3D TOF Object Dimensioning for Irregular Shape Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manually measuring the dimensions of irregularly shaped objects is time-consuming and inaccurate, complicating pricing and logistics in shipping, storage, or moving industries.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a time-of-flight (TOF) sensor to capture 3D images from various poses, align them in a common coordinate system, and isolate a target object to determine dimensions, including generating 3D point clouds, identifying large planes, and fitting a bounding box around the object.
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 can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measuring tools (tape measures, measuring mechanisms) with an automated optical system consisting of a camera and processor. The system captures images of items and uses image processing algorithms to automatically calculate dimensions, eliminating the need for physical contact and manual measurement operations. This substitution of mechanical measurement with optical-digital measurement achieves both higher precision and faster processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the physical item through image capture. By taking multiple images from different angles and positions, the system builds a digital representation of the item that can be analyzed computationally. This digital copying allows for rapid, repeatable measurements without physical contact, solving both the time and accuracy problems of manual measurement.
2Measurement precision
If manual measuring methods are used for irregularly shaped items, then measurement can be attempted, but complexity increases and accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D image data to 3D dimensional analysis by capturing multiple images from different angles and combining them. The processor analyzes the spatial relationships between features across multiple images to calculate three-dimensional dimensions of irregular objects. This dimensional approach allows accurate measurement of complex shapes that would be difficult or impossible to measure accurately with traditional linear tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent breaks down the measurement of irregular objects into discrete steps: capturing multiple images from different positions, identifying key features in each image, matching features across images, and calculating dimensions based on the assembled geometric data. This segmentation of the measurement process into manageable computational steps reduces overall complexity while maintaining high accuracy for irregular shapes.
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 accurate measurement of object dimensions, facilitating precise pricing and logistics by overcoming shape irregularities.
Implementation Method 1
transforming the multiple images from a time-of-flight (TOF) sensor into multiple three-dimensional (3D) point clouds
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure include isolating a target scene object from multiple images of a time-of-flight (TOF) sensor. Multiple images from a TOF sensor can be transformed into multiple three-dimensional (3D) point clouds. In each of the multiple 3D point clouds, one or more large planes having a minimal threshold size can be identified. A common 3D point cloud can be generated by aligning rotated and translated point clouds corresponding to at least a portion of the multiple 3D point clouds. The common 3D point cloud can be rotated and translated to have one of one or more large planes identified as a ground plane within a common coordinate system of the common 3D point cloud, and a target object can be isolated.