Vehicle-Mounted Sensor System for Dimension Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring dimensions between points on surfaces, particularly for vehicles, lack precision and efficiency, especially in complex environments like narrow roads and warehouses, where obstacles and non-integrated sensors can impede accurate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a vehicle-mounted system with rotatable or pivotable image-generating apparatuses and surroundings sensors, integrated or with identical functionality, to scan and measure dimensions between points, accounting for curvature and movement, and allowing autonomous vehicle movement for comprehensive data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple separate sensors are used for measuring dimensions, then measurement coverage is improved, but sensor offset and alignment errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (image generation, distance measurement, direction sensing) into a single integrated sensor unit mounted on the vehicle. This integration eliminates offset errors between separate sensors while maintaining comprehensive measurement coverage through the unified sensor's multiple capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor unit performs multiple functions simultaneously: generating images of surfaces, measuring distances to measuring points, and determining directions. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate sensors, achieving both wide coverage and high precision.
2Loss of information
If the vehicle moves autonomously during measurement, then comprehensive data collection is improved, but measurement time and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the vehicle's movement during the measurement process. The vehicle moves autonomously to optimal positions where the integrated sensor can capture measuring points that would otherwise be inaccessible, ensuring complete data collection while minimizing unnecessary movement time through intelligent path planning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary planning of the measurement process, pre-calculating optimal vehicle positions and measurement sequences. This allows the autonomous movement to be efficient and targeted, collecting comprehensive data without excessive time loss.
3Measurement precision
If integrated sensors are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple sensing functions into a single sensor unit, which reduces the overall system complexity compared to coordinating multiple separate sensors. The integration eliminates the need for complex calibration and synchronization between separate sensors while maintaining high measurement precision through unified data acquisition.
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 precise and efficient measurement of dimensions between points on surfaces, including those under vehicles, with reduced sensor offset issues and improved accuracy, facilitating navigation and loading optimization.
Implementation Method 1
at least one image-generating apparatus for scanning the surroundings of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
at least one surroundings sensor for sensing the distance and the direction of the measuring points with respect to the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device, to a vehicle, and to a method for measuring a dimension between at least two points on surfaces. The device comprises an image-generating apparatus configured to scan the surroundings of the vehicle, and a display apparatus configured to display a representation of the surroundings of the vehicle. The device also includes an input apparatus configured to define at least two points as measuring points between which a dimension is to be determined in the displayed representation, a surroundings sensor configured to sense a distance and a direction of each of the measuring points with respect to the vehicle, and an evaluation apparatus configured to determine the dimension based on the sensed distances and directions of the measuring points, wherein the evaluation apparatus is further configured to output the determined dimension.