TOF 3D Object Dimensioning for Irregular Shape Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manually measuring the dimensions of irregularly shaped objects for shipping, storage, or moving is time-consuming and inaccurate, complicating pricing and logistics.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing a time-of-flight (TOF) sensor to capture 3D images of objects from various poses, aligning these images in a common coordinate system, and computing dimensions using a processor to generate accurate measurements, regardless of shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measuring methods (tape measure or other measuring mechanisms) are used to measure item dimensions, then measurement capability is achieved, but time consumption increases and accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measuring tools (tape measures, measuring mechanisms) with an automated time-of-flight (TOF) camera system that captures 3D images and computationally determines dimensions. This substitution eliminates manual intervention, significantly reducing time consumption while improving measurement accuracy through automated image processing and coordinate system alignment algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital 3D copy of the physical object using TOF camera imaging. Instead of physically measuring the object with tools, the system captures multiple 3D images from different poses, aligns them in a common coordinate system, and computes dimensions from the digital representation. This copying approach enables rapid, accurate measurement without physical contact or manual intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual measuring methods are used for irregularly shaped objects, then measurement capability is achieved, but complexity increases due to non-box-shaped or asymmetrical forms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D projection measurements to 3D volumetric imaging using time-of-flight camera technology. By capturing objects in three dimensions and aligning multiple views in a common coordinate system, the system naturally handles irregular shapes and asymmetrical forms without increased complexity. The 3D approach inherently accommodates any geometry, eliminating the difficulties associated with measuring non-box-shaped objects using traditional methods.
3Measurement precision
If multiple images are captured from various poses using TOF sensor, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the complex task of measuring irregular objects into manageable segments by capturing multiple images from different poses and processing them separately. Each image is processed independently to extract geometric features, then the results are integrated through coordinate system alignment. This segmentation approach makes the overall system more manageable while achieving high accuracy through comprehensive multi-view data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a common coordinate system as an intermediary framework to integrate multiple 3D images captured from different poses. This intermediary coordinate system serves as a reference frame that aligns all captured images, enabling accurate dimension computation while simplifying the integration process. The coordinate system acts as a mediator that organizes complex multi-view data into a unified representation.
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 efficient and substantially accurate measurement of object dimensions, facilitating precise pricing and logistics planning.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining, from a time-of-flight (TOF) sensor, multiple images including the object
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure include obtaining images from a time-of-flight (TOF) sensor for determining dimensions of an object including obtaining, from the TOF sensor, multiple images including the object, validating whether the multiple images are taken at desired poses relative to the object, and where the multiple images are validated as taken at the desired poses, providing the multiple images for object dimensioning to compute or display dimensions of the object.