Three Dimensional Scanning and Data Extraction Systems and Processes for Supply Chain Piece Automation

• US 20170024896A1
• Filed: 07/08/2016
• Published: 01/26/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 07/21/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Iam Robotics, Llc
• Original Assignee: Iam Robotics, Llc
• Inventors: Houghton, Ricky Alan, Galluzzo, Thomas, Altman, Vladimir
• Granted Patent: US 10,311,634 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/087 Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 17/00 Three dimensional [3D] modelling, e.g. data description of 3D objects
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 17/10 Constructive solid geometry [CSG] using solid primitives, e.g. cylinders, cubes
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 2200/04 involving 3D image data
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 2200/08 involving all processing steps from image acquisition to 3D model generation
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 7/66 of image moments or centre of gravity
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/243 using three or more 2D image sensors

Abstract

Managing supply chain inventory is accomplished by measuring the dimensions and the weight of a product. A plurality of images of the product is obtained. The shape of the outer surface of the product is determined. The center of gravity of the product can be calculated. A product model that includes a three dimensional representation of the shape of a configuration of the product and optionally the center of gravity of the product is generated. The product model is stored in memory for future use.

Claims

1. A system for generating a product model comprising:

a scanner having at least one first sensor for measuring the dimensions of a product, at least one second sensor for measuring the weight of the product, and

a computing device including at least one processor configured to execute computer-executable instructions and memory storing computer-executable instructions configured to generate the product model that includes a three dimensional representation of the shape of a configuration of the product,

2. The system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the scanner further comprises at least one third sensor for obtaining one or more images of the product.

3. The system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the memory further stores computer-executable instructions configured to calculate an estimated center of gravity location of the product.

4. The system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the memory further stores computer-executable instructions configured to identify at least one landmark on an outer surface of the product and associate the landmark with the product model.

5. The system as set forth in claim 4, wherein the landmark is a barcode selected from a group consisting of a UPC code, an EAN code, and a GTIN code.

6. The system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the model includes multiple configurations selected from the group consisting of a single product configuration, a packaged product configuration, and a bundled product configuration.

7. A method for managing supply chain inventory comprising:

measuring the dimensions and the weight of a product,

obtaining a plurality of images of the product,

determining the shape of the outer surface of the product,

generating a product model that includes a three dimensional representation of the shape of a configuration of the product, and storing the product model in memory.

8. The method as set forth in claim 7, further comprising:

identifying at least one landmark on the outer surface of the product, and

adding the landmark to the product model.

9. The method as set forth in claim 8, wherein the landmark is a barcode selected from a group consisting of a UPC code, an EAN code, and a GTIN code.

10. The method as set forth in claim 7, wherein the product model further comprises an estimated center of gravity location for the product.

11. The method as set forth in claim 7, wherein the product model further comprises images of the product.

12. The system as set forth in claim 7, wherein the product model includes multiple configurations selected from the group consisting of a single configuration of the product, a packaged configuration of the product, and a bundled configuration of the product.

13. A supply chain management system comprising

a scanner for measuring the dimensions and the weight of a product and for obtaining

a plurality of images of the product,

a computing device having software for generating a model of the product,

the software having a first module for determining the shape of the outer surface of the product and a second module for building a product model that includes a three dimensional representation of the shape of a configuration of the product.

14. The supply chain management system of claim 13, further comprising a database for storing the model.

15. The supply chain management system of claim 14, wherein the computing device is connected to the database over a network.

16. The supply chain management system of claim 14, wherein the database is connected to at least one of inventory management component and a web site over the network.

17. The supply chain management system of claim 13, wherein the software has a third module for calculating an estimated center of gravity location for the product.

18. The supply chain management system of claim 13, wherein the product model includes an estimated location of the center of gravity of the product.