Apparatus, non-transient computer readable media, and methods for automatically quantifying space within a logistics container using a scanning sensor node disposed within the container

A non-transitory computer-readable medium containing instructions which when executed on a processor of a scanning sensor node performs an improved method for automatically quantifying space within a container using the scanning sensor node disposed within the container and exposed to scan the space within the container from above the space, the method comprising:

• detecting an initiating condition from within the container using an activation sensor on the scanning sensor node, the initiating condition reflecting at least an anticipated change within the container;
• in response to detecting the initiating condition using the activation sensor, capturing a snapshot scan of the space within the container from above the space and within the container using the scanning sensor node;
• and
• storing the snapshot scan within a memory of the scanning sensor node.

A scanning sensor apparatus disposed within a container to automatically quantify space within the container, the apparatus comprising:

• a housing configured to mount within the container above the space within the container;
• a processing unit disposed within the housing;
• a memory disposed within the housing, the memory being operatively coupled to the processing unit and maintaining at least a scanning program code section for execution by the processing unit;
• a depth sensor operatively coupled to the processing unit, wherein the depth sensor is exposed to the space within the container from above the space, wherein the depth sensor operates to capture a snapshot scan relative to the space within the container from above the space;
• an activation sensor operatively coupled to the processing unit, wherein the activation sensor monitors an environmental condition of the space within the container;
• and
• wherein the processing unit, when executing the scanning program code section, is operative to
• receive an initiating condition signal from the activation sensor, wherein the initiating condition signal reflects at least an anticipated change to the monitored environmental condition of the space within the container,
• in response to receiving the initiating condition signal, cause the depth sensor to capture the snapshot scan of the space within the container from above the space and within the container;
• and
• access the memory to store the captured snapshot scan data within the memory.