Laser-based dimensioning system
AssigneeQuantronix, Inc.
InventorsBradley J. Stringer, Michael K. Elwood
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and apparatus for measuring the dimensions and determining the three-dimensional, spatial volume of objects, particularly small objects. Reflected laser light sensors are employed. A stationary measurement embodiment of the apparatus may be employed to measure regular cuboidal objects. A dynamic or in-motion embodiment may be employed to measure the dimensions of cuboidal objects or a three-dimensional outline of objects of irregular configuration.
Claims36
An apparatus for measuring the length and width of an object, comprising:
- at least one light sensor including an emitter for emitting a light beam and a receiver remote from said emitter and associated therewith for receiving a reflection of said light beam, said emitter being oriented to emit said light beam across a path of a linearly-moving object so that said light beam impinges upon said object;
- said receiver including a light sensor for generating a signal responsive to receipt of said reflection of an associated light beam reflected from said object;
- a device for detecting rate of speed of said object during impingement of said light beam thereon and generating a signal indicative of said rate of speed;
- and
- a processor for computing the length and width of said object from said signals.
A method of measuring at least two dimensions of a three-dimensional object, comprising:
- moving said object linearly along a path;
- emitting a first light beam from a first fixed location on one side of said path against said object in substantially transverse orientation to movement of said object, and receiving said first light beam after reflection thereof from said object as said object moves, at a location displaced from said first fixed location;
- determining a rate of speed of said object;
- and
- computing said at least two dimensions from said rate of object speed and variations in position of receipt of said reflected first light beam at said receiving location.
An apparatus for measuring length and width of an object, comprising:
- at least one light sensor including an emitter for emitting a light beam and a receiver remote from said emitter and associated therewith for receiving a reflection of said light beam, said emitter being oriented to emit said light beam across a path of a linearly-moving object so that said light beam impinges upon said object;
- said receiver including a light sensor for generating a signal responsive to receipt of said reflection of an associated light beam reflected from said object;
- a device for detecting movement of said object during impingement of said light beam thereon and generating a signal indicative of said movement;
- and
- a processor for computing the length and width of said object from said signals.
A method of measuring at least two dimensions of a three-dimensional object, comprising:
- moving said object along a path;
- emitting a first light beam from a first fixed location on one side of said path against said object in substantially transverse orientation to movement of said object, and receiving said first light beam after reflection thereof from said object as said object moves, at a location displaced from said first fixed location;
- detecting said movement of said object;
- and
- computing said at least two dimensions from said detected movement and variations in position of receipt of said reflected first light beam at said receiving location.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.