laser line for diameter measurement. Both laser lines are captured by the same camera, merging multiple measurement functions into a single integrated system that reduces overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If complex calculations are used to determine container dimensions, then measurement precision is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex calculation methods with a pixel-counting approach based on structured light projection. By projecting laser lines at known angles and counting the number of pixels where the laser lines intersect the container, the system directly determines dimensions through geometric relationships between pixel counts and known projection angles. This substitution of complex calculations with direct geometric measurement through pixel counting significantly reduces processing time while maintaining measurement precision.
3Device complexity
If traditional lighting methods are used to measure container dimensions, then device simplicity is maintained, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to parallax errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the lighting parameters by using structured light in the form of laser lines projected at specific angles rather than traditional omnidirectional lighting. The first laser line is projected at a first angle and the second laser line at a second angle relative to the container axis. This parameter change in lighting geometry eliminates parallax errors by providing fixed, known angular references that allow direct geometric measurement of container dimensions through pixel counting, thereby improving measurement accuracy while keeping the device relatively simple.
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
The device provides accurate and efficient measurement of container dimensions, reducing errors and improving measurement resolution, allowing for effective comparison with bar code data and quality control in reverse vending machines.
Implementation Method 1
directing a light beam towards an object, receiving light beams reflected from the object
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Device for measuring the length and diameter of a container using structured lighting includes a receiving area for receiving a container having a length and width. Receiving area has a surface on which container is received. A first laser line generator is provided and configured for directing a triangular plane of laser light at receiving area and container received in receiving area. A camera provided and configured for detecting an image of a first laser line appearing on surface of container in receiving area, and detecting an image of a second laser line appearing on surface of receiving area. An analyzing device may be provided to receive images of first and second laser lines, and use images of first and second laser lines to determine diameter and length of container received on receiving surface. Analyzing device may determine length and width of container by counting pixels.