TOF Sensor Array 3D Mapping for Transportation Space Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual inspection of transportation systems to detect shifts or tampering of objects within is time-consuming, and determining available space is inefficient, requiring manual manifest checks and inspections at each stop.
Innovation Solution
An automated system using a time-of-flight (TOF) sensor array to measure distances and generate 3D maps of objects within the transportation system, allowing for real-time monitoring of object positions and available space, with the ability to compare maps for detecting changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual inspection is used to detect object shifts and tampering, then personnel can verify object positions against a manifest, but the inspection process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated optical sensing system. TOF sensors emit light pulses and measure the time for reflected light to return, automatically detecting object positions and generating 3D maps without human intervention. This substitution eliminates time-consuming manual inspection while maintaining detection accuracy through precise optical measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-monitoring of the transportation system by automatically capturing 3D maps at different stops and comparing them to detect shifts or tampering. The automated comparison process allows the system to inspect itself without external personnel, reducing inspection time while ensuring consistent detection reliability.
2Measurement precision
If manual methods are used to determine available space in a transportation system, then personnel can calculate remaining volume, but the process requires time-consuming manifest checks and inspections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual space calculation with automated 3D mapping using TOF sensors. The sensors capture the complete three-dimensional geometry of the transportation system interior and objects within it, automatically computing available space volume without manual measurement or manifest reference. This provides both high measurement precision through optical ranging and improved productivity by eliminating manual inspection steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional manifest data to three-dimensional spatial mapping. By capturing the full 3D geometry of the transportation system interior and objects, the system enables accurate volume calculations and space utilization analysis that cannot be achieved through manual 2D measurements or manifest checks alone.
3Loss of information
If multiple TOF sensor arrays are used to capture complete 3D maps of the transportation system, then comprehensive spatial data is obtained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing task into multiple segments by deploying several TOF sensor arrays at different locations within the transportation system. Each sensor array captures a portion of the 3D space, and the system integrates these segmented measurements to reconstruct the complete 3D map. This segmentation approach maintains data completeness while managing device complexity through modular sensor deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges data from multiple TOF sensor arrays to create a comprehensive 3D map of the transportation system. By combining the spatial measurements from different sensor positions and orientations, the system achieves complete spatial coverage and eliminates blind spots, ensuring no spatial information is lost while integrating the data through coordinate transformation and point cloud merging algorithms.
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 automated detection of object shifts, tampering, and space utilization, reducing manual inspection time and improving packing efficiency by providing accurate 3D spatial data for real-time monitoring and comparison.
Implementation Method 1
a first time-of-flight (TOF) sensor of a plurality of first TOF sensors of a first TOF sensor array measures a distance between the first TOF sensor and one or more objects positioned in a transportation system
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for determining space occupancy and performing volumetric measurement of a transportation system using a time-of-flight (TOF) sensor array are provided. In the method and apparatus, the TOF sensor array, which is mounted in a transportation system and includes a plurality of TOF sensors, outputs a plurality of distance measurements made by the plurality of TOF sensors, respectively. In the method and apparatus, a map of one or more objects positioned in the transportation system is generated based on the plurality of distance measurements. The map is output for display to a user by a display.