3D Wireframe Models for Irregular Parcel Dimensioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automated systems face challenges in accurately determining the dimensions and volumes of irregularly shaped objects and in assigning special handling instructions, such as fragile or orientation-specific requirements, during the shipping process, as they struggle to represent complex shapes and handle multiple objects or portions of objects effectively.

Innovation Solution

A non-contact volume dimensioning system that uses image sensors and processors to fit three-dimensional packaging wireframe models to objects based on detected features, allowing users to interactively adjust and select geometric primitives for accurate representation, and includes features for special handling instructions and multi-object handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated systems use standard dimensioning methods, then processing speed increases, but measurement precision deteriorates for irregularly shaped objects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparcel intake speedVSAvoiddimensional accuracy of irregular objects
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments irregularly shaped objects into multiple planar surfaces by detecting edges and contours from images. Each surface is analyzed separately to determine its geometric properties, and these segmented measurements are then integrated to calculate the overall volume and dimensions of the complex object, thereby maintaining measurement precision while enabling automated processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from two-dimensional image data to three-dimensional volumetric representation by analyzing multiple images taken from different angles. Through stereo vision and depth mapping, the system reconstructs the 3D geometry of irregular objects, allowing accurate volume calculation while maintaining high processing speed through automated computational methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If automated systems use simple geometric models, then device complexity decreases, but adaptability deteriorates for complex shapes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidcapability to represent complex shapes
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides complex irregular objects into multiple planar facets or surfaces. Each facet is represented by simple geometric parameters (vertices, normals, areas), which keeps the computational model relatively simple while collectively representing complex overall shapes through the assembly of these segmented planar elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts geometric parameters such as the number of planar facets, vertex coordinates, and surface normals based on the complexity of the object being measured. This allows the system to maintain simplicity for regular objects while automatically increasing model complexity for irregular shapes, optimizing the balance between device complexity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2845170B1Volume dimensioning systems and methods
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 INTERMEC IP CORP
  • EP2845170B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2845170B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2845170B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Systems and methods for volume dimensioning packages are provided. A method of operating a volume dimensioning system may include the receipt of image data of an area at least a first three-dimensional object to be dimensioned from a first point of view as captured using at least one image sensor. The system can determine from the received image data a number of features in three dimensions of the first three-dimensional object. Based at least on part on the determined features of the first three-dimensional object, the system can fit a first three-dimensional packaging wireframe model about the first three-dimensional object. The system can display of an image of the first three-dimensional packaging wireframe model fitted about an image of the first three-dimensional object on a display device.