Volume Dimensioning System Calibration for Shipping Accuracy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing volume dimensioning systems face challenges in accurately measuring non-standard sized and shaped parcels, leading to inaccuracies in shipping costs due to distortion in image data, which affects compliance with regulatory standards and efficiency in cargo handling.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes an image sensor and a control subsystem to determine distortion values in image data, adjusting the accuracy of volume dimensioning information based on these values, and applying correction factors to ensure compliance with industry standards, such as NIST Handbook 44-2012 Chapter 5.58, by recalibrating to fine or coarse units of accuracy as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automated volume dimensioning systems are used to measure parcels, then shipping cost accuracy is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to optical and dimensional distortion in image data
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures multiple images of a calibration pattern at different positions and uses these images to determine distortion values. This feedback mechanism allows the system to continuously monitor and correct for optical and dimensional distortion, maintaining measurement precision while enabling automated volume dimensioning for accurate shipping cost calculation
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the unit of accuracy in volume dimensioning information based on determined distortion values. When distortion is high, the system switches to coarser units of accuracy, and when distortion is low, it uses finer units. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by matching measurement precision to actual image quality
2Reliability
If multiple dimensional measurements are taken to determine volume, then shipping cost accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical measurement with automated image-based dimensioning. By capturing images of parcels and using computer vision algorithms to extract dimensional information, the system achieves accurate volume measurement without complex mechanical measurement devices, resolving the contradiction between accuracy and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration pattern serves multiple functions: it calibrates the imaging system, determines distortion values, and validates measurement accuracy. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate calibration devices and procedures, simplifying the overall system while maintaining measurement accuracy
3Measurement precision
If distortion correction is applied to image data, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of information increases due to correction artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies distortion correction selectively based on the determined distortion values and their impact on specific measurement regions. Rather than correcting the entire image uniformly, the system focuses correction on areas affecting volume measurement, minimizing information loss in non-critical regions while maintaining precision where needed
Data Source
AI summary
Various corporate, industry, and regulatory guidelines, best practices and standards are used in establishing acceptable levels of accuracy for volume dimensioning systems used in commerce. A volume dimensioning system can determine at least one distortion value that is indicative of an amount of distortion present in the system and responsive to the amount of distortion, autonomously alter or adjust the units of accuracy of information reported by the system. Such alteration or adjustment of units of accuracy may be performed based on an assessment of the distortion relative to a number of distortion thresholds. Responsive to the assessment, the volume dimensioning system can adjust a unit of accuracy in a representation of volume dimensioning related information.