WO2019103740A1 - Dispositifs de mesure - Google Patents

Dispositifs de mesure Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2019103740A1
WO2019103740A1 PCT/US2017/063049 US2017063049W WO2019103740A1 WO 2019103740 A1 WO2019103740 A1 WO 2019103740A1 US 2017063049 W US2017063049 W US 2017063049W WO 2019103740 A1 WO2019103740 A1 WO 2019103740A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
component
box
length
spool
retractable
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2017/063049
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Lian Chye Simon Tan
Original Assignee
Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. filed Critical Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
Priority to PCT/US2017/063049 priority Critical patent/WO2019103740A1/fr
Publication of WO2019103740A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019103740A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
    • G01B3/00—Measuring instruments characterised by the use of mechanical techniques
    • G01B3/10—Measuring tapes
    • G01B3/1084—Tapes combined with arrangements for functions other than measuring lengths
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
    • G01B3/00—Measuring instruments characterised by the use of mechanical techniques
    • G01B3/10—Measuring tapes
    • G01B3/1084—Tapes combined with arrangements for functions other than measuring lengths
    • G01B3/1092—Tapes combined with arrangements for functions other than measuring lengths for performing length measurements and at least one other measurement of a different nature, e.g. bubble-type level
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
    • G01B5/00—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques
    • G01B5/02—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques for measuring length, width or thickness
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
    • G01B5/00—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques
    • G01B5/02—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques for measuring length, width or thickness
    • G01B5/06—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques for measuring length, width or thickness for measuring thickness
    • G01B5/061—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques for measuring length, width or thickness for measuring thickness height gauges
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
    • G01B11/00—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques
    • G01B11/02—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring length, width or thickness
    • G01B11/026—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring length, width or thickness by measuring distance between sensor and object
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
    • G01B7/00—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques
    • G01B7/30—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring angles or tapers; for testing the alignment of axes

Definitions

  • Measurement of parameters, such as length, width, and height, of objects, such as a box, is used, for example, for assessment of packaging, warehousing, and shipping costs.
  • parameters of a box are measured in multiple steps using, for example, a measuring tape.
  • a height of the box may be measured first followed by width and length.
  • the weight of the box may be measured separately using a weighing scale.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates an example device for measuring dimensions of a box, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.
  • FIG. 2(a) illustrates an example device placed on a box, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.
  • FIG. 2(b) illustrates measurement of a length and a width of a cubic box, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter
  • Fig. 2(c) illustrates measurement of a length and a width of a cuboidai box, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.
  • FIG 3 illustrates a base portion of an example device, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter
  • FIG. 4 illustrates another example device, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.
  • FIG. 5(a) illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example device, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.
  • FIG. 5(b) illustrates schematic of various components of an example device, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.
  • Fig. 6(a) illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example device, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.
  • FIG. 6(b) illustrates arrangement of various components of an example device, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates another example device, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.
  • Parameters such as length, width, height, and weight, of an object are measured for various purposes, such as for estimating costs associated with storage and transportation. While manual measurement of the parameters is a time-consuming process, devices for simultaneous measurement of multiple parameters are generally expensive and bulky. Further, certain prerequisites may have to be met for using some of the devices, for example, presence of a comer of a wall, presence of a fluorescent strip on a wail, and the like. Therefore, such devices are, typically, not portable or easy to use.
  • An example device includes a first component for placement at a first corner of a box and a second component for placement at a second corner of the box, diagonally opposite from the first corner.
  • the device further includes a retractable component disposed in the first component and coupled to the second component.
  • the first component includes a length measuring unit to measure a diagonal length of the box. The diagonal length is measured based on a length of the retractable component that extends out from the first component.
  • the first component further includes an angle measuring unit to measure an angle between a diagonal of the box and an adjacent edge of the box. The angle is measured based on an angular deflection of the retractable component in an extended state.
  • the first component further includes a processor to compute a length and a width of the box based on the angle and the diagonal length.
  • a first end of the retractable component is disposed on a spool in the first component
  • a second end of the retractable component is coupled to a coupling mechanism provided in the second component.
  • the spool is rotatable about a first axis which passes orthogonally through a center of the spool.
  • the first component may also include an arm comprising a slot through which the retractable component is passed. The arm is rotatable about a second axis.
  • a first rotary encoder is coupled to the spool to provide a first signal corresponding to a degree of rotation of the spool, which in turn corresponds to a length of the retractable component extending out from the first component.
  • a second rotary encoder is coupled to the arm to provide a second signal corresponding to a degree of rotation of the arm, which in turn corresponds to an angular deflection of the retractable component in an extended state.
  • the present subject matter thus provides devices that may simultaneously measure the length and width of a box by measuring a length of a diagonal and the angle between the diagonal and adjacent edge. Height and weight of the box may also be simultaneously measured using additional components.
  • the length, width, and height of the box are also referred to as dimensions of the box hereinafter.
  • the device may also communicate the dimensions and weight of the box to a remote device for further computation of shipping charges or other purposes. Therefore, the device provides automatic and simultaneous measurement of box dimensions. Further, the device is portable and may be used irrespective of the presence of a wall or corners thereof.
  • Example implementations of the present subject matter are described with regard to boxes.
  • the devices and methods discussed herein may be used for measurement of parameters of any substantially cubical or cuboida! object and such implementations are also intended to be covered herein.
  • the term box as used in the present subject matter may refer to any such object in an example, implementations of the present subject matter may be used for measuring boxes for various purposes, for example, for shipping, warehouse storage, and the like.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates an example device 100 for measuring dimensions of a box, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.
  • the device 100 includes a first component 102, a second component 104, and a retractable component 106
  • the first component 102 is for placement at a first corner of a box and the second component 104 is for placement at a second corner of the box, which is diagonally opposite from the first corner.
  • a corner of the box refers to a point on the box where three sides or edges of the box meet, as will be understood.
  • the retractable component 106 is disposed in the first component 102 and is coupled to the second component 104.
  • the retractable component 106 is one of a tape or a string.
  • the retractable component may be extended out from the first component 102, for example, by pulling the second component 104 away from the first component 102 or vice- versa.
  • the retractable component 106 may also include a biasing mechanism, for example, an elastic mechanism, such as a spring. The biasing mechanism allows the retractable component 106 to retract into the first component 102, for example, when the second component 104 is released.
  • the first component 102 further includes a length measuring unit 108, an angle measuring unit 1 10, and a processor 1 12.
  • the length measuring unit 108 is to measure a diagonal length of the box. The diagonal length is measured based on a length of the retractable component 106 that extends out from the first component 102. In an example, the diagonal length of the box is measured based on the length of the retractable component between the first component 102 and the second component 104 when the first component 102 is placed at the first corner and the second component is placed at the second corner of the box.
  • the angle measuring unit 1 10 is to measure an angle between a diagonal of the box and an adjacent edge of the box. The angle is measured based on an angular deflection of the retractable component 108 when the retractable component 106 is in an extended state between the first component 102 and the second component 104.
  • the length measuring unit 108 and the angle measuring unit 1 10 include respective rotary encoders.
  • the rotary encoder used to measure the angle is also referred to as angle rotary encoder and the rotary encoder used to measure the length is also referred to as length rotary encoder hereinafter.
  • each rotary encoder may be associated with a respective processor to compute the diagonal length and angle based on signals received from the rotary encoders.
  • a common processor may be communicatively coupled to the rotary encoders to compute the diagonal length and angle based on the signals received.
  • the device 100 further includes a processor 1 12 to compute the length and the width of the box based on the diagonal length and the angle.
  • the processor 1 12 may be implemented as a microprocessor, a microcontroller, and the like.
  • the length measuring unit 108 and the angle measuring unit 1 10 communicate the measured diagonal length and the angle to the processor 1 12 for computation of the length and the width of the box.
  • the processor 1 12 may be the common processor as mentioned above.
  • the processor 1 12 may first compute the diagonal length and the angle based on the signals received from the rotary encoders and then compute the length and width of the box based on the diagonal length and the angle. Example implementations for computation of the length and width based on the diagonal length and the angle are explained below.
  • Fig. 2(a) illustrates the device 100 placed on a box 200, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.
  • the first component 102 may be placed on a first corner 202 and the second component 104 may be placed on a second corner 204.
  • the device 100 is initialized prior to the placement of the first component 102 on the first corner 202 and the second component 104 on the second corner 204.
  • an initial angle and an initial diagonal offset are determined and corresponding values are set.
  • the initial angle may be determined as the initial position of the retractable component 108 with respect to the angle rotary encoder. In an example, a zero deflection from the initial angle is set to be read as a 45° angle.
  • the initial diagonal offset may be determined as the distance between the point on the first component 102 at which the first component 102 would rest on the first corner 202 and the point on the second component 104 at which the second component 104 would rest on the second comer 204. The initial diagonal offset may thus correspond to a minimum diagonal length that the device 100 may measure.
  • the retractable component 106 may be fully retracted for the initialization of the device 100 and for ensuring alignment of the first component 102 with the second component 104.
  • magnets may be used for the alignment of the first component 102 and the second component 104.
  • magnets of opposite polarities may be placed at edge 208a of the first component 102 and edge 206b of the second component 104.
  • the edges 208a, 206b of the first component 102 and the second component 104 are edges that are for contacting with each other when the retractable component 108 are fully retracted.
  • other techniques for ensuring alignment of the first component 102 and the second component 104 may be used.
  • the first component 102 and the second component 104 are placed at the first corner 202 and the second corner 204.
  • the first corner 202 and the second corner 204 are diagonally opposite from each other.
  • the retractable component 106 extends between the first component 102 and the second component 104 along a diagonal of the box 200.
  • the length measuring unit 108 and angle measuring unit 1 10 (not shown) measure a diagonal length L d and an angle Q.
  • the diagonal length L d is measured based on the length of the retractable component 106 extended between the first component 102 and the second component 104, and the angle Q is measured based on the angular deflection of the retractable component in the extended state.
  • the diagonal length L d is measured by adding the initial diagonal offset to the length of the retractable component 106 that is extended between the first component 102 and the second component 104. For example, if the length of the retractable component 106 that extends from the first component 102 is determined to be 10 inches and the initial diagonal offset is 1 inch, then the diagonal length is determined as 1 1 inches.
  • the angle Q is measured by adding or subtracting the angle by which the retractable component 106 deflects from the Initial angle to 45°. For example, if the retractable component 106 deflects by 15° in either clockwise or anti-clockwise direction in an extended state, then the angle Q may be determined to be 30° or 60° since the corners include a substantially right angle.
  • the measured diagonal length L d and the angle Q are further used by the processor 1 12 (not shown) for computation of a length L and width W of the box 200, in an example. Computation of length L and width W is explained with respect to Fig. 2(b) and Fig. 2(c).
  • Fig 2(b) illustrates a top-view of a cubic box 200a, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.
  • the first component 102 and second component 104 are placed at diagonally opposite corners of the cubic box 200a.
  • the top-view of the cubic box 200a has a square face. Therefore, the angle Q formed between the diagonal and the adjacent edge is 45°. in this example, there will be no angular deflection of the retractable component 106 from its initial state or initial angle.
  • the angle rotary encoder may provide an angle signal corresponding to zero angular deflection of the retractable component 106.
  • the angle measuring unit 1 10 therefore, communicates to the processor 1 12 that the angle Q is 45°.
  • the processor 1 12 may receive the angle signal from the angle measuring unit 1 10 and compute that the angle is 45°.
  • the length rotary encoder in the length measuring unit 108 may provide a length signal based on the length of the retractable component 106 that extends out from the first component 102.
  • the length measuring unit 108 computes the diagonal length L d based on the length signal and communicates the same to the processor 1 12.
  • the processor 1 12 may receive the length signal from the length measuring unit 108 and may compute the diagonal length
  • the processor 1 12 computes the length L and width W of the box as:
  • Fig. 2(b) has been explained with respect to the cubic box 200a
  • the computation as used for the cubic box 200a may also be applied for a cuboidal box 200b as shown in Fig. 2(c).
  • Fig. 2(c) depicts a top- view of a cuboidal box 200b with the first component 102 and second component 104 placed at diagonally opposite corners of the cuboidal box 200b.
  • the top-view of the cuboidal box 200b has a rectangular shape. Therefore, the angle Q varies with the length L and width W of the cuboidal box 200b.
  • the angular deflection of the retractable component 108 will be non-zero and may be used to compute the angle Q.
  • the diagonal length L d may be measured based on the length of the retractable component 106 between the first component 102 and second component 104.
  • the processor 1 12 computes the length L and width W of the box based L d and Q using Equation 1 and 2 above as shown above. Therefore, the length L and width W of the box 200 may be computed accurately and easily in a single step. It will be understood that as the angle included in the corner is substantially 90 degrees, the angle rotary encoder may measure either the clockwise deflection or the anti-clockwise deflection of the retractable component 106 to determine the length and the width.
  • first component 102 and the second component 104 may be provided with angle cutouts that help anchor the first component 102 and the second component 104 on diagonally opposite corners of a box, thereby ensuring that the device 100 provides accurate and repeatable results.
  • Fig 3 illustrates a base portion of the example device 100, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.
  • the first component 102 and the second component 104 each include a corner shaped cutout 302.
  • the corner shaped cutout 302 is a three-dimensional right-angled triangle.
  • the corner shaped cutout 302 helps in placement and anchoring of the first component 102 and second component 104 on the diagonally opposite corners of the box 200.
  • the device 100 may also be used to measure a height and a weight of the box simultaneously with the length and the width measurement.
  • the first component 102 also comprises a transceiver component 304 disposed on the base portion to measure the height of the box.
  • the height of the box refers to the distance of a top corner of the box from a ground surface on which the box is placed.
  • the transceiver component 304 may be disposed on a base 308 of the first component 102 so as to face the ground surface when the first component 102 is placed at the first corner 202 of the box 200.
  • the transceiver component 304 may be one of a laser transceiver component and an ultrasound transceiver component. However, any other transceiver component 304 may be used to measure the height of the box.
  • the transceiver component 304 when the transceiver component 304 is the laser transceiver component, the transceiver component 304 transmits a laser beam downwards towards the ground surface for measurement of the height.
  • the transmitted laser beam is reflected from the ground surface and received by a receiver unit of the transceiver component 304.
  • the height of the box 200 may be computed.
  • the height is computed by the transceiver component 304 and communicated to the processor 1 12.
  • the time interval is communicated to the processor 1 12 by the transceiver component 304 and the processor 1 12 computes the height based on the time interval.
  • the device 100 may also comprise a weighing scale (not shown) to measure a weight of the box 200 and communicate the weight of the box 200 to the processor 1 12.
  • the box 200 may be placed on the weighing scale with the device 100 placed at diagonally opposite corners of the box 200.
  • the device 100 may thus measure the length L, width W, height and weight of the box 200 simultaneously.
  • the measured height includes a height of the weighing scale.
  • the measured weight includes a weight of the device 100.
  • the processor 1 12 is configured to compute a corrected weight of the box 200 and a corrected height of the box 200 by subtracting the weight of the device 100 from the measured weight and the height of the weighing scale from the measured height.
  • the device 100 further comprises a communication module (not shown) to communicate the length L, width W, corrected height, and corrected weight of the box 200 to a remote device.
  • the length L, width W, corrected height, and corrected weight of the box 200 may be communicated to the remote device over a network.
  • the communication module is a wireless communication module.
  • the network may be a wireless network, a wired network, or a combination thereof.
  • the network may also be an individual network or a collection of many such individual networks, interconnected with each other and functioning as a single large network, e.g., the Internet or an intranet.
  • the network may include different types of networks, such as intranet, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), the internet, and such.
  • the network may also include individual networks, such as, Global System for Communication (GSM) network, Universal Telecommunications System (UMTS) network, Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, etc.
  • GSM Global System for Communication
  • UMTS Universal Telecommunications System
  • LTE Long Term Evolution
  • the network includes various network entities, such as base stations, gateways, servers, and routers; however, such details have been omitted to maintain the brevity of the description.
  • the remote device that receives the measurements from the device 100 may be a desktop computer, a server, a laptop computer, a mobile device, and the like.
  • the remote device may also include processors, interfaces, modules, data, and the like, which are not discussed herein for brevity in an example, the remote device uses the measured parameters for computation of shipping charges based on the length L, width W, corrected height, and corrected weight of the box 200. However, the remote device may also use the measured parameters for other purposes, such as to facilitate packaging, storage, transportation, etc.
  • Fig. 4 illustrates another example device 400, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.
  • the device 400 comprises a first component 402.
  • the first component 402 comprises a spool 404 that is rotatable about a first axis that passes orthogonally through a center of the spool 404.
  • the first component 402 also includes a retractable component 408.
  • a first end of the retractable component 406 is disposed on the spool 404. Further, the retractable component 406 is passed through a slot 408 provided in an arm 410 in the first component 402.
  • the arm 410 is rotatable about a second axis in an example, the second axis is orthogonal to the first axis. In another example, the second axis is parallel to the first axis.
  • the first component 402 includes a first rotary encoder 412 coupled to the spool 404.
  • the first rotary encoder 412 is to provide a first signal corresponding to a degree of rotation of the spool about the first axis, which in turn corresponds to a length of the retractable component 406 extending out from the first component 402.
  • the first component 402 also includes a second rotary encoder 414.
  • the second rotary encoder 414 is coupled to the arm 410 to provide a second signal corresponding to a degree of rotation of the arm 410 about the second axis, which in turn corresponds to an angular deflection of the retractable component 406 in an extended state.
  • the device 100 comprises a second component 416.
  • the second component 416 includes a coupling mechanism 418.
  • the coupling mechanism 418 is to couple to a second end of the retractable component 406. Therefore, the retractable component 406 may be extended between the first component 402 and the second component 416, for example by moving the second component 416 away from the first component 402 or vice-versa.
  • the spool 404 may be disposed in a spool case (not shown). In one example, the spool case and the spool 404 may also be rotatable about the second axis.
  • the arm 410 may be integrated with the spool case and the second axis may be orthogonal to the first axis. This is further explained with respect to Fig. 5(a) and Fig. 5(b).
  • the spool case and the spool 404 may be non-rotatable about the second axis though the arm 410 may be rotatable about the second axis.
  • the arm 410 may be disposed separate from and eccentric to the spool case and the second axis may be parallel to the first axis. This is further explained with respect to Fig. 6(a) and 6(b).
  • Fig. 5(a) illustrates an exploded-sectional view of a device 400a, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.
  • the first component 402 comprises a first top end 502 and a first bottom end 504.
  • the first top end 502 is a lid-like structure which form fits on the first bottom end 504.
  • the first bottom end 504 may hold various components of the device 400a. Therefore, the first bottom end 504 may include various slots for placement of the various components.
  • the second component 416 includes a second top end 506 and a second bottom end 508 where the second top end 506 is to form fit on the second bottom end 508.
  • the first top end 502 and second top end 506 may be fastened to the first bottom end 504 and the second bottom end 508 respectively, for example, by using adhesive, screws, clamps, and the like
  • each of the first component 402 and the second component 416 include a corner shaped cutout 510 for being anchored on diagonally opposite corners of a box.
  • the corner shaped cutout 510 is a right-angle triangle shaped cutout.
  • Fig. 5(b) illustrates schematic of various components of a device 400a. Dotted lines in Fig. 5(b) represent various axes and also pass through components that are coaxial to each other.
  • the first component 402 Includes the spool 404.
  • the spool 404 is rotatable about a first axis 512 which passes orthogonally through the center of the spool 404.
  • the spool 404 is substantially cylindrical in shape with the diameter of the cylinder being substantially greater than the height of the cylinder.
  • the spool 404 may include a groove 514 provided along the cylindrical surface. The groove 514 is to hold the retractable component 406
  • the retractable component 406 is a tape.
  • the spool 404 may also include an extended portion 516.
  • the extended portion 516 is for coupling the spool 404 to a spool case.
  • the spool case comprises a spool holder 518a and spool cover 518b.
  • the extended portion 516 is a hollow structure.
  • the extended portion 516 extends into a central portion of the spool cover 518b.
  • a holding structure 520 provided on the spool cover 518b extends into the extended portion 516. Therefore, the spool holder 518a and the spool cover 518b prevent displacement of the spool 404. This, further, prevents displacement of the spool 404 from the first axis 512.
  • the extended portion 516 is coupled to the first rotary encoder 412 through the central portion of the spool cover 518b.
  • the first rotary encoder 412 hereinafter referred to as length rotary encoder 412, comprises a length rotary encoder wheel 522 and a length rotary sensor 524.
  • the spool 404 rotates about the first axis 512. With the rotation of the spool 404, the length encoder wheel 522 also rotates. The rotation of the length encoder wheel 522 is sensed by the length encoder sensor 524.
  • the length encoder sensor 524 may be an optical sensor which may sense patterns provided on the length encoder wheel 522 and determine a number of rotations of the length encoder wheel 522.
  • the length encoder sensor 524 may provide the first signal corresponding to the degree of rotation of the spool 404 and, therefore, to the length of the retractable component 406 extending from the first component 402. It will be understood that the first signal may be an analog or a digital signal.
  • the first component 402 includes the arm 410, which has a slot 526 through which the retractable component 406 extends.
  • the arm 410 is rotatable about a second axis 528 which is orthogonal to the first axis 512.
  • the arm 410 is integrated with the spool case.
  • the spool case and the spool 404 are also rotatable about the second axis 528 which is orthogonal to the first axis 512.
  • the second rotary encoder 414 hereinafter referred to as angle rotary encoder 414, is coupled to the arm 410.
  • Angular deflection of the retractable component 406 causes a rotation of the spool case, the spool 404, and the arm 410 about the second axis 528.
  • the rotation of the arm 410 causes rotation of an angle encoder wheel 530 of the angle rotary encoder 414.
  • the rotation of the angle encoder wheel 530 is sensed by an angle encoder sensor 532 of the angle rotary encoder 414.
  • the angle encoder sensor 532 thus provides the second signal corresponding to the degree of rotation of the arm 410 integrated with the spool case, which in turn corresponds to the angular deflection of the retractable component 406.
  • a second end of the retractable component 406 is coupled to the second component 416.
  • the second component 416 includes the coupling mechanism 418.
  • the coupling mechanism 418 may be, for example, one of a hook, clamp, and the like in an example, as shown in Fig. 5(b), the coupling mechanism 418 includes a tape end holder 534.
  • the tape end holder 534 comprises a hollow portion 534a and a groove portion 534b.
  • the hollow portion 534a is for fitting on a hold 536 of the second bottom end 508 and the groove portion 534b is for fitting on the second end 406a of the retractable component 406.
  • a cap 538 may be used for further enforcing the coupling of the retractable component 406 to the second component 402. However, other mechanisms for coupling may be used as will be understood.
  • the first component 402 includes a transceiver component 540.
  • the transceiver component 540 is provided in a base portion of the first bottom end 504.
  • the transceiver component 540 may be placed in a window provided in the first bottom end 504.
  • the transceiver component 540 is for measuring a height of the box as explained previously in an example, the transceiver component 540 may communicate the measured height to a processor 542. in another example, the transceiver component 540 may provide a signal corresponding to time taken between transmission and reception of a laser beam or an ultrasound to the processor 542.
  • the processor 542 is also configured to receive the first and second signal and determine a length and a width of a box based on the first signal and the second signal.
  • the first component 402 may include a display device 544 to display the length, width and measured height of the box. Further, the device 400a may also include a communication module (not shown) to communicate the length, width and measured height of the box to a remote device for further processing.
  • the various components such as spool case comprising the spool 404, angle rotary encoder 414, length rotary encoder 412, processor 542, and the display device 544 are coupled to a chassis 546 that may be further coupled to the first bottom end 504.
  • the device 400a may be powered by a power supply.
  • Fig. 5(a) depicts a plurality of batteries 548 as power source.
  • the device 400a may also comprise a power switch 550 to change a working state of, for example, to switch on or switch off, the device 400a.
  • the power switch 550 is provided in the first component 402.
  • the first component 402 and the second component 416 are placed at diagonally opposite corners of the box to be measured.
  • the retractable component 406 is extended between the first component 402 and the second component 416, the spool 404 rotates about the first axis 512. This causes rotation of the length rotary wheel 522. The rotation of the length rotary wheel 522 is sensed by the length rotary sensor 524.
  • the length rotary sensor 524 Based on the sensing, the length rotary sensor 524 provides the first signal corresponding to degree of rotation of the spool 404 which corresponds to length of extension of the spool 404.
  • the first signal is provided to the processor 542.
  • the processor 542 may determine the diagonal length of the box.
  • an angular deflection of the retractable component 406 causes rotation of the arm 410 about the second axis 528.
  • the rotation of the arm 410 causes rotation of the angle rotary wheel 530.
  • the rotation of the angle rotary wheel 530 is sensed by the angle rotary sensor 532.
  • the angle rotary sensor 532 Based on the sensing, the angle rotary sensor 532 provides the second signal corresponding to the degree of rotation of the arm 410.
  • the second signal is provided to the processor 542.
  • the processor 542 may compute the angle between the diagonal and an adjacent edge of the box. Based on the diagonal length and angle, the processor 542 may further compute the length and width of the box.
  • the height of the box may be simultaneously measured along with the length and width of the box by the transceiver component 540.
  • the transceiver component 540 may be a laser transceiver component, ultrasound transceiver component, and the like.
  • the transceiver component 540 transmits an ultrasound wave downwards towards the ground surface for measurement of the height.
  • the transmitted ultrasound wave is reflected from the ground surface and received by a receiver unit of the transceiver component 540. Based on a time interval between the transmission of the ultrasound wave and receipt of the reflected ultrasound wave, the height of the box may be computed.
  • the height is computed by the transceiver component 540 and communicated to the processor 542.
  • the time interval is communicated to the processor 542 by the transceiver component 540 and the processor 542 computes the height based on the time interval.
  • Fig. 8(a) illustrates a cross-sectional view of a device 400b, according to another example implementation of the present subject matter.
  • the first component 402 comprises a first top end 602 and a first bottom end 604.
  • the first top end 602 is a lid-like structure which form fits on the first bottom end 604.
  • the first bottom end 604 may include a plurality of slots to hold various components of the device 400b.
  • the second component 416 includes a second top end 806 and a second bottom end 808 where the second top end 606 is to form fit on the second bottom end 608
  • the first top end 602 and second top end 806 may be fastened to the first bottom end 604 and the second bottom end 608 respectively, for example, by using adhesive, screws, clamps, and the like in an example, the first top end 602 and the second top end 608 may be detachably coupled to the first bottom end 604 and the second bottom end 608.
  • a base portion of each of the first component 402 and the second component 416 includes a corner shaped cutout 610.
  • the corner shaped cutout 610 is fabricated such that it is complimentary to corners of a cubic or cuboida! box.
  • the corner shaped cutout 610 may, therefore, be used for anchoring on diagonally opposite corners of the box to be measured in an example, the corner shaped cutout 510 is a right-angle triangle shaped cutout.
  • the first component 402 includes the spool 404.
  • the spool 404 has a first axis 612 which passes orthogonally through the center of the spool 404.
  • the spool 404 is rotatable about the first axis 612.
  • the spool 404 includes a plate 404a and a substantially cylindrical structure 404b extending from a surface of the plate.
  • the substantially cylindrical structure 404b has a shape with a diameter greater than height in an example, the cylindrical structure 404b may comprise an extension 404c.
  • the extension 404c is a portion extending from the cylindrical surface of the substantially cylindrical structure 404b.
  • the extension 404c is provided at a point distal from the plate 404a to form a groove-like portion through which the retractable component 408 may pass. The extension 404c, therefore, helps in unobstructed extension and retraction of the retractable component 408.
  • the retractable component 406 is a string.
  • the retractable component 406 may also include an elastic mechanism, such as a spring 614, to allow it to retract into first component 102, for example, when the second component 416 is released.
  • the extension 404c helps in coupling of the spool 404 to a spool cover 616.
  • the spool cover 616 may have a complimentary slot for form fitting with the extension 404c.
  • the spool cover 616 is coupled to the first rotary encoder 412.
  • the spool cover 616 is coupled to the first rotary encoder 412 such that a length encoder wheel 818, spool case 616 and spool 404 are coaxial about the first axis 812.
  • the first rotary encoder 412 hereinafter referred to as length rotary encoder 412, comprises a length encoder sensor 620.
  • the spool 404 rotates about the first axis 612 when the retractable component 406 is extended between the first component 402 and second component 416. With the rotation of the spool 404, the plate 616 and, consequently, the length encoder wheel 618 also rotates.
  • the rotation of the length encoder wheel 818 is sensed by the length encoder sensor 620.
  • the length encoder sensor 620 may sense patterns a number of rotations of the length encoder wheel 618.
  • the length encoder sensor 820 may provide the first signal corresponding to the degree of rotation of the spool 404 and therefore, to the length of the retractable component 406 extending from the first component 402. It will be understood that the first signal may be an analog or a digital signal.
  • the retractable component 406 extends from the first component 402 through a slot 822 provided in the arm 410.
  • the arm 410 is rotatable about a second axis 623 and is disposed separate from and eccentric to the spool 404.
  • the arm 410 may be disposed separately.
  • the second axis 623 is parallel to the first axis 612.
  • the angle rotary encoder 414 is coupled to the arm 410. Therefore, rotation of the arm 410 about the second axis 623 that is parallel to the first axis 612 causes rotation of an angle encoder wheel 624 of the angle rotary encoder 414. The rotation of the angle encoder wheel 624 is sensed by an angle encoder sensor 626 of the angle rotary encoder 414.
  • the angle encoder sensor 626 provides the second signal corresponding to degree of rotation of the arm 410 which corresponds to the angular deflection of the retractable component 406 The angular deflection of the retractable component 406 is, therefore, based on rotation of the arm 410.
  • a second end of the retractable component 406 is coupled to the second component 416.
  • the second component 416 includes the coupling mechanism 418.
  • the coupling mechanism 418 includes a support structure 628 provided on the second component 402.
  • the support structure 628 comprises an aperture 630.
  • the retractable component 406 may be wound through the aperture 630 and anchored thereto to couple to the second component 416. It is to be understood that other mechanisms, such as, hooks, clamps, and the like, of anchoring the retractable component 406 to the second component 416 may be used.
  • height of the box may also be simultaneously measured by using a transceiver component 632.
  • the transceiver component 632 is disposed on a base of the first bottom end 604.
  • the transceiver component 632 may be provided at a window portion 634 of the first bottom end 504.
  • the transceiver component 632 may be used for measuring the height as explained previously.
  • the first component 402 may further include additional components, such as a display device to display measured dimensions; a communication module to communicate the measured dimensions to a remote device for further processing; and the like.
  • additional components such as a display device to display measured dimensions; a communication module to communicate the measured dimensions to a remote device for further processing; and the like.
  • the various components, such as the spool 404, the angle rotary encoder 412, the arm 4120 and the length rotary encoder 414 are mounted on a chassis 638.
  • the device 400b is powered by a power supply.
  • Fig. 6(a) depicts batteries 638 as power source.
  • the device 400b may also comprise a power switch 640 to change a working state of, for example, switch on or switch off, the device 400b.
  • the power switch 640 is provided in the first component 402
  • the device 400b also comprises a processor 642 to receive the first signal and the second signal. Based on the first signal and the second signal, the processor 642 may compute a length and a width of the box. Assembly of various components within the first component 402 is shown in Fig. 6(b).
  • the first component 402 and the second component 416 are placed at diagonally opposite corners of the box to be measured with the retractable component 406 extending between them.
  • the spool 404 and the plate 616 rotate about the first axis 612. This causes rotation of the length rotary wheel 618.
  • the rotation of the length rotary wheel 818 is sensed by the length rotary sensor 820.
  • the length rotary sensor 620 Based on the sensing, the length rotary sensor 620 provides the first signal corresponding to length of extension of the retractable component 406. The first signal is provided to the processor 642. Based on the first signal, the processor 642 may determine the diagonal length of the box.
  • an angular deflection of the retractable component causes rotation of the arm 410 about the second axis 623.
  • the rotation of the arm 410 causes rotation of the angle rotary wheel 624.
  • the rotation of the angle rotary wheel 624 is sensed by the angle rotary sensor 626.
  • the angle rotary sensor 624 provides the second signal to the processor 642.
  • the processor 842 may compute the angle between the diagonal and adjacent edge of the box.
  • the processor 642 may further compute the length and width of the box as explained previously.
  • the height of the box may be simultaneously measured along with the length and width of the box using the transceiver component 632 as explained previously.
  • Fig. 7 illustrates another example device 700, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.
  • the device 700 comprises a first assembly 702.
  • the first assembly 702 includes a retractable element 704.
  • the retractable element 704 may be one of a tape or a string.
  • the retractable element 704 may be provided on a spool in the first assembly 702 and one end of the retractable element 704 may be coupled to the spool.
  • the second end of the retractable element 704 may be coupled to a second assembly (not shown) that can be pulled away from the first assembly 702 to extend the retractable element 704.
  • the second end of the retractable element 704 may be left free and can be used to pull and extend the retractable element 704 out from the first assembly 702
  • the first assembly 702 also includes a first rotary encoder 708 to provide a first signal.
  • the first signal corresponds to a length of the retractable element 704 extending out from the first assembly 702.
  • the first signal corresponds to a diagonal length of a box to be measured when the first assembly 702 is placed on a first corner of the box and the retractable element 704 is extended to a second corner of the box, where the first and second corner are diagonally opposite to each other.
  • the first rotary encoder 706 may be selected from one of an absolute rotary encoder and an incremental rotary encoder.
  • the first assembly 702 also includes a second rotary encoder 708 to provide a second signal.
  • the second signal corresponds to an angular deflection of the retractable element 704 in an extended state which corresponds to an angle formed between the diagonal of the box and the adjacent edge of the box when the first assembly 702 is placed on the first corner of the box and the retractable element 704 is extended to the second corner of the box.
  • the second rotary encoder 708 may be selected from one of absolute rotary encoder and an incremental rotary encoder.
  • the first assembly 702 also includes a transceiver component 710.
  • the transceiver component 710 is to provide a height signal.
  • the height signal corresponds to a height above a ground surface at which the first assembly 702 is positioned on the first corner of the box.
  • the transceiver component 710 may be a laser transceiver component, ultrasound transceiver component and the like.
  • the device 700 further comprises a processor coupled to the first assembly 702.
  • the processor may be coupled to the first assembly 702 internally or externally.
  • the processor may be implemented as a microprocessor, a microcontroller, and the like.
  • the processor is to receive the first signal and the second signal from the first rotary encoder 706 and the second rotary encoder 708.
  • the processor is to determine the diagonal length and the angle between the diagonal and the adjacent edge of the box based on the first and second signal. Based on the determined diagonal length and the angle, the processor is to determine a length and a width of the box.
  • the processor may determine the length and the width of the box based on Equation 1 and Equation 2 as explained previously. Further, the processor is to receive the height signal from the transceiver component 710. Based on the received height signal, the processor is to determine a height of the box.
  • the length, width and height are communicated to a remote device.
  • the device 700 may comprise a communication module to communicate the length, the width and the height of the box to the remote device.
  • the communication module in one example, is a wireless communication module.
  • the communication module may be a Wi Fi communication module, a Bluetooth communication module, and the like.
  • the communicated length, width, and height of the box may be used by the remote device, for example to compute volumetric weight, shipping costs, and the like.
  • the device of the present subject may be used for simultaneously measuring the length and width of a box by measuring a length of a diagonal and the angle between the diagonal and adjacent edge. Height and weight of the box may also be simultaneously measured using additional components. Further, the device may also be used to communicate the dimensions and weight of the box to a remote device for further computation of shipping charges. Therefore, the device provides automatic and simultaneous measurement of box dimensions. Further, the device is portable and may be used irrespective of presence of a wail or corners thereof.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Length Measuring Devices With Unspecified Measuring Means (AREA)
  • A Measuring Device Byusing Mechanical Method (AREA)

Abstract

Des aspects de la présente invention concernent des dispositifs de mesure. Les dispositifs peuvent être utilisés pour mesurer la longueur et la largeur d'une boîte sur la base d'une longueur étendue d'un composant rétractable et d'une déviation angulaire du composant rétractable lorsqu'un dispositif est placé sur la boîte.
PCT/US2017/063049 2017-11-22 2017-11-22 Dispositifs de mesure WO2019103740A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2017/063049 WO2019103740A1 (fr) 2017-11-22 2017-11-22 Dispositifs de mesure

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2017/063049 WO2019103740A1 (fr) 2017-11-22 2017-11-22 Dispositifs de mesure

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WO2019103740A1 true WO2019103740A1 (fr) 2019-05-31

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5894678A (en) * 1997-01-29 1999-04-20 Mitutoyo Corporation Electronic linear tape measure using a low power induced current position transducer
JP2010164522A (ja) * 2009-01-19 2010-07-29 Naoki Fujiwara 什器取付用巻尺
US8220167B2 (en) * 2008-06-20 2012-07-17 Delta Ii, I.P. (Trust) Method of preparing a panel for fitting to a structure
US9658058B1 (en) * 2016-02-09 2017-05-23 Mark Conrad Jones Height measuring device

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5894678A (en) * 1997-01-29 1999-04-20 Mitutoyo Corporation Electronic linear tape measure using a low power induced current position transducer
US8220167B2 (en) * 2008-06-20 2012-07-17 Delta Ii, I.P. (Trust) Method of preparing a panel for fitting to a structure
JP2010164522A (ja) * 2009-01-19 2010-07-29 Naoki Fujiwara 什器取付用巻尺
US9658058B1 (en) * 2016-02-09 2017-05-23 Mark Conrad Jones Height measuring device

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